the_o dangerous_a method_n of_o some_o who_o the_o better_a to_o enforce_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n do_v suppose_v the_o matter_n thereof_o especial_o as_o to_o that_o article_n against_o prelacy_n to_o be_v antecedent_o indifferent_a and_o not_o determine_v either_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o any_o other_o moral_a precept_n just_o apprehend_v how_o easy_o in_o this_o light_n and_o backslide_a time_n such_o supposition_n may_v become_v position_n and_o that_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n now_o so_o much_o violate_v and_o little_o regard_v may_v be_v find_v too_o weak_a to_o secure_v man_n steadfastness_n as_o we_o be_v therefore_o persuade_v and_o will_v have_v all_o to_o consider_v and_o fix_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n that_o this_o wicked_a prelacy_n and_o its_o hierarchy_n be_v not_o only_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n to_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n under_o which_o express_a consideration_n we_o be_v also_o swear_v to_o endeavour_v its_o extirpation_n but_o by_o the_o sad_a experience_n of_o all_o age_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n especial_o in_o these_o our_o late_a time_n have_v be_v find_v most_o pernicious_a to_o all_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o the_o main_a engine_n and_o device_n whereby_o the_o devil_n have_v always_o labour_v to_o advance_v his_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n and_o therefore_o have_v be_v the_o great_a butt_n and_o aim_v for_o the_o overthrow_n whereof_o the_o great_a work_n of_o god_n in_o this_o land_n have_v be_v so_o powerful_o and_o glorious_o manifest_v so_o do_v we_o most_o constant_o hold_v that_o as_o well_o this_o article_n against_o prelacy_n as_o all_o the_o rest_n contain_v in_o this_o holy_a covenant_n be_v and_o be_v antecedent_o oblige_v both_o to_o king_n and_o people_n without_o the_o supervention_n of_o either_o oath_n or_o promise_n and_o that_o the_o root_n out_o of_o prelacy_n &_o the_o wicked_a hierarchy_n therein_o so_o obvious_o describe_v be_v the_o main_a duty_n in_o the_o endeavour_n whereof_o as_o most_o advantageous_a unto_o all_o these_o great_a and_o holy_a end_n propose_v by_o the_o covenant_n all_o the_o zeal_n of_o the_o faithful_a aught_o to_o be_v concentre_v as_o for_o such_o profane_a juggler_n who_o neither_o consider_v this_o oath_n and_o covenant_n as_o a_o special_a ordinance_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n whereby_o we_o be_v more_o effectual_o stir_v up_o and_o enable_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n therein_o contain_v nor_o know_v that_o this_o covenant_n make_v with_o god_n and_o accept_v by_o he_o be_v also_o the_o lord_n covenant_n with_o we_o for_o the_o secure_n and_o establish_v unto_o we_o all_o the_o great_a blessing_n and_o privilege_n therein_o express_v &_o that_o as_o we_o therein_o do_v avouch_v the_o lord_n to_o be_v our_o god_n so_o do_v he_o avouch_v we_o to_o be_v his_o people_n do_v from_o the_o righteousness_n and_o necessity_n of_o its_o matter_n vain_o argue_v the_o superfluity_n of_o any_o accessary_a obligation_n and_o will_v thence_o infer_v that_o the_o same_o may_v be_v the_o more_o easy_o dispense_v with_o or_o renounce_v we_o de_fw-fr only_o remit_v they_o to_o that_o solemn_a covenant_n deut._n 29.10_o etc._n etc._n make_v there_o betwixt_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n and_o thereafter_o so_o often_o renew_v only_o for_o their_o great_a engagement_n to_o the_o most_o necessary_a duty_n of_o god_n express_a command_n we_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n unto_o the_o manner_n and_o form_n of_o this_o league_n and_o covenant_n wherein_o not_o purpose_v to_o resume_v the_o many_o debate_n that_o have_v be_v raise_v anent_o it_o we_o shall_v only_o take_v notice_n that_o these_o old_a act_n and_o law_n viz._n act._n 43._o parl._n 6._o of_o mary_n 1555._o and_o act._n 12._o parl._n 10._o jam._n 6.1585_o make_v against_o league_n and_o band_n contract_v without_o the_o king_n consent_n be_v now_o obtrude_v with_o the_o force_n and_o lustre_n of_o a_o new_a act._n cap._n 4._o of_o the_o last_o parliament_n to_o condemn_v the_o covenant_n as_o from_o the_o beginning_n unlawful_a and_o rebellious_a but_o as_o these_o old_a act_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o enter_n into_o this_o league_n and_o covenant_n do_v then_o stand_v explain_v by_o the_o 29._o act._n parl._n 2._o charl._n 1._o ratify_v and_o authorize_v by_o the_o king_n himself_o in_o a_o sense_n most_o consistent_a with_o the_o covenant_n and_o can_v no_o way_n render_v the_o same_o from_o the_o beginning_n unlawful_a much_o less_o can_v the_o revival_n thereof_o in_o their_o great_a rigour_n or_o the_o superveniency_n of_o any_o other_o act_n thereanent_fw-la dissolve_v the_o sacred_a obligation_n of_o this_o oath_n once_o lawful_o contract_v so_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o former_a answer_n make_v ro_o this_o objection_n and_o the_o justice_n and_o equity_n of_o that_o act._n 29._o p._n 2._o c._n 1._o whereby_o the_o same_o be_v declare_v remain_v in_o full_a force_n viz._n that_o no_o league_n nor_o bond_n make_v by_o the_o subject_n for_o maintenance_n of_o religion_n liberty_n and_o the_o public_a good_a of_o church_n or_o state_n be_v or_o can_v be_v understand_v to_o be_v prohibit_v by_o these_o old_a act_n and_o law_n object_v because_o as_o the_o maker_n of_o such_o bond_n can_v be_v repute_v to_o be_v mover_n of_o sedition_n to_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n which_o be_v the_o express_a reason_n and_o certification_n of_o these_o old_a act_n object_v so_o both_o the_o king_n and_o his_o government_n be_v appoint_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o these_o great_a end_n and_o interest_n and_o he_o himself_o principal_o oblige_v both_o by_o the_o command_n and_o oath_n of_o god_n upon_o he_o to_o authorise_v all_o such_o bond_n covenant_n and_o other_o mean_n which_o may_v advance_v the_o same_o 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a_o manner_n extort_a by_o the_o force_n of_o the_o most_o palpable_a and_o rational_a necessity_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v and_o see_v the_o feel_n and_o discern_v thereof_o be_v so_o far_o from_o that_o criminal_a presumption_n allege_v that_o to_o disprove_v it_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o deny_v both_o sense_n and_o reason_n unless_o our_o adversary_n can_v prove_v that_o notwithstanding_o thereof_o the_o king_n be_v by_o god_n the_o lord_n vest_v with_o such_o a_o uncontrollable_a dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n that_o whatever_o violence_n outrage_n or_o cruelty_n he_o commit_v the_o people_n be_v oblige_v by_o a_o patience_n or_o rather_o stupidity_n great_a than_o that_o of_o beast_n to_o endure_v without_o gain_n say_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o establish_v the_o tyranny_n that_o they_o contend_v for_o but_o that_o the_o world_n may_v see_v that_o such_o objection_n be_v only_o the_o wicked_a flattery_n of_o selfish_a man_n and_o how_o little_a they_o do_v therein_o either_o use_v or_o regard_v reason_n in_o the_o late_a act_n abovementioned_a make_v against_o league_n and_o convention_n it_o be_v declare_v that_o the_o explication_n contain_v in_o the_o act_n 1640._o viz._n that_o such_o league_n and_o convention_n as_o be_v make_v by_o subject_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o king_n religion_n and_o the_o law_n be_v not_o prohibit_v by_o these_o old_a act_n be_v false_a and_o disloyal_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a meaning_n thereof_o which_o declaration_n be_v not_o only_o a_o naked_a assertion_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o express_a reason_n and_o certification_n of_o these_o old_a act_n which_o be_v before_o set_v down_o but_o so_o blind_a and_o irrational_a that_o in_o case_n of_o a_o interregnum_fw-la or_o the_o incapacity_n of_o the_o king_n to_o give_v his_o consent_n to_o any_o bond_n meet_v or_o convention_n which_o in_o such_o a_o case_n may_v be_v
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
national_a &_o solemn_a league_n &_o covenant_n to_o which_o he_o declare_v his_o cordial_a assent_n wish_v no_o long_a to_o live_v than_o he_o may_v see_v religion_n &_o this_o kingdom_n flourish_v in_o all_o happiness_n 2._o after_o a_o sermon_n most_o pertinent_o plain_o and_o powerful_o preach_v upon_o that_o 2_o king_n 11._o v_o 12_o &_o 17._o wherein_o among_o other_o thing_n the_o bind_a power_n &_o force_v of_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o hazard_n of_o the_o breach_n thereof_o be_v full_o represent_v the_o action_n commence_v with_o the_o king_n be_v most_o solemn_a renew_n of_o the_o national_a and_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n which_o be_v in_o this_o manner_n the_o king_n kneel_v and_o lift_v up_o his_o right_a hand_n before_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o the_o whole_a people_n and_o congregation_n by_o his_o great_a oath_n in_o presence_n of_o the_o almighty_a god_n the_o searcher_n 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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 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that_o man_n shall_v be_v find_v who_o deny_v and_o will_v subvert_v it_o in_o its_o first_o principal_a and_o most_o immediate_a effect_n but_o if_o according_a hereunto_o any_o will_v subsume_v and_o prove_v that_o either_o by_o the_o lord_n be_v ordain_v of_o power_n or_o man_n surrendar_n and_o submission_n thereto_o make_v main_o for_o self-preservation_n the_o foresay_a right_n and_o power_n be_v or_o can_v be_v revoke_v or_o renounce_v we_o shall_v most_o willing_o quit_v the_o plea_n and_o prostitute_v ourselves_o to_o all_o the_o violence_n that_o tyranny_n can_v invent_v since_o in_o that_o case_n there_o can_v be_v no_o injury_n 2._o that_o as_o all_o society_n government_n and_o law_n be_v appoint_v in_o a_o due_a subordination_n to_o god_n and_o his_o superior_a will_n and_o law_n for_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o people_n including_z the_o safety_n of_o every_o individual_a so_o if_o either_o this_o subordination_n be_v notorious_o infringe_v or_o 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presumption_n of_o reason_n and_o charity_n that_o the_o person_n entrust_v do_v in_o like_a manner_n real_o intend_v they_o be_v constitute_v indefinite_o and_o therefore_o in_o appearance_n universal_o without_o restriction_n yet_o according_a to_o this_o know_a rule_n that_o such_o particular_n as_o if_o express_v will_v not_o far_o more_o if_o they_o can_v be_v consent_v to_o be_v not_o understand_v to_o be_v comprise_v under_o a_o general_a condescendence_n such_o exception_n and_o limitation_n as_o be_v indispensible_o employ_v and_o can_v not_o lawful_o be_v express_o renounce_v do_v stand_v in_o full_a force_n whereupon_o also_o both_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n judgement_n and_o the_o lawfullness_n of_o the_o people_n resistance_n against_o malversing_a power_n be_v clear_o and_o certain_o found_v 4._o that_o not_o only_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o undeniable_a reason_n together_o with_o the_o agreeable_a practice_n of_o all_o nation_n special_o of_o our_o ancestor_n do_v evident_o clear_v these_o principle_n propose_v but_o also_o our_o own_o express_a statute_n declare_v the_o reveal_v word_n and_o will_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o superior_a rule_n and_o law_n and_o repeal_n all_o act_n repugnant_a thereto_o jac._n 6._o par._n 1._o chap._n 3_o 4_o &_o 8._o and_o explain_v such_o act_n as_o be_v general_o make_v against_o unlawful_a convocation_n and_o league_n and_o bond_n among_o subject_n to_o be_v understand_v with_o this_o due_a subordination_n and_o limitation_n car._n 1._o par._n 1._o c._n 29._o together_o with_o the_o king_n and_o people_n oath_n of_o faithful_a administration_n and_o alleadgeance_n whereby_o the_o coronation-covenant_n and_o contract_n special_o that_o make_v with_o this_o king_n the_o very_a bond_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v establish_v and_o secure_v do_v undoubted_o infer_v beyond_o all_o contradiction_n that_o both_o our_o government_n and_o law_n be_v constitute_v and_o to_o be_v interpret_v with_o subordination_n to_o the_o law_n and_o will_n of_o god_n and_o in_o order_n to_o these_o great_a end_n of_o their_o establishment_n 5._o that_o though_o prevail_a faction_n have_v in_o all_o time_n endeavour_v by_o their_o most_o excessive_a and_o boundless_a flattery_n to_o exalt_v and_o extend_v the_o power_n to_o a_o equal_a degree_n of_o absoluteness_n in_o all_o cause_n and_o over_o all_o person_n mere_o for_o their_o own_o base_a end_n and_o private_a advantage_n yet_o if_o any_o of_o these_o person_n will_v serious_o consider_v and_o will_v ingenuous_o declare_v their_o opinion_n in_o a_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o case_n to_o themselves_o what_o they_o will_v account_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o do_v either_o joint_o or_o separately_z in_o case_n that_o they_o be_v injurious_o and_o violent_o invade_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o their_o life_n or_o fortune_n or_o the_o subversion_n of_o their_o family_n and_o dear_a and_o near_a concernment_n their_o resolution_n in_o this_o point_n will_v easy_o justify_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o such_o who_o esteem_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o maintenance_n of_o his_o gospel_n infinite_o preferable_a to_o all_o other_o interest_n whatsoever_o do_v valiant_o offer_v and_o expose_v themselves_o for_o the_o vindication_n thereof_o to_o the_o great_a hazard_n 6._o that_o through_o the_o manifest_a and_o notorious_a perversion_n of_o the_o great_a end_n of_o society_n and_o government_n the_o bond_n thereof_o be_v dissolve_v the_o person_n one_o or_o more_o thus_o liberate_v therefrom_o do_v relapse_n into_o their_o primeve_n liberty_n and_o privilege_n and_o according_o as_o the_o similitude_n of_o their_o case_n and_o exigence_n of_o their_o cause_n do_v require_v may_v upon_o the_o very_a same_o principle_n again_o join_v and_o associate_v for_o their_o better_a defence_n &_o preservation_n as_o they_o do_v at_o first_o enter_v into_o society_n 7._o that_o we_o be_v a_o nation_n so_o solemn_o and_o express_o engage_v by_o covenant_n unto_o god_n &_o one_o with_o another_o for_o the_o advance_n and_o promove_v of_o these_o holy_a and_o important_a end_n therein_o contain_v there_o lie_v upon_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o we_o a_o indispensible_a duty_n by_o all_o possible_a mean_n to_o promove_v the_o same_o not_o only_o in_o our_o own_o conscientious_a and_o exemplary_a walk_n and_o serious_a admonition_n and_o exhortation_n towards_o other_o but_o also_o in_o endeavour_v in_o case_n of_o defection_n a_o national_a reformation_n and_o valiant_a vindication_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o his_o work_n and_o cause_n against_o all_o incorrigible_a apostate_n as_o we_o will_v not_o not_o by_o connive_v at_o their_o sin_n be_v partaker_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o as_o we_o will_v by_o destroy_v the_o accurse_a from_o among_o we_o avert_v the_o imminent_a wrath_n of_o god_n from_o the_o whole_a land_n and_o nation_n which_o position_n as_o we_o clear_o before_o assert_v both_o from_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o first_o reformer_n so_o that_o qualification_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o our_o endeavour_n in_o our_o place_n and_o calling_n be_v most_o agreeable_a thereto_o see_v the_o same_o do_v plain_o import_v that_o as_o every_o one_o be_v to_o confine_v himself_o to_o his_o own_o place_n and_o move_v in_o his_o own_o sphere_n while_o all_o in_o their_o respective_a capacity_n do_v harmonious_o concur_v in_o the_o same_o work_n and_o duty_n so_o if_o any_o in_o high_a place_n and_o employment_n do_v not_o only_o become_v remiss_a and_o forgetful_a of_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n but_o according_a to_o the_o extent_n and_o influence_n of_o their_o power_n will_v seduce_v and_o corrupt_v their_o inferior_n unto_o their_o apostasy_n it_o be_v both_o their_o place_n to_o resist_v such_o wickedness_n and_o violence_n and_o their_o calling_n to_o endeavour_v either_o the_o reformation_n or_o removal_n of_o these_o who_o prove_v so_o contrary_a to_o and_o obstructive_a of_o the_o end_n whereunto_o they_o be_v
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
to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o holy_a kirk_n of_o christ_n jesus_n within_o this_o realm_n and_o decern_v and_o declare_v all_o and_o sundry_a who_o either_o gainsay_v the_o word_n of_o the_o evangel_n receive_v and_o approve_v as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n profess_v in_o parliament_n in_o the_o year_n of_o god_n 1560._o specify_v also_o in_o the_o first_o parliament_n of_o king_n james_n 6._o and_o ratify_v in_o this_o present_a parliament_n more_o particular_o do_v specify_v or_o that_o refuse_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o they_o be_v then_o ministrate_v to_o be_v to_o member_n of_o the_o say_v kirk_n within_o this_o realm_n and_o true_a religion_n present_o profess_v so_o long_o as_o they_o keep_v themselves_o so_o divide_v from_o the_o society_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o the_o subsequent_a act._n 69._o parl._n 6._o of_o k._n james_n 6._o declare_v that_o there_o be_v none_o other_o face_n of_o kirk_n nor_o other_o face_n of_o religion_n than_o be_v present_o at_o that_o time_n by_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n establish_v within_o this_o realm_n which_o therefore_o be_v ever_o style_v god_n true_a religion_n christ_n true_a religion_n the_o true_a and_o christian_a religion_n and_o a_o perfect_a religion_n which_o by_o manifold_a act_n of_o parliament_n all_o within_o this_o realm_n be_v bind_v to_o subscribe_v the_o article_n thereof_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n to_o recant_v all_o doctrine_n &_o error_n repugnant_a to_o any_o of_o the_o say_a article_n act._n 4._o &_o 9_o parl._n 1_o act._n 45.46.47_o parl._n 3_o act_n 71._o parl._n 6._o act_n 106._o parl._n 7._o act_n 24._o parl._n 11._o act_n 123._o parl._n 12._o act_n 194._o and_o 197._o parl._n 14._o of_o k._n james_n 6._o and_o all_o magistrate_n sheriff_n etc._n etc._n on_o the_o one_o part_n be_v ordain_v to_o search_v apprehend_v and_o punish_v all_o contraveener_n for_o instance_n act_n 5._o parl._n 1_o act_n 104._o parl._n 7._o act_n 25._o par._n 11._o k._n james_n 6._o and_o that_o notwithstanding_o of_o the_o king_n majesty_n licence_n on_o the_o contrary_a which_o be_v discharge_v &_o declare_v to_o be_v of_o no_o force_n in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o tend_v in_o any_o way_n to_o the_o prejudice_n &_o hinder_v of_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n against_o papist_n &_o adversary_n of_o true_a religion_n act._n 106._o parl._n 7._o k._n james_n 6._o on_o the_o other_o part_n in_o the_o 47._o act._n parl._n 3_o k._n james_n 6._o it_o be_v declare_v and_o ordain_v see_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n true_a religion_n and_o his_o highness_n authority_n be_v so_o join_v as_o the_o hurt_n of_o the_o one_o be_v common_a to_o both_o and_o that_o none_o shall_v be_v repute_v as_o loyal_a and_o faithful_a subject_n to_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n or_o his_o authority_n but_o be_v punishable_a as_o rebeller_n and_o gainstander_n of_o the_o same_o who_o shall_v not_o give_v their_o confession_n and_o make_v their_o profession_n of_o the_o say_v true_a religion_n and_o that_o they_o who_o after_o defection_n shall_v give_v the_o confession_n of_o their_o faith_n of_o new_a they_o shall_v promise_v to_o continue_v therein_o in_o time_n come_v to_o maintain_v our_o sovereign_a lord_n authority_n and_o at_o the_o uttermost_a of_o their_o power_n to_o fortify_v assist_v and_o maintain_v the_o true_a preacher_n and_o professor_n of_o christ_n evangel_n against_o whatsoever_o enemy_n and_o gainestander_n of_o the_o same_o and_o namely_o against_o all_o such_o of_o whatsoever_o nation_n estate_n or_o degree_n they_o be_v of_o that_o have_v join_v and_o bind_v themselves_o or_o have_v assist_v or_o assist_v to_o set_v forward_o and_o execute_v the_o cruel_a decree_n of_o trent_n contrary_a to_o the_o preacher_n and_o true_a professor_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v repeat_v word_n by_o word_n in_o the_o article_n of_o pacification_n at_o perth_n the_o 23_o of_o februar_n 1572._o approve_v by_o parliament_n the_o last_o of_o aprile_a 1573._o ratify_v in_o parliament_n 1587._o and_o relate_v act_n 123._o parl._n 12._o of_o k._n james_n 6._o with_o this_o addition_n that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o resist_v all_o treasonable_a uproar_n and_o hostility_n raise_v against_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o king_n majesty_n and_o the_o true_a professor_n like_a as_o all_o liedge_n be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v the_o king_n majesty_n royal_a person_n and_o authority_n the_o authority_n of_o parliament_n without_o the_o which_o neither_o any_o law_n or_o lawful_a judicatory_n can_v be_v establish_v act_n 130._o act._n 131._o parl._n 8._o k._n james_n 6._o and_o the_o subject_n liberty_n who_o ought_v only_o to_o live_v and_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o king_n law_n the_o common_a law_n of_o this_o realm_n allanerly_a act_n 48._o parl._n 3_o k._n james_n the_o first_o act._n 79._o parl_n 6._o k._n james_n the_o 4._o repeat_v in_o the_o act_n 13_o 1._o parl._n 8._o k._n james_n 6._o which_o if_o they_o be_v innovate_v or_o prejudge_v the_o commission_n anent_o the_o union_n of_o the_o two_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n and_o england_n which_o be_v the_o sole_a act_n of_o the_o 17._o parl._n of_o k._n james_n 6._o declare_v such_o confusion_n will_v ensue_v as_o this_o realm_n can_v be_v no_o more_o a_o free_a monarchy_n because_o by_o the_o fundamental_a law_n ancient_a privilege_n office_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n not_o only_o the_o princely_a authority_n of_o his_o majesty_n royal_a descent_n have_v be_v these_o many_o age_n maintain_v but_o also_o the_o people_n security_n of_o their_o land_n live_n right_n office_n liberty_n and_o dignity_n preserve_v and_o therefore_o for_o the_o preservatien_n of_o the_o say_v true_a religion_n law_n and_o liberty_n of_o this_o kingdom_n it_o be_v statute_n by_o the_o 8._o act_n parl._n 1._o repeat_v in_o the_o 99_o act_n parl._n 7._o ratify_v in_o the_o 23._o act_n parl._n 11._o and_o 114._o act_n parl._n 12._o of_o k._n james_n 6._o and_o 4._o act_n of_o k._n charles_n that_o all_o king_n and_o prince_n at_o their_o coronation_n and_o reception_n of_o their_o princely_a authority_n shall_v make_v their_o faithful_a promise_n by_o their_o solemn_a oath_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n that_o endure_v the_o whole_a time_n of_o their_o life_n they_o shall_v serve_v the_o same_o eternal_a god_n to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o their_o power_n according_a as_o he_o have_v require_v in_o his_o most_o holy_a word_n contain_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o according_a to_o the_o same_o word_n shall_v maintain_v the_o true_a religion_n of_o christ_n jesus_n the_o preach_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n the_o due_a and_o right_a ministration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n now_o receive_v and_o preach_v within_o this_o realm_n according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n immediate_o precede_v and_o shall_v abolish_v and_o gainstand_v all_o false_a religion_n contrary_a to_o the_o same_o and_o shall_v rule_v the_o people_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n according_a to_o the_o will_n and_o command_v of_o god_n reveal_v in_o his_o foresay_a word_n and_o according_a to_o the_o laudable_a law_n and_o constitution_n receive_v in_o this_o realm_n no_o way_n repugnant_a to_o the_o say_a will_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n and_o shall_v procure_v to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o their_o power_n to_o the_o kirk_n of_o god_n and_o whole_a christian_a people_n true_a and_o perfect_a peace_n in_o all_o time_n come_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v careful_a to_o root_v out_o of_o their_o empire_n all_o heretic_n and_o enemy_n to_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n who_o shall_v be_v convict_v by_o the_o true_a kirk_n of_o god_n of_o the_o foresay_a crime_n which_o be_v also_o observe_v by_o his_o majesty_n at_o his_o coronation_n in_o edinburgh_n 1633._o as_o maybe_o see_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o coronation_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n conform_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o former_a time_n and_o according_a to_o the_o laudable_a example_n of_o our_o worthy_a and_o religious_a progenitor_n &_o of_o many_o yet_o live_v among_o we_o which_o be_v warrant_v also_o by_o act_n of_o council_n command_v a_o general_a band_n to_o be_v make_v and_o subscribe_v by_o his_o majesty_n subject_n of_o all_o rank_n for_o two_o cause_n one_o be_v for_o defend_v the_o true_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v then_o reform_v and_o be_v express_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n abovewritten_v and_o a_o former_a large_a confession_n establish_v by_o sundry_a act_n of_o lawful_a general_a assembly_n &_o of_o parliament_n unto_o which_o it_o have_v relation_n set_v down_o in_o public_a catechism_n and_o which_o have_v be_v for_o many_o year_n with_o a_o blessing_n from_o heaven_n preach_v and_o profess_v in_o this_o kirk_n
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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
groan_v under_o or_o in_o danger_n of_o the_o yoke_n of_o antichristian_a tyranny_n or_o to_o join_v in_o the_o same_o or_o like_o association_n &_o covenant_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o enlargement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o peace_n &_o tranquillity_n of_o christian_a kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n a_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o public_a sin_n and_o breach_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o a_o solemn_a engagement_n to_o all_o the_o duty_n contain_v therein_o namely_o thâ—se_a which_o do_v in_o a_o more_o special_a way_n relate_v unto_o the_o danger_n of_o these_o time_n anno_fw-la 1648._o we_o nobleman_n baron_n gentleman_n burgess_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o commons_o of_o all_o sort_n within_o this_o kingdom_n by_o the_o good_a hand_n of_o god_n upon_o we_o take_v in_o serious_a consideration_n the_o many_o sad_a affliction_n and_o deep_a distress_n wherewith_o we_o have_v be_v exercise_v for_o a_o long_a time_n past_a and_o that_o the_o land_n after_o it_o have_v be_v sore_o waste_v with_o the_o sword_n and_o the_o pestilence_n and_o threaten_v with_o famine_n and_o that_o shame_n and_o contempt_n have_v be_v pour_v out_o from_o the_o lord_n against_o many_o thousand_o of_o our_o nation_n who_o do_v in_o a_o sinful_a way_n make_v war_n upon_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n contrary_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o desire_n of_o his_o people_n and_o that_o the_o remnant_n of_o that_o army_n return_v to_o this_o land_n have_v spoil_v and_o oppress_v many_o of_o our_o brethren_n and_o that_o the_o malignant_a party_n be_v still_o numerous_a &_o retain_v their_o former_a principle_n wait_v for_o a_o opportunity_n to_o raise_v a_o new_a and_o dangerous_a war_n not_o only_o unto_o the_o rend_n of_o the_o bowel_n of_o this_o kingdom_n but_o unto_o the_o divide_n of_o we_o from_o england_n &_o overturning_a of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o all_o the_o three_o kingdom_n and_o consider_v also_o that_o a_o cloud_n of_o calamity_n do_v still_o hang_v over_o our_o head_n &_o threaten_v we_o with_o sad_a thing_n to_o come_v we_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o these_o thing_n as_o from_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v righteous_a in_o all_o his_o way_n feed_v we_o with_o the_o bread_n of_o tear_n and_o make_v we_o to_o drink_v the_o water_n of_o affliction_n until_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o know_v how_o evil_a and_o bitter_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o depart_v away_o from_o he_o by_o break_v the_o oath_n and_o covenant_n which_o we_o have_v make_v with_o he_o and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v humble_v before_o he_o by_o confess_v our_o sin_n and_o forsake_v the_o evil_a of_o our_o way_n therefore_o be_v press_v with_o so_o great_a necessity_n and_o strait_n and_o warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o have_v the_o example_n of_o god_n people_n of_o old_a who_o in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o trouble_n and_o when_o they_o be_v to_o seek_v delivery_n and_o a_o right_a way_n for_o themselves_o that_o 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 power_n thereof_o yea_o some_o have_v turn_v aside_o to_o crooked_a way_n destructive_a to_o both_o the_o profane_a loose_a and_o insolent_a carriage_n of_o many_o in_o our_o army_n who_o go_v to_o the_o assistance_n of_o our_o brethren_n in_o england_n and_o the_o tampering_n and_o unstraight_a deal_n of_o some_o of_o our_o commissioner_n and_o other_o of_o our_o nation_n in_o london_n the_o isle_n of_o wight_n &_o other_o place_n of_o that_o kingdom_n have_v prove_v great_a let_n to_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o settle_v of_o kirk-government_n there_o whereby_o error_n and_o schism_n in_o that_o land_n have_v be_v increase_v and_o sectary_n harden_v in_o their_o way_n we_o have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o prophannesse_n and_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n that_o profanity_n have_v be_v much_o wink_v at_o and_o profane_a person_n much_o countenance_v &_o many_o time_n employ_v until_o iniquity_n and_o 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
albeit_o we_o be_v the_o lord_n people_n engage_v to_o he_o in_o a_o solemn_a way_n yet_o to_o this_o day_n we_o have_v not_o make_v it_o our_o study_n that_o judicatories_n &_o army_n shall_v consist_v of_o and_o place_n of_o power_n and_o trust_v be_v fill_v with_o man_n of_o a_o blameless_a and_o christian_a conversation_n and_o of_o know_a integrity_n and_o approven_v fidelity_n affection_n and_o zeal_n unto_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n but_o not_o only_o those_o who_o have_v be_v neutral_a and_o indifferent_a but_o disaffect_v and_o malignant_a and_o other_o who_o have_v be_v profane_a and_o scandalous_a have_v be_v entrust_v by_o which_o it_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o judicatories_n have_v be_v the_o seat_n of_o injustice_n and_o iniquity_n and_o many_o in_o our_o army_n by_o their_o miscarriage_n have_v become_v our_o plague_n unto_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n the_o great_a scandal_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o great_a increase_n of_o looseness_n &_o profanity_n throughout_o all_o the_o land_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o reckon_v up_o all_o the_o abomination_n that_o be_v in_o the_o land_n but_o the_o blaspheme_v of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n swear_v by_o the_o creature_n profanation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n uncleanness_n drunkenness_n excess_n and_o riot_v vanity_n of_o apparel_n lie_v and_o deceit_n rail_v and_o curse_v arbitrary_a and_o uncontrolled_a oppression_n and_o grind_v of_o the_o face_n of_o the_o poor_a by_o landlord_n and_o other_o in_o place_n and_o power_n be_v become_v ordinary_a and_o common_a sin_n and_o beside_o all_o these_o thing_n there_o be_v many_o other_o transgression_n whereof_o the_o land_n wherein_o we_o live_v be_v guilty_a all_o which_o we_o desire_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o to_o be_v humble_v for_o that_o the_o world_n may_v bear_v witness_n with_o we_o that_o righteousness_n belong_v unto_o god_n and_o shame_n &_o confusion_n of_o face_n unto_o we_o as_o appear_v this_o day_n and_o because_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o these_o who_o find_v mercy_n not_o only_o to_o confess_v but_o also_o to_o forsake_v their_o sin_n therefore_o that_o the_o reality_n and_o sincerity_n of_o our_o repentance_n may_v appear_v we_o do_v resolve_v and_o solemn_o engage_v ourselves_o before_o the_o lord_n careful_o to_o avoid_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v all_o these_o offence_n whereof_o we_o have_v now_o make_v solemn_a public_a acknowledgement_n and_o all_o the_o snare_n and_o tentation_n which_o tend_v thereunto_o and_o to_o testify_v the_o integrity_n of_o our_o resolution_n herein_o and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o better_o enable_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n strength_n to_o perform_v the_o same_o we_o do_v again_o renew_v our_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n promise_v hereafter_o to_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n whereunto_o we_o be_v oblige_v in_o all_o the_o head_n and_o article_n thereof_o particular_o of_o these_o which_o follow_v 1._o because_o religion_n be_v of_o all_o thing_n the_o most_o excellent_a and_o precious_a the_o advance_n and_o promove_v the_o power_n thereof_o against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o profanity_n the_o secure_n and_o preserve_v the_o purity_n thereof_o against_o all_o error_n heresy_n and_o schism_n and_o namely_o independency_n anabatisme_n antinomianisme_n arminianism_n socinianism_n familisme_n libertinism_n scepticism_n and_o erastianisme_n and_o the_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o uniformity_n shall_v be_v study_v &_o endeavour_v by_o we_o before_o all_o worldly_a interest_n whether_o concern_v the_o king_n or_o ourselves_o or_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o 2_o because_o many_o have_v of_o late_o labour_v to_o supplant_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n we_o shall_v maintain_v and_o defend_v the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n in_o all_o her_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n against_o all_o who_o shall_v oppose_v or_o undermine_v the_o same_o or_o encroach_v thereupon_o under_o any_o pretext_n whatsoever_o 3._o we_o shall_v vindicat_fw-la and_o maintain_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o conscience_n person_n and_o estate_n 4._o we_o shall_v careful_o maintain_v and_o defend_v the_o union_n betwixt_o the_o kingdom_n and_o avoid_v every_o thing_n that_o may_v weaken_v the_o same_o or_o involve_v we_o in_o any_o measure_n of_o accession_n unto_o the_o guilt_n of_o those_o who_o have_v invade_v the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n 5._o as_o we_o have_v be_v always_o loyal_a to_o our_o king_n so_o we_o shall_v still_o endeavour_v to_o give_v unto_o god_n that_o which_o be_v god_n and_o to_o caesar_n the_o thing_n which_o be_v caesar_n 6._o we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o connive_v at_o comply_v with_o or_o contenance_v of_o malignancy_n injustice_n iniquity_n profanity_n and_o impiety_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o avoid_v and_o discountenance_v those_o thing_n and_o cherish_v and_o encourage_v these_o person_n who_o be_v zealous_a for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n but_o also_o shall_v take_v a_o more_o effectual_a course_n then_o heretofore_o in_o our_o respective_a place_n and_o calling_n for_o punish_v and_o suppress_v these_o evil_n and_o faithful_o endeavour_v that_o the_o best_a and_o fit_a remedy_n may_v be_v apply_v for_o take_v away_o the_o cause_n thereof_o and_o advance_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n in_o the_o land_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o last_o place_n as_o we_o shall_v earnest_o pray_v unto_o god_n that_o he_o will_v give_v we_o able_a man_n fear_v god_n man_n of_o truth_n and_o hate_v covetousness_n to_o judge_v and_o bear_v charge_n among_o his_o people_n so_o we_o shall_v according_a to_o our_o place_n and_o calling_n endeavour_v that_o judicatories_n and_o all_o place_n of_o power_n and_o trust_n both_o in_o kirk_n and_o state_n may_v consist_v of_o and_o be_v fill_v with_o such_o man_n as_o be_v of_o know_a good_a affection_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o of_o a_o blameless_a and_o christian_a conversation_n and_o because_o there_o be_v many_o who_o heretofore_o have_v not_o make_v conscience_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n but_o some_o through_o fear_n other_o by_o persuasion_n and_o upon_o base_a end_n and_o humane_a interest_n have_v enter_v thereinto_o who_o have_v afterward_o discover_v themselves_o to_o have_v deal_v deceitful_o with_o the_o lord_n in_o swear_v false_o by_o his_o name_n therefore_o we_o who_o do_v now_o renew_v our_o covenant_n in_o reference_n to_o these_o duty_n and_o all_o other_o duty_n contain_v therein_o do_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n solemn_o profess_v that_o it_o be_v not_o upon_o any_o politic_a advantage_n or_o private_a interest_n or_o by-end_n or_o because_o of_o any_o terror_n or_o persuasion_n from_o man_n or_o hypocritical_o and_o deceitful_o that_o we_o do_v again_o take_v upon_o we_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n but_o honest_o and_o sincere_o and_o from_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o that_o therefore_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o thing_n and_o lay_v aside_o all_o self_n interest_n and_o end_n we_o shall_v above_o all_o thing_n seek_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o good_a of_o his_o cause_n and_o the_o wealth_n of_o his_o people_n and_o that_o forsake_v the_o counsel_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o not_o lean_v upon_o carnal_a confidence_n we_o shall_v depend_v upon_o the_o lord_n walk_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n and_o hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o his_o servant_n in_o all_o which_o profess_v our_o own_o weakness_n we_o do_v earnest_o pray_v to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n through_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v merciful_a unto_o we_o and_o to_o enable_v we_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n that_o we_o may_v do_v our_o duty_n unto_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o the_o church_n amen_n the_o occasion_n of_o this_o acknowledgement_n and_o engagement_n be_v this_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1648._o consider_v the_o many_o breach_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n and_o particular_o by_o the_o engagement_n in_o war_n that_o year_n against_o england_n the_o slackness_n of_o many_o in_o follow_v the_o duty_n therein_o and_o that_o many_o be_v under_o age_n when_o it_o be_v first_o swear_v have_v not_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o same_o do_v by_o their_o act_n october_n 6._o ordain_v it_o to_o be_v renew_v with_o this_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o sin_n &_o breach_n and_o engagement_n to_o duty_n and_o to_o that_o effect_n appoint_v two_o solemn_a fast_n to_o be_v keep_v in_o all_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o land_n for_o the_o cause_n contain_v in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o intimation_n thereof_o shall_v be_v make_v to_o the_o people_n upon_o the_o sabbath_n before_o &_o that_o the_o covenant_n
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 they_o want_v of_o divine_a right_n and_o warrant_v may_v be_v supply_v by_o the_o accession_n of_o the_o king_n power_n and_o command_n but_o also_o that_o by_o their_o mean_n the_o grow_a wickedness_n of_o these_o time_n may_v abound_v without_o restraint_n or_o control_n the_o devil_n incit_v other_o of_o the_o more_o profane_a licentious_a and_o violent_a courtier_n such_o as_o the_o earl_n of_o arran_n and_o his_o complice_n to_o move_v and_o instigat_fw-la the_o king_n contrary_a both_o to_o the_o word_n and_o oath_n of_o god_n to_o usurp_v the_o prerogative_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v alone_a king_n in_o zion_n and_o to_o invade_v his_o church_n privilege_n purchase_v for_o she_o with_o his_o own_o blood_n by_o assume_v to_o himself_o in_o the_o first_o and_o immediate_a instance_n the_o cognition_n of_o her_o doctrine_n and_o censure_n which_o though_o the_o church_n do_v constant_o and_o valiant_o oppose_v both_o by_o petition_n and_o protestation_n yet_o this_o wickedness_n do_v so_o impetuous_o proceed_v that_o all_o at_o once_o in_o a_o parliament_n summary_o call_v in_o the_o year_n 1582._o the_o prerogative_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v translate_v upon_o the_o king_n and_o his_o jurisdiction_n and_o empire_n exalt_v over_o all_o person_n and_o cause_n the_o estate_n of_o bishop_n &_o their_o power_n and_o dignity_n confirm_v &_o the_o power_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n put_v in_o the_o king_n hand_n we_o mention_v not_o these_o thing_n with_o any_o purpose_n to_o debate_v these_o question_n which_o have_v be_v move_v on_o this_o subject_a only_o we_o be_v confident_a that_o how_o extensive_a soever_o the_o king_n power_n may_v be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o reformation_n which_o alas_o for_o the_o most_o part_n come_v short_a of_o its_o reach_n yet_o where_o a_o church_n be_v regular_o constitute_v and_o so_o act_v and_o by_o he_o swear_v to_o be_v maintain_v no_o king_n or_o prince_n ought_v so_o far_o to_o intrude_v 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 minister_n and_o ecclesiastic_a court_n be_v know_v allow_v and_o presume_v both_o to_o speak_v and_o act_v according_a to_o that_o only_a warrant_n and_o last_o see_v both_o the_o warrant_n be_v to_o they_o commit_v and_o the_o church_n be_v privilege_v and_o permit_v to_o have_v it_o be_v own_o proper_a power_n and_o cognition_n thereanent_fw-la as_o it_o follow_v by_o clear_a consequence_n that_o the_o thing_n question_v must_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v first_o subject_v to_o her_o trial_n and_o cognition_n so_o none_o do_v deny_v the_o magistrat_n just_a right_n and_o power_n over_o both_o these_o thing_n and_o person_n they_o be_v once_o lawful_o find_v to_o be_v destitut_o of_o the_o warrant_v pretend_v but_o see_v both_o scripture_n and_o reason_n do_v testify_v against_o this_o usurpation_n as_o most_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o and_o injurious_a to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o that_o all_o experience_n have_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v most_o pernicious_a to_o his_o church_n &_o kingdom_n &_o therefore_o many_o of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n have_v worthy_o and_o valiant_o resist_v it_o not_o only_o to_o bond_n and_o banishment_n but_o even_o to_o blood_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o lord_n &_o master_n we_o return_v to_o the_o purpose_n of_o this_o observation_n which_o be_v to_o vindicat_fw-la the_o honour_n of_o the_o lord_n work_n and_o the_o memory_n of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n in_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o old_a malice_n and_o subtlety_n of_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n work_v in_o the_o wicked_a prelate_n &_o their_o abettor_n who_o to_o the_o effect_n they_o may_v enjoy_v their_o carnal_a design_n and_o prosecute_v their_o wicked_a lust_n without_o control_n endeavour_v main_o by_o a_o absolute_a surrender_n of_o all_o thing_n power_n person_n and_o interest_n to_o flatter_v and_o exalt_v the_o king_n unto_o a_o illimited_a sovereignty_n and_o pretend_a omnipotency_n thereby_o both_o to_o oblige_v and_o 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prerogative_n that_o it_o be_v
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infringe_v and_o all_o the_o asserter_n thereof_o lash_v with_o the_o same_o calumny_n whereupon_o and_o to_o perfect_v the_o cure_n the_o king_n must_v be_v declare_v in_o all_z and_o overdo_n all_o and_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o feign_a omnipotency_n and_o for_o recovery_n of_o that_o unity_n and_o order_n which_o only_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n his_o bless_a gospel_n and_o powerful_a ministry_n be_v pretend_v to_o have_v disturb_v the_o ancient_a policy_n or_o the_o church_n must_v be_v restore_v and_o the_o great_a flatterer_n make_v the_o arche_v prelate_n who_o by_o enhance_a and_o by_o destroy_v the_o power_n may_v compesce_fw-la the_o pretend_v insolency_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o by_o the_o continual_a pretend_v of_o dissatisfaction_n and_o disloyalty_n may_v terrify_v man_n out_o of_o all_o conscience_n until_o by_o the_o introduce_v of_o will-worship_n and_o vain_a superstition_n they_o may_v extinguish_v all_o light_n and_o thereby_o reduce_v that_o golden_a age_n of_o order_n into_o stupid_a flattery_n and_o of_o unity_n into_o implicit_a obedience_n and_o if_o these_o be_v not_o the_o kind_a caress_n and_o most_o native_a issue_n of_o prerogative_n and_o prelacy_n and_o the_o very_a restore_n and_o re-establish_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o antichrist_n he_o who_o can_v find_v it_o in_o this_o period_n will_v find_v all_o supply_v by_o the_o next_o 7._o though_o we_o love_v not_o to_o reflect_v on_o event_n and_o know_v that_o no_o man_n know_v either_o love_n or_o hatred_n by_o all_o that_o be_v before_o he_o yet_o see_v thereby_o the_o lord_n judgement_n be_v make_v manifest_a man_n ought_v both_o to_o observe_v and_o fear_v the_o dissastrous_a end_n of_o all_o the_o promoter_n of_o prelate_n in_o these_o day_n viz_o of_o the_o earl_n of_o morton_n behead_v mr_n john_n douglass_n archbishop_n of_o st_n andrews_n die_v in_o the_o pulpit_n the_o earl_n of_o arran_n after_o disgrace_n private_o kill_v mr_n patrick_n adamson_n archbishop_n of_o st_n andrews_n after_o recantation_n and_o disgrace_n die_v in_o extreme_a poverty_n may_v just_o cause_v their_o course_n the_o rather_o to_o be_v shun_v and_o detest_v but_o that_o which_o we_o love_v rather_o to_o observe_v be_v that_o as_o the_o promoter_n and_o advancer_n of_o prelacy_n be_v always_o know_v to_o be_v man_n of_o no_o principle_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o very_o flagitious_a practice_n so_o the_o resister_n thereof_o and_o favourer_n of_o presbytery_n especial_o the_o lord_n be_v faithful_a minister_n in_o these_o day_n be_v not_o only_o very_o eminent_a in_o knowledge_n piety_n and_o holiness_n but_o above_o all_o have_v that_o great_a testimony_n and_o confirmation_n which_o our_o lord_n himself_o make_v use_v of_o john_n 7.18_o that_o they_o seek_v not_o their_o own_o glory_n and_o therefore_o neither_o speak_v nor_o do_v of_o themselves_o but_o seek_v his_o glory_n that_o send_v they_o and_o therefore_o be_v true_a and_o no_o unrighteousness_n be_v in_o they_o as_o both_o their_o slight_n of_o court_n favour_n by_o which_o they_o be_v much_o tempt_v and_o their_o obstinate_a refusal_n of_o bishopric_n whereof_o king_n james_n himself_o bear_v they_o witness_v do_v testify_v 8._o the_o lord_n who_o work_n be_v perfect_a and_o who_o when_o he_o begin_v will_v also_o make_v a_o end_n hereafter_o in_o the_o year_n 1586._o shine_v through_o the_o cloud_n dissipate_v the_o darkness_n and_o after_o the_o storm_n bless_v we_o with_o a_o great_a calm_a wherein_o the_o assembly_n reassuming_a their_o just_a power_n and_o the_o matter_n by_o the_o king_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o treaty_n and_o conference_n the_o bishop_n be_v first_o restrain_v &_o then_o reduce_v thereafter_o the_o order_n of_o presbytery_n be_v set_v down_o &_o perfect_v in_o the_o year_n 1590._o both_o the_o national_n covenant_n be_v renew_v and_o subscribe_v by_o order_n of_o the_o secret_a council_n at_o the_o assembly_n desire_v and_o all_o the_o power_n that_o remain_v 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 of_o the_o lord_n we_o keep_v not_o his_o covenant_n o_o lord_n the_o people_n of_o thy_o inheritance_n enjoy_v it_o but_o a_o little_a it_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o our_o design_n that_o we_o shall_v trace_v and_o recount_v all_o these_o sad_a step_n and_o degree_n by_o which_o the_o holy_a and_o wise_a god_n think_v fit_a to_o bring_v back_o his_o church_n in_o this_o land_n unto_o that_o great_a distress_n that_o hereafter_o ensue_v and_o cause_v she_o to_o wander_v long_o in_o a_o wilderness_n of_o great_a desertion_n nor_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o beginning_n of_o that_o so_o horrid_a defection_n which_o the_o history_n of_o the_o most_o partial_a pen_n whatever_o provocation_n they_o pretend_v to_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n be_v faithful_a minister_n can_v purge_v nor_o palliate_v from_o a_o mere_a design_n of_o carnal_a policy_n carry_v on_o by_o manifest_a dissimulation_n and_o palpable_a fraud_n it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o let_v the_o true_a history_n of_o these_o proceed_n be_v examine_v and_o it_o will_v appear_v without_o the_o help_n of_o our_o obsevation_n that_o as_o the_o beginning_n of_o that_o defection_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o unfaithfulness_n of_o man_n and_o the_o inconsistence_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n with_o the_o carnal_a wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n and_o that_o old_a opposition_n and_o root_a prejudice_n of_o the_o king_n and_o power_n of_o the_o earth_n who_o have_v for_o the_o far_o great_a part_n set_v themselves_o and_o take_v counsel_n against_o the_o lord_n and_o against_o his_o anoint_v so_o for_o the_o unquestionable_a confirmation_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v either_o as_o to_o the_o wicked_a rise_n or_o woeful_a effect_n of_o prelacy_n in_o this_o church_n the_o devil_n part_n therein_o be_v visible_o to_o promote_v his_o own_o kingdom_n by_o reacting_a the_o most_o palpable_a and_o gross_a mystery_n of_o iniquity_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v describe_v in_o so_o far_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
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
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 the_o corruption_n and_o superstition_n of_o cross_v kneel_v and_o the_o like_a introduce_v by_o any_o parliament_n since_o the_o reformation_n as_o the_o act_n of_o the_o first_o session_n of_o the_o last_o parliament_n do_v clear_o testify_v although_o that_o these_o act_n have_v be_v and_o be_v both_o in_o themselves_o &_o in_o their_o effect_n just_a cause_n of_o great_a astonishment_n and_o mourning_n to_o all_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o land_n yet_o when_o we_o remember_v that_o height_n of_o wickedness_n and_o profanity_n that_o then_o abound_v and_o the_o false_a flatter_a &_o perjurious_a sermon_n &_o practice_n by_o which_o the_o parliament_n be_v thereunto_o instigate_v but_o most_o of_o all_o that_o act_n that_o then_o pass_v for_o a_o anniversary_n thanksgiving_n wherein_o as_o if_o we_o have_v be_v deliver_v to_o commit_v all_o this_o great_a wickedness_n the_o spirit_n and_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v heinous_o blaspheme_v and_o calumniate_v as_o the_o only_a author_n and_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o blood_n bondage_n usurpation_n rebellion_n rapine_n violence_n and_o other_o evil_n that_o either_o the_o malice_n and_o wickedness_n of_o man_n have_v cause_v or_o god_n in_o his_o righteous_a judgement_n have_v therefore_o permit_v or_o inflict_v and_o the_o ranverse_v of_o our_o bless_a reformation_n holy_a covenant_n and_o the_o righteous_a law_n whereby_o they_o be_v establish_v account_v the_o restitution_n of_o religion_n righteousness_n and_o liberty_n and_o the_o 29_o of_o may_n as_o most_o auspicious_a appoint_v for_o the_o yearly_a solemn_a commemoration_n thereof_o a_o day_n the_o profane_a institution_n whereof_o can_v be_v better_a demonstrate_v then_o by_o it_o be_v more_o profane_a observance_n and_o celebration_n ever_o since_o practise_v these_o thing_n we_o say_v be_v consider_v do_v just_o add_v horror_n to_o our_o astonishment_n &_o tremble_v unto_o our_o mourning_n but_o that_o their_o practice_n may_v be_v also_o 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
allow_v that_o which_o though_o for_o the_o time_n he_o endeavour_v to_o improve_v to_o the_o best_a advantage_n yet_o afterward_o he_o intend_v not_o only_o to_o reform_v but_o utter_o to_o abolish_v &_o therefore_o can_v in_o reason_n infer_v a_o command_n &_o duty_n to_o hear_v the_o curate_n so_o neither_o our_o lord_n tolerance_n in_o this_o case_n can_v so_o much_o as_o infer_v its_o lawfulness_n except_o the_o case_n be_v due_o state_v &_o compare_v which_o if_o any_o will_v rational_o do_v by_o first_o suppose_v that_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n have_v then_o late_o by_o gross_a perjury_n and_o violence_n thrust_v out_o the_o lord_n teacher_n &_o intrude_v themselves_o into_o the_o office_n we_o be_v bold_a to_o affirm_v that_o our_o great_a adversary_n dare_v not_o in_o this_o case_n assert_v that_o our_o lord_n will_v so_o much_o as_o in_o the_o like_a word_n here_o use_v have_v insinuat_fw-la a_o simple_a toleration_n 13._o hitherto_o we_o have_v only_o observe_v the_o progress_n of_o these_o act_n that_o direct_o tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o presbytery_n and_o the_o erect_n of_o prelacy_n but_o as_o by_o the_o vile_a of_o flattery_n and_o most_o presumptuous_a of_o usurpation_n sovereignty_n be_v puff_v up_o and_o exalt_v to_o that_o supremacy_n which_o be_v the_o necessary_a &_o only_a foundation_n of_o prelacy_n so_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o both_o in_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n and_o through_o the_o influence_n of_o this_o wicked_a prelacy_n the_o stay_n of_o lawful_a authority_n become_v a_o yoke_n of_o tyranny_n and_o that_o these_o prelate_n who_o make_v a_o absolute_a surrender_n of_o religion_n conscience_n &_o all_o sacred_a concernment_n for_o the_o gratify_n and_o to_o the_o arbitrament_n of_o these_o power_n who_o creature_n they_o have_v often_o atheistical_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o be_v do_v with_o the_o same_o and_o great_a profusion_n subject_v both_o law_n liberty_n and_o the_o fortune_n of_o other_o to_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o same_o power_n which_o they_o may_v so_o easy_o pervert_v unto_o their_o own_o establishment_n and_o advancement_n and_o this_o indeed_o be_v and_o have_v always_o be_v that_o great_a aggravation_n of_o our_o late_a prelacy_n render_v the_o same_o worse_a and_o more_o intolerable_a then_o the_o romish_a hierarchy_n which_o be_v whole_o dependent_a upon_o the_o pope_n another_o and_o distinct_a head_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o civil_a power_n who_o interest_n be_v oftentimes_o not_o only_o distinct_a but_o direct_o opposite_a it_o have_v neither_o that_o access_n nor_o influence_n to_o abuse_v prince_n whereas_o our_o prelate_n derive_v all_o their_o power_n and_o be_v from_o the_o king_n supremacy_n by_o endeavour_v for_o their_o own_o better_a establishment_n to_o render_v he_o incontrollable_o absolute_a over_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n they_o be_v otherwise_o mean_a and_o abject_a person_n have_v the_o least_o and_o almost_o no_o share_n nor_o interest_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o ill_a right_n and_o worse_a conscience_n in_o what_o they_o do_v possess_v be_v always_o cruel_o jealous_a have_v by_o sad_a experience_n ever_o incline_v the_o government_n unto_o tyranny_n and_o as_o in_o this_o late_a and_o worst_a catastrophe_n they_o have_v more_o prevail_v then_o ever_o former_o they_o do_v so_o the_o follow_a instance_n do_v more_o clear_o demonstrate_v this_o assertion_n we_o shall_v not_o here_o repeat_v these_o act_n whereby_o for_o the_o better_a and_o more_o easy_a establishment_n of_o prelacy_n then_o design_v this_o parliament_n for_o its_o first_o work_n under_o pretence_n of_o vindicate_v &_o declare_v the_o king_n just_o right_o and_o prerogative_n do_v in_o effect_n whole_o corrupt_a and_o innovate_v the_o well_o temper_a and_o firm_a constitution_n of_o our_o ancient_a government_n which_o both_o all_o our_o ancient_a history_n and_o record_n the_o only_a evidence_n whereby_o fundamental_a 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fine_v which_o we_o have_v already_o mention_v clear_o &_o unquestionable_o carry_v on_o &_o execute_v by_o the_o same_o author_n &_o for_o the_o same_o design_n the_o 3._o thing_n be_v that_o humble_a tender_a make_v to_o the_o king_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o loyalty_n whereby_o in_o recognizance_n of_o the_o king_n prerogative_n and_o in_o a_o further_a acknowledgement_n of_o our_o duty_n the_o parliament_n by_o the_o 25._o act_n session_n 3._o do_v subject_n the_o person_n fortune_n and_o whole_a strength_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o the_o king_n pleasure_n and_o arbitrement_n in_o that_o humble_a indeed_o but_o also_o blind_a and_o inconsiderate_a offer_v of_o 20000_o foot_n man_n and_o 2000_o horseman_n sufficient_o arm_v with_o 40_o day_n provision_n to_o be_v ready_a upon_o the_o king_n call_v to_o march_v to_o any_o part_n of_o his_o dominion_n for_o oppose_v whatsoever_o invasion_n or_o insurrection_n or_o for_o any_o other_o service_n which_o offer_n though_o possible_o many_o do_v account_v it_o but_o a_o voluntary_a and_o cheerful_a expression_n of_o that_o readiness_n which_o our_o ancestor_n have_v often_o witness_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o king_n and_o country_n yet_o in_o effect_n if_o due_o consider_v as_o conclude_v under_o the_o force_n of_o a_o statute_n &_o act_n of_o parliament_n in_o place_n of_o that_o willingness_n and_o readiness_n allege_v whereunto_o our_o ancestor_n be_v from_o time_n to_o time_n determine_v by_o these_o visible_a and_o apparent_a exigency_n of_o the_o common_a concernment_n which_o do_v require_v it_o it_o will_v be_v find_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o a_o implicit_a and_o slavish_a emancipation_n of_o our_o life_n and_o libertye_n to_o the_o arbitrement_n of_o the_o power_n colour_v with_o the_o pretext_n of_o loyal_a devotion_n to_o lawful_a authority_n but_o whatever_o be_v herein_o exorbitant_a be_v without_o question_n the_o proper_a effect_n and_o product_v of_o the_o jealousy_n of_o these_o apostate_n prelate_n who_o the_o inward_a disquiet_n of_o a_o evil_a conscience_n cause_v to_o apprehend_v terror_n round_o about_o the_o 4._o thing_n wherein_o this_o wicked_a prelacy_n have_v pervert_v the_o ancient_n and_o well_o constitute_v government_n of_o this_o realm_n be_v their_o procure_n erect_v and_o exerce_v the_o high_a commission_n court_n without_o so_o much_o as_o the_o approbation_n of_o that_o parliament_n wherein_o nothing_o will_v have_v be_v refuse_v they_o wherein_o not_o only_o ecclesiastic_a and_o civil_a jurisdiction_n be_v absurd_o confound_v in_o impower_v secular_a person_n to_o suspend_v and_o depose_v and_o pretend_a churchman_n and_o minister_n to_o fine_a confine_v and_o incarcerate_v but_o the_o act._n 131._o parl._n 8._o jac._n 6._o discharge_v all_o new_a court_n not_o approven_v in_o parliament_n direct_o thereby_o contraveen_v neither_o will_v the_o catholicon_n of_o the_o king_n omnipotent_a prerogative_n salve_v this_o breach_n in_o respect_n the_o same_o prerogative_n now_o in_o so_o great_a vigour_n be_v by_o the_o 129_o act_n of_o this_o same_o 8_o parl_n jae._n 6._o and_o almost_o immediate_o precede_v the_o act_n allege_v then_o also_o recent_o enact_v but_o who_o can_v consider_v the_o arbitrary_a form_n of_o inquisition_n and_o summar_n procedure_n without_o any_o shadow_n of_o legal_a process_n use_v in_o the_o same_o commission_n it_o be_v tyranny_n and_o unwarrantable_a exact_v of_o oath_n and_o subscription_n with_o its_o new_a invent_v insolent_a and_o affront_a punishment_n more_o cruel_a to_o ingenuous_a spirit_n than_o death_n itself_o and_o not_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o gross_a and_o wicked_a corruption_n of_o this_o state-novelty_n or_o rather_o monster_n the_o 5._o thing_n which_o offer_v be_v the_o accumulation_n and_o in_o effect_n the_o suppression_n of_o the_o ordinary_a office_n of_o state_n the_o very_a stay_n and_o prop_n of_o regular_a government_n and_o the_o conduit_n and_o channel_n whereby_o it_o be_v refresh_a influence_n be_v diffuse_v with_o and_o by_o a_o extraordinar_n and_o superlative_a power_n and_o office_n in_o the_o
upon_o his_o royal_a posterity_n and_o to_o give_v unto_o they_o good_a and_o faithful_a counsellor_n holy_a and_o wise_a counsel_n and_o prosperous_a success_n to_o god_n glory_n and_o to_o the_o good_a and_o interest_n of_o his_o people_n and_o to_o their_o own_o honour_n and_o happiness_n 11._o i_o do_v here_o now_o submit_v and_o commit_v my_o soul_n and_o body_n wife_n and_o child_n and_o child_n child_n from_o generation_n to_o generation_n for_o ever_o with_o all_o other_o his_o friend_n and_o follower_n all_o his_o do_v and_o suffer_v witness_v and_o sympathize_v one_o in_o the_o present_a and_o subsequent_a generation_n unto_o the_o lord_n choice_n mercy_n grace_n favour_n service_n employment_n impowerment_n enjoyment_n improvement_n and_o inheritment_n on_o earth_n and_o in_o heaven_n in_o time_n and_o eternity_n all_o which_o suit_v with_o all_o other_o which_o he_o have_v at_o any_o time_n by_o his_o spirit_n move_v and_o assist_v i_o to_o make_v and_o put_v up_o according_a to_o his_o will_n i_o leave_v before_o and_o upon_o the_o father_n merciful_a bowel_n and_o the_o son_n mediate_a merit_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v compassionate_a groan_n for_o now_o and_o evermore_o amen_n the_o joint_a testimony_n of_o these_o who_o die_v together_o in_o edinburgh_n dec_n 7._o 1666._o subscribe_v by_o they_o in_o prison_n the_o same_o day_n of_o their_o death_n man_n and_o brethren_n this_o be_v a_o great_a and_o important_a work_n both_o for_o we_o who_o be_v now_o to_o render_v up_o our_o spirit_n to_o he_o that_o give_v they_o and_o for_o you_o who_o be_v not_o a_o little_a concern_v in_o the_o cause_n and_o in_o our_o blood_n by_o justify_v or_o condemn_v our_o sentence_n and_o therefore_o as_o we_o speak_v to_o you_o as_o die_v man_n who_o dare_v not_o dissemble_v with_o god_n or_o man_n nor_o flatter_v ourselves_o so_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v idle_a curious_a or_o unconcerned_a spectator_n we_o be_v condemn_v by_o man_n and_o esteem_v by_o many_o as_o rebel_n against_o the_o king_n who_o authority_n we_o acknowledge_v but_o this_o be_v our_o rejoice_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o we_o suffer_v not_o as_o evil_a doer_n but_o for_o righteousness_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o particular_o for_o our_o renew_v the_o covenant_n and_o in_o pursuance_n thereof_o for_o preserve_v and_o defend_v of_o ourselves_o by_o arm_n against_o the_o usurpation_n and_o insupportable_a tyranny_n of_o the_o prelate_n and_o against_o the_o most_o unchristian_a and_o inhuman_a oppression_n and_o persecution_n that_o ever_o be_v enjoin_v and_o practise_v by_o just_a ruler_n upon_o free_a innocent_a and_o peaceable_a subject_n the_o covenant_n and_o cause_n be_v so_o just_a in_o themselves_o and_o the_o duty_n of_o self-preservation_n and_o mutual_a defence_n in_o maintenance_n thereof_o be_v to_o judicious_a and_o unbiased_a man_n so_o clear_a we_o need_v to_o say_v the_o less_o 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you_o all_o come_v another_o refuse_v to_o pay_v the_o price_n of_o a_o horse_n before_o he_o please_v which_o he_o use_v to_o boast_v private_o will_v be_v at_o doomsday_n because_o the_o seller_n at_o the_o make_n of_o the_o bargan_n in_o civility_n say_v pay_v i_o when_o you_o please_v and_o thereupon_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o derision_n of_o all_o substain_v a_o action_n of_o law_n some_o day_n before_o a_o civil_a court_n who_o will_v commerce_n with_o such_o horse-koopers_a but_o much_o less_o who_o can_v acknowledge_v such_o man_n for_o minister_n these_o man_n be_v themselves_o general_o without_o substance_n and_o form_n of_o religion_n be_v such_o malicious_a persecuter_n of_o both_o in_o other_o that_o as_o i_o can_v never_o hear_v of_o one_o soul_n turn_v from_o satan_n to_o god_n by_o their_o labour_n whereof_o indeed_o there_o be_v many_o profane_a seal_n so_o they_o be_v become_v vile_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o that_o be_v true_o godly_a or_o but_o moral_o civil_a 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know_v they_o it_o be_v true_a we_o do_v not_o charge_n every_o individual_a with_o every_o particular_a yet_o because_o they_o be_v general_o true_a of_o many_o and_o be_v notour_o know_v and_o sometime_o represent_v be_v not_o remee_v they_o be_v chargeable_a upon_o the_o course_n which_o be_v sinful_a in_o self_n the_o author_n and_o abettor_n thereof_o be_v participant_a of_o the_o guilt_n and_o liable_a to_o the_o punishment_n and_o indeed_o the_o lord_n have_v already_o begin_v his_o controversy_n with_o some_o of_o they_o not_o only_o by_o pour_v shame_n and_o contempt_n upon_o they_o particular_o upon_o traitorous_a sharp_n and_o dry_v up_o the_o right_a eye_n &_o blast_v the_o gift_n which_o several_a seem_v to_o have_v whether_o by_o their_o own_o negligence_n which_o every_o man_n observe_v or_o immediate_a judgement_n or_o both_o i_o do_v not_o determine_v but_o also_o by_o visible_a curse_v of_o their_o substance_n diverse_a of_o they_o be_v necessitate_v through_o 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much_o more_o act_v shall_v have_v occasion_v my_o think_v thereof_o and_o yet_o as_o if_o all_o that_o be_v relate_v be_v too_o little_a for_o sanctuary_n to_o themselves_o for_o further_a enslave_v of_o the_o country_n &_o vent_v of_o insatiable_a revenge_n curse_a be_v their_o anger_n for_o it_o be_v fierce_a and_o their_o wrath_n for_o it_o be_v cruel_a they_o have_v procure_v two_o proclamation_n date_v at_o edinburgh_n march_n 25._o 1667._o make_v mention_n of_o great_a evidence_n of_o many_o disaffect_v person_n in_o the_o western_a share_n who_o be_v ready_a to_o break_v out_o in_o open_a rebellion_n &_o involve_v the_o kingdom_n in_o blood_n &_o of_o just_a reason_n of_o suspicion_n that_o these_o rebel_n will_v rise_v in_o arm_n against_o the_o king_n and_o his_o authority_n and_o not_o only_o make_v use_n of_o the_o arm_n powder_n and_o ammunition_n conceal_v or_o transport_v from_o enemy_n but_o seâ—se_v upon_o the_o arm_n of_o other_o and_o invade_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o for_o prevent_v and_o disable_n of_o they_o to_o put_v themselves_o in_o military_a posture_n to_o make_v sudden_a march_n or_o attempt_n upon_o other_o subject_n or_o the_o stand_a force_n or_o to_o join_v with_o other_o person_n of_o pernicious_a and_o disloyal_a principle_n etc._n etc._n command_v all_o person_n within_o the_o shire_n of_o lanerk_n air_n renfrew_n wigton_n and_o stewarty_a of_o kireâ—dbright_n who_o have_v refuse_v or_o desert_a public_a trust_n who_o withdraw_v from_o public_a ordinance_n and_o keep_v not_o their_o parish-church_n or_o do_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o present_a government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o who_o be_v warn_v do_v not_o join_v to_o suppress_v the_o late_a rebellion_n unless_o they_o take_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o subscribe_v the_o declaration_n that_o after_o the_o 15_o day_n of_o may_n next_o by_o themselves_o or_o any_o other_o for_o their_o behoof_n they_o do_v not_o keep_v any_o horse_n above_o the_o value_n of_o a_o hundred_o mark_n and_o in_o case_n of_o failzie_n that_o the_o sheriff_n value_n &_o deliver_v such_o horse_n to_o the_o informer_n without_o payment_n to_o be_v make_v therefore_o and_o before_o the_o first_o of_o may_n to_o deliver_v to_o their_o respective_a sheriff_n all_o their_o arm_n and_o ammunition_n allow_v gentleman_n only_a sword_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o fine_v each_o gentleman_n in_o 2000_o mark_n &_o each_o other_o person_n in_o 500_o mark_n whereof_o the_o one_o half_a to_o the_o informer_n and_o command_v all_o heritor_n and_o parishioner_n to_o defend_v the_o person_n family_n and_o good_n of_o their_o minister_n from_o all_o affront_n and_o injury_n with_o certification_n that_o the_o sufferer_n and_o not_o opposer_n of_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v repute_v art_n &_o part_n &_o he_o proceed_v against_o with_o all_o rigour_n as_o guilty_a thereof_o and_o in_o case_n of_o surprisal_n that_o they_o pursue_v apprehend_v and_o present_v the_o committer_n before_o the_o council_n otherwise_o to_o be_v liable_a to_o reparation_n of_o damnage_n etc._n etc._n what_o new_a and_o strange_a policy_n be_v there_o here_o that_o the_o narrative_a of_o both_o proclamation_n in_o stead_n of_o conceal_v in_o the_o time_n of_o declare_v and_o continue_a war_n with_o foreigner_n shall_v proclaim_v that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o disaffect_v person_n who_o be_v ready_a to_o rise_v in_o arm_n to_o seize_v upon_o the_o arm_n of_o other_o and_o weaken_v the_o force_n of_o the_o kingdom_n thereby_o express_v the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o deserve_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o evil_a conscience_n discover_v their_o own_o nakedness_n to_o enemy_n and_o encourage_v foreigner_n to_o invade_v with_o the_o more_o confidence_n must_v these_o shire_n which_o without_o derogation_n to_o other_o do_v eminent_o flourish_v with_o man_n of_o piety_n
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