The Quarrel of the Covenant, Sermons · Sermon 2

The Quarrel of the Covenant · Sermons · Sermon 2

p. 27The Second Sermon Preached at Milk-ſtreet, upon Saturday Evening, September 30. For the preparation to the COVENANT.

The ſecond Ʋſe; Exhortation.

SInce Covenant-violation is a matter of ſo high a Quarrell; as for the avenging whereof, God ſends a Sword upon a Church or Nation; for which, it is more then probable, the Sword is upon us at this prefent, A nos 7.4.it having almoſt devoured Ireland already, and eaten up a great part of England alſo; Let us engage our Counſell, and all the Intereſt we have in Heaven and Earth, for the taking up of this Controverſie; Let us conſider what we have to do, what way there is yet left us, for the Reconciling of this Quarrell; elſe we, and our Families, are all but the children of death, and deſtruction: This Sword that is drawn, and devoured ſo much Chriſtian Proteſtant fleſh, already, will, it is to be feared, go quite through the Land, and in the purſuite of this Quarrell, cut off the remnant, till our Land be deſolate, and our Cities waſte, p. 28and England be made as Sodome and Gomorrah, in the day of the fierce anger of Jehovah.

Somewhat I have ſpoken already in the former Uſe, to this purpoſe. Jerem. 3.13.Jer 3:13viz. To acknowledge our iniquites that we have tranſgreſſed againſt the Lord our God.

To get our hearts broken, for breaking the Covenant; to lay it ſo to heart, that God may not lay it to our charge, &c. But this looks backward.

Somewhat muſt be done de futuro; For time to come: That may not onelyonly compoſe the Quarrell, but lay a ſure foundation of an After Peace between God and the Kingdom. And for that purpoſe, a Means lies before us; an Opportunity is held forth unto us by the hand of Divine Wiſdom, and goodneſſe, of known uſe and ſucceſſe among the People of God in former times; which is yet to me a gratious intimation, and a farther argument of hope from Heaven, that God hath not ſworn againſt us in his wrath, nor ſealed us up a People devoted to deſtruction, but hath yet a minde to enter into terms of peace and reconciliation with us, to receive us into Grace and Favour, to become our God, and to own us for his People; if yet, we will go forth to meet him, and accept of ſuch honourable termes as ſhall be propounded to us. And that is by renewing our Covenant with him; yea, by entring into a more full and firme Covenant then ever heretofore: For as the Quarrell was raiſed about the Covenant, ſo it muſt be a Covenant more ſolid and ſubſtantiall, that muſt compoſe the Quarrell, as I ſhall ſhew you hereafter, and that is the ſervice and the priviledge that lies before us; the work of the next day. So that me thinks I hear this Uſe of Exhortation, which now I would commend unto you, ſpeaking unto us in that Language.

Jere. Jer. 50.5.Jer 50:550.5. Come let us joyn our ſelves to the Lord in a perpetuall Covenant, that ſhall not be forgotten.

It is the voyce of the Children of Iſrael, and the Children of Judah, returning out of Captivity.

Verſ. 4. The children of Iſrael ſhall come, they, and the children of Judah together; Seeking the Lord, whom they had loſt, and enquiring the way to Sion, from whence their Idolatry, and Adulteries had caſt them out; themſelves become now like the p. 29Doves of the Valley, mourning and weeping, becauſe they had perverted their way, and forgotten the Lord their God.

Verſ. 4.5. Going, and weeping; they ſhall go and ſeek the Lord their God; they ſhall ask the way to Sion, with their faces thitherward.

And if you enquire when this ſhould be? The fourth Verſe tells you, In thoſe dayes.

And if you ask again, what dayes thoſe are? Interpreters will tell us of a threefold day, wherein this Propheſie or Promiſe is to be fulfilled;A threefold day of making good the Prophefie. 1. The literall day

That is, The Literall or Inchoative Day.

That is, The Evangelicall or Spirituall Day.

That is, The Ʋniverſall or Perfect Day.

Firſt, There is a literall or inthoative day, here prophefied of, and that is already paſt; paſt long ſince: Namely, in that day wherein the ſeventy yeers of the Babylonian Captivity expired; then was this Propheſie, or Promiſe begun, in part to be accompliſhed: At what time the Captivity of Judah, and divers of Iſrael with them, upon their return out of Babylon, Ezra 8.21.Ezra 8:21kept a folemn Faſt at the River Ahava, to afflict their ſouls before their God, There may you ſee them going and weeping;

To ſeek of him aright way for them, and their little ones; There you have them, Seeking the Lord, and enquiring the way to Sion, with their faces thitherward.

And when they came home, you may hear ſome of their Nobles and Prieſts, calling upon them to enter into Covenant; ſo Shechoniah ſpake unto Ezra, the Princes, and the People; Ezra 10.2, 3.Ezra 10:2Ezra 10:3We have ſinned againſt the Lord, &c. Yet now there is hope in Iſrael, toucerning this thing. Now therefore, let us make a Covenant with our God.

And ſo you may finde the Levites calling the people to confeſſe their ſins with weeping and ſupplications in a day of humiliation, and at the end of it, to Write, and Swear, and Seal, Nehe. 9.4, 5.a Covenant with the Lord their God.

This was the firſt day wherein this Propheſie began to be fulfill'd in the very letter thereof.

p. 30The ſecond day is the Evangelicall day, 222 Day, …nge ….wherein this Promiſe is fulfilled in a … or Spirituall ſence; Namely, when the elect of God, of what Nation or Language ſoever, (being all called the Iſrael… G…, Iſal. 44.5.as is Propheſied, One ſhall ſay I am the Lor… is, and … ſhall call him … by the name of Jacob, &c. and … by the Name of Iſrael.)

I ſay, when theſe in their ſeverall Generations and ſucceſſions ſhall turn to the Lord their God, either from their Gentiliſme and Pag…, as in their firſt converſion to Christianity; (as … o…ſerves after the Reſurrection of Chriſt, and Miſſion of the holy …hoſt. A … exinde univer…s nationes ex verag…e … humani… gent…s ad Dominum Deum, & ad Dominum …us c…us. From that day foreward you might behold po…r Creatures of all Nations and Languages, creeping out of their dark hol… and corners of blindneſſe and Idolatry, and betaking them to God and his S…n Jeſus Chriſt, as to their Law-giver and Saviour;) or elſe turning from Antichriſtian ſuperſtition, and falſe wayes of worſhip, as in the after, and more full converſion of Churches or Perſons; purging themſelves more and more, from the corruptions and mixtures of Popery and Superstitions, according to the degree of light and conviction, which ſhould break out upon them, and asking the way to Sion; i. e. The pure way of Goſpel Worſhip, according to the fuller and cleerer Manifeſtations and Revelations of the minde of Chriſt in the Goſpel.

This was fulfilled in Luth…s time, and in all thoſe after Separations which any of the Churches have made from Rome, and from thoſe Reliques, and remains of Superſtition and willworſhip, wherewith themſelves, and the Ordinances of Jeſus Chriſt have been defiled.

The third day wherein this Propheſie or Promiſe is to be made good, 333 Day, Univerfall.is that Ʋniverſall day, wherein both Jow and Gentile ſhall convert unto the Lord. That Day of the Reſtitution of all things, as ſome good Devin…s conceive, When ten men out … all Lan… … the Nations, ſhall take hold of the skirt of him that is Jew; ſaying, … will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you, Z…ch. 8.23. And to what purpoſe is more fully p. 31expreſt in the former Verſes (anſwering the Propheſie in the Text.)

Verſ. 20. Thus ſaith the Lord of Hoaſts, it ſhall yet come to paſſe, that there ſhall come people, and the Inhabitants of many Cities.

Verſ. 21. And the Inhabitants of one Citie, ſhall go to another; ſaying, Let us go ſpeedily to pray before the Lord, and to ſeek the Lord of Hoſts; I will go alſo.

Verſ. 22. Yea, many people, and ſtrong Nations, ſhall come to ſeek the Lord of Hoſts in Jeruſalem, and pray before the Lord.

This I call the Ʋniverſall day, becauſe, as you ſee there ſhall be ſuch an abundance of confluence of Citi…s, and People, and Nations, combining together in an holy League and Covenant, to ſeek the Lord.

And a Perfect day; becauſe, the minde and will of the Lord ſhall be fully revealed and manifeſted to the Saints, concerning the way of Worſhip and Government in the Churches. The New Jeruſalem; i. e. The perfect, exact, Ezek 43.11, 12, 13. Reve. 21.10, 11. Iſa 30.26Ezek 43:11Ezek 43:12Ezek 43:13Rev 21:10Rev 21:11Isa 30:26and punctuall Modell o… the Government of Chriſt in the Churches, ſhall then be let …own from Heaven.

The light of the Moon, being then to be as the light of the Su…, and … light of the Sun ſevenfold, as the light of ſeven dayes, in the day that the Lord bindeth up the breach of his people, and … of their wound.

By what hath been ſpoken, you may perceive under which of theſe dayes we are: Paſt indeed the firſt, but not yet arrived at the third day; and therefore under the ſecond day, that … …angelicall …ay; yet ſo, as if all the three dayes were m…t together in ours, while it ſeems to me, that we are upon the daw…ing of the third day: and this Propheſie falling ſo pat, and full upon our times, as if we were not got beyond the Literall; a little variance will do it.

The children of Iſrael, and the children of Judah?

Scotland and England, newly coming out of Babylon, Antichriſtian Babyl…n, Papall Tyranny and Ʋſurpations, (in one degree or other) Going and weeping in the dayes of their ſolemn Humiliations, bewailing their Back-ſlidings and Rebellions, p. 32to ſeek the Lord their God, to ſeek pardon and reconciliation, to ſeek his face and favour, not onelyonly in the continuance, but in the more full and ſweet influentiall manifeſtations of his preſence among them; and to that end asking the way to Sion, with their faces thitherward; that is, Enquiring after the pure way of Goſpel worſhip, with full purpoſe of heart; that when God ſhall reveal his minde to them, they will conforme themſelves to his minde, as according to that bleſſed Propheſie and Promiſe, Iſal. 2.3. He will teach us of his wayes, and we will walk in his paths, &c.

And that they may make all ſure, That they may ſecure God and themſelves againſt all future Apoſtacies and black-flidings, calling one upon another, and ecchoing back one to another.

Come let us joyn our ſelves to the Lord in a perpetuall Covenant, that may not be forgotten.

You ſee by this time, I have changed my Text, though not my project; to which purpoſe, I ſhall remember that in the handling of theſe words, I muſt not manage my diſcourſe, as if I were to make a new entire Sermon upon the Text, but onelyonly to improve the happy advantages it holds forth, for the purſuite and driving on of my preſent Ʋſe of Exhortation.

Come let us joyn, &c.

To this end therefore from theſe words, I will propound and endeavour to ſatisfie theſe three Quaeres.

1. What?

2. Why?

3. How?

1. What the duty is, to which they mutually ſtirre up one another.

2. Why? or upon what conſiderations?

3. How, or in what manner this ſervice is to be performed?

And in all theſe you ſhall ſee what proportion the Text holds with the Times. The duty in our Text, with the duty in our Hands, preſſing them on ſtill in an Exhortatory way.

For the firſt. ſc. What the duty is?

Anſw. You ſee that in the Text, is to joyn themſelves to the Lord, by a ſolemn Covenant; and ſo is that which we have p. 33now in our hands, to joyn our ſelves to the Lord by a Covenant; how farre they correſpond will appear in the ſequell.

This is the firſt and main End of a Covenant between God and his People, as I have ſhewed you, To joyn themſelves to the Lord. The ſons of the ſtranger, that joyn themſelves to the Lord, Iſa 56.6.Isa 56:6&c. And take held of his Covenant.

This I ſay is the firſt and main end of the Covenant in the Text: The ſecond is ſubordinate unto it; namely, to Enquire th… way to Sion. i. e. To inquire the way and manner, how God would be worſhipt; that they might diſh…nour and prevoke him no more, by their Idolatries, and Superſtitions, which had been brought in upon the Ordinances of God, by the means of Apoſtate Kings, and Prieſts, and Prophets, as in Jeroboams and Ahabs reigns, &c. And for which they had been carryed into Captivity.

And ſuch is the Covenant that lies before us, in the firſt place, as I ſay, to joyn our ſelves to the Lord, to be knit unſepaparably unto him, that he may be our God, and we may be his People.

And in the next place, as ſubſervient hereunto, to ask the way to Sion; to enquire and ſearch by all holy means, ſanctified to that purpoſe, what is that pure way of Goſpel worſhip; That we and ou… children, after us, may worſhip the God of ſpirits, the …od of truth, in ſpirit and in truth; in ſpirit, Joh 4.…3.John 4:3oppoſed to car…all w…y…s of will-worſhip and inventions of men; and in truth, oppoſed to falſe hypocriticall ſhews and pretences, ſince the Father ſeeks for ſuch to worſhip him.

Now, That this is the main ſcope and aym of this Covenant before us, will appear if you read and ponder it with due conſiderations; I will therefore read it to you diſtinctly, this Evening, beſides the reading of it again to morrow, when you come to take it; and when I have read it, I will anſwer the main, and moſt materiall objections, which ſeem to make it inconſiſt…nt with theſe bleſſed ends and purpoſes.

Attend diligently while I read it to you.

p. 34The Covenant.

WE Noblemen, …his Co… it … ha…d to c…m … the … and … ſeveral pafa…s of the C…nant to which ….Barons, Knights, Gentlemen, Citizens, Burgeſſes, Miniſters of the Goſpel, and Commons of all ſorts in the Kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland, by the Providence of God living under one King, and being of one Reformed Religion, having before our eyes the glory of God, and the advancement of the Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jeſus Chriſt, the honour and happineſſe of the Kings Majeſty and His Poſterity, and the true publique Liberty, Safety, and Peace of the Kingdoms, wherein every ones private condition is included, and calling to minde the treacherous 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 exerciſed; whereof the deplorable ſtate of the Church and Kingdom of Ireland, the diſtreſſed eſtate of the Church and Kingdom of England, and the dangerous eſtate of the Church and Kingdom of Scotland, are preſent and publike Teſtimonies; We have now at laſt, (after other means of Supplication, Remonſtrance, Proteſtations, and Sufferings) 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 mature deliberation, reſolved and determined to enter into a mutuall 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:

p. 35I. THat we ſhall ſincerely, really and conſtantly, through the Grace of God, endeavour in our ſeverall 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 of Religion 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 indeavour to bring the Churches of God in the three Kingdoms, to the neereſt 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 middeſt of us.

II. That we ſhall in like manner, without reſpect of perſons, indeavour the Extirpation of Poperty, Prelacy, (that is, Church-Government, by Arch-Biſhops, Biſhops, their Chancellors and Commiſſaries, Deans, Deans and Chapters, Archdeacons, and all other Eccleſiaſticall Officers depending on that Hierarchy) Superſtition, Hereſie, Schiſme, Prophaneneſſe, and whatſoever ſhall be found to be contrary to ſound Doctrine, and the power of Godlineſſe; leaſt 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.

III. We ſhall with the ſame ſincerity, reallity and conſtancy, in our ſeverall Vocations, endeavour p. 36with our eſtates and lives, mutually to preſerve the Rights and Priviledges of the Parliaments, and the Liberties of the Kingdoms, and to preſerve and defend the Kings Majeſties perſon and authority, in the preſervation and defence of the true Religion, and Liberties of the Kingdoms, that the world may bear witneſſe with our Conſciences of our Loyalty, and that we have no thoughts or intentions to diminiſh His Majeſties juſt power and greatneſſe.

IV. We ſhall alſo with all faithfulneſſe endeavour the diſcovery of all ſuch as have been, or ſhall be Incendiaries, Malignants, or evill Inſtruments, by hindering the Reformation of Religion, dividing 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 publike tryall, and receive condign puniſhment, as the degree of their offences ſhall require or deſerve, or others having power from them for that effect, ſhall judge convenient.

V. And whereas the happineſſe of a bleſſed Peace between theſe Kingdoms, denyed in former times to ou… Progenitors, is by the good Providence of God granted unto us, and hath been lately concluded, and ſetled by both Parliaments, we ſhall each one of us, according to our place and intereſt, indeavour that they remain conjoyned in a firm Peace and Union to all Poſterity; And that Juſtice may be done upon the wilfull Oppoſers therof, in manner expreſſed in the precedent Article.

VI. We ſhall alſo according to our places and callings in this common cauſe of Religion, Liberty, p. 37and 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 King; but ſhall all the dayes of our lives zealoufly 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 ſuppreſſe 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 diſtreſſes and dangers, the fruits thereof; we profeſſe 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 o… 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 p. 38power and charge, both in publike and in private, in all duties we owe to God and man, to amend our lives, and each one to go before another in the example of a reall 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 bleſſe our deſires and proceedings with ſuch ſucceſſe, as may be deliverance and ſafety to his people, and encouragement to other Chriſtian Churches groaning under, or in danger of the yoak of Antichriſtian Tyranny; 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 Tranquility of Chriſtian Kingdoms and Common wealths.

THis Brethren is the Covenant before us; to which God and his Parliament do invite us this day; wherein the Ends propounded, lye fair to every impartiall eye.

The firſt Article in this Covenant binding us to the Reform…tion of Religion; and the …ſt Article to the Reformation of our Lives.

In both, we joyn our ſil…s to the Lord, and ſwear to ask and receive from his Lips, the Law of this Reformation; Read them elſe again, and conſider.

And trudy, this is a why, as well as a what (that I may a little prevent my ſelf.) A …otive of the firſt Magnitude. Oh for a People or Perſon to be joy… unto the Lord; to be made one with the moſt high God of Heaven and Earth, before whom, p. 39and to whom we ſwear, is a priviledge of unſpeakable worth and excellency!

Se…meth it (ſaid David once to Sauls ſervants) a ſmall thing to your eyes, to be ſon in law to a King, ſeeing I am a poor man?1 Sam 18.23.1 Sam 18:23

Seemeth it, may I ſay, a ſmall thing to you for poor creatures to be joyned, and married as it were to the great GOD, the living God; who are ſo much worſe then nothing, by how much ſin is worſe then vanity; yea, to be one with him, as Chriſt ſaith in that heavenly Prayer of his; John 1….21, 22, 23.John 1:21John 1:22John 1:23As he and his Father is one, That they may be one, as thou Father art in me, and I in thee; that they alſo may be one, with us. And again, That they may be one, even as we are one. Yea, perfect in one; not indeed, in the perfection of that unitie, but in unitie of that perfection, not made perfect in a perfection of equality, but of conformity.

This is the fruit of a right managed Covenant; and the greateſt honour that poor mortality is capable of. Moſes ſtands admiring of it, Deut 32.33. You may read the place at your leiſure.

But againſt this bleſſed Service and Trueth, are there muſtered, and led up an whole Regiment of O…j…ctions, under the conduct of the father of lies; though ſome of them may ſeem to have ſome ſhadow of truth; and therefore ſo much the more carefully to be examined.

I ſhall deal onelyonly with ſome of the chief Commanders of them, if they be conquered, the reſt will vaniſh of their own accord.

Objections propounded and anſwered.

Obj. 1 Object. 1. If this were the end of this ſervice, yet it were needleſſe: ſince we have done it over and over again, It is needleſſe.in our former Proteſtations and Covenants; and ſo this repetition may ſeem to be a prophanation of ſo holy an Ordinance, by making of it ſo ordinary, and nothing elſe, but a taking of Gods name, in vaine.

To this I anſwer.

Anſw. 1. It cannot be done too oft; if it be done according to the Law and Order of ſo ſolemn an Ordinance.

2. The people in the Text might have made the ſame Objection, p. 40it lay as ſtrong againſt the work, to which they encourage one another: For ſurely, this was not the firſt time they engaged themſelves to God by way of Covenant; but having broken their former Covenants, they thought it their priviledge, and not their burd…n to renew it again, and to make it more full ſt…le, and impregnable then ever; A perpetuall Covenant that ſhall not be forgart…a; which hints a

3. Anſw. And that is there was never yet ſo full and ſtrict a Covenant tendred to us ſince we were a people. Former Covenants have had their d…fect and failings, like the beſt of Gods people: But I may ſay of this in reference to other Covenants, as Solomon of his good Houſe-wife, in reference to other women.

Other D…ught…rs have done well, but thou beſt exceeded th…m all.

Other Covenants have done well, but this hath exce…d…d them all; h…e Paul among the Apoſtles, it goes beyond them all, though it ſeems to be b…rne out of duc time.

Now if your L…ſ…s and Covenants among men, be either … or for…ited; need men perſwade you to have them renewed and p…rfected! Of how much greater concermnent is this, between God and us, Oh you of little faith?

4 You receive the Sacrament of the Lords Supper once a …, and ſome will not be …pt off, though they have no p…rt, nor portion in that Myſtery, ſay the Miniſters of Chriſt what they can; and the Sacrament is but the Seal of the Covenant; conſider it, and be convinc…d.

But ſecondly it is objected, O…. 2. We …at ….There be ſome Clauſes in this Covenant, that ſerve rather to … us further from God, th…n pr… us ne…r…r to Vint; as binding us to enquire the way to Sion of man, rather then of God; to receive the Law of Reform then from S…otland, a…d other …, and not from the lips of the … Proph…t of the Churches.

…. In the …, we ſw…r firſt to …ntain the Relig… as it is already … in Doctrine, Go… m…, and …; when in fiul, the meſt ſhall ſweat they know not what; and ſecon…ly, we ſwear to conſerm our ſelves … England to their … and … in Scotland, p. 41which is presbyteriall, and for ought we know, as much tyrannicall, and more Antichriſtian then that of Prelacy, which we ſwear to extirpate; yea, ſome have not been afraid to call it The Antichriſt that is now in the world.

Anſw. 1. To whom I firſt anſwer, beſeeching them in the bowels of compaſſion, and ſpirit of meekneſſe, to take heed of ſuch raſh and unchriſtian cenſures, leſt God hear, and it diſpleaſe him; and they themſelves poſſibly be found to commit the ſin, Iſai 5 20.Isa 5:20and incurre the woe of them that call evill good, and good evill.

Secondly, Whereas they object, that many ſhall ſwear to they know not what, the moſt being totally ignorant of the Diſcipline of Scotland, and very few underſtanding it diſtinctly. I would have theſe remember and conſider two examples in Scripture, the one of King Joſiah, 222. Inſtances. 2 Chro. 34 30, 3…, 32. Nehe. 10.28.2 Chr 34:302 Chr 34:32 Chr 34:32the other of the Women and children in Nehemiahs time. Joſiah (as the Text tells us) not being above eight yeers of age; as Verſ. 3. While he was yet young, began to ſeek after the Lord God of David, his Father; and in the twelfth yeer, he began to purge Judah and Jeruſalem, &c. And this purging and Reformation he did by Covenant, wherein he ſware, to walk after the Lord, and to keep his Commandements, and his Teſtimonies and his Statutes. Which ſurely, at that age we cannot conceive he did diſtinctly and univerſally underſtand; no more could all the Men their Wives, and their Sons, and their Daughters, that took the Covenant (in Nehemiahs time) underſtand all things inparticular to which that Covenant did binde them; ſince they did enter into a Gurſe, and an Oath, not onelyonly to refuſe all inter-marriages with the Heathen, as Verſ. 30. but alſo to walk in Gods Law, which was given by Moſes, and to obſerve and do all the Commandments of the Lord, and his judgements and his Statutes.

Surely there were in this multitude, not an inconſiderable number that were not acquainted with all the Morall precepts, Judiciall Laws, and Ceremoniall Statutes, which God commanded the people by the hand of Moſes.222. Objections againſt theſe Inſtances.

There be two things I know, that may be replyed againſt theſe Inſtances.

11. That of thoſe women and children in Nehemiah, it is ſaid in the ſame place, They were of underſtanding. Verſ. 28. Every p. 42one having knowledge, and having underſtanding; Verſ. 29. They … unto their Brethren, their Nobles, and entred into a curſe, &c.

22. That there is a great difference between the Laws and Statutes to which they ſware, and this Government and Diſcipl… to which we ſware in this Covenant. Thoſe Laws and Statutes were ordained immediately of God himſelf; and therefore being inſallibly right; unqueſtionably, holy, and just, and good; J…ſiah and the people might lawfully ſware obſervance to them with an implicite faith; but not ſo in a Government and D…pline ſet up by man, by a Church (be it never ſo pure and holy) for their light being but a borrowed light, and they not priviledged with an infallible ſpirit (as the Apoſtles) their Reſolations and Ordinances may be lyable to miſtake and errour; and therefore, to ſware obſervance to them by an implicite faith, is more then comes to their ſhare, and as unwarrantable as it is unſafe for a people or perſon to do, who are yet ignorant or unſatisfied in the whole, or in any particular.

To theſe Objections I rejoyn: 1Anſwer to theſe O…ecti….Firſt, That that Deſcription of the Covenanters in Nehemiah, That they were of underſtanding and knowledg, ſuppoſeth not a diſtinct actuall cognizance of every particular Ordinance, Judgement, Statute, and Proviſion, in all the three Laws, Morall, Judi…iall, Ceremoniall, in every one that took the Covenant; that being not onelyonly needl…ſſe, but impoſſible; but it implies onelyonly a capacity to receive Inſtruction and Information in the things they ſware unto, though at preſent they were ignorant of many of the ſeveralls contained in that Oath. And ſo farre this Rule obtains among us, Children that are not yet come to understanding and fools, being not admitted to this ſervice, as not capable of inſtruction.

Anſ. 2 To the ſecond (though more conſiderable) yet the anſwer is not very difficult: For

Firſt, We do not ſware to obſerve that Diſcipline, but to preſerve it: I may preſerve that, which in point of conſcience I cannot obſerve, or not, at leaſt, ſware to obſerve.

Secondly, We ſware to preſerve it, not in oppoſition to any other forme of Government that may be found agreeable to the Word, but in oppoſition againſt a common Enemy, which is a clauſe of ſo wide a latitude and eaſie a digeſtion, as the p. 43tendereſt conſcience need not kick at it; This preſervation relating not ſo much to the Government, as to the perſons or Nation under this Government, not ſo much to preſerve it, as to preſerve them in it, againſt a Prelaticall Party at home, or a Popiſh Party abroad, that ſhould attempt by violence to deſtroy them, or to force another Government upon them, that ſhould be againſt the Word of God; under which latitude, I ſee not but we might enter into the like Covenant with Lutherans, or other Reformed Churches, whoſe Government, Diſcipline, and Worſhip, is yet exceedingly corrupted with degenerate mixtures.

Thirdly, Neither in the perſervation of their Government; &c. nor in the Reformation of ours, do we ſware to any thing of mans; but to what ſhall be found to be the minde of Chriſt, witneſſe that Clauſe, According to the Word of God; Art. 1.ſo that upon the matter, it is no more then Joſiah and the People in Nehimiah ſwore to; namely, what ſhall appear to be the Statutes and Laws which Chriſt hath left in his Word, concerning the Regiment of his Church.

Fourthly, Nay, not ſo much, for we are not yet called to ſware the Obſervation of any kinde of Government, that is, or ſhall be preſented to us, but to endeavour the Reformation of Religion in Doctrine, Worſhip, Diſcipline, and Government, According to the Word of God.

In the faithfull and impartiall and ſearch and purſuite wherof, if Scotland or any of the Reformed Churches can hold us forth any cleerer light then our own, we receive it not as our Rule but as ſuch an help to expound our Rule, as Chriſt himſelf hath allowed us, Cant. 1.7, 8. 2 Cor. 11.16. Phil. 4.8. 1 Th…ſ. 1.7, 8. In which caſe we are bound to kiſſe not the Lips onelyonly, but the very feet of them that ſhall be able to ſhew us the way to Sion.Iſa. 52.7.Isa 52:7

So that ſtill, it is not the voyce of the Churches, but of Chriſt in the Churches that we Covenant to liſten to, in this purſuite, that is to ſay, That we will follow them, as they follow Chriſt; And when all is done, and a Reformation (through the Aſſiſtance and bleſſing of the Lord Jeſus Chriſt, that great King and Prophet of his Church) reſolved on, according to this Rule thus interpreted, under what notion or obligation the obſervation p. 44of it ſhall be commended to us ſub judice lis eſt, it is yet in the boſome and breſt of Authority; we are as yet called to ſwear to nothing in this kinde. So much in reference to the Inſtances.

Anſw. 3 I anſwer further to the ſatisfying of this ſecond doubt, That by this Covenant we are bound no more to conform to Scotland, then Scotland to us: The Aſtipulation being mutuall, and this Aſtipulation binding us not ſo much to conform one to another, as both of us to the Word; wherein, if we can meet, who would not look upon it, as upon the precious fruit of Chriſts prayer (Joh. 17.20, 21. That they might be one, as we are on) and the beauty and ſafety of both Nations, and of as, many of the Churches, as the Lord our God ſhall perſwade to come into this holy and bleſſed Aſſociation.

Obj. 3 A third objection falls upon the ſecond Article or Branch of this Covenant; We ſwear …ext… p…t… that w…ch may be the Gove…nment of the Goſp…l.wherein, it is feared by ſome that we ſwear, to Extirpate that which for ought we know, upon due inquiry may be found, the way to Sion, the way of Evangelicall Government which Chriſt and his Apoſtles, have ſet up in the Church.

Anſw. Where lies that think you? In what clauſe or word of the Article? Who can tell? Surely not in Popery; or if there be any that think that the way, I could wiſh their perſons in Rome, ſince their hearts are there already. Is it in Superſtition? Nay, Superſtition properly conſiſting in Will-worſhip, Teaching for doctrine the traditions of men; This cannot be the way to Sion which Chriſt hath chalked out to us in his Word.

No more can Hereſie, which is the Oppoſition to ſound Doctrine; nor Schiſme, which is the Rent of the Churches Peace; nor Prophaneneſſe, the poyſon of her converſation. None but Superſtitious, Heretickes, Schiſmatikes, Prophane perſons, will call theſe the way to Sion; nor theſe neither under the Name and Notion of Superſtition, Hereſie, Schiſme, Prophaneneſſe; For the Heretike will not call his doctrine hereſie; nor the ſuperſtitious his inovations ſuperſtition; nor the Schiſmatick his turbulent practiſes, ſchiſme, nor laſtly, the prophane perſon his lewdneſſe, prophaneneſſe, though they love the thing, they hate the name.

And this, before we go further, occaſions another Objection, p. 45which you muſt give me leave, both to make, and anſwer in a Parentheſis, and then I will return.

Object. Object. How then can we ſwear the extirpation of theſe, ſince, who ſhall be judge? Who ſhall judge what is Hereſie, &c.While ſome will be ready to call that Schiſme and Superſtition, &c. which is not; and others deny that to be Hereſie, Superſtition, Schiſme. &c. which is?

To which I anſwer.

Anſ. 1. By the ſame Argument, we ought not to Covenant againſt Popery and Drunkenneſſe, Sabbath-breaking, nor any other ſin whatſoever, there being nothing ſo groſſe, but it will finde ſome friends to juſtifie, and plead for it; which if we ſhall not condemn till all parties be agreed on the verdict, we ſhall never proceed to judgement, while the world ſtands.

2. The word muſt be the Rule and the Judge, ſay men what they pleaſe, pro or con.

3. And if the matter be indeed ſo diſputable, that it lies not in my faculty to pronounce ſentence; I have my diſpenſation to ſuſpend, till the word determine the controverſie.

I now return; If then in none of theſe, the doubt muſt of neceſſity lye in that word Prelacy.

And is that indeed the th…-way of Goſpel-Government? Is that it indeed, which bears away the bell of Jure divino?

What is it then that hath deſtroyed all Goſpell, Order, and Government, and Worſhip, in theſe Kingdoms, as in other places of the Chriſtian World, even down to the ground? Hath it not been Prelacy?

What is it that hath taken down a teaching Miniſtry, and ſet up in the room, a teaching Ceremony? Is it not Prelacy?

What is it that hath ſilenced, ſuſpended, impriſoned, deprived, baniſht, to many godly, learned, able Miniſters of the Goſpel; yea, and kild ſome of them with their unheard of cruelties, and thruſt into their places, Idol, Idle, Sheepheards; Dumb Doggs that cannot bark (unleſſe it were at the flock of Chriſt; ſo they learned of their Maſters, both to bark and bite too) greedy Dogs that could never have enough, that did teare out the loyns and bowels of their own people for gain, Heap living upon living, preferment upon preferment; ſwearing, drunken, unclean Prieſts, that taught nothing but rebellion in Iſrael, and p. 46cauſed people to abhorre the Sacrifice of the Lord: Arminian, Popiſh, Idolatrous, vile wretches, ſuch as had Job been alive, he would not have ſet with the Doggs of his flock; who I ſay, brought in theſe? Did not Prelacy?

What hath hindered The Reformation of Religion all this while in Doctrine, Government, and Worſhip? Pr…la…y, a generation of men they were, that never had a vote for Jeſus Chriſt; yea, what hath poyſoned and adulterated Religion in all theſe Branches, and hath let in Popery and prophaneneſſe upon the Kingdom like a flood, for the raiſing of their own pomp and greatneſſe, but Prel…y?

In a word, Prelacy it is, that hath ſet its impure and imperious feet, one upon the Church, the … upon the State, and hath made both ſerve, …xod…: 14as Pharaoh did the Iſraelites; with rigour. Surely, their Government hath been a yoak, which neither we, nor our Fathers wer…al le t… bear.

Now, That which hath done this and a thouſand times more violence and miſchief to Chriſt and his People, then the tongue or pen of man is able to expreſſe? Can that be the way, of, or to St…a? Can that be the Government of Chriſt and his Churches?

Object. I, but there be that will tell us, theſe have been the faults of the perſons, and not of the calling?

Anſw. So cry ſome indeed, That yet like the men, as well as their calling, and would juſtifie the perſons, as well as the Office, but that their wickedneſſe is made ſo manifeſt, that impudency it ſelf cannot deny it.

But is it indeed onelyonly the fault of the men, The abaſ…in the Church, not the fault of the perſons the Prelates, onelyonly but of the calling.not of the calling? What meant then that ſaying of Queen Elizabeth, That when ſhe had made a Biſhop, ſhe had ſpoiled a Preacher? Was it onelyonly a jeſt.

2. And I wiſh we had not too juſt cauſe to adde, The man too. Surely of the moſt of them, we may ſay, as once Aencblus ſpake of the Gentiles, Apud vos optimi cenſerter ques comparatio peſſimorum ſic fa…it. Give me leave to vary it a little: He was a good Biſhop that was not the worſt man; but if the…e were ſome of a better Complexion, who yet, apparent rari nantes in gurgite vaſto, were very rarely diſcovered in their Epiſcopall Sea; yet

p. 473. Look into their Families, and they were for the moſt part the vileſt in the Dioceſſe, a very neſt of unclean Birds; And

4. If you had look't into their Courts and Conſiſtories, you would have thought you had been in Caiaphas-Hall, where no other trade was driven, but the crucifying of Chriſt in his Members.

5. But fifthly, Produce me one in this laſt ſucceſſion of Biſhops, (I hope the laſt) that had not his hands imbrued more or leſſe in the blood of the faithfull Miniſtry, (I ſay not Miniſters, but Miniſtry) produce a man amongſt them all that durſt be ſo Conſcientious as to lay down his Biſhoprick, rather then he would lay violent hands upon a Non-Conformable Miniſter, though he had failed but in one point of their compaſſe of Ceremonies, when their great Maſter the Pope of Canterbury commanded it, although both for Life, Learning, and Orthodox Religion, their conſciences did compell them to confeſſe with Pilate, We finde no fault in this juſt p…rſon.Matth. 27.24.Matt 27:24

I ſay produce me ſuch a Biſhop amongſt the whole Bunch, in this latter age, and I will down of my knees and ask them forgiveneſſe.

Oh it was ſure a miſchievous poyſoned ſoyl, in which, whatſoever plant was fet, did hardly ever thrive after.

5. But yet further, Was not the calling as bad as the men? You may as well ſay ſo of the Papacy in Rome; for ſurely, the Prela…y of England, which we ſware to extirpate, was the very ſame Fabrick and Modell of Eccleſiaſticall Regiment, that is in that Antichriſtian world; yea, ſuch an evill it is, That ſome Divines venerable for their great learning, as well as for their eminent holineſſe, did conceive ſole Epiſcopall Juriſdiction, to be the very ſeat of the Beaſt, upon which the fifth Angel is now powring out his Viall, which is the reaſon that the men of that Kingdom, gnaw th…r tongues for pain, Reve 16.10, 11.Rev 16:10Rev 16:11and blaſpheme the God of Heaven.

Object. I, Some Prelacy lawfull.but it is therefore pleaded further againſt this Clauſe, That although it may be Pr…lacy with all its adjuncts and accidents of Archbiſhops, Chancellors, and Commiſſaries, Deans, &c. may have happily been the cauſe of theſe evils that p. 48have broken in upon us, and perhaps Antichriſtian; yet ſhould we therefore ſwear the extirpation of all Prelacy, or Epiſcopacy whatſoever; ſince there may be found perhaps in Scripture, an Epiſcopacy or Prelacy, which circumciſed from theſe exuberant Members and Officers, may be that Government Chriſt hath bequeathed his Church in the time of the Goſpel?

Anſw. Now we ſhall quickly cloſe this buſineſſe. For

1. It is this Prelacy, thus cloathed, thus circumſtanc't, which we ſwear to extirpate; Read elſe the clauſe again, Prelacy, that is, Church-Government by Archbiſhops, Biſhops, their Chancellors, &c. Not every, or all kindes of Prelacy; not Prelacy in the latitude of the notion thereof.

2. And ſecondly, let us joyn iſſue upon this point, and make no more words of it; If there be an Epiſcopacy or Prelacy found in the word, as the way of Goſpel government which Chriſt hath bequeathed the Churches, and this be made appear, we are ſo far from ſwearing to extirpate ſuch a Prelacy, as that rather we are bound by vertue to this Oath to entertain it, as the minde and will of Jeſus Chriſt.

And this might ſuffice to warrant our Covenanting to extirpate this Prelacy, ſave that onelyonly, yet ſome ſeem conſcientiouſly to ſcruple this in the laſt place.

Object. Prelacy eſtabliſht by Law.That they ſee not what there is to warrant our ſwearing, to extirpate that which is eſtabliſhed by the Law of the Land, till the ſame Law have aboliſht it.

To which I anſwer.

Anſw. 1. If the Law of the Land had aboliſht it, we need not ſwear the extirpation of it.

2. In this Oath, the Parliaments of both Kingdoms, go before us, who having the Legiſlative power in their hands, have alſo Poteſtatem vitae & necis, over Laws, as well, as over Perſons, and may as well put to death the evill Laws that do offend againſt the Kingdom, and the welfare of it, as the evill perſons that do offend againſt the Laws.

3. Who therefore (thirdly) if they may lawfully annull and aboliſh Laws that are found to ſin againſt the Law of God, and the good of the Kingdom, may as lawfully binde themſelves by an Oath, to uſe the uttermoſt of their endeavours, to annull p. 49and aboliſh thoſe Laws; their Oath being nothing elſe but a ſolemn engagement to indeavour to perform what they have warrantably reſolved upon; and with the ſame equity may they binde the Kingdom to aſſiſt them in ſo doing.

4. Which is all that the people are engaged to by this Covenant; ſc. Not to out run the Parliament in this Extirpation, but to follow and ſerve them in it, by ſuch concurrence as they may expect from each perſon in their ſtations and callings; for that clauſe expreſt in the firſt, and third Article, is to be underſtood in all.

Object. If it be yet objected, …arliament bound by Oath to maintain Laws.that the Members of Parliament have at one time or other, ſworn to preſerve the Laws; and therefore to ſwear to indeavour the extirpation of Prelacy, which is eſtabliſht by Law, is to contradict their own Oath, and run the hazard of perjury; It is eaſie for any one to obſerve and anſwer.

Anſw. 1. That by the ſame Argument, neither may King and Parliament together, change or annull a Law, though found deſtructive to the good of the Kingdoms, ſince His Majeſty as well as His Subjects, is bound up under the ſame Oath at His Coronation.

2. But again, There is a vaſt difference between the Members of Parliament, ſimply conſidered in their private Capacities, wherein they may be ſuppoſed to take an Oath to maintain the Laws of the Land; and that publike capacitie of a Parliament, whereby they are Judges of thoſe Laws, and may as I ſaid before, endeavour the removeall of ſuch as are found pernicious to the Church or State, and make ſuch as will advantage the welfare of other; His Majeſty being bound by His Coronation-Oath, to confirm theſe Laws, Quas vulgus elegerit, which the Commons ſhall agree upon, and preſent unto His Majeſty.

Object. Object. I, but it ſeems this objection lies full and ſtrong upon them that ſtand in their ſingle paivate ſtations.

Anſw. I anſwer, That if there be any ſuch Oath which yet I have neither ſeen, nor heard of, unleſſe the objection mean that clauſe in the late Parliament Protestation, wherein we vow and proteſt to maintain and defend the lawfull Rights and Liberties of the Subject.

p. 50Surely, Neither in that nor this, do we ſwear againſt a lawfull endeavour to get any ſuch Laws or Clauſe of the Law repealed and aboliſht, which is found a wrong, rather then a right, and the bondage rather then the Liberty of the Subject, as Prelacy was; Had we indeed taken the Biſhops Oath, or the like, never to have given our conſent to have the Government by Epiſcopacy with its endleſſe, &c. Changed or altered, we had brought our ſelves into a woefull ſnare; but bleſſed be God, T…t ſnare is broken, and we are eſcaped; while in the mean time, without all dou…t the ſubject may as lawfully uſe all lawfull means to get that Law removed, which yet he hath promiſed or ſworne to obey while it remains, when it proves prejudiciall to the pu…like ſafety and welfare; as a poor captive that hath peradventure ſworne obedience to the Turk, (while he remains in his poſſeſſion) may notwithſtanding uſe all fair endeavours for an eſcape or ranſome; or a prentice that is bound to obey his Maſter; yet when he finds his ſervice turned into a bondage, uſe lawfull means to obtain his freedom.

3. But once more to anſwer both all objections; it is worth your enquiry, Whither the Plea of a Legall eſtabliſhment of this Prelacy, ſworn againſt in this Covenant, be not rather a tradition, then any certain, or confeſſed Truth: Sure I am, we have it from the hands of perſons of worth and honour; the a… l…ſt Secretaries of Laws and Antiquities in our Kingdom, that there is no ſuch Law or Statute to be found upon the file among our Records.

Which aſſertion, if it cannot finde faith; we will once more, joyn iſſue with the Patrons or followers of this Prelacy upon this point, That when they produce that Law or Statute which doth enact and eſtabliſh Prelacy, as it is here brancht in the Article, we will then give them a fuller anſwer, or yeeld the queſtion.

To conclude therefore, ſince this Prelacy in the Article, t…is many headed Monſter of Archbiſhops, Biſhops, their Chan…rs and Commiſſaries, Deans, Deans and Chapters, Arch-D…ons, and all other Beel ſ…licall Officers depending on that Hierar…y, is the Beaſt, wherewith we fight in this Covenant, which hath been found ſo diſtructive to Church and State; Let p. 51us not fear to take this Sword of the Covenant of God into our hands, and ſay to this Enemy of Chriſt, as Samuel ſaid once to Agag, (at what time he ſaid within himſelf, Surely the bitterneſſe of death is paſt) As thy ſword hath made women childl…ſſe, 1 Sam. 151 Sam 15ſo ſhall thy mother be childleſſe among women. So hath Prelacy flattered it ſelf, finding ſuch a party to ſtand up on it ſide among the rotten Lords and Commons, the debauched Gentry, and abuſed people of the Kingdom; Surely, the bitterneſſe of death is past. I ſit as a Queen, and ſhall not know Widdow-hood, or l…ſſe of children. In the midſt of this ſecurity and pride (the infallible forerunners of her downfall) let us call her forth, and ſay,

As thy ſword, Prelacy, hath made many women child…leſſe, many a faithfull Miniſter peopleleſſe, houſeleſſe and libertyleſſe, their wives husbandleſſe, their children and their Congregations fatherleſſe, and Pastorleſſe, and Guideleſſe, So thy mother Papacy ſhall be made childeleſſe among harlots, your Dioceſſe Biſhopleſſe, and your Sees Lordleſſe, and your places ſhall know you no more. Come, my Brethren, I ſay, and fear not to take this Agag (Prelacy I mean, not the Prelats) and hew it in pieces before the Lord.

Obj. 4 A fourth and main Objection that troubles many, is, That in the following Article there are divers things of another nature then falls within the compaſſe and liſt of ſuch a Covenant, This Covenant is not purely religious, as that in the Text.as that which the Text holds forth, To joyne our ſelves to the Lord. There be State-matters, and ſuch too, as are full of doubt, and perhaps of danger to be ſworn unto.

Anſw. I ſhall anſwer, firſt the generall Charge, and then ſome of the Particulars which are moſt materiall.

In generall I anſwer, 111. In generall. Whatever is contained in the Covenant, is either religious or tending to Religion.There is nothing in the Body of this Covenant which is not either purely religious, or which lies not in a tendency to Religion, conducing to the ſecuring and promoting thereof.

And as in the expounding the Commandments Divines take this Rule, That that Command which forbids a ſin, forbids alſo all the conducibles and provocations to that ſin, All the Tendencies to it: And that Command which enjoyns a duty, enjoyns all the mediums and advancers to that duty, as the Schools ſay, Modus cadit ſub precepto. Circumſtances fall within the p. 52latitude of the Command; ſo in religious Covenants, not onelyonly thoſe things which are of the ſubſtance and integralls of Religion, but even the collateralls and ſubſerviencies, that tend either to the eſtabliſhing or advancing of Religion, may juſtly be admitted within the Verge and Pale of the Covenant.

The Cities of Refuge had their Suburbs appointed by God, as well as their ha…itations, and even they alſo were counted holy.

The Rights and Pr…ledges of the Parliaments, and the Libert…s of the Kingdom, mentioned in the third Article: They are the aburbs of the Goſpel, and an Inheritance bequeathed by God to Nations and Kingdoms and under that notion holy. Concerning which a people may lawfully reply to the unjuſt demands of him perours, Kings, or States, as Naboth once to Ahab, when demanded to yeeld up his Vineyard to his Majeſty:

God forbid that I ſhould give the Inheritance of my father.…

Theſe be the Out-works of Religion, the Lines of Communication, as I may ſo ſay, for the defence of this City; which the Prelats well knew, and therefore you ſee it was their great deſigne, firſt by Poli…y to have ſurpriſed; and when that would not do, then by main ſtrength of Battell to ſtorme theſe Out-works: Well knowing, That if they once had won theſe, they ſhould quickly be Maſters alſo of the holy City, Religion it ſelf, and done what they liſted. And therefore the ſecuring of theſe muſt of neceſſity be taken into the ſame Councels and Covenant with Religion it ſelf.

This premiſed in generall, Particular Objections or Seruples. 1. Ignorance in them that take this Covenant of the …ights and Priviviledges of Parlilament.we ſhall eaſily and a pace ſatisfie the particular Scruples and Quaeries as I go.

1 Scrupl. The moſt part that ſwear this Covenant, are in a great degree, if not totally, ignorant what the Rights and Priviledges of the Parliament, and the Liberties of the Kingdomes are, and how can they then ſwear to maintain they know not what?

Anſw. 1. By the ſame argument no man, or very few, might lawfully ſwear to maintain the Kings Prerogatives in the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy; nor the King himſelfe ſwear to maintain the Liberties of the Subject, as he doth in his Oath at his Coronation.

Anſw. 1 2. But there is hardly any perſon ſo ignorant, but knowes p. 53there are Priviledges belonging to the Parliaments, and Liberties belonging to the ſubject.

3. And that it is the duty of every Subject, according to his place and power, to maintain theſe; So that in taking of this Covenant, we ſwear to do no more then our Duty bindes us to; in which there is no danger, though we do not in every point know how farre that duty extends in every branch and ſeverall thereof.

4. In ſwearing to do my duty, whether to God or man, if The ignorant of many particulars, I oblige my ſelf to theſe two things.

1. To uſe the beſt means to inform my ſelf of the particulars.

2. To conform my ſelf to what I am informed, to be my duty.

Which yet in the caſe in hand, doth admit of a further latitude, namely, That which lies in the very word and letter of this Article (as in moſt of the reſt) In our ſeverall Vocations; which doth not binde every one to the ſame degree of knowledge, nor the ſame way of preſervation: As for example, I do not conceive every Magiſtrate is bound to know ſo much, no nor to endeavour to know ſo much as Parliament-men; nor every member of Parliament ſo much as Judges; nor Miniſters ſo much as the Lawyers; nor ordinary people ſo much as Miniſters; nor ſervants ſo much as Maſters: nor all to preſerve them the ſame way; Parliament-men by demanding them, Lawyers by pleading, Judges by giving the ſenſe and minde of the Law, Miſters by Preaching, Magiſtrates by defending, people by aſſiſting, praying, yeelding obedience, &c. All if the exigencies ariſe ſo high, and the State call for it, by engaging their eſtates and lives, in caſe they be invaded by an unlawfull power.

And in caſe of ignorance, the thing we binde our ſelves to is this, That if at any time any particular ſhall be in queſtion, What the Parliament ſhall make appear to be their right, or the liberty of the Subject, we promiſe to contribute ſuch aſſistance for the preſervation or reparation thereof, as the nature of the thing, and wiſdome of the State ſhall call for at our hands in our ſeverall places.

p. 54Obj. 2 2 Scruple. But ſome are offended, while they conceive in the ſame Article, The Kings Perſon and a… t…ority in the p…eſervation of Religion, &c.That the Clauſe wherein we ſwear the preſervation and defence of the Kings perſon and Authority, doth he under ſome reſtraint, by that limitation;

In the preſervation and defence of the true Religion, and the Liberties of the Kingdom.

To which we reply,

Anſw. 1. It maintains him as far as he is a King: He may be a man, but ſure no King, without the liſts and verge of Religion and Laws, it being Religion and Laws that make him a King.

2. See his Maieſties Declarations.It maintains his perſon and eſtate, as far as his Majeſtie himſelf doth deſire and expect to be defended: for ſure his Juſtice cannot deſire to be defended againſt, but in the preſervation of Religion and Laws; and his wiſedom cannot expect it; ſince he cannot believe that they will make conſcience of defen… i…g his perſon, who make no conſcience of preſerving Religion and the Laws; I mean, when the ruine of his perſon and authority may advance their own curſed deſignes. They that for their own ends will defend his perſon and Authority againſt Religion and Liberties of the Kingdome, will with the ſame conſcience defend their owne ends againſt his perſon and authority, when they have power in their hands.

The Lord deliver his Majeſty from ſuch defenders, By what Names or Titl…s ſoever they be called.

3. Who doubts but that Religion and Laws (wherein the Rights and Liberties of Kingdoms are bound up) are the beſt ſecurity of the perſons and authority of Kings and Governours? And the while Kings will defend theſe, theſe will defend Kings? It being impoſſible that Princes ſhould ſuffer violence or indignity, while they are within the Munition of Religion and Laws; or if the Prince ſuffer, theſe muſt of neceſſity ſuffer with him.

4. I make a queſtion, Whether this limitation lie any more upon the defence of the Kings perſon and authority, then it doth upon the Rights and Privil…dges of Parliaments, and the Liberties of the Kingdom, ſince there is no point or ſtop in the Article to appropriate it more to the defence of the Kings Perſon and Authority, th…n to the preſervation of the Rights and Priviledges p. 55ledges of the Parliaments, and the Liberties of the Kingdomes.

5. And laſtly, This Clauſe is not to be underſtood excluſive, as excluding all other Caſes wherein the Kingdoms ſtand bound to preſerve his Majeſties Perſon and Authority, but onelyonly pro ſubjecta materià, as expreſſing that caſe wherein the ſafety of his Perſon and Authority, doth moſt highly concern both King and Kingdoms, eſpecially at ſuch a time as this is, when both are ſo furiouſly and implaceably encountred by a malignant Army of deſperate parricides, Papiſts and their Prelaticall party.

Theſe Objections anſwered, and Difficulties removed, we proceed to the examining of the reſt of the particulars, in the following Articles.

The diſcovery of incondiaries or malignants that have been, or ſhall be: To which the fourth Article bindes us: Fourth Article. Diſcovery of Incendiaries and Malignants.Doth it not lie alſo in a neceſſary tendency to the ſecuring and preſerving of this Covenant inviolable with the Moſt High God, in point of Reformation? For can we hope a thorow Reformation, according to the minde of Chriſt, if oppoſers of Reformation may eſcape ſcot-free, undiſcovered and unpuniſht? or can we indeed love or promote a Reformation, and in the mean time countenance or conceal the enemies of it?

This is cleer, yet it wants not a ſcruple; and that peradventure which may trouble a ſincere heart.

Object. It is this; Having once taken this Oath, This Oath will binde us to diſcover children or parents, or husbands & wives, &c.if we hear a friend or brother; yea, perhaps a Father, an Husband or a Wife, let fall a word of diſlike of the Parliament, or Aſſemblies proceedings in either Kingdom; or that diſcovers an other judgement or opinion; or a word of paſſion unadviſedly uttered, and do not preſently diſcover and complain of it, we pull upon our ſelves the guilt or danger of perjury, which will be a mighty ſnare to thouſands of well affected people.

To which I anſwer.

Anſw. 1. The objection layes the caſe much more narrow then the words of the Article, which diſtinguiſheth the Incendiary or Malignant which is to be diſcovered by a threefold Character, or note of Malignity.

Firſt, Hindering the Reformation of Religion.

p. 56Secondly, Dividing the King from his people, or one Kingdom from ….

Thirdly, Making any faction or parties amongſt the People contrary to the L…ue and Covenant.

Now every diſlike of ſome paſſage in Parliament or Aſſemblies proceedings; every diſtent in judgement and opinion; every raſh word or cenſure, that may poſſibly be let fall through paſſion and inadvertency, will not amount to ſo high a degree of Malignity as is here expreſt, nor conſequently bring one within the compaſſe of this Oath and Covenant. A ſuitable and ſeaſonable Caution or conviction may ſuffice in ſuch a caſe.

2. But ſuppoſe the Malignity do ariſe to that height here expreſt in any of the Branches thereof; I do not conceive the firſt work this Oath of God binds us to, is to make a judiciall diſcovery thereof; while without all controverſie our Saviours **Matth. 18.Matt 18Rul… of dealing with our Brethren in caſes of offence, is not here excluded; which is,

1. Verſ. 15.To ſee what perſonall admonition will do; which toward a Superiour as Husband, Parent, Maſter, or the like muſt be managed with all Wiſedom and Reverence: if they hear us, we have made a good dayes work of it; We have gained our br…ther, if not then the Rule directs us yet.

2 In the ſecond place to take with us two or three more; if they do the deed, thou in yeſt ſit down with peace and thankfulneſſe, if not,

3. If after all this, the party ſhall perſiſt in deſtructive practiſes to hinder Reformation, to divide the King from his People, or one Kingdom from another, or laſtly to make factions or parties among the people; be it the man of thine own Houſe, the Husband of thy youth, the Wife of thy boſome, the Son of thy loynes, &c. L…vi muſt know neither Father, nor Mother, private Relations muſt give way to publike ſafety; thou muſt with all faithfulneſſe, endeavour the diſcovery; thine eye muſt not pity nor ſpare: D…ut 1, 6 7 8.It is a caſe long ſince ſtated by God himſelf; and when complaint is made to any perſon in Authorite, the Plantiff is diſcharged, and the matter reſts upon the hands of Authority.

p. 57Provided notwithſtanding, that there be in the uſe of all the former means, that latitude allowed, which the Apoſtle gives in caſe of Hereſie: ſc. A firſt and ſecond Admonition.Ti…. 3.13.

This courſe not only the Rule of our Saviour in generall, but the very words of the Covenant it ſelf doth allow; (for though the clauſe be placed in the ſixth Article, yet it hath reference to all:) viz. What we are not able our ſelves to ſuppreſſe or overcome, we ſhall reveal and make known. So that if the Malignity fall within our own, or our friends ability to conquer, we have diſcharged our duty to God and the Kingdoms, and may ſit down with comfort in our boſomes.

That which remains in the other two Articles, I cannot ſee how it affords any occaſion of an objection; and the reference and tendency it hath to the Reformation and preſervation of Religion, is eaſie and cleer to any eye, that is not wilfully blinde; The preſervation of Peace between the two Kingdoms, Fifth Article. The preſerv…tion between the Kingdoms.in the fifth Article, being the pillar of Religion; for how can Religion and Reformation ſtand, if any blinde Malignant Sampſon be ſuffered to pull down the pillars of Peace and Ʋnion.

Beſides it was a branch of that very Covenant in the Text as well as of that in our hands. The Children of Iſrael and Judah which had a long time been diſunited, and in that diſunion had many bloody and mortall skirmiſhes and battles, now at length by the good hand of God upon them, taking counſell to joyn themſelves, firſt, one to another, and then both unto God.

Firſt, Let us joyn our ſelves, and then to the Lord, in a perpetuall Covenant?

Surely, not onelyonly this Copy in the Text; but the Wormwood and the Gall of our civill combuſtions and warres, which our ſouls may have in remembrance to our dying day, and be humbled within us, may powerfully perſwade us to a cheerfull engagement of our ſelves, for the preſervation of a firm peace and union between the Kingdoms, to all poſterity.

And laſtly, as Peace is the pillar of Religion, Article ſixth. Mutuall aſſiſtance.ſo mutuall aſſiſtance and defence of all thoſe that enter into this League and Covenant in the maintaining and purſuance thereof, (mentioned in that ſixth and laſt Article) is the Pillar of that Peace. Divide p. 58& impera; Deſert one another, and we expoſe our ſelves to the Luſts of our enemies.

And who can object againſt the ſecuring of our ſelves, Indifferency, and Neutralitie.and the ſtate, againſt a deteſtable indifferency or neutrality, but they muſt ipſo facte, proclaim to all the world, that they intend before hand to turn Neutralls or Apoſtates?

To conclude, therefore having thus examined the ſeverall Articles of this Covenant, and the materiall Clauſes in thoſe Articles; and finding them to be, if not of the ſame nature, yet of the ſame deſigne with the preface and concluſion; (the one whereof (as I told you, at the entrance) obligeth us to the Reformation of Religion; the other of our Lives) as ſerving to the immediate and neceſſary ſupport and perfecting of theſe bleſſed and glorious ends and purpoſes, I ſhall need to Apologize no further in the vindicating and aſſerting of this Covenant before us; could we be ſo happy, as to bring hearts ſuitable to this ſervice; could we ſet up ſuch ayms and ends as the Covenant holds forth; The glory of God, The good of the Kingdoms, and Honour of the King, to which, this Covenant, and every ſeverall thereof, doth humbly proſtrate it ſelf, (Article ſixth) would all conſpire to make us and our poſterity aftter us, an happy and glorious people to all generations.

To them that object out of conſcience, Maſter Hinderſon, and Maſter Nyes Speech.theſe poor reſolutions may afford ſome relief if not ſatisfaction; or, if theſe ſlender endeavours fall ſhort of my deſigne, and the Readers deſires herein, I ſhall ſend them **Maſter Caryll. Maſter Soloman.to their labours, who have taken more a…le and fruitfull pains in this ſubject. To them that object out of a ſpirit of bitterneſſe and Malignity, nothing will ſuffice;

Quod vult, non quod eſt, audit ſemper qui decrevit errare, Chryſoſt. He that is reſolved to erre, is ſatisfied with nothing but that which ſtrengthens his errour. And theſe I leave to ſuch arguments and convictions, which the Wiſedom and Juſtice of Authority ſhall judge more proper; while I proceed to the ſecond Quaere propounded. The Why?

I come now to the ſecond Quaere propounded for the managing of this Uſe of Exhortation;

p. 59ſc. Why?

Why? Or upon what Conſiderations we may be perſwaded to undertake this Service? To enter into this holy Covenant.Firſt Motive Gods diſhonors by our former Violations of Covenant.

And the firſt Motive that may engage us hereunto, is the Conſideration, how exceedingly God hath been diſhonoured among us; by all ſorts of Covenant-violation, as hath been formerly diſcovered at large; in the avenging whereof, the Angel of the Covenant ſtands, as once at the door of Paradice, with a flaming ſword in his hand, ready to cut us off, and caſt us out of this Garden of God; this good Land wherein he hath planted us thus long.Numb. 12.14.Num 12:14

I may ſay unto you therefore, concerning our ſelves, as once Moſes in another caſe, concerning Miriam;

If her Father had but ſpit in her face, ſhould ſhe not be aſhamed, &c? If our Father had but ſpit in our face by ſome inferiour correction; ſhould we not be aſhamed? Ought we not to be greatly humbled before him? How much more, Iſa. 42.25.Isa 42:25when

He hath poured out upon us the fury of his wrath, and it hath burned us; and the ſtrength of battle, and it hath ſet on fire round about. Should we not lay it to heart, and uſe all means to pacifie the fierceneſſe of his anger, leſt it burn down to the very foundations of the Land, and none be able to quench it?

Yea, Secondly, Second Motive, That ſuch a means of recovery is yet left us.A wonderfull mercy and an high favour may we count it from our God, That yet ſuch a Soveraign means is left us for our recovery and reconciliation; Infinite condeſcention and goodneſſe it is in our God, That after ſo many fearfull provocations by our unhallowed and treacherous dealing in the Covenant he will vouchſafe, yet to have any thing to do with us, That he will yet truſt or try us any more by admitting us to renew our Covenant with His Majeſty, when he might in juſtice rather ſay unto us, as to the wicked.

What have you to do, Pſal. 50.16, 17.Ps 50:16Ps 50:17that you ſhould take my Covenant into your Mouths, ſeeing you hate inſtruction and caſt my worsd behinde you?

Certainly, had man broke with us, as oft as we have broke with God, we ſhould never truſt them any more, but account them as the off-ſcouring of mankinde, the vileſt, the baſeſt that ever trod upon Gods ground; and yet that after ſo p. 60many unworthy and treacherous departures from our God, after ſo much unfaithfulneſſe and perfidiouſneſſe in the Covenant, (ſuch as it is not in the capacity of one man to be guilty of towards another) that God ſhould ſay to us, as once to his own people.

Thou haſt played the Harlot with many Lovers, Jere. 3 1Jer 3:1yet return to me, ſaith the …; Oh wonder of free-grace!

Oh might this priviledge be offered to the Apoſtate Angels which kept not the Covenant of their Creation, nor conſequently their fuſt eſtate, and to the reſt of the damned ſouls in hell; would God ſend an Angel from Heaven to preach unto them a ſecond Co…ant upon the laying hold whereon, and cloſing wherewith, they might be received into grace and favour; how would theſe poor damned ſpirits Seſtirre themſelves: what ratling of their red-hot chains; what ſhaking of their fiery locks: In a word, what an uproar of joy would there be in hell, upon ſuch glad ti…gs!

How many glorious hurche…, as Capernaum, Bethſaida, the ſeven Churches o… Aſia, with others in latter times have for their Covenant-violation, been caſt down from the top of Heaven, where once you ſate in the beauty and glory of the Ordinances; to the very bottome of hell, a dark and dolefull condition, and God hath never ſpoken ſuch a word of comfort, nor made any ſuch offer of recovery, and reconciliation unto them, as he hath done to us unto this day?

Surely, He hath not d…lt ſo with every People, &c.

Let it be our wiſedom, and our thankfulneſſe, to accept of it, with both hands; yea, both with hands and hearts.

If God give us …arts ſuitable to this price, that is in our hands, Covenanting hearts, as he gives us yet leave and opportunity to renew our Covenant it will be to me a bleſſed ſecurity, that we are not yet a loſt people; and a new Argument of Hope, that he intends to do England good.

If neglected and deſpiſed, Whether this may not be the laſt time that ever England ſhall hear from God, I much doubt, unleſſe it be in ſuch a voice, as that is,

I would have healed England, Ez…. 24.23.and ſhe will not be healed; becauſe I would have purged thee, and thou art not purged, thou ſhalt p. 61not be purged from thy filthineſſe any more, till I have cauſed my fury to reſt upon thee.

The Lord forbid ſuch a thing: For,

How ſhall we eſcape, if we neglect ſo great ſalvation?

Thirdly, We may be mightily encouraged to this ſervice, Third Motive, It is the Priviledge of Goſpeltimes. Ezek. 37.16.22.Ezek 37:16Ezek 37:22in as much has it is propheſied of, as the great Duty and Priviledge of Goſp…l-times. You ſee the Evangelicall-day is one of thoſe dayes, wherein this propheſie and promiſe muſt be fulfilled. And it is the ſame Pri…iledge and Happineſſe which was propheſied of, under the type of the ſticks made one, in the hand of the Prophet Ez…kul: For though in the literall ſence, it be to be underſtood, (as it is expreſt) of the happy re-union of that unhappily divided ſeed of Jacob, Joſeph and Ephraim, Iſrael and Judah; yet in a Goſpel-ſence, it is to be applyed to the Churches of Jeſus Chriſt, in the latter dayes, which though formerly divided, and miſerably torne by unnaturall quarrells, and wars; yet Chriſt the King of the Church, hath a day wherein he will make them one in his own hand: The great and gracious deſigne which we humbly conceive Chriſt hath now upon theſe two Nations, England and Scotland; even after all their ſad diviſions and civi… diſcords to make them one in his right hand, to all Generations.

And this gives me aſſurance, that the work ſhall go on and proſper; yea, proſper gloriouſly, it having a ſtronger foundation to ſupport it, then Heaven and Earth, for they are upheld but by a word of power; but this work, which is called, Hob. 3 1.the New-Heavens, and the New-Earth, is uphold by a word of promiſe; For,

We according to his promiſe, look for New-Heavens, 2 Pet. 3.15.2 Pet 3:15and a New-Earth, wherein dwels righteouſneſſe.

I ſay, by a word of propheſie and promiſe, which it ſeems is ſtronger then God himſelf; for his word binds him, ſo that he can as ſoon deny himſelf, as deny his promiſe.

There ſhall be therefore an undoubted accompliſhment of theſe things, which are told us from the Lord: Luk. 1.45.Luke 1:45God will finde, or make a people, who ſhall worſhip him in this holy Ordinance; and upon whom, he will make good all the mercy and trueth; all the peace and ſalvation which is bound up in it: p. 62OnelyOnly, therefore let me Caution, and beſeech you, not to be wanting to your ſelves, and your own happineſſe: **Acts 13.Acts 13Judge not your ſelves unworthy of ſuch a priviledge, nor **Luke 7.3….Luke 7:3reject the Counſell of God againſt your own ſouls; ſin not againſt your own mercies, by withdrawing your ſelves from this ſervice, or rebelling againſt it.

God will exclude none that do not exclude themſelves.

Yea further, This ſeems to ſpeak an Argument of Hope, That the calling of the Jews, and the fulneſſe of the Gentiles, is not farre behinde; in as much as God begins now to poure out this promiſe in the Text, upon the Churches, in a more eminent manner, then ever we, or our fathers ſaw it, in a Goſpel ſence; And ſurely, Goſpel performance muſt make way for that full and univerſall accompliſhment thereof, which ſhall unite Iſrael and Judah, Jew and Gentile, in one perpetuall Covenant unto the Lord that ſhall never be forgotten. The Goſpel Day is nothing elſe, but the dawning of that great univerſall Day in the Text, wherein God will make one glorious Church of Jew and Gentile; The Day-ſtarre whereof is now riſen in our Horizon; So that I am humbly confident, That the ſame ſhores ſhall not bound this Covenant, which bound the two now-Covenanting Nations; but as it is ſaid of the Goſpel, ſo it will be verified of this Goſpel Covenant.

The ſound thereof will go into all the Earth, Rom. 10.18.Rom 10:18and the words of it to the ends of the world.

There is a ſpirit of Propheſie that doth animate this Covenant, Pſal. 14.15.Ps 14:15which will make it ſwift and active; ſwift to run: His word runs very ſwiftly: and active, to work deliverance and ſafety, not onelyonly to theſe two Kingdoms, but to all other Christian Churches groaning under, or in danger of the yoak of Antichristian Tyranny, whom God ſhall perſwade to joyn in the ſame, or like Aſſociation and Covenant.

So that me thinks all that travell with the Pſalmiſts deſire of ſeeing the good of Gods choſen, Pſal 106.5.Ps 106:5and rejoycing in the gladneſſe of his nation, and glorying with his Inheritance, Will certainly rejoyce in this day, and in the goodneſſe of GOD, which hath crowned it with the accompliſhment of ſuch a pretious promiſe as hear lies before us. While none can withdraw p. 63from, muchleſſe, oppoſe this ſervice, but ſuch as bear evill will to Sion, and would be unwilling to ſee the ruine and downfall of Antichriſt, which this bleſſed Covenant doth ſo evidently threaten.

Fourthly, Fourth Motiv…. The example of the Churches of God, andThis hath been the practice of all the Churches of God, before, and ſince Chriſt; after their Apoſtacies, and Captivities for thoſe Apoſtacies and recoveries out of theſe Captivities: The firſt thing they did, was to cement themſelves to God by a more cloſe entire and ſolemn Covenant, then ever.

Nehemiah, Ezra, Hezckiah, Jeremiah, Joſiah, will all bring in cl…er evidences to witneſſe this practice. This latter Churches have learned of them, Germany, France, Scotland, &c.

But what ſhall I need to mention the Churches, when as the God of the Churches took this courſe himſelf; who, when he pleaſes to become the God of any people or perſon, it is by Covenant; as with Abraham, Gen 17.2.Gen 17:2Behold I make a Covenant with thee, and what ever mercies he beſtows upon them, it is by Covenant; all the bleſſings of Gods people, are Covenantbleſſings; to wicked men, God gives with his left hand, out of the Basket of common providence; but to his Saints, he diſpenceth with his right hand, out of the Ark of the Covenant. Iſa. 55.3Isa 55:3I will make an everlasting Covenant with you, even the ſure mercies of David.

Yea, which is yet more to our purpoſe, When the firſt Covenant proved not, but miſcarried, not by any fault that was in the Covenant-Maker, no nor ſimply in the Covenant it ſelf, Of the God of the Churches.(for if man could have kept it, it would have given him life.) I ſay when it was broken, God makes a new Covenant with his People.

Not according to the Covenant which I made with their Fathers, which my Covenant they brake, &c. Jer. 31.31. Heb. 8 8.Jer 31:31Heb 8:8But this ſhall be the Covenant, &c. I will put my Law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts, and will be their God, and they ſhall be my People, &c.

Becauſe they could not keep the firſt Covenant; God made a ſecond that ſhould keep them.

p. 64Oh, that while we are making a Covenant with our God, he would pleaſe to make ſuch a Covenant with us; ſo would it be indeed a perpetuall Covenant, that ſhould not be forgotten.

Well, you ſee we have a Covenanting God, a Covenant Making God, and a Covenant renewing God; be we followers of God, as dear children: Let us be a Covenanting people, a Covenant making, a Covenant renewing people; and (as our God) finding ſault with the firſt; Heb. 8.8.Heb 8:8Let us make a new Covenant, …n a perpetuall Covenant that ſhall never be forgotten.

A fifth Motive to quicken us to this duty, F…th Mo…. The practi… …f the Pope and Preletes.may be even the practice of the Antichriſtian, State, and Kingdom; Popery hath been dexterous to propagate and ſpread it ſelf by this means.

What elſe have been all their Fraternities and Brother-hoods and Societies; but ſo many Aſſociations and combinations politique, compacted and obliged by Oaths and Covenants, for the advancing of the Catholike Cauſe, whereby Nations and Kingdoms have been ſubdued to the obedience of the Roman Miter.

And Prelacy (that Wh…lp) hath learned this poliſieof its mother Papacy (that Lioneſſe) to corroborate and raiſe it ſelf to that height, we have ſeen and ſuffered by theſe Artifices; while by cloſe Combinations among themſelves, and ſwearing to their o…edience, all the Inferiour Prieſthood, and Church Officers, by Ordination-Engagements, and Oaths of Canonicall Obedience, &c. A few have been able to impoſe their own Laws and Canons, upon an whole Kingdom; yea, upon three Kingdoms, it being an inconſiderable company, either of Miniſters or People (the Lord be mercifull to us in this thing) that have had eyes to diſcover the Myſtery of iniquity, which theſe men have driven; and much more inconſiderable, that have had hearts to oppoſe and withſtand their Tyranny and Uſurpations.

And why may not God make uſe of the ſame ſtratagem to ruine their Kingdom, which they uſed to build it; yea, God hath ſeemed to do it already, w…le in that place where they caſt that r…ring, Canon, and formed their curſed Oath, for the eſtabliſhing their …, with its endleſſe &c. to perpetuits. In the **…ing Henry 7 Chappel.very … place hath this Covenant been debated and voted, once, and a ſecond time by command of p. 65publique Authoritie for the Extirpation of it Root and Branch, and the caſting of it out for ever, as a plant which our heavenly Father hath not planted.

And who knows, but this may be the Arrow of the Lords deliverance, which as it hath peire't to the very heart of Prelacy; ſo it may alſo give a mortall wound to Papacy it ſelf, of which it will never be healed by the whole Colledge of Phyſitians (the Jeſuites) whoſe ſtudy the Complexion and health of that Babylonian Harlot.

In the ſixth and laſt place.Sixth Motive. The bleſſed ſucceſſe of this Ordinance in other Churches.

The good ſucceſſe this courſe hath found in the Churches, may encourage us with much cheerfulneſſe and confidence to undertake this ſervice.

It hath upon it a probatum eſt, from all that ever conſcientiouſly and religiouſly uſed this remedy.

It recovered the State and Church of the Jews, again and again, many a time, when it was ready to give up the ghoſt, it recovered and kept a good correſpondency between God and them, all the time it was of any eſteem and credit amongſt them.

It brings Letters of Teſtimoniall with it, from all the Reformed Churches; Eſpecially from our neighbour Nation and Church of Scotland, where it hath done wonders in recovering that people, when all the Phyſitians in Chriſtendom had given them over.

It is very remarkable, in the 20. Ezek. 37. God promiſeth to bring them into the Bond of the Covenant; and in the next Verſe it follows, and I will purge out the Rebels from among you, there is an [And] that couples this Duty, and this Mercy together; I will bring you into the bond, &c. And I will purge out, &c. Truly God hath made good this promiſe to our Neighbors; The Waters of this Covenant have been a notable Purgation to the Rebels there; It hath been a Shibboleth to diſcover them, and a Sword in the hand of the Angel of the Covenant, to chaſe or ſlay them.

The mighty Armies of Malignants, whether inbread or forraign, though more in number, and greater in power; have not been able to ſtand before it, from the firſt day till now.

p. 66The Walls of Jericho have faln flat before it.

The Dagon of the Biſhops Service-Book brake its neck before this Arke of the Covenant.

Pr…lacy and Prerogative have bowed down, and given up the ghoſt at its feet: And what changes hath it wrought in the Church and State! What a Reformation hath followed at the heels of this glorious Ordinance!

And truely, even among us as poorly and lamely, and brokenly, as it hath been managed among us, I may ſay thus of it: It hath kept life and ſoul together; I am confident we had given up the ghoſt before this time, had it not been for this Water of Life.

Oh what glorious ſucceſſe might we expect, if we did make ſuch cheerfull, ſuch holy, ſuch conſcientious addreſſes, as becomes the Law of ſo ſolemn an Ordinance! Truely, could I ſee ſuch a willing people in this day of Gods Power, as are here in the Text, encouraging, and engaging one another, in an holy Conſpiracy. Come let us joyn our ſelves to the Lord in a perpetuall Covenant, &c. I have faith enough to promiſe and propheſie to you in the Name of the Lord, and in the words of his ſervant Haggai; Hagg…i 2.18, 19.Hag 1:2Hag 1:18Hag 1:19From this very day I will bleſſe you.

And that you may know of what Soveraignty this Ordinance is; Take notice of this for the cloſe of this laſt Motive and this ſecond Quaere; That this is the laſt Phyſick that ever the Church ſhall take or need; it lies cleer in the Text; For it is an everlaſting Covenant; And therefore the laſt that ever ſhall be made; after the full and finall accompliſhment of this promiſe and duty, the Church ſhall be of ſo excellent a complexion, Iſai. 33. laſt.Isa 33That the Inhabitant ſhall not ſay, I am ſick, The people that dwell therein ſhall be forgiven their inquitie.

The Lord make it ſuch Phyſick to us for Chriſt his ſake.

And this ſhall ſuffice, &c.