of_o scotland_n england_n and_o ireland_n by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n live_v under_o one_o king_n and_o be_v of_o one_o reform_a religion_n have_v before_o our_o eye_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o his_o posterity_n and_o the_o true_a public_a liberty_n safety_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n wherein_o every_o one_o private_a condition_n be_v include_v and_o call_v to_o mind_n the_o treacherous_a and_o bloody_a plot_n conspiracy_n attempt_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n against_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o professor_n thereof_o in_o all_o place_n especial_o in_o these_o three_o kingdom_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n and_o how_o much_o their_o rage_n power_n and_o presumption_n be_v of_o late_a and_o at_o this_o time_n increase_v and_o exercise_v whereof_o the_o deplorable_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o ireland_n the_o distress_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n &_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o the_o dangerous_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n be_v present_a and_o public_a testimony_n we_o have_v now_o at_o last_o after_o other_o mean_n of_o supplication_n remonstrance_n protestation_n and_o suffer_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o our_o religion_n from_o utter_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n according_a to_o the_o commendable_a practice_n of_o these_o kingdom_n in_o former_a time_n and_o the_o example_n of_o god_n people_n in_o other_o nation_n after_o mature_a deliberation_n resolve_v and_o determine_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o mutual_a and_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n wherein_o we_o all_o subscribe_v and_o each_o one_o of_o we_o for_o himself_o with_o our_o hand_n lift_v up_o to_o the_o most_o high_a god_n do_v swear_v 1._o that_o we_o shall_v sincere_o real_o and_o constant_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n endeavour_n in_o our_o several_a place_n and_o calling_n the_o preservation_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n against_o our_o common_a enemy_n the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n and_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o bring_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o three_o kingdom_n to_o the_o near_a conjunction_n and_o uniformity_n in_o religion_n confession_n of_o faith_n form_n of_o church-government_n directory_n for_o worship_n and_o catechise_v that_o we_o and_o our_o posterity_n after_o we_o may_v as_o brethren_n live_v in_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o the_o lord_n may_v delight_v to_o dwell_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o 2._o that_o we_o shall_v in_o like_a manner_n without_o respect_n of_o person_n endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o popery_n prelacy_n that_o be_v church-government_n by_o archbishop_n bishop_n their_o chancellor_n and_o commissary_n dean_n dean_n and_o chapter_n archdeacon_n and_o all_o other_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n depend_v on_o that_o hierarchy_n superstition_n heresy_n schism_n profaneness_n and_o whatsoever_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n lest_o we_o partake_v in_o other_o man_n sin_n and_o thereby_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o receive_v of_o their_o plague_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v one_o and_o his_o name_n one_o in_o the_o three_o kingdom_n 3._o we_o shall_v with_o the_o same_o sincerity_n reality_n and_o constancy_n in_o our_o several_a vocation_n endeavour_v with_o our_o estate_n and_o life_n mutual_o to_o preserve_v the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o parliament_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o to_o preserve_v and_o defend_v the_o king_n majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o preservation_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o the_o world_n may_v bear_v witness_n with_o our_o conscience_n of_o our_o loyalty_n and_o that_o we_o have_v no_o thought_n or_o intention_n to_o diminish_v his_o majesty_n just_a power_n and_o greatness_n 4._o we_o shall_v also_o with_o all_o faithfulness_n endeavour_v the_o discovery_n of_o all_o such_o as_o have_v be_v or_o shall_v be_v incendiary_n malignant_n or_o evil_a instrument_n by_o hinder_v the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n divide_v the_o king_n from_o his_o people_n or_o one_o of_o the_o kingdom_n from_o another_o or_o make_v any_o faction_n or_o party_n among_o the_o people_n contrary_a to_o this_o league_n and_o covenant_n that_o they_o may_v be_v broughr_fw-mi to_o public_a trial_n and_o receive_v condign_a punishment_n as_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o offence_n shall_v require_v or_o deserve_v or_o the_o supreme_a judicatories_n of_o both_o kingdom_n respective_o or_o other_o have_v power_n from_o they_o for_o that_o effect_n shall_v judge_v convenient_a 5._o and_o whereas_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o bless_a peace_n between_o these_o kingdom_n deny_v in_o former_a time_n to_o our_o progenitor_n be_v by_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n grant_v unto_o we_o and_o have_v be_v late_o conclude_v and_o settle_v by_o both_o parliament_n we_o shall_v each_o one_o of_o we_o according_a to_o our_o place_n and_o interest_n endeavour_v that_o they_o may_v remain_v conjoin_v in_o a_o firm_a peace_n and_o union_n to_o all_o posterity_n and_o that_o justice_n may_v be_v do_v upon_o the_o wilful_a opposer_n thereof_o in_o manner_n express_v in_o the_o precedent_a article_n 6._o we_o shall_v also_o according_a to_o our_o place_n and_o calling_n in_o this_o common_a cause_n of_o religion_n liberty_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n assist_v and_o defend_v all_o those_o that_o enter_v into_o this_o league_n and_o covenant_n in_o the_o maintain_n and_o pursue_v thereof_o and_o shall_v not_o suffer_v ourselves_o direct_o or_o indirect_o by_o whatsoever_o combination_n persuasion_n or_o terror_n to_o be_v divide_v and_o withdraw_v from_o this_o bless_a union_n and_o conjunction_n whither_o to_o make_v defection_n to_o the_o contrary_a part_n or_o to_o give_v ourselves_o to_o a_o detestable_a indifferency_n or_o neutrality_n in_o this_o cause_n which_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o good_a of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o king_n but_o shall_v all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n zealous_o and_o constant_o continue_v therein_o against_o all_o opposition_n and_o promote_v the_o same_o according_a to_o our_o power_n against_o all_o let_n and_o impediment_n whatsoever_o and_o what_o we_o be_v not_o able_a ourselves_o to_o suppress_v or_o overcome_v we_o shall_v reveal_v and_o make_v know_v that_o it_o may_v be_v timely_o prevent_v or_o remove_v all_o which_o we_o shall_v do_v as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god._n and_o because_o these_o kingdom_n be_v guilty_a of_o many_o sin_n and_o provocation_n against_o god_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n as_o be_v too_o manifest_a by_o our_o present_a distress_n and_o danger_n the_o fruit_n thereof_o we_o profess_v and_o declare_v before_o god_n and_o the_o world_n unfeigned_a desire_n to_o be_v humble_v for_o our_o own_o sin_n and_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o these_o kingdom_n especial_o that_o we_o have_v not_o as_o we_o ought_v value_v the_o inesteemable_a benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o have_v not_o labour_v for_o the_o purity_n and_o power_n thereof_o and_o that_o we_o have_v not_o endeavour_v to_o receive_v christ_n in_o our_o heart_n nor_o to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o he_o in_o our_o life_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o other_o sin_n and_o transgression_n so_o much_o abound_v among_o we_o and_o our_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a purpose_n desire_v and_o endeavour_v for_o ourselves_o and_o all_o other_o under_o our_o power_n and_o charge_n both_o in_o public_a and_o in_o private_a in_o all_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o man_n to_o amend_v our_o life_n and_o each_o one_o to_o go_v before_o another_o in_o the_o example_n of_o a_o real_a reformation_n that_o the_o lord_n may_v turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n and_o heavy_a indignation_n and_o establish_v these_o church_n and_o kingdom_n in_o truth_n and_o peace_n and_o this_o covenant_n we_o make_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o almighty_a god_n the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n with_o a_o true_a intention_n to_o peform_v the_o same_o as_o we_o shall_v answer_v at_o that_o great_a day_n when_o the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n shall_v be_v disclose_v most_o humble_o beseech_v the_o lord_n to_o strengthen_v we_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n for_o this_o end_n and_o to_o bless_v our_o desire_n and_o proceed_n with_o such_o success_n as_o may_v be_v deliverance_n and_o safety_n to_o his_o people_n and_o encouragement_n to_o other_o christian_a church_n
they_o overrule_v in_o the_o year_n 1640._o the_o king_n and_o prelate_n vigorous_o arm_v again_o and_o prepare_v for_o a_o new_a war_n but_o this_o intend_a war_n be_v compose_v by_o a_o new_a pacification_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o parliament_n former_o adjourn_v until_o june_n 1640_o do_v conveen_v at_o the_o time_n appoint_v and_o by_o their_o four_o five_o and_o six_o act_n full_o establish_v presbyterial_a government_n ratify_v the_o covenant_n with_o the_o addition_n and_o explanation_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o all_o act_n make_v thereanent_fw-la &_o abrogat_fw-la the_o estate_n of_o bishop_n and_o all_o act_n whatsoever_o make_v in_o their_o favour_n thereafter_o in_o the_o treaty_n ensue_v the_o pacification_n it_o be_v agree_v that_o the_o act_n pass_v in_o the_o last_o parliament_n with_o these_o to_o be_v make_v in_o the_o next_o session_n thereof_o shall_v be_v publish_v in_o the_o king_n name_n and_o have_v the_o strength_n of_o law_n in_o all_o time_n come_v which_o treaty_n be_v close_v and_o the_o last_o session_n of_o the_o abovementioned_a parliament_n sit_v in_o the_o month_n of_o june_n 1641._o the_o king_n in_o person_n be_v present_a among_o they_o and_o the_o oath_n of_o parliament_n for_o maintenance_n of_o religion_n in_o purity_n as_o then_o establish_v and_o of_o the_o king_n authority_n and_o the_o people_n liberty_n according_a to_o the_o covenant_n and_o for_o endeavour_v by_o all_o just_a and_o humble_a mean_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n betwixt_o the_o three_o kingdom_n appoint_v to_o be_v take_v by_o that_o &_o all_o succeed_a parliament_n be_v take_v by_o the_o second_o act_n thereof_o superscribe_v by_o the_o king_n and_o subscribe_v by_o the_o precedent_n the_o foresay_a treaty_n be_v ample_o and_o perpetual_o confirm_v and_o the_o whole_a article_n thereof_o be_v ratify_v and_o record_v thus_o by_o all_o the_o security_n that_o either_o sacred_a oath_n or_o act_n of_o lawful_a &_o authorize_v assembly_n ordinance_n of_o king_n and_o council_n double_v and_o reiterate_v pacification_n and_o treaty_n act_n of_o parliament_n enact_v &_o re-enacted_n the_o king_n authority_n and_o consent_n be_v often_o and_o solemn_o interpose_v both_o by_o promise_n and_o hand-writ_a and_o all_o that_o either_o religion_n truth_n faith_n honour_n or_o honesty_n can_v devise_v or_o grant_v these_o wicked_a prelate_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n presbyterial_a government_n full_o establish_v the_o pure_a worship_n of_o god_n with_o his_o pure_a and_o powerful_a ordinance_n and_o ministry_n restore_v and_o in_o the_o maintenance_n and_o pursuance_n of_o all_o these_o great_a blessing_n the_o whole_a land_n by_o many_o oath_n &_o most_o solemn_a tie_n engage_v unto_o the_o lord_n for_o ever_o by_o all_o which_o blessing_n and_o the_o restore_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v own_o ordinance_n among_o we_o as_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o many_o thousand_o be_v great_o advance_v and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o abound_a of_o true_a piety_n and_o flourish_a of_o righteousness_n do_v eminent_o shine_v among_o we_o as_o the_o memory_n of_o these_o time_n in_o all_o such_o as_o fear_n god_n and_o love_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v sweet_o testify_v so_o all_o these_o great_a thing_n be_v transact_v to_o the_o perpetual_a shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o all_o our_o calumnious_a adversary_n without_o any_o diminution_n of_o his_o majesty_n just_a authority_n and_o greatness_n as_o the_o power_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v great_a in_o this_o land_n so_o the_o splendour_n and_o fame_n thereof_o reach_v unto_o other_o nation_n it_o please_v the_o lord_n thereby_o to_o provoke_v his_o people_n in_o england_n at_o that_o time_n grievous_o groan_v under_o the_o tyrannous_a yoke_n of_o prelacy_n and_o just_o alarm_v by_o the_o imminent_a fear_n of_o prevail_a popery_n to_o set_v about_o and_o intend_v the_o like_a bless_a reformation_n it_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o to_o reflect_v on_o the_o cause_n and_o beginning_n of_o that_o war_n betwixt_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n there_o nor_o what_o be_v the_o transaction_n betwixt_o the_o two_o kingdom_n in_o order_n to_o that_o aid_n and_o assistance_n give_v by_o scotland_n and_o how_o the_o same_o be_v manage_v but_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o upon_o the_o representation_n of_o the_o most_o just_a and_o important_a ground_n of_o the_o maintenance_n of_o religion_n and_o liberty_n against_o the_o prevail_a power_n of_o popery_n prelacy_n and_o tyranny_n in_o that_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o their_o most_o instant_a and_o earnest_a desire_n for_o our_o help_n and_o assistance_n and_o rhe_n most_o rational_a &_o clear_a motive_n of_o our_o own_o security_n the_o hazard_n and_o loss_n whereof_o have_v undoubted_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o prelate_n victory_n there_o this_o kingdom_n be_v induce_v in_o the_o year_n 1643._o to_o enter_v into_o that_o sacred_a bond_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n never_o to_o be_v forget_v contain_v no_o other_o article_n than_o every_o one_o sincere_a and_o constant_a endeavour_n in_o their_o several_a place_n &_o calling_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o this_o church_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n the_o reformation_n of_o the_o same_o in_o england_n and_o ireland_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n and_o the_o near_a conjunction_n and_o uniformity_n of_o all_o the_o three_o in_o truth_n faith_n and_o love_n the_o extirpation_n of_o popery_n prelacy_n error_n and_o profanity_n the_o preservation_n of_o the_o right_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n and_o of_o the_o king_n person_n and_o authority_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o kingdom_n be_v liberties_n the_o discovery_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o incendiary_n the_o retain_v of_o the_o peace_n and_o union_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o mutual_a assistance_n and_o defence_n of_o all_o enter_n into_o this_o league_n and_o the_o perform_n of_o all_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n in_o the_o amendment_n of_o our_o life_n and_o in_o walk_v exemplar_o one_o before_o another_o and_o all_o these_o in_o order_n to_o no_o other_o end_n than_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o king_n and_o his_o posterity_n and_o the_o true_a liberty_n safety_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n this_o be_v that_o covenant_n which_o in_o all_o the_o controversy_n it_o have_v occasion_v do_v never_o receive_v a_o great_a confirmation_n then_o from_o the_o malice_n and_o opposition_n of_o its_o adversary_n who_o in_o the_o same_o spirit_n &_o with_o the_o same_o spite_n have_v always_o persecute_v and_o reproach_v it_o with_o the_o same_o calumny_n of_o rebellion_n sedition_n and_o blood_n which_o from_o the_o beginning_n the_o devil_n have_v ever_o be_v most_o active_a to_o raise_v and_o stir_v up_o against_o the_o lord_n jesus_n his_o gospel_n kingdom_n and_o follower_n but_o see_v such_o only_a as_o be_v bless_v do_v evite_v the_o offence_n of_o truth_n and_o all_o who_o true_o seek_v god_n glory_n or_o love_n the_o lord_n jesus_n do_v and_o still_o do_v hearty_o approve_v and_o embrace_v this_o covenant_n though_o it_o have_v bring_v the_o sword_n not_o only_o into_o britain_n but_o with_o the_o truth_n into_o all_o the_o earth_n though_o it_o be_v reproach_v as_o unfriend_v not_o only_o to_o our_o king_n but_o with_o our_o lord_n jesus_n to_o caesar_n and_o all_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n though_o it_o have_v divide_v and_o disturb_v not_o only_a realm_n and_o state_n but_o with_o the_o gospel_n family_n and_o near_a relation_n and_o have_v with_o paul_n move_v sedition_n throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n we_o ought_v not_o thereby_o to_o be_v either_o shake_v or_o offend_v we_o know_v also_o that_o all_o the_o subtlety_n and_o malice_n of_o hell_n have_v be_v set_v on_o work_n and_o spare_v no_o calumny_n or_o cavillation_n by_o which_o either_o its_o word_n matter_n or_o manner_n may_v be_v impugn_a but_o these_o be_v so_o often_o and_o full_o answer_v and_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o any_o man_n patrociny_n by_o the_o obvious_a plainness_n of_o its_o phrase_n the_o holiness_n &_o importance_n of_o its_o purpose_n and_o the_o justice_n and_o necessity_n of_o its_o way_n and_o manner_n so_o clear_o confute_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v add_v only_o see_v the_o constancy_n of_o truth_n ought_v not_o to_o cede_fw-la to_o the_o confidence_n of_o prevail_a power_n as_o we_o have_v assert_v and_o do_v hold_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o this_o league_n and_o covenant_n to_o be_v in_o itself_o holy_a just_a and_o true_a so_o we_o can_v but_o disprove_v
and_o utter_o insufficient_a at_o the_o sole_a arbitrement_n of_o patron_n violent_o obtrude_v upon_o the_o people_n without_o and_o against_o their_o own_o consent_n presbytery_n constrain_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o ordain_v man_n who_o the_o people_n neither_o choise_v nor_o can_v cheerful_o receive_v foundation_n of_o prejudice_n &_o strife_n betwixt_o pastor_n and_o people_n lay_v whereby_o the_o one_o can_v preach_v nor_o the_o other_o hear_v with_o profit_n symoniacal_a paction_n often_o base_o make_v betwixt_o patron_n &_o the_o person_n present_v to_o the_o disgrace_n of_o the_o holy_a call_v aswel_a as_o to_o the_o sin_n and_o shame_n of_o the_o person_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o too_o many_o in_o dispence_v of_o word_n sacrament_n &_o censure_n make_v to_o depend_v too_o much_o upon_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o man_n but_o also_o because_o it_o have_v no_o precept_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o example_n in_o the_o old_a jewish_a nor_o new_a primitive_a and_o pure_a christian_a church_n to_o warrant_v it_o because_o intentional_o and_o native_o it_o spoil_v the_o people_n of_o that_o right_n and_o privilege_n in_o elect_v their_o own_o pastor_n which_o scripture_n and_o reason_n allow_v and_o because_o be_v the_o patron_n be_v pretend_v heritage_n and_o therefore_o by_o he_o vendible_a to_o who_o he_o please_v the_o whole_a and_o sole_a power_n of_o present_v of_o minister_n plant_v of_o church_n preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n &_o settle_v maintenance_n may_v be_v turn_v over_o unto_o &_o put_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n not_o only_o profaâ—e_v &_o stranger_n to_o both_o church_n &_o commonwealth_n but_o also_o proâ—esâ—ed_a enemy_n of_o the_o truth_n yea_o even_a papist_n or_o pagan_n and_o therefore_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o grievous_a and_o unwarrantable_a burden_n destructive_a of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n liberty_n obstructive_a of_o the_o free_a course_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o freedom_n power_n &_o plainness_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o occasional_a of_o much_o base_a flattery_n &_o partiality_n under_o which_o from_o the_o very_a time_n of_o superstition_n which_o introduce_v it_o the_o church_n do_v heavy_o groan_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a blessing_n to_o be_v deliver_v from_o it_o the_o second_o advantage_n which_o the_o lord_n work_n receive_v be_v by_o that_o great_a and_o long_a transaction_n with_o the_o king_n in_o order_n to_o his_o return_n and_o admission_n to_o the_o government_n which_o at_o length_n after_o repeat_v address_n many_o treaty_n and_o the_o interpose_v of_o foreign_a state_n and_o prince_n produce_v the_o king_n approbation_n and_o allowance_n of_o the_o national_n and_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n which_o both_o by_o his_o great_a oath_n unto_o the_o most_o high_a god_n and_o his_o hand-writ_a and_o subscription_n he_o most_o ample_o assure_v promise_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n to_o advance_v &_o prosecute_v their_o end_n and_o to_o seek_v and_o procure_v the_o establishment_n thereof_o and_o of_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o god_n in_o all_o his_o dominion_n we_o know_v our_o adversary_n persist_v in_o their_o old_a malice_n disown_n and_o exclaim_v upon_o this_o transaction_n as_o most_o disloyal_a and_o insolent_a for_o subject_n who_o part_n be_v only_o to_o surrender_v &_o submit_v to_o require_v and_o enter_v into_o treaty_n with_o their_o prince_n but_o 1._o as_o these_o reproach_n be_v from_o the_o same_o wicked_a spirit_n false_a ground_n and_o base_a and_o carnal_a end_n which_o from_o the_o very_a time_n of_o popery_n have_v resist_v and_o be_v object_v against_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o this_o land_n so_o do_v we_o thereto_o oppose_v in_o full_a assurance_n before_o god_n and_o all_o the_o world_n these_o solid_a and_o evident_a reason_n and_o warrant_n whereby_o not_o only_o these_o treaty_n and_o transaction_n with_o the_o late_a king_n but_o all_o these_o old_a contract_n and_o agreement_n betwixt_o the_o then_o power_n and_o people_n which_o in_o some_o sort_n be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n in_o this_o realm_n be_v justify_v and_o approven_v wherein_o if_o there_o be_v any_o disparity_n the_o difference_n of_o a_o king_n upon_o his_o throne_n actual_o exerce_v from_o a_o prince_n only_o ascend_v thereto_o must_v cast_v the_o advantage_n on_o our_o side_n 2._o see_v there_o be_v no_o voluntary_a kingdom_n which_o be_v not_o both_o erect_v sustain_v and_o continue_v by_o a_o fundamental_a contract_n and_o no_o right_a thereto_o so_o good_a though_o even_o that_o of_o divid_n himself_o and_o his_o posterity_n who_o hold_v the_o kingdom_n both_o by_o inmediate_a grant_n and_o interpose_a oath_n of_o the_o most_o high_a which_o be_v not_o settle_v and_o confirm_v by_o this_o agreement_n 2_o sam._n 5.3_o 2_o king_n 11.17_o can_v any_o rational_a man_n disprove_v or_o condemn_v treaty_n so_o natural_o antecedent_n and_o previous_a thereto_o 3._o the_o reason_n and_o necessity_n of_o this_o treaty_n be_v so_o dependent_a upon_o the_o precede_a war_n with_o the_o last_o king_n in_o which_o aswell_a as_o in_o his_o kingdom_n this_o king_n do_v succeed_v he_o that_o see_v it_o can_v have_v no_o opposer_n but_o such_o as_o therein_o be_v enemy_n we_o willing_o refer_v hoth_v the_o case_n to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o same_o reason_n and_o as_o for_o such_o who_o assert_v the_o covenant_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o long_a parliament_n war_n do_v nevertheless_o disprove_v our_o procedure_n in_o this_o treaty_n as_o their_o misinformation_n do_v not_o prejudge_v the_o truth_n so_o neither_o be_v we_o answerable_a for_o their_o inconsequence_n the_o three_o advantage_n which_o the_o lord_n give_v his_o work_n be_v by_o what_o the_o king_n do_v after_o his_o arrival_n in_o scotland_n both_o before_o and_o at_o his_o coronation_n for_o the_o great_a confirmation_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o work_n of_o god_n and_o the_o more_o strong_a engage_v of_o himself_o and_o this_o whole_a land_n unto_o the_o lord_n before_o his_o coronation_n he_o emit_v that_o declaration_n at_o dumfermling_n sufficient_o know_v by_o this_o designation_n wherein_o profess_v and_o appear_v in_o the_o full_a persuasion_n and_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n he_o repent_v as_o have_v to_o do_v with_o &_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n his_o father_n opposition_n to_o the_o covenant_n and_o work_n of_o god_n and_o his_o own_o reluctancy_n against_o the_o same_o hope_v for_o mercy_n through_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o obte_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o god_n for_o his_o steadfastness_n and_o then_o protest_v his_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n in_o enter_v into_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n resolve_v to_o prosecute_v the_o end_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o his_o utmost_a and_o to_o have_v with_o it_o the_o same_o common_a friend_n and_o enemy_n exhort_v all_o to_o lay_v down_o their_o enmity_n against_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o prefer_v man_n interest_n to_o god_n which_o will_v prove_v a_o idol_n of_o jealousy_n to_o provoke_v the_o lord_n and_o he_o himself_o account_v to_o be_v but_o selfish_a flattery_n &_o so-forth_o proceed_v in_o the_o most_o cordial_a sincere_a &_o assure_v term_n to_o testify_v his_o love_n and_o zealous_a resolution_n for_o god_n his_o people_n and_o covenant_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n his_o great_a dislike_n and_o detestation_n of_o all_o person_n course_n and_o interest_n contrary_a thereto_o a_o declaration_n so_o full_a of_o heart-profession_n and_o high_a attestation_n of_o the_o great_a god_n that_o none_o serious_o consider_v the_o present_a time_n can_v reflect_v thereon_o without_o horror_n and_o tremble_a from_o the_o holy_a jealousy_n of_o the_o lord_n either_o for_o the_o then_o deep_a dissimulation_n or_o the_o present_a unparalelled_a apostasy_n however_o see_v the_o same_o be_v so_o assertive_a that_o no_o word_n can_v add_v to_o its_o assurance_n nor_o no_o argument_n less_o than_o the_o present_a apostasy_n render_v it_o to_o any_o neutral_a person_n suspect_v of_o the_o least_o dissimulation_n sure_o we_o be_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o kingdom_n do_v thereby_o obtain_v all_o the_o warrant_n of_o the_o king_n be_v most_o full_a and_o clear_a assent_n to_o and_o allowance_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o either_o law_n or_o reason_n can_v require_v thereafter_o at_o his_o coronation_n how_o the_o king_n do_v again_o confirm_v the_o covenant_n and_o both_o he_o and_o his_o people_n thereby_o again_o engage_v themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n the_o order_n thereof_o print_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n do_v full_o declare_v in_o which_o these_o passage_n be_v very_o observable_a 1._o that_o the_o king_n be_v desire_v in_o name_n of_o the_o people_n joint_o to_o accept_v the_o crown_n and_o maintain_v religion_n according_a to_o the_o
and_o kingdom_n as_o god_n undoubted_a truth_n ground_v only_o upon_o his_o write_a word_n the_o other_o cause_n be_v for_o maintain_v the_o king_n majesty_n his_o person_n and_o estate_n the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o king_n authority_n be_v so_o strait_o join_v as_o that_o they_o have_v the_o same_o friend_n and_o common_a enemy_n and_o do_v stand_v and_o fall_v together_o and_o final_o be_v convince_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o confess_v with_o our_o mouth_n that_o the_o present_a and_o succeed_a generation_n in_o this_o land_n be_v bind_v to_o keep_v the_o foresay_a national_a oath_n &_o subscription_n inviolable_a we_o nobleman_n baron_n gentleman_n burgess_n minister_n &_o commons_o under_o subscribe_v consider_v divers_a time_n before_o &_o especial_o at_o this_o time_n the_o danger_n of_o the_o true_a reform_a religion_n of_o the_o king_n honour_n and_o of_o the_o public_a peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n by_o the_o manifold_a innovation_n and_o evil_n general_o contain_v and_o particular_o mention_v in_o our_o late_a supplication_n complaint_n and_o protestation_n do_v hereby_o profess_v and_o before_o god_n his_o angel_n and_o the_o world_n solemn_o declare_v that_o with_o our_o whole_a heart_n we_o agree_v &_o resolve_v all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n constant_o to_o adhere_v unto_o and_o to_o defend_v the_o foresay_a true_a religion_n and_o forbear_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o novation_n already_o introduce_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n or_o approbation_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o public_a government_n of_o the_o kirk_n or_o civil_a place_n and_o power_n of_o kirk-man_n till_o they_o be_v try_v &_o allow_v in_o free_a assembly_n and_o in_o parliament_n to_o labour_v by_o all_o mean_v lawful_a to_o recover_v the_o purity_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v establish_v and_o profess_v before_o the_o foresay_a novation_n and_o because_o after_o due_a examination_n we_o plain_o perceive_v and_o undoubted_o believe_v that_o the_o innovation_n and_o evil_n contain_v in_o our_o supplication_n complaint_n and_o protestation_n have_v no_o warrant_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o article_n of_o the_o foresay_a confession_n to_o the_o intention_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o bless_a reformer_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o land_n to_o the_o above_o write_v act_n of_o parliament_n &_o do_v sensible_o tend_v to_o the_o re-establish_a of_o the_o popish_a religion_n and_o tyranny_n and_o to_o the_o subversion_n and_o ruin_n of_o the_o true_a reform_a religion_n and_o of_o our_o liberty_n law_n and_o estate_n we_o also_o declare_v that_o the_o foresay_a confession_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o foresay_a novation_n and_o evil_n no_o less_o than_o if_o every_o one_o of_o they_o have_v be_v express_v in_o the_o foresay_a confession_n and_o that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o detest_v &_o abhor_v they_o among_o other_o particular_a head_n of_o papistry_n abjure_v therein_o and_o therefore_o from_o the_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n to_o our_o king_n and_o country_n without_o any_o worldly_a respect_n or_o inducement_n so_o far_o as_o humane_a infirmity_n will_v suffer_v wish_v a_o further_a measure_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n for_o this_o effect_n we_o promise_v and_o swear_v by_o the_o great_a name_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o profession_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o foresay_a religion_n that_o we_o shall_v defend_v the_o same_o and_o resist_v all_o these_o contrary_a error_n and_o corruption_n according_a to_o our_o vocation_n and_o to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o that_o power_n that_o god_n have_v put_v in_o our_o hand_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n with_o the_o same_o heart_n we_o declare_v before_o god_n and_o man_n that_o we_o have_v no_o intention_n nor_o desire_n to_o attempt_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v turn_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n or_o to_o the_o diminution_n of_o the_o king_n greatness_n and_o authority_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o promise_v and_o swear_v that_o we_o shall_v to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o our_o power_n with_o our_o mean_n and_o life_n stand_v to_o the_o defence_n of_o our_o dread_a sovereign_n the_o king_n majesty_n his_o person_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o defence_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o foresay_a true_a religion_n liberty_n and_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n as_o also_o to_o the_o mutual_a defence_n and_o assistance_n every_o one_o of_o we_o of_o another_o in_o the_o same_o cause_n of_o maintain_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o his_o majesty_n authority_n with_o our_o best_a counsel_n our_o body_n mean_n and_o whole_a power_n against_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n whatsoever_o so_o that_o whatsoever_o shall_v be_v do_v to_o the_o least_o of_o we_o for_o that_o cause_n shall_v be_v take_v as_o do_v to_o we_o all_o in_o genearal_n and_o to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o in_o particular_a and_o that_o we_o shall_v neither_o direct_o nor_o indirect_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v divide_v or_o withdraw_v by_o whatsoever_o suggestion_n allurement_n or_o terror_n from_o this_o bless_a &_o loyal_a conjunction_n nor_o shall_v cast_v in_o any_o let_v or_o impediment_n that_o may_v stay_v or_o hinder_v any_o such_o resolution_n as_o by_o common_a consent_n shall_v be_v find_v to_o conduce_v for_o so_o good_a end_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a shall_v by_o all_o lawful_a mean_n labour_v to_o further_o and_o promove_v the_o same_o and_o if_o any_o such_o dangerous_a &_o divisive_a motion_n be_v make_v to_o we_o by_o word_n or_o writ_n we_o and_o every_o one_o of_o we_o shall_v either_o suppress_v it_o or_o if_o need_v be_v shall_v incontinent_a make_v the_o same_o know_v that_o it_o may_v be_v timeous_o obviate_v neither_o do_v we_o fear_v the_o foul_a aspersion_n of_o rebellion_n combination_n or_o what_o else_o our_o adversary_n from_o their_o craft_n and_o malice_n will_v put_v upon_o we_o see_v what_o we_o do_v be_v so_o well_o warrant_v and_o arise_v from_o a_o unfeigned_a desire_n to_o maintain_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n the_o majesty_n of_o our_o king_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n for_o the_o common_a happiness_n of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o posterity_n and_o because_o we_o can_v look_v for_o a_o blessing_n from_o god_n upon_o our_o proceed_n except_o with_o our_o profession_n and_o subscription_n we_o join_v such_o a_o life_n &_o conversation_n as_o beseem_v christian_n who_o have_v renew_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n we_o therefore_o faithful_o promise_v for_o ourselves_o our_o follower_n and_o all_o other_o under_o we_o both_o in_o public_a in_o our_o particular_a family_n and_o personal_a carriage_n to_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v ourselves_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o &_o to_o be_v good_a example_n to_o other_o of_o all_o godliness_n soberness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o of_o every_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o that_o this_o our_o union_n and_o conjunction_n may_v be_v observe_v without_o violation_n we_o call_v the_o live_a god_n the_o searcher_n of_o our_o heart_n to_o witness_v who_o know_v this_o to_o be_v our_o sincere_a desire_n and_o unfeigned_a resolution_n as_o we_o shall_v answer_v to_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o great_a day_n and_o under_o the_o pain_n of_o god_n everlasting_a wrath_n and_o of_o infamy_n and_o loss_n of_o all_o honour_n and_o respect_n in_o this_o world_n most_o humble_o beseech_v the_o lord_n to_o strengthen_v we_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n for_o this_o end_n and_o to_o bless_v our_o desire_n and_o proceed_n with_o a_o happy_a success_n that_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n may_v flourish_v in_o the_o land_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o honour_n of_o king_n and_o peace_n and_o comfort_n of_o we_o all_o in_o witness_v whereof_o we_o have_v subscribe_v with_o our_o hand_n all_o the_o premise_n etc._n etc._n the_o article_n of_o this_o covenant_n which_o be_v at_o the_o first_o subscription_n refer_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n be_v determine_v and_o thereby_o the_o 5_o article_n of_o perth_n the_o government_n of_o the_o kirk_n by_o bishop_n the_o civil_a place_n and_o power_n of_o kirkment_n upon_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n contain_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n declare_v to_o be_v unlawful_a within_o this_o kirk_n we_o subscribe_v according_a to_o the_o determination_n aforesaid_a a_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n for_o reformation_n and_o defence_n of_o religion_n the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o king_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o three_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n england_n and_o ireland_n we_o nobleman_n baron_n knight_n gentleman_n citizens_z burgess_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o commons_o of_o all_o sort_n in_o the_o kingdom_n
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the_o lord_n may_v be_v with_o they_o to_o prosper_v they_o do_v humble_v themselves_o before_o he_o and_o make_v a_o free_a and_o particular_a confession_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o prince_n their_o ruler_n their_o captain_n their_o priest_n and_o their_o people_n and_o do_v engage_v themselves_o to_o do_v no_o more_o so_o but_o to_o reform_v their_o way_n and_o be_v steadfast_a in_o his_o covenant_n and_o remember_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o predecessor_n in_o the_o year_n 1596._o wherein_o the_o general_a assembly_n and_o all_o the_o kirk-judicatories_a with_o the_o concurrence_n of_o many_o of_o the_o nobily_n gentry_n and_o burgess_n do_v with_o many_o tear_n acknowledge_v before_o god_n the_o breach_n of_o the_o national_a covenant_n and_o engage_v themselves_o to_o a_o reformation_n even_o as_o our_o predecessor_n and_o they_o have_v before_o do_v in_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o convention_n of_o estate_n in_o the_o year_n 1567._o and_o perceive_v that_o this_o duty_n when_o go_v about_o out_o of_o conscience_n and_o in_o sincerity_n have_v always_o be_v attend_v with_o a_o revive_n out_o of_o trouble_n and_o with_o a_o blessing_n and_o success_n from_o heaven_n we_o do_v humble_o and_o sincere_o in_o his_o sight_n who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n acknowledge_v the_o many_o sin_n and_o great_a transgression_n of_o the_o land_n we_o have_v do_v wicked_o our_o king_n our_o prince_n our_o noble_n our_o judge_n our_o officer_n our_o teacher_n and_o our_o people_n albeit_o the_o lord_n have_v long_a and_o clear_o speak_v unto_o we_o we_o have_v not_o hearken_v to_o his_o voice_n albeit_o he_o have_v follow_v we_o with_o tender_a mercy_n we_o have_v not_o be_v allure_v to_o wait_v upon_o he_o and_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n and_o though_o he_o have_v strike_v we_o yet_o we_o have_v not_o grieve_v nay_o though_o he_o have_v consume_v we_o we_o have_v refuse_v to_o receive_v correction_n we_o have_v not_o remember_v to_o render_v unto_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o his_o goodness_n and_o according_a to_o our_o own_o vow_n and_o promise_n but_o have_v go_v away_o backward_o by_o a_o continue_a course_n of_o backslide_v and_o have_v break_v all_o the_o article_n of_o that_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n which_o we_o swear_v before_o god_n angel_n and_o man_n albeit_o there_o be_v in_o the_o land_n many_o of_o all_o rank_n who_o be_v for_o a_o testimony_n unto_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o a_o name_n of_o joy_n and_o praise_n unto_o the_o lord_n by_o live_v godly_a study_v to_o keep_v their_o garment_n pure_a and_o be_v steadfast_a in_o the_o covenant_n and_o cause_n of_o god_n yet_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o most_o of_o we_o have_v not_o endeavour_v with_o that_o reality_n sincerity_n and_o constancy_n that_o do_v become_v we_o to_o preserve_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n many_o have_v satisfy_v themse_n with_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o ordinance_n neglect_v the_o 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ungodliness_n have_v go_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o land_n as_o a_o flood_n nay_o sufficient_a care_n have_v not_o be_v have_v to_o separate_v betwixt_o the_o precious_a and_o the_o vile_a by_o debar_v from_o the_o sacrament_n all_o ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a person_n according_a to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o this_o kirk_n neither_o have_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o parliament_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a be_v due_o tender_v but_o some_o among_o ourselves_o have_v labour_v to_o put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o king_n a_o arbitrary_a and_o unlimited_a power_n destructive_a to_o both_o and_o many_o of_o we_o have_v be_v accessary_a of_o late_a to_o those_o mean_n and_o way_n whereby_o the_o freedom_n and_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n have_v be_v encroach_v upon_o and_o the_o subject_n oppress_v in_o their_o conscience_n person_n and_o estate_n neither_o have_v it_o be_v our_o care_n to_o avoid_v these_o thing_n which_o may_v harden_v the_o king_n in_o his_o evil_a way_n but_o upon_o the_o contrary_n he_o have_v not_o only_o be_v permit_v but_o many_o of_o we_o have_v be_v instrumental_a to_o make_v he_o exercise_v his_o power_n in_o many_o thing_n tend_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o covenant_n and_o of_o the_o peace_n and_o safety_n of_o these_o kingdom_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o the_o right_a way_n of_o preserve_v his_o majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n that_o it_o can_v but_o provoke_v the_o lord_n against_o he_o unto_o the_o hazard_n of_o both_o nay_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o relieve_v and_o do_v for_o the_o king_n whilst_o he_o refuse_v to_o do_v what_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o house_n of_o god_n some_o have_v ranverse_v and_o violate_v most_o of_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n our_o own_o conscience_n within_o and_o god_n judgement_n upon_o we_o without_o do_v
together_o with_o the_o former_a acknowledgement_n of_o sin_n and_o engagement_n to_o duty_n shall_v be_v read_v public_o to_o the_o people_n upon_o the_o day_n of_o the_o intimation_n and_o the_o last_o fast_a day_n when_o the_o covenant_n be_v to_o be_v swear_v this_o resolution_n of_o the_o commission_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n be_v unanimous_o approven_v by_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n then_o sit_v and_o by_o their_o act_n october_n 14._o ordain_v to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n in_o all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o according_o in_o the_o month_n of_o december_n it_o be_v for_o the_o second_o time_n swear_v in_o all_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o kingdom_n upon_o the_o same_o day_n except_o where_o vacancy_n or_o the_o minister_n be_v under_o scandal_n or_o process_n do_v occasion_n a_o delay_n till_o another_o day_n that_o the_o place_n be_v supply_v by_o another_o minister_n with_o great_a solemnity_n and_o such_o mixture_n of_o joy_n &_o sorrow_n as_o become_v people_n enter_v in_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v thereafter_o subscribe_v by_o all_o the_o swearer_n after_o ward_n the_o parliament_n conveen_v in_o january_n 1649_o by_o their_o very_a first_o act_n except_o the_o election_n of_o their_o precedent_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n resolve_v to_o keep_v a_o fast_a by_o themselves_o for_o the_o cause_n contain_v in_o the_o acknowledgement_n and_o to_o renew_v the_o covenant_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o commission_n which_o be_v also_o most_o solemn_o do_v and_o last_o of_o all_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1649._o by_o their_o act_n july_n 7._o do_v unanimous_o and_o express_o ratify_v the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n as_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o sin_n engagement_n to_o duty_n the_o fast_n and_o renew_v of_o the_o covenant_n by_o swear_v and_o subscribe_v thereof_o hence_o as_o the_o covenant_n itself_o so_o the_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o sin_n &_o engagement_n to_o duty_n become_v national_a authorize_v by_o the_o supreme_a judicature_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o be_v still_o oblige_v by_o oath_n oh_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v keep_v these_o thing_n in_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n for_o ever_o errata_fw-la whilst_o this_o be_v upon_o the_o press_n some_o error_n which_o escape_v in_o some_o sheet_n be_v correct_v in_o other_o so_o that_o thou_o must_v not_o stumble_v though_o some_o copy_n be_v more_o correct_a than_o other_o beside_o other_o literal_a escape_n which_o will_v not_o mar_v the_o sense_n before_o thou_o read_v the_o book_n correct_v with_o thy_o pen_n thâ—se_a follow_v pag._n 3._o lin_v 4._o for_o other_o as_o read_z as_o other_z p._n 4._o l._n 32._o r._n witness_n p._n 5._o l._n 3._o r._n solemn_a p._n 6._o l._n 12._o r_o strong_a p._n 8._o l._n 15._o r._n sufficient_o p._n 15._o l_o 29._o for_o or_o r_o on_o â—b_fw-la l._n 16._o r._n opportunity_n p._n 24._o l._n 14._o for_o of_o r._n or_o p._n 25._o l._n 4._o r._n resolution_n ib._n l._n 32._o forâ—_n be_v r._n be_v a_o lb._n 33._o r._n worthy_n p._n 30._o l._n 21._o for_o 27._o r._n 17._o lb._n 23._o for_o 10._o r._n 8._o p._n 35._o l._n 8._o r._n 1560._o ib._n l._n 30._o r._n 1571._o p._n 38._o l._n 16._o r._n 1584._o p_o 67._o l._n 27._o for_o hoth_n r._n both_o p._n 70._o l._n 12._o for_o he_o r._n the._n p._n 81._o l._n 12._o r._n during_o p._n 88_o l._n 18._o r._n slay_v p._n 100_o l._n 11._o the_o e_o the._n ib._n l._n 12._o r._n general_o ib._n 19_o for_o the_o r._n that_o p._n 103_o l._n 14._o for_o out_o r._n aught_o p._n 120._o l._n 16._o for_o what_o r._n that_o p_o 129._o l_o 12._o r._n rage_v in_o p._n 154._o l._n 23._o for_o where_o r._n be_v p._n 188_o l._n 6._o r._n his_o p_o 281._o l._n 27._o r._n it_o be_v p._n 282._o l._n 13._o r._n advocat_n a_o true_a and_o short_a deduction_n of_o the_o wrestle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n unto_o the_o year_n 1667._o after_o all_o these_o great_a &_o glorious_a thing_n which_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o love_n mercy_n and_o faithfulness_n have_v wrought_v for_o this_o land_n and_o in_o his_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n have_v declare_v among_o we_o these_o clear_a and_o powerful_a manifestation_n of_o his_o bless_a truth_n which_o have_v so_o bright_o shine_v forth_o to_o the_o glory_n beauty_n and_o praise_n of_o this_o whole_a nation_n after_o these_o many_o sacred_a and_o most_o solemn_a engagement_n whereby_o in_o the_o evidence_n and_o power_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n all_o rank_n and_o degree_n from_o the_o king_n even_o to_o the_o mean_a become_v and_o be_v still_o bind_v and_o devote_v to_o the_o most_o high_a and_o holy_a our_o covenant_v god_n and_o to_o our_o bless_a lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o alone_o be_v king_n in_o zion_n and_o of_o all_o saint_n and_o who_o be_v all_o the_o king_n and_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o kingdom_n and_o for_o the_o own_n and_o maintain_v of_o his_o glorious_a work_n and_o precious_a truth_n which_o be_v all_o our_o felicity_n and_o joy_n and_o after_o all_o this_o horrid_a apostasy_n and_o rebellion_n whereby_o the_o same_o wretched_a nation_n in_o the_o same_o generation_n and_o almost_o in_o the_o same_o person_n neither_o from_o the_o conviction_n of_o any_o pretend_a reason_n or_o conscience_n nor_o from_o any_o solid_a persuasion_n of_o the_o very_a advantage_n design_v but_o in_o the_o manifest_a spirit_n of_o wickedness_n and_o violence_n have_v forget_v despise_a and_o blaspheme_v the_o former_a power_n and_o glory_n rebel_v against_o god_n by_o break_v the_o holy_a covenant_n reject_v our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n overturn_v the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o bless_a spirit_n and_o arm_n abrogate_a and_o rescind_v all_o these_o righteous_a law_n and_o ordinance_n whereby_o it_o be_v establish_v and_o by_o most_o unjust_a arbitrary_a and_o cruel_a law_n and_o practice_n have_v endeavour_v the_o rebuilding_n and_o promove_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n and_o antichrist_n and_o precipitate_v of_o all_o man_n either_o into_o the_o same_o condemnation_n with_o themselves_o or_o utter_a ruin_n and_o extermination_n after_o we_o say_v all_o these_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v thus_o wrought_v and_o permit_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o neither_o the_o discouragement_n and_o faint_v of_o some_o nor_o the_o unsuccesfulness_n of_o the_o more_o honest_a and_o zealous_a endeavour_n of_o other_o nor_o yet_o our_o silence_n hithertil_a be_v great_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o for_o who_o eye_n can_v behold_v all_o these_o thing_n without_o dimness_n and_o affect_v of_o the_o heart_n and_o who_o heart_n can_v consider_v they_o without_o astonishment_n and_o horror_n if_o not_o stupefaction_n or_o discouragement_n how_o little_a wonder_n be_v it_o that_o every_o visage_n suppose_v of_o the_o fair_a nazarit_n be_v black_a than_o a_o coal_n that_o every_o eye_n run_v down_o with_o water_n &_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o many_o refuse_n to_o be_v comfort_v &_o neither_o do_v nor_o dare_v rejoice_v as_o other_o people_n when_o not_o only_o by_o their_o go_v a_o whore_v from_o the_o lord_n their_o daily_a bread_n be_v become_v the_o bread_n or_o adversity_n and_o the_o water_n of_o affliction_n and_o when_o their_o famine_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v such_o that_o though_o they_o wander_v from_o sea_n to_o sea_n seek_v it_o they_o can_v find_v it_o bot_n also_o the_o comforter_n that_o shall_v relieve_v their_o soul_n be_v far_o from_o they_o and_o either_o cover_v himself_o with_o a_o cloud_n that_o their_o prayer_n can_v pass_v through_o or_o then_o answer_v they_o only_o by_o terrible_a thing_n in_o righteousness_n how_o can_v they_o who_o by_o their_o vanity_n have_v move_v the_o holy_a god_n to_o jealousy_n and_o thereby_o have_v provoke_v their_o rock_n to_o fell_v they_o stand_v before_o their_o enemy_n or_o chase_v a_o thousand_o &_o put_v ten_o thousand_o to_o flight_n &_o although_o that_o we_o shall_v plead_v with_o our_o mother_n with_o our_o ruler_n &_o with_o all_o other_o rank_n of_o person_n within_o the_o land_n that_o they_o will_v put_v away_o their_o whoredom_n out_o of_o their_o sight_n &_o their_o adultery_n from_o between_o their_o breast_n yet_o what_o hope_n be_v there_o that_o word_n shall_v prevaill_n where_o the_o power_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o most_o high_a be_v contemn_v or_o that_o reason_n shall_v be_v hear_v where_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n be_v reject_v here_o indeed_o be_v matter_n of_o wonder_n and_o praise_n even_o the_o long-suffering_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v salvation_n and_o the_o mercy_n and_o
their_o most_o precious_a concernment_n the_o very_a end_n for_o which_o the_o power_n be_v ordain_v be_v continual_o at_o the_o arbitrament_n of_o any_o court-creature_n or_o flatterer_n proscribe_v and_o persecute_v under_o these_o odious_a name_n of_o treason_n and_o rebellion_n certain_o neither_o the_o alwise_a providence_n of_o god_n not_o yet_o the_o frame_n of_o nature_n can_v endure_v such_o a_o solecism_n for_o our_o part_n as_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o none_o plead_v for_o this_o absolute_a submission_n in_o the_o people_n and_o exemption_n of_o the_o prince_n but_o such_o as_o for_o advance_v of_o their_o own_o interest_n have_v first_o prostrate_v their_o conscience_n to_o the_o prince_n arbitrament_n in_o a_o blind_a &_o absolute_a obedience_n whereby_o they_o know_v themselves_o sufficient_o secure_v from_o all_o smart_n &_o inconvenience_n of_o that_o more_o brutal_a than_o rational_a submission_n contend_v for_o so_o be_v we_o confident_a that_o see_v subjection_n be_v principal_o enjoin_v for_o and_o in_o order_n to_o obedience_n whatsoever_o reason_n or_o authority_n can_v be_v adduce_v to_o persuade_v a_o absolute_a &_o indispensible_a subjection_n will_v far_o more_o rational_o and_o plausible_o infer_v a_o illimited_a and_o absolute_a obedience_n and_o that_o to_o plead_v for_o a_o privilege_n in_o the_o point_n of_o obedience_n &_o to_o disclam_v it_o in_o the_o point_n of_o subjection_n be_v only_o the_o flattety_n of_o such_o as_o have_v renounce_v with_o conscience_n all_o distinction_n of_o obedience_n will_v divest_v other_o of_o all_o privilege_n that_o they_o may_v exercise_v their_o tyranny_n without_o without_o control_v but_o he_o who_o have_v call_v ruler_n god_n do_v notwithstanding_o himself_o remain_v the_o most_o high_a god_n over_o all_o the_o earth_n &_o from_o his_o obedience_n neither_o the_o command_v nor_o violence_n of_o king_n of_o clay_n ought_v in_o the_o least_o to_o remove_v we_o and_o as_o these_o inferior_a prince_n do_v often_o forget_v their_o subordination_n to_o the_o most_o high_a in_o their_o unjust_a command_n &_o will_v usurp_v his_o throne_n by_o a_o uncontrollable_a sovereignty_n so_o the_o lord_n by_o the_o warrant_n of_o his_o word_n and_o approbation_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o also_o of_o the_o people_n when_o by_o they_o oppress_v but_o by_o himself_o animate_v &_o strengthen_v have_v declare_v &_o make_v void_a this_o their_o pretend_a exemption_n and_o impunity_n and_o remove_v the_o carcase_n of_o such_o king_n and_o break_a their_o sceptre_n among_o which_o precedent_n the_o instance_n of_o these_o time_n whereof_o we_o now_o speak_v be_v worthy_o record_v and_o deserve_v better_a to_o be_v remember_v see_v therefore_o that_o neither_o the_o ordinance_n and_o commission_n of_o god_n nor_o yet_o the_o surrender_n of_o the_o people_n though_o into_o one_fw-mi absolute_a slavery_n which_o yet_o no_o presumption_n less_o than_o their_o own_o most_o express_a consent_n can_v possible_o infer_v can_v from_o any_o certain_a and_o rational_a ground_n and_o warrant_n be_v either_o produce_v or_o plead_v for_o vest_v the_o prince_n with_o that_o arbitrary_a and_o irresistible_a power_n and_o dominion_n necessary_a and_o requisite_a to_o oblige_v the_o subject_a to_o a_o stupid_a and_o brutish_a submission_n to_o all_o possible_a injury_n and_o outrage_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o rational_a man_n to_o concede_fw-la that_o privilege_n of_o exemption_n and_o impunity_n to_o wickedness_n and_o fury_n for_o murder_v both_o the_o soul_n &_o body_n of_o poor_a subject_n which_o our_o very_a adversary_n deny_v to_o weakness_n or_o folly_n in_o case_n of_o alienation_n of_o the_o kingdom_n or_o any_o part_n thereof_o or_o any_o such_o gross_a act_n of_o mal-versation_a &_o last_o see_v the_o great_a inconvenience_n of_o open_v a_o door_n to_o rebellion_n &_o all_o disorder_n main_o urge_v by_o the_o adversary_n against_o the_o permit_v of_o the_o people_n any_o judgement_n or_o reflection_n upon_o the_o prince_n act_n do_v more_o rational_o plead_v for_o implicit_a &_o blind_a obedience_n which_o they_o themselves_o disprove_v then_o militat_fw-la against_o necessary_a defence_n and_o resistance_n in_o case_n of_o persecution_n for_o lawful_a nonobedience_n and_o that_o the_o great_a and_o true_a salvo_n of_o all_o these_o inconvenience_n and_o the_o main_a establishment_n of_o the_o throne_n be_v only_o true_a judgement_n and_o righteousness_n no_o sober_a and_o impartial_a person_n can_v condemn_v their_o position_n who_o deny_v that_o a_o tyrannous_a magistrate_n be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n to_o they_o for_o their_o good_a do_v plain_o assert_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o self-defence_n and_o holy_a reformation_n without_o the_o violation_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n but_o if_o all_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o satisfy_v let_v 1._o the_o reason_n of_o god_n deliver_v of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o the_o people_n and_o not_o to_o the_o king_n with_o the_o law_n itself_o deut_n 27._o ver_fw-la 14._o which_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o in_o effect_n of_o tyranny_n foretell_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o samuel_n 1_o sam._n 10._o v._n 10._o by_o way_n of_o dissuasive_a do_v no_o way_n repeal_v 2._o the_o import_n of_o the_o contract_n and_o covenant_n betwixt_o prince_n &_o subject_a with_o the_o unquestionable_a interpretation_n and_o execution_n thereof_o extant_a in_o the_o record_n of_o all_o time_n and_o nation_n 3._o the_o deed_n of_o the_o people_n in_o oppose_a saul_n in_o favour_n of_o jonathan_n 1_o sam._n 14._o v._n 45._o and_o of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n in_o reject_v of_o rehoboam_n 1_o king_n cap._n 12._o which_o thou_o v_o 19_o iâ—_n be_v term_v rebellion_n yet_o be_v it_o no_o more_o thereby_o condemn_v then_o good_a hezekiah_n who_o be_v say_v 2_o king_n 18._o ver_fw-la 7._o to_o have_v rebel_v against_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n and_o oâ—_n libna_n in_o revolt_a from_o under_o jehoram_fw-la 2_o cron._n 21._o 10_o 4._o the_o prophecy_n manner_n &_o practise_v of_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o late_a bless_a reformation_n and_o last_o let_v the_o peculiar_a right_n and_o constution_n of_o this_o kingdom_n by_o king_n and_o parliament_n be_v consider_v and_o solid_o answer_v and_o then_o will_v we_o also_o subscribe_v to_o the_o condemnation_n of_o our_o reformer_n and_o crave_v pardon_n for_o this_o digression_n upon_o these_o ground_n and_o principle_n do_v our_o noble_a ancestor_n vigorous_o bestir_v themselves_o and_o proceed_v in_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o as_o the_o lord_n be_v ever_o with_o they_o while_o they_o be_v with_o he_o and_o do_v mind_v his_o work_n steadfast_o in_o sincerity_n and_o uprightness_n of_o heart_n so_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o falsehood_n and_o faint_n which_o many_o discover_v yet_o the_o lord_n himself_o do_v glorious_o own_v it_o and_o cease_v not_o until_o by_o the_o fair_a product_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n in_o the_o clear_a manifestation_n of_o his_o bless_a evangil_n he_o have_v without_o the_o least_o prejudice_n of_o the_o fundamental_a constitution_n and_o right_n of_o government_n to_o the_o eternal_a confutation_n of_o all_o calumny_n and_o reproach_n put_v on_o the_o copestone_n with_o these_o joyous_a and_o never_o to_o be_v forget_v acclamation_n of_o grace_n grace_n thus_o in_o the_o year_n 1560._o the_o land_n be_v enlighten_v the_o bless_a gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n again_o reveal_v and_o restore_v in_o so_o much_o that_o both_o by_o the_o first_o general_n assembly_n of_o this_o church_n then_o conveening_a and_o the_o parliament_n then_o hold_v a_o large_a confession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n be_v frame_v approve_a and_o publish_v o_o that_o man_n will_v remember_v serious_o consider_v and_o fix_v in_o their_o heart_n the_o greatness_n and_o excellency_n of_o this_o work_n of_o grace_n and_o glory_n bring_v salvation_n peace_n and_o goodwill_n towards_o man_n and_o manifest_v the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o high_a that_o in_o the_o just_a estimation_n thereof_o they_o may_v also_o due_o and_o true_o ponder_v discern_v approve_v or_o reject_v all_o thing_n conduce_v either_o to_o its_o advantage_n or_o prejudice_n but_o here_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o misery_n that_o though_o this_o light_n be_v only_o our_o life_n and_o the_o salvation_n and_o redemption_n thereby_o reveal_v be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o project_n of_o god_n eternal_a love_n and_o the_o subject_n of_o his_o eternal_a delight_n and_o be_v more_o dear_a and_o glorious_a to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n than_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n &_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n yet_o man_n so_o great_o and_o high_o therein_o concern_v do_v at_o best_a but_o rejoice_v therein_o for_o a_o season_n and_o soon_o relapse_n first_o into_o indifferency_n and_o formality_n and_o then_o into_o error_n superstition_n and_o all_o ignorance_n this_o the_o devil_n the_o author_n of_o all_o wickness_n know_v and_o improve_n to_o
discipline_n promise_v by_o the_o great_a name_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n to_o continue_v in_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n thereof_o all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n which_o discipline_n as_o the_o forego_n assertion_n do_v clear_o discover_v to_o have_v be_v from_o the_o beginning_n fundamental_o presbyterial_a so_o the_o model_n of_o presbytery_n be_v now_o complete_v and_o any_o shadow_n of_o power_n that_o the_o mock-bishop_n have_v late_o usurp_v be_v now_o full_o abrogate_a it_o be_v sufficient_o clear_a that_o both_o prelacy_n be_v by_o this_o covenant_n abjure_v and_o presbytery_n own_a and_o swear_v to_o and_o real_o if_o it_o be_v further_o consider_v that_o the_o assembly_n both_o 1581._o and_o 1590._o while_o most_o intent_n and_o forward_a in_o the_o erect_n of_o presbytery_n do_v enjoin_v and_o require_v the_o same_o to_o be_v subscribe_v by_o all_o rank_n of_o people_n in_o the_o land_n and_o that_o these_o act_n be_v both_o second_v and_o enforce_v by_o ordinance_n of_o king_n and_o council_n it_o may_v be_v just_o doubt_v whether_o the_o impudence_n of_o the_o succeed_a prelate_n in_o deny_v of_o the_o obligation_n or_o perjury_n in_o break_v of_o it_o be_v great_a this_o be_v the_o great_a oath_n into_o which_o as_o the_o lord_n god_n do_v bring_v we_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n and_o truth_n in_o opposition_n to_o that_o bloody_a bond_n call_v the_o holy_a league_n wherein_o antichrist_n and_o his_o follower_n have_v at_o that_o time_n conjure_v themselves_o against_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n so_o the_o kingdom_n thereby_o become_v the_o lord_n and_o we_o his_o peculiar_a people_n aswell_a by_o the_o people_n subject_v of_o themselves_o and_o their_o allegiance_n as_o by_o the_o king_n be_v submit_v himself_o and_o his_o sceptre_n in_o a_o due_a subordination_n unto_o god_n and_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o maintenance_n and_o defence_n of_o his_o church_n and_o gospel_n the_o liberty_n of_o the_o land_n and_o ministration_n of_o justice_n and_o this_o oath_n and_o the_o ordinance_n enjoin_v it_o notwithstanding_o the_o many_o fearful_a violation_n thereof_o that_o have_v ensue_v do_v yet_o stand_v to_o this_o day_n unrepealed_a and_o declare_v against_o to_o the_o unanswerable_a conviction_n and_o condemnation_n even_o in_o their_o own_o court_n and_o conscience_n of_o all_o it_o be_v wicked_a transgressor_n 6._o as_o the_o tulchan_n bishop_n be_v the_o effect_n and_o product_v of_o the_o avarice_n of_o these_o lord_n that_o favour_v they_o so_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o avarice_n and_o wickedness_n do_v again_o resist_v the_o work_n of_o god_n when_o almost_o bring_v to_o perfection_n by_o stir_v up_o certain_a of_o the_o noble_n to_o re-induce_a bishop_n for_o the_o better_a enhance_a of_o their_o benefice_n and_o the_o devour_a of_o the_o church_n patrimony_n and_o not_o only_o for_o their_o better_a establishment_n that_o what_o 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himself_o into_o her_o power_n and_o privilege_n unto_o which_o he_o be_v neither_o call_v nor_o gift_v as_o to_o assume_v to_o himself_o a_o sovereign_n &_o immediate_a power_n of_o judge_v and_o discern_v upon_o doctrine_n and_o her_o most_o spiritual_a right_n and_o censure_n and_o thereby_o in_o effect_n not_o only_o to_o constitut_v himself_o a_o proper_a and_o direct_a church-officer_n without_o our_o lord_n appointment_n but_o in_o stead_n of_o papacy_n so_o just_o abrogate_a and_o so_o solemn_o abjure_v to_o erect_v and_o revive_v the_o same_o in_o himself_o a_o secular_a person_n far_o more_o absurd_o and_o intolerable_o we_o know_v that_o other_o formality_n and_o notion_n be_v pretend_v as_o these_o of_o treason_n sedition_n and_o disorder_n to_o palliate_v and_o colour_v this_o usurpation_n but_o see_v nothing_o speak_v or_o act_v by_o warrant_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v fall_v under_o the_o definition_n or_o pain_n of_o these_o crime_n and_o that_o all_o 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prerogative_n that_o it_o be_v
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say_n so_o god_n shake_v out_o every_o man_n from_o his_o house_n &_o from_o his_o labour_n that_o perform_v not_o this_o promise_n even_o thus_o be_v he_o shake_v out_o and_o empty_v and_o all_o the_o congregation_n say_v amen_o jer._n 34._o v._n 18_o 19_o 20_o &_o 21._o and_o 2_o chron._n 24.23_o 24_o &_o 25._o with_o this_o pathetic_a application_n that_o if_o they_o shall_v break_v the_o covenant_n god_n will_v shake_v off_o the_o king_n crown_n and_o turn_v he_o from_o the_o throne_n that_o he_o will_v shake_v the_o noble_n out_o of_o their_o possession_n and_o empty_v they_o of_o their_o glory_n and_o will_v deliver_v both_o to_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n who_o seek_v their_o life_n that_o breach_n of_o covenant_n and_o rebellion_n against_o god_n be_v a_o old_a and_o continue_a sin_n in_o the_o king_n house_n which_o god_n have_v already_o severe_o punish_v if_o therefore_o the_o king_n shall_v not_o acknowledge_v jesus_n christ_n king_n of_o zion_n who_o be_v above_o he_o but_o break_v this_o covenant_n god_n controversy_n against_o the_o king_n family_n will_v be_v carry_v on_o unto_o the_o weaken_n if_o not_o the_o overthrow_n of_o it_o and_o last_o both_o the_o king_n and_o noble_n be_v certify_v that_o if_o the_o king_n and_o they_o who_o be_v engage_v to_o support_v his_o crown_n shall_v conspire_v together_o against_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n both_o the_o supporter_n and_o the_o support_v will_v fall_v together_o this_o be_v that_o great_a action_n wherein_o almost_o all_o the_o solemnity_n be_v so_o twist_v with_o that_o sacred_a bond_n that_o the_o world_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o never_o king_n and_o people_n under_o the_o sun_n become_v so_o express_o and_o strict_o oblige_v both_o unto_o god_n one_o to_o another_o &_o among_o themselves_o as_o we_o be_v and_o be_v by_o these_o most_o sacred_a oath_n of_o the_o holy_a covenant_n most_o indissoluble_o engage_v the_o four_o and_o last_o advantage_n be_v that_o plenary_a and_o last_o compliment_n of_o all_o security_n whatsoever_o among_o man_n viz._n the_o ratification_n of_o all_o these_o precede_a treaty_n transaction_n engagement_n and_o action_n conclude_v and_o enact_v by_o the_o king_n then_o have_v attain_v the_o age_n of_o 21_o year_n complete_a and_o the_o parliament_n full_o and_o free_o convene_v in_o the_o month_n of_o june_n 1651._o whereby_o the_o same_o do_v pass_v into_o a_o perpetual_a law_n and_o this_o covenant_n which_o from_o the_o beginning_n be_v and_o be_v the_o most_o firm_a and_o indispensible_a oath_n of_o god_n become_v at_o length_n the_o very_a fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n whereon_o all_o the_o right_n and_o privilege_n either_o of_o king_n or_o people_n be_v principal_o bottom_v and_o secure_v this_o be_v the_o fair_a side_n of_o the_o transaction_n and_o providence_n of_o thesse_n time_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v favourable_a presence_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o that_o zeal_n which_o we_o have_v mention_v o_o that_o we_o have_v sincere_o mind_v and_o walk_v agreeable_o to_o all_o these_o engagement_n sure_o our_o time_n shall_v have_v endure_v for_o ever_o but_o see_v both_o our_o own_o backslide_n and_o the_o lord_n be_v withdraw_v from_o we_o do_v evident_o testify_v against_o we_o let_v we_o ascribe_v righteousness_n unto_o our_o god_n that_o in_o the_o remembrance_n of_o all_o these_o judgement_n wherewith_o he_o have_v punish_v we_o less_o than_o our_o inquity_n deserve_v we_o may_v not_o only_o take_v unto_o ourselves_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n because_o we_o have_v sin_v against_o he_o and_o thereby_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o all_o these_o blasphemy_n and_o boasting_n of_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o holy_a covenant_n which_o our_o backslide_n have_v so_o wide_o open_v but_o in_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n be_v encourage_v to_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n and_o for_o the_o return_n of_o our_o depart_v glory_n although_o we_o have_v rebel_v against_o he_o the_o principal_a step_n of_o our_o defection_n and_o the_o only_a rise_n and_o cause_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o calamity_n we_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v no_o other_o then_o that_o which_o be_v the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o light_n indeed_o come_v unto_o we_o but_o we_o love_v darkness_n better_a than_o light_n because_o our_o deed_n be_v evil_a for_o the_o lord_n do_v cause_v his_o gospel_n to_o shine_v among_o we_o in_o as_o great_a power_n and_o purity_n as_o ever_o any_o nation_n enjoy_v and_o by_o the_o advantage_n of_o his_o own_o holy_a ministry_n and_o government_n &_o the_o accession_n of_o our_o many_o fold_n covenant_n and_o engadgement_n do_v beautify_v and_o secure_v the_o same_o unto_o we_o and_o though_o that_o after_o a_o long_a continuance_n of_o all_o these_o blessing_n the_o lord_n by_o
glory_n and_o the_o king_n service_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v as_o the_o letter_n itself_o set_v down_o at_o large_a in_o the_o apologetic_a narration_n do_v testify_v and_o though_o this_o duty_n and_o employment_n be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o the_o mean_a subject_n in_o the_o most_o private_a capacity_n may_v and_o all_o be_v indispensible_o oblige_v to_o have_v do_v yet_o those_o minister_n and_o one_o gentleman_n with_o they_o be_v therefore_o instant_o without_o hear_v commit_v prisoner_n 3._o this_o committee_n proceed_v to_o prepare_v for_o the_o succeed_a parliament_n which_o be_v all_o its_o work_n and_o design_n the_o parliament_n sit_v down_o the_o 1_o day_n of_o january_n where_o have_v take_v the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n without_o respect_n to_o its_o due_a limitation_n contain_v in_o the_o 114._o act._n ja._n 6._o parl._n 12._o 1592._o then_o stand_v unrepealed_a and_o exalt_v the_o king_n prerogative_n upon_o the_o allege_v warrant_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o law_n of_o the_o land_n but_o in_o effect_n direct_o contrary_a to_o both_o above_o all_o office_n parliament_n law_n league_n convention_n peace_n and_o war_n and_o likewise_o upon_o mere_a assertion_n &_o allegiance_n in_o place_n of_o declare_v upon_o know_v and_o certain_a ground_n which_o be_v all_o that_o any_o parliament_n can_v lawful_o do_v direct_o innovate_a the_o fundamental_a law_n &_o constitution_n of_o the_o kingdom_n &_o thereby_o make_v the_o king_n throne_n the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o succeed_a perjury_n and_o apostasy_n they_o spoil_v and_o divest_v first_o the_o solemn_z league_n and_o covenant_n and_o then_o the_o national_a covenant_n presbyterial_a government_n &_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o god_n of_o all_o legal_a warrant_n and_o authority_n declare_v all_o act_n and_o practice_n make_v and_o stand_v in_o favour_n thereof_o to_o be_v void_a and_o null_a and_o by_o the_o same_o great_a act_n rescissory_a they_o revive_v and_o reinforce_v all_o 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consonant_a to_o their_o act_n and_o statute_n and_o by_o cut_v off_o or_o lay_v aside_o it_o be_v most_o eminent_a opposer_n the_o return_n of_o prelacy_n may_v be_v more_o effectual_o promote_v in_o the_o same_o session_n of_o parliament_n not_o only_o be_v that_o innocent_a and_o faithful_a one_o mr_n cutâ—ry_n single_v out_o and_o signal_o honour_v by_o god_n to_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n his_o cause_n and_o covenant_n for_o no_o other_o fault_n than_o his_o faithfulness_n therein_o and_o his_o decline_a the_o king_n usurp_a authority_n in_o prejudice_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o church_n clear_o warrand_v by_o 114_o act_n parl._n 12._o la._n 6._o then_o stand_v unrepeal_v and_o by_o a_o great_a cloud_n of_o faithful_a witness_n who_o in_o like_a manner_n do_v testify_v against_o this_o usurpation_n cruel_o slay_v and_o put_v to_o death_n but_o also_o under_o the_o colour_n of_o certain_a epidemic_a crime_n wherein_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o divine_a providence_n more_o than_o any_o man_n malice_n have_v involve_v the_o whole_a land_n other_o who_o have_v be_v eminent_a in_o the_o work_n of_o god_n particular_o the_o marquis_n of_o argyle_n be_v condemn_v to_o death_n and_o forfeit_v and_o several_a other_o faithful_a minister_n beside_o these_o who_o be_v at_o first_o imprison_v by_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n be_v without_o any_o cause_n signify_v imprison_v confine_v or_o otherwise_o vex_v and_o incapacitate_v 4._o the_o rise_n and_o re-establishment_n of_o this_o antichristian_a prelacy_n be_v thus_o prepare_v in_o the_o interval_n after_o this_o first_o session_n of_o parliament_n the_o king_n nominate_v and_o present_v bishop_n and_o four_o of_o they_o be_v call_v to_o court_n be_v there_o re-ordained_n and_o consecrate_a and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o do_v clear_o infer_v their_o disow_n and_o renounce_v their_o former_a minstery_n and_o their_o warrant_n &_o mission_n thereunto_o in_o consequence_n whereof_o all_o the_o ordinary_a meeting_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v discharge_v until_o they_o shall_v of_o new_a be_v licence_v &_o authorize_v thereto_o by_o the_o bishop_n now_o nominate_v and_o appoint_v and_o to_o the_o effect_n that_o matter_n may_v the_o better_o succeed_v several_a of_o our_o faithful_a minister_n upon_o groundless_a suspicion_n and_o for_o refuse_v of_o the_o oath_n of_o supremacy_n arbitrar_o and_o rigorous_o impose_v without_o so_o much_o as_o admit_v such_o qualification_n as_o no_o christian_n ought_v or_o can_v deny_v be_v some_o of_o they_o banish_v and_o other_o confine_v 5._o the_o second_o session_n of_o this_o last_o parliament_n sit_v in_o may_n 1662._o by_o their_o first_o act_n they_o restore_v and_o re-establish_a prelacy_n in_o all_o it_o be_v pretend_v right_n dignity_n and_o privilege_n but_o in_o effect_n in_o its_o real_a usurpation_n and_o corruption_n and_o for_o the_o better_a settle_v thereof_o and_o evident_a declare_v to_o the_o world_n how_o erastian_n and_o antichristian_a this_o woeful_a government_n be_v both_o in_o its_o rise_n design_n and_o effect_n as_o by_o this_o act_n the_o restitution_n thereof_o be_v express_o found_v upon_o the_o king_n supremacy_n as_o be_v a_o inherent_a right_n in_o the_o crown_n for_o the_o disposal_n of_o the_o external_a government_n of_o the_o church_n so_o it_o be_v also_o declare_v that_o whatever_o the_o king_n shall_v determine_v with_o advice_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o such_o of_o the_o clergy_n as_o he_o shall_v nominate_v in_o the_o external_a government_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v valid_a and_o effectual_a without_o any_o other_o proviso_n then_o that_o the_o same_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o law_n of_o the_o realm_n but_o the_o absolute_a compliment_n of_o all_o wickedness_n and_o the_o hight_n of_o usurpation_n above_o all_o that_o ever_o the_o papacy_n itself_o aspire_v unto_o be_v that_o which_o follow_v whereby_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n for_o clear_v all_o scruple_n which_o may_v occur_v from_o former_a act_n and_o practice_n do_v rescind_v all_o former_a act_n by_o which_o the_o sole_a and_o only_a power_n of_o jurisdiction_n within_o this_o church_n do_v stand_v in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o meeting_n and_o assembly_n thereof_o and_o all_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o council_n which_o may_v be_v interpret_v to_o have_v give_v any_o church-power_n jurisdiction_n or_o government_n to_o the_o office-bearer_n of_o the_o church_n their_o respective_a meeting_n other_o than_o that_o which_o acknowledge_v a_o dependence_n upon_o and_o subordination_n to_o the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a and_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v and_o authorize_v in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o by_o the_o bishop_n who_o be_v to_o put_v order_n to_o ecclesiastic_a matter_n and_o to_o be_v accountable_a to_o the_o king_n for_o their_o administration_n and_o the_o foresay_a 114_o act_n parl._n 12._o la._n 6._o whereby_o the_o privilege_n power_n
ordain_v neither_o can_v this_o inference_n appear_v unwarrant_v or_o hard_o unto_o any_o who_o will_v impartial_o consider_v that_o though_o the_o same_o qualification_n do_v in_o the_o like_a manner_n affect_v and_o define_v all_o duty_n whatsoever_o which_o we_o owe_v either_o to_o god_n or_o our_o country_n yet_o it_o be_v most_o absurd_a thence_o to_o infer_v that_o if_o these_o more_o eminent_o entrust_v shall_v either_o turn_v direct_o apostate_n and_o enemy_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o adversary_n and_o destroyer_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n the_o people_n of_o a_o inferior_a degree_n may_v not_o step_v forward_o to_o occupy_v the_o place_n and_o assert_v the_o interest_n which_o these_o wicked_a man_n have_v so_o traitorous_o forfault_v and_o desert_v all_o which_o must_v necessary_o be_v grant_v if_o it_o be_v but_o right_o consider_v that_o as_o order_n and_o the_o observance_n thereof_o be_v only_o a_o mean_a subordinate_a to_o and_o intend_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o people_n so_o must_v all_o the_o regulation_n and_o determination_n thereof_o be_v only_o admit_v in_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v conducible_a and_o no_o way_n to_o render_v it_o destructive_a or_o repugnant_a to_o these_o great_a end_n of_o its_o appointment_n from_o all_o which_o we_o clear_o conclude_v that_o their_o word_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o place_n and_o calling_n be_v no_o more_o restrictive_a in_o the_o case_n above_o mention_v than_o a_o general_n be_v command_n to_o his_o soldier_n enter_v in_o battle_n be_v thus_o qualify_v do_v impede_fw-la the_o necessity_n of_o succession_n in_o case_n of_o the_o vacancy_n of_o any_o charge_n either_o through_o death_n or_o desertion_n requisite_a for_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o propose_a end_n of_o victory_n but_o that_o they_o be_v in_o effect_n special_o the_o antecedent_n and_o subjoin_v word_n sincere_o real_o and_o constant_o all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n be_v consider_v rather_o exegetick_a and_o ampliative_a 8._o that_o whatsoever_o law_n covenant_n and_o engagement_n be_v stand_v and_o bind_v unto_o we_o before_o this_o late_a fearful_a apostasy_n and_o defection_n they_o be_v still_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o that_o fear_v his_o name_n and_o mind_n his_o glory_n the_o rather_o more_o strong_a and_o oblige_v then_o in_o the_o least_o infringe_v or_o dissolve_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o such_o sacred_a oath_n so_o solemn_o swear_v unto_o the_o most_o high_a and_o such_o righteous_a law_n by_o virtue_n thereof_o statute_v and_o enact_v for_o the_o carry_v on_o and_o establishment_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n thereby_o intend_v shall_v be_v ambulatory_a and_o mutable_a at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o man_n special_o of_o such_o who_o without_o regard_n of_o god_n conscience_n honour_n or_o honesty_n have_v in_o the_o very_a pride_n and_o power_n of_o wickedness_n not_o only_o break_v the_o lord_n band_n casten_z away_z his_o cord_n and_o violent_o under_o the_o pretext_n of_o abuse_a authority_n overturn_v his_o whole_a work_n but_o do_v despite_n against_o the_o same_o both_o by_o ignominious_a burn_a and_o blaspheme_v of_o the_o lord_n holy_a covenant_n and_o this_o position_n rescissory_a we_o oppose_v unto_o their_o great_a act_n rescissory_a and_o to_o all_o act_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n antecedent_n thereto_o or_o dependent_a thereupon_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o though_o now_o they_o appear_v unequal_o balance_v yet_o the_o lord_n shall_v declare_v from_o heaven_n his_o righteousness_n and_o laugh_v at_o his_o enemy_n act_n and_o devise_n and_o have_v they_o all_o in_o derision_n 9_o that_o though_o we_o do_v hearty_o approve_v their_o 〈◊〉_d veneration_n and_o just_a esteem_n of_o lawful_a authority_n the_o great_a and_o excellent_a ordinance_n of_o god_n who_o to_o prevent_v all_o prejudice_n that_o it_o may_v incur_v and_o inconvenience_n that_o may_v ensue_v thereon_o do_v so_o far_o transmit_v this_o respect_n to_o the_o person_n therewith_o vest_v as_o to_o hold_v for_o a_o maxim_n but_o indeed_o equal_o against_o religion_n reason_n and_o experience_n that_o the_o king_n do_v no_o wrong_n and_o though_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o true_a rise_n and_o cause_n of_o the_o sin_n and_o calamity_n under_o which_o we_o lie_v be_v from_o the_o malice_n perjury_n flattery_n and_o violence_n of_o that_o antichristian_a spirit_n rule_v in_o the_o apostate_n prelate_n and_o therefore_o will_v willing_o clothe_v ourselves_o even_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n with_o that_o ample_a allowance_n and_o full_a authority_n whereby_o the_o king_n do_v once_o approve_v the_o holy_a covenant_n and_o countenance_v the_o lord_n work_v as_o if_o the_o same_o do_v yet_o stand_v as_o it_o ought_v not_o retract_v or_o repeal_v yet_o see_v our_o late_a parliament_n by_o their_o second_o act_n session_n second_o have_v reprobate_v and_o discharge_v all_o pretence_n of_o authority_n in_o this_o kind_n notwithstanding_o that_o the_o same_o have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v most_o necessary_a in_o many_o case_n for_o the_o preserve_n of_o the_o kingdom_n &_o salve_v of_o state-inconvenience_n we_o do_v therefore_o rather_o subsist_v on_o the_o former_a ground_n and_o turn_v our_o complaint_n and_o prayer_n unto_o god_n who_o be_v the_o great_a king_n over_o all_o look_v for_o his_o appearance_n and_o wait_v for_o his_o salvation_n 10._o that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o defence_n and_o maintenance_n of_o the_o bless_a gospel_n and_o it_o be_v precious_a ministry_n and_o ordinance_n be_v duty_n &_o concernment_n infinite_o more_o important_a than_o the_o defence_n and_o preservation_n of_o our_o life_n liberty_n and_o the_o commonwealth_n against_o the_o most_o barbarous_a and_o horrid_a violence_n and_o injury_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v likeas_a the_o violation_n and_o destruction_n of_o all_o these_o be_v so_o evident_o design_v and_o wicked_o practise_v by_o this_o late_a and_o present_a apostasy_n that_o a_o clear_a ground_n and_o cause_n of_o self-defence_n and_o reformation_n can_v possible_o be_v suppose_v so_o that_o to_o condescend_v to_o answer_v the_o peevish_a clamour_n of_o these_o neutral_a and_o careless_a man_n who_o say_v what_o need_v all_o this_o noise_n for_o the_o extrinsic_a and_o arbitrary_a form_n of_o government_n and_o mode_n of_o worship_n both_o with_o and_o without_o which_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n have_v equal_o flourish_v and_o prosper_v where_o to_o shut_v our_o eye_n from_o behold_v the_o glory_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o in_o this_o land_n have_v so_o visible_o appear_v in_o and_o be_v advance_v by_o this_o great_a ordinance_n of_o presbytery_n by_o himself_o for_o that_o end_n appoint_v and_o also_o from_o the_o observe_n of_o these_o deludge_n of_o profanity_n wickedness_n superstition_n and_o violence_n which_o the_o devil_n by_o his_o great_a engine_n of_o prelacy_n have_v always_o and_o in_o all_o church_n cause_v and_o procure_v 11._o that_o as_o such_o be_v the_o state_n condition_n and_o engagement_n of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o king_n return_n and_o before_o the_o re-erecting_a of_o this_o prelacy_n that_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o nation_n be_v most_o strict_o oblige_v sincere_o real_o and_o constant_o to_o have_v resist_v and_o oppose_v this_o wicked_a defection_n to_o the_o last_o drop_n of_o their_o blood_n so_o the_o sinful_a compliance_n of_o many_o and_o woeful_a faint_a and_o withdraw_v of_o other_o may_v indeed_o incapacitat_fw-la such_o as_o remain_v faithful_a from_o the_o best_a but_o neither_o can_v nor_o can_v disengage_v they_o from_o their_o utmost_a endeavour_n from_o these_o ground_n and_o what_o have_v be_v former_o represent_v the_o argument_n of_o the_o indictment_n of_o treason_n abovementioned_a viz._n that_o all_o convocation_n and_o rise_n in_o arm_n or_o subject_n enter_v in_o league_n without_o or_o against_o the_o king_n authority_n be_v treasonable_a but_o such_o be_v the_o late_a rise_n and_o renew_v of_o the_o covenant_n therefore_o etc._n etc._n may_v be_v easy_o and_o clear_o answer_v that_o all_o such_o rise_n and_o enter_v into_o league_n as_o be_v not_o warrand_v and_o command_v by_o the_o superior_a law_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o be_v king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n which_o by_o our_o own_o express_a act_n and_o statute_n be_v acknowledge_v and_o be_v not_o found_v upon_o the_o fundamental_a right_n and_o necessary_o intend_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n the_o great_a and_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o law_n and_o government_n according_a whereunto_o our_o law_n have_v also_o by_o posterior_n statute_n be_v express_o interpret_v be_v indeed_o treasonable_a but_o such_o the_o late_a rise_n be_v not_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_n be_v more_o clear_o approven_v by_o these_o ground_n than_o
towards_o god_n and_o true_a loyalty_n and_o during_o the_o king_n exile_n do_v retain_v a_o more_o faithful_a remembrance_n of_o his_o interest_n according_a to_o the_o covenant_n than_o many_o other_o place_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v of_o all_o other_o shire_n within_o the_o same_o in_o recompense_n thereof_o reward_v with_o the_o title_n of_o disaffect_v person_n rebel_n man_n of_o pernicious_a and_o disloyal_a principle_n and_o spoil_v of_o their_o good_n whence_o shall_v these_o who_o be_v spoil_v of_o all_o arm_n first_o by_o the_o english_a and_o then_o by_o the_o council_n since_o the_o king_n return_n be_v presume_v to_o have_v conceal_v arm_n what_o ground_n be_v there_o to_o suggest_v unto_o the_o world_n the_o transportation_n of_o arm_n from_o enemy_n must_v every_o man_n who_o will_v not_o throw_v away_o for_o nothing_o his_o horse_n and_o arm_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v by_o his_o money_n be_v therefore_o a_o seditious_a and_o disaffect_v person_n and_o according_o proceed_v against_o with_o all_o rigour_n if_o none_o within_o these_o shire_n must_v keep_v a_o horse_n exceed_v the_o value_n abovementioned_a how_o impossible_a be_v it_o to_o labour_n much_o of_o the_o ground_n how_o be_v covetous_a wretch_n in_o hope_n of_o gain_v horse_n without_o payment_n and_o the_o half_a of_o the_o fine_n for_o conceal_a arm_n animate_v to_o give_v in_o invidious_a information_n against_o the_o owner_n and_o many_o poor_a well_o mean_v people_n tempt_v to_o redeem_v their_o beast_n at_o the_o rate_n of_o perjury_n and_o breach_n of_o covenant_n what_o a_o absurd_a thing_n be_v it_o to_o punish_v man_n otherways_o innocent_a only_o for_o not_o accept_v or_o desert_v public_a trust_n whereunto_o they_o neither_o have_v access_n nor_o can_v continue_v in_o without_o formal_a and_o express_a perjury_n how_o irrational_a and_o unjust_a be_v it_o to_o command_v under_o a_o penalty_n parishioner_n to_o do_v that_o which_o may_v be_v impossible_a yea_o without_o the_o compass_n of_o their_o knowledge_n such_o as_o oppose_v but_o much_o more_o apprehend_v and_o present_v surprizer_n wherewith_o i_o pray_v you_o shall_v these_o who_o must_v deliver_v up_o all_o their_o arm_n reserve_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o sword_n defend_v themselves_o or_o any_o other_o man_n against_o violence_n and_o surprisal_n we_o read_v in_o our_o history_n of_o a_o law_n whereby_o for_o repress_v of_o theft_n man_n be_v not_o to_o shut_v their_o door_n in_o the_o night_n and_o satisfaction_n be_v insure_v to_o the_o owner_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o shall_v be_v steal_v from_o he_o whereupon_o a_o countryman_n allege_v his_o good_n to_o be_v steal_v obtain_a payment_n but_o be_v find_v thereafter_o that_o himself_o have_v hide_v they_o he_o be_v hang_v for_o a_o reward_n to_o himself_o and_o example_n to_o other_o now_o what_o if_o some_o of_o these_o covetous_a and_o malicious_a man_n shall_v for_o who_o can_v rational_o promise_v and_o secure_v but_o that_o they_o who_o have_v do_v worse_o may_v also_o thus_o abstract_a or_o cause_n abstract_n their_o own_o good_n what_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v immediate_o smite_v they_o for_o offer_v strange_a fire_n or_o thief_n and_o robers_n shall_v fall_v upon_o they_o or_o evil_n spirit_n in_o humane_a shape_n shall_v haunt_v or_o hurt_v they_o must_v innocent_a people_n upon_o their_o invidious_a &_o false_a allegiance_n be_v therefore_o punish_v as_o if_o the_o parishioner_n of_o carphaâ—â—_n shall_v pay_v for_o mckinney_n silver_n plate_n which_o his_o own_o servant_n steal_v from_o he_o ah_o scotland_n which_o the_o lord_n plant_v a_o noble_a vine_n whole_o a_o right_a seed_n how_o be_v thou_o turn_v into_o a_o degenerate_a plant_n of_o a_o strange_a vine_n where_o be_v now_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o father_n that_o as_o if_o thy_o inhabitant_n be_v neither_o christian_n men_n nor_o patriot_n religion_n the_o land_n ourselves_o and_o the_o posterity_n in_o body_n conscience_n and_o estate_n shall_v be_v thus_o emancipate_v to_o the_o interest_n lust_n and_o design_n of_o 14_o prelate_n and_o their_o hireling_n who_o the_o lord_n spare_v be_v a_o great_a wonder_n then_o if_o he_o shall_v convert_v they_o into_o pillar_n of_o salt_n for_o their_o apostasy_n o_o backslider_n scotland_n remember_v from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v repent_v and_o do_v the_o first_o work_n or_o else_o he_o will_v come_v unto_o thou_o quick_o and_o will_v remove_v thy_o candlestcik_n out_o of_o his_o place_n except_o thou_o repent_v finis_fw-la
god_n with_o more_o faithfulness_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o truth_n without_o the_o least_o injurious_a reflection_n thereupon_o or_o their_o own_o adherence_n thereunto_o with_o more_o equability_n and_o composure_n of_o spirit_n sweet_o temper_v with_o the_o sorrow_n be_v of_o sin_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o assurance_n of_o pardon_n and_o life_n everlasting_a and_o with_o less_o perturbation_n of_o mind_n and_o alteration_n of_o carriage_n or_o countenance_n than_o these_o worthy_n do_v here_o indeed_o be_v the_o faith_n and_o patience_n of_o the_o saint_n here_o do_v the_o lord_n stand_v by_o and_o strengthen_v they_o who_o other_o forsake_v yea_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o admiration_n of_o all_o the_o conviction_n of_o many_o of_o their_o adversary_n the_o confirmation_n &_o establishment_n of_o the_o cause_n the_o encouragement_n of_o many_o thousand_o his_o own_o eternal_a glory_n and_o their_o immortal_a commendation_n do_v work_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o 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assert_v and_o propugn_v this_o or_o that_o particular_a truth_n so_o in_o this_o distribution_n whereas_o other_o church_n have_v assert_v and_o contend_v for_o his_o priestly_a and_o prophetical_a office_n the_o lot_n seem_v to_o have_v fall_v upon_o scotland_n to_o assert_v and_o wrestle_v more_o eminent_o than_o many_o other_o for_o the_o croun_n and_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o establishment_n of_o this_o do_v our_o first_o famous_a reformer_n strive_v by_o the_o evidence_n of_o holy_a scripture_n as_o well_o as_o for_o soundness_n of_o doctrine_n and_o purity_n of_o worship_n for_o preservation_n and_o restauration_n of_o this_o do_v their_o worthy_a successor_n zealous_o contend_v by_o petition_n warning_n conference_n and_o disputation_n all_o invasion_n usurpation_n or_o the_o least_o encroachment_n upon_o this_o diâ—_n they_o valiant_o resist_v by_o protestation_n and_o declinature_n and_o for_o a_o testimony_n to_o this_o do_v they_o patient_o suffer_v bond_n imprisonment_n confinement_n sentence_n of_o death_n and_o of_o late_a death_n itself_o neither_o shall_v any_o man_n think_v this_o strange_a as_o if_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v in_o itself_o unlawful_a or_o the_o species_n of_o church_n government_n be_v indifferent_a and_o consequent_o contend_v and_o suffer_v therefore_o unwarrantable_a or_o needless_a as_o pretender_n to_o different_a form_n upon_o the_o right_n and_o left_a hand_n will_v have_v the_o world_n believe_v hithertil_a indeed_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n have_v heen_n as_o a_o speckled_a bird_n and_o the_o bird_n round_o about_o have_v be_v against_o she_o she_o have_v endure_v the_o scourge_n of_o many_o tongue_n as_o well_o as_o the_o violence_n of_o many_o hand_n upon_o both_o hand_n false_a witness_n have_v lay_v to_o her_o charge_n thing_n which_o she_o know_v not_o as_o be_v among_o other_o thing_n too_o laxe_n or_o too_o rigid_a yea_o as_o unnatural_a child_n have_v eat_v through_o their_o 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heart_n that_o they_o may_v take_v revenge_n on_o themselves_o charity_n which_o think_v no_o evil_a obleege_v to_o believe_v till_o we_o see_v the_o contrary_a that_o scripture_n conscience_n covenant_n and_o credit_n will_v make_v those_o who_o do_v once_o laudable_o assert_v constant_o propugn_v and_o adhere_v to_o the_o ius_n divinum_fw-la of_o presbyterial_a government_n until_o they_o publish_v which_o none_o can_v do_v as_o convince_v reason_n of_o retractation_n &_o contrary_a practice_n and_o whatever_o may_v be_v expect_v of_o other_o religion_n reason_n candor_n gratitude_n and_o policy_n will_v seem_v to_o require_v that_o those_o who_o in_o their_o distress_n entreat_v &_o obtain_v the_o successful_a assistance_n of_o the_o covenant_v interest_n of_o scotland_n &_o other_o who_o owe_v thereunto_o whatever_o they_o be_v or_o have_v more_o than_o just_a nothing_o debt_n or_o break_a fortune_n shall_v have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o contemptuous_a throw_v away_o the_o covenant_n as_o a_o old_a almâ—nack_n when_o by_o it_o as_o a_o
convince_v we_o of_o the_o manifold_a wilful_a renew_a breach_n of_o that_o article_n which_o concern_v the_o discovery_n and_o punishment_n of_o malignant_n who_o crime_n have_v not_o only_o be_v connive_v at_o but_o dispense_v with_o and_o pardon_v and_o themselves_o receive_v unto_o intimate_a fellowship_n with_o ourselves_o and_o entrust_v with_o our_o counsel_n admit_v unto_o our_o parliament_n and_o put_v in_o place_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n for_o manage_v the_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o kingdom_n whereby_o in_o god_n justice_n they_o get_v at_o last_o into_o their_o hand_n the_o whole_a power_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o kingdom_n both_o in_o judicatories_n and_o army_n and_o do_v employ_v the_o same_o unto_o the_o enact_v and_o prosecute_n a_o unlawful_a engagement_n in_o war_n against_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n notwithstanding_o of_o the_o dissent_n of_o many_o considerable_a member_n of_o parliament_n who_o have_v give_v constant_a proof_n of_o their_o 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purpose_n desire_v and_o endeavour_v for_o ourselves_o and_o all_o other_o under_o our_o power_n and_o charge_n both_o in_o public_a and_o private_a in_o all_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o man_n to_o amend_v our_o life_n and_o each_o one_o to_o go_v before_o another_o in_o the_o example_n of_o a_o real_a reformation_n that_o the_o lord_n may_v turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n and_o heavy_a indignation_n and_o establish_v these_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n in_o truth_n and_o peace_n yet_o we_o have_v refuse_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o have_v walk_v proud_o and_o obstinate_o against_o the_o lord_n not_o uâ—lueing_v his_o gospel_n nor_o submit_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o obedience_n thereof_o not_o seek_v after_o christ_n nor_o study_v to_o honour_v he_o in_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o person_n nor_o employ_v he_o in_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o office_n not_o make_v conscience_n of_o public_a ordinance_n nor_o private_a nor_o secret_a duty_n nor_o study_v to_o edify_v one_o another_o in_o love_n the_o ignorance_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n prevail_v exceed_o in_o the_o land_n the_o great_a part_n of_o master_n of_o family_n among_o nobleman_n baron_n gentleman_n burgess_n and_o commons_o neglect_v to_o seek_v god_n in_o their_o family_n and_o to_o endeavour_v the_o the_o reformation_n thereof_o and_o albeit_o it_o have_v be_v much_o press_v yet_o few_o of_o our_o noble_n and_o great_a one_o ever_o to_o his_o day_n can_v be_v persuade_v to_o perform_v family_n duty_n themselves_o and_o in_o their_o own_o person_n which_o make_v so_o necessary_a and_o useful_a a_o duty_n to_o be_v misregarded_a by_o other_o of_o inferior_a rank_n nay_o many_o of_o the_o nobility_n gentry_n and_o burrows_n who_o shall_v have_v be_v example_n of_o godliness_n and_o sober_a walk_v unto_o other_o have_v be_v ringleader_n of_o excess_n and_o riot_v
faithfulness_n of_o our_o god_n who_o have_v not_o only_o hithertil_a preserve_v a_o remnant_n even_o a_o holy_a seed_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o substance_n of_o our_o land_n but_o after_o this_o late_a sudden_a and_o astonish_a stroke_n of_o his_o holy_a indignation_n which_o seem_v to_o presage_v no_o less_o than_o the_o woeful_a overturning_a of_o this_o sink_a church_n into_o the_o depth_n of_o all_o darkness_n and_o the_o dreadful_a overthrow_n of_o this_o whole_a land_n and_o nation_n in_o the_o consummation_n of_o his_o fierce_a anger_n to_o have_v be_v pour_v out_o in_o our_o desolation_n have_v make_v light_a and_o salvation_n to_o arise_v and_o glory_n and_o praise_n to_o spring_v forth_o in_o make_v his_o grace_n more_o manifest_a and_o commend_v and_o assert_v his_o work_n and_o covenant_n more_o in_o the_o suffering_n and_o death_n of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n and_o witness_n then_o in_o all_o the_o prosperity_n and_o victory_n which_o former_o he_o vouchsaved_a upon_o we_o o_o bless_a and_o exalt_v be_v his_o most_o holy_a name_n and_o abundant_a grace_n who_o for_o the_o wicked_a and_o momentany_a rejoice_v of_o our_o adversary_n have_v give_v to_o his_o people_n such_o sweet_a consolation_n and_o exuberant_a praise_n and_o from_o the_o depth_n of_o our_o present_a distress_n and_o amid_o the_o fear_n of_o so_o imminent_a and_o great_a judgement_n have_v in_o stead_n of_o a_o apology_n before_o the_o world_n put_v a_o song_n of_o salvation_n in_o our_o mouth_n that_o as_o well_o to_o testify_v for_o the_o lord_n against_o the_o backslider_n as_o for_o the_o comfort_n and_o consolation_n of_o all_o who_o love_n and_o wait_v for_o his_o salvation_n we_o may_v call_v the_o heaven_n to_o hear_v and_o the_o earth_n to_o give_v ear_n that_o we_o may_v publish_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o ascrib_fw-la greatness_n to_o our_o god_n who_o work_n be_v perfect_a and_o all_o his_o way_n judgement_n a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o without_o iniquity_n just_a and_o right_o be_v he._n we_o have_v corrupt_v ourselves_o our_o spot_n be_v not_o the_o spot_n of_o his_o child_n we_o be_v a_o perverse_a and_o crooked_a generation_n do_v we_o thus_o requite_v the_o lord_n o_o foolish_a people_n and_o unwise_a yet_o be_v not_o he_o our_o father_n that_o have_v buy_v we_o have_v not_o he_o make_v we_o and_o establish_v we_o let_v we_o then_o remember_v the_o day_n of_o old_a when_o the_o most_o high_a do_v visit_v we_o and_o the_o lord_n become_v our_o god_n and_o we_o become_v his_o people_n and_o inheritance_n this_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o die_a withness_n this_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o his_o present_a dispensation_n we_o will_v therefore_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o year_n of_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o most_o high_a and_o the_o wondrous_a work_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o alone_o do_v work_v in_o our_o land_n we_o will_v also_o declare_v our_o manifold_a engagement_n and_o our_o most_o selemn_a and_o sacred_a 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of_o its_o most_o desperate_a opposer_n be_v not_o the_o small_a part_n of_o its_o glory_n but_o see_v the_o party_n that_o now_o prevail_v have_v disdain_v that_o method_n and_o only_o by_o plain_a force_n and_o violence_n in_o the_o most_o gross_a and_o desperate_a rebellion_n blasphemy_n and_o perfidy_n against_o god_n and_o his_o cause_n and_o the_o high_a and_o most_o determine_a contempt_n and_o misreguard_n of_o all_o good_a conscience_n and_o sacred_a oath_n that_o ever_o the_o sun_n behold_v have_v carry_v on_o and_o advance_v this_o present_a apostasy_n and_o defection_n under_o which_o all_o the_o godly_a do_v mourn_v and_o the_o land_n perish_v we_o shall_v only_o here_o endeavour_v the_o sincere_a and_o candid_a representation_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o as_o they_o be_v once_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o joy_n of_o his_o people_n in_o this_o poor_a nation_n so_o be_v they_o now_o the_o testimony_n and_o triumph_n of_o his_o witness_n and_o the_o patience_n and_o hope_n of_o all_o his_o sufferer_n and_o may_v be_v the_o full_a satisfaction_n of_o all_o who_o shall_v hear_v of_o these_o late_a and_o present_a trouble_n wherewith_o the_o lord_n do_v exercise_v we_o and_o will_v undoubted_o in_o the_o end_n prove_v etiher_n the_o exaltation_n and_o praise_n or_o the_o desolation_n and_o perpetual_a confusion_n of_o backsliden_n scotland_n when_o scotland_n through_o the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o roman_a antichrist_n and_o the_o contagion_n of_o his_o abomination_n and_o through_o the_o pride_n lust_n and_o tyranny_n of_o prelacy_n the_o very_a root_n and_o strength_n of_o that_o kingdom_n of_o wickedness_n have_v fall_v into_o that_o gross_a and_o black_a darkness_n of_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n and_o into_o these_o strong_a delusion_n wherewith_o the_o lord_n as_o he_o have_v threaten_v so_o have_v he_o ever_o infallible_o plague_v that_o antichristian_a course_n and_o for_o many_o hundred_o year_n have_v lie_v involve_v therein_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n in_o his_o wonderful_a mercy_n and_o free_a love_n to_o cause_v the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o everlasting_a gospel_n again_o to_o arise_v and_o shine_v forth_o among_o we_o which_o as_o it_o be_v ever_o best_a witness_v by_o its_o own_o power_n and_o purity_n so_o through_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n alone_o even_o by_o the_o weakness_n of_o very_a mean_a instrument_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o flame_n of_o fiery_a persecution_n and_o against_o the_o rage_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n be_v this_o work_n advance_v and_o effectuate_v as_o the_o record_n of_o these_o time_n from_o 1494._o until_o about_o the_o year_n 1560._o do_v plain_o discover_v dure_v which_o period_n of_o time_n these_o thing_n be_v very_o observable_a first_o that_o where_o and_o when_o ever_o the_o light_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n do_v discover_v &_o testify_v against_o the_o corruption_n error_n idolatry_n and_o superstition_n of_o popery_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n it_o testify_v and_o declare_v that_o the_o pope_n usurp_a tyranny_n and_o the_o pride_n idleness_n and_o domination_n of_o the_o wicked_a prelate_n be_v chief_o the_o author_n and_o maintainer_n thereof_o second_o that_o such_o as_o the_o lord_n do_v from_o time_n to_o time_n call_v to_o and_o send_v forth_o for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n do_v walk_v therein_o with_o the_o same_o painfulness_n poverty_n simplicity_n humility_n and_o equality_n which_o the_o holy_a command_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v so_o constant_o commend_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o so_o far_o as_o this_o point_n can_v fall_v under_o the_o enquiry_n of_o these_o time_n it_o be_v clear_o hold_v out_o that_o they_o acknowledge_v no_o officer_n in_o god_n house_n superior_a to_o a_o preach_a minister_n and_o according_a to_o the_o standard_n of_o this_o office_n do_v they_o try_v reject_v and_o crave_v the_o reformation_n of_o exorbitant_a prelacy_n as_o the_o examination_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o these_o day_n do_v witness_v three_o that_o as_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o his_o bless_a truth_n and_o the_o precept_n promise_v and_o presence_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n chirst_n do_v enable_v unto_o all_o patience_n with_o joy_n such_o as_o by_o the_o call_n of_o a_o clear_a and_o necessary_a providence_n the_o lord_n set_v forth_o to_o be_v his_o witness_n who_o for_o the_o love_n and_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n cheerful_o embrace_v the_o fire_n and_o faggott_n so_o when_o the_o lord_n do_v multiply_v the_o faithful_a to_o a_o reasonable_a capacity_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o resign_v themselves_o and_o abandon_v that_o first_o and_o most_o just_a privilege_n of_o self-defence_n to_o the_o arbitrament_n even_o of_o the_o lawful_a power_n and_o of_o that_o authority_n which_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o not_o only_o
the_o uttermost_a for_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o own_o kingdom_n do_v quick_o take_v advantage_n of_o for_o set_v on_o work_n and_o promove_v of_o that_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n which_o spring_v up_o in_o that_o bitter_a root_n of_o pride_n and_o work_v in_o the_o spiritual_a power_n and_o subtlety_n thereof_o as_o it_o begin_v to_o work_v very_o early_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n even_o among_o the_o disciple_n themselves_o in_o presence_n of_o their_o and_o our_o lord_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o contention_n who_o shall_v be_v great_a and_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o grace_n power_n and_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o time_n that_o follow_v &_o all_o the_o long_a &_o violent_a persecution_n wherewith_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v then_o exercise_v yet_o continue_v its_o motion_n do_v still_o advance_v until_o attain_v its_o maturity_n in_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n it_o fill_v and_o overwhelm_v the_o christian_a world_n with_o these_o strong_a delusion_n of_o superstition_n idolatry_n and_o all_o darkness_n that_o so_o long_o prevail_v therein_o so_o it_o be_v the_o main_a and_o only_a engine_n whereby_o satan_n as_o in_o all_o other_o church_n so_o in_o this_o of_o we_o have_v so_o active_o bestire_v himself_o and_o attempt_v the_o overthrow_n of_o their_o late_a reformation_n these_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o notwithstanding_o of_o that_o great_a and_o glorious_a light_n which_o the_o lord_n make_v to_o shine_v among_o we_o the_o true_a government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o his_o own_o great_a ordinance_n institute_v both_o for_o fence_v and_o secure_v of_o truth_n in_o purity_n and_o for_o promove_v of_o the_o same_o in_o power_n and_o though_o by_o the_o light_n of_o that_o same_o truth_n clear_o discover_v and_o manifest_v through_o long_a opposition_n and_o many_o difficulty_n do_v scarce_o in_o these_o day_n attain_v its_o establishment_n yet_o the_o lord_n who_o of_o his_o own_o free_a mercy_n and_o grace_n do_v visit_v we_o with_o the_o dayspring_n of_o his_o bless_a gospel_n from_o on_o high_a do_v also_o by_o his_o own_o power_n and_o presence_n in_o and_o with_o his_o faithful_a servant_n at_o length_n also_o complete_a his_o work_n and_o establish_v his_o kingdom_n over_o we_o and_o his_o government_n among_o we_o and_o so_o the_o kingdom_n become_v the_o lord_n even_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n unto_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o progress_n and_o period_n of_o this_o work_n be_v from_o the_o year_n 1560._o unto_o the_o year_n 1592._o dure_a which_o space_n these_o thing_n be_v very_o observable_a 1._o so_o soon_o as_o this_o church_n attain_v to_o freedom_n from_o persecution_n and_o contrary_a violence_n they_o assemble_v in_o their_o first_o national_a synod_n in_o the_o year_n 1560._o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o intrinsic_a power_n and_o privilege_n grant_v by_o our_o lord_n unto_o his_o church_n and_o exercise_v by_o his_o apostle_n and_o their_o follower_n and_o that_o without_o any_o question_n or_o control_v nor_o do_v they_o so_o much_o as_o petition_v for_o the_o licence_n of_o the_o then_o authority_n though_o the_o same_o may_v have_v be_v more_o easy_o obtain_v than_o the_o warrant_n at_o that_o time_n impetrate_v for_o conveen_v of_o the_o parliament_n 2._o as_o they_o first_o assemble_v and_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o same_o warrant_n do_v set_v on_o foot_n and_o continue_v a_o constant_a series_n of_o their_o court_n and_o meeting_n except_o in_o so_o far_o as_o by_o plain_a force_n and_o violence_n they_o be_v restrain_v so_o they_o hold_v the_o same_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n only_o and_o in_o his_o sole_a authority_n by_o direction_n of_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n conclude_v all_o their_o counsel_n vote_n and_o acts._n it_o be_v true_a that_o they_o much_o and_o long_o wish_v for_o and_o thereafter_o hearty_o accept_v the_o countenance_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o power_n for_o the_o time_n and_o that_o not_o only_o for_o decency_n but_o also_o as_o the_o gracious_a performance_n of_o that_o promise_n isa_n 49._o ver_fw-la 23._o of_o the_o favour_n and_o assistance_n of_o king_n and_o queen_n to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o late_a day_n but_o as_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n perfect_a in_o all_o his_o house_n when_o invest_v at_o his_o exaltation_n with_o all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n do_v make_v a_o full_a grant_n and_o commission_n of_o all_o gift_n and_o office_n requisite_a in_o his_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12._o ver_fw-la 28._o ephes_n 4._o v._n 8._o &_o 11._o wherein_o neither_o king_n nor_o prince_n be_v mention_v and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n want_v to_o these_o first_o decree_v make_v at_o jerusalem_n though_o emit_v upon_o that_o simple_a warrant_n ast._n 15._o ver_fw-la 28._o it_o seem_v good_a unto_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o unto_o 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either_o in_o bishop_n or_o commissioner_n by_o the_o assembly_n be_v devolve_v upon_o the_o new_a erect_a presbytery_n and_o thus_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o parl._n 12._o jam._n 6._o bv_v the_o 114._o act._n thereof_o ratify_v presbyterial_a government_n in_o all_o its_o assembly_n court_n and_o officer_n qualify_a and_o restrict_v the_o former_a act._n 1584._o anent_o the_o king_n prerogative_n and_o abrogate_a all_o act_n contrary_a thereto_o or_o inconsistent_a therewith_o and_o by_o other_o act_n there_o record_v receive_v its_o last_o and_o full_a accomplishment_n with_o power_n and_o beauty_n add_v to_o the_o former_a grace_n and_o glory_n 9_o that_o as_o only_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n and_o wickedness_n of_o man_n have_v in_o all_o age_n oppose_v the_o establishment_n of_o presbytery_n so_o the_o lord_n who_o great_a work_n and_o ordinance_n it_o be_v do_v no_o less_o evident_o commend_v it_o by_o make_v as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n it_o be_v sincere_a and_o holy_a severity_n powerful_o to_o coerce_v and_o restrain_v all_o vice_n and_o profanity_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o harmonious_a and_o orderly_a subordination_n of_o its_o court_n and_o assembly_n most_o efficacious_o to_o prevent_v and_o suppress_v all_o schism_n and_o heresy_n which_o both_o the_o experience_n of_o these_o and_o all_o succeed_a time_n do_v most_o clear_o confirm_v but_o though_o the_o lord_n have_v show_v we_o all_o these_o great_a and_o manifold_a temptation_n and_o trouble_n and_o terminate_v they_o all_o in_o such_o a_o wonderful_a and_o bless_a deliverance_n that_o we_o may_v for_o ever_o fear_v his_o great_a name_n love_v his_o precious_a truth_n and_o keep_v his_o holy_a covenant_n and_o though_o in_o the_o short_a sunshine_n of_o that_o day_n of_o salvation_n he_o cause_v both_o king_n and_o people_n to_o taste_v and_o see_v the_o order_n beauty_n and_o power_n of_o that_o establishment_n yet_o o_o how_o soon_o do_v we_o forget_v the_o work_n 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as_o this_o apostasy_n arise_v from_o small_a beginning_n by_o fair_a and_o smooth_a pretension_n crafty_a insinuation_n court-flattery_n false_a calumny_n and_o suggestion_n open_a and_o gross_a perjury_n and_o violent_a dissorder_n according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n after_o great_a and_o long_a opposition_n by_o conference_n warning_n &_o petition_n &_o faithful_a and_o constant_a testimony_n and_o suffering_n of_o the_o zealous_a witness_n of_o our_o lord_n both_o unto_o bond_n banishment_n &_o sentence_n of_o death_n against_o the_o again_o aspire_a prerogative_n and_o usurp_a prelacy_n under_o its_o shadow_n do_v in_o the_o secret_a and_o holy_a judgement_n of_o god_n change_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n into_o the_o similitude_n and_o image_n of_o the_o roman_a beast_n turn_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n unto_o formality_n his_o faithful_a minister_n into_o corrupt_a hireling_n the_o power_n and_o life_n of_o preach_v into_o flattery_n and_o 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their_o power_n and_o tyranny_n and_o the_o ruin_n and_o exterminion_n of_o all_o such_o as_o oppose_v and_o mourn_v for_o all_o these_o abomination_n thus_o this_o work_n and_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n do_v advance_v apace_o and_o have_v almost_o attain_v unto_o its_o full_a maturity_n of_o hurry_v this_o poor_a land_n and_o nation_n headlong_o into_o that_o gulf_n of_o confusion_n error_n and_o superstition_n whereinto_o popery_n do_v former_o involve_v we_o when_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n according_a to_o his_o great_a mercy_n and_o faithfulness_n to_o remember_v his_o covenant_n though_o we_o have_v fearful_o forget_v it_o and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o that_o grow_a darkness_n and_o those_o manifold_a confusion_n to_o cause_v his_o spirit_n to_o move_v and_o light_a to_o arise_v upon_o this_o land_n about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o year_n 1637._o which_o appear_v in_o the_o former_a power_n and_o glory_n do_v from_o a_o very_a small_a and_o improbable_a beginning_n even_o the_o opposition_n of_o a_o few_o weak_a woman_n to_o the_o introduce_v and_o read_v of_o that_o carcase_n of_o formality_n the_o service-book_n then_o ready_a to_o be_v impose_v proceed_v in_o such_o a_o universal_a vigorous_a regular_a and_o powerful_a method_n through_o the_o whole_a land_n without_o the_o least_o mixture_n and_o ingredient_n of_o force_n and_o violence_n but_o only_o by_o these_o most_o warrantable_a and_o inquestionable_a mean_n of_o petition_v remonstrate_v protest_v and_o renew_v their_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o among_o themselves_o that_o before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o year_n 1638._o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v revive_v with_o more_o glory_n and_o splendour_n than_o ever_o former_o it_o have_v attain_v we_o know_v that_o not_o only_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o covenant_n especial_o with_o the_o enlargement_n explain_v the_o same_o in_o order_n to_o the_o novation_n in_o worship_n and_o corruption_n in_o government_n whereunto_o this_o church_n have_v apostatise_v and_o the_o bond_n of_o mutual_a defence_n thereto_o add_v but_o also_o their_o protesting_n &_o joint_a petitioning_n have_v be_v condemn_v as_o seditious_a &_o rebellious_a but_o see_v the_o same_o both_o from_o the_o clear_a word_n of_o god_n the_o pure_a light_n of_o nature_n the_o zealous_a and_o valiant_a practice_n of_o our_o first_o reformer_n and_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o realm_n be_v clear_o warrant_v and_o by_o the_o power_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n be_v signal_o approve_v and_o by_o the_o supervenient_a act_n of_o the_o king_n parliament_z and_o general_n assembly_n so_o full_o establish_v and_o confirm_v and_o see_v that_o they_o only_o be_v and_o be_v condemn_v by_o such_o as_o either_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n fill_v with_o all_o subtlety_n and_o mischief_n and_o enemy_n of_o all_o righteousness_n cease_v not_o to_o pervert_v the_o right_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o by_o such_o who_o for_o advancement_n of_o their_o own_o interest_n have_v sacrifice_v all_o conscience_n and_o reason_n to_o ambition_n and_o covetousness_n or_o by_o such_o who_o in_o base_a and_o open_a flattery_n of_o the_o king_n and_o of_o the_o power_n and_o neither_o know_v nor_o regard_v any_o other_o interest_n or_o concernment_n then_o that_o which_o depend_v on_o their_o pleasure_n do_v set_v and_o serve_v the_o same_o in_o place_n of_o the_o most_o high_a or_o last_o by_o such_o who_o never_o do_v nor_o do_v concern_v themselves_o in_o such_o enquirye_n but_o affect_v a_o pretend_a gallantry_n in_o gallio_n indifferency_n therefore_o remit_v such_o as_o be_v further_a desirous_a of_o satisfaction_n unto_o the_o debat_n &_o paper_n of_o these_o time_n and_o especial_o unto_o the_o late_a large_a apology_n we_o shall_v only_o mention_v the_o step_n and_o progress_n of_o the_o lord_n work_v and_o our_o engagement_n therein_o according_a to_o our_o first_o purpose_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o year_n 1638._o great_a multitude_n of_o people_n consist_v of_o all_o rank_n be_v awake_v by_o the_o arbitrary_a impose_v of_o a_o service-book_n more_o corrupt_a in_o some_o thing_n then_o that_o of_o england_n and_o the_o book_n of_o canon_n and_o the_o erect_n and_o violent_a exerce_a of_o the_o high_a commission-court_n to_o the_o pervert_n of_o the_o pure_a worship_n of_o god_n the_o utter_a subvert_v of_o all_o regular_a government_n and_o the_o confound_a of_o all_o thing_n divine_a and_o humane_a and_o the_o destroy_n of_o our_o civil_a liberty_n and_o conceave_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o abound_a sin_n &_o imminent_a calamity_n of_o these_o time_n to_o be_v the_o violation_n of_o the_o national_a covenant_n former_o thrice_o swear_v in_o the_o land_n they_o again_o most_o solemn_o with_o a_o very_a wonderful_a &_o gracious_a mixture_n of_o tear_n and_o joy_n renew_v the_o same_o almost_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o land_n with_o the_o addition_n above_o mention_v to_o forbear_v the_o practice_n and_o approbation_n of_o all_o innovation_n in_o worship_n or_o corruption_n in_o government_n until_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v lawful_o determine_v and_o that_o other_o of_o mutual_a defence_n and_o assistance_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o the_o end_n of_o that_o covenant_n against_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n whatsoever_o and_o in_o november_n the_o same_o year_n the_o general_n assembly_n at_o glasgow_n determine_v anent_o the_o foresay_a novation_n and_o corruption_n disprove_v and_o reject_v under_o these_o head_n the_o five_o article_n of_o perth_n the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o bishop_n the_o erect_n of_o prelacy_n therein_o and_o all_o the_o corruption_n flow_v therefrom_o whereby_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v clear_o explain_v and_o purify_v in_o the_o year_n 1639._o the_o prelate_n be_v rout_v run_v to_o court_n 〈◊〉_d up_o the_o king_n england_n and_o irland_n with_o all_o their_o friend_n and_o popish_a partaker_n in_o scotland_n against_o the_o faithful_a covenanter_n as_o rebellious_a and_o seditious_a person_n but_o they_o have_v prepare_v for_o their_o own_o just_a defence_n the_o lord_n by_o his_o outstretch_a arm_n and_o power_n dispel_v all_o these_o menace_a cloud_n and_o imminent_a storm_n do_v by_o a_o pacification_n conclude_v reduce_v a_o fair_a calm_a the_o king_n therein_o aggree_v that_o a_o assembly_n and_o parliament_n shall_v be_v hold_v and_o that_o all_o matter_n respective_o shall_v be_v therein_o determine_v the_o assembly_n sit_v in_o august_n thereafter_o the_o king_n commissioner_n be_v present_a and_o assent_v do_v ratify_v the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o last_o assembly_n at_o glasgow_n and_o the_o commissioner_n and_o secret_n council_n subscribe_v the_o covenant_n as_o it_o be_v then_o explain_v and_o at_o the_o petition_n of_o the_o assembly_n it_o be_v enact_v to_o be_v again_o subscribe_v for_o the_o five_o time_n by_o the_o body_n of_o the_o whole_a land_n but_o no_o faith_n honesty_n nor_o honour_n bind_v the_o prelate_n and_o a_o court_n by_o
absolute_o necessary_a it_o leave_v no_o issue_n or_o expedient_a it_o be_v not_o needful_a here_o to_o clear_v the_o necessity_n and_o advantage_n which_o may_v induce_v subject_n to_o the_o make_n of_o league_n and_o convention_n in_o certain_a case_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o prince_n nor_o the_o exigence_n of_o these_o time_n for_o the_o covenant_n we_o plead_v for_o these_o thing_n be_v clear_v by_o undeniable_a record_n which_o all_o the_o war_n blood_n and_o confusion_n that_o thereafter_o ensue_v flow_v either_o from_o the_o perverse_a and_o obstinate_a opposition_n violence_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o truth_n or_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n righteous_a judgement_n upon_o such_o who_o heart_n be_v false_a and_o prove_v unsteadfast_a in_o his_o covenant_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o present_a insult_a of_o the_o adversary_n do_v nothing_o disprove_v neither_o do_v we_o here_o resume_v the_o above_o mention_v practice_n of_o our_o first_o reformer_n for_o justify_v the_o case_n in_o hand_n and_o the_o explication_n of_o these_o old_a act_n here_o obtrude_v who_o by_o all_o their_o necessary_a league_n band_n and_o convention_n never_o conceive_v the_o same_o to_o be_v contraveen_v only_o we_o can_v but_o regret_n that_o as_o the_o act_n make_v in_o the_o last_o parliament_n against_o convention_n and_o bond_n be_v a_o fearful_a step_n of_o the_o present_a great_a apostasy_n and_o direct_o level_v against_o the_o same_o covenant_n by_o which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o act_n themselves_o be_v and_o be_v indissoluble_o oblige_v so_o that_o old_a act_n parliament_n 10._o ja._n 6._o cap._n 12._o 1585._o which_o be_v thereby_o ratify_v and_o revive_v be_v also_o one_o of_o the_o woeful_a act_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o wickedness_n that_o then_o prevail_v in_o the_o land_n and_o do_v relate_v to_o and_o be_v express_o found_v upon_o the_o 43._o act._n queen_n mary_n parliament_n 6._o 1555._o which_o under_o the_o colour_n of_o discharge_v bond_n of_o man-rent_a be_v by_o the_o queen_n regent_n then_o rage_v in_o persecution_n against_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o truth_n direct_o intend_v for_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o congregation_n we_o have_v hitherto_o only_o justify_v the_o lawfulness_n or_o rather_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o a_o league_n among_o subject_n without_o the_o prince_n consent_n and_o have_v not_o speak_v thereto_o as_o a_o league_n with_o england_n and_o the_o subject_n of_o a_o other_o kingdom_n because_o as_o the_o first_o point_n be_v main_o deny_v by_o the_o adversary_n so_o the_o same_o be_v prove_v upon_o in_o the_o same_o ground_n first_o of_o just_a &_o necessary_a defence_n of_o ourselves_o religion_n and_o libertye_n second_o of_o the_o assistance_n that_o we_o owe_v and_o do_v expect_v in_o case_n of_o persecution_n for_o truth_n from_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o bowel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o obedience_n of_o his_o new_a and_o special_a command_n of_o love_n and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o that_o great_a and_o last_o judgement_n wherein_o by_o this_o law_n all_o man_n shall_v be_v judge_v without_o respect_n to_o the_o difference_n of_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n and_o three_o upon_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o which_o all_o inferior_a duty_n of_o submission_n and_o obedience_n ought_v to_o cede_fw-la the_o justice_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o league_n with_o england_n may_v be_v certain_o conclude_v o_o that_o man_n who_o weigh_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o their_o own_o selfish_a interest_n and_o design_n do_v make_v the_o vain_a &_o airy_a enjoyment_n of_o court-favour_n and_o the_o evanish_v possession_n of_o such_o advantage_n as_o may_v be_v acquire_v thereby_o preponderate_a and_o cast_v the_o scale_n in_o prejudice_n of_o these_o great_a and_o important_a concernment_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n may_v yet_o be_v awaken_v by_o the_o terror_n of_o that_o dreadful_a and_o glorious_a judgement_n of_o the_o last_o day_n to_o a_o impartial_a consideration_n of_o that_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o all_o these_o that_o suffer_v and_o be_v persecute_v for_o truth_n sure_o if_o not_o visit_v not_o relieve_v and_o support_v when_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n of_o the_o afflict_a member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v then_o be_v the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o reprobat_fw-la against_o which_o the_o exception_n of_o a_o contrary_a command_n of_o any_o king_n or_o prince_n or_o that_o the_o afflict_a be_v by_o man_n for_o truth_n sake_n declare_v rebel_n and_o traitor_n or_o be_v of_o a_o other_o kingdom_n shall_v furnish_v no_o defence_n can_v we_o in_o conscience_n think_v that_o the_o refusal_n of_o assistance_n to_o the_o persecute_a for_o christ_n sake_n when_o instant_o thereto_o require_v shall_v be_v upon_o any_o of_o these_o pretend_a ground_n excuse_v in_o that_o day_n we_o do_v not_o here_o mention_v the_o supervenient_a consent_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o king_n by_o which_o the_o allege_v defect_n to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o all_o our_o adversary_n be_v clear_o purge_v because_o though_o the_o same_o will_v afterward_o fall_v in_o as_o a_o great_a accession_n to_o the_o conviction_n of_o all_o apostat_n yet_o we_o bless_v the_o lord_n who_o have_v bottom_v our_o faith_n and_o conscience_n upon_o more_o sure_a and_o fix_a foundation_n and_o who_o give_v his_o people_n more_o evident_a and_o gracious_a testimony_n of_o his_o favour_n power_n and_o presence_n while_o they_o sincere_o walk_v conform_v to_o the_o ground_n mention_v before_o the_o king_n assent_n be_v obtain_v then_o ever_o since_o the_o enter_v into_o and_o take_v of_o this_o covenant_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o necessary_a and_o praiseworthy_a in_o we_o in_o scotland_n for_o several_a reason_n 1._o because_o it_o contain_v no_o other_o than_o the_o same_o duty_n and_o obligation_n which_o be_v before_o by_o we_o so_o solemn_o covenant_v to_o in_o our_o national_n covenant_n neither_o be_v the_o restriction_n of_o our_o allegiance_n suppose_v to_o be_v make_v therein_o any_o other_o than_o the_o true_a and_o righteous_a qualification_n of_o all_o such_o engagement_n most_o consonant_a unto_o and_o approven_v by_o our_o first_o large_a confession_n of_o faith_n chap._n 25._o anent_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n the_o king_n coronation-oath_n record_v ja._n 6._o p._n 1._o cap._n 8._o and_o the_o national_n covenant_n as_o it_o be_v take_v and_o subscribe_v both_o first_o and_o last_o and_o though_o our_o adversary_n have_v insult_v upon_o the_o late_a confession_n of_o faith_n as_o if_o both_o our_o former_a principle_n and_o practice_n be_v thereby_o disprove_v yet_o let_v the_o word_n be_v consider_v viz._n infidelity_n or_o difference_n in_o religion_n do_v not_o make_v void_a the_o magistrat_n just_a and_o legal_a authority_n nor_o free_v the_o people_n from_o due_a obedience_n and_o we_o be_v confident_a that_o no_o sober_a man_n will_v think_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o just_a and_o legal_a authority_n and_o due_a obedience_n a_o rational_a ground_n to_o infer_v that_o tyranny_n over_o either_o conscience_n or_o person_n be_v thereby_o either_o allow_v or_o privilege_v which_o be_v all_o that_o by_o we_o be_v contend_v for_o 2._o because_o the_o same_o national_a covenant_n do_v powerful_o oblige_v we_o thereunto_o not_o only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o that_o obstinate_a opposition_n which_o the_o perfidious_a prelate_n in_o england_n both_o by_o raise_v war_n and_o breach_n of_o pacification_n have_v plain_o testify_v the_o revival_n whereof_o in_o case_n of_o any_o probable_a capacity_n we_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o apprehend_v and_o by_o a_o posterior_n league_n at_o that_o time_n a_o most_o necessary_a and_o probable_a remedy_n in_o pursuance_n of_o our_o former_a engagement_n to_o provide_v against_o but_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o express_a ground_n of_o opposition_n to_o the_o bloody_a bond_n of_o trent_n and_o of_o the_o detestation_n of_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n church_n who_o thereby_o conjure_v themselves_o against_o it_o contain_v in_o the_o national_a covenant_n which_o can_v not_o but_o be_v a_o very_a fair_a persuasion_n and_o strong_a inductive_a to_o engage_v in_o that_o sacred_a bond_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n &_o covenant_n against_o that_o same_o accurse_a conjuration_n which_o at_o that_o time_n appear_v so_o active_a 3._o because_o the_o oath_n of_o parliament_n first_o take_v in_o the_o parliament_n 1641._o the_o king_n be_v present_a oblige_v we_o to_o endeavour_v the_o preservation_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o union_n of_o the_o three_o kingdom_n do_v indispensible_o oblige_v we_o to_o enter_v in_o this_o covenant_n as_o a_o most_o necessary_a expedient_a thereto_o have_v thus_o summary_o review_v both_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o
this_o solemn_a and_o important_a league_n and_o covenant_n we_o can_v but_o wonder_v at_o the_o poor_a sophistry_n of_o such_o especial_o that_o more_o temporize_v then_o seasonable_a casuist_n who_o delude_v themselves_o in_o so_o great_a matter_n unto_o such_o a_o indifferency_n as_o to_o assert_v that_o this_o covenant_n do_v as_o necessary_o depend_v upon_o the_o king_n consent_n for_o its_o establishment_n as_o the_o private_a vow_n of_o a_o daughter_n in_o her_o father_n house_n or_o of_o a_o wife_n under_o her_o husband_n power_n in_o thing_n free_a and_o arbitrary_a though_o not_o absolute_o in_o their_o own_o disposal_n do_v according_a to_o the_o judicial_a law_n of_o the_o jew_n fall_v under_o the_o father_n and_o husband_n power_n of_o ratify_v or_o annul_v but_o the_o simple_a proposal_n of_o these_o case_n do_v hold_v out_o such_o a_o disparity_n both_o as_o to_o the_o person_n be_v only_a woman_n under_o power_n the_o thing_n in_o themselves_o be_v free_a but_o at_o another_o disposal_n and_o many_o other_o circumstance_n tedious_a to_o insist_v on_o and_o even_o as_o to_o law_n itself_o by_o which_o the_o case_n be_v determine_v be_v mere_o judicial_a that_o none_o who_o fear_v the_o lord_n or_o mind_n his_o glory_n in_o any_o measure_n of_o sobriety_n will_v deign_v it_o with_o a_o answer_n and_o such_o indeed_o be_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o cavil_n and_o calumny_n wherewith_o the_o adversary_n of_o truth_n have_v endeavour_v to_o impugn_v and_o asperse_v this_o holy_a covenant_n and_o be_v so_o full_o and_o often_o answer_v already_o that_o to_o account_v they_o worthy_a the_o resume_v and_o refute_v be_v in_o some_o sort_n after_o vow_n to_o make_v inquiry_n there_o be_v one_o thing_n that_o our_o adversary_n have_v frequent_o object_v which_o we_o can_v ommit_v viz._n that_o the_o covenant_n both_o national_a and_o solemn_a league_n be_v urge_v and_o press_v both_o by_o church_n censure_n and_o civil_a sanction_n of_o loss_n of_o good_n sequestration_n and_o other_o arbitrary_a pain_n which_o have_v be_v heavy_o complain_v of_o as_o a_o great_a violence_n do_v to_o conscience_n but_o as_o it_o be_v then_o too_o evident_a that_o this_o privilege_n of_o conscience_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n only_o pretend_v by_o such_o as_o have_v little_a or_o no_o feel_n thereof_o so_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o present_a time_n do_v now_o full_o discover_v that_o what_o be_v now_o so_o insolent_o retort_v be_v never_o before_o real_o scruple_v at_o but_o the_o lawfullness_n of_o the_o course_n and_o practice_n then_o use_v and_o the_o iniquity_n of_o this_o retortion_n will_v easy_o be_v clear_v if_o it_o be_v consider_v 1._o that_o the_o national_n covenant_n be_v a_o stand_n &_o bind_v oath_n upon_o the_o whole_a land_n and_o in_o the_o year_n 1638._o only_o renew_v with_o such_o a_o agreeable_a explanation_n as_o none_o can_v or_o do_v quarrel_n but_o such_o as_o thereby_o intend_v to_o palliate_v and_o persist_v in_o 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direct_a and_o violent_a ranverse_v of_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v once_o so_o righteous_o and_o rational_o establish_v be_v the_o more_o condemn_v but_o whatever_o be_v the_o disparity_n of_o these_o case_n in_o the_o point_n of_o reason_n we_o be_v sure_o that_o light_n and_o darkness_n do_v not_o more_o differ_v than_o the_o lenity_n of_o these_o former_a time_n from_o the_o rigour_n and_o violence_n now_o practise_v &_o that_o where_o one_o than_o suffer_v for_o obstinacy_n against_o the_o covenant_n hundreth_n do_v now_o suffer_v for_o their_o steadfastness_n therein_o as_o for_o these_o war_n and_o great_a commotion_n that_o ensue_v upon_o this_o great_a transaction_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n we_o will_v not_o thereon_o insist_v only_o we_o be_v confident_a that_o nothwitstand_v all_o the_o calumnious_a construction_n of_o our_o adversary_n all_o such_o as_o seek_v out_o and_o have_v pleasure_n in_o the_o work_v of_o the_o lord_n will_v applaud_v unto_o the_o glory_n and_o righteousness_n thereof_o who_o as_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o apostat_n in_o the_o year_n 1644_o and_o 1645._o he_o do_v punish_v in_o his_o justice_n the_o hypocrisy_n and_o self-seeking_a of_o such_o in_o this_o land_n who_o heart_n be_v not_o upright_o in_o his_o covenant_n and_o thereafter_o in_o the_o year_n 1648._o do_v by_o a_o prevail_a sectarian_n party_n restrain_v and_o crush_v the_o gross_a and_o general_n apostasy_n then_o intend_v under_o a_o hypocritical_a pretext_n of_o pursue_v the_o end_n of_o the_o covenant_n at_o that_o time_n so_o palpable_o pervert_v and_o abuse_v so_o for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o of_o his_o mercy_n to_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o do_v not_o forget_v his_o covenant_n he_o do_v intermix_v several_a gracious_a interval_n of_o his_o abundant_a compassion_n and_o at_o length_n do_v give_v unto_o his_o work_n and_o people_n a_o full_a and_o absolute_a victory_n over_o that_o malignant_a spirit_n and_o party_n that_o have_v so_o long_o prevail_v in_o the_o land_n and_o cause_v the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o wicked_a to_o cease_v and_o all_o iniquity_n to_o stop_v its_o mouth_n thus_o in_o the_o year_n 1649_o and_o 1650._o &_o thereafter_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o we_o while_o we_o be_v with_o he_o and_o while_o we_o seek_v he_o he_o be_v find_v of_o we_o but_o as_o we_o do_v forsake_v he_o so_o do_v he_o also_o forsake_v we_o by_o which_o position_n all_o the_o mixture_n and_o variety_n both_o of_o our_o act_n and_o god_n providence_n in_o these_o time_n may_v clear_o be_v resolve_v there_o be_v indeed_o at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o land_n not_o only_o a_o party_n faithful_a unto_o god_n and_o zealous_a for_o his_o name_n but_o also_o a_o great_a zeal_n of_o god_n from_o clear_a knowledge_n and_o sad_a experience_n general_o and_o solemn_o profess_v before_o god_n and_o all_o man_n in_o our_o public_a acknowledgement_n anno_fw-la 1649_o in_o consequence_n whereof_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n be_v also_o by_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n renew_v that_o same_o year_n and_o in_o answer_n thereunto_o the_o lord_n do_v mighty_o both_o save_v and_o defend_v we_o from_o all_o our_o adversary_n and_o as_o he_o soon_o subdue_v our_o enemy_n at_o stirling_n and_o turn_v his_o hand_n against_o our_o adversary_n in_o the_o north_n and_o cause_v the_o hater_n of_o the_o lord_n feign_v submission_n unto_o he_o so_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n the_o establishment_n of_o his_o people_n and_o the_o utter_a confusion_n of_o his_o adversary_n he_o do_v high_o advance_v his_o bless_a work_n by_o the_o accession_n of_o all_o these_o advantage_n with_o the_o defect_n whereof_o it_o have_v be_v former_o calumniate_v the_o advantage_n we_o here_o mention_v be_v beside_o that_o public_a acknowledgement_n then_o make_v and_o in_o the_o deep_a sense_n thereof_o the_o league_n and_o covenant_n solemn_o again_o renew_v and_o take_v whereby_o our_o engagement_n be_v not_o only_o double_v but_o strong_o confirm_v 1._o these_o many_o necessary_a and_o righteous_a law_n enact_v in_o the_o then_o parliament_n both_o for_o the_o ratify_v the_o late_a large_a confession_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o large_a and_o shorth_o catechism_n agree_v unto_o by_o both_o kingdom_n and_o for_o the_o restrain_v and_o coerce_v of_o impiety_n and_o blasphemy_n the_o encouragement_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o for_o the_o promove_v of_o godliness_n among_o which_o act_n that_o abolish_n patronage_n deserve_v a_o more_o special_a and_o commendable_a remembrance_n not_o only_o because_o of_o the_o many_o woeful_a effect_n &_o abuse_n of_o patronage_n as_o it_o then_o be_v &_o now_o be_v exercise_v whereby_o frequent_o godly_a man_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n qualify_v for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v &_o be_v unjust_o restrain_v from_o labour_v therein_o many_o congregation_n needless_o continue_v desolate_a without_o afixed_a ministry_n many_o naughty_a man_n
after_o worcester_n fight_v and_o from_o beyond_o sea_n he_o do_v confirm_v by_o private_a letter_n to_o person_n of_o unquestionable_a credit_n that_o he_o be_v and_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n will_v continue_v the_o same_o man_n that_o he_o have_v declare_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o scotland_n nor_o that_o it_o be_v the_o conscience_n of_o that_o clause_n of_o the_o covenant_n relate_v to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o his_o person_n and_o authority_n which_o during_o the_o time_n of_o usurpation_n do_v retain_v the_o sense_n and_o love_n of_o his_o interest_n so_o fresh_a and_o deep_o root_v in_o man_n heart_n nor_o that_o the_o public_a own_n publish_v and_o reprint_v thereof_o by_o the_o then_o parliament_n in_o england_n in_o march_n 1660._o be_v the_o first_o public_a act_n that_o dare_v or_o do_v appear_v in_o his_o favour_n nor_o last_o need_n we_o remember_v that_o letter_n write_v and_o direct_v by_o the_o king_n after_o his_o return_n to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o edinburgh_n and_o this_o whole_a church_n wherein_o he_o declare_v himself_o resolve_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o protect_v and_o preserve_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n as_o it_o be_v settle_v by_o law_n without_o violation_n see_v that_o though_o according_a to_o it_o be_v then_o state_n and_o posture_n such_o a_o solemn_a and_o public_a assurance_n may_v have_v be_v repute_v a_o perpetual_a security_n yet_o the_o whole_a strain_n of_o the_o letter_n be_v such_o as_o tend_v only_o to_o divide_v the_o whole_a ministry_n and_o to_o abuse_v the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o and_o particular_o the_o alter_n and_o suppress_v of_o that_o most_o fix_a and_o certain_a ground_n of_o his_o engagement_n even_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a covenant_n for_o that_o of_o law_n which_o be_v but_o frail_a and_o movable_a do_v even_o then_o discover_v to_o many_o that_o latent_fw-la dissimulation_n and_o instability_n whereby_o other_o be_v either_o weak_o or_o willing_o delude_v the_o thing_n we_o observe_v be_v that_o both_o king_n and_o people_n obligation_n be_v not_o then_o great_a than_o the_o opportunity_n appear_v to_o be_v most_o happy_a for_o the_o accomplish_n of_o the_o lord_n work_n the_o make_n of_o his_o name_n great_a &_o one_o in_o all_o these_o nation_n &_o the_o nation_n happy_a &_o high_a above_o all_o nation_n in_o name_n &_o in_o praise_n &_o the_o establish_n of_o the_o king_n and_o his_o posterity_n upon_o the_o throne_n in_o glory_n &_o prosperity_n &_o that_o the_o own_n of_o &_o adhere_v unto_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n our_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n have_v both_o in_o the_o persuasion_n of_o all_o sober_a man_n and_o even_o in_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o adversary_n infallible_o produce_v and_o effectuate_v all_o these_o blessing_n but_o oh_o how_o sudden_o and_o strange_o be_v this_o bless_a appearance_n overcloud_v the_o expectation_n of_o all_o the_o godly_a disappoint_v the_o joy_n and_o peace_n of_o all_o corrupt_a and_o mar_v and_o this_o land_n reduce_v unto_o this_o present_a so_o woeful_a desolation_n and_o sore_a distress_n which_o though_o the_o groan_n tear_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o persecute_a the_o cry_n of_o violence_n and_o oppression_n the_o desolation_n and_o profanation_n of_o god_n sanctuary_n the_o reign_a power_n of_o darkness_n the_o pride_n rage_n and_o blasphemy_n of_o perjury_n and_o all_o profanity_n which_o have_v fill_v the_o land_n and_o the_o dreadful_a wrath_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a and_o great_a god_n which_o both_o burn_v round_o about_o and_o hang_v over_o it_o do_v sufficient_o make_v manifest_a yet_o for_o our_o great_a upstirring_a to_o consider_v and_o lay_v to_o heart_n that_o all_o these_o evil_n be_v come_v upon_o we_o because_o our_o god_n be_v not_o among_o we_o and_o what_o the_o heat_n of_o this_o great_a anger_n mean_v &_o also_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o innocency_n &_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n sufferer_n we_o do_v short_o exhibit_v the_o violent_a course_n of_o this_o precipitant_a defection_n the_o king_n be_v return_v and_o reestablish_v in_o may_n 1660._o the_o antichristian_a spirit_n of_o prelacy_n ever_o enemy_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o the_o holy_a covenant_n whereby_o the_o same_o be_v promote_v take_v occasion_n from_o these_o many_o trouble_n and_o confusion_n which_o the_o opposition_n and_o false-heartedness_n of_o many_o in_o the_o same_o covenant_n do_v principal_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o inflict_v upon_o their_o land_n and_o advantage_n from_o the_o proneness_n of_o man_n power_n to_o decline_v unto_o tyranny_n and_o their_o corruption_n to_o all_o licentiousness_n do_v first_o most_o false_o and_o atrocious_o slander_v the_o covenant_n as_o the_o bond_n of_o all_o iniquity_n rebellion_n and_o confusion_n which_o prejudice_n be_v enforce_v which_o many_o apparent_a advantage_n that_o then_o do_v attend_v it_o do_v so_o sudden_o and_o strong_o spread_v and_o root_v itself_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o our_o noble_n ruler_n and_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o land_n that_o without_o so_o much_o as_o serious_o reflect_v upon_o their_o former_a so_o solemn_a engagement_n sacred_a oath_n public_a profession_n vigorous_a act_n and_o appearance_n for_o the_o cause_n and_o covenant_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o any_o consideration_n of_o conscience_n honesty_n or_o honour_n which_o so_o great_a and_o sudden_a a_o mutation_n from_o their_o former_a way_n though_o they_o have_v be_v as_o wicked_a as_o in_o effect_n they_o be_v true_a and_o righteous_a do_v certain_o call_v for_o in_o sober_a and_o earnest_a repentance_n they_o with_o the_o concurrence_n of_o such_o vile_a sycophant_n and_o treacherous_a person_n in_o the_o church_n and_o ministry_n as_o the_o worldly_a wealth_n and_o power_n of_o prelacy_n have_v wicked_o debauch_v set_v themselves_o in_o a_o most_o determine_a and_o resolute_a fury_n whereinto_o all_o their_o former_a zeal_n for_o god_n be_v by_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n sudden_o corrupt_v by_o the_o plain_a force_n of_o power_n and_o colour_n of_o authority_n whereunto_o they_o have_v now_o attain_v to_o deface_v and_o overturn_v the_o whole_a work_n of_o god_n raze_v its_o fundation_n annul_v his_o covenant_n repeal_v all_o act_n make_v in_o their_o favour_n incapacitate_v and_o persecute_v all_o opposer_n and_o last_o to_o efface_v and_o dissolve_v all_o sense_n and_o bond_n of_o conscience_n by_o which_o this_o fearful_a course_n of_o apostasy_n may_v be_v in_o the_o least_o check_v or_o control_v we_o shall_v not_o here_o premise_v any_o thing_n for_o clear_v of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o succeed_a act_n and_o deed_n whereby_o this_o apostasy_n be_v carry_v on_o and_o for_o the_o lose_n and_o free_v of_o we_o from_o all_o obligation_n of_o obedience_n thereto_o or_o compliance_n therewith_o any_o who_o can_v but_o suppose_v that_o not_o only_o a_o whole_a parliament_n but_o also_o all_o man_n be_v and_o have_v often_o be_v find_v liar_n and_o compare_v impartial_o the_o thing_n present_v with_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v past_a must_v necessary_o conclude_v that_o all_o these_o act_n and_o deed_n of_o defection_n be_v and_o be_v gross_a perjury_n and_o wickedness_n and_o that_o so_o long_o as_o that_o maxim_n shall_v hold_v that_o we_o ought_v rather_o to_o obey_v god_n then_o man_n they_o can_v never_o be_v bind_v either_o in_o conscience_n or_o reason_n see_v therefore_o that_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o these_o counteractings_a and_o overturning_n be_v to_o destroy_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n have_v so_o glorious_o plant_v and_o to_o loose_v that_o whereunto_o we_o be_v and_o be_v indissoluble_o oblige_v refer_v ourselves_o to_o what_o be_v already_o say_v for_o vindicate_v the_o lord_n work_v and_o our_o holy_a covenant_n we_o proceed_v to_o lay_v forth_o the_o sinfulness_n and_o wofulness_n of_o this_o defection_n as_o follow_v 1._o in_o july_n 1660._o by_o immediate_a clandestine_v warrant_n without_o any_o cause_n signify_v or_o citation_n give_v the_o lord_n marquis_n of_o argile_n and_o some_o other_o gentleman_n who_o be_v conceive_v to_o have_v be_v instrumental_a in_o the_o former_a work_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v of_o influence_n for_o obstruct_v of_o the_o then_o design_a overthrow_n thereof_o be_v attach_v and_o commit_v close_a prisoner_n 2._o in_o august_n 1660._o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n appoint_v by_o the_o parliament_n 1651._o be_v again_o set_v down_o the_o very_a first_o day_n of_o their_o meeting_n do_v violent_o seize_v upon_o several_a faithful_a minister_n peaceable_o and_o quiet_o assemble_v together_o and_o employ_v in_o the_o draw_v up_o of_o a_o monitory_a letter_n to_o the_o king_n in_o the_o most_o rational_a and_o dutiful_a manner_n and_o for_o the_o most_o important_a and_o necessary_a end_n of_o god_n
any_o other_o the_o like_a instance_n which_o can_v be_v adduce_v or_o instruct_v from_o the_o parallel_n of_o any_o other_o age_n or_o nation_n therefore_o it_o be_v altogether_o lawful_a righteous_a and_o necessary_a which_o answer_n though_o the_o lord_n faithful_a witness_n do_v sufficient_o insinuat_fw-la and_o propone_fw-la yet_o both_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o court_n and_o person_n of_o the_o judge_n before_o who_o they_o be_v arraign_v be_v such_o as_o the_o same_o be_v rather_o account_v a_o aggravation_n of_o their_o crime_n and_o treason_n but_o see_v this_o be_v not_o do_v without_o the_o specious_a pretext_n not_o only_o of_o iniquous_a law_n but_o also_o of_o religion_n and_o scripture_n we_o shall_v brief_o consider_v first_o that_o queree_n often_o make_v to_o they_o where_o they_o have_v read_v or_o how_o they_o can_v instruct_v that_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o subject_n to_o rise_v in_o rebellion_n against_o lawful_a authority_n to_o which_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o this_o queree_n be_v a_o clear_a beg_n of_o the_o question_n by_o express_o suppose_v that_o the_o late_a rise_n be_v only_o in_o pretence_n for_o religion_n but_o real_o in_o rebellion_n which_o ought_v first_o to_o have_v be_v prove_v and_o be_v in_o effect_n a_o arrant_a calumny_n and_o falsehood_n 2._o that_o even_o the_o queree_n itself_o seem_v to_o imply_v and_o grant_v that_o for_o subject_n to_o rise_v in_o arm_n real_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o religion_n against_o the_o invasion_n of_o the_o power_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o lawful_a authority_n be_v both_o lawful_a and_o laudable_a which_o be_v the_o true_a case_n and_o cause_n of_o this_o late_a rise_n and_o so_o clear_o warrant_v both_o by_o the_o word_n and_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o reform_a church_n we_o be_v content_a to_o refer_v these_o poor_a man_n innocency_n unto_o the_o conscience_n and_o secret_a thought_n of_o their_o adversary_n second_o we_o shall_v consider_v these_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v pretend_v against_o the_o innocent_n and_o 1._o it_o be_v much_o urge_v that_o rebellion_n be_v as_o the_o sin_n of_o witchcraft_n to_o which_o one_o of_o themselves_o do_v roundly_o and_o clear_o answer_v that_o the_o place_n have_v be_v speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n to_o a_o king_n because_o of_o his_o disobedience_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o subject_n will_v soon_o conclude_v his_o accuser_n then_o himself_o to_o be_v a_o rebel_n second_o it_o answer_v that_o rise_v up_o against_o authority_n itself_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o disobey_v the_o power_n therewith_o vest_v stand_v and_o act_v in_o their_o right_a line_n of_o subordination_n be_v indeed_o rebellion_n and_o as_o the_o sin_n of_o witchcraft_n but_o to_o resist_v and_o rise_v up_o against_o person_n abuse_v sacred_a authority_n and_o rebel_n against_o god_n the_o supreme_a be_v rather_o to_o adhere_v to_o god_n as_o our_o liege_n lord_n and_o to_o vindicate_v both_o ourselves_o and_o his_o abuse_a ordinance_n from_o man_n wickedness_n and_o tyranny_n the_o second_o text_n object_v be_v that_o math._n 26.52_o where_o even_o our_o lord_n himself_o when_o violent_o seize_v upon_o by_o wicked_a man_n but_o who_o be_v then_o in_o authority_n do_v nevertheless_o restrain_v his_o disciple_n from_o his_o own_o defence_n and_o rescue_n say_v unto_o peter_n put_v up_o again_o thy_o sword_n into_o his_o place_n for_o all_o they_o that_o take_v the_o sword_n shall_v perish_v with_o the_o sword_n to_o which_o as_o it_o be_v sufficient_o answer_v without_o any_o reply_n by_o one_o of_o these_o impeach_v who_o they_o account_v distract_v though_o without_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o impertinency_n who_o thereto_o do_v oppone_v luke_n 22.36_o where_o our_o lord_n speak_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n say_v he_o that_o have_v no_o sword_n let_v he_o sell_v his_o garment_n and_o buy_v one_o yet_o for_o further_o clear_v we_o say_v 1._o that_o from_o the_o place_n itself_o in_o all_o the_o evangelist_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o that_o command_n be_v give_v and_o these_o word_n speak_v by_o our_o lord_n only_o for_o to_o testify_v his_o voluntar_n submission_n unto_o the_o father_n will_n by_o lay_v down_o of_o his_o life_n for_o fulfil_v of_o the_o scripture_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o same_o 26._o of_o matth._n v._n 54._o &_o john_n 18.11_o otherwise_o the_o context_n be_v consider_v that_o not_o only_o in_o luke_n 22.36_o cite_v he_o forewarn_v his_o disciple_n of_o hazard_n to_o come_v advise_v they_o to_o provide_v sword_n and_o weapon_n and_o in_o the_o 26_o of_o matt._n assert_n his_o power_n to_o have_v call_v 12_o legion_n of_o angel_n to_o his_o assistance_n which_o clear_o imply_v the_o lawfulness_n thereof_o this_o scripture_n object_v do_v more_o confirm_v then_o impugn_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o defensive_a arms._n 2._o be_v it_o possible_a that_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o much_o dement_v by_o flattery_n as_o to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o jesus_n christ_n the_o mighty_a god_n and_o lord_n over_o all_o to_o have_v defend_v himself_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o disciple_n against_o the_o horrid_a wickedness_n and_o insurrection_n of_o the_o vile_a of_o his_o creature_n have_v it_o not_o be_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o scripture_n concern_v he_o shall_v be_v accomplish_v 3._o where_o our_o lord_n say_v in_o the_o place_n object_v all_o they_o that_o take_v the_o sword_n shall_v perish_v with_o the_o sword_n as_o he_o thereby_o only_o condemn_v unjust_a and_o offensive_a war_n so_o the_o say_v itself_o by_o its_o late_a part_n do_v tacit_o imply_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o justice_n of_o both_o defensive_a and_o vindictive_a arm_n the_o same_o be_v otherwise_o just_o found_v though_o these_o text_n be_v only_o object_v yet_o to_o help_v our_o adversary_n who_o be_v know_v not_o to_o be_v much_o conversant_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o obviate_v the_o scruple_n that_o may_v thence_o arise_v to_o other_o we_o subjoin_v a_o three_o text_n john_n 18.36_o where_o our_o lord_n say_v if_o my_o kingdom_n be_v of_o this_o world_n then_o will_v my_o servant_n fight_v that_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o jew_n whence_o some_o infer_v that_o all_o arm_n even_o in_o defence_n of_o religion_n be_v unlawful_a and_o prohibit_v but_o it_o be_v answer_v as_o the_o intent_n and_o scope_n of_o our_o lord_n answer_n be_v to_o clear_v himself_o of_o that_o calumny_n object_v against_o he_o by_o the_o jew_n that_o he_o make_v himself_o a_o king_n in_o opposition_n to_o caesar_n so_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o wit_n that_o our_o lord_n kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o for_o the_o end_n for_o which_o other_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v institute_v but_o whole_o spiritual_a for_o declare_v the_o truth_n and_o thereby_o gain_v soul_n unto_o glory_n whence_o as_o our_o lord_n will_v there_o infer_v that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o conquer_v to_o himself_o disciple_n by_o outward_a force_n and_o thereby_o to_o gain_v follower_n by_o the_o spoil_n of_o caesar_n and_o other_o prince_n so_o it_o be_v without_o all_o shadow_n of_o connexion_n thence_o to_o conclude_v that_o a_o people_n have_v receive_v the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v without_o resistance_n suffer_v themselves_o to_o the_o manifest_a dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o hazard_n of_o the_o eternal_a damnation_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n to_o be_v impious_o and_o sacriledgious_o spoil_v and_o deprive_v thereof_o when_o they_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o defend_v the_o same_o the_o truth_n whereof_o together_o with_o the_o hypocrisy_n of_o our_o adversary_n may_v soon_o be_v discover_v if_o the_o question_n be_v but_o state_v in_o the_o term_n of_o one_o foreign_a &_o independent_a prince_n invade_v another_o mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o whatever_o solution_n or_o evasion_n they_o shall_v herein_o make_v will_v as_o exact_o quadrat_fw-la to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n it_o be_v almost_o ridiculous_a to_o conceive_v that_o the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o invasion_n of_o this_o kind_a to_o wit_n that_o it_o be_v make_v by_o a_o prince_n upon_o his_o own_o subject_n who_o profession_n he_o himself_o be_v principal_o bind_v to_o maintain_v shall_v import_v any_o speciality_n and_o difference_n in_o the_o case_n the_o last_o text_n be_v that_o of_o math._n 5.39_o and_o remanent_fw-la verse_n to_o the_o end_n where_o our_o lord_n say_v resist_v not_o evil_a but_o whosoever_o shall_v smite_v thou_o etc._n etc._n with_o the_o other_o parallel_a place_n special_o rev._n 13.10_o but_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o as_o these_o
people_n who_o though_o continual_o afflict_v and_o persecute_v in_o their_o body_n &_o though_o their_o soul_n be_v exceed_o fill_v with_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o proud_a yet_o have_v not_o nor_o dare_v not_o deny_v the_o lord_n his_o work_n nor_o his_o holy_a covenant_n who_o though_o the_o lord_n have_v cause_v to_o turn_v back_o from_o the_o enemy_n and_o give_v for_o a_o spoil_n to_o they_o that_o hate_v they_o yea_o give_v they_o as_o sheep_n for_o meat_n and_o make_v they_o a_o reproach_n a_o scorn_n and_o a_o derision_n yet_o have_v they_o nor_o forget_v the_o lord_n nor_o deal_v false_o in_o his_o covenant_n o_o that_o man_n will_v consider_v this_o grace_n of_o god_n whereby_o as_o he_o confort_v and_o sustain_v his_o servant_n in_o all_o their_o affliction_n so_o he_o warn_v backslider_n to_o return_v and_o all_o to_o flee_v from_o the_o wrath_n that_o be_v to_o come_v and_o to_o save_v themselves_o from_o this_o wicked_a generation_n which_o grace_n as_o it_o allay_v to_o the_o faithful_a the_o smart_n so_o ought_v it_o to_o remove_v from_o all_o the_o scandal_n of_o our_o lord_n cross_n and_o be_v indeed_o that_o strength_n and_o presence_n of_o the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n who_o be_v make_v perfect_a by_o suffer_v with_o all_o his_o sufferer_n give_v for_o the_o present_a joy_n and_o peace_n and_o afterward_o assure_a victory_n now_o see_v it_o be_v the_o lord_n who_o have_v so_o visible_o bring_v upon_o we_o these_o sore_a trial_n that_o such_o as_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a and_o so_o gracious_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o temptation_n thereof_o yea_o thereby_o refine_v purifi_v and_o make_v many_o white_a that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o abundant_a partaker_n both_o of_o his_o holiness_n and_o of_o his_o glory_n and_o also_o eminent_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n grace_n and_o power_n of_o his_o great_a work_n his_o holy_a covenant_n and_o precious_a ordinance_n and_o ministry_n among_o we_o clear_v they_o by_o his_o own_o testimony_n of_o all_o these_o calumny_n wherewith_o either_o through_o the_o invention_n of_o some_o man_n malice_n or_o the_o occasion_n of_o other_o man_n weakness_n and_o sin_n they_o be_v former_o asperse_v we_o shall_v shut_v up_o this_o discourse_n with_o this_o one_o word_n of_o exhortation_n great_a have_v be_v the_o sin_n of_o this_o land_n in_o not_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o glorious_a gospel_n in_o not_o receive_v the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o witness_v his_o light_n and_o grace_n and_o glory_n in_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n but_o in_o rest_v on_o the_o outward_a form_n and_o appearance_n of_o the_o true_a doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n without_o labour_v after_o the_o power_n of_o reformation_n and_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n the_o only_a grace_n and_o blessing_n of_o all_o these_o enjoyment_n and_o in_o pervert_v and_o manage_v the_o possession_n and_o profession_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n unto_o selfish_a end_n and_o worldly_a advantage_n o_o foolish_a people_n and_o unwise_a have_v we_o thus_o requite_v the_o lord_n for_o all_o these_o mercy_n of_o his_o gospel_n pure_a ordinance_n and_o holy_a covenant_n to_o corrupt_v and_o deprave_v they_o from_o that_o great_a end_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n in_o our_o salvation_n unto_o the_o base_a design_n of_o serve_v and_o satify_v our_o own_o lust_n to_o his_o dishonour_n and_o therefore_o be_v it_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v often_o in_o his_o mercy_n correct_v and_o warn_v we_o have_v now_o at_o length_n give_v we_o over_o unto_o this_o horrid_a apostasy_n and_o defection_n whereby_o as_o the_o latent_fw-la malice_n and_o hypocrisy_n of_o many_o and_o the_o great_a faint_a and_o want_n of_o zeal_n in_o all_o have_v be_v manifest_o discover_v so_o the_o lord_n be_v feed_v the_o wicked_a with_o their_o own_o delusion_n and_o put_v the_o zeal_n and_o constancy_n of_o all_o to_o the_o test_n and_o in_o effect_n ripen_v this_o whole_a land_n either_o for_o a_o glorious_a deliverance_n from_o that_o perverse_a spirit_n and_o generation_n of_o antichrist_n that_o have_v be_v long_o mingle_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o and_o even_o from_o the_o day_n of_o our_o first_o reformation_n have_v retain_v and_o continue_v the_o old_a enmity_n against_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o bless_a gospel_n and_o kingdom_n or_o else_o for_o a_o total_a and_o final_a overthrow_n in_o utter_a darkness_n and_o desolation_n and_o therefore_o o_o scotland_n because_o the_o lord_n love_v thy_o father_n and_o delight_v not_o in_o thy_o destruction_n have_v he_o after_o all_o our_o fearful_a backslide_n and_o sinful_a faint_a and_o depart_v which_o testify_v against_o we_o neither_o leave_v himself_o nor_o we_o without_o a_o witness_n but_o raise_v up_o among_o we_o his_o own_o faithful_a servant_n and_o our_o brethren_n with_o who_o we_o be_v all_o equal_o and_o indissoluble_o engage_v in_o the_o same_o righteous_a cause_n and_o covenant_n &_o by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o his_o grace_n from_o the_o pure_a zeal_n of_o his_o glory_n enable_v they_o first_o to_o venture_v and_o then_o to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o work_n and_o covenant_n that_o we_o may_v yet_o at_o length_n consider_v and_o understand_v that_o these_o be_v no_o more_o the_o labour_n and_o device_n of_o carnal_a design_n than_o that_o corruption_n and_o weakness_n of_o flesh_n &_o blood_n can_v triumph_v both_o over_o itself_o &_o death_n &_o hell_n the_o chief_a of_o terror_n o_o that_o man_n will_v therefore_o lay_v to_o heart_n their_o bond_n &_o engagement_n unto_o the_o lord_n repent_v of_o their_o backslide_n and_o cease_v from_o their_o opposition_n to_o his_o cause_n &_o covenant_n at_o least_o that_o such_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o abandon_v unto_o that_o depth_n of_o apostasy_n whereunto_o other_o have_v make_v defection_n will_v yet_o be_v wise_a &_o instruct_v repent_v of_o their_o faint_a &_o neutrality_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n &_o their_o connivance_n or_o compliance_n with_o the_o declare_a enemy_n thereof_o &_o beware_v of_o that_o wicked_a declaration_n against_o the_o covenant_n or_o any_o other_o oath_n and_o subscription_n likely_a to_o be_v the_o snare_n and_o temptation_n of_o these_o time_n which_o either_o under_o the_o pretext_n of_o peace_n and_o order_n or_o of_o due_a obedience_n unto_o lawful_a authority_n may_v be_v wicked_o invent_v and_o impose_v real_o for_o the_o suppress_n of_o truth_n and_o advance_v of_o this_o rebellion_n against_o the_o most_o high_a god_n and_o the_o establish_n of_o this_o antichristian_a prelatic_a tyranny_n we_o have_v already_o full_o detect_v the_o mask_n and_o design_n of_o such_o imposture_n he_o who_o have_v give_v authority_n and_o power_n unto_o king_n and_o prince_n and_o render_v the_o same_o sacred_a by_o his_o holy_a sanction_n and_o command_n as_o he_o have_v often_o punish_v their_o ingratitude_n and_o usurpation_n against_o his_o own_o sovereignty_n so_o will_v he_o not_o hold_v that_o people_n guiltless_a who_o be_v both_o his_o creature_n and_o swear_a subject_n either_o connive_v at_o or_o comply_v with_o such_o rebellious_a prince_n in_o their_o wickedness_n shall_v both_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o very_a propension_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o blood_n to_o the_o love_n and_o obedience_n of_o parent_n cede_fw-la to_o the_o obedience_n of_o king_n and_o ruler_n for_o the_o good_a and_o preservation_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o shall_v not_o far_o more_o all_o allegiance_n &_o obedience_n to_o the_o same_o king_n &_o ruler_n cede_fw-la and_o give_v place_n to_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o most_o high_a our_o only_a sovereign_a lord_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o holy_a oath_n and_o commandment_n for_o advancement_n of_o his_o glory_n the_o great_a and_o only_o end_v of_o all_o thing_n fix_v it_o therefore_o in_o your_o heart_n first_o to_o love_n and_o fear_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o then_o to_o honour_v and_o obey_v the_o king_n and_o let_v the_o sincere_a and_o inward_a love_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o dear_a esteem_n of_o his_o precious_a gospel_n and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o our_o most_o sacred_a and_o solemn_a oath_n and_o covenant_n and_o of_o that_o beauty_n power_n and_o glory_n of_o his_o pure_a ordinance_n ministry_n and_o government_n which_o we_o once_o enjoy_v always_o dwell_v in_o your_o heart_n and_o ever_o determine_v and_o establish_v you_o to_o resist_v and_o disow_v all_o wicked_a usurpation_n against_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o anoint_v all_o invasion_n against_o his_o crown_n and_o prerogative_n all_o corruption_n and_o humane_a invention_n in_o his_o pure_a worship_n and_o ordinance_n all_o perversion_n of_o the_o true_a government_n and_o comely_a order_n in_o his_o house_n and_o alâ—_n violation_n of_o these_o indispensible_a &_o holy_a
mistake_v nor_o be_v not_o fight_v against_o a_o man_n of_o straw_n i_o be_v also_o desirous_a and_o do_v use_v some_o poor_a endeavour_n to_o have_v the_o church_n of_o god_n purge_v of_o insufficient_a and_o scandalous_a and_o corrupt_a minister_n and_o elder_n for_o these_o thing_n i_o have_v be_v mistake_v by_o some_o and_o hate_v by_o other_o but_o i_o bless_v the_o lord_n as_o i_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o my_o own_o conscience_n so_o i_o be_v and_o be_o therein_o approven_v in_o the_o conscience_n of_o many_o of_o the_o lord_n be_v precious_a servant_n and_o people_n and_o how_o little_a soever_o i_o may_v die_v desire_v by_o some_o yet_o by_o these_o i_o know_v i_o do_v die_v desire_v and_o their_o approbation_n and_o prayer_n and_o affection_n be_v of_o more_o value_n with_o i_o than_o the_o contradiction_n or_o reproach_n or_o hatred_n of_o many_o other_o the_o love_n of_o the_o one_o i_o can_v recompense_n and_o the_o mistake_n or_o hatred_n or_o reproach_n of_o the_o 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of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o push_n with_o the_o side_n and_o shoulder_n who_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o evil_a doer_n who_o make_v themselves_o transgressor_n by_o stustudying_a to_o build_v again_o what_o they_o do_v former_o warrantable_o destroy_v i_o mean_v prelacy_n and_o the_o ceremony_n and_o the_o service-book_n a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n that_o work_v among_o we_o who_o step_n lead_v unto_o the_o house_n of_o the_o great_a whore_n babylon_n the_o mother_n of_o fornication_n or_o whosoever_o else_o he_o be_v that_o build_v this_o jericho_n again_o let_v he_o take_v heed_n of_o the_o curse_n of_o hiel_n the_o bethelite_n and_o of_o that_o fly_a roll_n thereaten_v zech._n 5._o and_o let_v all_o minister_n take_v heed_n that_o they_o watch_v and_o be_v steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o quit_v themselves_o like_o man_n and_o be_v strong_a and_o give_v faithful_a and_o seasonable_a warn_v concern_v sin_n and_o duty_n many_o of_o the_o lord_n people_n do_v sad_o complain_v 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people_n nor_o work_n in_o britain_n and_o ireland_n i_o hope_v it_o shall_v once_o more_o revive_v by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o take_v root_v downward_o and_o bear_v fruit_n upward_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o holy_a seed_n and_o precious_a remnant_n who_o god_n will_v preserve_v and_o bring_v forth_o but_o how_o long_a or_o dark_a our_o night_n may_v be_v i_o do_v not_o know_v the_o lord_n shorten_v it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o choose_a in_o the_o mean_a while_n be_v you_o patient_a &_o steadfast_a immovable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n &_o in_o love_n one_o to_o another_o beware_v of_o snare_n which_o be_v straw_v thick_a cleave_v to_o the_o covenant_n &_o work_n of_o reformation_n do_v not_o decline_v the_o
yoke_n of_o prelacy_n which_o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o father_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v &_o which_o be_v destructive_a to_o all_o our_o true_a interest_n religious_a and_o civil_a as_o you_o will_v not_o involve_v yourselves_o in_o the_o guilt_n and_o plague_n of_o perjury_n and_o breach_n of_o covenant_n and_o as_o you_o tender_v the_o good_a of_o your_o own_o name_n person_n estate_n family_n and_o liberty_n as_o well_o as_o of_o your_o immortal_a soul_n and_o as_o you_o will_v partake_v of_o the_o good_a of_o god_n choose_v and_o of_o our_o joy_n when_o you_o come_v so_o near_a eternity_n as_o we_o be_v we_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o but_o as_o we_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o take_v our_o life_n in_o our_o hand_n so_o we_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o lay_v they_o down_o in_o this_o cause_n and_o as_o we_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o christ_n because_o of_o his_o cross_n so_o we_o will_v not_o have_v you_o offend_v in_o christ_n nor_o discourage_v because_o of_o we_o for_o we_o bear_v you_o record_v that_o we_o will_v not_o exchange_v lot_n with_o our_o adversary_n nor_o redeem_v our_o life_n liberty_n and_o fortune_n at_o the_o price_n of_o perjury_n and_o breach_n of_o covenant_n and_o further_o we_o be_v assure_v though_o this_o be_v the_o daâ—_n of_o iacob_n trouble_n that_o yet_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o have_v accomplish_v the_o trial_n of_o his_o own_o and_o fill_v up_o the_o cup_n of_o his_o adversary_n he_o will_v awake_v for_o judgement_n plead_v his_o own_o cause_n avenge_v the_o quarrel_n of_o his_o covenant_n make_v inquiry_n for_o blood_n vindicate_v his_o people_n break_v the_o arm_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o establish_v the_o just_a for_o to_o he_o belong_v judgement_n and_o vengeance_n and_o though_o our_o eye_n shall_v not_o see_v it_o yet_o we_o believe_v that_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v arise_v with_o heal_v under_o his_o wing_n &_o that_o he_o will_v revive_v his_o work_n repair_v the_o breach_n build_v the_o old_a waste_n and_o 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same_o chamber_n with_o thomas_n paterson_n merchant_n in_o glasgow_n who_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n indict_v but_o die_v of_o his_o wound_n before_o sentence_n do_v communicate_v the_o same_o to_o his_o friend_n with_o his_o assent_n thereunto_o man_n and_o brethren_n be_v condemn_v by_o our_o ruler_n as_o traitor_n lest_o we_o shall_v seem_v to_o many_o to_o suffer_v as_o evil_a doer_n in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o bless_v and_o praise_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n who_o have_v make_v we_o the_o unworthy_a of_o all_o man_n worthy_a to_o be_v faithful_a to_o he_o who_o be_v king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n and_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n single_o to_o mind_v his_o glory_n and_o who_o also_o make_v the_o cross_n of_o christ_n though_o by_o man_n superscribe_v with_o treason_n our_o sweet_a consolation_n and_o his_o own_o joy_n our_o strength_n 2._o we_o declare_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o same_o god_n before_o who_o we_o be_v now_o ready_a to_o appear_v that_o we_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o rebel_n against_o the_o king_n and_o his_o just_a authority_n who_o as_o we_o acknowledge_v for_o our_o lawful_a sovereign_n so_o we_o do_v earnest_o pray_v in_o his_o behalf_n that_o god_n will_v open_v his_o eye_n and_o convert_v his_o heart_n that_o he_o may_v remember_v his_o vow_n make_v unto_o god_n relieve_v this_o oppress_a kirk_n and_o long_o reign_v and_o flourish_v in_o righteousness_n 3._o we_o declare_v that_o perceave_v the_o holy_a covenant_n of_o our_o god_n break_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n overturn_v the_o gospel_n and_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n despise_v and_o trample_v upon_o his_o pure_a ordinance_n corrupt_v his_o faithful_a and_o our_o soul-refreshing_a minister_n cast_v out_o and_o the_o land_n fill_v with_o perjury_n and_o profanity_n and_o like_a to_o be_v hurry_v back_o to_o that_o gulf_n of_o ignorance_n superstition_n and_o confusion_n whence_o the_o lord_n do_v so_o glorious_o deliver_v we_o and_o 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of_o all_o people_n and_o person_n in_o the_o like_a case_n and_o after_o the_o example_n of_o all_o the_o oppress_a kirk_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o our_o noble_a ancestor_n take_v the_o sword_n of_o necessary_a self-defence_n from_o the_o rage_n and_o fury_n of_o these_o wicked_a &_o violent_a man_n until_o we_o may_v make_v our_o heavy_a grievance_n know_v to_o his_o majesty_n and_o obtain_v from_o his_o justice_n a_o satisfy_a remedy_n we_o will_v not_o now_o mention_v our_o particular_a suffering_n nor_o the_o sigh_n and_o groan_n of_o poor_a waste_a galloway_n which_o though_o very_o heavy_a from_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n be_v all_o to_o light_v for_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o be_v we_o willing_a to_o reflect_v upon_o these_o grievous_a and_o bitter_a law_n and_o edict_n by_o which_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v warrant_v only_o we_o know_v that_o god_n be_v righteous_a who_o law_n and_o judgement_n be_v superior_a and_o above_o all_o the_o law_n and_o action_n of_o man_n and_o to_o he_o who_o will_v judge_v righteous_o we_o intir_o commit_v our_o cause_n which_o be_v none_o other_o than_o the_o revive_v of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o renew_n of_o his_o covenant_n which_o though_o it_o please_v the_o holy_a and_o wise_a god_n not_o to_o favour_v with_o success_n in_o the_o field_n and_o though_o by_o man_n it_o be_v make_v our_o condemnation_n yet_o it_o be_v our_o righteousness_n innocency_n and_o confidence_n in_o his_o sight_n and_o all_o praise_n and_o thanks_o be_v unto_o our_o god_n who_o not_o only_o keep_v we_o steadfast_a in_o his_o covenant_n and_o make_v we_o willing_a and_o ready_a to_o adventure_v our_o life_n for_o his_o name_n but_o have_v also_o accept_v and_o dignify_v our_o offer_n with_o this_o public_a appearance_n where_o in_o his_o own_o glorious_a presence_n before_o who_o we_o shall_v instant_o appear_v and_o before_o our_o often_o swear_a and_o once_o zealous_a and_o tender_a brethren_n in_o the_o same_o cause_n and_o in_o midst_n of_o thou_o o_o edinburgh_n once_o famous_a for_o the_o glory_n and_o zeal_n of_o god_n and_o of_o this_o covenant_n we_o may_v give_v and_o seal_v this_o our_o testimony_n with_o our_o blood_n we_o therefore_o the_o unworthy_a of_o all_o the_o faithful_a do_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o glory_n testify_v and_o seal_v with_o our_o blood_n and_o life_n that_o both_o the_o national_a covenant_n and_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n be_v in_o themselves_o holy_a just_a and_o true_a and_o perpetual_o bind_v contain_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o our_o indispensable_a obligation_n to_o all_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n according_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n which_o no_o authority_n nor_o power_n of_o man_n be_v or_o ever_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o disannul_v and_o that_o our_o bless_a reformation_n both_o from_o popery_n
go_v before_o i_o leave_v behind_o they_o concern_v our_o common_a cause_n to_o leave_v a_o word_n in_o writ_n for_o satisfaction_n of_o they_o who_o survive_v i_o that_o for_o preservation_n &_o defence_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n of_o this_o church_n and_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o my_o poor_a brethren_n afflict_v &_o persecute_v therefore_o i_o join_v with_o other_o in_o arm_n &_o that_o i_o renew_v the_o covenant_n that_o all_o man_n may_v the_o better_a know_v my_o cause_n and_o principle_n i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o deny_v or_o be_v ashamed_a of_o that_o i_o both_o acknowledge_v and_o avow_v it_o as_o my_o duty_n but_o let_v no_o man_n that_o will_v not_o condemn_v himself_o upon_o the_o same_o common_a obligation_n to_o do_v what_o i_o do_v account_v i_o a_o rebel_n therefore_o because_o with_o the_o same_o breath_n that_o i_o do_v swear_v and_o with_o that_o same_o hand_n that_o i_o do_v subscribe_v to_o preserve_v and_o defend_v religion_n i_o do_v also_o swear_v to_o defend_v the_o king_n and_o his_o authority_n our_o church_n be_v not_o more_o glorious_a in_o herself_o &_o terrible_a to_o her_o adversary_n while_o we_o enjoy_v pure_a ordinance_n of_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o her_o beautiful_a assembly_n for_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o lord_n own_o institution_n than_o she_o become_v of_o late_o deform_v by_o the_o usurpation_n and_o tyranny_n of_o prelacy_n and_o i_o do_v solemn_o declare_v as_o a_o die_a man_n who_o dare_v not_o dissemble_v that_o as_o i_o think_v and_o still_o aver_v that_o the_o erect_n of_o this_o abjure_a prelacy_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o much_o of_o the_o sin_n in_o the_o land_n and_o of_o all_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n therein_o so_o i_o have_v no_o worse_a design_n than_o the_o restore_n of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n according_a to_o the_o covenant_n and_o more_o particular_o the_o extirpation_n of_o prelacy_n to_o which_o his_o ma_n and_o all_o the_o subject_n be_v as_o much_o oblige_v as_o i._n and_o let_v that_o be_v remove_v and_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n restore_v and_o i_o darâ—_n die_v in_o say_v that_o his_o ma_n shall_v not_o have_v in_o all_o his_o dominion_n more_o love_a loyal_a peaceable_a and_o faithful_a subject_n than_o these_o who_o for_o their_o noncompliance_a be_v load_v with_o the_o reproach_n of_o phanaticisme_n and_o rebellion_n the_o suffering_n and_o insupportable_a oppression_n of_o these_o that_o can_v not_o because_o of_o the_o command_n and_o oath_n of_o god_n acknowledge_v &_o comply_v with_o prelacy_n may_v seem_v light_n to_o some_o in_o who_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o old_a enmity_n that_o be_v betwixt_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n remain_v and_o to_o other_o perhaps_o their_o friend_n who_o look_v thereupon_o at_o adistance_n but_o as_o there_o be_v just_a reason_n to_o think_v that_o if_o these_o rigid_a oppression_n have_v be_v make_v know_v to_o his_o ma_n his_o justice_n and_o clemency_n will_v have_v provide_v a_o remedy_n and_o as_o the_o half_a thereof_o will_v have_v make_v the_o prelate_n their_o patron_n and_o adherent_n impatient_o mad_a for_o as_o loyal_a as_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o in_o the_o like_a case_n of_o irresistible_a necessity_n when_o there_o be_v little_a open_a door_n for_o represent_v of_o grievance_n and_o desire_n and_o less_o hope_n of_o relief_n thereby_o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v not_o be_v find_v condemn_v by_o the_o confession_n of_o reform_a church_n or_o doctrine_n of_o sound_a divine_n but_o that_o it_o be_v authorize_v by_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n by_o uncondemned_a example_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o christian_a state_n by_o arm_n to_o preserve_v and_o defend_v man_n life_n their_o religion_n liberty_n and_o fortune_n and_o especial_o where_o they_o be_v not_o seek_v to_o acquire_v a_o new_a religion_n or_o new_a liberty_n but_o only_o to_o preserve_v their_o old_a or_o recover_v they_o when_o they_o be_v violent_o &_o unjust_o spoil_v of_o the_o same_o as_o in_o our_o case_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v sin_v against_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o just_a and_o condemn_v as_o rebellious_a the_o most_o of_o the_o through_o reformation_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n abroad_o and_o of_o our_o own_o at_o home_n if_o this_o course_n be_v lawful_a and_o if_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o join_v therein_o as_o i_o believe_v and_o lay_v down_o my_o life_n in_o the_o persuasion_n that_o it_o be_v and_o if_o all_o the_o kingdom_n be_v as_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o covenant_n to_o assist_v and_o defend_v one_o another_o in_o the_o â—ommon_a cause_n of_o religion_n and_o liberty_n whatever_o may_v be_v say_v of_o these_o that_o come_v not_o forth_o to_o help_v the_o lord_n against_o the_o mighty_a it_o can_v but_o be_v their_o dreadful_a sin_n who_o join_v themselves_o in_o arm_n or_o take_v oath_n to_o oppose_v suppress_v and_o break_v it_o see_v they_o have_v side_v themselves_o against_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o work_n and_o their_o carriage_n be_v a_o much_o high_a degree_n of_o accession_n to_o the_o blood_n that_o be_v shed_v than_o paul_n keep_v of_o the_o clothes_n of_o they_o that_o stone_a stephen_n to_o death_n and_o i_o wish_v that_o they_o may_v lay_v the_o matter_n to_o heart_n and_o repent_v of_o it_o that_o god_n may_v forgive_v they_o as_o i_o forgive_v all_o man_n and_o particular_o morâ—on_v who_o do_v apprehend_v i_o i_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a seed_n in_o the_o land_n who_o shall_v be_v the_o substance_n thereof_o and_o i_o pray_v that_o the_o lord_n may_v make_v they_o more_o zealous_a and_o valiant_a for_o the_o truth_n upon_o earth_n i_o know_v also_o that_o there_o be_v many_o who_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n have_v be_v draw_v forth_o towards_o these_o who_o take_v their_o life_n in_o their_o hand_n by_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o they_o and_o charity_n to_o they_o and_o especial_o in_o edinburgh_n towards_o the_o poor_a prisoner_n of_o who_o i_o may_v not_o only_o say_v that_o what_o they_o have_v do_v deserve_v to_o be_v tell_v for_o a_o memorial_n wherever_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v but_o be_o assure_o confident_a that_o beside_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o persecute_v the_o lord_n be_v not_o unrighteous_a to_o forget_v their_o work_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n which_o they_o have_v show_v towards_o his_o name_n in_o that_o they_o have_v minister_v to_o the_o saint_n &_o do_v minister_v and_o yet_o i_o must_v needs_o regret_n that_o so_o many_o in_o this_o city_n once_o famous_a and_o honour_a for_o harmonious_a own_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o bless_v above_o many_o other_o city_n with_o solemn_a assembly_n for_o worship_n and_o government_n shall_v have_v be_v ensnare_v into_o a_o oath_n so_o contradictory_n to_o the_o oath_n of_o the_o covenant_n &_o which_o be_v devise_v contrive_v and_o impose_v in_o lieu_n of_o the_o declaration_n against_o the_o same_o and_o for_o a_o grave-stone_n to_o suppress_v the_o revival_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n within_o this_o land_n the_o apostasy_n of_o this_o land_n be_v very_o great_a by_o perjury_n and_o breach_n of_o covenant_n and_o so_o much_o the_o worse_o and_o more_o aggreageble_a that_o it_o be_v authorize_v and_o very_o universal_a and_o as_o i_o can_v but_o regret_n that_o so_o many_o be_v ensnare_v therein_o so_o i_o must_v needs_o warn_v all_o to_o abhor_v and_o beware_v of_o all_o declaration_n and_o oath_n contradictory_n to_o the_o covenant_n and_o renunciatory_a thereof_o as_o they_o will_v not_o involve_v themselves_o in_o the_o guilt_n and_o plague_n denounce_v against_o and_o ordinary_o inflict_v upon_o perjury_n and_o breach_n of_o covenant_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o because_o this_o be_v like_a to_o be_v the_o shibbole_fw-he and_o trial_n of_o the_o time_n as_o for_o myself_o i_o have_v see_v and_o do_v find_v so_o much_o worth_n in_o truth_n which_o be_v to_o be_v buy_v at_o any_o rate_n but_o sell_v at_o none_o and_o so_o much_o transcendent_a excellency_n and_o amiableness_n in_o christ_n that_o not_o only_o with_o cheerfulness_n &_o confidence_n i_o lay_v down_o my_o life_n for_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n commit_v my_o soul_n to_o he_o to_o be_v keep_v in_o hope_n of_o a_o joyful_a resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n but_o also_o bless_v he_o that_o give_v i_o a_o life_n to_o lose_v and_o a_o body_n to_o lay_v down_o for_o he_o and_o although_o the_o merket_n and_o price_n of_o truth_n may_v appear_v to_o many_o very_a high_a yet_o i_o reckon_v it_o low_o and_o all_o that_o i_o have_v or_o can_v do_v little_a and_o too_o little_a for_o he_o who_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o and_o to_o i_o for_o i_o account_v