of Antichrist singled out to support its tottering Cause in this his last War with the Lamb in these last days who c Gal. 1.7 pervert the Gospel turning it up-side down asserting Faith Repentance and Holiness to be given to the Soul before the Person of Christ and his Righteousness denying that blessed Order of the tenders and gifts of the Gospel which is first the d Rom. 8.32 Son of God freely and then all things freely with him refusing him and his Righteousness to have the e Col. 1.18 pre-eminence in all things f 1 Joh. 5.12 even in their actual bestowment as they ought to have And besides all this wickedly intruding a new Law of their own Invention requireing imperfect Faith and Repentance and Gospel Obedience on Man's part as the imperfect and sinful Conditions of the Gospel-Justification thereby g Rom. 3.31 vacating the good old righteous Law of God setting up Terms of obtaining Spiritual Blessings exceeding derogatory to the Holiness of God's Nature Ways and Laws and contrary to the freeness of his Love and Grace from the Eternal Purpose thereof in Election even unto the Execution of Electing Grace here and in Glory We do declare and protest against them and their Doctrine and likewise all those that teach us to h 1 Cor. 1.31 2 Tim. 2.1 glory in any thing but the Lord or be strong in any other Grace but that Grace that is in Christ Jesus And do resolve in the strength of Christ's Grace to testifie all manners of ways even unto our Blood against any other Gospel than the Gospel of our dear Lord and against all other Doctrines than those that are i Tim. 6.3 Tit. 11.1 according to Godliness and if Men most noted for knowledge and Holiness or an k Gal. 1.9 Angel from Heaven preach any other Gospel and maintain those Tenents before-mention'd we do in the presence and strength of Christ promise and engage to witness against them by publick Preaching and declaring against such Principles by withdrawing from them and not receiving them to our Houses nor bidding them God's speed according to the Command of the Lord 2 John 10. and by cheerfully and triumphantly delivering our Possessions Liberties and Blood as a Testimony against them and their pernicious ways if called thereto We likewise now judge and are perswaded that when we Covenanted with one another to follow the Lord in the Observation of Gospel Ordinances and the performance of all relative Duties in this Church we professed for all his Ecclesiastical Interest and * Ezek. 43.11 gave up our selves to walk with him and one another in all the Forms Laws Ordinances and Statutes in his House all which Forms and Statutes are most holy and a Ez. 43.13 tend to promote Holiness in the b Psal 15. Holy Citizens of Zion Particularly that we are thereby obliged and by his Word to love our Lord and King with the c Gal. 5.6 highest love and to testifie love to him by keeping all his Commands in his d Joh. 14.15 Mat. 10.40 c. 18.17 18. House to Honour Reverence and bow to his Authority and Power lodged therein and that Authority also as cloathing his e Heb. 13.17 Officers Ruling in his Name to f 1 Pet. 5.3 maintain the Rights and Privileges of any particular Church his Clergy his Body g 1 Cor. 12.27 against all Innovations and Usurpations from Officers or Members within from Sister Churches or their Officers without not committing by Delegation the Power and Judgment of the Church to any h 2 Cor. 2.6 minority of it because thereby the form and fashion of a Gospel Church is alter'd and is not according to the Pattern in the Mount We farthermore see that we ought to maintain towards each other pure Love and unfeigned in all the Roots and Springs and Effects thereof and i 1 Rom. 12.9 1 Pet. 1.22 to watch against all defects therein either in Root or Branch And therefore we being now griev'd for great decays on us in our love towards the Lord Jesus and to one another do in the presence and might of our Blessed Advocate and Intercessor promise and resolve to abide in the Love of Christ k Joh. 15.9 that our Hearts may be stirr'd up to love him and in love to obey his Royal Laws particularly to reverence and subject to his awful Power and Authority in Church Assemblies as if he were himself personally among us not affronting his Presence by a slight Carriage nor his Majesty there on his Throne by proud rebellious undervaluing Thoughts by passionate Reflectings Revilings or contemptuous Speeches or by any unbecoming Carriage or Gesture whatever nor despising his Dominion in his House as the l Jud. 8. 2 Pet. 10.11 filthy Dreamers of old not grieving nor quenching his Spirit nor stubbornly nor rebelliously despising and rejecting his Admonitions in his Church not thinking his Yoak heavy nor his Burden weighty but counting it an unvaluable Blessing to be under his strictest and highest Watch and Care in his Church Matth. 11.30 And if his Children which God forbid should err in the Judgment of any of us we shall by Praying for them by Reasoning with them from Christ's Rules in his Bowels Meekness and with our own bringing the Advice of other Sister Churches most faithful to Christ endeavour to reduce them but shall not slight them nor uncover their Nakedness because they are the Throne of Christ's Glory and the place of the Soles a Ezek. 43.7 of his Feet least we should thereby wound his Person his Honour affront his Majesty Crown and Dignity in his House We that are Rulers do in the presence of Christ engage to rule faithfully diligently b Rom. 12.8 and couragiously c Josh 1.6 7 9. in Faith in the fear of God d Sam. 23.3 in Meekness e Gal. 6.1 2. Tim. 2.25 Lev. 25.43 and Authority f Tit. 2.15 hating Covetousness and Partiality g Ex. 18.21 having took the over sight of the Flock of God which he has purchas'd with his own Blood and not for filthy Lucres sake nor out of constraint h 1 Pet. 5.2 3. not ceasing to warn them Night and Day with Tears i Acts 20.29 c. watching against the Assaults of Satan and their own Corruptions against grievous Wolves that may not spare them and against them that may arise among themselves speaking perverse things endeavouring to turn them aside from the Lord that bought them k Tim. 1. to 8th Tit. 1. â— to the End Tiâ— 2.1.7 8. We also that are ruled in the Church of Christ do before our Crowned King and strengthened with his might solemnly promise to obey our Rulers set over us in the Lord to follow their Faith and consider the ends of their Conversation to submit our selves to them according to the Word of the Lord for they watch for our
Souls as they that must give an Account that they may do it with joy and not with grief l 〈◊〉 13.7 8.17.18 〈◊〉 5.12 and also pray for them m 〈◊〉 4.3 1 Thes â— 25 2 Thes 3.1 We do now in the presence and Grace of our dearest Lord that hath redeem'd us likewise engage as a Church of Christ in all respects to endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of Peace n Eph. 4.3 unfeignedly loving the Persons of one another without dissimulation o Râ—m 12.11 1 Pet. 22. even when we bear the greatest Testimony against their sin and as the effects of that endeared brotherly Love to watch p Thes 5.15 over our Brethren and Sisters that they do not decline in their acts of Faith or turn aside from the Faith of the Gospel considering and getting down into one anothers Hearts continually that we may mutually provoke one another to love and to good Works not forsaking the assembling our selves together any manner of way for this good end and purpose q Heb. 10.24.25 Likewise with the assistance of the Spirit of Grace we shall endeavour to be very tender of one anothers good Names a Psal 15.3 Bodies Health Lives b Mat. 5.38.39 and outward Estate c 1 Câ—r 1. ad 11 â—ev 19.17 We shall be ready to assist one another herein to the utmost being concern'd for the particular welfare of each other therein as for our own We no less judge it our Duty not to suffer the least Sin and the least appearance of evil to rest on one another d 1 John 1.6 〈◊〉 10.17 Mâ—t. 18.17 as knowing that Sin resting on a Brother or Sister will mar their present Communion with the Lord Jesus a 1 Joh. 1.6 If the fault be secret we shall with great Secrecy admonish a Brother or Sister and out of due regard to their Reputation forbearing to reveal it to our most intimate Bosom Friend b Mat. 18.15 unless it be to some Officer if the Case be dubious provided we can but gain by our Loving Admonition But if not we shall in the Strength of the Lord take two or three more c Mat. 18.16 as Witnesses and Associates with us farther to warn and beseech them in the Bowels and tender Mercies of God in Christ to repent of their evil yet not presume to publish their Faults to any but those we take with us and if any among us publish the Miscarriage of any Brother or Sister unless it be with a design to take the Parties with them as Witnesses we shall faithfully admonish them for breaking the Rules of Christ in so doing In all the discharge of our Duties hitherto we shall carefully watch against any Prejudice to their Persons by acting and dwelling in the Bowels of Christ and considering them as cloath'd with his Righteousness and clean in God's sight d Cant. 4.6 We also leaning on Christ's Strength to assist us shall endeavour to discharge our Duty with great Faithfulness to them as well as Tenderness contentedly bearing Oppositions from themselves and others in hard Thoughts Speeches Frowns and sinister Constructions out of sincere love to Christ's Glory and the good of their Souls And if we cannot reclaim them by these methods of Mercy and loving Kindness for the Prevention of the farther spreading of their evil without delay acquaint the Church with it e Mat. 18 1â— We with him on Thrones of Judgment in his Name and Power in his Presence and Might and in his render Bowels shall admonish any Brother or Sister thus brought before us f 1 Thes 5.14 or any whose Faults are in their own nature publick g 1 Tim. 5.20 publickly backing our Admonition from his Word and Authority and his Sovereign Grace committed to us If we see one Admonition begin to take place we shall wait for their thorough Repentance till we see occasion And when ever we see our Administration blest for their thorough Humiliation and our Endeavours used in a Spirit of h Gal. 6.1 Meekness succeed we shall be most ready to receive them into the Bosom of our Lord and his Church testifying in his Name his and our declar'd Forgiveness to them Forgiving them with all Readiness and Chearfulness as God for Christ's sake has forgiven us i Eph. 4 32. no Man daring to upbraid them in the least whilst they walk with us in Love and the Laws of Christ But if to the dishonour of the Name of Christ the wounding and hard'ning of their own Souls and our Grief and Shame they continue obstinate and impenitent we having mourned first over them shall in the Name and Power of Christ our King with enflamed Zeal for his Name Rule and House in Tenderness Love and Faithfulness to their Souls cut them off and deliver them to Satan for the Destruction of the Proud Flesh that their Spirit may be saved in the Day of Christ a Mat. 18.17 1 Cor. 5.2 3 4 5 1 Tim. 1.20 2 Tim. 3.5 Tit. 3.10 2 Thes 3.14 and this will we do with the Lord's help in Faith that this Ordinance shall be blest for their recovery in God's time b 1 Cor. 5.5 if they belong to the Election of Grace Nevertheless we shall continue to love their Persons and pray for their recovery not counting them as Enemies but warning them as those that yet may approve themselves to he Brethren c 2 Thes 3.14 when ever we meet them by charging their Evils on them And yet will notwithstanding withdraw all manner of familiarity or Communion with them d 2 Thes 3.5 even that what may be us'd with the most profligate Sinners most conscientiously abstaining from Eating and Drinking with them e 1 Cor. 5.10.11 All this we shall do in the Exercise of the greatest love to their Persons firmly believing these are the greatest Testimonies of love that can be shown them under such Circumstances being assur'd that such Carriages towards them conscientiously practised in Faith and Love will be blest in time to shame reclaim and re-instate them into Fellowship with the Father and the Son and his Children In the conscientious discharge of this Duty towards them as a Church and as Members thereof in our respective private Stations We shall not be affraid of Anger Revilings nor Persecutions from them from Churches Professors or the World but willingly and cheerfully submit to all manner of Sufferings f Luke 17.3.4 2 Cor. 2.7.8.10 upon this Account for Christ's sake When ever God gives them true Repentance we shall with great readiness cheerfulness and tenderheartedness forgive them in the Person Name and Spirit of Christ receiving of them to Communion with the Lord and us with the greatest Demonstrations of Love towards them imaginable g Eph. 4.1.32 not only forgiving but forgetting and never upbraiding them with their faults h Col. 3.13.13 and if
any do so calling them to an Account for it whilst these recover'd Brethren and Sisters walk with us in the Ways and Statutes of the Lord Jesus We also being greatly humbled for divers Breaches made among us upon the bonds of Love do in the Presence and resting on the Grace that is in our Head for us solemnly promise to our Lord and one another watch against all those Evils that destroy viz. groundless Jealousies evil Surmisings that are the first coolers of brotherly Love so also against secret Whisperings Tale-bearings and Backbitings which are the cursed Seed of Sedition and Discord sown in a Church and in like manner against all Wrath Prejudice and Malice swellings or vauntings over one another and despisings of one another Tumults Seditions Factions Clamours or evil Speaking of or to one another forbearing all manner of Reflections Reproachings and Revilings for Christ's sake a 2 Cor. 12.20 Gal. 5.20.21 Eph. 4.31 And no less do we engage against Wronging one another as to worldly Goods Life or Liberties against all cowardly and covetous refusings the assisting one another by Countenance Advice and Purse to the utmost of our Ability b 1 Cor. 6. 1 Tim. 4.16 Rom. 12.10.13.16.17 Phil. 2.3 4. c. Gal. 5.13 2 Cor. Ch. 1.9 and against any other thing or behaviour that is in the least contrary to the Royal Law of Love We think our selves in Conscience bound and engag'd to love the Persons of those that are under Dealing and Excommunication among our selves so also to love the Persons of the World and the Professors that we hope are Godly tho' they hate us for Christ's sake But above all not to abate in our Love in the least towards our Brethren and Sisters differing from us in some Perswasions c Rom. 14.1 though we Judge we are bound by the great Law of Love to endeavour the Convictions of each other in all things wherein we differ not by absurd Cavillings and fleshly Objections for Mastery but by the Word and Spirit of the Lord in Meekness and Tenderness without heats and prejudice purely for the discovery of the Truth d Gal. 6.1 2 Tim. 2.23 24 25. that we may be still growing to that stature of Fulness which is in Christ e Eph. 4 13. And so came at last to speak the same things to be perfectly joyn'd together in the same Mind and Judgment f 1 Cor. 1.10 which will be the Crown and Glory on Churches in the latter Day g Isa 52.8 and therefore let us pray in Faith and in the Holy-Ghost using all Endeavours for that end and purpose that are according to the Mind of Christ and the Rule of his Word As to Members of Sister Churches we judge we are in Dury bound to love them as our own they being also of the Body of Christ and to use the same Methods towards them in love when we see them offend and if we see them impenitent to bring them before the Church to which they belong We also judge the Vows of the Lord are upon us to walk in Communion with Sister Churches giving them no just Offence h 1 Cor. 10.32 unless they take Offence at the matters of our God We judge 't is not in our power to Un-church them tho' they do not come up to such degrees of Purity in Reformation yet we think our selves in Duty bound and solemnly engage our Lord to warn them of Errours in Doctrine and Practise especially to testifie against the Opposition to the Faith and Order of the Gospel to invite them to go along with us in Generation work and the Work of Reformation to warn them in the Bowels of Christ of the carelessness and neglect therein to manage those kind and brotherly Admonitions by Messengers Letters or by Printing yet not publishing their Faults to the World as shall be thought most expedient by the advice of Faithful Sister Churches And if this reforms them not to declare Non-Communion with them And furthermore we the afflicted Children of the Lord in this Church having in several days of Prayer laid low at the Foot of Christ for divers Neglects and Remissions in following him in all the Ordinances in his House do now in his Righteousness and the Light and Life that is in him solemnly Vow to his Anointed King and Lord to follow him fully in all his Appointments in his House and to fill his House as soon as we can with such Officers as are mentioned in his Word a 1 Cor. 12.28 Epâ— 4..11 Acts 20.17.28 Acts 6.1 1 Tim. 3.12 Rom. 1.16 1 Cor. with 1 Tim. 5.6 v. 17. We also engage conscientiously and constantly to b Acts 1.14.21 Acts 2.42 Heb. 6.2 Mat. 3.56 attend on the publick Ministry of the Church to joyn with them in the Ordinances of Christ such as Baptism c 1 Cor. 11.23 c. and the Lord's Supper d 1 Cor. 14.23.24 to v. 34. Preaching Prophecying e Acts 1.14 Acts 2.4.2 Praying f Mat. 26.30 1 Cor 14.16 Col. 3.16 Rev. 5.9 Rev. 14.31 Praising by Vocal Singing Teaching and Admonishing one another in our Meetings by Doctrine Exhortation or Revelation also in Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs according to the Command of our Lord Jesus g Zech. 14.17 Acts 2.42 We also solemnly engage to come up to solemn Days appointed by the Church and likewise to come up unanimously to Church-Meetings h Rom. 10.9.10 to govern with our Lord in his House and keep it clean to admit Members upon a Confession with their Mouths that they have believ'd on Christ and his Righteousness with their Hearts i Ez. 43.10.11 with also a Profession of their Allegiance to follow Sion's King in the Laws and Statutes of his House k 2 Cor. 8.5 and for that end their solemn Covenanting with the Lord and us Likewise to admonish Offenders and to cast out if need be and to give our joynt Advice and Assistance in all cases of Difficulty Therefore we do again come under our solemn Vows to the Lord to frequent all the Assemblies of Sion unless hindred by length of Days weakness of Body or such extraordinary Occasions that may be sufficient Reasons in the ballance of the Sanctuary for our absence at any time We as a Church and each Member in our private Capacities do in Christ's Presence and Strength engage to watch over our Brethren and Sisters that they be not negligent and remiss in attending the Assemblies and Services of the Church We also solemnly Promise to the Lord and to one another that we will not keep away from the Lord's Table upon the account of Satan's Temptations or our own Unbelief or upon the account of Offence given to us by any Brother and Sister Brethren and Sisters and that we will not in Christ's Strength disobey him our King despise his Ordinances sin against our holy Fellowship and punish our selves for the Offence of
others We likewise engage to the Lord and one another to keep the Church visible as a City set on a Hill in all its Laws Statutes and Administrations and to appear publick there in the face of all Opposition whatsoever We do also resolve as a Royal Priesthood in our Profession Ordinances Walk and Conversation with the loss of our Names Lives and Liberties our Reputations and Estates and every thing that is dear unto us to bear our Testimony against all false Churches and Worship whatsoever To wit against the Mother of Harlots and all her Daughters and we likewise protest against Idolatry Superstition Imposition and Persecution where ever and whatsoever And in love to him and Honour of his Crown who first loved us we resolve and engage by the assistance of the Grace that is in him to have nothing to do to go near their false Worship unless it be to testifie against 'em that we will withdraw from 'em and that we will not joyn with those that joyn with 'em who are confederates against Christ And this Testimony we engage in Christ's Presence to bear every way and in every place whatever even in Courts of Judicature and at the Place of Execution if call'd thereto Furthermore we being convinced and humbled that we and our Fathers have either selfishly neglected or cowardly betray'd the Interest of our Blessed Lord as King of Nations and do humbly waiting for his Coming in his strength resolve that we shall from time to time as he enlightens us leads us and calls us be ready to part with our All in asserting and maintaining all his Royal Prerogatives and Rights as King of Kings and Lord of Lords against all Enemies and Opposition whatever to his Crown and Dignity to whom the Kingdoms of the Earth belong and that we shall faithfully testify against any that shall thus betray his Cause and Interest And also when we in our late Covenant engaged to perform all relative Duties not only in the House of God but also elsewhere we judge that by the Word of the Lord and our own Vows we are obliged to fill each his place and discharge our relative Duties in our respective Stations and Capacities We therefore greatly grieved for divers Neglects and Breaches therein do engage in the Presence Power and Spirit of the Lord Jesus to have continual recourse to the Blood of Sprinkling to wash away the Stains thereof and do in his Presence and Strength promise to watch against all such Breaches of his Rules in our selves and others We do also Covenant with the Lord and with one another to seek the good and welfare of the Nation we live in Heb. 2.10 to be subject to those higher Powers the Lord Jesus sets over us Rom. 13.12 Nor only for Wrath but for Conscience sake paying Tribute to 'em as God's Ministers v. 6. yet as free Servants of God but not using our Liberty for a Cloak of Maliciousness 1 Pet. 2.16 and hereby putting to silence the Ignorance of foolish Men v. 15. We that are Husbands do promise to love our Wives as Christ does the Church Eph. 5.25 And as our own Bodies v. 28. leaving all and cleaving to our Wives v. 38. not being bitter against 'em Col. 3.19 dwelling with 'em according to Knowledge giving Honour to 'em as the weaker Vessels forbearing to sin afore 'em and covering their Infirmities as being Heirs together of the Grace of Life that our Prayers may not be hindred We also that are Wives Covenant with the Lord and with one another to love and submit our selves to our own Husbands as unto the Lord Ephes 5.22 being subject to 'em as the Church is unto Christ v. 24. having our Conversation chaste with Fear and Reverence to our Husbands 1 Pet. 3.2 Avoiding the Pride of Apparel and conformable Fashions v. 3. being meek and quiet in our Spirits and Deportments in our Houses v. 5. our Obedience being founded on love without fear and slavery v. 6. being Sober lovers of our Husbands and Children Discreet Chaste keepers at Home obedient to our Husbands 1 Tit. 2.4 5. We that are Parents engage to the Lord and to his Church to discharge all Duties to our Children as the Lord enlightens us and strengthens us teaching 'em in the way wherein they should go bringing 'em up in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord not provoking 'em to wrath by unjust and cruel Carriage Eph. 6.4 We that are Children promise to the Lord and his Church in the strength of his Grace to Obey our Parents in all things in the Lord Ephes 6.1 Col. 3.20 We that are Masters and Mistresses also Covenant with the Lord and his Church in the strength of Christ to carry it justly and mercifully towards our Servants forbearing Threatnings and unchristian Violence Eph. 6.9 We that are Servants Covenant with the Lord and his People to Obey them that are our Masters according to the Flesh with Fear and Reverence not with Eye-service as Menâ—leasers but in singleness of Heart as unto Christ as having a respect to his Eye on us more than Man's Ephes 6.5 6. c. 7.8 Col. 3.22 endeavouring to please 'em in all things not contradicting or answering again nor robbing 'em of their Time nor Goods but shewing all good Fidelity Tit. 2.9 10. and thus we will carry it not only to godly and gentle Masters or Mistresses but also to those that are Carnal and Froward 1 Pet. 2.18 Lastly we promise to the Lord and his Church to carry it with Justice and Mercy to the Names Estates Bodies and Souls of our Carnal Neighbours forbearing to Reproach 'em and wound their Reputation to do 'em the least Damage in their Estates or injury to their Bodies or laying stumbling blocks in the way of their Souls And thus as much as in us lies we follow Peace with all Men but with Holiness which consists in avoiding Joyning with 'em in the least Evil or give up to 'em the least Truth of Christ or for to please 'em in denying the least thing that relates to the Faith and Order of the Everlasting Gospel Now to sum up all we finally Promise and Covenant with the Lord and his Church in the Presence and Grace of Christ to obey his whole Will revealed in his Word explained to us by his Spirit nor do we by this Covenant limit our selves to what is herein contain'd but engage to wait on the Lord for further discoveries of his Mind and Will believing he will reveal it to us and if there be any Wood Hay or Stubble in this Form of Covenant we are content it should be burnt up by the Holy Spirit We also solemnly promise and engage in the Presence and Strength of Christ whatever farther discoveries of Light may be first manifested to the meanest of us we will examine it by the Word of God and in fervent Prayer and shall be far from rejecting or fighting against it unless it be revealed to us