The Saints Solemn Covenant, Sermon

The Saints Solemn Covenant · Sermon

THE SAINTS SOLEMNE COVENANT.

PSAL. 50. 5.

Gather my Saints together unto me, those that have made a Covenant with me by sacrifice.

THe same occasion that hath this day brought you together in this place, hath also brought this Text to my hand. Wherein (as Expositors for the most part conceive of it) you have a generall Citation, or Processe issuing out of the high Court of Heaven against the Church and people of the Iews, summoning and requiring them to come and appeare before the Tribunall of the great God, there to make answer to somewhat that should be objected against them. The Quarrell in brief was this. In that Church (as in every Church there ever p. 2have been, and will be) there were many formall Hypocrites, such as stood much upon legall Ceremonies and Sacrifices, in so much as they placed all their Religion in those externall observances, in the mean time over-looking those foreign (as our Saviour calleth them)▪ Mat. 23. 23.Matt 23:23The weightier things of the Law; Iudgement, MercieMercy and Faith (or Faithfulnesse,) with the exercises of true Pietie, and Charitie not regarding the true inward Spirituall worship and service of God. Hereupon the Lord by his Prophet here cites and summons the whole Church to come, and give an account of the generall formalitie. Gather my Saints together unto me, &c.

In the words we might take notice of two particulars▪ the Processe, and the Persons. The Processe, or Citation it selfe in the first words, Gather together unto me (or before me.) The Persons cited, summoned, you have them here described, first, by their Quality, they were Saints, Gods Saints. Gather my Saints together unto me.] Secondly, by their Act, they were Covenanters; which Act is amplified by the Manner and Solemnitie of it, they were such as had made a Covenant with their God, and that a solemne Covenant, Those that have made a Covenant with me by Sacrifice.

It is this last branch of the Text that my eie is upon at this time, being led to it by the present occasion; wherein you have the Saints of God described to be such as had made a Covenant, a solemne Covenant with their God: [Those that have made a Covenant with me by Sacrifice.]

By Sacrifice,] Gnales Zabach, (saith the Originall) super Sacrificium, Over Sacrifice: This Clause I find diversly construed by divers Expositors, some carrying it one way, some another, according to a threefold interpretation of the precedent word Saints.

1 By Saints some here understand the Faithfull people of God among the Iews, the select companie of True VVorshipers. p. 3Taking the word in that sense, they conceive this latter clause to be a description of them. They were such as had made a Covenant with God over Sacrifice, that is (say they) over and besides Sacrifice, or in stead of Sacrifice. So they explain the words, super Sacrificium, i.e. praeter Sacrificium, or pro Sacrificio. Besides Sacrifice; they were such as did not rest themselves contented in any Legall Ceremonie, they did not subsistere in cerenis umbris (as Calvin speaks,) sit down in those shadows; they apprehended that there was aliquid altius, somewhat of a higher nature in the Covenant betwixt God and his people, and that they mainly looked at, and applied themselves unto. Or in stead of Sacrifice. In stead of those legall Sacrifices, and ceremoniall observances, (wherein the greatest part placed all their Religion,) they consecrated themselves unto the Lord, gave up themselves unto God by a solemne Covenant. Rom. 12. 1.Rom 12:1In stead of those dead and unreasonable Sacrifices, of bruit beasts, they offered up unto God that foreign, that foreign (as the Apostle describes the Sacrifices of Christians) that Living Sacrifice, that Reasonable service; devoting themselves to the true inward spirituall worship and service of God, whereunto they had bound themselves by solemne Vow and Covenant. This Exposition I find Calvin and Mollerus after him, not wholy disallowing.

2 Others in the second place, taking the word [Saints] in a clean contrarie sense, understanding by it formall Hypocrites, (who are here called by the name of Saints, either by way of …, of else because they were such foreign,Species Ironiae subest quoad degeneres & simulatos Iudaeos. (as the Apostle faith of them) Iews and Saints outwardly in the outward appearance, Saints by Profession, they looke upon this … clause as a Character of them. They were such as had made a Covenant▪ with God▪ over Sacrifice, or with, or by Sacrifice▪ … (say they) they so offered Sacrifice to God, as if that had been all that his Covenant required,Calv▪ ad loc. which when p. 4they had done, they now thought that God could not but be well pleased with them; nay, they thought that hereby they had tied and bound God after a sort unto them, viz. by their Sacrifices.Ex opere operato putant se Deo placere, Scultet▪ ad loc. A true Character of a formall Hypocrite, who so pleaseth himself in the opus operatum of a dutie, as that hee thinketh God cannot but be well pleased with it. He so looks upon his services and duties; as if God were beholding to him for them, and obliged to him by them. Thus Scultetus, and some others here carrie it.

3 But not to rest in either of these: There is yet a third, and a last sense, which I rather incline unto, apprehending it both more simple and genuine. The persons to whom this Citation is here directed they were not any select companie, whether of True Worshippers, or Formall Hypocrites, but the whole body of the Jewish Church, collectively considered, consisting of both these, yet here called by the name of Saints, Because there were some, and no question many such amongst them, Saints in truth as well, as in appearance. Now the determination here (as often elswhere) is taken from the better part. It is an honour (saith Calvin, writing upon the Text which God putteth upon his Saints, to denominate a promiscuous multitude consisting of good and bad from them; I, though they be the far lesse number. That was the case here in the Text. In the Iewish Church at this time, the greatest part were no better then formall Hypocrites, yet in as much as there was a partie of Saints amongst them, God calleth them all by this name. Secondly, If they were not all Saints, yet they ought to have been so. They were all Saints by calling, called to be Saints, and so called Saints, and that to put them in mind of their Dutie, what ones they all ought to be. Now taking the word in this sense, we shall finde this subsequent clause to be a description generally of all the visible members of that visible Church, they were such as had made a Covenant with God over Sacrifice; with Sacrifice, by Sacrifice.

p. 5For the full and cleere understanding whereof wee might take notice of an ancient custome in use both amongst the people of the Iews, and other Nations also, who were wont in their making of Covenants, for the greater solemnity of them, to make them, with or by Sacrifice. Which they did after this manner. Having slain the Sacrifice they divided, laying the parts one over against the other, and so the Covenanters went between them. Thus the Lord himself (who was the first instituter of this Ceremonie) made a Covenant with Abraham,Gen. 15. 18.Gen 15:18 Gen. 15. Intending there to make a solemne Covenant with him,Ver. 9, 10. he directeth Abraham what to do, viz. Take an Heighfer, and a Goat and a Ram, &c. And what should he do with them? Why divide them in pieces, parting them asunder, laying the parts one against the other. And to what end was this? Why that the Lord might passe betwixt them, which accordingly he did in that visible signe of a Burning Lampe in the midst of a smoaking furnace, Ver. 17.Verse 17. Behold a smoaking furnance and a Burning Lampe passed between those pieces. Thus did God make this Covenant with Abraham, a Covenant with, or By Sacrifice.

And thus the Lords people, the people of the Iews, were wont to make Covenant with him. Bringing a Sacrifice before the Lord they cut it in pieces, and so passed betwixt the parts. Such a Covenant the Lord putteth the Princes and People of Israel in minde of that they had made with him,Ier. 34. 18.Jer 34:18 Ier. 34. 18. The Covenant which they had made before me, when they cut the Calf in twain, and passed betweene the parts thereof. This it seemeth was their Custome, which as they took it from God himself, so the Heathens borrowed it from them, who were wont to make their Covenants also after the same manner. … jungebant foedera Porcâ.Virgil. … Killing, and cutting a Swine in pieces. (Similis labris lactucae, a fit Sacrifice for such Sacrificers) they struck their Covenants. And from this Custome p. 6(as our Aynsworth elswhere wel observes it) cometh that phrase of Striking or Cutting a Covenant.Aynsworth, sup. Psal. 25. 10. Ps. 89. 3.Ps 25:10Ps 89:3 I have made a Covenant with my chosen, (saith the Lord, Psal. 89.) The Originall hath it, Karati Berith, Exciosi foedus (as Montanus renders it) I have Cut or Struck a Covenant. Which phrase is also here retained in the Text. Those that have made a Covenant, Corethi Berithi, Ferientes Pactum, that have Cut or Struk a Covenant by Sacrifice, viz. by cutting of the Sacrifice and parting it a sunder have made a covenant with me.

Such a Covenant had the people of the Iews entred and made with their God, a Covenant, and a Solemne Covenant. And such a Covenant must all the Lords People enter with their God,Doct. all that would be owned and acknowledged of God as his People, as his Saints, they must strike Covenant, and a Solemne Covenant with their God. Upon these two I shall insist severally, briefly by way of Explication, putting them together in the Application.

11 The Lords people are all Covenanters, snch as have struck a Covenant with God. Such were the members of the Iewish Church; and such are the true members of Christian Churches. A truth which needeth no confirmation. This it is that gives both Esse, and Distinguere, that maketh a people to be Gods people, and distinguisheth them from all other people; Even the Covenant betwixt God and them. This it was that distiuguished the seed of Abraham, and the people of the Iews from all other people in the World, and that made them Gods people, even the Covenant betwixt God and them, the signe and seale whereof they carried in their flesh, the Seale of Circumcision,Gen. 17. 13.Gen 17:13 which is therefore called The Covenant. My Covenant shall be in your flesh: that is a signe of the Covenant. And this it is that now distinguisheth the true Church of Christ, and the true members thereof from all others, even the Covenant betwixt God and them; the signes and seals p. 7whereof are the two Sacraments of the new Testament, Baptisme, and the Lords Supper; both Seals of this Covenant; the one of their entrance into Covenant, the other of their continuance in that Covenant.

Q. For the opening and illustrating of this,Q. the Question will be; What is this Covenant betwixt God and his People?

A. To this the Prophet Ieremy will return us an answer in a few words,A. Ier. 31. This is the Covenant that I will make with the house of Israel, Ier. 31. 33Jer 31:33&c. I will be their God, and they shall be my People, This is the Covenant which God maketh with them; and from thence we may easily learne what is the Covenant that they make with him, the one being but a Counterpaine to the other, viz. That he shall be their God, and they will be his People. It is the nature of Covenants to be mutuall. And such is the Covenant betwixt God and his people, consisting of two parts; the Covenant on Gods part, and the Covenant on their parts.

The Covenant on Gods part is, that hee will be their God, and they shall be his People. So ran the Covenant that God made with Abraham. I will be thy God, and the God of thy seed: And such is the Covenant that God maketh with his Church and people in all ages, (it being still one and the same Covenant for substance) viz. that hee will be their God; Their God? What is that? Nay, what is it not? their Father▪ their King, their Saviour, Gen. 17 1.Gen 17:1their Deliverer, their All, a God Alsufficient; such a one he is in himself, and such a one he will shew himself to all that are in Covenant with him; And They shall be his People, acknowledged of him, favoured by him: Hee will pardon their sins, hee will heale their infirmities, supply their wants, sanctifie their natures, bestowing upon them all good things requisite for thē. That is the Covenant on Gods part.

But what is the Covenant on his People part? That is the Covenant we have now principally to deal with. That Covenant p. 8wherein the Lords people do bind themselves unto him. Now this is nothing but an Eccho to the other, a Restipulation. When the hearts of a people come to close with God, taking him for their God, and giving up themselves to him to be his people: When to Gods [I will be your God, and you shall be my People] their Souls Eccho backe again [Lord, Thou shalt be our God, and we will be thy People.] Now is this Covenant made up. Such was the Covenant that Iacob promised to renew with his God upon his safe returne from his journey,Gen. 28 21.Gen 28:21 Gen. 28. If the Lord will be with mee, &c. so that I return safe to my fathers house, &c. Then shall the Lord be my God. Now what is it for a people to take God for their God? Why to engage themselves in the solemne Vow purpose, and resolution of their hearts that they will set him up as God, and that both in their Hearts, and Lives, giving all those respects unto him which are due to a God▪ viz. to Love him above all, to Feare him above all, to Trust in him above all, to Worship him according to his will, to walk before him in the conscionable endeavour of an universall obedience. This it is for a man to take God for his God. And this must all the Lords people doe; striking such a Covenant with God, even a Covenant of Obedience. Such was the Covenant which the Israelites entred with their God at the giving of the Law. Upon Moses his comming downe from the Mount, having received the Tables of the Covenant, and the Booke of the Covenant, (the Morall, Iudiciall, and Ceremoniall Laws) from God, he calleth the people to enter a Covenant with God. And what was that Covenant?Ex. 24. 7.Exod 24:7 Why a Covenant of Obedience. Hee read the Book of the Covenant in their eares, And the People said, All that the Lord hath said we will do it, and be obedient. This was the Covenant, for the confirming whereof Moses then sprinkled upon them the bloud of the Covenant, viz. the Bloud of the Sacrifices wherewith they made that Covenant. And p. 9such a Covenant it is that all the Lords people have made, and are to make with their God. A Covenant, and that

A solemne Covenant; a word of that, and but a word, my 2aime being chiefly at the Application. Such a Covenant it was that the people of the Iews had made and often renewed with their God, not a slight but a solemne Covenant, a Covenant with Sacrifice. Many were the Sacrifices instituted by God, and observed by his people under the old Testament. Of these Sacrifices, as there were divers kinds, so there were divers ends and uses; Amongst other, this was common to them all, they were all as so many sigilla, syngraphae, so many signes and seals of the Covenant betweene God and his People. Signes, Commemorative signes and tokens, putting them in mind of the Covenant. Seals for confirmation of that Covenant, the Covenant on Gods part, the Covenant on their part. On Gods part. Hereby did God assure them that hee would be their God. On their part. Hereby did they binde themselves unto him that they would be his people. This was one common end of all their Sacrifices; the proper and particular end of some of them.

These Sacrifices they are now ceased: But in the mean time God hath not left his Church without signes and seals of this Covenant. Such are the Sacraments of the New Testament; Baptisme and the Lords Supper; both seals of this Covenant, the one (as I told you) a Seal of our Entrance into it, the other of our continuance in it. And with or by these doe the Lords people now strike a Covenant with their God▪ Giving themselves to the Lord in Baptisme, they confirme that gift in the receiving of the Supper, both which are appurtenances to this Covenant, annexed to it as for the testification, and confirmation, so for the solemnization of it. I might adde Christians now, as they have their Sacraments, so also have they their Sacrifices, their Propitiatorie Sacrifice, and their Eucharisticall p. 10Sacrifices.Heb. 9. 26Heb 9:26 Their Propitiatorie Sacrifice, viz. Christ himself the substance of all those Ceremoniall shadows, at whom all the Legall Sacrifices looked. Their Eucharisticall Sacrifices, their Spirituall Sacrifices of Prayers and Prayses, 1 Pet. 2. 51 Pet 2:5and other spirituall Oblations, which as spirituall Priests they offer up unto God. Now by and with these Sacrifices they are to make their Covenant with their God.

1 By and through that Ilasticall, Heb. 8. 6Heb 8:6that Propitiatory Sacrifice, the Lord Iesus Christ, who is the Mediatour of this Covenant, bringing God and man together, and that by by Passing (as I may say) betwixt the Parties. An observable difference betwixt those Sacrifices and this Sacrifice. There the Covenanters passed betwixt the parts of the Sacrifice: Here the Sacrifice passeth betwixt the Covenanters, Christ interposing himself as a middle person betwixt two disagreeing parties, bringing them together; Reconciling God to man, and man to God; first, meriting, then applying that Reconciliation. And by and through him it is that Christians are now to make this Covenant with God; viz. with an eye to Iesus Christ the Mediatour of this Covenant; Taking God for their God in Christ, and giving up themselves to be his people in Christ, Thus are they to Covenant by Christ, and (as I may say) over Christ. Even as under the Law, the person that came to offer a Burnt offering to the Lord, to make an Attonement for his sin, (and so to renew his Covenant with God) he was to stand over his Sacrifice,Levit. 1. 4.Lev 1:4 putting his hand upon the head thereof, thereby disburdening himself of his sin, and laying it upon the Sacrifice. Even thus now under the Gospell, Christians comming to make or renew their Covenant with God, they must bring a Sacrifice with them, even the Lord Christ▪ (represented & shadowed out by those typicall Sacrifices) presenting him unto God his Father; withall, laying their hands upon the head of that Sacrifice, by faith resting & relying p. 11upon Jesus Christ, upon the merit of his death and obedience, for the pardon of all their sins, the acceptation of their persons, the salvation of their souls. Having thus layed their hands upon this Sacrifice, now are they to make a Covenant with God, a Covenant of obedience. And thus may they be said to Covenant By and Over Sacrifice.

2 And as Over, so with Sacrifice. As over this Propitiatory, so with Gratulatory Sacrifice. Such a Sacrifice it is the Psalmist calleth for from this Covenanting people in the fourteenth Verse of this Psalme. Offer unto God thanksgiving, and pay thy vows unto the most high: And call upon mee in the day of trouble, Verse 15. These are Evangelicall Sacrifices, more worth then all the Sacrifices of the Law, Prayers and Prayses. And these Sacrifices must they offer up that will make a Covenant with God; so making a Covenant with Sacrifice. But my promise was not to give way to doctrinall Enlargements. The service of the day calleth for Application, which let it be directed only by way of Exhortation, whereof Take these three Branches.

1 That wee would all of us strike such a Covenant with our God.

2 That having struck this Covenant, wee would be mindfull of it.

3 That being mindfull of it, wee would be faithfull in it.

Begin with the first, which putteh us all upon this act of 1Covenanting. As many of us as desire to be owned of God as his people, let us strike a Covenant, a solemne Covenant with him. This is that which the Prophet Ieremy saith of the children of Israel, and the children of Iuda returning out of captivitie should doe, and excite one an other to doe it: Ier. 50. Come (shall they say) and let us joyne our selves to the Lord in a perpetuall Covenant that shall not be forgotten. Ier. 50. 5,Jer 50:5And this in the feare of God let all of us here present this day doe, and encourage p. 12one another to do it. Come let us joyne our selves unto the Lord in a perpetuall Covenant that shall not be forgotten.

Obiect. Why but happily you may say, what needs this Exhortation to a people that are in Covenant with God, already? This work is not now to doe; we have all of us done it alreadie. We have given up our names, and wee have given up our selves unto the Lord. This we have done in Baptisme, and this wee have done in the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, both Seals of this Covenant. Thus are we a people in Covenant with God alreadie.

Answ. And were not the children of Israel, and the children of Juda so? They were a people in Covenant with God before, and in their captivity, being the seed of Abraham, and carrying the seal of the Covenāt in their flesh. Yet for all that wee finde them there taking up thoughts and resolutions of ioyning themselves to the Lord in a Covenant, and that by renewing the same Covenant.

A practice frequent amongst the people of God in the old Testament. Many instances wee meet with, holding forth to us presidents for this practice, the renewing of Covenant. This we find the people of God doing upon divers occasions. Specially in these two cases.

In case of

Defection.

Affliction.

1 In case of Defection when by falling away from God they had broken this Covenant. Secondly, In case of Affliction, when having broken his Covenant, the Judgements of God were out against them, either present or imminent, feared or felt. In these cases we shall see them ordinarily applying themselves to this Remedie, the renewing of Covenant. Take but two instances for both; the first of Asah, the second of Hezekiah, both obvious. The former 2 Chron. 15. There p. 13you shall finde King Asah and his people making a solemne Covenant with God:2 Chron. 15. 12.2 Chr 15:12 Verse 12. And they entred into a Covenant to seek the Lord God of their fathers, withall their heart, and with all their soul, &c. This they did, and upon what occasion did they it? Why, at that time they stood guiltie of a great Defection; Ver. 3.so you have it, Verse 3. Now for a long time Israel hath bin without the true God, and without a teaching Priest, and without Law. A wonderfull defection; And behold Affliction following it, great Affliction, great Distraction, great vexation; so it follows. Verse 5. And in those times there was no peace to him that went out,Ver. 5. nor to him that came in, but great vexations were upon the inhabitants of the Countries. Such was their condition. In this condition what course take they? Why they apply themselves to this as the most sovereigne remedie, They entred into a Covenant to seek the Lord their God, &c.

The like did Hezekiah, as you may see in the 29 chapter of the same Book. Now it is in mine heart to make a Covenant, (saith Hezekiah) Verse 10. Not a Personall,2 Chron. 29. 10.2 Chr 29:10 but a Nationall Covenant. And what occasioned it? Why first, the Kingdome at that time lay under the guilt of a great Defection: The Worship of God had been neglected, the Temple ruinous and polluted:Ver. 6. So you have it in the 6 and 7 Verses of that Chapter, Our fathers have trespassed and done that which was evill in the eyes of the Lord our God, and have forsaken him, and have turned away their faces from the habitation of the Lord, and turned their backs; Also they have shut up the doores of the Porch, and put out the Lamps, and have not burnt Incense, nor offered burnt offerings in the holy place unto the God of Israel.Ver. 15 Thus was the Temple-worship neglected, the place unfrequented, nay polluted. In the fifth Verse of the Chapter, Hezekiah calls for the Levits, requiring them to sanctifie themselves, and to sanctifie the house of the Lord, and to carry forth the filthinesse out of the holy p. 14place. Lying under this great Defection, they were also under great Affliction;Ver. 8. So it followeth, Verse 8, 9. Wherefore the wrath of the Lord was upon Judah and Jerusalem, and he hath delivered them unto trouble, to astonishment, and unto hissing. For loe our Father have falne by the sword,Ver. 9. and our sonnes, and our daughters, and our wives are in Captivity for this. Such was their present condition. And hereupon it is that that worthy Reformer betakes himselfe, and his people to this course, the renewing of Covenant. Now it is in my heart to make a Covenant, &c.

To these instances (if need were) I might adde that other in the days of Nehemiah. The people were generally guiltie of a great Defection. So much the Levits in their names confesse, and acknowledge. Nehem. 9. 34, 35.Neh. 9. 34.Neh 9:34 Wee have done wickedly: Neither have our Kings, nor our Princes, our Priests, nor our Fathers kept thy Law,Ver. 35. &c. For they have not served thee in their Kingdom, and in thy great goodnesse that thou gavest them, and in the large and fat land which thou gavest before them. That Defection was followed with great Affliction: so you have in the Verses following. Behold we are servants this day, and for the land that thou gavest unto our Fathers to eat the fruit thereof,Ver. 36. &c. behold wee are servants in it:Ver. 37. And it yieldeth much increase to the Kings whom thou hast set Over us, because of our sins: also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattell at their pleasure, And we are in great distresse. Now in this condition, behold them betaking themselves to the same course. And because of all this wee make a sure Covenant,Ver. 38. and write it, and our Princes, Levits, and Priests seal unto it. Verse 38.

This were they wont to doe upon these occasions. Now whether there be the same occasions to be found amongst us, us of this Nation, or no, I suppose there is none of us here present, wil make any question of it. Alas the Evidence is but too cleer▪ and that as for our present Affliction, so for our former Defection; the one of which usually attends upon the other; p. 15Affliction upon Defection, so you find it in all the places forementioned; and so we (at least many of our brethren) in this Kingdome finde it by sad and wofull experience at this day. Our Defection went before, and that a great Defection. The Temple of God amongst us scoured (blessed be God) the doors thereof were not shut up, yet we cannot say but it was polluted, and that by bringing in humane Inventions to thrust out divine Ordinances. The Lamps some of them extinguished, and put out, the most of them burning dim, either for want of oile, or snuffing. How few Burning and shining Lamps? The Worship of God for the most part how was it turned to a meer Formalitie? our condition therein being but too like that of Israels herein the Text; little to be seene in most places but a foreign, the meager carcasse of a cold and formall devotion, The heart of Religion being well nigh eaten out: Little power of it to be found in the hearts and lives of the greatest part. Multitudes of scandalous persons swarming every where, and yet continued members of the Church.Ps. 50. 17Ps 50:17 Swearers, Drunkards, Vnclean Persons, Prophane Persons, such as hated Reformation, yet even they taking the Covenant of God (the Seal of his Covenant) in their mouthes, polluting the holy Ordinances of God by their unworthy partaking in them. For the rest, how have the greatest part been either meerly Civill, or else Lukewarme. Little Heate, little Life, little Power of Godlinesse to be felt or seene. Surely our Defection, and our Provocations have beene great. And our Affliction at this day seemes to answer it. Our case being now the very same with Israels in the days of King Asah;2 Chron. 15. 5, 6.2 Chr 15:52 Chr 15:6 In those times there was no peace to him that went out, nor to him that came in, but great vexations were upon all the Inhabitants of the Countries; And Nation was destroyed of Nation, and Citie of Citie, for God did vex them with all adversity. So was it with them: And is it not so with us at this day? Now, in this condition what shall wee doe? Why, Now let us joyne our selves to the Lord in a perpetuall Covenant. p. 16Now; never was Covenant more seasonable, more needfull for any people, then it is for England at this day. Let us now make a Covenant with the Lord our God, and that a Perpetuall Covenant. Covenants wee have made, but alasse they have beene temporary, momentanie, soone forgotten. Let us now joyne our selves to the Lord in a perpetuall Covenant that shall not be forgotten. No way so hopefull as this to appease the wrath that is gone out, smoaking against us, and burning amongst us, to put an end to our present Afflictions, and Distractions, to remove the Evils which we feel, to prevent the judgments which we fear, to procure the mercies which we want, to continue the mercies wee enjoyne, to stay our God amongst us.

Ob. True (you may say) were it onelyonly such a Covenant,Object. a joyning our selves to the Lord in a Covenant, then might wee hope for such an issue. But alasse this Covenant here propounded and tendered to us, wee finde it to be of another nature, containing in it somthings to us impertinent, and others scarce warrantable.

A. A.Here I know some thing will be expected by way of satisfaction. Give me leave as briefly & as fully as I may, or can, Liber are animam to discharge conscience, both mine own & others, by resolving such scruples as are most obvious, and as I conceive) of greatest importance. In the Generall take the resolution thus. Though this be not the onelyonly thing in this Covenant, yet I take it (and so would I have every one here present to looke upon it) to be the mayne, viz. The ioyning of our selves, and the whole Kingdome to the Lord. What else means this grand Designe of a through Reformation, a Personall, a Nationall Reformation Personall of our own hearts, lives, Families: Nationall of the Kingdom, the three Kingdoms. The former we promise to performe, the latter we engage our selves by all lawfull ways in our severall places, and Stations p. 17to endeavour. And what is this but a Ioyning our selves to the Lord by Covenant.

Some particulars, I confesse, here may be found, which at the first sight may seeme to be heterogeneall, some of them Forraigne, and others of them of meer Civill concernment, but upon a review we shal find most of them (if not all of them) to lie in a way of tendency unto that great and maine end, (like so many lesser streams which though happily they have their severall windings and turnings, yet at the length they all discharge and unload themselves into the same common Channell) All of them conducing either Immediatly or mediatly to the promoting of this desired Reformation.

1 To this purpose tends that first branch of the first Article, where wee promise to endeavour the preservation of the Reformed Religion in the Church of Scotland against the COMMON ENEMY. A clause which seemeth to look directly upon them, but withall it reflects and looks back upon us, who are much interssed & concerned in their (whether woe, or) welfare. In their peace we may the rather hope for peace. In their Ruine we cannot look long to survive. Such are the mutuall engagements and concerments of both Kingdomes, as that in all probabilitie they are like to stand or fall, sinke or swim together. And such is that other Clause in the Close of the same Article, where wee promise to endeavour the bringing of all the Churches in the three Kingdomes to the neerest conjunction, and uniformitie in Religion, Government, &c. A Designe of high concernment. No one thing tending more directly to the setling and establishing of the true Religion of God in all of them.

2 To like purpose is the obligation in that second Article, which ingageth all to endeavour the extirpation of Popery, and the eradicating of such other evill weeds, as may endanger the sucking out the heart of Religion; how ever hinder the growth of it.

p. 183 To the same purpose, (as truly; though not so immediatly) tends that ingagement in the third Article, for the mutuall preservation of the RIGHTS and PRIVILEDGES of PARLIAMENTS, and the Liberties of the Kingdomes, with the joint-preservation and defence of his Majesties person and authoritie. Which, of what concernment they are for the establishing, and preserving of the true Religion of God, I shall not need to tell you. The Laws, and just Liberties of a Kingdome, they are as the outworks to Religion. If these be surprized, or stormed, taken in, it is not to bee expected that Religion should long hold out. And therefore not onelyonly expediencie, but necessitie requires, that they should be taken into the same counsels with Religion it selfe. Of these Laws, and Liberties, the Kings Majestie with his Parliaments, are by office the proper Guardians, the grand Conservatours. Great Reason then their should be a speciall respect had unto them upon whom under God wee have such an immediate dependance either for our welfare, or wee.

I might go on, and shew you the like in the three other Articles. The discovery of Incendiaries, persons dangerous to the Church, or dangerous to the State, such as shall seeke and endeavour the breeding, or fomenting of Divisions in either, and consequently indanger the Ruine of both; of which you may read, Article 4.

The endeavour of preserving the Cevill Peace and Union betwixt the two Kingdoms, a mercy denied to our Forefathers, now setled and established by the mutuall agreement of both Parliaments, spoken of Article 5.

The mutuall defence and assistance of all that are or shall be confederated with us, in the lawfull pursuit of this Covenant, mentioned, Article 6.

All these how conducible they are to the maine end here propounded, I suppose there is none that looketh right upon p. 19them with an impartiall and unprejudiced eye, but will readily see. And being subservient thereunto, no reason why any should scruple the admittance of them within the verge and pale of a Religious Covenant.

Ob. Why,Object. but it may be said; In this Covenant there are some things which may seem not onelyonly heterogeneall to Religion, but incompatible and inconsistent with it: Passages subject to just scruple, which a tender conscience cannot but stumble at. In the taking of an Oath there are three main requisites. Wee finde them all together in that knowne Text, Ier. 4.Ier. 4. 2.Jer 4:2 Thou shalt sweare the Lord liveth. in Truth, in Iudgment, and in Righteousnesse. Now, as for the first of these (may some say) it is possible to observe it; (and I wish it may be so by all that shall adventure upon this Covenant this day) viz. to sweare in Truth, in the uprightnesse, and sinceritie of the heart; But how the second? how the third? How in Iudgment? how in Righteousnesse?

Alleg. 1. How in Iudgment? When as there are some particulars here, which the greatest part understand not, know not what they mean. Such is the Doctrine, Worship, Discipline, and Government of the Church of Scotland; And such are the Right and Priviledges of Parliaments, with the Liberties of the Kingdomes; things which the greatest part are wholly, or in a great part ignorant of. And how can they engage themselves to defend and maintain what they know not.

A. I answer; as well as to maintain the Laws of the Land, or the Prerogatives of the Prince, neither of which are obvious to every vulgar eye, few having an exact and distinct cognizance of them: And yet none (upon that ground) scruple the engaging of themselves by solemne Oaths (such as the Oath of Allegiance, Supremacie, &c. to defend, and maintain them.

2 But secondly, how ever wee may be ignorant of some p. 20particulars, yet I suppose the generals of both, either are, or may be known by all that are not affectedly ignorant.

3 But thirdly; Take notice that, as for the Dostrine and Discipline of the Church of Scotland, wee are not bound to Observe, but to Preserve it. Not to observe it here, but to preserve it there, and that onelyonly against the common Enemies of both Churches, both Kingdomes. Which is no more, then (for ought I know) wee may engage our selves to doe to any other of the forregne Reformed Churches, notwithstanding their Doctrine, Worship, Discipline be not exactly knowne unto us, or (it may be) in some particulars not approved by us.

4 An in the fourth place, As for Parliament-Priviledges, and Kingdoms-Liberties, the oblgation here layed upon us for the maintaining of them, it bindeth us no further, then as they shall be declared, & evidenced to us to be such. The like whereunto I may say of those ill weeds mention'd in the second Article, Superstitiō, Heresie, Schisme; which we here ingage our selves to endeavour the Extirpation of. Here the engagement reacheth not to what ever shall be called by these names,Acts 25 19.Acts 25:19 (The Iews Religion. Festus calls it Superstition, Acts 25. The Christian Religion by the Iews is called Heresie, Acts 24 14.Acts 24:14Acts 24. And our Iust seperation from the Church of Rome, is by them called Schisme,) but what shall be evidenced so to be by the light of the Word, and consent of the Churches.

Alleg. 2 But you wil say (in the second place,) Though happilie we may sweare in Iudgement, understanding what we swear to; yet, how in Iustice? how in Righteousnesse? Here is the Pinche, Seeing there is somwhat in this Covenant, which we engage our endeavours for the extirpation of, which the Law hath planted; If not the Law of God, yet the Law of the Land. It is Prelacie, by name a Plant (say some) of Gods own planting, planted by the hands either of Christ himselfe, or his Apostles, or at least of Apostolicall men in the times of some of p. 21the Apostle, And as planted them, so watered by the Churches of Gost in all succeeding ages. And shall we find our selves to endeavour the rooting out of a plant thus planted, thus watered?

A. Mistake it not. It is not Prelacy, (at least not this Prelacy,) that ever yet made this Clayme. True it is, Episcopacy hath done it, (with what right, I leave it to those who are able, to judge,) but Prelacy never. Prelacy (as the word hath been commonly taken amongst us) for my own part (if I have not mistaken it) I have ever looked upon it as an Exorbitancy of Primitive Episcopacy, an Excresence from that first Stem, and a thing distinct from it. Sure I am, the Prelacy here spoken of is: Which, what it is, the next words explaine, viz. the present Church-Government by Arch-Bishops,Mr. Case. Bishops, Chancellours, Commissaries, &c. This is our Prelacy; The totum conjunctum, the whole body of the present Hierarchy, being thus clothed, thus circumstanced, thus attended with such a subordination of Officers, some of which (most of which) never yet had the face to plead a Ius divinum, or yet Apostolicum; neither hath the Church of God at any time found them (to say no more) any such foreign,1 Cor. 12. 281 Cor 12:28 Helpers, Governours, or (as the new Translation renders it, putting them together) Helpers in Government, that it should have any reason to desire the continuance of them. This is the Prelacy which wee here ingage our endeavours against.

Not everie,Master Coleman in his Hearts Engagement Preached and published by Order, and Master Cases Quarrell of the Covenant. not all kindes of Prelacie, or Episcopacis, (I speake now in the language of others, such as being of Counsell in flaming and contriving this Covenant, should know the meaning of it, and no friends to this Prelacy I am sure.) Not Prelacy in the latitude of the notion thereof. No. Some Materials of Prelacy, what ever Government wee have must yet be left. There cannot be a Parliament without a Speaker, nor yet a Committee without a Chayr-man, nor yet an Enquest p. 22or Iury without a Foreman; Thus in the State, and thus in the Church. There cannot be a Synod, an Assembly, a Classis, a Presbytery without a foreign, a Praeses, a Primus Presbyter, one first in Order. And this in the latitude of the word) is Prelacy. Not all Prelacy then, nor yet all Episcopacy. Paul speaking to the Elders at Ephesus, Acts 20. 28.Acts 20:28and writing to the Elders at Philippi, he calleth them foreign,Phil. 1. 1.Phil 1:1 Bishops. And should it be supposed that Episcopacie being Circumcised (to use the word of my Authour) from these exuber ant Members, and Officers; stripped of this unnecessary Equipage, and reduced to the primitive simplicitie of Bishops and Presbyters, should by Authority be conceived to be a meet and convenient Government for the Church in this Kingdome, it is not conceived that any man should stand engaged by vertue of this Oath and Covenant to oppose Authoritie, in endeavouring the extirpation of it; That being not this Government, but a new Government. Now wee doe not sweare against what is not. Neither can a man properly be said to endeavour to eradicate that which as yet is not planted. Nay more. Shall there be an Episcopacie or Prelacie found in the Word as the way of Gospel-Government which Christ hath bequeathed to his Churches, and this be made appeare; we are so far from swearing to extirpate such a Prelacie, as that rather wee are bound by vertue of this Oath to entertaine it as the minde and will of Iesus Christ. This I have spoken, (not in my own but in other words) not to declare my own private Opinion in this great controversie of the Times, the point of Church-Government, (accounting it in my self in this Juncture of times too high presumption to anticipate or forestall the Judgment of that Venerable Convention, before whom this controversie now depends, expecting a speedy and faire Decision according to the evidence of the Word) but onelyonly to endeavour a satisfaction to those of my Brethren or others, who possibly may conscientiously stumble at this stone, the supposed Ius Divinum, or Apostolicum of Episcopacie.

p. 23Obi. But though a Ius Divinum be not stamped upon this Government, yet a Ius humanum is. Though it be not of a Divine foundation, yet it standeth established by the Law of the Land. And being so planted, how can we engage our selves to endeavour the rooting of it out.

A. Here, not to dispute what I cannot determine, (nor, as it is supposed, any other) whether it be in every part of it established by the Law or no. Let it be yielded that it is. What then? Shall we conceive our selves thereby so concluded and shut up, under this Government, as that what ever inconvenience we shall finde therein, yet we may not by lawfull ways and means, seek, and endeavour the alteration of it. It is a case which Subiects scruple not in the Laws of the Land; nor yet Freemen and Burgesses of a Corporation, or Members of the like Society, in the formes of their Government. Though sworne to defend and maintaine them, yet finding by experience some evident and notable inconvenience in them, they will make no scruple (neither need they) to endeavour by lawfull ways, and meanes a Change and alteration in them. Laws, and Ordinances and Forms of Government though very usefull in the first institution of them, yet afterwards, through change of times, they may degenerate; and become unusefull, it may be preiudiciall and detrimentall, crossing that very end for which they were ordained. Thus is it with humane Laws and Constitutions, the best, the wisest of them; they are like the men that made them, mutable; not unlike those liquours, which will grow flat and sowre with standing. It is the Priviledge of Gods Laws, they never degenerate, never prove unusefull, much lesse detrimentall to the persons to whom they are given, and by whom they are observed. But Humane Laws and Constitutions may, which when they doe, no reason why men should be so irrecoverably concluded under them, as that they should not by lawfull p. 24ways and means (let that still be carried along) seek an alteration for the better.

Obi. For the better? I, (may you say) were wee assured of that we would not be unwilling with such an exchange. But in the mean time Alterations of this nature are dangerous, as in the State, so in the Church.

A. True, they are so; viz. where they are managed by precipitate or sinister counsels, not carried on with due deliberation, & advice, specially where this exchange is made by Guess and not by Rule; But that (I trust) will not be found to be our condition. If multitudes of unbyassed Counsellours promise safety, (blessed be God) as yet the Kingdom wants them not, whether for Church or State. And with what deliberation they have hitherto proceeded in agitating the businesse of both (specially of the Church,) let their Enemies judge, wherein their Protestation is (and I think wee are bound to believe it) that all shall be done (as need as may be) by Rule; And that not by a Lesbian, leaden Rule; (such as the Rule of Prudence is, which every one may, bow and bend to his own interests) but by the inflexible Rule of the Word. Which if this worke be framed by, we shall have no cause to fear the alteration.

Specially if we consider the condition of the present Church-Government (no Government) amongst us, which indeed is little better then a Nullitie, an Anarchie, a meere name and shadow of Government, the Coercive power (which animates any Government, (being indeed the very soul of it, without which it is but a cadaverous, and livelesse Corps) being alreadie by an over-ruling hand of a most immediate providence, taken away, and that by unquestionable authoritie. Now, it is a received Maxime, Better any Government, then no Government; Tyranny then Anarchy. What the inconveniences of the one (the present No-Government) are, the Church of God amongst us already feels to her eminent hazard. What ever the succeeding Government p. 25shall be, yet may wee promise to our selves in it a comparative happinesse.

Some other scruples possibly may be started, but I want time now to let slip after them. Neither are they such (I suppose) but that a little charity yielding to the present necessity, will soon take them up, affording them a faire construction, and Resolution.

What then remains, but that this first branch of the Exhortation should take place with every of us, that wee would all of us Ioyn our selves to the Lord this day in a Covenant, in this Covenant, the maine drift and scope whereof the Preface and Introduction to it will assure you, is, The Glory of God, the advancement of the Kingdome of our Lord and Saviour Iesus Christ, the Honour and Happinesse of the kings Majesty, and his Posteritie, the true publick libertie, safetie and peace of the kingdom.

And striking this Covenant with God,Vse. Let us then (in the second place) be exhorted to be mindfull of it. So the Psalmist presseth it upon all the Lords People,1 Chron. 16. 15.1 Chr 16:15 1 Chron. 16. Be yee always mindful of his Covenant. None of us here present but have made a Covenant with our God. Upon our admission into the Church to be visible members of it, we entred this Covenant, the summe whereof is (as I told you) that hee should be our God, and we would be his People. This Covenant many of us, (most of us I suppose) have ratified and confirmed in our receiving of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper. Happily some of us (many of us) have upon occasion renewed this Covenant; It may be in some speciall distresse, or upon the receiving of some speciall merciemercy, wee have laid new ingagements upon our souls, binding them with new cords, new Vows, new Resolutions. And this is the service which this day our God by the hand of Authority cals us unto. O let us not then be unmindfull of this Covenant. Take wee heed of forgetting it. It is that which Moses chargeth upon the people, Deut. 4. p. 26Take heed unto your selves lest ye forget the Covenant of the Lord your God. Deut. 4. 23.Deut 4:23A Caveat very necessary; this being a thing which we are very subject to forget; and the forgetfulnesse thereof being of dangerous consequence.

1 Subiect we are to forget it. As for our Covenants with men, we easily remember them; especially if they make for our advantage. But this our Covenant with God, (though most advantageous to us, all the advantage being ours; God is no ways advantaged by our Covenants; They are neither, Honour nor Profit to him, both to us. That we may be confederated with the great God of heaven and earth, what an Honour? And that we may be interested in all the promises of this life, and a better, what a Benefit? yet (for all this) how subject are we to forget it? An infirmity which we have drawn from the loyns of our first parents. They being placed in Paradice, in state of Innocencie, yet how soon did they forget the Covenant of the Lord their God? This are we much more subject to. A truth which experience will make good to every ones soule. Those Vows and Covenants which some of us have made with our God in time of distresse and trouble, how soon are they forgotten? Not unlike Seamens vows, which in a stresse at Sea they make freely, but no sooner come a shore but they forget all. Such are our Vows and Covenants for the most part which we make in our distresses;Numb, 18. 19. Not Covenants of Salt, (such was Gods Covenant with Levi, and such should his peoples Covenants be with him, Covenants for perpetuitie) but rather Covenants of Snow, which as soon as ever the Sun shines upon them they presently melt and vanish away. This forgetfulnesse we are very subject to, and therefore great need of this Caveat, Take heed least we forget the Covenant of our God.

2 The Forgetfulnesse whereof (in the second place) is of such dangerous consequence. An intes to all Evils, and that both p. 27of sin and Punishment. See both in our first parents. They forgetting the Covenant made with their God, and so venturing upon the eating of the forbidden fruit (a seale of that Covenant) they thereby let in all those evills which have overrun and drowned all their posterity; even a deluge of sin and miserie.

1. No such an inlet to evils of sin as this. Whence is it that Christians, (I mean nominall Christians) they dare let loose the reyns to licentiousnesse, yielding up themselves servants to sin and Satan in the obeying and fulfilling of divers inordinate Lusts, in adventuring upon fowle, and (it may be) scandalous evils? Certainly they have forgotten the Covenant, of their God.Pro. 2. 16▪ 17.Prov 2:16Prov 2:17 It is that which the wise man sayes of the Adulterous woman, Prov. 2. She forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the Covenant of her God. The latter a Reason of the former. She forsaketh the guide of her youth. giveth over herselfe to adulterous loves, and inchast imbraces of strangers. Why? Shee hath forgotten the Covenant of her God; that is, her coniugall vow, and promise made in the presence of God. And whence is it (my brethren) that our hearts generally are so ready to run out inordinately after the Creatures, bestowing those affections upon them which wee owe peculiarly to God and Iesus Christ? Surely we have forgot; at least do not, as we ought, remember the Covenant of the Lord our God, wherein we have ingaged our selves to take him for our God, to set him up in our hearts, to love him, feare him, honour him, trust in him above all other things.

2. No such an inlet to the Evils of Punishment. For this cause it is that God threatens his people with the sword (of temporall judgements the worst) I will bring a sword upon you that shall avenge the quarrell of my Covenant. Levit. 26▪ 25.Lev 26:25What was the Quarrell of his Covenant? Why they had forgotten it, and forgetting had violated it. This lets in the sword, and with it Pestilence, p. 28and Famine; as attendants upon it, (as it followeth in the next words.) Of such dangerous consequence is it to forget this Covenant which we have made.

On the other hand, the Remembrance of it is of great use. Usefull in restraining us from sin; Usefull in putting us on to duty. In the one a Bridle, in the other a Spur; both ways very usefull.

And therefore (in the fear of God) give way also to this second branch of the Exhortation. Remember yee the Covenant of the Lord your God. This it is that the Lord here in the Text putteth his people in minde of, giving them a hint of the Covenant which they had forgotten, that being put in minde of it, they would be faithfull in it, not thinking that Ceremonies, and Sacrifices, and those externall observances would serve the turn, but that they would apply themselves to performe the Conditions of the Covenant.

Use 3. And this let every of vsus (in the third and last place) be excited to doe.Vse 3 So Remember wee the Covenant of our God, that we may be faithfull in it. Faithfull in performing the conditions of our part; the summe whereof is bound up in this one word, Obedience.

True it is indeed, when we have done all we can do, yet we shall fall short of that exactnes of Obedience, which the Law requireth; there will be many failings, many infirmities. But let not these discourage; knowing this for our comfort, that these failings, where they are not allowed, but bewailed, and striven against, they are not properly a breach of this Covenant. The Covenant that Gods Saints are under (being in Christ) it is not a Covenant of Works, but a Covenant of Grace. In the first Covenant the condition of our parts was, an exact and perfect obedience; so as the least failing, the least deviation or swerving from the Rule was a breach of that Covenāt. But this Covenant it is established upon better promises, p. 29and better conditions; the Lord herein requiring from us not Exactnesse but Truth,Gen. 17. 2.Gen 17:2 Sincerity, Uprightnesse. Walk before me, and be upright. So as every failing, every straying from the Rule is not a Breach of Covenant, so long as the heart is upright with God, not allowing it self in any known evill, any sinfull Commission, or Omission. These are the breaches of this Covenant when the heart shall sit loose from God, taking in any sinfull lusts to give entertainment to them. And this take we heed of. How ever there may be, and will be many slips, many failings in our course, yet take heed of sins against Light, against Conscience. Take heed of letting in, and setting up any sinfull lust in our hearts against the Convictions of the Word. This were indeed to deal falsly with God in his Covenant. A Crime which the Church washeth her hands of, Psal. 44. All this is come upon us,Psal. 44. 17.Ps 44:17 yet have we not dealt falsly in thy Covenant. At that time the Church lay under great pressures, great afflictions. All this is come upon us, All these evils, these sufferings. Yet she professeth her integrity. She had not dealt falsly in the Covenant. What is that? The next words explaine it. Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy way. Verse 18This it is to deal falsly in the Covenant. When a mans heart is turned back, and thereupon his steps decline from the way of Gods Commandements, so as hee walketh on in any sinfull way. O (my Brethren) let it not be layed to the charge of any of us, that we should thus deal falsly in the Covenant of our God. And therefore, though perfest wee cannot be, yet labour we to be upright and sincere. Let not our hearts be turned back from our God, but let us walke before him in the constant, and conscionable endeavour of an universall obedience.

Thus remembring and keeping our Covenant with God, now be we assured, that God will remember his Covenant with us. He remembreth his Covenant for ever, Ps. 105. 8.Ps 105:8saith the Psalmist in that 105 Psalme, which Text if we compare with the forenamed p. 30place.1 Chron. 15.1 Chr 15 1 Chron. 16. where the former part of this Psalme is recorded, and from whence it is taken, wee may take notice of an observable difference in the reading of this passage. In the Psalme, the words run in the third person, as spoken of God, He remembreth. In the Chronicles you have them in the second person, as spoken to his People. Remember yee. Put them together, they will afford us this usefull observation. That if we Remember our Covenant with God, God will remember his Covenant with us; And because he Remembreth his Covenant for ever, therefore let us Remember it for ever. Herein God for his part will not be forgetfull; unfaithfull. It is the first branch of Solomons prayer at the Dedication of the Temple.2 Chron. 6. 14.2 Chr 6:14 O Lord God of Israel there is no God like unto thee, &c. which keepest covenant and mercy to thy servants, that walke before thee with all their hearts. Marke it. Though there may be many slips and failings in the walkings of Gods people, their foot may often tread awry, yet walking before God with all their hearts, in uprightnesse and sincerity, the Lord will keep Covenant with them, and shew mercy to them in pardoning their sins, accepting their services, healing their infirmities supplying their wants; performing unto them all the conditions of the Covenant on his part.Verse 15. What he hath spoken with his mouth, he will performe it with his hand (as it followeth in the next Verse.)▪ And therefore let all our care and solicitude be, how to performe the Conditions on our part. How we may keep close to God, and walk before him. Walk before me and be upright. This is that which wee have bound our selves to by Baptisme, and confirmed in the Lords Supper. And this is one main thing which wee are now to engage our selves unto in this Covenant which wee are now to enter. So much you shall finde in the Close of it, the last Article, (which you may observe to be set forth in a different Character, (as I conceive it) purposely to set a note of observation upon it,) the summe whereof is Personal Reformation, the Reformation of our owne Hearts, Lives, Families. Now every p. 31of us (in the fear of God) have a speciall eye upon this, looking upon it in the first place, though here set last, beginning our practice, where the Covenant ends (as it is the Rule of Genesis, and Analysis). Every one beginning at and with himself, each one indeavouring (as the words of the Article run) to goe before another in the example of a reall Reformation. Having practised upon our selves first; our owne Hearts, Lives, Families; Then be we, as we may, all of us in our places, and according to the opportunities offered us, subservient unto the Publick indevouring to promote the great work of a Publick Reformation of what is amisse in Church, or State; which wee are to doe, all of us by our Prayers; those that have abilities, by their Purses; those which are called to it, by their Counsels; Magistrates by their Authority, Ministers by their Doctrine; People by their Obedience. This doe we for the generall.

Withall, having an eye to the severall particulars contained in this Covenant, which may any wayes conduce unto that great and blessed end, the establishment of the true Religion of God amongst us, with the restoring and setling of a true peace, and happinesse both in Church and State.

And to that end let mee direct your eyes to three or foure particulars of great consequence, tending directly to that end. You find them altogether in foure words of the second Article, where we engage our selves to endeavour the extirpation (as of Popery and Prelacy) two things obvious to every eye;) so, of Vsurpation, Heresie, Schisme, Profaneness. Foure words of great importance. Happily some of you do not so cleerly understand the meaning of some of them. Give mee leave to touch upon them a little, that you may both know them, and your duty concerning them.

1 Superstition, Wil-worship, when men shall worship God by ways,Mat. 15. 3, 6, 9.Matt 15:3Matt 15:6Matt 15:9 and meanes of their owne devising; establishing their owne Traditions, Teaching for Doctrines the commandments of men: p. 32Introducing humane Inventions into the Room of Divine Ordinance, making them either Pars or Medium, a Part or Means of Divine Worship. Teaching, or practizing the fear of God by the precepts of men. Ioh. 29. 13▪This is Superstition, whereof what ever relicks may befound amongst us, and evidenced to be such, we all stand obliged by vertue of this Covenant to seeke and indeavour by lawfull ways and meanes the Abolition and Extirpation of them.

The second and third wee may put them together (being neer akin, Cosen German;) Heresie and Schisme: The one an errour in Iudgment, the other in Practice.

Heresie. An erroneous opinion touching some Article and principle of the Christiand aith, obstinately maintained against the evidence of the word. This is properly Heresie to which there are these three things required. 1. It must be an errour about some Article of Christian faith, which is either of or neer the foundation. 2. It must be an errour evident to bee such by the light of the Scriptures, and gtnerall consent of the Churches. 3. It must be an errour obstinately maintained and pertinaciously held after conviction and lawfull admonition. Put these together they make up formall Heresie, Heresie properly so called. An evill weed; not to be suffered in the Garden of God. One of those workes of the flesh which Saint Paul speaketh of, Gal. 5. The workes of the flesh are Heresies. Gal. 5. 20.Gal 5:20Of dangerous consequence▪ pernitious, not only to the person tainted with it but to the Church wherein it is tollerated. An infectious evill spreading Gangrene of a diffusive nature, very apt to spread and communicate it selfe, insinuating it selfe into the breasts and bosomes of men, for the most part, by way of fair and smooth pretences and enticements. Rev. 7. 4.Rev 7:4The Whore of Babylons Cup wherein shee giveth her poyson to drinke, is a Golden Cup. In this respect (amongst others) it is that Heresie is elsewhere in the Revelation compared to whordome, Revel. 14. Those which follow the Lambe, p. 33(the true professors of the Gospel) they are said to be such as … were not defiled with women,Rev. 14. 4▪Rev 14:4 for they are Virgins. The simplicity and purity of the Orthodox faith, that is virginity. Heresie is whordome; A secretly enticing, sutablely seducing evill; conveying it selfe (as poysons for the most part are) with some sweete mixtures, the mixtures of some sweet and precious truths. And surely such are some of those Errours which fly abroad in the world at this day. That (amongst other) of Antinomianisme, which under a colour of exalting of Christ, & setting up free grace (the most glorious pretext in the world) trample upon Moses, beating downe the Law, that Law which Christ came to establish, not allowing it any directive power, to be so much as a Rule of our obedience, withall, taking away all sense and conscience of sin (as sin) in the Regenerate, An Heresie of that dangerous consequence, that unlesse it be extirpated, and rooted out, it will endanger the eating out the heart, and bowels of all true Religion.

3 Schisme. The word signifieth a Rending, a taring, (foreign, a foreign) and it is nothing but a Rending and taring of the Unity of the Church. As when men shall make divisions, and factions in a Church, breaking it into pieces, and parts. Such were those Schismes in the Church of Corinth, (so the Apostle calleth them, I beseech you brethren that there be no divisions amongst you:1 Cor. 11. 10, 11, 12▪1 Cor 11:101 Cor 11:111 Cor 11:12 1 Cor. 1. 10. foreign, (saith the Originall,) Schismes) where some were followers of Paul, others of Apollos, a third of Cephas, a fourth of Christ; so breaking the unitie of that body, that Church. Or when any shall seperate from Communion with a true Church. Such a Seperation (saith our Learned Doctor Ames) by a speciall appropriation most rightly deserves the name of Schisme.Ames Cas.

Which yet must be warily and tenderly understood. Not that every withdrawing from some particular act, or acts▪ of Communion with a Church, wherein men conceive that p. 34they cannot participate without sin, should be presently called, and accounted a Schisme. It was the Case of many of late times in the point of Kneeling at the Sacrament: They durst not hold communion with the Church in that particular act, because of that Gesture, about which they were not satisfied. This partiall, and peaceable, withdrawing, meerly out of tendernesse of Conscience, cannot properly be called Schisme, so long as the Church still owned and acknowledged, and communion held with it in the mayn. But, where there is a totalis seccessio, a totall departure and Seperation, an absolute renouncing and rejecting of all Fellowship and Communion with a Church, a true Church, and that upon this ground, because they adjudge it to be no Church, or an imperfect and defective Church; defective in her Constitution, or Administrations, and Ordinances, Certainly; if there be any Schisme in the world this is Schisme, and that most properly so called.

An evilweed also, no lesse dangerous then the former. Some comparing them together, Heresie and Schisme, have aggravated this above the other,Muscul. loc, Com. as conceiving it to be the more dangerous of the two.

And surely dangerous it is, not onelyonly to the person himselfe who maketh this Schisme, who hereby

1 Excommunicates himself, cuts off himself from Fellowship, and Communion with the Church and People of God; depriving himself of Church-Priviledges, as also of the publick Ordinances, the means of his Edification and salvation, to which God hath promised a speciall concurrence.

2 Besides, running out of the fold, hee thereby exposeth himself to the Wolfe. And hence it is that those which have made such a totall seccession, and seperation, they seldom stay there, but are carried on to further and more dangerous errours, as to grosse Anabaptisme, and F…ilisme, and what not?

2 But dangerous also the Committie, to the Body of the p. 35Church, which by this means is rent and torn, and dismembred. Which what it is to the Naturall body, what danger, and what Torment, they which have felt it, can tell. I wish they which stand guiltie of this evill were but as apprehensive and fensible of what it is to the mysticall body, how detrimentall, how dangerous: What it is thus to divide Christ; thus to despise and contemne the Church of God, (or despise yee the Church of God? saith Paul to some of his Corinthians); 1 Cor. 11. 22.1 Cor 11:22A thing of sadder Consequence, then I believe it is generally apprehended by most of those; who upon every slight dislike, presently fall to Partiall, and from Partiall to Totall Seperation. The Lord heal these breaches.

In the mean time, who ever they are that have taken, or shall take this Covenant, let them take notice, how by vertue hereof they stand ingaged to endeavour the Extirpation of both these evill weeds, Heresie, and Schisme. A charge which as it lyeth upon all, so after especiall manner upon publike Persons, Magistrates and Ministers. If wee then speake against both the one and the other, you must beare with us: It is no more then we are bound to do. And if you that have Authority in your hands, do not improve it; for the suppressing, and eradicating of both, see you to it, for my part I doe not see how you can be acquitted of this Oath, wherein the obligation is so exprest, that you shall endeavour the extirpation as of Heresie, so of Schisme.

4. The fourth and last is Prophanenesse. A bitter and poysenous weed. A Roote that beareth Gall and Wormewood (as you have it described,Deut. 29▪ 18.Deut 29:18 Deut. 29.) Such a Roote none will suffer to grow in their Gardens, much lesse God in his. O let it bee the joynt endeavour of all and every of us to pull it up, to roote it out, Private persons, every one roote it out of his own, Heart, Mouth, Life. Parents and Masters roote it out their p. 36Families, not suffering it to grow within their walls. Every one taking up Davids and Ioshuahs resolution.Ps. 101. 7 Ios. 24. 15▪Ps 101:7Josh 24:15 He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house, hee that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight, Psal. 101. As for me and my house wee will serve the Lord. Iosh. last. Ministers endeavour to root it out of their Congregations, laying the Axe of the Word to the Root of it. Magistrates to root it out of their Iurisdictions, and that by a due execution of the Laws upon publick offendours. Such Laws you have divers; Laws against Swearing, against Drunkennesse, against Sabboth-breaking, &c. all branches of the same Root, Profanenesse. Now take ye notice of it, that this Covenant bindeth you to a more strict, and impartiall execution of those Laws, then ever heretofore. Thus joining together, Word, and Sword, Ministers and Magistrates, there may be some hope of extirpating of this bitter and deadly weed, which hath overrun and almost overspread the whole Garden of God, being so rife in every City, every Town: And that that being extirpated, and rooted out, Piety and true Religion may come to put up head, and flourish. Which let it be the Ioynt desire, and mayn Designe of every one that either hath, or shall joyn himself to the Lord in this Covenant.

FINIS.

End of the text · John Brinsley, The Saints Solemn Covenant (1644)