the tracherous and bloody Plots Conspiracies Attempts and practices of the Enemies of God against the true Religion and Professors thereof in all places especially in these three Kingdoms ever since the Reformation of Religion and how much their rage power and presumption are of late and at this time increased and excercised whereof the deplorable estate of the Church and Kingdom of Ireland the distressed estate of the Church and Kingdom of England and the * Distressed dangerous estate of the Church and Kingdom of Scotland are present and publick Testimonies we have now at last †After all the Supplications Remonstrances Protestations Sufferings of our Fathers and our own Grievous Sufferings and Contendings after other means of Supplication Remonstrance Protestation Suffering for the preservation of our selves and our Religion from utter ruine and destruction according to the commendable practice of these Kingdoms in former times and the example of Gods People in other Nations ‡ After all the maturity of deliberation that our circumstances could allow after mature deliberation resolved and determined to enter into a muâ—ual and Solemn League and Covenant Wherein we all subscribe and each one of us for himself with our hands lifted up to the Most High God do Swear 1. That we shall sincerely really and constantly through the Grace of God endeavour in our several places and callings the preservation of the Reformed Religion in the Church of Scotland in Doctrine Worship Discipline and Government against our common Enemies The Reformation in the Kingdoms of England and Ireland in Doctrine Worship Discipline and Government according to the Word of God and the example of the best reformed Churches And shall endeavour to bring the Churches of God in the three Kingdoms to the nearest conjunction and Uniformity in Religion Confession of Faith Form of Church Government Directory for Worship and Catechizing That we and our posterity after us may as Brethren live in Faith and Love and the Lord may delight to dwell in the midst of us 2. That we shall in like manner without respect of persons endeavour the extirpation of Popery Prelacy that is Church-goverment by Arch-bishops Bishops their Chancellours Commissaries Deans Deans and Chapters Arch-deacons and all other Ecclesiastical Officers depending on that Hierarchy Superstition Heresie Schism Prophanness and whatsoever shall be found to be contraâ—y to sound Doctrine and the power of Godliness Lest we partake in other Mens sins and thereby be in danger to receive of their plagues and that the Lord may be one and His Name one in the three Kingdoms 3. We shall with the same sincerity reality and constancy in our several Vocations endeavour with our Estates and Lives mutually to preserve the Rights and Priviledges of the Parliaments and the Liberties of the Kingdom And to preserve and defend * The Civil Magistrates Person and Authority the Kings Majesties Person and Authority in the preservation and defence of the true Religion and the Liberties of the Kingdoms That the World may bear witness with our Consciences of our Loyalty and that we have no thoughts or intention to diminish his just power and greatness 4. We shall also with all faithfulness endeavour the discovery of all such as have been or shall be Incendiaries Malignants or evil Instruments by hindering the Reformation of Religion dividing †Between the Magistrate and Subjects the King from his People or one of the Kingdoms from another or making any faction or parties amongst the people contrary to this League and Covenant That they may be brought to publick trial and receive condigne punishment as the degree of their offences shall require or deserve or the Supreme Judicatories of both Kingdoms respectively or others having power from them for that effect shall judge convenient 5. And wherâ—as the happiness of a blessed Peace between these Kingdoms denied in former times to our Pregenitors is by the good Providence of God granted unto and ‡ Was in the dayes of our Fathers concluded hath been lately concluded and settled by both Parliamen's We shall each one of us according to our place and interest endeavour that they may remain ‡ As they were then conjoyned in a firm Peace Union to all Posterity and that Justice may be done upon the wilful Opposers thereof in manner expressed in the precedent Article 6. We shall also according to our places and callings in this common cause of Religion Liberty and Peace of the Kingdoms assist and defend all those that enter into this League and Covenant in the maintaining and pursuing thereof And shall not suffer our selves directly or indirectly by whatsoever Combination Perswasion or Terrour to be divided and withdrawn from this blessed Union and Conjunction whether to make defection to the contrary part or to give our selves to a detestable indifferency or neutrality in this cause which so much concerneth the Glory of God the good of the Kingdoms and honour †Of the Government of the King But shall all the dayes of our lives zealously and constantly continue therein against all opposition and promote the same according to our power against all Lets and Impediments whatsoever And what we are not able our selves to suppress or overcome we shall reveal and make known that it may be timely prevented or removed All which we shall do as in the sight of God. And because these Kingdoms are guilty of many sins and provocations against God and his Son Jesus Christ as is too manifest by our present distress and dangers the fruits thereof We profess and declare before God and the World our unfained desire to be humbled for our own sins and for the sins of these Kingdoms especially that we have not as we ought valued the inestimable benefit of the Gospel that we have not laboured for the purity and power thereof and that we have not endeavoured to receive Christ in our hearts nor to walk worthy of him in our Lives which are the causes of other sins and transgressions so much abounding amongst us and our true and unfained purpose desire and endeavour for our selves and all others under our power charge both in publick and in private in all duties we ow to God and Man to amend our lives and each one to go before another in the example of a real Reformation That the Lord may turn away his wrath and heavy indignation and establish these Churches and Kingdoms in truth and Peace And this Covenant we make in the presence of Almighty God the Searcher of all hearts with a true intention to perform the same As we shall answer at that great day when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed Most humbly beseeching the Lord to strengthen us by his Holy Spirit for this end and to bless our desires and proceedings with such success as may be a deliverance and safety to his People and encouragement to other Christian Churches groaning under or
honour and of the publick peace of the Kingdom By the manifold innovations and evils generally contained and particularly mentioned in Supplications Complaints and Protestations †Remonstrances Declarations Testimonies of old and of late Do hereby profess and before God His Angels and the World solemnly declare That with our whole Hearts we agree and resolve all the dayes of our life constantly to adhere unto and to defend the foresaid true Religion and forbearing the practice of all Novations ‡ Former or latter introduced in the matter of the Worship of God or approbation of the corruptions of the publick Government of the Kirk or civil places and power of Kirk-men * Or any other Corruptions of the publick Government of the Kirk Prelatick or Erastian either tried or to be tried till they be tryed and allowed in free Assemblies and in Parliaments to labour by all means lawful to recover the Purity Liberty of the Gospel as it was established professed before the foresaid Novations And because after due examination We plainly perceive undoubtedly believe that the Innovations evils contained in our Supplications Complaints and Protestations †Remonstrances Declarations and Testimonies have no warrand of the word of God are contrary to the Articles of the foresaid Confessions to the intention and meaning of the blessed Reformers of Religion in this Land to the above written Acts of Parliament and do sensibly tend to the Re-establishing of the Popish Religion and Tyranny and to the subversion and ruine of the true reformed Religion and of our Liberties Laws and Estates We also declare that the foresaid Confessions are to be interpreted and ought to be understood of the foresaid Novations and Evils no less than if every one of them had been expressed in the foresaid Confessions and that we are obliged to detest and abhore them as well as the particular heads of Papistry abjured therein And therefore from the knowledge and Conscience of our duty to God to * The Government and Countrey our King and Countrey without any worldly respect or inducement so far as humane infirmity will suffer wishing a further measure of the Grace of God for this effect We promise and swear by the Great Name of the Lord our God to continue in the Profession and Obedience of the foresaid Religion That we shal defend the same and resist all these contrary Errors and Corruptions according to our Vocation and to the uttermost of that power that God hath put in our hands all the dayes of our life And in like manner with the same heart We declare before God and Men That We have no intention nor desire to attempt any thing that may turn to the dishonour of God or to the diminution of the †The Civil Magistrates Kings Greatness and Authority But on the contrary we promise and swear that we shall to the uttermost of our power with our means and lives stand to the defence of ‡ His Highness his Person and Authority when lawfully chosen and established as King or Suprem Magistrate over us our dread Soveraign the Kings Majesty his Person and Authority in the Defence and Preservation of the foresaid true Religion Liberties and Laws of the Kingdom As also to the mutual defence and assistance every one of us of another in the same cause of maintaining the true Religion and his Majesties Authority with our best counsel our Bodies our Means and whole power against all sorts of persons whatsomever So that whatsoever shall be done to the least of us for that cause shall be taken as done to us all in general and to every one of us in particular And that we shall neither directly nor indirectly suffer our selves to be divided or withdrawn by whatsoever Suggestion allurement or terror from this Blessed and Loyal Conjunction nor shall cast in any let or impediment that may stay or hinder any such resolution as by common consent shall be found to conduce for so good ends But on the contrary shall by all lawful means labour to further and promote the same and if any such dangerous and divisive motion be made to us by word or writ We and every one of Us shall suppress it or if need be shall incontinent make the same known that it may be timeously obviated Neither do we fear the foul aspersions of Rebellion Combination or what else our Adversaries from their craft or malice would put upon us seing what we do is so well warranted and ariseth from an unfeigned desire to maintain the true Worship of God * Honour of the Government the Majesty of our King and peace of the Kingdom for the common happiness of our selves and the posterity And because we cannot look for a Blessing from God upon our preceedings except with our Profession and Subscription we joyn such a Life and Conversation as beseemeth Christians who have renewed their Covenant with God We therefore faithfully promise for our selves our followers and all other under us both in publick in our particular Families and personal carriage to endeavour to keep our selves within the bounds of Christian liberty and to be good Examples to others of all Godliness Soberness and Righteousness and of every duty we owe to God and Man And that this our Union and Conjunction may be observed without violation we call the Living God the Searcher of our Hearts to witness who knoweth this to be our sincere Desire and unfaigned Resolution As We shall answer to Jesus Christ in the Great Day and under the pain of Gods Everlasting Wrath and of Infamy and loss of all honour and respect in this World. Most humbly beseeching the Lord to strengthen us by his holy Spirit for this end and to bless our Desires and Proceedings with a happy success that Religion and Righteousness may flourish in the Land to the Glory of God the honour †Of our Soveraigns of the King and peace and comfort of us all In witness whereof we have subscribed with our hands all the Premisses c. This Article of the Covenant which was at the first Subscription ‡ Anno 1638. referred to the determination of the General Assembly being determined and thereby the 5 Articles of Perth the Government of the Kirk by Bishops the Civil places and power of Kirkmen upon the reasons and grounds contained in the Acts of the General Assembly declared to be unlawful within this Kirk We subscribe according to the determination foresaid A SOLEMN LEAGUE and COVENANT For Reformation and Defence of Religion WE Having before our Eyes the Glory of God and the Advancement of the Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ * The establishment preservation of the Government the Honour and Happiness of the Kings Majesty and his Posterity and the true publick Liberty Safety and Peace of the Kingdoms wherein every ones private condition is included And calling to mind
secret thoughts which no law of Man can reach yet in our day extorted by threatnings of Torture and Death if they were not discovered in Answers to our persecuters impertinent questions In all which impositions on our Liberties as men we have too stupidly couched under all burdens and complyed with them The Churches Liberties have also been invaded by the Ecclesiastical Supremacy declared by a Blasphemous Law inherent in the Crown and by an Absolute Power which all were required to obey without reserve which are horrid encroachments on the incommunicable Prerogatives of JEHOVAH and His CHRIST as only King and Head of His Church And yet these have been established and homologated by our several involvements in the sin of Prelacy and its attending Patronages robbing the Church of the Liberty of election of Pastors Indulgence and Tolleration to the prejudice of and without a Witness for the Churches Liberties In that same Article we are bound also to preserve and defend the supreme Magistrates Person and Authority in the preservation and defence of the true Religion and Liberties of the Kingdoms As in the National Covenant is expressed likewise to defend his Person and Authority in the defence of Christ his Evangel Liberties of our Country Ministration of Justice and punishment of iniquity and stand to his defence in the defence and preservation of the foresaid true Religion Liberties and Laws of the Kingdom As the Duty is qualified in Scriptures 2 Sam 5 3 2 Kings 11 17 1 Kings 12 16 2 Chron 26 16 21 Rom 13 3 4 1 Pet 2 14. But as our Fathers in their acknowledgement had reason to say Neither hath it been our care to avoid these things which might harden the King in his evil way But upon the Contrary he hath not only been permitted but many of us have been Instrumental to make him exercise his Power in many things tending to the prejudice of Religion and of the Covenant and of the Peace and Safety of these Kingdoms Which is so far from the right way of preserving his Majesties Person and Authority that it cannot but provoke the Lord against him unto the hazard of both Nay under a pretence of relieving and doing for the King whilst he refuses to do what was necessary for the House of God some have ranversed and violated most of all the Articles of the Covenant So in our unhappy dayes it is our Sin Shame and Sorrow that we have had to do with men mounted on a Throne of iniquity that have been subverting Religion and Persecuting it designing to introduce Poperie it self and Slaverie Destroying our Liberties Suppressing the Evangel and Oppressing its Professors Enacting and Executing manifest Injustice stoping the Ministration of Justice against Idolaters Adulterers Murderers and other Malifactors and and punishing Equity and Duty instead of Iniquity arrogating and obtaining a Monstrous Prerogative above all Rights and Priviledges of Parliament all Laws all Liberties a power to Tyrannize as be lists without control But as it was our Fathers sin to inaugurate the late King after such discoveries of his Hypocritical emnity to Religion and Liberty upon his subscription of the Covenant So when he burnt and buried that Covenant and degenerate into manifest Tyrannie and had razed the very foundation upon which both his Right to govern and the Peoples Allegiance were founded and remitted the Subjects Allegiance by annulling the Bond of it We sinned in continuing still to own his Authority when opposite to and destructive of Religion and Liberty And many in swearing the Oath of Allegiance including also the Supremacy with the boundless Prerogatives without any Restrictions or Qualifications when all the Authority he had was engaged and exerted in a Rebellion against GOD forgetting foregoing and disowning these Limitations in the Covenant And in putting in his Interest with the Application of the words of the Covenant to him thô stated in opposition to it in the state of the quarrel in our Declarations of war at Pentland and Bothuel-Bridge for which the LORD put us to shame and went not out with our Armies Again we desire to confess and mourn over this as the sin of the Land and breach of Covenant that the Duke of York hath been admitted to the exercise of the Royal Office against the Laws of GOD and man being incapable of the Covenants qualifications of a Magistrate and being a Papist incapable of taking the Oath of Coronation to maintain the True Protestant Religion and abolish and gainstand Popery which for the preservation of the true Religion Laws and Liberties of this Kingdom is statute by the 8 Act Parl 1 K Jam 6 That all Kings at the Reception of their Princely Authority shall take and swear Yet his Authority thô inconsistent with and declaredly opposite to Religion and Liberty hath been owned and upheld by paying the Cess and Supplies expresly exacted for maintaining Tyrannie in the destruction of Religion and Liberty Our own Consciences within and Gods Judgements upon us without do convince us of the manifold wilful renewed Breaches of the Fourth Article which concerneth the discovery of Malignants consonant to the Scriptures 2 Sam 23 6 Esther 7 5 6 Psal 26 5 6 Psal 101 8 Prov 25 5 For their Crimes have not only been connived at but dispensed with and pardoned and themselves received into intimate Fellowship and entrusted with Counsels admitted into Parliaments and put in places of Power and Authority for managing the publick Affairs of the Kingdom whereby in Gods Justice they got at last into their hands the whole power and Strength of the Kingdom both in Judicatories and Armies and did imploy the same unto the enacting and prosecuting an unlawful Engagement in War against the Kingdom of England Notwithstanding of the discent of many considerable Members of Parliament who had given constant proof of their integrity in the Cause from the beginning Of many faithful Testimonies and free Warnings of the Servants of God of the Supplications of many Synods Presbyteries and Shires And the Declarations of the General Assembly and their Commissioners to the Contrary Which Engagement as it was the Cause of much Sin so also of much Miserie and Calamity unto this Land and held forth the grieveousness of our sin in Complying with Malignants in the greatness of our Judgement that we may be taught never to split again upon the same Rock upon which the Lord hath set so Remarkable a beacon And after all that is come to pass unto us because of this our trespass And after that Grace hath been shewed unto our Fathers and us once and again from the Lord our God by breaking these Mens Yoke from off their and our necks and sometimes delivering our Fathers so far from their insultings that He put them into a Capacity to Act for the good of Religion their own safety and the Peace and safety of the Kingdom should they and we again break his Commandment and Covenant by joyning once more
Christian Doctrine and practical use of Saving Knowledge Directory for publick Worship Propositions concerning Church Government and Ordination of Ministers c. And other Writings clearing and confirming these Truths approven by this Church and agreeable with the Word of GOD. The advancing and promoving the power of this True Reformed Religion in our selves and others against all Ungodliness and Profanity And the securing and preserving the purity thereof against all Error Heresie and Schisme and namely Independency Anabaptisme Antinomianisme Arminianisme Socinianisme Familisme Libertinisme Scepticisme Quakerisme and Erastianisme shall be more studied and endeavoured by us And as we declare we willingly agree in our Consciences with this Doctrine of the Church of Scotland in all points as unto Gods undoubted Truth and Verity grounded only upon His written Word So we resolve constantly to adhere unto and maintain and defend and profess and confess and when called of GOD to be willing to suffer for every point of the said Doctrine as we shal desire to be approven and confessed by Christ Jesus before God and His Holy Angels 2. We shall also study more sincerity uprightness and heart integrity in the Worship of God and not satisfy our selves with the forme of it without the Spirituality that the Object of it requires And shal endeavour to Recover and Preserve the Liberty and Purity thereof from all Corruptions Novations or Inventions of Men Popish Prelatical Erastian or any other And if we cannot get these Corruptions Reformed and removed we shal study to keep our selves free of Communion and Participation with the same 3. We shall likewise by all Lawful means endeavour the Recovery and Re-establishment of Presbyterial Government which is the only order of Christs House of Divine Institution and seek to have it Redintegrated in all its parts Priviledges and Courts of Kirk Sessions Presbytries Synods and General Assemblies And that the true Discipline of the same Church may be impartially Exercised Both which we shall endeavour to Preserve aginst all that seek to Subvert and Pervert the same And when Restored and Recovered in its freedom and integrity shall Cordially submit unto the same as becomes the Flock of Christ 4. In like manner the carrying on the Work of Uniformity in the three Kingdoms shall be desired designed prayed for studied and endeavoured by us by Remonstrances Supplications Admonitions Testimonies and all other means possible lawful expedient and competent unto us in our capacities and that before all Worldly Interests whether concerning the Magistrate or our selves or any other whatsomever According to the Second Article 1. We shall do our outmost endeavours to have the Land purged of Popish Idolatry the Monuments thereof destroyed and so far as lies in our power shall never suffer the same to be reintroduced or errected again But shall endeavour to have the Penal Statutes against Papists of late stopped and suspended by the Tolleration revived left in full force and duely put in execution against those Enemies of Religion and all good Government 2. We shal Endeavour the extirpation of Prelacy by all approven means according to our Capacities and Vocations And in order thereto we shall never submit to that Prelatical Hierarchy of Arch-bishops Bishops c. having power of Order or Jurisdiction over preaching Presbyters whether Erastian or only Diocesan in any form or degree howsoever Reformed accommodated restricted or limited by Cautions or provisions of Men Since frequent and fatal experience hath taught this Church that they cannot be kept long within banks or bounds And the Word of GOD hath condemned that Office and Subordination it self in any degree We shall also by all lawful and legal means seek the removing of their substitute Curats depending on them from the Parish-Churches on which they have intruded And shall never submit to the Ministry of hear or receive Ordinances from nor pay any Stipends unto any Man that enters into the Cure of any Perish at the door of the Bishops Collation or Patrons Presentation 3. Because many have of late laboured to supplant the Liberties of the Kirk and have in a great measure obtained their design by the late Indulgences and Toleration We shall refuse withstand and witness against all such Encroachments on the Liberties of this Church in all times coming And shal withdraw our selves from CoÌ„munion with any such Meetings or Congregations that hold their freedom from and are modified by such Usurpations Purposing and promising to use all endeavours to have a settled Ministry according to Christs Institution without any dependence on subordination unto or homologation of an Ecclesiastick Erastian usurped supremacy in the Civil Magistrate Furthermore we shal strive to recover when recovered Maintain and Defend the Kirk of Scotland in all her Liberties and Priviledges according to our power against all who shall oppose or undermine the same or encroach thereupon under any pretext whatsomever 4. And as on the one hand we here enter into Vowes to detest and abhor all Superstition Heresie and Profaneness and whatsoever shall be found contrary to found Doctrine and the power of Godliness and to keep our selves so far as we can from all partaking in other Mens sins by consent unto assâ—ciation incorporation combination communion complyance with or conniving at their siâ—s So We resolve in the Lords strengâ—h to guard against all Schisme and sinful Separation or unjust rash and disorderly withdrawing from Congregations Societies or Families or any part of the Communion of the true Reformed Covenanted Church of Scotland holding purely and intirely the Doctrine Worship Dâ—scipline and Government of the same in Principle and Exercise according to the Rules of Christ and standing Acts and Constitutions of this Church And that we shall neither gather nor set up formed separate Churches or Societies under other Ordinances Government or Ministry distinct from the Presbyterian Church of Scotland Nor withdraw from Minister or Member of that Body for any offence in any case where either the offence may be legally removed without our withdrawing Or cannot be instructed to be condemned by the Word of God or the Constitutions of this Church Or is in it self an insufficient ground of withdrawing Or a thing to be condescended upon forborn or forgiven But shall study to maintain Union and Communion in Truth and Duty with all the Ministers and Members of the said Church that do and in so far as they do follow the Institutions of Christ According to the Third Article 1. We shall endeavour with all sincerity reality and constancy according to our Vocations and Capacities by all possible lawful means to seek the removal of those things that corrupt prelimite or preclude the right constitution of Parliaments and other Judicatories The rescinding and taking away of these wicked Acts and Oaths that give entrance unto the Enemies of the Reformation to sit there as Members and exclude those that are honest and well affected to the Covenant and Cause of GOD. And
all other Acts and Laws that have been framed since Prelacy and Tyranny came in that have been opposite unto the said Covenant and work of Reformation The reviving and ratifying of all former Righteous Laws made in favours thereof And the restoring and recovering of all the due and true Rights and Priviledges of Parliaments And as we shall earnestly pray unto God that He would give us able men fearing God men of Truth and hating covetousness to judge and bear Charge among His people So we shall according to our Places Callings and Capacities endeavor that Judicatories and all places of Power and Trust both in Kirk and State may consist of and be filled with such men as are of known good Affection to the Cause of God and of a blameless and Christian conversation to whom we shall submit and obey and defend them and their Rights with our Estates and Lives 2. We shall also desire and do design to recover vindicate and maintain the Liberties of the Subjects in all these things which concern their Consciences Persons and Estates 3. Now after we have been long howling under a grievous Tyrannie making men like the fishes of the Sea that have no Ruler over them We shall desire and long for a good Government and seek to have it rightly setled upon such a foundation of Righteousness with such a subordination to GOD and in such hands as Religion and Liberty and we in maintaining the same may find protection and Patrociny And then in the terms of the Covenant we promise Subjection Allegiance and our best endeavours to preserve and defend the Person and Authority of our Lawfully invested Kings Princes or other Magistrates in the preservation and defence of the True Religion and Liberties of the Kingdom Ministration of Justice and punishing of iniquity Or so far as our owning and defending them may or can consist with the preservation and defence of Religion Liberty and Justice Giving unto GOD that which is GODS and to Caesar the things which are Caesars And upon other termes we purpose never to own Allegiance to mortall Man. According to the Fourth Article 1. Beinâ—â— now sensible of the sin of complyance with Mâ—l gnants we shall resolve through Grace to stand aloof and at a greater distance from every thing that may import complyance confederacy or unitive transaction with them while remaining such by Associating with them in Armes paying them Cesses and Contributions imposed for maintaining them in their Cause and course of opposition to the Cause of GOD Or by swearing subscribing or taking any of their Oaths Tests or Bonds Or any new Oaths or Bonds whatsoever which may any way condemn Limite or Restrain us in the Duâ—iâ—s whereunto we are obliged by the National or Solemn League and Covenant Yea 2. We shall be so far from conniving at complying with or countenancing of Malignancy Injustice Iniquity Profanity and Impiety that we shall not only avoid and discountenance these things and cherish and encourage these persons who are zealous for the Causâ— of GOD and walk according to the Gospel But also shall seek a more effectual course than heretofore in our respective places and Callings for punishing and suppressing these evils and faithfully endeavour that the best and fittest remedies may be applyed for taking away the causes thereof and advancing the knowledge of GOD and Holiness and Righteousness in the Land. And to this effect shall endeavour to Represent our Grievances unto competent Judicatories against those who have been open Persecuters that they may receive condign punishment as the degree of their Crimes and Offences shall require or deserve that so the Land may be purged from blood and the LORD may delight to dwell among us Ye câ—nsidering what rashness hath appeared in some in putting forth their hand to punish such Incendiaries by death and how people may be still in hazard of running upon Extravagances in this matter from the misunderstanding of this Article of the Covenant We shal therefore guard against all irregularities in seeking the punishment of Malignants Incendiaries or evil Instruments and endeavour the discoverie and bringing of them to Justice in a Right and Legal way According to the Fifth Article We shal according to our places power Interest endeavour to have the Vnion of the Kingdoms brought to it s Covenanted Basis and avoid every thing that may weaken the same or involve us in any measure of accession unto the guilt of those who have invaded or hereafter may invade the Kingdom of England to break this Covenanted Vnion And shall endeavour more correspondence and sympathie with all our Covenanted Brethren both in England and Ireland According to the Sixth Article Considering what Dangers We and all our Brethren under the Bond and owning the Obligation of these Covenants are in and may be exposed to from the Popish Prelatical and Malignant Faction still prevailing And what defects we are sensible have been among us in the duty of defending and assisting one anoâ—her in this cause We do here sâ—lâ—mnly enâ—er under a Bond of Association with all that do nâ—w renew these Covenants with the Acknowledgement of the publick Breaches and Engagement to the duties thereof and shall concert and assert the old Covenanted Cause and Quarrel as our Fathers stated and contended for it from the year 1638. to 1650. Which cause of the Covenanted Reformation in Doctrine Worship Discipline and Government and all Interests and Rights Religious or Civil contended for during that foresaid space of years conducing to promote the same we faithfully promise to prosecute and endeavour to propagate preserve and maintain with the hazard of our Lives and all that we have Not fearing or regarding the soul Aspersions of Rebellion Combination or what else our Adversaries from their Craft and Malice would put upon us Seing what we do is so well warranted and ariseth from an unfeigned desire to maintain the true Religion to obtain the Protection and preserve the Honour of Righteous Government and promote the Peace and Happiness of the Kingdom for the present Safety and future Felicity of our Selves and Posterity and encouragement of others groaning under oâ— in danger of the Yoke of Antichristian or Erastin Popish or Prelatical Tyranny to joyn in the same or l ke Association In maintaing which we shall faithfully and stedfastly according to our place and power sympathize bear all burdens and imbark our Interests with and assist and defend all these who enter into or joyn with this Association and Covenants And shall reckon whatsoever shal be done to the least of us for this Cause as done to us all in general and to every one of us in particular And shal account it a breach of Covenant if seing our Brethren pursued for this Cause and having sufficient means to comfort and assist them any of us shall either make peace with the Persecuters bind up their hands by Oaths or Bonds from resisting them refuse to hide
the Children of Israel in the Land of Moah beside the Covenant which he made with them in Horeb. Whence we may have ground for moving and solving several difficulties Quest 1 I. It may be doubted If Covenanting with GOD especially National be a necessary or expedient Duty approven in the Scriptures Ans The Lawfulness of Oaths Vows and Covenants to for or before GOD will be questioned by none but Quakers and other Enthusiasts or Fanaticks In the Old Test it is here evident the Lord Commanded to enter into this Covenant and Oath v. 1. and 12. And it is never Abrogate in the New Test except in ordinary Communications wherein it was condemned in the Old as well as in the New. And it is so far from being Abrogate that it is Confirmed by the Apostle saying A Mans Covenant once confirmed cannot be disanulled Gal. 3.15 And concerning even Promissory Oaths saying That an Oath for confirmation is an end of all strife Heb. 6.16 Nor can the expediency or the necessity of this Duty be doubted by any who considers the Commands enforcing it the usefulness that the Saints experienced in it for restraining from Sin for Aggravating it in their Humiliations from this consideration That they had Vowed and Covenanted to the contrary for stirting up to the Duties bound upon them by the Law and for encouraging themselves in the hâ—pe of Pardon for their Short-comings We must not think it is inconvenient to Vow or that it is indifferent to Vow or not Vow It is said indeed Eccles 5.5 Better it is that thou shouldest not Vow than that thou shouldest Vow and not pay But that does not make Vowing either Inconvenienâ— Inexpedient nor Indifferent or not good simply No more than the Apostles saying 2 Pet. 2.21 It had been better not to have known the way of Righteousness than after it is known to turn from it will make knowing the way of Righteousness to be either Inconvenient or Inexpâ—diâ—nt or not good simply For Vowing as well as Paying is expressly commanded Psal 76.11 And in some cases especially in necessary things Vowing and Breaking is better than not Vowing and yet Bâ—eaking the Law for the later is two Sins Omission in not Vowing and Commission in Breaking the former only the sin of Breaking the Vow as Mr Durham clears it at large on Command 3. Pag. 135.136 c. 2. As for National Vowing or Covenanting it is evidently approven in Scripture Precepts Promises and Practises Here is a Scripture Precept for it in the Old Test never Abrogated in the New. There are also Promises and these relating to the New Test times not only of Personal but of National Covenanting as Churches and Christian Societies Isa 19.18 21 23. to the end Jer. 50.4.5 Zech. 2.11 And as for Precedents we have very many of National Covenants made and renewed again and again for Preservation and Reformation of Religion Extirpation of false Worship maintaining their Laws Liberties and Government punishing and restraining the Wicked keeping the common Peace and mutual Defence against the common Enemies As here after that in Horeb Israels Covenant is solemnly Sworn under the Conduct of Moses And Renewed by Joshua Josh 24. By Asa 2 Chron. 15.13 14. Jehojadah 2 Kings 11.17 2 Chron. 23.16 Hezekiah 2 Chron. 29 10. Josiah 2 Kings 23.2 2 Chron. 34. Ezra chap. 10.3 Nehemiah chap 9. ult and 10.28 29. Yea alwayes in times of Humiliation and intended Reformation we find they fell about this Duty That the Lordâ— fierce Wrath might turn away 2 Chron. 29.10 To confirm Israels hope Ezrâ— 10.1 Nehem. 9. ult As also in the New Testament somewhat like this is hinted at 2 Cor. 8.5 Where the Churches of Macedonia gavâ— their own selves to the Lord and to the Apostles which at least implieâ— a Covenant Quest 2 II. It may be questioned What was the Nature of these Covenants at Horeb and of this in Moab and other National Covenantâ— in Scripture Was it a Covenant of Works or of Grace that was severaâ— times Renewed And do we stand bound to them as the Israelites them Ans These Covenants as to their Nature were neither the Covenanâ— of Works nor of Grace formally though matterially partaking oâ— both They have the same mutual contracting Parties GOD and Man thô here Man is to be considered not in his Abstract Singular Individual or personal Capacity But as a Member of a Community undertaking Vows The same obligations to all the duties of these forementioned Divine Covenants thô here they are to be takâ—n as Publick and National Duties in reference to Religion as a publick Interest The same sanctions and certifications of Blessings and Curses here to be understood aâ— Na ional With respect to the Matter of them in the Old Testament Dispensation they obliged to the observation of the whole Moral Judicial and Ceremonial Law of GOD as it was then calculate to the judaical Pâ—dagogie requiring indeed perfection legal accordding to the Tenor of the Covenant of Works but admitting Repentance and through Faith accepting Perfection Evangelical according to the Tenor of the Covenant of Grace And in the New Testament Dispensation they oblige to the same observance of the same Laws that are not abolished and of these Ceremonial Institutions of CHRIST that are substitute in the place of the former Pedagogical and Typical Ceremonies calculate to the Meridian of Gospel Light Purity and Simplicity With respect to the End in both Dispensations they had and have the same subserviency to the Covenant of Grace the same with the Law to restrain Sin to manifest it and to lead to CHRIST for Remission of it And with respect to the several sorts of People engaging under these Bonds they were to Believers according to the Tenor of the Covenant of Grace and to Unbelievers according to the Tenor of the Covenant of Works But as to their Form and Formality they were the Ecclesiastick and National Covenants of the visible Community of the Lords People engaging to be His and to keep His Wayes and Testimonies First Transacted Exod. 19.5 8. Exod. 24.7 8. Renewed here Deut. 29. and several times afterwards Quest 3 III. Another Question is Who may tender or impose it May it be without the Magistrate Here the Magistrate Moses is Authorized to make it But may it be done without him Or when it is so is the obligation of it Binding when the Magistrate or publick Father disalowes or discharges it The reason of the doubt is taken from Numb 30.3 5 8. Where it is said if a Woman in her Fathers house or Husbands vow a Vow unto the Lord and her Father or Husband disallow her not any of her Vows or Bonds wherewith she hath bound her Soul shall stand but shall be made of none effect Ans Justice and Order requires that whoever hath the greatest Influence upon or Authority over the Community should tender the Oath and it belongs indeed to Magistrates to enjoyn it but not so
turning awaâ— from the Lord serving the gods of the Nations having among them Root bearing Gall and Worm wood who might bless themselves iâ— their presumption of Impunity notwithstanding the threatned curse Buâ— much more in after Generations they that never dwelt in thâ— Land of Egypt and never saw the plagues punishing that Lands wickedness but afterward might see the abominations and the Dungy gods as iâ— is in the Hebrew of other Nations were in hazard of that defection anâ— presumption when the Covenant might be worn antiquated out of daâ— and mind which might encourage them much more than at that timâ— when it was in every Bodies mouth and memory to say I shall have peaâ— thô I walk in the imagination of mine heart 2. The threatned punishmenâ— of the breach of this Covenant was perpetual The Lords anger and jealousie shall smok against Covenant-breakers all the Curses written shall lyâ— upon them their names shall be blotted out from under Heaven verâ— 20. He shall separate them unto evil vers 21. Not only in that agâ— wherein the Covenant was Renewed but the Generation to come oâ— their Children that should rise up after them shall observe the punishment of the Posterity when they shall have forsaken the Covenant oâ— the Lord God of their Fathers and the Lord shall have rooted theâ— out of their Land for the same vers 22. to 28. which was not accomplished till many Centuries afterwards Quest 14 Quer. If the Obligation of National Covenants where the matter iâ— lawful he perpetual and binding upon Posterity Answ If any Engagements can be supposed binding to Posterity certainly Nationaâ— Covenants to keep the Commandments of God and to adhere to his institutions must be of that nature It cannot be denyed that several Obligations do bind Posterity Publick Promises with annexation of curseâ— to the breakers make the Posterity obnoxious as well as those who personally came under the Engagement Neb 5 12 13 That promise of the Jewish Nobles and Rulers would have brought their Posterity under the Curse if they had exacted usury of their Bretheren as Joshua's Adjuration did oblige all posterity never to build Jericho Josh 6.26 and the breach of it did bring the Curse upon Hiel the Bethelite in the dayes of Ahab Publick Vowes do bind Posterity Jacobs Vow Gen. 28.21 did oblige all his posterity virtually comprehended in him Hos 12.4 The Rechabites found themselves obliged to observe the Vow of their Fore-father Jonadab Jer. 35.6.14 Publick Oaths do oblige posterity Joseph took an Oath of the Children of Israel to carry up his Bones to Canaan Gen. 50.25 which did oblige the posterity some hundreds of years after Exod. 13.19 Josh 24.32 National Covenants with Men before God do oblige posterity as Israels Covenant with the Gibeonites Josh 9.15.19 for the breach whereof many Ages after the posterity was plagued 2 Sam. 21.1 So Zedekiah's Covenant with Nebuchadnezzar Ezek. 17.18 19. Especially National Covenants with God before Men about things Moral Objectively obliging are Perpetual Jer. 50.5 And yet more especially as Grotius observes when they are of an Hereditary nature that is when the subjeâ—t is permanent the matter Moral the end Good and in the form of them there is a Clause expressing their perpetuity All which Ingredients of perpetual Obligations are clear in Scotlands Covenants Which are National Promises adjuring all the Members of the Scottish Church under a Curse to preserve and promote Reformation according to the Word of God and to extirpate what is in Doctrine Worship Discipline or Government opposite thereto National Vowes devoting the then engaging and suceeding Generations to be the Lords people and to walk in His wayes National Oaths solemnly sworn by all Ranks with hands lifted up to the Most High GOD never to admit of Innovations or submit to Usurpations contradictory to the Word of God National Covenants wherein the King Parliament and People did Covenant with each other to perform their repective duties in their â—everal places and stations inviolably to preserve Religion and Liberty Yea National Lawes solemnly ratified by King and Parliament and made the foundation of the Peoples Compact with the King at his Inauguration And Finally they are National Covenants with God as party contracting to keep and do the Words of His Covenant The subject or parties contracting are permanent as long therefore as Scotland is Scotâ—and and God is Unchangeable who hath given His revealed Will for the Rule of Mans Obedience Scotlands Reformation in Doctrine Worship Discipline and Government must be endeavoured to be preserved in a conformity to it The Matter of them is morall containing nothing but what is antecedently and eternally binding albeit there had neveâ— been a formal Covenant The Ends of them perpetually good to wit For defence of the true Religion as it was then reformed and is expressed in thâ— Confession of Faith and which had been for many years with a blessing from Heaven preached and professed in this Kirk and Kingdom as Gods undoubted Truth grounded only upon His written Word And for maintaining the Kings Majestie his Person and Estate c. Having before our eyes the Glory of God and the advancement of the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ the honour and happiness of thâ— Kings Majesty and his Posterity and the true publick Liberty Safety and Peacâ— of the Kingdoms wherein every ones private condition is included And in thâ— very Forme of them there are Clauses expressing their perpetuity Aâ— in that Article of the National Covenant subscribed anno 1638 there aâ— these words Being convinced in our minds and confessing with our mouths thâ— the present and succeeding Generations in this Land are bound to keep the foresaâ— National Oath and Subscription inviolable In the Solemn League these Art. 〈◊〉 That we and our posterity after us may as bretheren live in Faith and Love and tâ— Lord may delight to dwell in the midst of us Art. 5. We shall endeavour that thâ— may remain conjoined in a firm Peace and Vnion to all posterity IV. Next from vers 16. to 20. This faithful Watch-maâ— warns Vers 16.17 that and all Generations of the danger of breach 〈◊〉 Covenant Shewing First The Inductives to this sin exposing peopâ—â— to the danger of it and involving them in the guilt of it before he laâ— before them what shall be the punishment of it Quest 15 If it be enquired then What are the chief Temptatioâ— inducing to this sin of Covenant-breaking Here it is Answered Dwelling among and converse with a People of a false Religion 〈◊〉 ye know how ye have dwelt in the Land of Egypt and ye have seen their aboâ— nations c. as it is noted in a Parenthesis v. 16 17. This induces boâ— Persons Families and Tribes vers 18. and in this order first Person then Families then Tribes to symbolize with them in perjury Peopâ—â— are more readily seduced to sin by the perverse example of these thâ— live among
shall continue in the obedience of the Doctrine and Discipline of this Kirk and shall defend the same according to our Vocation and Power all the dayes of our lives under the pains contained in the Law and danger both of Body and Soul in the day of Gods fearful Judgement And seing that many are stirred up by Satan and that Roman Antichrist to promise swear subscribe and for a time use the Holy Sacraments in the Kirk deceitfully against their own Consciences minding thereby first under the external Cloak of Religion to corrupt and subvert secretly Gods true Religion within the Kirk and afterward when time may serve to become open Enemies and Persecutors of the same under vain hope of the Popes Dispensation devised against the Word of God to his greater confusion and their double condemnation in the day of the Lord Jesus We therefore willing to take away all suspicion of Hypocrisie and of such double dealing with God and His Kirk Protest and call The Searcher of all hearts for witness that our minds and hearts do fully agree with this Our Confession Promise Oath and Subscription so that We are not moved for any worldly respect but are perswaded only in Our Consciences through the knowledge and love of Gods true Religion printed in Our Hearts by the Holy Spirit as we shall answer to Him in the day when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed And because we perceive that the quietness and stability of our Religion and Kirk doth depend upon the safety and good behaviour of * The lawfully established Suprem Magistrat the Kings Majesty as upon a comfortable Instrument of Gods Mercy granted to this Country for the maintaining of this Kirk and ministration of Justice amongst us we protest and promise with our Hearts under the same Oath Hand-writ and Pains that we shall defend his Person and Authority with our goods bodies and lives in the defence of Christ his Evangel Liberties of our Countrey ministration of Justice and punishment of Iniquity against all Enemies within this Realm or without as we desire our God to be a strong and merciful Defender to us in the day of our death and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ To whom with the Father and the Holy Spirit be all Honour and Glory Eternally Like as many Acts of Parliament not only in general do abrogate annul and rescind all Laws Statutes Acts Constitutions Canons civil or municipal with all other Ordinances and practick Penalties whatsoever made in prejudice of the true Religion and Professors thereof Or of the true Kirk discipline Jurisdiction and Freedom thereof Or in favours of Idolatry and Superstition Or of the Papistical Kirk As Act. 3. Act. 13. Parl. 1. Act. 23. Parl. 11. Act. 114. Parl. 12 of King James the sixth That Papistry and Superstition may be utterly suppressed according to the intention of the Acts of Parliament repeated in the 5. Act. Parl. 20. King James 6th And to that end they ordain all Priests to be punished by manifold Civil and Ecclesiastical pains as Adversaries to Gods true Religion preached and by Law established within this Realm Act 24. Parl. 11. King James 6th As common Enemies to all Christian Government Act 18. Parl. 16. King James 6th As Rebellers and Gain-standers of our Soveraign Lords Authority Act 47. Parl. 3. K. James 6. And as Idolaters Act 104. Parl. 7. King James 6. But also in particular by and attour the Confession of Faith do abolish and condemn the Popes Authority and Jurisdiction out of this Land and orders the Maintainers thereof to be punished Act 2. Parl 1. Act 51. Parl. 3. Act. 106. Parl. 7. Act 114. Parl. 12. King James 6. Do condemn the Popes erroneous Doctrine repugnant to any of the Articles of the true and Christian Religion publickly preached and by Law established in this Realm And ordains the spreaders and makers of Books or Libels or Letters or Writs of that nature to be punished Act 46. Parl. 3. Act 106. Parl. 7. Act 24. Parl. 11. King James 6. Do condemn all Baptism conform to the Popes Kirk and the Idolatry of the Mass and ordains all Sayers wilful hearers and concealers of the Mass the mantainers and resetters of Priests Jesuits traffiquing Papists to be punished without any exception or restriction Act 5. Parl. 1. Act 120. Parl. 12. Act 164. Parl. 13. Act 193. Parl. 14. Act 1. Parl. 19. Act 5. Parl. 20. K. James 6. Do condemn all erroneous Books and Writes containing erroneous Doctrine against the Religion presently professed or maintaining superstitious Rites and Ceremonies Papistical whereby the People are greatly abused and ordaines the home bringers of them to be punished Act 25 Parl 11 K. James 6 do condemn the monuments and dregs of by gone Idolatry as going to the Crâ—sses observing the Festival dayes of the Saints and such other superstitious and Papistical Rites to the dishonour of God contempt of true Religion and fostering of great errour among the People and ordains the users of them to be punished for the second fault as Idolaters Act 104 Parl 7 K James 6. Like as many Acts of Parliament are conceaved for maintenance of Gods true and Christian Religion and the purity thereof in Doctrine and Sacraments of the true Church of God the liberty and freedom thereof in her National Synodal Assemblies Presbyteries Sessions Policy Discipline and Jurisdiction thereof as that purity of Religion and liberty of the Church was used professed exercised preached and confessed according to the Reformation of Religion in this Realm As for instance The 99 Act Parl 7 Act 23 Parl 11 Act 114 Parl 12 Act 160 Parl. 13. of King James 6. Ratified by the 4 Act of King Charles 1. So that the 6 Act Parl. 1. and 68 Act Parl. 6. of K. James 6. in the year of God 1579. Declares the Ministers of the blessed Evangel whom God of His Mercy had raised up or hereafter should raise agreeing with them that then lived in Doctrine and Administration of the Sacraments and the people that professed Christ as He was then offered in the Evangel and doth communicate with the Holy Sacraments as in the reformed Kirks of this Realm they were publickly administrat according to the Confession of Faith to be the True and Holy Kirk of Christ Jesus within this Realm and decerns and declares all and sundry who either gain-sayes the Word of the Evangel received and approved as the heads of the Confession of Faith professed in Parliament in the year of God 1560. Specified also in the first Parliament of K. James 6. And ratified in this present Parliament more particularly do specifie or that refuses the administration of the Holy Sacraments as they were then ministrated to be no Members of the said Kirk within this Realm and true Religion presently professed so long as they keep themselves so divided from the society of Christs Body And the subsequent Act 69. Parl. 6. of K. James 6. declares That
there is none other Face of Kirk nor other Face of Religion than was presently at that time by the favour of God established within this Realm which therefore is ever stilled Gods true Religion Christs true Religion the true and Christian Religion and a perfect Religion Which by manifold Acts of Parliament all within this Realm are bound to subscribe the Articles thereof the Confession of Faith to recant all Doctrine and Errors repugnant to any of the said Articles Act 4 and 9 Parl. 1. Act 45 46 47. Parl. 3. Act 71. Parl. 6. Act 106. Parl. 7. Act 24. Parl. 11. Act 123. Par. 12. Act 194 and 197. Parl. 14. of K. James 6. And all Magistrates Sherifs c. On the one part are ordained to search apprehend and punish all Contraveeners For instance Act 5. Parl. 1. Act 104. Parl. 7. Act 25. Parl. 11. K. James 6. And that notwithstanding of the King's licences on the contrary which are discharged and declared to be of no force in so far as they tend in any wayes to the prejudice and hinderance of the execution of the Acts of Parliament against Papists and Adversaries of true Religion Act 106. Parl. 7. K. James 6. On the other part in the 47. Act Parl. 3. K. James 6. It is declared and ordained seing the cause of God's true Religion and his Highness Authority are so joyned as the hurt of the one is common to both And that none shall be reputed as Loyal and Faithful Subjects to our Soveraign Lord or his Authority but be punishable as Rebellers and Gain-standers of the same who shall not give their Confession and make their profession of the said true Religion and that they who after defection shall give the Confession of their Faith of new they shall promise to continue therein in time coming to maintain our Soveraign Lords Authority and at the uttermost of their power to fortifie assist and maintain the true Preachers and Professors of Christs Evangel against whatsoever Enemies and Gain-standers of the same And namely against all such of whatsoever Nation Estate or Degree they be that have joyned and bound themselves or have assisted or assists to set forward and execute the cruel Decrees of Trent contrary to the Preachers and true Professors of the Word of God which is repeated word by word in the Article of Pacification at Perth the 23 of Febr 1572. Approved by Parliament the last of April 1573. Ratified in Parliament 1587. And related Act 123. Parl. 12. of K. James 6. with this addition That they are bound to resist all treasonable Uproars Hostilities raised against the true Religion the Kings Majesty and the true Professors Likeas all Liedges are bound to maintain the Kings Majesties Royal Person and Authority the Authoritie of Parliaments without the which neither any Laws or lawful Judicatories can be established Act 130. Act 131. Parl. 8 K. James 6. And the Subjects Liberties who ought only to live and be governed by the Kings Laws the common Laws of this Realm allanerly Act 48. Parl. 3. K. James the first Act 79. Parl. 6. K. James 4. repeated in the Act 131. Parl. 8. King James 6. Which if they be innovated or prejudged the Commission anent the Union of the two Kingdoms of Scotland and England which is the sole Act of the 17. Parl. of King James the 6. Declares such Confusion would ensue as this Realm could be no more a free Monarchy because by the fundamental Laws ancient Priviledges Offices and Liberties of this Kingdom not only the Princely Authority of his Majesties Royal descent hath been these many Ages maintained but also the Peoples security of their Lands Livings Rights Offices Liberties and Dignities preserved and therefore for the preservation of the said true Religion Laws and Liberties of this Kingdom it is statute by the 8 Act Parl. 1. repeated in the 99 Act Parl. 7. ratified in the 23 Act Parl. 11. and 114. Act Parl. 12. of K. James 6 4 Act of K. Charles 1. That all Kings and Princes at their Coronation and Reception of their Princely Authority shall make their faithful Promise by their Solemn Oath in the presence of the Eternal God That during the whole time of their Lives they shall serve the same Eternal God to the uttermost of their power according as He has required in His most Holy Word contained in the Old and New Testament And according to the same Word shall maintain the true Religion of Christ Jesus the Preaching of His Holy Word the due and right ministration of the Sacraments now received and preached within this Realm according to the Confession of Faith immediatly preceeding and shall abolish and gain-stand all false Religion contrary to the same and shall rule the People committed to their charge according to the Will and Command of God revealed in His foresaid Word and according to the laudable Laws and Constitutions received in this Realm no wayes repugnant to the said Will of the Eternal God and shall procure to the uttermost of their power to the Kirk of God and whole Christian People true and perfect peace in all time coming And that they shall be careful to root out of their Empire all Hereticks and Enemies to the true Worship of God who shall be convicted by the true Kirk of God of the foresaid crimes which was also observed by * K. Charles the first his Majesty at his Coronation in Edinburgh 1633. As may be seen in the order of the Coronation In obedience to the Commandment of GOD conform to the practice of the Godly in former times and according to the Laudable Example of our Worthy and Religious Progenitors which was warranted also by Act of Council commanding a general Band to be made and subscribed by his Majesties Subjects of all Ranks for two causes One was For defending the true Religion as it was then reformed and is expressed in the Confession of Faith above-written and a former large Confession established by sundry Acts of lawful General Assemblies and of Parliaments unto which it hath relation set down in publick Catechisms and which had been for many years with a Blessing from Heaven preached professed in this Kirk and Kingdom as Gods undoubted Truth grounded only on His written Word The other cause was for maintaining the Kings Majesty his Person and Estate The true worship of God and the Kings Authority being so straitly joyned as that they had the same Friends and common Enemies and did stand and fall together And finally being convinced in our minds and confessing with our mouths that the present and succeeding Generations in this Land are bound to keep the foresaid National Oath and Subscription inviolable We under-subscribing considering divers times before and especially at this time the danger of the true reformed Religion * His Highness's honour by whose noble enterprise so signally countenanced of the Lord we have obtained this reviving in our bondage of the Kings
in danger of the yoke of Antichristian Tyranny or to joyn in the same or like Association and Covenant to the Glory of God the enlargement of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ and the peace and tranquillity of Christian Kingdoms and Common-wealths These Covenants abovewritten formerly Nationally Taken and Renewed and still Nationally Binding We in our private Station only Swear and Subscribe in their genuine sense conform to the Explication and Application thereof in our present Acknowledgement of the publick Sins and Breaches of the same and Engagement to the Duties contained therein which do in a special way relate to the present times and are proper for our capacities therein A Solemn Acknowledgement of PUBLICK SINS AND BREACHES OF THE COVENANT AND A Solemn Engagement to all the DUTIES contained therein namely these which do in a more special way relate unto the dangers of these times Anno 1689. WE all and every one of us by the good hand of God upon us taking in serious consideration the many sad afflictions and deep distresses wherewith we have been exercised for a long time past And remembering that as the Land in the dayes of our Fathers was sore wasted with the Sword and the Pestilence and threatned with Famine for their Breaches of Covenant shortly after they first entered into it For which Shame Concempt was poured out from the Lord against many thousands of our Nation when they did in a sinful way make War upon the Kingdom of England in the year 1648. contrary to the Testimony of His Servants and desires of His People and the remnant of that Army returning to this Land spoiled oppresed many of the Faithful at that time And after our Fathers in their Solemn Acknowledgement of Sins and Engagement to Duties had confessed the guilt of that Malignant Association and obliged themselves for the future never any more to connive at comply with or countenance Malignancy Yet they joyned themselves again with the people of these abominations And upon terms destructive to the Nations and Churches Interest dishonourable to God and prejudicial to Posterity accepted their mock Repentance and admitted Malignants to places of Power and Trust And by a precipitant Treaty at Breda with the head of them Charles II. brought him over and made him King upon his mock-subscription of the Covenant notwithstanding he had given manifest discoveries of his Treachery and Enmity to Religion and Liberty in his Commissionating James Graham to invade this Kingdom in the mean time of the Treaty Whereby GOD was mocked his Church cheated and the State betrayed And then a woful defection and division was caused and carried on by the Promoters and Abetters of the Publick Resolutions who notwithstanding the Malignant Party was still numerous and retaining their former Principles waited for an opportunity to raise a new and dangerous War not only to the rending of the bowels of this Kingdom but unto the dividing them from England and overturning of the Work of God in all the three Kingdoms did yet intertain and encourage them in their Armies For which breaches of Covenant the anger of the LORD was evidently seen to smoke against the Land which after the Defeat at Dunbar and at Worcester was brought in subjection to the English for several years So in process of time calling to mind how the Malignants again recovering power and restored to the Government were suffered peaceably at their own pleasure and leasure to overturn the Glorious Work of our Covenanted Reformation and to cut down the carved work of the House of our GOD as it were with Axes and Hammers by rescinding all the Acts and Laws made in savours thereof and to reintroduce the abjured yokes of Anti-christian Prelacy Erastian Supremacy and Absolute Tyranny Which through our sinful and scandalous Complyance therewith have been so far advanced that there wanted little to the re-establishment of Popery it self in these Lands Having it also in recent memory what indignities have been done to our Covenants in not only breaking them and declaring them void and of no force enacting the breaches of them and abjuring of them but in burning them and making it a capital Crime to own them Which horrid violations and villanies have been generally complyed with or connived at without control For which we cannot but acknowledge and adore the Righteousness of the LORD in giving us up unto and suffering us long to houl under many miseries and calamities of grassant Tyranny Oppression Persecution and Murdering violence these Eight and Twenty years Whereby the Land hath been reduced almost to desolation And considering also that a cloud of calamities do still hang over our heads and threaten us with sad things to come we cannot but look upon these things as from the Lord who is righteous in all his wayes feeding us with the bread of tears and making us to drink the waters of affliction until we be taught to know how evil and bitter a thing it is to depart away from him by breaking the Oath and Covenant which we had made with Him and that we may be humbled before Him by confessing of our sin and forsaking the evil of our way Therefore being pressed with so great necessities and straits and warranted by the word of God and having the example of Gods People of old who in the time of their troubles and when they were to seek delivery and a right way for themselves that the Lord might be with them to prosper them did humble themselves before Him and make a free and particular confession of the sins of their Princes their Rulers their Captains their Priests and their People And did engage themselves to do no more so but to reform their wayes and be stedfast in His Covenant And remembring the practice of our Predecessors in the year 1596. wherein the General Assembly and all the Kirk Judicatories with the concurrence of many of the Nobility Gentry and Burgesses did with many tears acknowledge before God the breach of the National Covenant and engaged themselves into a Reformation even as our Predecessors and theirs had before done in the General Assembly and Convention of States in the year 1567. And the more recent practice of the Godly renewing the National Covenant and Acknowledging the breaches of it both befote they obtained Authority for it in the year 1638. And again by Authority in the year 1639. And that noble Precedent of that National Solemn Acknowledgement of Publick Sins and Breaches of the Solemn League and Covenant and Solemn Engagement to all the Duties contained therein which we are here enlarging condescended upon by the Commission of the General Assembly approven by the Committe of Estates and publickly owned in all the Churches at the renewing of the Solemn League anno 1648. and 1649. Together with the Solemn Renovation thereof accompanied with such confession of Sins as did suit that time yet fresh in our memories by that small Army of the LORDS