The Covenant with a narrative of the proceedings and solemn manner of taking it by the honourable House of Commons and reverent Assembly of Divines the 25th day of September, at Saint Margarets in Westminster : also two speeches delivered at the same time, the one by Mr. Philip Nye, the other by Mr. Alexander Hendersam.
      
       
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         ESTC R3970
         12085033
         ocm 12085033
         53696
         
           
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         (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A34784)
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             The Covenant with a narrative of the proceedings and solemn manner of taking it by the honourable House of Commons and reverent Assembly of Divines the 25th day of September, at Saint Margarets in Westminster : also two speeches delivered at the same time, the one by Mr. Philip Nye, the other by Mr. Alexander Hendersam.
             Henderson, Alexander, 1583?-1646.
             Nye, Philip, 1596?-1672.
          
           [2], 34 p.
           
             Printed for Thomas Vnderhill...,
             London :
             1643.
          
           
             Text of covenant: p. 1-6.
             Reproduction of original in Thomason Collection, British Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
         eng
      
       
         
           England and Wales. -- Parliament. -- House of Commons.
           Westminster Assembly (1643-1652)
           Solemn League and Covenant (1643)
        
      
    
       A34784  R3970  (Wing C6621).  civilwar no The Covenant: with a narrative of the proceedings and solemn manner of taking it by the Honourable House of Commons, and reverent Assembly o [no entry] 1643    10764 22 0 0 0 0 0 20 C  The  rate of 20 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the C category of texts with between 10 and 35 defects per 10,000 words. 
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           THE
           COVENANT
           :
           WITH
           A
           Narrative
           OF
           The
           Proceedings
           and
           Solemn
           Manner
           of
           Taking
           it
           by
           the
           Honourable
           House
           of
           COMMONS
           ,
           and
           Reverent
           Assembly
           of
           DIVINES
           the
           25th
           day
           of
           
             September
             ,
          
           at
           Saint
           
             Margarets
          
           in
           
             Westminster
             .
          
        
         
           ALSO
           ,
           TWO
           SPEECHES
           Delivered
           at
           the
           same
           time
           ;
           The
           one
           By
           Mr.
           
             Philip
             Nye
             ,
          
           The
           other
           By
           Mr.
           
             Alexander
             Hendersam
             .
          
        
         
           Published
           by
           speciall
           Order
           of
           the
           House
           .
        
         
           LONDON
           ,
        
         
           Printed
           for
           
             Thomas
             Vnderhill
          
           at
           the
           Bible
           in
           Wood-Street
           ,
           1643.
           
        
      
    
     
       
       
       
         
           
             THE
             COVENANT
             ,
             That
             was
             read
             ,
             svvorn
             unto
             ,
             and
             subscribed
             by
             the
             Honourable
             House
             of
             Commons
             ,
             and
             Reverend
             Assembly
             of
             DIVINES
             ,
             the
             25.
             of
             
               September
               .
            
          
           
             WE
             Noblemen
             ;
             Barons
             ,
             Knights
             ,
             Gentlemen
             ,
             Citizens
             ,
             Burgesses
             ,
             Ministers
             of
             the
             Gospell
             ,
             and
             Commons
             of
             all
             sorts
             in
             the
             Kingdomes
             of
             
               England
               ,
               Scotland
               ,
            
             and
             
               Ireland
               ,
            
             by
             the
             providence
             of
             God
             ,
             living
             under
             one
             King
             ,
             and
             being
             of
             one
             Reformed
             Religion
             ;
             Having
             before
             our
             eyes
             ,
             the
             glory
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             advancement
             of
             the
             Kingdome
             of
             our
             Lord
             and
             Saviour
             Iesus
             Christ
             ,
             the
             Honour
             and
             happinesse
             of
             the
             Kings
             Majestie
             ,
             and
             His
             
             posterity
             ;
             and
             the
             true
             publique
             Liberty
             ,
             Safety
             ,
             and
             Peace
             of
             the
             Kingdomes
             ;
             wherein
             every
             ones
             private
             condition
             is
             included
             :
             And
             calling
             to
             minde
             the
             treacherous
             and
             bloody
             Plots
             ,
             Conspiracies
             ,
             Attempts
             ,
             and
             practises
             of
             the
             enemies
             of
             God
             ,
             against
             the
             true
             Religion
             ,
             and
             Professors
             thereof
             ,
             in
             all
             places
             ,
             especially
             in
             these
             three
             Kingdomes
             ,
             ever
             since
             the
             Reformation
             of
             Religion
             :
             And
             how
             much
             their
             rage
             ,
             power
             ,
             and
             presumption
             ,
             are
             of
             late
             ,
             and
             at
             this
             time
             encreased
             ,
             and
             exercised
             ,
             whereof
             the
             deplorable
             Estate
             of
             the
             Church
             and
             Kingdome
             of
             
               Ireland
               ,
            
             the
             distressed
             Estate
             of
             the
             Church
             and
             Kingdome
             of
             
               England
               ,
            
             and
             the
             dangerous
             Estate
             of
             the
             Church
             and
             Kingdome
             of
             
               Scotland
               ,
            
             are
             present
             and
             publique
             Testimonies
             :
             We
             have
             now
             at
             last
             (
             after
             other
             meanes
             of
             Supplication
             ,
             Remonstrance
             ,
             Protestations
             ,
             and
             Sufferings
             )
             ▪
             for
             the
             Preservation
             of
             our selves
             ,
             and
             our
             Religion
             ,
             from
             utter
             ruine
             and
             destruction
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             commendable
             practise
             of
             these
             Kingdoms
             in
             former
             times
             ,
             and
             the
             example
             of
             Gods
             people
             in
             other
             Nations
             ,
             after
             mature
             deliberation
             ,
             resolved
             and
             determined
             ,
             to
             enter
             into
             a
             mutuall
             ,
             and
             solemne
             League
             ,
             and
             Covenant
             ,
             wherein
             we
             all
             subscribe
             ;
             And
             each
             one
             of
             us
             for
             himselfe
             ,
             with
             hands
             lifted
             up
             to
             the
             most
             high
             God
             ,
             doe
             sweare
             :
          
           
             1
             That
             wee
             shall
             sincerely
             ,
             really
             ,
             and
             constantly
             ,
             through
             the
             Grace
             of
             God
             ,
             endeavour
             in
             our
             severall
             Places
             ,
             and
             Callings
             ,
             the
             preservation
             of
             the
             Reformed
             Religion
             in
             the
             Church
             of
             
               Scotland
            
             in
             Doctrine
             ,
             Worship
             ,
             Discipline
             ,
             and
             Government
             against
             our
             common
             enemies
             ;
             The
             Reformation
             of
             Religion
             in
             the
             Kingdomes
             of
             
               England
               ,
            
             and
             
               Ireland
               ,
            
             in
             Doctrine
             ,
             Worship
             ,
             Discipline
             ,
             and
             Government
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             Word
             
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             example
             of
             the
             best
             Reformed
             Churches
             .
             And
             shall
             endeavour
             to
             bring
             the
             Churches
             of
             God
             in
             the
             three
             Kingdomes
             ,
             to
             the
             neerest
             Conjunction
             and
             Vniformity
             in
             Religion
             ,
             Confession
             of
             Faith
             ,
             Forme
             of
             Church
             Government
             ,
             directory
             for
             Worship
             ,
             and
             Catechizing
             ,
             That
             we
             and
             our
             Posterity
             after
             us
             ,
             may
             as
             Brethren
             ,
             live
             in
             Faith
             and
             love
             ;
             and
             the
             Lord
             may
             delight
             to
             dwell
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             us
             .
          
           
             2
             That
             we
             shall
             in
             like
             manner
             without
             respect
             of
             persons
             ,
             endeavour
             the
             extirpation
             of
             Popery
             ,
             Prelacy
             ,
             (
             that
             is
             ,
             Church-government
             by
             Arch-Bishops
             ,
             Bishops
             ,
             their
             Chancellours
             and
             Commissaries
             ,
             Deanes
             ,
             Deanes
             and
             Chapters
             ,
             Arch-deacons
             ,
             and
             all
             other
             Ecclesiasticall
             Officers
             ,
             depending
             on
             that
             Hierarchy
             )
             Superstition
             ,
             Heresie
             ,
             Schisme
             ,
             Prophanenesse
             ,
             and
             whatsoever
             shall
             be
             found
             to
             be
             contrary
             to
             found
             Doctrine
             ,
             and
             the
             power
             of
             Godlinesse
             ;
             lest
             we
             partake
             in
             other
             mens
             sinnes
             ,
             and
             thereby
             be
             in
             danger
             to
             receive
             of
             their
             plagues
             :
             And
             that
             the
             Lord
             may
             be
             one
             ,
             and
             his
             Name
             one
             in
             the
             three
             Kingdomes
             .
          
           
             3
             We
             shall
             with
             the
             same
             Sincerity
             ,
             Reality
             ,
             and
             Constancy
             ,
             in
             our
             severall
             Vocations
             ,
             endeavour
             with
             our
             Estates
             ,
             and
             Lives
             ,
             mutually
             ,
             to
             preserve
             the
             Rights
             and
             Priviledges
             of
             Parliaments
             ,
             and
             the
             Liberties
             of
             the
             Kingdomes
             :
             And
             to
             preserve
             ,
             and
             defend
             the
             Kings
             Majesties
             Person
             ,
             and
             Authority
             ,
             in
             the
             preservation
             and
             defence
             of
             the
             true
             Religion
             and
             Liberties
             of
             the
             Kingdome
             :
             That
             the
             World
             may
             beare
             witnesse
             with
             our
             Consciences
             ,
             of
             our
             Loyalty
             ;
             And
             that
             we
             have
             no
             thoughts
             ,
             or
             intentions
             to
             diminish
             His
             Majesties
             just
             Power
             and
             Greatnesse
             .
          
           
             4
             We
             shall
             also
             with
             all
             faithfulnesse
             endeavour
             
             the
             discovery
             of
             all
             such
             as
             have
             beene
             ,
             or
             shall
             be
             Incendiaries
             ,
             Malignants
             ,
             or
             evill
             Instruments
             ,
             by
             hindering
             the
             Reformation
             of
             Religion
             ,
             dividing
             the
             King
             from
             his
             People
             ,
             or
             one
             of
             the
             Kingdomes
             from
             another
             ,
             or
             making
             any
             Faction
             ,
             or
             Parties
             amongst
             the
             People
             ,
             contrary
             to
             this
             League
             and
             Covenant
             ;
             that
             they
             may
             be
             brought
             to
             publicke
             tryall
             ,
             and
             receive
             condigne
             punishment
             ,
             as
             the
             degree
             of
             their
             offences
             shall
             require
             ,
             or
             deserve
             :
             Or
             the
             supreame
             Judicatories
             of
             both
             Kingdomes
             respectively
             ,
             or
             others
             having
             power
             from
             them
             for
             that
             effect
             ,
             shall
             judge
             convenient
             .
          
           
             5
             And
             whereas
             the
             happinesse
             of
             a
             blessed
             Peace
             betweene
             these
             Kingdomes
             ,
             denyed
             in
             former
             times
             to
             our
             Progenitors
             ,
             is
             by
             the
             good
             providence
             of
             God
             granted
             unto
             us
             ,
             and
             hath
             beene
             lately
             concluded
             and
             setled
             by
             both
             Parliaments
             ;
             We
             shall
             each
             one
             of
             us
             according
             to
             our
             Place
             and
             Interest
             ,
             endeavour
             ▪
             That
             they
             may
             remaine
             conjoyned
             in
             a
             firme
             Peace
             and
             Vnion
             to
             all
             posterity
             ;
             And
             that
             Justice
             may
             be
             done
             upon
             the
             wilfull
             opposers
             thereof
             in
             manner
             expressed
             in
             the
             precedent
             Article
             .
          
           
             6
             We
             shall
             also
             according
             to
             our
             Places
             and
             Callings
             in
             this
             common
             Cause
             of
             Religion
             ,
             Liberty
             ,
             and
             Peace
             of
             the
             Kingdomes
             ,
             assist
             and
             defend
             all
             those
             that
             enter
             into
             this
             League
             ,
             and
             Covenant
             ▪
             in
             the
             maintenance
             and
             pursuing
             thereof
             ;
             And
             shall
             not
             suffer
             our selves
             ,
             directly
             ,
             or
             indirectly
             ,
             by
             whatsoever
             Combination
             ,
             Perswasion
             ,
             or
             Terrour
             ▪
             to
             be
             divided
             ,
             or
             withdrawn
             from
             this
             blessed
             Vnion
             ,
             and
             Conjunction
             ;
             Whether
             to
             make
             defection
             to
             the
             contrary
             part
             ;
             Or
             to
             give
             our selves
             to
             a
             detestable
             indifferency
             ,
             or
             neutrality
             in
             this
             Cause
             ,
             which
             so
             much
             concerneth
             the
             Glory
             of
             God
             ,
             the
             good
             
             of
             the
             Kingdomes
             ,
             and
             Honour
             of
             the
             King
             ;
             But
             shall
             all
             the
             dayes
             of
             our
             lives
             ,
             zealously
             and
             constantly
             continue
             therein
             ,
             against
             all
             opposition
             ;
             And
             promote
             the
             same
             according
             to
             our
             power
             ,
             against
             all
             Lets
             ,
             and
             Impediments
             whatsoever
             :
             And
             what
             we
             are
             not
             able
             our selves
             to
             suppresse
             ,
             or
             overcome
             ,
             we
             shall
             reveale
             ,
             and
             make
             knowne
             ,
             that
             it
             may
             be
             timely
             prevented
             or
             removed
             .
             All
             which
             we
             shall
             doe
             as
             in
             the
             sight
             of
             God
             .
          
           
             And
             because
             these
             Kingdomes
             are
             guilty
             of
             many
             sinnes
             and
             provocations
             against
             God
             ,
             and
             his
             Sonne
             Iesus
             Christ
             ,
             as
             is
             too
             manifest
             by
             our
             present
             distresses
             ▪
             and
             dangers
             ,
             the
             fruits
             therof
             ;
             We
             professe
             and
             declare
             before
             God
             and
             the
             world
             ,
             our
             unfained
             desire
             to
             be
             humbled
             for
             our
             owne
             sinnes
             ,
             and
             for
             the
             sinnes
             of
             these
             Kingdomes
             ,
             especially
             ,
             that
             we
             have
             not
             as
             we
             ought
             valued
             the
             inestimable
             benefit
             ,
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ;
             That
             we
             have
             not
             labored
             for
             the
             purity
             and
             power
             thereof
             ,
             and
             that
             we
             have
             not
             endeavored
             to
             receive
             Christ
             in
             our
             hearts
             ,
             nor
             to
             walk
             worthy
             of
             him
             in
             our
             lives
             ,
             which
             are
             the
             causes
             of
             other
             sinnes
             and
             transgressions
             ,
             so
             much
             abounding
             amongst
             us
             ;
             And
             our
             true
             and
             unfained
             purpose
             ,
             desire
             ,
             and
             endeavour
             for
             our selves
             ,
             and
             all
             others
             under
             our
             power
             and
             charge
             ,
             both
             in
             publicke
             and
             in
             private
             ,
             in
             all
             duties
             wee
             owe
             to
             God
             and
             man
             ,
             to
             amend
             our
             lives
             ,
             and
             each
             one
             to
             goe
             before
             another
             in
             the
             example
             of
             a
             reall
             Reformation
             ,
             that
             the
             Lord
             may
             turne
             away
             his
             wrath
             ,
             and
             heavy
             indignation
             ,
             and
             establish
             these
             Churches
             and
             Kingdomes
             in
             Truth
             and
             Peace
             .
             And
             this
             Covenant
             we
             make
             in
             the
             presence
             of
             Almighty
             God
             ,
             the
             searcher
             of
             hearts
             ,
             with
             a
             true
             intention
             to
             perform
             the
             same
             ,
             as
             we
             shall
             answer
             at
             that
             great
             day
             when
             the
             secrets
             of
             all
             hearts
             shall
             be
             disclosed
             :
             Most
             humbly
             beseeching
             the
             Lord
             to
             strengthen
             us
             by
             his
             Holy
             Spirit
             for
             this
             end
             ,
             and
             to
             blesse
             our
             desires
             
             and
             proceedings
             with
             such
             successe
             ,
             as
             may
             be
             deliverance
             and
             safety
             to
             his
             people
             ,
             and
             encouragement
             to
             other
             Christian
             Churches
             groaning
             under
             ,
             or
             in
             danger
             of
             the
             yoak
             of
             Antichristian
             Tyranny
             ,
             to
             joyne
             in
             the
             same
             ,
             or
             like
             Association
             and
             Covenant
             ,
             to
             the
             glory
             of
             God
             ,
             the
             enlargement
             of
             the
             Kingdome
             of
             Iesus
             Christ
             ,
             and
             the
             Peace
             and
             Tranquillity
             of
             Christian
             Kingdomes
             and
             Common-wealths
             .
          
        
         
           
             The
             Proceedings
             of
             the
             Covenant
             ,
             with
             the
             manner
             of
             taking
             thereof
             by
             the
             Honourable
             House
             of
             COMMONS
             ,
             and
             the
             Reverend
             Assembly
             of
             DIVINES
             .
          
           
             THe
             Commissioners
             sent
             from
             the
             Honourable
             Houses
             of
             Parliament
             to
             the
             Kingdome
             of
             
               Scotland
               ,
            
             having
             (
             besides
             other
             weighty
             Affaires
             )
             instructions
             to
             take
             into
             consideration
             whatsoever
             might
             be
             effectuall
             for
             bringing
             the
             two
             Kingdoms
             to
             a
             more
             neer
             Conjunction
             and
             Union
             ,
             there
             was
             a
             Committee
             of
             the
             Honourable
             Convention
             of
             Estates
             in
             
               Scotland
               ,
            
             and
             another
             Committee
             of
             the
             Generall
             Assembly
             of
             the
             Church
             designed
             to
             joyne
             with
             them
             in
             this
             great
             and
             necessary
             consultation
             ,
             in
             which
             ,
             after
             much
             agitation
             ,
             the
             result
             and
             conclusion
             was
             ,
             that
             a
             solemne
             League
             and
             Covenant
             taken
             mutually
             by
             both
             Kingdomes
             ,
             would
             be
             the
             most
             conducing
             meanes
             to
             such
             a
             happy
             Vnion
             .
             Thereupon
             a
             form
             of
             Covenant
             by
             their
             Common
             
             assent
             was
             agreed
             upon
             ,
             and
             presented
             to
             bee
             read
             and
             considered
             of
             ,
             in
             the
             Generall
             Assembly
             ;
             where
             it
             had
             assent
             and
             approbation
             :
             and
             was
             thence
             recommended
             to
             the
             Convention
             of
             Estates
             ,
             by
             an
             Order
             of
             the
             Assembly
             ,
             as
             followeth
             .
          
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     Edenb.
                     August
                     .
                     17.
                     1643.
                     
                     Sess.
                     14.
                     
                  
                   
                     THe
                     Assembly
                     having
                     recommended
                     unto
                     a
                     Committee
                     appointed
                     by
                     them
                     to
                     joyne
                     with
                     the
                     Committee
                     of
                     the
                     Honourable
                     Convention
                     of
                     Estates
                     ,
                     and
                     the
                     Commissioners
                     of
                     the
                     Honourable
                     House
                     of
                     the
                     Parliament
                     of
                     
                       England
                       ,
                    
                     Certaine
                     Propositions
                     presented
                     unto
                     them
                     by
                     the
                     aforesaid
                     Commissioners
                     of
                     the
                     Honourable
                     House
                     of
                     the
                     Parliament
                     of
                     
                       England
                       ,
                    
                     for
                     bringing
                     the
                     two
                     kingdoms
                     to
                     a
                     more
                     neere
                     Conjunction
                     and
                     Vnion
                     ,
                     received
                     from
                     the
                     aforesaid
                     Committees
                     ,
                     the
                     Covenant
                     under-written
                     ,
                     as
                     the
                     result
                     of
                     their
                     Consultations
                     ;
                     And
                     having
                     taken
                     the
                     same
                     as
                     a
                     matter
                     of
                     so
                     publike
                     concernment
                     ,
                     and
                     of
                     so
                     deep
                     importance
                     ,
                     doth
                     require
                     unto
                     their
                     gravest
                     consideration
                     ,
                     Did
                     with
                     all
                     their
                     hearts
                     and
                     with
                     the
                     beginnings
                     of
                     that
                     joy
                     which
                     they
                     did
                     finde
                     in
                     so
                     great
                     measure
                     upon
                     the
                     Renovation
                     of
                     the
                     Nationall
                     Covenant
                     of
                     this
                     Kirk
                     and
                     Kingdome
                     ,
                     All
                     with
                     one
                     voice
                     approve
                     and
                     embrace
                     the
                     same
                     ,
                     as
                     the
                     most
                     powerfull
                     meane
                     by
                     the
                     blessing
                     of
                     God
                     for
                     setling
                     and
                     preserving
                     the
                     true
                     Protestant
                     Religion
                     with
                     perfect
                     Peace
                     in
                     His
                     Majesties
                     Dominions
                     ,
                     and
                     propagating
                     the
                     same
                     to
                     other
                     Nations
                     ,
                     and
                     for
                     establishing
                     his
                     Majesties
                     Throne
                     to
                     all
                     Ages
                     and
                     Generations
                     .
                     And
                     therefore
                     with
                     their
                     best
                     affections
                     recommend
                     the
                     same
                     to
                     the
                     Honourable
                     Convention
                     of
                     Estates
                     ,
                     that
                     being
                     examined
                     and
                     approved
                     by
                     them
                     ,
                     it
                     may
                     be
                     sent
                     with
                     all
                     diligence
                     unto
                     the
                     Kingdome
                     of
                     
                       England
                       ,
                    
                     That
                     being
                     received
                     and
                     
                     approven
                     there
                     ,
                     the
                     same
                     may
                     be
                     with
                     publick
                     humiliation
                     ,
                     and
                     all
                     religious
                     and
                     answerable
                     solemnity
                     sworne
                     and
                     subscribed
                     by
                     all
                     true
                     Professors
                     of
                     the
                     Reformed
                     Religion
                     ,
                     and
                     all
                     His
                     Majesties
                     good
                     Subjects
                     in
                     both
                     Kingdomes
                     .
                  
                   
                     
                       Ar.
                       Jhonston
                       Cler.
                       Eccl.
                       
                    
                  
                
              
            
          
           
             From
             that
             Honourable
             Convention
             it
             obtained
             like
             approbation
             ,
             with
             a
             recommendation
             to
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             
               England
               ,
            
             as
             in
             this
             Order
             of
             theirs
             appeareth
             .
          
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     At
                     Edinburgh
                     .
                     17.
                     of
                     August
                     ,
                     1643.
                     
                  
                   
                     THe
                     Noblemen
                     ,
                     Commissioners
                     of
                     Shires
                     and
                     Burroughs
                     now
                     convened
                     ,
                     having
                     received
                     the
                     Covenant
                     above-written
                     from
                     their
                     Committee
                     as
                     the
                     result
                     of
                     their
                     consultations
                     with
                     a
                     Committee
                     of
                     their
                     generall
                     Assembly
                     and
                     the
                     Commissioners
                     of
                     both
                     Houses
                     from
                     the
                     Parliament
                     of
                     
                       England
                       ,
                    
                     and
                     having
                     taken
                     the
                     Covenant
                     into
                     their
                     gravest
                     consideration
                     ,
                     did
                     with
                     all
                     their
                     hearts
                     ,
                     and
                     great
                     expressions
                     of
                     joy
                     and
                     unanimity
                     approve
                     and
                     embrace
                     the
                     same
                     as
                     the
                     most
                     powerfull
                     meane
                     ,
                     by
                     the
                     blessing
                     of
                     God
                     ,
                     for
                     setling
                     and
                     preserving
                     the
                     true
                     Protestant
                     Religion
                     with
                     a
                     perfect
                     peace
                     in
                     all
                     his
                     Majesties
                     Dominions
                     ,
                     and
                     propagating
                     the
                     same
                     to
                     other
                     Nations
                     ,
                     and
                     for
                     establishing
                     his
                     Majesties
                     Throne
                     to
                     all
                     ages
                     :
                     And
                     being
                     very
                     confident
                     that
                     their
                     Brethren
                     in
                     the
                     Kingdome
                     of
                     
                       England
                    
                     will
                     heartily
                     receive
                     and
                     approve
                     the
                     same
                     ;
                     Therefore
                     according
                     to
                     the
                     earnest
                     recommendation
                     of
                     that
                     venerable
                     Assembly
                     of
                     this
                     Kirk
                     now
                     thinks
                     it
                     most
                     necessary
                     for
                     the
                     good
                     ends
                     afore-said
                     ,
                     that
                     it
                     be
                     sent
                     into
                     that
                     Kingdome
                     with
                     all
                     diligence
                     ,
                     that
                     being
                     received
                     and
                     approved
                     by
                     their
                     Brethren
                     
                     there
                     ,
                     the
                     same
                     may
                     be
                     with
                     all
                     religious
                     solemnities
                     swerne
                     and
                     subscribed
                     by
                     all
                     true
                     Professours
                     of
                     the
                     Reformed
                     Religion
                     ,
                     and
                     all
                     his
                     Majesties
                     good
                     Subjects
                     in
                     both
                     Kingdomes
                     .
                     Extract
                     .
                  
                   
                     
                       Arch.
                       Primrose
                       ,
                       Cler.
                       Conven.
                    
                  
                
              
            
          
           
             Some
             Commissioners
             also
             ,
             were
             sent
             from
             the
             Generall
             Assembly
             of
             the
             Church
             of
             
               Scotland
               ,
            
             with
             instructions
             for
             furthering
             the
             Covenant
             and
             the
             intended
             union
             of
             the
             Churches
             of
             both
             Kingdoms
             .
             This
             Covenant
             being
             presented
             to
             the
             Honourable
             House
             of
             Commons
             ,
             and
             considered
             by
             them
             in
             the
             severall
             branches
             and
             Articles
             thereof
             ,
             was
             recommended
             to
             a
             Committee
             to
             be
             chosen
             of
             their
             own
             Members
             ,
             and
             sorne
             of
             the
             Divines
             of
             the
             Assembly
             ,
             together
             with
             the
             Commissioners
             sent
             from
             
               Scotland
               ,
            
             to
             the
             intent
             that
             some
             expressions
             might
             be
             farther
             explained
             ,
             and
             that
             the
             Kingdome
             of
             
               Ireland
            
             also
             might
             bee
             expresly
             taken
             into
             the
             same
             league
             and
             Covenant
             with
             us
             :
             Which
             being
             done
             with
             great
             care
             and
             diligence
             by
             those
             Committees
             and
             Commissioners
             ,
             It
             was
             then
             read
             in
             the
             Assembly
             of
             Divines
             ,
             and
             afterwards
             in
             the
             House
             of
             Commons
             ,
             and
             received
             a
             most
             full
             and
             universall
             assent
             from
             the
             Members
             of
             both
             ,
             
               Nemine
               contradicente
               .
            
             This
             form
             of
             Covenant
             was
             presented
             also
             to
             the
             House
             of
             Lords
             ,
             by
             whom
             likewise
             it
             was
             taken
             into
             consideration
             ,
             and
             approved
             of
             ,
             as
             fit
             to
             be
             entred
             into
             by
             the
             three
             Kingdomes
             .
          
           
             On
             Friday
             the
             22.
             of
             
               September
            
             it
             was
             concluded
             by
             the
             House
             ,
             this
             Oath
             and
             Covenant
             should
             be
             solemnly
             taken
             publikely
             in
             the
             Church
             at
             
               Westminster
               ,
            
             called
             Saint
             
               Margarets
            
             Church
             ,
             the
             Monday
             following
             ,
             by
             the
             House
             of
             Commons
             and
             the
             Assembly
             of
             Divines
             :
             To
             which
             
             purpose
             an
             Order
             was
             sent
             to
             the
             Assembly
             from
             the
             House
             to
             give
             them
             notice
             thereof
             ;
             and
             that
             some
             of
             the
             Assembly
             be
             appointed
             to
             pray
             and
             to
             exhort
             ,
             for
             the
             more
             solemn
             celebrating
             of
             so
             serious
             and
             weighty
             a
             service
             .
             The
             Assembly
             appointed
             Mr.
             
               Philip
               Nye
            
             to
             make
             the
             exhortation
             ,
             Mr.
             
               Iohn
               White
            
             to
             pray
             before
             ,
             and
             Mr.
             Dr.
             
               Gouge
            
             to
             pray
             after
             the
             exhortation
             .
             The
             House
             met
             at
             the
             usuall
             place
             ,
             and
             thence
             went
             with
             their
             Speaker
             to
             the
             Church
             ;
             the
             Assembly
             also
             at
             the
             same
             time
             with
             their
             Prolocutor
             .
             A
             Psalme
             being
             sung
             ,
             solemne
             prayer
             was
             made
             ,
             after
             the
             prayer
             an
             exhortation
             to
             the
             Honourable
             House
             and
             Reverend
             Divines
             encouraging
             them
             to
             this
             work
             as
             a
             work
             of
             a
             marvellous
             high
             nature
             and
             concernment
             .
             This
             being
             ended
             ,
             Mr.
             
               Alexander
               Hendersam
               ,
            
             one
             of
             the
             Commissioners
             sent
             from
             the
             Assembly
             of
             the
             Church
             of
             
               Scotland
               ,
            
             being
             also
             desired
             thereunto
             ,
             made
             a
             Speech
             to
             the
             like
             purpose
             .
          
           
             Then
             the
             Covenant
             was
             read
             ,
             notice
             being
             first
             given
             to
             the
             Assembly
             ,
             that
             after
             the
             hearing
             of
             it
             ,
             each
             person
             should
             immediately
             by
             swearing
             ,
             worship
             the
             great
             Name
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             testifie
             so
             much
             outwardly
             by
             lifting
             up
             their
             hands
             :
             which
             was
             all
             done
             very
             solemnly
             and
             with
             so
             much
             joy
             seen
             in
             their
             countenances
             ,
             and
             manifested
             by
             clapping
             of
             their
             hands
             ,
             as
             was
             sutable
             to
             the
             gravity
             of
             such
             a
             worke
             ,
             and
             the
             sadnesse
             of
             the
             present
             times
             .
          
           
             Both
             Assemblies
             having
             thus
             sworn
             ,
             with
             whom
             the
             Commissioners
             from
             
               Scotland
            
             joyned
             ,
             the
             Speaker
             with
             the
             Members
             of
             the
             House
             of
             Commons
             ,
             went
             up
             into
             the
             Chancell
             ,
             and
             there
             subscribed
             their
             names
             in
             a
             Roll
             of
             Parchment
             provided
             for
             that
             purpose
             ,
             in
             which
             this
             Covenant
             was
             fairly
             written
             ,
             and
             afterward
             the
             Prolocutor
             ,
             
             the
             Commissioners
             from
             
               Scotland
               ,
            
             and
             the
             Members
             of
             the
             Assembly
             of
             Divines
             did
             the
             like
             in
             another
             Roll
             ,
             which
             being
             finished
             ,
             the
             Name
             of
             God
             was
             again
             solemnly
             invocated
             ,
             and
             praises
             returned
             for
             vouchsafing
             this
             Church
             and
             Kingdome
             so
             happy
             and
             joyfull
             a
             day
             ;
             a
             Psalme
             was
             sung
             ,
             and
             then
             the
             Assembly
             dismissed
             .
          
        
         
           
             An
             Exhortation
             made
             to
             the
             Honourable
             House
             of
             Commons
             and
             Reverend
             Divines
             of
             the
             Assembly
             ,
             by
             
               Mr.
               
               Nye
            
             before
             he
             read
             the
             Covenant
             .
          
           
             A
             Great
             and
             solemn
             work
             (
             Honourable
             and
             Reverend
             )
             this
             day
             is
             put
             into
             our
             hands
             ,
             let
             us
             stir
             up
             and
             awaken
             our
             hearts
             unto
             it
             .
             We
             deale
             with
             God
             as
             well
             as
             with
             men
             ,
             and
             with
             God
             in
             his
             greatnesse
             and
             excellencie
             ,
             for
             by
             him
             we
             sweare
             ,
             and
             at
             the
             same
             time
             we
             have
             to
             doe
             with
             God
             and
             his
             goodnesse
             ,
             who
             now
             reacheth
             out
             unto
             us
             a
             strong
             and
             seasonable
             arme
             of
             assistance
             .
             The
             goodnesse
             of
             God
             procuring
             succour
             and
             help
             to
             a
             sinfull
             and
             afflicted
             people
             (
             such
             are
             we
             )
             ought
             to
             be
             matter
             of
             feare
             and
             trembling
             even
             to
             all
             that
             heare
             of
             it
             ,
             
               Ier.
            
             33.
             9.
             
             We
             are
             to
             exalt
             and
             acknowledge
             him
             this
             day
             who
             is
             fearefull
             in
             praises
             ,
             sweare
             by
             that
             Name
             which
             is
             holy
             and
             reverent
             ,
             enter
             into
             a
             Covenant
             and
             league
             that
             is
             never
             to
             bee
             forgotten
             by
             us
             nor
             our
             posterity
             ,
             and
             the
             fruit
             I
             hope
             of
             it
             
             shall
             be
             so
             great
             ,
             as
             both
             we
             and
             they
             shall
             have
             cause
             to
             remember
             it
             with
             joy
             ;
             and
             such
             an
             Oath
             as
             for
             matter
             ,
             persons
             ,
             and
             other
             circumstances
             ,
             the
             like
             hath
             not
             been
             in
             any
             age
             or
             Oath
             we
             read
             of
             in
             sacred
             or
             humane
             Stories
             ,
             yet
             sufficiently
             warranted
             in
             both
             .
          
           
             The
             parties
             ingaging
             in
             this
             league
             are
             three
             Kingdoms
             ,
             famous
             for
             the
             knowledge
             ,
             and
             acknowledgement
             of
             Christ
             above
             all
             the
             Kingdoms
             in
             the
             world
             ;
             to
             swear
             before
             such
             a
             presence
             ,
             should
             mould
             the
             spirit
             of
             man
             into
             a
             great
             deale
             of
             reverence
             ;
             what
             then
             to
             be
             engaged
             ,
             to
             be
             incorporated
             ,
             and
             that
             by
             sacred
             Oath
             ,
             with
             such
             an
             high
             and
             Honourable
             Fraternity
             ?
             An
             Oath
             is
             to
             be
             esteemed
             so
             much
             the
             more
             solemn
             ,
             by
             how
             much
             greater
             the
             persons
             are
             that
             sweare
             each
             to
             other
             :
             as
             in
             heaven
             when
             God
             sweares
             to
             his
             Son
             ,
             on
             earth
             when
             Kings
             sweare
             each
             to
             other
             ;
             so
             in
             this
             businesse
             ,
             where
             Kingdomes
             sweare
             mutually
             .
          
           
             And
             as
             the
             solemnity
             of
             an
             Oath
             is
             to
             bee
             measured
             by
             the
             persons
             swearing
             ,
             so
             by
             the
             matter
             also
             that
             is
             to
             be
             sworne
             to
             ;
             God
             would
             not
             sweare
             to
             the
             Covenant
             of
             works
             ,
             he
             intended
             not
             to
             honour
             it
             so
             much
             ,
             it
             was
             not
             to
             continue
             ,
             it
             was
             not
             worthy
             of
             an
             Oath
             of
             his
             ;
             but
             to
             the
             Covenant
             of
             grace
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             he
             swears
             and
             repents
             not
             of
             it
             .
             God
             sweares
             for
             the
             salvation
             of
             men
             ,
             and
             of
             Kingdoms
             :
             And
             if
             Kingdoms
             sweare
             ,
             what
             subject
             of
             an
             Oath
             becommeth
             them
             better
             then
             the
             preservation
             and
             salvation
             of
             Kingdomes
             ,
             by
             establishing
             the
             Kingdome
             of
             a
             Saviour
             amongst
             them
             ,
             even
             our
             Lord
             and
             Saviour
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             who
             is
             a
             Mediator
             and
             Saviour
             for
             Nations
             as
             well
             as
             particular
             persons
             ?
          
           
             The
             end
             also
             is
             great
             and
             honourable
             ,
             as
             either
             of
             the
             former
             ,
             
               Two
               is
               better
               then
               one
               ,
            
             saith
             He
             who
             best
             knoweth
             
             what
             is
             best
             ;
             and
             from
             whom
             alone
             every
             thing
             hath
             the
             goodnesse
             it
             hath
             .
             Association
             is
             of
             divine
             Off-spring
             ;
             not
             only
             the
             being
             of
             Creatures
             ,
             but
             the
             putting
             of
             them
             together
             :
             the
             cluster
             as
             well
             as
             the
             grape
             is
             the
             work
             of
             God
             :
             confort
             and
             harmony
             amongst
             men
             ,
             especially
             amongst
             Saints
             ,
             is
             very
             pleasing
             unto
             the
             Lord
             .
             If
             when
             but
             two
             or
             three
             agree
             and
             assent
             upon
             any
             thing
             on
             earth
             ,
             it
             shall
             be
             confirmed
             in
             heaven
             ;
             and
             for
             this
             ,
             because
             they
             gather
             together
             in
             his
             name
             ,
             much
             more
             when
             two
             or
             three
             Kingdomes
             shall
             meet
             and
             consent
             together
             
               in
               his
               name
            
             and
             
               for
               his
               name
               ,
               that
               God
               may
               bee
               one
               ,
               and
               his
               name
               one
               amongst
               them
               ,
            
             and
             his
             presence
             amidst
             them
             .
             That
             prayer
             of
             Christ
             seemeth
             to
             proceed
             from
             a
             feeling
             sense
             of
             his
             own
             blessednesse
             ;
             
               Father
               ,
               that
               they
               may
               be
               one
               ,
               as
               thou
               in
               me
               ,
            
             &c.
             
             Unity
             amongst
             his
             Churches
             and
             Children
             must
             needs
             therefore
             be
             very
             acceptable
             unto
             him
             :
             For
             out
             of
             the
             more
             deep
             sense
             desires
             are
             fetcht
             from
             within
             us
             ,
             the
             more
             pleasing
             will
             be
             the
             answer
             of
             them
             unto
             us
             .
             Churches
             and
             Kingdomes
             are
             deare
             to
             God
             ,
             his
             patience
             towards
             them
             ,
             his
             compassions
             over
             them
             ,
             more
             then
             particular
             persons
             ,
             sheweth
             it
             plainly
             .
             But
             Kingdoms
             willingly
             engaging
             themselves
             for
             his
             Kingdome
             ,
             his
             Christ
             ,
             his
             Saints
             ,
             the
             purity
             of
             Religion
             ,
             his
             worship
             ,
             and
             Government
             ,
             in
             all
             particulars
             ,
             and
             in
             all
             humility
             ,
             sitting
             down
             at
             his
             feet
             to
             receive
             the
             law
             and
             the
             rule
             from
             his
             mouth
             ;
             what
             a
             price
             doth
             hee
             set
             upon
             such
             ?
             Especially
             when
             (
             as
             we
             this
             day
             )
             sensible
             of
             our
             infirmity
             ,
             of
             an
             unfaithfull
             heart
             not
             steddy
             with
             our
             God
             ,
             but
             apt
             to
             start
             from
             the
             cause
             ,
             if
             we
             feele
             the
             knife
             or
             the
             fire
             ;
             who
             binde
             our selves
             with
             cords
             ,
             as
             a
             sacrifice
             to
             the
             hornes
             of
             the
             Altar
             .
             We
             invocare
             the
             name
             of
             the
             great
             
             God
             ,
             that
             his
             vowes
             ,
             yea
             his
             curse
             may
             be
             upon
             us
             ,
             if
             we
             doe
             not
             this
             ;
             yea
             though
             we
             suffer
             for
             so
             doing
             :
             that
             is
             ,
             if
             we
             endeavour
             not
             so
             farre
             as
             the
             Lord
             shall
             assist
             us
             by
             his
             grace
             ,
             to
             advance
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             the
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ
             here
             upon
             earth
             ,
             and
             make
             Jerusalem
             once
             more
             the
             praise
             of
             the
             whole
             world
             ,
             notwithstanding
             all
             the
             contradictions
             of
             men
             .
          
           
             What
             is
             this
             but
             the
             contents
             and
             matter
             of
             our
             Oath
             ?
             What
             doe
             we
             covenant
             ?
             What
             doe
             we
             vow
             ?
             Is
             it
             not
             the
             preservation
             of
             Religion
             ,
             where
             it
             is
             reformed
             ,
             and
             the
             Reformation
             of
             Religion
             ,
             where
             it
             needs
             ?
             Is
             it
             not
             the
             Reformation
             of
             three
             Kingdomes
             ,
             and
             a
             Reformatiom
             universall
             ,
             Doctrine
             ,
             Discipline
             ,
             and
             Worship
             ,
             in
             whatsoever
             the
             Word
             shall
             discover
             unto
             us
             ?
             To
             practise
             ,
             is
             a
             fruit
             of
             love
             ;
             to
             reforme
             ,
             a
             fruit
             of
             zeale
             ;
             but
             so
             to
             reforme
             ,
             will
             be
             a
             token
             of
             great
             prudence
             ,
             and
             circumspection
             in
             each
             of
             these
             Churches
             .
             And
             all
             this
             to
             be
             done
             according
             to
             Gods
             word
             ,
             the
             best
             Rule
             ,
             and
             according
             to
             the
             best
             reformed
             Churches
             ,
             the
             best
             interpreters
             of
             this
             Rule
             .
             If
             
               England
            
             hath
             obtained
             to
             any
             greater
             perfection
             in
             so
             handling
             the
             word
             of
             righteousnesse
             ,
             and
             truths
             ,
             that
             are
             according
             to
             godlinesse
             ,
             as
             to
             make
             men
             more
             godly
             ,
             more
             righteous
             :
             And
             if
             in
             the
             Churches
             of
             
               Scotland
            
             any
             more
             light
             and
             beauty
             in
             matters
             of
             Order
             and
             Discipline
             ,
             by
             which
             their
             Assemblies
             are
             more
             orderly
             :
             Or
             if
             to
             any
             other
             Church
             or
             person
             it
             hath
             beene
             given
             better
             to
             have
             learned
             Christ
             in
             any
             of
             his
             wayes
             then
             any
             of
             us
             ;
             wee
             shall
             humbly
             bow
             ,
             and
             kisse
             their
             lips
             that
             can
             speak
             right
             words
             unto
             us
             in
             this
             matter
             ,
             and
             help
             us
             into
             the
             nearest
             uniformity
             with
             the
             word
             and
             minde
             of
             Christ
             in
             this
             great
             work
             of
             Reformation
             .
          
           
           
             Honourable
             and
             Reverend
             Brethren
             ,
             there
             cannot
             be
             a
             more
             direct
             and
             effectuall
             way
             to
             exhort
             and
             perswade
             the
             wise
             ,
             and
             men
             of
             sad
             and
             serious
             spirits
             (
             and
             such
             are
             you
             to
             whom
             I
             am
             commanded
             to
             speak
             this
             day
             )
             then
             to
             let
             into
             their
             understandings
             the
             weight
             ,
             and
             worth
             ,
             and
             great
             importance
             of
             the
             work
             they
             are
             perswaded
             unto
             .
             This
             Oath
             is
             such
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             matter
             and
             consequence
             of
             it
             ,
             of
             such
             concernment
             ,
             as
             I
             can
             truly
             say
             ,
             it
             is
             worthy
             of
             us
             ,
             yea
             of
             all
             these
             Kingdomes
             ,
             yea
             of
             all
             the
             Kingdoms
             of
             the
             World
             ;
             for
             it
             is
             swearing
             fealty
             and
             allegeance
             unto
             Christ
             the
             King
             of
             Kings
             ;
             and
             a
             giving
             up
             of
             all
             these
             Kingdomes
             ,
             which
             are
             his
             inheritance
             ,
             to
             be
             subdued
             more
             to
             his
             Throne
             ,
             and
             ruled
             more
             by
             his
             Scepter
             ,
             upon
             whose
             shoulders
             the
             government
             is
             laid
             ,
             and
             
               in
               the
               encrease
               of
               whose
               Government
               and
               peace
               there
               shall
               be
               no
               end
               ,
               Esa.
            
             9.
             
             Yea
             ,
             we
             finde
             this
             very
             thing
             in
             the
             utmost
             accomplishment
             of
             it
             ,
             to
             have
             been
             the
             Oath
             of
             the
             greatest
             Angel
             that
             ever
             was
             ,
             who
             setting
             his
             feet
             upon
             two
             of
             Gods
             Kingdomes
             ,
             the
             one
             upon
             the
             Sea
             ,
             the
             other
             upon
             the
             Earth
             ,
             lifting
             up
             his
             hand
             to
             heaven
             ,
             as
             you
             are
             to
             doe
             this
             day
             ,
             and
             so
             swearing
             ,
             
               Rev.
            
             10.
             
             The
             effect
             of
             that
             Oath
             you
             shall
             find
             to
             bethis
             ,
             that
             the
             kingdoms
             of
             the
             world
             become
             the
             kingdomes
             of
             the
             Lord
             and
             his
             Christ
             ,
             and
             he
             shall
             reigne
             for
             ever
             ,
             
               Rev.
            
             11.
             
             His
             Oath
             was
             for
             the
             full
             and
             finall
             accomplishment
             ,
             this
             of
             yours
             for
             a
             graduall
             ,
             yet
             a
             great
             performance
             towards
             it
             .
          
           
             That
             which
             the
             Apostles
             and
             Primitive
             times
             did
             so
             much
             and
             so
             long
             pray
             for
             ,
             though
             never
             long
             with
             much
             quietnesse
             enioyed
             ,
             that
             which
             our
             Fathers
             in
             these
             latter
             times
             have
             fasted
             ,
             prayed
             and
             mourned
             after
             ,
             yet
             attained
             not
             ;
             even
             the
             cause
             which
             many
             deare
             Saints
             now
             with
             
             God
             ,
             have
             furthered
             by
             extreamest
             sufferings
             ,
             poverty
             ,
             imprisonment
             ,
             banishment
             ,
             death
             ,
             even
             ever
             since
             the
             first
             dawning
             of
             Reformation
             :
             That
             and
             the
             very
             same
             is
             the
             very
             cause
             and
             work
             that
             we
             are
             come
             now
             ,
             through
             the
             mercy
             of
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             not
             only
             to
             pray
             for
             ,
             but
             sweare
             to
             .
             And
             surely
             it
             can
             be
             no
             other
             ,
             but
             the
             result
             and
             answer
             of
             such
             prayers
             and
             teares
             of
             such
             sincerity
             and
             sufferings
             ,
             that
             three
             Kingdoms
             should
             be
             thus
             born
             ,
             or
             rather
             new
             born
             in
             a
             day
             ;
             that
             these
             Kingdoms
             should
             be
             wrought
             about
             to
             so
             great
             an
             engagement
             ,
             then
             which
             nothing
             is
             higher
             ,
             for
             to
             this
             end
             Kings
             raign
             ,
             Kingdomes
             stand
             ,
             and
             States
             are
             upheld
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             a
             speciall
             grace
             and
             favour
             of
             God
             unto
             you
             Brethren
             ,
             Reverend
             and
             Honourable
             ,
             to
             vouchsafe
             you
             the
             opportunity
             ,
             and
             to
             put
             into
             your
             hearts
             (
             as
             this
             day
             )
             to
             engage
             your
             lives
             and
             estates
             in
             matters
             so
             much
             concerning
             him
             and
             his
             glory
             .
             And
             if
             you
             should
             doe
             no
             more
             but
             lay
             a
             foundation
             stone
             in
             this
             great
             work
             ,
             and
             by
             so
             doing
             engage
             posteritie
             after
             you
             to
             finish
             it
             ,
             it
             were
             honour
             enough
             :
             But
             there
             may
             yet
             further
             use
             be
             made
             of
             you
             ,
             who
             now
             are
             to
             take
             this
             Oath
             ,
             you
             are
             designed
             as
             chiefe
             master
             Builders
             and
             choyce
             Instruments
             for
             the
             effecting
             of
             this
             settled
             Peace
             and
             Reformation
             ;
             which
             if
             the
             Lord
             shall
             please
             to
             finish
             in
             your
             hands
             ,
             a
             greater
             happinesse
             on
             earth
             ,
             nor
             a
             greater
             means
             to
             augment
             your
             glory
             and
             crown
             in
             heaven
             ,
             you
             are
             not
             capable
             of
             .
             And
             this
             let
             me
             further
             adde
             for
             your
             encouragement
             ,
             of
             what
             extensive
             good
             and
             fruit
             in
             the
             successe
             of
             it
             ,
             this
             very
             Oath
             may
             prove
             to
             be
             ,
             wee
             know
             not
             .
             God
             hath
             
               set
               his
               Covenant
               like
               the
               Heavens
               ,
            
             not
             onely
             for
             duration
             ,
             but
             like
             also
             for
             extension
             :
             The
             Heavens
             move
             and
             roule
             about
             ,
             and
             so
             communicate
             
             their
             light
             ,
             and
             heat
             ,
             and
             vertue
             ,
             to
             all
             places
             and
             parts
             of
             the
             earth
             ;
             so
             doth
             the
             
               Covenant
            
             of
             God
             ,
             so
             may
             this
             gift
             be
             given
             to
             other
             Covenants
             that
             are
             framed
             to
             that
             pattern
             .
             How
             much
             this
             solémn
             League
             and
             Oath
             may
             provoke
             other
             Reformed
             Churches
             to
             a
             further
             Reformation
             of
             themselves
             ;
             what
             light
             and
             heat
             it
             may
             communicate
             abroad
             to
             other
             parts
             of
             the
             world
             ,
             it
             is
             only
             in
             Him
             to
             define
             to
             whom
             is
             given
             the
             
               utmost
               ends
               of
               the
               earth
               for
               his
               inheritance
               ,
            
             and
             worketh
             by
             his
             exceeding
             great
             power
             great
             things
             out
             of
             as
             small
             beginnings
             .
          
           
             But
             however
             ,
             this
             I
             am
             sure
             of
             ,
             it
             is
             a
             way
             in
             all
             probability
             most
             likely
             to
             enable
             us
             to
             preserve
             and
             defend
             our
             religion
             against
             
               our
               common
               enemies
               ,
            
             and
             possible
             a
             more
             sure
             foundation
             this
             day
             will
             be
             laid
             for
             ruining
             Popery
             and
             Prelacy
             ,
             the
             chiefe
             of
             them
             ,
             then
             as
             yet
             wee
             have
             been
             led
             unto
             in
             any
             age
             .
          
           
             For
             Popery
             ,
             it
             hath
             beene
             a
             Religion
             ever
             dexterous
             in
             fencing
             and
             muniting
             it selfe
             by
             association
             and
             joynt
             strength
             ;
             all
             sorts
             of
             Professors
             amongst
             them
             are
             cast
             into
             Fraternities
             and
             Brother-hoods
             ,
             and
             these
             Orders
             carefully
             united
             by
             Vow
             one
             with
             another
             and
             under
             some
             more
             generall
             notion
             of
             common
             dependency
             .
             Such
             States
             also
             and
             Kingdoms
             as
             they
             have
             thus
             made
             theirs
             ;
             they
             endeavour
             to
             improve
             and
             secure
             by
             strict
             combinations
             and
             leagues
             each
             to
             other
             ,
             witnesse
             of
             late
             yeares
             that
             
               La
               Sainte
               ligue
               ,
            
             the
             holy
             league
             .
             It
             will
             not
             bee
             unworthy
             your
             consideration
             ,
             whether
             seeing
             the
             preservation
             of
             Popery
             hath
             beene
             by
             Leagues
             and
             Covenants
             ,
             God
             may
             not
             make
             a
             League
             or
             Covenant
             to
             be
             the
             destruction
             of
             it
             ▪
             Nay
             ,
             the
             very
             rise
             of
             Popery
             seemeth
             to
             be
             after
             such
             a
             manner
             by
             
             Kings
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             Kingdomes
             assenting
             and
             
               agreeing
            
             perhaps
             by
             some
             joynt
             Covenant
             (
             the
             Text
             saith
             ,
             
               with
               one
               minde
               ,
            
             why
             not
             then
             with
             one
             mouth
             ?
             )
             to
             give
             their
             power
             and
             strength
             unto
             the
             Beast
             ,
             and
             make
             war
             against
             the
             Lamb
             ,
             
               Rev.
            
             17.
             where
             you
             read
             the
             Lamb
             shall
             overcome
             the
             Beast
             ,
             and
             possibly
             with
             the
             same
             weapons
             ,
             he
             is
             the
             Lord
             of
             Lords
             ,
             and
             King
             of
             Kings
             ,
             he
             can
             unite
             Kings
             and
             Kingdomes
             ,
             and
             give
             them
             one
             minde
             also
             to
             destroy
             the
             Whore
             and
             be
             her
             utter
             ruine
             ;
             And
             may
             not
             this
             dayes
             work
             be
             a
             happy
             beginning
             of
             such
             a
             blessed
             expedition
             ?
          
           
             Prelacie
             another
             common
             enemy
             ,
             that
             we
             Covenant
             and
             sweare
             against
             ,
             what
             hath
             it
             been
             ,
             or
             what
             hath
             the
             strength
             of
             it
             been
             ,
             but
             a
             subtile
             combination
             of
             Clergy-men
             formed
             into
             a
             policy
             or
             body
             of
             their
             own
             invention
             framing
             themselves
             into
             Subordination
             and
             Dependencie
             one
             upon
             another
             ,
             so
             that
             the
             interest
             of
             each
             is
             improved
             by
             all
             ,
             and
             a
             great
             power
             by
             this
             meanes
             acquired
             to
             themselves
             ;
             as
             by
             sad
             experience
             we
             have
             lately
             found
             :
             The
             joynts
             and
             Members
             of
             this
             body
             ,
             you
             know
             were
             knit
             together
             by
             the
             sacred
             engagement
             of
             an
             Oath
             ,
             the
             Oath
             of
             Canonicall
             obedience
             as
             they
             called
             it
             :
             You
             remember
             also
             with
             what
             cunning
             and
             industrie
             they
             endeavoured
             lately
             to
             make
             this
             Oath
             and
             Covenant
             more
             sure
             for
             themselves
             and
             their
             posterity
             ▪
             And
             intended
             a
             more
             publike
             ,
             solemn
             and
             universall
             engagement
             ,
             then
             since
             Popery
             this
             cause
             of
             theirs
             was
             ever
             maintained
             or
             supported
             by
             .
             And
             questionlesse
             ▪
             
               Ireland
            
             and
             
               Scotland
            
             also
             must
             at
             last
             have
             been
             brought
             into
             this
             holy
             league
             with
             
               England
               .
            
             But
             blessed
             be
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             blessed
             be
             his
             good
             ●and
             the
             Parliament
             ,
             that
             from
             the
             indignation
             of
             their
             spirits
             against
             so
             horrid
             a
             
             yoke
             ,
             have
             dashed
             out
             the
             very
             braines
             of
             this
             project
             ;
             and
             are
             now
             this
             day
             present
             before
             the
             Lord
             to
             take
             and
             give
             possession
             of
             this
             blessed
             Ordinance
             ,
             even
             an
             Oath
             and
             Covenant
             as
             solemn
             and
             of
             as
             large
             extent
             as
             they
             intended
             theirs
             ;
             uniting
             these
             three
             Kingdoms
             into
             such
             a
             League
             and
             happy
             combination
             as
             will
             doubtlesse
             preserve
             us
             and
             our
             Reformation
             against
             them
             ,
             though
             their
             iniquity
             in
             the
             mysteries
             of
             it
             should
             still
             be
             working
             amongst
             us
             .
             
               Come
            
             therefore
             (
             I
             speak
             in
             the
             words
             of
             the
             Prophet
             )
             
               let
               us
               joyne
               our selves
               to
               the
               Lord
               ,
            
             and
             one
             to
             another
             ,
             and
             each
             to
             all
             ,
             
               in
               a
               perpetuall
               Covenant
               that
               shall
               not
               be
               forgotten
               .
            
          
           
             We
             are
             now
             entring
             upon
             a
             work
             of
             the
             greatest
             moment
             and
             concernment
             ,
             to
             us
             and
             to
             our
             Posteritie
             after
             us
             ,
             that
             ever
             was
             undertaken
             by
             any
             of
             us
             ,
             or
             any
             of
             our
             fore-fathers
             before
             us
             ,
             or
             neighbouring
             Nations
             about
             us
             ;
             if
             the
             Lord
             shall
             blesse
             this
             our
             beginning
             ,
             it
             will
             be
             a
             happie
             day
             ,
             and
             we
             shall
             be
             a
             happy
             people
             .
             An
             Oath
             is
             a
             duty
             of
             the
             first
             Commandment
             ,
             and
             therefore
             of
             the
             highest
             and
             noblest
             order
             and
             rank
             of
             duties
             ;
             therefore
             must
             come
             forth
             attended
             with
             choycest
             graces
             ;
             especially
             with
             these
             two
             ,
             humility
             ,
             and
             feare
             .
          
           
             Feare
             ,
             not
             onely
             of
             God
             ,
             which
             ought
             to
             be
             in
             an
             eminent
             measure
             ,
             
               Gen.
            
             31.
             53.
             
             
               Iacob
            
             sware
             by
             the
             feare
             of
             his
             father
             
               Isaac
               ,
            
             as
             if
             he
             covered
             to
             inherit
             his
             fathers
             grace
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             his
             fathers
             God
             :
             But
             also
             feare
             of
             an
             Oath
             ,
             it
             being
             a
             dreadfull
             duty
             ,
             and
             hath
             this
             peculiar
             ,
             it
             s
             established
             by
             the
             Oath
             of
             God
             ,
             I
             have
             sworne
             that
             unto
             me
             every
             tongue
             shall
             sweare
             ,
             
               Isa.
            
             45.
             23.
             
             It
             s
             made
             the
             very
             Character
             of
             a
             Saint
             ,
             he
             feares
             an
             Oath
             ,
             
               Eccles.
            
             9.
             2.
             
          
           
             Humility
             is
             another
             grace
             requisite
             ,
             set
             your
             hearts
             
             before
             God
             in
             an
             humble
             obedient
             frame
             ,
             
               Deut.
            
             6.
             
             
               Thou
               shalt
               feare
               the
               Lord
               thy
               God
               ,
               and
               serve
               him
               ,
               and
               sweare
               by
               his
               Name
               .
            
             The
             Apostle
             
               Paul
            
             was
             sensible
             of
             this
             engagement
             ,
             even
             in
             the
             very
             act
             of
             this
             duty
             ,
             
               Rom.
            
             1.
             9.
             
             
               I
               call
               God
               to
               witnesse
               ,
               whom
               I
               serve
               in
               my
               spirit
               ;
            
             Although
             it
             be
             a
             work
             of
             the
             lips
             ,
             yet
             the
             heart
             and
             whole
             man
             must
             be
             interessed
             if
             we
             expect
             this
             worship
             to
             be
             acceptable
             ,
             
               Psal.
            
             119.
             108.
             
             
               Accept
               the
               free-will
               offering
               of
               my
               mouth
               ,
               and
               teach
               me
               thy
               judgements
               .
            
          
           
             Also
             it
             must
             be
             done
             in
             the
             greatest
             simplicity
             and
             plainness
             of
             spirit
             ,
             in
             respect
             of
             those
             with
             whom
             we
             covenant
             ;
             We
             call
             God
             as
             a
             witnesse
             betwixt
             us
             who
             searcheth
             the
             heart
             :
             
               With
               him
               is
               wisedome
               and
               strength
               ,
               the
               deceived
               and
               deceiver
               is
               his
               ,
               Iob
               ,
            
             12.
             19.
             
             He
             hath
             wisedome
             to
             discover
             ,
             and
             strength
             to
             punish
             ,
             if
             our
             hearts
             be
             not
             upright
             to
             our
             brethren
             in
             this
             matter
             .
             Let
             us
             be
             contented
             with
             this
             ,
             that
             the
             words
             of
             our
             Covenant
             bee
             hands
             ;
             it
             may
             not
             be
             so
             much
             as
             in
             the
             desire
             of
             our
             hearts
             ,
             that
             they
             should
             become
             snares
             ,
             no
             not
             to
             the
             weakest
             and
             simplest
             person
             that
             joyneth
             with
             us
             .
             In
             the
             whole
             worke
             make
             your
             addresse
             unto
             God
             ,
             as
             
               Iacob
            
             did
             to
             his
             father
             
               Isaac
               ,
            
             and
             let
             there
             bee
             the
             like
             feare
             and
             jealousie
             over
             your
             spirits
             ,
             
               Gen.
            
             27.
             12.
             
             
               My
               father
               peradventure
               will
               feel
               me
               ,
               and
               I
               shall
               seeme
               to
               him
               as
               a
               deceiver
               ,
               and
               I
               shall
               bring
               a
               curse
               upon
               me
               ,
               and
               not
               a
               blessing
               .
            
          
           
             I
             take
             liberty
             with
             more
             earnestnesse
             to
             presse
             this
             care
             upon
             you
             ,
             because
             I
             have
             observed
             Oathes
             and
             Covenants
             have
             been
             undertaken
             by
             us
             formerly
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             command
             of
             Authority
             ,
             the
             fruit
             wherof
             ,
             though
             great
             ,
             yet
             not
             answered
             our
             expectation
             ,
             the
             Lord
             surely
             hath
             beene
             displeased
             with
             the
             slightnesse
             of
             our
             hearts
             in
             the
             worke
             .
             I
             beseech
             you
             be
             more
             watchfull
             ,
             and
             
             stirre
             up
             your
             hearts
             with
             more
             industry
             this
             day
             then
             ever
             before
             :
             As
             it
             is
             the
             last
             oath
             you
             are
             likely
             to
             take
             in
             this
             kinde
             ,
             so
             is
             it
             our
             last
             refuge
             ,
             
               tabula
               post
               nat●fragium
               :
            
             If
             this
             help
             us
             not
             ,
             we
             are
             likely
             to
             remaine
             to
             our
             dying
             day
             an
             unhappy
             people
             ,
             but
             if
             otherwise
             ,
             
               You
               will
               indeed
               sweare
               with
               all
               your
               hearts
               ,
               and
               seeke
               the
               Lord
               with
               your
               whole
               desire
               ,
               God
               will
               be
               found
               ,
               and
               give
               you
               rest
               round
               about
               ,
            
             2
             
               Chor.
            
             15.
             15.
             
          
           
             And
             having
             sworn
             ,
             and
             entred
             into
             this
             solemn
             engagement
             to
             God
             and
             man
             ,
             make
             conscience
             to
             doe
             accordingly
             ,
             otherwise
             it
             is
             better
             thou
             shouldest
             not
             vow
             ,
             
               Eccles.
            
             5.
             
             As
             is
             said
             of
             fasting
             ,
             it
             is
             not
             the
             bowing
             down
             of
             the
             head
             for
             a
             day
             ,
             so
             of
             this
             solemn
             swearing
             ,
             it
             is
             not
             the
             lifting
             up
             of
             the
             hand
             for
             a
             day
             ;
             but
             an
             honest
             and
             faithfull
             endeavouring
             after
             the
             contents
             of
             this
             Covenant
             all
             our
             dayes
             ;
             A
             truce-breaker
             is
             reckoned
             up
             amongst
             the
             vilest
             of
             Christians
             ,
             2
             
               Tim.
            
             3.
             3.
             so
             a
             Covenant-breaker
             is
             listed
             amongst
             the
             worst
             of
             Heathens
             ,
             
               Rom.
            
             1.
             31.
             
             But
             he
             that
             sweareth
             and
             changeth
             not
             ,
             though
             he
             sweare
             to
             his
             hurt
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             he
             that
             will
             keep
             his
             Covenant
             and
             Oath
             though
             the
             contents
             of
             it
             prove
             not
             for
             him
             ,
             nay
             possibly
             against
             him
             ,
             yet
             he
             will
             keep
             it
             for
             his
             Oaths
             sake
             ;
             such
             a
             one
             
               shall
               have
               his
               habitation
               with
               the
               most
               High
               and
               dwell
               in
               his
               Tabernacle
               ,
               Psal.
            
             15.
             
             And
             as
             for
             you
             Reverend
             Brethren
             ,
             that
             are
             Ministers
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             there
             is
             yet
             another
             obligation
             will
             lie
             upon
             you
             ;
             let
             us
             look
             to
             our selves
             ,
             and
             make
             provision
             to
             walk
             answerable
             to
             this
             our
             Covenant
             for
             the
             Gospels
             sake
             ;
             it
             will
             reflect
             a
             great
             aspersion
             upon
             the
             truth
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             if
             we
             should
             be
             false
             or
             unconstant
             in
             any
             word
             or
             purpose
             ,
             though
             in
             a
             matter
             of
             lesse
             consequence
             ,
             as
             you
             can
             easily
             collect
             from
             that
             
             apology
             of
             
               Paul
               ,
            
             2
             
               Cor.
            
             1.
             17
             ,
             18.
             how
             much
             more
             in
             such
             a
             case
             as
             this
             is
             ,
             if
             we
             should
             be
             found
             to
             purpose
             ,
             nay
             more
             ,
             to
             vow
             ,
             and
             covenant
             ,
             and
             sweare
             ,
             and
             all
             this
             
               according
               unto
               the
               flesh
               ,
            
             and
             
               with
               us
               there
               should
               be
               ,
            
             notwithstanding
             all
             these
             obligations
             ,
             
               yea
               yea
               ,
            
             and
             
               nay
               nay
               ?
            
          
           
             That
             we
             may
             all
             who
             take
             the
             Covenant
             this
             day
             ,
             be
             constant
             ,
             immoveable
             ,
             and
             abound
             in
             this
             work
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             not
             start
             aside
             ,
             or
             give
             back
             ,
             or
             goe
             on
             uncomfortably
             ,
             there
             is
             a
             twofold
             grace
             or
             qualification
             to
             be
             laboured
             after
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             We
             must
             get
             courage
             ,
             spirits
             that
             are
             bold
             and
             resolute
             .
             It
             is
             said
             in
             
               Haggai
               ,
            
             that
             
               the
               Lord
               stirred
               up
               the
               spirit
               of
               Zerubbabel
               Governour
               of
               Iudah
               ,
               and
               the
               spirit
               of
               Ioshua
               the
               high
               Priest
               ,
               and
               the
               spirit
               of
               all
               the
               remnant
               of
               the
               people
               ,
               and
               they
               came
               ,
               and
               did
               work
               in
               the
               house
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
            
             the
             work
             of
             Gods
             house
             :
             Reformation-work
             especially
             ,
             is
             a
             stirring
             work
             :
             read
             Stories
             ,
             you
             find
             not
             anywhere
             ,
             Reformation
             made
             in
             any
             age
             ,
             either
             in
             Doctrine
             or
             Discipline
             ,
             without
             great
             stirre
             and
             opposition
             .
             This
             was
             foretold
             by
             the
             same
             Prophet
             ,
             
               cap.
            
             2.
             
               vers.
            
             7.
             the
             promise
             is
             ,
             
               He
               will
               fill
               his
               house
               with
               glory
               ;
            
             but
             what
             goeth
             before
             ?
             
               vers.
            
             6.
             
             
               Yet
               once
               it
               is
               a
               little
               while
               and
               I
               will
               shake
               the
               heavens
               ,
               and
               the
               earth
               ,
               and
               the
               sea
               ,
               and
               the
               dry
               land
               ;
            
             that
             is
             ,
             
               all
               Nations
               ,
            
             as
             in
             the
             words
             following
             .
             This
             place
             is
             applied
             
               Heb.
            
             12.
             to
             the
             removing
             Jewish
             Rites
             ,
             the
             moveables
             of
             Gods
             house
             .
             The
             like
             you
             finde
             in
             the
             Apostles
             times
             ,
             
               Acts
            
             17.
             the
             truth
             being
             preached
             ;
             some
             beleeved
             ,
             others
             did
             not
             ;
             here
             beginneth
             the
             stirre
             ,
             
               vers.
            
             6.
             those
             that
             beleeved
             not
             ,
             
               took
               unto
               themselves
               certaine
               lewd
               fellowes
               of
               the
               baser
               sort
               ,
               and
               gathered
               a
               company
               ,
               and
               set
               all
               the
               City
               in
               an
               uproare
               :
            
             and
             when
             they
             had
             done
             so
             ,
             complained
             of
             the
             brethren
             to
             
             the
             Rulers
             ,
             as
             men
             
               that
               turne
               the
               world
               upside
               downe
               ,
               ver.
               6.
               
            
             Read
             also
             
               Acts
            
             21.
             27
             ,
             30
             ,
             31.
             
             In
             such
             a
             work
             therefore
             men
             had
             need
             be
             of
             stout
             ,
             resolute
             ,
             and
             composed
             spirits
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             be
             able
             to
             goe
             on
             in
             the
             maine
             ,
             and
             stirre
             in
             the
             middest
             of
             such
             stirres
             ,
             and
             not
             be
             amused
             at
             any
             such
             doings
             .
             It
             may
             possibly
             happen
             ,
             that
             even
             amongst
             your selves
             there
             will
             be
             out-cries
             ;
             Sir
             ,
             you
             will
             undoe
             all
             ,
             saith
             one
             ;
             you
             will
             put
             all
             into
             confusion
             saith
             another
             ;
             if
             you
             take
             this
             course
             ,
             saith
             a
             third
             ,
             we
             can
             expect
             nothing
             but
             blood
             :
             but
             a
             wise
             States-man
             ,
             like
             an
             experienced
             Sea-man
             ,
             knoweth
             the
             compasse
             of
             his
             vessell
             ,
             and
             though
             it
             heave
             and
             rosse
             ,
             and
             the
             passengers
             cry
             out
             about
             him
             ,
             yet
             in
             the
             middest
             of
             all
             ▪
             he
             is
             himselfe
             ,
             turneth
             not
             aside
             from
             his
             work
             ,
             but
             steereth
             on
             his
             course
             .
             I
             beseech
             you
             let
             it
             be
             seriously
             considered
             ,
             if
             you
             meane
             to
             doe
             any
             such
             work
             in
             the
             house
             of
             God
             as
             this
             is
             ;
             if
             you
             meane
             to
             pluck
             up
             what
             many
             yeares
             agoe
             was
             planted
             ,
             or
             to
             build
             up
             what
             so
             long
             agoe
             was
             pulled
             downe
             ,
             and
             to
             goe
             thorough
             with
             this
             work
             ,
             and
             not
             be
             discouraged
             ,
             you
             must
             begge
             of
             the
             Lord
             this
             excellent
             spirit
             ,
             this
             resolute
             stirring
             spirit
             ,
             otherwise
             you
             will
             be
             out-spirited
             ,
             and
             both
             you
             and
             your
             cause
             slighted
             and
             dishonoured
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             On
             the
             other
             hand
             we
             must
             labour
             for
             humility
             ,
             prudence
             ,
             gentlenesse
             ,
             meeknesse
             .
             A
             man
             may
             be
             very
             zealous
             and
             resolute
             ,
             and
             yet
             very
             meek
             and
             mercifull
             :
             Jesus
             Christ
             was
             a
             Lion
             ,
             and
             yet
             a
             Lambe
             also
             ;
             in
             one
             place
             he
             telleth
             them
             he
             commeth
             to
             send
             
               fire
               on
               the
               earth
               :
            
             and
             in
             another
             place
             rebuketh
             his
             Disciples
             for
             their
             fiery
             spirits
             ,
             
               Luke
            
             9
             ▪
             54.
             
             There
             was
             the
             like
             composition
             in
             
               Moses
               ,
            
             and
             in
             
               Paul
               ,
            
             and
             it
             is
             of
             great
             use
             ,
             especially
             in
             this
             work
             of
             Reformation
             .
             I
             have
             not
             observed
             
             any
             disputes
             carried
             on
             with
             more
             bitternesse
             in
             mens
             writings
             ,
             and
             with
             a
             more
             unsanctified
             heat
             of
             spirit
             ,
             yea
             and
             by
             godly
             men
             too
             ,
             then
             in
             controversies
             about
             Discipline
             ,
             Church
             Government
             ,
             Ceremonies
             ,
             and
             the
             like
             .
             Surely
             to
             argue
             about
             Government
             with
             such
             ungoverned
             passions
             ,
             to
             argue
             for
             Reformation
             with
             a
             spirit
             so
             unreformed
             ,
             is
             very
             uncomely
             .
             Let
             us
             be
             zealous
             ,
             as
             Christ
             was
             ,
             to
             cast
             our
             all
             ,
             to
             extirpate
             and
             root
             out
             every
             plant
             his
             heavenly
             Father
             hath
             not
             planted
             ;
             and
             yet
             let
             us
             doe
             it
             in
             as
             orderly
             way
             ,
             and
             with
             the
             spirit
             of
             Christ
             ,
             whose
             servants
             we
             are
             .
             
               The
               servant
               of
               the
               Lord
               must
               not
               strive
               ,
               but
               be
               gentle
               to
               all
               men
               ,
               apt
               to
               teach
               ,
               patient
               ,
               in
               meeknesse
               instructing
               those
               that
               oppose
               ,
            
             2
             
               Tim.
            
             2.
             24
             ,
             25.
             
             We
             solemnly
             engage
             this
             day
             our
             utmost
             endeavours
             for
             Reformation
             ;
             let
             us
             remember
             this
             ,
             that
             too
             much
             heat
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             too
             much
             coldnesse
             ,
             may
             harden
             men
             in
             their
             wayes
             ,
             and
             hinder
             Reformation
             .
          
           
             Brethren
             ,
             let
             us
             come
             to
             this
             blessed
             work
             ,
             with
             such
             a
             frame
             of
             heart
             ,
             with
             such
             a
             minde
             for
             the
             present
             ,
             with
             such
             resolutions
             for
             the
             time
             to
             come
             ;
             let
             us
             not
             bee
             wanting
             to
             the
             opportunitie
             God
             hath
             put
             into
             our
             hands
             this
             day
             ;
             and
             then
             I
             can
             promise
             you
             ,
             as
             the
             Prophet
             ,
             
               Consider
               this
               day
               and
               upwards
               ,
               even
               from
               this
               day
               ,
               that
               the
               foundation
               of
               the
               Lords
               work
               is
               laid
               ,
               Consider
               it
               ,
               from
               this
               day
               will
               I
               blesse
               you
               ,
               saith
               the
               Lord
               :
            
             Nay
             ,
             wee
             have
             received
             as
             it
             were
             the
             first
             fruits
             of
             this
             promise
             ,
             for
             as
             it
             's
             said
             of
             
               some
               mens
               good
               works
               ,
               they
               are
               manifest
               before
               hand
               ,
            
             1
             
               Tim.
            
             5.
             
             Even
             so
             may
             be
             said
             of
             the
             good
             work
             of
             this
             day
             ,
             it
             's
             manifest
             before
             hand
             ,
             God
             hath
             as
             it
             were
             before
             hand
             testified
             his
             acceptance
             ;
             while
             wee
             were
             thinking
             and
             purposing
             this
             free
             will
             
             Offering
             ;
             he
             was
             protecting
             and
             defending
             our
             Armie
             ;
             causing
             our
             enemies
             the
             enemies
             of
             this
             work
             to
             flie
             before
             us
             ,
             and
             gave
             us
             a
             victory
             ,
             not
             to
             be
             despised
             .
             Surely
             this
             Oath
             and
             Covenant
             shall
             bee
             
               Iudahs
            
             joy
             ,
             the
             joy
             and
             comfort
             of
             this
             whole
             Kingdome
             ;
             yea
             ,
             of
             all
             three
             Kingdoms
             .
          
           
             Jesus
             Christ
             King
             of
             the
             Saints
             govern
             us
             by
             his
             Spirit
             ,
             strengthen
             us
             by
             his
             power
             ,
             undertake
             for
             us
             according
             as
             hee
             hath
             sworn
             ,
             even
             
               the
               Oath
               which
               hee
               sware
               to
               our
               Father
            
             Abraham
             ,
             
               that
               hee
               would
               grant
               unto
               us
               ,
               that
               we
               being
               delivered
               out
               of
               the
               hands
               of
               our
               enemies
               ,
               might
               serve
               him
               without
               feare
               in
               holinesse
               and
               righteousnesse
               before
               him
               all
               the
               dayes
               of
               our
               life
               ,
               Luke
            
             1.
             
             Grant
             unto
             us
             also
             ,
             that
             when
             this
             life
             is
             finished
             ,
             and
             we
             gathered
             to
             our
             Fathers
             ,
             there
             may
             be
             a
             generation
             out
             of
             our
             loynes
             to
             stand
             up
             in
             this
             cause
             ,
             that
             his
             great
             and
             reverent
             Name
             may
             be
             exalted
             from
             one
             generation
             to
             another
             ,
             untill
             he
             himself
             shall
             come
             ,
             and
             perfect
             all
             with
             his
             own
             hand
             by
             his
             own
             wisdom
             ;
             even
             so
             come
             Lord
             Jesus
             ,
             come
             quickly
             ,
          
           
             Amen
             .
          
        
      
       
       
         
           A
           SPEECH
           Delivered
           by
           Mr
           
             Alexander
             Hendersam
             ,
          
           immediately
           before
           the
           taking
           of
           the
           Covenant
           by
           the
           House
           of
           COMMONS
           ,
           and
           Assembly
           of
           DIVINES
           .
        
         
           ALthough
           the
           time
           be
           farre
           spent
           ,
           yet
           am
           I
           bold
           (
           Honourable
           ,
           Reverend
           ,
           and
           Beloved
           in
           the
           Lord
           )
           to
           crave
           your
           patience
           a
           little
           ;
           It
           were
           both
           sinne
           and
           shame
           to
           us
           in
           this
           so
           acceptable
           a
           time
           ,
           in
           this
           day
           ,
           which
           the
           Lord
           hath
           made
           ,
           to
           be
           silent
           and
           to
           say
           nothing
           :
           If
           we
           should
           hold
           our
           peace
           ,
           wee
           could
           neither
           be
           answerable
           to
           God
           ,
           whose
           cause
           and
           work
           is
           in
           hand
           ;
           nor
           to
           this
           Church
           and
           Kingdome
           ,
           unto
           which
           we
           have
           made
           so
           large
           profession
           of
           duty
           ,
           and
           owe
           much
           more
           ;
           nor
           to
           our
           native
           Kingdom
           ,
           so
           abundant
           in
           affection
           toward
           you
           ;
           nor
           to
           our
           own
           hearts
           ,
           which
           exceedingly
           rejoyce
           to
           see
           this
           day
           :
           We
           have
           greater
           reason
           then
           the
           leprous
           men
           sitting
           in
           a
           time
           of
           great
           extremity
           at
           the
           gate
           of
           
             Samaria
             ,
          
           to
           say
           one
           to
           another
           ,
           We
           doe
           not
           well
           ,
           this
           day
           is
           a
           day
           of
           good
           tidings
           ,
           and
           we
           hold
           our
           peace
           ?
           It
           is
           true
           the
           
             Syrians
          
           are
           not
           yet
           fled
           ;
           but
           our
           hope
           is
           through
           God
           ,
           that
           the
           work
           begun
           this
           day
           ,
           being
           sincerely
           performed
           and
           faithfully
           
           pursued
           ;
           shall
           put
           to
           flight
           ,
           not
           only
           the
           
             Syrians
          
           and
           
             Babylonians
             ,
          
           but
           all
           other
           Enemies
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           God
           ;
           of
           the
           Kings
           honour
           ,
           and
           of
           our
           liberty
           and
           peace
           .
        
         
           For
           it
           is
           acceptable
           to
           God
           and
           wel-pleasing
           in
           his
           sight
           ,
           when
           his
           people
           come
           willingly
           in
           the
           day
           of
           his
           power
           (
           and
           how
           shall
           they
           not
           be
           willing
           in
           the
           day
           of
           his
           power
           ?
           )
           to
           enter
           a
           religious
           Covenant
           ,
           with
           him
           ,
           and
           amongst
           themselves
           .
           Whatsoever
           be
           the
           condition
           of
           the
           people
           of
           God
           ,
           whether
           in
           sorrow
           and
           humiliation
           before
           deliverance
           ;
           or
           in
           rejoycing
           and
           thanksgiving
           after
           deliverance
           ;
           this
           is
           it
           ,
           which
           the
           Lord
           waits
           for
           at
           their
           hands
           ,
           which
           they
           have
           been
           used
           to
           performe
           ,
           and
           with
           which
           he
           hath
           been
           so
           well
           pleased
           ,
           that
           it
           hath
           been
           the
           fountaine
           of
           many
           deliverances
           and
           blessings
           unto
           them
           .
           When
           a
           people
           beginneth
           to
           forget
           God
           ,
           hee
           lifteth
           up
           his
           hand
           against
           them
           and
           siniteth
           them
           :
           And
           when
           his
           people
           ,
           humbled
           before
           him
           ,
           lift
           up
           their
           hands
           ,
           not
           only
           in
           supplication
           ,
           but
           in
           Covenant
           before
           the
           most
           high
           God
           ;
           he
           is
           pleased
           (
           such
           is
           his
           mercy
           and
           wonderfull
           compassion
           )
           First
           ,
           to
           lift
           his
           hand
           unto
           them
           ,
           saying
           ,
           
             I
             am
             the
             Lord
             your
             God
             ;
          
           as
           we
           have
           it
           three
           times
           in
           two
           verses
           of
           the
           20th
           of
           
             Ezekiel
             ;
          
           And
           next
           he
           stretcheth
           out
           his
           hand
           against
           his
           Enemies
           and
           theirs
           .
           It
           is
           the
           best
           work
           of
           Faith
           ,
           to
           joyn
           in
           Covenant
           with
           God
           ;
           the
           best
           work
           of
           love
           and
           Christian
           Communion
           ,
           to
           joyn
           in
           Covenant
           with
           the
           people
           of
           God
           ;
           the
           best
           work
           of
           the
           best
           zeale
           ,
           to
           joyne
           in
           Covenant
           for
           Reformation
           ,
           against
           the
           Enemies
           of
           God
           and
           Religion
           ;
           the
           best
           work
           of
           true
           loyalty
           ,
           to
           joyn
           in
           Covenant
           for
           the
           preservation
           of
           our
           King
           and
           Superiours
           ;
           and
           the
           best
           proofe
           of
           naturall
           affection
           (
           and
           
           to
           bee
           without
           naturall
           affection
           ,
           is
           one
           of
           the
           great
           sinnes
           of
           the
           Gentiles
           )
           to
           joyn
           in
           Covenant
           for
           defence
           of
           our
           Native
           Countrey
           ,
           Liberties
           ,
           and
           Lawes
           ;
           Such
           as
           for
           these
           necessary
           ends
           doe
           withdraw
           and
           are
           not
           willing
           to
           enter
           into
           Covenant
           ,
           have
           reason
           to
           enter
           into
           their
           own
           hearts
           ,
           and
           to
           look
           into
           their
           faith
           ,
           love
           ,
           zeale
           ,
           loyalty
           ,
           and
           naturall
           affection
           .
        
         
           As
           it
           is
           acceptable
           to
           God
           ,
           so
           have
           we
           for
           it
           the
           precedent
           and
           example
           ,
           not
           onely
           of
           the
           people
           of
           God
           of
           old
           ,
           of
           the
           Reformed
           Churches
           of
           
             Germany
             ,
          
           and
           the
           Low-Countreys
           ;
           but
           of
           our
           own
           Noble
           and
           Christian
           Progenitors
           in
           the
           time
           of
           the
           danger
           of
           Religion
           ,
           which
           is
           expressed
           in
           the
           Covenant
           it selfe
           .
           The
           defect
           was
           ;
           They
           went
           not
           on
           throughly
           to
           enter
           in
           a
           Solemn
           Covenant
           ;
           an
           happinesse
           reserved
           for
           this
           time
           :
           which
           had
           they
           done
           ,
           the
           corruptions
           and
           calamities
           of
           these
           dayes
           might
           have
           been
           prevented
           :
           And
           if
           the
           Lord
           shall
           be
           pleased
           to
           move
           ,
           loose
           ,
           and
           enlarge
           the
           hearts
           of
           his
           people
           in
           his
           Majesties
           Dominions
           to
           take
           this
           Covenant
           ,
           not
           in
           simulation
           ,
           nor
           in
           luke-warmnesse
           ,
           as
           those
           that
           are
           almost
           perswaded
           to
           be
           Christians
           ,
           but
           as
           becommeth
           the
           people
           of
           God
           ,
           it
           shall
           be
           the
           prevention
           of
           many
           evils
           and
           miseries
           ,
           and
           a
           meane
           of
           many
           and
           rich
           blessings
           ,
           spirituall
           and
           temporall
           ,
           to
           our selves
           ,
           our
           litle
           ones
           ,
           and
           the
           Posterity
           that
           shall
           come
           after
           us
           for
           many
           Generations
           .
        
         
           The
           neere
           and
           neighbouring
           example
           of
           the
           Church
           and
           Kingdome
           of
           
             Scotland
             ,
          
           is
           in
           this
           case
           worthy
           of
           our
           best
           observation
           :
           When
           the
           Prelats
           there
           ,
           were
           grown
           by
           their
           rents
           ,
           and
           Lordly
           Dignities
           ,
           by
           their
           exorbitant
           power
           over
           all
           sorts
           of
           his
           Majesties
           Subjects
           ,
           Ministers
           and
           others
           ,
           by
           their
           places
           in
           Parliament
           ,
           
           Councell
           ,
           Colledge
           of
           Justice
           ,
           Exchequer
           ,
           and
           High
           Commission
           ,
           to
           a
           monstrous
           dominion
           and
           greatnesse
           ,
           and
           like
           Gyants
           ,
           setting
           their
           one
           foot
           on
           the
           neck
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           and
           the
           other
           on
           the
           neck
           of
           the
           State
           ,
           were
           become
           intolerably
           insolent
           ;
           and
           when
           the
           people
           of
           God
           through
           their
           oppression
           in
           Religion
           ,
           Liberties
           ,
           and
           Lawes
           ,
           and
           what
           was
           dearest
           unto
           them
           ,
           were
           brought
           so
           low
           ,
           that
           they
           chused
           rather
           to
           die
           ,
           then
           to
           live
           in
           such
           slavery
           ,
           or
           to
           live
           in
           any
           other
           place
           ,
           rather
           then
           in
           their
           own
           native
           Countrey
           ;
           Then
           did
           the
           Lord
           say
           ,
           
             I
             have
             seene
             ,
             I
             have
             seene
             the
             affliction
             of
             my
             people
             ,
             and
             I
             have
             heard
             their
             groaning
             ,
             and
             am
             come
             down
             to
             deliver
             them
             .
          
           The
           beginnings
           were
           small
           ,
           and
           contemptible
           in
           the
           eyes
           of
           the
           presumptuous
           Enemies
           ,
           such
           as
           use
           to
           be
           the
           beginnings
           of
           the
           greatest
           works
           of
           God
           ;
           but
           were
           so
           seconded
           and
           continually
           followed
           by
           the
           undeniable
           evidences
           of
           Divine
           Providence
           ,
           leading
           them
           forward
           from
           one
           step
           to
           another
           ,
           that
           their
           Mountaine
           became
           strong
           in
           the
           end
           .
           No
           tongue
           can
           tell
           what
           motions
           filled
           the
           hearts
           ,
           what
           teares
           were
           poured
           forth
           from
           the
           eyes
           ,
           and
           what
           cryes
           came
           from
           the
           mouthes
           of
           many
           thousands
           in
           that
           Land
           ,
           when
           they
           found
           an
           unwonted
           flame
           warming
           their
           breasts
           ,
           and
           perceived
           the
           power
           of
           God
           raising
           them
           from
           the
           dead
           ,
           and
           creating
           for
           them
           a
           new
           world
           ,
           wherein
           should
           dwell
           Religion
           and
           Righteousnesse
           .
           When
           they
           were
           destitute
           both
           of
           moneys
           and
           munition
           ,
           which
           next
           unto
           the
           spirits
           and
           armes
           of
           men
           ,
           are
           the
           sinewes
           of
           Warre
           ,
           the
           Lord
           brought
           them
           forth
           out
           of
           his
           hid
           treasures
           ;
           which
           was
           wonderfull
           in
           their
           eyes
           ,
           and
           matter
           of
           astonishment
           to
           their
           hearts
           :
           When
           they
           were
           many
           times
           at
           a
           pause
           in
           their
           deliberations
           ,
           and
           brought
           to
           such
           perplexity
           ,
           
           that
           they
           knew
           not
           what
           to
           chuse
           or
           to
           do
           ,
           for
           prosecuting
           the
           work
           of
           God
           ,
           only
           their
           eyes
           were
           toward
           him
           ;
           not
           only
           the
           feares
           and
           furies
           ,
           but
           the
           plots
           also
           and
           policies
           of
           the
           Adversaries
           ,
           opened
           the
           way
           unto
           them
           ,
           their
           devices
           were
           turned
           upon
           their
           own
           heads
           ,
           and
           served
           for
           the
           promoting
           of
           the
           work
           of
           God
           .
           The
           puritie
           of
           their
           intentions
           elevated
           above
           base
           and
           earthly
           respects
           ,
           and
           the
           constant
           peace
           of
           their
           hearts
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           many
           dangers
           ,
           did
           beare
           them
           out
           against
           the
           malitious
           accusations
           and
           aspersions
           put
           upon
           their
           actions
           ;
           all
           which
           were
           sensible
           impressions
           of
           the
           good
           providence
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           legible
           characters
           of
           his
           work
           :
           which
           as
           the
           Church
           and
           Kingdom
           of
           
             England
          
           exercised
           at
           this
           time
           with
           greater
           difficulties
           then
           theirs
           ,
           have
           in
           part
           already
           found
           ,
           so
           shall
           the
           Parallel
           be
           perfected
           to
           their
           greater
           comfort
           in
           the
           faithfull
           pursuing
           of
           the
           work
           unto
           the
           end
           .
        
         
           Necessitie
           ,
           which
           hath
           in
           it
           a
           kinde
           of
           Soveraignty
           ,
           and
           is
           a
           Law
           above
           all
           Lawes
           ,
           and
           therefore
           is
           said
           to
           have
           no
           Law
           ;
           doth
           mightily
           presse
           the
           Church
           and
           Kingdom
           of
           
             Se●tland
          
           at
           this
           time
           .
           It
           is
           no
           small
           comfort
           unto
           them
           that
           they
           have
           not
           been
           idle
           and
           at
           ease
           ,
           but
           have
           used
           all
           good
           and
           lawfull
           meanes
           of
           Supplications
           ,
           Declarations
           ,
           and
           Remonstrances
           to
           his
           Majestie
           ,
           for
           quenching
           the
           combustion
           in
           this
           Kingdome
           :
           And
           after
           all
           these
           ,
           that
           they
           sent
           Commissioners
           to
           his
           Majestie
           ,
           humbly
           to
           mediate
           for
           a
           reconcilement
           and
           Pacification
           ;
           But
           the
           offer
           of
           their
           humble
           service
           was
           rejected
           ,
           from
           no
           other
           reason
           ,
           but
           that
           they
           had
           no
           warrant
           nor
           capacity
           for
           such
           a
           Mediation
           ;
           And
           that
           the
           intermixture
           of
           the
           Government
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           
             England
          
           with
           the
           Civill
           government
           of
           the
           Kingdom
           ,
           was
           such
           a
           mystery
           as
           could
           
           not
           be
           understood
           by
           them
           .
           Although
           it
           be
           true
           ,
           which
           was
           at
           that
           time
           often
           replyed
           ,
           that
           the
           eighth
           demand
           of
           the
           Treatie
           ,
           and
           the
           answer
           given
           thereunto
           concerning
           the
           Uniformity
           of
           Religion
           ,
           was
           a
           sufficient
           ground
           of
           capacitie
           ;
           and
           the
           proceedings
           of
           the
           Houses
           of
           Parliament
           against
           Episcopall
           Government
           ,
           as
           a
           stumbling
           block
           hindering
           Reformation
           ,
           and
           as
           a
           prejudice
           to
           the
           Civill
           State
           ,
           was
           ground
           enough
           for
           their
           information
           .
           The
           Commissioners
           having
           returned
           from
           his
           Majesty
           without
           successe
           ,
           and
           the
           miseries
           of
           
             Ireland
             ,
          
           the
           distresses
           of
           
             England
             ,
          
           and
           the
           dangers
           and
           pressures
           of
           the
           Kingdom
           of
           
             Scotland
             ,
          
           growing
           to
           greater
           extremity
           ;
           such
           as
           were
           intrusted
           with
           the
           publike
           affaires
           of
           the
           Kingdom
           were
           necessitate
           according
           to
           the
           practise
           of
           former
           times
           (
           his
           Majestie
           having
           denied
           a
           Parliament
           )
           to
           call
           a
           Convention
           of
           the
           Estates
           for
           considering
           of
           the
           present
           affaires
           ,
           and
           for
           providing
           the
           best
           remedies
           :
           which
           immediately
           upon
           their
           meeting
           by
           the
           speciall
           providence
           of
           God
           ,
           did
           receive
           information
           of
           divers
           treacherous
           attempts
           of
           Papists
           in
           all
           the
           three
           Kingdoms
           ,
           as
           if
           they
           had
           been
           called
           for
           that
           effect
           :
           And
           by
           the
           same
           Providence
           ,
           Commissioners
           were
           sent
           from
           both
           Houses
           of
           Parliament
           to
           consider
           with
           the
           Estates
           of
           the
           Kingdom
           of
           
             Scotland
             ,
          
           of
           such
           Articles
           and
           Propositions
           as
           might
           make
           the
           conjunction
           betwixt
           the
           two
           Nations
           more
           beneficiall
           and
           effectuall
           for
           the
           securing
           of
           Religion
           &
           Liberty
           against
           Papists
           &
           Prelats
           with
           their
           Adherents
           .
           Their
           Consultations
           with
           the
           Commissioners
           of
           the
           Generall
           Assembly
           ,
           did
           in
           the
           end
           bring
           forth
           this
           Covenant
           ,
           as
           the
           only
           meane
           after
           all
           other
           have
           beene
           assayed
           ,
           for
           the
           deliverance
           of
           
             England
          
           and
           
             Ireland
          
           out
           of
           the
           deeps
           of
           affliction
           ,
           preservation
           of
           the
           
           Church
           and
           Kingdom
           of
           
             Scotland
          
           from
           the
           extremity
           of
           misery
           ,
           and
           the
           safety
           of
           our
           native
           King
           and
           his
           Kingdoms
           from
           destruction
           and
           desolation
           .
           This
           is
           the
           manifold
           necessity
           which
           Nature
           ,
           Religion
           ,
           Loyalty
           ,
           and
           Love
           hath
           laid
           upon
           them
           .
        
         
           Nor
           is
           it
           unknown
           in
           this
           Honourable
           ,
           Reverend
           ,
           and
           wise
           Audience
           ,
           what
           errors
           ,
           and
           heresies
           in
           doctrine
           ;
           what
           Superstition
           and
           Idolatry
           in
           Worship
           ,
           what
           Usurpation
           and
           Tyranny
           in
           Government
           ,
           what
           cruelty
           against
           the
           soules
           and
           bodies
           of
           the
           Saints
           have
           been
           set
           on
           foot
           ,
           exercised
           ,
           and
           executed
           for
           many
           Generations
           ,
           and
           now
           of
           late
           ,
           by
           the
           Roman
           Church
           ;
           all
           which
           wee
           hope
           through
           the
           blessing
           of
           God
           upon
           this
           work
           ,
           shall
           be
           brought
           to
           an
           end
           .
           Had
           the
           Pope
           at
           
             Rome
          
           the
           knowledge
           of
           what
           is
           doing
           this
           day
           in
           
             England
             ,
          
           and
           were
           this
           Covenant
           written
           on
           the
           Plaster
           of
           the
           Wall
           over
           against
           him
           ,
           where
           he
           sitteth
           
             Belshazzar-like
          
           in
           his
           Sacriligious
           pomp
           ,
           it
           would
           make
           his
           heart
           to
           tremble
           ,
           his
           countenance
           to
           change
           ,
           his
           head
           and
           Miter
           to
           shake
           ,
           his
           joynts
           to
           loose
           ,
           and
           all
           his
           Cardinals
           and
           Prelates
           to
           be
           astonied
           .
        
         
           When
           the
           Reformed
           Churches
           ,
           which
           by
           their
           Letters
           have
           been
           exciting
           us
           to
           Christian
           Communion
           and
           Sympathy
           in
           this
           time
           of
           the
           danger
           of
           Religion
           and
           distresse
           of
           the
           Godly
           ,
           shall
           heare
           of
           this
           blessed
           conjunction
           for
           uniformity
           in
           Religion
           according
           to
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           and
           the
           defence
           thereof
           ;
           it
           shall
           quicken
           their
           hearts
           against
           the
           heavinesse
           of
           oppressing
           sorrows
           and
           feares
           ;
           and
           bee
           no
           other
           than
           a
           beginning
           of
           a
           Jubilee
           and
           joyfull
           deliverance
           unto
           them
           ,
           from
           the
           Antichristian
           yoke
           and
           tyranny
           .
        
         
           Vpon
           these
           and
           the
           like
           considerations
           wee
           are
           very
           
           confident
           ,
           that
           the
           Church
           and
           Kingdom
           of
           
             Scotland
          
           will
           most
           cheerefully
           joyne
           in
           this
           Covenant
           ,
           at
           the
           first
           motion
           whereof
           ,
           their
           〈◊〉
           were
           moved
           within
           them
           ▪
           And
           to
           give
           testimony
           of
           this
           our
           confidence
           ,
           we
           who
           are
           Commissioners
           from
           the
           Generall
           Assembly
           ,
           although
           we
           have
           no
           particular
           and
           expresse
           Commission
           for
           that
           ●nd
           ,
           (
           not
           from
           ●a●t
           of
           willingnesse
           ,
           but
           of
           a
           fore-sight
           )
           offer
           to
           joy●
           our
           hearts
           and
           hands
           unto
           it
           ,
           being
           a
           stored
           that
           the
           Lord
           in
           his
           own
           time
           will
           against
           all
           opposition
           even
           against
           the
           gates
           of
           Hell
           ▪
           crown
           it
           with
           a
           blessing
           from
           Heaven
           .
           The
           Word
           of
           God
           is
           for
           it
           ,
           as
           you
           have
           been
           〈…〉
           〈…〉
           by
           the
           consent
           and
           testimonie
           of
           a
           Reverend
           Assembly
           ●●
           so
           many
           godly
           ,
           learned
           ,
           and
           grav
           〈…〉
           Divines
           .
           In
           your
           own
           sense
           and
           experience
           you
           will
           finde
           ,
           that
           although
           ,
           while
           you
           are
           assaulted
           or
           exercised
           with
           worldly
           cares
           and
           fears
           ,
           your
           thoughts
           may
           somwhat
           trouble
           &
           direct
           you
           ;
           yet
           at
           other
           times
           ,
           when
           upon
           seeking
           of
           God
           in
           private
           or
           publike
           ,
           as
           in
           the
           evening
           of
           a
           well
           spent
           Sabbath
           ,
           or
           day
           of
           Fast
           and
           Humiliation
           ,
           your
           disposition
           is
           more
           spirituall
           ,
           and
           leaving
           the
           world
           behinde
           you
           ,
           you
           have
           found
           accesse
           unto
           God
           through
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           the
           bent
           and
           inclinations
           of
           your
           hearts
           will
           be
           strongest
           to
           go
           through
           with
           this
           work
           .
           It
           is
           a
           good
           testimony
           that
           our
           designes
           and
           wayes
           are
           agreeable
           to
           the
           will
           of
           God
           ,
           if
           we
           affect
           them
           most
           when
           our
           hearts
           are
           furthest
           from
           the
           world
           ,
           and
           our
           temper
           is
           most
           spirituall
           and
           heavenly
           ,
           and
           least
           carnall
           and
           earthly
           .
           As
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           so
           the
           prayers
           of
           the
           people
           of
           God
           in
           all
           the
           Reformed
           Churches
           are
           for
           us
           ,
           and
           on
           our
           side
           :
           It
           were
           more
           terrible
           then
           an
           Armie
           to
           heare
           that
           there
           were
           any
           servent
           supplications
           to
           God
           against
           us
           ;
           blasphemies
           ,
           curses
           ,
           
           and
           horrid
           imprecations
           there
           be
           ,
           proceeding
           from
           another
           spirit
           ,
           and
           that
           is
           all
           .
           That
           Divine
           Providence
           also
           which
           hath
           maintained
           this
           Cause
           and
           supported
           his
           Servants
           in
           a
           marvellous
           manner
           unto
           this
           day
           ,
           and
           which
           this
           time
           past
           hath
           kept
           things
           in
           an
           equall
           ballance
           and
           vicissitude
           of
           successe
           ,
           will
           we
           trust
           from
           this
           day
           forth
           ,
           through
           the
           weight
           of
           this
           Covenant
           ,
           cast
           the
           ballance
           ,
           and
           make
           Religion
           and
           Righteousnesse
           to
           prevaile
           ,
           to
           the
           glory
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           honour
           of
           our
           King
           ,
           the
           confusion
           of
           our
           common
           Enemies
           ,
           and
           the
           comfort
           and
           safety
           of
           the
           people
           of
           God
           :
           Which
           he
           grant
           ,
           who
           is
           able
           to
           doe
           above
           anything
           that
           we
           can
           ask
           or
           think
           .
        
         
           FINIS
           .