initial commit of ebook 12381HEADmain

9 files changed, 21514 insertions, 0 deletions

diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6833f05
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.gitattributes
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+* text=auto
+*.txt text
+*.md text
diff --git a/12381-0.txt b/12381-0.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..934e103
--- /dev/null
+++ b/12381-0.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,5028 @@
+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 12381 ***
+
+THE AUCHENSAUGH RENOVATION
+OF THE
+NATIONAL COVENANT AND SOLEMN LEAGUE AND COVENANT;
+WITH THE
+ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF SINS AND ENGAGEMENT TO DUTIES,
+AS THEY WERE
+RENEWED AT AUCHENSAUGH, NEAR DOUGLAS,
+JULY 24, 1712.
+(COMPARED WITH THE EDITIONS OF PAISLEY, 1820, AND BELFAST, 1835.)
+ALSO,
+THE RENOVATION
+OF THESE
+PUBLIC FEDERAL DEEDS
+ORDAINED AT PHILADELPHIA, OCTOBER 8, 1880,
+BY THE
+REFORMED PRESBYTERY,
+WITH ACCOMMODATION OF THE ORIGINAL COVENANTS, IN BOTH TRANSACTIONS,
+TO THEIR TIMES AND POSITIONS RESPECTIVELY.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+PHILADELPHIA 1880.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+PREFACE.
+
+The Reformed Presbytery, at a meeting in Philadelphia, October 6th 1880,
+"_Resolved_, That another edition of the Auchensaugh Deed be published,"
+and appointed the undersigned a committee "to attend to this business
+with all convenient speed."
+
+This Presbytery, after forty years' experience, during which
+opportunities have been afforded for examining the opinions and
+practices of all parties, professing any regard for the Covenanted
+Reformation, is still deeply impressed with the conviction that the
+transaction at Auchensaugh 1712, is the only faithful renovation of our
+Covenants, National and Solemn League. The fidelity of our fathers in
+that hazardous and heroic transaction, it is believed, has ever since
+been the _occasion_ (not the _cause_) of all opponents manifesting their
+hostility to the whole covenanted cause, by first assaults upon that
+detested Bond. And that this is the real state of the case we proceed to
+prove by the following historical facts. _First._--In connection with
+remodeling the Testimony; or rather by supplanting it in 1806, the Terms
+of Communion, without submitting an overture, were also changed to
+harmonize with _Reformation Principles Exhibited_, by excluding the
+Auchensaugh Renovation from the fourth Term, where it had stood for
+nearly a century. The same party have for years excluded from their
+abstract of Terms the _Covenants themselves_. _Second._--In Scotland
+this faithful document was expunged in 1822, obviously to prepare the
+way for the adoption of a _"New Testimony"(!)_, which appeared 1837-9.
+The majority of the actors in that work who survive, are now in the Free
+Church! _Third._--At the time when defection was progressing in the R.P.
+Synod of Scotland, the sister Synod of Ireland strenuously resisted an
+attempt to remove the foresaid Bond from its place in the Terms. The
+Rev. Messrs. Dick, Smith and Houston in 1837, were faithful and
+successful for the time in resisting that attempt. Mr. Houston "_would
+ever resist any alteration_ in respect of the Auchensaugh Bond,
+regarding the objection laid against it as in reality aimed at the
+Covenants themselves." Yet as a sequel to their Renovation of the
+Covenants at Dervock 1853, the Auchensaugh Bond was subsequently "shown
+to the porch"--removed from the Terms! _Fourth._--At what was called
+covenant-renovation at Pittsburgh 1871, we believe no one spoke in
+behalf of their fathers' noble achievement in 1712. Indeed this could
+not be rationally expected in a body who could tolerate members
+vilifying the very Covenants which they pretended to renew.
+_Fifth._--Other parties farther removed from the position of their
+reforming progenitors; but who still claim ecclesiastical affinity with
+John Knox, and commonly prefix to the symbols of their faith the
+historical word _Westminster_, give very strong expression to their
+feelings of hostility--not to the Auchensaugh Bond, of which probably
+they never heard, but to the British Covenants expressly; yea, to the
+very ordinance of public social covenanting itself. But we shall let
+them speak for themselves. One Doctor of divinity is reported as
+saying--"I am opposed to the whole matter of covenanting. Covenants do
+an immense sight more harm than good. Those Scotch Covenanters brought
+persecution upon themselves by their covenants."[1]
+
+Another Dr. said, "I have always been opposed to covenanting. One
+generation of God's people have no right to enter into bonds that entail
+obligations upon future generations."[2] A third Dr. said, "I hold it is
+a sin for men to go into the august presence of God and enter into
+covenant with him. It is base presumption."[3] A fourth Dr. said, "I
+hold that the church as an organization is not a responsible moral
+agent. Neither is the nation!" These sentiments may well excite
+astonishment and alarm, when proclaimed by accredited teachers of
+morality and religion. _Sixth._--Seceders have all along their history
+claimed to be the sole heirs of the Scottish covenanted inheritance.
+They are not ignorant of the Auchensaugh Renovation. How they view that
+transaction may be best ascertained from their own language. The
+_Original Secession Magazine_ for November 1880, p. 861, speaks thus,
+"The distinction drawn between 'Covenanters' and 'Seceders,' we have
+shown to be groundless. Are Reformed Presbyterians covenanters at all?
+There is not an _actual_ Covenanter among them. They renewed the
+Covenants after a fashion in 1712. In our view the Covenants were not
+renewed, they were only mangled," &c. These sentiments are sufficiently
+strong and explicit to be intelligible. The writer's feelings evidently
+interfered with judicial discrimination, while openly expressing that
+hostility to the Auchensaugh Bond which is concealed by others. The Rev.
+John McMillan, whom the Lord honored to take the lead at Auchensaugh, is
+especially branded by this writer who asserts,--"he did not secede and
+retire, he was expelled; nor was the position of his early associates in
+the ministry of the purest water." Moreover, this writer asserts "that
+they (Seceders) have actually renewed the Covenants, from time to time,
+during the whole period of their existence." How could this be, since
+Seceders have all along rejected "the civil part of the Covenants?" But
+these documents bear on their face a direct aim at personal, domestic,
+ecclesiastical, and civil reformation. No party can intelligently and
+honestly renew the National Covenant and Solemn League, while eulogizing
+the "Glorious Revolution" of 1688, while in allegiance to the British
+throne--that "bloody horn of the beast;" or whose political principles
+will identify them with any other horn which may have power to scatter
+"Judah." Zech. i: 21.
+
+We have thus attempted by an induction of particulars, as concisely as
+we could, to point out existing opposition to our Covenanted
+Reformation, by various parties who assail the British Covenants
+directly, or by a first assault upon the Auchensaugh Bond, would reach a
+fatal stroke at the Covenants themselves. We believe with our
+predecessors that those who reject the Auchensaugh Renovation, by
+logical necessity will relinquish the Covenants themselves.
+
+The reader may be assured that neither we nor the Reformed Presbytery,
+whose committee we are, claim Papal infallibility or Christian
+perfection; nor do we ask implicit faith in any uninspired documents.
+But we sincerely believe ourselves that the Auchensaugh Renovation and
+the Bond, to which the foregoing statements are prefixed, will be found
+on examination to be sound, faithful, and "in nothing contrary to the
+word of God."
+
+DAVID STEELE,
+ROBERT ALEXANDER,
+JOHN CLYDE.
+_Committee_
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 1: This gentleman does not seem to know that infidels use
+similar argument against Christianity. Or, did he never read--"I came
+not to send peace on the earth, but a sword." His logic also is as
+faulty as his theology--_non causa pro causa_.]
+
+[Footnote 2: On what principle does this minister dispense the ordinance
+of baptism to subjects in their minority? Is baptism a mere ceremony,
+involving no obligation upon the children of believers? Gen. xvii: 14.]
+
+[Footnote 3: No _presumption_, when graciously invited to do so. Is.
+lvi: 4, 6, 11. This teaching tends to the subversion of social
+order--the moral order of the universe. 2 Pet. ii: 10.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+THE AUCHENSAUGH RENOVATION.
+
+THE NATIONAL COVENANT AND SOLEMN LEAGUE AND COVENANT, WITH THE
+ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF SINS AND ENGAGEMENT TO DUTIES: AS THEY WERE RENEWED AT
+AUCHENSAUGH, NEAR DOUGLAS, 24th JULY, 1712, WITH ACCOMMODATION TO THE
+(THEN) PRESENT TIMES.
+
+
+PSALM lxxvi: 11. Vow and pay unto the Lord your God.
+
+ISAIAH xxiv: 5. The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof:
+because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken
+the everlasting covenant.
+
+EZEK. xvii: 18. Seeing he despised the oath by breaking the covenant
+(when, lo, he had given his hand), and hath done all these _things_, he
+shall not escape.
+
+2 TIM. iii: 3. Truce-breakers--or Covenant-breakers.
+
+
+
+HISTORICAL INTRODUCTION.
+
+
+It is the ineffable product of eternal love, and infinite condescension
+in God toward his rational creatures, that ever he was pleased to make a
+covenant with them, and not to command and require obedience to his holy
+and just will, by virtue of his most absolute supremacy and rightful
+dominion only; but even to superadd sweet and precious promises, as a
+reward of that obedience, which he might of right have required, without
+giving any such incitements or pursuasives to it. And as no tongue of
+men or angels is sufficient to express, no strength of imagination to
+conceive, no sublimity of intellectual faculties to comprehend the depth
+of that spring, and breadth of that ocean of unbounded love, which hath
+exerted itself in God's covenanting with man; yea, with sinful man, by
+means of a Mediator: so shall it always afford matter of wonder and
+admiration to all finite and intelligent beings, to the ages of
+eternity, and shall never be comprehended by any, but by him whose
+understanding is infinite; wherefore He, who is all-sufficient and
+self-sufficient, should invite, yea, press and entreat unworthy indigent
+nothings, the sinful children of men to such an incomparable degree of
+honor, dignity and advancement, as that is, to enter into a covenant
+relation, and come into a solemn treaty of peace and conjunction with
+Him, who is infinitely removed beyond all blessing and all praise. To
+have this invitation, is indeed the honor and privilege of all within
+the visible church, to whose ears the joyful sound of the glorious
+gospel of Jesus Christ hath come; but few are so wise as to accept and
+approve it. Many, too many, account themselves unworthy of this honor,
+and by despising this privilege, and rejecting this dignity, deprive
+themselves of the greatest happiness; but as all nations, upon whom the
+day-star of the gospel hath arisen, have had the invitation to this
+duty, and all sound and real believers have actually participated of
+this honor, to have God making a covenant with them, and they striking
+hands with Him through a Mediator (which covenant is commonly termed the
+_Covenant of Grace_,) so these three kingdoms of Scotland, England and
+Ireland conjunctly, and Scotland by itself, as an independent nation,
+had in an eminent way and manner the honor, above most nations in the
+world, to dedicate and surrender themselves to the Lord, by a most
+voluntary, free and deliberate choice, and to come under the bond of a
+most solemn oath, in a most religious manner, devoting their all to
+Christ, his interest and honor, the flourishing and thriving of his
+kingdom, the success of his gospel, and reformation of his churches; and
+openly avouching him for their Lord and Master, to the honor of his
+name, and confusion of his enemies; which _Covenants National_ and
+_Solemn League_, though we look not upon them to be the same with the
+covenant of grace, yet we conceive of them as a solemn superadded and
+new obligation, tying us to all the duties, as well of a particular
+Christian conversation, as these which tend to the public and national
+advancement of reformation in religion, whereof the covenant of grace is
+the spring and foundation.
+
+These covenants, as they were the effects and consequents of many
+remarkable and signal expressions of divine love and goodness, many
+singular mercies and deliverances vouchsafed to these nations, as the
+return of many earnest prayers and wrestlings of the Lord's people with
+him; so they were the occasions of many blessings, and great indications
+of God's favor and loving-kindness. Then the Lord delighted to dwell in
+the nations; then did he beautify the place of his sanctuary; then did
+he fill his people's hearts with joy and gladness, by the familiar
+intimations of his special love and down pourings of his Spirit's
+gracious influences, as our land can afford many instances. Then did he
+enlarge his people's affections, and animate their spirits with zeal and
+courage, attended with knowledge, prudence and discretion to act for
+him, and advance his kingdom. Then did he illustrate his churches in
+these kingdoms, as bright and sparkling stars arising out of the thick
+clouds of antichristian darkness, and getting out from under Prelatic
+and Erastian yokes of bondage and slavery, and made them go forth as the
+meridian sun glorious and excellent; _terrible as an army with banners_.
+Hence it came to pass that these nations sent out a savory report to all
+the neighboring reformed churches, a report which comforted, revived,
+strengthened, animated and encouraged all the true and loyal subjects of
+Christ's kingdom; which struck terror and amazement to the hearts of his
+enemies; which shook and caused to tremble the pillars of Antichrist's
+kingdom, and disquieted the very foundations of the _seat of that
+beast_; which made malignants at home and abroad to be ashamed and
+confounded, and even forced the haters of the Lord to _feign submission
+to him_. Numberless were the advantages and privileges which did redound
+to these nations by, and were the lovely attendants and sweet
+consequents of, these covenants; whereby God did set to his seal of
+approbation, and gave clear evidence and demonstration of his acceptance
+of his people's cheerful and willing adventures in this duty of
+covenanting with him: and as these blessings and mercies, which, as the
+dew of Hermon, were distilled upon his people's heads and hearts, while
+they abode steadfast with him, and faithful in his covenant were so many
+irrefragable proofs of his acquiescence in their first and laudable
+undertakings; so the many sad and fearful plagues, distractions,
+confusions and miseries, which have attended and followed the many gross
+breaches and violations of these covenants and departures from God, are
+no less evident discoveries, undeniable signs and pregnant convictions
+of the Lord's most just displeasure and indignation with the bypast and
+present courses of revolting and backsliding from him; which courses of
+declension and grievous apostatizing from God and his covenant, all the
+three kingdoms and in special this nation, and every individual therein
+capable of such a work, are, without all controversy, called to bewail
+and confess before God, and by speedy amendment to turn from them, in
+order to avert judgments, and turn away justly impendent wrath and long
+threatened strokes.
+
+The consideration of these blessings and benefits, on the one hand,
+which followed the zealous entering into, and sincere performing of
+these sacred oaths; and upon the other hand the sense we desire to
+retain of the plagues and curses, threatened by God in his word against
+covenant-breaking inflicted upon covenant-breakers in former ages, and
+foreign nations, and visibly impending upon us in these nations, for our
+perfidious dealing in God's covenant; hath moved us a _poor
+insignificant handful of people_, unworthy indeed to be called the
+posterity of our zealous reforming ancestors, though heartily desirous
+to be found adhering to the same standard of doctrine, worship,
+discipline and government to which they adhered, to attempt this solemn
+and weighty duty of renewing (in our capacities and stations) these
+covenant obligations, that we might at least give some discovery of our
+respect to the cause of God, for the advancement and preservation
+whereof these covenants were first entered into, and afterwards again
+and again renewed by our religious progenitors, and by the whole
+representative body of the three kingdoms, who had any zeal for the
+interest of religion. And that we might, for our parts, be in some
+measure instrumental to transmit a testimony for the work of God in our
+land to the succeeding generation. Neither do we want, besides these
+general motives, some special inducements to this undertaking. As 1.
+Because these national covenants, having been nationally broken, and
+their funeral piles erected by wicked and perfidious rulers in the
+capital cities of the kingdom, with all imaginable ignominy and
+contempt, have long lien buried and (almost) quite forgotten under these
+ashes; most people either hating the very name and remembrance of them,
+or at least being ashamed honorably to avouch their adherence to them,
+and afraid to endeavor a vigorous and constant prosecution of the duties
+contained in them: So that it is high time that every one should do his
+utmost towards a reviving of them. 2. Because many openly declare their
+sorrow and grief that ever these covenants should have been entered
+into: malignants calling them a conspiracy, attributing every
+miscarriage of the persons engaged in them to the covenants themselves
+as their native effects; and others, who would take it ill to be called
+malignants, making them the causes of all the tyranny, rapine, bloodshed
+and persecution of the late reigns, as having raised the spleen of the
+enemies of religion, and accounting it safer that they should lie still
+in their graves, than that they should irritate malignants any more by
+their resurrection.[4] Therefore we judge it our duty to renew them,
+that we might evidence, that notwithstanding all these malicious
+calumnies and false consequences cast upon them, we are still of the
+same judgment with our reformers, that they are the most sovereign
+means, under the blessing of God, for the reviving and preserving the
+work of God in the land. 3. Because of the courses that are carried on
+in direct opposition to these covenants; the nations, formerly cemented
+in peace and love in conjunction with truth and righteousness, having
+broken these bonds, and united themselves upon another footing, by the
+late sinful incorporating union: and imposing new oaths in opposition to
+the covenant; such as abjuration, &c. granting license, protection and
+toleration to all the evils abjured in the covenant; as heresies and
+errors in doctrine, superstition in worship, Prelacy and Erastianism in
+government, and overthrowing all good discipline. 4. Because of our own
+sinful miscarriages in, and woful declinings from our covenanted duties,
+our proneness to break covenant with God, and to be indifferent, lax,
+negligent and unsteadfast in the cause and work of God, and to be led
+away with the error of the wicked, and to fall from our steadfastness;
+wherefore we thought it necessary to bind ourselves by a new tie to the
+Lord, and one to another in a zealous prosecution of covenanted duties,
+that the covenant might be as a hedge to keep us from running out into
+the paths of destroyers. 5. We being sincerely desirous and having an
+earnest longing to celebrate the sacred ordinance of the Lord's Supper,
+whereof many had unjustly called us despisers and contemners, and
+finding it to have been the laudable practice of the church of Scotland
+formerly, that all such as were admitted to that holy table should swear
+and subscribe the covenant before their coming thereunto; we judged it a
+fit preparation for our receiving a sacramental confirmation of God's
+covenanted love and favor to us, through our Lord Jesus Christ, that we
+should avouch Him for our God, and testify our adherence to His cause
+and truth, by our renewing our national covenants with Him.
+
+Upon these and the like weighty considerations we resolved to set about
+this solemn and tremendous duty; and being assured that we have no
+sufficiency in ourselves for any such undertaking, after frequently
+imploring the Lord for light and direction, strength and assistance, and
+seeking for ourselves a right way in the performance of the duty, upon
+days of humiliation, both in our private societies and publicly in the
+fields, we did condescend upon the following _acknowledgment of sins_,
+the more to enable us to remember our own and the land's breaches of
+covenant, in our solemn public confession thereof; and did draw up the
+following _engagement to duties_, not to superadd any new oath and
+obligation to the covenants, but only to adjust the articles of the
+covenant to the circumstances of the time, and to explain in what sense
+the covenant binds us against the present evils that are now prevalent
+in the land, and to the contrary duties. As for the covenants
+themselves, we made no material alteration in them, as judging it a work
+more proper for an assembly of divines, or representative body of church
+and state (had they been upright and faithful in this cause) than for
+us, who, as we are called by others in contempt, must own ourselves in
+truth to be, _but a handful of weak and most illiterate people_, and but
+as babes in comparison of the first framers of our covenants; only that
+we might make them in some measure accomodable to the present lamentable
+circumstances, whereinto we are involved by our iniquities, we have
+annotated some few necessary alterations upon the margin, wherein the
+judicious will find that we have in nothing receded from the scope and
+substance of the covenant, but only in the phrase; for instance, where
+the covenant binds to _the defence and preservation of the king's
+majesty and government_, in regard we have no king nor supreme civil
+magistrate so qualified, as God's law and the laudable laws of this
+realm require, to whom we might, for conscience sake, subject ourselves,
+in a consistency with our defending the true reformed religion in all
+its parts and privileges: Therefore, we can only bind ourselves to
+_defend and preserve the honor, authority and majesty of lawful
+sovereigns, or supreme magistrates, having the qualifications aforesaid,
+when God shall be pleased to grant them to us_. Where no judicious
+person will say that there is any substantial alteration as to the
+_matter of the duty_, but only as to the object to whom the duty is to
+be performed; there being none such in being as can justly claim, or to
+whom we may with a good conscience pay such an allegiance.
+
+Having mutually agreed concerning these prerequisites to this sacred
+action, that the same might be orderly gone about, and might not be
+performed in a clandestine way, so as to preclude any upright-hearted
+friends to the covenanted reformation from joining with us in that so
+necessary a duty, there was public intimation made of the design a
+competent space of time before, upon a day of humiliation, and likewise
+upon the Lord's day immediately preceding the work.
+
+As for the particular way and manner, method and circumstances of the
+work, we had not given any narrative of them; but that some, who came
+with an evil eye, to spy out our liberty, for criticizing, not for
+joining or profiting, have in part misrepresented the same, and may
+further do so; therefore, to obviate all such misreports, we have
+thought fit to make this brief relation thereof.
+
+Upon Wednesday, July 23d, those who had the work in design being met
+together, the minister began the day's work with prayer for special
+assistance to attain due preparation, and a suitable frame, throughout
+the whole solemnity: and thereafter had a prefatory discourse to the
+people, showing the nature of the work in general, its lawfulness,
+expediency, and necessity, from scripture precedents and approven
+examples of the people of God, adducing the 9th chapter of Ezra, Neh.
+Ezek. Dan. and Neh. x. 28, 29, for proof thereof; and of the day in
+particular, that it was a day of fasting and supplication, with
+preaching of the word, in order to preparation for the solemnities
+intended, both of renewing the covenants and celebrating the sacrament
+of the Lord's, Supper. After which a part of the lxxviii. Psalm, from
+the 5th to the 12th verse being sung, Mr. John M'Neil, preacher of the
+gospel, had a sermon upon Jer. 1. 4, and 5. "In those days, and in that
+time, saith the Lord, the children of Israel shall come, they and the
+children of Judah together, going and weeping: they shall go and seek
+the Lord their God. They shall ask the way to Zion, with their faces
+thitherward, saying, Come and let us join ourselves to the Lord, in a
+perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten." From which text he
+raised and prosecuted largely, and particularly the two following
+observations, as most pertinent for the work of the day; the first
+implicitly supposed, the other more explicitly asserted in the words;
+viz. 1. That, _a people in covenant with God may be forgetful of and
+deal falsely in their covenant_; or that _covenant-takers may be
+covenant-breakers_. 2. That, _it is the duty of a people who have broken
+covenant with God to engage themselves again to the Lord by the
+renovation of their covenant_. Where in prosecuting the former, he
+showed by what gradual steps of declension a people usually come to deal
+falsely in God's covenant, such as, (1.) By forgetfulness, Deut. iv. 23.
+There being a connexion between forgetting and forsaking, or dealing
+falsely in God's covenant, so the church intimates, Psal. xliv. 17, 18.
+"All this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten thee, neither have
+we dealt falsely in thy covenant; our heart is not turned back, neither
+have our steps declined from thy way." And the returning remnant of
+Israel being sensible of this connexion, resolve to bind themselves to
+the Lord _in a perpetual covenant that may not be forgotten_. (2.) By
+seeking shifts and arguments to elude and evade the obligation of the
+covenant and to defend the breaches thereof; which is after vows to make
+inquiry. (3.) By despising the bond of it; Ezek. xvi. 59. "Which hast
+despised the oath in breaking the covenant." (4.) By defection to the
+iniquities which are sworn and engaged against in the covenant, Jer. xi.
+10. "They are turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, which
+refused to hear my words; and they went after other gods to serve them;
+the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant,
+which I made with their fathers." (5.) By changing the government, laws,
+and ordinances sworn to be maintained in the covenant; either the
+government of the state, without consulting divine direction, and due
+inspection into the qualification of the persons set up, Hos. viii.,
+compare the 1st and 4th verses. "They have transgressed my covenant, &c.
+They have set up kings, but not by me, princes and I knew it not;" that
+is, without consulting me to know my will, and without my approbation
+and consent; or the government of the church, without regard to the
+revealed will of God. Thus, Abijah justly chargeth Jeroboam that he had
+"cast out the priests of the Lord, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites,"
+and that he had "made priests after the manner of the nations of other
+lands;" but encourages himself that he and Judah had the Lord for their
+God, because they had not forsaken him; "and the priests which
+ministered unto the Lord were the sons of Aaron." 2 Chron. xiii. 6, 10.
+(6.) By an entire forsaking and disowning the obligation of the
+covenant, Dan. xi. 30. "He------shall have intelligence with them that
+forsake the holy covenant." (7.) By a stated opposition to the covenant,
+and persecuting of these who adhere thereunto. Thus Elijah justly
+charges Israel, 1 Kings xix. 10, that they had forsaken God's covenant,
+because they had thrown down his altars, slain his prophets, and sought
+after Elijah's life. And in a use of lamentation deduced from the
+foresaid doctrine, he showed, that all ranks in the land had reason to
+mourn over their breach of covenant, in regard that some of all ranks,
+from the throne to the dunghill, in church and state, are, or have been
+guilty of dealing falsely in God's covenant, in all and every one of
+these diverse ways, and of declining from it: and in regard that there
+has been so much ignominy and contempt cast upon these sacred covenants,
+not only by breaking them openly, but also avowedly disowning and
+disdaining their obligation, and making the adherence to them criminal;
+and, which is above all, burning them by the hand of the hangman, and
+burying them so long in forgetfulness. This guiltiness he applied not to
+great persons only, but also to professors, to ministers, and
+particularly to ourselves, who are called dissenters from the present
+establishment; pressing upon us no less than others, the absolute and
+indispensable necessity of being convinced of, and mourning over these,
+not as the sins of others only, but also as our own--we having a chief
+hand in the trespass; pressing upon all present concerned in the work
+the duty of self-examination, and putting themselves to the trial,
+concerning their knowledge of the covenant obligations, both as to their
+nature and extent, as well as their sense of the breaches of these
+obligations.
+
+In the second head of doctrine, viz., _That it is the duty of a people
+who have broken covenant with God, to engage themselves again to him by
+renovation of their covenant_; after proving the proposition by several
+heads of arguments deduced--1st, From the lawfulness of entering into
+covenant with God, whether personal, as Jacob, Gen. xxviii. 20, 21, or
+economical, as Joshua and his family, Josh. xxiv. 15, or national, as
+God brought his people Israel under a covenant with himself, Exod. xix
+5. The consequence holding undeniably, that if it be lawful and
+necessary, in any of these respects, to enter into covenant with God, it
+must needs be also lawful and a duty to renew the same after the breach
+thereof. 2dly, From Scripture precedents of the people of God, who,
+after breaking off and declining from God's covenant, renewed the same.
+As for instance, the covenant made with Israel at Horeb, was renewed at
+the plains of Moab, Deut. xxxix;--by Joshua, chap, xxiv.;--by Asa, 2
+Chron. xv. 13, 14;--by Jehoiada, 2 Kings xi. 17;--by Hezekiah, 2 Chron.
+xxix. 10;--by Josiah, 2 Kings, xxiii. 2;--by Ezra and Nehemiah, Ezra, x.
+3;--Neh. ix ult. and x. 28, 29. 3dly, From Scripture precepts, Deut.
+xxix. 1--"These are the words of the covenant which the Lord commanded
+Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, beside
+the covenant which he made with them in Horeb." Psalm, lxxvi. 11--"Vow,
+and pay unto the Lord your God." 4thly, From Scripture promises, wherein
+the Lord promiseth as a blessing and mercy to his church and people,
+that they should renew their covenant with him, Isaiah xix. 21, 23--25;
+Zech. ii. 11. For further opening of the proposition, these two
+questions were proposed and solved--_First_, Whether all persons who
+have broken covenant with God may be admitted to renew the same?
+_Answer_, All sorts of persons in the three kingdoms are under the
+obligation of the covenant, and consequently, bound to renew and keep it
+inviolable; but all are not in present capacity, and therefore have no
+actual right to enter into covenant: such as are obstinately wicked,
+living in error, profanity, or malignancy, have not God's call and right
+from him, as such, to renew a covenant with him; for, Psal. 1. 16,
+17--"God says to the wicked, What hast thou to do to take my covenant in
+thy mouth?" But all such as are reformed, or reforming from all
+iniquity, and namely from the defections and compliances of the time;
+who have some suitable sense of the breaches, and competent knowledge
+and understanding of the duties engaged unto in the covenant, Neh. x.
+28, have a right and an immediate call to the duty of renewing the
+covenant. 2dly, If any number of people may renew a national oath and
+covenant without the consent and concurrence of royal authority, or at
+least, without the concurrence of some chief and principal men in church
+and state? _Answer_, Without the concurrence of church and state, a
+covenant cannot be taken or renewed nationally, speaking strictly; yet a
+few may publicly declare their adherence to their covenant-engagements
+by renewing them, not only without the consent and concurrence of
+authority, but against it; and there are several precedents for so
+doing, both before and since the established reformation. As for
+instance, that covenant at Edinburgh, Anno 1557; at Perth, 1559; at
+Stirling, the same year; another at Leith, Anno 1560; another at Ayr,
+1562. And at Lanark, a small handful of the Lord's people renewed it in
+direct opposition to, and at Lesmahago, without the consent or
+concurrence of authority; which instances may be both an inducement and
+encouragement to us to renew, and in our mean capacity, to testify to
+the nation our approbation of, and adherence to these covenants.
+
+In the prosecution of this doctrine, he had occasion also to insist upon
+the _reasons_, or _motives_, and _manner_ of entering into covenant. The
+scope and argument of the reasons adduced as motives to the duty of
+covenanting was to this effect:--
+
+1. The turning away of the Lord's wrath and anger from a land, or
+people, which covenant-breaking hath deserved, may be a motive to
+renewing covenant with God; this was the motive that prompted the good
+reforming King Hezekiah to make a covenant with the Lord, 2 Chron. xxix.
+10--"Now it is in mine heart to make a covenant with the Lord God of
+Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away from us." And Nehemiah, with
+the returned captives, Neh. ix. 38--"And because of all this, we make a
+sure covenant."
+
+2. Reviving and advancement in reformation, being the ordinary
+consequent and effect of upright covenanting with the Lord, may be
+another motive and inducement thereunto; this appears both in personal
+and national covenanting--In personal, Psal. cxix. 106--"I have sworn,
+and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments." The
+Psalmist's having sworn, was a very quickening consideration to excite
+him to the performance of his duty. In national covenanting, we always
+find, after the people of Israel and Judah had covenanted with the Lord,
+they made progress in reformation, and the land was purged of
+abominations and idols. Thus it was in Asa's covenant, 2 Chron. xv. 12
+to 19; for there, the people have entered into a covenant with the Lord,
+"and sworn with all their soul, and with all their heart," the Lord was
+found of them; and Asa removed his mother, Maachah, from her royal
+dignity, and stamped the idol which she had made, and burnt it at the
+brook Kidron; and he brought into the house of the Lord the things that
+his father and himself had dedicated. Thus it was also in Jehoiada's
+covenant, which he made "between the Lord, and the king, and the people,
+that they should be the Lord's people," 2 Kings xi. 17, 18, 20; for,
+immediately after the making of his covenant, "all the people of the
+land went into the house of Baal, and brake it down--his altars, and his
+images brake they in pieces thoroughly; and the priest appointed
+officers over the house of the Lord;" and they slew Athaliah with the
+sword. The like is evident in Hezekiah's covenanting, 2 Chron. xxxiv.,
+xxxv. chapters.
+
+3. This upright renewing of covenant with the Lord is a way and mean to
+procure many mercies, both spiritual and temporal, from the hand of the
+Lord; which should be a strong inducement and motive to engage us
+thereunto. Spiritual mercies are entailed upon it, Deut. xxix. 12, 13.
+"That thou shouldest enter into covenant with the Lord thy God, and into
+his oath, which the Lord thy God maketh with thee this day: that he may
+establish thee to-day for a people to himself, and that he may be unto
+thee a God, as he hath said unto thee, and as he hath sworn unto thy
+fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob." Temporal mercies are also
+promised to this upright renewing and keeping covenant, Deut. xxix.
+9--"Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may
+prosper in all that ye do." And, it is remarked, 2 Chron. xv. 15, that
+after Asa's covenant, "the Lord gave them rest round about."
+
+4. The malice and opposition of the Popish, Prelatical, and malignant
+party against the covenants, and their doing what in them lies, to make
+their obligation void and null, may be a motive and argument for the
+people of God so much the more to avouch their respect to them by a
+public adherence, especially after long continued breaches.
+
+5. Upright entering into, or renewing covenant with God, is a most
+sovereign medicine for healing a people's breaches, as well as their
+backslidings, the covenant being a cement, as well to join and unite the
+people of God one to another, as all of them in their duty to God; and,
+as it flows from the nature of the covenant to unite the friends of
+reformation, so it is observable as one of the peculiar fruits of
+covenant-renewing, that union in the Lord has followed thereupon: thus
+it was with Israel and Judah in the text, who united together in making
+a covenant with the Lord. Whence all the people of God, who are called
+to be united and "perfectly joined together in the same spirit, and in
+the same mind;" and especially they who have been lamentably divided one
+from another, by their manifold defections from God, and from their
+covenant-engagements, ought to be strongly inclined, moved, and engaged
+to this duty; from this consideration, the upright covenant-renewing is
+a usual mean of land-uniting and church-uniting dispositions amongst the
+people of God.
+
+As for the manner of renewing covenant with God, and how the duty ought
+to be gone about, he propounded and opened it in the following
+particulars, to this effect:--
+
+1. That it must be done with understanding and judgment, both in
+relation to the nature of the duties we engage to perform in the
+covenant: grossly ignorant persons being justly deprived of the
+privilege of engaging in covenant, though bound to inform themselves of
+its nature and obligation; and also in relation to the breaches, such as
+would engage into it being called to have some suitable sense and
+understanding, both how it has been violated, and by what means persons
+come to be guilty of the breach thereof. So, Neh. x. 28, 29--"Every one
+that had knowledge and understanding entered into the covenant."
+
+2. This duty must be gone about with sincerity and uprightness of heart;
+thus Joshua, when making a covenant with the people, that they should
+serve the Lord, exhorts them--"Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve
+him in sincerity and truth," Joshua, xxiv., compare the 25th verse with
+the 14th. The want of which qualification in covenant-renewing, causes
+unsteadfastness and perfidy in covenant-performing--Psal. lxxviii. 36,
+37.
+
+3. This duty of covenant-renewing requires, as a qualification towards
+the right performing of it, that there be a due consideration, and some
+suitable impression of the solemnity and weightiness of the work: which
+ariseth, partly from the _object_ or _party covenanted with_, the holy
+and jealous God, Joshua xxiv. 19--"He is a holy God, he is a jealous
+God, he will not forgive your transgressions, nor your sins," and partly
+from the _subject matter covenanted, or engaged to_. The articles of the
+covenant of grace, which we have professedly, at last, yielded to in our
+baptism, are weighty; for therein, as God engages to give us himself,
+his Son Christ Jesus, and in him all temporal and eternal blessings; so
+we engaged to be obedient children, and faithful subjects to him all the
+days of our lives. And the articles of these national covenants are
+weighty, for therein we engage to great things relating to the glory of
+God, and the good of our own and other's souls. And, partly, this
+weightiness ariseth from the great _danger and dreadful punishment of
+breaking the covenant_; which is threatened in many places of Scripture.
+The same is also intimated to us in the customs both of the Jews and
+Heathens, in entering into covenant; particularly, we find that the Jews
+used to cut a calf, or some other clean beast, in twain, and pass
+between the parts of it--using this, or the like form of speech, as the
+Jewish doctors relate--"So God divide or separate me, if I keep not this
+covenant." Jer. xxxiv. 18, compared with verse 20--"I will give the men
+into the hands of their enemies who have transgressed my covenant, which
+they had made before me, when they cut the calf in twain, and passed
+between the parts thereof." Nehemiah also, chap. v. 12, 13, when he took
+an oath of the priests, shook his lap and said--"So God shake out every
+man from his house, and from his labour, that performeth not this
+promise," &c. And all the covenanters said--"Amen."
+
+4. Much tenderness and heart-melting is requisite to the right
+performing of this duty. So it was with covenant-renewing Israel and
+Judah, who were "weeping as they went to seek the Lord their God, and to
+make a covenant never to be forgotten." This brokenness of heart, and
+tender-melting frame may arise, both from the consideration of the many
+sins and iniquities whereby persons have provoked the Lord their God to
+anger, whence they come "to be like doves of the valley, every one
+mourning for his iniquity:" and likewise from the consideration of the
+grace and mercy of God, manifested in Christ Jesus, his condescension to
+enter into a covenant with sinful men, and readiness, upon his people's
+repentance, to pardon their former breaches; from the consideration of
+this transcendently free grace, an humble and sincere covenanter will be
+transported into an ecstacy of wonder and admiration; as the church is,
+Mic. vii. 18, 19, 20--"Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth
+iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his
+heritage?" &c.
+
+5. Dependency and recumbency upon the Lord by faith, for strength to
+perform covenant engagements, is requisite to right covenanting, Isa.
+xxvii. 5--"Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with
+me; and he shall make peace with me." This is to "take hold of" God's
+covenant, Isa. lvi. 4.
+
+6. Affection to God and the duties whereunto we engage, is requisite to
+right covenanting, and that in its flower and vigour, height and
+supremacy. Thus, 2 Chron. xv. 12, 15, Asa and the people "entered into a
+covenant, to seek the Lord God of their fathers with all their heart,
+and with all their soul:--And all Judah rejoiced at the oath; for they
+had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire."
+They had an affection to the work, and did it with complacency, not in
+dissimulation, so as not to design to perform it: nor through
+compulsion, with an eye to secular profit or preferment, as many in
+these lands did.
+
+7. It is necessary, in order to right covenanting, that the work be
+gone about with a firm purpose and resolution (through grace enabling
+us) to adhere to our covenant engagements, notwithstanding whatever
+opposition and persecution we may meet with from the world for so doing,
+and whatever difficulties and discouragements may arise from the
+multitude of those, who prove unsteadfast in, or foully forsake their
+covenant. We must stand to our covenant, as it is said of Josiah, 2
+Chron. xxxiv. 32, that "he caused all that were present in Judah and
+Benjamin, to stand to" the covenant, which implies as well a firm
+resolution to perform, as consent to engage, as in the latter part of
+the verse, it is remarked, that "the inhabitants of Jerusalem did
+according to the covenant of God, the God of their fathers;" where
+_doing according to the covenant_ is exegetical of _standing to it._
+David also joins the resolution of performance with swearing; Psal.
+cxix. 106. "I have sworn, and I will perform, that I will keep thy
+righteous judgments."
+
+From the doctrine thus confirmed and explained, he drew this inference,
+by way of information, that seeing it is a people's duty, who have
+broken covenant with the Lord, to engage themselves again to him, by
+renewing their covenant, that it is not arbitrary for us (as many are
+apt to think) to renew, or not to renew our covenant; but that there is
+a plain and positive necessity for our repenting and returning again to
+the Lord, by entering anew into covenant with him, whether personal made
+in baptism, or at the Lord's table, or under affliction and trouble, or
+national vows and covenants entered into by ourselves or our fathers.
+And in a use of lamentation, he bewailed the backwardness of these
+lands, and particularly of this nation, to this duty; in that, now after
+sixty years and upwards of great defections from, and grievous breaches
+of our covenants by people of all ranks; yet there appears so little
+sense of either the obligations or breaches of them, and of a
+disposition to reviving them, even amongst those who not only profess
+some love to the reformation of religion, but even some belief of their
+perpetual binding obligation; and that notwithstanding, as the Prophet
+Isaiah saith, concerning Judah, chap. xxiv. 5, "The earth (or the land)
+is defiled under the inhabitants thereof, because they have transgressed
+the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant;" our
+land having been denied with Popery and Prelacy, and with a flood of
+abomination and profanity, the natural consequent of perfidy, the
+ordinances having been changed, perverted and corrupted, and the
+covenant not only broken, but burnt ignominiously, and the adherence to
+it made criminal; yet, for all this, there has not been a time found for
+renewing them these twenty-three years; and that ministers, at whose
+door it chiefly lay to stir up the land to this work, have many of them
+been as careless as others, waiving and putting off a stumbled and
+offended people, expressing some concernedness for this duty, with these
+and the like pretexts, that it was not a fit time, nor the land in a
+case for it (too sad a truth), but not laboring to get the land brought
+to be in a case and disposition for it, by pressing the obligation, and
+plainly discovering the violations thereof; so that, instead of being
+brought to a fitter condition for this duty, the covenants are almost
+forgotten and quite out of mind, so that the succeeding generation is
+scarce like to know that ever there was a covenant sworn in Scotland.
+And more particularly, that the godly, who are dissatisfied with, and
+dissent from the defections and corruptions of the times, have
+discovered so little concern about the work of reformation, and cause of
+God, which the covenants oblige us to own, defend, and promote. All
+which laxness and remissness is for a lamentation, and ought to be
+lamented and mourned over by the people of God.
+
+In the exhortation, he pressed upon us who are embodied together to
+renew our _covenant-engagements_, by giving an open and public testimony
+of our adherence to the _covenants, national_ and _solemn league_, that
+we should labor to attain a suitable frame, and serious consideration of
+the weightiness, solemnity, and awfulness of the work we were then
+undertaking: enforcing the same by several cogent motives, as namely,
+because in renewing these covenants we are called to remember our
+baptismal and personal vows, whereby we had renounced the devil, the
+world and the flesh, and devoted ourselves to the Lord to be his people;
+which if they were slighted and forgotten, there could be no right,
+acceptable, and comfortable entering into _national covenants._ And
+likewise because of the weightiness of the duties engaged to in our
+_national covenant_, and in the _solemn league_ and _covenant_, which
+he proved to be a covenant that ought to be renewed by us in this nation
+no less than our _national covenant_, in regard it was a religious,
+just, and holy covenant made betwixt God and the three kingdoms, though
+it cannot now be taken in the same consideration and extent, as at the
+first framing it was, viz.: As a league betwixt us and the
+representative body of the kingdoms of England and Ireland: where he
+took occasion to go over the several articles of the covenant, showing
+the nature and weightiness of the duties.
+
+Beside these two more general doctrines which were chiefly insisted
+upon, he observed several others pertinently deducible from the words,
+as first, _That unfaithful dealing in God's covenant will breed distance
+and estrangement from God._ This is implied in the children of Israel
+and Judah seeking the Lord, asking the way to Zion, &c.; their asking
+the way to Zion, importing that they had forgotten the right way of
+worshipping God, and that their sins had made a sad separation between
+them and their God. Secondly, That it is necessary that persons become
+sensible of their sin against God, and of his anger against them, and
+lay these things to heart, that they may be concerned about
+reconciliation with God, and reform their lives. Thirdly, That the
+kindly exercise of repentance in a backsliding people lamenting after
+the Lord, and setting about to renew their covenant with him, hath an
+effectual influence to unite and cement the divided people of God: thus
+in the text the children of Israel and Judah, whom their iniquities had
+long and sadly divided, are uniting together in this desirable frame of
+weeping and seeking the Lord their God, and making a perpetual covenant
+with him. This doctrine he proved and applied briefly as the time would
+permit, both because of its native result from the text, and because of
+his own, and our sincere desire to see a holy union and communion, in
+the way of truth and duty effected by returning to the Lord, and
+renewing the covenant with him, as among all the godly, so especially
+among those that profess their dissent from, and dislike of the corrupt
+courses of the times.
+
+Sermon being ended, after prayer, the covenants were first read
+according to the _Directory for renewing the solemn league and
+covenant_, prescribed by the Act of the General Assembly at Edinburgh,
+6th October, 1648, post meridiem, entitled, _Act for renewing of the
+Solemn League and Covenant;_ and, thereafter, the following
+Acknowledgment of Sins was also read: after which, prayer was made,
+containing a comprehensive confession of the more general heads of the
+foresaid Acknowledgement of Sins; and a part of the 78th Psalm,
+beginning at the 36th verse, was sung; and the minister dismissed the
+congregation with a short reprehension and advice, reproving them for
+their unconcerned carriage and behaviour during the reading of the
+acknowledgment of the breaches of these covenants, which had been first
+entered into at the expense of so much blood and treasure, and confirmed
+and sealed with the blood of many honourable martyrs of all ranks in the
+land; withal, exhorting all present to labour after a heart-melting
+frame for the right performance of the work in hand.
+
+Upon Thursday, July 24th, after singing a part of the 105th Psalm, from
+the 6th to the 12th verse, and prayer--Mr. John M'Millan preached upon
+Isaiah, xliv. 5--"One shall say I am the Lord's: and another shall call
+himself by the name of Jacob: and another shall subscribe with his hand
+unto the Lord, and sirname himself by the name of Israel." Whereupon,
+after the unfolding of the context, and explication of the words,
+showing that they clearly contain an intimation of a covenant relation
+betwixt God and a people, and their avouching of the same upon their
+part; the words seeming to have a reference to the state of the New
+Testament Church, and conversion of the Gentiles, who, being allured by
+the great gospel blessings and mercies bestowed by God upon the Jews, to
+join themselves to the church, should avouch their interest in the
+Messiah and covenant of grace, by taking the Lord for their God, and
+owning themselves to be his people. So that the words may be taken up as
+an answer to such a presupposed question as this, _Whose are you?_ _and
+what is your name?_ To which question, one shall answer, _I am the
+Lord's;_ another, _I am one of old Jacob's family and offspring_;
+another, if you desiderate my name, look the covenant subscriptions and
+you will find it there; another shall say, whatever my name was before,
+_my sirname now is an Israelite_. So sweetly should a shower of gospel
+grace engage the hearts of the New Testament converts to avow their
+covenant relation to the Lord, and glory in their union with his church
+and covenanted people. Having taking up the sense of the words to this
+effect, he deduced from them these two observations:
+
+_1. That the Lord is graciously pleased sometimes to privilege his
+people with very remarkable tokens of his gracious presence._ This
+doctrine is clear from the context, verses 3d and 4th--"For I will pour
+water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground; I will
+pour my Spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring. And
+they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the
+watercourses."
+
+Under this head of doctrine, he gave the following marks to evidence
+whether the present time of renewing our covenant with God was indeed to
+us a time of the Lord's privileging us with his gracious presence--1st,
+That a time of God's privileging his people with his gracious presence,
+and with a shower of gospel grace, is a very inviting and alluring time;
+wherein, as the Lord invites his people to their duty, by engaging their
+hearts and souls, through his Spirit's gracious influences, to fall in
+love with him and his commandments, so they mutually invite one another
+to covenant with God. 2d, That such a time proves a soul-engaging and
+taking time, wherein souls are engaged to fall in love with the
+covenant, and with Christ the Mediator of the covenant, and are taken in
+the net of the gospel. 3d, That a time of the letting out of God's
+gracious presence is ordinarily a time of many sweet and excellent
+resolutions, the people of God resolving to walk more accurately and
+circumspectly in the ways of new obedience. 4th, That this usually is a
+time of ridding marches, and clearing of evidences. 5th, That it is a
+time of many and special confirmations of God's love to the soul. 6th,
+That this time of God's letting out much of his gracious presence to his
+people, is a very uniting and healing time to them amongst themselves.
+Having given these marks, to show whether the Lord were, at the
+occasion, letting out his gracious presence, he added, by way of
+caution, that seeing (no doubt) the people of God would be expecting
+something of all these, upon the undertaking of so great a work; if so
+be that they found it not, they should not thence be induced to have
+hard thoughts of the Lord, and to conclude that he keeps not his usual
+method with his people, or is not so good to them as formerly he hath
+been: for whatever defects there are upon his people's part, there is
+none upon the Lord's, for he remains the same to them, providing they do
+so to him; the change of his dispensations towards his people being from
+the change of his people's deportment towards him.
+
+The Second Doctrine, resulting more directly from the words, was, _That
+the Lord's Spirit poured out in plenty upon his people will quickly
+bring them to an embracing of him, and to a public acknowledgment and
+avouching of the same._ Thus it was with the people of God in the
+text--no sooner does the Lord "pour water upon the thirsty, and floods
+upon the dry ground," even his Spirit upon the spiritual seed of Israel,
+but presently they are at covenanting work and subscribing work; "One
+shall say, I am the Lord's," etc. In prosecuting this doctrine he shewed
+first negatively that he was not for that occasion largely to treat of
+the several ways that the Spirit useth to manage this work of engaging
+the hearts of his people to embrace Christ, and so to make a public
+avouchment of the same; whether he doth it by representing to their
+views the sweet and precious promises made in the covenant of grace,
+thereby sweetly alluring and drawing them with the cords of love to
+himself, or by holding forth to their consciences the terrors and
+threatenings of the law, and thereby powerfully constraining them to fly
+to him as to the city of refuge from the face of Divine Justice pursuing
+them: for seeing the Spirit is a free agent and blows both how and where
+he listeth, he may engage a soul to close with Christ by either of these
+ways, though most usually he doth it by a conjunction and concurrence of
+both. Only this ought to satisfy us, that what way soever the Spirit
+taketh in bringing a soul to embrace Christ upon the gospel terms, he so
+manageth the work as that the end is effectually and infallibly
+attained.
+
+Nor Secondly, Was he to enquire into the measure of the outpouring of
+the Spirit's graces and operations, which is effectual for attaining the
+end, this being one of the deep things of God which the Spirit alone
+searcheth, and therefore is not necessary for us further to know, save
+only that we understand so much to be needful as may serve to empty the
+creature of all confidence in or dependence upon itself, or any other
+creature-helps whatsoever, and bring it to rely upon Christ alone, for
+acceptance with God; so much is necessary, and less cannot be
+sufficient.
+
+Nor Thirdly, Was he to handle the material differences between those who
+are brought really and sincerely to accept, embrace and acknowledge the
+Lord for their Lord, and to avouch the same publicly, which presupposeth
+a mighty power of the Spirit manifested in the sweet impressions which
+he maketh upon the soul, moving them sweetly and readily to comply with
+and yield to Christ without any longer resistance, and these who only in
+semblance and shew profess to avouch Christ to be their Lord, and feign
+submission to him, not from the Spirit's effectual and saving
+operations, but either from carnal and external considerations, or at
+most from the Spirit's common motions and convictions; which differences
+commonly arise from the different natures, motives, manner or ends of
+this their acknowledging and avouching Christ for their Lord, and
+covenanting with Him.
+
+These things, as not so immediately proper for the work in hand, though
+natively involved in the doctrine, being only cleared in transition; he
+came in the second place more positively to insist upon and handle the
+following heads. First, More generally to propose some considerations
+which make such a great work as renewing covenant with the Lord a
+weighty, hard and difficult work. And upon the other hand, to lay down
+some counterbalancing considerations which render such a work more easy
+and light, and may afford matter of encouragement toward the undertaking
+of it. Secondly, More particularly in application to ourselves and the
+work in hand, to lay before those who were resolved to enter into
+covenant with the Lord, what were the things that seemed to speak
+against us in the work, and might prove matter of discouragement in the
+undertaking of it. And what, upon the other side, might speak for us,
+and be ground of encouragement to us to go forward in humble and sincere
+endeavors to renew our covenant with the Lord. Thirdly, To give some
+advices and directions to such as were resolved upon the work. As for
+the first: The considerations which make covenanting work weighty and
+difficult. The _first_ consideration was drawn from the greatness of the
+party to be covenanted with, the great and glorious Jehovah, the
+Creator of the ends of the earth, who is a holy and jealous God, and who
+will not forgive the iniquity of such as are false hearted and
+perfidious in his covenant, obstinately persisting in their false
+dealing; so Joshua premonisheth a people making very fair resolutions
+and promises to serve the Lord, that it was a harder work than at the
+first sight they apprehended; "That they could not serve the Lord, in
+regard he is an holy God, he is a jealous God, and would not forgive
+their transgressions nor their sins; and that if they should forsake the
+Lord, and serve strange gods, then he would turn and do them hurt and
+consume them, after he had done them good," Josh. xxiv. 19, 20. 'Tis a
+part of his name, Exod. xxxiv. 7. _That he will by no means clear the
+(obstinately and impenitently) guilty_.
+
+A _second_ consideration that makes the work of covenanting with God to
+appear a hard and difficult work, was taken from the nature of the work
+itself, which is to serve the Lord in a covenant way, and in the
+capacity of covenanted children, this covenant relation involving in it
+a walk and conversation in all things like the chosen of the Lord; and
+'tis no small matter, so to walk, and so to behave as to be accounted
+worthy of a covenanted union with the Lord and interest in him, this
+covenant relation being confirmed with such awful sanctions, as in
+scripture we find, Neh. x. 29. "They------entered into a curse and into
+an oath, to walk in God's law," &c. This consideration, that covenanting
+work is weighty in its own nature, was further illustrated and amplified
+from the difficulty both of the things to be engaged against, and of the
+things to be engaged unto. As for the former, the things to be engaged
+against, which is sin in all its kinds and degrees, and in all the
+inducements to it, both with reference to ourselves, and also as to
+participation in the sins of others. This must first be put away, if one
+would be a right covenanter. Well did old Jacob understand the necessity
+of this, who being resolved to go up to Bethel, to renew his covenant
+with God, that answered him in the day of his strait, advises his family
+first "to put away the strange gods that were amongst them, and to be
+clean." Gen. xxxv. 2. So David assures us, Psal. xxxiv. 14, that
+departing from evil must precede doing of good. A man that would lift up
+his face without spot in renewing covenant with God, must first "put
+iniquity far away, and not suffer wickedness to dwell in his
+tabernacles," as Zophar advises Job, chap. xi. 14, 15. They that would
+take on with a new master must be fairly parted from the old, there is
+no way of pleasing both Christ and mammon, and therefore no possibility
+of serving both; whence the nature of covenanting work requires, that
+there be an upright putting away of all sin; for if the soul have any
+secret reserves in favor of a beloved sin, it has no ground to think
+that Christ will accept it, as his covenanted spouse and bride. Nor is
+this all, but 2dly, it must be mourned over and truly bewailed,
+especially upon the account of the offence done to a gracious God
+thereby; which sorrow must not be of an ordinary sort, but an
+extraordinary and most intense sorrow, for it cannot be an ordinary kind
+of sorrow, provided it be in any suitable measure proportioned to the
+offence. And 3dly, which follows upon the former, there must be a
+"loathing of the person's self because of these its ways and doings that
+have not been good in his sight," Ezek. vi. 9, even to that degree as to
+fill the soul with wonder and astonishment, that ever it should have an
+occasion of renewing covenant with God again. 4thly, There must be a
+sincere and hearty resolving against all sins, consequent upon this
+loathing; the soul saying with a steady purpose, "if I have done
+iniquity I will do so no more," Job xxxiv. 32.
+
+2dly, As to the latter, the things engaged unto render the nature of
+covenanting work difficult and weighty, which are duties of various
+kinds, such as, 1st, Holiness towards God, which is one special and
+chief part of the covenant, and that not for a time only, but for ever;
+both in regard that God, the party covenanted with, is holy and
+unchangeably so, and calls his people to imitate him in this attribute
+especially; and also in regard that the covenant itself is for its
+nature holy, all the articles being morally good and consonant to the
+royal law, the scriptures of truth; and for the extent of its duration,
+of perpetual force and obligation. This duty of holiness towards God,
+engaged to in the covenant, comprehends in it a zealous endeavor to
+maintain the purity of the doctrine, worship, discipline and government
+of his institution, in opposition to all those who would corrupt it, or
+decline from it. 2d, Righteousness towards our neighbor, and more
+especially to our covenanted brother; which righteousness should
+discover itself both in reference to sin and duty, by reproving him for
+sin; or upon his rejecting reproof, by withdrawing from him, that he may
+be ashamed, and so come to be reclaimed from his evil course; and by
+affording him all that help and assistance to covenanted duties, that
+may be warrantably called for, and generally by uprightness towards him
+in all our transactions and dealings of any kind. 3d, Faithfulness
+towards our nation, which comprehends a constant endeavor to advance and
+promote in our station the common good thereof; and a stedfast
+opposition to the courses that tend to take away the privilege of the
+same. 4th, Uprightness towards ourselves, in everything relating to the
+real good of our own souls and bodies; by walking in all the duties of
+soberness, temperance, and moderation; for as others are to have their
+due, so ourselves are not to be neglected.
+
+A _third_ consideration, whereby the duty of renewing covenant with God
+appears to be difficult and weighty, was deduced from _the manner and
+way of engaging_; whereunto several things of great difficulty to be
+attained were showed to be absolutely necessary, as, 1st, _Judgment_, to
+know, and in some measure comprehend, the nature of the duties to be
+engaged to, and the advantages flowing from the right entering into, and
+keeping of the covenant, and the losses redounding to the breakers
+thereof. 2d, _Seriousness_, which, if ever it be in exercise, will
+certainly then be most lively, when the soul is entering upon a work of
+so high import, as making a covenant with God; for then the creature has
+one of two things to look for, either covenant blessings, or covenant
+curses, according as it performs or not performs the tenor of the
+covenant. 3d, _Deliberation_; rashness in covenanting is of dangerous
+consequence: 'tis not the example of others only, nor raw flashes of
+conviction or love, nor external considerations, as gain, honor, men's
+approbation, &c., that must induce to this duty; but a fixed permanent
+purpose of heart and soul, rationally and deliberately entered into.
+4th, _Heart-integrity_, That it be done with all the heart, 2 Chron. xv.
+15, for the man brings himself under a curse, that "having a male in his
+flock, sacrificeth to the Lord a corrupt thing." Mal. i. 14.
+
+A _fourth_ consideration, from whence the work of covenanting comes to
+be a difficult and hard work, was deduced from the _way and manner of
+performing_ the duties engaged to; which is (as 'tis expressed in the
+covenant) with sincerity, reality, and constancy; the difficulty of
+attaining to these qualifications in the performance of covenant-duties,
+arising partly from the strength of corruption within, the law of sin
+and death, which opposes the law of God; and partly from the strength of
+snares and temptations from without; which requires, that (as becomes
+covenanted children) there be a daily recourse to Jesus Christ, for
+light to discover, and strength to overcome these corruptions and
+temptations; and life, that the soul turn not dead and insensible under
+them.
+
+A _fifth_ consideration, from whence the difficulty of covenanting with
+God is sometimes heightened, was taken from _the meanness of such as
+attempt the work_. When the great ones, the nobles that are called _the
+shields of the earth_, do not afford their authority and patrociny, as
+an encouragement to the undertaking; and when the wise and learned will
+not employ their learning, parts, and abilities for the facilitating
+thereof; but the mean and weakest are left to do the work alone. This
+was no small difficulty and discouragement to the Tekoites, in their
+building and repairing the wall of Jerusalem, "That their nobles put not
+their necks to the work of their Lord." Neh. iii. 5.
+
+A _sixth_ consideration, which may sometimes render such a work hard and
+difficult, was drawn from _the want of the concurrence of civil
+authority; and the opposition made thereunto by the laws of the land_;
+which, when it happens to be the case of a people designing to renew
+national engagements cannot but be a very difficult and discouraging
+ingredient amongst others in their cup.
+
+On the other hand, these counterbalancing considerations were adduced,
+which are as so many props and pillars to support his people, and to
+allay the difficulties of the duty of entering into covenant with God,
+and to make it the more light and easy. 1st, _That the work is the
+Lord's_, and he is greatly concerned in it; and, therefore, his people
+may safely lean to him for help, he having enacted no law against it, as
+men have. 2d, That _he looks not upon his people in such undertakings,
+as in themselves_, for then it were impossible for creatures, having
+the least sinful imperfection in them, to covenant with their spotless
+Creator, and come so near a jealous God, who is a consuming fire to the
+workers of iniquity; _but he considers his people in their covenanting
+with him, as in their head, Christ, his eternal Son_; whence we may
+safely say, That our national covenant wants not a Mediator more than
+the covenant of grace, in this sense, as it is through him we have
+access to make this covenant with God. 3d, That _the Lord has promised
+his presence to his own work_; thus we find through the whole of the
+covenants made, and renewed by the people of Israel and Judah, that the
+Lord discovered his gracious presence with them, by some remarkable
+effect of his goodness. Thus it is remarked of Hezekiah, that after he
+had entered into covenant, "That the Lord was with him, and he prospered
+whithersoever he went forth," 2 Kings xviii. 7, compared with 2 Chron.
+xxix. 10. 4th, That _the Lord puts none of his people to any piece of
+his work upon their own proper expense and charges, but upon his own_;
+and whatever complaints his people may have of want of necessary
+charges, he both has wherewith to supply them, and has undertaken to
+make it actually forthcoming for them, having commanded his people to
+open their mouths wide, and he has promised to fill them. 5th, That the
+covenant has a greater entail of blessings, than what will sufficiently
+compensate whatever expense and pains a people may be at, in undertaking
+and performing it. In regard, that though a Christian should lose all,
+yea, even life itself, upon the account of it, yet the covenant will
+bring in all with advantage to a hundred fold, and glory to the
+overplus, when it is duly observed. 6th, That _the undertakers have
+God's call and commandment to set about it_; this is that which, above
+all other considerations, inspires a Christian with undaunted courage
+and alacrity in the undertaking of a duty, when it is made clear that
+the person has God's call and command for a warrant; otherwise the want
+of this may make the duty to be heartlessly and doubtingly entered upon,
+and lamely performed.
+
+Seeing, therefore, that sometimes a work may be the Lord's, and yet the
+Lord's call to such a particular person, or people to undertake it, may
+be wanting; he came necessarily (which was the _second_ head proposed)
+to enquire, what were the several things that might seem to speak
+against us, as not having this call from the Lord, and what were the
+things that spake for us, and might give us matter of encouragement in
+undertaking the work before us.--In solution of which the following
+considerations were proposed.
+
+1st, As to the things that might seem to speak against us: 1st, _Our
+darkness_, not whether covenanting be a duty, but in regard of the want
+of right apprehensions of the nature and greatness of the duty, which
+cannot be a sufficient ground to neglect the duty, unless there were
+some duties from which a Christian is exeemed and that this is one of
+them, which indeed will not be found in the whole Bible. 2d, _Our want
+of a frame suitable for the greatness and weightiness of the work_,
+which speaks sadly against us, but is not to be a ground to neglect the
+duty, we being commanded to look to the God of the covenant for it.
+
+Upon the other hand, the things which seemed to speak for us, and yield
+matter of encouragement, that not only the work was the Lord's, but also
+that we had his call to the same, were, 1st, The many, palpable, plain,
+and open breaches of these covenants, are a loud call to renew them. 2d,
+The undervaluing account that the nations have made of them, is a call
+to all such as have any respect to the sacred name of the Lord invocated
+in these covenants, to do their utmost to vindicate them from that
+disgrace, by showing how high a price and value they put upon them. 3d,
+The lands enacting the perpetual banishment of these covenants, and
+imposing oaths contrary and opposite to them; which brings double
+perjury upon the nation, both by disregarding and omitting the
+performance of this just, lawful, and commendable covenant, and by
+making unjust, sinful and hateful covenants, for opposing the growth and
+success of Christ's kingdom, even the reformation of these many abuses
+that have corrupted the holy religion of his institution: And perjury
+drawing wrath after it, as a native and necessary fruit consequent; they
+that would stand in the gap, to turn away national wrath, cannot
+otherwise make up the hedge, that the land should not be destroyed, but
+by renewing and keeping national covenants. 4th, That so many are
+speaking against them everywhere, accounting them a conspiracy against
+royal authority, a popular combination for advancing private ends and
+interests under the cloak of religion, or at least unnecessary and
+unprofitable for the end intended by them, binding to things of such a
+heterogeneous nature, as renders the keeping of them, and keeping within
+the sphere of our own activity and station, inconsistent and impossible,
+and such things as whereof we now have no occasion, and the like; which
+is a loud call to us, or any that retain other thoughts of their nature
+and ends, than the generality do, to speak for them; which cannot be
+done more fitly, honorably, nor conspicuously any other way, than by
+renewing and observing them. 5th, The practice of the godly in such a
+juncture of time, as what ours appears to be, is a call and encouraging
+consideration to set us upon this work: the godly usually in times of
+great defection from the purity and power of religion, and corruption of
+the ordinances of God's worship, set about renewing their covenant,
+thereby to prevent covenant curses, and procure covenant blessings; as
+we find both in scripture record, 2 Chron. xv. 12, 13; xxix. 10; xxxiv.
+30, 31; Ezra x. 3, and in our own ecclesiastic history. And the practice
+was justified by the success, for the most part terminating in some
+reviving and reformation. 6th, The time being come to such a crisis,
+that such as would keep the word of Christ's patience cannot any longer
+do it in a distinguishing way from those that are covenant-breakers, but
+by renewing covenant, and thereby making a test and trial of the
+well-wishers to the covenanted interest in the land, is a call to set
+about this work: in former times the godly held fast this their
+profession, by suffering for their adherence to covenanted duties,
+resisting unto blood, striving against the sin of covenant-breaking;
+whereas now our call seems to be more clear to do it, by renewing those
+covenant-obligations. 7th, The covenants themselves have, as it were, a
+loud voice to call us, and all who own their obligation, to set about
+renewing of them; they call by the justness and intrinsic goodness of
+the matter, which is of binding force by virtue of the law of God, prior
+to any covenant-tie, and by the holiness and excellency of the end, to
+wit, the reformation and preservation of religion. Yea, the covenant
+seems to say to us, and to every true hearted son of the church of
+Scotland, as Job said in another case, "Have pity upon me, O my
+friends," &c. So says the covenant: Have pity upon me, all ye that have
+any respect for me, for church and state have forsaken me.
+
+The _third_ thing proposed was to give some advices and directions for
+right managing the duty intended. The scope and substance whereof
+briefly follows:
+
+1st, Such as would make a covenant with God aright, so as the same may
+never be broken nor yet forgotten, must labor to know if they be in good
+terms with the God of the covenant, and with the Mediator of the
+covenant; if they sincerely closed with the terms, and acquiesced to the
+proposals of the covenant of grace; this personal and particular
+acceptance of Christ in the new covenant being the only fountain of
+acceptable entering into national covenants. Hence it concerns all that
+would be right Covenanters, to search and see how it may be betwixt God
+and them, because 'tis but a profanation of the covenant to have the
+hand and tongue at it, and the heart from it: a well informed head
+without a reformed heart is not sufficient: a good opinion and liking of
+the covenant without a heart and affection to the covenant avails
+nothing in God's sight.
+
+2d, Such as would rightly renew covenant with God, must be well resolved
+concerning the motives leading them to covenant; which motives must
+neither arise wholly from without, nor yet wholly from within, for if
+these motives arise wholly from without, it discovers a great deal of
+treachery in the persons covenanting, as not beginning at the heart, not
+duly considering the inward case of the soul, but being moved from some
+external considerations, as a name amongst men, or affectation of zeal
+for public concerns, or such like; if they arise wholly from within it
+betrays much weakness and lowness of spirit, as not being able at the
+same time both to have a concern about the inward frame of the heart,
+and eternal state and condition of the soul, and likewise a zeal for the
+public good of the nation, and thriving of the work of God and kingdom
+of Christ. Both which interests ought to be in their due proportion
+before the eyes of a sound and real Covenanter; a right engager in
+covenant must be moved thereto, both from a due sense of the strength
+and power of corruption within, and also from the consideration of the
+lowness of God's work through defection without.
+
+3d, A right covenanter must be well resolved concerning the terms of
+the covenant; that it excludes all coming and going, according to the
+revolutions of the times, and the ebbing and flowing of worldly
+interests: One that has given up his name to the Lord in covenant, and
+called himself by the name of Israel, must not, like the Samaritans, be
+an Israelite only in the time of Israel's prosperity, but he must be one
+in adversity too: The things engaged to in the covenant being of an
+everlasting and permanent duration, in their nature, must be lasting
+also in their observation.
+
+4th, A right renewer of covenant must be well resolved anent the cost
+and expense of steadfast keeping of covenant. This should be first
+counted and deliberately resolved upon before engaging, lest after
+persons have engaged they want sufficiency to finish and fulfil the
+undertaking; and the Wise man assures us, it is better not to vow, than
+to vow and not pay. The covenant may come to require the cost both of
+doing and suffering to finish it: there must, therefore, be a resolving
+upon both, before engaging.
+
+5th, A right covenanter must be well resolved concerning the separating
+nature, and the uniting tie and bond of the covenant, for as it
+distinguished between friends and foes, so it unites covenanters amongst
+themselves in duties, interests, and concerns. So that they become one
+society, having an identity of common duties and privileges, common
+crosses and rejoicings; and must rejoice together and weep together.
+
+He closed the Sermon with a two-fold advice or exhortation, to two sorts
+of persons.
+
+1st, To those who had some good opinion of, and some love for the
+covenant, but yet were not resolved to join in covenant with us, because
+of many entanglements in a world; some estate, farm, or place of
+employment would be forfeited thereby; and hence, though the covenant
+be, in their opinion, a lawful and commendable engagement, yet not for
+them; they are in a course inconsistent with it, and could not be
+otherwise without foregoing some worldly accommodation. Those he advised
+to consider the matter duly; not to engage without a resolution to
+forsake all interests that might interfere with covenanted duties; for
+to engage in the covenant, and yet to walk in a course opposite to it,
+would be exceedingly sinful; but to labour rather after old Jacob's
+spirit and disposition, who looked to and trusted in the God of the
+covenant when he had nothing else to look to--no outward encouragement,
+Gen. xxxii. 10--He had but his staff in his hand when he passed over
+Jordan, and the Lord made him to return with two bands. For, if a person
+could attain Jacob's spirit, name and sirname would be lovely in their
+eyes, covenant and covenanting.
+
+2dly, To those who had put their hands to many sinful covenants in
+opposition to this covenant, and such as being in a natural and
+unrenewed state, in league with sin and Satan, and in covenant with hell
+and death. Those he advised and earnestly obtested to break all their
+sinful covenants, to loathe and abhor them, and be humbled for them: and
+to come and fall in with this covenant, to say in sincerity that whereas
+other lords have had too long dominion over them, henceforth they would
+make mention only of the name of the Lord as their Lord; and that their
+name should henceforth be _Jacob_, and their sirname _Israel_, and to
+sign and seal the same with their oath and subscription. This
+exhortation he enforced by the several calls to the work mentioned
+before, and by the two following motives: 1st, Because right entering
+into, and steadfast keeping of this covenant is the way to a holy life,
+and a holy life tends to make a holy nation; for, if we would observe
+this covenant sincerely, uniformly, and constantly, we could never be an
+unholy, and consequently, never an unhappy people; but it should be
+written as a motto upon our walls and gates, JEHOVAH SHAMMAI, _the Lord
+is there._ 2d, Because the entering rightly into and due observance of
+this covenant would be our strength in the midst of all perplexing
+thoughts, whether arising from inward corruptions, or from outward
+temptations or dangers; the covenant yielded more satisfaction to David
+when dying than a royal diadem, a melodious harp, a puissant army,
+strong cities, a numerous offspring, or any earthly comforts could do,
+when, 2 Sam. xxiii. 5, he supports himself with this, That "though his
+house was not so with God," yet He had made with him "an everlasting
+covenant, well-ordered in all things, and sure." The keeping of this
+covenant had been to our nation a Samson's lock, whereby we should have
+been able to oppose all our enemies; whereas the breach of it hath
+opened a door to all sorts of enemies to creep in amongst us, and hence
+is verified that which the Lord has threatened his people with for
+their breach of covenant, Deut. xxviii. 44, that the enemy shall be the
+head, and his people the tail.
+
+Sermon being closed by prayer, the Acknowledgment of Sins was again
+read, as preparative to the engaging part; and the minister, in the
+first place, admonished all such as were guilty of such public steps of
+defection as are confessed in the Acknowledgment, to make full and free
+confession thereof before the congregation, with such a due sense of,
+and sorrow for these public sins, as might evidence a hearty design of
+abandoning them and of adhering more closely to covenanted duties, which
+accordingly many did, both with respect to the perjurious oaths of the
+late times and defections of the present.
+
+Because many have made a handle of this, above any other part of the
+action, to reproach and render the whole of the work contemptible,
+calling it Jesuitic superstition, enthusiasm, advancing our own
+confessions into the room of Christ's satisfaction, and expecting pardon
+upon the score of superficial public acknowledgments:--therefore, to
+vindicate this part of the work from such groundless calumny, we desire
+it may be adverted. 1st, That this is a commanded duty, that such as
+have violated the law and commandments of God, and being guilty of false
+and unfaithful dealing in his covenant, should unfeignedly confess their
+iniquity, which, if they do, God is faithful and just to forgive. 2d,
+That according to the nature of the offence, as the same has been acted
+secretly or publickly, and is of a secret or public nature and concern,
+so it ought to be confessed. If the offence be in its nature and way of
+perpetration a secret sin, known only to God and the person's own
+conscience, secret repentance sufficeth: nor can the church require any
+thing else, in regard such sins come not within the sphere of her
+cognizance;--but if the sin be public and national, or only personal,
+but publickly acted, so as the same has been stumbling, scandalous, and
+offensive to others; then it is requisite, for the glory of God and good
+of offended brethren, that the acknowledgment be equally public as the
+offence. These are _first principles_ that will not need to be proved,
+but may be taken for granted. But, 3dly, To make it appear that it is
+consonant to the practice of the godly to make public confession of
+national backsliding, we will advance two or three Scripture instances.
+Joshua, chap. vii. 19, compared with verse 11, commands Achan, who had
+broken God's covenant which he commanded Israel, and so brought upon the
+whole nation the Lord's anger, that he would give glory to God, by
+making confession to him. Whence it appears, that such sins as are
+national in their consequences, and bring national judgments upon a
+people, ought to be publickly confessed for turning away these
+judgments, and vindicating the honour of the Supreme Lawgiver, Ezra x.
+1,2--"Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping, and
+casting himself down before the house of God, there assembled unto him
+out of Israel a very great congregation of men, women, and children: for
+the people wept very sore." Verse 2d, And Shechaniah the son of Jehiel,
+one of the sons of Elam, answered and said unto Ezra, We have trespassed
+against our God, and have taken strange wives of the people of the land.
+Verse 3d, Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God, to put away
+all the wives, and such as are born of them. Verse 10, And Ezra the
+priest stood up and said unto them, Ye have transgressed and taken
+strange wives, to increase the trespass of Israel. Verse 11, Now
+therefore make confession unto the Lord God of your fathers, and do his
+pleasure. Verse 12, Then all the congregation answered, and said with a
+loud voice, As thou hast said, so must we do." Neh. ix. 1--"Now, in the
+twenty and fourth day of this month, the children of Israel were
+assembled with fasting and with sackclothes, and earth upon them. Verse
+2d, And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and
+stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers.
+Verse 3d, And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the
+law of the Lord their God, one fourth part of the day, and another
+fourth part they confessed and worshipped the Lord their God." Acts xix.
+18--"And many that believed came, and confessed, and showed their
+deeds."
+
+These Scripture examples, as we conceive, do sufficiently evince, that
+such public confession, for the substance of it, is not only expedient,
+but also necessary for such as would renew their covenant with God. As
+for some circumstances of the manner thereof, neither are we to
+vindicate them, nor can they justly be charged upon the whole of those
+who made those confessions; far less upon the minister, who, though he
+exhorted such as were guilty of scandalous defection, to glorify God by
+a public confession, yet obliged none thereunto _authoritatively_: and
+such as confessed the sin of their thoughts, or any other sins not
+scandalous or offensive to others; he exhorted to be serious in mourning
+over these things secretly before the Lord; but withal told them that
+these things are not the subject matter of such a public acknowledgment.
+Such as were unconcerned in their confessions, and seemed rather to do
+it from the examples of others, than from a real and deep sense of their
+guiltiness before God (as it must not be dissembled, there were too
+many,) he exhorted to attain a sense of the things confessed, and posed
+their consciences, whether they were convinced of what they pretended to
+confess. If any was so ignorant and weak in their apprehensions of the
+nature of right repentance and justification, as to put their
+acknowledgment of sin in the room of Christ's satisfaction, and to rely
+thereupon for peace and acceptance with God, as it is alleged they did,
+it must be owned that they wofully erred in a matter of the highest
+consequence: but to affix this either upon all in general, or upon any
+particular person by name, is against the law of charity, and a judging
+of the heart, which is not obvious to man, but only to God, and so an
+usurping of God's prerogative; wherefore it appears, that the objecting
+of these and other such like things against this duty, is the effect of
+an impotent malice, and passion against the whole design of the work,
+which is too shrewd an evidence of a malignant spirit.
+
+Whereas, some have taken occasion to pass injurious reflections upon the
+minister, because he made confession and acknowledgment of his own
+personal miscarriage; as though he did it with design to please the
+people, and to excite them to make confession of the things whereof they
+had no due sense, and that he should have proposed himself, as an
+example to the people; therefore, to discover the falsehood of such
+reports, we must declare plain matter of fact upon this head. The
+minister did indeed acknowledge his own iniquities in general, with
+others, and also particularly at the entry of the work; but without any
+design to please party or person; but only for the glory of God as
+himself declared, which if any shall say was but hypocritical
+self-seeking, we must remit them to the apostle's interrogation, to
+prepare an answer, _Who art thou, O man, that judgest?_ Neither did he
+say that he did it to be an example to others, though, even in that
+case, he had not been to be blamed, seeing the best of God's saints, in
+public employment in church and state, have done the like in public
+assemblies, as Josiah, Ezra, Nehemiah, in sacred record, and in our
+church history, the Rev. John Davidson, who, at the renewing of the
+covenant, March 30th, 1596, not only exhorted the brethren of the
+ministry to a serious confession of their sins, but did also make
+confession of his own, and excited the rest by his example, as is
+related by Mr. Calderwood in his history of the church of Scotland, page
+317. Wherefore, seeing he has the command of God, and the most eminent
+of his saints for his warrant and precedent, he may be perfectly
+unconcerned, what are the constructions that such persons as are
+indifferent either about national sins or judgments do put upon this
+action,
+
+The Acknowledgment of Sins being read, the minister prayed, confessing
+therein the sins which had been publicly confessed in the said
+Acknowledgment, and begging assistance to know and do the duties engaged
+unto, then the Engagement to Duties was likewise read in the audience of
+the congregation; where he showed that the design of these engagements
+was to accommodate the covenants to our case and circumstances. And
+advised the mixed multitude to beware of entering into the covenant,
+unless they were duly resolved concerning the performing of the same,
+according as our fathers understood it, as the same was explained and
+applied to the present condition of things in these engagements. After
+which the minister having prayed for the gracious presence and
+assistance of the divine Spirit, to enable us both to engage and
+perform; commanding those who were to renew their covenant to stand
+upright, and hold up their right hands, he proceeded to the
+administration of the oath, causing the people to elevate their hands at
+the end of each article. The covenants being renewed, the minister
+addressed himself to those that had entered into covenant to this
+purpose. Now, you who have renewed your covenant with God must not
+imagine that you may sit down upon your performance and rest yourselves
+as though your work was perfected and finished; nay, but you must
+consider with yourselves that now it is but beginning; your race is
+before you, the greatest, part of the work is before your hand:
+covenanting is relative to performing; you must, therefore, meditate
+upon, and ponder your engagements more now than before; for now you have
+put a new bond upon your souls, to walk with God in all the ways of new
+obedience. In order therefore to your performing, as you have
+undertaken, I would put you in mind of several particulars, which you
+must have much and frequently upon your hearts, and before your eyes.
+
+1st, You must know that a holy life is what becomes Covenanters; it is
+not holiness in name, show and appearance, but holiness in reality, in
+truth and substance, that must be interwoven with all your actions and
+duties; though others should not look to conscience, yet you must;
+though others slight and neglect religion, you must by no means do it;
+you must put on a Joshua's generous and holy resolution, "That whatever
+others do, you and your house will serve the Lord." You must consider
+upon it, that well-set speeches concerning the covenant, is not what you
+are principally to study, but well-set hearts; you must shake off
+laziness as well as hypocrisy.
+
+2d. You must be very regular in your walk; an uniform conversation in
+the way of holiness is that which greatly adorns a Christian, and
+consequently, a Covenanter. And if you endeavor such a regular course of
+life, you will not shape yourselves according to the company you fall
+into. As some have a religion for every company, so they have one for
+man and another for God, and will be more careful and afraid lest their
+hypocrisy be discovered by men, than they are afraid to be made manifest
+to the Lord. But so it must not be with you who have renewed your
+covenant with the Lord: you must be the same in the closet as in the
+public assembly, and have a greater regard to the eye of Jehovah, and
+the answer of a good conscience, than the approbation of fellow
+creatures.
+
+3d, You mast be careful to perform all things which you have engaged to,
+within your sphere and station, but must not go without it: God is _a
+God of order_, and as he hath placed the stars in their proper orbs for
+the order and ornament of the universe, so hath he assigned to
+Christians their diverse stations, for the beauty, order, and union of
+the Church; Christ, the Captain of salvation, hath marshalled his
+soldiers into rank and file, and it were a disordering of his army if
+any should break their ranks.
+
+4th, You must slight no opportunity of pursuing the ends of your
+covenant; whatever it may cost you when the occasion offers, suffering
+must not deter you from it; and if the times be such now as spare both
+your persons and purses, yet you must not be sparing in your prayers for
+the reviving of the work of God in the land, which is the very end of
+covenanting.
+
+5th, You must be careful that you do not forget the covenant; forgetting
+(as you heard before) is a step towards forsaking, and, therefore, you
+must endeavour to have the covenant nearer to you than the Israelites
+had it--they had it written upon the posts of their doors, you must have
+it written upon the tables of your hearts.
+
+6th, You must evidence a great deal of cheerfulness and patience under
+your crosses, which may occur to you for your adherence to this your
+covenant; you must neither weaken your own hands in the discharge of
+covenanted duties, by drooping and discouragement under these crosses,
+nor stumble others, by repining at these losses, or by any carriage and
+deportment under them that may import your repenting of what you have
+now done. And because you are impotent and weak in yourselves,
+therefore,
+
+7th, You must see that faith be in exercise in all your performances of
+covenanted duties. If this be wanting you will perform nothing to
+purpose, "for without faith it is impossible to please God." By this
+grace you must keep up acquaintance with Christ, and have frequent
+recourse to him, both for cleansing you from your defilements, when you
+break the covenant, and for strength to perform what you are obliged to
+by covenant; both for recovering grace, to raise you up when fallen, and
+for preventing grace, to preserve you from falling or relapsing again.
+
+8th, That you may be the more active and vigilant in keeping covenant,
+you must labor to maintain a constant fear of breaking it, and have a
+fixed impression of the tremendous threatening denounced against
+covenant-breakers; and you must know that all are such in God's account,
+who satisfy themselves with the form of godliness, denying the power
+thereof. For this end read and ponder these and the like scriptures.
+
+Lev. xxvi. 25, "And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall avenge the
+quarrel of my covenant, and when ye are gathered together within your
+cities, I will send the pestilence among you: and ye shall be delivered
+into the hand of the enemy." Neh. v. 13--"So God shall shake out every
+man from his house, and from his labor, that performeth not this
+promise; even thus be he shaken out and emptied." Jer. xi. 3, "Cursed be
+the man that obeyeth not the words of this covenant, which I commanded
+your fathers in the day that I brought them forth from the iron
+furnace." Ezek. xvii. 15, "Shall he prosper? shall he escape that doth
+such things? or shall he break the covenant and be delivered?" Verse 18,
+"Seeing he hath despised the oath, by breaking the covenant, when lo, he
+had given his hand, and hath done all these things, he shall not
+escape." Verse 19th, "Therefore, thus saith the Lord God, as I live,
+surely mine oath that he hath despised and my covenant that he hath
+broken, even it will I recompense upon his own head."
+
+The minister having given these exhortations, closed the day's work with
+prayer, and singing a part of the ciii. Psalm from the 17th to the 19th
+verse. And having intimated the time of meeting for more immediate
+preparation for the _holy communion_, putting the people in mind to be
+preparing for the work, by fervent prayer and supplication, joined with
+serious and upright self-examination, he dismissed the congregation
+after the usual form.
+
+This true and unbiassed account of the work in its design, progress and
+issue we have given, not to pre-occupy false reports only, which we
+cannot rationally suppose an entire freedom from, unless we fall in with
+the opposers of our covenanted reformation, and to purchase the good
+opinion and commendation of men at the rate of losing the favor of God.
+The main end of relating some of the more material heads, scope and
+argument of the _sermons_ is because there are some things handled in
+them which behoved to have been inserted in this _preface_, to clear up
+our motives and call to the work, which could not be better done than as
+the same was cleared then to the people. And this brief relation,
+though falling short of the matter then delivered, may serve to bring
+things to the memories of those that found sweet satisfaction in hearing
+them in the public. As for what may be the observations of censorious
+critics, either _of the sermons_ in particular, or of the _work_ in
+general, we are perfectly unconcerned about them, seeing we equally
+value their approbation or disapprobation; providing true matter of fact
+be not misrepresented, and so truth injuriously wronged. Nor are we
+willing here to make any observation of our own concerning the issue and
+on-carrying of the work, though all the godly there present ought to
+observe the Lord's gracious assistance and favor (so far as they found
+the same afforded to themselves, or displayed in others), lest we may
+either be in danger to diminish the grace of God by complaining, or
+incur the suspicion of self-flatterers by commending, but shall leave it
+to the judgment of such as were then present, and the candid
+interpretation of others that may read this preceding account thereof.
+
+There have been many objections made against the _design, matter_ and
+_form_ of the _covenants_: more against subjects covenanting to defend
+the purity and promote the reformation of religion, without the royal
+concurrence of their sovereign princes; most of all against private
+persons entering into covenant, or renewing thereof, for the said end
+without the general concurrence of the representative body of the church
+and state. Those which concern the former two, have been fully answered
+by the greatest of our reformers, whose piety and learning set them
+sufficiently above the snarling censures of whatsoever cavilling pens or
+tongues: As for what are made against the last, they are also answered
+better than we can pretend to, in the analysis upon the 19th chapter of
+Deuteronomy, prefixed to the National and Solemn League and Covenant
+renewed at Lesmahago, whereunto we refer the reader. Only because that
+book may not be at hand to every one that would desire these objections
+solved, we shall here transcribe the answers to two or three of the most
+material of these objections, making but small, if any, variation from
+the author's words.
+
+_Object_. 1. "In all the national covenants whereof we read in
+scripture, there was still the concurrence of either the sovereign
+authority then in being, or at least of the Captains, Elders, Officers,
+and Heads of the tribes; And, therefore, it cannot be done by private
+subjects, without either royal or parliamentary authority."
+
+_Ans_. Certainly the obligations of the Covenant, held forth Deut. xxix.
+10, 11, 12, being so extensive as to reach all the members of church and
+commonwealth, of all qualities, ranks, vocations, ages, sexes; is to be
+understood _positively_, that all these are obliged to enter into
+covenant, but not _negatively_, that without any of these the covenant
+should not be entered into. The motives mentioned are to the small as
+well as to the great; and without them as well as with them; the
+articles of it, and the keeping and doing them, are common to both
+alike: The relation that the small and meaner sort of people have to God
+(the other contracting party) is the same that the nobles and great ones
+have, and the privileges of it, to be established as a people unto
+himself and to have him for their God, do no more belong to the one than
+the other; And consequently the small may renew it, as well as the
+great; but not nationally to bind the whole nation formally, to which
+indeed the concurrence of the representatives is necessary. As for
+precedents of this practice, see them above, in the narrative of the
+sermons, [p. 9].
+
+_Object_. 2. "This covenant having been disclaimed by the political
+father, and made void by law, never again revived by authority of
+parliament, nor the law rescinded by which it was declared not
+obligatory; is therefore of no binding force upon us, who have never
+personally sworn it; and to renew it, and bring ourselves under the bond
+of it, when we are free, without the concurring or imposing authority of
+our rulers, is high presumption in private subjects."
+
+_Ans_. If any engagements can be supposed binding to posterity,
+certainly national covenants to keep the commandments of God, and to
+adhere to his institutions, must be of that nature. It cannot be denied,
+that several obligations do bind to posterity; such as public promises
+with annexation of curses to breakers, Neh. v. 12, 13. Thus Joshua's
+adjuration did oblige all posterity never to build Jericho, Josh. vi.
+26. And the breach of it did bring the curse upon Hiel the Bethelite, in
+the days of Ahab. 2dly, Public vows: Jacob's vow, Gen. xxviii. 21, did
+oblige all his posterity, virtually comprehended in him, Hos. xii. 4.
+The Rechabites found themselves obliged to observe the vow of their
+forefather Jonadab, Jer. xxxv. 6, 14, for which they were rewarded and
+commended. Public oaths do oblige posterity: Joseph took an oath of the
+children of Israel, to carry up his bones to Canaan, Gen. i. 25, which
+did oblige posterity some hundred years after. Exod. xiii 19. Josh.
+xxiv. 32. National covenants with men before God, do oblige posterity,
+as Israel's covenant with the Gibeonites, Josh. ix. 15, 19. The breach
+whereof was punished in the days of David, 2 Sam. xxi. 1. Especially
+National Covenants with God, before men, about things moral and
+objectively obliging, are perpetual; and yet more especially (as Grotius
+observes) when they are of an hereditary nature, i.e. when the subject
+is permanent, the matter moral, the end good, and in the _form_ there is
+a clause expressing their perpetuity.
+
+All which ingredients of perpetual obligations are clear in Scotland's
+Covenants, which are _national promises_, adjuring all ranks of persons,
+under a curse, to preserve and promote reformation according to the word
+of God, and extirpate the opposite thereof. _National vows_, devoting
+the then engaging, and succeeding generations to be the Lord's people,
+and walk in his ways. _National oaths_, solemnly sworn by all ranks,
+never to admit of innovations, or submit to usurpations, contradictory
+to the word of God. _National covenants_, wherein the king, parliament
+and people did covenant with each other, to perform their respective
+duties, in their several places and stations, inviolably to preserve
+religion and liberty: Yea, more, _national laws_, solemnly ratified by
+the king and parliament, and made the foundation of the people's compact
+with the king, at his inauguration: And, finally, they are _national
+covenants with God_, as party contracting, to keep all the words of his
+covenant. The subject or parties contracting are permanent, to wit, the
+unchangeable God and the kingdom of Scotland, (the same may be said of
+England and Ireland,) which, whilst it remains a kingdom, is still under
+the obligation of these covenants. The _matter_ is _moral_, antecedently
+and eternally binding, albeit there had been no formal covenant: the
+_ends_ of them perpetually good, to wit, _the defence of the true
+reformed religion, and the maintenance of the King's Majesty's person
+and estate_, (as is expressed in the National Covenant,) _the glory of
+God, the advancement of the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ; the honor
+and happiness of the King's Majesty and his posterity, and the public
+liberty, safety, and peace of the kingdoms_, as it is expressed in the
+Solemn League. And in the _form_ of them there are clauses expressing
+their perpetuity. In the National covenant it is said, _that the present
+and succeeding generations in this land are bound to keep the foresaid
+National Oath and Subscription inviolable_. And in the Solemn League,
+Article 1, _That we and our posterity after us, may, as brethren, live
+in faith and love_. And Art. 5, _That they may remain conjoined in a
+firm peace and union to all posterity_.
+
+We may add also the sanctions of rewards and punishments descending to
+posterity, prove the obligation perpetual: Which is, alas! too visible
+in our case as to the punishments inflicted for the breach of our
+covenants, and like to be further inflicted, if repentance prevent not;
+so that as we have been a taunting proverb, and an hissing, for the
+guilt, we may look to be made a curse and an execration for the
+punishment of it. The distinction which some make use of to elude this
+obligation, "That suppose they be materially bound, yet seeing they have
+not sworn the covenants personally, they are not formally bound," is
+both false and frivolous; for our father's oath having all the aforesaid
+qualifications, binds us formally as an oath, though we have but
+virtually sworn it; and whether the obligation be material or formal,
+implicit or explicit, it is all one in God's sight, if it be real,
+seeing even virtual obligations have frequently brought rewards and
+punishments upon the head of the observers or breakers of them, as well
+as formal. Seeing, then, the obligation of the covenant upon us is
+evident to a demonstration, it cannot, in justness, be called a
+rebellious action against lawful authority, to declare in our station
+that we believe so much and resolve to practice accordingly. It is
+indeed too true that the wicked laws enacting the perpetual breaches of
+these covenants have never been rescinded; but seeing they are wicked
+and opposite to the commandment and covenant of the Lord, the supreme
+legislator, they are naturally void and null, and have been still so
+esteemed by us.
+
+_Object_. 3. "Albeit the National Covenant should be granted to be
+binding upon us the people of Scotland, and, therefore, may be renewed:
+yet, to renew the Solemn League with England and Ireland, as matters now
+stand, is ridiculous and impossible."
+
+_Ans_. This objection is partly answered before in the Sermons, [page
+14,] and may be further cleared, if we consider, that the Solemn League
+and Covenant may be taken under different respects, _either as a league
+amongst men_ or _a covenant between God and men_: in the former sense,
+as it notes a _league offensive and defensive_ made betwixt the
+collective bodies of these kingdoms, it is certain it cannot be taken by
+us, who are but a poor insignificant handful of people, far from any
+authority, or influence in church or commonwealth; the collective and
+representative body of the three kingdoms having basely abandoned their
+covenant with God, and united in a sinful compact opposite thereto, so
+that to make a league with England or Ireland in this sense, were to
+enter into a sinful confederacy with apostate covenant breakers; but in
+the latter acceptation, as it is a covenant with God, not as a witness
+only, but also as a party contracting, there is no absurdity or
+impossibility why Scotland, or any part thereof, may not renew it,
+obliging themselves by a solemn vow to perform what they are bound to
+antecedently by the law of God. And if it be considered as an
+association, it respects those only who now do, or hereafter shall,
+adhere unto it, whether here or in the other two kingdoms. Hence, the
+words in the preamble of the Solemn League and Covenant, expressing the
+several ranks and the extent of the Covenanters, were not read at the
+renewing of it at Douglass, because we own ourselves to be under a
+league with none but such as own the covenanted Reformation; these, and
+these only, we heartily embrace as our colleagues, into the nearest and
+dearest bonds of Christian union and fellowship, according to this
+League and Covenant.
+
+As the revolt of the ten tribes from the true religion and covenant of
+the Lord their God, hindered not the godly of Judah, nor the small party
+that joined in the sincere worship of God, out of Ephraim and Manasseh,
+to renew their covenant under the auspicious reigns of Asa, Hezekiah,
+Josiah; Nor did the horrid apostacy of the Sectarian party in England
+impede our ancestors to renew this Solemn League and Covenant in
+Scotland, Anno, 1649. So neither can the defection of the generality of
+the three kingdoms, which is to be bewailed, if possible, with tears of
+blood, hinder us from testifying our adherence to the covenant, or
+invalidate what we have done therein.
+
+_Object_. 4. "Albeit the action should be granted to be for the main,
+lawful and right, yet it was most unseasonable to undertake it at such a
+time, when the parliament and ministry is composed of a set of men that
+evidence no good affection to the present established church in
+Scotland, who will be ready to interpret the action of a few
+immoderately and unseasonably zealous people, as the deed of the whole
+Presbyterians in Scotland, and to make a handle thereof against them, to
+impose upon them some new burdens; or to take such measures as will
+effectually put a stop to the more general renovation thereof throughout
+the land."
+
+In answer to this objection, we shall only desire the gentlemen that
+made it to remember, That now for the space of 24 years they have been
+crying, the time is not come wherein we should set about
+covenant-renewing; one while they have pretended that the time was not
+seasonable, because such as were in authority were friends to the
+church; and it would look like a suspecting of their integrity, to enter
+into covenant for defence and reformation of religion, as if they would
+not show themselves active enough for these ends, and prove an
+irritation to them to turn enemies to Presbyterian government; it would
+cause them to think the Presbyterians to be a people of indiscreet and
+ungovernable zeal, and so disgust them at the establishment. Another,
+while they excuse themselves from this duty, because these in authority
+are unfriendly to the Presbyterian establishment, they must walk
+cautiously now and manage prudently, lest they give any umbrage to
+Jacobites and Episcopalians to represent them ill at court, and so
+occasion the overthrow of the great security founded in the Union
+Treaty. Formerly they needed not renew the covenant, because religion
+was not in danger; now they dare not attempt to do it because it is;
+they must wait till a well-affected parliament and good counsellors set
+it out of danger again, and then they will not need to covenant for its
+safety. These shifts are too shrewd discoveries of neutrality in this
+cause. It is to be feared that the godly have too long been hoodwinked
+with such frivolous pretexts; and it is high time for every one that
+has the low case of the work of God in the land at heart, to be awakened
+to renew their covenant with God and keep the same. The motives and
+calls to the work above mentioned will sufficiently, we hope,
+demonstrate the seasonableness of it. But if there was a defect as to
+the seasonableness, it was not because it was so soon set about, but
+because it was no sooner.
+
+We shall not dwell any longer upon these and the like objections; there
+will not want mountains of difficulties in the way till such time as the
+Lord, coming by his Spirit in a day of his power, shall be pleased to
+level them and say, "Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubabel
+thou shalt become a plain." In that day (we doubt not) there shall be a
+willing people to enter covenant with the Lord, even a perpetual
+covenant that shall not be forgotten; but, in the mean time, they would
+do well to consider the hazard they bring themselves into who wilfully
+raise objections against the covenant, because they are unwilling to
+enter into it, or be bound by it.
+
+It may be some will desiderate an account of the other _solemn holy
+action_ that followed upon the back of this, in regard there were some
+circumstances in it not so ordinary in this church in former times,
+because of the paucity of public instruments; but neither do we think it
+needful to give any large account of it, nor will it fall so properly
+into this preface, which concerneth only national covenanting, and, it
+is likely the reader's patience is too far transgressed upon already;
+nor was there any _substantial or formal_ difference betwixt it and the
+comely order of the Church of Scotland observed in our purest times of
+reformation in the celebration of that sacred ordinance, except what in
+the form arose from the circumstances we were in, and the reason now
+mentioned. The work was awful and great, the persons employed about it
+few, insignificant in their own eyes, as well as mean in the eyes of
+others; and hence the Lord's power and grace was the more conspicuous,
+who (we must not dissemble it) was present to the sensible experience of
+many, sealing instruction upon the hearts of some, and granting,
+strengthening, and confirming grace to others, for which he ought to
+have all the glory.
+
+But because there has been, as we are informed, no small clamor raised
+anent some expressions used in debarring the ignorant and scandalous
+from the holy table of the Lord; _That the Minister should have
+unreasonably and presumptuously excommunicated the Queen and Parliament,
+and the whole Ministers of the established church of Scotland_;
+Therefore, we shall here insert the very words relating to that affair,
+as they were uttered by him without any alteration. In warning the
+ignorant, scandalous and profane to beware of presuming to approach to
+the holy table of the Lord, the minister observed (as the manner is) the
+order of the decalogue, where, in the sins forbidden in the second
+commandment, as they are enumerated by the very Reverend the Assembly of
+Divines sitting at Westminster, in their humble advice concerning a
+Larger Catechism, we find these amongst others--"All devising,
+counseling, commanding, using, and any ways approving any religious
+worship not instituted by God himself, tolerating a false religion.----
+All superstitious devices, corrupting the worship of God, adding to it,
+taking from it, whether invented and taken up of ourselves, or received
+by tradition from others, though under the title of antiquity, custom,
+devotion, good intent, or any other pretence whatsoever." Hence, he
+expressed himself in these words--"I excommunicate and debar from this
+holy table of the Lord, all devisers, commanders, users, or approvers of
+any religious worship not instituted by God in his Word, all tolerators
+and countenancers thereof; and by consequence I debar and excommunicate
+from this holy table of the Lord, Queen and Parliament, and all under
+them, who spread and propagate or tolerate a false superstitious
+worship, ay and until they repent," And in relation to the opposing of
+the covenants and work of reformation, he had these words--"I
+excommunicate and debar all who are opposers of our covenants and
+covenanted Reformation, and all that have taken oaths contrary to our
+covenants, and such particularly as are takers of the Oath of
+Abjuration, whether Ministers or others, until they repent."
+
+That this was no presumptuous and rebellious arrogance is evident,
+because the sins for which he debarred Queen and Parliament, and all
+others guilty of them, are proven from Scripture to be gross breaches of
+God's law, and every violation thereof persisted in without repentance,
+is a sufficient cause (in the opinion of Protestant Divines) to debar
+and exclude from the Lord's table. Now, it is certain that even those
+ministers of the established church who make such obloquy against the
+work for this particular, do the same thing in effect every time that
+they administrate this ordinance, for (as can be proved if they please
+to require it, or do deny it,) they excommunicate from the table all
+guilty of such sins as are forbidden in the second commandment,
+according as they are specified in the forsaid Catechism; and so, by an
+infallible consequence, they excommunicate the Queen and Parliament, who
+are grossly guilty of the most of them, only they have not the courage
+ingenuously and freely to own and express the consequence, but that it
+follows natively and necessarily from the premises, even according to
+their own principles, they will never be able to disprove.
+
+Now, Reader, thou hast a just and true account as far as was necessary,
+of our poor and weak endeavours in this matter, which we hope will, at
+least, stand as a witness and testimony (without arrogance we desire to
+speak it) against the apostacy of some and indifferency of others, who
+should have been to us as the _he-goats before the flock_ in paving our
+way to Zion, but are rather _making to themselves captains_ to carry us
+back to Babylon, and pollute our land with idolatry and superstition;
+and, as a pledge to posterity that the Lord has not yet utterly deserted
+the land, though we rather wish,(if so it may consist with his holy
+purpose, _who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in working_) that it
+might tend to excite, some to bethink "whence they have fallen, and
+repent, and to do their first works, lest the Lord come quickly, and
+utterly remove his candlestick from us:" and engage them to renew these
+covenants in a more public way, and prosecute the ends of them with more
+zeal, fidelity, and constancy, "that the Lord may yet delight to dwell
+amongst us, make our judges peace, and our exactors righteousness," and
+make us to be called _Hephzibah_, and our land _Beulah_.
+
+The reader may please to cast his eye upon the following passages,
+quoted from the writings of some of the ablest divines, wherewith these
+kingdoms have been blessed, since the first reformation from Popery;
+wherein he will see, how far different an opinion they have entertained
+of the Covenant, from what are the thoughts of the learned
+Latitudinarians of our age.
+
+_A Testimony to the truth of_ JESUS CHRIST _and to our Solemn League
+and Covenant, &c., subscribed by the Ministers of Christ, within the
+province of London, December_ 14, 1649 Head IV.
+
+"In order unto reformation and defence of religion within these three
+kingdoms, we shall never forget, how solemnly and cheerfully the Solemn
+League and Covenant was sworn with hands lifted up to the most high
+God.--We were, and are abundantly satisfied, that our Solemn League and
+Covenant of September 27, 1643, is not only warrantable for the matter
+of it and manner of entering into it, but also of such excellency and
+importance,--That it will be very hard in all points to parallel it;
+and, therefore, as we did sincerely swear this covenant with God, with
+all our heart, and with all our soul, much rejoicing at the oath with a
+true intention to perform it, and not for promoting any politic design;
+so we do believe and profess to the world that we still stand as firmly
+engaged to the real performance of it, and that it is not in the power
+of any person or persons on earth to dispense with it or absolve from
+it."
+
+_The harmonious consent of the Ministers of the county Palatine
+Lancaster with their Reverend Brethren the Ministers of the province of
+London._ Head V.
+
+"We shall never forget how solemn it (the Solemn League and Covenant)
+was sworn, and what rejoicing there was at the oath, sundry at the
+taking of it weeping for joy; and when the Covenant was thus taken, we
+thought with ourselves, that surely now the crown is set upon England's
+head: We judged the day of entering into this Covenant to be England's
+coronation-day, as it was the day of the gladness of our hearts."
+
+_Mr. Philip Nye's Exhortation at the taking of the Covenant, September
+29th, 1649, p. 2._
+
+"This Oath is such, and in the matter and consequence of it of such
+concernment, as I can truly say, it is worthy of us, yea, of all the
+kingdoms of the world; for it is swearing fealty and allegiance to
+Christ the King of kings, and giving up of all these kingdoms which are
+his inheritance, to be subdued more to his throne, and ruled more by his
+sceptre, upon whose shoulders the government is laid."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_THE NATIONAL COVENANT, OR THE CONFESSION OF FAITH OF THE KIRK OF
+SCOTLAND_;
+
+
+Subscribed at first by the King's Majesty and his Household, in the year
+of God 1580; Thereafter, by persons of all ranks, in the year 1581; By
+Ordinance of the Lords of the Secret Council, and Acts of the General
+Assembly. Subscribed again by all sorts of persons in the year 1590, by
+a new Ordinance of Council, at the desire of the General Assembly, with
+a Band for the maintenance of the true religion, and the King's person:
+And subscribed in the year 1638, by the Noblemen, Barons, Gentlemen,
+Burgesses, Ministers and Commons, then under-subscribing; together with
+their resolution and promises for the causes after specified, to
+maintain the True Religion, and the King's Majesty, according to the
+Confession aforesaid and Acts of Parliament; And upon the supplication
+of the General Assembly to his Majesty's High Commissioner, and the
+Lords of his Majesty's honorable Privy Council. Subscribed again in the
+year 1639, by Ordinance of Council, and Acts of General Assembly, &c.,
+&c. The Tenor whereof here followeth.
+
+We all, and every one of us underwritten, protest, that after long and
+due examination of our own consciences in matters of true and false
+religion, we are now thoroughly resolved in the truth by the Word and
+Spirit of God: And, therefore, we believe with our hearts, confess with
+our mouths, subscribe with our hands and constantly affirm before God
+and the whole world, that this only is the true Christian faith and
+religion pleasing God, revealed to the world by the preaching of the
+blessed evangel; and is received, believed, and defended by many and
+sundry notable kirks and realms, but chiefly by the _Kirk of Scotland,
+and sometimes by the King's Majesty, and the three estates of this
+realm_, as God's eternal truth and only ground of our salvation, as more
+particularly is expressed in the Confession of our Faith, established
+and publickly confirmed by sundry Acts of Parliaments, and now of a long
+time have been openly professed by the King's Majesty, and whole body of
+this realm, both in burgh and land. To the which Confession and form of
+religion, we willingly agree in our own consciences, in all points, as
+unto God's undoubted truth and verity, grounded only upon his written
+word. And, therefore, we abhor and detest all contrary religion and
+doctrine; but chiefly all kind of Papistry in general, and particular
+heads, even as they are now damned and confuted by the word of God, and
+Kirk of Scotland. But in special we detest and refuse the usurped
+authority of that Roman Antichrist upon the Scriptures of God, upon the
+Kirk, the civil Magistrate, and consciences of men: All his tyrranous
+laws made upon indifferent things against our Christian liberty: His
+erroneous doctrine against the sufficiency of the written word, the
+perfection of the law, the offices of Christ, and his blessed evangel:
+His corrupted doctrine concerning original sin, our natural inability
+and rebellion to God's law, our justification by faith only, our
+imperfect sanctification and obedience to the law; the nature, number,
+and use of the holy sacraments: His five bastard sacraments; with all
+his rites, ceremonies, and false doctrine, added to the ministration of
+the true sacraments, without the Word of God: His cruel judgment against
+infants departing without the sacrament: His absolute necessity of
+baptism: His blasphemous opinion of transubstantiation, or real presence
+of Christ's body in the elements, and receiving of the same by the
+wicked, or bodies of men: His dispensations with solemn oaths,
+perjuries, and degrees of marriage forbidden in the Word; His cruelty
+against the innocent divorced: His devilish mass: His blasphemous
+priesthood: His profane sacrifice for the sins of the dead and the
+quick: His canonization of men; calling upon angels or saints departed;
+worshipping of imagery, relics and crosses; dedicating of kirks, altars,
+days; Vows to creatures: His purgatory, prayers for the dead; praying or
+speaking in a strange language; with his processions and blasphemous
+litany, and multitude of advocates or mediators: His manifold orders,
+auricular confession: His desperate and uncertain repentance; His
+general and doubtsome faith: His satisfactions of men for their sins:
+His justification by works, _opus operatum_, works of supererogation,
+merits, pardons, peregrinations and stations: His holy water, baptizing
+of bells, conjuring of spirits, crossing, earning, anointing, conjuring,
+hallowing of God's good creatures, with the superstitious opinion joined
+therewith: His worldly monarchy, and wicked hierarchy: His three solemn
+vows, with all his shavellings of sundry sorts: His erroneous and bloody
+decrees made at Trent, with all the subscribers and approvers of that
+cruel and bloody bond, conjured against the Kirk of God.
+
+And finally, we detest all his vain allegories, rites, signs, and
+traditions brought into the Kirk, without or against the Word of God and
+doctrine of this true reformed Kirk; to the which we join ourselves
+willingly, in doctrine, faith, religion, discipline, and use of the holy
+sacraments, as lively members of the same in Christ our head: Promising
+and swearing by the _Great Name of the Lord our God_, that we shall
+continue in the obedience of the doctrine and discipline of this kirk,
+and shall defend the same according to our vocation and power, all the
+days of our lives, under the pains continued in the law and danger both
+of body and soul, in the day of God's fearful judgment. And, seeing that
+many are stirred up by Satan and that Roman Antichrist, to promise,
+swear, subscribe, and for a time use the holy sacraments in the Kirk
+deceitfully against their own consciences, minding thereby, first, under
+the external cloak of religion, to corrupt and subvert secretly God's
+true religion within the Kirk, and afterwards, when the time may serve,
+to become open enemies and persecutors of the same, under vain hope of
+the Pope's dispensation devised against the Word of God, to his greater
+confusion, and their double condemnation in the day of the Lord Jesus.
+
+We, therefore, willing to take away all suspicion of hypocrisy, and of
+such double dealing with God and his Kirk, protest, and call _the
+Searcher of all hearts for witness_, that our minds and hearts do fully
+agree with this our _Confession, Promise, Oath_, and _Subscription_, so
+that we are not moved with any worldly respect, but are persuaded only
+in our own consciences, through the knowledge and love of God's true
+religion, imprinted in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, as we shall answer
+to him in the day when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed.
+And because we perceive that the quietness and stability of our religion
+and kirk, doth depend upon the safety and good behaviour of [the[5]
+King's Majesty,] as upon a comfortable instrument of God's mercy,
+granted to this country, for the maintaining of this kirk, and
+ministration of justice amongst us, we protest and promise with our
+hearts, under the same oath, hand-write, and pains, that we shall defend
+[his[6] person and authority,] with our goods, bodies, and lives, in
+the defence of Christ's evangel, liberties of our country, ministration
+of justice, and punishment of iniquity, against all enemies within this
+realm, or without, we desire our God to be a strong and merciful
+defender to us in the day of our death, and coming of our Lord Jesus
+Christ. To whom with the Father, and the Holy Spirit, be all honour and
+glory eternally. Amen.
+
+Likeas, many Acts of Parliament not only in general do abrogate, annul,
+and rescind all laws, statutes, acts, constitutions; canons, civil or
+municipal, with all other ordinances and practique penalties whatsoever,
+made in prejudice of the true religion and professors thereof; or of the
+true kirk-discipline, jurisdiction and freedom thereof; or in favor of
+idolatry and superstition; or of the Papistical kirk; as Act. 3, Act.
+31, Parl. 1; Act. 23, Parl. 11; Act. 114, Parl. 12, of King James VI.
+that Papistry and superstition may be utterly suppressed, according to
+the intention of the Acts of Parliament, repeated in the 5th Act, Parl.
+20, King James VI. And to that end they ordain all Papists and priests
+to be punished with manifold civil and ecclesiastical pains, as
+adversaries to God's true religion, preached, and by law established
+within this realm, Act 24, Parl. 11, King James VI.; as common enemies
+to all Christian government, Act 18 Parl. 16, King James VI.; as
+rebellers and gainstanders of our sovereign Lord's authority, Act 47
+Parl. 8, King James VI.; and as idolaters, Act 104, Parl. 7, King James
+VI. But also in particular, by and attour the Confession of Faith, do
+abolish and condemn the Pope's authority and jurisdiction out of this
+land, and ordain the maintainers thereof to be punished, Act 2, Parl. 1;
+Act 51 Parl. 3; Act 106, Parl. 7; Act 114, Parl. 12, King James VI., do
+condemn the Pope's erroneous doctrine, or any other erroneous doctrine
+repugnant to any of the articles of the true and Christian religion,
+publickly preached, and by law established in this realm; and ordain the
+spreaders and makers of books, or libels, or letters, or writs of that
+nature, to be punished, Acts 46, Parl. 3; Act 106, Parl. 7; Act 24, Par.
+11, K. James VI. do condemn all baptism conform to the Pope's kirk, and
+the idolatry of the mass; and ordains all sayers, wilful hearers,
+concealers of the mass, the maintainers and resetters of the priests,
+Jesuits, trafficking Papists, to be punished without any exception or
+restriction, Act 5, Parl. 1; Act 120, Parl. 12; Act 134, Parl. 13; Act
+139, Parl. Act 1, Parl. 19; Act 5, Parl. 20, King James VI., do condemn
+all erroneous books and writs, containing erroneous doctrine against the
+religion presently professed or containing superstitious rites and
+ceremonies Papistical, whereby the people are greatly abused; and
+ordains the home-bringers of them to be punished, Act 25, Parl. 11, King
+James VI., do condemn the monuments and dregs of the bygone idolatry, as
+going to crosses, observing the festival days of Saints and other
+superstitious and Papistical rites, to the dishonour of God, contempt of
+true religion, and fostering of great error among the people; and
+ordains the users of them to be punished for the second fault as
+idolaters, Act 104, Parl. 7, King James VI.
+
+Likeas, many acts of parliament are conceived for maintenance of God's
+true Christian religion, and the purity thereof in doctrine and
+sacraments of the true church of God, the liberty and freedom thereof in
+her national synodical assemblies, Presbyteries, sessions, policy,
+discipline, and jurisdiction thereof, as that purity of religion and
+liberty of the church was used, professed, exercised, preached, and
+confessed according to the reformation of religion in this realm. As for
+instance, the 99th Act, Parl. 7, Act 23, Parl. 11; Act 114, Parl. 12;
+Act 160, Parl. 13, King James VI., ratified by the 4th Act of King
+Charles. So that the 6th Act, Parl. 1, and 68th Act, Parl. 6, of King
+James VI., in the year of God 1579, declares the ministers of the
+blessed evangel, whom God of his mercy had raised up, or hereafter
+should raise, agreeing with them that then lived in doctrine and
+administration of the sacraments, and the people that professed Christ
+as he was then offered in the evangel and doth communicate with the holy
+sacraments, (as in the reformed kirks of this realm they were publickly
+administrate) according to the Confession of Faith, to be the true and
+holy kirk of Christ Jesus within this realm, and decerns and declares
+all and sundry who either gainsay the word of the evangel, received and
+approved as the heads of the Confession of Faith, professed in
+parliament in the year of God 1560, specified also in the first
+Parliament of King James VI, and ratified in this present parliament;
+more particularly do specify, or that refuse the administration of the
+holy sacraments as they were then administered, to be no members of the
+said kirk within this realm, and true religion presently professed, so
+long as they keep themselves so divided from the society of Christ's
+body; and the subsequent Act 69, Parl. 6. of King James VI. declares,
+that there is none other face of kirk, nor other face of religion, than
+was presently at that time by the favour of God established within this
+realm, which therefore is ever styled, _God's true religion--Christ's
+true religion--the true and Christian religion--and a perfect religion_;
+which, by manifold acts of parliament, all within this realm are bound
+to subscribe the articles thereof, the Confession of Faith, to recant
+all doctrine and errors repugnant to any of the said articles, Act 4 and
+9, Parl. 1; Act 45, 46, 47, Parl. 3; Act 71, Parl. 6; Act 106, Parl. 7;
+Act 24, Parl. 11; Act 123, Parl. 12; Act 194 and 197, Parl. 14, of King
+James VI. And all magistrates, sheriffs, &c. on the one part, are
+ordained to search, apprehend, and punish all contraveners; for
+instance, Act 5, Parl. 1; Act 104, Parl. 7; Act 25, Parl. 11, King James
+VI.; and that notwithstanding of the King's Majesty's licence to the
+contrary, which are discharged and declared to be of no force, in so far
+as they tend in any ways to the prejudice and hinder of the execution of
+the acts of parliament against Papists and adversaries of true religion,
+Act 106, Parl. 7, King James VI. On the other part, in the 47th Act,
+Parl. 3, of King James VI. it is declared and ordained, seeing the cause
+of God's true religion and his highness' authority are so joined, as the
+hurt of the one is common to both; and that none shall be reputed as
+loyal and faithful subjects to our sovereign lord or his authority, but
+be punishable as rebellers and gainstanders of the same, who shall not
+give their confession, and make their profession of the said true
+religion, and that they who, after defection, shall give the confession
+of their faith of new, they shall promise to continue therein in time
+coming, to maintain our sovereign lord's authority, and at the uttermost
+of their power to fortify, assist, and maintain the true preachers and
+professors of Christ's evangel against whatsoever enemies and
+gainstanders of the same; and namely, against all such (of whatsoever
+nation, estate, or degree they be,) that have joined and bound
+themselves, or have assisted, or assist to set forward, and execute the
+cruel decrees of Trent, contrary to the preachers and true professors of
+the Word of God, which is repeated, word by word, in the articles of
+pacification at Perth, the 23rd of February, 1572; approved by
+Parliament, the last of April, 1573; ratified in Parliament, 1587; and
+related, Act 123, Parl. 12, of King James VI., with this addition, that
+they are bound to resist all treasonable uproars and hostilities that
+are raised against the true religion, the King's Majesty, and the true
+professors.
+
+Likeas all lieges are bound to maintain the King's Majesty's royal
+person, and authority, the authority of Parliaments, without the which
+neither any laws, or lawful judicatories can be established, Act 130,
+Act 131, Parl. 8, K. James VI. and the subjects' liberties, who ought
+only to live and be governed by the King's laws, the common laws of this
+realm allenarly, Act 48, Parl. 3, K. James I. Act 79, Parl. 6, K. James
+IV. repeated in the Act 131, Parl. 8, K. James VI. Which, if they be
+innovated or prejudged, the commission anent the union of the two
+kingdoms of Scotland and England, which is the sole Act of the 17 Parl.
+of K. James VI. declares such confusion would ensue, as this realm could
+be no more a free monarchy, because by the fundamental laws, ancient
+privileges, offices and liberties of this kingdom, not only the princely
+authority of his Majesty's royal descent hath been these many ages
+maintained, but also the people's security of their lands, livings,
+rights, offices, liberties, and dignities preserved, and therefore for
+the preservation of the said true religion, laws and liberties of this
+kingdom, it is statute by the 8 Act, Parl. 1, repeated in the 99 Act,
+Parl. 7, ratified in the 23 Act, Parl. 11, and 114 Act, Parl. 12, of K.
+James VI. and 4 Act K. Charles I. That all kings and princes at their
+coronation and reception of their princely authority, shall make their
+faithful promise by their solemn oath in the presence of the eternal
+God, that enduring the whole time of their lives; they shall serve the
+same eternal God to the uttermost of their power, according as he hath
+required in his most holy word, contained in the Old and New Testaments.
+And according to the same word, shall maintain the true religion of
+Christ Jesus, the preaching of his holy word, the due and right
+ministration of the sacraments now received and preached within this
+realm (according to the Confession of Faith) and shall abolish and
+gainstand all false religion contrary to the same, and shall rule the
+people committed to their charge, according to the will and command of
+God, revealed in his foresaid word, and according to the laudable laws
+and constitutions received in this realm, no ways repugnant to the said
+will of the eternal God; and shall procure, to the uttermost of their
+power, to the kirk of God and whole Christian people, true and perfect
+peace in all time coming; and that they shall be careful to root out of
+their empire all heretics, and enemies to the true worship of God, who
+shall be convicted by the true kirk of God, for the foresaid crimes,
+which was also observed by his Majesty[7] at his coronation in
+Edinburgh, 1633, as may be seen in the order of the coronation.
+
+In obedience to the commandment of God, conform to the practice of the
+godly in former times, and according to the laudable example of our
+worthy and religious progenitors,----which was warranted also by Act of
+Council, commanding a general bond to be made and subscribed by his
+Majesty's subjects of all ranks, for two causes: one was, for defending
+the true religion as it was then reformed, and is expressed in the
+Confession of faith above-mentioned, and a former large Confession
+established by sundry acts of lawful General Assemblies, and of
+Parliament, unto which it hath relation, set down in public Catechisms,
+and which had been for many years (with a blessing from heaven) preached
+and professed in this kirk and kingdom as God's undoubted truth,
+grounded only upon his written Word. The other cause was, for
+maintaining the King's Majesty, his person, and estate; the true worship
+of God and the King's authority being so straitly joined as that they
+had the same friends and common enemies and did stand and fall together;
+and finally, being convinced in our minds, and confessing with our
+mouths, that the present and succeeding generations in this land are
+bound to keep the foresaid national oath and subscription inviolable.
+We,------------under subscribing, considering divers times before, and
+especially at this time, the danger of the true reformed religion
+--------, and of the public peace of the kingdom; by the manifold
+innovations and evils generally contained and particularly mentioned,
+[in supplications, complaints, and protestations,[8]] do hereby
+profess, and before God, his angels, and the world, solemnly declare,
+that with our whole hearts we agree and resolve, all the days of our
+life, constantly to adhere unto and defend the foresaid true religion;
+and (forbearing the practice of all novations already introduced in the
+matters of the worship of God, or approbation of the corruptions of the
+public government of the kirk, or civil places and power of kirkmen,[9]
+till they be tried and allowed in free assemblies and in Parliaments,)
+to labor by all means lawful to recover the purity and liberty of the
+gospel, as it was established and professed before the foresaid
+novations; and because, after due examination, we plainly perceive, and
+undoubtedly believe, that the evils contained in our [supplications,
+complaints, and protestations,[10]] have no warrant of the Word of God;
+are contrary to the articles of the foresaid Confessions, to the
+intention and meaning of the blessed reformers of religion in this land,
+to the above-written Acts of Parliament, and do sensibly tend to the
+re-establishing of the Popish religion and tyranny, and to the
+subversion and ruin of the true reformed religion, and of our liberties,
+laws and estates. We also declare, that the foresaid confessions are to
+be interpreted, and ought to be understood of the foresaid novations and
+evils, no less than if every one of them had been expressed in the
+foresaid Confessions, and that we are obliged to detest and abhor them,
+amongst other particular heads of Papistry abjured therein; and,
+therefore, from the knowledge and conscience of our duty to God, [to our
+King and country,[11]] without any worldly respect or inducement, so far
+as human infirmity will suffer, wishing a further measure of the grace
+of God for this effect, we promise and swear by the _great name of the
+Lord our God_, to continue in the profession and obedience of the
+foresaid religion; that we shall defend the same, and resist all these
+contrary errors and corruptions, according to our vocation, and to the
+uttermost of that power that God hath put in our hands, all the days of
+our life; and, in like manner, with the same heart, we declare before
+God and men, that we have no intention nor desire to attempt any thing
+that may turn to the dishonour of God, or to the diminution of [the
+King's[12]] greatness and authority; but on the contrary, we promise and
+swear, that we shall, to the uttermost of our power, with our means and
+lives, and to the defence of [our dread sovereign, the King's Majesty,
+his person and authority[13]] in the defence and preservation of the
+foresaid true religion, liberties, and laws of the kingdom; as also, to
+the mutual defence and assistance every one of us of another, in the
+same cause of maintaining the true religion [his Majesty's[14]]
+authority, with our best counsel, our bodies, means, and whole power,
+against all sorts of persons whatsoever. So that whatsoever shall be
+done to the least of us for that cause, shall be taken as done to us all
+in general, and to every one of us in particular; that we shall, neither
+directly nor indirectly, suffer ourselves to be divided or withdrawn, by
+whatsoever suggestion, allurement, or terror, from this blessed and
+loyal conjunction; nor shall cast in any let or impediment that may stay
+or hinder any such resolution, as by common consent shall be found to
+conduce for so good ends;--but, on the contrary, shall, by all lawful
+means labour to further and promote the same, and if any such dangerous
+and divisive motions be made to us by word or write, we, and every one
+of us, shall either suppress it, or if need be, shall incontinent make
+the same known that it may be timeously obviated; neither do we fear the
+foul aspersions of rebellion, combination, or what else our adversaries
+from their craft and malice would put upon us, seeing what we do is so
+well warranted, and ariseth from an unfeigned desire to maintain the
+true worship of God, the majesty of [[15] our King,] and peace of the
+kingdom, for the common happiness of ourselves and the posterity.
+
+And because we cannot look for a blessing from God upon our proceedings,
+except with our profession and subscription, we join such a life and
+conversation as beseemeth Christians who have renewed their covenant
+with God: We, therefore, faithfully promise, for ourselves, our
+followers, and all other under us, both in public, in our particular
+families and personal carriage, to endeavor to keep ourselves within the
+bounds of Christian liberty, and to be good examples to others of all
+godliness, soberness and righteousness, and of every duty we owe to God
+and man. And that this our union and conjunction may be observed without
+violation, we call the living God, the searcher of our hearts, to
+witness, who knoweth this to be our sincere desire and unfeigned
+resolution, as we shall answer to Jesus Christ, in the great day, and
+under the pain of God's everlasting wrath and of infamy, and loss of all
+honour and respect in this world: Most humbly beseeching the Lord to
+strengthen us by his Holy Spirit for this end, and to bless our desires
+and proceedings with a happy success, that religion and righteousness
+may nourish in the land, to the glory of God, the honour of [our
+King[16]] and peace and comfort of us all. In witness whereof we have
+subscribed with our hands all the premises, &c.
+
+The article of this covenant, which was at first subscription
+referred[17] to the determination of the General Assembly, being now
+determined, and thereby the five articles of Perth, the government of
+the Kirk by Bishops, the civil places and power of kirkmen upon the
+reasons and grounds contained in the Acts of the General Assembly,
+declared to be unlawful within this kirk, we subscribe according to the
+determination foresaid.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_THE SOLEMN LEAGUE AND COVENANT, FOR REFORMATION AND DEFENCE OF
+RELIGION, ETC_.
+
+
+We, having before our eyes the glory of God, and the advancement of the
+kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the honour and happiness
+of [the[18] King's Majesty and his posterity] and the true public
+liberty, safety, and peace of the kingdoms, wherein every one's private
+condition is included; and calling to mind 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 estate
+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 public testimonies. We have now
+at last [[19] after other means of supplication, remonstrance,
+protestation and suffering] for the preservation of ourselves and our
+religion from utter ruin and destruction, according to the commendable
+practice of these kingdoms in former times, and the example of God's
+people in other nations, after mature deliberation, resolved and
+determined to enter into a mutual and Solemn League and Covenant:
+Wherein we all subscribe, and each one of us for himself, with our hands
+lifted up to the Most High God, do swear--
+
+1. That we shall sincerely, really, and constantly, through the grace of
+God, endeavour in our several places and callings, the preservation of
+the reformed religion in the church of Scotland, in doctrine, worship,
+discipline, and government, against our common enemies; the reformation
+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 endeavour to bring
+the churches of God in the three kingdoms, to the nearest conjunction
+and uniformity in religion, Confession of Faith, Form of
+Church-government, Directory for Worship and Catechizing; that we and
+our posterity after us, may, as brethren, live in faith and love, and
+the Lord may delight to dwell in the midst of us.
+
+2. That we shall, in like manner, without respect of persons, endeavor
+the extirpation of Popery, Prelacy (that is, church government by
+arch-bishops, bishops, their chancellors and commissaries, deans, deans
+and chapters, archdeacons, and all other ecclesiastical officers
+depending on that hierarchy), superstition, heresy, schism, profaneness,
+and whatsoever shall be found to be contrary to sound doctrine and the
+power of godliness; lest we partake in other men's sins, and thereby be
+in danger to receive of their plagues; and that the Lord may be one,
+and his name one in the three kingdoms.
+
+3. We shall, with the same sincerity, reality and constancy, in our
+several vocations, endeavor with our estates and lives mutually to
+preserve the rights and privileges of the parliaments[20] and the
+liberties of the kingdoms; and to preserve and defend [the King's[21]
+Majesty's] person and authority, in the preservation and defence of the
+true religion and liberties of the kingdoms; that the world may bear
+witness with our consciences of our loyalty, and that we have no
+thoughts or intentions to diminish [his[22] Majesty's] just power and
+greatness.
+
+4. We shall also with all faithfulness endeavor the discovery of all
+such as have been, or shall be, incendiaries, malignants, or evil
+instruments, by hindering the reformation of religion, dividing [the[23]
+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 public trial, and receive condign
+punishment, as the degree of their offences shall require or deserve, or
+the supreme judicatories of both kingdoms respectively, or others having
+power from them for that effect, shall judge convenient.
+
+5. And whereas the happiness of a blessed peace between these kingdoms,
+denied in former times to our progenitors, was by the good providence of
+God granted unto [[24]us] and--concluded, and settled by both
+parliaments, We shall, each one of us, according to our place and
+interest, endeavor that they may be and remain conjoined[25] in a firm
+peace and union to all posterity, and that justice may be done upon the
+wilful opposers thereof, in manner expressed in the precedent article.
+
+6. We shall also according to our places and callings this common cause
+of religion, liberty and peace of the kingdoms, assist and defend all
+those that enter into this league and covenant, in the maintaining and
+pursuing thereof; and shall not suffer ourselves, directly or
+indirectly, by whatsoever combination, persuasion or terror, to be
+divided and withdrawn from this blessed union and conjunction, whether
+to make defection to the contrary part, or to give ourselves to a
+detestable indifferency or neutrality in this cause which so much
+concerneth the glory of God, the good of the kingdoms, and honor of
+[the[26] King;] but shall all the days of our lives zealously and
+constantly continue therein, against all opposition, and promote the
+same according to our power, against all lets and impediments
+whatsoever; and what we are not able ourselves to suppress or overcome,
+we shall reveal and make known, that it may be timely prevented or
+removed; all of 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 profess and declare
+before God and the world, our unfeigned 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 labored for the purity and power thereof, and that we have not
+endeavored to receive Christ in our hearts, nor to walk worthy of him in
+our lives, which are the causes of other sins and transgressions so much
+abounding amongst us; and our true and unfeigned purpose, desire and
+endeavor for ourselves, and all others under our power and charge, both
+in public and 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 real
+reformation; that the Lord may turn away his wrath, and heavy
+indignation, and establish these churches and kingdoms in truth and
+peace. And this Covenant we make in the presence of Almighty God, the
+searcher of all hearts, with a true intention to perform the same, as we
+shall answer at the great day, when the secrets of all hearts shall be
+disclosed; most humbly beseeching the Lord to strengthen us by his Holy
+Spirit for this end, and to bless our desires and proceedings with such
+success as may be deliverance and safety to his people, and
+encouragement to other Christian churches that may be groaning under, or
+in danger of, the yoke of Antichristian tyranny, to join 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 commonwealths.
+
+N.B.--These Covenants above-written, formerly nationally taken and
+renewed, and still nationally binding, We, in our private station only,
+swear and subscribe in their genuine sense, conform to the Explication
+and Application thereof, in our present Acknowledgment of the public
+Sins and Breaches of the same, and Engagement to the Duties contained
+therein, which do in a special way relate to the present times, and are
+proper for our capacities therein.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_A SOLEMN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF PUBLIC SINS, AND BREACHES OF THE NATIONAL
+COVENANT AND SOLEMN LEAGUE AND COVENANT_.
+
+
+We all and every one of us--being _by the good hand of our God upon us_,
+now, after a long and due deliberation, determined to testify to the
+world, for the glory of God, and the exoneration of our consciences, in
+the matter of our duty, our adherance to the whole of our attained
+Reformation, by renewing these our vows and Covenant-engagements with
+God, and knowing that it is a necessary preparative for the right
+performance of that so great and solemn a duty, that we be duly sensible
+of, and deeply humbled for the many heinous breaches thereof, which
+these nations, and we ourselves in particular are guilty of; do
+therefore, with that measure of sorrow and repentance which God of his
+mercy shall be pleased to grant us, desire to acknowledge and confess
+our own sins and violations of these vows, and the sins and
+transgressions of our fathers; to which we have also an example left us
+by the _Cloud of witnesses, which through faith and patience have
+inherited the promises_, ever since the Lord had a visible national
+church upon earth, and more especially by our progenitors in this
+nation; as, for instance, in the year 1596, "Wherein the General
+Assembly, and all the kirk judicatories, with the concurrence of many of
+the nobility, gentry and burgesses, did with many tears acknowledge the
+breach of the National Covenant, and engaged themselves into a
+reformation, even as our predecessors, and theirs, had done in the
+General Assembly and Convention of Estates in the year 1567." As also
+the more recent practice of the godly renewing the National Covenant,
+and acknowledging the breaches of it, both before they obtained the
+concurrence of civil authority, in the year 1638, and again, by
+authority, in the year 1639. And that noble precedent of that _National
+Solemn acknowledgment of Public Sins and Breaches of the Solemn League
+and Covenant, and Solemn Engagement to all the duties contained
+therein_, (which we are here taking for our pattern, and enlarging the
+same as the sad sins and transgressions since that time committed, and
+the circumstances of time give occasion) condescended upon, "by the
+Commission of the General Assembly, and approven by the Committee of
+Estates, and publickly owned in all the churches, at the renewing of the
+Solemn League, Anno 1648, and 1649, together with that solemn renovation
+thereof accompanied with such confession of sins as did best suit that
+time, by that small company of the Lord's people at Lanark, before their
+discomfiture at Pentland hills. And perceiving by the foresaid
+instances, that this duty, when gone about out of conscience, hath very
+often been attended with a reviving out of troubles--or at least out of
+deadness, security, and formality, under which we and the land are at
+present sinking, and with a blessing and success from heaven;--'We do
+humbly and sincerely, as in His sight who is the searcher of hearts,
+acknowledge the many sins and great transgressions of the land; we have
+done wickedly, our kings, our princes, our nobles, our judges, our
+officers, our teachers, and our people. Albeit the Lord hath long and
+clearly spoken unto us, we have not hearkened to his voice. Albeit he
+hath followed us with tender mercies, we have not been allured to wait
+upon him and walk in his way. And though he hath sticken us, yet we have
+not grieved: nay, though he hath consumed us, we have refused to receive
+correction. We have not remembered to render unto the Lord according to
+his goodness, and according to our vows and promises; but have gone away
+backward, by a perpetual backsliding, and have most sinfully and
+shamefully broken the National Covenant, and all the articles of the
+Solemn League and Covenant, which our fathers sware before God, angels
+and men.'" Albeit there has been in the land, ever since the reformation
+of religion, some of all ranks who have been for a testimony unto the
+truth, and for a name of joy and praise unto the Lord, by living godly,
+studying to keep their garments pure, and being steadfast in the
+covenant and cause of God; and there yet continues to be some, though
+reduced to a very small number, destitute of outward power and ability,
+and other helps fit for the right managing of a testimony, wanting the
+countenance of civil authority, and having few to feed or lead them; who
+are, notwithstanding all these difficulties, labouring in the strength
+of Christ to keep the good old way of these faithful witnesses who are
+gone before, in bearing testimony to the truths of Christ. "Yet we have
+reason to acknowledge, that most of us in this land have not endeavoured
+with that reality, sincerity, and constancy that did become us, to
+preserve the work of reformation in the Kirk of Scotland, as we are
+obliged by the first article of the Solemn League, and by the National
+Covenant; wherein we promise and swear by the great name of the Lord our
+God, that we shall continue in the obedience of the doctrine and
+discipline of this kirk, and shall defend the same according to our
+vocation and power all the days of our lives, under the pains contained
+in the law, and danger both of body and soul in the day of God's fearful
+judgment, and resist all contrary error and corruptions, according to
+our vocations, and the utmost of that power God hath put in our hands
+all the days of our life--according to these Scriptures."
+
+Ezra ix. 10, 11, "And now, O our God, what shall we say after this? for
+we have forsaken thy commandments. Verse 11. Which thou hast commanded
+by thy servants the prophets, &c." Isaiah xxiv. 5, "The earth also is
+defiled under the inhabitants thereof, because they have transgressed
+the laws, changed the ordinances, broken the everlasting covenant."
+Jeremiah ix. 13, "And the Lord saith, because they have forsaken my law,
+which I set before them, and have not obeyed my voice, neither walked
+therein. Verse 15. Therefore, thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of
+Israel, behold I will feed them, even this people, with wormwood, and
+give them water of gall to drink." Daniel vii. 25, "And he shall speak
+great words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the
+Most High, and think to change times and laws." Galatians v. 1, "Stand
+fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be
+not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." I Timothy iv. 16, "Take
+heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine: continue in them: for in doing
+this, thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee." 2 Timothy
+i. 13, "Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me,
+in faith, and love, which is in Christ Jesus." Revelation in. 10, 11,
+"Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I will also keep thee
+from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try
+them that dwell upon the earth. Behold I come quickly; hold fast that
+which thou hast, that no man take thy crown."
+
+"But we have been so far from such endeavours, that there hath been a
+stupid submission to our rulers and great ones, breaking down and
+ruining the whole work of reformation, razing the bulwarks thereof,
+rescinding the laws in favour of the same, and not only breaking but
+burning the covenants for preserving it, enacting the breaches thereof,
+and declaring the obligation thereof void and criminal to be, owned;
+and, upon the ruins thereof, setting up abjured Diocesan Erastian
+Prelacy, with its concomitant bondage of patronages--a blasphemous and
+sacrilegious supremacy and arbitrary power in magistrate over church and
+state. There was little conscience made of constant endeavours to
+preserve the reformation, when there was not a seasonable testimony
+exhibited against these audacious and heaven-daring attempts; when our
+ministers were by a wicked edict ejected from their charges, both they
+and the people too easily complied with it. Albeit, in the National
+Covenant, the land is obliged to defend the reformation, and to labour
+by all means lawful to recover the purity and liberty of the gospel, by
+forbearing the practice of all novations introduced in the worship of
+God, or approbation of the corruptions of the public government of the
+kirk: yet was there given all the approbation required by law of the
+novation and corruption of Prelacy by hearing the Prelatic curates. Both
+ministers and people, in a great measure complied with, submitted unto,
+and connived at the encroachments of the supremacy and absolute power,
+both in accepting and countenancing the former indulgences and later
+toleration; the generalty took and subscribed oaths and bonds imposed
+during the reigns of these tyrants, Charles II. and James Duke of York,
+pressing conformity with the then establishments of church and state,
+most contrary to the reformation which the nation had sworn to preserve;
+some of these oaths and bonds restraining the takers from all endeavours
+to preserve it, as those that renounced the privilege of defensive arms;
+some of them abjuring the covenants expressly, and condemning the
+prosecution of the ends of them as rebellion, viz., the declaration and
+test; the most part did, Issachar like, crouch beneath all the burthens
+of maintaining and defending an arbitrary power and absolute tyranny,
+wholly employed and applied for the destruction of reformation, and paid
+such subsidies and supplies as were declaredly imposed for upholding the
+tyrant's usurpations, and suppressing all endeavours to preserve the
+reformation."
+
+And after the Lord was pleased in mercy to break the rod of oppression,
+and burst the bands of that horrid tyranny from off his people's necks,
+and to allow us a time of peace and ease; yet have we not made
+conscience of keeping this our oath; but instead of all lawful means to
+preserve the discipline and government of this church, there have been
+frequent invasions made thereupon by the civil powers, exercising an
+Erastian supremacy over her assemblies, by indicting, prorogueing, and
+dissolving them at their pleasure, and in their name and authority;
+whereby Christ's supremacy and kingly dignity was highly injured. And as
+the state for their part have, contrary to this article, made these
+usurpations upon the government of the church, so have backslidden
+ministers in their stations shamefully succumbed to, been silent at, and
+pleaded in defence of these usurpations, and have not zealously and
+faithfully asserted their Master's prerogatives, and the privileges of
+his church, sacrilegiously encroached upon by the magistrate. And people
+likewise have, in their stations, been unconcerned about these wrongs
+and injuries done to Christ, and have not used all lawful endeavour with
+their superiors (which they own as such,) whether of church or state, in
+order to reformation thereof, nor made faithful protestations against
+them, when they could not obtain redress--and as the government of the
+church has not been duly preserved; so there has been a want of constant
+endeavours to preserve pure the doctrine of this reformed church; and
+that ever since that fatal distraction of _public resolution principles_
+began to creep into the church, which corrupted people in that doctrine
+of abstaining from association with malignants and enemies to truth and
+godliness, and so far prevailed that the avowed enemies of religion were
+brought into places of greatest trust and authority. And these
+associations have not been made only with the haters of religion at
+home, but are also entered into with the enemies to the Protestant
+religion abroad; and many backsliding ministers in the late times of
+tyranny were very faulty in this point of not labouring to preserve the
+purity of doctrine, either by express condemning of some important
+truths then persecuted, or at least in being silent and not asserting
+them, nor applying their doctrine to the time's corruptions; whereby
+many of the people were left to be overcome by snares--"And so laid open
+to seek out other principles to justify their practices of compliance,
+or extravagances on the right or left hand, not consistent with the
+doctrine and rules of the Church of Scotland, others were not constant
+in confessing those doctrines before men when called to suffer for, and
+avouch them." Neither are there at this day, nor has there been all
+along during these years of peace and quiet, suitable endeavours for
+suppressing all sorts of unsound doctrine, or purging the land of the
+leaven of erroneous principles. Although there have been many laws made
+against Popery, yet how have they been put to execution, when Papists
+are so rife and Popery prevalent?--the idolatrous mass being set up in
+several places of the kingdom; the maintainers and promoters of
+Quakerism, Bourignianism, Arminianism, &c, are not punished, but
+protected by the state, and connived at by the church. And whereas, the
+right endeavouring of maintaining sound doctrine, doth require
+uprightness and sincerity in the profession and belief thereof, and a
+suitable practice accompanying that belief; we have it to lament that
+the most part of us in this land are but hypocritical in the professing
+of the doctrines of the gospel, and want a suitable practice and
+conversation becoming the gospel, cause, and cross of Christ. Many are
+grossly ignorant of the fundamental doctrines of Christianity, or study
+the circumstantial and controverted more than the fundamental truths.
+There has also been great short coming of _real, sincere and constant
+endeavors to preserve the worship of God_, public and private. "In times
+of hazard, many ministers left off preaching, and the people hearing. We
+have been negligent and remiss in family worship; and, instead of
+preserving, many have done much to discourage and hinder it: And in
+secret we have been formal and careless: Many have satisfied themselves
+with the purity of the ordinances, neglecting the power thereof, yea,
+some have turned aside to crooked ways destructive to both." Neither
+have we been careful to preserve the discipline, church censures being
+laid aside, and not impartially exercised against scandals, personal and
+public. Scandalous persons being admitted to hold up their children to
+baptism, and to partake of the Lord's table and other privileges of the
+church, without respect to the rules of Christ. The discipline of the
+church hath also been circumscribed, limited, and bounded by Acts of
+Parliament, and is now rendered ineffectual by the late Act of the
+British Parliament, entitled, _Act for preventing the Disturbing of
+those of the Episcopal Communion in that part of Great Britain called
+Scotland_. So that ministers could not without transgressing these Acts
+(which they too punctually observe) draw out the sword of discipline
+against many covenant-breakers; perjured hireling-curates being allowed
+to enjoy churches and benefices without censure or molestation, if
+subject to the civil government, as is evident from the 27th Act of the
+fifth Session of William's first Parliament, entitled, _Act concerning
+the Church_. Ministers have neglected to draw out the sword of
+discipline, duly and impartially against scandalous persons of every
+rank and quality; so that many gross offenders have been passed over
+without censure, as, namely, such as shed the blood of the Lord's
+people, complied with the tyrants and usurpers in the times of
+persecution, by testing, bonding, hearing of curates, paying of cess and
+other taxations, intelligencers, and informers against the people of
+God, accepters of indulgences and toleration, and such as preached under
+the covert of remissions and indemnities bought by sums of money from
+the council, such as had been lack and negligent in testifying against
+the corruptions of the times, were not brought to an acknowledgment of
+it; but, upon the contrary, encouraged as well-doers, and advanced to
+office and public employment in the church without evident signs of
+repentance. And many other scandalous persons are daily connived at and
+superficially past, without sufficient discoveries of their repentance
+and amendment: Many also have been overlooked because of their eminency
+in the world, or past over for pecuniary mulcts. And, whereas, in the
+same first Article of the Solemn League, we are bound "to endeavor the
+promoting and propagating of the Reformation and uniformity of religion,
+Confession of Faith, Form of Church-government (which as it was
+primarily understood, so still we own to be only Presbyterial) Directory
+for Worship and Catechising. According to the Scriptures."
+
+Isa. xix. 18. "In that day shall five cities in the land of Egypt speak
+the language of Canaan, and swear to the Lord of Hosts." Jer. xxxii. 39.
+"And I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me for
+ever, for the good of them and of their children after them." Zech. xiv.
+9. "And the Lord shall be King over all the earth: in that day there
+shall be one Lord, and his name one." Acts ii. 46. "And they continuing
+daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread, from house to
+house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart." Acts
+iv. 32. "And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart, and
+one soul." I Cor. vii. 17. "But as God hath distributed to every man, as
+the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk; and so ordain I in all
+churches." Gal. vi. 16. "And as many as walk according to this rule,
+peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God." Phil. iii. 16.
+"Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained; let us walk by the same
+rule; let us mind the same thing."
+
+Yet as our fathers had reason to complain, "that the profane, loose, and
+insolent carriage of many in their armies, who went to the assistance of
+their brethren in England, and the tampering and unstraight dealings of
+some commissioners and others of our nation, in London, the Isle of
+Wight, and other places, had proved great lets to the work of
+reformation and settling of kirk government there, whereby error and
+schism in the land had been greatly increased, and sectaries hardened in
+their way;" so much more during the time of the late persecution, the
+offensive carriage of many who went to England is to be bewailed, who
+proved very stumbling to the Sectarians there.
+
+There hath been little zeal or endeavour for such a uniformity, little
+praying for it, or mourning over the obstructions of it; but, upon the
+contrary, a toleration was embraced, introductive of a sectarian
+multiformity of religion without a testimony against the toleration even
+of Popery itself, under the usurper James, Duke of York; and since the
+Revolution the land hath done exceeding much to harden them. 1st, By
+accepting such persons to the royal dignity over this realm as had sworn
+to maintain the Antichristian hierarchy of Prelacy, with all the
+superstitions and ceremonies of the Church of England, and who
+countenance a multiformity in the worship of God and government of the
+church, and do not suppress such as are unsound and heterodox in the
+fundamental articles of the Christian faith. And, next, to put a full
+stop to all endeavours of uniformity and union in the Lord's way, and to
+bring the nation under an indespensible necessity of covenant breaking,
+this nation hath entered into an _incorporating union_ with England in
+such terms, and upon such conditions as formally and explicitly
+established Prelacy as the Church-government there to all succeeding
+generations; and that while, in the meantime, all manner of Sectarian
+errors are there encouraged, maintained, and supported by means of a
+toleration. By the concluding of which union, this land hath said upon
+the matter that there is no obligation upon us to tender the advancement
+of religion in that nation, or to study such means and methods as might
+tend to bring them to a sense of their breach of covenant, or reduce
+them to a performance of the duties whereunto they are engaged; and thus
+this land hath hardened them in their sinful ways and courses, contrary
+to this Solemn League, and given them ground to think that we look upon
+the obligation thereof to be loosed. This land hath been wanting in
+compassion to them as brethren, in not labouring to show them their sin
+and danger, while persisting in a professed violation of their vows, and
+refusing them help in their need, when supplication was made by some of
+them to the first Assembly after the Revolution for ministers to preach
+the gospel. And though this land hath sought out methods how to
+entertain amity and friendship with them, yet have they not endeavoured
+to have it such as that the Lord should, upon that account, delight to
+dwell amongst us: nay, upon the contrary, unless these methods be
+repented of and forsaken, it is impossible that reformation should ever
+amount to that degree of perfection in these kingdoms, to which, through
+the mercy of God, it once arrived; so that instead of _living together
+in peace and love, we and our posterity after us_, are like to live in a
+joint defection from our covenant engagements made to the Most High God.
+
+In the second Article of the Solemn League and Covenant, we swear, "That
+we shall, without respect of persons, endeavour the extirpation of
+Popery, Prelacy, Superstition, Heresy, Schism, Profaneness, and
+whatsoever shall be found to be contrary to sound doctrine and the power
+of godliness. And in the National Covenant to abhor and detest the
+Antichristian wicked Hierarchy," &c. According to the Scriptures.
+
+Exod. xxiii. 32, 33. "Thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor with
+their gods. They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make thee sin
+against me: for if thou serve their gods, it surely will be a snare unto
+thee." Exod. xxxiv. 12, 13. "Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a
+covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither thou goest, lest it be
+for a snare in the midst of thee: But ye shall destroy their altars,
+break their images, and cut down their groves." Deut. xiii. chapter
+throughout. Judges ii. 2. "And ye shall make no league with the
+inhabitants of this land; you shall throw down their altars," &c. Zech.
+xiii. 2, 3. "And it shall come to pass in that day saith the Lord of
+Hosts, that I will cut off the names of idols out of the land, and also
+I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirits to pass out of the
+land. And it shall come to pass, that when any shall yet prophesy, then
+his father and his mother that begat him, shall say unto him, Thou shalt
+not live; for thou speakest lies in the name of the Lord: and his
+father, and his mother, that begat him, shall thrust him through, when
+he prophesieth." I Tim. iv. 1, 2, 3. "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly,
+that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed
+to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils: Speaking lies in hypocrisy,
+having their conscience seared with a hot iron: Forbidding to marry, and
+commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received
+with thanksgiving of them which believe, and know the truth." Rev. xvii.
+5. "And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE
+GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS, AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. Verse 16.
+And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the
+whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh,
+and burn her with fire." Compared with Rev. xviii. 4, 5, 6. "A I heard
+another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye
+be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues:
+For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her
+iniquities. Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her
+double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled, fill to
+her double."
+
+Yet, alas! so far has the land been defective in this, that upon the
+contrary, it hath been polluted with idolatrous masses; altars, and
+other monuments of idolatry were suffered again to be erected; the penal
+statutes were disabled, stopped, and suspended by an absolute arbitrary
+power by means of a toleration in its own nature tending, and in its
+design intending to introduce Popery and slavery, which yet was accepted
+and addressed for by many backslidden ministers, who to this day have
+made no public acknowledgement of the sin of so doing, notwithstanding
+all the reformation which is bragged of, and was countenanced, complied,
+and concurred with by many people without a testimony or endeavour to
+withstand it. Yea, the administration of the government and the greatest
+offices of power and trust were committed into, and permitted to abide
+in the hands of Papists; and the head of them and great pillar and
+promoter of Popery, James the VII, was owned as King, contrary to the
+laws of God and man and covenant obligations, without respect of persons
+to extirpate Popery and Papists; and few during that time evinced any
+just zeal or indignation against, or fear of the manifest appearances of
+the coming in of Popery and intended establishment of it in the land.
+And not only then, but even to this day, there is too much conniving at
+Papists; the laws are not put in execution against them in their full
+extent and latitude: And albeit this land, yea, whole Britain and
+Ireland, were purged of Popery, yet cannot we be said to have made
+conscience of performing this part of the oath of God, while there is a
+confederating with Papists abroad and fighting in their quarrel, and
+that, whilst in the meantime they are persecuting, with the height of
+rigour and severity, all such as profess any thing of the reformed
+religion in their dominions. And as there hath been great failures in
+respect of extirpating Popery, so especially in the performance of that
+part of the covenant which binds us to the extirpation of
+Prelacy--"_i.e._ Church government by arch-bishops, bishops, their
+chancellors and commissaries, deans, deans and chapters, archdeacons,
+and all other officers depending upon that hierarchy:" there hath been a
+most wilful and palpable violation of the oath of God, though it be most
+clearly our duty prescribed in his word.
+
+Matt. xx. 25, 26. "But Jesus called them unto him, and said, ye know
+that the Princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they
+that are great exercise authority upon them: But it shall not be so
+among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your
+minister." Luke xxii. 25, 26. "And he said unto them the Kings of the
+Gentiles exercise lordship over them," &c. Acts xx: 17. "And from
+Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church."
+Compared with verse 28. "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all
+the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you observers (bishops)
+to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood."
+I Peter v. 3. "Neither as being lords over God's heritage: but being
+ensamples to the flock." 3 John verse 9. "I wrote unto the church; but
+Diotrepehes, who loveth to have the pre-eminence among them, receiveth
+us not."
+
+And these breaches of it were not only made during the tunes of
+persecution, when Charles the II. by an arbitrary power, granted him by
+a parasitical Parliament, did overturn Presbyterian government, and
+introduce Prelacy, to which change the greatest part of the ministry did
+perfidiously yield, and became vassals to the bishops; such as were not
+willing to conform, were pressed to it by confinement, banishment,
+imprisonment, confiscation of goods, all manner of tortures, and,
+finally, death itself.
+
+During which hour and power of darkness, many complied with the enemy,
+by taking oaths and bonds, indulgencies and toleration, and because so
+remiss in this matter, that it was all one to them which government had
+the ascendant, so they might enjoy their worldly accommodations. And
+not only then, while Satan was let loose in his members and emissaries
+to persecute and waste the Church of Christ, but since peace and
+quietness are obtained, this duty continues to be greatly slighted; yea,
+in place of extirpating Prelacy, have there not been courses taken
+effectually to establish it? To instance a few--the accepting of William
+and Mary, and after them the present possessor of the Crown, to be
+supreme Magistrates, while they are knownly and professedly Prelatical
+in their judgment, and engaged by oath at their coronation to maintain
+the same; the swearing oaths of allegiance to them without security for
+their preserving of the true reformed religion--yea, without any
+limitation or qualification whatsoever; as also, the taking an oath of
+adjuration, wherein, by consequence, the takers engaged to do to the
+utmost of their power to procure that the Kings or Queens of these
+kingdoms shall be of the communion of the Prelatical Church, and so that
+they shall contribute to the support of Prelacy.
+
+Again, the Episcopal clergy who subjected to it during the time of its
+legal establishment, have not been therefore prosecuted by the
+discipline of the church; but such as did, and yet do profess it as
+their principle, are allowed equal encouragement with the Presbyterians,
+only providing they evidence good affection to the civil government. And
+now, since the late _incorporating union_ with England, we of this
+nation have consented that Prelacy shall be established there to all
+succeeding generations, (as was observed in the first article); and,
+moreover, have given into the hands of the Prelatics in England, the
+power of making laws which must become binding upon this land, they
+being members of the British Parliament and council; which power has
+been already improved, to establish a liberty and protection for the
+whole rabble of the Episcopal Clergy in the free exercise of the Popish
+ceremonies of the Church of England, without any provision against the
+grossest heretical opinions that they please to broach, excepting only
+the denying of the doctrine of the blessed Trinity. Where, then, are our
+endeavours for the extirpation of the wicked hierarchy?--where is the
+abhorrence and detestation of it, sworn and engaged to in these
+Covenants?--Do not many who profess themselves to be Presbyterians show
+themselves so indifferent in this point, that they can join with
+either, as may suit their interest?--instance the Sacramental Testers.
+Few mourn over and pray earnestly for the subversion of that hierarchy.
+Few doctrinally discover the evils of such a government, and how
+contrary it is to God's Word--or labour to bring their hearers into a
+dislike and detestation of it, and the sad fruits which result from it.
+Few study to convince others of the evil of such a principle, and
+following such a course by the Apostle's rule, avoiding all unnecessary
+company with them, that they may be ashamed; but, upon the contrary,
+many Presbyterians too familiar and unnecessary converse with them,
+encourage and harden them; and, particularly, ministers are to be blamed
+herein, who preach one half of the Lord's day in the church, and allow
+the curate the other half. Few impartially reprove and warn them of
+their sin and danger; but, upon the other hand, many professed
+Presbyterians, by their untender and unchristian walk and conversation,
+or by their lukewarmness and indifferency in Christ's matters, now
+called _moderation_, and by their walking contrary to covenant
+engagements, do exceedingly harden them in their evil way, and
+scandalize them at their duty. Instead of endeavours to extirpate
+superstition and heresy, as we are bound by the same article of the
+Solemn League, and by the "National Covenant to detest all superstition
+and heresy, without or against the Word of God, and doctrine of this
+reformed kirk, according to the Scripture."
+
+Duet. xii. 30, 31, 32--"Take heed to thyself, that thou be not snared by
+following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee, and that
+thou inquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve
+their gods? even so will I do likewise. Thou shalt not do so unto the
+Lord thy God; for every abomination to the Lord which he hateth, have
+they done unto their gods: for even their sons and their daughters they
+have burnt in the fire to their gods. What thing soever I command you,
+observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto nor diminish from it." Acts
+xvii. 22--"Then Paul stood in the midst of Mar's-hill, and said--Ye men
+of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious." Gal.
+iv. 10--"Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years." Gal. v.
+20--"Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulation, wrath, strife,
+seditions, heresies." Col. ii. 20--"Wherefore, if ye be dead with Christ
+from the rudiments of the world; why as though living in the world, are
+ye subject to ordinances? verse 21, Touch not, taste not, handle not:
+verse 23, Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will-worship, and
+humility, and neglecting of the body, not in any honour to the
+satisfying of the flesh." Tit. iii. 10--"A man that is an heretic, after
+the first and second admonition, reject."
+
+Yet, in the darkness of the times of persecution, many dregs of Popish
+superstition were observed, many omens and freets too much looked to;
+Popish festival days--as Pasche, Yule, Fastings-even, &c, have been kept
+by many; and Prelatical anniversary days, and festivities devised of
+their own heart, appointed for commemorating the King's and Queen's
+birthdays, (as May 29th, October 13th, February 6th,) who were born as a
+scourge to this realm, were complied with by many. Yes, some have
+superstitiously made use of the Scriptures as a fortune book, looking to
+that which first cast up to them, or to impressions borne in upon their
+minds from such and such places of Scripture as Divine responses,
+without a due search of them as the Lord hath commanded. And many
+wavering and unstable souls have been seduced unto damnable and
+pernicious heresies, as Quakers, and delirious delusions, as those that
+followed John Gib. All which have been breaches of Covenant, as well as
+of Divine commands. Yea, even to this very day, the same superstitions
+are observed and practised, as abstaining from labouring upon the
+foresaid festivities, and observing presages of good or tad fortune (as
+it is called,) upon them and other times; as likewise, many practisers
+of enchantments and users of charms--yea, such as are in actual compact
+with the devil, are not carefully sought out, nor accurately tried, in
+order to be brought to punishment, but overlooked and protected.
+
+There has been also since the revolution, as well as before, a great
+deluge of errors through these covenanted lands, which, to this day,
+continue and increase: that might be sufficient to convince us that
+there have not been proper measures taken to suppress them, as this
+article obliges us to do;--nay, instead thereof, they are tolerated,
+maintained, and protected by authority, as appears both from the late
+Act of Parliament, and from the liberty allowed to that pestilent
+generation of Quakers, who keep their general meetings yearly in
+Edinburgh, being guarded by a company of the town guards. And as the
+state do not prosecute the promoters and abettors of these heresies with
+civil pains, as is the duty of such as call themselves God's
+vicegerents, and own themselves to be intrusted with keeping of both
+tables of the law; so the church is nothing speedier or more active in
+drawing out their ecclesiastical sword to cut off these luxurant
+branches, and to take _the little foxes which spoil the wines_. Many
+whose duty, by virtue of their office, is to give warning from Zion's
+walls, as watchmen entrusted with the city of God, neglect to discover,
+and from the scriptures to confute these errors, or to show their flocks
+by doctrine or writing the danger of being tainted with them. And as
+suitable endeavours have been wanting effectually to extirpate heresy
+and error, so schism, its inseparable companion, and necessary
+consequent, has exceedingly grown and increased, to the great damage of
+the church of Christ in these kingdoms, and utter subversion of that
+most pleasant fabric of uniformity in religion, which the League and
+Covenant binds us to endeavour. The word of God makes schism a very
+great sin, as is evident from Rom. xvi. 17; 1 Cor. xi. 18, xii. 25; Heb.
+x. 25; Jude 19.
+
+And all the nation are to be reputed guilty of it who depart from the
+doctrine and laudable constitutions delivered by Christ and his
+apostles, and adhered unto by the church of Scotland in her purest times
+of Reformation. And if we consider schism under this notion, as we ought
+to do, then will we find that the greatest part of the land is guilty of
+it. Few are firmly and constantly adhering to the attained Reformation;
+but many upon the left hand, have turned aside to compliance with
+Prelacy and Erastianism, and so have by their defection broken the
+church's _beauty_ and _bands_, order and union, in making a faction
+repugnant to her established order, and, censurable by all her standing
+acts, in bringing innovations in the government, and making a rent in
+the bowels of the church; by causing divisions and offences contrary to
+the doctrine of the church; whereby they have made themselves guilty of
+schism; and some have fallen into delusions and dotages upon the right
+hand, who, in seeking to be religious above what is commanded, have come
+short of the truth of religion, and made a faction repugnant to this
+covenant. Some, being private persons, have pretended an immediate
+commission to preach the word, and administer the sacraments. Others,
+being stumbled with the defection of the time, have turned aside to
+independency. "Some upon slender and insufficient grounds, have and do
+separate both from faithful ministers and Christian societies and
+families, because of difference in judgment and incident debates,
+wherein the testimony of Christ is not much concerned; or because of
+personal offences easily removed, not observing the rules of Christ for
+removing of them, not having respect to his great commands of charity,
+forbearance, forgiving one another, or condescendency. And among divided
+parties, which in our day have been long biting and devouring one
+another, there hath been too much both of sinful union and confederacy
+in terms prejudicial to truth; as our joinings in the _Angus regiment_,
+at the _Revolution_, and our guarding and supplicating that corrupt
+_Convention of Estates_, which consisted mostly of such as had been
+directly or indirectly guilty of the murder of the Lord's people; and
+upon the other hand, there hath been too much of sinful heats,
+animosities, and jealousies, pride, passion, and prejudice, grieving the
+Spirit of the Lord, and eating out the power and life, and much
+hindering the holy practice and spiritual exercise of religion."
+
+_We have been so far from endeavouring to extirpate profaneness, another
+evil engaged against in the covenant, and condemned in the Word of God_.
+Deut. xxix. 19; Job xxi. 14; Jer. xxiii. 15; Ezek. xxii. 26; Hos. iv.
+1-3; Heb. vii. 15.
+
+"That profanity hath been much winked at, and profane persons much
+countenanced, and many times employed, till iniquity and ungodliness
+have gone over the land as a flood; and profanity, beginning at the
+court, hath spread itself through every rank and quality in the land: so
+that immoralities and sins against every precept of both tables are
+greatly abounding." As, namely, great contempt of God and godliness,
+ignorance, atheism and irreligion, unsuitable walking to the knowledge
+of him and his perfections which we have, and not labouring in the use
+of means to attain more. Much neglect of pressing after peace and
+reconciliation with him, through a Mediator, and of living up to the
+profession which we make of him. Despising of his holy ordinances and
+means of worship; deafness and stupidity under the calls of his Word.
+Profanation of his holy sacraments, neglect of secret prayer (wherein
+much of the life of religion lies), and of prayer in families, or a
+negligent, careless and superficial performance thereof; many using a
+formality of words and expressions learned by custom. Some using our
+blessed Lord's prayer as a set form, which ought to be used as a rule of
+direction in all our prayers, and not as a dead form of words: many
+seeking more to be seen of men in this and all other duties, than to
+approve themselves to God, and more careful to come by apposite words
+and expressions, when praying with others, than to attain and entertain
+the breathings and influences of the Spirit of God. Much neglect of
+propagating Christian knowledge in congregations and families; ministers
+and masters of families not making diligent search into the knowledge of
+the flocks and families under their charge, and instructing them
+suitably. Much swearing and profanation of God's name, by loose and vain
+oaths in common discourse: yea, swearing by the creatures--as, soul,
+faith, conscience, and the like, thereby sacrilegiously attributing to
+them divine honour; as also, by imposing upon all persons in any public
+trust the unlimited and unlawful oath of allegiance, together with the
+bond of assurance, and the oath of abjuration, contrary to the oath of
+the covenant, thereby debauching people's consciences, and involving
+them in the guilt of perjury. Great profanation of the holy Sabbath, and
+neglect or careless performance of the duties therein required; breaking
+it by unnecessary feasting, walking, idle, vain and impertinent
+discourse, and such like recreations; yea, by hunting, hawking, riding
+and going of journeys, sounding trumpets before their lords of
+Justiciary when going to church, reading of proclamations wholly
+irrelative to religion, and making publications not necessary nor
+expedient to be made upon that day. Much disobedience to parents, and
+undue carriage of persons of all ranks and relations towards each other.
+Great murder and bloodshed, so that the land is defiled with blood, and
+that not only the blood of the Lord's people, who, in the times of
+persecution, were led forth like sheep to the slaughter, because of
+their adherence to their duty, and refusing conformity with wicked
+courses and subjection to wicked laws, eversive of their covenant
+engagements, not yet mourned over, nor purged away by the blood of those
+that shed it; but likewise many through the land are murdered
+frequently, and the murderers are not prosecuted with due severity: nay,
+such are the methods that are now taken to embolden the wicked in that
+and all other crimes, that whatever presumptions of guilt may be had, or
+how ample confession soever be made, if it be extrajudicial, and the
+very fact not proved by witnesses, the delinquent is passed over and
+absolved as a well-doer, and many actually convicted of murder are
+indemnified and let pass unpunished.
+
+Much uncleanness and filthiness, adultery, fornication, incest,
+bestiality, sodomy, lasciviousness, promiscuous dancing, stage plays,
+excessive drinking, vanity in apparel, and the like abominable
+unchastity and incentives to it. Much stealing, robbery and oppression,
+grinding the faces of the poor by unjust taxations and heavy
+impositions, and by hindering the poor from begging, for the support of
+their lives in times of scarcity, by a wicked edict. Perverting of
+justice in law suits; lawyers and advocates finding means, for their own
+gain and worldly advantage, to obtain decisive sentences in favor of the
+rich, contrary to justice and equity; much cheating and deceiving in
+bargaining; forestalling of markets in times of scarcity; depriving the
+poor of their habitations and livelihoods by building of parks and
+in-closures; tenants taking leases over their neighbor's head, and the
+like. It is, moreover, to be bewailed that many ministers, who should be
+examples of charity and good works, are ringleaders in this sin of
+oppression. Much lying and bearing of false witness, defaming one
+another's good name, reproaching persons for their adherence to the
+truths and cause of Christ, or for discovering any piece of zeal and
+affection that way. Much covetousness and worldly-mindedness, repining,
+murmuring and discontentment with God's dispensations; revenge, wrath,
+malice, envy, bitterness and innumerable sins, both against the precepts
+of the moral law, and the offers of Christ in the Gospel, which plainly
+says that we have not used the endeavours which in this Article we
+promise, for "Rooting up profaneness and whatsoever is found contrary to
+sound doctrine and the power of godliness, lest we partake of other
+men's sins, and so be in danger to receive of their plagues." Nay, hath
+not much unsound doctrine been maintained in the arguments which have
+been used for defending the lawfulness of the courses of compliance with
+Prelacy and Erastianism? and these, amongst other unsound notions, have
+been entertained amongst us--"That lesser and circumstantial truths are
+not to be suffered for; that confession of these truths hath not been
+called for in our day; that people are not in hazard of the sins of
+others, especially of magistrates and ministers, if they do not directly
+act the same sins themselves; that sins of bypast times (if they be not
+presently practiced) are not to be confessed, nor the persons guilty to
+be stood at a distance from, till they give evident documents of their
+repentance;" contrary to express and plain Scripture.
+
+2 Sam. xxi. 1; 2 Sam. xxiv. 17; 2 Kings xxi. 11, 12; Isa. xliii. 27, 28;
+Jer. xiv. 15,16; Mic. iii. 11, 12.
+
+Whence both ministers and people have been involved in the sins of
+Prelacy, Indulgence, Toleration, Erastianism, subjecting the government
+of the church to the secular and civil authority; while they thought
+these only to be the sins of Prelates, or of wicked and usurping rulers;
+they in the meantime yielding all the conformity with, submission unto,
+and approbation of them, that was by wicked laws required. On the other
+hand, many of us have rested too much in a non-compliance with these,
+and "having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof."
+
+In the third Article, whereas we are bound, "in our several vocations,
+mutually to preserve the rights and privileges of Parliaments, and
+liberties of the kingdoms;" meaning the true, real and righteous
+privileges and liberties--consonant to the Word of God.
+
+Deut. i. 13; Deut. xvi. 18; Isa. i. 26.
+
+Likeas, all lieges are bound by the laws of the land inserted in the
+National Covenant, to "maintain the authority of Parliaments, without
+which neither any laws nor lawful judicatories can be established." Yet
+as our fathers had reason to complain "that neither had the privileges
+of the Parliament nor liberties of the subject been duly tendered; but
+some amongst them had laboured to put into the hands of the king an
+arbitrary and unlimited power destructive to both; and many of them had
+been accessory to those means and ways whereby the freedom and
+privileges of Parliaments had been encroached upon, and the subjects
+oppressed in their consciences, persons and estates;" so afterwards, all
+alongst the tract of tyranny and persecution, they had rather the name
+and show than the real power and privileges of lawfully constituted
+Parliaments; having advanced the royal prerogative to such a boundless
+pitch of arbitrariness, and being so corrupted, that faithful men and
+honest and honourable patriots were excluded, and those admitted who by
+the law of God and man should have been debarred; and so prelimited that
+the members behoved to take such oaths (for instance, the declaration
+and test, abjuring and condemning the Covenants) as engaged them to be
+perjured and conjured enemies both to our religion and liberty, which
+both the electors of Members of Parliament and the elected did sinfully
+comply with; neither did the body of the land make conscience of
+recovering these rights and privileges thus perverted and polluted; but
+in stupid subjection did own those for representatives who betrayed
+their liberties, and made laws to enslave the nation and entail slavery
+upon, posterity. On the other hand, they that disowned them did not make
+conscience of preserving those rights and privileges of supreme
+judicatories, when inadvertently and unadvisedly they put in such
+expressions and styles in some of their declarations as do not belong to
+private persons, but only to such judicatories. And not only then, but
+since the Revolution, have there been many ways taken for corrupting and
+depriving the Members of Parliament; as that all members and electors of
+members have been obliged to take the oath of allegiance, with the
+assurance to such as did, and do, in their dominions, support Prelacy
+and exercise an Erastian supremacy over the church of Christ.
+
+And now, last of all, by the means of this fatal Union with England, in
+terms and upon conditions inconsistent with our covenanted Union,
+engaged to in the League and Covenant; the nation's sovereignty and
+independency are given up, the rights of Parliament entirely lost, or
+vanished into a shadow, little preferable to no Parliament; so few
+being to represent this nation in the Parliament of Great Britain, as
+can never be able to prevent, by their number of voices, any act which
+it shall please the English to make, how destructive soever the same be
+to our sacred or civil concerns. Which treaty of Union was concluded in
+a Parliament as manifestly prelimited, as any which ever was seen in
+Scotland; the members were corrupted with bribes and preferment, and so
+engaged to act contrary to the will and mind of those whome they did
+represent, and to comply with that stratagem hatched by the English, for
+enslaving this poor nation, and denuded it of its privileges, as well
+sacred as civil. And alas! how insignificant were the endeavours then
+used to prevent that course, and preserve the privileges of the
+Parliament and liberties of this kingdom? only some faint addresses, all
+other attempts being laid aside at their Queen's command, by her
+proclamation, as _treasonable convocation of the lieges_.
+
+Again, the subject's liberties, both as men and as Christian, which the
+scriptures allow, we should preserve,
+
+I Sam. xiv. 25; Acts xxii. 25,28; xxv. 11,16,27; Gal. v. 1.
+
+Have been miserably encroached upon by arbitrary government, whereby the
+subjects have been oppressed in their consciences, persons and estates,
+by all the oaths and bonds pressing conformity with the corruptions,
+novations, and usurpations the government of church and state, and
+persecutions for recusancy, and by impositions of the freedom of secret
+thoughts, which no law of men can reach, which yet in the time of the
+late persecution were extorted, by threatening of death and manifold
+tortures; the church's liberties have also been invaded by the
+ecclesiastical supremacy, declared by a blasphemous law inherent to the
+crown, which law, though it be not now in force, is yet still kept up in
+practice by the indiction, prorogation, and dissolution of Assemblies,
+and prescribing diets and causes of fasting and thanksgiving in the
+magistrate's name and authority, to which ecclesiastical supremacy,
+usurped by the magistrate, this backslidden church hath always
+subjected, and now to discover to the world that they are not ashamed of
+this surrendering of our Lord's prerogative to his enemies they have, in
+their Assembly, holden at Edinburgh, Anno 1710, most explicitly and
+fully subscribed to this ecclesiastical supremacy, in their Act for
+observation of fasts, wherein they affirm, "that it is much for the
+honor of God that fasts whether appointed' by the church, or the civil
+magistrate, be duly observed."
+
+In that same third Article, we are likewise bound to defend "The supreme
+magistrate's person and authority, in the preservation and defence of
+the true religion and liberties of the kingdom:" as in the National
+Covenant is expressed: likewise, "to defend his person and authority, in
+the defence of Christ his evangel, liberties of our country,
+ministration of justice, and punishment of iniquity; and to stand to his
+defence, in the defence of the true religion, liberties and laws of the
+kingdom;" as the duty is qualified in scripture.
+
+II Sam. v. 3.; II Kings xi. 17; II Chron. xxvi. 16, 17, 18, 21; Rom.
+xiii. 3, 4, 6; I Pet. ii. 13, 14.
+
+As our fathers in their acknowledgments had reason to say, "Neither hath
+it been our care to avoid these things which might harden the king in
+his evil way; but, upon the contrary he hath not only been permitted,
+but many of us have been instrumental to make him exercise his power in
+many things tending to the prejudice of religion, and of the Covenant,
+and of the peace and safety of these kingdoms; which is so far from the
+right way of preserving his Majesty's person and authority that it
+cannot but provoke the Lord against him unto the hazard of both. Nay,
+under a pretence of relieving and doing for the king, whilst he refuses
+to do what was necessary for the house of God, some have ranversed and
+violated most of all the Articles of the Covenant."
+
+So, during the unhappy days of the late tyranny, it was the land's sin
+and shame, and ought to be our sorrow, that men were mounted upon a
+throne of iniquity whose main design and practice was to subvert
+religion and persecute it, to introduce Popery itself and slavery, to
+destroy the nation's liberties, suppress the evangel, and oppress its
+professors; who enacted and executed manifest injustice, stopped the
+ministration of justice against idolaters, adulterers, murderers, and
+other malefactors, and punished equity and duty, instead of iniquity;
+arrogated and obtained a monstrous prerogative above all rights and
+privileges of Parliaments, all laws, all liberties; a power to tyrannize
+as they pleased without control. But, as it was their sin who
+inaugurated Charles II. after such discoveries of his hypocritical
+enmity to religion and liberty, upon his subscription to the Covenants,
+so when he burned and buried that Covenant, and degenerated into
+manifest tyranny, and had razed the very foundation upon which both his
+right to govern, and the people's allegiance were founded, and remitted
+the subjects' allegiance by annulling the bond of it: it was the land's
+sin that they continued still to own his authority when opposite to, and
+destructive of religion and liberty; and of those who appeared in arms
+at Pentland and Bothwell Bridge, that they put in his interest (with
+application of the words of the Covenant to him, though stated in
+opposition to it) into _the state of the quarrel_, in their _declaration
+of war_, for which (so far as the godly could discern) the Lord put them
+to shame, and went not forth with their armies. It was likewise the sin
+of the land, and a great breach of Covenant, when the Duke of York was
+admitted to the exercise of the royal office against the laws of God and
+man; being incapable of the Covenant qualifications of a magistrate, and
+being a Papist, and so incapable of taking the "oath of coronation to
+maintain the true Protestant religion, and gainstand and abolish
+Popery;" which, for the preservation of the true religion, laws, and
+liberties of this kingdom, is stated by the 8th Act of Parliament, I
+King James VI, "That all kings, at the reception of their princely
+authority, shall take and swear;" yet this authority, though
+inconsistent with, and declaredly opposite to religion and liberty, was
+owned and upheld, by paying cess and supplies, expressly exacted for
+upholding tyranny in the destruction of religion and liberty; and though
+the Lord did, for a long time, by the tyranny of Charles II. and James
+VII., chastise these covenanted lands, yet there has not been a turning
+to him that smiteth: but these lands have again transgressed the Lord's
+commandments, and broken this part of the Covenant of the Lord, by
+receiving, admitting, supporting and subjecting to such, for Kings and
+Queens over these realms as want the qualifications required in God's
+word, and enacted by the righteous and laudable laws of the land to be
+in magistrates, superior and inferior: which were not brought under
+Covenant ties and obligations, to be for God and religion in their own
+persons and families, and to advance and preserve the same allenarly in
+their dominions; but in place thereof have come under oath and
+obligation to countenance, protect end advance the Romish superstitions
+and innovations in the worship of God and government of the Church,
+which the Covenant binds these kingdoms to suppress and extirpate, and
+in consequence of, and in conformity to, these obligations, do maintain
+and defend, or tolerate and allow Prelacy and Sectarian errors in their
+dominions, contrary to the true religion and sound doctrine, contrary to
+justice and equity; yea, contrary to that trust especially committed to
+the hands of Christian Magistrates, who for that end have the sword
+given them, _that they may be a terror to evil doers_, preserve and
+defend the true religion and professors thereof, and punish and
+extirpate false religion and heresies, and bring the wheel over the
+broachers, maintainers and abettors thereof; which did, and do exercise
+an Erastian supremacy over the church, in proroguing, and dissolving
+General Assemblies, appointing diets and causes of fasts and
+thanksgivings; and by their civil authority causing them to be kept and
+observed; which do not impartially execute justice upon all offenders,
+witness the frequent indemnities and remissions granted to murderers; as
+particularly, the passing without punishment the persons which
+perpetrated the inhuman, barbarous and lawless action of the massacre of
+Glencoe. Which waste and destroy the kingdom, by levying men and raising
+money for maintaining a long and expensive war, undertaken neither for
+the advancement of the true religion, nor for the advantage and safety
+of the nation; but in favour of the house of Austria, which hath been,
+and yet continues to be, one of the strong pillars of Antichrist's
+kingdom, and inplacable enemies to the true reformed religion, as
+appears by the persecution of the Protestants in Silesia, Hungary, &c.
+And yet notwithstanding of all this, many in the land of all ranks have
+sworn to bear true and faithful allegiance to them, without any
+conditional restriction or limitation; so that it is not possible for
+them, in a consistency with their oath, to disown their authority, and
+deny them subjection, or refuse to defend their persons and government,
+albeit they should proceed to the greatest pitch of arbitrariness; which
+is very far from the defence promised to Magistrates in the Covenant:
+the whole land (almost) hath complied with them in all the
+forementioned particulars so diametrically opposite to the Covenants,
+and supported, strengthened and encouraged them in these evil courses,
+by paying them cess and other subsidies; and ministers have minded so
+much to be loyal to their government, that they have forgotten to be
+faithful to their souls, in that they have not discovered to them the
+sin and danger of patronising Prelacy, and exercising Erastianism over
+the church; but in order to obtain their favor, have clapped their hands
+in these sins, which certainly is most opposite to that loyalty which we
+ought to maintain towards Princes, and tends rather to diminish their
+just power and greatness, than to increase and preserve it; and, instead
+of being a proper way of defending their persons and authority, is
+rather a mean to bring the wrath of a just and jealous God upon them,
+and those who defend or connive at them in these unlawful courses.
+
+"Our own consciences within, and God's judgment upon us without, do
+convince us of the manifold, wilful, renewed breaches of the fourth
+Article, which concerneth the discovery of malignants, consonant to the
+Scriptures."
+
+2 Sam. xxiii. 6; Esther vii. 5. 6; Psalm xxvi. 5; Psalm ci. 8; Prov.
+xxv. 5.
+
+"For their crimes have not only been connived at, but dispensed with and
+pardoned, and themselves received into intimate fellowship, intrusted
+with counsels, admitted into parliaments, and put in places of power and
+authority for managing the public affairs of the kingdom; whereby, in
+God's justice, they got at last into their hands the whole power and
+strength of the kingdom, both in judicatories and armies, and did employ
+the same unto the enacting and prosecuting an unlawful engagement in war
+against the kingdom of England, notwithstanding the dissent of many
+considerable members of parliament, who had given constant proof of
+their integrity in the cause from the beginning; of many faithful
+testimonies and free warnings of the servants of God; of the
+supplications of many synods, presbyteries, and shires; and the
+declaration of the General Assembly and their Commissioners to the
+contrary; which engagement, as it was the cause of much sin, so also of
+much misery and calamity unto this land, and held forth the grievousness
+of our sin, in complying with malignants in the greatness of our
+judgment, that we may be taught never to split again upon the same rock,
+upon which the Lord hath set so remarkable a beacon. And, after all that
+is come to pass unto us, because of this our trespass, and after that
+grace hath been showed unto _our fathers and us once and again_ from the
+Lord our God, by breaking these men's yoke from off _their and our
+necks, and sometimes_ delivering our fathers _so far from their
+insultings_, that he put them in a capacity to act for the good of
+religion, their own safety, and the peace and safety of the kingdoms,
+should they and we again break the commandment and covenant of the Lord,
+by joining once more with the people of these abominations, and taking
+unto our bosom these serpents which had formerly stung us almost unto
+death; this, as it would argue great madness and folly upon our part, so
+no doubt, if it be not avoided, will provoke the Lord against us, to
+consume us until there is no remnant nor escaping in the land? many
+times have we been warned of the sin of complying with malignants, both
+by faithful ministers, and fatherly corrections from the Lord;"--yet,
+after all these punishments, we have again joined with the people of
+these abominations; the Lord is righteous, for we remain yet escaped as
+it is this day; behold, we are before him in our trespass, we cannot
+stand before him because of this.
+
+These incendiaries, malignants, and evil instruments, made many grievous
+encroachments, and prevailed much in the days of our fathers--yet not
+without dissent, testimonies, warnings, and declarations; but more
+especially in the dismal days of persecution and tyranny, they were
+suffered, yea, encouraged, without any significant joint testimony, not
+only to hinder the reformation of religion, but to overturn the whole
+work of reformation, to burn and bury the covenants for it, to
+re-establish abjured Prelacy, erect a monstrous Christ-exauctorating and
+church-enslaving supremacy, attempt the introduction of Popery and
+slavery at the gate of an anti-Christian toleration, and to persecute
+and destroy the godly, who durst not in conscience comply with them; and
+not only to divide the _King from his people, or one of the kingdoms
+from another_--but first, to divide the bulk and body of both kingdoms,
+and make them pursue divided interests from the interest and cause of
+Christ, and then to divide the remnant of such as adhered to it amongst
+themselves, by indulgences and other bonds of contention, in order to
+get them more easily destroyed; and at length to engage the King into
+such a division from the people, as to make him, instead of their
+protector, their declared destroyer; and not only to _make parties among
+the people contrary to his league and covenant_, but to draw and divide
+the whole people into a party with perjuries. The generality,
+notwithstanding, did own allegiance to the head of these incendiaries
+and malignants, yea, a Popish incendiary, because he wore a crown on his
+head; and did pay the cess imposed for the maintenance and encouragement
+of malignants; many did associate with them in expeditions of war,
+drawing up with them in their musters and rendezvouses, thereby
+countenancing a malignant cause, and listing themselves under a
+malignant--yea, Popish banner; many subscribed and sware themselves
+contrary to the covenant by taking tests, oaths, and bonds, obliging
+them to surcease from covenanted duties, and to keep the peace and good
+behaviour with them, whom they were obliged by covenant to seek to bring
+to punishment; yea, some, and not a few, were inveigled in the snare of
+the oath of delation, to delate the persecuted people of God to their
+courts, and thereby made them (instead of discovering malignants
+according to the covenant,) to discover their brethren to malignants.
+And very many, almost the universality of the land, were involved in the
+snare of the oath of abjuration, renouncing the principle of declaring
+war against a malignant King, and of asserting the lawfulness of
+bringing his murthering accomplices and incendiaries to condign
+punishment; but, on the other hand, some of the suffering party did
+sometimes exceed the bounds of moderation in this matter, in usurping
+the sword without God's call, without respect to the rule, and against
+the scope of their own declarations, to take vengeance on them at their
+own hand; yea, even to that degree, of taking the lives of some of them
+in an extravagant manner;[27] for which, they were sadly rebuked of God,
+an occasion was given and taken to reproach and blaspheme the way of God
+upon that account. But to descend to our own time, we have it to
+bewail, that whatever alteration there is in the face of affairs since
+the yoke of tyranny was taken off our neck, yet there is no alteration
+in this matter to the better, but rather to the worse; malignants are so
+far from being brought to condign punishment, that they are the whole
+administrators of the affairs of the kingdom; whence it is come to pass,
+that the supreme judicatories which should take trial of such and bring
+them to punishment, and to whom they should be delated, are wholly, or
+mostly composed of such; yea, none may now be reputed malignant unless
+he be disaffected to the civil government; so that malignancy is not now
+disaffection to the cause and work of God, but disaffection to the
+present establishment, and so far are they that are truly disaffected to
+Christ and his interest this day advanced and strengthened in their
+designs, that they have (so far as in them lies) put a final stop to all
+further progress in reformation in these covenanted kingdoms; so that
+instead of discovering and bringing to punishment them who make parties
+and factions against the League and Covenant, and reformation therein
+concerted, the most part of Britain and Ireland are nought else but a
+party and faction against it, who have cast it out of doors, and, for
+what is apparent, are never minded to receive it again; and, upon the
+contrary, such as are labouring to adhere most closely (though in
+weakness) to these engagements, and prosecute the ends of these
+covenants, are unjustly looked upon as a party and faction, and
+prosecuted as offenders by such as, according to the genuine sense of
+this Article, ought to be brought to condign punishment. It is likewise
+promised in this Article, that such _shall be brought to trial as shall
+divide the King from his people, or one of the kingdoms from another_,
+which clause hath been broken, by using endeavours to have King and
+people and the kingdoms all conjoined in a _union_ and conjunction
+contrary to, and eversive of this Solemn League and Covenant; and these
+that go under the character of ministers, from whom it might in all
+reason be expected that they should interpose for having malignants duly
+punished, are so far from doing so, that they make it their endeavour
+to please them; and upon the contrary, they spare no pains to incense
+the persons in the government against those whose design it is, in the
+Lord's strength, to adhere to their covenant engagements, and keep
+themselves unspotted from the abominations of the times. We acknowledge
+also ourselves guilty of the breach of this Article, in so far as we
+have not more frequently and fervently, from a real respect and zeal to
+the glory of God, after we saw no means of getting such evil instruments
+and opposers of reformation punished and suppressed by human
+judicatories, applied by prayer and supplication to God, that he would
+either of his infinite mercy convince them of, and reclaim them from, or
+in justice reprove and punish them for their opposition to his cause and
+interest. As also, that we have not duly searched into our own sins, and
+especially the malignancy of our own hearts: by means whereof, the Lord
+is highly provoked to permit such evil instruments not only to afflict
+and oppress us, but also to retard the success of his own work; and that
+we have not impartially or sincerely mourned over these sins in our own
+hearts and lives, which hinder our own personal, and so have influence
+to impede national reformation, and have not forsaken and abandoned
+them.
+
+In the fifth Article, we are bound, "according to our place and station,
+to endeavor, that the kingdoms may remain conjoined in a most firm peace
+and union to all posterity; and that justice may be done upon the wilful
+opposers thereof;" according to Isa. ii. 2, 3, xiv. 23, 24; Jer. 1, 4,
+5; Ezek. xxxvii. 16, 17; Zech. ii. 11. viii. 21, 22; Gal. v. 12.
+
+"But through the peace and union of the kingdoms (while duly subordinate
+to the interest of religion) was a great blessing of God unto both, and
+a bond which we are bound to preserve inviolated, and to endeavor that
+justice may be done upon the wilful opposers thereof; yet some in this
+land, who have come under the bond of the Covenant, have made it their
+great study how to dissolve this union, and few or no endeavors have
+been used by any of us for punishing of such;" yea, very little, or none
+at all, have the most of us been concerned about this Article; whether
+there be peace with, or holiness and truth in, the other kingdoms; or
+what sort of peace, or on what foundation it be settled: both kingdoms
+are mutually guilty of dissolving this Covenant Union, in invading each
+other, at several times, contrary to the Covenant, the English nation
+in subjecting us to their conquest, and forcing us to a submission to
+their Sectarian usurpations on church and state; and this nation, in
+giving such provocations to them, by the unlawful engagement in the year
+1648, by treating with, setting up and entertaining, the head of the
+malignant party, their enemy and ours both, as our King in the year
+1650, and invading them upon his quarrel, at the Worcester expedition,
+Anno 1651; since which time, after that kingdom and this both united in
+that unhappy course of restoring the King, without respect to the
+Covenant, and re-establishing the Prelacy, which broke our Covenanted
+Union and Conjunction, that nation hath sometimes sent aid to our
+persecutors, for suppressing our attempts to recover our religion and
+liberties; and this nation hath sent forces to help their destroyers,
+and to suppress their endeavors for the recovery of their privileges.
+And in the mean time, we have been very little solicitous for
+correspondence to settle union with such of them as owned the Covenant,
+or for giving to, or receiving from them, mutual informations of our
+respective cases and conditions, under all our calamities and calumnies
+cast upon us: nor have we studied to keep sympathy or communion of
+saints, or mutual bearing of one another's burdens, as became covenanted
+brethren.
+
+On the other hand instead of union in truth and duty according to the
+bond of the Covenant, a confederacy hath been studied in defection from
+the Covenant, and an union and peace which wanted the foundation laid
+down in the foregoing Articles of the Covenant, viz., "uniformity in
+doctrine, worship, discipline and government, against Popery, Prelacy,
+Schism, Sectarianism, for our religion, laws and liberties, and
+discovering, suppressing and punishing the enemies of these interests."
+Such an Union has not been studied nor sought, but on the contrary an
+Union against the Reformation and Uniformity, for Prelacy and
+Sectarianism multiformity, by maintaining tyranny and strengthening
+malignancy. Yea, by the means of this incorporating Union now of late
+established, Prelacy is not only strengthened and confirmed, but so
+settled as to continue to all succeeding generations, and this nation's
+slavery as well as their sin perpetuated. And persons of all ranks have
+had a deep hand in this trespass: the nobility and gentry who
+represented the nation, in surrendering their own and the nation's
+rights and privileges; ministers in not warning them faithfully to
+beware of that covenant-breaking course, which could not but provoke God
+to anger against this poor island, but showing more concern in that
+juncture for settling their own, then for securing and advancing
+Christ's interest; and the body of the land, in that they did not bestir
+themselves, for the defence of their own liberties in a lawful way.
+
+In the sixth Article we are bound, "according to our places and
+callings, in this common cause of religion, liberty and peace, to assist
+and defend all those that enter into this League and Covenant, in the
+maintaining thereof. And in the National Covenant, in like manner, we
+are bound to stand to the mutual defence and assistance, every one of us
+of another, in the same cause, with our best counsel, our bodies, means,
+and whole power, against all sorts of persons whatsoever; so that
+whatsoever shall be done to the least of us for that cause, should be
+taken as done to all of us in general, and to every one of us in
+particular." A duty very clear in the scriptures; Judges v. 23; 1 Chron.
+xii. 1, 18; Neh. iv. 14; Prov. xxiv. 11, 12.
+
+But alas! how little conscience hath been made of this duty? "We have
+suffered many of our brethren in many parts of the land to be oppressed
+of the common enemy, without compassion or relief. There hath been great
+murmuring and repining because of expenses of means and pains in doing
+of our duty;" and not only so, but many did swear and subscribe oaths
+and bonds expressly against such assistances, and to condemn all such
+endeavors, to assist, defend and rescue them, as rebellion and sedition,
+and obliging them to assist their murdering malignant enemies, by such
+occurrences as they required. Yea, many instead of coming out to _help
+the Lord against the mighty_, and defending their brethren, did come out
+to the help of the mighty against the Lord, his cause, Covenant, and
+oppressed people; concurring in arms against them at all the appearances
+that were made and essayed for the cause of Christ; compearing at
+courts, held for informing against and condemning their brethren, that
+were present at, or concerned in such appearances for the Covenanted
+cause, and coming in as witnesses against them; sitting in assizes for
+condemning them, and guarding them to their executions, when martyred
+for their duty, and the interest of truth. Many likewise denied to
+reset, harbor or entertain their brethren, persecuted for maintaining
+the Covenanted Reformation; some raised the hue and cry after them,
+thereby occasioning, and assisting in, the murder of several faithful
+brethren; the most part owned the great murderer who authorized all the
+rest, and enacted all these murders, and assisted him and his
+accomplices, and executioners of his murdering mandates, with their
+persons and estates, in paying the supplies professedly demanded, and
+declaredly imposed, for enabling them to accomplish these mischiefs.
+Yea, many were so far from assisting, that they added afflictions to
+their afflicted brethren, their reproaches, and persecuting by the
+tongue those whom the Lord had smitten, and talking to the grief of
+those he had wounded. And all sorts of us have been wanting in our
+sympathy with, and endeavoring succor to, our suffering brethren, let be
+to deliver them from their enemies' hands according to our capacity. So
+also, it is for matter of lamentation, that many ministers all alongst
+discovered great unconcernedness with, and contempt of, poor despised
+and reproached sufferers, condemned the heads of their suffering, forgot
+or refused to pray for them publicly. And as this Article was all
+alongst through the persecuting times, most grossly violated, so to this
+day it continues to be. Any that would appear in the least active in
+this cause, are so far from being assisted that they are borne down,
+derided, sentenced, and sometimes imprisoned; whatever motions are made
+in private discourses, or public sermons, which may import a respect to,
+or liking of, this noble cause of religion, or a dislike of, and
+displacency with the courses opposite unto it, are so far from being
+countenanced, that the movers are hated, vilipended, contemned or
+censured, as raisers of dust, formenters of division, pragmatic,
+turbulent and fractious spirits, and loaded with many other defamatory
+epithets and calumnies. Many instances of which may be given since the
+Revolution. For example, when in the year 1690, there was a paper of
+grievances presented to the Assembly by some of those who had been
+keeping up a witness against the iniquitous courses of the times, and
+were now expecting that as the fruit of a merciful delivery from
+tyrannical usurpations, and antichristian persecutions, Reformation
+should be revived, grievances redressed, judicatories rightly
+constituted, and duly purged, it was far from receiving a kind and
+friendly reception and they who presented it left without assistance and
+help, contrary to the tenor of the Covenant, so that that paper could
+not be allowed a hearing, let be a redress, and the persons who offered
+it to their consideration were, to their great sorrow and grief of
+heart, dismissed without a satisfying answer. As also when Messrs.
+Linning, Shields and Boyd, who had been carrying on a Testimony against
+the time's defection, and were now minded to join with the Assembly,
+after the exhibition of their Testimony, whatever acceptance it might
+meet with at their hands, had in prosecution of this their design,
+exhibited their proposals to the Committee of Overtures, these
+proposals, though both worthy of consideration and necessary to be
+redressed, were not allowed a hearing in open Assembly, but rejected as
+being "made up of mistakes, reflections, unseasonable and impracticable
+overtures," and the said persons, so far from being assisted, in order
+to a removal of the evils therein complained of, as destructive to the
+cause of God, that upon the contrary the four named persons stand in the
+fifth Act of that pretended Assembly characterized with the name and
+epithet of persons who had followed courses contrary to the order of the
+church, and in their Moderator's exhortation, _to walk orderly in time
+coming, in opposition to all schism and division_, their former practice
+of testifying against the corruptions of the times was implicitly
+condemned as disorderly, schismatic and divisive. Another instance of
+this appeared not long after; when in the year 1692, some of the godly
+of the land published their declaration disowning William and Mary's
+government, because not qualified as God's word, and our Covenants do
+require, as it is specified at large in the narrative of that
+declaration; some of them were apprehended and imprisoned, for that
+piece of adherence to the Covenanted Reformation, and opposing or at
+least witnessing against the courses which they found to be contrary to
+it. Yet who at that juncture appeared to assist them in their laudable
+undertakings? And all alongst since, whosoever has offered grievances,
+or any way witnessed against the bypast and present defections, have
+been and are prosecuted with church censure, or persecuted with bitter
+and malicious invectives and reproaches, falling from the tongues and
+pens of those that are obliged by Covenant to have assisted, defended
+and encouraged them. And especially ministers, who by virtue of their
+office, as well as Covenant engagements, are obliged to excite persons
+to, and assist them in their duty, have been active to do the quite
+contrary; for instance, when some persons offered to give public
+satisfaction for their compliance with Christ's enemies, they refused to
+admit them. But to what purpose do we repeat these instances? It is too
+certain and evident, that there is more assistance and encouragement
+afforded to the enemies of this cause and Covenant, by persons of all
+ranks than to the friends and well wishers of it. Love to, and zeal for
+this cause are greatly decayed, and therefore mutual sympathy and
+affection amongst the people of God in the prosecution and maintenance
+of it are much a wanting.
+
+In the same Article we are bound, "not to suffer ourselves directly or
+indirectly, by whatsoever combination or terror, to be divided or
+withdrawn from this blessed union and conjunction, whether to make
+defection to the contrary part, or to give ourselves to a detestable
+indifferency or neutrality in this cause; and in the National Covenant,
+that we shall neither directly nor indirectly suffer ourselves to be
+divided, or withdrawn, by whatsoever suggestion, allurement or terror,
+from this blessed and loyal conjunction. According to scripture
+warrants."
+
+Gen. xiii. 8; Psal. cxxxiii. throughout; Zech. viii. 19; I Cor. i. 10;
+Eph. iv. 3; Phil. i. 27, ii. 2; Heb. xxi. 14; Jer. ix. 3; Ezek. xxii.
+25; Hag. i. 2; Phil. ii. 21; II Tim. iv. 10; Rev. iii. 15.
+
+But, alas! it is long since our fathers had reason to complain and
+confess, "That many in their day through persuasion or terror, suffered
+themselves to be divided and withdrawn to make defection to the contrary
+part. Many had turned off to a detestable indifferency and neutrality in
+this cause, which so much concerneth the glory of God, and the good of
+these kingdoms. Nay, many had made it their study to walk so, as they
+might comply with all times, and all the revolutions thereof. That it
+was not their care to countenance, encourage, entrust, and employ, such
+only as from their hearts did affect and mind God's work; but the hearts
+of such, many times had been discouraged, and their hands weakened,
+their sufferings neglected, and themselves slighted, and many who had
+been once open enemies, and always secret underminers, countenanced and
+employed. Nay, even those who had been looked upon as incendiaries, and
+upon whom the Lord had set marks of desperate malignancy, falsehood and
+deceit, were brought in as fit to manage public affairs."
+
+All which sins and breaches of covenant have now increased to a great
+height of heinousness; for, in our day, these incendiaries, desperate
+and engrained malignants have only been employed in, and admitted to the
+management of the affairs of the kingdom, and none but they accounted
+habile by law; and such divisions from the Covenanted-conjunction, and
+defections to the contrary part have been, and are enacted and
+established by law; yea, all the unhappy divisions that have been from
+the _public resolutions_, and downward, have been the woful consequents
+and effects of defections to the contrary part. At the first erection of
+Prelacy, many, both ministers and professors, partly by terror, partly
+by persuasions, did withdraw from this covenanted conjunction, and make
+defection unto Prelacy, with which they combined, conforming with, and
+submitting to the ministry of the conforming curates; and afterward, by
+the terror of the fear of men, and the persuasions of their counsel and
+example, many of the land were seduced into a combination with
+malignants, in taking oaths and bonds contrary to the covenant, thereby
+dividing themselves from the recusants, and making defection to the
+party imposing them, and opposing the covenants. By combination of those
+that preferred peace to truth, and ease to duty--by the terror of
+threatened continuance of persecution, and the persuasion of a promised
+relaxation and immunity from troubles; many ministers have been divided
+from the testimony of the Church of Scotland, against the enroaching
+supremacy and absolute power, and one from another, and have made
+defection to that part and party that were advancing these encroachments
+and usurpations on the prerogatives of Christ and privileges of his
+church; by receiving indulgences and tolerations from them, in their own
+nature destructive unto, and given and received on terms inconsistent
+with the duties of the covenants, which were contrived and conferred on
+purpose to divide them from this cause, and from their brethren that
+more tenaciously adhered to it; and did effectuate that design in a
+great measure--and others gave themselves to a detestable indifferency
+in complying with, conniving at, and not witnessing against these
+defections, but passing them over in a secure submissive silence. And
+as, in the times of persecuting violence, these breaches of this Article
+were made by reason of the snares of that sinful time; so much more has
+there been a manifest violation of it since, when at this day there is
+such a universal combination of interests in opposition to the
+covenanted reformation. Are not the most of the three kingdoms in one
+great combination against it, by this cope-stone of defection, this
+incorporating union? How have we made conscience of performing that part
+of the covenant anent _resisting the persuasion of men to make defection
+to the contrary part_, when the whole land is so deeply involved into
+it? There has been, alas! too much way given to carnal arguments and
+persuasives--such as worldly gain, ease, profit, and preferment, and too
+much slavish fear and terror of men, whose breath is in their nostrils,
+has been entertained, without a due reliance and dependance upon
+Omnipotency; which has greatly carried men off their feet, and wheedled
+them into a compliance with, and defection to the contrary part, or into
+a neutrality and indifferency in this cause; so that few are found
+valiant for the truth upon the earth. What strange laxness and Laodicean
+indifference has there appeared in this cause, through the whole conduct
+of affairs in church and state, since the revolution; whereby many
+discover to every observant eye that they are satisfied if they obtain a
+peaceful enjoyment of their own things, and liberty to dwell in their
+ceiled houses--albeit the Lord's house (in a great measure) lies waste?
+Where are there any acts of Assemblies, or proceedings of the church,
+which discover any due concern or zeal for the covenanted interests?
+Nay, the contrary has too frequently appeared; as for instance, when by
+the 5th act of the 2d session of William and Mary's 1st Parl., the
+establishment of the church was calculated for the meridian of
+state-policy, according to act 114, Parl. 12, King James VI. Anno 1592.
+On purpose to pass over in shameful oblivion the church's choicest
+attainments in reformation betwixt 1638 and 1649; and particularly, to
+make void the League and Covenant, with the Assembly's explanatory
+declaration affixed to the National, the malignants' grand eye-sore,
+there was no faithful protestation and testimony exhibited against this
+by the Assembly, then indicted, and convened the 16th of October
+following; which, if duly pondered in all its circumstances, without the
+mask and pretexts industriously drawn over it, will appear to be,
+perhaps one of the greatest sins of this nation, and to be little
+inferior in nature and aggravations to the burning of the covenants,
+which is granted by all Presbyterians to be a most atrocious act of
+contempt done to the eternal God, and to his Son Jesus Christ, and
+cannot be called to mind by any of the godly without great abhorrence
+and detestation of it; in so far as the passing over and not ratifying
+these acts of Parliament and Assembly by the respective judicatories,
+which were made during that time of reformation, was a practical and
+interpretative condemning of them as unprofitable, and did greatly
+corroborate the acts whereby Charles II. had declared them null and not
+obligatory; and did likewise import a vilifying and despising of what
+God had wrought for his people in these lands, during that time; and,
+lastly, was a manifest indication of disregard to the oath of God, which
+these lands had come under. Neither did that, nor any succeeding
+Assembly, impartially and explicitly enumerate the land's sins in their
+national fasts; namely, the indulgence and toleration, with the
+addresses and thanksgiving for it, and the burning of the covenant, &c.;
+neither have they, in any of their addresses to their King or Queen, by
+letters, or other means, declared unto them the indispensable duty of
+renewing the covenants, nor applied to the Parliament for that effect;
+neither have they, by their Assembly-acts, asserted the intrinsic power
+of the church; neither did they in any of their acts, or public papers,
+make honourable mention of those who had laid down their lives for their
+adherence to Christ's truths during the times of persecution, nor
+testified their approbation of what was done that way; and yet many of
+us have been wanting in testifying our dislike of these backsliding
+courses, by discountenancing, withdrawing from, and keeping ourselves
+free of all participation with them; but have received the sacraments
+of Baptism and the Lord's Supper, and the privilege of marriage at their
+hands, and paid tithes and stipends. By all which, it is apparent now
+much indifferency there has been in this cause of covenanted interest,
+which so much concerneth the glory of God, the good of the kingdoms, and
+the honour of the civil Magistrate.
+
+Moreover in the same Article we are sworn, "All the days of our lives,
+zealously and constantly to continue in this cause, against all lets and
+impediments whatsoever, and what we are not able ourselves to suppress
+and overcome, to reveal and make known the same that it may be timeously
+prevented. And in the National Covenant, never to cast in any let, that
+may stop or hinder any such resolution, as by common consent shall be
+found to conduce for so good ends; but on the contrary, by all lawful
+means, to labor to further and promote the same; and if any such
+dangerous or divisive motion be made to us by word or writ, that we and
+every one of us shall either suppress it, or if need be, incontinent
+make the same known, that it may be timeously obviated. Agreeing very
+well with the scriptures." Numb. xiv. 9, 10; Neh. vi. 3, 6, 8, 9, 10,
+11; Isa. viii. 12, 13, 14; Acts iv. 19, 20, 24, xxi. 13; Gal. ii. 5;
+Phil. i. 28.
+
+Nevertheless, _many have been the lets and impediments, that have been
+cast in the way, to retard and obstruct the Lord's work_, by Prelacy,
+supremacy, indulgences, toleration, and absolute tyranny and compliance
+therewith, enacted by law, and all the mischiefs established by a throne
+of iniquity since the unhappy restoration of Charles II. to this day.
+Yet few have ever zealously contended and fewer have constantly
+continued in contending, against these obstructions, so obstructive to
+the cause, many have kept secret the first motions and appearances of
+these things, while they might have been suppressed and overcome, and
+the generality have passed them over in silence, and not made known, nor
+advertised unto evil of these things when declared, by witnessing
+against these things, when, they could not be otherwise removed or
+overcome. Yea, many of us have ourselves cast in lets and impediments,
+obstructive to the cause, by our defections divisions and disorders
+against common consent, and precipitances, without common consent even
+of our brethren adhering to the testimony. Many a divisive motion hath
+not been counted dangerous, of those which tended to divide us from the
+Covenanted cause. And many a good and necessary motion hath been
+accounted divisive, namely, such as proposed the necessity of confessing
+and forsaking sin.
+
+"Besides these and many other breaches of the Articles of the Covenant,
+in the matter thereof, which concerneth every one of us, to search out
+and acknowledge before the Lord, as we could wish his wrath to be turned
+away from us, so have many of us failed exceedingly in the manner of
+following and pursuing the duties contained therein, not only seeking
+great things for ourselves, and mixing private interests, and ends
+concerning ourselves, and friends, and followers, with those things
+which concern the public good; but many times preferring such to the
+honour of God and good of his cause; and retarding God's work until we
+might carry alongst with us our own interests and designs: it hath been
+our way to trust in the means, and to rely upon the arm of flesh for
+success, albeit the Lord hath many times made us meet with
+disappointments, and stained the pride of all our glory, by blasting
+every carnal confidence unto us. We have followed for the most part the
+counsels of flesh and blood, and walked more by the rules of policy than
+piety, and have hearkened more unto men than unto God."
+
+In the conclusion of the Solemn League and Covenant there is a
+profession and declaration "before God and the world of our unfeigned
+desires to be humbled[28] for our own sins and for the sins of these
+kingdoms[29]; especially that we have not valued, as we ought, the
+inestimable benefit of the gospel[30], that we have not laboured for the
+purity[31] and power thereof[32], and that we have not endeavoured to
+receive Christ into our hearts[33], nor to walk worthy of him in our
+lives[34], which are the causes of other sins and transgressions so much
+abounding amongst us[35]: all which we are under many obligations to
+confess and mourn over from the word; and, of our true and unfeigned
+purpose and desire, to endeavour for ourselves and all others under our
+power and charge[36] both in public and in private, in all dutie[37] we
+owe to God and man, to amend our lives[38] and each one to go before
+another[39] in the example of a real reformation, that the Lord might
+turn away his wrath and heavy indignation,[40] and establish these
+kingdoms in truth and peace.[41] Yet we have refused to be reformed and
+have walked proudly and obstinately before the Lord, not valuing his
+gospel, nor submitting ourselves unto the obedience thereof; not seeking
+after Christ, nor studying to honour him in the excellency of his
+person, nor to employ him in the virtue of his offices; not making
+conscience of the public ordinances, nor studying to edify one another
+in love. The ignorance of God and his Son Jesus Christ prevails
+exceedingly in the land." Even our fathers in their purest times
+confessed, in their acknowledgement of sins, "That the greatest part of
+masters of families among noblemen, barons, gentlemen, burgesses, and
+commons, neglected to seek God in their families, and to endeavour the
+reformation thereof. And albeit it had been much pressed, yet few of the
+nobles and great ones could be persuaded to perform family duties
+themselves in their own persons, which made so necessary a duty to be
+disregarded by persons of inferior rank."
+
+We may add, in our degenerate times, not only the great ones generally
+profess the neglect and contempt of so necessary a duty, both in their
+own persons and in the use of chaplains; but the great part of the
+commons are altogether strangers to it; many performing no part of the
+family worship at all, others only singing a psalm and reading a chapter
+without praying, and others making a fashion of all, but very
+perfunctoriously, formally, and indifferently, and scarcely once in a
+day. And ministers also making little conscience of visiting families to
+see how this duty is performed, not pressing it upon the negligent, nor
+stirring up the formal to a more spiritual way of performing it, nay,
+some giving bad examples to their flocks, by neglecting it themselves in
+their own families. _The nobility, gentry, and barons, who should be
+examples of sober walking unto others, are very generally ringleaders of
+excess and rioting_. We have been far from amending our lives and
+promoting a personal reformation, and going before one another in the
+example of a real reformation, when we have been examples of deformation
+in our personal practices and public transactions, and being
+too-familiar and too far united with the patrons and patterns of the
+land's deformations. "Our fathers also acknowledged, albeit they were
+the Lord's people engaged unto him in a solemn way; yet they had not
+made it their study that judicatories and armies should consist of, and
+places of power and trust be filled with men of blameless and Christian
+conversation, and of known integrity and approved fidelity, affection,
+and zeal unto the cause of God. And not only those who were neutral and
+indifferent, but disaffected and malignant, and others who were profane
+and scandalous were intrusted. By which it came to pass that
+judicatories, EVEN THEN, were the seats of injustice and iniquity. And
+many in their armies, by miscarriages, became their plague unto the
+great prejudice of the cause of God, the great scandal of the gospel,
+and the great increase of looseness and profanity throughout all the
+land." But, since the time of that acknowledgment there has still been
+more and more degeneracy, so that judicatories have consisted of, and
+been filled with perjured traitors to God and their country. And armies
+made up of these plagues marshalled under a displayed banner against
+Christ and his interest, not only to the scandal, but for the
+suppression of the gospel, and forcing people to profanity throughout
+the land; and now are, to the disgrace of the Protestant religion, made
+up of the refuse of the lands, and employed in the support of an
+Antichristian interest abroad. Yet have we not sighed and cried for
+these abominations, nor have we been concerned, as we ought, with the
+abounding of them through the land. As also, with blushing, we must
+confess our pride and presumptuous boasting of external privileges of
+the gospel and outward reformation, and of a testimony which we bragged
+of, as if that had made us better than others, while we made no
+conscience of personal reformation, which, no doubt, amongst other
+sinful miscarriages, was a main cause of the Lord's depriving us so long
+a time of the comfortable and soul-enriching mercy of a faithfully
+dispensed gospel.
+
+And, in like manner, the conceitedness of some in suffering and
+contending for truth, rather for keeping up the contention abetting a
+party, and many times under too lofty names of the suffering party, and
+remnant, and the like, than to keep and hold fast the word of the Lord's
+patience to his glory as our crown; and many other evidences of pride
+hateful to God, such as boasting in the strength of armies in the
+suffering times in an ostentatious way, vaunting of, and being too much
+taken up with them, though then necessary for the defence of our lives;
+rejoicing in our numerousness or worldly abilities, or in the number of
+them that frequent the public ordinances in the fields; or that they,
+who are owners of the testimony, are for the most, part kept free from
+the gross out-breakings into which others are left to fall; which
+things, though very good and desirable in themselves, may yet be, and
+have been, occasions of sin when boasted in, more than humbly and
+thankfully acknowledged to be from the hand of God. As also, revengeful
+resenting of affronts, passionate and disdainful refusing to take
+reproof for faults, or for the excess in any duty, as to the manner of
+it, when we thought the matter was right.
+
+And, it is likewise matter of regret, that both in the time of greatest
+suffering and afterwards, idleness of both kinds did too much prevail
+amongst us; both that when we were in a manner driven from the world,
+and shut up from all employment but the exercise of godliness, many did
+not improve that opportunity of the cross to promote acquaintance and
+communion with God, being slothful in prayer, reading and other duties;
+and some again, even when they might have had access to lawful
+employments, continued idle and out of work, to the opening of the
+mouths of many against the cause; albeit they were not called to, or
+employed in any public business for the same.
+
+And besides all these things, there may be many other transgressions
+whereof the lands wherein we live are guilty, and these attended with
+many heinous aggravating circumstances beyond what they were in our
+fathers, which we have not been humbled for to this day; but, instead of
+mourning for them, confessing and forsaking them, we have been rather
+defending or daubing, covering or coloring, excusing or extenuating
+them. All which we now desire to acknowledge and be humbled for, that
+the world may bear witness with us, that righteousness belongeth unto
+God, and shame and confusion of face to us, as appears this day.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_A SOLEMN ENGAGEMENT TO THE DUTIES CONTAINED IN OUR NATIONAL AND SOLEMN
+LEAGUE AND COVENANT._
+
+_Particularly adjusted to the Circumstances of these Times, Anno 1712_
+
+
+Because it is requisite, in order to obtain mercy, not only to confess,
+but also to forsake our sins, and to do the contrary duties; therefore,
+that the sincerity and reality of our repentance may appear, we resolve,
+and solemnly engage before God, in the strength and through the
+assistance of Christ, that we shall carefully endeavour, in all time
+coming, to avoid all these offences, whereof we have now made solemn
+public acknowledgment, and all the snares and temptations tending
+thereunto; and to testify this sincerity of our resolution, and that we
+may be better enabled in the power of the Lord's might, to perform the
+same, we do again renew our Covenants, both National and Solemn League,
+promising to make conscience of a more exact performance of all the
+duties therein contained, so far as we, in our stations, and present
+deplorable circumstances, are capable; particularly such as follow.
+
+Because religion is of all things the most excellent and precious in its
+own nature, and therefore most to be desired by the children of men,
+and the knowledge of the great truths of the gospel, so generally
+decreased in this land, is so absolutely necessary to salvation;
+therefore in order to attain it, we shall labor to be better acquainted
+with the _written word of God_, the only infallible rule of faith and
+manners; and shall (according to our capacity) study more than formerly
+the doctrine of the reformed church of Scotland, summed up in our[42]
+Confession of Faith, Catechisms Larger and Shorter, Sum of Christian
+Doctrine and practical Use of Saving Knowledge, Directory for Worship
+(as the same was received and observed by this church in her purest
+times, viz. in the year 1649,) Propositions concerning Church
+Government, and Ordination of Ministers, annexed to the Confession of
+Faith, and other writings clearing and confirming these truths, approven
+by this church, and agreeable to the word of God.
+
+We shall likewise endeavor the advancing and promoting the power of this
+true Reformed Religion, against all ungodliness and profanity, the
+securing and preserving the purity thereof, against all kinds of errors,
+heresy and schism, as namely, Independency, Brownism, Anabaptism,
+Antinomianism, Arminianism, Socinianism, Libertinism, Familism.
+Scepticism, Quakerism, Deism, Burignonism and Erastianism; and as we
+declare, that we willingly agree in our consciences unto the doctrine of
+the church of Scotland in all points, as unto God's undoubted truth and
+verity, grounded only upon his written word, so we resolve constantly to
+adhere unto, maintain and defend, profess and confess, and (when called
+of God) to yield ourselves sufferers for the said doctrine, as we shall
+desire to be approven and confessed by Jesus Christ, before God and his
+holy angels. _2dly_, We shall also study more sincerity, uprightness and
+heart-integrity in the worship of God, and shall not satisfy ourselves
+with the form of it, without the power and spirituality, which God the
+only object of religious worship, doth require: and shall endeavor the
+due performance of all the duties of religious worship, which God hath
+in his most holy word required. And shall (if Providence offer
+occasion) endeavor to recover, and labor to preserve the purity thereof
+from all corruptions, mixtures, innovations and inventions of men,
+Popish, Prelatical, or any other; and while we are not able, by reason
+of the prevailing power of the abettors and maintainers of them, to get
+them removed, we shall labor (through grace) to keep ourselves free from
+all sinful communion and participation with them, and shall, in our
+stations, testify against these corruptions and perversions of God's
+worship, by all competent means. _3dly_, We shall likewise by all lawful
+means endeavor, that Presbyterian church government in kirk-sessions,
+presbyteries, synods and general assemblies, may be recovered in its
+former purity, established upon its proper basis and foundation, the
+word of God; and that it may be freed from all encroachments and
+invasions made thereupon by the powers of the earth; and that the
+discipline of the church may be impartially exercised against all
+scandalous offenders, great or small; and when the ministers of this
+church, or any of them, shall sincerely and conscientiously endeavor the
+restoration of the government in all its privileges, and freedom from
+all Erastian encroachments, and to have the discipline duly and
+impartially exercised, then we promise to be obedient, and be subject
+thereunto, as becomes the flock of Christ; but shall always testify our
+dislike of all encroachments made and yielded to, prejudical to the
+privileges which Christ hath bestowed upon his church.
+
+_4thly_, We shall always desire and pray for the reviving of the work of
+uniformity in the three kingdoms, and (if the Lord in his providence
+shall offer opportunity) shall seek and endeavour it by other means
+possible, lawful, expedient, and competent to us in our capacities; and
+shall never cordially consent unto, nor cease to testify against,
+whatsoever doth obstruct and hinder that work of uniformity, and shall
+detest and abhor all multiformity, introduced by Erastianism, Prelacy,
+and Sectarianism, now so prevalent, and confirmed by this late union
+with England.
+
+According to the second Article, we shall do our utmost endeavour to
+have the land purged of Popish idolatry, and the monuments thereof
+destroyed, particularly the abomination of the mass; and, so far as lies
+in our power, shall never suffer the same to be re-introduced or erected
+again, nor favour any attempts tending thereunto. We shall never make
+any conjunction with these abominable Popish idolaters, at home or
+abroad, in armies or otherwise; and shall, according to our National
+Covenant, detest and abhor all their wicked superstitious rites and
+ceremonies. We shall never consent, for any reason whatsoever, that the
+Penal Statutes made against Papists should be annulled; but shall, when
+opportunity offers, be ready to concur in putting them to a due and
+vigorous execution. _2dly_, We shall, by all approven means, in our
+stations and vocations, endeavour the extirpation of Prelacy; and shall
+never submit to that wicked hierarchy of Bishops, Archbishops, &c.,
+having superiority of order and jurisdiction above preaching Presbyters,
+whether Erastian or only Diocesan, in any form or degree, howsoever
+reformed, accommodated, limited, or restricted by cautions and
+provisions of men; seeing that all such superiority is flatly condemned
+in the Word of God, and hath proven many times fatal to the church of
+Christ. We shall detest and abhor, and in our stations witness against
+whatsoever courses, tending to the establishment of that abominable
+hierarchy; and particularly, the oaths of allegiance, with the
+assurance, and oath of abjuration, lately imposed on the persons of
+public trust in these realms, in regard they may justly be interpreted
+to strengthen that hierarchy, by upholding the persons that maintain the
+same. We shall not submit to any orders issued forth by Bishops, nor own
+them as our lawgivers, nor acknowledge any title they have to be members
+of parliament or council. _3dly_, We shall in like manner detest, and
+abhor, and labour, to extirpate all kinds of superstition--all rites and
+ceremonies superadded by human invention to the worship of God, not
+enjoined and required in his Word; together with all heresy and false
+doctrine, and all profaneness and immortalities of every kind, and
+whatsoever is contrary to sound religion; and shall in the strength, and
+through the help of Christ, endeavour to deny all ungodliness and
+worldly lusts, and from henceforth to live righteously towards our
+neighbour, soberly in ourselves, and to walk humbly with our God.
+
+We shall upon the one hand, endeavour to keep ourselves, as far as we
+can, from all partakings in other men's sins, by consenting unto
+associations, incorporations, combinations, compliance with, or
+conniving at, their sins. And upon the other, to guard against all
+schism, and sinful separation, or unjust, rash, and disorderly
+withdrawing from societies, congregations or families, or any part of
+the communion of the true reformed church of Scotland, holding purely
+and entirely the doctrine, worship, discipline and government of the
+same, in principle and exercise, according to the rules of Christ, and
+standing acts and constitutions of this church, consonant thereunto, so
+far as the Lord gives light therein. And as we look not upon our
+practice in withdrawing from the backslidden ministers of the present
+Erastian church, for reasons valid and sufficient, to be a gathering and
+setting up formed separate churches under other ordinances and ministry,
+distinct from the Presbyterian church of Scotland, (although we be
+falsely aspersed as doing it) so we purpose and resolve always to adhere
+to that standard of doctrine, discipline, and government, and that
+purity and form of worship, which during our reforming times were
+established, and to embrace such ordinances, and such a ministry as are
+of divine appointment; and that we shall not presume to withdraw from
+minister or member of that body for any offence, in any case, where
+either the offence may be legally removed without withdrawing, or cannot
+be instructed to be condemned by the word of God, and constitution of
+this church, or is in itself an insufficient ground of withdrawing, or
+where it is not defended, or obstinately persisted in, or is a thing to
+be condescended upon, forborn, or forgiven; but shall study to maintain
+union and Christian communion, with all and every one, whether ministers
+or private Christians, who adhere unto the purity of the doctrine,
+worship, discipline and government of the church of Scotland, and to the
+whole word of Christ's patience, in the sufferings and contendings of
+his people, in opposition to his enemies' encroachments; and shall join,
+in the way of truth and duty, with all who do, and in so for as they do,
+adhere to the institutions of Christ. And because many have labored to
+supplant the liberties of the true kirk, and have in a great measure, of
+late by indulgences and toleration, and now by oaths of allegiance and
+abjuration, and encroaching on the freedom of Christ's courts, obtained
+their design: we shall therefore, to our power withstand and witness
+against all these encroachments made upon the liberties of Christ's
+church in our land, and when we can do no more, shall withdraw our
+countenance and concurrence from such as hold their freedom from, and
+are modified by such usurpation; and shall neither hear their sermons,
+nor pay them stipends, while they continue unfaithful; and shall,
+whenever God gives us opportunity, endeavor to recover, and when
+recovered, to maintain and defend the liberties and privileges of the
+church of Scotland, against all who shall oppose or undermine the same,
+or encroach thereupon, under any pretext whatsoever.
+
+With reference to the third Article, wherein we are bound to defend the
+privileges of the Parliament, liberties of the kingdoms, and the King's
+Majesty's person and authority, in the defence of the true Reformed
+religion: albeit God, in his righteous judgment, hath left the nations
+so far to the counsels of their own hearts, as to suffer them to set up
+Magistrates, wanting the qualifications requisite, and to fill places of
+power and trust with insufficient and disaffected persons, who have no
+respect to the interest of religion, and this nation in particular to
+give up the rights and privileges of Parliament, and kingdom, to the
+will and lust of the English, and so to betray the interest both of
+religion and civil liberty for unworthy by-ends; yet we purpose and
+promise, that we shall always in our capacities bear witness against
+these courses, and shall not by any means corroborate them, or encourage
+and countenance the maintainers and abettors of them. And if ever the
+Lord in his mercy shall be pleased to open a door of relief, and break
+the cords of the ungodly, we shall not be wanting in all lawful and
+suitable endeavors to promote, to our power, the recovery of that
+liberty and freedom which we have lost, and to have those acts and
+oaths, which impede Reformation, rescinded: and that all the righteous
+laws, made in favor of the Covenanted Reformation, may be put in full
+force, and duly executed.
+
+We shall earnestly pray to God that he would give us able men, men of
+truth, fearing God and hating covetousness, to bear charge over his
+people, and that all places of power and trust in church, state, or
+army, may consist of, and be filled with men of known good affection to
+the cause of God, and of a Christian and blameless conversation; and
+when it shall please the Lord to give us such magistrates and judges
+supreme and subordinate, then we will, in the terms of the covenant,
+yield allegiance to them, and loyally subject to their good government,
+not from any by-end or sinistrous principle, but out of sincere
+obedience to God's commandment; and shall willingly support and defend
+them, with our estates and lives, in their persevering and defending the
+true reformed Protestant religion, in doctrine, worship, discipline and
+government, and suppressing all kinds of false religion in their
+dominions, and in the administration of justice and punishment of
+iniquity; but while the Lord, in his just displeasure for our sins,
+withholds such from us, we intend to wait till he turn away his anger,
+and not to stretch forth our hands to iniquity, in owning and
+countenancing such as are not duly qualified; as, particularly, those
+that are Popish or Prelatical in their professed principle and practice,
+and by oaths engage themselves to maintain, and accordingly to defend,
+the Prelatical form of church government, who oppose and encroach upon
+the true government of Christ's house by their supremacy, and tolerate
+Sectarian errors in their dominions, and that every one of them supreme
+and subordinate; and shall not corroborate their unjust authority, by
+pacing them cess and supply, for upholding their corrupt courts and
+armies, employed in an unjust and antichristian quarrel; or, by
+compearing before their judicatories, either to defend or pursue
+lawsuits, or upon any other account.
+
+Because we are not in a case to bring to due trial and punishment,
+condign, according to the merit of their offences, malignants and evil
+instruments, according to the fourth Article; therefore, we shall
+endeavour to keep ourselves, as far as possible, from any compliance
+with, or approbation of their cause and courses, opposite to the cause
+and work of God; and shall endeavour to keep at a distance from
+everything that may anyways import a unitive conjunction, association,
+or confederacy with them, or strengthening them in their opposition to
+the cause of God--the covenanted interest. We shall, through grace,
+endeavour to represent before the throne of justice their wicked
+courses; and pray that God would defeat their inventions, though we
+shall always, as becomes Christians, implore the throne of grace for
+mercy to their souls, so far as it may be consistent with God's eternal
+purpose of electing love. Moreover, we shall always endeavour to guard
+against all unwarrantable and irregular ways, not approven in God's
+Word, of punishing malignants and incendiaries, for their opposition to
+reformation.
+
+Whereas, in the fifth Article, we are bound to endeavour, that the
+kingdoms may remain united in a most firm peace and union to all
+posterity; which union did consist in a uniformity in doctrine, worship,
+discipline and government, though, as was said, it is now laid aside,
+and a union entered into which establishes multiformity therein, and so
+is the opposite of this Covenanted Union. We shall, therefore, deny our
+consent unto, and approbation of this union, and shall, as we have in
+weakness been witnessing against it formerly, so continue to do for the
+future, and shall not corroborate or strengthen the same; but upon the
+contrary, if the Lord afford opportunity, shall do our utmost to have
+the _union of the kingdoms settled_ upon the true covenanted basis; and
+shall lay out ourselves, as far as possible, to entertain correspondence
+and sympathy with every one in the kingdoms of England and Ireland, who
+do, or shall, to our knowledge, adhere to this League and Covenant.
+
+According to the sixth Article, considering what danger we and all our
+brethren, under the bond and owning the obligation of these covenants,
+are in, and may be exposed unto, from the Popish and Prelatical
+malignant faction still prevailing, and from this backslidden church;
+and being sensible of the many defects which have been amongst us, in
+the duty of defending and assisting one another in maintaining the
+common cause of religion and liberty, we do here solemnly enter into a
+bond of association with all that do now renew these covenants, "with
+the Acknowledgement of the Public Sins and Breeches, and the Engagement
+of Duties thereof, and concert and assert the old covenanted cause and
+quarrel," as our fathers stated and contended for it, from the year 1638
+to the year 1650. Which cause of the covenanted reformation in doctrine,
+worship, discipline and government, and all interests, or rights,
+religious or civil, contended for during the foresaid space of years,
+conducing to promote the same, we faithfully promise to prosecute,
+propagate, preserve and maintain, to the utmost of our power, with our
+lives and all that we have; and to adhere to all the faithful
+testimonies, protestations and declarations, in the defence of the
+foresaid covenanted reformation, agreeable to, and founded on God's
+Word, ever since the foresaid year 1650, not regarding the foul
+aspersions of rebellion, combination or schism, or what else our
+adversaries, from their craft and malice, would put upon us; seeing what
+we do is so well warranted, and ariseth from an unfeigned desire to
+maintain the true religion, to obtain the protection and preserve the
+honour of righteous government, and promote the peace and happiness of
+the kingdoms.
+
+And for the better performance of what we here engage to, we shall
+sympathize, bear all burdens, embark our interest with, assist and
+defend all those, who enter into, or join this association and Covenant,
+and shall reckon whatsoever is done to the least of us, for this cause,
+as done to us all in general and to every one of us in particular: and
+shall account it a breach of Covenant, if seeing our brethren pursued
+for this very cause, and having sufficient means to comfort and assist
+them, any of us shall either make peace with the persecutors, bind up
+their hands by oaths and bonds from resisting them, refuse to hide,
+harbor, or supply their brethren, decline to venture, in lawful and
+necessary attempts for their relief, or withdraw from their dutiful
+support; and being thus united and associated in this cause, as we
+resolve and oblige ourselves to abide in this firm conjunction, and
+neither consent nor concede to any combination or counsel, suggestion,
+persuasion, allurement or terror, that may have any known tendency or
+influence, whether direct or indirect, to seduce us either to a division
+amongst ourselves, or defection to our adversaries, or a base
+indifferency and neutrality between the two; but shall, with all zeal,
+fidelity and constancy, communicate our best help, counsel and
+concurrence, for promoting all resolutions, which by common consent
+shall be found to conduce to the good of the cause, and shall endeavor
+to discover, oppose and suppress, all contrivances or counsels, that may
+cast in any let or impediment, that may be obstructive or prejudicial to
+the same. So we shall likewise desire, design and endeavor, (whenever
+the Lord in his providence shall offer opportunity) to get the
+defections, unworthy neutralities, and unhappy divisions, which have
+long and lamentably wounded, and wrecked this church, removed and
+remedied. And shall be willing, with all tender sympathy and compassion,
+to embrace and welcome with the utmost bowels of kindness and respect
+that we can, all who shall confess and forsake these defections, and
+according to their stations, as ministers or private Christians, shall,
+by all proper means, labor to satisfy the conscience of the godly, that
+are through these defections and scandals justly offended, and that
+according to the rules of Christ, delivered in his word, and received in
+this church, in her Reforming times, and join cordially with us in the
+prosecution of this cause; and we shall be willing also, at their
+desire, to acknowledge and forsake, for peace and unity, whatever we can
+rationally be convinced to be bad in our conduct and management, as we
+must acknowledge, that in all things we fail, and come exceedingly short
+of that perfection, which we should and would be at.
+
+And because there be many who heretofore have not made conscience of the
+oath of God--but some, through fear, others by persuasion, and upon base
+ends, and human interests, have entered thereinto, who have afterwards
+discovered themselves to have dealt deceitfully with the Lord, in
+swearing falsely by his name; therefore, we, who do now renew our
+covenants with reference to these duties, and all other duties contained
+therein, do, in the sight of him who is the searcher of hearts, solemnly
+profess, that it is not upon any politic advantage, or private interest,
+or by-end, or because of any terror or persuasion from men, or
+hypocritically or deceitfully, that we do again take upon us the oath of
+God; but honestly and sincerely, and from the sense of our duty. And
+that, therefore, denying ourselves and our own things, and, laying aside
+all-self interests and ends, we shall, above all things, seek the honour
+of God, the good of his cause, and the wealth of his people; and that,
+forsaking the counsels of flesh and blood, and not leaning upon carnal
+confidences, we shall depend upon the Lord, walk by the rule of his
+Word, and hearken to the voice of his servants. In all which, professing
+our own weakness, we do earnestly pray to God who is the Father of
+mercies, through his Son JESUS CHRIST, to be merciful unto us, and to
+enable us, by the power of his might, that we may do our duty, unto the
+praise of his grace in the churches. Amen.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 4: In the Preface to this edition, the reader may perceive the
+same spirit in 1880. | ED.]
+
+[Footnote 5: The lawful supreme Magistrate.]
+
+[Footnote 6: The persons and authority of such, when God of his mercy
+shall grant them to us.]
+
+[Footnote 7: King Charles the First.]
+
+[Footnote 8: Remonstrances, declarations and testimonies of old, and of
+late.]
+
+[Footnote 9: Or any other corruptions thereof, Prelatic or Erastian,
+either tried or to be tried; such as indulgence, the toleration, the
+magistrates appointing fasts without advice and consent of the church,
+dissolving assemblies, &c.]
+
+[Footnote 10: Remonstrances, declarations and testimonies.]
+
+[Footnote 11: To righteous governors, (when obtained), and to our
+country.]
+
+[Footnote 12: The lawful supreme Magistrate's.]
+
+[Footnote 13: The person and authority of sovereigns having the
+qualifications which the Scriptures require.]
+
+[Footnote 14: The lawful supreme Magistrate's.]
+
+[Footnote 15: The lawful supreme Magistrate.]
+
+[Footnote 16: Lawful supreme Magistrates.]
+
+[Footnote 17: Anno 1638.]
+
+[Footnote 18: Lawful supreme Magistrates.]
+
+[Footnote 19: After all supplications, remonstrances protestations and
+sufferings of our fathers, and our own grievous sufferings and
+contendings both before and since the late Revolution.]
+
+[Footnote 20: When restored, according to their ancient foundation.]
+
+[Footnote 21: The lawful supreme Magistrate's.]
+
+[Footnote 22: The lawful Magistrate's.]
+
+[Footnote 23: The lawful Magistrate, when obtained.]
+
+[Footnote 24: Our Reformers.]
+
+[Footnote 25: As they were then.]
+
+[Footnote 26: The lawful supreme Magistrate.]
+
+[Footnote 27: Such as the Curate of Carsphairn, and some others. But it
+is to be noted, that this sentence is not meant of those who either
+designed or actually executed that act of extraordinary justice upon the
+Archbishop of St. Andrews, who being an arch-traitor, and public
+incendiary, and implacable enemy to the work of God, and all the godly
+in the kingdom, was therefore justly put to death; though (because of
+the defect of justice in those that had authority,) the act, in respect
+of the persons executing, was singular and extraordinary. See the same
+vindicated, _Hind Let Loose_, head vi., page 633, &c.]
+
+[Footnote 28: Ezek. vii. 16. But they that escape of them shall escape,
+and shall be on the mountains like doves of the vallies, all of them
+mourning, every one for his iniquity.]
+
+[Footnote 29: Ezek. ix. 4.----Set a mark upon the foreheads of the men
+that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the
+midst thereof.]
+
+[Footnote 30: Matt. xxii. 5. But they made light of it, and went their
+ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise.]
+
+[Footnote 31: 1 Tim. vi. 14. That thou keep this commandment without
+spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.]
+
+[Footnote 32: 2 Tim. lii. 5. Having a form of godliness, but denying the
+power thereof.]
+
+[Footnote 33: Eph. in. 17. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by
+faith.----Col. ii. 6. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the
+Lord, so walk ye in him.]
+
+[Footnote 34: Col. i. 10. That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all
+pleasing.]
+
+[Footnote 35: 2 Thes. ii. 10, 11, 12. Because they received not the love
+of the truth----For this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that
+they should believe a lie. That they all might be damned, who believed
+not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.]
+
+[Footnote 36: Josh. xxiv. 15.----But as for me and my house, we will
+serve the Lord. Gen. xviii. 19. For I know him, that he will command his
+children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the
+Lord, to do justice and judgment.]
+
+[Footnote 37: 1 Tim. iii. 15----That thou mayest know how thou oughtest
+to behave thyself in the house of God.----]
+
+[Footnote 38: Psal. ci 2. I will walk within my house with a perfect
+heart. Jer. vii. 3. Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel;
+amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this
+place. Isa. I. 16, 17; _Cease to_ do evil. Learn to do well.----]
+
+[Footnote 39: Jer. 1. 8. Remove out of the midst of Babylon, and go
+forth out of the land of the Chaldeans, and be ye as the he goats before
+the flocks.]
+
+[Footnote 40: Zech. i 3. Turn ye unto me, saith the Lord of hosts, and I
+will turn unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. Psal. lxxxv. 3. Thou hast
+taken away all thy wrath; thou hast turned thyself from the fierceness
+of thine anger. Verse 4th. Turn us, O God of our salvation and cause
+thine anger towards us to cease]
+
+[Footnote 41: Psal. lxxxv. 9, 10. Surely his salvation is nigh them that
+fear him; that glory may dwell in our land. Mercy and truth are met
+together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
+
+Isa. xxxii. 17. And the work of righteousness shall be peace, and the
+effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.
+
+Zech. viii. 19----Therefore love the truth and peace.]
+
+[Footnote 42: Note. The Confession of Faith is here adhered to, as it
+was received and approven by the General Assembly of this church, by
+their Act of the 27th of Aug. 1647, Sess. 23, the 2d Article of the 31st
+Chap, being understood, as explained in that Act, and the 4th Sect, of
+the 23d Chap, being understood, as it is explained in our Informatory
+Vindication, page 196, 2d Edition.]
+
+[Typographical errors excepted, and _Historical Introduction_
+substituted for _Preface_, this edition agrees with those of Paisley,
+1820, and Belfast, 1835.--ED.]
+
+
+
+
+ACT OF COVENANT RENOVATION,
+
+AGREED UPON AT PHILADELPHIA, OCTOBER 8, 1880,
+
+BY THE
+
+REFORMED PRESBYTERY,
+
+AFTER THE APPROVED EXAMPLE OF OUR FATHERS, AT
+
+AUCHENSAUGH, 1712, AND ACCOMMODATED
+
+TO THE PRESENT TIME.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous
+judgments."--_Psalms_ cxix: 106.
+
+"They (Egyptians) shall vow a vow unto the Lord, and perform it."--_Is_.
+xix: 21.
+
+The Corinthians "first gave their own selves to the Lord."--_2 Cor_.
+viii: 5.
+
+
+
+
+COVENANT RENOVATION.
+
+Vow, and pay unto the Lord your God.--_Ps_. lxxvi: II.
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+Having in prospect a united, public and solemn approach to our covenant
+God, some important principles should be understood, that we may proceed
+with intelligence and have sure ground for our faith.
+
+"God is love;" and reciprocal love constitutes "the bond of perfectness"
+between God and rational creatures. Communion with God is the supreme
+felicity and highest honor of which angels and men are capable. The
+first emanation of divine love revealed to us was displayed in the
+covenant of works; although not called a covenant, the narrative
+contains all the elements essential to a federal deed, comprising a
+summary of the whole moral law. Thus the sovereign love of God was
+manifested through the medium of law and covenant inseparably combined;
+and this is the Lord's manner of dealing with mankind till the present
+time.
+
+That covenant was made with us in Adam as our common father and public
+representative. By the breach of it we are born in Adam's image and
+"children of wrath;" for the principle of representative identification
+pervades the moral universe. Our rational and social nature fits us both
+for personal and federal responsibility.
+
+When we had "destroyed ourselves" by apostasy from God, then did God
+"show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us
+through Christ Jesus." The gift of his Son to be a covenant head to
+sinners is God's highest, and most glorious demonstration of his
+ineffable love. The breadth, and length, and depth, and height of the
+love of Christ passeth knowledge; and the displays of this love through
+the covenant of grace will doubtless furnish matter of admiration to
+holy angels, and of adoring gratitude to redeemed sinners throughout
+eternity. Rev. i: 5, 6.
+
+Ever since our fall in Adam God has dealt with our sinful race by
+covenant. This covenant was made with Christ as Mediator between God and
+man, and as the representative of all whom the Father gave him to be
+redeemed and brought to glory. John xvii: 2. Accordingly, the Lord
+Jesus, immediately on the fall of our first parents, entered upon his
+work of mediation. To them first he announced his commission, declaring
+his purpose to "bruise the serpent's head--to destroy the works of the
+devil." Gen. iii: 15; 1 John iii: 8. Christ is given "for a witness to
+the people; a leader and commander to the people; to have power over all
+flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as the Father hath
+given him."
+
+Throughout the whole of the mediatorial administration the law and the
+covenant are distinct, though inseparably connected: and although many
+covenants are mentioned in the Scriptures, and even distinguished as
+_old_ and _new_. Jer. xxxi: 31; Heb. viii: 8; yet we must understand
+these as only different and successive modes of administering one and
+the same Covenant of Grace. This covenant was proclaimed before the
+deluge by prophets, as Enoch and Noah; after the flood by patriarchs;
+then by the ministry of Moses and other prophets, when John the Baptist
+and the Messiah in person proclaimed it; and from the day of Pentecost
+till the end of the world is the last dispensation--still, the covenant
+is immutably the same. The most solemn and memorable act of covenanting
+with God was at Horeb, otherwise called Sinai, when the Israelites were
+first and formally organized in ecclesiastical and civil relations. Then
+"Judah was his sanctuary, and Israel his dominion." Ps. cxiv: 2.
+
+Besides circumcision and the passover, both of which involved covenant
+obligation, God instituted the additional ordinance of public and social
+federal transaction, that the whole body might glorify him by a united
+act of solemn dedication as his special property separated visibly from
+the world. Is. lxiii: 19. And that this is a moral ordinance, and of
+perpetual obligation, is evident from the practice of God's people, both
+under the Old and New Testament, and the language of prophecy. Deut.
+xxix: 10-12; 2 Cor. viii: 5; Is. xliv: 5.
+
+Again, when we renew our covenant, we do not mean that the obligation
+has ceased, or that we can increase its obligation, for this is infinite
+and permanent; we intend by our personal act to deepen and render more
+durable our sense of preexisting obligation. This is, indeed, the
+immediate object of all renovations, by Moses, Joshua, kings of Judah
+and Nehemiah. And as we have seen, this ordinance was observed by
+Christians in the time of the apostles, so their practice may be traced
+through history afterwards, however obscure, until the time of the
+Reformation from Popery; when in Europe, both continental and insular,
+this ordinance was revived and exemplified. Among all nations in
+Christendom Scotland stands preeminent since first emancipated from
+bondage in mystical Babylon, for the frequency and fidelity of her
+ecclesiastical and national vows to the Most High. After many struggles
+with Popery and Prelacy, during which Christ's witnesses in that land
+derived strength and courage from vows renewed to withstand these
+organized oppressors; at length by their example and influence the
+kingdoms of England and Ireland were brought into a confederation by
+that famous and grand document, the Solemn League and Covenant. Taken in
+connection with the National Covenant of Scotland, those three nations
+and the churches in them were voluntarily bound to God and to each other
+by all the solemnity of cords and bands made in heaven. Yet, through the
+corruption of human nature and the restless malice of the Dragon and his
+angels, these bands were treacherously broken and the cords cast away.
+Although those symbols of the public faith were Scriptural documents,
+yet the reformation as truly described by the late Mr. Robert Lusk, was
+to the majority "a reformation only on paper." Like Israel of old the
+hearts of most of the people were not right with God, neither were they
+steadfast in his covenant. Ps. lxxviii: 37. This was soon made manifest
+by the Public Resolutions, accepting Indulgences, and the subsequent
+twenty-eight years of persecution inflicted upon those who "stood to the
+covenant." Then followed, in 1689, what the apostates called, and their
+successors still fondly hail, as the "glorious Revolution
+settlement!"--a settlement which, by forms of law, consigned the
+nations' solemn vows to oblivion, with all possible expressions of
+detestation by the infamous "Act Rescissory." In the year 1707, the "Act
+of Incorporation" brought the church and kingdom of Scotland under
+degrading bondage to the anti-Christian, Prelatic and Erastian throne of
+Britain.
+
+While these steps of apostasy were in progress, the Lord preserved a
+"wasted remnant" of witnesses, who "resisted unto blood striving against
+sin." These valiant Christian patriots--"the Society People"--kept
+themselves and their garments clean, and kept also the word of Christ's
+patience. They never were _dissenters_, nor properly called the "Old
+Dissenters." During this hour of temptation they were destitute of the
+help and guidance of a public ministry. At length, in the year 1706, Mr.
+John M'Millan, wearing the honorable badges of suspension and
+deposition, imposed by his apostate brethren for advocating in their
+Assembly the continued obligation of the Covenants. National and Solemn
+League, (Is. lxvi: 5,) was joyfully received as their minister by the
+voice of the Society people. In the year 1712, at Auchensaugh, Mr.
+M'Millan, with the assistance of Mr. John M'Neil, licentiate, "resolved
+to set about this solemn and tremendous duty of renewing their national
+covenants with God." Their mode of procedure was Scriptural, following
+the examples of Moses and others to Nehemiah--"the footsteps of the
+flock." They framed three papers, History, Confession and Engagement.
+The text of the Covenants of our fathers was left entire, only some
+explanatory words and phrases being placed in the margin. These
+explanations were then necessary to clear that question of
+questions--"Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee?"--a
+question to be finally settled only at the sounding of the last
+Apocalyptic trumpet. Rev. xi: 15. That transaction was ever after
+incorporated with the Terms of Communion.
+
+Some years after this transaction another renovation took place in
+Scotland, at a locality called Crawford-John; but no attainments were
+then made, nor has any authentic record of the proceedings been
+transmitted to posterity. Also the Seceders, soon after their erection
+as a distinct organization in Scotland, and repeatedly since in Britain
+and America, by public covenanting have contributed to the preservation
+of sound doctrine and Christian practice. We cannot, however, accord to
+them the honor of being the successors of the covenanted witnesses,
+which they unwarrantably claim, seeing that they disowned the "civil
+part" of the public Covenants, and thus unwittingly, we charitably
+believe, passed an implied censure on the One Lawgiver for having given
+us a second table in the moral law!
+
+We merely refer to the Octoraro transaction, (1743,) conducted by that
+unstable minister, Mr. Craighead, as being unworthy of anything more
+than historical notice.
+
+The two most noteworthy instances of avowed covenant-renovation within
+the present century are those at Dervock, Ireland, in 1853, and in
+Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1871; and we class them together, because
+however the respective documents differ in their provisions, and in our
+judgment some of these are irreconcilable, yet the parties have ever
+since agreed to coalesce. Reference is here made only to a sample of
+_essential_ discrepancies. In the Dervock bond the British Covenants are
+expressly mentioned and owned; in the Pittsburg bond they are neither
+owned nor mentioned, although both were urged at the time, while they
+were openly vilified without rebuke. In the former Prelacy is abjured,
+in the latter it is not so much as named. The fourth article of the
+former is irreconcilable with the fourth article of the latter. The
+former is limited by _recognized truth_; the latter substitutes for
+truth _supposed piety_. But since these two parties, in the face of such
+antagonistic fundamental principles, do actually harmonize in practice,
+coming down to treat with opposing parties in the plain of Ono, their
+example of treachery in covenant can be regarded only as a beacon of
+warning.
+
+Strictly speaking, no new obligation has been imposed or assumed since
+the law was given at Sinai. We are to "keep the words of the covenant,
+the ten commandments." This is just what Christ still enjoins upon his
+disciples--"Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have
+commanded you." The footsteps of Christ's flock differ nothing now from
+what they were in the days of Solomon. Some turn back into Egypt, while
+others turn aside with the "flocks of the companions to right-hand
+extremes or left-hand defections"; for the harlot's "ways are moveable
+that thou canst not know them," and we are warned--"Come not near the
+door of her house."
+
+The federal deeds which we propose to renew are, of course, those of our
+witnessing fathers, the National Covenant of Scotland and the Solemn
+League of Scotland, England and Ireland, adapting these public deeds to
+our time, and comprising all preceding and subsequent attainments, as
+was done by our predecessors at Auchensaugh. Our condition and
+surroundings are in many respects similar to theirs. "Their soul was
+exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that were at ease, and
+with the contempt of the proud"; but they were also exposed to many
+perils from the existing ecclesiastical and civil authorities which they
+publicly disowned.
+
+All inspired records of public vows to God by his united people, from
+the time of Moses to Nehemiah, contained a synopsis of special
+providence towards themselves and others, of sins, mercies and
+judgments; and these were motives to this special duty, though not a
+rule--"And because of all this we make a sure covenant and write it."
+
+After these examples, which we judge "written for our learning," we
+renew our own and our ancestors' covenants, neither ecclesiastically nor
+nationally as representatives of either church or state, as they are now
+confederated against the Lord and his Anointed: but we appear publicly
+as a "despised remnant," avowing allegiance to Zion's only King and
+"Prince of the kings of the earth," pledging adherence to those public
+deeds of our progenitors, in which the divine ordinances of Church and
+State are exhibited; and in which they are exemplified as co-ordinate,
+mutually independent, friendly, and helpful to the family and to each
+other. Thus acted the people of God under the covenant of grace in all
+ages; and so acted his servants at Auchensaugh, whose more immediate
+example we propose to follow.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CONFESSION OF PUBLIC SINS.
+
+
+All authentic history confirms the declaration of the Sacred Scriptures,
+That by one man sin entered into the world, and that there is not a just
+man upon earth that doeth good and sinneth not. Yet there is mercy with
+God that he may be feared, and plenteous redemption to redeem Israel
+from all his trespasses. But we are assured that "he that covereth his
+sins shall not prosper, but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall
+have mercy."
+
+Believing these teachings of God's word, and in view of renewing solemn
+vows to him, we now give glory to the Lord God of Israel by making
+confession of our own and our fathers' sins in violating our solemn
+covenants. We acknowledge the heinous sins of repeated violation of our
+covenanted unity--_First_, By joining in a military confederacy with the
+American Colonies in the revolutionary war of 1776. _Second_, Joining in
+a similar confederacy with Irish Papists and others to cast off the
+British government in 1798. _Third_, In a similar confederacy in the war
+between the United States and England in 1812. _Fourth_, By the like
+military association in the recent civil war: and these sins were
+aggravated by framing oaths of allegiance or fidelity in the years 1812
+and 1863.
+
+Some of those who had violated their covenants by military association
+with the United Irishmen fled for refuge to the United States; and
+without undergoing censure became active agents in constituting a
+presbytery without authority had from the parent body in Scotland, 1798;
+and proceeded in 1806 to frame and publish _Reformation Principles
+Exhibited_, a work which removed landmarks which the fathers had set;
+and which with an abstract of Terms of Communion unpresbyterially
+introduced, unsettled the foundations and issued in the lamentable
+disruption of 1833.
+
+In Scotland the leaders of the people caused them to err by changing the
+Terms of Communion in the year 1822, and the Testimony in 1837. While
+these changes were made in the Covenanted Church's organic law some of
+the most popular and influential ministers--theological professors, were
+publicly transgressing our covenants by joining in affinity with divers
+confederacies for moral reform. Doctor Andrew Symington, the most
+influential minister in the Synod did actually and publicly co-operate
+with the Evangelical Alliance; and in 1841 the same professor was among
+the foremost in projecting a plan for a "concert of prayer," by diverse
+sorts of professors, those of the Established Church of Scotland being
+expressly mentioned. No wonder the hesitating _Covenanter_ ventured at
+least to express preferance for "more generally small meetings for
+prayer, to a large number of Christians of different names." This kind
+of amalgamation being contrary to Scripture was a breach also of the
+Solemn League, the sixth article of which was evidently designed by our
+fathers to prevent such social sins under the name of religion. The
+Theological Seminary in Scotland, as a corrupt fountain, polluted all
+the streams, the ministers taking the lead in the defection, as is now
+manifested to the world.
+
+All along our history in Scotland, Ireland and America, the sin of the
+antediluvians and of Israel after the flesh has been imitated by
+us--joining with the known enemies of truth and righteousness, in the
+face of many fearful judgments for such breaches of solemn vows.
+
+The ministers took the lead in joining and inducing others to join the
+Colonization Society, a scheme for the removal of colored freedmen from
+among the bondmen, that slavery might be more secure and more certainly
+perpetuated by removing the disturbing element; and all this under the
+guise of evangelizing Africa! The General Synod which had unanimously
+patronized that scheme in 1828, discovering the deception, did in 1836,
+by a majority transfer its patronage to the rival cause of Abolition,
+thus continuing and persevering in the same transgression, from which
+they are not reclaimed to this day.
+
+About the same time when we were ensnared in these unscriptural
+confederacies, occasional hearing naturally became developed in a
+sabbath-school, which for a short time was conducted jointly by three
+denominations in Pittsburgh--Covenanters, Seceders and Associate
+Reformed, violating our covenanted unity and erecting an unauthorized
+agency for spiritual instruction. The General Synod did, in 1840,
+abolish its own deligation form and the Subordinate Synods in violation
+of conventional law and Presbyterial order, and still continues to
+adhere to this two-fold breach of the brotherly covenant. That body,
+carrying on defection, joined in military association as noticed above,
+during the late civil war between the Union and Confederate armies,
+framing an "oath of fidelity," and thus profaning a divine ordinance by
+pledging themselves to enforce an atheistical constitution and execute
+the laws: and some of them glory in their shame and boast of this
+flagrant and complicated breach of solemn vows to the contrary.
+
+While recognizing many precious principles embodied in the Dorvock bond,
+we cannot give it our approbation as an adequate renovation of our
+National Covenant and Solemn League, because it not only omits but
+obviously excludes the Form of Presbyterial Church Government and the
+Directory for Public Worship, and seems to substitute for these the
+Testimony which is incompatible with that of 1761; although the two
+documents above named were received by our General Assembly of Scotland
+as "part of the uniformity" to which we are bound in the Solemn League.
+And besides, all their symbols of faith mentioned in the Dervock
+transaction as subordinate, are owned only as "_Doctrinal_ Standards,"
+thus leaving at loose ends individual and social Christian _practice_.
+This document is therefore a defective, evasive, and consequently
+inadequate renovation of our Covenants.
+
+The sound principles comprised in the Pittsburgh bond are still more
+palpably rendered nugatory by contradictions, manifold evasions and
+ambiguous phrases; such as "accepted manuals, our fathers' covenants,"
+etc.; while the solemn pledge to "maintain Christian friendship with
+pious men of every name, and to feel and act as one with all in every
+land who pursue this grand end "--an _undefined_ end--would overthrow,
+if this were possible, the whole scriptural fabric of our Presbyterial
+Covenanted Reformation. Treachery and perfidy, not to say perjury, are
+bound up in the Pittsburgh bond, especially in pledging themselves to
+the performance of civil duties "not forbidden in the law of God." Some
+of the native fruits of this transaction, tending still more to corrupt
+themselves and others are the continual practice of occasional hearing,
+exchange of pulpits and correspondence by delegation.
+
+This body has placed itself under the authority of the Pennsylvania
+Legislature, having petitioned for and obtained an act of incorporation,
+and having voluntarily submitted to the Erastian civil jurisdiction of
+the state of Pennsylvania and of the United States. The civil Charter
+expressly institutes and appoints its trustees to be regulated and
+limited in the exercise of the functions of their respective offices by
+the constitutions of Pennsylvania and of the nation. Their bond prepared
+the way for this more gross and practical surrender of all that is
+distinctive in our covenanted position. And finally, so far as we know
+all parties in the three lands claiming to be Reformed Presbyterians,
+have for years renounced those provisions of our Directory which require
+the lines to be read in public praise to God, and the banns to be
+proclaimed before marriage.
+
+The nations throughout Christendom, continue in league with Antichrist
+and give their strength to the beast. They still refuse to profess and
+defend the true religion in doctrine, worship, government and
+discipline, contrary to the example of the kingdoms of Scotland, England
+and Ireland in the seventeenth century. Some of them have waged wars of
+conquest, under pretence of opening a way for the spread of the gospel;
+and disregarding international law, have violated solemn treaties among
+themselves, and all of them practically disregard divine authority;
+habitually profaning the Christian Sabbath, by carrying the mail, by
+commercial traffic, and parties of pleasure on land and water.
+
+Acknowledging the righteousness of divine judgment upon ourselves and
+others for manifold violations of God's law and breaches of our own and
+our fathers' solemn vows in our domestic, ecclesiastical and civil
+relations; we desire to humble ourselves before God for these sins, and
+for others not contained in this enumeration. Seeing that God hath
+punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and hath left us a small
+remnant in his sovereign mercy, our prayer to him is that he may enable
+us by his grace to bring forth fruits meet for repentance, to the glory
+of his great and holy name, and the commendation of his pardoning mercy.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+ACT OF ADHERENCE TO OUR COVENANTS. NATIONAL AND SOLEMN LEAGUE; AS
+ADAPTED TO THE PRESENT TIME.
+
+
+We, office-bearers and members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church,
+convinced by the Word and Spirit of God of our guilt and depravity by
+our breach of covenant in Adam; of utter inability to save ourselves
+from the ruins of the falls or its just penal consequences; desiring
+moreover to bless, the Lord, that when we were yet without strength
+Christ died for the ungodly; that a door of faith has been opened to the
+Gentiles, and repentance unto life granted to such; taking our warrant
+and encouragement from God alone, with our hands lifted up toward
+him:--do swear by his great and fearful name as the Lord our God,
+that--
+
+I. We accept God in Christ for ourselves and our children as offered to
+us in the gospel, to be our everlasting portion; and we joyfully
+surrender ourselves and our all to him as his rightful and exclusive
+property. We cordially approve the Covenant of Grace, and embrace it as
+all our salvation and all our desire. Dead to the law as a covenant of
+works, we cheerfully receive it from Christ's hand as our perfect rule
+of life, to direct our personal and social conduct. Aiming to glorify
+God as our chief end, and to do good unto all men as we have
+opportunity--especially to the household of faith--we promise in the
+strength of divine grace to search the Scriptures, conforming heart and
+life to this standard, in constant opposition to the course of this
+world, exemplifying godliness and honesty before men all our days.
+
+II. Set for the defence of the gospel, and under manifold obligations to
+contend earnestly for the faith which was once delivered to the saints,
+we acknowledge the Scriptures of the Old and new Testament to be the
+Word of God and the alone infallible rule of faith and manners,
+rejecting any and all additions or subtractions, false translations,
+perverting or wresting them to men's destruction.
+
+We own also, as subordinate standards of faith and practice of doctrine
+and order, the National Covenant and Solemn League: as also the
+Westminster formularies, well known by their names--viz., the Confession
+of Faith, the Larger and Shorter Catechisms, Form of Church Government,
+and Directory of Public Worship; as these were received respectively by
+the Church of Scotland in the years 1645, '47, and '48, not merely as
+"_Doctrinal_ Standards," but as symbols, all of them, of Christian
+practice also, and as a part of the uniformity sworn to in the Solemn
+League. We adhere to the Renovation of the National Covenants at
+Auchensaugh, 1712, as comprising the same grand Scriptural principles
+with the original deeds, and preserving the identity of the moral
+person, which became more visible in 1761 by a Judicial Testimony,
+re-exhibited in 1858 and 1876.
+
+We repudiate the Renovation at Dervock, 1853, as being inadequate,
+defective, and unfaithful--part of the document couched in abstract,
+evasive, and equivocal language. Also, we condemn and reject the
+Pittsburgh Bond, as ambiguous, self-contradictory and treacherous--"a
+snare on Mizpah." We abjure and testify against Popery, as delineated by
+our ancestors in the National Covenant, together with the fictitious
+dogma of the Immaculate Conception, and the blasphemous assumption by
+the Pope of Jehovah's incommunicable prerogative of Infallibility. In
+like manner we reject Prelacy, whether Erastian or Diocesan, as abjured
+in the National Covenant and more explicitly in the Solemn League; while
+in pity for the persons involved in these despotic systems, we will pray
+and labor for the extirpation of these poisonous plants, and the
+emancipation of their deluded admirers. We condemn and disown all
+existing systems which involve the infidel element called Voluntaryism,
+representing the divine ordinances of Church and State as mutually
+inimical or in any way antagonistic, thus impeaching the wisdom of the
+Almighty.
+
+III. Believing that the Son of God has been, as Mediator appointed heir
+of all things, and invested with universal dominion; that he reigns and
+must reign till all his impenitent enemies be put under his feet: we
+pledge ourselves in reliance on divine grace to continue our advocacy of
+his claims upon the homage and willing obedience of individual and
+social man, in the family, the church and the civil commonwealth. We
+will maintain and urge his exclusive right to prescribe the faith and
+order of the church by his royal authority. We promise to inculcate and
+exemplify Presbyterian Church Government as alone of divine right and
+unalterable.
+
+Believing, moreover, that civil government, originating in the will of
+God as Creator, has been placed by the Father under the authority of the
+Mediator, and that the principal objects to be promoted by this divine
+ordinance are the glory of its Author, the welfare of mankind, and the
+prosperity of the church; we engage to endeavor the reformation of the
+nations by testifying against all neglect or contempt of Messiah's
+claims, or impious invasion of his rights by either rulers or subjects.
+In joyful anticipation of the universal reign of righteousness and peace
+on the earth, we will labor and pray for a gospel ministry and a
+Scriptural magistracy; testifying against all corruptions of these or
+substitutes for them. Persuaded of the adaptation and sufficiency of
+divine ordinances to effect reformation, we will refuse to identify or
+incorporate with any substitutes for these, or to co-operate with
+voluntary associations for moral reform, whether secret and sworn, or
+open and pledged, as these imply want of faith in divine ordinances, and
+in the wisdom and beneficence of our covenant God.
+
+IV. Believing that the Christian Church is one by her divine
+constitution, and lamenting existing divisions among the children of
+God; recognizing the obligation upon us to love the brotherhood, we will
+endeavor to cultivate charity in private intercourse towards all who
+reflect the divine image; and help to elevate them to the platform of
+the Covenanted Reformation as our only recognized bond of organic and
+ministerial church-fellowship. Nor will we, in reliance upon the
+promised and continued supplies of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, permit
+ourselves to be divided from this our covenanted unity and uniformity by
+the promises, threats, or solicitations of surrounding communities.
+Through divine grace we will endeavor, by practical manifestation of the
+truth, to commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of
+God, as the most effectual means of healing Zion's breaches, that are
+great like the sea.
+
+V. Having learned from God's Word that all who live godly in Christ
+Jesus shall suffer persecution, in their character, in their substance,
+or in their persons; and knowing from the recorded history of those who
+nobly stood to their covenant that they were subjected to all these
+kinds of suffering; and since our Sovereign Lord in his holy providence
+for the trial of the patience and faith of his saints permits Antichrist
+to practice and prosper, the kings of the earth still giving their
+strength unto the beast: we therefore, anticipating like treatment from
+an opposing world wherever we may sojourn, resolve in his strength to
+follow the Lamb, whithersoever he goeth, as our leader, endeavoring so
+to diffuse the sweet savor of his name, that in due time and in every
+land men shall be blessed in him, and all nations shall call him
+blessed.
+
+VI. Finally, this solemn renewal of our federal obligations we confirm
+by oath in the presence of the omniscient God, who searcheth our hearts,
+uninfluenced by any selfish, worldly, politic, or carnal motives or
+ends; but singly with a view to the glory of God and the temporal and
+eternal welfare of our fellow-men; beseeching our Father in heaven for
+Christ's sake so to furnish us with the gifts and graces of his Holy
+Spirit, that we may prove faithful unto death, and joyfully welcome, the
+glorious appearing of our final and chosen Judge.
+
+And in testimony of our desires, and assurance to be heard, we
+say--Amen.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Auchensaugh Renovation of the
+National Covenant and Solemn League and Covenant, by The Reformed Presbytery
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 12381 ***
diff --git a/12381-h/12381-h.htm b/12381-h/12381-h.htm
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..39f4802
--- /dev/null
+++ b/12381-h/12381-h.htm
@@ -0,0 +1,5280 @@
+<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN">
+<html>
+<head>
+<meta name="generator" content=
+"HTML Tidy for Windows (vers 1st March 2004), see www.w3.org">
+<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content=
+"text/html; charset=UTF-8">
+<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Auchensaugh Renovation,
+by The Reformed Presbytery.</title>
+
+<style type="text/css">
+    <!--
+    * {  font-family: Trebuchet MS, Times, sans-serif; }
+    P {  text-indent: 1em;
+         margin-top: .75em;
+         text-align: justify;
+         margin-bottom: .75em; }
+    H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 {     text-align: center; }
+    HR { width: 33%; }
+    BODY{margin-left: 10%;
+         margin-right: 10%;
+         font-size: 11pt;}
+    A {  font-size: 9pt;}
+    // -->
+</style>
+</head>
+<body>
+<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 12381 ***</div>
+
+<p align="center">&nbsp;</p>
+<h4>THE</h4>
+<h2>AUCHENSAUGH RENOVATION</h2>
+<h6>OF THE</h6>
+<h4>NATIONAL COVENANT AND SOLEMN LEAGUE AND COVENANT;</h4>
+<h6>WITH THE</h6>
+<h3>ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF SINS AND ENGAGEMENT TO DUTIES,</h3>
+<h6>AS THEY WERE</h6>
+<h4>RENEWED AT AUCHENSAUGH, NEAR DOUGLAS,</h4>
+<h5>JULY 24, 1712.</h5>
+<h6>(COMPARED WITH THE EDITIONS OF PAISLEY, 1820, AND BELFAST,
+1835.)</h6>
+<h5>ALSO, THE RENOVATION OF THESE PUBLIC FEDERAL DEEDS ORDAINED AT
+PHILADELPHIA, OCTOBER 8, 1880,</h5>
+<h6>BY THE</h6>
+<h3>REFORMED PRESBYTERY,</h3>
+<h5>WITH ACCOMMODATION OF THE ORIGINAL COVENANTS, IN BOTH
+TRANSACTIONS, TO THEIR TIMES AND POSITIONS RESPECTIVELY.</h5>
+<hr style="width: 45%;">
+<p style="text-align:center;">PHILADELPHIA 1880.</p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="PREFACE." id="PREFACE."></a>
+<h2>PREFACE.</h2>
+<p>The Reformed Presbytery, at a meeting in Philadelphia, October
+6th 1880, "<i>Resolved</i>, That another edition of the Auchensaugh
+Deed be published," and appointed the undersigned a committee "to
+attend to this business with all convenient speed."</p>
+<p>This Presbytery, after forty years' experience, during which
+opportunities have been afforded for examining the opinions and
+practices of all parties, professing any regard for the Covenanted
+Reformation, is still deeply impressed with the conviction that the
+transaction at Auchensaugh 1712, is the only faithful renovation of
+our Covenants, National and Solemn League. The fidelity of our
+fathers in that hazardous and heroic transaction, it is believed,
+has ever since been the <i>occasion</i> (not the <i>cause</i>) of
+all opponents manifesting their hostility to the whole covenanted
+cause, by first assaults upon that detested Bond. And that this is
+the real state of the case we proceed to prove by the following
+historical facts. <i>First.</i>&mdash;In connection with remodeling
+the Testimony; or rather by supplanting it in 1806, the Terms of
+Communion, without submitting an overture, were also changed to
+harmonize with <i>Reformation Principles Exhibited</i>, by
+excluding the Auchensaugh Renovation from the fourth Term, where it
+had stood for nearly a century. The same party have for years
+excluded from their abstract of Terms the <i>Covenants
+themselves</i>. <i>Second.</i>&mdash;In Scotland this faithful
+document was expunged in 1822, obviously to prepare the way for the
+adoption of a <i>"New Testimony"(!)</i>, which appeared 1837-9. The
+majority of the actors in that work who survive, are now in the
+Free Church! <i>Third.</i>&mdash;At the time when defection was
+progressing in the R.P. Synod of Scotland, the sister Synod of
+Ireland strenuously resisted an attempt to remove the foresaid Bond
+from its place in the Terms. The Rev. Messrs. Dick, Smith and
+Houston in 1837, were faithful and successful for the time in
+resisting that attempt. Mr. Houston "<i>would ever resist any
+alteration</i> in respect of the Auchensaugh Bond, regarding the
+objection laid against it as in reality aimed at the Covenants
+themselves." Yet as a sequel to their Renovation of the Covenants
+at Dervock 1853, the Auchensaugh Bond was subsequently "shown to
+the porch"&mdash;removed from the Terms! <i>Fourth.</i>&mdash;At
+what was called covenant-renovation at Pittsburgh 1871, we believe
+no one spoke in behalf of their fathers' noble achievement in 1712.
+Indeed this could not be rationally expected in a body who could
+tolerate members vilifying the very Covenants which they pretended
+to renew. <i>Fifth.</i>&mdash;Other parties farther removed from
+the position of their reforming progenitors; but who still claim
+ecclesiastical affinity with John Knox, and commonly prefix to the
+symbols of their faith the historical word <i>Westminster</i>, give
+very strong expression to their feelings of hostility&mdash;not to
+the Auchensaugh Bond, of which probably they never heard, but to
+the British Covenants expressly; yea, to the very ordinance of
+public social covenanting itself. But we shall let them speak for
+themselves. One Doctor of divinity is reported as saying&mdash;"I
+am opposed to the whole matter of covenanting. Covenants do an
+immense sight more harm than good. Those Scotch Covenanters brought
+persecution upon themselves by their covenants."<a name="FNanchor1"
+id="FNanchor1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1"><sup>[1]</sup></a></p>
+<p>Another Dr. said, "I have always been opposed to covenanting.
+One generation of God's people have no right to enter into bonds
+that entail obligations upon future generations."<a name=
+"FNanchor2" id="FNanchor2"></a><a href=
+"#Footnote_2"><sup>[2]</sup></a> A third Dr. said, "I hold it is a
+sin for men to go into the august presence of God and enter into
+covenant with him. It is base presumption."<a name="FNanchor3" id=
+"FNanchor3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3"><sup>[3]</sup></a> A fourth
+Dr. said, "I hold that the church as an organization is not a
+responsible moral agent. Neither is the nation!" These sentiments
+may well excite astonishment and alarm, when proclaimed by
+accredited teachers of morality and religion.
+<i>Sixth.</i>&mdash;Seceders have all along their history claimed
+to be the sole heirs of the Scottish covenanted inheritance. They
+are not ignorant of the Auchensaugh Renovation. How they view that
+transaction may be best ascertained from their own language. The
+<i>Original Secession Magazine</i> for November 1880, p. 861,
+speaks thus, "The distinction drawn between 'Covenanters' and
+'Seceders,' we have shown to be groundless. Are Reformed
+Presbyterians covenanters at all? There is not an <i>actual</i>
+Covenanter among them. They renewed the Covenants after a fashion
+in 1712. In our view the Covenants were not renewed, they were only
+mangled," &amp;c. These sentiments are sufficiently strong and
+explicit to be intelligible. The writer's feelings evidently
+interfered with judicial discrimination, while openly expressing
+that hostility to the Auchensaugh Bond which is concealed by
+others. The Rev. John McMillan, whom the Lord honored to take the
+lead at Auchensaugh, is especially branded by this writer who
+asserts,&mdash;"he did not secede and retire, he was expelled; nor
+was the position of his early associates in the ministry of the
+purest water." Moreover, this writer asserts "that they (Seceders)
+have actually renewed the Covenants, from time to time, during the
+whole period of their existence." How could this be, since Seceders
+have all along rejected "the civil part of the Covenants?" But
+these documents bear on their face a direct aim at personal,
+domestic, ecclesiastical, and civil reformation. No party can
+intelligently and honestly renew the National Covenant and Solemn
+League, while eulogizing the "Glorious Revolution" of 1688, while
+in allegiance to the British throne&mdash;that "bloody horn of the
+beast;" or whose political principles will identify them with any
+other horn which may have power to scatter "Judah." Zech. i:
+21.</p>
+<p>We have thus attempted by an induction of particulars, as
+concisely as we could, to point out existing opposition to our
+Covenanted Reformation, by various parties who assail the British
+Covenants directly, or by a first assault upon the Auchensaugh
+Bond, would reach a fatal stroke at the Covenants themselves. We
+believe with our predecessors that those who reject the Auchensaugh
+Renovation, by logical necessity will relinquish the Covenants
+themselves.</p>
+<p>The reader may be assured that neither we nor the Reformed
+Presbytery, whose committee we are, claim Papal infallibility or
+Christian perfection; nor do we ask implicit faith in any
+uninspired documents. But we sincerely believe ourselves that the
+Auchensaugh Renovation and the Bond, to which the foregoing
+statements are prefixed, will be found on examination to be sound,
+faithful, and "in nothing contrary to the word of God."</p>
+<table cellpadding="8" summary=
+"List of the three members of the Committee: David Steele, Robert Alexander, and John Clyde">
+<tr>
+<td>DAVID STEELE,<br>
+ROBERT ALEXANDER,<br>
+JOHN CLYDE.</td>
+<td style="border-left: 1px solid black"><i>Committee</i></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+<p>FOOTNOTES:</p>
+<p><a name="Footnote_1" id="Footnote_1"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor1">[1]</a></p>
+<blockquote>This gentleman does not seem to know that infidels use
+similar argument against Christianity. Or, did he never
+read&mdash;"I came not to send peace on the earth, but a sword."
+His logic also is as faulty as his theology&mdash;<i>non causa pro
+causa</i>.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_2" id="Footnote_2"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor2">[2]</a></p>
+<blockquote>On what principle does this minister dispense the
+ordinance of baptism to subjects in their minority? Is baptism a
+mere ceremony, involving no obligation upon the children of
+believers? Gen. xvii: 14.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_3" id="Footnote_3"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor3">[3]</a></p>
+<blockquote>No <i>presumption</i>, when graciously invited to do
+so. Is. lvi: 4, 6, 11. This teaching tends to the subversion of
+social order&mdash;the moral order of the universe. 2 Pet. ii:
+10.</blockquote>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="THE_AUCHENSAUGH_RENOVATION." id=
+"THE_AUCHENSAUGH_RENOVATION."></a>
+<h2>THE AUCHENSAUGH RENOVATION.</h2>
+<p>THE NATIONAL COVENANT AND SOLEMN LEAGUE AND COVENANT, WITH THE
+ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF SINS AND ENGAGEMENT TO DUTIES: AS THEY WERE
+RENEWED AT AUCHENSAUGH, NEAR DOUGLAS, 24th JULY, 1712, WITH
+ACCOMMODATION TO THE (THEN) PRESENT TIMES.</p>
+<p>PSALM lxxvi: 11. Vow and pay unto the Lord your God.</p>
+<p>ISAIAH xxiv: 5. The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants
+thereof: because they have transgressed the laws, changed the
+ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.</p>
+<p>EZEK. xvii: 18. Seeing he despised the oath by breaking the
+covenant (when, lo, he had given his hand), and hath done all these
+<i>things</i>, he shall not escape.</p>
+<p>2 TIM. iii: 3. Truce-breakers&mdash;or Covenant-breakers.</p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="HISTORICAL_INTRODUCTION." id=
+"HISTORICAL_INTRODUCTION."></a>
+<h4>HISTORICAL INTRODUCTION.</h4>
+<p>It is the ineffable product of eternal love, and infinite
+condescension in God toward his rational creatures, that ever he
+was pleased to make a covenant with them, and not to command and
+require obedience to his holy and just will, by virtue of his most
+absolute supremacy and rightful dominion only; but even to superadd
+sweet and precious promises, as a reward of that obedience, which
+he might of right have required, without giving any such
+incitements or pursuasives to it. And as no tongue of men or angels
+is sufficient to express, no strength of imagination to conceive,
+no sublimity of intellectual faculties to comprehend the depth of
+that spring, and breadth of that ocean of unbounded love, which
+hath exerted itself in God's covenanting with man; yea, with sinful
+man, by means of a Mediator: so shall it always afford matter of
+wonder and admiration to all finite and intelligent beings, to the
+ages of eternity, and shall never be comprehended by any, but by
+him whose understanding is infinite; wherefore He, who is
+all-sufficient and self-sufficient, should invite, yea, press and
+entreat unworthy indigent nothings, the sinful children of men to
+such an incomparable degree of honor, dignity and advancement, as
+that is, to enter into a covenant relation, and come into a solemn
+treaty of peace and conjunction with Him, who is infinitely removed
+beyond all blessing and all praise. To have this invitation, is
+indeed the honor and privilege of all within the visible church, to
+whose ears the joyful sound of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ
+hath come; but few are so wise as to accept and approve it. Many,
+too many, account themselves unworthy of this honor, and by
+despising this privilege, and rejecting this dignity, deprive
+themselves of the greatest happiness; but as all nations, upon whom
+the day-star of the gospel hath arisen, have had the invitation to
+this duty, and all sound and real believers have actually
+participated of this honor, to have God making a covenant with
+them, and they striking hands with Him through a Mediator (which
+covenant is commonly termed the <i>Covenant of Grace</i>,) so these
+three kingdoms of Scotland, England and Ireland conjunctly, and
+Scotland by itself, as an independent nation, had in an eminent way
+and manner the honor, above most nations in the world, to dedicate
+and surrender themselves to the Lord, by a most voluntary, free and
+deliberate choice, and to come under the bond of a most solemn
+oath, in a most religious manner, devoting their all to Christ, his
+interest and honor, the flourishing and thriving of his kingdom,
+the success of his gospel, and reformation of his churches; and
+openly avouching him for their Lord and Master, to the honor of his
+name, and confusion of his enemies; which <i>Covenants National</i>
+and <i>Solemn League</i>, though we look not upon them to be the
+same with the covenant of grace, yet we conceive of them as a
+solemn superadded and new obligation, tying us to all the duties,
+as well of a particular Christian conversation, as these which tend
+to the public and national advancement of reformation in religion,
+whereof the covenant of grace is the spring and foundation.</p>
+<p>These covenants, as they were the effects and consequents of
+many remarkable and signal expressions of divine love and goodness,
+many singular mercies and deliverances vouchsafed to these nations,
+as the return of many earnest prayers and wrestlings of the Lord's
+people with him; so they were the occasions of many blessings, and
+great indications of God's favor and loving-kindness. Then the Lord
+delighted to dwell in the nations; then did he beautify the place
+of his sanctuary; then did he fill his people's hearts with joy and
+gladness, by the familiar intimations of his special love and down
+pourings of his Spirit's gracious influences, as our land can
+afford many instances. Then did he enlarge his people's affections,
+and animate their spirits with zeal and courage, attended with
+knowledge, prudence and discretion to act for him, and advance his
+kingdom. Then did he illustrate his churches in these kingdoms, as
+bright and sparkling stars arising out of the thick clouds of
+antichristian darkness, and getting out from under Prelatic and
+Erastian yokes of bondage and slavery, and made them go forth as
+the meridian sun glorious and excellent; <i>terrible as an army
+with banners</i>. Hence it came to pass that these nations sent out
+a savory report to all the neighboring reformed churches, a report
+which comforted, revived, strengthened, animated and encouraged all
+the true and loyal subjects of Christ's kingdom; which struck
+terror and amazement to the hearts of his enemies; which shook and
+caused to tremble the pillars of Antichrist's kingdom, and
+disquieted the very foundations of the <i>seat of that beast</i>;
+which made malignants at home and abroad to be ashamed and
+confounded, and even forced the haters of the Lord to <i>feign
+submission to him</i>. Numberless were the advantages and
+privileges which did redound to these nations by, and were the
+lovely attendants and sweet consequents of, these covenants;
+whereby God did set to his seal of approbation, and gave clear
+evidence and demonstration of his acceptance of his people's
+cheerful and willing adventures in this duty of covenanting with
+him: and as these blessings and mercies, which, as the dew of
+Hermon, were distilled upon his people's heads and hearts, while
+they abode steadfast with him, and faithful in his covenant were so
+many irrefragable proofs of his acquiescence in their first and
+laudable undertakings; so the many sad and fearful plagues,
+distractions, confusions and miseries, which have attended and
+followed the many gross breaches and violations of these covenants
+and departures from God, are no less evident discoveries,
+undeniable signs and pregnant convictions of the Lord's most just
+displeasure and indignation with the bypast and present courses of
+revolting and backsliding from him; which courses of declension and
+grievous apostatizing from God and his covenant, all the three
+kingdoms and in special this nation, and every individual therein
+capable of such a work, are, without all controversy, called to
+bewail and confess before God, and by speedy amendment to turn from
+them, in order to avert judgments, and turn away justly impendent
+wrath and long threatened strokes.</p>
+<p>The consideration of these blessings and benefits, on the one
+hand, which followed the zealous entering into, and sincere
+performing of these sacred oaths; and upon the other hand the sense
+we desire to retain of the plagues and curses, threatened by God in
+his word against covenant-breaking inflicted upon covenant-breakers
+in former ages, and foreign nations, and visibly impending upon us
+in these nations, for our perfidious dealing in God's covenant;
+hath moved us a <i>poor insignificant handful of people</i>,
+unworthy indeed to be called the posterity of our zealous reforming
+ancestors, though heartily desirous to be found adhering to the
+same standard of doctrine, worship, discipline and government to
+which they adhered, to attempt this solemn and weighty duty of
+renewing (in our capacities and stations) these covenant
+obligations, that we might at least give some discovery of our
+respect to the cause of God, for the advancement and preservation
+whereof these covenants were first entered into, and afterwards
+again and again renewed by our religious progenitors, and by the
+whole representative body of the three kingdoms, who had any zeal
+for the interest of religion. And that we might, for our parts, be
+in some measure instrumental to transmit a testimony for the work
+of God in our land to the succeeding generation. Neither do we
+want, besides these general motives, some special inducements to
+this undertaking. As 1. Because these national covenants, having
+been nationally broken, and their funeral piles erected by wicked
+and perfidious rulers in the capital cities of the kingdom, with
+all imaginable ignominy and contempt, have long lien buried and
+(almost) quite forgotten under these ashes; most people either
+hating the very name and remembrance of them, or at least being
+ashamed honorably to avouch their adherence to them, and afraid to
+endeavor a vigorous and constant prosecution of the duties
+contained in them: So that it is high time that every one should do
+his utmost towards a reviving of them. 2. Because many openly
+declare their sorrow and grief that ever these covenants should
+have been entered into: malignants calling them a conspiracy,
+attributing every miscarriage of the persons engaged in them to the
+covenants themselves as their native effects; and others, who would
+take it ill to be called malignants, making them the causes of all
+the tyranny, rapine, bloodshed and persecution of the late reigns,
+as having raised the spleen of the enemies of religion, and
+accounting it safer that they should lie still in their graves,
+than that they should irritate malignants any more by their
+resurrection.<a name="FNanchor4" id="FNanchor4"></a><a href=
+"#Footnote_4"><sup>[4]</sup></a> Therefore we judge it our duty to
+renew them, that we might evidence, that notwithstanding all these
+malicious calumnies and false consequences cast upon them, we are
+still of the same judgment with our reformers, that they are the
+most sovereign means, under the blessing of God, for the reviving
+and preserving the work of God in the land. 3. Because of the
+courses that are carried on in direct opposition to these
+covenants; the nations, formerly cemented in peace and love in
+conjunction with truth and righteousness, having broken these
+bonds, and united themselves upon another footing, by the late
+sinful incorporating union: and imposing new oaths in opposition to
+the covenant; such as abjuration, &amp;c. granting license,
+protection and toleration to all the evils abjured in the covenant;
+as heresies and errors in doctrine, superstition in worship,
+Prelacy and Erastianism in government, and overthrowing all good
+discipline. 4. Because of our own sinful miscarriages in, and woful
+declinings from our covenanted duties, our proneness to break
+covenant with God, and to be indifferent, lax, negligent and
+unsteadfast in the cause and work of God, and to be led away with
+the error of the wicked, and to fall from our steadfastness;
+wherefore we thought it necessary to bind ourselves by a new tie to
+the Lord, and one to another in a zealous prosecution of covenanted
+duties, that the covenant might be as a hedge to keep us from
+running out into the paths of destroyers. 5. We being sincerely
+desirous and having an earnest longing to celebrate the sacred
+ordinance of the Lord's Supper, whereof many had unjustly called us
+despisers and contemners, and finding it to have been the laudable
+practice of the church of Scotland formerly, that all such as were
+admitted to that holy table should swear and subscribe the covenant
+before their coming thereunto; we judged it a fit preparation for
+our receiving a sacramental confirmation of God's covenanted love
+and favor to us, through our Lord Jesus Christ, that we should
+avouch Him for our God, and testify our adherence to His cause and
+truth, by our renewing our national covenants with Him.</p>
+<p>Upon these and the like weighty considerations we resolved to
+set about this solemn and tremendous duty; and being assured that
+we have no sufficiency in ourselves for any such undertaking, after
+frequently imploring the Lord for light and direction, strength and
+assistance, and seeking for ourselves a right way in the
+performance of the duty, upon days of humiliation, both in our
+private societies and publicly in the fields, we did condescend
+upon the following <i>acknowledgment of sins</i>, the more to
+enable us to remember our own and the land's breaches of covenant,
+in our solemn public confession thereof; and did draw up the
+following <i>engagement to duties</i>, not to superadd any new oath
+and obligation to the covenants, but only to adjust the articles of
+the covenant to the circumstances of the time, and to explain in
+what sense the covenant binds us against the present evils that are
+now prevalent in the land, and to the contrary duties. As for the
+covenants themselves, we made no material alteration in them, as
+judging it a work more proper for an assembly of divines, or
+representative body of church and state (had they been upright and
+faithful in this cause) than for us, who, as we are called by
+others in contempt, must own ourselves in truth to be, <i>but a
+handful of weak and most illiterate people</i>, and but as babes in
+comparison of the first framers of our covenants; only that we
+might make them in some measure accomodable to the present
+lamentable circumstances, whereinto we are involved by our
+iniquities, we have annotated some few necessary alterations upon
+the margin, wherein the judicious will find that we have in nothing
+receded from the scope and substance of the covenant, but only in
+the phrase; for instance, where the covenant binds to <i>the
+defence and preservation of the king's majesty and government</i>,
+in regard we have no king nor supreme civil magistrate so
+qualified, as God's law and the laudable laws of this realm
+require, to whom we might, for conscience sake, subject ourselves,
+in a consistency with our defending the true reformed religion in
+all its parts and privileges: Therefore, we can only bind ourselves
+to <i>defend and preserve the honor, authority and majesty of
+lawful sovereigns, or supreme magistrates, having the
+qualifications aforesaid, when God shall be pleased to grant them
+to us</i>. Where no judicious person will say that there is any
+substantial alteration as to the <i>matter of the duty</i>, but
+only as to the object to whom the duty is to be performed; there
+being none such in being as can justly claim, or to whom we may
+with a good conscience pay such an allegiance.</p>
+<p>Having mutually agreed concerning these prerequisites to this
+sacred action, that the same might be orderly gone about, and might
+not be performed in a clandestine way, so as to preclude any
+upright-hearted friends to the covenanted reformation from joining
+with us in that so necessary a duty, there was public intimation
+made of the design a competent space of time before, upon a day of
+humiliation, and likewise upon the Lord's day immediately preceding
+the work.</p>
+<p>As for the particular way and manner, method and circumstances
+of the work, we had not given any narrative of them; but that some,
+who came with an evil eye, to spy out our liberty, for criticizing,
+not for joining or profiting, have in part misrepresented the same,
+and may further do so; therefore, to obviate all such misreports,
+we have thought fit to make this brief relation thereof.</p>
+<p>Upon Wednesday, July 23d, those who had the work in design being
+met together, the minister began the day's work with prayer for
+special assistance to attain due preparation, and a suitable frame,
+throughout the whole solemnity: and thereafter had a prefatory
+discourse to the people, showing the nature of the work in general,
+its lawfulness, expediency, and necessity, from scripture
+precedents and approven examples of the people of God, adducing the
+9th chapter of Ezra, Neh. Ezek. Dan. and Neh. x. 28, 29, for proof
+thereof; and of the day in particular, that it was a day of fasting
+and supplication, with preaching of the word, in order to
+preparation for the solemnities intended, both of renewing the
+covenants and celebrating the sacrament of the Lord's, Supper.
+After which a part of the lxxviii. Psalm, from the 5th to the 12th
+verse being sung, Mr. John M'Neil, preacher of the gospel, had a
+sermon upon Jer. 1. 4, and 5. "In those days, and in that time,
+saith the Lord, the children of Israel shall come, they and the
+children of Judah together, going and weeping: they shall go and
+seek the Lord their God. They shall ask the way to Zion, with their
+faces thitherward, saying, Come and let us join ourselves to the
+Lord, in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten." From
+which text he raised and prosecuted largely, and particularly the
+two following observations, as most pertinent for the work of the
+day; the first implicitly supposed, the other more explicitly
+asserted in the words; viz. 1. That, <i>a people in covenant with
+God may be forgetful of and deal falsely in their covenant</i>; or
+that <i>covenant-takers may be covenant-breakers</i>. 2. That,
+<i>it is the duty of a people who have broken covenant with God to
+engage themselves again to the Lord by the renovation of their
+covenant</i>. Where in prosecuting the former, he showed by what
+gradual steps of declension a people usually come to deal falsely
+in God's covenant, such as, (1.) By forgetfulness, Deut. iv. 23.
+There being a connexion between forgetting and forsaking, or
+dealing falsely in God's covenant, so the church intimates, Psal.
+xliv. 17, 18. "All this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten
+thee, neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant; our heart is
+not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy way." And
+the returning remnant of Israel being sensible of this connexion,
+resolve to bind themselves to the Lord <i>in a perpetual covenant
+that may not be forgotten</i>. (2.) By seeking shifts and arguments
+to elude and evade the obligation of the covenant and to defend the
+breaches thereof; which is after vows to make inquiry. (3.) By
+despising the bond of it; Ezek. xvi. 59. "Which hast despised the
+oath in breaking the covenant." (4.) By defection to the iniquities
+which are sworn and engaged against in the covenant, Jer. xi. 10.
+"They are turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, which
+refused to hear my words; and they went after other gods to serve
+them; the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my
+covenant, which I made with their fathers." (5.) By changing the
+government, laws, and ordinances sworn to be maintained in the
+covenant; either the government of the state, without consulting
+divine direction, and due inspection into the qualification of the
+persons set up, Hos. viii., compare the 1st and 4th verses. "They
+have transgressed my covenant, &amp;c. They have set up kings, but
+not by me, princes and I knew it not;" that is, without consulting
+me to know my will, and without my approbation and consent; or the
+government of the church, without regard to the revealed will of
+God. Thus, Abijah justly chargeth Jeroboam that he had "cast out
+the priests of the Lord, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites," and
+that he had "made priests after the manner of the nations of other
+lands;" but encourages himself that he and Judah had the Lord for
+their God, because they had not forsaken him; "and the priests
+which ministered unto the Lord were the sons of Aaron." 2 Chron.
+xiii. 6, 10. (6.) By an entire forsaking and disowning the
+obligation of the covenant, Dan. xi. 30. "He------ shall have
+intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant." (7.) By a
+stated opposition to the covenant, and persecuting of these who
+adhere thereunto. Thus Elijah justly charges Israel, 1 Kings xix.
+10, that they had forsaken God's covenant, because they had thrown
+down his altars, slain his prophets, and sought after Elijah's
+life. And in a use of lamentation deduced from the foresaid
+doctrine, he showed, that all ranks in the land had reason to mourn
+over their breach of covenant, in regard that some of all ranks,
+from the throne to the dunghill, in church and state, are, or have
+been guilty of dealing falsely in God's covenant, in all and every
+one of these diverse ways, and of declining from it: and in regard
+that there has been so much ignominy and contempt cast upon these
+sacred covenants, not only by breaking them openly, but also
+avowedly disowning and disdaining their obligation, and making the
+adherence to them criminal; and, which is above all, burning them
+by the hand of the hangman, and burying them so long in
+forgetfulness. This guiltiness he applied not to great persons
+only, but also to professors, to ministers, and particularly to
+ourselves, who are called dissenters from the present
+establishment; pressing upon us no less than others, the absolute
+and indispensable necessity of being convinced of, and mourning
+over these, not as the sins of others only, but also as our
+own&mdash;we having a chief hand in the trespass; pressing upon all
+present concerned in the work the duty of self-examination, and
+putting themselves to the trial, concerning their knowledge of the
+covenant obligations, both as to their nature and extent, as well
+as their sense of the breaches of these obligations.</p>
+<p>In the second head of doctrine, viz., <i>That it is the duty of
+a people who have broken covenant with God, to engage themselves
+again to him by renovation of their covenant</i>; after proving the
+proposition by several heads of arguments deduced&mdash;1st, From
+the lawfulness of entering into covenant with God, whether
+personal, as Jacob, Gen. xxviii. 20, 21, or economical, as Joshua
+and his family, Josh. xxiv. 15, or national, as God brought his
+people Israel under a covenant with himself, Exod. xix 5. The
+consequence holding undeniably, that if it be lawful and necessary,
+in any of these respects, to enter into covenant with God, it must
+needs be also lawful and a duty to renew the same after the breach
+thereof. 2dly, From Scripture precedents of the people of God, who,
+after breaking off and declining from God's covenant, renewed the
+same. As for instance, the covenant made with Israel at Horeb, was
+renewed at the plains of Moab, Deut. xxxix;&mdash;by Joshua, chap,
+xxiv.;&mdash;by Asa, 2 Chron. xv. 13, 14;&mdash;by Jehoiada, 2
+Kings xi. 17;&mdash;by Hezekiah, 2 Chron. xxix. 10;&mdash;by
+Josiah, 2 Kings, xxiii. 2;&mdash;by Ezra and Nehemiah, Ezra, x.
+3;&mdash;Neh. ix ult. and x. 28, 29. 3dly, From Scripture precepts,
+Deut. xxix. 1&mdash;"These are the words of the covenant which the
+Lord commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the
+land of Moab, beside the covenant which he made with them in
+Horeb." Psalm, lxxvi. 11&mdash;"Vow, and pay unto the Lord your
+God." 4thly, From Scripture promises, wherein the Lord promiseth as
+a blessing and mercy to his church and people, that they should
+renew their covenant with him, Isaiah xix. 21, 23&mdash;25; Zech.
+ii. 11. For further opening of the proposition, these two questions
+were proposed and solved&mdash;<i>First</i>, Whether all persons
+who have broken covenant with God may be admitted to renew the
+same? <i>Answer</i>, All sorts of persons in the three kingdoms are
+under the obligation of the covenant, and consequently, bound to
+renew and keep it inviolable; but all are not in present capacity,
+and therefore have no actual right to enter into covenant: such as
+are obstinately wicked, living in error, profanity, or malignancy,
+have not God's call and right from him, as such, to renew a
+covenant with him; for, Psal. 1. 16, 17&mdash;"God says to the
+wicked, What hast thou to do to take my covenant in thy mouth?" But
+all such as are reformed, or reforming from all iniquity, and
+namely from the defections and compliances of the time; who have
+some suitable sense of the breaches, and competent knowledge and
+understanding of the duties engaged unto in the covenant, Neh. x.
+28, have a right and an immediate call to the duty of renewing the
+covenant. 2dly, If any number of people may renew a national oath
+and covenant without the consent and concurrence of royal
+authority, or at least, without the concurrence of some chief and
+principal men in church and state? <i>Answer</i>, Without the
+concurrence of church and state, a covenant cannot be taken or
+renewed nationally, speaking strictly; yet a few may publicly
+declare their adherence to their covenant-engagements by renewing
+them, not only without the consent and concurrence of authority,
+but against it; and there are several precedents for so doing, both
+before and since the established reformation. As for instance, that
+covenant at Edinburgh, Anno 1557; at Perth, 1559; at Stirling, the
+same year; another at Leith, Anno 1560; another at Ayr, 1562. And
+at Lanark, a small handful of the Lord's people renewed it in
+direct opposition to, and at Lesmahago, without the consent or
+concurrence of authority; which instances may be both an inducement
+and encouragement to us to renew, and in our mean capacity, to
+testify to the nation our approbation of, and adherence to these
+covenants.</p>
+<p>In the prosecution of this doctrine, he had occasion also to
+insist upon the <i>reasons</i>, or <i>motives</i>, and
+<i>manner</i> of entering into covenant. The scope and argument of
+the reasons adduced as motives to the duty of covenanting was to
+this effect:&mdash;</p>
+<p>1. The turning away of the Lord's wrath and anger from a land,
+or people, which covenant-breaking hath deserved, may be a motive
+to renewing covenant with God; this was the motive that prompted
+the good reforming King Hezekiah to make a covenant with the Lord,
+2 Chron. xxix. 10&mdash;"Now it is in mine heart to make a covenant
+with the Lord God of Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away
+from us." And Nehemiah, with the returned captives, Neh. ix.
+38&mdash;"And because of all this, we make a sure covenant."</p>
+<p>2. Reviving and advancement in reformation, being the ordinary
+consequent and effect of upright covenanting with the Lord, may be
+another motive and inducement thereunto; this appears both in
+personal and national covenanting&mdash;In personal, Psal. cxix.
+106&mdash;"I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep
+thy righteous judgments." The Psalmist's having sworn, was a very
+quickening consideration to excite him to the performance of his
+duty. In national covenanting, we always find, after the people of
+Israel and Judah had covenanted with the Lord, they made progress
+in reformation, and the land was purged of abominations and idols.
+Thus it was in Asa's covenant, 2 Chron. xv. 12 to 19; for there,
+the people have entered into a covenant with the Lord, "and sworn
+with all their soul, and with all their heart," the Lord was found
+of them; and Asa removed his mother, Maachah, from her royal
+dignity, and stamped the idol which she had made, and burnt it at
+the brook Kidron; and he brought into the house of the Lord the
+things that his father and himself had dedicated. Thus it was also
+in Jehoiada's covenant, which he made "between the Lord, and the
+king, and the people, that they should be the Lord's people," 2
+Kings xi. 17, 18, 20; for, immediately after the making of his
+covenant, "all the people of the land went into the house of Baal,
+and brake it down&mdash;his altars, and his images brake they in
+pieces thoroughly; and the priest appointed officers over the house
+of the Lord;" and they slew Athaliah with the sword. The like is
+evident in Hezekiah's covenanting, 2 Chron. xxxiv., xxxv.
+chapters.</p>
+<p>3. This upright renewing of covenant with the Lord is a way and
+mean to procure many mercies, both spiritual and temporal, from the
+hand of the Lord; which should be a strong inducement and motive to
+engage us thereunto. Spiritual mercies are entailed upon it, Deut.
+xxix. 12, 13. "That thou shouldest enter into covenant with the
+Lord thy God, and into his oath, which the Lord thy God maketh with
+thee this day: that he may establish thee to-day for a people to
+himself, and that he may be unto thee a God, as he hath said unto
+thee, and as he hath sworn unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac,
+and to Jacob." Temporal mercies are also promised to this upright
+renewing and keeping covenant, Deut. xxix. 9&mdash;"Keep therefore
+the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all
+that ye do." And, it is remarked, 2 Chron. xv. 15, that after Asa's
+covenant, "the Lord gave them rest round about."</p>
+<p>4. The malice and opposition of the Popish, Prelatical, and
+malignant party against the covenants, and their doing what in them
+lies, to make their obligation void and null, may be a motive and
+argument for the people of God so much the more to avouch their
+respect to them by a public adherence, especially after long
+continued breaches.</p>
+<p>5. Upright entering into, or renewing covenant with God, is a
+most sovereign medicine for healing a people's breaches, as well as
+their backslidings, the covenant being a cement, as well to join
+and unite the people of God one to another, as all of them in their
+duty to God; and, as it flows from the nature of the covenant to
+unite the friends of reformation, so it is observable as one of the
+peculiar fruits of covenant-renewing, that union in the Lord has
+followed thereupon: thus it was with Israel and Judah in the text,
+who united together in making a covenant with the Lord. Whence all
+the people of God, who are called to be united and "perfectly
+joined together in the same spirit, and in the same mind;" and
+especially they who have been lamentably divided one from another,
+by their manifold defections from God, and from their
+covenant-engagements, ought to be strongly inclined, moved, and
+engaged to this duty; from this consideration, the upright
+covenant-renewing is a usual mean of land-uniting and
+church-uniting dispositions amongst the people of God.</p>
+<p>As for the manner of renewing covenant with God, and how the
+duty ought to be gone about, he propounded and opened it in the
+following particulars, to this effect:&mdash;</p>
+<p>1. That it must be done with understanding and judgment, both in
+relation to the nature of the duties we engage to perform in the
+covenant: grossly ignorant persons being justly deprived of the
+privilege of engaging in covenant, though bound to inform
+themselves of its nature and obligation; and also in relation to
+the breaches, such as would engage into it being called to have
+some suitable sense and understanding, both how it has been
+violated, and by what means persons come to be guilty of the breach
+thereof. So, Neh. x. 28, 29&mdash;"Every one that had knowledge and
+understanding entered into the covenant."</p>
+<p>2. This duty must be gone about with sincerity and uprightness
+of heart; thus Joshua, when making a covenant with the people, that
+they should serve the Lord, exhorts them&mdash;"Now therefore fear
+the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and truth," Joshua, xxiv.,
+compare the 25th verse with the 14th. The want of which
+qualification in covenant-renewing, causes unsteadfastness and
+perfidy in covenant-performing&mdash;Psal. lxxviii. 36, 37.</p>
+<p>3. This duty of covenant-renewing requires, as a qualification
+towards the right performing of it, that there be a due
+consideration, and some suitable impression of the solemnity and
+weightiness of the work: which ariseth, partly from the
+<i>object</i> or <i>party covenanted with</i>, the holy and jealous
+God, Joshua xxiv. 19&mdash;"He is a holy God, he is a jealous God,
+he will not forgive your transgressions, nor your sins," and partly
+from the <i>subject matter covenanted, or engaged to</i>. The
+articles of the covenant of grace, which we have professedly, at
+last, yielded to in our baptism, are weighty; for therein, as God
+engages to give us himself, his Son Christ Jesus, and in him all
+temporal and eternal blessings; so we engaged to be obedient
+children, and faithful subjects to him all the days of our lives.
+And the articles of these national covenants are weighty, for
+therein we engage to great things relating to the glory of God, and
+the good of our own and other's souls. And, partly, this
+weightiness ariseth from the great <i>danger and dreadful
+punishment of breaking the covenant</i>; which is threatened in
+many places of Scripture. The same is also intimated to us in the
+customs both of the Jews and Heathens, in entering into covenant;
+particularly, we find that the Jews used to cut a calf, or some
+other clean beast, in twain, and pass between the parts of
+it&mdash;using this, or the like form of speech, as the Jewish
+doctors relate&mdash;"So God divide or separate me, if I keep not
+this covenant." Jer. xxxiv. 18, compared with verse 20&mdash;"I
+will give the men into the hands of their enemies who have
+transgressed my covenant, which they had made before me, when they
+cut the calf in twain, and passed between the parts thereof."
+Nehemiah also, chap. v. 12, 13, when he took an oath of the
+priests, shook his lap and said&mdash;"So God shake out every man
+from his house, and from his labour, that performeth not this
+promise," &amp;c. And all the covenanters said&mdash;"Amen."</p>
+<p>4. Much tenderness and heart-melting is requisite to the right
+performing of this duty. So it was with covenant-renewing Israel
+and Judah, who were "weeping as they went to seek the Lord their
+God, and to make a covenant never to be forgotten." This brokenness
+of heart, and tender-melting frame may arise, both from the
+consideration of the many sins and iniquities whereby persons have
+provoked the Lord their God to anger, whence they come "to be like
+doves of the valley, every one mourning for his iniquity:" and
+likewise from the consideration of the grace and mercy of God,
+manifested in Christ Jesus, his condescension to enter into a
+covenant with sinful men, and readiness, upon his people's
+repentance, to pardon their former breaches; from the consideration
+of this transcendently free grace, an humble and sincere covenanter
+will be transported into an ecstacy of wonder and admiration; as
+the church is, Mic. vii. 18, 19, 20&mdash;"Who is a God like unto
+thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of
+the remnant of his heritage?" &amp;c.</p>
+<p>5. Dependency and recumbency upon the Lord by faith, for
+strength to perform covenant engagements, is requisite to right
+covenanting, Isa. xxvii. 5&mdash;"Let him take hold of my strength,
+that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me."
+This is to "take hold of" God's covenant, Isa. lvi. 4.</p>
+<p>6. Affection to God and the duties whereunto we engage, is
+requisite to right covenanting, and that in its flower and vigour,
+height and supremacy. Thus, 2 Chron. xv. 12, 15, Asa and the people
+"entered into a covenant, to seek the Lord God of their fathers
+with all their heart, and with all their soul:&mdash;And all Judah
+rejoiced at the oath; for they had sworn with all their heart, and
+sought him with their whole desire." They had an affection to the
+work, and did it with complacency, not in dissimulation, so as not
+to design to perform it: nor through compulsion, with an eye to
+secular profit or preferment, as many in these lands did.</p>
+<p>7. It is necessary, in order to right covenanting, that the work
+be gone about with a firm purpose and resolution (through grace
+enabling us) to adhere to our covenant engagements, notwithstanding
+whatever opposition and persecution we may meet with from the world
+for so doing, and whatever difficulties and discouragements may
+arise from the multitude of those, who prove unsteadfast in, or
+foully forsake their covenant. We must stand to our covenant, as it
+is said of Josiah, 2 Chron. xxxiv. 32, that "he caused all that
+were present in Judah and Benjamin, to stand to" the covenant,
+which implies as well a firm resolution to perform, as consent to
+engage, as in the latter part of the verse, it is remarked, that
+"the inhabitants of Jerusalem did according to the covenant of God,
+the God of their fathers;" where <i>doing according to the
+covenant</i> is exegetical of <i>standing to it.</i> David also
+joins the resolution of performance with swearing; Psal. cxix. 106.
+"I have sworn, and I will perform, that I will keep thy righteous
+judgments."</p>
+<p>From the doctrine thus confirmed and explained, he drew this
+inference, by way of information, that seeing it is a people's
+duty, who have broken covenant with the Lord, to engage themselves
+again to him, by renewing their covenant, that it is not arbitrary
+for us (as many are apt to think) to renew, or not to renew our
+covenant; but that there is a plain and positive necessity for our
+repenting and returning again to the Lord, by entering anew into
+covenant with him, whether personal made in baptism, or at the
+Lord's table, or under affliction and trouble, or national vows and
+covenants entered into by ourselves or our fathers. And in a use of
+lamentation, he bewailed the backwardness of these lands, and
+particularly of this nation, to this duty; in that, now after sixty
+years and upwards of great defections from, and grievous breaches
+of our covenants by people of all ranks; yet there appears so
+little sense of either the obligations or breaches of them, and of
+a disposition to reviving them, even amongst those who not only
+profess some love to the reformation of religion, but even some
+belief of their perpetual binding obligation; and that
+notwithstanding, as the Prophet Isaiah saith, concerning Judah,
+chap. xxiv. 5, "The earth (or the land) is defiled under the
+inhabitants thereof, because they have transgressed the laws,
+changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant;" our land
+having been denied with Popery and Prelacy, and with a flood of
+abomination and profanity, the natural consequent of perfidy, the
+ordinances having been changed, perverted and corrupted, and the
+covenant not only broken, but burnt ignominiously, and the
+adherence to it made criminal; yet, for all this, there has not
+been a time found for renewing them these twenty-three years; and
+that ministers, at whose door it chiefly lay to stir up the land to
+this work, have many of them been as careless as others, waiving
+and putting off a stumbled and offended people, expressing some
+concernedness for this duty, with these and the like pretexts, that
+it was not a fit time, nor the land in a case for it (too sad a
+truth), but not laboring to get the land brought to be in a case
+and disposition for it, by pressing the obligation, and plainly
+discovering the violations thereof; so that, instead of being
+brought to a fitter condition for this duty, the covenants are
+almost forgotten and quite out of mind, so that the succeeding
+generation is scarce like to know that ever there was a covenant
+sworn in Scotland. And more particularly, that the godly, who are
+dissatisfied with, and dissent from the defections and corruptions
+of the times, have discovered so little concern about the work of
+reformation, and cause of God, which the covenants oblige us to
+own, defend, and promote. All which laxness and remissness is for a
+lamentation, and ought to be lamented and mourned over by the
+people of God.</p>
+<p>In the exhortation, he pressed upon us who are embodied together
+to renew our <i>covenant-engagements</i>, by giving an open and
+public testimony of our adherence to the <i>covenants, national</i>
+and <i>solemn league</i>, that we should labor to attain a suitable
+frame, and serious consideration of the weightiness, solemnity, and
+awfulness of the work we were then undertaking: enforcing the same
+by several cogent motives, as namely, because in renewing these
+covenants we are called to remember our baptismal and personal
+vows, whereby we had renounced the devil, the world and the flesh,
+and devoted ourselves to the Lord to be his people; which if they
+were slighted and forgotten, there could be no right, acceptable,
+and comfortable entering into <i>national covenants.</i> And
+likewise because of the weightiness of the duties engaged to in our
+<i>national covenant</i>, and in the <i>solemn league</i> and
+<i>covenant</i>, which he proved to be a covenant that ought to be
+renewed by us in this nation no less than our <i>national
+covenant</i>, in regard it was a religious, just, and holy covenant
+made betwixt God and the three kingdoms, though it cannot now be
+taken in the same consideration and extent, as at the first framing
+it was, viz.: As a league betwixt us and the representative body of
+the kingdoms of England and Ireland: where he took occasion to go
+over the several articles of the covenant, showing the nature and
+weightiness of the duties.</p>
+<p>Beside these two more general doctrines which were chiefly
+insisted upon, he observed several others pertinently deducible
+from the words, as first, <i>That unfaithful dealing in God's
+covenant will breed distance and estrangement from God.</i> This is
+implied in the children of Israel and Judah seeking the Lord,
+asking the way to Zion, &amp;c.; their asking the way to Zion,
+importing that they had forgotten the right way of worshipping God,
+and that their sins had made a sad separation between them and
+their God. Secondly, That it is necessary that persons become
+sensible of their sin against God, and of his anger against them,
+and lay these things to heart, that they may be concerned about
+reconciliation with God, and reform their lives. Thirdly, That the
+kindly exercise of repentance in a backsliding people lamenting
+after the Lord, and setting about to renew their covenant with him,
+hath an effectual influence to unite and cement the divided people
+of God: thus in the text the children of Israel and Judah, whom
+their iniquities had long and sadly divided, are uniting together
+in this desirable frame of weeping and seeking the Lord their God,
+and making a perpetual covenant with him. This doctrine he proved
+and applied briefly as the time would permit, both because of its
+native result from the text, and because of his own, and our
+sincere desire to see a holy union and communion, in the way of
+truth and duty effected by returning to the Lord, and renewing the
+covenant with him, as among all the godly, so especially among
+those that profess their dissent from, and dislike of the corrupt
+courses of the times.</p>
+<p>Sermon being ended, after prayer, the covenants were first read
+according to the <i>Directory for renewing the solemn league and
+covenant</i>, prescribed by the Act of the General Assembly at
+Edinburgh, 6th October, 1648, post meridiem, entitled, <i>Act for
+renewing of the Solemn League and Covenant;</i> and, thereafter,
+the following Acknowledgment of Sins was also read: after which,
+prayer was made, containing a comprehensive confession of the more
+general heads of the foresaid Acknowledgement of Sins; and a part
+of the 78th Psalm, beginning at the 36th verse, was sung; and the
+minister dismissed the congregation with a short reprehension and
+advice, reproving them for their unconcerned carriage and behaviour
+during the reading of the acknowledgment of the breaches of these
+covenants, which had been first entered into at the expense of so
+much blood and treasure, and confirmed and sealed with the blood of
+many honourable martyrs of all ranks in the land; withal, exhorting
+all present to labour after a heart-melting frame for the right
+performance of the work in hand.</p>
+<p>Upon Thursday, July 24th, after singing a part of the 105th
+Psalm, from the 6th to the 12th verse, and prayer&mdash;Mr. John
+M'Millan preached upon Isaiah, xliv. 5&mdash;"One shall say I am
+the Lord's: and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob:
+and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the Lord, and
+sirname himself by the name of Israel." Whereupon, after the
+unfolding of the context, and explication of the words, showing
+that they clearly contain an intimation of a covenant relation
+betwixt God and a people, and their avouching of the same upon
+their part; the words seeming to have a reference to the state of
+the New Testament Church, and conversion of the Gentiles, who,
+being allured by the great gospel blessings and mercies bestowed by
+God upon the Jews, to join themselves to the church, should avouch
+their interest in the Messiah and covenant of grace, by taking the
+Lord for their God, and owning themselves to be his people. So that
+the words may be taken up as an answer to such a presupposed
+question as this, <i>Whose are you?</i> <i>and what is your
+name?</i> To which question, one shall answer, <i>I am the
+Lord's;</i> another, <i>I am one of old Jacob's family and
+offspring</i>; another, if you desiderate my name, look the
+covenant subscriptions and you will find it there; another shall
+say, whatever my name was before, <i>my sirname now is an
+Israelite</i>. So sweetly should a shower of gospel grace engage
+the hearts of the New Testament converts to avow their covenant
+relation to the Lord, and glory in their union with his church and
+covenanted people. Having taking up the sense of the words to this
+effect, he deduced from them these two observations:</p>
+<p><i>1. That the Lord is graciously pleased sometimes to privilege
+his people with very remarkable tokens of his gracious
+presence.</i> This doctrine is clear from the context, verses 3d
+and 4th&mdash;"For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and
+floods upon the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon thy seed,
+and my blessing upon thine offspring. And they shall spring up as
+among the grass, as willows by the watercourses."</p>
+<p>Under this head of doctrine, he gave the following marks to
+evidence whether the present time of renewing our covenant with God
+was indeed to us a time of the Lord's privileging us with his
+gracious presence&mdash;1st, That a time of God's privileging his
+people with his gracious presence, and with a shower of gospel
+grace, is a very inviting and alluring time; wherein, as the Lord
+invites his people to their duty, by engaging their hearts and
+souls, through his Spirit's gracious influences, to fall in love
+with him and his commandments, so they mutually invite one another
+to covenant with God. 2d, That such a time proves a soul-engaging
+and taking time, wherein souls are engaged to fall in love with the
+covenant, and with Christ the Mediator of the covenant, and are
+taken in the net of the gospel. 3d, That a time of the letting out
+of God's gracious presence is ordinarily a time of many sweet and
+excellent resolutions, the people of God resolving to walk more
+accurately and circumspectly in the ways of new obedience. 4th,
+That this usually is a time of ridding marches, and clearing of
+evidences. 5th, That it is a time of many and special confirmations
+of God's love to the soul. 6th, That this time of God's letting out
+much of his gracious presence to his people, is a very uniting and
+healing time to them amongst themselves. Having given these marks,
+to show whether the Lord were, at the occasion, letting out his
+gracious presence, he added, by way of caution, that seeing (no
+doubt) the people of God would be expecting something of all these,
+upon the undertaking of so great a work; if so be that they found
+it not, they should not thence be induced to have hard thoughts of
+the Lord, and to conclude that he keeps not his usual method with
+his people, or is not so good to them as formerly he hath been: for
+whatever defects there are upon his people's part, there is none
+upon the Lord's, for he remains the same to them, providing they do
+so to him; the change of his dispensations towards his people being
+from the change of his people's deportment towards him.</p>
+<p>The Second Doctrine, resulting more directly from the words,
+was, <i>That the Lord's Spirit poured out in plenty upon his people
+will quickly bring them to an embracing of him, and to a public
+acknowledgment and avouching of the same.</i> Thus it was with the
+people of God in the text&mdash;no sooner does the Lord "pour water
+upon the thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground," even his Spirit
+upon the spiritual seed of Israel, but presently they are at
+covenanting work and subscribing work; "One shall say, I am the
+Lord's," etc. In prosecuting this doctrine he shewed first
+negatively that he was not for that occasion largely to treat of
+the several ways that the Spirit useth to manage this work of
+engaging the hearts of his people to embrace Christ, and so to make
+a public avouchment of the same; whether he doth it by representing
+to their views the sweet and precious promises made in the covenant
+of grace, thereby sweetly alluring and drawing them with the cords
+of love to himself, or by holding forth to their consciences the
+terrors and threatenings of the law, and thereby powerfully
+constraining them to fly to him as to the city of refuge from the
+face of Divine Justice pursuing them: for seeing the Spirit is a
+free agent and blows both how and where he listeth, he may engage a
+soul to close with Christ by either of these ways, though most
+usually he doth it by a conjunction and concurrence of both. Only
+this ought to satisfy us, that what way soever the Spirit taketh in
+bringing a soul to embrace Christ upon the gospel terms, he so
+manageth the work as that the end is effectually and infallibly
+attained.</p>
+<p>Nor Secondly, Was he to enquire into the measure of the
+outpouring of the Spirit's graces and operations, which is
+effectual for attaining the end, this being one of the deep things
+of God which the Spirit alone searcheth, and therefore is not
+necessary for us further to know, save only that we understand so
+much to be needful as may serve to empty the creature of all
+confidence in or dependence upon itself, or any other
+creature-helps whatsoever, and bring it to rely upon Christ alone,
+for acceptance with God; so much is necessary, and less cannot be
+sufficient.</p>
+<p>Nor Thirdly, Was he to handle the material differences between
+those who are brought really and sincerely to accept, embrace and
+acknowledge the Lord for their Lord, and to avouch the same
+publicly, which presupposeth a mighty power of the Spirit
+manifested in the sweet impressions which he maketh upon the soul,
+moving them sweetly and readily to comply with and yield to Christ
+without any longer resistance, and these who only in semblance and
+shew profess to avouch Christ to be their Lord, and feign
+submission to him, not from the Spirit's effectual and saving
+operations, but either from carnal and external considerations, or
+at most from the Spirit's common motions and convictions; which
+differences commonly arise from the different natures, motives,
+manner or ends of this their acknowledging and avouching Christ for
+their Lord, and covenanting with Him.</p>
+<p>These things, as not so immediately proper for the work in hand,
+though natively involved in the doctrine, being only cleared in
+transition; he came in the second place more positively to insist
+upon and handle the following heads. First, More generally to
+propose some considerations which make such a great work as
+renewing covenant with the Lord a weighty, hard and difficult work.
+And upon the other hand, to lay down some counterbalancing
+considerations which render such a work more easy and light, and
+may afford matter of encouragement toward the undertaking of it.
+Secondly, More particularly in application to ourselves and the
+work in hand, to lay before those who were resolved to enter into
+covenant with the Lord, what were the things that seemed to speak
+against us in the work, and might prove matter of discouragement in
+the undertaking of it. And what, upon the other side, might speak
+for us, and be ground of encouragement to us to go forward in
+humble and sincere endeavors to renew our covenant with the Lord.
+Thirdly, To give some advices and directions to such as were
+resolved upon the work. As for the first: The considerations which
+make covenanting work weighty and difficult. The <i>first</i>
+consideration was drawn from the greatness of the party to be
+covenanted with, the great and glorious Jehovah, the Creator of the
+ends of the earth, who is a holy and jealous God, and who will not
+forgive the iniquity of such as are false hearted and perfidious in
+his covenant, obstinately persisting in their false dealing; so
+Joshua premonisheth a people making very fair resolutions and
+promises to serve the Lord, that it was a harder work than at the
+first sight they apprehended; "That they could not serve the Lord,
+in regard he is an holy God, he is a jealous God, and would not
+forgive their transgressions nor their sins; and that if they
+should forsake the Lord, and serve strange gods, then he would turn
+and do them hurt and consume them, after he had done them good,"
+Josh. xxiv. 19, 20. 'Tis a part of his name, Exod. xxxiv. 7.
+<i>That he will by no means clear the (obstinately and
+impenitently) guilty</i>.</p>
+<p>A <i>second</i> consideration that makes the work of covenanting
+with God to appear a hard and difficult work, was taken from the
+nature of the work itself, which is to serve the Lord in a covenant
+way, and in the capacity of covenanted children, this covenant
+relation involving in it a walk and conversation in all things like
+the chosen of the Lord; and 'tis no small matter, so to walk, and
+so to behave as to be accounted worthy of a covenanted union with
+the Lord and interest in him, this covenant relation being
+confirmed with such awful sanctions, as in scripture we find, Neh.
+x. 29. "They------ entered into a curse and into an oath, to walk
+in God's law," &amp;c. This consideration, that covenanting work is
+weighty in its own nature, was further illustrated and amplified
+from the difficulty both of the things to be engaged against, and
+of the things to be engaged unto. As for the former, the things to
+be engaged against, which is sin in all its kinds and degrees, and
+in all the inducements to it, both with reference to ourselves, and
+also as to participation in the sins of others. This must first be
+put away, if one would be a right covenanter. Well did old Jacob
+understand the necessity of this, who being resolved to go up to
+Bethel, to renew his covenant with God, that answered him in the
+day of his strait, advises his family first "to put away the
+strange gods that were amongst them, and to be clean." Gen. xxxv.
+2. So David assures us, Psal. xxxiv. 14, that departing from evil
+must precede doing of good. A man that would lift up his face
+without spot in renewing covenant with God, must first "put
+iniquity far away, and not suffer wickedness to dwell in his
+tabernacles," as Zophar advises Job, chap. xi. 14, 15. They that
+would take on with a new master must be fairly parted from the old,
+there is no way of pleasing both Christ and mammon, and therefore
+no possibility of serving both; whence the nature of covenanting
+work requires, that there be an upright putting away of all sin;
+for if the soul have any secret reserves in favor of a beloved sin,
+it has no ground to think that Christ will accept it, as his
+covenanted spouse and bride. Nor is this all, but 2dly, it must be
+mourned over and truly bewailed, especially upon the account of the
+offence done to a gracious God thereby; which sorrow must not be of
+an ordinary sort, but an extraordinary and most intense sorrow, for
+it cannot be an ordinary kind of sorrow, provided it be in any
+suitable measure proportioned to the offence. And 3dly, which
+follows upon the former, there must be a "loathing of the person's
+self because of these its ways and doings that have not been good
+in his sight," Ezek. vi. 9, even to that degree as to fill the soul
+with wonder and astonishment, that ever it should have an occasion
+of renewing covenant with God again. 4thly, There must be a sincere
+and hearty resolving against all sins, consequent upon this
+loathing; the soul saying with a steady purpose, "if I have done
+iniquity I will do so no more," Job xxxiv. 32.</p>
+<p>2dly, As to the latter, the things engaged unto render the
+nature of covenanting work difficult and weighty, which are duties
+of various kinds, such as, 1st, Holiness towards God, which is one
+special and chief part of the covenant, and that not for a time
+only, but for ever; both in regard that God, the party covenanted
+with, is holy and unchangeably so, and calls his people to imitate
+him in this attribute especially; and also in regard that the
+covenant itself is for its nature holy, all the articles being
+morally good and consonant to the royal law, the scriptures of
+truth; and for the extent of its duration, of perpetual force and
+obligation. This duty of holiness towards God, engaged to in the
+covenant, comprehends in it a zealous endeavor to maintain the
+purity of the doctrine, worship, discipline and government of his
+institution, in opposition to all those who would corrupt it, or
+decline from it. 2d, Righteousness towards our neighbor, and more
+especially to our covenanted brother; which righteousness should
+discover itself both in reference to sin and duty, by reproving him
+for sin; or upon his rejecting reproof, by withdrawing from him,
+that he may be ashamed, and so come to be reclaimed from his evil
+course; and by affording him all that help and assistance to
+covenanted duties, that may be warrantably called for, and
+generally by uprightness towards him in all our transactions and
+dealings of any kind. 3d, Faithfulness towards our nation, which
+comprehends a constant endeavor to advance and promote in our
+station the common good thereof; and a stedfast opposition to the
+courses that tend to take away the privilege of the same. 4th,
+Uprightness towards ourselves, in everything relating to the real
+good of our own souls and bodies; by walking in all the duties of
+soberness, temperance, and moderation; for as others are to have
+their due, so ourselves are not to be neglected.</p>
+<p>A <i>third</i> consideration, whereby the duty of renewing
+covenant with God appears to be difficult and weighty, was deduced
+from <i>the manner and way of engaging</i>; whereunto several
+things of great difficulty to be attained were showed to be
+absolutely necessary, as, 1st, <i>Judgment</i>, to know, and in
+some measure comprehend, the nature of the duties to be engaged to,
+and the advantages flowing from the right entering into, and
+keeping of the covenant, and the losses redounding to the breakers
+thereof. 2d, <i>Seriousness</i>, which, if ever it be in exercise,
+will certainly then be most lively, when the soul is entering upon
+a work of so high import, as making a covenant with God; for then
+the creature has one of two things to look for, either covenant
+blessings, or covenant curses, according as it performs or not
+performs the tenor of the covenant. 3d, <i>Deliberation</i>;
+rashness in covenanting is of dangerous consequence: 'tis not the
+example of others only, nor raw flashes of conviction or love, nor
+external considerations, as gain, honor, men's approbation,
+&amp;c., that must induce to this duty; but a fixed permanent
+purpose of heart and soul, rationally and deliberately entered
+into. 4th, <i>Heart-integrity</i>, That it be done with all the
+heart, 2 Chron. xv. 15, for the man brings himself under a curse,
+that "having a male in his flock, sacrificeth to the Lord a corrupt
+thing." Mal. i. 14.</p>
+<p>A <i>fourth</i> consideration, from whence the work of
+covenanting comes to be a difficult and hard work, was deduced from
+the <i>way and manner of performing</i> the duties engaged to;
+which is (as 'tis expressed in the covenant) with sincerity,
+reality, and constancy; the difficulty of attaining to these
+qualifications in the performance of covenant-duties, arising
+partly from the strength of corruption within, the law of sin and
+death, which opposes the law of God; and partly from the strength
+of snares and temptations from without; which requires, that (as
+becomes covenanted children) there be a daily recourse to Jesus
+Christ, for light to discover, and strength to overcome these
+corruptions and temptations; and life, that the soul turn not dead
+and insensible under them.</p>
+<p>A <i>fifth</i> consideration, from whence the difficulty of
+covenanting with God is sometimes heightened, was taken from <i>the
+meanness of such as attempt the work</i>. When the great ones, the
+nobles that are called <i>the shields of the earth</i>, do not
+afford their authority and patrociny, as an encouragement to the
+undertaking; and when the wise and learned will not employ their
+learning, parts, and abilities for the facilitating thereof; but
+the mean and weakest are left to do the work alone. This was no
+small difficulty and discouragement to the Tekoites, in their
+building and repairing the wall of Jerusalem, "That their nobles
+put not their necks to the work of their Lord." Neh. iii. 5.</p>
+<p>A <i>sixth</i> consideration, which may sometimes render such a
+work hard and difficult, was drawn from <i>the want of the
+concurrence of civil authority; and the opposition made thereunto
+by the laws of the land</i>; which, when it happens to be the case
+of a people designing to renew national engagements cannot but be a
+very difficult and discouraging ingredient amongst others in their
+cup.</p>
+<p>On the other hand, these counterbalancing considerations were
+adduced, which are as so many props and pillars to support his
+people, and to allay the difficulties of the duty of entering into
+covenant with God, and to make it the more light and easy. 1st,
+<i>That the work is the Lord's</i>, and he is greatly concerned in
+it; and, therefore, his people may safely lean to him for help, he
+having enacted no law against it, as men have. 2d, That <i>he looks
+not upon his people in such undertakings, as in themselves</i>, for
+then it were impossible for creatures, having the least sinful
+imperfection in them, to covenant with their spotless Creator, and
+come so near a jealous God, who is a consuming fire to the workers
+of iniquity; <i>but he considers his people in their covenanting
+with him, as in their head, Christ, his eternal Son</i>; whence we
+may safely say, That our national covenant wants not a Mediator
+more than the covenant of grace, in this sense, as it is through
+him we have access to make this covenant with God. 3d, That <i>the
+Lord has promised his presence to his own work</i>; thus we find
+through the whole of the covenants made, and renewed by the people
+of Israel and Judah, that the Lord discovered his gracious presence
+with them, by some remarkable effect of his goodness. Thus it is
+remarked of Hezekiah, that after he had entered into covenant,
+"That the Lord was with him, and he prospered whithersoever he went
+forth," 2 Kings xviii. 7, compared with 2 Chron. xxix. 10. 4th,
+That <i>the Lord puts none of his people to any piece of his work
+upon their own proper expense and charges, but upon his own</i>;
+and whatever complaints his people may have of want of necessary
+charges, he both has wherewith to supply them, and has undertaken
+to make it actually forthcoming for them, having commanded his
+people to open their mouths wide, and he has promised to fill them.
+5th, That the covenant has a greater entail of blessings, than what
+will sufficiently compensate whatever expense and pains a people
+may be at, in undertaking and performing it. In regard, that though
+a Christian should lose all, yea, even life itself, upon the
+account of it, yet the covenant will bring in all with advantage to
+a hundred fold, and glory to the overplus, when it is duly
+observed. 6th, That <i>the undertakers have God's call and
+commandment to set about it</i>; this is that which, above all
+other considerations, inspires a Christian with undaunted courage
+and alacrity in the undertaking of a duty, when it is made clear
+that the person has God's call and command for a warrant; otherwise
+the want of this may make the duty to be heartlessly and doubtingly
+entered upon, and lamely performed.</p>
+<p>Seeing, therefore, that sometimes a work may be the Lord's, and
+yet the Lord's call to such a particular person, or people to
+undertake it, may be wanting; he came necessarily (which was the
+<i>second</i> head proposed) to enquire, what were the several
+things that might seem to speak against us, as not having this call
+from the Lord, and what were the things that spake for us, and
+might give us matter of encouragement in undertaking the work
+before us.&mdash;In solution of which the following considerations
+were proposed.</p>
+<p>1st, As to the things that might seem to speak against us: 1st,
+<i>Our darkness</i>, not whether covenanting be a duty, but in
+regard of the want of right apprehensions of the nature and
+greatness of the duty, which cannot be a sufficient ground to
+neglect the duty, unless there were some duties from which a
+Christian is exeemed and that this is one of them, which indeed
+will not be found in the whole Bible. 2d, <i>Our want of a frame
+suitable for the greatness and weightiness of the work</i>, which
+speaks sadly against us, but is not to be a ground to neglect the
+duty, we being commanded to look to the God of the covenant for
+it.</p>
+<p>Upon the other hand, the things which seemed to speak for us,
+and yield matter of encouragement, that not only the work was the
+Lord's, but also that we had his call to the same, were, 1st, The
+many, palpable, plain, and open breaches of these covenants, are a
+loud call to renew them. 2d, The undervaluing account that the
+nations have made of them, is a call to all such as have any
+respect to the sacred name of the Lord invocated in these
+covenants, to do their utmost to vindicate them from that disgrace,
+by showing how high a price and value they put upon them. 3d, The
+lands enacting the perpetual banishment of these covenants, and
+imposing oaths contrary and opposite to them; which brings double
+perjury upon the nation, both by disregarding and omitting the
+performance of this just, lawful, and commendable covenant, and by
+making unjust, sinful and hateful covenants, for opposing the
+growth and success of Christ's kingdom, even the reformation of
+these many abuses that have corrupted the holy religion of his
+institution: And perjury drawing wrath after it, as a native and
+necessary fruit consequent; they that would stand in the gap, to
+turn away national wrath, cannot otherwise make up the hedge, that
+the land should not be destroyed, but by renewing and keeping
+national covenants. 4th, That so many are speaking against them
+everywhere, accounting them a conspiracy against royal authority, a
+popular combination for advancing private ends and interests under
+the cloak of religion, or at least unnecessary and unprofitable for
+the end intended by them, binding to things of such a heterogeneous
+nature, as renders the keeping of them, and keeping within the
+sphere of our own activity and station, inconsistent and
+impossible, and such things as whereof we now have no occasion, and
+the like; which is a loud call to us, or any that retain other
+thoughts of their nature and ends, than the generality do, to speak
+for them; which cannot be done more fitly, honorably, nor
+conspicuously any other way, than by renewing and observing them.
+5th, The practice of the godly in such a juncture of time, as what
+ours appears to be, is a call and encouraging consideration to set
+us upon this work: the godly usually in times of great defection
+from the purity and power of religion, and corruption of the
+ordinances of God's worship, set about renewing their covenant,
+thereby to prevent covenant curses, and procure covenant blessings;
+as we find both in scripture record, 2 Chron. xv. 12, 13; xxix. 10;
+xxxiv. 30, 31; Ezra x. 3, and in our own ecclesiastic history. And
+the practice was justified by the success, for the most part
+terminating in some reviving and reformation. 6th, The time being
+come to such a crisis, that such as would keep the word of Christ's
+patience cannot any longer do it in a distinguishing way from those
+that are covenant-breakers, but by renewing covenant, and thereby
+making a test and trial of the well-wishers to the covenanted
+interest in the land, is a call to set about this work: in former
+times the godly held fast this their profession, by suffering for
+their adherence to covenanted duties, resisting unto blood,
+striving against the sin of covenant-breaking; whereas now our call
+seems to be more clear to do it, by renewing those
+covenant-obligations. 7th, The covenants themselves have, as it
+were, a loud voice to call us, and all who own their obligation, to
+set about renewing of them; they call by the justness and intrinsic
+goodness of the matter, which is of binding force by virtue of the
+law of God, prior to any covenant-tie, and by the holiness and
+excellency of the end, to wit, the reformation and preservation of
+religion. Yea, the covenant seems to say to us, and to every true
+hearted son of the church of Scotland, as Job said in another case,
+"Have pity upon me, O my friends," &amp;c. So says the covenant:
+Have pity upon me, all ye that have any respect for me, for church
+and state have forsaken me.</p>
+<p>The <i>third</i> thing proposed was to give some advices and
+directions for right managing the duty intended. The scope and
+substance whereof briefly follows:</p>
+<p>1st, Such as would make a covenant with God aright, so as the
+same may never be broken nor yet forgotten, must labor to know if
+they be in good terms with the God of the covenant, and with the
+Mediator of the covenant; if they sincerely closed with the terms,
+and acquiesced to the proposals of the covenant of grace; this
+personal and particular acceptance of Christ in the new covenant
+being the only fountain of acceptable entering into national
+covenants. Hence it concerns all that would be right Covenanters,
+to search and see how it may be betwixt God and them, because 'tis
+but a profanation of the covenant to have the hand and tongue at
+it, and the heart from it: a well informed head without a reformed
+heart is not sufficient: a good opinion and liking of the covenant
+without a heart and affection to the covenant avails nothing in
+God's sight.</p>
+<p>2d, Such as would rightly renew covenant with God, must be well
+resolved concerning the motives leading them to covenant; which
+motives must neither arise wholly from without, nor yet wholly from
+within, for if these motives arise wholly from without, it
+discovers a great deal of treachery in the persons covenanting, as
+not beginning at the heart, not duly considering the inward case of
+the soul, but being moved from some external considerations, as a
+name amongst men, or affectation of zeal for public concerns, or
+such like; if they arise wholly from within it betrays much
+weakness and lowness of spirit, as not being able at the same time
+both to have a concern about the inward frame of the heart, and
+eternal state and condition of the soul, and likewise a zeal for
+the public good of the nation, and thriving of the work of God and
+kingdom of Christ. Both which interests ought to be in their due
+proportion before the eyes of a sound and real Covenanter; a right
+engager in covenant must be moved thereto, both from a due sense of
+the strength and power of corruption within, and also from the
+consideration of the lowness of God's work through defection
+without.</p>
+<p>3d, A right covenanter must be well resolved concerning the
+terms of the covenant; that it excludes all coming and going,
+according to the revolutions of the times, and the ebbing and
+flowing of worldly interests: One that has given up his name to the
+Lord in covenant, and called himself by the name of Israel, must
+not, like the Samaritans, be an Israelite only in the time of
+Israel's prosperity, but he must be one in adversity too: The
+things engaged to in the covenant being of an everlasting and
+permanent duration, in their nature, must be lasting also in their
+observation.</p>
+<p>4th, A right renewer of covenant must be well resolved anent the
+cost and expense of steadfast keeping of covenant. This should be
+first counted and deliberately resolved upon before engaging, lest
+after persons have engaged they want sufficiency to finish and
+fulfil the undertaking; and the Wise man assures us, it is better
+not to vow, than to vow and not pay. The covenant may come to
+require the cost both of doing and suffering to finish it: there
+must, therefore, be a resolving upon both, before engaging.</p>
+<p>5th, A right covenanter must be well resolved concerning the
+separating nature, and the uniting tie and bond of the covenant,
+for as it distinguished between friends and foes, so it unites
+covenanters amongst themselves in duties, interests, and concerns.
+So that they become one society, having an identity of common
+duties and privileges, common crosses and rejoicings; and must
+rejoice together and weep together.</p>
+<p>He closed the Sermon with a two-fold advice or exhortation, to
+two sorts of persons.</p>
+<p>1st, To those who had some good opinion of, and some love for
+the covenant, but yet were not resolved to join in covenant with
+us, because of many entanglements in a world; some estate, farm, or
+place of employment would be forfeited thereby; and hence, though
+the covenant be, in their opinion, a lawful and commendable
+engagement, yet not for them; they are in a course inconsistent
+with it, and could not be otherwise without foregoing some worldly
+accommodation. Those he advised to consider the matter duly; not to
+engage without a resolution to forsake all interests that might
+interfere with covenanted duties; for to engage in the covenant,
+and yet to walk in a course opposite to it, would be exceedingly
+sinful; but to labour rather after old Jacob's spirit and
+disposition, who looked to and trusted in the God of the covenant
+when he had nothing else to look to&mdash;no outward encouragement,
+Gen. xxxii. 10&mdash;He had but his staff in his hand when he
+passed over Jordan, and the Lord made him to return with two bands.
+For, if a person could attain Jacob's spirit, name and sirname
+would be lovely in their eyes, covenant and covenanting.</p>
+<p>2dly, To those who had put their hands to many sinful covenants
+in opposition to this covenant, and such as being in a natural and
+unrenewed state, in league with sin and Satan, and in covenant with
+hell and death. Those he advised and earnestly obtested to break
+all their sinful covenants, to loathe and abhor them, and be
+humbled for them: and to come and fall in with this covenant, to
+say in sincerity that whereas other lords have had too long
+dominion over them, henceforth they would make mention only of the
+name of the Lord as their Lord; and that their name should
+henceforth be <i>Jacob</i>, and their sirname <i>Israel</i>, and to
+sign and seal the same with their oath and subscription. This
+exhortation he enforced by the several calls to the work mentioned
+before, and by the two following motives: 1st, Because right
+entering into, and steadfast keeping of this covenant is the way to
+a holy life, and a holy life tends to make a holy nation; for, if
+we would observe this covenant sincerely, uniformly, and
+constantly, we could never be an unholy, and consequently, never an
+unhappy people; but it should be written as a motto upon our walls
+and gates, JEHOVAH SHAMMAI, <i>the Lord is there.</i> 2d, Because
+the entering rightly into and due observance of this covenant would
+be our strength in the midst of all perplexing thoughts, whether
+arising from inward corruptions, or from outward temptations or
+dangers; the covenant yielded more satisfaction to David when dying
+than a royal diadem, a melodious harp, a puissant army, strong
+cities, a numerous offspring, or any earthly comforts could do,
+when, 2 Sam. xxiii. 5, he supports himself with this, That "though
+his house was not so with God," yet He had made with him "an
+everlasting covenant, well-ordered in all things, and sure." The
+keeping of this covenant had been to our nation a Samson's lock,
+whereby we should have been able to oppose all our enemies; whereas
+the breach of it hath opened a door to all sorts of enemies to
+creep in amongst us, and hence is verified that which the Lord has
+threatened his people with for their breach of covenant, Deut.
+xxviii. 44, that the enemy shall be the head, and his people the
+tail.</p>
+<p>Sermon being closed by prayer, the Acknowledgment of Sins was
+again read, as preparative to the engaging part; and the minister,
+in the first place, admonished all such as were guilty of such
+public steps of defection as are confessed in the Acknowledgment,
+to make full and free confession thereof before the congregation,
+with such a due sense of, and sorrow for these public sins, as
+might evidence a hearty design of abandoning them and of adhering
+more closely to covenanted duties, which accordingly many did, both
+with respect to the perjurious oaths of the late times and
+defections of the present.</p>
+<p>Because many have made a handle of this, above any other part of
+the action, to reproach and render the whole of the work
+contemptible, calling it Jesuitic superstition, enthusiasm,
+advancing our own confessions into the room of Christ's
+satisfaction, and expecting pardon upon the score of superficial
+public acknowledgments:&mdash;therefore, to vindicate this part of
+the work from such groundless calumny, we desire it may be
+adverted. 1st, That this is a commanded duty, that such as have
+violated the law and commandments of God, and being guilty of false
+and unfaithful dealing in his covenant, should unfeignedly confess
+their iniquity, which, if they do, God is faithful and just to
+forgive. 2d, That according to the nature of the offence, as the
+same has been acted secretly or publickly, and is of a secret or
+public nature and concern, so it ought to be confessed. If the
+offence be in its nature and way of perpetration a secret sin,
+known only to God and the person's own conscience, secret
+repentance sufficeth: nor can the church require any thing else, in
+regard such sins come not within the sphere of her
+cognizance;&mdash;but if the sin be public and national, or only
+personal, but publickly acted, so as the same has been stumbling,
+scandalous, and offensive to others; then it is requisite, for the
+glory of God and good of offended brethren, that the acknowledgment
+be equally public as the offence. These are <i>first principles</i>
+that will not need to be proved, but may be taken for granted. But,
+3dly, To make it appear that it is consonant to the practice of the
+godly to make public confession of national backsliding, we will
+advance two or three Scripture instances. Joshua, chap. vii. 19,
+compared with verse 11, commands Achan, who had broken God's
+covenant which he commanded Israel, and so brought upon the whole
+nation the Lord's anger, that he would give glory to God, by making
+confession to him. Whence it appears, that such sins as are
+national in their consequences, and bring national judgments upon a
+people, ought to be publickly confessed for turning away these
+judgments, and vindicating the honour of the Supreme Lawgiver, Ezra
+x. 1,2&mdash;"Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed,
+weeping, and casting himself down before the house of God, there
+assembled unto him out of Israel a very great congregation of men,
+women, and children: for the people wept very sore." Verse 2d, And
+Shechaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, answered and
+said unto Ezra, We have trespassed against our God, and have taken
+strange wives of the people of the land. Verse 3d, Now therefore
+let us make a covenant with our God, to put away all the wives, and
+such as are born of them. Verse 10, And Ezra the priest stood up
+and said unto them, Ye have transgressed and taken strange wives,
+to increase the trespass of Israel. Verse 11, Now therefore make
+confession unto the Lord God of your fathers, and do his pleasure.
+Verse 12, Then all the congregation answered, and said with a loud
+voice, As thou hast said, so must we do." Neh. ix. 1&mdash;"Now, in
+the twenty and fourth day of this month, the children of Israel
+were assembled with fasting and with sackclothes, and earth upon
+them. Verse 2d, And the seed of Israel separated themselves from
+all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the
+iniquities of their fathers. Verse 3d, And they stood up in their
+place, and read in the book of the law of the Lord their God, one
+fourth part of the day, and another fourth part they confessed and
+worshipped the Lord their God." Acts xix. 18&mdash;"And many that
+believed came, and confessed, and showed their deeds."</p>
+<p>These Scripture examples, as we conceive, do sufficiently
+evince, that such public confession, for the substance of it, is
+not only expedient, but also necessary for such as would renew
+their covenant with God. As for some circumstances of the manner
+thereof, neither are we to vindicate them, nor can they justly be
+charged upon the whole of those who made those confessions; far
+less upon the minister, who, though he exhorted such as were guilty
+of scandalous defection, to glorify God by a public confession, yet
+obliged none thereunto <i>authoritatively</i>: and such as
+confessed the sin of their thoughts, or any other sins not
+scandalous or offensive to others; he exhorted to be serious in
+mourning over these things secretly before the Lord; but withal
+told them that these things are not the subject matter of such a
+public acknowledgment. Such as were unconcerned in their
+confessions, and seemed rather to do it from the examples of
+others, than from a real and deep sense of their guiltiness before
+God (as it must not be dissembled, there were too many,) he
+exhorted to attain a sense of the things confessed, and posed their
+consciences, whether they were convinced of what they pretended to
+confess. If any was so ignorant and weak in their apprehensions of
+the nature of right repentance and justification, as to put their
+acknowledgment of sin in the room of Christ's satisfaction, and to
+rely thereupon for peace and acceptance with God, as it is alleged
+they did, it must be owned that they wofully erred in a matter of
+the highest consequence: but to affix this either upon all in
+general, or upon any particular person by name, is against the law
+of charity, and a judging of the heart, which is not obvious to
+man, but only to God, and so an usurping of God's prerogative;
+wherefore it appears, that the objecting of these and other such
+like things against this duty, is the effect of an impotent malice,
+and passion against the whole design of the work, which is too
+shrewd an evidence of a malignant spirit.</p>
+<p>Whereas, some have taken occasion to pass injurious reflections
+upon the minister, because he made confession and acknowledgment of
+his own personal miscarriage; as though he did it with design to
+please the people, and to excite them to make confession of the
+things whereof they had no due sense, and that he should have
+proposed himself, as an example to the people; therefore, to
+discover the falsehood of such reports, we must declare plain
+matter of fact upon this head. The minister did indeed acknowledge
+his own iniquities in general, with others, and also particularly
+at the entry of the work; but without any design to please party or
+person; but only for the glory of God as himself declared, which if
+any shall say was but hypocritical self-seeking, we must remit them
+to the apostle's interrogation, to prepare an answer, <i>Who art
+thou, O man, that judgest?</i> Neither did he say that he did it to
+be an example to others, though, even in that case, he had not been
+to be blamed, seeing the best of God's saints, in public employment
+in church and state, have done the like in public assemblies, as
+Josiah, Ezra, Nehemiah, in sacred record, and in our church
+history, the Rev. John Davidson, who, at the renewing of the
+covenant, March 30th, 1596, not only exhorted the brethren of the
+ministry to a serious confession of their sins, but did also make
+confession of his own, and excited the rest by his example, as is
+related by Mr. Calderwood in his history of the church of Scotland,
+page 317. Wherefore, seeing he has the command of God, and the most
+eminent of his saints for his warrant and precedent, he may be
+perfectly unconcerned, what are the constructions that such persons
+as are indifferent either about national sins or judgments do put
+upon this action,</p>
+<p>The Acknowledgment of Sins being read, the minister prayed,
+confessing therein the sins which had been publicly confessed in
+the said Acknowledgment, and begging assistance to know and do the
+duties engaged unto, then the Engagement to Duties was likewise
+read in the audience of the congregation; where he showed that the
+design of these engagements was to accommodate the covenants to our
+case and circumstances. And advised the mixed multitude to beware
+of entering into the covenant, unless they were duly resolved
+concerning the performing of the same, according as our fathers
+understood it, as the same was explained and applied to the present
+condition of things in these engagements. After which the minister
+having prayed for the gracious presence and assistance of the
+divine Spirit, to enable us both to engage and perform; commanding
+those who were to renew their covenant to stand upright, and hold
+up their right hands, he proceeded to the administration of the
+oath, causing the people to elevate their hands at the end of each
+article. The covenants being renewed, the minister addressed
+himself to those that had entered into covenant to this purpose.
+Now, you who have renewed your covenant with God must not imagine
+that you may sit down upon your performance and rest yourselves as
+though your work was perfected and finished; nay, but you must
+consider with yourselves that now it is but beginning; your race is
+before you, the greatest, part of the work is before your hand:
+covenanting is relative to performing; you must, therefore,
+meditate upon, and ponder your engagements more now than before;
+for now you have put a new bond upon your souls, to walk with God
+in all the ways of new obedience. In order therefore to your
+performing, as you have undertaken, I would put you in mind of
+several particulars, which you must have much and frequently upon
+your hearts, and before your eyes.</p>
+<p>1st, You must know that a holy life is what becomes Covenanters;
+it is not holiness in name, show and appearance, but holiness in
+reality, in truth and substance, that must be interwoven with all
+your actions and duties; though others should not look to
+conscience, yet you must; though others slight and neglect
+religion, you must by no means do it; you must put on a Joshua's
+generous and holy resolution, "That whatever others do, you and
+your house will serve the Lord." You must consider upon it, that
+well-set speeches concerning the covenant, is not what you are
+principally to study, but well-set hearts; you must shake off
+laziness as well as hypocrisy.</p>
+<p>2d. You must be very regular in your walk; an uniform
+conversation in the way of holiness is that which greatly adorns a
+Christian, and consequently, a Covenanter. And if you endeavor such
+a regular course of life, you will not shape yourselves according
+to the company you fall into. As some have a religion for every
+company, so they have one for man and another for God, and will be
+more careful and afraid lest their hypocrisy be discovered by men,
+than they are afraid to be made manifest to the Lord. But so it
+must not be with you who have renewed your covenant with the Lord:
+you must be the same in the closet as in the public assembly, and
+have a greater regard to the eye of Jehovah, and the answer of a
+good conscience, than the approbation of fellow creatures.</p>
+<p>3d, You mast be careful to perform all things which you have
+engaged to, within your sphere and station, but must not go without
+it: God is <i>a God of order</i>, and as he hath placed the stars
+in their proper orbs for the order and ornament of the universe, so
+hath he assigned to Christians their diverse stations, for the
+beauty, order, and union of the Church; Christ, the Captain of
+salvation, hath marshalled his soldiers into rank and file, and it
+were a disordering of his army if any should break their ranks.</p>
+<p>4th, You must slight no opportunity of pursuing the ends of your
+covenant; whatever it may cost you when the occasion offers,
+suffering must not deter you from it; and if the times be such now
+as spare both your persons and purses, yet you must not be sparing
+in your prayers for the reviving of the work of God in the land,
+which is the very end of covenanting.</p>
+<p>5th, You must be careful that you do not forget the covenant;
+forgetting (as you heard before) is a step towards forsaking, and,
+therefore, you must endeavour to have the covenant nearer to you
+than the Israelites had it&mdash;they had it written upon the posts
+of their doors, you must have it written upon the tables of your
+hearts.</p>
+<p>6th, You must evidence a great deal of cheerfulness and patience
+under your crosses, which may occur to you for your adherence to
+this your covenant; you must neither weaken your own hands in the
+discharge of covenanted duties, by drooping and discouragement
+under these crosses, nor stumble others, by repining at these
+losses, or by any carriage and deportment under them that may
+import your repenting of what you have now done. And because you
+are impotent and weak in yourselves, therefore,</p>
+<p>7th, You must see that faith be in exercise in all your
+performances of covenanted duties. If this be wanting you will
+perform nothing to purpose, "for without faith it is impossible to
+please God." By this grace you must keep up acquaintance with
+Christ, and have frequent recourse to him, both for cleansing you
+from your defilements, when you break the covenant, and for
+strength to perform what you are obliged to by covenant; both for
+recovering grace, to raise you up when fallen, and for preventing
+grace, to preserve you from falling or relapsing again.</p>
+<p>8th, That you may be the more active and vigilant in keeping
+covenant, you must labor to maintain a constant fear of breaking
+it, and have a fixed impression of the tremendous threatening
+denounced against covenant-breakers; and you must know that all are
+such in God's account, who satisfy themselves with the form of
+godliness, denying the power thereof. For this end read and ponder
+these and the like scriptures.</p>
+<p>Lev. xxvi. 25, "And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall
+avenge the quarrel of my covenant, and when ye are gathered
+together within your cities, I will send the pestilence among you:
+and ye shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy." Neh. v.
+13&mdash;"So God shall shake out every man from his house, and from
+his labor, that performeth not this promise; even thus be he shaken
+out and emptied." Jer. xi. 3, "Cursed be the man that obeyeth not
+the words of this covenant, which I commanded your fathers in the
+day that I brought them forth from the iron furnace." Ezek. xvii.
+15, "Shall he prosper? shall he escape that doth such things? or
+shall he break the covenant and be delivered?" Verse 18, "Seeing he
+hath despised the oath, by breaking the covenant, when lo, he had
+given his hand, and hath done all these things, he shall not
+escape." Verse 19th, "Therefore, thus saith the Lord God, as I
+live, surely mine oath that he hath despised and my covenant that
+he hath broken, even it will I recompense upon his own head."</p>
+<p>The minister having given these exhortations, closed the day's
+work with prayer, and singing a part of the ciii. Psalm from the
+17th to the 19th verse. And having intimated the time of meeting
+for more immediate preparation for the <i>holy communion</i>,
+putting the people in mind to be preparing for the work, by fervent
+prayer and supplication, joined with serious and upright
+self-examination, he dismissed the congregation after the usual
+form.</p>
+<p>This true and unbiassed account of the work in its design,
+progress and issue we have given, not to pre-occupy false reports
+only, which we cannot rationally suppose an entire freedom from,
+unless we fall in with the opposers of our covenanted reformation,
+and to purchase the good opinion and commendation of men at the
+rate of losing the favor of God. The main end of relating some of
+the more material heads, scope and argument of the <i>sermons</i>
+is because there are some things handled in them which behoved to
+have been inserted in this <i>preface</i>, to clear up our motives
+and call to the work, which could not be better done than as the
+same was cleared then to the people. And this brief relation,
+though falling short of the matter then delivered, may serve to
+bring things to the memories of those that found sweet satisfaction
+in hearing them in the public. As for what may be the observations
+of censorious critics, either <i>of the sermons</i> in particular,
+or of the <i>work</i> in general, we are perfectly unconcerned
+about them, seeing we equally value their approbation or
+disapprobation; providing true matter of fact be not
+misrepresented, and so truth injuriously wronged. Nor are we
+willing here to make any observation of our own concerning the
+issue and on-carrying of the work, though all the godly there
+present ought to observe the Lord's gracious assistance and favor
+(so far as they found the same afforded to themselves, or displayed
+in others), lest we may either be in danger to diminish the grace
+of God by complaining, or incur the suspicion of self-flatterers by
+commending, but shall leave it to the judgment of such as were then
+present, and the candid interpretation of others that may read this
+preceding account thereof.</p>
+<p>There have been many objections made against the <i>design,
+matter</i> and <i>form</i> of the <i>covenants</i>: more against
+subjects covenanting to defend the purity and promote the
+reformation of religion, without the royal concurrence of their
+sovereign princes; most of all against private persons entering
+into covenant, or renewing thereof, for the said end without the
+general concurrence of the representative body of the church and
+state. Those which concern the former two, have been fully answered
+by the greatest of our reformers, whose piety and learning set them
+sufficiently above the snarling censures of whatsoever cavilling
+pens or tongues: As for what are made against the last, they are
+also answered better than we can pretend to, in the analysis upon
+the 19th chapter of Deuteronomy, prefixed to the National and
+Solemn League and Covenant renewed at Lesmahago, whereunto we refer
+the reader. Only because that book may not be at hand to every one
+that would desire these objections solved, we shall here transcribe
+the answers to two or three of the most material of these
+objections, making but small, if any, variation from the author's
+words.</p>
+<p><i>Object</i>. 1. "In all the national covenants whereof we read
+in scripture, there was still the concurrence of either the
+sovereign authority then in being, or at least of the Captains,
+Elders, Officers, and Heads of the tribes; And, therefore, it
+cannot be done by private subjects, without either royal or
+parliamentary authority."</p>
+<p><i>Ans</i>. Certainly the obligations of the Covenant, held
+forth Deut. xxix. 10, 11, 12, being so extensive as to reach all
+the members of church and commonwealth, of all qualities, ranks,
+vocations, ages, sexes; is to be understood <i>positively</i>, that
+all these are obliged to enter into covenant, but not
+<i>negatively</i>, that without any of these the covenant should
+not be entered into. The motives mentioned are to the small as well
+as to the great; and without them as well as with them; the
+articles of it, and the keeping and doing them, are common to both
+alike: The relation that the small and meaner sort of people have
+to God (the other contracting party) is the same that the nobles
+and great ones have, and the privileges of it, to be established as
+a people unto himself and to have him for their God, do no more
+belong to the one than the other; And consequently the small may
+renew it, as well as the great; but not nationally to bind the
+whole nation formally, to which indeed the concurrence of the
+representatives is necessary. As for precedents of this practice,
+see them above, in the narrative of the sermons, [p. 9].</p>
+<p><i>Object</i>. 2. "This covenant having been disclaimed by the
+political father, and made void by law, never again revived by
+authority of parliament, nor the law rescinded by which it was
+declared not obligatory; is therefore of no binding force upon us,
+who have never personally sworn it; and to renew it, and bring
+ourselves under the bond of it, when we are free, without the
+concurring or imposing authority of our rulers, is high presumption
+in private subjects."</p>
+<p><i>Ans</i>. If any engagements can be supposed binding to
+posterity, certainly national covenants to keep the commandments of
+God, and to adhere to his institutions, must be of that nature. It
+cannot be denied, that several obligations do bind to posterity;
+such as public promises with annexation of curses to breakers, Neh.
+v. 12, 13. Thus Joshua's adjuration did oblige all posterity never
+to build Jericho, Josh. vi. 26. And the breach of it did bring the
+curse upon Hiel the Bethelite, in the days of Ahab. 2dly, Public
+vows: Jacob's vow, Gen. xxviii. 21, did oblige all his posterity,
+virtually comprehended in him, Hos. xii. 4. The Rechabites found
+themselves obliged to observe the vow of their forefather Jonadab,
+Jer. xxxv. 6, 14, for which they were rewarded and commended.
+Public oaths do oblige posterity: Joseph took an oath of the
+children of Israel, to carry up his bones to Canaan, Gen. i. 25,
+which did oblige posterity some hundred years after. Exod. xiii 19.
+Josh. xxiv. 32. National covenants with men before God, do oblige
+posterity, as Israel's covenant with the Gibeonites, Josh. ix. 15,
+19. The breach whereof was punished in the days of David, 2 Sam.
+xxi. 1. Especially National Covenants with God, before men, about
+things moral and objectively obliging, are perpetual; and yet more
+especially (as Grotius observes) when they are of an hereditary
+nature, i.e. when the subject is permanent, the matter moral, the
+end good, and in the <i>form</i> there is a clause expressing their
+perpetuity.</p>
+<p>All which ingredients of perpetual obligations are clear in
+Scotland's Covenants, which are <i>national promises</i>, adjuring
+all ranks of persons, under a curse, to preserve and promote
+reformation according to the word of God, and extirpate the
+opposite thereof. <i>National vows</i>, devoting the then engaging,
+and succeeding generations to be the Lord's people, and walk in his
+ways. <i>National oaths</i>, solemnly sworn by all ranks, never to
+admit of innovations, or submit to usurpations, contradictory to
+the word of God. <i>National covenants</i>, wherein the king,
+parliament and people did covenant with each other, to perform
+their respective duties, in their several places and stations,
+inviolably to preserve religion and liberty: Yea, more, <i>national
+laws</i>, solemnly ratified by the king and parliament, and made
+the foundation of the people's compact with the king, at his
+inauguration: And, finally, they are <i>national covenants with
+God</i>, as party contracting, to keep all the words of his
+covenant. The subject or parties contracting are permanent, to wit,
+the unchangeable God and the kingdom of Scotland, (the same may be
+said of England and Ireland,) which, whilst it remains a kingdom,
+is still under the obligation of these covenants. The <i>matter</i>
+is <i>moral</i>, antecedently and eternally binding, albeit there
+had been no formal covenant: the <i>ends</i> of them perpetually
+good, to wit, <i>the defence of the true reformed religion, and the
+maintenance of the King's Majesty's person and estate</i>, (as is
+expressed in the National Covenant,) <i>the glory of God, the
+advancement of the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ; the honor and
+happiness of the King's Majesty and his posterity, and the public
+liberty, safety, and peace of the kingdoms</i>, as it is expressed
+in the Solemn League. And in the <i>form</i> of them there are
+clauses expressing their perpetuity. In the National covenant it is
+said, <i>that the present and succeeding generations in this land
+are bound to keep the foresaid National Oath and Subscription
+inviolable</i>. And in the Solemn League, Article 1, <i>That we and
+our posterity after us, may, as brethren, live in faith and
+love</i>. And Art. 5, <i>That they may remain conjoined in a firm
+peace and union to all posterity</i>.</p>
+<p>We may add also the sanctions of rewards and punishments
+descending to posterity, prove the obligation perpetual: Which is,
+alas! too visible in our case as to the punishments inflicted for
+the breach of our covenants, and like to be further inflicted, if
+repentance prevent not; so that as we have been a taunting proverb,
+and an hissing, for the guilt, we may look to be made a curse and
+an execration for the punishment of it. The distinction which some
+make use of to elude this obligation, "That suppose they be
+materially bound, yet seeing they have not sworn the covenants
+personally, they are not formally bound," is both false and
+frivolous; for our father's oath having all the aforesaid
+qualifications, binds us formally as an oath, though we have but
+virtually sworn it; and whether the obligation be material or
+formal, implicit or explicit, it is all one in God's sight, if it
+be real, seeing even virtual obligations have frequently brought
+rewards and punishments upon the head of the observers or breakers
+of them, as well as formal. Seeing, then, the obligation of the
+covenant upon us is evident to a demonstration, it cannot, in
+justness, be called a rebellious action against lawful authority,
+to declare in our station that we believe so much and resolve to
+practice accordingly. It is indeed too true that the wicked laws
+enacting the perpetual breaches of these covenants have never been
+rescinded; but seeing they are wicked and opposite to the
+commandment and covenant of the Lord, the supreme legislator, they
+are naturally void and null, and have been still so esteemed by
+us.</p>
+<p><i>Object</i>. 3. "Albeit the National Covenant should be
+granted to be binding upon us the people of Scotland, and,
+therefore, may be renewed: yet, to renew the Solemn League with
+England and Ireland, as matters now stand, is ridiculous and
+impossible."</p>
+<p><i>Ans</i>. This objection is partly answered before in the
+Sermons, [page 14,] and may be further cleared, if we consider,
+that the Solemn League and Covenant may be taken under different
+respects, <i>either as a league amongst men</i> or <i>a covenant
+between God and men</i>: in the former sense, as it notes a
+<i>league offensive and defensive</i> made betwixt the collective
+bodies of these kingdoms, it is certain it cannot be taken by us,
+who are but a poor insignificant handful of people, far from any
+authority, or influence in church or commonwealth; the collective
+and representative body of the three kingdoms having basely
+abandoned their covenant with God, and united in a sinful compact
+opposite thereto, so that to make a league with England or Ireland
+in this sense, were to enter into a sinful confederacy with
+apostate covenant breakers; but in the latter acceptation, as it is
+a covenant with God, not as a witness only, but also as a party
+contracting, there is no absurdity or impossibility why Scotland,
+or any part thereof, may not renew it, obliging themselves by a
+solemn vow to perform what they are bound to antecedently by the
+law of God. And if it be considered as an association, it respects
+those only who now do, or hereafter shall, adhere unto it, whether
+here or in the other two kingdoms. Hence, the words in the preamble
+of the Solemn League and Covenant, expressing the several ranks and
+the extent of the Covenanters, were not read at the renewing of it
+at Douglass, because we own ourselves to be under a league with
+none but such as own the covenanted Reformation; these, and these
+only, we heartily embrace as our colleagues, into the nearest and
+dearest bonds of Christian union and fellowship, according to this
+League and Covenant.</p>
+<p>As the revolt of the ten tribes from the true religion and
+covenant of the Lord their God, hindered not the godly of Judah,
+nor the small party that joined in the sincere worship of God, out
+of Ephraim and Manasseh, to renew their covenant under the
+auspicious reigns of Asa, Hezekiah, Josiah; Nor did the horrid
+apostacy of the Sectarian party in England impede our ancestors to
+renew this Solemn League and Covenant in Scotland, Anno, 1649. So
+neither can the defection of the generality of the three kingdoms,
+which is to be bewailed, if possible, with tears of blood, hinder
+us from testifying our adherence to the covenant, or invalidate
+what we have done therein.</p>
+<p><i>Object</i>. 4. "Albeit the action should be granted to be for
+the main, lawful and right, yet it was most unseasonable to
+undertake it at such a time, when the parliament and ministry is
+composed of a set of men that evidence no good affection to the
+present established church in Scotland, who will be ready to
+interpret the action of a few immoderately and unseasonably zealous
+people, as the deed of the whole Presbyterians in Scotland, and to
+make a handle thereof against them, to impose upon them some new
+burdens; or to take such measures as will effectually put a stop to
+the more general renovation thereof throughout the land."</p>
+<p>In answer to this objection, we shall only desire the gentlemen
+that made it to remember, That now for the space of 24 years they
+have been crying, the time is not come wherein we should set about
+covenant-renewing; one while they have pretended that the time was
+not seasonable, because such as were in authority were friends to
+the church; and it would look like a suspecting of their integrity,
+to enter into covenant for defence and reformation of religion, as
+if they would not show themselves active enough for these ends, and
+prove an irritation to them to turn enemies to Presbyterian
+government; it would cause them to think the Presbyterians to be a
+people of indiscreet and ungovernable zeal, and so disgust them at
+the establishment. Another, while they excuse themselves from this
+duty, because these in authority are unfriendly to the Presbyterian
+establishment, they must walk cautiously now and manage prudently,
+lest they give any umbrage to Jacobites and Episcopalians to
+represent them ill at court, and so occasion the overthrow of the
+great security founded in the Union Treaty. Formerly they needed
+not renew the covenant, because religion was not in danger; now
+they dare not attempt to do it because it is; they must wait till a
+well-affected parliament and good counsellors set it out of danger
+again, and then they will not need to covenant for its safety.
+These shifts are too shrewd discoveries of neutrality in this
+cause. It is to be feared that the godly have too long been
+hoodwinked with such frivolous pretexts; and it is high time for
+every one that has the low case of the work of God in the land at
+heart, to be awakened to renew their covenant with God and keep the
+same. The motives and calls to the work above mentioned will
+sufficiently, we hope, demonstrate the seasonableness of it. But if
+there was a defect as to the seasonableness, it was not because it
+was so soon set about, but because it was no sooner.</p>
+<p>We shall not dwell any longer upon these and the like
+objections; there will not want mountains of difficulties in the
+way till such time as the Lord, coming by his Spirit in a day of
+his power, shall be pleased to level them and say, "Who art thou, O
+great mountain? before Zerubabel thou shalt become a plain." In
+that day (we doubt not) there shall be a willing people to enter
+covenant with the Lord, even a perpetual covenant that shall not be
+forgotten; but, in the mean time, they would do well to consider
+the hazard they bring themselves into who wilfully raise objections
+against the covenant, because they are unwilling to enter into it,
+or be bound by it.</p>
+<p>It may be some will desiderate an account of the other <i>solemn
+holy action</i> that followed upon the back of this, in regard
+there were some circumstances in it not so ordinary in this church
+in former times, because of the paucity of public instruments; but
+neither do we think it needful to give any large account of it, nor
+will it fall so properly into this preface, which concerneth only
+national covenanting, and, it is likely the reader's patience is
+too far transgressed upon already; nor was there any <i>substantial
+or formal</i> difference betwixt it and the comely order of the
+Church of Scotland observed in our purest times of reformation in
+the celebration of that sacred ordinance, except what in the form
+arose from the circumstances we were in, and the reason now
+mentioned. The work was awful and great, the persons employed about
+it few, insignificant in their own eyes, as well as mean in the
+eyes of others; and hence the Lord's power and grace was the more
+conspicuous, who (we must not dissemble it) was present to the
+sensible experience of many, sealing instruction upon the hearts of
+some, and granting, strengthening, and confirming grace to others,
+for which he ought to have all the glory.</p>
+<p>But because there has been, as we are informed, no small clamor
+raised anent some expressions used in debarring the ignorant and
+scandalous from the holy table of the Lord; <i>That the Minister
+should have unreasonably and presumptuously excommunicated the
+Queen and Parliament, and the whole Ministers of the established
+church of Scotland</i>; Therefore, we shall here insert the very
+words relating to that affair, as they were uttered by him without
+any alteration. In warning the ignorant, scandalous and profane to
+beware of presuming to approach to the holy table of the Lord, the
+minister observed (as the manner is) the order of the decalogue,
+where, in the sins forbidden in the second commandment, as they are
+enumerated by the very Reverend the Assembly of Divines sitting at
+Westminster, in their humble advice concerning a Larger Catechism,
+we find these amongst others&mdash;"All devising, counseling,
+commanding, using, and any ways approving any religious worship not
+instituted by God himself, tolerating a false religion.---- All
+superstitious devices, corrupting the worship of God, adding to it,
+taking from it, whether invented and taken up of ourselves, or
+received by tradition from others, though under the title of
+antiquity, custom, devotion, good intent, or any other pretence
+whatsoever." Hence, he expressed himself in these words&mdash;"I
+excommunicate and debar from this holy table of the Lord, all
+devisers, commanders, users, or approvers of any religious worship
+not instituted by God in his Word, all tolerators and countenancers
+thereof; and by consequence I debar and excommunicate from this
+holy table of the Lord, Queen and Parliament, and all under them,
+who spread and propagate or tolerate a false superstitious worship,
+ay and until they repent," And in relation to the opposing of the
+covenants and work of reformation, he had these words&mdash;"I
+excommunicate and debar all who are opposers of our covenants and
+covenanted Reformation, and all that have taken oaths contrary to
+our covenants, and such particularly as are takers of the Oath of
+Abjuration, whether Ministers or others, until they repent."</p>
+<p>That this was no presumptuous and rebellious arrogance is
+evident, because the sins for which he debarred Queen and
+Parliament, and all others guilty of them, are proven from
+Scripture to be gross breaches of God's law, and every violation
+thereof persisted in without repentance, is a sufficient cause (in
+the opinion of Protestant Divines) to debar and exclude from the
+Lord's table. Now, it is certain that even those ministers of the
+established church who make such obloquy against the work for this
+particular, do the same thing in effect every time that they
+administrate this ordinance, for (as can be proved if they please
+to require it, or do deny it,) they excommunicate from the table
+all guilty of such sins as are forbidden in the second commandment,
+according as they are specified in the forsaid Catechism; and so,
+by an infallible consequence, they excommunicate the Queen and
+Parliament, who are grossly guilty of the most of them, only they
+have not the courage ingenuously and freely to own and express the
+consequence, but that it follows natively and necessarily from the
+premises, even according to their own principles, they will never
+be able to disprove.</p>
+<p>Now, Reader, thou hast a just and true account as far as was
+necessary, of our poor and weak endeavours in this matter, which we
+hope will, at least, stand as a witness and testimony (without
+arrogance we desire to speak it) against the apostacy of some and
+indifferency of others, who should have been to us as the
+<i>he-goats before the flock</i> in paving our way to Zion, but are
+rather <i>making to themselves captains</i> to carry us back to
+Babylon, and pollute our land with idolatry and superstition; and,
+as a pledge to posterity that the Lord has not yet utterly deserted
+the land, though we rather wish,(if so it may consist with his holy
+purpose, <i>who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in
+working</i>) that it might tend to excite, some to bethink "whence
+they have fallen, and repent, and to do their first works, lest the
+Lord come quickly, and utterly remove his candlestick from us:" and
+engage them to renew these covenants in a more public way, and
+prosecute the ends of them with more zeal, fidelity, and constancy,
+"that the Lord may yet delight to dwell amongst us, make our judges
+peace, and our exactors righteousness," and make us to be called
+<i>Hephzibah</i>, and our land <i>Beulah</i>.</p>
+<p>The reader may please to cast his eye upon the following
+passages, quoted from the writings of some of the ablest divines,
+wherewith these kingdoms have been blessed, since the first
+reformation from Popery; wherein he will see, how far different an
+opinion they have entertained of the Covenant, from what are the
+thoughts of the learned Latitudinarians of our age.</p>
+<p><i>A Testimony to the truth of</i> JESUS CHRIST <i>and to our
+Solemn League and Covenant, &amp;c., subscribed by the Ministers of
+Christ, within the province of London, December</i> 14, 1649 Head
+IV.</p>
+<p>"In order unto reformation and defence of religion within these
+three kingdoms, we shall never forget, how solemnly and cheerfully
+the Solemn League and Covenant was sworn with hands lifted up to
+the most high God.&mdash;We were, and are abundantly satisfied,
+that our Solemn League and Covenant of September 27, 1643, is not
+only warrantable for the matter of it and manner of entering into
+it, but also of such excellency and importance,&mdash;That it will
+be very hard in all points to parallel it; and, therefore, as we
+did sincerely swear this covenant with God, with all our heart, and
+with all our soul, much rejoicing at the oath with a true intention
+to perform it, and not for promoting any politic design; so we do
+believe and profess to the world that we still stand as firmly
+engaged to the real performance of it, and that it is not in the
+power of any person or persons on earth to dispense with it or
+absolve from it."</p>
+<p><i>The harmonious consent of the Ministers of the county
+Palatine Lancaster with their Reverend Brethren the Ministers of
+the province of London.</i> Head V.</p>
+<p>"We shall never forget how solemn it (the Solemn League and
+Covenant) was sworn, and what rejoicing there was at the oath,
+sundry at the taking of it weeping for joy; and when the Covenant
+was thus taken, we thought with ourselves, that surely now the
+crown is set upon England's head: We judged the day of entering
+into this Covenant to be England's coronation-day, as it was the
+day of the gladness of our hearts."</p>
+<p><i>Mr. Philip Nye's Exhortation at the taking of the Covenant,
+September 29th, 1649, p. 2.</i></p>
+<p>"This Oath is such, and in the matter and consequence of it of
+such concernment, as I can truly say, it is worthy of us, yea, of
+all the kingdoms of the world; for it is swearing fealty and
+allegiance to Christ the King of kings, and giving up of all these
+kingdoms which are his inheritance, to be subdued more to his
+throne, and ruled more by his sceptre, upon whose shoulders the
+government is laid."</p>
+<hr style="width: 45%;">
+<h4><i>THE NATIONAL COVENANT, OR THE CONFESSION OF FAITH OF THE
+KIRK OF SCOTLAND</i>;</h4>
+<p>Subscribed at first by the King's Majesty and his Household, in
+the year of God 1580; Thereafter, by persons of all ranks, in the
+year 1581; By Ordinance of the Lords of the Secret Council, and
+Acts of the General Assembly. Subscribed again by all sorts of
+persons in the year 1590, by a new Ordinance of Council, at the
+desire of the General Assembly, with a Band for the maintenance of
+the true religion, and the King's person: And subscribed in the
+year 1638, by the Noblemen, Barons, Gentlemen, Burgesses, Ministers
+and Commons, then under-subscribing; together with their resolution
+and promises for the causes after specified, to maintain the True
+Religion, and the King's Majesty, according to the Confession
+aforesaid and Acts of Parliament; And upon the supplication of the
+General Assembly to his Majesty's High Commissioner, and the Lords
+of his Majesty's honorable Privy Council. Subscribed again in the
+year 1639, by Ordinance of Council, and Acts of General Assembly,
+&amp;c., &amp;c. The Tenor whereof here followeth.</p>
+<p>We all, and every one of us underwritten, protest, that after
+long and due examination of our own consciences in matters of true
+and false religion, we are now thoroughly resolved in the truth by
+the Word and Spirit of God: And, therefore, we believe with our
+hearts, confess with our mouths, subscribe with our hands and
+constantly affirm before God and the whole world, that this only is
+the true Christian faith and religion pleasing God, revealed to the
+world by the preaching of the blessed evangel; and is received,
+believed, and defended by many and sundry notable kirks and realms,
+but chiefly by the <i>Kirk of Scotland, and sometimes by the King's
+Majesty, and the three estates of this realm</i>, as God's eternal
+truth and only ground of our salvation, as more particularly is
+expressed in the Confession of our Faith, established and publickly
+confirmed by sundry Acts of Parliaments, and now of a long time
+have been openly professed by the King's Majesty, and whole body of
+this realm, both in burgh and land. To the which Confession and
+form of religion, we willingly agree in our own consciences, in all
+points, as unto God's undoubted truth and verity, grounded only
+upon his written word. And, therefore, we abhor and detest all
+contrary religion and doctrine; but chiefly all kind of Papistry in
+general, and particular heads, even as they are now damned and
+confuted by the word of God, and Kirk of Scotland. But in special
+we detest and refuse the usurped authority of that Roman Antichrist
+upon the Scriptures of God, upon the Kirk, the civil Magistrate,
+and consciences of men: All his tyrranous laws made upon
+indifferent things against our Christian liberty: His erroneous
+doctrine against the sufficiency of the written word, the
+perfection of the law, the offices of Christ, and his blessed
+evangel: His corrupted doctrine concerning original sin, our
+natural inability and rebellion to God's law, our justification by
+faith only, our imperfect sanctification and obedience to the law;
+the nature, number, and use of the holy sacraments: His five
+bastard sacraments; with all his rites, ceremonies, and false
+doctrine, added to the ministration of the true sacraments, without
+the Word of God: His cruel judgment against infants departing
+without the sacrament: His absolute necessity of baptism: His
+blasphemous opinion of transubstantiation, or real presence of
+Christ's body in the elements, and receiving of the same by the
+wicked, or bodies of men: His dispensations with solemn oaths,
+perjuries, and degrees of marriage forbidden in the Word; His
+cruelty against the innocent divorced: His devilish mass: His
+blasphemous priesthood: His profane sacrifice for the sins of the
+dead and the quick: His canonization of men; calling upon angels or
+saints departed; worshipping of imagery, relics and crosses;
+dedicating of kirks, altars, days; Vows to creatures: His
+purgatory, prayers for the dead; praying or speaking in a strange
+language; with his processions and blasphemous litany, and
+multitude of advocates or mediators: His manifold orders, auricular
+confession: His desperate and uncertain repentance; His general and
+doubtsome faith: His satisfactions of men for their sins: His
+justification by works, <i>opus operatum</i>, works of
+supererogation, merits, pardons, peregrinations and stations: His
+holy water, baptizing of bells, conjuring of spirits, crossing,
+earning, anointing, conjuring, hallowing of God's good creatures,
+with the superstitious opinion joined therewith: His worldly
+monarchy, and wicked hierarchy: His three solemn vows, with all his
+shavellings of sundry sorts: His erroneous and bloody decrees made
+at Trent, with all the subscribers and approvers of that cruel and
+bloody bond, conjured against the Kirk of God.</p>
+<p>And finally, we detest all his vain allegories, rites, signs,
+and traditions brought into the Kirk, without or against the Word
+of God and doctrine of this true reformed Kirk; to the which we
+join ourselves willingly, in doctrine, faith, religion, discipline,
+and use of the holy sacraments, as lively members of the same in
+Christ our head: Promising and swearing by the <i>Great Name of the
+Lord our God</i>, that we shall continue in the obedience of the
+doctrine and discipline of this kirk, and shall defend the same
+according to our vocation and power, all the days of our lives,
+under the pains continued in the law and danger both of body and
+soul, in the day of God's fearful judgment. And, seeing that many
+are stirred up by Satan and that Roman Antichrist, to promise,
+swear, subscribe, and for a time use the holy sacraments in the
+Kirk deceitfully against their own consciences, minding thereby,
+first, under the external cloak of religion, to corrupt and subvert
+secretly God's true religion within the Kirk, and afterwards, when
+the time may serve, to become open enemies and persecutors of the
+same, under vain hope of the Pope's dispensation devised against
+the Word of God, to his greater confusion, and their double
+condemnation in the day of the Lord Jesus.</p>
+<p>We, therefore, willing to take away all suspicion of hypocrisy,
+and of such double dealing with God and his Kirk, protest, and call
+<i>the Searcher of all hearts for witness</i>, that our minds and
+hearts do fully agree with this our <i>Confession, Promise,
+Oath</i>, and <i>Subscription</i>, so that we are not moved with
+any worldly respect, but are persuaded only in our own consciences,
+through the knowledge and love of God's true religion, imprinted in
+our hearts by the Holy Spirit, as we shall answer to him in the
+day when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed. And because
+we perceive that the quietness and stability of our religion and
+kirk, doth depend upon the safety and good behaviour of
+[the<a name="FNanchor5" id="FNanchor5"></a><a href=
+"#Footnote_5"><sup>[5]</sup></a> King's Majesty,] as upon a
+comfortable instrument of God's mercy, granted to this country, for
+the maintaining of this kirk, and ministration of justice amongst
+us, we protest and promise with our hearts, under the same oath,
+hand-write, and pains, that we shall defend [his<a name="FNanchor6"
+id="FNanchor6"></a><a href="#Footnote_6"><sup>[6]</sup></a> person
+and authority,] with our goods, bodies, and lives, in the defence
+of Christ's evangel, liberties of our country, ministration of
+justice, and punishment of iniquity, against all enemies within
+this realm, or without, we desire our God to be a strong and
+merciful defender to us in the day of our death, and coming of our
+Lord Jesus Christ. To whom with the Father, and the Holy Spirit, be
+all honour and glory eternally. Amen.</p>
+<p>Likeas, many Acts of Parliament not only in general do abrogate,
+annul, and rescind all laws, statutes, acts, constitutions; canons,
+civil or municipal, with all other ordinances and practique
+penalties whatsoever, made in prejudice of the true religion and
+professors thereof; or of the true kirk-discipline, jurisdiction
+and freedom thereof; or in favor of idolatry and superstition; or
+of the Papistical kirk; as Act. 3, Act. 31, Parl. 1; Act. 23, Parl.
+11; Act. 114, Parl. 12, of King James VI. that Papistry and
+superstition may be utterly suppressed, according to the intention
+of the Acts of Parliament, repeated in the 5th Act, Parl. 20, King
+James VI. And to that end they ordain all Papists and priests to be
+punished with manifold civil and ecclesiastical pains, as
+adversaries to God's true religion, preached, and by law
+established within this realm, Act 24, Parl. 11, King James VI.; as
+common enemies to all Christian government, Act 18 Parl. 16, King
+James VI.; as rebellers and gainstanders of our sovereign Lord's
+authority, Act 47 Parl. 8, King James VI.; and as idolaters, Act
+104, Parl. 7, King James VI. But also in particular, by and attour
+the Confession of Faith, do abolish and condemn the Pope's
+authority and jurisdiction out of this land, and ordain the
+maintainers thereof to be punished, Act 2, Parl. 1; Act 51 Parl. 3;
+Act 106, Parl. 7; Act 114, Parl. 12, King James VI., do condemn the
+Pope's erroneous doctrine, or any other erroneous doctrine
+repugnant to any of the articles of the true and Christian
+religion, publickly preached, and by law established in this realm;
+and ordain the spreaders and makers of books, or libels, or
+letters, or writs of that nature, to be punished, Acts 46, Parl. 3;
+Act 106, Parl. 7; Act 24, Par. 11, K. James VI. do condemn all
+baptism conform to the Pope's kirk, and the idolatry of the mass;
+and ordains all sayers, wilful hearers, concealers of the mass, the
+maintainers and resetters of the priests, Jesuits, trafficking
+Papists, to be punished without any exception or restriction, Act
+5, Parl. 1; Act 120, Parl. 12; Act 134, Parl. 13; Act 139, Parl.
+Act 1, Parl. 19; Act 5, Parl. 20, King James VI., do condemn all
+erroneous books and writs, containing erroneous doctrine against
+the religion presently professed or containing superstitious rites
+and ceremonies Papistical, whereby the people are greatly abused;
+and ordains the home-bringers of them to be punished, Act 25, Parl.
+11, King James VI., do condemn the monuments and dregs of the
+bygone idolatry, as going to crosses, observing the festival days
+of Saints and other superstitious and Papistical rites, to the
+dishonour of God, contempt of true religion, and fostering of great
+error among the people; and ordains the users of them to be
+punished for the second fault as idolaters, Act 104, Parl. 7, King
+James VI.</p>
+<p>Likeas, many acts of parliament are conceived for maintenance of
+God's true Christian religion, and the purity thereof in doctrine
+and sacraments of the true church of God, the liberty and freedom
+thereof in her national synodical assemblies, Presbyteries,
+sessions, policy, discipline, and jurisdiction thereof, as that
+purity of religion and liberty of the church was used, professed,
+exercised, preached, and confessed according to the reformation of
+religion in this realm. As for instance, the 99th Act, Parl. 7, Act
+23, Parl. 11; Act 114, Parl. 12; Act 160, Parl. 13, King James VI.,
+ratified by the 4th Act of King Charles. So that the 6th Act, Parl.
+1, and 68th Act, Parl. 6, of King James VI., in the year of God
+1579, declares the ministers of the blessed evangel, whom God of
+his mercy had raised up, or hereafter should raise, agreeing with
+them that then lived in doctrine and administration of the
+sacraments, and the people that professed Christ as he was then
+offered in the evangel and doth communicate with the holy
+sacraments, (as in the reformed kirks of this realm they were
+publickly administrate) according to the Confession of Faith, to be
+the true and holy kirk of Christ Jesus within this realm, and
+decerns and declares all and sundry who either gainsay the word of
+the evangel, received and approved as the heads of the Confession
+of Faith, professed in parliament in the year of God 1560,
+specified also in the first Parliament of King James VI, and
+ratified in this present parliament; more particularly do specify,
+or that refuse the administration of the holy sacraments as they
+were then administered, to be no members of the said kirk within
+this realm, and true religion presently professed, so long as they
+keep themselves so divided from the society of Christ's body; and
+the subsequent Act 69, Parl. 6. of King James VI. declares, that
+there is none other face of kirk, nor other face of religion, than
+was presently at that time by the favour of God established within
+this realm, which therefore is ever styled, <i>God's true
+religion&mdash;Christ's true religion&mdash;the true and Christian
+religion&mdash;and a perfect religion</i>; which, by manifold acts
+of parliament, all within this realm are bound to subscribe the
+articles thereof, the Confession of Faith, to recant all doctrine
+and errors repugnant to any of the said articles, Act 4 and 9,
+Parl. 1; Act 45, 46, 47, Parl. 3; Act 71, Parl. 6; Act 106, Parl.
+7; Act 24, Parl. 11; Act 123, Parl. 12; Act 194 and 197, Parl. 14,
+of King James VI. And all magistrates, sheriffs, &amp;c. on the one
+part, are ordained to search, apprehend, and punish all
+contraveners; for instance, Act 5, Parl. 1; Act 104, Parl. 7; Act
+25, Parl. 11, King James VI.; and that notwithstanding of the
+King's Majesty's licence to the contrary, which are discharged and
+declared to be of no force, in so far as they tend in any ways to
+the prejudice and hinder of the execution of the acts of parliament
+against Papists and adversaries of true religion, Act 106, Parl. 7,
+King James VI. On the other part, in the 47th Act, Parl. 3, of King
+James VI. it is declared and ordained, seeing the cause of God's
+true religion and his highness' authority are so joined, as the
+hurt of the one is common to both; and that none shall be reputed
+as loyal and faithful subjects to our sovereign lord or his
+authority, but be punishable as rebellers and gainstanders of the
+same, who shall not give their confession, and make their
+profession of the said true religion, and that they who, after
+defection, shall give the confession of their faith of new, they
+shall promise to continue therein in time coming, to maintain our
+sovereign lord's authority, and at the uttermost of their power to
+fortify, assist, and maintain the true preachers and professors of
+Christ's evangel against whatsoever enemies and gainstanders of the
+same; and namely, against all such (of whatsoever nation, estate,
+or degree they be,) that have joined and bound themselves, or have
+assisted, or assist to set forward, and execute the cruel decrees
+of Trent, contrary to the preachers and true professors of the Word
+of God, which is repeated, word by word, in the articles of
+pacification at Perth, the 23rd of February, 1572; approved by
+Parliament, the last of April, 1573; ratified in Parliament, 1587;
+and related, Act 123, Parl. 12, of King James VI., with this
+addition, that they are bound to resist all treasonable uproars and
+hostilities that are raised against the true religion, the King's
+Majesty, and the true professors.</p>
+<p>Likeas all lieges are bound to maintain the King's Majesty's
+royal person, and authority, the authority of Parliaments, without
+the which neither any laws, or lawful judicatories can be
+established, Act 130, Act 131, Parl. 8, K. James VI. and the
+subjects' liberties, who ought only to live and be governed by the
+King's laws, the common laws of this realm allenarly, Act 48, Parl.
+3, K. James I. Act 79, Parl. 6, K. James IV. repeated in the Act
+131, Parl. 8, K. James VI. Which, if they be innovated or
+prejudged, the commission anent the union of the two kingdoms of
+Scotland and England, which is the sole Act of the 17 Parl. of K.
+James VI. declares such confusion would ensue, as this realm could
+be no more a free monarchy, because by the fundamental laws,
+ancient privileges, offices and liberties of this kingdom, not only
+the princely authority of his Majesty's royal descent hath been
+these many ages maintained, but also the people's security of their
+lands, livings, rights, offices, liberties, and dignities
+preserved, and therefore for the preservation of the said true
+religion, laws and liberties of this kingdom, it is statute by the
+8 Act, Parl. 1, repeated in the 99 Act, Parl. 7, ratified in the 23
+Act, Parl. 11, and 114 Act, Parl. 12, of K. James VI. and 4 Act K.
+Charles I. That all kings and princes at their coronation and
+reception of their princely authority, shall make their faithful
+promise by their solemn oath in the presence of the eternal God,
+that enduring the whole time of their lives; they shall serve the
+same eternal God to the uttermost of their power, according as he
+hath required in his most holy word, contained in the Old and New
+Testaments. And according to the same word, shall maintain the true
+religion of Christ Jesus, the preaching of his holy word, the due
+and right ministration of the sacraments now received and preached
+within this realm (according to the Confession of Faith) and shall
+abolish and gainstand all false religion contrary to the same, and
+shall rule the people committed to their charge, according to the
+will and command of God, revealed in his foresaid word, and
+according to the laudable laws and constitutions received in this
+realm, no ways repugnant to the said will of the eternal God; and
+shall procure, to the uttermost of their power, to the kirk of God
+and whole Christian people, true and perfect peace in all time
+coming; and that they shall be careful to root out of their empire
+all heretics, and enemies to the true worship of God, who shall be
+convicted by the true kirk of God, for the foresaid crimes, which
+was also observed by his Majesty<a name="FNanchor7" id=
+"FNanchor7"></a><a href="#Footnote_7"><sup>[7]</sup></a> at his
+coronation in Edinburgh, 1633, as may be seen in the order of the
+coronation.</p>
+<p>In obedience to the commandment of God, conform to the practice
+of the godly in former times, and according to the laudable example
+of our worthy and religious progenitors,---- which was warranted
+also by Act of Council, commanding a general bond to be made and
+subscribed by his Majesty's subjects of all ranks, for two causes:
+one was, for defending the true religion as it was then reformed,
+and is expressed in the Confession of faith above-mentioned, and a
+former large Confession established by sundry acts of lawful
+General Assemblies, and of Parliament, unto which it hath relation,
+set down in public Catechisms, and which had been for many years
+(with a blessing from heaven) preached and professed in this kirk
+and kingdom as God's undoubted truth, grounded only upon his
+written Word. The other cause was, for maintaining the King's
+Majesty, his person, and estate; the true worship of God and the
+King's authority being so straitly joined as that they had the same
+friends and common enemies and did stand and fall together; and
+finally, being convinced in our minds, and confessing with our
+mouths, that the present and succeeding generations in this land
+are bound to keep the foresaid national oath and subscription
+inviolable. We,------------ under subscribing, considering divers
+times before, and especially at this time, the danger of the true
+reformed religion --------, and of the public peace of the kingdom;
+by the manifold innovations and evils generally contained and
+particularly mentioned, [in supplications, complaints, and
+protestations,<a name="FNanchor8" id="FNanchor8"></a><a href=
+"#Footnote_8"><sup>[8]</sup></a>] do hereby profess, and before
+God, his angels, and the world, solemnly declare, that with our
+whole hearts we agree and resolve, all the days of our life,
+constantly to adhere unto and defend the foresaid true religion;
+and (forbearing the practice of all novations already introduced in
+the matters of the worship of God, or approbation of the
+corruptions of the public government of the kirk, or civil places
+and power of kirkmen,<a name="FNanchor9" id=
+"FNanchor9"></a><a href="#Footnote_9"><sup>[9]</sup></a> till they
+be tried and allowed in free assemblies and in Parliaments,) to
+labor by all means lawful to recover the purity and liberty of the
+gospel, as it was established and professed before the foresaid
+novations; and because, after due examination, we plainly perceive,
+and undoubtedly believe, that the evils contained in our
+[supplications, complaints, and protestations,<a name="FNanchor10"
+id="FNanchor10"></a><a href="#Footnote_10"><sup>[10]</sup></a>]
+have no warrant of the Word of God; are contrary to the articles of
+the foresaid Confessions, to the intention and meaning of the
+blessed reformers of religion in this land, to the above-written
+Acts of Parliament, and do sensibly tend to the re-establishing of
+the Popish religion and tyranny, and to the subversion and ruin of
+the true reformed religion, and of our liberties, laws and estates.
+We also declare, that the foresaid confessions are to be
+interpreted, and ought to be understood of the foresaid novations
+and evils, no less than if every one of them had been expressed in
+the foresaid Confessions, and that we are obliged to detest and
+abhor them, amongst other particular heads of Papistry abjured
+therein; and, therefore, from the knowledge and conscience of our
+duty to God, [to our King and country,<a name="FNanchor11" id=
+"FNanchor11"></a><a href="#Footnote_11"><sup>[11]</sup></a>]
+without any worldly respect or inducement, so far as human
+infirmity will suffer, wishing a further measure of the grace of
+God for this effect, we promise and swear by the <i>great name of
+the Lord our God</i>, to continue in the profession and obedience
+of the foresaid religion; that we shall defend the same, and resist
+all these contrary errors and corruptions, according to our
+vocation, and to the uttermost of that power that God hath put in
+our hands, all the days of our life; and, in like manner, with the
+same heart, we declare before God and men, that we have no
+intention nor desire to attempt any thing that may turn to the
+dishonour of God, or to the diminution of [the King's<a name=
+"FNanchor12" id="FNanchor12"></a><a href=
+"#Footnote_12"><sup>[12]</sup></a>] greatness and authority; but on
+the contrary, we promise and swear, that we shall, to the uttermost
+of our power, with our means and lives, and to the defence of [our
+dread sovereign, the King's Majesty, his person and
+authority<a name="FNanchor13" id="FNanchor13"></a><a href=
+"#Footnote_13"><sup>[13]</sup></a>] in the defence and preservation
+of the foresaid true religion, liberties, and laws of the kingdom;
+as also, to the mutual defence and assistance every one of us of
+another, in the same cause of maintaining the true religion [his
+Majesty's<a name="FNanchor14" id="FNanchor14"></a><a href=
+"#Footnote_14"><sup>[14]</sup></a>] authority, with our best
+counsel, our bodies, means, and whole power, against all sorts of
+persons whatsoever. So that whatsoever shall be done to the least
+of us for that cause, shall be taken as done to us all in general,
+and to every one of us in particular; that we shall, neither
+directly nor indirectly, suffer ourselves to be divided or
+withdrawn, by whatsoever suggestion, allurement, or terror, from
+this blessed and loyal conjunction; nor shall cast in any let or
+impediment that may stay or hinder any such resolution, as by
+common consent shall be found to conduce for so good
+ends;&mdash;but, on the contrary, shall, by all lawful means labour
+to further and promote the same, and if any such dangerous and
+divisive motions be made to us by word or write, we, and every one
+of us, shall either suppress it, or if need be, shall incontinent
+make the same known that it may be timeously obviated; neither do
+we fear the foul aspersions of rebellion, combination, or what else
+our adversaries from their craft and malice would put upon us,
+seeing what we do is so well warranted, and ariseth from an
+unfeigned desire to maintain the true worship of God, the majesty
+of [<a name="FNanchor15" id="FNanchor15"></a><a href=
+"#Footnote_15"><sup>[15]</sup></a> our King,] and peace of the
+kingdom, for the common happiness of ourselves and the
+posterity.</p>
+<p>And because we cannot look for a blessing from God upon our
+proceedings, except with our profession and subscription, we join
+such a life and conversation as beseemeth Christians who have
+renewed their covenant with God: We, therefore, faithfully promise,
+for ourselves, our followers, and all other under us, both in
+public, in our particular families and personal carriage, to
+endeavor to keep ourselves within the bounds of Christian liberty,
+and to be good examples to others of all godliness, soberness and
+righteousness, and of every duty we owe to God and man. And that
+this our union and conjunction may be observed without violation,
+we call the living God, the searcher of our hearts, to witness, who
+knoweth this to be our sincere desire and unfeigned resolution, as
+we shall answer to Jesus Christ, in the great day, and under the
+pain of God's everlasting wrath and of infamy, and loss of all
+honour and respect in this world: Most humbly beseeching the Lord
+to strengthen us by his Holy Spirit for this end, and to bless our
+desires and proceedings with a happy success, that religion and
+righteousness may nourish in the land, to the glory of God, the
+honour of [our King<a name="FNanchor16" id=
+"FNanchor16"></a><a href="#Footnote_16"><sup>[16]</sup></a>] and
+peace and comfort of us all. In witness whereof we have subscribed
+with our hands all the premises, &amp;c.</p>
+<p>The article of this covenant, which was at first subscription
+referred<a name="FNanchor17" id="FNanchor17"></a><a href=
+"#Footnote_17"><sup>[17]</sup></a> to the determination of the
+General Assembly, being now determined, and thereby the five
+articles of Perth, the government of the Kirk by Bishops, the civil
+places and power of kirkmen upon the reasons and grounds contained
+in the Acts of the General Assembly, declared to be unlawful within
+this kirk, we subscribe according to the determination
+foresaid.</p>
+<hr style="width: 45%;">
+<h4><i>THE SOLEMN LEAGUE AND COVENANT, FOR REFORMATION AND DEFENCE
+OF RELIGION, ETC</i>.</h4>
+<p>We, having before our eyes the glory of God, and the advancement
+of the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the honour and
+happiness of [the<a name="FNanchor18" id="FNanchor18"></a><a href=
+"#Footnote_18"><sup>[18]</sup></a> King's Majesty and his
+posterity] and the true public liberty, safety, and peace of the
+kingdoms, wherein every one's private condition is included; and
+calling to mind 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 estate 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 public testimonies. We have
+now at last [<a name="FNanchor19" id="FNanchor19"></a><a href=
+"#Footnote_19"><sup>[19]</sup></a> after other means of
+supplication, remonstrance, protestation and suffering] for the
+preservation of ourselves and our religion from utter ruin and
+destruction, according to the commendable practice of these
+kingdoms in former times, and the example of God's people in other
+nations, after mature deliberation, resolved and determined to
+enter into a mutual 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&mdash;</p>
+<p>1. That we shall sincerely, really, and constantly, through the
+grace of God, endeavour in our several places and callings, the
+preservation of the reformed religion in the church of Scotland, in
+doctrine, worship, discipline, and government, against our common
+enemies; the reformation 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 endeavour to bring the churches of God in the three
+kingdoms, to the nearest conjunction and uniformity in religion,
+Confession of Faith, Form of Church-government, Directory for
+Worship and Catechizing; that we and our posterity after us, may,
+as brethren, live in faith and love, and the Lord may delight to
+dwell in the midst of us.</p>
+<p>2. That we shall, in like manner, without respect of persons,
+endeavor the extirpation of Popery, Prelacy (that is, church
+government by arch-bishops, bishops, their chancellors and
+commissaries, deans, deans and chapters, archdeacons, and all other
+ecclesiastical officers depending on that hierarchy), superstition,
+heresy, schism, profaneness, and whatsoever shall be found to be
+contrary to sound doctrine and the power of godliness; lest we
+partake in other men's 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.</p>
+<p>3. We shall, with the same sincerity, reality and constancy, in
+our several vocations, endeavor with our estates and lives mutually
+to preserve the rights and privileges of the parliaments<a name=
+"FNanchor20" id="FNanchor20"></a><a href=
+"#Footnote_20"><sup>[20]</sup></a> and the liberties of the
+kingdoms; and to preserve and defend [the King's<a name=
+"FNanchor21" id="FNanchor21"></a><a href=
+"#Footnote_21"><sup>[21]</sup></a> Majesty's] person and authority,
+in the preservation and defence of the true religion and liberties
+of the kingdoms; that the world may bear witness with our
+consciences of our loyalty, and that we have no thoughts or
+intentions to diminish [his<a name="FNanchor22" id=
+"FNanchor22"></a><a href="#Footnote_22"><sup>[22]</sup></a>
+Majesty's] just power and greatness.</p>
+<p>4. We shall also with all faithfulness endeavor the discovery of
+all such as have been, or shall be, incendiaries, malignants, or
+evil instruments, by hindering the reformation of religion,
+dividing [the<a name="FNanchor23" id="FNanchor23"></a><a href=
+"#Footnote_23"><sup>[23]</sup></a> 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 public trial, and receive condign punishment, as the
+degree of their offences shall require or deserve, or the supreme
+judicatories of both kingdoms respectively, or others having power
+from them for that effect, shall judge convenient.</p>
+<p>5. And whereas the happiness of a blessed peace between these
+kingdoms, denied in former times to our progenitors, was by the
+good providence of God granted unto [<a name="FNanchor24" id=
+"FNanchor24"></a><a href="#Footnote_24"><sup>[24]</sup></a>us]
+and&mdash;concluded, and settled by both parliaments, We shall,
+each one of us, according to our place and interest, endeavor that
+they may be and remain conjoined<a name="FNanchor25" id=
+"FNanchor25"></a><a href="#Footnote_25"><sup>[25]</sup></a> in a
+firm peace and union to all posterity, and that justice may be done
+upon the wilful opposers thereof, in manner expressed in the
+precedent article.</p>
+<p>6. We shall also according to our places and callings this
+common cause of religion, liberty and peace of the kingdoms, assist
+and defend all those that enter into this league and covenant, in
+the maintaining and pursuing thereof; and shall not suffer
+ourselves, directly or indirectly, by whatsoever combination,
+persuasion or terror, to be divided and withdrawn from this blessed
+union and conjunction, whether to make defection to the contrary
+part, or to give ourselves to a detestable indifferency or
+neutrality in this cause which so much concerneth the glory of God,
+the good of the kingdoms, and honor of [the<a name="FNanchor26" id=
+"FNanchor26"></a><a href="#Footnote_26"><sup>[26]</sup></a> King;]
+but shall all the days of our lives zealously and constantly
+continue therein, against all opposition, and promote the same
+according to our power, against all lets and impediments
+whatsoever; and what we are not able ourselves to suppress or
+overcome, we shall reveal and make known, that it may be timely
+prevented or removed; all of which we shall do as in the sight of
+God.</p>
+<p>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 profess and declare before God and the world, our unfeigned
+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 labored for the
+purity and power thereof, and that we have not endeavored to
+receive Christ in our hearts, nor to walk worthy of him in our
+lives, which are the causes of other sins and transgressions so
+much abounding amongst us; and our true and unfeigned purpose,
+desire and endeavor for ourselves, and all others under our power
+and charge, both in public and 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 real reformation; that the Lord may turn away his
+wrath, and heavy indignation, and establish these churches and
+kingdoms in truth and peace. And this Covenant we make in the
+presence of Almighty God, the searcher of all hearts, with a true
+intention to perform the same, as we shall answer at the great day,
+when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed; most humbly
+beseeching the Lord to strengthen us by his Holy Spirit for this
+end, and to bless our desires and proceedings with such success as
+may be deliverance and safety to his people, and encouragement to
+other Christian churches that may be groaning under, or in danger
+of, the yoke of Antichristian tyranny, to join 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 commonwealths.</p>
+<p>N.B.&mdash;These Covenants above-written, formerly nationally
+taken and renewed, and still nationally binding, We, in our private
+station only, swear and subscribe in their genuine sense, conform
+to the Explication and Application thereof, in our present
+Acknowledgment of the public Sins and Breaches of the same, and
+Engagement to the Duties contained therein, which do in a special
+way relate to the present times, and are proper for our capacities
+therein.</p>
+<hr style="width: 45%;">
+<h4><i>A SOLEMN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF PUBLIC SINS, AND BREACHES OF THE
+NATIONAL COVENANT AND SOLEMN LEAGUE AND COVENANT</i>.</h4>
+<p>We all and every one of us&mdash;being <i>by the good hand of
+our God upon us</i>, now, after a long and due deliberation,
+determined to testify to the world, for the glory of God, and the
+exoneration of our consciences, in the matter of our duty, our
+adherance to the whole of our attained Reformation, by renewing
+these our vows and Covenant-engagements with God, and knowing that
+it is a necessary preparative for the right performance of that so
+great and solemn a duty, that we be duly sensible of, and deeply
+humbled for the many heinous breaches thereof, which these nations,
+and we ourselves in particular are guilty of; do therefore, with
+that measure of sorrow and repentance which God of his mercy shall
+be pleased to grant us, desire to acknowledge and confess our own
+sins and violations of these vows, and the sins and transgressions
+of our fathers; to which we have also an example left us by the
+<i>Cloud of witnesses, which through faith and patience have
+inherited the promises</i>, ever since the Lord had a visible
+national church upon earth, and more especially by our progenitors
+in this nation; as, for instance, in the year 1596, "Wherein the
+General Assembly, and all the kirk judicatories, with the
+concurrence of many of the nobility, gentry and burgesses, did with
+many tears acknowledge the breach of the National Covenant, and
+engaged themselves into a reformation, even as our predecessors,
+and theirs, had done in the General Assembly and Convention of
+Estates in the year 1567." As also the more recent practice of the
+godly renewing the National Covenant, and acknowledging the
+breaches of it, both before they obtained the concurrence of civil
+authority, in the year 1638, and again, by authority, in the year
+1639. And that noble precedent of that <i>National Solemn
+acknowledgment of Public Sins and Breaches of the Solemn League and
+Covenant, and Solemn Engagement to all the duties contained
+therein</i>, (which we are here taking for our pattern, and
+enlarging the same as the sad sins and transgressions since that
+time committed, and the circumstances of time give occasion)
+condescended upon, "by the Commission of the General Assembly, and
+approven by the Committee of Estates, and publickly owned in all
+the churches, at the renewing of the Solemn League, Anno 1648, and
+1649, together with that solemn renovation thereof accompanied with
+such confession of sins as did best suit that time, by that small
+company of the Lord's people at Lanark, before their discomfiture
+at Pentland hills. And perceiving by the foresaid instances, that
+this duty, when gone about out of conscience, hath very often been
+attended with a reviving out of troubles&mdash;or at least out of
+deadness, security, and formality, under which we and the land are
+at present sinking, and with a blessing and success from
+heaven;&mdash;'We do humbly and sincerely, as in His sight who is
+the searcher of hearts, acknowledge the many sins and great
+transgressions of the land; we have done wickedly, our kings, our
+princes, our nobles, our judges, our officers, our teachers, and
+our people. Albeit the Lord hath long and clearly spoken unto us,
+we have not hearkened to his voice. Albeit he hath followed us with
+tender mercies, we have not been allured to wait upon him and walk
+in his way. And though he hath sticken us, yet we have not grieved:
+nay, though he hath consumed us, we have refused to receive
+correction. We have not remembered to render unto the Lord
+according to his goodness, and according to our vows and promises;
+but have gone away backward, by a perpetual backsliding, and have
+most sinfully and shamefully broken the National Covenant, and all
+the articles of the Solemn League and Covenant, which our fathers
+sware before God, angels and men.'" Albeit there has been in the
+land, ever since the reformation of religion, some of all ranks who
+have been for a testimony unto the truth, and for a name of joy and
+praise unto the Lord, by living godly, studying to keep their
+garments pure, and being steadfast in the covenant and cause of
+God; and there yet continues to be some, though reduced to a very
+small number, destitute of outward power and ability, and other
+helps fit for the right managing of a testimony, wanting the
+countenance of civil authority, and having few to feed or lead
+them; who are, notwithstanding all these difficulties, labouring in
+the strength of Christ to keep the good old way of these faithful
+witnesses who are gone before, in bearing testimony to the truths
+of Christ. "Yet we have reason to acknowledge, that most of us in
+this land have not endeavoured with that reality, sincerity, and
+constancy that did become us, to preserve the work of reformation
+in the Kirk of Scotland, as we are obliged by the first article of
+the Solemn League, and by the National Covenant; wherein we promise
+and swear by the great name of the Lord our God, that we shall
+continue in the obedience of the doctrine and discipline of this
+kirk, and shall defend the same according to our vocation and power
+all the days of our lives, under the pains contained in the law,
+and danger both of body and soul in the day of God's fearful
+judgment, and resist all contrary error and corruptions, according
+to our vocations, and the utmost of that power God hath put in our
+hands all the days of our life&mdash;according to these
+Scriptures."</p>
+<p>Ezra ix. 10, 11, "And now, O our God, what shall we say after
+this? for we have forsaken thy commandments. Verse 11. Which thou
+hast commanded by thy servants the prophets, &amp;c." Isaiah xxiv.
+5, "The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof,
+because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinances,
+broken the everlasting covenant." Jeremiah ix. 13, "And the Lord
+saith, because they have forsaken my law, which I set before them,
+and have not obeyed my voice, neither walked therein. Verse 15.
+Therefore, thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, behold
+I will feed them, even this people, with wormwood, and give them
+water of gall to drink." Daniel vii. 25, "And he shall speak great
+words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the
+Most High, and think to change times and laws." Galatians v. 1,
+"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us
+free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." I
+Timothy iv. 16, "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine:
+continue in them: for in doing this, thou shalt both save thyself,
+and them that hear thee." 2 Timothy i. 13, "Hold fast the form of
+sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith, and love, which
+is in Christ Jesus." Revelation in. 10, 11, "Because thou hast kept
+the word of my patience, I will also keep thee from the hour of
+temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that
+dwell upon the earth. Behold I come quickly; hold fast that which
+thou hast, that no man take thy crown."</p>
+<p>"But we have been so far from such endeavours, that there hath
+been a stupid submission to our rulers and great ones, breaking
+down and ruining the whole work of reformation, razing the bulwarks
+thereof, rescinding the laws in favour of the same, and not only
+breaking but burning the covenants for preserving it, enacting the
+breaches thereof, and declaring the obligation thereof void and
+criminal to be, owned; and, upon the ruins thereof, setting up
+abjured Diocesan Erastian Prelacy, with its concomitant bondage of
+patronages&mdash;a blasphemous and sacrilegious supremacy and
+arbitrary power in magistrate over church and state. There was
+little conscience made of constant endeavours to preserve the
+reformation, when there was not a seasonable testimony exhibited
+against these audacious and heaven-daring attempts; when our
+ministers were by a wicked edict ejected from their charges, both
+they and the people too easily complied with it. Albeit, in the
+National Covenant, the land is obliged to defend the reformation,
+and to labour by all means lawful to recover the purity and liberty
+of the gospel, by forbearing the practice of all novations
+introduced in the worship of God, or approbation of the corruptions
+of the public government of the kirk: yet was there given all the
+approbation required by law of the novation and corruption of
+Prelacy by hearing the Prelatic curates. Both ministers and people,
+in a great measure complied with, submitted unto, and connived at
+the encroachments of the supremacy and absolute power, both in
+accepting and countenancing the former indulgences and later
+toleration; the generalty took and subscribed oaths and bonds
+imposed during the reigns of these tyrants, Charles II. and James
+Duke of York, pressing conformity with the then establishments of
+church and state, most contrary to the reformation which the nation
+had sworn to preserve; some of these oaths and bonds restraining
+the takers from all endeavours to preserve it, as those that
+renounced the privilege of defensive arms; some of them abjuring
+the covenants expressly, and condemning the prosecution of the ends
+of them as rebellion, viz., the declaration and test; the most part
+did, Issachar like, crouch beneath all the burthens of maintaining
+and defending an arbitrary power and absolute tyranny, wholly
+employed and applied for the destruction of reformation, and paid
+such subsidies and supplies as were declaredly imposed for
+upholding the tyrant's usurpations, and suppressing all endeavours
+to preserve the reformation."</p>
+<p>And after the Lord was pleased in mercy to break the rod of
+oppression, and burst the bands of that horrid tyranny from off his
+people's necks, and to allow us a time of peace and ease; yet have
+we not made conscience of keeping this our oath; but instead of all
+lawful means to preserve the discipline and government of this
+church, there have been frequent invasions made thereupon by the
+civil powers, exercising an Erastian supremacy over her assemblies,
+by indicting, prorogueing, and dissolving them at their pleasure,
+and in their name and authority; whereby Christ's supremacy and
+kingly dignity was highly injured. And as the state for their part
+have, contrary to this article, made these usurpations upon the
+government of the church, so have backslidden ministers in their
+stations shamefully succumbed to, been silent at, and pleaded in
+defence of these usurpations, and have not zealously and faithfully
+asserted their Master's prerogatives, and the privileges of his
+church, sacrilegiously encroached upon by the magistrate. And
+people likewise have, in their stations, been unconcerned about
+these wrongs and injuries done to Christ, and have not used all
+lawful endeavour with their superiors (which they own as such,)
+whether of church or state, in order to reformation thereof, nor
+made faithful protestations against them, when they could not
+obtain redress&mdash;and as the government of the church has not
+been duly preserved; so there has been a want of constant
+endeavours to preserve pure the doctrine of this reformed church;
+and that ever since that fatal distraction of <i>public resolution
+principles</i> began to creep into the church, which corrupted
+people in that doctrine of abstaining from association with
+malignants and enemies to truth and godliness, and so far prevailed
+that the avowed enemies of religion were brought into places of
+greatest trust and authority. And these associations have not been
+made only with the haters of religion at home, but are also entered
+into with the enemies to the Protestant religion abroad; and many
+backsliding ministers in the late times of tyranny were very faulty
+in this point of not labouring to preserve the purity of doctrine,
+either by express condemning of some important truths then
+persecuted, or at least in being silent and not asserting them, nor
+applying their doctrine to the time's corruptions; whereby many of
+the people were left to be overcome by snares&mdash;"And so laid
+open to seek out other principles to justify their practices of
+compliance, or extravagances on the right or left hand, not
+consistent with the doctrine and rules of the Church of Scotland,
+others were not constant in confessing those doctrines before men
+when called to suffer for, and avouch them." Neither are there at
+this day, nor has there been all along during these years of peace
+and quiet, suitable endeavours for suppressing all sorts of unsound
+doctrine, or purging the land of the leaven of erroneous
+principles. Although there have been many laws made against Popery,
+yet how have they been put to execution, when Papists are so rife
+and Popery prevalent?&mdash;the idolatrous mass being set up in
+several places of the kingdom; the maintainers and promoters of
+Quakerism, Bourignianism, Arminianism, &amp;c, are not punished,
+but protected by the state, and connived at by the church. And
+whereas, the right endeavouring of maintaining sound doctrine, doth
+require uprightness and sincerity in the profession and belief
+thereof, and a suitable practice accompanying that belief; we have
+it to lament that the most part of us in this land are but
+hypocritical in the professing of the doctrines of the gospel, and
+want a suitable practice and conversation becoming the gospel,
+cause, and cross of Christ. Many are grossly ignorant of the
+fundamental doctrines of Christianity, or study the circumstantial
+and controverted more than the fundamental truths.</p>
+<p>There has also been great short coming of <i>real, sincere and
+constant endeavors to preserve the worship of God</i>, public and
+private. "In times of hazard, many ministers left off preaching,
+and the people hearing. We have been negligent and remiss in family
+worship; and, instead of preserving, many have done much to
+discourage and hinder it: And in secret we have been formal and
+careless: Many have satisfied themselves with the purity of the
+ordinances, neglecting the power thereof, yea, some have turned
+aside to crooked ways destructive to both." Neither have we been
+careful to preserve the discipline, church censures being laid
+aside, and not impartially exercised against scandals, personal and
+public. Scandalous persons being admitted to hold up their children
+to baptism, and to partake of the Lord's table and other privileges
+of the church, without respect to the rules of Christ. The
+discipline of the church hath also been circumscribed, limited, and
+bounded by Acts of Parliament, and is now rendered ineffectual by
+the late Act of the British Parliament, entitled, <i>Act for
+preventing the Disturbing of those of the Episcopal Communion in
+that part of Great Britain called Scotland</i>. So that ministers
+could not without transgressing these Acts (which they too
+punctually observe) draw out the sword of discipline against many
+covenant-breakers; perjured hireling-curates being allowed to enjoy
+churches and benefices without censure or molestation, if subject
+to the civil government, as is evident from the 27th Act of the
+fifth Session of William's first Parliament, entitled, <i>Act
+concerning the Church</i>. Ministers have neglected to draw out the
+sword of discipline, duly and impartially against scandalous
+persons of every rank and quality; so that many gross offenders
+have been passed over without censure, as, namely, such as shed the
+blood of the Lord's people, complied with the tyrants and usurpers
+in the times of persecution, by testing, bonding, hearing of
+curates, paying of cess and other taxations, intelligencers, and
+informers against the people of God, accepters of indulgences and
+toleration, and such as preached under the covert of remissions and
+indemnities bought by sums of money from the council, such as had
+been lack and negligent in testifying against the corruptions of
+the times, were not brought to an acknowledgment of it; but, upon
+the contrary, encouraged as well-doers, and advanced to office and
+public employment in the church without evident signs of
+repentance. And many other scandalous persons are daily connived at
+and superficially past, without sufficient discoveries of their
+repentance and amendment: Many also have been overlooked because of
+their eminency in the world, or past over for pecuniary mulcts.
+And, whereas, in the same first Article of the Solemn League, we
+are bound "to endeavor the promoting and propagating of the
+Reformation and uniformity of religion, Confession of Faith, Form
+of Church-government (which as it was primarily understood, so
+still we own to be only Presbyterial) Directory for Worship and
+Catechising. According to the Scriptures."</p>
+<p>Isa. xix. 18. "In that day shall five cities in the land of
+Egypt speak the language of Canaan, and swear to the Lord of
+Hosts." Jer. xxxii. 39. "And I will give them one heart and one
+way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them and of
+their children after them." Zech. xiv. 9. "And the Lord shall be
+King over all the earth: in that day there shall be one Lord, and
+his name one." Acts ii. 46. "And they continuing daily with one
+accord in the temple, and breaking bread, from house to house, did
+eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart." Acts iv. 32.
+"And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart, and one
+soul." I Cor. vii. 17. "But as God hath distributed to every man,
+as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk; and so ordain I
+in all churches." Gal. vi. 16. "And as many as walk according to
+this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of
+God." Phil. iii. 16. "Nevertheless, whereto we have already
+attained; let us walk by the same rule; let us mind the same
+thing."</p>
+<p>Yet as our fathers had reason to complain, "that the profane,
+loose, and insolent carriage of many in their armies, who went to
+the assistance of their brethren in England, and the tampering and
+unstraight dealings of some commissioners and others of our nation,
+in London, the Isle of Wight, and other places, had proved great
+lets to the work of reformation and settling of kirk government
+there, whereby error and schism in the land had been greatly
+increased, and sectaries hardened in their way;" so much more
+during the time of the late persecution, the offensive carriage of
+many who went to England is to be bewailed, who proved very
+stumbling to the Sectarians there.</p>
+<p>There hath been little zeal or endeavour for such a uniformity,
+little praying for it, or mourning over the obstructions of it;
+but, upon the contrary, a toleration was embraced, introductive of
+a sectarian multiformity of religion without a testimony against
+the toleration even of Popery itself, under the usurper James, Duke
+of York; and since the Revolution the land hath done exceeding much
+to harden them. 1st, By accepting such persons to the royal dignity
+over this realm as had sworn to maintain the Antichristian
+hierarchy of Prelacy, with all the superstitions and ceremonies of
+the Church of England, and who countenance a multiformity in the
+worship of God and government of the church, and do not suppress
+such as are unsound and heterodox in the fundamental articles of
+the Christian faith. And, next, to put a full stop to all
+endeavours of uniformity and union in the Lord's way, and to bring
+the nation under an indespensible necessity of covenant breaking,
+this nation hath entered into an <i>incorporating union</i> with
+England in such terms, and upon such conditions as formally and
+explicitly established Prelacy as the Church-government there to
+all succeeding generations; and that while, in the meantime, all
+manner of Sectarian errors are there encouraged, maintained, and
+supported by means of a toleration. By the concluding of which
+union, this land hath said upon the matter that there is no
+obligation upon us to tender the advancement of religion in that
+nation, or to study such means and methods as might tend to bring
+them to a sense of their breach of covenant, or reduce them to a
+performance of the duties whereunto they are engaged; and thus this
+land hath hardened them in their sinful ways and courses, contrary
+to this Solemn League, and given them ground to think that we look
+upon the obligation thereof to be loosed. This land hath been
+wanting in compassion to them as brethren, in not labouring to show
+them their sin and danger, while persisting in a professed
+violation of their vows, and refusing them help in their need, when
+supplication was made by some of them to the first Assembly after
+the Revolution for ministers to preach the gospel. And though this
+land hath sought out methods how to entertain amity and friendship
+with them, yet have they not endeavoured to have it such as that
+the Lord should, upon that account, delight to dwell amongst us:
+nay, upon the contrary, unless these methods be repented of and
+forsaken, it is impossible that reformation should ever amount to
+that degree of perfection in these kingdoms, to which, through the
+mercy of God, it once arrived; so that instead of <i>living
+together in peace and love, we and our posterity after us</i>, are
+like to live in a joint defection from our covenant engagements
+made to the Most High God.</p>
+<p>In the second Article of the Solemn League and Covenant, we
+swear, "That we shall, without respect of persons, endeavour the
+extirpation of Popery, Prelacy, Superstition, Heresy, Schism,
+Profaneness, and whatsoever shall be found to be contrary to sound
+doctrine and the power of godliness. And in the National Covenant
+to abhor and detest the Antichristian wicked Hierarchy," &amp;c.
+According to the Scriptures.</p>
+<p>Exod. xxiii. 32, 33. "Thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor
+with their gods. They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make
+thee sin against me: for if thou serve their gods, it surely will
+be a snare unto thee." Exod. xxxiv. 12, 13. "Take heed to thyself,
+lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither
+thou goest, lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee: But ye
+shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their
+groves." Deut. xiii. chapter throughout. Judges ii. 2. "And ye
+shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; you shall
+throw down their altars," &amp;c. Zech. xiii. 2, 3. "And it shall
+come to pass in that day saith the Lord of Hosts, that I will cut
+off the names of idols out of the land, and also I will cause the
+prophets and the unclean spirits to pass out of the land. And it
+shall come to pass, that when any shall yet prophesy, then his
+father and his mother that begat him, shall say unto him, Thou
+shalt not live; for thou speakest lies in the name of the Lord: and
+his father, and his mother, that begat him, shall thrust him
+through, when he prophesieth." I Tim. iv. 1, 2, 3. "Now the Spirit
+speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from
+the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils:
+Speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their conscience seared with a
+hot iron: Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from
+meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of
+them which believe, and know the truth." Rev. xvii. 5. "And upon
+her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE
+MOTHER OF HARLOTS, AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. Verse 16. And the
+ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the
+whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her
+flesh, and burn her with fire." Compared with Rev. xviii. 4, 5, 6.
+"A I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my
+people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive
+not of her plagues: For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God
+hath remembered her iniquities. Reward her even as she rewarded
+you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup
+which she hath filled, fill to her double."</p>
+<p>Yet, alas! so far has the land been defective in this, that upon
+the contrary, it hath been polluted with idolatrous masses; altars,
+and other monuments of idolatry were suffered again to be erected;
+the penal statutes were disabled, stopped, and suspended by an
+absolute arbitrary power by means of a toleration in its own nature
+tending, and in its design intending to introduce Popery and
+slavery, which yet was accepted and addressed for by many
+backslidden ministers, who to this day have made no public
+acknowledgement of the sin of so doing, notwithstanding all the
+reformation which is bragged of, and was countenanced, complied,
+and concurred with by many people without a testimony or endeavour
+to withstand it. Yea, the administration of the government and the
+greatest offices of power and trust were committed into, and
+permitted to abide in the hands of Papists; and the head of them
+and great pillar and promoter of Popery, James the VII, was owned
+as King, contrary to the laws of God and man and covenant
+obligations, without respect of persons to extirpate Popery and
+Papists; and few during that time evinced any just zeal or
+indignation against, or fear of the manifest appearances of the
+coming in of Popery and intended establishment of it in the land.
+And not only then, but even to this day, there is too much
+conniving at Papists; the laws are not put in execution against
+them in their full extent and latitude: And albeit this land, yea,
+whole Britain and Ireland, were purged of Popery, yet cannot we be
+said to have made conscience of performing this part of the oath of
+God, while there is a confederating with Papists abroad and
+fighting in their quarrel, and that, whilst in the meantime they
+are persecuting, with the height of rigour and severity, all such
+as profess any thing of the reformed religion in their dominions.
+And as there hath been great failures in respect of extirpating
+Popery, so especially in the performance of that part of the
+covenant which binds us to the extirpation of
+Prelacy&mdash;"<i>i.e.</i> Church government by arch-bishops,
+bishops, their chancellors and commissaries, deans, deans and
+chapters, archdeacons, and all other officers depending upon that
+hierarchy:" there hath been a most wilful and palpable violation of
+the oath of God, though it be most clearly our duty prescribed in
+his word.</p>
+<p>Matt. xx. 25, 26. "But Jesus called them unto him, and said, ye
+know that the Princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them,
+and they that are great exercise authority upon them: But it shall
+not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him
+be your minister." Luke xxii. 25, 26. "And he said unto them the
+Kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them," &amp;c. Acts
+xx: 17. "And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders
+of the church." Compared with verse 28. "Take heed therefore unto
+yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath
+made you observers (bishops) to feed the church of God, which he
+hath purchased with his own blood." I Peter v. 3. "Neither as being
+lords over God's heritage: but being ensamples to the flock." 3
+John verse 9. "I wrote unto the church; but Diotrepehes, who loveth
+to have the pre-eminence among them, receiveth us not."</p>
+<p>And these breaches of it were not only made during the tunes of
+persecution, when Charles the II. by an arbitrary power, granted
+him by a parasitical Parliament, did overturn Presbyterian
+government, and introduce Prelacy, to which change the greatest
+part of the ministry did perfidiously yield, and became vassals to
+the bishops; such as were not willing to conform, were pressed to
+it by confinement, banishment, imprisonment, confiscation of goods,
+all manner of tortures, and, finally, death itself.</p>
+<p>During which hour and power of darkness, many complied with the
+enemy, by taking oaths and bonds, indulgencies and toleration, and
+because so remiss in this matter, that it was all one to them which
+government had the ascendant, so they might enjoy their worldly
+accommodations. And not only then, while Satan was let loose in his
+members and emissaries to persecute and waste the Church of Christ,
+but since peace and quietness are obtained, this duty continues to
+be greatly slighted; yea, in place of extirpating Prelacy, have
+there not been courses taken effectually to establish it? To
+instance a few&mdash;the accepting of William and Mary, and after
+them the present possessor of the Crown, to be supreme Magistrates,
+while they are knownly and professedly Prelatical in their
+judgment, and engaged by oath at their coronation to maintain the
+same; the swearing oaths of allegiance to them without security for
+their preserving of the true reformed religion&mdash;yea, without
+any limitation or qualification whatsoever; as also, the taking an
+oath of adjuration, wherein, by consequence, the takers engaged to
+do to the utmost of their power to procure that the Kings or Queens
+of these kingdoms shall be of the communion of the Prelatical
+Church, and so that they shall contribute to the support of
+Prelacy.</p>
+<p>Again, the Episcopal clergy who subjected to it during the time
+of its legal establishment, have not been therefore prosecuted by
+the discipline of the church; but such as did, and yet do profess
+it as their principle, are allowed equal encouragement with the
+Presbyterians, only providing they evidence good affection to the
+civil government. And now, since the late <i>incorporating
+union</i> with England, we of this nation have consented that
+Prelacy shall be established there to all succeeding generations,
+(as was observed in the first article); and, moreover, have given
+into the hands of the Prelatics in England, the power of making
+laws which must become binding upon this land, they being members
+of the British Parliament and council; which power has been already
+improved, to establish a liberty and protection for the whole
+rabble of the Episcopal Clergy in the free exercise of the Popish
+ceremonies of the Church of England, without any provision against
+the grossest heretical opinions that they please to broach,
+excepting only the denying of the doctrine of the blessed Trinity.
+Where, then, are our endeavours for the extirpation of the wicked
+hierarchy?&mdash;where is the abhorrence and detestation of it,
+sworn and engaged to in these Covenants?&mdash;Do not many who
+profess themselves to be Presbyterians show themselves so
+indifferent in this point, that they can join with either, as may
+suit their interest?&mdash;instance the Sacramental Testers. Few
+mourn over and pray earnestly for the subversion of that hierarchy.
+Few doctrinally discover the evils of such a government, and how
+contrary it is to God's Word&mdash;or labour to bring their hearers
+into a dislike and detestation of it, and the sad fruits which
+result from it. Few study to convince others of the evil of such a
+principle, and following such a course by the Apostle's rule,
+avoiding all unnecessary company with them, that they may be
+ashamed; but, upon the contrary, many Presbyterians too familiar
+and unnecessary converse with them, encourage and harden them; and,
+particularly, ministers are to be blamed herein, who preach one
+half of the Lord's day in the church, and allow the curate the
+other half. Few impartially reprove and warn them of their sin and
+danger; but, upon the other hand, many professed Presbyterians, by
+their untender and unchristian walk and conversation, or by their
+lukewarmness and indifferency in Christ's matters, now called
+<i>moderation</i>, and by their walking contrary to covenant
+engagements, do exceedingly harden them in their evil way, and
+scandalize them at their duty. Instead of endeavours to extirpate
+superstition and heresy, as we are bound by the same article of the
+Solemn League, and by the "National Covenant to detest all
+superstition and heresy, without or against the Word of God, and
+doctrine of this reformed kirk, according to the Scripture."</p>
+<p>Duet. xii. 30, 31, 32&mdash;"Take heed to thyself, that thou be
+not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from
+before thee, and that thou inquire not after their gods, saying,
+How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise.
+Thou shalt not do so unto the Lord thy God; for every abomination
+to the Lord which he hateth, have they done unto their gods: for
+even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to
+their gods. What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou
+shalt not add thereto nor diminish from it." Acts xvii.
+22&mdash;"Then Paul stood in the midst of Mar's-hill, and
+said&mdash;Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are
+too superstitious." Gal. iv. 10&mdash;"Ye observe days, and months,
+and times, and years." Gal. v. 20&mdash;"Idolatry, witchcraft,
+hatred, variance, emulation, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies."
+Col. ii. 20&mdash;"Wherefore, if ye be dead with Christ from the
+rudiments of the world; why as though living in the world, are ye
+subject to ordinances? verse 21, Touch not, taste not, handle not:
+verse 23, Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in
+will-worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body, not in any
+honour to the satisfying of the flesh." Tit. iii. 10&mdash;"A man
+that is an heretic, after the first and second admonition,
+reject."</p>
+<p>Yet, in the darkness of the times of persecution, many dregs of
+Popish superstition were observed, many omens and freets too much
+looked to; Popish festival days&mdash;as Pasche, Yule,
+Fastings-even, &amp;c, have been kept by many; and Prelatical
+anniversary days, and festivities devised of their own heart,
+appointed for commemorating the King's and Queen's birthdays, (as
+May 29th, October 13th, February 6th,) who were born as a scourge
+to this realm, were complied with by many. Yes, some have
+superstitiously made use of the Scriptures as a fortune book,
+looking to that which first cast up to them, or to impressions
+borne in upon their minds from such and such places of Scripture as
+Divine responses, without a due search of them as the Lord hath
+commanded. And many wavering and unstable souls have been seduced
+unto damnable and pernicious heresies, as Quakers, and delirious
+delusions, as those that followed John Gib. All which have been
+breaches of Covenant, as well as of Divine commands. Yea, even to
+this very day, the same superstitions are observed and practised,
+as abstaining from labouring upon the foresaid festivities, and
+observing presages of good or tad fortune (as it is called,) upon
+them and other times; as likewise, many practisers of enchantments
+and users of charms&mdash;yea, such as are in actual compact with
+the devil, are not carefully sought out, nor accurately tried, in
+order to be brought to punishment, but overlooked and
+protected.</p>
+<p>There has been also since the revolution, as well as before, a
+great deluge of errors through these covenanted lands, which, to
+this day, continue and increase: that might be sufficient to
+convince us that there have not been proper measures taken to
+suppress them, as this article obliges us to do;&mdash;nay, instead
+thereof, they are tolerated, maintained, and protected by
+authority, as appears both from the late Act of Parliament, and
+from the liberty allowed to that pestilent generation of Quakers,
+who keep their general meetings yearly in Edinburgh, being guarded
+by a company of the town guards. And as the state do not prosecute
+the promoters and abettors of these heresies with civil pains, as
+is the duty of such as call themselves God's vicegerents, and own
+themselves to be intrusted with keeping of both tables of the law;
+so the church is nothing speedier or more active in drawing out
+their ecclesiastical sword to cut off these luxurant branches, and
+to take <i>the little foxes which spoil the wines</i>. Many whose
+duty, by virtue of their office, is to give warning from Zion's
+walls, as watchmen entrusted with the city of God, neglect to
+discover, and from the scriptures to confute these errors, or to
+show their flocks by doctrine or writing the danger of being
+tainted with them. And as suitable endeavours have been wanting
+effectually to extirpate heresy and error, so schism, its
+inseparable companion, and necessary consequent, has exceedingly
+grown and increased, to the great damage of the church of Christ in
+these kingdoms, and utter subversion of that most pleasant fabric
+of uniformity in religion, which the League and Covenant binds us
+to endeavour. The word of God makes schism a very great sin, as is
+evident from Rom. xvi. 17; 1 Cor. xi. 18, xii. 25; Heb. x. 25; Jude
+19.</p>
+<p>And all the nation are to be reputed guilty of it who depart
+from the doctrine and laudable constitutions delivered by Christ
+and his apostles, and adhered unto by the church of Scotland in her
+purest times of Reformation. And if we consider schism under this
+notion, as we ought to do, then will we find that the greatest part
+of the land is guilty of it. Few are firmly and constantly adhering
+to the attained Reformation; but many upon the left hand, have
+turned aside to compliance with Prelacy and Erastianism, and so
+have by their defection broken the church's <i>beauty</i> and
+<i>bands</i>, order and union, in making a faction repugnant to her
+established order, and, censurable by all her standing acts, in
+bringing innovations in the government, and making a rent in the
+bowels of the church; by causing divisions and offences contrary to
+the doctrine of the church; whereby they have made themselves
+guilty of schism; and some have fallen into delusions and dotages
+upon the right hand, who, in seeking to be religious above what is
+commanded, have come short of the truth of religion, and made a
+faction repugnant to this covenant. Some, being private persons,
+have pretended an immediate commission to preach the word, and
+administer the sacraments. Others, being stumbled with the
+defection of the time, have turned aside to independency. "Some
+upon slender and insufficient grounds, have and do separate both
+from faithful ministers and Christian societies and families,
+because of difference in judgment and incident debates, wherein the
+testimony of Christ is not much concerned; or because of personal
+offences easily removed, not observing the rules of Christ for
+removing of them, not having respect to his great commands of
+charity, forbearance, forgiving one another, or condescendency. And
+among divided parties, which in our day have been long biting and
+devouring one another, there hath been too much both of sinful
+union and confederacy in terms prejudicial to truth; as our
+joinings in the <i>Angus regiment</i>, at the <i>Revolution</i>,
+and our guarding and supplicating that corrupt <i>Convention of
+Estates</i>, which consisted mostly of such as had been directly or
+indirectly guilty of the murder of the Lord's people; and upon the
+other hand, there hath been too much of sinful heats, animosities,
+and jealousies, pride, passion, and prejudice, grieving the Spirit
+of the Lord, and eating out the power and life, and much hindering
+the holy practice and spiritual exercise of religion."</p>
+<p><i>We have been so far from endeavouring to extirpate
+profaneness, another evil engaged against in the covenant, and
+condemned in the Word of God</i>. Deut. xxix. 19; Job xxi. 14; Jer.
+xxiii. 15; Ezek. xxii. 26; Hos. iv. 1-3; Heb. vii. 15.</p>
+<p>"That profanity hath been much winked at, and profane persons
+much countenanced, and many times employed, till iniquity and
+ungodliness have gone over the land as a flood; and profanity,
+beginning at the court, hath spread itself through every rank and
+quality in the land: so that immoralities and sins against every
+precept of both tables are greatly abounding." As, namely, great
+contempt of God and godliness, ignorance, atheism and irreligion,
+unsuitable walking to the knowledge of him and his perfections
+which we have, and not labouring in the use of means to attain
+more. Much neglect of pressing after peace and reconciliation with
+him, through a Mediator, and of living up to the profession which
+we make of him. Despising of his holy ordinances and means of
+worship; deafness and stupidity under the calls of his Word.
+Profanation of his holy sacraments, neglect of secret prayer
+(wherein much of the life of religion lies), and of prayer in
+families, or a negligent, careless and superficial performance
+thereof; many using a formality of words and expressions learned by
+custom. Some using our blessed Lord's prayer as a set form, which
+ought to be used as a rule of direction in all our prayers, and not
+as a dead form of words: many seeking more to be seen of men in
+this and all other duties, than to approve themselves to God, and
+more careful to come by apposite words and expressions, when
+praying with others, than to attain and entertain the breathings
+and influences of the Spirit of God. Much neglect of propagating
+Christian knowledge in congregations and families; ministers and
+masters of families not making diligent search into the knowledge
+of the flocks and families under their charge, and instructing them
+suitably. Much swearing and profanation of God's name, by loose and
+vain oaths in common discourse: yea, swearing by the
+creatures&mdash;as, soul, faith, conscience, and the like, thereby
+sacrilegiously attributing to them divine honour; as also, by
+imposing upon all persons in any public trust the unlimited and
+unlawful oath of allegiance, together with the bond of assurance,
+and the oath of abjuration, contrary to the oath of the covenant,
+thereby debauching people's consciences, and involving them in the
+guilt of perjury. Great profanation of the holy Sabbath, and
+neglect or careless performance of the duties therein required;
+breaking it by unnecessary feasting, walking, idle, vain and
+impertinent discourse, and such like recreations; yea, by hunting,
+hawking, riding and going of journeys, sounding trumpets before
+their lords of Justiciary when going to church, reading of
+proclamations wholly irrelative to religion, and making
+publications not necessary nor expedient to be made upon that day.
+Much disobedience to parents, and undue carriage of persons of all
+ranks and relations towards each other. Great murder and bloodshed,
+so that the land is defiled with blood, and that not only the blood
+of the Lord's people, who, in the times of persecution, were led
+forth like sheep to the slaughter, because of their adherence to
+their duty, and refusing conformity with wicked courses and
+subjection to wicked laws, eversive of their covenant engagements,
+not yet mourned over, nor purged away by the blood of those that
+shed it; but likewise many through the land are murdered
+frequently, and the murderers are not prosecuted with due severity:
+nay, such are the methods that are now taken to embolden the wicked
+in that and all other crimes, that whatever presumptions of guilt
+may be had, or how ample confession soever be made, if it be
+extrajudicial, and the very fact not proved by witnesses, the
+delinquent is passed over and absolved as a well-doer, and many
+actually convicted of murder are indemnified and let pass
+unpunished.</p>
+<p>Much uncleanness and filthiness, adultery, fornication, incest,
+bestiality, sodomy, lasciviousness, promiscuous dancing, stage
+plays, excessive drinking, vanity in apparel, and the like
+abominable unchastity and incentives to it. Much stealing, robbery
+and oppression, grinding the faces of the poor by unjust taxations
+and heavy impositions, and by hindering the poor from begging, for
+the support of their lives in times of scarcity, by a wicked edict.
+Perverting of justice in law suits; lawyers and advocates finding
+means, for their own gain and worldly advantage, to obtain decisive
+sentences in favor of the rich, contrary to justice and equity;
+much cheating and deceiving in bargaining; forestalling of markets
+in times of scarcity; depriving the poor of their habitations and
+livelihoods by building of parks and in-closures; tenants taking
+leases over their neighbor's head, and the like. It is, moreover,
+to be bewailed that many ministers, who should be examples of
+charity and good works, are ringleaders in this sin of oppression.
+Much lying and bearing of false witness, defaming one another's
+good name, reproaching persons for their adherence to the truths
+and cause of Christ, or for discovering any piece of zeal and
+affection that way. Much covetousness and worldly-mindedness,
+repining, murmuring and discontentment with God's dispensations;
+revenge, wrath, malice, envy, bitterness and innumerable sins, both
+against the precepts of the moral law, and the offers of Christ in
+the Gospel, which plainly says that we have not used the endeavours
+which in this Article we promise, for "Rooting up profaneness and
+whatsoever is found contrary to sound doctrine and the power of
+godliness, lest we partake of other men's sins, and so be in danger
+to receive of their plagues." Nay, hath not much unsound doctrine
+been maintained in the arguments which have been used for defending
+the lawfulness of the courses of compliance with Prelacy and
+Erastianism? and these, amongst other unsound notions, have been
+entertained amongst us&mdash;"That lesser and circumstantial truths
+are not to be suffered for; that confession of these truths hath
+not been called for in our day; that people are not in hazard of
+the sins of others, especially of magistrates and ministers, if
+they do not directly act the same sins themselves; that sins of
+bypast times (if they be not presently practiced) are not to be
+confessed, nor the persons guilty to be stood at a distance from,
+till they give evident documents of their repentance;" contrary to
+express and plain Scripture.</p>
+<p>2 Sam. xxi. 1; 2 Sam. xxiv. 17; 2 Kings xxi. 11, 12; Isa. xliii.
+27, 28; Jer. xiv. 15,16; Mic. iii. 11, 12.</p>
+<p>Whence both ministers and people have been involved in the sins
+of Prelacy, Indulgence, Toleration, Erastianism, subjecting the
+government of the church to the secular and civil authority; while
+they thought these only to be the sins of Prelates, or of wicked
+and usurping rulers; they in the meantime yielding all the
+conformity with, submission unto, and approbation of them, that was
+by wicked laws required. On the other hand, many of us have rested
+too much in a non-compliance with these, and "having a form of
+godliness, but denying the power thereof."</p>
+<p>In the third Article, whereas we are bound, "in our several
+vocations, mutually to preserve the rights and privileges of
+Parliaments, and liberties of the kingdoms;" meaning the true, real
+and righteous privileges and liberties&mdash;consonant to the Word
+of God.</p>
+<p>Deut. i. 13; Deut. xvi. 18; Isa. i. 26.</p>
+<p>Likeas, all lieges are bound by the laws of the land inserted in
+the National Covenant, to "maintain the authority of Parliaments,
+without which neither any laws nor lawful judicatories can be
+established." Yet as our fathers had reason to complain "that
+neither had the privileges of the Parliament nor liberties of the
+subject been duly tendered; but some amongst them had laboured to
+put into the hands of the king an arbitrary and unlimited power
+destructive to both; and many of them had been accessory to those
+means and ways whereby the freedom and privileges of Parliaments
+had been encroached upon, and the subjects oppressed in their
+consciences, persons and estates;" so afterwards, all alongst the
+tract of tyranny and persecution, they had rather the name and show
+than the real power and privileges of lawfully constituted
+Parliaments; having advanced the royal prerogative to such a
+boundless pitch of arbitrariness, and being so corrupted, that
+faithful men and honest and honourable patriots were excluded, and
+those admitted who by the law of God and man should have been
+debarred; and so prelimited that the members behoved to take such
+oaths (for instance, the declaration and test, abjuring and
+condemning the Covenants) as engaged them to be perjured and
+conjured enemies both to our religion and liberty, which both the
+electors of Members of Parliament and the elected did sinfully
+comply with; neither did the body of the land make conscience of
+recovering these rights and privileges thus perverted and polluted;
+but in stupid subjection did own those for representatives who
+betrayed their liberties, and made laws to enslave the nation and
+entail slavery upon, posterity. On the other hand, they that
+disowned them did not make conscience of preserving those rights
+and privileges of supreme judicatories, when inadvertently and
+unadvisedly they put in such expressions and styles in some of
+their declarations as do not belong to private persons, but only to
+such judicatories. And not only then, but since the Revolution,
+have there been many ways taken for corrupting and depriving the
+Members of Parliament; as that all members and electors of members
+have been obliged to take the oath of allegiance, with the
+assurance to such as did, and do, in their dominions, support
+Prelacy and exercise an Erastian supremacy over the church of
+Christ.</p>
+<p>And now, last of all, by the means of this fatal Union with
+England, in terms and upon conditions inconsistent with our
+covenanted Union, engaged to in the League and Covenant; the
+nation's sovereignty and independency are given up, the rights of
+Parliament entirely lost, or vanished into a shadow, little
+preferable to no Parliament; so few being to represent this nation
+in the Parliament of Great Britain, as can never be able to
+prevent, by their number of voices, any act which it shall please
+the English to make, how destructive soever the same be to our
+sacred or civil concerns. Which treaty of Union was concluded in a
+Parliament as manifestly prelimited, as any which ever was seen in
+Scotland; the members were corrupted with bribes and preferment,
+and so engaged to act contrary to the will and mind of those whome
+they did represent, and to comply with that stratagem hatched by
+the English, for enslaving this poor nation, and denuded it of its
+privileges, as well sacred as civil. And alas! how insignificant
+were the endeavours then used to prevent that course, and preserve
+the privileges of the Parliament and liberties of this kingdom?
+only some faint addresses, all other attempts being laid aside at
+their Queen's command, by her proclamation, as <i>treasonable
+convocation of the lieges</i>.</p>
+<p>Again, the subject's liberties, both as men and as Christian,
+which the scriptures allow, we should preserve,</p>
+<p>I Sam. xiv. 25; Acts xxii. 25,28; xxv. 11,16,27; Gal. v. 1.</p>
+<p>Have been miserably encroached upon by arbitrary government,
+whereby the subjects have been oppressed in their consciences,
+persons and estates, by all the oaths and bonds pressing conformity
+with the corruptions, novations, and usurpations the government of
+church and state, and persecutions for recusancy, and by
+impositions of the freedom of secret thoughts, which no law of men
+can reach, which yet in the time of the late persecution were
+extorted, by threatening of death and manifold tortures; the
+church's liberties have also been invaded by the ecclesiastical
+supremacy, declared by a blasphemous law inherent to the crown,
+which law, though it be not now in force, is yet still kept up in
+practice by the indiction, prorogation, and dissolution of
+Assemblies, and prescribing diets and causes of fasting and
+thanksgiving in the magistrate's name and authority, to which
+ecclesiastical supremacy, usurped by the magistrate, this
+backslidden church hath always subjected, and now to discover to
+the world that they are not ashamed of this surrendering of our
+Lord's prerogative to his enemies they have, in their Assembly,
+holden at Edinburgh, Anno 1710, most explicitly and fully
+subscribed to this ecclesiastical supremacy, in their Act for
+observation of fasts, wherein they affirm, "that it is much for the
+honor of God that fasts whether appointed' by the church, or the
+civil magistrate, be duly observed."</p>
+<p>In that same third Article, we are likewise bound to defend "The
+supreme magistrate's person and authority, in the preservation and
+defence of the true religion and liberties of the kingdom:" as in
+the National Covenant is expressed: likewise, "to defend his person
+and authority, in the defence of Christ his evangel, liberties of
+our country, ministration of justice, and punishment of iniquity;
+and to stand to his defence, in the defence of the true religion,
+liberties and laws of the kingdom;" as the duty is qualified in
+scripture.</p>
+<p>II Sam. v. 3.; II Kings xi. 17; II Chron. xxvi. 16, 17, 18, 21;
+Rom. xiii. 3, 4, 6; I Pet. ii. 13, 14.</p>
+<p>As our fathers in their acknowledgments had reason to say,
+"Neither hath it been our care to avoid these things which might
+harden the king in his evil way; but, upon the contrary he hath not
+only been permitted, but many of us have been instrumental to make
+him exercise his power in many things tending to the prejudice of
+religion, and of the Covenant, and of the peace and safety of these
+kingdoms; which is so far from the right way of preserving his
+Majesty's person and authority that it cannot but provoke the Lord
+against him unto the hazard of both. Nay, under a pretence of
+relieving and doing for the king, whilst he refuses to do what was
+necessary for the house of God, some have ranversed and violated
+most of all the Articles of the Covenant."</p>
+<p>So, during the unhappy days of the late tyranny, it was the
+land's sin and shame, and ought to be our sorrow, that men were
+mounted upon a throne of iniquity whose main design and practice
+was to subvert religion and persecute it, to introduce Popery
+itself and slavery, to destroy the nation's liberties, suppress the
+evangel, and oppress its professors; who enacted and executed
+manifest injustice, stopped the ministration of justice against
+idolaters, adulterers, murderers, and other malefactors, and
+punished equity and duty, instead of iniquity; arrogated and
+obtained a monstrous prerogative above all rights and privileges of
+Parliaments, all laws, all liberties; a power to tyrannize as they
+pleased without control. But, as it was their sin who inaugurated
+Charles II. after such discoveries of his hypocritical enmity to
+religion and liberty, upon his subscription to the Covenants, so
+when he burned and buried that Covenant, and degenerated into
+manifest tyranny, and had razed the very foundation upon which both
+his right to govern, and the people's allegiance were founded, and
+remitted the subjects' allegiance by annulling the bond of it: it
+was the land's sin that they continued still to own his authority
+when opposite to, and destructive of religion and liberty; and of
+those who appeared in arms at Pentland and Bothwell Bridge, that
+they put in his interest (with application of the words of the
+Covenant to him, though stated in opposition to it) into <i>the
+state of the quarrel</i>, in their <i>declaration of war</i>, for
+which (so far as the godly could discern) the Lord put them to
+shame, and went not forth with their armies. It was likewise the
+sin of the land, and a great breach of Covenant, when the Duke of
+York was admitted to the exercise of the royal office against the
+laws of God and man; being incapable of the Covenant qualifications
+of a magistrate, and being a Papist, and so incapable of taking the
+"oath of coronation to maintain the true Protestant religion, and
+gainstand and abolish Popery;" which, for the preservation of the
+true religion, laws, and liberties of this kingdom, is stated by
+the 8th Act of Parliament, I King James VI, "That all kings, at the
+reception of their princely authority, shall take and swear;" yet
+this authority, though inconsistent with, and declaredly opposite
+to religion and liberty, was owned and upheld, by paying cess and
+supplies, expressly exacted for upholding tyranny in the
+destruction of religion and liberty; and though the Lord did, for a
+long time, by the tyranny of Charles II. and James VII., chastise
+these covenanted lands, yet there has not been a turning to him
+that smiteth: but these lands have again transgressed the Lord's
+commandments, and broken this part of the Covenant of the Lord, by
+receiving, admitting, supporting and subjecting to such, for Kings
+and Queens over these realms as want the qualifications required in
+God's word, and enacted by the righteous and laudable laws of the
+land to be in magistrates, superior and inferior: which were not
+brought under Covenant ties and obligations, to be for God and
+religion in their own persons and families, and to advance and
+preserve the same allenarly in their dominions; but in place
+thereof have come under oath and obligation to countenance, protect
+end advance the Romish superstitions and innovations in the worship
+of God and government of the Church, which the Covenant binds these
+kingdoms to suppress and extirpate, and in consequence of, and in
+conformity to, these obligations, do maintain and defend, or
+tolerate and allow Prelacy and Sectarian errors in their dominions,
+contrary to the true religion and sound doctrine, contrary to
+justice and equity; yea, contrary to that trust especially
+committed to the hands of Christian Magistrates, who for that end
+have the sword given them, <i>that they may be a terror to evil
+doers</i>, preserve and defend the true religion and professors
+thereof, and punish and extirpate false religion and heresies, and
+bring the wheel over the broachers, maintainers and abettors
+thereof; which did, and do exercise an Erastian supremacy over the
+church, in proroguing, and dissolving General Assemblies,
+appointing diets and causes of fasts and thanksgivings; and by
+their civil authority causing them to be kept and observed; which
+do not impartially execute justice upon all offenders, witness the
+frequent indemnities and remissions granted to murderers; as
+particularly, the passing without punishment the persons which
+perpetrated the inhuman, barbarous and lawless action of the
+massacre of Glencoe. Which waste and destroy the kingdom, by
+levying men and raising money for maintaining a long and expensive
+war, undertaken neither for the advancement of the true religion,
+nor for the advantage and safety of the nation; but in favour of
+the house of Austria, which hath been, and yet continues to be, one
+of the strong pillars of Antichrist's kingdom, and inplacable
+enemies to the true reformed religion, as appears by the
+persecution of the Protestants in Silesia, Hungary, &amp;c. And yet
+notwithstanding of all this, many in the land of all ranks have
+sworn to bear true and faithful allegiance to them, without any
+conditional restriction or limitation; so that it is not possible
+for them, in a consistency with their oath, to disown their
+authority, and deny them subjection, or refuse to defend their
+persons and government, albeit they should proceed to the greatest
+pitch of arbitrariness; which is very far from the defence promised
+to Magistrates in the Covenant: the whole land (almost) hath
+complied with them in all the forementioned particulars so
+diametrically opposite to the Covenants, and supported,
+strengthened and encouraged them in these evil courses, by paying
+them cess and other subsidies; and ministers have minded so much to
+be loyal to their government, that they have forgotten to be
+faithful to their souls, in that they have not discovered to them
+the sin and danger of patronising Prelacy, and exercising
+Erastianism over the church; but in order to obtain their favor,
+have clapped their hands in these sins, which certainly is most
+opposite to that loyalty which we ought to maintain towards
+Princes, and tends rather to diminish their just power and
+greatness, than to increase and preserve it; and, instead of being
+a proper way of defending their persons and authority, is rather a
+mean to bring the wrath of a just and jealous God upon them, and
+those who defend or connive at them in these unlawful courses.</p>
+<p>"Our own consciences within, and God's judgment upon us without,
+do convince us of the manifold, wilful, renewed breaches of the
+fourth Article, which concerneth the discovery of malignants,
+consonant to the Scriptures."</p>
+<p>2 Sam. xxiii. 6; Esther vii. 5. 6; Psalm xxvi. 5; Psalm ci. 8;
+Prov. xxv. 5.</p>
+<p>"For their crimes have not only been connived at, but dispensed
+with and pardoned, and themselves received into intimate
+fellowship, intrusted with counsels, admitted into parliaments, and
+put in places of power and authority for managing the public
+affairs of the kingdom; whereby, in God's justice, they got at last
+into their hands the whole power and strength of the kingdom, both
+in judicatories and armies, and did employ the same unto the
+enacting and prosecuting an unlawful engagement in war against the
+kingdom of England, notwithstanding the dissent of many
+considerable members of parliament, who had given constant proof of
+their integrity in the cause from the beginning; of many faithful
+testimonies and free warnings of the servants of God; of the
+supplications of many synods, presbyteries, and shires; and the
+declaration of the General Assembly and their Commissioners to the
+contrary; which engagement, as it was the cause of much sin, so
+also of much misery and calamity unto this land, and held forth the
+grievousness of our sin, in complying with malignants in the
+greatness of our judgment, that we may be taught never to split
+again upon the same rock, upon which the Lord hath set so
+remarkable a beacon. And, after all that is come to pass unto us,
+because of this our trespass, and after that grace hath been showed
+unto <i>our fathers and us once and again</i> from the Lord our
+God, by breaking these men's yoke from off <i>their and our necks,
+and sometimes</i> delivering our fathers <i>so far from their
+insultings</i>, that he put them in a capacity to act for the good
+of religion, their own safety, and the peace and safety of the
+kingdoms, should they and we again break the commandment and
+covenant of the Lord, by joining once more with the people of these
+abominations, and taking unto our bosom these serpents which had
+formerly stung us almost unto death; this, as it would argue great
+madness and folly upon our part, so no doubt, if it be not avoided,
+will provoke the Lord against us, to consume us until there is no
+remnant nor escaping in the land? many times have we been warned of
+the sin of complying with malignants, both by faithful ministers,
+and fatherly corrections from the Lord;"&mdash;yet, after all these
+punishments, we have again joined with the people of these
+abominations; the Lord is righteous, for we remain yet escaped as
+it is this day; behold, we are before him in our trespass, we
+cannot stand before him because of this.</p>
+<p>These incendiaries, malignants, and evil instruments, made many
+grievous encroachments, and prevailed much in the days of our
+fathers&mdash;yet not without dissent, testimonies, warnings, and
+declarations; but more especially in the dismal days of persecution
+and tyranny, they were suffered, yea, encouraged, without any
+significant joint testimony, not only to hinder the reformation of
+religion, but to overturn the whole work of reformation, to burn
+and bury the covenants for it, to re-establish abjured Prelacy,
+erect a monstrous Christ-exauctorating and church-enslaving
+supremacy, attempt the introduction of Popery and slavery at the
+gate of an anti-Christian toleration, and to persecute and destroy
+the godly, who durst not in conscience comply with them; and not
+only to divide the <i>King from his people, or one of the kingdoms
+from another</i>&mdash;but first, to divide the bulk and body of
+both kingdoms, and make them pursue divided interests from the
+interest and cause of Christ, and then to divide the remnant of
+such as adhered to it amongst themselves, by indulgences and other
+bonds of contention, in order to get them more easily destroyed;
+and at length to engage the King into such a division from the
+people, as to make him, instead of their protector, their declared
+destroyer; and not only to <i>make parties among the people
+contrary to his league and covenant</i>, but to draw and divide the
+whole people into a party with perjuries. The generality,
+notwithstanding, did own allegiance to the head of these
+incendiaries and malignants, yea, a Popish incendiary, because he
+wore a crown on his head; and did pay the cess imposed for the
+maintenance and encouragement of malignants; many did associate
+with them in expeditions of war, drawing up with them in their
+musters and rendezvouses, thereby countenancing a malignant cause,
+and listing themselves under a malignant&mdash;yea, Popish banner;
+many subscribed and sware themselves contrary to the covenant by
+taking tests, oaths, and bonds, obliging them to surcease from
+covenanted duties, and to keep the peace and good behaviour with
+them, whom they were obliged by covenant to seek to bring to
+punishment; yea, some, and not a few, were inveigled in the snare
+of the oath of delation, to delate the persecuted people of God to
+their courts, and thereby made them (instead of discovering
+malignants according to the covenant,) to discover their brethren
+to malignants. And very many, almost the universality of the land,
+were involved in the snare of the oath of abjuration, renouncing
+the principle of declaring war against a malignant King, and of
+asserting the lawfulness of bringing his murthering accomplices and
+incendiaries to condign punishment; but, on the other hand, some of
+the suffering party did sometimes exceed the bounds of moderation
+in this matter, in usurping the sword without God's call, without
+respect to the rule, and against the scope of their own
+declarations, to take vengeance on them at their own hand; yea,
+even to that degree, of taking the lives of some of them in an
+extravagant manner;<a name="FNanchor27" id=
+"FNanchor27"></a><a href="#Footnote_27"><sup>[27]</sup></a> for
+which, they were sadly rebuked of God, an occasion was given and
+taken to reproach and blaspheme the way of God upon that account.
+But to descend to our own time, we have it to bewail, that whatever
+alteration there is in the face of affairs since the yoke of
+tyranny was taken off our neck, yet there is no alteration in this
+matter to the better, but rather to the worse; malignants are so
+far from being brought to condign punishment, that they are the
+whole administrators of the affairs of the kingdom; whence it is
+come to pass, that the supreme judicatories which should take trial
+of such and bring them to punishment, and to whom they should be
+delated, are wholly, or mostly composed of such; yea, none may now
+be reputed malignant unless he be disaffected to the civil
+government; so that malignancy is not now disaffection to the cause
+and work of God, but disaffection to the present establishment, and
+so far are they that are truly disaffected to Christ and his
+interest this day advanced and strengthened in their designs, that
+they have (so far as in them lies) put a final stop to all further
+progress in reformation in these covenanted kingdoms; so that
+instead of discovering and bringing to punishment them who make
+parties and factions against the League and Covenant, and
+reformation therein concerted, the most part of Britain and Ireland
+are nought else but a party and faction against it, who have cast
+it out of doors, and, for what is apparent, are never minded to
+receive it again; and, upon the contrary, such as are labouring to
+adhere most closely (though in weakness) to these engagements, and
+prosecute the ends of these covenants, are unjustly looked upon as
+a party and faction, and prosecuted as offenders by such as,
+according to the genuine sense of this Article, ought to be brought
+to condign punishment. It is likewise promised in this Article,
+that such <i>shall be brought to trial as shall divide the King
+from his people, or one of the kingdoms from another</i>, which
+clause hath been broken, by using endeavours to have King and
+people and the kingdoms all conjoined in a <i>union</i> and
+conjunction contrary to, and eversive of this Solemn League and
+Covenant; and these that go under the character of ministers, from
+whom it might in all reason be expected that they should interpose
+for having malignants duly punished, are so far from doing so, that
+they make it their endeavour to please them; and upon the contrary,
+they spare no pains to incense the persons in the government
+against those whose design it is, in the Lord's strength, to adhere
+to their covenant engagements, and keep themselves unspotted from
+the abominations of the times. We acknowledge also ourselves guilty
+of the breach of this Article, in so far as we have not more
+frequently and fervently, from a real respect and zeal to the glory
+of God, after we saw no means of getting such evil instruments and
+opposers of reformation punished and suppressed by human
+judicatories, applied by prayer and supplication to God, that he
+would either of his infinite mercy convince them of, and reclaim
+them from, or in justice reprove and punish them for their
+opposition to his cause and interest. As also, that we have not
+duly searched into our own sins, and especially the malignancy of
+our own hearts: by means whereof, the Lord is highly provoked to
+permit such evil instruments not only to afflict and oppress us,
+but also to retard the success of his own work; and that we have
+not impartially or sincerely mourned over these sins in our own
+hearts and lives, which hinder our own personal, and so have
+influence to impede national reformation, and have not forsaken and
+abandoned them.</p>
+<p>In the fifth Article, we are bound, "according to our place and
+station, to endeavor, that the kingdoms may remain conjoined in a
+most firm peace and union to all posterity; and that justice may be
+done upon the wilful opposers thereof;" according to Isa. ii. 2, 3,
+xiv. 23, 24; Jer. 1, 4, 5; Ezek. xxxvii. 16, 17; Zech. ii. 11.
+viii. 21, 22; Gal. v. 12.</p>
+<p>"But through the peace and union of the kingdoms (while duly
+subordinate to the interest of religion) was a great blessing of
+God unto both, and a bond which we are bound to preserve
+inviolated, and to endeavor that justice may be done upon the
+wilful opposers thereof; yet some in this land, who have come under
+the bond of the Covenant, have made it their great study how to
+dissolve this union, and few or no endeavors have been used by any
+of us for punishing of such;" yea, very little, or none at all,
+have the most of us been concerned about this Article; whether
+there be peace with, or holiness and truth in, the other kingdoms;
+or what sort of peace, or on what foundation it be settled: both
+kingdoms are mutually guilty of dissolving this Covenant Union, in
+invading each other, at several times, contrary to the Covenant,
+the English nation in subjecting us to their conquest, and forcing
+us to a submission to their Sectarian usurpations on church and
+state; and this nation, in giving such provocations to them, by the
+unlawful engagement in the year 1648, by treating with, setting up
+and entertaining, the head of the malignant party, their enemy and
+ours both, as our King in the year 1650, and invading them upon his
+quarrel, at the Worcester expedition, Anno 1651; since which time,
+after that kingdom and this both united in that unhappy course of
+restoring the King, without respect to the Covenant, and
+re-establishing the Prelacy, which broke our Covenanted Union and
+Conjunction, that nation hath sometimes sent aid to our
+persecutors, for suppressing our attempts to recover our religion
+and liberties; and this nation hath sent forces to help their
+destroyers, and to suppress their endeavors for the recovery of
+their privileges. And in the mean time, we have been very little
+solicitous for correspondence to settle union with such of them as
+owned the Covenant, or for giving to, or receiving from them,
+mutual informations of our respective cases and conditions, under
+all our calamities and calumnies cast upon us: nor have we studied
+to keep sympathy or communion of saints, or mutual bearing of one
+another's burdens, as became covenanted brethren.</p>
+<p>On the other hand instead of union in truth and duty according
+to the bond of the Covenant, a confederacy hath been studied in
+defection from the Covenant, and an union and peace which wanted
+the foundation laid down in the foregoing Articles of the Covenant,
+viz., "uniformity in doctrine, worship, discipline and government,
+against Popery, Prelacy, Schism, Sectarianism, for our religion,
+laws and liberties, and discovering, suppressing and punishing the
+enemies of these interests." Such an Union has not been studied nor
+sought, but on the contrary an Union against the Reformation and
+Uniformity, for Prelacy and Sectarianism multiformity, by
+maintaining tyranny and strengthening malignancy. Yea, by the means
+of this incorporating Union now of late established, Prelacy is not
+only strengthened and confirmed, but so settled as to continue to
+all succeeding generations, and this nation's slavery as well as
+their sin perpetuated. And persons of all ranks have had a deep
+hand in this trespass: the nobility and gentry who represented the
+nation, in surrendering their own and the nation's rights and
+privileges; ministers in not warning them faithfully to beware of
+that covenant-breaking course, which could not but provoke God to
+anger against this poor island, but showing more concern in that
+juncture for settling their own, then for securing and advancing
+Christ's interest; and the body of the land, in that they did not
+bestir themselves, for the defence of their own liberties in a
+lawful way.</p>
+<p>In the sixth Article we are bound, "according to our places and
+callings, in this common cause of religion, liberty and peace, to
+assist and defend all those that enter into this League and
+Covenant, in the maintaining thereof. And in the National Covenant,
+in like manner, we are bound to stand to the mutual defence and
+assistance, every one of us of another, in the same cause, with our
+best counsel, our bodies, means, and whole power, against all sorts
+of persons whatsoever; so that whatsoever shall be done to the
+least of us for that cause, should be taken as done to all of us in
+general, and to every one of us in particular." A duty very clear
+in the scriptures; Judges v. 23; 1 Chron. xii. 1, 18; Neh. iv. 14;
+Prov. xxiv. 11, 12.</p>
+<p>But alas! how little conscience hath been made of this duty? "We
+have suffered many of our brethren in many parts of the land to be
+oppressed of the common enemy, without compassion or relief. There
+hath been great murmuring and repining because of expenses of means
+and pains in doing of our duty;" and not only so, but many did
+swear and subscribe oaths and bonds expressly against such
+assistances, and to condemn all such endeavors, to assist, defend
+and rescue them, as rebellion and sedition, and obliging them to
+assist their murdering malignant enemies, by such occurrences as
+they required. Yea, many instead of coming out to <i>help the Lord
+against the mighty</i>, and defending their brethren, did come out
+to the help of the mighty against the Lord, his cause, Covenant,
+and oppressed people; concurring in arms against them at all the
+appearances that were made and essayed for the cause of Christ;
+compearing at courts, held for informing against and condemning
+their brethren, that were present at, or concerned in such
+appearances for the Covenanted cause, and coming in as witnesses
+against them; sitting in assizes for condemning them, and guarding
+them to their executions, when martyred for their duty, and the
+interest of truth. Many likewise denied to reset, harbor or
+entertain their brethren, persecuted for maintaining the Covenanted
+Reformation; some raised the hue and cry after them, thereby
+occasioning, and assisting in, the murder of several faithful
+brethren; the most part owned the great murderer who authorized all
+the rest, and enacted all these murders, and assisted him and his
+accomplices, and executioners of his murdering mandates, with their
+persons and estates, in paying the supplies professedly demanded,
+and declaredly imposed, for enabling them to accomplish these
+mischiefs. Yea, many were so far from assisting, that they added
+afflictions to their afflicted brethren, their reproaches, and
+persecuting by the tongue those whom the Lord had smitten, and
+talking to the grief of those he had wounded. And all sorts of us
+have been wanting in our sympathy with, and endeavoring succor to,
+our suffering brethren, let be to deliver them from their enemies'
+hands according to our capacity. So also, it is for matter of
+lamentation, that many ministers all alongst discovered great
+unconcernedness with, and contempt of, poor despised and reproached
+sufferers, condemned the heads of their suffering, forgot or
+refused to pray for them publicly. And as this Article was all
+alongst through the persecuting times, most grossly violated, so to
+this day it continues to be. Any that would appear in the least
+active in this cause, are so far from being assisted that they are
+borne down, derided, sentenced, and sometimes imprisoned; whatever
+motions are made in private discourses, or public sermons, which
+may import a respect to, or liking of, this noble cause of
+religion, or a dislike of, and displacency with the courses
+opposite unto it, are so far from being countenanced, that the
+movers are hated, vilipended, contemned or censured, as raisers of
+dust, formenters of division, pragmatic, turbulent and fractious
+spirits, and loaded with many other defamatory epithets and
+calumnies. Many instances of which may be given since the
+Revolution. For example, when in the year 1690, there was a paper
+of grievances presented to the Assembly by some of those who had
+been keeping up a witness against the iniquitous courses of the
+times, and were now expecting that as the fruit of a merciful
+delivery from tyrannical usurpations, and antichristian
+persecutions, Reformation should be revived, grievances redressed,
+judicatories rightly constituted, and duly purged, it was far from
+receiving a kind and friendly reception and they who presented it
+left without assistance and help, contrary to the tenor of the
+Covenant, so that that paper could not be allowed a hearing, let be
+a redress, and the persons who offered it to their consideration
+were, to their great sorrow and grief of heart, dismissed without a
+satisfying answer. As also when Messrs. Linning, Shields and Boyd,
+who had been carrying on a Testimony against the time's defection,
+and were now minded to join with the Assembly, after the exhibition
+of their Testimony, whatever acceptance it might meet with at their
+hands, had in prosecution of this their design, exhibited their
+proposals to the Committee of Overtures, these proposals, though
+both worthy of consideration and necessary to be redressed, were
+not allowed a hearing in open Assembly, but rejected as being "made
+up of mistakes, reflections, unseasonable and impracticable
+overtures," and the said persons, so far from being assisted, in
+order to a removal of the evils therein complained of, as
+destructive to the cause of God, that upon the contrary the four
+named persons stand in the fifth Act of that pretended Assembly
+characterized with the name and epithet of persons who had followed
+courses contrary to the order of the church, and in their
+Moderator's exhortation, <i>to walk orderly in time coming, in
+opposition to all schism and division</i>, their former practice of
+testifying against the corruptions of the times was implicitly
+condemned as disorderly, schismatic and divisive. Another instance
+of this appeared not long after; when in the year 1692, some of the
+godly of the land published their declaration disowning William and
+Mary's government, because not qualified as God's word, and our
+Covenants do require, as it is specified at large in the narrative
+of that declaration; some of them were apprehended and imprisoned,
+for that piece of adherence to the Covenanted Reformation, and
+opposing or at least witnessing against the courses which they
+found to be contrary to it. Yet who at that juncture appeared to
+assist them in their laudable undertakings? And all alongst since,
+whosoever has offered grievances, or any way witnessed against the
+bypast and present defections, have been and are prosecuted with
+church censure, or persecuted with bitter and malicious invectives
+and reproaches, falling from the tongues and pens of those that are
+obliged by Covenant to have assisted, defended and encouraged them.
+And especially ministers, who by virtue of their office, as well as
+Covenant engagements, are obliged to excite persons to, and assist
+them in their duty, have been active to do the quite contrary; for
+instance, when some persons offered to give public satisfaction for
+their compliance with Christ's enemies, they refused to admit them.
+But to what purpose do we repeat these instances? It is too certain
+and evident, that there is more assistance and encouragement
+afforded to the enemies of this cause and Covenant, by persons of
+all ranks than to the friends and well wishers of it. Love to, and
+zeal for this cause are greatly decayed, and therefore mutual
+sympathy and affection amongst the people of God in the prosecution
+and maintenance of it are much a wanting.</p>
+<p>In the same Article we are bound, "not to suffer ourselves
+directly or indirectly, by whatsoever combination or terror, to be
+divided or withdrawn from this blessed union and conjunction,
+whether to make defection to the contrary part, or to give
+ourselves to a detestable indifferency or neutrality in this cause;
+and in the National Covenant, that we shall neither directly nor
+indirectly suffer ourselves to be divided, or withdrawn, by
+whatsoever suggestion, allurement or terror, from this blessed and
+loyal conjunction. According to scripture warrants."</p>
+<p>Gen. xiii. 8; Psal. cxxxiii. throughout; Zech. viii. 19; I Cor.
+i. 10; Eph. iv. 3; Phil. i. 27, ii. 2; Heb. xxi. 14; Jer. ix. 3;
+Ezek. xxii. 25; Hag. i. 2; Phil. ii. 21; II Tim. iv. 10; Rev. iii.
+15.</p>
+<p>But, alas! it is long since our fathers had reason to complain
+and confess, "That many in their day through persuasion or terror,
+suffered themselves to be divided and withdrawn to make defection
+to the contrary part. Many had turned off to a detestable
+indifferency and neutrality in this cause, which so much concerneth
+the glory of God, and the good of these kingdoms. Nay, many had
+made it their study to walk so, as they might comply with all
+times, and all the revolutions thereof. That it was not their care
+to countenance, encourage, entrust, and employ, such only as from
+their hearts did affect and mind God's work; but the hearts of
+such, many times had been discouraged, and their hands weakened,
+their sufferings neglected, and themselves slighted, and many who
+had been once open enemies, and always secret underminers,
+countenanced and employed. Nay, even those who had been looked upon
+as incendiaries, and upon whom the Lord had set marks of desperate
+malignancy, falsehood and deceit, were brought in as fit to manage
+public affairs."</p>
+<p>All which sins and breaches of covenant have now increased to a
+great height of heinousness; for, in our day, these incendiaries,
+desperate and engrained malignants have only been employed in, and
+admitted to the management of the affairs of the kingdom, and none
+but they accounted habile by law; and such divisions from the
+Covenanted-conjunction, and defections to the contrary part have
+been, and are enacted and established by law; yea, all the unhappy
+divisions that have been from the <i>public resolutions</i>, and
+downward, have been the woful consequents and effects of defections
+to the contrary part. At the first erection of Prelacy, many, both
+ministers and professors, partly by terror, partly by persuasions,
+did withdraw from this covenanted conjunction, and make defection
+unto Prelacy, with which they combined, conforming with, and
+submitting to the ministry of the conforming curates; and
+afterward, by the terror of the fear of men, and the persuasions of
+their counsel and example, many of the land were seduced into a
+combination with malignants, in taking oaths and bonds contrary to
+the covenant, thereby dividing themselves from the recusants, and
+making defection to the party imposing them, and opposing the
+covenants. By combination of those that preferred peace to truth,
+and ease to duty&mdash;by the terror of threatened continuance of
+persecution, and the persuasion of a promised relaxation and
+immunity from troubles; many ministers have been divided from the
+testimony of the Church of Scotland, against the enroaching
+supremacy and absolute power, and one from another, and have made
+defection to that part and party that were advancing these
+encroachments and usurpations on the prerogatives of Christ and
+privileges of his church; by receiving indulgences and tolerations
+from them, in their own nature destructive unto, and given and
+received on terms inconsistent with the duties of the covenants,
+which were contrived and conferred on purpose to divide them from
+this cause, and from their brethren that more tenaciously adhered
+to it; and did effectuate that design in a great measure&mdash;and
+others gave themselves to a detestable indifferency in complying
+with, conniving at, and not witnessing against these defections,
+but passing them over in a secure submissive silence. And as, in
+the times of persecuting violence, these breaches of this Article
+were made by reason of the snares of that sinful time; so much more
+has there been a manifest violation of it since, when at this day
+there is such a universal combination of interests in opposition to
+the covenanted reformation. Are not the most of the three kingdoms
+in one great combination against it, by this cope-stone of
+defection, this incorporating union? How have we made conscience of
+performing that part of the covenant anent <i>resisting the
+persuasion of men to make defection to the contrary part</i>, when
+the whole land is so deeply involved into it? There has been, alas!
+too much way given to carnal arguments and persuasives&mdash;such
+as worldly gain, ease, profit, and preferment, and too much slavish
+fear and terror of men, whose breath is in their nostrils, has been
+entertained, without a due reliance and dependance upon
+Omnipotency; which has greatly carried men off their feet, and
+wheedled them into a compliance with, and defection to the contrary
+part, or into a neutrality and indifferency in this cause; so that
+few are found valiant for the truth upon the earth. What strange
+laxness and Laodicean indifference has there appeared in this
+cause, through the whole conduct of affairs in church and state,
+since the revolution; whereby many discover to every observant eye
+that they are satisfied if they obtain a peaceful enjoyment of
+their own things, and liberty to dwell in their ceiled
+houses&mdash;albeit the Lord's house (in a great measure) lies
+waste? Where are there any acts of Assemblies, or proceedings of
+the church, which discover any due concern or zeal for the
+covenanted interests? Nay, the contrary has too frequently
+appeared; as for instance, when by the 5th act of the 2d session of
+William and Mary's 1st Parl., the establishment of the church was
+calculated for the meridian of state-policy, according to act 114,
+Parl. 12, King James VI. Anno 1592. On purpose to pass over in
+shameful oblivion the church's choicest attainments in reformation
+betwixt 1638 and 1649; and particularly, to make void the League
+and Covenant, with the Assembly's explanatory declaration affixed
+to the National, the malignants' grand eye-sore, there was no
+faithful protestation and testimony exhibited against this by the
+Assembly, then indicted, and convened the 16th of October
+following; which, if duly pondered in all its circumstances,
+without the mask and pretexts industriously drawn over it, will
+appear to be, perhaps one of the greatest sins of this nation, and
+to be little inferior in nature and aggravations to the burning of
+the covenants, which is granted by all Presbyterians to be a most
+atrocious act of contempt done to the eternal God, and to his Son
+Jesus Christ, and cannot be called to mind by any of the godly
+without great abhorrence and detestation of it; in so far as the
+passing over and not ratifying these acts of Parliament and
+Assembly by the respective judicatories, which were made during
+that time of reformation, was a practical and interpretative
+condemning of them as unprofitable, and did greatly corroborate the
+acts whereby Charles II. had declared them null and not obligatory;
+and did likewise import a vilifying and despising of what God had
+wrought for his people in these lands, during that time; and,
+lastly, was a manifest indication of disregard to the oath of God,
+which these lands had come under. Neither did that, nor any
+succeeding Assembly, impartially and explicitly enumerate the
+land's sins in their national fasts; namely, the indulgence and
+toleration, with the addresses and thanksgiving for it, and the
+burning of the covenant, &amp;c.; neither have they, in any of
+their addresses to their King or Queen, by letters, or other means,
+declared unto them the indispensable duty of renewing the
+covenants, nor applied to the Parliament for that effect; neither
+have they, by their Assembly-acts, asserted the intrinsic power of
+the church; neither did they in any of their acts, or public
+papers, make honourable mention of those who had laid down their
+lives for their adherence to Christ's truths during the times of
+persecution, nor testified their approbation of what was done that
+way; and yet many of us have been wanting in testifying our dislike
+of these backsliding courses, by discountenancing, withdrawing
+from, and keeping ourselves free of all participation with them;
+but have received the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper,
+and the privilege of marriage at their hands, and paid tithes and
+stipends. By all which, it is apparent now much indifferency there
+has been in this cause of covenanted interest, which so much
+concerneth the glory of God, the good of the kingdoms, and the
+honour of the civil Magistrate.</p>
+<p>Moreover in the same Article we are sworn, "All the days of our
+lives, zealously and constantly to continue in this cause, against
+all lets and impediments whatsoever, and what we are not able
+ourselves to suppress and overcome, to reveal and make known the
+same that it may be timeously prevented. And in the National
+Covenant, never to cast in any let, that may stop or hinder any
+such resolution, as by common consent shall be found to conduce for
+so good ends; but on the contrary, by all lawful means, to labor to
+further and promote the same; and if any such dangerous or divisive
+motion be made to us by word or writ, that we and every one of us
+shall either suppress it, or if need be, incontinent make the same
+known, that it may be timeously obviated. Agreeing very well with
+the scriptures." Numb. xiv. 9, 10; Neh. vi. 3, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11;
+Isa. viii. 12, 13, 14; Acts iv. 19, 20, 24, xxi. 13; Gal. ii. 5;
+Phil. i. 28.</p>
+<p>Nevertheless, <i>many have been the lets and impediments, that
+have been cast in the way, to retard and obstruct the Lord's
+work</i>, by Prelacy, supremacy, indulgences, toleration, and
+absolute tyranny and compliance therewith, enacted by law, and all
+the mischiefs established by a throne of iniquity since the unhappy
+restoration of Charles II. to this day. Yet few have ever zealously
+contended and fewer have constantly continued in contending,
+against these obstructions, so obstructive to the cause, many have
+kept secret the first motions and appearances of these things,
+while they might have been suppressed and overcome, and the
+generality have passed them over in silence, and not made known,
+nor advertised unto evil of these things when declared, by
+witnessing against these things, when, they could not be otherwise
+removed or overcome. Yea, many of us have ourselves cast in lets
+and impediments, obstructive to the cause, by our defections
+divisions and disorders against common consent, and precipitances,
+without common consent even of our brethren adhering to the
+testimony. Many a divisive motion hath not been counted dangerous,
+of those which tended to divide us from the Covenanted cause. And
+many a good and necessary motion hath been accounted divisive,
+namely, such as proposed the necessity of confessing and forsaking
+sin.</p>
+<p>"Besides these and many other breaches of the Articles of the
+Covenant, in the matter thereof, which concerneth every one of us,
+to search out and acknowledge before the Lord, as we could wish his
+wrath to be turned away from us, so have many of us failed
+exceedingly in the manner of following and pursuing the duties
+contained therein, not only seeking great things for ourselves, and
+mixing private interests, and ends concerning ourselves, and
+friends, and followers, with those things which concern the public
+good; but many times preferring such to the honour of God and good
+of his cause; and retarding God's work until we might carry alongst
+with us our own interests and designs: it hath been our way to
+trust in the means, and to rely upon the arm of flesh for success,
+albeit the Lord hath many times made us meet with disappointments,
+and stained the pride of all our glory, by blasting every carnal
+confidence unto us. We have followed for the most part the counsels
+of flesh and blood, and walked more by the rules of policy than
+piety, and have hearkened more unto men than unto God."</p>
+<p>In the conclusion of the Solemn League and Covenant there is a
+profession and declaration "before God and the world of our
+unfeigned desires to be humbled<a name="FNanchor28" id=
+"FNanchor28"></a><a href="#Footnote_28"><sup>[28]</sup></a> for our
+own sins and for the sins of these kingdoms<a name="FNanchor29" id=
+"FNanchor29"></a><a href="#Footnote_29"><sup>[29]</sup></a>;
+especially that we have not valued, as we ought, the inestimable
+benefit of the gospel<a name="FNanchor30" id=
+"FNanchor30"></a><a href="#Footnote_30"><sup>[30]</sup></a>, that
+we have not laboured for the purity<a name="FNanchor31" id=
+"FNanchor31"></a><a href="#Footnote_31"><sup>[31]</sup></a> and
+power thereof<a name="FNanchor32" id="FNanchor32"></a><a href=
+"#Footnote_32"><sup>[32]</sup></a>, and that we have not
+endeavoured to receive Christ into our hearts<a name="FNanchor33"
+id="FNanchor33"></a><a href="#Footnote_33"><sup>[33]</sup></a>, nor
+to walk worthy of him in our lives<a name="FNanchor34" id=
+"FNanchor34"></a><a href="#Footnote_34"><sup>[34]</sup></a>, which
+are the causes of other sins and transgressions so much abounding
+amongst us<a name="FNanchor35" id="FNanchor35"></a><a href=
+"#Footnote_35"><sup>[35]</sup></a>: all which we are under many
+obligations to confess and mourn over from the word; and, of our
+true and unfeigned purpose and desire, to endeavour for ourselves
+and all others under our power and charge<a name="FNanchor36" id=
+"FNanchor36"></a><a href="#Footnote_36"><sup>[36]</sup></a> both in
+public and in private, in all dutie<a name="FNanchor37" id=
+"FNanchor37"></a><a href="#Footnote_37"><sup>[37]</sup></a>] we owe
+to God and man, to amend our lives<a name="FNanchor38" id=
+"FNanchor38"></a><a href="#Footnote_38"><sup>[38]</sup></a> and
+each one to go before another<a name="FNanchor39" id=
+"FNanchor39"></a><a href="#Footnote_39"><sup>[39]</sup></a> in the
+example of a real reformation, that the Lord might turn away his
+wrath and heavy indignation,<a name="FNanchor40" id=
+"FNanchor40"></a><a href="#Footnote_40"><sup>[40]</sup></a> and
+establish these kingdoms in truth and peace.<a name="FNanchor41"
+id="FNanchor41"></a><a href="#Footnote_41"><sup>[41]</sup></a> Yet
+we have refused to be reformed and have walked proudly and
+obstinately before the Lord, not valuing his gospel, nor submitting
+ourselves unto the obedience thereof; not seeking after Christ, nor
+studying to honour him in the excellency of his person, nor to
+employ him in the virtue of his offices; not making conscience of
+the public ordinances, nor studying to edify one another in love.
+The ignorance of God and his Son Jesus Christ prevails exceedingly
+in the land." Even our fathers in their purest times confessed, in
+their acknowledgement of sins, "That the greatest part of masters
+of families among noblemen, barons, gentlemen, burgesses, and
+commons, neglected to seek God in their families, and to endeavour
+the reformation thereof. And albeit it had been much pressed, yet
+few of the nobles and great ones could be persuaded to perform
+family duties themselves in their own persons, which made so
+necessary a duty to be disregarded by persons of inferior
+rank."</p>
+<p>We may add, in our degenerate times, not only the great ones
+generally profess the neglect and contempt of so necessary a duty,
+both in their own persons and in the use of chaplains; but the
+great part of the commons are altogether strangers to it; many
+performing no part of the family worship at all, others only
+singing a psalm and reading a chapter without praying, and others
+making a fashion of all, but very perfunctoriously, formally, and
+indifferently, and scarcely once in a day. And ministers also
+making little conscience of visiting families to see how this duty
+is performed, not pressing it upon the negligent, nor stirring up
+the formal to a more spiritual way of performing it, nay, some
+giving bad examples to their flocks, by neglecting it themselves in
+their own families. <i>The nobility, gentry, and barons, who should
+be examples of sober walking unto others, are very generally
+ringleaders of excess and rioting</i>. We have been far from
+amending our lives and promoting a personal reformation, and going
+before one another in the example of a real reformation, when we
+have been examples of deformation in our personal practices and
+public transactions, and being too-familiar and too far united with
+the patrons and patterns of the land's deformations. "Our fathers
+also acknowledged, albeit they were the Lord's people engaged unto
+him in a solemn way; yet they had not made it their study that
+judicatories and armies should consist of, and places of power and
+trust be filled with men of blameless and Christian conversation,
+and of known integrity and approved fidelity, affection, and zeal
+unto the cause of God. And not only those who were neutral and
+indifferent, but disaffected and malignant, and others who were
+profane and scandalous were intrusted. By which it came to pass
+that judicatories, EVEN THEN, were the seats of injustice and
+iniquity. And many in their armies, by miscarriages, became their
+plague unto the great prejudice of the cause of God, the great
+scandal of the gospel, and the great increase of looseness and
+profanity throughout all the land." But, since the time of that
+acknowledgment there has still been more and more degeneracy, so
+that judicatories have consisted of, and been filled with perjured
+traitors to God and their country. And armies made up of these
+plagues marshalled under a displayed banner against Christ and his
+interest, not only to the scandal, but for the suppression of the
+gospel, and forcing people to profanity throughout the land; and
+now are, to the disgrace of the Protestant religion, made up of the
+refuse of the lands, and employed in the support of an
+Antichristian interest abroad. Yet have we not sighed and cried for
+these abominations, nor have we been concerned, as we ought, with
+the abounding of them through the land. As also, with blushing, we
+must confess our pride and presumptuous boasting of external
+privileges of the gospel and outward reformation, and of a
+testimony which we bragged of, as if that had made us better than
+others, while we made no conscience of personal reformation, which,
+no doubt, amongst other sinful miscarriages, was a main cause of
+the Lord's depriving us so long a time of the comfortable and
+soul-enriching mercy of a faithfully dispensed gospel.</p>
+<p>And, in like manner, the conceitedness of some in suffering and
+contending for truth, rather for keeping up the contention abetting
+a party, and many times under too lofty names of the suffering
+party, and remnant, and the like, than to keep and hold fast the
+word of the Lord's patience to his glory as our crown; and many
+other evidences of pride hateful to God, such as boasting in the
+strength of armies in the suffering times in an ostentatious way,
+vaunting of, and being too much taken up with them, though then
+necessary for the defence of our lives; rejoicing in our
+numerousness or worldly abilities, or in the number of them that
+frequent the public ordinances in the fields; or that they, who are
+owners of the testimony, are for the most, part kept free from the
+gross out-breakings into which others are left to fall; which
+things, though very good and desirable in themselves, may yet be,
+and have been, occasions of sin when boasted in, more than humbly
+and thankfully acknowledged to be from the hand of God. As also,
+revengeful resenting of affronts, passionate and disdainful
+refusing to take reproof for faults, or for the excess in any duty,
+as to the manner of it, when we thought the matter was right.</p>
+<p>And, it is likewise matter of regret, that both in the time of
+greatest suffering and afterwards, idleness of both kinds did too
+much prevail amongst us; both that when we were in a manner driven
+from the world, and shut up from all employment but the exercise of
+godliness, many did not improve that opportunity of the cross to
+promote acquaintance and communion with God, being slothful in
+prayer, reading and other duties; and some again, even when they
+might have had access to lawful employments, continued idle and out
+of work, to the opening of the mouths of many against the cause;
+albeit they were not called to, or employed in any public business
+for the same.</p>
+<p>And besides all these things, there may be many other
+transgressions whereof the lands wherein we live are guilty, and
+these attended with many heinous aggravating circumstances beyond
+what they were in our fathers, which we have not been humbled for
+to this day; but, instead of mourning for them, confessing and
+forsaking them, we have been rather defending or daubing, covering
+or coloring, excusing or extenuating them. All which we now desire
+to acknowledge and be humbled for, that the world may bear witness
+with us, that righteousness belongeth unto God, and shame and
+confusion of face to us, as appears this day.</p>
+<hr style="width: 45%;">
+<h4><i>A SOLEMN ENGAGEMENT TO THE DUTIES CONTAINED IN OUR NATIONAL
+AND SOLEMN LEAGUE AND COVENANT.</i></h4>
+<h5><i>Particularly adjusted to the Circumstances of these Times,
+Anno 1712</i></h5>
+<p>Because it is requisite, in order to obtain mercy, not only to
+confess, but also to forsake our sins, and to do the contrary
+duties; therefore, that the sincerity and reality of our repentance
+may appear, we resolve, and solemnly engage before God, in the
+strength and through the assistance of Christ, that we shall
+carefully endeavour, in all time coming, to avoid all these
+offences, whereof we have now made solemn public acknowledgment,
+and all the snares and temptations tending thereunto; and to
+testify this sincerity of our resolution, and that we may be better
+enabled in the power of the Lord's might, to perform the same, we
+do again renew our Covenants, both National and Solemn League,
+promising to make conscience of a more exact performance of all the
+duties therein contained, so far as we, in our stations, and
+present deplorable circumstances, are capable; particularly such as
+follow.</p>
+<p>Because religion is of all things the most excellent and
+precious in its own nature, and therefore most to be desired by the
+children of men, and the knowledge of the great truths of the
+gospel, so generally decreased in this land, is so absolutely
+necessary to salvation; therefore in order to attain it, we shall
+labor to be better acquainted with the <i>written word of God</i>,
+the only infallible rule of faith and manners; and shall (according
+to our capacity) study more than formerly the doctrine of the
+reformed church of Scotland, summed up in our<a name="FNanchor42"
+id="FNanchor42"></a><a href="#Footnote_42"><sup>[42]</sup></a>
+Confession of Faith, Catechisms Larger and Shorter, Sum of
+Christian Doctrine and practical Use of Saving Knowledge, Directory
+for Worship (as the same was received and observed by this church
+in her purest times, viz. in the year 1649,) Propositions
+concerning Church Government, and Ordination of Ministers, annexed
+to the Confession of Faith, and other writings clearing and
+confirming these truths, approven by this church, and agreeable to
+the word of God.</p>
+<p>We shall likewise endeavor the advancing and promoting the power
+of this true Reformed Religion, against all ungodliness and
+profanity, the securing and preserving the purity thereof, against
+all kinds of errors, heresy and schism, as namely, Independency,
+Brownism, Anabaptism, Antinomianism, Arminianism, Socinianism,
+Libertinism, Familism. Scepticism, Quakerism, Deism, Burignonism
+and Erastianism; and as we declare, that we willingly agree in our
+consciences unto the doctrine of the church of Scotland in all
+points, as unto God's undoubted truth and verity, grounded only
+upon his written word, so we resolve constantly to adhere unto,
+maintain and defend, profess and confess, and (when called of God)
+to yield ourselves sufferers for the said doctrine, as we shall
+desire to be approven and confessed by Jesus Christ, before God and
+his holy angels. <i>2dly</i>, We shall also study more sincerity,
+uprightness and heart-integrity in the worship of God, and shall
+not satisfy ourselves with the form of it, without the power and
+spirituality, which God the only object of religious worship, doth
+require: and shall endeavor the due performance of all the duties
+of religious worship, which God hath in his most holy word
+required. And shall (if Providence offer occasion) endeavor to
+recover, and labor to preserve the purity thereof from all
+corruptions, mixtures, innovations and inventions of men, Popish,
+Prelatical, or any other; and while we are not able, by reason of
+the prevailing power of the abettors and maintainers of them, to
+get them removed, we shall labor (through grace) to keep ourselves
+free from all sinful communion and participation with them, and
+shall, in our stations, testify against these corruptions and
+perversions of God's worship, by all competent means. <i>3dly</i>,
+We shall likewise by all lawful means endeavor, that Presbyterian
+church government in kirk-sessions, presbyteries, synods and
+general assemblies, may be recovered in its former purity,
+established upon its proper basis and foundation, the word of God;
+and that it may be freed from all encroachments and invasions made
+thereupon by the powers of the earth; and that the discipline of
+the church may be impartially exercised against all scandalous
+offenders, great or small; and when the ministers of this church,
+or any of them, shall sincerely and conscientiously endeavor the
+restoration of the government in all its privileges, and freedom
+from all Erastian encroachments, and to have the discipline duly
+and impartially exercised, then we promise to be obedient, and be
+subject thereunto, as becomes the flock of Christ; but shall always
+testify our dislike of all encroachments made and yielded to,
+prejudical to the privileges which Christ hath bestowed upon his
+church.</p>
+<p><i>4thly</i>, We shall always desire and pray for the reviving
+of the work of uniformity in the three kingdoms, and (if the Lord
+in his providence shall offer opportunity) shall seek and endeavour
+it by other means possible, lawful, expedient, and competent to us
+in our capacities; and shall never cordially consent unto, nor
+cease to testify against, whatsoever doth obstruct and hinder that
+work of uniformity, and shall detest and abhor all multiformity,
+introduced by Erastianism, Prelacy, and Sectarianism, now so
+prevalent, and confirmed by this late union with England.</p>
+<p>According to the second Article, we shall do our utmost
+endeavour to have the land purged of Popish idolatry, and the
+monuments thereof destroyed, particularly the abomination of the
+mass; and, so far as lies in our power, shall never suffer the same
+to be re-introduced or erected again, nor favour any attempts
+tending thereunto. We shall never make any conjunction with these
+abominable Popish idolaters, at home or abroad, in armies or
+otherwise; and shall, according to our National Covenant, detest
+and abhor all their wicked superstitious rites and ceremonies. We
+shall never consent, for any reason whatsoever, that the Penal
+Statutes made against Papists should be annulled; but shall, when
+opportunity offers, be ready to concur in putting them to a due and
+vigorous execution. <i>2dly</i>, We shall, by all approven means,
+in our stations and vocations, endeavour the extirpation of
+Prelacy; and shall never submit to that wicked hierarchy of
+Bishops, Archbishops, &amp;c., having superiority of order and
+jurisdiction above preaching Presbyters, whether Erastian or only
+Diocesan, in any form or degree, howsoever reformed, accommodated,
+limited, or restricted by cautions and provisions of men; seeing
+that all such superiority is flatly condemned in the Word of God,
+and hath proven many times fatal to the church of Christ. We shall
+detest and abhor, and in our stations witness against whatsoever
+courses, tending to the establishment of that abominable hierarchy;
+and particularly, the oaths of allegiance, with the assurance, and
+oath of abjuration, lately imposed on the persons of public trust
+in these realms, in regard they may justly be interpreted to
+strengthen that hierarchy, by upholding the persons that maintain
+the same. We shall not submit to any orders issued forth by
+Bishops, nor own them as our lawgivers, nor acknowledge any title
+they have to be members of parliament or council. <i>3dly</i>, We
+shall in like manner detest, and abhor, and labour, to extirpate
+all kinds of superstition&mdash;all rites and ceremonies superadded
+by human invention to the worship of God, not enjoined and required
+in his Word; together with all heresy and false doctrine, and all
+profaneness and immortalities of every kind, and whatsoever is
+contrary to sound religion; and shall in the strength, and through
+the help of Christ, endeavour to deny all ungodliness and worldly
+lusts, and from henceforth to live righteously towards our
+neighbour, soberly in ourselves, and to walk humbly with our
+God.</p>
+<p>We shall upon the one hand, endeavour to keep ourselves, as far
+as we can, from all partakings in other men's sins, by consenting
+unto associations, incorporations, combinations, compliance with,
+or conniving at, their sins. And upon the other, to guard against
+all schism, and sinful separation, or unjust, rash, and disorderly
+withdrawing from societies, congregations or families, or any part
+of the communion of the true reformed church of Scotland, holding
+purely and entirely the doctrine, worship, discipline and
+government of the same, in principle and exercise, according to the
+rules of Christ, and standing acts and constitutions of this
+church, consonant thereunto, so far as the Lord gives light
+therein. And as we look not upon our practice in withdrawing from
+the backslidden ministers of the present Erastian church, for
+reasons valid and sufficient, to be a gathering and setting up
+formed separate churches under other ordinances and ministry,
+distinct from the Presbyterian church of Scotland, (although we be
+falsely aspersed as doing it) so we purpose and resolve always to
+adhere to that standard of doctrine, discipline, and government,
+and that purity and form of worship, which during our reforming
+times were established, and to embrace such ordinances, and such a
+ministry as are of divine appointment; and that we shall not
+presume to withdraw from minister or member of that body for any
+offence, in any case, where either the offence may be legally
+removed without withdrawing, or cannot be instructed to be
+condemned by the word of God, and constitution of this church, or
+is in itself an insufficient ground of withdrawing, or where it is
+not defended, or obstinately persisted in, or is a thing to be
+condescended upon, forborn, or forgiven; but shall study to
+maintain union and Christian communion, with all and every one,
+whether ministers or private Christians, who adhere unto the purity
+of the doctrine, worship, discipline and government of the church
+of Scotland, and to the whole word of Christ's patience, in the
+sufferings and contendings of his people, in opposition to his
+enemies' encroachments; and shall join, in the way of truth and
+duty, with all who do, and in so for as they do, adhere to the
+institutions of Christ. And because many have labored to supplant
+the liberties of the true kirk, and have in a great measure, of
+late by indulgences and toleration, and now by oaths of allegiance
+and abjuration, and encroaching on the freedom of Christ's courts,
+obtained their design: we shall therefore, to our power withstand
+and witness against all these encroachments made upon the liberties
+of Christ's church in our land, and when we can do no more, shall
+withdraw our countenance and concurrence from such as hold their
+freedom from, and are modified by such usurpation; and shall
+neither hear their sermons, nor pay them stipends, while they
+continue unfaithful; and shall, whenever God gives us opportunity,
+endeavor to recover, and when recovered, to maintain and defend the
+liberties and privileges of the church of Scotland, against all who
+shall oppose or undermine the same, or encroach thereupon, under
+any pretext whatsoever.</p>
+<p>With reference to the third Article, wherein we are bound to
+defend the privileges of the Parliament, liberties of the kingdoms,
+and the King's Majesty's person and authority, in the defence of
+the true Reformed religion: albeit God, in his righteous judgment,
+hath left the nations so far to the counsels of their own hearts,
+as to suffer them to set up Magistrates, wanting the qualifications
+requisite, and to fill places of power and trust with insufficient
+and disaffected persons, who have no respect to the interest of
+religion, and this nation in particular to give up the rights and
+privileges of Parliament, and kingdom, to the will and lust of the
+English, and so to betray the interest both of religion and civil
+liberty for unworthy by-ends; yet we purpose and promise, that we
+shall always in our capacities bear witness against these courses,
+and shall not by any means corroborate them, or encourage and
+countenance the maintainers and abettors of them. And if ever the
+Lord in his mercy shall be pleased to open a door of relief, and
+break the cords of the ungodly, we shall not be wanting in all
+lawful and suitable endeavors to promote, to our power, the
+recovery of that liberty and freedom which we have lost, and to
+have those acts and oaths, which impede Reformation, rescinded: and
+that all the righteous laws, made in favor of the Covenanted
+Reformation, may be put in full force, and duly executed.</p>
+<p>We shall earnestly pray to God that he would give us able men,
+men of truth, fearing God and hating covetousness, to bear charge
+over his people, and that all places of power and trust in church,
+state, or army, may consist of, and be filled with men of known
+good affection to the cause of God, and of a Christian and
+blameless conversation; and when it shall please the Lord to give
+us such magistrates and judges supreme and subordinate, then we
+will, in the terms of the covenant, yield allegiance to them, and
+loyally subject to their good government, not from any by-end or
+sinistrous principle, but out of sincere obedience to God's
+commandment; and shall willingly support and defend them, with our
+estates and lives, in their persevering and defending the true
+reformed Protestant religion, in doctrine, worship, discipline and
+government, and suppressing all kinds of false religion in their
+dominions, and in the administration of justice and punishment of
+iniquity; but while the Lord, in his just displeasure for our sins,
+withholds such from us, we intend to wait till he turn away his
+anger, and not to stretch forth our hands to iniquity, in owning
+and countenancing such as are not duly qualified; as, particularly,
+those that are Popish or Prelatical in their professed principle
+and practice, and by oaths engage themselves to maintain, and
+accordingly to defend, the Prelatical form of church government,
+who oppose and encroach upon the true government of Christ's house
+by their supremacy, and tolerate Sectarian errors in their
+dominions, and that every one of them supreme and subordinate; and
+shall not corroborate their unjust authority, by pacing them cess
+and supply, for upholding their corrupt courts and armies, employed
+in an unjust and antichristian quarrel; or, by compearing before
+their judicatories, either to defend or pursue lawsuits, or upon
+any other account.</p>
+<p>Because we are not in a case to bring to due trial and
+punishment, condign, according to the merit of their offences,
+malignants and evil instruments, according to the fourth Article;
+therefore, we shall endeavour to keep ourselves, as far as
+possible, from any compliance with, or approbation of their cause
+and courses, opposite to the cause and work of God; and shall
+endeavour to keep at a distance from everything that may anyways
+import a unitive conjunction, association, or confederacy with
+them, or strengthening them in their opposition to the cause of
+God&mdash;the covenanted interest. We shall, through grace,
+endeavour to represent before the throne of justice their wicked
+courses; and pray that God would defeat their inventions, though we
+shall always, as becomes Christians, implore the throne of grace
+for mercy to their souls, so far as it may be consistent with God's
+eternal purpose of electing love. Moreover, we shall always
+endeavour to guard against all unwarrantable and irregular ways,
+not approven in God's Word, of punishing malignants and
+incendiaries, for their opposition to reformation.</p>
+<p>Whereas, in the fifth Article, we are bound to endeavour, that
+the kingdoms may remain united in a most firm peace and union to
+all posterity; which union did consist in a uniformity in doctrine,
+worship, discipline and government, though, as was said, it is now
+laid aside, and a union entered into which establishes multiformity
+therein, and so is the opposite of this Covenanted Union. We shall,
+therefore, deny our consent unto, and approbation of this union,
+and shall, as we have in weakness been witnessing against it
+formerly, so continue to do for the future, and shall not
+corroborate or strengthen the same; but upon the contrary, if the
+Lord afford opportunity, shall do our utmost to have the <i>union
+of the kingdoms settled</i> upon the true covenanted basis; and
+shall lay out ourselves, as far as possible, to entertain
+correspondence and sympathy with every one in the kingdoms of
+England and Ireland, who do, or shall, to our knowledge, adhere to
+this League and Covenant.</p>
+<p>According to the sixth Article, considering what danger we and
+all our brethren, under the bond and owning the obligation of these
+covenants, are in, and may be exposed unto, from the Popish and
+Prelatical malignant faction still prevailing, and from this
+backslidden church; and being sensible of the many defects which
+have been amongst us, in the duty of defending and assisting one
+another in maintaining the common cause of religion and liberty, we
+do here solemnly enter into a bond of association with all that do
+now renew these covenants, "with the Acknowledgement of the Public
+Sins and Breeches, and the Engagement of Duties thereof, and
+concert and assert the old covenanted cause and quarrel," as our
+fathers stated and contended for it, from the year 1638 to the year
+1650. Which cause of the covenanted reformation in doctrine,
+worship, discipline and government, and all interests, or rights,
+religious or civil, contended for during the foresaid space of
+years, conducing to promote the same, we faithfully promise to
+prosecute, propagate, preserve and maintain, to the utmost of our
+power, with our lives and all that we have; and to adhere to all
+the faithful testimonies, protestations and declarations, in the
+defence of the foresaid covenanted reformation, agreeable to, and
+founded on God's Word, ever since the foresaid year 1650, not
+regarding the foul aspersions of rebellion, combination or schism,
+or what else our adversaries, from their craft and malice, would
+put upon us; seeing what we do is so well warranted, and ariseth
+from an unfeigned desire to maintain the true religion, to obtain
+the protection and preserve the honour of righteous government, and
+promote the peace and happiness of the kingdoms.</p>
+<p>And for the better performance of what we here engage to, we
+shall sympathize, bear all burdens, embark our interest with,
+assist and defend all those, who enter into, or join this
+association and Covenant, and shall reckon whatsoever is done to
+the least of us, for this cause, as done to us all in general and
+to every one of us in particular: and shall account it a breach of
+Covenant, if seeing our brethren pursued for this very cause, and
+having sufficient means to comfort and assist them, any of us shall
+either make peace with the persecutors, bind up their hands by
+oaths and bonds from resisting them, refuse to hide, harbor, or
+supply their brethren, decline to venture, in lawful and necessary
+attempts for their relief, or withdraw from their dutiful support;
+and being thus united and associated in this cause, as we resolve
+and oblige ourselves to abide in this firm conjunction, and neither
+consent nor concede to any combination or counsel, suggestion,
+persuasion, allurement or terror, that may have any known tendency
+or influence, whether direct or indirect, to seduce us either to a
+division amongst ourselves, or defection to our adversaries, or a
+base indifferency and neutrality between the two; but shall, with
+all zeal, fidelity and constancy, communicate our best help,
+counsel and concurrence, for promoting all resolutions, which by
+common consent shall be found to conduce to the good of the cause,
+and shall endeavor to discover, oppose and suppress, all
+contrivances or counsels, that may cast in any let or impediment,
+that may be obstructive or prejudicial to the same. So we shall
+likewise desire, design and endeavor, (whenever the Lord in his
+providence shall offer opportunity) to get the defections, unworthy
+neutralities, and unhappy divisions, which have long and lamentably
+wounded, and wrecked this church, removed and remedied. And shall
+be willing, with all tender sympathy and compassion, to embrace and
+welcome with the utmost bowels of kindness and respect that we can,
+all who shall confess and forsake these defections, and according
+to their stations, as ministers or private Christians, shall, by
+all proper means, labor to satisfy the conscience of the godly,
+that are through these defections and scandals justly offended, and
+that according to the rules of Christ, delivered in his word, and
+received in this church, in her Reforming times, and join cordially
+with us in the prosecution of this cause; and we shall be willing
+also, at their desire, to acknowledge and forsake, for peace and
+unity, whatever we can rationally be convinced to be bad in our
+conduct and management, as we must acknowledge, that in all things
+we fail, and come exceedingly short of that perfection, which we
+should and would be at.</p>
+<p>And because there be many who heretofore have not made
+conscience of the oath of God&mdash;but some, through fear, others
+by persuasion, and upon base ends, and human interests, have
+entered thereinto, who have afterwards discovered themselves to
+have dealt deceitfully with the Lord, in swearing falsely by his
+name; therefore, we, who do now renew our covenants with reference
+to these duties, and all other duties contained therein, do, in the
+sight of him who is the searcher of hearts, solemnly profess, that
+it is not upon any politic advantage, or private interest, or
+by-end, or because of any terror or persuasion from men, or
+hypocritically or deceitfully, that we do again take upon us the
+oath of God; but honestly and sincerely, and from the sense of our
+duty. And that, therefore, denying ourselves and our own things,
+and, laying aside all-self interests and ends, we shall, above all
+things, seek the honour of God, the good of his cause, and the
+wealth of his people; and that, forsaking the counsels of flesh and
+blood, and not leaning upon carnal confidences, we shall depend
+upon the Lord, walk by the rule of his Word, and hearken to the
+voice of his servants. In all which, professing our own weakness,
+we do earnestly pray to God who is the Father of mercies, through
+his Son JESUS CHRIST, to be merciful unto us, and to enable us, by
+the power of his might, that we may do our duty, unto the praise of
+his grace in the churches. Amen.</p>
+<p>FOOTNOTES:</p>
+<p><a name="Footnote_4" id="Footnote_4"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor4">[4]</a></p>
+<blockquote>In the Preface to this edition, the reader may perceive
+the same spirit in 1880. | ED.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_5" id="Footnote_5"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor5">[5]</a></p>
+<blockquote>The lawful supreme Magistrate.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_6" id="Footnote_6"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor6">[6]</a></p>
+<blockquote>The persons and authority of such, when God of his
+mercy shall grant them to us.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_7" id="Footnote_7"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor7">[7]</a></p>
+<blockquote>King Charles the First.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_8" id="Footnote_8"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor8">[8]</a></p>
+<blockquote>Remonstrances, declarations and testimonies of old, and
+of late.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_9" id="Footnote_9"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor9">[9]</a></p>
+<blockquote>Or any other corruptions thereof, Prelatic or Erastian,
+either tried or to be tried; such as indulgence, the toleration,
+the magistrates appointing fasts without advice and consent of the
+church, dissolving assemblies, &amp;c.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_10" id="Footnote_10"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor10">[10]</a></p>
+<blockquote>Remonstrances, declarations and
+testimonies.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_11" id="Footnote_11"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor11">[11]</a></p>
+<blockquote>To righteous governors, (when obtained), and to our
+country.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_12" id="Footnote_12"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor12">[12]</a></p>
+<blockquote>The lawful supreme Magistrate's.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_13" id="Footnote_13"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor13">[13]</a></p>
+<blockquote>The person and authority of sovereigns having the
+qualifications which the Scriptures require.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_14" id="Footnote_14"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor14">[14]</a></p>
+<blockquote>The lawful supreme Magistrate's.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_15" id="Footnote_15"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor15">[15]</a></p>
+<blockquote>The lawful supreme Magistrate.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_16" id="Footnote_16"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor16">[16]</a></p>
+<blockquote>Lawful supreme Magistrates.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_17" id="Footnote_17"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor17">[17]</a></p>
+<blockquote>Anno 1638.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_18" id="Footnote_18"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor18">[18]</a></p>
+<blockquote>Lawful supreme Magistrates.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_19" id="Footnote_19"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor19">[19]</a></p>
+<blockquote>After all supplications, remonstrances protestations
+and sufferings of our fathers, and our own grievous sufferings and
+contendings both before and since the late Revolution.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_20" id="Footnote_20"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor20">[20]</a></p>
+<blockquote>When restored, according to their ancient
+foundation.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_21" id="Footnote_21"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor21">[21]</a></p>
+<blockquote>The lawful supreme Magistrate's.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_22" id="Footnote_22"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor22">[22]</a></p>
+<blockquote>The lawful Magistrate's.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_23" id="Footnote_23"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor23">[23]</a></p>
+<blockquote>The lawful Magistrate, when obtained.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_24" id="Footnote_24"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor24">[24]</a></p>
+<blockquote>Our Reformers.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_25" id="Footnote_25"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor25">[25]</a></p>
+<blockquote>As they were then.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_26" id="Footnote_26"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor26">[26]</a></p>
+<blockquote>The lawful supreme Magistrate.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_27" id="Footnote_27"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor27">[27]</a></p>
+<blockquote>Such as the Curate of Carsphairn, and some others. But
+it is to be noted, that this sentence is not meant of those who
+either designed or actually executed that act of extraordinary
+justice upon the Archbishop of St. Andrews, who being an
+arch-traitor, and public incendiary, and implacable enemy to the
+work of God, and all the godly in the kingdom, was therefore justly
+put to death; though (because of the defect of justice in those
+that had authority,) the act, in respect of the persons executing,
+was singular and extraordinary. See the same vindicated, <i>Hind
+Let Loose</i>, head vi., page 633, &amp;c.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_28" id="Footnote_28"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor28">[28]</a></p>
+<blockquote>Ezek. vii. 16. But they that escape of them shall
+escape, and shall be on the mountains like doves of the vallies,
+all of them mourning, every one for his iniquity.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_29" id="Footnote_29"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor29">[29]</a></p>
+<blockquote>Ezek. ix. 4.---- Set a mark upon the foreheads of the
+men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in
+the midst thereof.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_30" id="Footnote_30"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor30">[30]</a></p>
+<blockquote>Matt. xxii. 5. But they made light of it, and went
+their ways, one to his farm, another to his
+merchandise.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_31" id="Footnote_31"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor31">[31]</a></p>
+<blockquote>1 Tim. vi. 14. That thou keep this commandment without
+spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus
+Christ.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_32" id="Footnote_32"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor32">[32]</a></p>
+<blockquote>2 Tim. lii. 5. Having a form of godliness, but denying
+the power thereof.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_33" id="Footnote_33"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor33">[33]</a></p>
+<blockquote>Eph. in. 17. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by
+faith.---- Col. ii. 6. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus
+the Lord, so walk ye in him.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_34" id="Footnote_34"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor34">[34]</a></p>
+<blockquote>Col. i. 10. That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto
+all pleasing.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_35" id="Footnote_35"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor35">[35]</a></p>
+<blockquote>2 Thes. ii. 10, 11, 12. Because they received not the
+love of the truth----For this cause God shall send them strong
+delusion, that they should believe a lie. That they all might be
+damned, who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in
+unrighteousness.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_36" id="Footnote_36"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor36">[36]</a></p>
+<blockquote>Josh. xxiv. 15.---- But as for me and my house, we will
+serve the Lord. Gen. xviii. 19. For I know him, that he will
+command his children and his household after him, and they shall
+keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_37" id="Footnote_37"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor37">[37]</a></p>
+<blockquote>1 Tim. iii. 15---- That thou mayest know how thou
+oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God.----</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_38" id="Footnote_38"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor38">[38]</a></p>
+<blockquote>Psal. ci 2. I will walk within my house with a perfect
+heart. Jer. vii. 3. Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of
+Israel; amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to
+dwell in this place. Isa. I. 16, 17; <i>Cease to</i> do evil. Learn
+to do well.----</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_39" id="Footnote_39"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor39">[39]</a></p>
+<blockquote>Jer. 1. 8. Remove out of the midst of Babylon, and go
+forth out of the land of the Chaldeans, and be ye as the he goats
+before the flocks.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_40" id="Footnote_40"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor40">[40]</a></p>
+<blockquote>Zech. i 3. Turn ye unto me, saith the Lord of hosts,
+and I will turn unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. Psal. lxxxv. 3.
+Thou hast taken away all thy wrath; thou hast turned thyself from
+the fierceness of thine anger. Verse 4th. Turn us, O God of our
+salvation and cause thine anger towards us to cease</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_41" id="Footnote_41"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor41">[41]</a></p>
+<blockquote>Psal. lxxxv. 9, 10. Surely his salvation is nigh them
+that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land. Mercy and truth
+are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each
+other.<br>
+Isa. xxxii. 17. And the work of righteousness shall be peace, and
+the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.<br>
+Zech. viii. 19---- Therefore love the truth and peace.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_42" id="Footnote_42"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor42">[42]</a></p>
+<blockquote>Note. The Confession of Faith is here adhered to, as it
+was received and approven by the General Assembly of this church,
+by their Act of the 27th of Aug. 1647, Sess. 23, the 2d Article of
+the 31st Chap, being understood, as explained in that Act, and the
+4th Sect, of the 23d Chap, being understood, as it is explained in
+our Informatory Vindication, page 196, 2d Edition.</blockquote>
+<p>[Typographical errors excepted, and <i>Historical
+Introduction</i> substituted for <i>Preface</i>, this edition
+agrees with those of Paisley, 1820, and Belfast,
+1835.&mdash;ED.]</p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="ACT_OF_COVENANT_RENOVATION" id=
+"ACT_OF_COVENANT_RENOVATION"></a>
+<h2>ACT OF COVENANT RENOVATION,</h2>
+<h4>AGREED UPON AT PHILADELPHIA, OCTOBER 8, 1880,</h4>
+<h6>BY THE</h6>
+<h2>REFORMED PRESBYTERY,</h2>
+<h4>AFTER THE APPROVED EXAMPLE OF OUR FATHERS, AT</h4>
+<h4>AUCHENSAUGH, 1712, AND ACCOMMODATED</h4>
+<h4>TO THE PRESENT TIME.</h4>
+<hr style="width: 45%;">
+<p>"I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy
+righteous judgments."&mdash;<i>Psalms</i> cxix: 106.</p>
+<p>"They (Egyptians) shall vow a vow unto the Lord, and perform
+it."&mdash;<i>Is</i>. xix: 21.</p>
+<p>The Corinthians "first gave their own selves to the
+Lord."&mdash;<i>2 Cor</i>. viii: 5.</p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="COVENANT_RENOVATION." id="COVENANT_RENOVATION."></a>
+<h2>COVENANT RENOVATION.</h2>
+<p>Vow, and pay unto the Lord your God.&mdash;<i>Ps</i>. lxxvi:
+II.</p>
+<h4>PREFACE.</h4>
+<p>Having in prospect a united, public and solemn approach to our
+covenant God, some important principles should be understood, that
+we may proceed with intelligence and have sure ground for our
+faith.</p>
+<p>"God is love;" and reciprocal love constitutes "the bond of
+perfectness" between God and rational creatures. Communion with God
+is the supreme felicity and highest honor of which angels and men
+are capable. The first emanation of divine love revealed to us was
+displayed in the covenant of works; although not called a covenant,
+the narrative contains all the elements essential to a federal
+deed, comprising a summary of the whole moral law. Thus the
+sovereign love of God was manifested through the medium of law and
+covenant inseparably combined; and this is the Lord's manner of
+dealing with mankind till the present time.</p>
+<p>That covenant was made with us in Adam as our common father and
+public representative. By the breach of it we are born in Adam's
+image and "children of wrath;" for the principle of representative
+identification pervades the moral universe. Our rational and social
+nature fits us both for personal and federal responsibility.</p>
+<p>When we had "destroyed ourselves" by apostasy from God, then did
+God "show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward
+us through Christ Jesus." The gift of his Son to be a covenant head
+to sinners is God's highest, and most glorious demonstration of his
+ineffable love. The breadth, and length, and depth, and height of
+the love of Christ passeth knowledge; and the displays of this love
+through the covenant of grace will doubtless furnish matter of
+admiration to holy angels, and of adoring gratitude to redeemed
+sinners throughout eternity. Rev. i: 5, 6.</p>
+<p>Ever since our fall in Adam God has dealt with our sinful race
+by covenant. This covenant was made with Christ as Mediator between
+God and man, and as the representative of all whom the Father gave
+him to be redeemed and brought to glory. John xvii: 2. Accordingly,
+the Lord Jesus, immediately on the fall of our first parents,
+entered upon his work of mediation. To them first he announced his
+commission, declaring his purpose to "bruise the serpent's
+head&mdash;to destroy the works of the devil." Gen. iii: 15; 1 John
+iii: 8. Christ is given "for a witness to the people; a leader and
+commander to the people; to have power over all flesh, that he
+should give eternal life to as many as the Father hath given
+him."</p>
+<p>Throughout the whole of the mediatorial administration the law
+and the covenant are distinct, though inseparably connected: and
+although many covenants are mentioned in the Scriptures, and even
+distinguished as <i>old</i> and <i>new</i>. Jer. xxxi: 31; Heb.
+viii: 8; yet we must understand these as only different and
+successive modes of administering one and the same Covenant of
+Grace. This covenant was proclaimed before the deluge by prophets,
+as Enoch and Noah; after the flood by patriarchs; then by the
+ministry of Moses and other prophets, when John the Baptist and the
+Messiah in person proclaimed it; and from the day of Pentecost till
+the end of the world is the last dispensation&mdash;still, the
+covenant is immutably the same. The most solemn and memorable act
+of covenanting with God was at Horeb, otherwise called Sinai, when
+the Israelites were first and formally organized in ecclesiastical
+and civil relations. Then "Judah was his sanctuary, and Israel his
+dominion." Ps. cxiv: 2.</p>
+<p>Besides circumcision and the passover, both of which involved
+covenant obligation, God instituted the additional ordinance of
+public and social federal transaction, that the whole body might
+glorify him by a united act of solemn dedication as his special
+property separated visibly from the world. Is. lxiii: 19. And that
+this is a moral ordinance, and of perpetual obligation, is evident
+from the practice of God's people, both under the Old and New
+Testament, and the language of prophecy. Deut. xxix: 10-12; 2 Cor.
+viii: 5; Is. xliv: 5.</p>
+<p>Again, when we renew our covenant, we do not mean that the
+obligation has ceased, or that we can increase its obligation, for
+this is infinite and permanent; we intend by our personal act to
+deepen and render more durable our sense of preexisting obligation.
+This is, indeed, the immediate object of all renovations, by Moses,
+Joshua, kings of Judah and Nehemiah. And as we have seen, this
+ordinance was observed by Christians in the time of the apostles,
+so their practice may be traced through history afterwards, however
+obscure, until the time of the Reformation from Popery; when in
+Europe, both continental and insular, this ordinance was revived
+and exemplified. Among all nations in Christendom Scotland stands
+preeminent since first emancipated from bondage in mystical
+Babylon, for the frequency and fidelity of her ecclesiastical and
+national vows to the Most High. After many struggles with Popery
+and Prelacy, during which Christ's witnesses in that land derived
+strength and courage from vows renewed to withstand these organized
+oppressors; at length by their example and influence the kingdoms
+of England and Ireland were brought into a confederation by that
+famous and grand document, the Solemn League and Covenant. Taken in
+connection with the National Covenant of Scotland, those three
+nations and the churches in them were voluntarily bound to God and
+to each other by all the solemnity of cords and bands made in
+heaven. Yet, through the corruption of human nature and the
+restless malice of the Dragon and his angels, these bands were
+treacherously broken and the cords cast away. Although those
+symbols of the public faith were Scriptural documents, yet the
+reformation as truly described by the late Mr. Robert Lusk, was to
+the majority "a reformation only on paper." Like Israel of old the
+hearts of most of the people were not right with God, neither were
+they steadfast in his covenant. Ps. lxxviii: 37. This was soon made
+manifest by the Public Resolutions, accepting Indulgences, and the
+subsequent twenty-eight years of persecution inflicted upon those
+who "stood to the covenant." Then followed, in 1689, what the
+apostates called, and their successors still fondly hail, as the
+"glorious Revolution settlement!"&mdash;a settlement which, by
+forms of law, consigned the nations' solemn vows to oblivion, with
+all possible expressions of detestation by the infamous "Act
+Rescissory." In the year 1707, the "Act of Incorporation" brought
+the church and kingdom of Scotland under degrading bondage to the
+anti-Christian, Prelatic and Erastian throne of Britain.</p>
+<p>While these steps of apostasy were in progress, the Lord
+preserved a "wasted remnant" of witnesses, who "resisted unto blood
+striving against sin." These valiant Christian patriots&mdash;"the
+Society People"&mdash;kept themselves and their garments clean, and
+kept also the word of Christ's patience. They never were
+<i>dissenters</i>, nor properly called the "Old Dissenters." During
+this hour of temptation they were destitute of the help and
+guidance of a public ministry. At length, in the year 1706, Mr.
+John M'Millan, wearing the honorable badges of suspension and
+deposition, imposed by his apostate brethren for advocating in
+their Assembly the continued obligation of the Covenants. National
+and Solemn League, (Is. lxvi: 5,) was joyfully received as their
+minister by the voice of the Society people. In the year 1712, at
+Auchensaugh, Mr. M'Millan, with the assistance of Mr. John M'Neil,
+licentiate, "resolved to set about this solemn and tremendous duty
+of renewing their national covenants with God." Their mode of
+procedure was Scriptural, following the examples of Moses and
+others to Nehemiah&mdash;"the footsteps of the flock." They framed
+three papers, History, Confession and Engagement. The text of the
+Covenants of our fathers was left entire, only some explanatory
+words and phrases being placed in the margin. These explanations
+were then necessary to clear that question of
+questions&mdash;"Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with
+thee?"&mdash;a question to be finally settled only at the sounding
+of the last Apocalyptic trumpet. Rev. xi: 15. That transaction was
+ever after incorporated with the Terms of Communion.</p>
+<p>Some years after this transaction another renovation took place
+in Scotland, at a locality called Crawford-John; but no attainments
+were then made, nor has any authentic record of the proceedings
+been transmitted to posterity. Also the Seceders, soon after their
+erection as a distinct organization in Scotland, and repeatedly
+since in Britain and America, by public covenanting have
+contributed to the preservation of sound doctrine and Christian
+practice. We cannot, however, accord to them the honor of being the
+successors of the covenanted witnesses, which they unwarrantably
+claim, seeing that they disowned the "civil part" of the public
+Covenants, and thus unwittingly, we charitably believe, passed an
+implied censure on the One Lawgiver for having given us a second
+table in the moral law!</p>
+<p>We merely refer to the Octoraro transaction, (1743,) conducted
+by that unstable minister, Mr. Craighead, as being unworthy of
+anything more than historical notice.</p>
+<p>The two most noteworthy instances of avowed covenant-renovation
+within the present century are those at Dervock, Ireland, in 1853,
+and in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1871; and we class them
+together, because however the respective documents differ in their
+provisions, and in our judgment some of these are irreconcilable,
+yet the parties have ever since agreed to coalesce. Reference is
+here made only to a sample of <i>essential</i> discrepancies. In
+the Dervock bond the British Covenants are expressly mentioned and
+owned; in the Pittsburg bond they are neither owned nor mentioned,
+although both were urged at the time, while they were openly
+vilified without rebuke. In the former Prelacy is abjured, in the
+latter it is not so much as named. The fourth article of the former
+is irreconcilable with the fourth article of the latter. The former
+is limited by <i>recognized truth</i>; the latter substitutes for
+truth <i>supposed piety</i>. But since these two parties, in the
+face of such antagonistic fundamental principles, do actually
+harmonize in practice, coming down to treat with opposing parties
+in the plain of Ono, their example of treachery in covenant can be
+regarded only as a beacon of warning.</p>
+<p>Strictly speaking, no new obligation has been imposed or assumed
+since the law was given at Sinai. We are to "keep the words of the
+covenant, the ten commandments." This is just what Christ still
+enjoins upon his disciples&mdash;"Teaching them to observe all
+things whatsoever I have commanded you." The footsteps of Christ's
+flock differ nothing now from what they were in the days of
+Solomon. Some turn back into Egypt, while others turn aside with
+the "flocks of the companions to right-hand extremes or left-hand
+defections"; for the harlot's "ways are moveable that thou canst
+not know them," and we are warned&mdash;"Come not near the door of
+her house."</p>
+<p>The federal deeds which we propose to renew are, of course,
+those of our witnessing fathers, the National Covenant of Scotland
+and the Solemn League of Scotland, England and Ireland, adapting
+these public deeds to our time, and comprising all preceding and
+subsequent attainments, as was done by our predecessors at
+Auchensaugh. Our condition and surroundings are in many respects
+similar to theirs. "Their soul was exceedingly filled with the
+scorning of those that were at ease, and with the contempt of the
+proud"; but they were also exposed to many perils from the existing
+ecclesiastical and civil authorities which they publicly
+disowned.</p>
+<p>All inspired records of public vows to God by his united people,
+from the time of Moses to Nehemiah, contained a synopsis of special
+providence towards themselves and others, of sins, mercies and
+judgments; and these were motives to this special duty, though not
+a rule&mdash;"And because of all this we make a sure covenant and
+write it."</p>
+<p>After these examples, which we judge "written for our learning,"
+we renew our own and our ancestors' covenants, neither
+ecclesiastically nor nationally as representatives of either church
+or state, as they are now confederated against the Lord and his
+Anointed: but we appear publicly as a "despised remnant," avowing
+allegiance to Zion's only King and "Prince of the kings of the
+earth," pledging adherence to those public deeds of our
+progenitors, in which the divine ordinances of Church and State are
+exhibited; and in which they are exemplified as co-ordinate,
+mutually independent, friendly, and helpful to the family and to
+each other. Thus acted the people of God under the covenant of
+grace in all ages; and so acted his servants at Auchensaugh, whose
+more immediate example we propose to follow.</p>
+<hr style="width: 45%;">
+<h4>CONFESSION OF PUBLIC SINS.</h4>
+<p>All authentic history confirms the declaration of the Sacred
+Scriptures, That by one man sin entered into the world, and that
+there is not a just man upon earth that doeth good and sinneth not.
+Yet there is mercy with God that he may be feared, and plenteous
+redemption to redeem Israel from all his trespasses. But we are
+assured that "he that covereth his sins shall not prosper, but
+whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy."</p>
+<p>Believing these teachings of God's word, and in view of renewing
+solemn vows to him, we now give glory to the Lord God of Israel by
+making confession of our own and our fathers' sins in violating our
+solemn covenants. We acknowledge the heinous sins of repeated
+violation of our covenanted unity&mdash;<i>First</i>, By joining in
+a military confederacy with the American Colonies in the
+revolutionary war of 1776. <i>Second</i>, Joining in a similar
+confederacy with Irish Papists and others to cast off the British
+government in 1798. <i>Third</i>, In a similar confederacy in the
+war between the United States and England in 1812. <i>Fourth</i>,
+By the like military association in the recent civil war: and these
+sins were aggravated by framing oaths of allegiance or fidelity in
+the years 1812 and 1863.</p>
+<p>Some of those who had violated their covenants by military
+association with the United Irishmen fled for refuge to the United
+States; and without undergoing censure became active agents in
+constituting a presbytery without authority had from the parent
+body in Scotland, 1798; and proceeded in 1806 to frame and publish
+<i>Reformation Principles Exhibited</i>, a work which removed
+landmarks which the fathers had set; and which with an abstract of
+Terms of Communion unpresbyterially introduced, unsettled the
+foundations and issued in the lamentable disruption of 1833.</p>
+<p>In Scotland the leaders of the people caused them to err by
+changing the Terms of Communion in the year 1822, and the Testimony
+in 1837. While these changes were made in the Covenanted Church's
+organic law some of the most popular and influential
+ministers&mdash;theological professors, were publicly transgressing
+our covenants by joining in affinity with divers confederacies for
+moral reform. Doctor Andrew Symington, the most influential
+minister in the Synod did actually and publicly co-operate with the
+Evangelical Alliance; and in 1841 the same professor was among the
+foremost in projecting a plan for a "concert of prayer," by diverse
+sorts of professors, those of the Established Church of Scotland
+being expressly mentioned. No wonder the hesitating
+<i>Covenanter</i> ventured at least to express preferance for "more
+generally small meetings for prayer, to a large number of
+Christians of different names." This kind of amalgamation being
+contrary to Scripture was a breach also of the Solemn League, the
+sixth article of which was evidently designed by our fathers to
+prevent such social sins under the name of religion. The
+Theological Seminary in Scotland, as a corrupt fountain, polluted
+all the streams, the ministers taking the lead in the defection, as
+is now manifested to the world.</p>
+<p>All along our history in Scotland, Ireland and America, the sin
+of the antediluvians and of Israel after the flesh has been
+imitated by us&mdash;joining with the known enemies of truth and
+righteousness, in the face of many fearful judgments for such
+breaches of solemn vows.</p>
+<p>The ministers took the lead in joining and inducing others to
+join the Colonization Society, a scheme for the removal of colored
+freedmen from among the bondmen, that slavery might be more secure
+and more certainly perpetuated by removing the disturbing element;
+and all this under the guise of evangelizing Africa! The General
+Synod which had unanimously patronized that scheme in 1828,
+discovering the deception, did in 1836, by a majority transfer its
+patronage to the rival cause of Abolition, thus continuing and
+persevering in the same transgression, from which they are not
+reclaimed to this day.</p>
+<p>About the same time when we were ensnared in these unscriptural
+confederacies, occasional hearing naturally became developed in a
+sabbath-school, which for a short time was conducted jointly by
+three denominations in Pittsburgh&mdash;Covenanters, Seceders and
+Associate Reformed, violating our covenanted unity and erecting an
+unauthorized agency for spiritual instruction. The General Synod
+did, in 1840, abolish its own deligation form and the Subordinate
+Synods in violation of conventional law and Presbyterial order, and
+still continues to adhere to this two-fold breach of the brotherly
+covenant. That body, carrying on defection, joined in military
+association as noticed above, during the late civil war between the
+Union and Confederate armies, framing an "oath of fidelity," and
+thus profaning a divine ordinance by pledging themselves to enforce
+an atheistical constitution and execute the laws: and some of them
+glory in their shame and boast of this flagrant and complicated
+breach of solemn vows to the contrary.</p>
+<p>While recognizing many precious principles embodied in the
+Dorvock bond, we cannot give it our approbation as an adequate
+renovation of our National Covenant and Solemn League, because it
+not only omits but obviously excludes the Form of Presbyterial
+Church Government and the Directory for Public Worship, and seems
+to substitute for these the Testimony which is incompatible with
+that of 1761; although the two documents above named were received
+by our General Assembly of Scotland as "part of the uniformity" to
+which we are bound in the Solemn League. And besides, all their
+symbols of faith mentioned in the Dervock transaction as
+subordinate, are owned only as "<i>Doctrinal</i> Standards," thus
+leaving at loose ends individual and social Christian
+<i>practice</i>. This document is therefore a defective, evasive,
+and consequently inadequate renovation of our Covenants.</p>
+<p>The sound principles comprised in the Pittsburgh bond are still
+more palpably rendered nugatory by contradictions, manifold
+evasions and ambiguous phrases; such as "accepted manuals, our
+fathers' covenants," etc.; while the solemn pledge to "maintain
+Christian friendship with pious men of every name, and to feel and
+act as one with all in every land who pursue this grand end
+"&mdash;an <i>undefined</i> end&mdash;would overthrow, if this were
+possible, the whole scriptural fabric of our Presbyterial
+Covenanted Reformation. Treachery and perfidy, not to say perjury,
+are bound up in the Pittsburgh bond, especially in pledging
+themselves to the performance of civil duties "not forbidden in the
+law of God." Some of the native fruits of this transaction, tending
+still more to corrupt themselves and others are the continual
+practice of occasional hearing, exchange of pulpits and
+correspondence by delegation.</p>
+<p>This body has placed itself under the authority of the
+Pennsylvania Legislature, having petitioned for and obtained an act
+of incorporation, and having voluntarily submitted to the Erastian
+civil jurisdiction of the state of Pennsylvania and of the United
+States. The civil Charter expressly institutes and appoints its
+trustees to be regulated and limited in the exercise of the
+functions of their respective offices by the constitutions of
+Pennsylvania and of the nation. Their bond prepared the way for
+this more gross and practical surrender of all that is distinctive
+in our covenanted position. And finally, so far as we know all
+parties in the three lands claiming to be Reformed Presbyterians,
+have for years renounced those provisions of our Directory which
+require the lines to be read in public praise to God, and the banns
+to be proclaimed before marriage.</p>
+<p>The nations throughout Christendom, continue in league with
+Antichrist and give their strength to the beast. They still refuse
+to profess and defend the true religion in doctrine, worship,
+government and discipline, contrary to the example of the kingdoms
+of Scotland, England and Ireland in the seventeenth century. Some
+of them have waged wars of conquest, under pretence of opening a
+way for the spread of the gospel; and disregarding international
+law, have violated solemn treaties among themselves, and all of
+them practically disregard divine authority; habitually profaning
+the Christian Sabbath, by carrying the mail, by commercial traffic,
+and parties of pleasure on land and water.</p>
+<p>Acknowledging the righteousness of divine judgment upon
+ourselves and others for manifold violations of God's law and
+breaches of our own and our fathers' solemn vows in our domestic,
+ecclesiastical and civil relations; we desire to humble ourselves
+before God for these sins, and for others not contained in this
+enumeration. Seeing that God hath punished us less than our
+iniquities deserve, and hath left us a small remnant in his
+sovereign mercy, our prayer to him is that he may enable us by his
+grace to bring forth fruits meet for repentance, to the glory of
+his great and holy name, and the commendation of his pardoning
+mercy.</p>
+<hr style="width: 45%;">
+<h4>ACT OF ADHERENCE TO OUR COVENANTS. NATIONAL AND SOLEMN LEAGUE;
+AS ADAPTED TO THE PRESENT TIME.</h4>
+<p>We, office-bearers and members of the Reformed Presbyterian
+Church, convinced by the Word and Spirit of God of our guilt and
+depravity by our breach of covenant in Adam; of utter inability to
+save ourselves from the ruins of the falls or its just penal
+consequences; desiring moreover to bless, the Lord, that when we
+were yet without strength Christ died for the ungodly; that a door
+of faith has been opened to the Gentiles, and repentance unto life
+granted to such; taking our warrant and encouragement from God
+alone, with our hands lifted up toward him:&mdash;do swear by his
+great and fearful name as the Lord our God, that&mdash;</p>
+<p>I. We accept God in Christ for ourselves and our children as
+offered to us in the gospel, to be our everlasting portion; and we
+joyfully surrender ourselves and our all to him as his rightful and
+exclusive property. We cordially approve the Covenant of Grace, and
+embrace it as all our salvation and all our desire. Dead to the law
+as a covenant of works, we cheerfully receive it from Christ's hand
+as our perfect rule of life, to direct our personal and social
+conduct. Aiming to glorify God as our chief end, and to do good
+unto all men as we have opportunity&mdash;especially to the
+household of faith&mdash;we promise in the strength of divine grace
+to search the Scriptures, conforming heart and life to this
+standard, in constant opposition to the course of this world,
+exemplifying godliness and honesty before men all our days.</p>
+<p>II. Set for the defence of the gospel, and under manifold
+obligations to contend earnestly for the faith which was once
+delivered to the saints, we acknowledge the Scriptures of the Old
+and new Testament to be the Word of God and the alone infallible
+rule of faith and manners, rejecting any and all additions or
+subtractions, false translations, perverting or wresting them to
+men's destruction.</p>
+<p>We own also, as subordinate standards of faith and practice of
+doctrine and order, the National Covenant and Solemn League: as
+also the Westminster formularies, well known by their
+names&mdash;viz., the Confession of Faith, the Larger and Shorter
+Catechisms, Form of Church Government, and Directory of Public
+Worship; as these were received respectively by the Church of
+Scotland in the years 1645, '47, and '48, not merely as
+"<i>Doctrinal</i> Standards," but as symbols, all of them, of
+Christian practice also, and as a part of the uniformity sworn to
+in the Solemn League. We adhere to the Renovation of the National
+Covenants at Auchensaugh, 1712, as comprising the same grand
+Scriptural principles with the original deeds, and preserving the
+identity of the moral person, which became more visible in 1761 by
+a Judicial Testimony, re-exhibited in 1858 and 1876.</p>
+<p>We repudiate the Renovation at Dervock, 1853, as being
+inadequate, defective, and unfaithful&mdash;part of the document
+couched in abstract, evasive, and equivocal language. Also, we
+condemn and reject the Pittsburgh Bond, as ambiguous,
+self-contradictory and treacherous&mdash;"a snare on Mizpah." We
+abjure and testify against Popery, as delineated by our ancestors
+in the National Covenant, together with the fictitious dogma of the
+Immaculate Conception, and the blasphemous assumption by the Pope
+of Jehovah's incommunicable prerogative of Infallibility. In like
+manner we reject Prelacy, whether Erastian or Diocesan, as abjured
+in the National Covenant and more explicitly in the Solemn League;
+while in pity for the persons involved in these despotic systems,
+we will pray and labor for the extirpation of these poisonous
+plants, and the emancipation of their deluded admirers. We condemn
+and disown all existing systems which involve the infidel element
+called Voluntaryism, representing the divine ordinances of Church
+and State as mutually inimical or in any way antagonistic, thus
+impeaching the wisdom of the Almighty.</p>
+<p>III. Believing that the Son of God has been, as Mediator
+appointed heir of all things, and invested with universal dominion;
+that he reigns and must reign till all his impenitent enemies be
+put under his feet: we pledge ourselves in reliance on divine grace
+to continue our advocacy of his claims upon the homage and willing
+obedience of individual and social man, in the family, the church
+and the civil commonwealth. We will maintain and urge his exclusive
+right to prescribe the faith and order of the church by his royal
+authority. We promise to inculcate and exemplify Presbyterian
+Church Government as alone of divine right and unalterable.</p>
+<p>Believing, moreover, that civil government, originating in the
+will of God as Creator, has been placed by the Father under the
+authority of the Mediator, and that the principal objects to be
+promoted by this divine ordinance are the glory of its Author, the
+welfare of mankind, and the prosperity of the church; we engage to
+endeavor the reformation of the nations by testifying against all
+neglect or contempt of Messiah's claims, or impious invasion of his
+rights by either rulers or subjects. In joyful anticipation of the
+universal reign of righteousness and peace on the earth, we will
+labor and pray for a gospel ministry and a Scriptural magistracy;
+testifying against all corruptions of these or substitutes for
+them. Persuaded of the adaptation and sufficiency of divine
+ordinances to effect reformation, we will refuse to identify or
+incorporate with any substitutes for these, or to co-operate with
+voluntary associations for moral reform, whether secret and sworn,
+or open and pledged, as these imply want of faith in divine
+ordinances, and in the wisdom and beneficence of our covenant
+God.</p>
+<p>IV. Believing that the Christian Church is one by her divine
+constitution, and lamenting existing divisions among the children
+of God; recognizing the obligation upon us to love the brotherhood,
+we will endeavor to cultivate charity in private intercourse
+towards all who reflect the divine image; and help to elevate them
+to the platform of the Covenanted Reformation as our only
+recognized bond of organic and ministerial church-fellowship. Nor
+will we, in reliance upon the promised and continued supplies of
+the Spirit of Jesus Christ, permit ourselves to be divided from
+this our covenanted unity and uniformity by the promises, threats,
+or solicitations of surrounding communities. Through divine grace
+we will endeavor, by practical manifestation of the truth, to
+commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God, as
+the most effectual means of healing Zion's breaches, that are great
+like the sea.</p>
+<p>V. Having learned from God's Word that all who live godly in
+Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution, in their character, in their
+substance, or in their persons; and knowing from the recorded
+history of those who nobly stood to their covenant that they were
+subjected to all these kinds of suffering; and since our Sovereign
+Lord in his holy providence for the trial of the patience and faith
+of his saints permits Antichrist to practice and prosper, the kings
+of the earth still giving their strength unto the beast: we
+therefore, anticipating like treatment from an opposing world
+wherever we may sojourn, resolve in his strength to follow the
+Lamb, whithersoever he goeth, as our leader, endeavoring so to
+diffuse the sweet savor of his name, that in due time and in every
+land men shall be blessed in him, and all nations shall call him
+blessed.</p>
+<p>VI. Finally, this solemn renewal of our federal obligations we
+confirm by oath in the presence of the omniscient God, who
+searcheth our hearts, uninfluenced by any selfish, worldly,
+politic, or carnal motives or ends; but singly with a view to the
+glory of God and the temporal and eternal welfare of our
+fellow-men; beseeching our Father in heaven for Christ's sake so to
+furnish us with the gifts and graces of his Holy Spirit, that we
+may prove faithful unto death, and joyfully welcome, the glorious
+appearing of our final and chosen Judge.</p>
+<p>And in testimony of our desires, and assurance to be heard, we
+say&mdash;Amen.</p>
+
+<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 12381 ***</div>
+</body>
+</html>
diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6312041
--- /dev/null
+++ b/LICENSE.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
+Procedures for determining public domain status are described in
+the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org.
+
+No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in
+jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize
+this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright
+status under the laws that apply to them.
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..841a684
--- /dev/null
+++ b/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #12381 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/12381)
diff --git a/old/12381-h.zip b/old/12381-h.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..053ad7c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/old/12381-h.zip
diff --git a/old/12381-h/12381-h.htm b/old/12381-h/12381-h.htm
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..2647a48
--- /dev/null
+++ b/old/12381-h/12381-h.htm
@@ -0,0 +1,5734 @@
+<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN">
+<html>
+<head>
+<meta name="generator" content=
+"HTML Tidy for Windows (vers 1st March 2004), see www.w3.org">
+<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content=
+"text/html; charset=us-ascii">
+<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Auchensaugh Renovation,
+by The Reformed Presbytery.</title>
+
+<style type="text/css">
+    <!--
+    * {  font-family: Trebuchet MS, Times, sans-serif; }
+    P {  text-indent: 1em;
+         margin-top: .75em;
+         text-align: justify;
+         margin-bottom: .75em; }
+    H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 {     text-align: center; }
+    HR { width: 33%; }
+    BODY{margin-left: 10%;
+         margin-right: 10%;
+         font-size: 11pt;}
+    A {  font-size: 9pt;}
+    // -->
+</style>
+</head>
+<body>
+
+
+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Auchensaugh Renovation of the National
+Covenant and Solemn League and Covenant, by The Reformed Presbytery
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Auchensaugh Renovation of the National Covenant and Solemn League and Covenant
+       With the Acknowledgment of Sins and Engagement to Duties, As They
+       Were Renewed at Auchensaugh, Near Douglas, July 24, 1712.
+       (Compared         With The Editions Of Paisley, 1820, And Belfast,
+       1835.) Also, The         Renovation of These Public Federal Deeds
+       Ordained at Philadelphia,         October 8, 1880, by the Reformed
+       Presbytery, with Accommodation of         the Original Covenants,
+       in Both Transactions, to Their Times and         Positions
+       Respectively
+       
+
+Author: The Reformed Presbytery
+
+Release Date: May 19, 2004 [EBook #12381]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: US-ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE AUCHENSAUGH RENOVATION ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Jordan Dohms and PG Distributed Proofreaders
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+<p align="center">&nbsp;</p>
+<h4>THE</h4>
+<h2>AUCHENSAUGH RENOVATION</h2>
+<h6>OF THE</h6>
+<h4>NATIONAL COVENANT AND SOLEMN LEAGUE AND COVENANT;</h4>
+<h6>WITH THE</h6>
+<h3>ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF SINS AND ENGAGEMENT TO DUTIES,</h3>
+<h6>AS THEY WERE</h6>
+<h4>RENEWED AT AUCHENSAUGH, NEAR DOUGLAS,</h4>
+<h5>JULY 24, 1712.</h5>
+<h6>(COMPARED WITH THE EDITIONS OF PAISLEY, 1820, AND BELFAST,
+1835.)</h6>
+<h5>ALSO, THE RENOVATION OF THESE PUBLIC FEDERAL DEEDS ORDAINED AT
+PHILADELPHIA, OCTOBER 8, 1880,</h5>
+<h6>BY THE</h6>
+<h3>REFORMED PRESBYTERY,</h3>
+<h5>WITH ACCOMMODATION OF THE ORIGINAL COVENANTS, IN BOTH
+TRANSACTIONS, TO THEIR TIMES AND POSITIONS RESPECTIVELY.</h5>
+<hr style="width: 45%;">
+<p style="text-align:center;">PHILADELPHIA 1880.</p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="PREFACE." id="PREFACE."></a>
+<h2>PREFACE.</h2>
+<p>The Reformed Presbytery, at a meeting in Philadelphia, October
+6th 1880, "<i>Resolved</i>, That another edition of the Auchensaugh
+Deed be published," and appointed the undersigned a committee "to
+attend to this business with all convenient speed."</p>
+<p>This Presbytery, after forty years' experience, during which
+opportunities have been afforded for examining the opinions and
+practices of all parties, professing any regard for the Covenanted
+Reformation, is still deeply impressed with the conviction that the
+transaction at Auchensaugh 1712, is the only faithful renovation of
+our Covenants, National and Solemn League. The fidelity of our
+fathers in that hazardous and heroic transaction, it is believed,
+has ever since been the <i>occasion</i> (not the <i>cause</i>) of
+all opponents manifesting their hostility to the whole covenanted
+cause, by first assaults upon that detested Bond. And that this is
+the real state of the case we proceed to prove by the following
+historical facts. <i>First.</i>&mdash;In connection with remodeling
+the Testimony; or rather by supplanting it in 1806, the Terms of
+Communion, without submitting an overture, were also changed to
+harmonize with <i>Reformation Principles Exhibited</i>, by
+excluding the Auchensaugh Renovation from the fourth Term, where it
+had stood for nearly a century. The same party have for years
+excluded from their abstract of Terms the <i>Covenants
+themselves</i>. <i>Second.</i>&mdash;In Scotland this faithful
+document was expunged in 1822, obviously to prepare the way for the
+adoption of a <i>"New Testimony"(!)</i>, which appeared 1837-9. The
+majority of the actors in that work who survive, are now in the
+Free Church! <i>Third.</i>&mdash;At the time when defection was
+progressing in the R.P. Synod of Scotland, the sister Synod of
+Ireland strenuously resisted an attempt to remove the foresaid Bond
+from its place in the Terms. The Rev. Messrs. Dick, Smith and
+Houston in 1837, were faithful and successful for the time in
+resisting that attempt. Mr. Houston "<i>would ever resist any
+alteration</i> in respect of the Auchensaugh Bond, regarding the
+objection laid against it as in reality aimed at the Covenants
+themselves." Yet as a sequel to their Renovation of the Covenants
+at Dervock 1853, the Auchensaugh Bond was subsequently "shown to
+the porch"&mdash;removed from the Terms! <i>Fourth.</i>&mdash;At
+what was called covenant-renovation at Pittsburgh 1871, we believe
+no one spoke in behalf of their fathers' noble achievement in 1712.
+Indeed this could not be rationally expected in a body who could
+tolerate members vilifying the very Covenants which they pretended
+to renew. <i>Fifth.</i>&mdash;Other parties farther removed from
+the position of their reforming progenitors; but who still claim
+ecclesiastical affinity with John Knox, and commonly prefix to the
+symbols of their faith the historical word <i>Westminster</i>, give
+very strong expression to their feelings of hostility&mdash;not to
+the Auchensaugh Bond, of which probably they never heard, but to
+the British Covenants expressly; yea, to the very ordinance of
+public social covenanting itself. But we shall let them speak for
+themselves. One Doctor of divinity is reported as saying&mdash;"I
+am opposed to the whole matter of covenanting. Covenants do an
+immense sight more harm than good. Those Scotch Covenanters brought
+persecution upon themselves by their covenants."<a name="FNanchor1"
+id="FNanchor1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1"><sup>[1]</sup></a></p>
+<p>Another Dr. said, "I have always been opposed to covenanting.
+One generation of God's people have no right to enter into bonds
+that entail obligations upon future generations."<a name=
+"FNanchor2" id="FNanchor2"></a><a href=
+"#Footnote_2"><sup>[2]</sup></a> A third Dr. said, "I hold it is a
+sin for men to go into the august presence of God and enter into
+covenant with him. It is base presumption."<a name="FNanchor3" id=
+"FNanchor3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3"><sup>[3]</sup></a> A fourth
+Dr. said, "I hold that the church as an organization is not a
+responsible moral agent. Neither is the nation!" These sentiments
+may well excite astonishment and alarm, when proclaimed by
+accredited teachers of morality and religion.
+<i>Sixth.</i>&mdash;Seceders have all along their history claimed
+to be the sole heirs of the Scottish covenanted inheritance. They
+are not ignorant of the Auchensaugh Renovation. How they view that
+transaction may be best ascertained from their own language. The
+<i>Original Secession Magazine</i> for November 1880, p. 861,
+speaks thus, "The distinction drawn between 'Covenanters' and
+'Seceders,' we have shown to be groundless. Are Reformed
+Presbyterians covenanters at all? There is not an <i>actual</i>
+Covenanter among them. They renewed the Covenants after a fashion
+in 1712. In our view the Covenants were not renewed, they were only
+mangled," &amp;c. These sentiments are sufficiently strong and
+explicit to be intelligible. The writer's feelings evidently
+interfered with judicial discrimination, while openly expressing
+that hostility to the Auchensaugh Bond which is concealed by
+others. The Rev. John McMillan, whom the Lord honored to take the
+lead at Auchensaugh, is especially branded by this writer who
+asserts,&mdash;"he did not secede and retire, he was expelled; nor
+was the position of his early associates in the ministry of the
+purest water." Moreover, this writer asserts "that they (Seceders)
+have actually renewed the Covenants, from time to time, during the
+whole period of their existence." How could this be, since Seceders
+have all along rejected "the civil part of the Covenants?" But
+these documents bear on their face a direct aim at personal,
+domestic, ecclesiastical, and civil reformation. No party can
+intelligently and honestly renew the National Covenant and Solemn
+League, while eulogizing the "Glorious Revolution" of 1688, while
+in allegiance to the British throne&mdash;that "bloody horn of the
+beast;" or whose political principles will identify them with any
+other horn which may have power to scatter "Judah." Zech. i:
+21.</p>
+<p>We have thus attempted by an induction of particulars, as
+concisely as we could, to point out existing opposition to our
+Covenanted Reformation, by various parties who assail the British
+Covenants directly, or by a first assault upon the Auchensaugh
+Bond, would reach a fatal stroke at the Covenants themselves. We
+believe with our predecessors that those who reject the Auchensaugh
+Renovation, by logical necessity will relinquish the Covenants
+themselves.</p>
+<p>The reader may be assured that neither we nor the Reformed
+Presbytery, whose committee we are, claim Papal infallibility or
+Christian perfection; nor do we ask implicit faith in any
+uninspired documents. But we sincerely believe ourselves that the
+Auchensaugh Renovation and the Bond, to which the foregoing
+statements are prefixed, will be found on examination to be sound,
+faithful, and "in nothing contrary to the word of God."</p>
+<table cellpadding="8" summary=
+"List of the three members of the Committee: David Steele, Robert Alexander, and John Clyde">
+<tr>
+<td>DAVID STEELE,<br>
+ROBERT ALEXANDER,<br>
+JOHN CLYDE.</td>
+<td style="border-left: 1px solid black"><i>Committee</i></td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+<p>FOOTNOTES:</p>
+<p><a name="Footnote_1" id="Footnote_1"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor1">[1]</a></p>
+<blockquote>This gentleman does not seem to know that infidels use
+similar argument against Christianity. Or, did he never
+read&mdash;"I came not to send peace on the earth, but a sword."
+His logic also is as faulty as his theology&mdash;<i>non causa pro
+causa</i>.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_2" id="Footnote_2"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor2">[2]</a></p>
+<blockquote>On what principle does this minister dispense the
+ordinance of baptism to subjects in their minority? Is baptism a
+mere ceremony, involving no obligation upon the children of
+believers? Gen. xvii: 14.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_3" id="Footnote_3"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor3">[3]</a></p>
+<blockquote>No <i>presumption</i>, when graciously invited to do
+so. Is. lvi: 4, 6, 11. This teaching tends to the subversion of
+social order&mdash;the moral order of the universe. 2 Pet. ii:
+10.</blockquote>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="THE_AUCHENSAUGH_RENOVATION." id=
+"THE_AUCHENSAUGH_RENOVATION."></a>
+<h2>THE AUCHENSAUGH RENOVATION.</h2>
+<p>THE NATIONAL COVENANT AND SOLEMN LEAGUE AND COVENANT, WITH THE
+ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF SINS AND ENGAGEMENT TO DUTIES: AS THEY WERE
+RENEWED AT AUCHENSAUGH, NEAR DOUGLAS, 24th JULY, 1712, WITH
+ACCOMMODATION TO THE (THEN) PRESENT TIMES.</p>
+<p>PSALM lxxvi: 11. Vow and pay unto the Lord your God.</p>
+<p>ISAIAH xxiv: 5. The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants
+thereof: because they have transgressed the laws, changed the
+ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.</p>
+<p>EZEK. xvii: 18. Seeing he despised the oath by breaking the
+covenant (when, lo, he had given his hand), and hath done all these
+<i>things</i>, he shall not escape.</p>
+<p>2 TIM. iii: 3. Truce-breakers&mdash;or Covenant-breakers.</p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="HISTORICAL_INTRODUCTION." id=
+"HISTORICAL_INTRODUCTION."></a>
+<h4>HISTORICAL INTRODUCTION.</h4>
+<p>It is the ineffable product of eternal love, and infinite
+condescension in God toward his rational creatures, that ever he
+was pleased to make a covenant with them, and not to command and
+require obedience to his holy and just will, by virtue of his most
+absolute supremacy and rightful dominion only; but even to superadd
+sweet and precious promises, as a reward of that obedience, which
+he might of right have required, without giving any such
+incitements or pursuasives to it. And as no tongue of men or angels
+is sufficient to express, no strength of imagination to conceive,
+no sublimity of intellectual faculties to comprehend the depth of
+that spring, and breadth of that ocean of unbounded love, which
+hath exerted itself in God's covenanting with man; yea, with sinful
+man, by means of a Mediator: so shall it always afford matter of
+wonder and admiration to all finite and intelligent beings, to the
+ages of eternity, and shall never be comprehended by any, but by
+him whose understanding is infinite; wherefore He, who is
+all-sufficient and self-sufficient, should invite, yea, press and
+entreat unworthy indigent nothings, the sinful children of men to
+such an incomparable degree of honor, dignity and advancement, as
+that is, to enter into a covenant relation, and come into a solemn
+treaty of peace and conjunction with Him, who is infinitely removed
+beyond all blessing and all praise. To have this invitation, is
+indeed the honor and privilege of all within the visible church, to
+whose ears the joyful sound of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ
+hath come; but few are so wise as to accept and approve it. Many,
+too many, account themselves unworthy of this honor, and by
+despising this privilege, and rejecting this dignity, deprive
+themselves of the greatest happiness; but as all nations, upon whom
+the day-star of the gospel hath arisen, have had the invitation to
+this duty, and all sound and real believers have actually
+participated of this honor, to have God making a covenant with
+them, and they striking hands with Him through a Mediator (which
+covenant is commonly termed the <i>Covenant of Grace</i>,) so these
+three kingdoms of Scotland, England and Ireland conjunctly, and
+Scotland by itself, as an independent nation, had in an eminent way
+and manner the honor, above most nations in the world, to dedicate
+and surrender themselves to the Lord, by a most voluntary, free and
+deliberate choice, and to come under the bond of a most solemn
+oath, in a most religious manner, devoting their all to Christ, his
+interest and honor, the flourishing and thriving of his kingdom,
+the success of his gospel, and reformation of his churches; and
+openly avouching him for their Lord and Master, to the honor of his
+name, and confusion of his enemies; which <i>Covenants National</i>
+and <i>Solemn League</i>, though we look not upon them to be the
+same with the covenant of grace, yet we conceive of them as a
+solemn superadded and new obligation, tying us to all the duties,
+as well of a particular Christian conversation, as these which tend
+to the public and national advancement of reformation in religion,
+whereof the covenant of grace is the spring and foundation.</p>
+<p>These covenants, as they were the effects and consequents of
+many remarkable and signal expressions of divine love and goodness,
+many singular mercies and deliverances vouchsafed to these nations,
+as the return of many earnest prayers and wrestlings of the Lord's
+people with him; so they were the occasions of many blessings, and
+great indications of God's favor and loving-kindness. Then the Lord
+delighted to dwell in the nations; then did he beautify the place
+of his sanctuary; then did he fill his people's hearts with joy and
+gladness, by the familiar intimations of his special love and down
+pourings of his Spirit's gracious influences, as our land can
+afford many instances. Then did he enlarge his people's affections,
+and animate their spirits with zeal and courage, attended with
+knowledge, prudence and discretion to act for him, and advance his
+kingdom. Then did he illustrate his churches in these kingdoms, as
+bright and sparkling stars arising out of the thick clouds of
+antichristian darkness, and getting out from under Prelatic and
+Erastian yokes of bondage and slavery, and made them go forth as
+the meridian sun glorious and excellent; <i>terrible as an army
+with banners</i>. Hence it came to pass that these nations sent out
+a savory report to all the neighboring reformed churches, a report
+which comforted, revived, strengthened, animated and encouraged all
+the true and loyal subjects of Christ's kingdom; which struck
+terror and amazement to the hearts of his enemies; which shook and
+caused to tremble the pillars of Antichrist's kingdom, and
+disquieted the very foundations of the <i>seat of that beast</i>;
+which made malignants at home and abroad to be ashamed and
+confounded, and even forced the haters of the Lord to <i>feign
+submission to him</i>. Numberless were the advantages and
+privileges which did redound to these nations by, and were the
+lovely attendants and sweet consequents of, these covenants;
+whereby God did set to his seal of approbation, and gave clear
+evidence and demonstration of his acceptance of his people's
+cheerful and willing adventures in this duty of covenanting with
+him: and as these blessings and mercies, which, as the dew of
+Hermon, were distilled upon his people's heads and hearts, while
+they abode steadfast with him, and faithful in his covenant were so
+many irrefragable proofs of his acquiescence in their first and
+laudable undertakings; so the many sad and fearful plagues,
+distractions, confusions and miseries, which have attended and
+followed the many gross breaches and violations of these covenants
+and departures from God, are no less evident discoveries,
+undeniable signs and pregnant convictions of the Lord's most just
+displeasure and indignation with the bypast and present courses of
+revolting and backsliding from him; which courses of declension and
+grievous apostatizing from God and his covenant, all the three
+kingdoms and in special this nation, and every individual therein
+capable of such a work, are, without all controversy, called to
+bewail and confess before God, and by speedy amendment to turn from
+them, in order to avert judgments, and turn away justly impendent
+wrath and long threatened strokes.</p>
+<p>The consideration of these blessings and benefits, on the one
+hand, which followed the zealous entering into, and sincere
+performing of these sacred oaths; and upon the other hand the sense
+we desire to retain of the plagues and curses, threatened by God in
+his word against covenant-breaking inflicted upon covenant-breakers
+in former ages, and foreign nations, and visibly impending upon us
+in these nations, for our perfidious dealing in God's covenant;
+hath moved us a <i>poor insignificant handful of people</i>,
+unworthy indeed to be called the posterity of our zealous reforming
+ancestors, though heartily desirous to be found adhering to the
+same standard of doctrine, worship, discipline and government to
+which they adhered, to attempt this solemn and weighty duty of
+renewing (in our capacities and stations) these covenant
+obligations, that we might at least give some discovery of our
+respect to the cause of God, for the advancement and preservation
+whereof these covenants were first entered into, and afterwards
+again and again renewed by our religious progenitors, and by the
+whole representative body of the three kingdoms, who had any zeal
+for the interest of religion. And that we might, for our parts, be
+in some measure instrumental to transmit a testimony for the work
+of God in our land to the succeeding generation. Neither do we
+want, besides these general motives, some special inducements to
+this undertaking. As 1. Because these national covenants, having
+been nationally broken, and their funeral piles erected by wicked
+and perfidious rulers in the capital cities of the kingdom, with
+all imaginable ignominy and contempt, have long lien buried and
+(almost) quite forgotten under these ashes; most people either
+hating the very name and remembrance of them, or at least being
+ashamed honorably to avouch their adherence to them, and afraid to
+endeavor a vigorous and constant prosecution of the duties
+contained in them: So that it is high time that every one should do
+his utmost towards a reviving of them. 2. Because many openly
+declare their sorrow and grief that ever these covenants should
+have been entered into: malignants calling them a conspiracy,
+attributing every miscarriage of the persons engaged in them to the
+covenants themselves as their native effects; and others, who would
+take it ill to be called malignants, making them the causes of all
+the tyranny, rapine, bloodshed and persecution of the late reigns,
+as having raised the spleen of the enemies of religion, and
+accounting it safer that they should lie still in their graves,
+than that they should irritate malignants any more by their
+resurrection.<a name="FNanchor4" id="FNanchor4"></a><a href=
+"#Footnote_4"><sup>[4]</sup></a> Therefore we judge it our duty to
+renew them, that we might evidence, that notwithstanding all these
+malicious calumnies and false consequences cast upon them, we are
+still of the same judgment with our reformers, that they are the
+most sovereign means, under the blessing of God, for the reviving
+and preserving the work of God in the land. 3. Because of the
+courses that are carried on in direct opposition to these
+covenants; the nations, formerly cemented in peace and love in
+conjunction with truth and righteousness, having broken these
+bonds, and united themselves upon another footing, by the late
+sinful incorporating union: and imposing new oaths in opposition to
+the covenant; such as abjuration, &amp;c. granting license,
+protection and toleration to all the evils abjured in the covenant;
+as heresies and errors in doctrine, superstition in worship,
+Prelacy and Erastianism in government, and overthrowing all good
+discipline. 4. Because of our own sinful miscarriages in, and woful
+declinings from our covenanted duties, our proneness to break
+covenant with God, and to be indifferent, lax, negligent and
+unsteadfast in the cause and work of God, and to be led away with
+the error of the wicked, and to fall from our steadfastness;
+wherefore we thought it necessary to bind ourselves by a new tie to
+the Lord, and one to another in a zealous prosecution of covenanted
+duties, that the covenant might be as a hedge to keep us from
+running out into the paths of destroyers. 5. We being sincerely
+desirous and having an earnest longing to celebrate the sacred
+ordinance of the Lord's Supper, whereof many had unjustly called us
+despisers and contemners, and finding it to have been the laudable
+practice of the church of Scotland formerly, that all such as were
+admitted to that holy table should swear and subscribe the covenant
+before their coming thereunto; we judged it a fit preparation for
+our receiving a sacramental confirmation of God's covenanted love
+and favor to us, through our Lord Jesus Christ, that we should
+avouch Him for our God, and testify our adherence to His cause and
+truth, by our renewing our national covenants with Him.</p>
+<p>Upon these and the like weighty considerations we resolved to
+set about this solemn and tremendous duty; and being assured that
+we have no sufficiency in ourselves for any such undertaking, after
+frequently imploring the Lord for light and direction, strength and
+assistance, and seeking for ourselves a right way in the
+performance of the duty, upon days of humiliation, both in our
+private societies and publicly in the fields, we did condescend
+upon the following <i>acknowledgment of sins</i>, the more to
+enable us to remember our own and the land's breaches of covenant,
+in our solemn public confession thereof; and did draw up the
+following <i>engagement to duties</i>, not to superadd any new oath
+and obligation to the covenants, but only to adjust the articles of
+the covenant to the circumstances of the time, and to explain in
+what sense the covenant binds us against the present evils that are
+now prevalent in the land, and to the contrary duties. As for the
+covenants themselves, we made no material alteration in them, as
+judging it a work more proper for an assembly of divines, or
+representative body of church and state (had they been upright and
+faithful in this cause) than for us, who, as we are called by
+others in contempt, must own ourselves in truth to be, <i>but a
+handful of weak and most illiterate people</i>, and but as babes in
+comparison of the first framers of our covenants; only that we
+might make them in some measure accomodable to the present
+lamentable circumstances, whereinto we are involved by our
+iniquities, we have annotated some few necessary alterations upon
+the margin, wherein the judicious will find that we have in nothing
+receded from the scope and substance of the covenant, but only in
+the phrase; for instance, where the covenant binds to <i>the
+defence and preservation of the king's majesty and government</i>,
+in regard we have no king nor supreme civil magistrate so
+qualified, as God's law and the laudable laws of this realm
+require, to whom we might, for conscience sake, subject ourselves,
+in a consistency with our defending the true reformed religion in
+all its parts and privileges: Therefore, we can only bind ourselves
+to <i>defend and preserve the honor, authority and majesty of
+lawful sovereigns, or supreme magistrates, having the
+qualifications aforesaid, when God shall be pleased to grant them
+to us</i>. Where no judicious person will say that there is any
+substantial alteration as to the <i>matter of the duty</i>, but
+only as to the object to whom the duty is to be performed; there
+being none such in being as can justly claim, or to whom we may
+with a good conscience pay such an allegiance.</p>
+<p>Having mutually agreed concerning these prerequisites to this
+sacred action, that the same might be orderly gone about, and might
+not be performed in a clandestine way, so as to preclude any
+upright-hearted friends to the covenanted reformation from joining
+with us in that so necessary a duty, there was public intimation
+made of the design a competent space of time before, upon a day of
+humiliation, and likewise upon the Lord's day immediately preceding
+the work.</p>
+<p>As for the particular way and manner, method and circumstances
+of the work, we had not given any narrative of them; but that some,
+who came with an evil eye, to spy out our liberty, for criticizing,
+not for joining or profiting, have in part misrepresented the same,
+and may further do so; therefore, to obviate all such misreports,
+we have thought fit to make this brief relation thereof.</p>
+<p>Upon Wednesday, July 23d, those who had the work in design being
+met together, the minister began the day's work with prayer for
+special assistance to attain due preparation, and a suitable frame,
+throughout the whole solemnity: and thereafter had a prefatory
+discourse to the people, showing the nature of the work in general,
+its lawfulness, expediency, and necessity, from scripture
+precedents and approven examples of the people of God, adducing the
+9th chapter of Ezra, Neh. Ezek. Dan. and Neh. x. 28, 29, for proof
+thereof; and of the day in particular, that it was a day of fasting
+and supplication, with preaching of the word, in order to
+preparation for the solemnities intended, both of renewing the
+covenants and celebrating the sacrament of the Lord's, Supper.
+After which a part of the lxxviii. Psalm, from the 5th to the 12th
+verse being sung, Mr. John M'Neil, preacher of the gospel, had a
+sermon upon Jer. 1. 4, and 5. "In those days, and in that time,
+saith the Lord, the children of Israel shall come, they and the
+children of Judah together, going and weeping: they shall go and
+seek the Lord their God. They shall ask the way to Zion, with their
+faces thitherward, saying, Come and let us join ourselves to the
+Lord, in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten." From
+which text he raised and prosecuted largely, and particularly the
+two following observations, as most pertinent for the work of the
+day; the first implicitly supposed, the other more explicitly
+asserted in the words; viz. 1. That, <i>a people in covenant with
+God may be forgetful of and deal falsely in their covenant</i>; or
+that <i>covenant-takers may be covenant-breakers</i>. 2. That,
+<i>it is the duty of a people who have broken covenant with God to
+engage themselves again to the Lord by the renovation of their
+covenant</i>. Where in prosecuting the former, he showed by what
+gradual steps of declension a people usually come to deal falsely
+in God's covenant, such as, (1.) By forgetfulness, Deut. iv. 23.
+There being a connexion between forgetting and forsaking, or
+dealing falsely in God's covenant, so the church intimates, Psal.
+xliv. 17, 18. "All this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten
+thee, neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant; our heart is
+not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy way." And
+the returning remnant of Israel being sensible of this connexion,
+resolve to bind themselves to the Lord <i>in a perpetual covenant
+that may not be forgotten</i>. (2.) By seeking shifts and arguments
+to elude and evade the obligation of the covenant and to defend the
+breaches thereof; which is after vows to make inquiry. (3.) By
+despising the bond of it; Ezek. xvi. 59. "Which hast despised the
+oath in breaking the covenant." (4.) By defection to the iniquities
+which are sworn and engaged against in the covenant, Jer. xi. 10.
+"They are turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, which
+refused to hear my words; and they went after other gods to serve
+them; the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my
+covenant, which I made with their fathers." (5.) By changing the
+government, laws, and ordinances sworn to be maintained in the
+covenant; either the government of the state, without consulting
+divine direction, and due inspection into the qualification of the
+persons set up, Hos. viii., compare the 1st and 4th verses. "They
+have transgressed my covenant, &amp;c. They have set up kings, but
+not by me, princes and I knew it not;" that is, without consulting
+me to know my will, and without my approbation and consent; or the
+government of the church, without regard to the revealed will of
+God. Thus, Abijah justly chargeth Jeroboam that he had "cast out
+the priests of the Lord, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites," and
+that he had "made priests after the manner of the nations of other
+lands;" but encourages himself that he and Judah had the Lord for
+their God, because they had not forsaken him; "and the priests
+which ministered unto the Lord were the sons of Aaron." 2 Chron.
+xiii. 6, 10. (6.) By an entire forsaking and disowning the
+obligation of the covenant, Dan. xi. 30. "He------ shall have
+intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant." (7.) By a
+stated opposition to the covenant, and persecuting of these who
+adhere thereunto. Thus Elijah justly charges Israel, 1 Kings xix.
+10, that they had forsaken God's covenant, because they had thrown
+down his altars, slain his prophets, and sought after Elijah's
+life. And in a use of lamentation deduced from the foresaid
+doctrine, he showed, that all ranks in the land had reason to mourn
+over their breach of covenant, in regard that some of all ranks,
+from the throne to the dunghill, in church and state, are, or have
+been guilty of dealing falsely in God's covenant, in all and every
+one of these diverse ways, and of declining from it: and in regard
+that there has been so much ignominy and contempt cast upon these
+sacred covenants, not only by breaking them openly, but also
+avowedly disowning and disdaining their obligation, and making the
+adherence to them criminal; and, which is above all, burning them
+by the hand of the hangman, and burying them so long in
+forgetfulness. This guiltiness he applied not to great persons
+only, but also to professors, to ministers, and particularly to
+ourselves, who are called dissenters from the present
+establishment; pressing upon us no less than others, the absolute
+and indispensable necessity of being convinced of, and mourning
+over these, not as the sins of others only, but also as our
+own&mdash;we having a chief hand in the trespass; pressing upon all
+present concerned in the work the duty of self-examination, and
+putting themselves to the trial, concerning their knowledge of the
+covenant obligations, both as to their nature and extent, as well
+as their sense of the breaches of these obligations.</p>
+<p>In the second head of doctrine, viz., <i>That it is the duty of
+a people who have broken covenant with God, to engage themselves
+again to him by renovation of their covenant</i>; after proving the
+proposition by several heads of arguments deduced&mdash;1st, From
+the lawfulness of entering into covenant with God, whether
+personal, as Jacob, Gen. xxviii. 20, 21, or economical, as Joshua
+and his family, Josh. xxiv. 15, or national, as God brought his
+people Israel under a covenant with himself, Exod. xix 5. The
+consequence holding undeniably, that if it be lawful and necessary,
+in any of these respects, to enter into covenant with God, it must
+needs be also lawful and a duty to renew the same after the breach
+thereof. 2dly, From Scripture precedents of the people of God, who,
+after breaking off and declining from God's covenant, renewed the
+same. As for instance, the covenant made with Israel at Horeb, was
+renewed at the plains of Moab, Deut. xxxix;&mdash;by Joshua, chap,
+xxiv.;&mdash;by Asa, 2 Chron. xv. 13, 14;&mdash;by Jehoiada, 2
+Kings xi. 17;&mdash;by Hezekiah, 2 Chron. xxix. 10;&mdash;by
+Josiah, 2 Kings, xxiii. 2;&mdash;by Ezra and Nehemiah, Ezra, x.
+3;&mdash;Neh. ix ult. and x. 28, 29. 3dly, From Scripture precepts,
+Deut. xxix. 1&mdash;"These are the words of the covenant which the
+Lord commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the
+land of Moab, beside the covenant which he made with them in
+Horeb." Psalm, lxxvi. 11&mdash;"Vow, and pay unto the Lord your
+God." 4thly, From Scripture promises, wherein the Lord promiseth as
+a blessing and mercy to his church and people, that they should
+renew their covenant with him, Isaiah xix. 21, 23&mdash;25; Zech.
+ii. 11. For further opening of the proposition, these two questions
+were proposed and solved&mdash;<i>First</i>, Whether all persons
+who have broken covenant with God may be admitted to renew the
+same? <i>Answer</i>, All sorts of persons in the three kingdoms are
+under the obligation of the covenant, and consequently, bound to
+renew and keep it inviolable; but all are not in present capacity,
+and therefore have no actual right to enter into covenant: such as
+are obstinately wicked, living in error, profanity, or malignancy,
+have not God's call and right from him, as such, to renew a
+covenant with him; for, Psal. 1. 16, 17&mdash;"God says to the
+wicked, What hast thou to do to take my covenant in thy mouth?" But
+all such as are reformed, or reforming from all iniquity, and
+namely from the defections and compliances of the time; who have
+some suitable sense of the breaches, and competent knowledge and
+understanding of the duties engaged unto in the covenant, Neh. x.
+28, have a right and an immediate call to the duty of renewing the
+covenant. 2dly, If any number of people may renew a national oath
+and covenant without the consent and concurrence of royal
+authority, or at least, without the concurrence of some chief and
+principal men in church and state? <i>Answer</i>, Without the
+concurrence of church and state, a covenant cannot be taken or
+renewed nationally, speaking strictly; yet a few may publicly
+declare their adherence to their covenant-engagements by renewing
+them, not only without the consent and concurrence of authority,
+but against it; and there are several precedents for so doing, both
+before and since the established reformation. As for instance, that
+covenant at Edinburgh, Anno 1557; at Perth, 1559; at Stirling, the
+same year; another at Leith, Anno 1560; another at Ayr, 1562. And
+at Lanark, a small handful of the Lord's people renewed it in
+direct opposition to, and at Lesmahago, without the consent or
+concurrence of authority; which instances may be both an inducement
+and encouragement to us to renew, and in our mean capacity, to
+testify to the nation our approbation of, and adherence to these
+covenants.</p>
+<p>In the prosecution of this doctrine, he had occasion also to
+insist upon the <i>reasons</i>, or <i>motives</i>, and
+<i>manner</i> of entering into covenant. The scope and argument of
+the reasons adduced as motives to the duty of covenanting was to
+this effect:&mdash;</p>
+<p>1. The turning away of the Lord's wrath and anger from a land,
+or people, which covenant-breaking hath deserved, may be a motive
+to renewing covenant with God; this was the motive that prompted
+the good reforming King Hezekiah to make a covenant with the Lord,
+2 Chron. xxix. 10&mdash;"Now it is in mine heart to make a covenant
+with the Lord God of Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away
+from us." And Nehemiah, with the returned captives, Neh. ix.
+38&mdash;"And because of all this, we make a sure covenant."</p>
+<p>2. Reviving and advancement in reformation, being the ordinary
+consequent and effect of upright covenanting with the Lord, may be
+another motive and inducement thereunto; this appears both in
+personal and national covenanting&mdash;In personal, Psal. cxix.
+106&mdash;"I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep
+thy righteous judgments." The Psalmist's having sworn, was a very
+quickening consideration to excite him to the performance of his
+duty. In national covenanting, we always find, after the people of
+Israel and Judah had covenanted with the Lord, they made progress
+in reformation, and the land was purged of abominations and idols.
+Thus it was in Asa's covenant, 2 Chron. xv. 12 to 19; for there,
+the people have entered into a covenant with the Lord, "and sworn
+with all their soul, and with all their heart," the Lord was found
+of them; and Asa removed his mother, Maachah, from her royal
+dignity, and stamped the idol which she had made, and burnt it at
+the brook Kidron; and he brought into the house of the Lord the
+things that his father and himself had dedicated. Thus it was also
+in Jehoiada's covenant, which he made "between the Lord, and the
+king, and the people, that they should be the Lord's people," 2
+Kings xi. 17, 18, 20; for, immediately after the making of his
+covenant, "all the people of the land went into the house of Baal,
+and brake it down&mdash;his altars, and his images brake they in
+pieces thoroughly; and the priest appointed officers over the house
+of the Lord;" and they slew Athaliah with the sword. The like is
+evident in Hezekiah's covenanting, 2 Chron. xxxiv., xxxv.
+chapters.</p>
+<p>3. This upright renewing of covenant with the Lord is a way and
+mean to procure many mercies, both spiritual and temporal, from the
+hand of the Lord; which should be a strong inducement and motive to
+engage us thereunto. Spiritual mercies are entailed upon it, Deut.
+xxix. 12, 13. "That thou shouldest enter into covenant with the
+Lord thy God, and into his oath, which the Lord thy God maketh with
+thee this day: that he may establish thee to-day for a people to
+himself, and that he may be unto thee a God, as he hath said unto
+thee, and as he hath sworn unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac,
+and to Jacob." Temporal mercies are also promised to this upright
+renewing and keeping covenant, Deut. xxix. 9&mdash;"Keep therefore
+the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may prosper in all
+that ye do." And, it is remarked, 2 Chron. xv. 15, that after Asa's
+covenant, "the Lord gave them rest round about."</p>
+<p>4. The malice and opposition of the Popish, Prelatical, and
+malignant party against the covenants, and their doing what in them
+lies, to make their obligation void and null, may be a motive and
+argument for the people of God so much the more to avouch their
+respect to them by a public adherence, especially after long
+continued breaches.</p>
+<p>5. Upright entering into, or renewing covenant with God, is a
+most sovereign medicine for healing a people's breaches, as well as
+their backslidings, the covenant being a cement, as well to join
+and unite the people of God one to another, as all of them in their
+duty to God; and, as it flows from the nature of the covenant to
+unite the friends of reformation, so it is observable as one of the
+peculiar fruits of covenant-renewing, that union in the Lord has
+followed thereupon: thus it was with Israel and Judah in the text,
+who united together in making a covenant with the Lord. Whence all
+the people of God, who are called to be united and "perfectly
+joined together in the same spirit, and in the same mind;" and
+especially they who have been lamentably divided one from another,
+by their manifold defections from God, and from their
+covenant-engagements, ought to be strongly inclined, moved, and
+engaged to this duty; from this consideration, the upright
+covenant-renewing is a usual mean of land-uniting and
+church-uniting dispositions amongst the people of God.</p>
+<p>As for the manner of renewing covenant with God, and how the
+duty ought to be gone about, he propounded and opened it in the
+following particulars, to this effect:&mdash;</p>
+<p>1. That it must be done with understanding and judgment, both in
+relation to the nature of the duties we engage to perform in the
+covenant: grossly ignorant persons being justly deprived of the
+privilege of engaging in covenant, though bound to inform
+themselves of its nature and obligation; and also in relation to
+the breaches, such as would engage into it being called to have
+some suitable sense and understanding, both how it has been
+violated, and by what means persons come to be guilty of the breach
+thereof. So, Neh. x. 28, 29&mdash;"Every one that had knowledge and
+understanding entered into the covenant."</p>
+<p>2. This duty must be gone about with sincerity and uprightness
+of heart; thus Joshua, when making a covenant with the people, that
+they should serve the Lord, exhorts them&mdash;"Now therefore fear
+the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and truth," Joshua, xxiv.,
+compare the 25th verse with the 14th. The want of which
+qualification in covenant-renewing, causes unsteadfastness and
+perfidy in covenant-performing&mdash;Psal. lxxviii. 36, 37.</p>
+<p>3. This duty of covenant-renewing requires, as a qualification
+towards the right performing of it, that there be a due
+consideration, and some suitable impression of the solemnity and
+weightiness of the work: which ariseth, partly from the
+<i>object</i> or <i>party covenanted with</i>, the holy and jealous
+God, Joshua xxiv. 19&mdash;"He is a holy God, he is a jealous God,
+he will not forgive your transgressions, nor your sins," and partly
+from the <i>subject matter covenanted, or engaged to</i>. The
+articles of the covenant of grace, which we have professedly, at
+last, yielded to in our baptism, are weighty; for therein, as God
+engages to give us himself, his Son Christ Jesus, and in him all
+temporal and eternal blessings; so we engaged to be obedient
+children, and faithful subjects to him all the days of our lives.
+And the articles of these national covenants are weighty, for
+therein we engage to great things relating to the glory of God, and
+the good of our own and other's souls. And, partly, this
+weightiness ariseth from the great <i>danger and dreadful
+punishment of breaking the covenant</i>; which is threatened in
+many places of Scripture. The same is also intimated to us in the
+customs both of the Jews and Heathens, in entering into covenant;
+particularly, we find that the Jews used to cut a calf, or some
+other clean beast, in twain, and pass between the parts of
+it&mdash;using this, or the like form of speech, as the Jewish
+doctors relate&mdash;"So God divide or separate me, if I keep not
+this covenant." Jer. xxxiv. 18, compared with verse 20&mdash;"I
+will give the men into the hands of their enemies who have
+transgressed my covenant, which they had made before me, when they
+cut the calf in twain, and passed between the parts thereof."
+Nehemiah also, chap. v. 12, 13, when he took an oath of the
+priests, shook his lap and said&mdash;"So God shake out every man
+from his house, and from his labour, that performeth not this
+promise," &amp;c. And all the covenanters said&mdash;"Amen."</p>
+<p>4. Much tenderness and heart-melting is requisite to the right
+performing of this duty. So it was with covenant-renewing Israel
+and Judah, who were "weeping as they went to seek the Lord their
+God, and to make a covenant never to be forgotten." This brokenness
+of heart, and tender-melting frame may arise, both from the
+consideration of the many sins and iniquities whereby persons have
+provoked the Lord their God to anger, whence they come "to be like
+doves of the valley, every one mourning for his iniquity:" and
+likewise from the consideration of the grace and mercy of God,
+manifested in Christ Jesus, his condescension to enter into a
+covenant with sinful men, and readiness, upon his people's
+repentance, to pardon their former breaches; from the consideration
+of this transcendently free grace, an humble and sincere covenanter
+will be transported into an ecstacy of wonder and admiration; as
+the church is, Mic. vii. 18, 19, 20&mdash;"Who is a God like unto
+thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of
+the remnant of his heritage?" &amp;c.</p>
+<p>5. Dependency and recumbency upon the Lord by faith, for
+strength to perform covenant engagements, is requisite to right
+covenanting, Isa. xxvii. 5&mdash;"Let him take hold of my strength,
+that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me."
+This is to "take hold of" God's covenant, Isa. lvi. 4.</p>
+<p>6. Affection to God and the duties whereunto we engage, is
+requisite to right covenanting, and that in its flower and vigour,
+height and supremacy. Thus, 2 Chron. xv. 12, 15, Asa and the people
+"entered into a covenant, to seek the Lord God of their fathers
+with all their heart, and with all their soul:&mdash;And all Judah
+rejoiced at the oath; for they had sworn with all their heart, and
+sought him with their whole desire." They had an affection to the
+work, and did it with complacency, not in dissimulation, so as not
+to design to perform it: nor through compulsion, with an eye to
+secular profit or preferment, as many in these lands did.</p>
+<p>7. It is necessary, in order to right covenanting, that the work
+be gone about with a firm purpose and resolution (through grace
+enabling us) to adhere to our covenant engagements, notwithstanding
+whatever opposition and persecution we may meet with from the world
+for so doing, and whatever difficulties and discouragements may
+arise from the multitude of those, who prove unsteadfast in, or
+foully forsake their covenant. We must stand to our covenant, as it
+is said of Josiah, 2 Chron. xxxiv. 32, that "he caused all that
+were present in Judah and Benjamin, to stand to" the covenant,
+which implies as well a firm resolution to perform, as consent to
+engage, as in the latter part of the verse, it is remarked, that
+"the inhabitants of Jerusalem did according to the covenant of God,
+the God of their fathers;" where <i>doing according to the
+covenant</i> is exegetical of <i>standing to it.</i> David also
+joins the resolution of performance with swearing; Psal. cxix. 106.
+"I have sworn, and I will perform, that I will keep thy righteous
+judgments."</p>
+<p>From the doctrine thus confirmed and explained, he drew this
+inference, by way of information, that seeing it is a people's
+duty, who have broken covenant with the Lord, to engage themselves
+again to him, by renewing their covenant, that it is not arbitrary
+for us (as many are apt to think) to renew, or not to renew our
+covenant; but that there is a plain and positive necessity for our
+repenting and returning again to the Lord, by entering anew into
+covenant with him, whether personal made in baptism, or at the
+Lord's table, or under affliction and trouble, or national vows and
+covenants entered into by ourselves or our fathers. And in a use of
+lamentation, he bewailed the backwardness of these lands, and
+particularly of this nation, to this duty; in that, now after sixty
+years and upwards of great defections from, and grievous breaches
+of our covenants by people of all ranks; yet there appears so
+little sense of either the obligations or breaches of them, and of
+a disposition to reviving them, even amongst those who not only
+profess some love to the reformation of religion, but even some
+belief of their perpetual binding obligation; and that
+notwithstanding, as the Prophet Isaiah saith, concerning Judah,
+chap. xxiv. 5, "The earth (or the land) is defiled under the
+inhabitants thereof, because they have transgressed the laws,
+changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant;" our land
+having been denied with Popery and Prelacy, and with a flood of
+abomination and profanity, the natural consequent of perfidy, the
+ordinances having been changed, perverted and corrupted, and the
+covenant not only broken, but burnt ignominiously, and the
+adherence to it made criminal; yet, for all this, there has not
+been a time found for renewing them these twenty-three years; and
+that ministers, at whose door it chiefly lay to stir up the land to
+this work, have many of them been as careless as others, waiving
+and putting off a stumbled and offended people, expressing some
+concernedness for this duty, with these and the like pretexts, that
+it was not a fit time, nor the land in a case for it (too sad a
+truth), but not laboring to get the land brought to be in a case
+and disposition for it, by pressing the obligation, and plainly
+discovering the violations thereof; so that, instead of being
+brought to a fitter condition for this duty, the covenants are
+almost forgotten and quite out of mind, so that the succeeding
+generation is scarce like to know that ever there was a covenant
+sworn in Scotland. And more particularly, that the godly, who are
+dissatisfied with, and dissent from the defections and corruptions
+of the times, have discovered so little concern about the work of
+reformation, and cause of God, which the covenants oblige us to
+own, defend, and promote. All which laxness and remissness is for a
+lamentation, and ought to be lamented and mourned over by the
+people of God.</p>
+<p>In the exhortation, he pressed upon us who are embodied together
+to renew our <i>covenant-engagements</i>, by giving an open and
+public testimony of our adherence to the <i>covenants, national</i>
+and <i>solemn league</i>, that we should labor to attain a suitable
+frame, and serious consideration of the weightiness, solemnity, and
+awfulness of the work we were then undertaking: enforcing the same
+by several cogent motives, as namely, because in renewing these
+covenants we are called to remember our baptismal and personal
+vows, whereby we had renounced the devil, the world and the flesh,
+and devoted ourselves to the Lord to be his people; which if they
+were slighted and forgotten, there could be no right, acceptable,
+and comfortable entering into <i>national covenants.</i> And
+likewise because of the weightiness of the duties engaged to in our
+<i>national covenant</i>, and in the <i>solemn league</i> and
+<i>covenant</i>, which he proved to be a covenant that ought to be
+renewed by us in this nation no less than our <i>national
+covenant</i>, in regard it was a religious, just, and holy covenant
+made betwixt God and the three kingdoms, though it cannot now be
+taken in the same consideration and extent, as at the first framing
+it was, viz.: As a league betwixt us and the representative body of
+the kingdoms of England and Ireland: where he took occasion to go
+over the several articles of the covenant, showing the nature and
+weightiness of the duties.</p>
+<p>Beside these two more general doctrines which were chiefly
+insisted upon, he observed several others pertinently deducible
+from the words, as first, <i>That unfaithful dealing in God's
+covenant will breed distance and estrangement from God.</i> This is
+implied in the children of Israel and Judah seeking the Lord,
+asking the way to Zion, &amp;c.; their asking the way to Zion,
+importing that they had forgotten the right way of worshipping God,
+and that their sins had made a sad separation between them and
+their God. Secondly, That it is necessary that persons become
+sensible of their sin against God, and of his anger against them,
+and lay these things to heart, that they may be concerned about
+reconciliation with God, and reform their lives. Thirdly, That the
+kindly exercise of repentance in a backsliding people lamenting
+after the Lord, and setting about to renew their covenant with him,
+hath an effectual influence to unite and cement the divided people
+of God: thus in the text the children of Israel and Judah, whom
+their iniquities had long and sadly divided, are uniting together
+in this desirable frame of weeping and seeking the Lord their God,
+and making a perpetual covenant with him. This doctrine he proved
+and applied briefly as the time would permit, both because of its
+native result from the text, and because of his own, and our
+sincere desire to see a holy union and communion, in the way of
+truth and duty effected by returning to the Lord, and renewing the
+covenant with him, as among all the godly, so especially among
+those that profess their dissent from, and dislike of the corrupt
+courses of the times.</p>
+<p>Sermon being ended, after prayer, the covenants were first read
+according to the <i>Directory for renewing the solemn league and
+covenant</i>, prescribed by the Act of the General Assembly at
+Edinburgh, 6th October, 1648, post meridiem, entitled, <i>Act for
+renewing of the Solemn League and Covenant;</i> and, thereafter,
+the following Acknowledgment of Sins was also read: after which,
+prayer was made, containing a comprehensive confession of the more
+general heads of the foresaid Acknowledgement of Sins; and a part
+of the 78th Psalm, beginning at the 36th verse, was sung; and the
+minister dismissed the congregation with a short reprehension and
+advice, reproving them for their unconcerned carriage and behaviour
+during the reading of the acknowledgment of the breaches of these
+covenants, which had been first entered into at the expense of so
+much blood and treasure, and confirmed and sealed with the blood of
+many honourable martyrs of all ranks in the land; withal, exhorting
+all present to labour after a heart-melting frame for the right
+performance of the work in hand.</p>
+<p>Upon Thursday, July 24th, after singing a part of the 105th
+Psalm, from the 6th to the 12th verse, and prayer&mdash;Mr. John
+M'Millan preached upon Isaiah, xliv. 5&mdash;"One shall say I am
+the Lord's: and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob:
+and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the Lord, and
+sirname himself by the name of Israel." Whereupon, after the
+unfolding of the context, and explication of the words, showing
+that they clearly contain an intimation of a covenant relation
+betwixt God and a people, and their avouching of the same upon
+their part; the words seeming to have a reference to the state of
+the New Testament Church, and conversion of the Gentiles, who,
+being allured by the great gospel blessings and mercies bestowed by
+God upon the Jews, to join themselves to the church, should avouch
+their interest in the Messiah and covenant of grace, by taking the
+Lord for their God, and owning themselves to be his people. So that
+the words may be taken up as an answer to such a presupposed
+question as this, <i>Whose are you?</i> <i>and what is your
+name?</i> To which question, one shall answer, <i>I am the
+Lord's;</i> another, <i>I am one of old Jacob's family and
+offspring</i>; another, if you desiderate my name, look the
+covenant subscriptions and you will find it there; another shall
+say, whatever my name was before, <i>my sirname now is an
+Israelite</i>. So sweetly should a shower of gospel grace engage
+the hearts of the New Testament converts to avow their covenant
+relation to the Lord, and glory in their union with his church and
+covenanted people. Having taking up the sense of the words to this
+effect, he deduced from them these two observations:</p>
+<p><i>1. That the Lord is graciously pleased sometimes to privilege
+his people with very remarkable tokens of his gracious
+presence.</i> This doctrine is clear from the context, verses 3d
+and 4th&mdash;"For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and
+floods upon the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon thy seed,
+and my blessing upon thine offspring. And they shall spring up as
+among the grass, as willows by the watercourses."</p>
+<p>Under this head of doctrine, he gave the following marks to
+evidence whether the present time of renewing our covenant with God
+was indeed to us a time of the Lord's privileging us with his
+gracious presence&mdash;1st, That a time of God's privileging his
+people with his gracious presence, and with a shower of gospel
+grace, is a very inviting and alluring time; wherein, as the Lord
+invites his people to their duty, by engaging their hearts and
+souls, through his Spirit's gracious influences, to fall in love
+with him and his commandments, so they mutually invite one another
+to covenant with God. 2d, That such a time proves a soul-engaging
+and taking time, wherein souls are engaged to fall in love with the
+covenant, and with Christ the Mediator of the covenant, and are
+taken in the net of the gospel. 3d, That a time of the letting out
+of God's gracious presence is ordinarily a time of many sweet and
+excellent resolutions, the people of God resolving to walk more
+accurately and circumspectly in the ways of new obedience. 4th,
+That this usually is a time of ridding marches, and clearing of
+evidences. 5th, That it is a time of many and special confirmations
+of God's love to the soul. 6th, That this time of God's letting out
+much of his gracious presence to his people, is a very uniting and
+healing time to them amongst themselves. Having given these marks,
+to show whether the Lord were, at the occasion, letting out his
+gracious presence, he added, by way of caution, that seeing (no
+doubt) the people of God would be expecting something of all these,
+upon the undertaking of so great a work; if so be that they found
+it not, they should not thence be induced to have hard thoughts of
+the Lord, and to conclude that he keeps not his usual method with
+his people, or is not so good to them as formerly he hath been: for
+whatever defects there are upon his people's part, there is none
+upon the Lord's, for he remains the same to them, providing they do
+so to him; the change of his dispensations towards his people being
+from the change of his people's deportment towards him.</p>
+<p>The Second Doctrine, resulting more directly from the words,
+was, <i>That the Lord's Spirit poured out in plenty upon his people
+will quickly bring them to an embracing of him, and to a public
+acknowledgment and avouching of the same.</i> Thus it was with the
+people of God in the text&mdash;no sooner does the Lord "pour water
+upon the thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground," even his Spirit
+upon the spiritual seed of Israel, but presently they are at
+covenanting work and subscribing work; "One shall say, I am the
+Lord's," etc. In prosecuting this doctrine he shewed first
+negatively that he was not for that occasion largely to treat of
+the several ways that the Spirit useth to manage this work of
+engaging the hearts of his people to embrace Christ, and so to make
+a public avouchment of the same; whether he doth it by representing
+to their views the sweet and precious promises made in the covenant
+of grace, thereby sweetly alluring and drawing them with the cords
+of love to himself, or by holding forth to their consciences the
+terrors and threatenings of the law, and thereby powerfully
+constraining them to fly to him as to the city of refuge from the
+face of Divine Justice pursuing them: for seeing the Spirit is a
+free agent and blows both how and where he listeth, he may engage a
+soul to close with Christ by either of these ways, though most
+usually he doth it by a conjunction and concurrence of both. Only
+this ought to satisfy us, that what way soever the Spirit taketh in
+bringing a soul to embrace Christ upon the gospel terms, he so
+manageth the work as that the end is effectually and infallibly
+attained.</p>
+<p>Nor Secondly, Was he to enquire into the measure of the
+outpouring of the Spirit's graces and operations, which is
+effectual for attaining the end, this being one of the deep things
+of God which the Spirit alone searcheth, and therefore is not
+necessary for us further to know, save only that we understand so
+much to be needful as may serve to empty the creature of all
+confidence in or dependence upon itself, or any other
+creature-helps whatsoever, and bring it to rely upon Christ alone,
+for acceptance with God; so much is necessary, and less cannot be
+sufficient.</p>
+<p>Nor Thirdly, Was he to handle the material differences between
+those who are brought really and sincerely to accept, embrace and
+acknowledge the Lord for their Lord, and to avouch the same
+publicly, which presupposeth a mighty power of the Spirit
+manifested in the sweet impressions which he maketh upon the soul,
+moving them sweetly and readily to comply with and yield to Christ
+without any longer resistance, and these who only in semblance and
+shew profess to avouch Christ to be their Lord, and feign
+submission to him, not from the Spirit's effectual and saving
+operations, but either from carnal and external considerations, or
+at most from the Spirit's common motions and convictions; which
+differences commonly arise from the different natures, motives,
+manner or ends of this their acknowledging and avouching Christ for
+their Lord, and covenanting with Him.</p>
+<p>These things, as not so immediately proper for the work in hand,
+though natively involved in the doctrine, being only cleared in
+transition; he came in the second place more positively to insist
+upon and handle the following heads. First, More generally to
+propose some considerations which make such a great work as
+renewing covenant with the Lord a weighty, hard and difficult work.
+And upon the other hand, to lay down some counterbalancing
+considerations which render such a work more easy and light, and
+may afford matter of encouragement toward the undertaking of it.
+Secondly, More particularly in application to ourselves and the
+work in hand, to lay before those who were resolved to enter into
+covenant with the Lord, what were the things that seemed to speak
+against us in the work, and might prove matter of discouragement in
+the undertaking of it. And what, upon the other side, might speak
+for us, and be ground of encouragement to us to go forward in
+humble and sincere endeavors to renew our covenant with the Lord.
+Thirdly, To give some advices and directions to such as were
+resolved upon the work. As for the first: The considerations which
+make covenanting work weighty and difficult. The <i>first</i>
+consideration was drawn from the greatness of the party to be
+covenanted with, the great and glorious Jehovah, the Creator of the
+ends of the earth, who is a holy and jealous God, and who will not
+forgive the iniquity of such as are false hearted and perfidious in
+his covenant, obstinately persisting in their false dealing; so
+Joshua premonisheth a people making very fair resolutions and
+promises to serve the Lord, that it was a harder work than at the
+first sight they apprehended; "That they could not serve the Lord,
+in regard he is an holy God, he is a jealous God, and would not
+forgive their transgressions nor their sins; and that if they
+should forsake the Lord, and serve strange gods, then he would turn
+and do them hurt and consume them, after he had done them good,"
+Josh. xxiv. 19, 20. 'Tis a part of his name, Exod. xxxiv. 7.
+<i>That he will by no means clear the (obstinately and
+impenitently) guilty</i>.</p>
+<p>A <i>second</i> consideration that makes the work of covenanting
+with God to appear a hard and difficult work, was taken from the
+nature of the work itself, which is to serve the Lord in a covenant
+way, and in the capacity of covenanted children, this covenant
+relation involving in it a walk and conversation in all things like
+the chosen of the Lord; and 'tis no small matter, so to walk, and
+so to behave as to be accounted worthy of a covenanted union with
+the Lord and interest in him, this covenant relation being
+confirmed with such awful sanctions, as in scripture we find, Neh.
+x. 29. "They------ entered into a curse and into an oath, to walk
+in God's law," &amp;c. This consideration, that covenanting work is
+weighty in its own nature, was further illustrated and amplified
+from the difficulty both of the things to be engaged against, and
+of the things to be engaged unto. As for the former, the things to
+be engaged against, which is sin in all its kinds and degrees, and
+in all the inducements to it, both with reference to ourselves, and
+also as to participation in the sins of others. This must first be
+put away, if one would be a right covenanter. Well did old Jacob
+understand the necessity of this, who being resolved to go up to
+Bethel, to renew his covenant with God, that answered him in the
+day of his strait, advises his family first "to put away the
+strange gods that were amongst them, and to be clean." Gen. xxxv.
+2. So David assures us, Psal. xxxiv. 14, that departing from evil
+must precede doing of good. A man that would lift up his face
+without spot in renewing covenant with God, must first "put
+iniquity far away, and not suffer wickedness to dwell in his
+tabernacles," as Zophar advises Job, chap. xi. 14, 15. They that
+would take on with a new master must be fairly parted from the old,
+there is no way of pleasing both Christ and mammon, and therefore
+no possibility of serving both; whence the nature of covenanting
+work requires, that there be an upright putting away of all sin;
+for if the soul have any secret reserves in favor of a beloved sin,
+it has no ground to think that Christ will accept it, as his
+covenanted spouse and bride. Nor is this all, but 2dly, it must be
+mourned over and truly bewailed, especially upon the account of the
+offence done to a gracious God thereby; which sorrow must not be of
+an ordinary sort, but an extraordinary and most intense sorrow, for
+it cannot be an ordinary kind of sorrow, provided it be in any
+suitable measure proportioned to the offence. And 3dly, which
+follows upon the former, there must be a "loathing of the person's
+self because of these its ways and doings that have not been good
+in his sight," Ezek. vi. 9, even to that degree as to fill the soul
+with wonder and astonishment, that ever it should have an occasion
+of renewing covenant with God again. 4thly, There must be a sincere
+and hearty resolving against all sins, consequent upon this
+loathing; the soul saying with a steady purpose, "if I have done
+iniquity I will do so no more," Job xxxiv. 32.</p>
+<p>2dly, As to the latter, the things engaged unto render the
+nature of covenanting work difficult and weighty, which are duties
+of various kinds, such as, 1st, Holiness towards God, which is one
+special and chief part of the covenant, and that not for a time
+only, but for ever; both in regard that God, the party covenanted
+with, is holy and unchangeably so, and calls his people to imitate
+him in this attribute especially; and also in regard that the
+covenant itself is for its nature holy, all the articles being
+morally good and consonant to the royal law, the scriptures of
+truth; and for the extent of its duration, of perpetual force and
+obligation. This duty of holiness towards God, engaged to in the
+covenant, comprehends in it a zealous endeavor to maintain the
+purity of the doctrine, worship, discipline and government of his
+institution, in opposition to all those who would corrupt it, or
+decline from it. 2d, Righteousness towards our neighbor, and more
+especially to our covenanted brother; which righteousness should
+discover itself both in reference to sin and duty, by reproving him
+for sin; or upon his rejecting reproof, by withdrawing from him,
+that he may be ashamed, and so come to be reclaimed from his evil
+course; and by affording him all that help and assistance to
+covenanted duties, that may be warrantably called for, and
+generally by uprightness towards him in all our transactions and
+dealings of any kind. 3d, Faithfulness towards our nation, which
+comprehends a constant endeavor to advance and promote in our
+station the common good thereof; and a stedfast opposition to the
+courses that tend to take away the privilege of the same. 4th,
+Uprightness towards ourselves, in everything relating to the real
+good of our own souls and bodies; by walking in all the duties of
+soberness, temperance, and moderation; for as others are to have
+their due, so ourselves are not to be neglected.</p>
+<p>A <i>third</i> consideration, whereby the duty of renewing
+covenant with God appears to be difficult and weighty, was deduced
+from <i>the manner and way of engaging</i>; whereunto several
+things of great difficulty to be attained were showed to be
+absolutely necessary, as, 1st, <i>Judgment</i>, to know, and in
+some measure comprehend, the nature of the duties to be engaged to,
+and the advantages flowing from the right entering into, and
+keeping of the covenant, and the losses redounding to the breakers
+thereof. 2d, <i>Seriousness</i>, which, if ever it be in exercise,
+will certainly then be most lively, when the soul is entering upon
+a work of so high import, as making a covenant with God; for then
+the creature has one of two things to look for, either covenant
+blessings, or covenant curses, according as it performs or not
+performs the tenor of the covenant. 3d, <i>Deliberation</i>;
+rashness in covenanting is of dangerous consequence: 'tis not the
+example of others only, nor raw flashes of conviction or love, nor
+external considerations, as gain, honor, men's approbation,
+&amp;c., that must induce to this duty; but a fixed permanent
+purpose of heart and soul, rationally and deliberately entered
+into. 4th, <i>Heart-integrity</i>, That it be done with all the
+heart, 2 Chron. xv. 15, for the man brings himself under a curse,
+that "having a male in his flock, sacrificeth to the Lord a corrupt
+thing." Mal. i. 14.</p>
+<p>A <i>fourth</i> consideration, from whence the work of
+covenanting comes to be a difficult and hard work, was deduced from
+the <i>way and manner of performing</i> the duties engaged to;
+which is (as 'tis expressed in the covenant) with sincerity,
+reality, and constancy; the difficulty of attaining to these
+qualifications in the performance of covenant-duties, arising
+partly from the strength of corruption within, the law of sin and
+death, which opposes the law of God; and partly from the strength
+of snares and temptations from without; which requires, that (as
+becomes covenanted children) there be a daily recourse to Jesus
+Christ, for light to discover, and strength to overcome these
+corruptions and temptations; and life, that the soul turn not dead
+and insensible under them.</p>
+<p>A <i>fifth</i> consideration, from whence the difficulty of
+covenanting with God is sometimes heightened, was taken from <i>the
+meanness of such as attempt the work</i>. When the great ones, the
+nobles that are called <i>the shields of the earth</i>, do not
+afford their authority and patrociny, as an encouragement to the
+undertaking; and when the wise and learned will not employ their
+learning, parts, and abilities for the facilitating thereof; but
+the mean and weakest are left to do the work alone. This was no
+small difficulty and discouragement to the Tekoites, in their
+building and repairing the wall of Jerusalem, "That their nobles
+put not their necks to the work of their Lord." Neh. iii. 5.</p>
+<p>A <i>sixth</i> consideration, which may sometimes render such a
+work hard and difficult, was drawn from <i>the want of the
+concurrence of civil authority; and the opposition made thereunto
+by the laws of the land</i>; which, when it happens to be the case
+of a people designing to renew national engagements cannot but be a
+very difficult and discouraging ingredient amongst others in their
+cup.</p>
+<p>On the other hand, these counterbalancing considerations were
+adduced, which are as so many props and pillars to support his
+people, and to allay the difficulties of the duty of entering into
+covenant with God, and to make it the more light and easy. 1st,
+<i>That the work is the Lord's</i>, and he is greatly concerned in
+it; and, therefore, his people may safely lean to him for help, he
+having enacted no law against it, as men have. 2d, That <i>he looks
+not upon his people in such undertakings, as in themselves</i>, for
+then it were impossible for creatures, having the least sinful
+imperfection in them, to covenant with their spotless Creator, and
+come so near a jealous God, who is a consuming fire to the workers
+of iniquity; <i>but he considers his people in their covenanting
+with him, as in their head, Christ, his eternal Son</i>; whence we
+may safely say, That our national covenant wants not a Mediator
+more than the covenant of grace, in this sense, as it is through
+him we have access to make this covenant with God. 3d, That <i>the
+Lord has promised his presence to his own work</i>; thus we find
+through the whole of the covenants made, and renewed by the people
+of Israel and Judah, that the Lord discovered his gracious presence
+with them, by some remarkable effect of his goodness. Thus it is
+remarked of Hezekiah, that after he had entered into covenant,
+"That the Lord was with him, and he prospered whithersoever he went
+forth," 2 Kings xviii. 7, compared with 2 Chron. xxix. 10. 4th,
+That <i>the Lord puts none of his people to any piece of his work
+upon their own proper expense and charges, but upon his own</i>;
+and whatever complaints his people may have of want of necessary
+charges, he both has wherewith to supply them, and has undertaken
+to make it actually forthcoming for them, having commanded his
+people to open their mouths wide, and he has promised to fill them.
+5th, That the covenant has a greater entail of blessings, than what
+will sufficiently compensate whatever expense and pains a people
+may be at, in undertaking and performing it. In regard, that though
+a Christian should lose all, yea, even life itself, upon the
+account of it, yet the covenant will bring in all with advantage to
+a hundred fold, and glory to the overplus, when it is duly
+observed. 6th, That <i>the undertakers have God's call and
+commandment to set about it</i>; this is that which, above all
+other considerations, inspires a Christian with undaunted courage
+and alacrity in the undertaking of a duty, when it is made clear
+that the person has God's call and command for a warrant; otherwise
+the want of this may make the duty to be heartlessly and doubtingly
+entered upon, and lamely performed.</p>
+<p>Seeing, therefore, that sometimes a work may be the Lord's, and
+yet the Lord's call to such a particular person, or people to
+undertake it, may be wanting; he came necessarily (which was the
+<i>second</i> head proposed) to enquire, what were the several
+things that might seem to speak against us, as not having this call
+from the Lord, and what were the things that spake for us, and
+might give us matter of encouragement in undertaking the work
+before us.&mdash;In solution of which the following considerations
+were proposed.</p>
+<p>1st, As to the things that might seem to speak against us: 1st,
+<i>Our darkness</i>, not whether covenanting be a duty, but in
+regard of the want of right apprehensions of the nature and
+greatness of the duty, which cannot be a sufficient ground to
+neglect the duty, unless there were some duties from which a
+Christian is exeemed and that this is one of them, which indeed
+will not be found in the whole Bible. 2d, <i>Our want of a frame
+suitable for the greatness and weightiness of the work</i>, which
+speaks sadly against us, but is not to be a ground to neglect the
+duty, we being commanded to look to the God of the covenant for
+it.</p>
+<p>Upon the other hand, the things which seemed to speak for us,
+and yield matter of encouragement, that not only the work was the
+Lord's, but also that we had his call to the same, were, 1st, The
+many, palpable, plain, and open breaches of these covenants, are a
+loud call to renew them. 2d, The undervaluing account that the
+nations have made of them, is a call to all such as have any
+respect to the sacred name of the Lord invocated in these
+covenants, to do their utmost to vindicate them from that disgrace,
+by showing how high a price and value they put upon them. 3d, The
+lands enacting the perpetual banishment of these covenants, and
+imposing oaths contrary and opposite to them; which brings double
+perjury upon the nation, both by disregarding and omitting the
+performance of this just, lawful, and commendable covenant, and by
+making unjust, sinful and hateful covenants, for opposing the
+growth and success of Christ's kingdom, even the reformation of
+these many abuses that have corrupted the holy religion of his
+institution: And perjury drawing wrath after it, as a native and
+necessary fruit consequent; they that would stand in the gap, to
+turn away national wrath, cannot otherwise make up the hedge, that
+the land should not be destroyed, but by renewing and keeping
+national covenants. 4th, That so many are speaking against them
+everywhere, accounting them a conspiracy against royal authority, a
+popular combination for advancing private ends and interests under
+the cloak of religion, or at least unnecessary and unprofitable for
+the end intended by them, binding to things of such a heterogeneous
+nature, as renders the keeping of them, and keeping within the
+sphere of our own activity and station, inconsistent and
+impossible, and such things as whereof we now have no occasion, and
+the like; which is a loud call to us, or any that retain other
+thoughts of their nature and ends, than the generality do, to speak
+for them; which cannot be done more fitly, honorably, nor
+conspicuously any other way, than by renewing and observing them.
+5th, The practice of the godly in such a juncture of time, as what
+ours appears to be, is a call and encouraging consideration to set
+us upon this work: the godly usually in times of great defection
+from the purity and power of religion, and corruption of the
+ordinances of God's worship, set about renewing their covenant,
+thereby to prevent covenant curses, and procure covenant blessings;
+as we find both in scripture record, 2 Chron. xv. 12, 13; xxix. 10;
+xxxiv. 30, 31; Ezra x. 3, and in our own ecclesiastic history. And
+the practice was justified by the success, for the most part
+terminating in some reviving and reformation. 6th, The time being
+come to such a crisis, that such as would keep the word of Christ's
+patience cannot any longer do it in a distinguishing way from those
+that are covenant-breakers, but by renewing covenant, and thereby
+making a test and trial of the well-wishers to the covenanted
+interest in the land, is a call to set about this work: in former
+times the godly held fast this their profession, by suffering for
+their adherence to covenanted duties, resisting unto blood,
+striving against the sin of covenant-breaking; whereas now our call
+seems to be more clear to do it, by renewing those
+covenant-obligations. 7th, The covenants themselves have, as it
+were, a loud voice to call us, and all who own their obligation, to
+set about renewing of them; they call by the justness and intrinsic
+goodness of the matter, which is of binding force by virtue of the
+law of God, prior to any covenant-tie, and by the holiness and
+excellency of the end, to wit, the reformation and preservation of
+religion. Yea, the covenant seems to say to us, and to every true
+hearted son of the church of Scotland, as Job said in another case,
+"Have pity upon me, O my friends," &amp;c. So says the covenant:
+Have pity upon me, all ye that have any respect for me, for church
+and state have forsaken me.</p>
+<p>The <i>third</i> thing proposed was to give some advices and
+directions for right managing the duty intended. The scope and
+substance whereof briefly follows:</p>
+<p>1st, Such as would make a covenant with God aright, so as the
+same may never be broken nor yet forgotten, must labor to know if
+they be in good terms with the God of the covenant, and with the
+Mediator of the covenant; if they sincerely closed with the terms,
+and acquiesced to the proposals of the covenant of grace; this
+personal and particular acceptance of Christ in the new covenant
+being the only fountain of acceptable entering into national
+covenants. Hence it concerns all that would be right Covenanters,
+to search and see how it may be betwixt God and them, because 'tis
+but a profanation of the covenant to have the hand and tongue at
+it, and the heart from it: a well informed head without a reformed
+heart is not sufficient: a good opinion and liking of the covenant
+without a heart and affection to the covenant avails nothing in
+God's sight.</p>
+<p>2d, Such as would rightly renew covenant with God, must be well
+resolved concerning the motives leading them to covenant; which
+motives must neither arise wholly from without, nor yet wholly from
+within, for if these motives arise wholly from without, it
+discovers a great deal of treachery in the persons covenanting, as
+not beginning at the heart, not duly considering the inward case of
+the soul, but being moved from some external considerations, as a
+name amongst men, or affectation of zeal for public concerns, or
+such like; if they arise wholly from within it betrays much
+weakness and lowness of spirit, as not being able at the same time
+both to have a concern about the inward frame of the heart, and
+eternal state and condition of the soul, and likewise a zeal for
+the public good of the nation, and thriving of the work of God and
+kingdom of Christ. Both which interests ought to be in their due
+proportion before the eyes of a sound and real Covenanter; a right
+engager in covenant must be moved thereto, both from a due sense of
+the strength and power of corruption within, and also from the
+consideration of the lowness of God's work through defection
+without.</p>
+<p>3d, A right covenanter must be well resolved concerning the
+terms of the covenant; that it excludes all coming and going,
+according to the revolutions of the times, and the ebbing and
+flowing of worldly interests: One that has given up his name to the
+Lord in covenant, and called himself by the name of Israel, must
+not, like the Samaritans, be an Israelite only in the time of
+Israel's prosperity, but he must be one in adversity too: The
+things engaged to in the covenant being of an everlasting and
+permanent duration, in their nature, must be lasting also in their
+observation.</p>
+<p>4th, A right renewer of covenant must be well resolved anent the
+cost and expense of steadfast keeping of covenant. This should be
+first counted and deliberately resolved upon before engaging, lest
+after persons have engaged they want sufficiency to finish and
+fulfil the undertaking; and the Wise man assures us, it is better
+not to vow, than to vow and not pay. The covenant may come to
+require the cost both of doing and suffering to finish it: there
+must, therefore, be a resolving upon both, before engaging.</p>
+<p>5th, A right covenanter must be well resolved concerning the
+separating nature, and the uniting tie and bond of the covenant,
+for as it distinguished between friends and foes, so it unites
+covenanters amongst themselves in duties, interests, and concerns.
+So that they become one society, having an identity of common
+duties and privileges, common crosses and rejoicings; and must
+rejoice together and weep together.</p>
+<p>He closed the Sermon with a two-fold advice or exhortation, to
+two sorts of persons.</p>
+<p>1st, To those who had some good opinion of, and some love for
+the covenant, but yet were not resolved to join in covenant with
+us, because of many entanglements in a world; some estate, farm, or
+place of employment would be forfeited thereby; and hence, though
+the covenant be, in their opinion, a lawful and commendable
+engagement, yet not for them; they are in a course inconsistent
+with it, and could not be otherwise without foregoing some worldly
+accommodation. Those he advised to consider the matter duly; not to
+engage without a resolution to forsake all interests that might
+interfere with covenanted duties; for to engage in the covenant,
+and yet to walk in a course opposite to it, would be exceedingly
+sinful; but to labour rather after old Jacob's spirit and
+disposition, who looked to and trusted in the God of the covenant
+when he had nothing else to look to&mdash;no outward encouragement,
+Gen. xxxii. 10&mdash;He had but his staff in his hand when he
+passed over Jordan, and the Lord made him to return with two bands.
+For, if a person could attain Jacob's spirit, name and sirname
+would be lovely in their eyes, covenant and covenanting.</p>
+<p>2dly, To those who had put their hands to many sinful covenants
+in opposition to this covenant, and such as being in a natural and
+unrenewed state, in league with sin and Satan, and in covenant with
+hell and death. Those he advised and earnestly obtested to break
+all their sinful covenants, to loathe and abhor them, and be
+humbled for them: and to come and fall in with this covenant, to
+say in sincerity that whereas other lords have had too long
+dominion over them, henceforth they would make mention only of the
+name of the Lord as their Lord; and that their name should
+henceforth be <i>Jacob</i>, and their sirname <i>Israel</i>, and to
+sign and seal the same with their oath and subscription. This
+exhortation he enforced by the several calls to the work mentioned
+before, and by the two following motives: 1st, Because right
+entering into, and steadfast keeping of this covenant is the way to
+a holy life, and a holy life tends to make a holy nation; for, if
+we would observe this covenant sincerely, uniformly, and
+constantly, we could never be an unholy, and consequently, never an
+unhappy people; but it should be written as a motto upon our walls
+and gates, JEHOVAH SHAMMAI, <i>the Lord is there.</i> 2d, Because
+the entering rightly into and due observance of this covenant would
+be our strength in the midst of all perplexing thoughts, whether
+arising from inward corruptions, or from outward temptations or
+dangers; the covenant yielded more satisfaction to David when dying
+than a royal diadem, a melodious harp, a puissant army, strong
+cities, a numerous offspring, or any earthly comforts could do,
+when, 2 Sam. xxiii. 5, he supports himself with this, That "though
+his house was not so with God," yet He had made with him "an
+everlasting covenant, well-ordered in all things, and sure." The
+keeping of this covenant had been to our nation a Samson's lock,
+whereby we should have been able to oppose all our enemies; whereas
+the breach of it hath opened a door to all sorts of enemies to
+creep in amongst us, and hence is verified that which the Lord has
+threatened his people with for their breach of covenant, Deut.
+xxviii. 44, that the enemy shall be the head, and his people the
+tail.</p>
+<p>Sermon being closed by prayer, the Acknowledgment of Sins was
+again read, as preparative to the engaging part; and the minister,
+in the first place, admonished all such as were guilty of such
+public steps of defection as are confessed in the Acknowledgment,
+to make full and free confession thereof before the congregation,
+with such a due sense of, and sorrow for these public sins, as
+might evidence a hearty design of abandoning them and of adhering
+more closely to covenanted duties, which accordingly many did, both
+with respect to the perjurious oaths of the late times and
+defections of the present.</p>
+<p>Because many have made a handle of this, above any other part of
+the action, to reproach and render the whole of the work
+contemptible, calling it Jesuitic superstition, enthusiasm,
+advancing our own confessions into the room of Christ's
+satisfaction, and expecting pardon upon the score of superficial
+public acknowledgments:&mdash;therefore, to vindicate this part of
+the work from such groundless calumny, we desire it may be
+adverted. 1st, That this is a commanded duty, that such as have
+violated the law and commandments of God, and being guilty of false
+and unfaithful dealing in his covenant, should unfeignedly confess
+their iniquity, which, if they do, God is faithful and just to
+forgive. 2d, That according to the nature of the offence, as the
+same has been acted secretly or publickly, and is of a secret or
+public nature and concern, so it ought to be confessed. If the
+offence be in its nature and way of perpetration a secret sin,
+known only to God and the person's own conscience, secret
+repentance sufficeth: nor can the church require any thing else, in
+regard such sins come not within the sphere of her
+cognizance;&mdash;but if the sin be public and national, or only
+personal, but publickly acted, so as the same has been stumbling,
+scandalous, and offensive to others; then it is requisite, for the
+glory of God and good of offended brethren, that the acknowledgment
+be equally public as the offence. These are <i>first principles</i>
+that will not need to be proved, but may be taken for granted. But,
+3dly, To make it appear that it is consonant to the practice of the
+godly to make public confession of national backsliding, we will
+advance two or three Scripture instances. Joshua, chap. vii. 19,
+compared with verse 11, commands Achan, who had broken God's
+covenant which he commanded Israel, and so brought upon the whole
+nation the Lord's anger, that he would give glory to God, by making
+confession to him. Whence it appears, that such sins as are
+national in their consequences, and bring national judgments upon a
+people, ought to be publickly confessed for turning away these
+judgments, and vindicating the honour of the Supreme Lawgiver, Ezra
+x. 1,2&mdash;"Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed,
+weeping, and casting himself down before the house of God, there
+assembled unto him out of Israel a very great congregation of men,
+women, and children: for the people wept very sore." Verse 2d, And
+Shechaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, answered and
+said unto Ezra, We have trespassed against our God, and have taken
+strange wives of the people of the land. Verse 3d, Now therefore
+let us make a covenant with our God, to put away all the wives, and
+such as are born of them. Verse 10, And Ezra the priest stood up
+and said unto them, Ye have transgressed and taken strange wives,
+to increase the trespass of Israel. Verse 11, Now therefore make
+confession unto the Lord God of your fathers, and do his pleasure.
+Verse 12, Then all the congregation answered, and said with a loud
+voice, As thou hast said, so must we do." Neh. ix. 1&mdash;"Now, in
+the twenty and fourth day of this month, the children of Israel
+were assembled with fasting and with sackclothes, and earth upon
+them. Verse 2d, And the seed of Israel separated themselves from
+all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the
+iniquities of their fathers. Verse 3d, And they stood up in their
+place, and read in the book of the law of the Lord their God, one
+fourth part of the day, and another fourth part they confessed and
+worshipped the Lord their God." Acts xix. 18&mdash;"And many that
+believed came, and confessed, and showed their deeds."</p>
+<p>These Scripture examples, as we conceive, do sufficiently
+evince, that such public confession, for the substance of it, is
+not only expedient, but also necessary for such as would renew
+their covenant with God. As for some circumstances of the manner
+thereof, neither are we to vindicate them, nor can they justly be
+charged upon the whole of those who made those confessions; far
+less upon the minister, who, though he exhorted such as were guilty
+of scandalous defection, to glorify God by a public confession, yet
+obliged none thereunto <i>authoritatively</i>: and such as
+confessed the sin of their thoughts, or any other sins not
+scandalous or offensive to others; he exhorted to be serious in
+mourning over these things secretly before the Lord; but withal
+told them that these things are not the subject matter of such a
+public acknowledgment. Such as were unconcerned in their
+confessions, and seemed rather to do it from the examples of
+others, than from a real and deep sense of their guiltiness before
+God (as it must not be dissembled, there were too many,) he
+exhorted to attain a sense of the things confessed, and posed their
+consciences, whether they were convinced of what they pretended to
+confess. If any was so ignorant and weak in their apprehensions of
+the nature of right repentance and justification, as to put their
+acknowledgment of sin in the room of Christ's satisfaction, and to
+rely thereupon for peace and acceptance with God, as it is alleged
+they did, it must be owned that they wofully erred in a matter of
+the highest consequence: but to affix this either upon all in
+general, or upon any particular person by name, is against the law
+of charity, and a judging of the heart, which is not obvious to
+man, but only to God, and so an usurping of God's prerogative;
+wherefore it appears, that the objecting of these and other such
+like things against this duty, is the effect of an impotent malice,
+and passion against the whole design of the work, which is too
+shrewd an evidence of a malignant spirit.</p>
+<p>Whereas, some have taken occasion to pass injurious reflections
+upon the minister, because he made confession and acknowledgment of
+his own personal miscarriage; as though he did it with design to
+please the people, and to excite them to make confession of the
+things whereof they had no due sense, and that he should have
+proposed himself, as an example to the people; therefore, to
+discover the falsehood of such reports, we must declare plain
+matter of fact upon this head. The minister did indeed acknowledge
+his own iniquities in general, with others, and also particularly
+at the entry of the work; but without any design to please party or
+person; but only for the glory of God as himself declared, which if
+any shall say was but hypocritical self-seeking, we must remit them
+to the apostle's interrogation, to prepare an answer, <i>Who art
+thou, O man, that judgest?</i> Neither did he say that he did it to
+be an example to others, though, even in that case, he had not been
+to be blamed, seeing the best of God's saints, in public employment
+in church and state, have done the like in public assemblies, as
+Josiah, Ezra, Nehemiah, in sacred record, and in our church
+history, the Rev. John Davidson, who, at the renewing of the
+covenant, March 30th, 1596, not only exhorted the brethren of the
+ministry to a serious confession of their sins, but did also make
+confession of his own, and excited the rest by his example, as is
+related by Mr. Calderwood in his history of the church of Scotland,
+page 317. Wherefore, seeing he has the command of God, and the most
+eminent of his saints for his warrant and precedent, he may be
+perfectly unconcerned, what are the constructions that such persons
+as are indifferent either about national sins or judgments do put
+upon this action,</p>
+<p>The Acknowledgment of Sins being read, the minister prayed,
+confessing therein the sins which had been publicly confessed in
+the said Acknowledgment, and begging assistance to know and do the
+duties engaged unto, then the Engagement to Duties was likewise
+read in the audience of the congregation; where he showed that the
+design of these engagements was to accommodate the covenants to our
+case and circumstances. And advised the mixed multitude to beware
+of entering into the covenant, unless they were duly resolved
+concerning the performing of the same, according as our fathers
+understood it, as the same was explained and applied to the present
+condition of things in these engagements. After which the minister
+having prayed for the gracious presence and assistance of the
+divine Spirit, to enable us both to engage and perform; commanding
+those who were to renew their covenant to stand upright, and hold
+up their right hands, he proceeded to the administration of the
+oath, causing the people to elevate their hands at the end of each
+article. The covenants being renewed, the minister addressed
+himself to those that had entered into covenant to this purpose.
+Now, you who have renewed your covenant with God must not imagine
+that you may sit down upon your performance and rest yourselves as
+though your work was perfected and finished; nay, but you must
+consider with yourselves that now it is but beginning; your race is
+before you, the greatest, part of the work is before your hand:
+covenanting is relative to performing; you must, therefore,
+meditate upon, and ponder your engagements more now than before;
+for now you have put a new bond upon your souls, to walk with God
+in all the ways of new obedience. In order therefore to your
+performing, as you have undertaken, I would put you in mind of
+several particulars, which you must have much and frequently upon
+your hearts, and before your eyes.</p>
+<p>1st, You must know that a holy life is what becomes Covenanters;
+it is not holiness in name, show and appearance, but holiness in
+reality, in truth and substance, that must be interwoven with all
+your actions and duties; though others should not look to
+conscience, yet you must; though others slight and neglect
+religion, you must by no means do it; you must put on a Joshua's
+generous and holy resolution, "That whatever others do, you and
+your house will serve the Lord." You must consider upon it, that
+well-set speeches concerning the covenant, is not what you are
+principally to study, but well-set hearts; you must shake off
+laziness as well as hypocrisy.</p>
+<p>2d. You must be very regular in your walk; an uniform
+conversation in the way of holiness is that which greatly adorns a
+Christian, and consequently, a Covenanter. And if you endeavor such
+a regular course of life, you will not shape yourselves according
+to the company you fall into. As some have a religion for every
+company, so they have one for man and another for God, and will be
+more careful and afraid lest their hypocrisy be discovered by men,
+than they are afraid to be made manifest to the Lord. But so it
+must not be with you who have renewed your covenant with the Lord:
+you must be the same in the closet as in the public assembly, and
+have a greater regard to the eye of Jehovah, and the answer of a
+good conscience, than the approbation of fellow creatures.</p>
+<p>3d, You mast be careful to perform all things which you have
+engaged to, within your sphere and station, but must not go without
+it: God is <i>a God of order</i>, and as he hath placed the stars
+in their proper orbs for the order and ornament of the universe, so
+hath he assigned to Christians their diverse stations, for the
+beauty, order, and union of the Church; Christ, the Captain of
+salvation, hath marshalled his soldiers into rank and file, and it
+were a disordering of his army if any should break their ranks.</p>
+<p>4th, You must slight no opportunity of pursuing the ends of your
+covenant; whatever it may cost you when the occasion offers,
+suffering must not deter you from it; and if the times be such now
+as spare both your persons and purses, yet you must not be sparing
+in your prayers for the reviving of the work of God in the land,
+which is the very end of covenanting.</p>
+<p>5th, You must be careful that you do not forget the covenant;
+forgetting (as you heard before) is a step towards forsaking, and,
+therefore, you must endeavour to have the covenant nearer to you
+than the Israelites had it&mdash;they had it written upon the posts
+of their doors, you must have it written upon the tables of your
+hearts.</p>
+<p>6th, You must evidence a great deal of cheerfulness and patience
+under your crosses, which may occur to you for your adherence to
+this your covenant; you must neither weaken your own hands in the
+discharge of covenanted duties, by drooping and discouragement
+under these crosses, nor stumble others, by repining at these
+losses, or by any carriage and deportment under them that may
+import your repenting of what you have now done. And because you
+are impotent and weak in yourselves, therefore,</p>
+<p>7th, You must see that faith be in exercise in all your
+performances of covenanted duties. If this be wanting you will
+perform nothing to purpose, "for without faith it is impossible to
+please God." By this grace you must keep up acquaintance with
+Christ, and have frequent recourse to him, both for cleansing you
+from your defilements, when you break the covenant, and for
+strength to perform what you are obliged to by covenant; both for
+recovering grace, to raise you up when fallen, and for preventing
+grace, to preserve you from falling or relapsing again.</p>
+<p>8th, That you may be the more active and vigilant in keeping
+covenant, you must labor to maintain a constant fear of breaking
+it, and have a fixed impression of the tremendous threatening
+denounced against covenant-breakers; and you must know that all are
+such in God's account, who satisfy themselves with the form of
+godliness, denying the power thereof. For this end read and ponder
+these and the like scriptures.</p>
+<p>Lev. xxvi. 25, "And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall
+avenge the quarrel of my covenant, and when ye are gathered
+together within your cities, I will send the pestilence among you:
+and ye shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy." Neh. v.
+13&mdash;"So God shall shake out every man from his house, and from
+his labor, that performeth not this promise; even thus be he shaken
+out and emptied." Jer. xi. 3, "Cursed be the man that obeyeth not
+the words of this covenant, which I commanded your fathers in the
+day that I brought them forth from the iron furnace." Ezek. xvii.
+15, "Shall he prosper? shall he escape that doth such things? or
+shall he break the covenant and be delivered?" Verse 18, "Seeing he
+hath despised the oath, by breaking the covenant, when lo, he had
+given his hand, and hath done all these things, he shall not
+escape." Verse 19th, "Therefore, thus saith the Lord God, as I
+live, surely mine oath that he hath despised and my covenant that
+he hath broken, even it will I recompense upon his own head."</p>
+<p>The minister having given these exhortations, closed the day's
+work with prayer, and singing a part of the ciii. Psalm from the
+17th to the 19th verse. And having intimated the time of meeting
+for more immediate preparation for the <i>holy communion</i>,
+putting the people in mind to be preparing for the work, by fervent
+prayer and supplication, joined with serious and upright
+self-examination, he dismissed the congregation after the usual
+form.</p>
+<p>This true and unbiassed account of the work in its design,
+progress and issue we have given, not to pre-occupy false reports
+only, which we cannot rationally suppose an entire freedom from,
+unless we fall in with the opposers of our covenanted reformation,
+and to purchase the good opinion and commendation of men at the
+rate of losing the favor of God. The main end of relating some of
+the more material heads, scope and argument of the <i>sermons</i>
+is because there are some things handled in them which behoved to
+have been inserted in this <i>preface</i>, to clear up our motives
+and call to the work, which could not be better done than as the
+same was cleared then to the people. And this brief relation,
+though falling short of the matter then delivered, may serve to
+bring things to the memories of those that found sweet satisfaction
+in hearing them in the public. As for what may be the observations
+of censorious critics, either <i>of the sermons</i> in particular,
+or of the <i>work</i> in general, we are perfectly unconcerned
+about them, seeing we equally value their approbation or
+disapprobation; providing true matter of fact be not
+misrepresented, and so truth injuriously wronged. Nor are we
+willing here to make any observation of our own concerning the
+issue and on-carrying of the work, though all the godly there
+present ought to observe the Lord's gracious assistance and favor
+(so far as they found the same afforded to themselves, or displayed
+in others), lest we may either be in danger to diminish the grace
+of God by complaining, or incur the suspicion of self-flatterers by
+commending, but shall leave it to the judgment of such as were then
+present, and the candid interpretation of others that may read this
+preceding account thereof.</p>
+<p>There have been many objections made against the <i>design,
+matter</i> and <i>form</i> of the <i>covenants</i>: more against
+subjects covenanting to defend the purity and promote the
+reformation of religion, without the royal concurrence of their
+sovereign princes; most of all against private persons entering
+into covenant, or renewing thereof, for the said end without the
+general concurrence of the representative body of the church and
+state. Those which concern the former two, have been fully answered
+by the greatest of our reformers, whose piety and learning set them
+sufficiently above the snarling censures of whatsoever cavilling
+pens or tongues: As for what are made against the last, they are
+also answered better than we can pretend to, in the analysis upon
+the 19th chapter of Deuteronomy, prefixed to the National and
+Solemn League and Covenant renewed at Lesmahago, whereunto we refer
+the reader. Only because that book may not be at hand to every one
+that would desire these objections solved, we shall here transcribe
+the answers to two or three of the most material of these
+objections, making but small, if any, variation from the author's
+words.</p>
+<p><i>Object</i>. 1. "In all the national covenants whereof we read
+in scripture, there was still the concurrence of either the
+sovereign authority then in being, or at least of the Captains,
+Elders, Officers, and Heads of the tribes; And, therefore, it
+cannot be done by private subjects, without either royal or
+parliamentary authority."</p>
+<p><i>Ans</i>. Certainly the obligations of the Covenant, held
+forth Deut. xxix. 10, 11, 12, being so extensive as to reach all
+the members of church and commonwealth, of all qualities, ranks,
+vocations, ages, sexes; is to be understood <i>positively</i>, that
+all these are obliged to enter into covenant, but not
+<i>negatively</i>, that without any of these the covenant should
+not be entered into. The motives mentioned are to the small as well
+as to the great; and without them as well as with them; the
+articles of it, and the keeping and doing them, are common to both
+alike: The relation that the small and meaner sort of people have
+to God (the other contracting party) is the same that the nobles
+and great ones have, and the privileges of it, to be established as
+a people unto himself and to have him for their God, do no more
+belong to the one than the other; And consequently the small may
+renew it, as well as the great; but not nationally to bind the
+whole nation formally, to which indeed the concurrence of the
+representatives is necessary. As for precedents of this practice,
+see them above, in the narrative of the sermons, [p. 9].</p>
+<p><i>Object</i>. 2. "This covenant having been disclaimed by the
+political father, and made void by law, never again revived by
+authority of parliament, nor the law rescinded by which it was
+declared not obligatory; is therefore of no binding force upon us,
+who have never personally sworn it; and to renew it, and bring
+ourselves under the bond of it, when we are free, without the
+concurring or imposing authority of our rulers, is high presumption
+in private subjects."</p>
+<p><i>Ans</i>. If any engagements can be supposed binding to
+posterity, certainly national covenants to keep the commandments of
+God, and to adhere to his institutions, must be of that nature. It
+cannot be denied, that several obligations do bind to posterity;
+such as public promises with annexation of curses to breakers, Neh.
+v. 12, 13. Thus Joshua's adjuration did oblige all posterity never
+to build Jericho, Josh. vi. 26. And the breach of it did bring the
+curse upon Hiel the Bethelite, in the days of Ahab. 2dly, Public
+vows: Jacob's vow, Gen. xxviii. 21, did oblige all his posterity,
+virtually comprehended in him, Hos. xii. 4. The Rechabites found
+themselves obliged to observe the vow of their forefather Jonadab,
+Jer. xxxv. 6, 14, for which they were rewarded and commended.
+Public oaths do oblige posterity: Joseph took an oath of the
+children of Israel, to carry up his bones to Canaan, Gen. i. 25,
+which did oblige posterity some hundred years after. Exod. xiii 19.
+Josh. xxiv. 32. National covenants with men before God, do oblige
+posterity, as Israel's covenant with the Gibeonites, Josh. ix. 15,
+19. The breach whereof was punished in the days of David, 2 Sam.
+xxi. 1. Especially National Covenants with God, before men, about
+things moral and objectively obliging, are perpetual; and yet more
+especially (as Grotius observes) when they are of an hereditary
+nature, i.e. when the subject is permanent, the matter moral, the
+end good, and in the <i>form</i> there is a clause expressing their
+perpetuity.</p>
+<p>All which ingredients of perpetual obligations are clear in
+Scotland's Covenants, which are <i>national promises</i>, adjuring
+all ranks of persons, under a curse, to preserve and promote
+reformation according to the word of God, and extirpate the
+opposite thereof. <i>National vows</i>, devoting the then engaging,
+and succeeding generations to be the Lord's people, and walk in his
+ways. <i>National oaths</i>, solemnly sworn by all ranks, never to
+admit of innovations, or submit to usurpations, contradictory to
+the word of God. <i>National covenants</i>, wherein the king,
+parliament and people did covenant with each other, to perform
+their respective duties, in their several places and stations,
+inviolably to preserve religion and liberty: Yea, more, <i>national
+laws</i>, solemnly ratified by the king and parliament, and made
+the foundation of the people's compact with the king, at his
+inauguration: And, finally, they are <i>national covenants with
+God</i>, as party contracting, to keep all the words of his
+covenant. The subject or parties contracting are permanent, to wit,
+the unchangeable God and the kingdom of Scotland, (the same may be
+said of England and Ireland,) which, whilst it remains a kingdom,
+is still under the obligation of these covenants. The <i>matter</i>
+is <i>moral</i>, antecedently and eternally binding, albeit there
+had been no formal covenant: the <i>ends</i> of them perpetually
+good, to wit, <i>the defence of the true reformed religion, and the
+maintenance of the King's Majesty's person and estate</i>, (as is
+expressed in the National Covenant,) <i>the glory of God, the
+advancement of the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ; the honor and
+happiness of the King's Majesty and his posterity, and the public
+liberty, safety, and peace of the kingdoms</i>, as it is expressed
+in the Solemn League. And in the <i>form</i> of them there are
+clauses expressing their perpetuity. In the National covenant it is
+said, <i>that the present and succeeding generations in this land
+are bound to keep the foresaid National Oath and Subscription
+inviolable</i>. And in the Solemn League, Article 1, <i>That we and
+our posterity after us, may, as brethren, live in faith and
+love</i>. And Art. 5, <i>That they may remain conjoined in a firm
+peace and union to all posterity</i>.</p>
+<p>We may add also the sanctions of rewards and punishments
+descending to posterity, prove the obligation perpetual: Which is,
+alas! too visible in our case as to the punishments inflicted for
+the breach of our covenants, and like to be further inflicted, if
+repentance prevent not; so that as we have been a taunting proverb,
+and an hissing, for the guilt, we may look to be made a curse and
+an execration for the punishment of it. The distinction which some
+make use of to elude this obligation, "That suppose they be
+materially bound, yet seeing they have not sworn the covenants
+personally, they are not formally bound," is both false and
+frivolous; for our father's oath having all the aforesaid
+qualifications, binds us formally as an oath, though we have but
+virtually sworn it; and whether the obligation be material or
+formal, implicit or explicit, it is all one in God's sight, if it
+be real, seeing even virtual obligations have frequently brought
+rewards and punishments upon the head of the observers or breakers
+of them, as well as formal. Seeing, then, the obligation of the
+covenant upon us is evident to a demonstration, it cannot, in
+justness, be called a rebellious action against lawful authority,
+to declare in our station that we believe so much and resolve to
+practice accordingly. It is indeed too true that the wicked laws
+enacting the perpetual breaches of these covenants have never been
+rescinded; but seeing they are wicked and opposite to the
+commandment and covenant of the Lord, the supreme legislator, they
+are naturally void and null, and have been still so esteemed by
+us.</p>
+<p><i>Object</i>. 3. "Albeit the National Covenant should be
+granted to be binding upon us the people of Scotland, and,
+therefore, may be renewed: yet, to renew the Solemn League with
+England and Ireland, as matters now stand, is ridiculous and
+impossible."</p>
+<p><i>Ans</i>. This objection is partly answered before in the
+Sermons, [page 14,] and may be further cleared, if we consider,
+that the Solemn League and Covenant may be taken under different
+respects, <i>either as a league amongst men</i> or <i>a covenant
+between God and men</i>: in the former sense, as it notes a
+<i>league offensive and defensive</i> made betwixt the collective
+bodies of these kingdoms, it is certain it cannot be taken by us,
+who are but a poor insignificant handful of people, far from any
+authority, or influence in church or commonwealth; the collective
+and representative body of the three kingdoms having basely
+abandoned their covenant with God, and united in a sinful compact
+opposite thereto, so that to make a league with England or Ireland
+in this sense, were to enter into a sinful confederacy with
+apostate covenant breakers; but in the latter acceptation, as it is
+a covenant with God, not as a witness only, but also as a party
+contracting, there is no absurdity or impossibility why Scotland,
+or any part thereof, may not renew it, obliging themselves by a
+solemn vow to perform what they are bound to antecedently by the
+law of God. And if it be considered as an association, it respects
+those only who now do, or hereafter shall, adhere unto it, whether
+here or in the other two kingdoms. Hence, the words in the preamble
+of the Solemn League and Covenant, expressing the several ranks and
+the extent of the Covenanters, were not read at the renewing of it
+at Douglass, because we own ourselves to be under a league with
+none but such as own the covenanted Reformation; these, and these
+only, we heartily embrace as our colleagues, into the nearest and
+dearest bonds of Christian union and fellowship, according to this
+League and Covenant.</p>
+<p>As the revolt of the ten tribes from the true religion and
+covenant of the Lord their God, hindered not the godly of Judah,
+nor the small party that joined in the sincere worship of God, out
+of Ephraim and Manasseh, to renew their covenant under the
+auspicious reigns of Asa, Hezekiah, Josiah; Nor did the horrid
+apostacy of the Sectarian party in England impede our ancestors to
+renew this Solemn League and Covenant in Scotland, Anno, 1649. So
+neither can the defection of the generality of the three kingdoms,
+which is to be bewailed, if possible, with tears of blood, hinder
+us from testifying our adherence to the covenant, or invalidate
+what we have done therein.</p>
+<p><i>Object</i>. 4. "Albeit the action should be granted to be for
+the main, lawful and right, yet it was most unseasonable to
+undertake it at such a time, when the parliament and ministry is
+composed of a set of men that evidence no good affection to the
+present established church in Scotland, who will be ready to
+interpret the action of a few immoderately and unseasonably zealous
+people, as the deed of the whole Presbyterians in Scotland, and to
+make a handle thereof against them, to impose upon them some new
+burdens; or to take such measures as will effectually put a stop to
+the more general renovation thereof throughout the land."</p>
+<p>In answer to this objection, we shall only desire the gentlemen
+that made it to remember, That now for the space of 24 years they
+have been crying, the time is not come wherein we should set about
+covenant-renewing; one while they have pretended that the time was
+not seasonable, because such as were in authority were friends to
+the church; and it would look like a suspecting of their integrity,
+to enter into covenant for defence and reformation of religion, as
+if they would not show themselves active enough for these ends, and
+prove an irritation to them to turn enemies to Presbyterian
+government; it would cause them to think the Presbyterians to be a
+people of indiscreet and ungovernable zeal, and so disgust them at
+the establishment. Another, while they excuse themselves from this
+duty, because these in authority are unfriendly to the Presbyterian
+establishment, they must walk cautiously now and manage prudently,
+lest they give any umbrage to Jacobites and Episcopalians to
+represent them ill at court, and so occasion the overthrow of the
+great security founded in the Union Treaty. Formerly they needed
+not renew the covenant, because religion was not in danger; now
+they dare not attempt to do it because it is; they must wait till a
+well-affected parliament and good counsellors set it out of danger
+again, and then they will not need to covenant for its safety.
+These shifts are too shrewd discoveries of neutrality in this
+cause. It is to be feared that the godly have too long been
+hoodwinked with such frivolous pretexts; and it is high time for
+every one that has the low case of the work of God in the land at
+heart, to be awakened to renew their covenant with God and keep the
+same. The motives and calls to the work above mentioned will
+sufficiently, we hope, demonstrate the seasonableness of it. But if
+there was a defect as to the seasonableness, it was not because it
+was so soon set about, but because it was no sooner.</p>
+<p>We shall not dwell any longer upon these and the like
+objections; there will not want mountains of difficulties in the
+way till such time as the Lord, coming by his Spirit in a day of
+his power, shall be pleased to level them and say, "Who art thou, O
+great mountain? before Zerubabel thou shalt become a plain." In
+that day (we doubt not) there shall be a willing people to enter
+covenant with the Lord, even a perpetual covenant that shall not be
+forgotten; but, in the mean time, they would do well to consider
+the hazard they bring themselves into who wilfully raise objections
+against the covenant, because they are unwilling to enter into it,
+or be bound by it.</p>
+<p>It may be some will desiderate an account of the other <i>solemn
+holy action</i> that followed upon the back of this, in regard
+there were some circumstances in it not so ordinary in this church
+in former times, because of the paucity of public instruments; but
+neither do we think it needful to give any large account of it, nor
+will it fall so properly into this preface, which concerneth only
+national covenanting, and, it is likely the reader's patience is
+too far transgressed upon already; nor was there any <i>substantial
+or formal</i> difference betwixt it and the comely order of the
+Church of Scotland observed in our purest times of reformation in
+the celebration of that sacred ordinance, except what in the form
+arose from the circumstances we were in, and the reason now
+mentioned. The work was awful and great, the persons employed about
+it few, insignificant in their own eyes, as well as mean in the
+eyes of others; and hence the Lord's power and grace was the more
+conspicuous, who (we must not dissemble it) was present to the
+sensible experience of many, sealing instruction upon the hearts of
+some, and granting, strengthening, and confirming grace to others,
+for which he ought to have all the glory.</p>
+<p>But because there has been, as we are informed, no small clamor
+raised anent some expressions used in debarring the ignorant and
+scandalous from the holy table of the Lord; <i>That the Minister
+should have unreasonably and presumptuously excommunicated the
+Queen and Parliament, and the whole Ministers of the established
+church of Scotland</i>; Therefore, we shall here insert the very
+words relating to that affair, as they were uttered by him without
+any alteration. In warning the ignorant, scandalous and profane to
+beware of presuming to approach to the holy table of the Lord, the
+minister observed (as the manner is) the order of the decalogue,
+where, in the sins forbidden in the second commandment, as they are
+enumerated by the very Reverend the Assembly of Divines sitting at
+Westminster, in their humble advice concerning a Larger Catechism,
+we find these amongst others&mdash;"All devising, counseling,
+commanding, using, and any ways approving any religious worship not
+instituted by God himself, tolerating a false religion.---- All
+superstitious devices, corrupting the worship of God, adding to it,
+taking from it, whether invented and taken up of ourselves, or
+received by tradition from others, though under the title of
+antiquity, custom, devotion, good intent, or any other pretence
+whatsoever." Hence, he expressed himself in these words&mdash;"I
+excommunicate and debar from this holy table of the Lord, all
+devisers, commanders, users, or approvers of any religious worship
+not instituted by God in his Word, all tolerators and countenancers
+thereof; and by consequence I debar and excommunicate from this
+holy table of the Lord, Queen and Parliament, and all under them,
+who spread and propagate or tolerate a false superstitious worship,
+ay and until they repent," And in relation to the opposing of the
+covenants and work of reformation, he had these words&mdash;"I
+excommunicate and debar all who are opposers of our covenants and
+covenanted Reformation, and all that have taken oaths contrary to
+our covenants, and such particularly as are takers of the Oath of
+Abjuration, whether Ministers or others, until they repent."</p>
+<p>That this was no presumptuous and rebellious arrogance is
+evident, because the sins for which he debarred Queen and
+Parliament, and all others guilty of them, are proven from
+Scripture to be gross breaches of God's law, and every violation
+thereof persisted in without repentance, is a sufficient cause (in
+the opinion of Protestant Divines) to debar and exclude from the
+Lord's table. Now, it is certain that even those ministers of the
+established church who make such obloquy against the work for this
+particular, do the same thing in effect every time that they
+administrate this ordinance, for (as can be proved if they please
+to require it, or do deny it,) they excommunicate from the table
+all guilty of such sins as are forbidden in the second commandment,
+according as they are specified in the forsaid Catechism; and so,
+by an infallible consequence, they excommunicate the Queen and
+Parliament, who are grossly guilty of the most of them, only they
+have not the courage ingenuously and freely to own and express the
+consequence, but that it follows natively and necessarily from the
+premises, even according to their own principles, they will never
+be able to disprove.</p>
+<p>Now, Reader, thou hast a just and true account as far as was
+necessary, of our poor and weak endeavours in this matter, which we
+hope will, at least, stand as a witness and testimony (without
+arrogance we desire to speak it) against the apostacy of some and
+indifferency of others, who should have been to us as the
+<i>he-goats before the flock</i> in paving our way to Zion, but are
+rather <i>making to themselves captains</i> to carry us back to
+Babylon, and pollute our land with idolatry and superstition; and,
+as a pledge to posterity that the Lord has not yet utterly deserted
+the land, though we rather wish,(if so it may consist with his holy
+purpose, <i>who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in
+working</i>) that it might tend to excite, some to bethink "whence
+they have fallen, and repent, and to do their first works, lest the
+Lord come quickly, and utterly remove his candlestick from us:" and
+engage them to renew these covenants in a more public way, and
+prosecute the ends of them with more zeal, fidelity, and constancy,
+"that the Lord may yet delight to dwell amongst us, make our judges
+peace, and our exactors righteousness," and make us to be called
+<i>Hephzibah</i>, and our land <i>Beulah</i>.</p>
+<p>The reader may please to cast his eye upon the following
+passages, quoted from the writings of some of the ablest divines,
+wherewith these kingdoms have been blessed, since the first
+reformation from Popery; wherein he will see, how far different an
+opinion they have entertained of the Covenant, from what are the
+thoughts of the learned Latitudinarians of our age.</p>
+<p><i>A Testimony to the truth of</i> JESUS CHRIST <i>and to our
+Solemn League and Covenant, &amp;c., subscribed by the Ministers of
+Christ, within the province of London, December</i> 14, 1649 Head
+IV.</p>
+<p>"In order unto reformation and defence of religion within these
+three kingdoms, we shall never forget, how solemnly and cheerfully
+the Solemn League and Covenant was sworn with hands lifted up to
+the most high God.&mdash;We were, and are abundantly satisfied,
+that our Solemn League and Covenant of September 27, 1643, is not
+only warrantable for the matter of it and manner of entering into
+it, but also of such excellency and importance,&mdash;That it will
+be very hard in all points to parallel it; and, therefore, as we
+did sincerely swear this covenant with God, with all our heart, and
+with all our soul, much rejoicing at the oath with a true intention
+to perform it, and not for promoting any politic design; so we do
+believe and profess to the world that we still stand as firmly
+engaged to the real performance of it, and that it is not in the
+power of any person or persons on earth to dispense with it or
+absolve from it."</p>
+<p><i>The harmonious consent of the Ministers of the county
+Palatine Lancaster with their Reverend Brethren the Ministers of
+the province of London.</i> Head V.</p>
+<p>"We shall never forget how solemn it (the Solemn League and
+Covenant) was sworn, and what rejoicing there was at the oath,
+sundry at the taking of it weeping for joy; and when the Covenant
+was thus taken, we thought with ourselves, that surely now the
+crown is set upon England's head: We judged the day of entering
+into this Covenant to be England's coronation-day, as it was the
+day of the gladness of our hearts."</p>
+<p><i>Mr. Philip Nye's Exhortation at the taking of the Covenant,
+September 29th, 1649, p. 2.</i></p>
+<p>"This Oath is such, and in the matter and consequence of it of
+such concernment, as I can truly say, it is worthy of us, yea, of
+all the kingdoms of the world; for it is swearing fealty and
+allegiance to Christ the King of kings, and giving up of all these
+kingdoms which are his inheritance, to be subdued more to his
+throne, and ruled more by his sceptre, upon whose shoulders the
+government is laid."</p>
+<hr style="width: 45%;">
+<h4><i>THE NATIONAL COVENANT, OR THE CONFESSION OF FAITH OF THE
+KIRK OF SCOTLAND</i>;</h4>
+<p>Subscribed at first by the King's Majesty and his Household, in
+the year of God 1580; Thereafter, by persons of all ranks, in the
+year 1581; By Ordinance of the Lords of the Secret Council, and
+Acts of the General Assembly. Subscribed again by all sorts of
+persons in the year 1590, by a new Ordinance of Council, at the
+desire of the General Assembly, with a Band for the maintenance of
+the true religion, and the King's person: And subscribed in the
+year 1638, by the Noblemen, Barons, Gentlemen, Burgesses, Ministers
+and Commons, then under-subscribing; together with their resolution
+and promises for the causes after specified, to maintain the True
+Religion, and the King's Majesty, according to the Confession
+aforesaid and Acts of Parliament; And upon the supplication of the
+General Assembly to his Majesty's High Commissioner, and the Lords
+of his Majesty's honorable Privy Council. Subscribed again in the
+year 1639, by Ordinance of Council, and Acts of General Assembly,
+&amp;c., &amp;c. The Tenor whereof here followeth.</p>
+<p>We all, and every one of us underwritten, protest, that after
+long and due examination of our own consciences in matters of true
+and false religion, we are now thoroughly resolved in the truth by
+the Word and Spirit of God: And, therefore, we believe with our
+hearts, confess with our mouths, subscribe with our hands and
+constantly affirm before God and the whole world, that this only is
+the true Christian faith and religion pleasing God, revealed to the
+world by the preaching of the blessed evangel; and is received,
+believed, and defended by many and sundry notable kirks and realms,
+but chiefly by the <i>Kirk of Scotland, and sometimes by the King's
+Majesty, and the three estates of this realm</i>, as God's eternal
+truth and only ground of our salvation, as more particularly is
+expressed in the Confession of our Faith, established and publickly
+confirmed by sundry Acts of Parliaments, and now of a long time
+have been openly professed by the King's Majesty, and whole body of
+this realm, both in burgh and land. To the which Confession and
+form of religion, we willingly agree in our own consciences, in all
+points, as unto God's undoubted truth and verity, grounded only
+upon his written word. And, therefore, we abhor and detest all
+contrary religion and doctrine; but chiefly all kind of Papistry in
+general, and particular heads, even as they are now damned and
+confuted by the word of God, and Kirk of Scotland. But in special
+we detest and refuse the usurped authority of that Roman Antichrist
+upon the Scriptures of God, upon the Kirk, the civil Magistrate,
+and consciences of men: All his tyrranous laws made upon
+indifferent things against our Christian liberty: His erroneous
+doctrine against the sufficiency of the written word, the
+perfection of the law, the offices of Christ, and his blessed
+evangel: His corrupted doctrine concerning original sin, our
+natural inability and rebellion to God's law, our justification by
+faith only, our imperfect sanctification and obedience to the law;
+the nature, number, and use of the holy sacraments: His five
+bastard sacraments; with all his rites, ceremonies, and false
+doctrine, added to the ministration of the true sacraments, without
+the Word of God: His cruel judgment against infants departing
+without the sacrament: His absolute necessity of baptism: His
+blasphemous opinion of transubstantiation, or real presence of
+Christ's body in the elements, and receiving of the same by the
+wicked, or bodies of men: His dispensations with solemn oaths,
+perjuries, and degrees of marriage forbidden in the Word; His
+cruelty against the innocent divorced: His devilish mass: His
+blasphemous priesthood: His profane sacrifice for the sins of the
+dead and the quick: His canonization of men; calling upon angels or
+saints departed; worshipping of imagery, relics and crosses;
+dedicating of kirks, altars, days; Vows to creatures: His
+purgatory, prayers for the dead; praying or speaking in a strange
+language; with his processions and blasphemous litany, and
+multitude of advocates or mediators: His manifold orders, auricular
+confession: His desperate and uncertain repentance; His general and
+doubtsome faith: His satisfactions of men for their sins: His
+justification by works, <i>opus operatum</i>, works of
+supererogation, merits, pardons, peregrinations and stations: His
+holy water, baptizing of bells, conjuring of spirits, crossing,
+earning, anointing, conjuring, hallowing of God's good creatures,
+with the superstitious opinion joined therewith: His worldly
+monarchy, and wicked hierarchy: His three solemn vows, with all his
+shavellings of sundry sorts: His erroneous and bloody decrees made
+at Trent, with all the subscribers and approvers of that cruel and
+bloody bond, conjured against the Kirk of God.</p>
+<p>And finally, we detest all his vain allegories, rites, signs,
+and traditions brought into the Kirk, without or against the Word
+of God and doctrine of this true reformed Kirk; to the which we
+join ourselves willingly, in doctrine, faith, religion, discipline,
+and use of the holy sacraments, as lively members of the same in
+Christ our head: Promising and swearing by the <i>Great Name of the
+Lord our God</i>, that we shall continue in the obedience of the
+doctrine and discipline of this kirk, and shall defend the same
+according to our vocation and power, all the days of our lives,
+under the pains continued in the law and danger both of body and
+soul, in the day of God's fearful judgment. And, seeing that many
+are stirred up by Satan and that Roman Antichrist, to promise,
+swear, subscribe, and for a time use the holy sacraments in the
+Kirk deceitfully against their own consciences, minding thereby,
+first, under the external cloak of religion, to corrupt and subvert
+secretly God's true religion within the Kirk, and afterwards, when
+the time may serve, to become open enemies and persecutors of the
+same, under vain hope of the Pope's dispensation devised against
+the Word of God, to his greater confusion, and their double
+condemnation in the day of the Lord Jesus.</p>
+<p>We, therefore, willing to take away all suspicion of hypocrisy,
+and of such double dealing with God and his Kirk, protest, and call
+<i>the Searcher of all hearts for witness</i>, that our minds and
+hearts do fully agree with this our <i>Confession, Promise,
+Oath</i>, and <i>Subscription</i>, so that we are not moved with
+any worldly respect, but are persuaded only in our own consciences,
+through the knowledge and love of God's true religion, imprinted in
+our hearts by the Holy Spirit, as we shall answer to him in the
+day when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed. And because
+we perceive that the quietness and stability of our religion and
+kirk, doth depend upon the safety and good behaviour of
+[the<a name="FNanchor5" id="FNanchor5"></a><a href=
+"#Footnote_5"><sup>[5]</sup></a> King's Majesty,] as upon a
+comfortable instrument of God's mercy, granted to this country, for
+the maintaining of this kirk, and ministration of justice amongst
+us, we protest and promise with our hearts, under the same oath,
+hand-write, and pains, that we shall defend [his<a name="FNanchor6"
+id="FNanchor6"></a><a href="#Footnote_6"><sup>[6]</sup></a> person
+and authority,] with our goods, bodies, and lives, in the defence
+of Christ's evangel, liberties of our country, ministration of
+justice, and punishment of iniquity, against all enemies within
+this realm, or without, we desire our God to be a strong and
+merciful defender to us in the day of our death, and coming of our
+Lord Jesus Christ. To whom with the Father, and the Holy Spirit, be
+all honour and glory eternally. Amen.</p>
+<p>Likeas, many Acts of Parliament not only in general do abrogate,
+annul, and rescind all laws, statutes, acts, constitutions; canons,
+civil or municipal, with all other ordinances and practique
+penalties whatsoever, made in prejudice of the true religion and
+professors thereof; or of the true kirk-discipline, jurisdiction
+and freedom thereof; or in favor of idolatry and superstition; or
+of the Papistical kirk; as Act. 3, Act. 31, Parl. 1; Act. 23, Parl.
+11; Act. 114, Parl. 12, of King James VI. that Papistry and
+superstition may be utterly suppressed, according to the intention
+of the Acts of Parliament, repeated in the 5th Act, Parl. 20, King
+James VI. And to that end they ordain all Papists and priests to be
+punished with manifold civil and ecclesiastical pains, as
+adversaries to God's true religion, preached, and by law
+established within this realm, Act 24, Parl. 11, King James VI.; as
+common enemies to all Christian government, Act 18 Parl. 16, King
+James VI.; as rebellers and gainstanders of our sovereign Lord's
+authority, Act 47 Parl. 8, King James VI.; and as idolaters, Act
+104, Parl. 7, King James VI. But also in particular, by and attour
+the Confession of Faith, do abolish and condemn the Pope's
+authority and jurisdiction out of this land, and ordain the
+maintainers thereof to be punished, Act 2, Parl. 1; Act 51 Parl. 3;
+Act 106, Parl. 7; Act 114, Parl. 12, King James VI., do condemn the
+Pope's erroneous doctrine, or any other erroneous doctrine
+repugnant to any of the articles of the true and Christian
+religion, publickly preached, and by law established in this realm;
+and ordain the spreaders and makers of books, or libels, or
+letters, or writs of that nature, to be punished, Acts 46, Parl. 3;
+Act 106, Parl. 7; Act 24, Par. 11, K. James VI. do condemn all
+baptism conform to the Pope's kirk, and the idolatry of the mass;
+and ordains all sayers, wilful hearers, concealers of the mass, the
+maintainers and resetters of the priests, Jesuits, trafficking
+Papists, to be punished without any exception or restriction, Act
+5, Parl. 1; Act 120, Parl. 12; Act 134, Parl. 13; Act 139, Parl.
+Act 1, Parl. 19; Act 5, Parl. 20, King James VI., do condemn all
+erroneous books and writs, containing erroneous doctrine against
+the religion presently professed or containing superstitious rites
+and ceremonies Papistical, whereby the people are greatly abused;
+and ordains the home-bringers of them to be punished, Act 25, Parl.
+11, King James VI., do condemn the monuments and dregs of the
+bygone idolatry, as going to crosses, observing the festival days
+of Saints and other superstitious and Papistical rites, to the
+dishonour of God, contempt of true religion, and fostering of great
+error among the people; and ordains the users of them to be
+punished for the second fault as idolaters, Act 104, Parl. 7, King
+James VI.</p>
+<p>Likeas, many acts of parliament are conceived for maintenance of
+God's true Christian religion, and the purity thereof in doctrine
+and sacraments of the true church of God, the liberty and freedom
+thereof in her national synodical assemblies, Presbyteries,
+sessions, policy, discipline, and jurisdiction thereof, as that
+purity of religion and liberty of the church was used, professed,
+exercised, preached, and confessed according to the reformation of
+religion in this realm. As for instance, the 99th Act, Parl. 7, Act
+23, Parl. 11; Act 114, Parl. 12; Act 160, Parl. 13, King James VI.,
+ratified by the 4th Act of King Charles. So that the 6th Act, Parl.
+1, and 68th Act, Parl. 6, of King James VI., in the year of God
+1579, declares the ministers of the blessed evangel, whom God of
+his mercy had raised up, or hereafter should raise, agreeing with
+them that then lived in doctrine and administration of the
+sacraments, and the people that professed Christ as he was then
+offered in the evangel and doth communicate with the holy
+sacraments, (as in the reformed kirks of this realm they were
+publickly administrate) according to the Confession of Faith, to be
+the true and holy kirk of Christ Jesus within this realm, and
+decerns and declares all and sundry who either gainsay the word of
+the evangel, received and approved as the heads of the Confession
+of Faith, professed in parliament in the year of God 1560,
+specified also in the first Parliament of King James VI, and
+ratified in this present parliament; more particularly do specify,
+or that refuse the administration of the holy sacraments as they
+were then administered, to be no members of the said kirk within
+this realm, and true religion presently professed, so long as they
+keep themselves so divided from the society of Christ's body; and
+the subsequent Act 69, Parl. 6. of King James VI. declares, that
+there is none other face of kirk, nor other face of religion, than
+was presently at that time by the favour of God established within
+this realm, which therefore is ever styled, <i>God's true
+religion&mdash;Christ's true religion&mdash;the true and Christian
+religion&mdash;and a perfect religion</i>; which, by manifold acts
+of parliament, all within this realm are bound to subscribe the
+articles thereof, the Confession of Faith, to recant all doctrine
+and errors repugnant to any of the said articles, Act 4 and 9,
+Parl. 1; Act 45, 46, 47, Parl. 3; Act 71, Parl. 6; Act 106, Parl.
+7; Act 24, Parl. 11; Act 123, Parl. 12; Act 194 and 197, Parl. 14,
+of King James VI. And all magistrates, sheriffs, &amp;c. on the one
+part, are ordained to search, apprehend, and punish all
+contraveners; for instance, Act 5, Parl. 1; Act 104, Parl. 7; Act
+25, Parl. 11, King James VI.; and that notwithstanding of the
+King's Majesty's licence to the contrary, which are discharged and
+declared to be of no force, in so far as they tend in any ways to
+the prejudice and hinder of the execution of the acts of parliament
+against Papists and adversaries of true religion, Act 106, Parl. 7,
+King James VI. On the other part, in the 47th Act, Parl. 3, of King
+James VI. it is declared and ordained, seeing the cause of God's
+true religion and his highness' authority are so joined, as the
+hurt of the one is common to both; and that none shall be reputed
+as loyal and faithful subjects to our sovereign lord or his
+authority, but be punishable as rebellers and gainstanders of the
+same, who shall not give their confession, and make their
+profession of the said true religion, and that they who, after
+defection, shall give the confession of their faith of new, they
+shall promise to continue therein in time coming, to maintain our
+sovereign lord's authority, and at the uttermost of their power to
+fortify, assist, and maintain the true preachers and professors of
+Christ's evangel against whatsoever enemies and gainstanders of the
+same; and namely, against all such (of whatsoever nation, estate,
+or degree they be,) that have joined and bound themselves, or have
+assisted, or assist to set forward, and execute the cruel decrees
+of Trent, contrary to the preachers and true professors of the Word
+of God, which is repeated, word by word, in the articles of
+pacification at Perth, the 23rd of February, 1572; approved by
+Parliament, the last of April, 1573; ratified in Parliament, 1587;
+and related, Act 123, Parl. 12, of King James VI., with this
+addition, that they are bound to resist all treasonable uproars and
+hostilities that are raised against the true religion, the King's
+Majesty, and the true professors.</p>
+<p>Likeas all lieges are bound to maintain the King's Majesty's
+royal person, and authority, the authority of Parliaments, without
+the which neither any laws, or lawful judicatories can be
+established, Act 130, Act 131, Parl. 8, K. James VI. and the
+subjects' liberties, who ought only to live and be governed by the
+King's laws, the common laws of this realm allenarly, Act 48, Parl.
+3, K. James I. Act 79, Parl. 6, K. James IV. repeated in the Act
+131, Parl. 8, K. James VI. Which, if they be innovated or
+prejudged, the commission anent the union of the two kingdoms of
+Scotland and England, which is the sole Act of the 17 Parl. of K.
+James VI. declares such confusion would ensue, as this realm could
+be no more a free monarchy, because by the fundamental laws,
+ancient privileges, offices and liberties of this kingdom, not only
+the princely authority of his Majesty's royal descent hath been
+these many ages maintained, but also the people's security of their
+lands, livings, rights, offices, liberties, and dignities
+preserved, and therefore for the preservation of the said true
+religion, laws and liberties of this kingdom, it is statute by the
+8 Act, Parl. 1, repeated in the 99 Act, Parl. 7, ratified in the 23
+Act, Parl. 11, and 114 Act, Parl. 12, of K. James VI. and 4 Act K.
+Charles I. That all kings and princes at their coronation and
+reception of their princely authority, shall make their faithful
+promise by their solemn oath in the presence of the eternal God,
+that enduring the whole time of their lives; they shall serve the
+same eternal God to the uttermost of their power, according as he
+hath required in his most holy word, contained in the Old and New
+Testaments. And according to the same word, shall maintain the true
+religion of Christ Jesus, the preaching of his holy word, the due
+and right ministration of the sacraments now received and preached
+within this realm (according to the Confession of Faith) and shall
+abolish and gainstand all false religion contrary to the same, and
+shall rule the people committed to their charge, according to the
+will and command of God, revealed in his foresaid word, and
+according to the laudable laws and constitutions received in this
+realm, no ways repugnant to the said will of the eternal God; and
+shall procure, to the uttermost of their power, to the kirk of God
+and whole Christian people, true and perfect peace in all time
+coming; and that they shall be careful to root out of their empire
+all heretics, and enemies to the true worship of God, who shall be
+convicted by the true kirk of God, for the foresaid crimes, which
+was also observed by his Majesty<a name="FNanchor7" id=
+"FNanchor7"></a><a href="#Footnote_7"><sup>[7]</sup></a> at his
+coronation in Edinburgh, 1633, as may be seen in the order of the
+coronation.</p>
+<p>In obedience to the commandment of God, conform to the practice
+of the godly in former times, and according to the laudable example
+of our worthy and religious progenitors,---- which was warranted
+also by Act of Council, commanding a general bond to be made and
+subscribed by his Majesty's subjects of all ranks, for two causes:
+one was, for defending the true religion as it was then reformed,
+and is expressed in the Confession of faith above-mentioned, and a
+former large Confession established by sundry acts of lawful
+General Assemblies, and of Parliament, unto which it hath relation,
+set down in public Catechisms, and which had been for many years
+(with a blessing from heaven) preached and professed in this kirk
+and kingdom as God's undoubted truth, grounded only upon his
+written Word. The other cause was, for maintaining the King's
+Majesty, his person, and estate; the true worship of God and the
+King's authority being so straitly joined as that they had the same
+friends and common enemies and did stand and fall together; and
+finally, being convinced in our minds, and confessing with our
+mouths, that the present and succeeding generations in this land
+are bound to keep the foresaid national oath and subscription
+inviolable. We,------------ under subscribing, considering divers
+times before, and especially at this time, the danger of the true
+reformed religion --------, and of the public peace of the kingdom;
+by the manifold innovations and evils generally contained and
+particularly mentioned, [in supplications, complaints, and
+protestations,<a name="FNanchor8" id="FNanchor8"></a><a href=
+"#Footnote_8"><sup>[8]</sup></a>] do hereby profess, and before
+God, his angels, and the world, solemnly declare, that with our
+whole hearts we agree and resolve, all the days of our life,
+constantly to adhere unto and defend the foresaid true religion;
+and (forbearing the practice of all novations already introduced in
+the matters of the worship of God, or approbation of the
+corruptions of the public government of the kirk, or civil places
+and power of kirkmen,<a name="FNanchor9" id=
+"FNanchor9"></a><a href="#Footnote_9"><sup>[9]</sup></a> till they
+be tried and allowed in free assemblies and in Parliaments,) to
+labor by all means lawful to recover the purity and liberty of the
+gospel, as it was established and professed before the foresaid
+novations; and because, after due examination, we plainly perceive,
+and undoubtedly believe, that the evils contained in our
+[supplications, complaints, and protestations,<a name="FNanchor10"
+id="FNanchor10"></a><a href="#Footnote_10"><sup>[10]</sup></a>]
+have no warrant of the Word of God; are contrary to the articles of
+the foresaid Confessions, to the intention and meaning of the
+blessed reformers of religion in this land, to the above-written
+Acts of Parliament, and do sensibly tend to the re-establishing of
+the Popish religion and tyranny, and to the subversion and ruin of
+the true reformed religion, and of our liberties, laws and estates.
+We also declare, that the foresaid confessions are to be
+interpreted, and ought to be understood of the foresaid novations
+and evils, no less than if every one of them had been expressed in
+the foresaid Confessions, and that we are obliged to detest and
+abhor them, amongst other particular heads of Papistry abjured
+therein; and, therefore, from the knowledge and conscience of our
+duty to God, [to our King and country,<a name="FNanchor11" id=
+"FNanchor11"></a><a href="#Footnote_11"><sup>[11]</sup></a>]
+without any worldly respect or inducement, so far as human
+infirmity will suffer, wishing a further measure of the grace of
+God for this effect, we promise and swear by the <i>great name of
+the Lord our God</i>, to continue in the profession and obedience
+of the foresaid religion; that we shall defend the same, and resist
+all these contrary errors and corruptions, according to our
+vocation, and to the uttermost of that power that God hath put in
+our hands, all the days of our life; and, in like manner, with the
+same heart, we declare before God and men, that we have no
+intention nor desire to attempt any thing that may turn to the
+dishonour of God, or to the diminution of [the King's<a name=
+"FNanchor12" id="FNanchor12"></a><a href=
+"#Footnote_12"><sup>[12]</sup></a>] greatness and authority; but on
+the contrary, we promise and swear, that we shall, to the uttermost
+of our power, with our means and lives, and to the defence of [our
+dread sovereign, the King's Majesty, his person and
+authority<a name="FNanchor13" id="FNanchor13"></a><a href=
+"#Footnote_13"><sup>[13]</sup></a>] in the defence and preservation
+of the foresaid true religion, liberties, and laws of the kingdom;
+as also, to the mutual defence and assistance every one of us of
+another, in the same cause of maintaining the true religion [his
+Majesty's<a name="FNanchor14" id="FNanchor14"></a><a href=
+"#Footnote_14"><sup>[14]</sup></a>] authority, with our best
+counsel, our bodies, means, and whole power, against all sorts of
+persons whatsoever. So that whatsoever shall be done to the least
+of us for that cause, shall be taken as done to us all in general,
+and to every one of us in particular; that we shall, neither
+directly nor indirectly, suffer ourselves to be divided or
+withdrawn, by whatsoever suggestion, allurement, or terror, from
+this blessed and loyal conjunction; nor shall cast in any let or
+impediment that may stay or hinder any such resolution, as by
+common consent shall be found to conduce for so good
+ends;&mdash;but, on the contrary, shall, by all lawful means labour
+to further and promote the same, and if any such dangerous and
+divisive motions be made to us by word or write, we, and every one
+of us, shall either suppress it, or if need be, shall incontinent
+make the same known that it may be timeously obviated; neither do
+we fear the foul aspersions of rebellion, combination, or what else
+our adversaries from their craft and malice would put upon us,
+seeing what we do is so well warranted, and ariseth from an
+unfeigned desire to maintain the true worship of God, the majesty
+of [<a name="FNanchor15" id="FNanchor15"></a><a href=
+"#Footnote_15"><sup>[15]</sup></a> our King,] and peace of the
+kingdom, for the common happiness of ourselves and the
+posterity.</p>
+<p>And because we cannot look for a blessing from God upon our
+proceedings, except with our profession and subscription, we join
+such a life and conversation as beseemeth Christians who have
+renewed their covenant with God: We, therefore, faithfully promise,
+for ourselves, our followers, and all other under us, both in
+public, in our particular families and personal carriage, to
+endeavor to keep ourselves within the bounds of Christian liberty,
+and to be good examples to others of all godliness, soberness and
+righteousness, and of every duty we owe to God and man. And that
+this our union and conjunction may be observed without violation,
+we call the living God, the searcher of our hearts, to witness, who
+knoweth this to be our sincere desire and unfeigned resolution, as
+we shall answer to Jesus Christ, in the great day, and under the
+pain of God's everlasting wrath and of infamy, and loss of all
+honour and respect in this world: Most humbly beseeching the Lord
+to strengthen us by his Holy Spirit for this end, and to bless our
+desires and proceedings with a happy success, that religion and
+righteousness may nourish in the land, to the glory of God, the
+honour of [our King<a name="FNanchor16" id=
+"FNanchor16"></a><a href="#Footnote_16"><sup>[16]</sup></a>] and
+peace and comfort of us all. In witness whereof we have subscribed
+with our hands all the premises, &amp;c.</p>
+<p>The article of this covenant, which was at first subscription
+referred<a name="FNanchor17" id="FNanchor17"></a><a href=
+"#Footnote_17"><sup>[17]</sup></a> to the determination of the
+General Assembly, being now determined, and thereby the five
+articles of Perth, the government of the Kirk by Bishops, the civil
+places and power of kirkmen upon the reasons and grounds contained
+in the Acts of the General Assembly, declared to be unlawful within
+this kirk, we subscribe according to the determination
+foresaid.</p>
+<hr style="width: 45%;">
+<h4><i>THE SOLEMN LEAGUE AND COVENANT, FOR REFORMATION AND DEFENCE
+OF RELIGION, ETC</i>.</h4>
+<p>We, having before our eyes the glory of God, and the advancement
+of the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the honour and
+happiness of [the<a name="FNanchor18" id="FNanchor18"></a><a href=
+"#Footnote_18"><sup>[18]</sup></a> King's Majesty and his
+posterity] and the true public liberty, safety, and peace of the
+kingdoms, wherein every one's private condition is included; and
+calling to mind 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 estate 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 public testimonies. We have
+now at last [<a name="FNanchor19" id="FNanchor19"></a><a href=
+"#Footnote_19"><sup>[19]</sup></a> after other means of
+supplication, remonstrance, protestation and suffering] for the
+preservation of ourselves and our religion from utter ruin and
+destruction, according to the commendable practice of these
+kingdoms in former times, and the example of God's people in other
+nations, after mature deliberation, resolved and determined to
+enter into a mutual 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&mdash;</p>
+<p>1. That we shall sincerely, really, and constantly, through the
+grace of God, endeavour in our several places and callings, the
+preservation of the reformed religion in the church of Scotland, in
+doctrine, worship, discipline, and government, against our common
+enemies; the reformation 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 endeavour to bring the churches of God in the three
+kingdoms, to the nearest conjunction and uniformity in religion,
+Confession of Faith, Form of Church-government, Directory for
+Worship and Catechizing; that we and our posterity after us, may,
+as brethren, live in faith and love, and the Lord may delight to
+dwell in the midst of us.</p>
+<p>2. That we shall, in like manner, without respect of persons,
+endeavor the extirpation of Popery, Prelacy (that is, church
+government by arch-bishops, bishops, their chancellors and
+commissaries, deans, deans and chapters, archdeacons, and all other
+ecclesiastical officers depending on that hierarchy), superstition,
+heresy, schism, profaneness, and whatsoever shall be found to be
+contrary to sound doctrine and the power of godliness; lest we
+partake in other men's 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.</p>
+<p>3. We shall, with the same sincerity, reality and constancy, in
+our several vocations, endeavor with our estates and lives mutually
+to preserve the rights and privileges of the parliaments<a name=
+"FNanchor20" id="FNanchor20"></a><a href=
+"#Footnote_20"><sup>[20]</sup></a> and the liberties of the
+kingdoms; and to preserve and defend [the King's<a name=
+"FNanchor21" id="FNanchor21"></a><a href=
+"#Footnote_21"><sup>[21]</sup></a> Majesty's] person and authority,
+in the preservation and defence of the true religion and liberties
+of the kingdoms; that the world may bear witness with our
+consciences of our loyalty, and that we have no thoughts or
+intentions to diminish [his<a name="FNanchor22" id=
+"FNanchor22"></a><a href="#Footnote_22"><sup>[22]</sup></a>
+Majesty's] just power and greatness.</p>
+<p>4. We shall also with all faithfulness endeavor the discovery of
+all such as have been, or shall be, incendiaries, malignants, or
+evil instruments, by hindering the reformation of religion,
+dividing [the<a name="FNanchor23" id="FNanchor23"></a><a href=
+"#Footnote_23"><sup>[23]</sup></a> 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 public trial, and receive condign punishment, as the
+degree of their offences shall require or deserve, or the supreme
+judicatories of both kingdoms respectively, or others having power
+from them for that effect, shall judge convenient.</p>
+<p>5. And whereas the happiness of a blessed peace between these
+kingdoms, denied in former times to our progenitors, was by the
+good providence of God granted unto [<a name="FNanchor24" id=
+"FNanchor24"></a><a href="#Footnote_24"><sup>[24]</sup></a>us]
+and&mdash;concluded, and settled by both parliaments, We shall,
+each one of us, according to our place and interest, endeavor that
+they may be and remain conjoined<a name="FNanchor25" id=
+"FNanchor25"></a><a href="#Footnote_25"><sup>[25]</sup></a> in a
+firm peace and union to all posterity, and that justice may be done
+upon the wilful opposers thereof, in manner expressed in the
+precedent article.</p>
+<p>6. We shall also according to our places and callings this
+common cause of religion, liberty and peace of the kingdoms, assist
+and defend all those that enter into this league and covenant, in
+the maintaining and pursuing thereof; and shall not suffer
+ourselves, directly or indirectly, by whatsoever combination,
+persuasion or terror, to be divided and withdrawn from this blessed
+union and conjunction, whether to make defection to the contrary
+part, or to give ourselves to a detestable indifferency or
+neutrality in this cause which so much concerneth the glory of God,
+the good of the kingdoms, and honor of [the<a name="FNanchor26" id=
+"FNanchor26"></a><a href="#Footnote_26"><sup>[26]</sup></a> King;]
+but shall all the days of our lives zealously and constantly
+continue therein, against all opposition, and promote the same
+according to our power, against all lets and impediments
+whatsoever; and what we are not able ourselves to suppress or
+overcome, we shall reveal and make known, that it may be timely
+prevented or removed; all of which we shall do as in the sight of
+God.</p>
+<p>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 profess and declare before God and the world, our unfeigned
+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 labored for the
+purity and power thereof, and that we have not endeavored to
+receive Christ in our hearts, nor to walk worthy of him in our
+lives, which are the causes of other sins and transgressions so
+much abounding amongst us; and our true and unfeigned purpose,
+desire and endeavor for ourselves, and all others under our power
+and charge, both in public and 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 real reformation; that the Lord may turn away his
+wrath, and heavy indignation, and establish these churches and
+kingdoms in truth and peace. And this Covenant we make in the
+presence of Almighty God, the searcher of all hearts, with a true
+intention to perform the same, as we shall answer at the great day,
+when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed; most humbly
+beseeching the Lord to strengthen us by his Holy Spirit for this
+end, and to bless our desires and proceedings with such success as
+may be deliverance and safety to his people, and encouragement to
+other Christian churches that may be groaning under, or in danger
+of, the yoke of Antichristian tyranny, to join 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 commonwealths.</p>
+<p>N.B.&mdash;These Covenants above-written, formerly nationally
+taken and renewed, and still nationally binding, We, in our private
+station only, swear and subscribe in their genuine sense, conform
+to the Explication and Application thereof, in our present
+Acknowledgment of the public Sins and Breaches of the same, and
+Engagement to the Duties contained therein, which do in a special
+way relate to the present times, and are proper for our capacities
+therein.</p>
+<hr style="width: 45%;">
+<h4><i>A SOLEMN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF PUBLIC SINS, AND BREACHES OF THE
+NATIONAL COVENANT AND SOLEMN LEAGUE AND COVENANT</i>.</h4>
+<p>We all and every one of us&mdash;being <i>by the good hand of
+our God upon us</i>, now, after a long and due deliberation,
+determined to testify to the world, for the glory of God, and the
+exoneration of our consciences, in the matter of our duty, our
+adherance to the whole of our attained Reformation, by renewing
+these our vows and Covenant-engagements with God, and knowing that
+it is a necessary preparative for the right performance of that so
+great and solemn a duty, that we be duly sensible of, and deeply
+humbled for the many heinous breaches thereof, which these nations,
+and we ourselves in particular are guilty of; do therefore, with
+that measure of sorrow and repentance which God of his mercy shall
+be pleased to grant us, desire to acknowledge and confess our own
+sins and violations of these vows, and the sins and transgressions
+of our fathers; to which we have also an example left us by the
+<i>Cloud of witnesses, which through faith and patience have
+inherited the promises</i>, ever since the Lord had a visible
+national church upon earth, and more especially by our progenitors
+in this nation; as, for instance, in the year 1596, "Wherein the
+General Assembly, and all the kirk judicatories, with the
+concurrence of many of the nobility, gentry and burgesses, did with
+many tears acknowledge the breach of the National Covenant, and
+engaged themselves into a reformation, even as our predecessors,
+and theirs, had done in the General Assembly and Convention of
+Estates in the year 1567." As also the more recent practice of the
+godly renewing the National Covenant, and acknowledging the
+breaches of it, both before they obtained the concurrence of civil
+authority, in the year 1638, and again, by authority, in the year
+1639. And that noble precedent of that <i>National Solemn
+acknowledgment of Public Sins and Breaches of the Solemn League and
+Covenant, and Solemn Engagement to all the duties contained
+therein</i>, (which we are here taking for our pattern, and
+enlarging the same as the sad sins and transgressions since that
+time committed, and the circumstances of time give occasion)
+condescended upon, "by the Commission of the General Assembly, and
+approven by the Committee of Estates, and publickly owned in all
+the churches, at the renewing of the Solemn League, Anno 1648, and
+1649, together with that solemn renovation thereof accompanied with
+such confession of sins as did best suit that time, by that small
+company of the Lord's people at Lanark, before their discomfiture
+at Pentland hills. And perceiving by the foresaid instances, that
+this duty, when gone about out of conscience, hath very often been
+attended with a reviving out of troubles&mdash;or at least out of
+deadness, security, and formality, under which we and the land are
+at present sinking, and with a blessing and success from
+heaven;&mdash;'We do humbly and sincerely, as in His sight who is
+the searcher of hearts, acknowledge the many sins and great
+transgressions of the land; we have done wickedly, our kings, our
+princes, our nobles, our judges, our officers, our teachers, and
+our people. Albeit the Lord hath long and clearly spoken unto us,
+we have not hearkened to his voice. Albeit he hath followed us with
+tender mercies, we have not been allured to wait upon him and walk
+in his way. And though he hath sticken us, yet we have not grieved:
+nay, though he hath consumed us, we have refused to receive
+correction. We have not remembered to render unto the Lord
+according to his goodness, and according to our vows and promises;
+but have gone away backward, by a perpetual backsliding, and have
+most sinfully and shamefully broken the National Covenant, and all
+the articles of the Solemn League and Covenant, which our fathers
+sware before God, angels and men.'" Albeit there has been in the
+land, ever since the reformation of religion, some of all ranks who
+have been for a testimony unto the truth, and for a name of joy and
+praise unto the Lord, by living godly, studying to keep their
+garments pure, and being steadfast in the covenant and cause of
+God; and there yet continues to be some, though reduced to a very
+small number, destitute of outward power and ability, and other
+helps fit for the right managing of a testimony, wanting the
+countenance of civil authority, and having few to feed or lead
+them; who are, notwithstanding all these difficulties, labouring in
+the strength of Christ to keep the good old way of these faithful
+witnesses who are gone before, in bearing testimony to the truths
+of Christ. "Yet we have reason to acknowledge, that most of us in
+this land have not endeavoured with that reality, sincerity, and
+constancy that did become us, to preserve the work of reformation
+in the Kirk of Scotland, as we are obliged by the first article of
+the Solemn League, and by the National Covenant; wherein we promise
+and swear by the great name of the Lord our God, that we shall
+continue in the obedience of the doctrine and discipline of this
+kirk, and shall defend the same according to our vocation and power
+all the days of our lives, under the pains contained in the law,
+and danger both of body and soul in the day of God's fearful
+judgment, and resist all contrary error and corruptions, according
+to our vocations, and the utmost of that power God hath put in our
+hands all the days of our life&mdash;according to these
+Scriptures."</p>
+<p>Ezra ix. 10, 11, "And now, O our God, what shall we say after
+this? for we have forsaken thy commandments. Verse 11. Which thou
+hast commanded by thy servants the prophets, &amp;c." Isaiah xxiv.
+5, "The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof,
+because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinances,
+broken the everlasting covenant." Jeremiah ix. 13, "And the Lord
+saith, because they have forsaken my law, which I set before them,
+and have not obeyed my voice, neither walked therein. Verse 15.
+Therefore, thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, behold
+I will feed them, even this people, with wormwood, and give them
+water of gall to drink." Daniel vii. 25, "And he shall speak great
+words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the
+Most High, and think to change times and laws." Galatians v. 1,
+"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us
+free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." I
+Timothy iv. 16, "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine:
+continue in them: for in doing this, thou shalt both save thyself,
+and them that hear thee." 2 Timothy i. 13, "Hold fast the form of
+sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith, and love, which
+is in Christ Jesus." Revelation in. 10, 11, "Because thou hast kept
+the word of my patience, I will also keep thee from the hour of
+temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that
+dwell upon the earth. Behold I come quickly; hold fast that which
+thou hast, that no man take thy crown."</p>
+<p>"But we have been so far from such endeavours, that there hath
+been a stupid submission to our rulers and great ones, breaking
+down and ruining the whole work of reformation, razing the bulwarks
+thereof, rescinding the laws in favour of the same, and not only
+breaking but burning the covenants for preserving it, enacting the
+breaches thereof, and declaring the obligation thereof void and
+criminal to be, owned; and, upon the ruins thereof, setting up
+abjured Diocesan Erastian Prelacy, with its concomitant bondage of
+patronages&mdash;a blasphemous and sacrilegious supremacy and
+arbitrary power in magistrate over church and state. There was
+little conscience made of constant endeavours to preserve the
+reformation, when there was not a seasonable testimony exhibited
+against these audacious and heaven-daring attempts; when our
+ministers were by a wicked edict ejected from their charges, both
+they and the people too easily complied with it. Albeit, in the
+National Covenant, the land is obliged to defend the reformation,
+and to labour by all means lawful to recover the purity and liberty
+of the gospel, by forbearing the practice of all novations
+introduced in the worship of God, or approbation of the corruptions
+of the public government of the kirk: yet was there given all the
+approbation required by law of the novation and corruption of
+Prelacy by hearing the Prelatic curates. Both ministers and people,
+in a great measure complied with, submitted unto, and connived at
+the encroachments of the supremacy and absolute power, both in
+accepting and countenancing the former indulgences and later
+toleration; the generalty took and subscribed oaths and bonds
+imposed during the reigns of these tyrants, Charles II. and James
+Duke of York, pressing conformity with the then establishments of
+church and state, most contrary to the reformation which the nation
+had sworn to preserve; some of these oaths and bonds restraining
+the takers from all endeavours to preserve it, as those that
+renounced the privilege of defensive arms; some of them abjuring
+the covenants expressly, and condemning the prosecution of the ends
+of them as rebellion, viz., the declaration and test; the most part
+did, Issachar like, crouch beneath all the burthens of maintaining
+and defending an arbitrary power and absolute tyranny, wholly
+employed and applied for the destruction of reformation, and paid
+such subsidies and supplies as were declaredly imposed for
+upholding the tyrant's usurpations, and suppressing all endeavours
+to preserve the reformation."</p>
+<p>And after the Lord was pleased in mercy to break the rod of
+oppression, and burst the bands of that horrid tyranny from off his
+people's necks, and to allow us a time of peace and ease; yet have
+we not made conscience of keeping this our oath; but instead of all
+lawful means to preserve the discipline and government of this
+church, there have been frequent invasions made thereupon by the
+civil powers, exercising an Erastian supremacy over her assemblies,
+by indicting, prorogueing, and dissolving them at their pleasure,
+and in their name and authority; whereby Christ's supremacy and
+kingly dignity was highly injured. And as the state for their part
+have, contrary to this article, made these usurpations upon the
+government of the church, so have backslidden ministers in their
+stations shamefully succumbed to, been silent at, and pleaded in
+defence of these usurpations, and have not zealously and faithfully
+asserted their Master's prerogatives, and the privileges of his
+church, sacrilegiously encroached upon by the magistrate. And
+people likewise have, in their stations, been unconcerned about
+these wrongs and injuries done to Christ, and have not used all
+lawful endeavour with their superiors (which they own as such,)
+whether of church or state, in order to reformation thereof, nor
+made faithful protestations against them, when they could not
+obtain redress&mdash;and as the government of the church has not
+been duly preserved; so there has been a want of constant
+endeavours to preserve pure the doctrine of this reformed church;
+and that ever since that fatal distraction of <i>public resolution
+principles</i> began to creep into the church, which corrupted
+people in that doctrine of abstaining from association with
+malignants and enemies to truth and godliness, and so far prevailed
+that the avowed enemies of religion were brought into places of
+greatest trust and authority. And these associations have not been
+made only with the haters of religion at home, but are also entered
+into with the enemies to the Protestant religion abroad; and many
+backsliding ministers in the late times of tyranny were very faulty
+in this point of not labouring to preserve the purity of doctrine,
+either by express condemning of some important truths then
+persecuted, or at least in being silent and not asserting them, nor
+applying their doctrine to the time's corruptions; whereby many of
+the people were left to be overcome by snares&mdash;"And so laid
+open to seek out other principles to justify their practices of
+compliance, or extravagances on the right or left hand, not
+consistent with the doctrine and rules of the Church of Scotland,
+others were not constant in confessing those doctrines before men
+when called to suffer for, and avouch them." Neither are there at
+this day, nor has there been all along during these years of peace
+and quiet, suitable endeavours for suppressing all sorts of unsound
+doctrine, or purging the land of the leaven of erroneous
+principles. Although there have been many laws made against Popery,
+yet how have they been put to execution, when Papists are so rife
+and Popery prevalent?&mdash;the idolatrous mass being set up in
+several places of the kingdom; the maintainers and promoters of
+Quakerism, Bourignianism, Arminianism, &amp;c, are not punished,
+but protected by the state, and connived at by the church. And
+whereas, the right endeavouring of maintaining sound doctrine, doth
+require uprightness and sincerity in the profession and belief
+thereof, and a suitable practice accompanying that belief; we have
+it to lament that the most part of us in this land are but
+hypocritical in the professing of the doctrines of the gospel, and
+want a suitable practice and conversation becoming the gospel,
+cause, and cross of Christ. Many are grossly ignorant of the
+fundamental doctrines of Christianity, or study the circumstantial
+and controverted more than the fundamental truths.</p>
+<p>There has also been great short coming of <i>real, sincere and
+constant endeavors to preserve the worship of God</i>, public and
+private. "In times of hazard, many ministers left off preaching,
+and the people hearing. We have been negligent and remiss in family
+worship; and, instead of preserving, many have done much to
+discourage and hinder it: And in secret we have been formal and
+careless: Many have satisfied themselves with the purity of the
+ordinances, neglecting the power thereof, yea, some have turned
+aside to crooked ways destructive to both." Neither have we been
+careful to preserve the discipline, church censures being laid
+aside, and not impartially exercised against scandals, personal and
+public. Scandalous persons being admitted to hold up their children
+to baptism, and to partake of the Lord's table and other privileges
+of the church, without respect to the rules of Christ. The
+discipline of the church hath also been circumscribed, limited, and
+bounded by Acts of Parliament, and is now rendered ineffectual by
+the late Act of the British Parliament, entitled, <i>Act for
+preventing the Disturbing of those of the Episcopal Communion in
+that part of Great Britain called Scotland</i>. So that ministers
+could not without transgressing these Acts (which they too
+punctually observe) draw out the sword of discipline against many
+covenant-breakers; perjured hireling-curates being allowed to enjoy
+churches and benefices without censure or molestation, if subject
+to the civil government, as is evident from the 27th Act of the
+fifth Session of William's first Parliament, entitled, <i>Act
+concerning the Church</i>. Ministers have neglected to draw out the
+sword of discipline, duly and impartially against scandalous
+persons of every rank and quality; so that many gross offenders
+have been passed over without censure, as, namely, such as shed the
+blood of the Lord's people, complied with the tyrants and usurpers
+in the times of persecution, by testing, bonding, hearing of
+curates, paying of cess and other taxations, intelligencers, and
+informers against the people of God, accepters of indulgences and
+toleration, and such as preached under the covert of remissions and
+indemnities bought by sums of money from the council, such as had
+been lack and negligent in testifying against the corruptions of
+the times, were not brought to an acknowledgment of it; but, upon
+the contrary, encouraged as well-doers, and advanced to office and
+public employment in the church without evident signs of
+repentance. And many other scandalous persons are daily connived at
+and superficially past, without sufficient discoveries of their
+repentance and amendment: Many also have been overlooked because of
+their eminency in the world, or past over for pecuniary mulcts.
+And, whereas, in the same first Article of the Solemn League, we
+are bound "to endeavor the promoting and propagating of the
+Reformation and uniformity of religion, Confession of Faith, Form
+of Church-government (which as it was primarily understood, so
+still we own to be only Presbyterial) Directory for Worship and
+Catechising. According to the Scriptures."</p>
+<p>Isa. xix. 18. "In that day shall five cities in the land of
+Egypt speak the language of Canaan, and swear to the Lord of
+Hosts." Jer. xxxii. 39. "And I will give them one heart and one
+way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them and of
+their children after them." Zech. xiv. 9. "And the Lord shall be
+King over all the earth: in that day there shall be one Lord, and
+his name one." Acts ii. 46. "And they continuing daily with one
+accord in the temple, and breaking bread, from house to house, did
+eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart." Acts iv. 32.
+"And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart, and one
+soul." I Cor. vii. 17. "But as God hath distributed to every man,
+as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk; and so ordain I
+in all churches." Gal. vi. 16. "And as many as walk according to
+this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of
+God." Phil. iii. 16. "Nevertheless, whereto we have already
+attained; let us walk by the same rule; let us mind the same
+thing."</p>
+<p>Yet as our fathers had reason to complain, "that the profane,
+loose, and insolent carriage of many in their armies, who went to
+the assistance of their brethren in England, and the tampering and
+unstraight dealings of some commissioners and others of our nation,
+in London, the Isle of Wight, and other places, had proved great
+lets to the work of reformation and settling of kirk government
+there, whereby error and schism in the land had been greatly
+increased, and sectaries hardened in their way;" so much more
+during the time of the late persecution, the offensive carriage of
+many who went to England is to be bewailed, who proved very
+stumbling to the Sectarians there.</p>
+<p>There hath been little zeal or endeavour for such a uniformity,
+little praying for it, or mourning over the obstructions of it;
+but, upon the contrary, a toleration was embraced, introductive of
+a sectarian multiformity of religion without a testimony against
+the toleration even of Popery itself, under the usurper James, Duke
+of York; and since the Revolution the land hath done exceeding much
+to harden them. 1st, By accepting such persons to the royal dignity
+over this realm as had sworn to maintain the Antichristian
+hierarchy of Prelacy, with all the superstitions and ceremonies of
+the Church of England, and who countenance a multiformity in the
+worship of God and government of the church, and do not suppress
+such as are unsound and heterodox in the fundamental articles of
+the Christian faith. And, next, to put a full stop to all
+endeavours of uniformity and union in the Lord's way, and to bring
+the nation under an indespensible necessity of covenant breaking,
+this nation hath entered into an <i>incorporating union</i> with
+England in such terms, and upon such conditions as formally and
+explicitly established Prelacy as the Church-government there to
+all succeeding generations; and that while, in the meantime, all
+manner of Sectarian errors are there encouraged, maintained, and
+supported by means of a toleration. By the concluding of which
+union, this land hath said upon the matter that there is no
+obligation upon us to tender the advancement of religion in that
+nation, or to study such means and methods as might tend to bring
+them to a sense of their breach of covenant, or reduce them to a
+performance of the duties whereunto they are engaged; and thus this
+land hath hardened them in their sinful ways and courses, contrary
+to this Solemn League, and given them ground to think that we look
+upon the obligation thereof to be loosed. This land hath been
+wanting in compassion to them as brethren, in not labouring to show
+them their sin and danger, while persisting in a professed
+violation of their vows, and refusing them help in their need, when
+supplication was made by some of them to the first Assembly after
+the Revolution for ministers to preach the gospel. And though this
+land hath sought out methods how to entertain amity and friendship
+with them, yet have they not endeavoured to have it such as that
+the Lord should, upon that account, delight to dwell amongst us:
+nay, upon the contrary, unless these methods be repented of and
+forsaken, it is impossible that reformation should ever amount to
+that degree of perfection in these kingdoms, to which, through the
+mercy of God, it once arrived; so that instead of <i>living
+together in peace and love, we and our posterity after us</i>, are
+like to live in a joint defection from our covenant engagements
+made to the Most High God.</p>
+<p>In the second Article of the Solemn League and Covenant, we
+swear, "That we shall, without respect of persons, endeavour the
+extirpation of Popery, Prelacy, Superstition, Heresy, Schism,
+Profaneness, and whatsoever shall be found to be contrary to sound
+doctrine and the power of godliness. And in the National Covenant
+to abhor and detest the Antichristian wicked Hierarchy," &amp;c.
+According to the Scriptures.</p>
+<p>Exod. xxiii. 32, 33. "Thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor
+with their gods. They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make
+thee sin against me: for if thou serve their gods, it surely will
+be a snare unto thee." Exod. xxxiv. 12, 13. "Take heed to thyself,
+lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither
+thou goest, lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee: But ye
+shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their
+groves." Deut. xiii. chapter throughout. Judges ii. 2. "And ye
+shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; you shall
+throw down their altars," &amp;c. Zech. xiii. 2, 3. "And it shall
+come to pass in that day saith the Lord of Hosts, that I will cut
+off the names of idols out of the land, and also I will cause the
+prophets and the unclean spirits to pass out of the land. And it
+shall come to pass, that when any shall yet prophesy, then his
+father and his mother that begat him, shall say unto him, Thou
+shalt not live; for thou speakest lies in the name of the Lord: and
+his father, and his mother, that begat him, shall thrust him
+through, when he prophesieth." I Tim. iv. 1, 2, 3. "Now the Spirit
+speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from
+the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils:
+Speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their conscience seared with a
+hot iron: Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from
+meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of
+them which believe, and know the truth." Rev. xvii. 5. "And upon
+her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE
+MOTHER OF HARLOTS, AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. Verse 16. And the
+ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the
+whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her
+flesh, and burn her with fire." Compared with Rev. xviii. 4, 5, 6.
+"A I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my
+people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive
+not of her plagues: For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God
+hath remembered her iniquities. Reward her even as she rewarded
+you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup
+which she hath filled, fill to her double."</p>
+<p>Yet, alas! so far has the land been defective in this, that upon
+the contrary, it hath been polluted with idolatrous masses; altars,
+and other monuments of idolatry were suffered again to be erected;
+the penal statutes were disabled, stopped, and suspended by an
+absolute arbitrary power by means of a toleration in its own nature
+tending, and in its design intending to introduce Popery and
+slavery, which yet was accepted and addressed for by many
+backslidden ministers, who to this day have made no public
+acknowledgement of the sin of so doing, notwithstanding all the
+reformation which is bragged of, and was countenanced, complied,
+and concurred with by many people without a testimony or endeavour
+to withstand it. Yea, the administration of the government and the
+greatest offices of power and trust were committed into, and
+permitted to abide in the hands of Papists; and the head of them
+and great pillar and promoter of Popery, James the VII, was owned
+as King, contrary to the laws of God and man and covenant
+obligations, without respect of persons to extirpate Popery and
+Papists; and few during that time evinced any just zeal or
+indignation against, or fear of the manifest appearances of the
+coming in of Popery and intended establishment of it in the land.
+And not only then, but even to this day, there is too much
+conniving at Papists; the laws are not put in execution against
+them in their full extent and latitude: And albeit this land, yea,
+whole Britain and Ireland, were purged of Popery, yet cannot we be
+said to have made conscience of performing this part of the oath of
+God, while there is a confederating with Papists abroad and
+fighting in their quarrel, and that, whilst in the meantime they
+are persecuting, with the height of rigour and severity, all such
+as profess any thing of the reformed religion in their dominions.
+And as there hath been great failures in respect of extirpating
+Popery, so especially in the performance of that part of the
+covenant which binds us to the extirpation of
+Prelacy&mdash;"<i>i.e.</i> Church government by arch-bishops,
+bishops, their chancellors and commissaries, deans, deans and
+chapters, archdeacons, and all other officers depending upon that
+hierarchy:" there hath been a most wilful and palpable violation of
+the oath of God, though it be most clearly our duty prescribed in
+his word.</p>
+<p>Matt. xx. 25, 26. "But Jesus called them unto him, and said, ye
+know that the Princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them,
+and they that are great exercise authority upon them: But it shall
+not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him
+be your minister." Luke xxii. 25, 26. "And he said unto them the
+Kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them," &amp;c. Acts
+xx: 17. "And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders
+of the church." Compared with verse 28. "Take heed therefore unto
+yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath
+made you observers (bishops) to feed the church of God, which he
+hath purchased with his own blood." I Peter v. 3. "Neither as being
+lords over God's heritage: but being ensamples to the flock." 3
+John verse 9. "I wrote unto the church; but Diotrepehes, who loveth
+to have the pre-eminence among them, receiveth us not."</p>
+<p>And these breaches of it were not only made during the tunes of
+persecution, when Charles the II. by an arbitrary power, granted
+him by a parasitical Parliament, did overturn Presbyterian
+government, and introduce Prelacy, to which change the greatest
+part of the ministry did perfidiously yield, and became vassals to
+the bishops; such as were not willing to conform, were pressed to
+it by confinement, banishment, imprisonment, confiscation of goods,
+all manner of tortures, and, finally, death itself.</p>
+<p>During which hour and power of darkness, many complied with the
+enemy, by taking oaths and bonds, indulgencies and toleration, and
+because so remiss in this matter, that it was all one to them which
+government had the ascendant, so they might enjoy their worldly
+accommodations. And not only then, while Satan was let loose in his
+members and emissaries to persecute and waste the Church of Christ,
+but since peace and quietness are obtained, this duty continues to
+be greatly slighted; yea, in place of extirpating Prelacy, have
+there not been courses taken effectually to establish it? To
+instance a few&mdash;the accepting of William and Mary, and after
+them the present possessor of the Crown, to be supreme Magistrates,
+while they are knownly and professedly Prelatical in their
+judgment, and engaged by oath at their coronation to maintain the
+same; the swearing oaths of allegiance to them without security for
+their preserving of the true reformed religion&mdash;yea, without
+any limitation or qualification whatsoever; as also, the taking an
+oath of adjuration, wherein, by consequence, the takers engaged to
+do to the utmost of their power to procure that the Kings or Queens
+of these kingdoms shall be of the communion of the Prelatical
+Church, and so that they shall contribute to the support of
+Prelacy.</p>
+<p>Again, the Episcopal clergy who subjected to it during the time
+of its legal establishment, have not been therefore prosecuted by
+the discipline of the church; but such as did, and yet do profess
+it as their principle, are allowed equal encouragement with the
+Presbyterians, only providing they evidence good affection to the
+civil government. And now, since the late <i>incorporating
+union</i> with England, we of this nation have consented that
+Prelacy shall be established there to all succeeding generations,
+(as was observed in the first article); and, moreover, have given
+into the hands of the Prelatics in England, the power of making
+laws which must become binding upon this land, they being members
+of the British Parliament and council; which power has been already
+improved, to establish a liberty and protection for the whole
+rabble of the Episcopal Clergy in the free exercise of the Popish
+ceremonies of the Church of England, without any provision against
+the grossest heretical opinions that they please to broach,
+excepting only the denying of the doctrine of the blessed Trinity.
+Where, then, are our endeavours for the extirpation of the wicked
+hierarchy?&mdash;where is the abhorrence and detestation of it,
+sworn and engaged to in these Covenants?&mdash;Do not many who
+profess themselves to be Presbyterians show themselves so
+indifferent in this point, that they can join with either, as may
+suit their interest?&mdash;instance the Sacramental Testers. Few
+mourn over and pray earnestly for the subversion of that hierarchy.
+Few doctrinally discover the evils of such a government, and how
+contrary it is to God's Word&mdash;or labour to bring their hearers
+into a dislike and detestation of it, and the sad fruits which
+result from it. Few study to convince others of the evil of such a
+principle, and following such a course by the Apostle's rule,
+avoiding all unnecessary company with them, that they may be
+ashamed; but, upon the contrary, many Presbyterians too familiar
+and unnecessary converse with them, encourage and harden them; and,
+particularly, ministers are to be blamed herein, who preach one
+half of the Lord's day in the church, and allow the curate the
+other half. Few impartially reprove and warn them of their sin and
+danger; but, upon the other hand, many professed Presbyterians, by
+their untender and unchristian walk and conversation, or by their
+lukewarmness and indifferency in Christ's matters, now called
+<i>moderation</i>, and by their walking contrary to covenant
+engagements, do exceedingly harden them in their evil way, and
+scandalize them at their duty. Instead of endeavours to extirpate
+superstition and heresy, as we are bound by the same article of the
+Solemn League, and by the "National Covenant to detest all
+superstition and heresy, without or against the Word of God, and
+doctrine of this reformed kirk, according to the Scripture."</p>
+<p>Duet. xii. 30, 31, 32&mdash;"Take heed to thyself, that thou be
+not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from
+before thee, and that thou inquire not after their gods, saying,
+How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise.
+Thou shalt not do so unto the Lord thy God; for every abomination
+to the Lord which he hateth, have they done unto their gods: for
+even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to
+their gods. What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou
+shalt not add thereto nor diminish from it." Acts xvii.
+22&mdash;"Then Paul stood in the midst of Mar's-hill, and
+said&mdash;Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are
+too superstitious." Gal. iv. 10&mdash;"Ye observe days, and months,
+and times, and years." Gal. v. 20&mdash;"Idolatry, witchcraft,
+hatred, variance, emulation, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies."
+Col. ii. 20&mdash;"Wherefore, if ye be dead with Christ from the
+rudiments of the world; why as though living in the world, are ye
+subject to ordinances? verse 21, Touch not, taste not, handle not:
+verse 23, Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in
+will-worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body, not in any
+honour to the satisfying of the flesh." Tit. iii. 10&mdash;"A man
+that is an heretic, after the first and second admonition,
+reject."</p>
+<p>Yet, in the darkness of the times of persecution, many dregs of
+Popish superstition were observed, many omens and freets too much
+looked to; Popish festival days&mdash;as Pasche, Yule,
+Fastings-even, &amp;c, have been kept by many; and Prelatical
+anniversary days, and festivities devised of their own heart,
+appointed for commemorating the King's and Queen's birthdays, (as
+May 29th, October 13th, February 6th,) who were born as a scourge
+to this realm, were complied with by many. Yes, some have
+superstitiously made use of the Scriptures as a fortune book,
+looking to that which first cast up to them, or to impressions
+borne in upon their minds from such and such places of Scripture as
+Divine responses, without a due search of them as the Lord hath
+commanded. And many wavering and unstable souls have been seduced
+unto damnable and pernicious heresies, as Quakers, and delirious
+delusions, as those that followed John Gib. All which have been
+breaches of Covenant, as well as of Divine commands. Yea, even to
+this very day, the same superstitions are observed and practised,
+as abstaining from labouring upon the foresaid festivities, and
+observing presages of good or tad fortune (as it is called,) upon
+them and other times; as likewise, many practisers of enchantments
+and users of charms&mdash;yea, such as are in actual compact with
+the devil, are not carefully sought out, nor accurately tried, in
+order to be brought to punishment, but overlooked and
+protected.</p>
+<p>There has been also since the revolution, as well as before, a
+great deluge of errors through these covenanted lands, which, to
+this day, continue and increase: that might be sufficient to
+convince us that there have not been proper measures taken to
+suppress them, as this article obliges us to do;&mdash;nay, instead
+thereof, they are tolerated, maintained, and protected by
+authority, as appears both from the late Act of Parliament, and
+from the liberty allowed to that pestilent generation of Quakers,
+who keep their general meetings yearly in Edinburgh, being guarded
+by a company of the town guards. And as the state do not prosecute
+the promoters and abettors of these heresies with civil pains, as
+is the duty of such as call themselves God's vicegerents, and own
+themselves to be intrusted with keeping of both tables of the law;
+so the church is nothing speedier or more active in drawing out
+their ecclesiastical sword to cut off these luxurant branches, and
+to take <i>the little foxes which spoil the wines</i>. Many whose
+duty, by virtue of their office, is to give warning from Zion's
+walls, as watchmen entrusted with the city of God, neglect to
+discover, and from the scriptures to confute these errors, or to
+show their flocks by doctrine or writing the danger of being
+tainted with them. And as suitable endeavours have been wanting
+effectually to extirpate heresy and error, so schism, its
+inseparable companion, and necessary consequent, has exceedingly
+grown and increased, to the great damage of the church of Christ in
+these kingdoms, and utter subversion of that most pleasant fabric
+of uniformity in religion, which the League and Covenant binds us
+to endeavour. The word of God makes schism a very great sin, as is
+evident from Rom. xvi. 17; 1 Cor. xi. 18, xii. 25; Heb. x. 25; Jude
+19.</p>
+<p>And all the nation are to be reputed guilty of it who depart
+from the doctrine and laudable constitutions delivered by Christ
+and his apostles, and adhered unto by the church of Scotland in her
+purest times of Reformation. And if we consider schism under this
+notion, as we ought to do, then will we find that the greatest part
+of the land is guilty of it. Few are firmly and constantly adhering
+to the attained Reformation; but many upon the left hand, have
+turned aside to compliance with Prelacy and Erastianism, and so
+have by their defection broken the church's <i>beauty</i> and
+<i>bands</i>, order and union, in making a faction repugnant to her
+established order, and, censurable by all her standing acts, in
+bringing innovations in the government, and making a rent in the
+bowels of the church; by causing divisions and offences contrary to
+the doctrine of the church; whereby they have made themselves
+guilty of schism; and some have fallen into delusions and dotages
+upon the right hand, who, in seeking to be religious above what is
+commanded, have come short of the truth of religion, and made a
+faction repugnant to this covenant. Some, being private persons,
+have pretended an immediate commission to preach the word, and
+administer the sacraments. Others, being stumbled with the
+defection of the time, have turned aside to independency. "Some
+upon slender and insufficient grounds, have and do separate both
+from faithful ministers and Christian societies and families,
+because of difference in judgment and incident debates, wherein the
+testimony of Christ is not much concerned; or because of personal
+offences easily removed, not observing the rules of Christ for
+removing of them, not having respect to his great commands of
+charity, forbearance, forgiving one another, or condescendency. And
+among divided parties, which in our day have been long biting and
+devouring one another, there hath been too much both of sinful
+union and confederacy in terms prejudicial to truth; as our
+joinings in the <i>Angus regiment</i>, at the <i>Revolution</i>,
+and our guarding and supplicating that corrupt <i>Convention of
+Estates</i>, which consisted mostly of such as had been directly or
+indirectly guilty of the murder of the Lord's people; and upon the
+other hand, there hath been too much of sinful heats, animosities,
+and jealousies, pride, passion, and prejudice, grieving the Spirit
+of the Lord, and eating out the power and life, and much hindering
+the holy practice and spiritual exercise of religion."</p>
+<p><i>We have been so far from endeavouring to extirpate
+profaneness, another evil engaged against in the covenant, and
+condemned in the Word of God</i>. Deut. xxix. 19; Job xxi. 14; Jer.
+xxiii. 15; Ezek. xxii. 26; Hos. iv. 1-3; Heb. vii. 15.</p>
+<p>"That profanity hath been much winked at, and profane persons
+much countenanced, and many times employed, till iniquity and
+ungodliness have gone over the land as a flood; and profanity,
+beginning at the court, hath spread itself through every rank and
+quality in the land: so that immoralities and sins against every
+precept of both tables are greatly abounding." As, namely, great
+contempt of God and godliness, ignorance, atheism and irreligion,
+unsuitable walking to the knowledge of him and his perfections
+which we have, and not labouring in the use of means to attain
+more. Much neglect of pressing after peace and reconciliation with
+him, through a Mediator, and of living up to the profession which
+we make of him. Despising of his holy ordinances and means of
+worship; deafness and stupidity under the calls of his Word.
+Profanation of his holy sacraments, neglect of secret prayer
+(wherein much of the life of religion lies), and of prayer in
+families, or a negligent, careless and superficial performance
+thereof; many using a formality of words and expressions learned by
+custom. Some using our blessed Lord's prayer as a set form, which
+ought to be used as a rule of direction in all our prayers, and not
+as a dead form of words: many seeking more to be seen of men in
+this and all other duties, than to approve themselves to God, and
+more careful to come by apposite words and expressions, when
+praying with others, than to attain and entertain the breathings
+and influences of the Spirit of God. Much neglect of propagating
+Christian knowledge in congregations and families; ministers and
+masters of families not making diligent search into the knowledge
+of the flocks and families under their charge, and instructing them
+suitably. Much swearing and profanation of God's name, by loose and
+vain oaths in common discourse: yea, swearing by the
+creatures&mdash;as, soul, faith, conscience, and the like, thereby
+sacrilegiously attributing to them divine honour; as also, by
+imposing upon all persons in any public trust the unlimited and
+unlawful oath of allegiance, together with the bond of assurance,
+and the oath of abjuration, contrary to the oath of the covenant,
+thereby debauching people's consciences, and involving them in the
+guilt of perjury. Great profanation of the holy Sabbath, and
+neglect or careless performance of the duties therein required;
+breaking it by unnecessary feasting, walking, idle, vain and
+impertinent discourse, and such like recreations; yea, by hunting,
+hawking, riding and going of journeys, sounding trumpets before
+their lords of Justiciary when going to church, reading of
+proclamations wholly irrelative to religion, and making
+publications not necessary nor expedient to be made upon that day.
+Much disobedience to parents, and undue carriage of persons of all
+ranks and relations towards each other. Great murder and bloodshed,
+so that the land is defiled with blood, and that not only the blood
+of the Lord's people, who, in the times of persecution, were led
+forth like sheep to the slaughter, because of their adherence to
+their duty, and refusing conformity with wicked courses and
+subjection to wicked laws, eversive of their covenant engagements,
+not yet mourned over, nor purged away by the blood of those that
+shed it; but likewise many through the land are murdered
+frequently, and the murderers are not prosecuted with due severity:
+nay, such are the methods that are now taken to embolden the wicked
+in that and all other crimes, that whatever presumptions of guilt
+may be had, or how ample confession soever be made, if it be
+extrajudicial, and the very fact not proved by witnesses, the
+delinquent is passed over and absolved as a well-doer, and many
+actually convicted of murder are indemnified and let pass
+unpunished.</p>
+<p>Much uncleanness and filthiness, adultery, fornication, incest,
+bestiality, sodomy, lasciviousness, promiscuous dancing, stage
+plays, excessive drinking, vanity in apparel, and the like
+abominable unchastity and incentives to it. Much stealing, robbery
+and oppression, grinding the faces of the poor by unjust taxations
+and heavy impositions, and by hindering the poor from begging, for
+the support of their lives in times of scarcity, by a wicked edict.
+Perverting of justice in law suits; lawyers and advocates finding
+means, for their own gain and worldly advantage, to obtain decisive
+sentences in favor of the rich, contrary to justice and equity;
+much cheating and deceiving in bargaining; forestalling of markets
+in times of scarcity; depriving the poor of their habitations and
+livelihoods by building of parks and in-closures; tenants taking
+leases over their neighbor's head, and the like. It is, moreover,
+to be bewailed that many ministers, who should be examples of
+charity and good works, are ringleaders in this sin of oppression.
+Much lying and bearing of false witness, defaming one another's
+good name, reproaching persons for their adherence to the truths
+and cause of Christ, or for discovering any piece of zeal and
+affection that way. Much covetousness and worldly-mindedness,
+repining, murmuring and discontentment with God's dispensations;
+revenge, wrath, malice, envy, bitterness and innumerable sins, both
+against the precepts of the moral law, and the offers of Christ in
+the Gospel, which plainly says that we have not used the endeavours
+which in this Article we promise, for "Rooting up profaneness and
+whatsoever is found contrary to sound doctrine and the power of
+godliness, lest we partake of other men's sins, and so be in danger
+to receive of their plagues." Nay, hath not much unsound doctrine
+been maintained in the arguments which have been used for defending
+the lawfulness of the courses of compliance with Prelacy and
+Erastianism? and these, amongst other unsound notions, have been
+entertained amongst us&mdash;"That lesser and circumstantial truths
+are not to be suffered for; that confession of these truths hath
+not been called for in our day; that people are not in hazard of
+the sins of others, especially of magistrates and ministers, if
+they do not directly act the same sins themselves; that sins of
+bypast times (if they be not presently practiced) are not to be
+confessed, nor the persons guilty to be stood at a distance from,
+till they give evident documents of their repentance;" contrary to
+express and plain Scripture.</p>
+<p>2 Sam. xxi. 1; 2 Sam. xxiv. 17; 2 Kings xxi. 11, 12; Isa. xliii.
+27, 28; Jer. xiv. 15,16; Mic. iii. 11, 12.</p>
+<p>Whence both ministers and people have been involved in the sins
+of Prelacy, Indulgence, Toleration, Erastianism, subjecting the
+government of the church to the secular and civil authority; while
+they thought these only to be the sins of Prelates, or of wicked
+and usurping rulers; they in the meantime yielding all the
+conformity with, submission unto, and approbation of them, that was
+by wicked laws required. On the other hand, many of us have rested
+too much in a non-compliance with these, and "having a form of
+godliness, but denying the power thereof."</p>
+<p>In the third Article, whereas we are bound, "in our several
+vocations, mutually to preserve the rights and privileges of
+Parliaments, and liberties of the kingdoms;" meaning the true, real
+and righteous privileges and liberties&mdash;consonant to the Word
+of God.</p>
+<p>Deut. i. 13; Deut. xvi. 18; Isa. i. 26.</p>
+<p>Likeas, all lieges are bound by the laws of the land inserted in
+the National Covenant, to "maintain the authority of Parliaments,
+without which neither any laws nor lawful judicatories can be
+established." Yet as our fathers had reason to complain "that
+neither had the privileges of the Parliament nor liberties of the
+subject been duly tendered; but some amongst them had laboured to
+put into the hands of the king an arbitrary and unlimited power
+destructive to both; and many of them had been accessory to those
+means and ways whereby the freedom and privileges of Parliaments
+had been encroached upon, and the subjects oppressed in their
+consciences, persons and estates;" so afterwards, all alongst the
+tract of tyranny and persecution, they had rather the name and show
+than the real power and privileges of lawfully constituted
+Parliaments; having advanced the royal prerogative to such a
+boundless pitch of arbitrariness, and being so corrupted, that
+faithful men and honest and honourable patriots were excluded, and
+those admitted who by the law of God and man should have been
+debarred; and so prelimited that the members behoved to take such
+oaths (for instance, the declaration and test, abjuring and
+condemning the Covenants) as engaged them to be perjured and
+conjured enemies both to our religion and liberty, which both the
+electors of Members of Parliament and the elected did sinfully
+comply with; neither did the body of the land make conscience of
+recovering these rights and privileges thus perverted and polluted;
+but in stupid subjection did own those for representatives who
+betrayed their liberties, and made laws to enslave the nation and
+entail slavery upon, posterity. On the other hand, they that
+disowned them did not make conscience of preserving those rights
+and privileges of supreme judicatories, when inadvertently and
+unadvisedly they put in such expressions and styles in some of
+their declarations as do not belong to private persons, but only to
+such judicatories. And not only then, but since the Revolution,
+have there been many ways taken for corrupting and depriving the
+Members of Parliament; as that all members and electors of members
+have been obliged to take the oath of allegiance, with the
+assurance to such as did, and do, in their dominions, support
+Prelacy and exercise an Erastian supremacy over the church of
+Christ.</p>
+<p>And now, last of all, by the means of this fatal Union with
+England, in terms and upon conditions inconsistent with our
+covenanted Union, engaged to in the League and Covenant; the
+nation's sovereignty and independency are given up, the rights of
+Parliament entirely lost, or vanished into a shadow, little
+preferable to no Parliament; so few being to represent this nation
+in the Parliament of Great Britain, as can never be able to
+prevent, by their number of voices, any act which it shall please
+the English to make, how destructive soever the same be to our
+sacred or civil concerns. Which treaty of Union was concluded in a
+Parliament as manifestly prelimited, as any which ever was seen in
+Scotland; the members were corrupted with bribes and preferment,
+and so engaged to act contrary to the will and mind of those whome
+they did represent, and to comply with that stratagem hatched by
+the English, for enslaving this poor nation, and denuded it of its
+privileges, as well sacred as civil. And alas! how insignificant
+were the endeavours then used to prevent that course, and preserve
+the privileges of the Parliament and liberties of this kingdom?
+only some faint addresses, all other attempts being laid aside at
+their Queen's command, by her proclamation, as <i>treasonable
+convocation of the lieges</i>.</p>
+<p>Again, the subject's liberties, both as men and as Christian,
+which the scriptures allow, we should preserve,</p>
+<p>I Sam. xiv. 25; Acts xxii. 25,28; xxv. 11,16,27; Gal. v. 1.</p>
+<p>Have been miserably encroached upon by arbitrary government,
+whereby the subjects have been oppressed in their consciences,
+persons and estates, by all the oaths and bonds pressing conformity
+with the corruptions, novations, and usurpations the government of
+church and state, and persecutions for recusancy, and by
+impositions of the freedom of secret thoughts, which no law of men
+can reach, which yet in the time of the late persecution were
+extorted, by threatening of death and manifold tortures; the
+church's liberties have also been invaded by the ecclesiastical
+supremacy, declared by a blasphemous law inherent to the crown,
+which law, though it be not now in force, is yet still kept up in
+practice by the indiction, prorogation, and dissolution of
+Assemblies, and prescribing diets and causes of fasting and
+thanksgiving in the magistrate's name and authority, to which
+ecclesiastical supremacy, usurped by the magistrate, this
+backslidden church hath always subjected, and now to discover to
+the world that they are not ashamed of this surrendering of our
+Lord's prerogative to his enemies they have, in their Assembly,
+holden at Edinburgh, Anno 1710, most explicitly and fully
+subscribed to this ecclesiastical supremacy, in their Act for
+observation of fasts, wherein they affirm, "that it is much for the
+honor of God that fasts whether appointed' by the church, or the
+civil magistrate, be duly observed."</p>
+<p>In that same third Article, we are likewise bound to defend "The
+supreme magistrate's person and authority, in the preservation and
+defence of the true religion and liberties of the kingdom:" as in
+the National Covenant is expressed: likewise, "to defend his person
+and authority, in the defence of Christ his evangel, liberties of
+our country, ministration of justice, and punishment of iniquity;
+and to stand to his defence, in the defence of the true religion,
+liberties and laws of the kingdom;" as the duty is qualified in
+scripture.</p>
+<p>II Sam. v. 3.; II Kings xi. 17; II Chron. xxvi. 16, 17, 18, 21;
+Rom. xiii. 3, 4, 6; I Pet. ii. 13, 14.</p>
+<p>As our fathers in their acknowledgments had reason to say,
+"Neither hath it been our care to avoid these things which might
+harden the king in his evil way; but, upon the contrary he hath not
+only been permitted, but many of us have been instrumental to make
+him exercise his power in many things tending to the prejudice of
+religion, and of the Covenant, and of the peace and safety of these
+kingdoms; which is so far from the right way of preserving his
+Majesty's person and authority that it cannot but provoke the Lord
+against him unto the hazard of both. Nay, under a pretence of
+relieving and doing for the king, whilst he refuses to do what was
+necessary for the house of God, some have ranversed and violated
+most of all the Articles of the Covenant."</p>
+<p>So, during the unhappy days of the late tyranny, it was the
+land's sin and shame, and ought to be our sorrow, that men were
+mounted upon a throne of iniquity whose main design and practice
+was to subvert religion and persecute it, to introduce Popery
+itself and slavery, to destroy the nation's liberties, suppress the
+evangel, and oppress its professors; who enacted and executed
+manifest injustice, stopped the ministration of justice against
+idolaters, adulterers, murderers, and other malefactors, and
+punished equity and duty, instead of iniquity; arrogated and
+obtained a monstrous prerogative above all rights and privileges of
+Parliaments, all laws, all liberties; a power to tyrannize as they
+pleased without control. But, as it was their sin who inaugurated
+Charles II. after such discoveries of his hypocritical enmity to
+religion and liberty, upon his subscription to the Covenants, so
+when he burned and buried that Covenant, and degenerated into
+manifest tyranny, and had razed the very foundation upon which both
+his right to govern, and the people's allegiance were founded, and
+remitted the subjects' allegiance by annulling the bond of it: it
+was the land's sin that they continued still to own his authority
+when opposite to, and destructive of religion and liberty; and of
+those who appeared in arms at Pentland and Bothwell Bridge, that
+they put in his interest (with application of the words of the
+Covenant to him, though stated in opposition to it) into <i>the
+state of the quarrel</i>, in their <i>declaration of war</i>, for
+which (so far as the godly could discern) the Lord put them to
+shame, and went not forth with their armies. It was likewise the
+sin of the land, and a great breach of Covenant, when the Duke of
+York was admitted to the exercise of the royal office against the
+laws of God and man; being incapable of the Covenant qualifications
+of a magistrate, and being a Papist, and so incapable of taking the
+"oath of coronation to maintain the true Protestant religion, and
+gainstand and abolish Popery;" which, for the preservation of the
+true religion, laws, and liberties of this kingdom, is stated by
+the 8th Act of Parliament, I King James VI, "That all kings, at the
+reception of their princely authority, shall take and swear;" yet
+this authority, though inconsistent with, and declaredly opposite
+to religion and liberty, was owned and upheld, by paying cess and
+supplies, expressly exacted for upholding tyranny in the
+destruction of religion and liberty; and though the Lord did, for a
+long time, by the tyranny of Charles II. and James VII., chastise
+these covenanted lands, yet there has not been a turning to him
+that smiteth: but these lands have again transgressed the Lord's
+commandments, and broken this part of the Covenant of the Lord, by
+receiving, admitting, supporting and subjecting to such, for Kings
+and Queens over these realms as want the qualifications required in
+God's word, and enacted by the righteous and laudable laws of the
+land to be in magistrates, superior and inferior: which were not
+brought under Covenant ties and obligations, to be for God and
+religion in their own persons and families, and to advance and
+preserve the same allenarly in their dominions; but in place
+thereof have come under oath and obligation to countenance, protect
+end advance the Romish superstitions and innovations in the worship
+of God and government of the Church, which the Covenant binds these
+kingdoms to suppress and extirpate, and in consequence of, and in
+conformity to, these obligations, do maintain and defend, or
+tolerate and allow Prelacy and Sectarian errors in their dominions,
+contrary to the true religion and sound doctrine, contrary to
+justice and equity; yea, contrary to that trust especially
+committed to the hands of Christian Magistrates, who for that end
+have the sword given them, <i>that they may be a terror to evil
+doers</i>, preserve and defend the true religion and professors
+thereof, and punish and extirpate false religion and heresies, and
+bring the wheel over the broachers, maintainers and abettors
+thereof; which did, and do exercise an Erastian supremacy over the
+church, in proroguing, and dissolving General Assemblies,
+appointing diets and causes of fasts and thanksgivings; and by
+their civil authority causing them to be kept and observed; which
+do not impartially execute justice upon all offenders, witness the
+frequent indemnities and remissions granted to murderers; as
+particularly, the passing without punishment the persons which
+perpetrated the inhuman, barbarous and lawless action of the
+massacre of Glencoe. Which waste and destroy the kingdom, by
+levying men and raising money for maintaining a long and expensive
+war, undertaken neither for the advancement of the true religion,
+nor for the advantage and safety of the nation; but in favour of
+the house of Austria, which hath been, and yet continues to be, one
+of the strong pillars of Antichrist's kingdom, and inplacable
+enemies to the true reformed religion, as appears by the
+persecution of the Protestants in Silesia, Hungary, &amp;c. And yet
+notwithstanding of all this, many in the land of all ranks have
+sworn to bear true and faithful allegiance to them, without any
+conditional restriction or limitation; so that it is not possible
+for them, in a consistency with their oath, to disown their
+authority, and deny them subjection, or refuse to defend their
+persons and government, albeit they should proceed to the greatest
+pitch of arbitrariness; which is very far from the defence promised
+to Magistrates in the Covenant: the whole land (almost) hath
+complied with them in all the forementioned particulars so
+diametrically opposite to the Covenants, and supported,
+strengthened and encouraged them in these evil courses, by paying
+them cess and other subsidies; and ministers have minded so much to
+be loyal to their government, that they have forgotten to be
+faithful to their souls, in that they have not discovered to them
+the sin and danger of patronising Prelacy, and exercising
+Erastianism over the church; but in order to obtain their favor,
+have clapped their hands in these sins, which certainly is most
+opposite to that loyalty which we ought to maintain towards
+Princes, and tends rather to diminish their just power and
+greatness, than to increase and preserve it; and, instead of being
+a proper way of defending their persons and authority, is rather a
+mean to bring the wrath of a just and jealous God upon them, and
+those who defend or connive at them in these unlawful courses.</p>
+<p>"Our own consciences within, and God's judgment upon us without,
+do convince us of the manifold, wilful, renewed breaches of the
+fourth Article, which concerneth the discovery of malignants,
+consonant to the Scriptures."</p>
+<p>2 Sam. xxiii. 6; Esther vii. 5. 6; Psalm xxvi. 5; Psalm ci. 8;
+Prov. xxv. 5.</p>
+<p>"For their crimes have not only been connived at, but dispensed
+with and pardoned, and themselves received into intimate
+fellowship, intrusted with counsels, admitted into parliaments, and
+put in places of power and authority for managing the public
+affairs of the kingdom; whereby, in God's justice, they got at last
+into their hands the whole power and strength of the kingdom, both
+in judicatories and armies, and did employ the same unto the
+enacting and prosecuting an unlawful engagement in war against the
+kingdom of England, notwithstanding the dissent of many
+considerable members of parliament, who had given constant proof of
+their integrity in the cause from the beginning; of many faithful
+testimonies and free warnings of the servants of God; of the
+supplications of many synods, presbyteries, and shires; and the
+declaration of the General Assembly and their Commissioners to the
+contrary; which engagement, as it was the cause of much sin, so
+also of much misery and calamity unto this land, and held forth the
+grievousness of our sin, in complying with malignants in the
+greatness of our judgment, that we may be taught never to split
+again upon the same rock, upon which the Lord hath set so
+remarkable a beacon. And, after all that is come to pass unto us,
+because of this our trespass, and after that grace hath been showed
+unto <i>our fathers and us once and again</i> from the Lord our
+God, by breaking these men's yoke from off <i>their and our necks,
+and sometimes</i> delivering our fathers <i>so far from their
+insultings</i>, that he put them in a capacity to act for the good
+of religion, their own safety, and the peace and safety of the
+kingdoms, should they and we again break the commandment and
+covenant of the Lord, by joining once more with the people of these
+abominations, and taking unto our bosom these serpents which had
+formerly stung us almost unto death; this, as it would argue great
+madness and folly upon our part, so no doubt, if it be not avoided,
+will provoke the Lord against us, to consume us until there is no
+remnant nor escaping in the land? many times have we been warned of
+the sin of complying with malignants, both by faithful ministers,
+and fatherly corrections from the Lord;"&mdash;yet, after all these
+punishments, we have again joined with the people of these
+abominations; the Lord is righteous, for we remain yet escaped as
+it is this day; behold, we are before him in our trespass, we
+cannot stand before him because of this.</p>
+<p>These incendiaries, malignants, and evil instruments, made many
+grievous encroachments, and prevailed much in the days of our
+fathers&mdash;yet not without dissent, testimonies, warnings, and
+declarations; but more especially in the dismal days of persecution
+and tyranny, they were suffered, yea, encouraged, without any
+significant joint testimony, not only to hinder the reformation of
+religion, but to overturn the whole work of reformation, to burn
+and bury the covenants for it, to re-establish abjured Prelacy,
+erect a monstrous Christ-exauctorating and church-enslaving
+supremacy, attempt the introduction of Popery and slavery at the
+gate of an anti-Christian toleration, and to persecute and destroy
+the godly, who durst not in conscience comply with them; and not
+only to divide the <i>King from his people, or one of the kingdoms
+from another</i>&mdash;but first, to divide the bulk and body of
+both kingdoms, and make them pursue divided interests from the
+interest and cause of Christ, and then to divide the remnant of
+such as adhered to it amongst themselves, by indulgences and other
+bonds of contention, in order to get them more easily destroyed;
+and at length to engage the King into such a division from the
+people, as to make him, instead of their protector, their declared
+destroyer; and not only to <i>make parties among the people
+contrary to his league and covenant</i>, but to draw and divide the
+whole people into a party with perjuries. The generality,
+notwithstanding, did own allegiance to the head of these
+incendiaries and malignants, yea, a Popish incendiary, because he
+wore a crown on his head; and did pay the cess imposed for the
+maintenance and encouragement of malignants; many did associate
+with them in expeditions of war, drawing up with them in their
+musters and rendezvouses, thereby countenancing a malignant cause,
+and listing themselves under a malignant&mdash;yea, Popish banner;
+many subscribed and sware themselves contrary to the covenant by
+taking tests, oaths, and bonds, obliging them to surcease from
+covenanted duties, and to keep the peace and good behaviour with
+them, whom they were obliged by covenant to seek to bring to
+punishment; yea, some, and not a few, were inveigled in the snare
+of the oath of delation, to delate the persecuted people of God to
+their courts, and thereby made them (instead of discovering
+malignants according to the covenant,) to discover their brethren
+to malignants. And very many, almost the universality of the land,
+were involved in the snare of the oath of abjuration, renouncing
+the principle of declaring war against a malignant King, and of
+asserting the lawfulness of bringing his murthering accomplices and
+incendiaries to condign punishment; but, on the other hand, some of
+the suffering party did sometimes exceed the bounds of moderation
+in this matter, in usurping the sword without God's call, without
+respect to the rule, and against the scope of their own
+declarations, to take vengeance on them at their own hand; yea,
+even to that degree, of taking the lives of some of them in an
+extravagant manner;<a name="FNanchor27" id=
+"FNanchor27"></a><a href="#Footnote_27"><sup>[27]</sup></a> for
+which, they were sadly rebuked of God, an occasion was given and
+taken to reproach and blaspheme the way of God upon that account.
+But to descend to our own time, we have it to bewail, that whatever
+alteration there is in the face of affairs since the yoke of
+tyranny was taken off our neck, yet there is no alteration in this
+matter to the better, but rather to the worse; malignants are so
+far from being brought to condign punishment, that they are the
+whole administrators of the affairs of the kingdom; whence it is
+come to pass, that the supreme judicatories which should take trial
+of such and bring them to punishment, and to whom they should be
+delated, are wholly, or mostly composed of such; yea, none may now
+be reputed malignant unless he be disaffected to the civil
+government; so that malignancy is not now disaffection to the cause
+and work of God, but disaffection to the present establishment, and
+so far are they that are truly disaffected to Christ and his
+interest this day advanced and strengthened in their designs, that
+they have (so far as in them lies) put a final stop to all further
+progress in reformation in these covenanted kingdoms; so that
+instead of discovering and bringing to punishment them who make
+parties and factions against the League and Covenant, and
+reformation therein concerted, the most part of Britain and Ireland
+are nought else but a party and faction against it, who have cast
+it out of doors, and, for what is apparent, are never minded to
+receive it again; and, upon the contrary, such as are labouring to
+adhere most closely (though in weakness) to these engagements, and
+prosecute the ends of these covenants, are unjustly looked upon as
+a party and faction, and prosecuted as offenders by such as,
+according to the genuine sense of this Article, ought to be brought
+to condign punishment. It is likewise promised in this Article,
+that such <i>shall be brought to trial as shall divide the King
+from his people, or one of the kingdoms from another</i>, which
+clause hath been broken, by using endeavours to have King and
+people and the kingdoms all conjoined in a <i>union</i> and
+conjunction contrary to, and eversive of this Solemn League and
+Covenant; and these that go under the character of ministers, from
+whom it might in all reason be expected that they should interpose
+for having malignants duly punished, are so far from doing so, that
+they make it their endeavour to please them; and upon the contrary,
+they spare no pains to incense the persons in the government
+against those whose design it is, in the Lord's strength, to adhere
+to their covenant engagements, and keep themselves unspotted from
+the abominations of the times. We acknowledge also ourselves guilty
+of the breach of this Article, in so far as we have not more
+frequently and fervently, from a real respect and zeal to the glory
+of God, after we saw no means of getting such evil instruments and
+opposers of reformation punished and suppressed by human
+judicatories, applied by prayer and supplication to God, that he
+would either of his infinite mercy convince them of, and reclaim
+them from, or in justice reprove and punish them for their
+opposition to his cause and interest. As also, that we have not
+duly searched into our own sins, and especially the malignancy of
+our own hearts: by means whereof, the Lord is highly provoked to
+permit such evil instruments not only to afflict and oppress us,
+but also to retard the success of his own work; and that we have
+not impartially or sincerely mourned over these sins in our own
+hearts and lives, which hinder our own personal, and so have
+influence to impede national reformation, and have not forsaken and
+abandoned them.</p>
+<p>In the fifth Article, we are bound, "according to our place and
+station, to endeavor, that the kingdoms may remain conjoined in a
+most firm peace and union to all posterity; and that justice may be
+done upon the wilful opposers thereof;" according to Isa. ii. 2, 3,
+xiv. 23, 24; Jer. 1, 4, 5; Ezek. xxxvii. 16, 17; Zech. ii. 11.
+viii. 21, 22; Gal. v. 12.</p>
+<p>"But through the peace and union of the kingdoms (while duly
+subordinate to the interest of religion) was a great blessing of
+God unto both, and a bond which we are bound to preserve
+inviolated, and to endeavor that justice may be done upon the
+wilful opposers thereof; yet some in this land, who have come under
+the bond of the Covenant, have made it their great study how to
+dissolve this union, and few or no endeavors have been used by any
+of us for punishing of such;" yea, very little, or none at all,
+have the most of us been concerned about this Article; whether
+there be peace with, or holiness and truth in, the other kingdoms;
+or what sort of peace, or on what foundation it be settled: both
+kingdoms are mutually guilty of dissolving this Covenant Union, in
+invading each other, at several times, contrary to the Covenant,
+the English nation in subjecting us to their conquest, and forcing
+us to a submission to their Sectarian usurpations on church and
+state; and this nation, in giving such provocations to them, by the
+unlawful engagement in the year 1648, by treating with, setting up
+and entertaining, the head of the malignant party, their enemy and
+ours both, as our King in the year 1650, and invading them upon his
+quarrel, at the Worcester expedition, Anno 1651; since which time,
+after that kingdom and this both united in that unhappy course of
+restoring the King, without respect to the Covenant, and
+re-establishing the Prelacy, which broke our Covenanted Union and
+Conjunction, that nation hath sometimes sent aid to our
+persecutors, for suppressing our attempts to recover our religion
+and liberties; and this nation hath sent forces to help their
+destroyers, and to suppress their endeavors for the recovery of
+their privileges. And in the mean time, we have been very little
+solicitous for correspondence to settle union with such of them as
+owned the Covenant, or for giving to, or receiving from them,
+mutual informations of our respective cases and conditions, under
+all our calamities and calumnies cast upon us: nor have we studied
+to keep sympathy or communion of saints, or mutual bearing of one
+another's burdens, as became covenanted brethren.</p>
+<p>On the other hand instead of union in truth and duty according
+to the bond of the Covenant, a confederacy hath been studied in
+defection from the Covenant, and an union and peace which wanted
+the foundation laid down in the foregoing Articles of the Covenant,
+viz., "uniformity in doctrine, worship, discipline and government,
+against Popery, Prelacy, Schism, Sectarianism, for our religion,
+laws and liberties, and discovering, suppressing and punishing the
+enemies of these interests." Such an Union has not been studied nor
+sought, but on the contrary an Union against the Reformation and
+Uniformity, for Prelacy and Sectarianism multiformity, by
+maintaining tyranny and strengthening malignancy. Yea, by the means
+of this incorporating Union now of late established, Prelacy is not
+only strengthened and confirmed, but so settled as to continue to
+all succeeding generations, and this nation's slavery as well as
+their sin perpetuated. And persons of all ranks have had a deep
+hand in this trespass: the nobility and gentry who represented the
+nation, in surrendering their own and the nation's rights and
+privileges; ministers in not warning them faithfully to beware of
+that covenant-breaking course, which could not but provoke God to
+anger against this poor island, but showing more concern in that
+juncture for settling their own, then for securing and advancing
+Christ's interest; and the body of the land, in that they did not
+bestir themselves, for the defence of their own liberties in a
+lawful way.</p>
+<p>In the sixth Article we are bound, "according to our places and
+callings, in this common cause of religion, liberty and peace, to
+assist and defend all those that enter into this League and
+Covenant, in the maintaining thereof. And in the National Covenant,
+in like manner, we are bound to stand to the mutual defence and
+assistance, every one of us of another, in the same cause, with our
+best counsel, our bodies, means, and whole power, against all sorts
+of persons whatsoever; so that whatsoever shall be done to the
+least of us for that cause, should be taken as done to all of us in
+general, and to every one of us in particular." A duty very clear
+in the scriptures; Judges v. 23; 1 Chron. xii. 1, 18; Neh. iv. 14;
+Prov. xxiv. 11, 12.</p>
+<p>But alas! how little conscience hath been made of this duty? "We
+have suffered many of our brethren in many parts of the land to be
+oppressed of the common enemy, without compassion or relief. There
+hath been great murmuring and repining because of expenses of means
+and pains in doing of our duty;" and not only so, but many did
+swear and subscribe oaths and bonds expressly against such
+assistances, and to condemn all such endeavors, to assist, defend
+and rescue them, as rebellion and sedition, and obliging them to
+assist their murdering malignant enemies, by such occurrences as
+they required. Yea, many instead of coming out to <i>help the Lord
+against the mighty</i>, and defending their brethren, did come out
+to the help of the mighty against the Lord, his cause, Covenant,
+and oppressed people; concurring in arms against them at all the
+appearances that were made and essayed for the cause of Christ;
+compearing at courts, held for informing against and condemning
+their brethren, that were present at, or concerned in such
+appearances for the Covenanted cause, and coming in as witnesses
+against them; sitting in assizes for condemning them, and guarding
+them to their executions, when martyred for their duty, and the
+interest of truth. Many likewise denied to reset, harbor or
+entertain their brethren, persecuted for maintaining the Covenanted
+Reformation; some raised the hue and cry after them, thereby
+occasioning, and assisting in, the murder of several faithful
+brethren; the most part owned the great murderer who authorized all
+the rest, and enacted all these murders, and assisted him and his
+accomplices, and executioners of his murdering mandates, with their
+persons and estates, in paying the supplies professedly demanded,
+and declaredly imposed, for enabling them to accomplish these
+mischiefs. Yea, many were so far from assisting, that they added
+afflictions to their afflicted brethren, their reproaches, and
+persecuting by the tongue those whom the Lord had smitten, and
+talking to the grief of those he had wounded. And all sorts of us
+have been wanting in our sympathy with, and endeavoring succor to,
+our suffering brethren, let be to deliver them from their enemies'
+hands according to our capacity. So also, it is for matter of
+lamentation, that many ministers all alongst discovered great
+unconcernedness with, and contempt of, poor despised and reproached
+sufferers, condemned the heads of their suffering, forgot or
+refused to pray for them publicly. And as this Article was all
+alongst through the persecuting times, most grossly violated, so to
+this day it continues to be. Any that would appear in the least
+active in this cause, are so far from being assisted that they are
+borne down, derided, sentenced, and sometimes imprisoned; whatever
+motions are made in private discourses, or public sermons, which
+may import a respect to, or liking of, this noble cause of
+religion, or a dislike of, and displacency with the courses
+opposite unto it, are so far from being countenanced, that the
+movers are hated, vilipended, contemned or censured, as raisers of
+dust, formenters of division, pragmatic, turbulent and fractious
+spirits, and loaded with many other defamatory epithets and
+calumnies. Many instances of which may be given since the
+Revolution. For example, when in the year 1690, there was a paper
+of grievances presented to the Assembly by some of those who had
+been keeping up a witness against the iniquitous courses of the
+times, and were now expecting that as the fruit of a merciful
+delivery from tyrannical usurpations, and antichristian
+persecutions, Reformation should be revived, grievances redressed,
+judicatories rightly constituted, and duly purged, it was far from
+receiving a kind and friendly reception and they who presented it
+left without assistance and help, contrary to the tenor of the
+Covenant, so that that paper could not be allowed a hearing, let be
+a redress, and the persons who offered it to their consideration
+were, to their great sorrow and grief of heart, dismissed without a
+satisfying answer. As also when Messrs. Linning, Shields and Boyd,
+who had been carrying on a Testimony against the time's defection,
+and were now minded to join with the Assembly, after the exhibition
+of their Testimony, whatever acceptance it might meet with at their
+hands, had in prosecution of this their design, exhibited their
+proposals to the Committee of Overtures, these proposals, though
+both worthy of consideration and necessary to be redressed, were
+not allowed a hearing in open Assembly, but rejected as being "made
+up of mistakes, reflections, unseasonable and impracticable
+overtures," and the said persons, so far from being assisted, in
+order to a removal of the evils therein complained of, as
+destructive to the cause of God, that upon the contrary the four
+named persons stand in the fifth Act of that pretended Assembly
+characterized with the name and epithet of persons who had followed
+courses contrary to the order of the church, and in their
+Moderator's exhortation, <i>to walk orderly in time coming, in
+opposition to all schism and division</i>, their former practice of
+testifying against the corruptions of the times was implicitly
+condemned as disorderly, schismatic and divisive. Another instance
+of this appeared not long after; when in the year 1692, some of the
+godly of the land published their declaration disowning William and
+Mary's government, because not qualified as God's word, and our
+Covenants do require, as it is specified at large in the narrative
+of that declaration; some of them were apprehended and imprisoned,
+for that piece of adherence to the Covenanted Reformation, and
+opposing or at least witnessing against the courses which they
+found to be contrary to it. Yet who at that juncture appeared to
+assist them in their laudable undertakings? And all alongst since,
+whosoever has offered grievances, or any way witnessed against the
+bypast and present defections, have been and are prosecuted with
+church censure, or persecuted with bitter and malicious invectives
+and reproaches, falling from the tongues and pens of those that are
+obliged by Covenant to have assisted, defended and encouraged them.
+And especially ministers, who by virtue of their office, as well as
+Covenant engagements, are obliged to excite persons to, and assist
+them in their duty, have been active to do the quite contrary; for
+instance, when some persons offered to give public satisfaction for
+their compliance with Christ's enemies, they refused to admit them.
+But to what purpose do we repeat these instances? It is too certain
+and evident, that there is more assistance and encouragement
+afforded to the enemies of this cause and Covenant, by persons of
+all ranks than to the friends and well wishers of it. Love to, and
+zeal for this cause are greatly decayed, and therefore mutual
+sympathy and affection amongst the people of God in the prosecution
+and maintenance of it are much a wanting.</p>
+<p>In the same Article we are bound, "not to suffer ourselves
+directly or indirectly, by whatsoever combination or terror, to be
+divided or withdrawn from this blessed union and conjunction,
+whether to make defection to the contrary part, or to give
+ourselves to a detestable indifferency or neutrality in this cause;
+and in the National Covenant, that we shall neither directly nor
+indirectly suffer ourselves to be divided, or withdrawn, by
+whatsoever suggestion, allurement or terror, from this blessed and
+loyal conjunction. According to scripture warrants."</p>
+<p>Gen. xiii. 8; Psal. cxxxiii. throughout; Zech. viii. 19; I Cor.
+i. 10; Eph. iv. 3; Phil. i. 27, ii. 2; Heb. xxi. 14; Jer. ix. 3;
+Ezek. xxii. 25; Hag. i. 2; Phil. ii. 21; II Tim. iv. 10; Rev. iii.
+15.</p>
+<p>But, alas! it is long since our fathers had reason to complain
+and confess, "That many in their day through persuasion or terror,
+suffered themselves to be divided and withdrawn to make defection
+to the contrary part. Many had turned off to a detestable
+indifferency and neutrality in this cause, which so much concerneth
+the glory of God, and the good of these kingdoms. Nay, many had
+made it their study to walk so, as they might comply with all
+times, and all the revolutions thereof. That it was not their care
+to countenance, encourage, entrust, and employ, such only as from
+their hearts did affect and mind God's work; but the hearts of
+such, many times had been discouraged, and their hands weakened,
+their sufferings neglected, and themselves slighted, and many who
+had been once open enemies, and always secret underminers,
+countenanced and employed. Nay, even those who had been looked upon
+as incendiaries, and upon whom the Lord had set marks of desperate
+malignancy, falsehood and deceit, were brought in as fit to manage
+public affairs."</p>
+<p>All which sins and breaches of covenant have now increased to a
+great height of heinousness; for, in our day, these incendiaries,
+desperate and engrained malignants have only been employed in, and
+admitted to the management of the affairs of the kingdom, and none
+but they accounted habile by law; and such divisions from the
+Covenanted-conjunction, and defections to the contrary part have
+been, and are enacted and established by law; yea, all the unhappy
+divisions that have been from the <i>public resolutions</i>, and
+downward, have been the woful consequents and effects of defections
+to the contrary part. At the first erection of Prelacy, many, both
+ministers and professors, partly by terror, partly by persuasions,
+did withdraw from this covenanted conjunction, and make defection
+unto Prelacy, with which they combined, conforming with, and
+submitting to the ministry of the conforming curates; and
+afterward, by the terror of the fear of men, and the persuasions of
+their counsel and example, many of the land were seduced into a
+combination with malignants, in taking oaths and bonds contrary to
+the covenant, thereby dividing themselves from the recusants, and
+making defection to the party imposing them, and opposing the
+covenants. By combination of those that preferred peace to truth,
+and ease to duty&mdash;by the terror of threatened continuance of
+persecution, and the persuasion of a promised relaxation and
+immunity from troubles; many ministers have been divided from the
+testimony of the Church of Scotland, against the enroaching
+supremacy and absolute power, and one from another, and have made
+defection to that part and party that were advancing these
+encroachments and usurpations on the prerogatives of Christ and
+privileges of his church; by receiving indulgences and tolerations
+from them, in their own nature destructive unto, and given and
+received on terms inconsistent with the duties of the covenants,
+which were contrived and conferred on purpose to divide them from
+this cause, and from their brethren that more tenaciously adhered
+to it; and did effectuate that design in a great measure&mdash;and
+others gave themselves to a detestable indifferency in complying
+with, conniving at, and not witnessing against these defections,
+but passing them over in a secure submissive silence. And as, in
+the times of persecuting violence, these breaches of this Article
+were made by reason of the snares of that sinful time; so much more
+has there been a manifest violation of it since, when at this day
+there is such a universal combination of interests in opposition to
+the covenanted reformation. Are not the most of the three kingdoms
+in one great combination against it, by this cope-stone of
+defection, this incorporating union? How have we made conscience of
+performing that part of the covenant anent <i>resisting the
+persuasion of men to make defection to the contrary part</i>, when
+the whole land is so deeply involved into it? There has been, alas!
+too much way given to carnal arguments and persuasives&mdash;such
+as worldly gain, ease, profit, and preferment, and too much slavish
+fear and terror of men, whose breath is in their nostrils, has been
+entertained, without a due reliance and dependance upon
+Omnipotency; which has greatly carried men off their feet, and
+wheedled them into a compliance with, and defection to the contrary
+part, or into a neutrality and indifferency in this cause; so that
+few are found valiant for the truth upon the earth. What strange
+laxness and Laodicean indifference has there appeared in this
+cause, through the whole conduct of affairs in church and state,
+since the revolution; whereby many discover to every observant eye
+that they are satisfied if they obtain a peaceful enjoyment of
+their own things, and liberty to dwell in their ceiled
+houses&mdash;albeit the Lord's house (in a great measure) lies
+waste? Where are there any acts of Assemblies, or proceedings of
+the church, which discover any due concern or zeal for the
+covenanted interests? Nay, the contrary has too frequently
+appeared; as for instance, when by the 5th act of the 2d session of
+William and Mary's 1st Parl., the establishment of the church was
+calculated for the meridian of state-policy, according to act 114,
+Parl. 12, King James VI. Anno 1592. On purpose to pass over in
+shameful oblivion the church's choicest attainments in reformation
+betwixt 1638 and 1649; and particularly, to make void the League
+and Covenant, with the Assembly's explanatory declaration affixed
+to the National, the malignants' grand eye-sore, there was no
+faithful protestation and testimony exhibited against this by the
+Assembly, then indicted, and convened the 16th of October
+following; which, if duly pondered in all its circumstances,
+without the mask and pretexts industriously drawn over it, will
+appear to be, perhaps one of the greatest sins of this nation, and
+to be little inferior in nature and aggravations to the burning of
+the covenants, which is granted by all Presbyterians to be a most
+atrocious act of contempt done to the eternal God, and to his Son
+Jesus Christ, and cannot be called to mind by any of the godly
+without great abhorrence and detestation of it; in so far as the
+passing over and not ratifying these acts of Parliament and
+Assembly by the respective judicatories, which were made during
+that time of reformation, was a practical and interpretative
+condemning of them as unprofitable, and did greatly corroborate the
+acts whereby Charles II. had declared them null and not obligatory;
+and did likewise import a vilifying and despising of what God had
+wrought for his people in these lands, during that time; and,
+lastly, was a manifest indication of disregard to the oath of God,
+which these lands had come under. Neither did that, nor any
+succeeding Assembly, impartially and explicitly enumerate the
+land's sins in their national fasts; namely, the indulgence and
+toleration, with the addresses and thanksgiving for it, and the
+burning of the covenant, &amp;c.; neither have they, in any of
+their addresses to their King or Queen, by letters, or other means,
+declared unto them the indispensable duty of renewing the
+covenants, nor applied to the Parliament for that effect; neither
+have they, by their Assembly-acts, asserted the intrinsic power of
+the church; neither did they in any of their acts, or public
+papers, make honourable mention of those who had laid down their
+lives for their adherence to Christ's truths during the times of
+persecution, nor testified their approbation of what was done that
+way; and yet many of us have been wanting in testifying our dislike
+of these backsliding courses, by discountenancing, withdrawing
+from, and keeping ourselves free of all participation with them;
+but have received the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper,
+and the privilege of marriage at their hands, and paid tithes and
+stipends. By all which, it is apparent now much indifferency there
+has been in this cause of covenanted interest, which so much
+concerneth the glory of God, the good of the kingdoms, and the
+honour of the civil Magistrate.</p>
+<p>Moreover in the same Article we are sworn, "All the days of our
+lives, zealously and constantly to continue in this cause, against
+all lets and impediments whatsoever, and what we are not able
+ourselves to suppress and overcome, to reveal and make known the
+same that it may be timeously prevented. And in the National
+Covenant, never to cast in any let, that may stop or hinder any
+such resolution, as by common consent shall be found to conduce for
+so good ends; but on the contrary, by all lawful means, to labor to
+further and promote the same; and if any such dangerous or divisive
+motion be made to us by word or writ, that we and every one of us
+shall either suppress it, or if need be, incontinent make the same
+known, that it may be timeously obviated. Agreeing very well with
+the scriptures." Numb. xiv. 9, 10; Neh. vi. 3, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11;
+Isa. viii. 12, 13, 14; Acts iv. 19, 20, 24, xxi. 13; Gal. ii. 5;
+Phil. i. 28.</p>
+<p>Nevertheless, <i>many have been the lets and impediments, that
+have been cast in the way, to retard and obstruct the Lord's
+work</i>, by Prelacy, supremacy, indulgences, toleration, and
+absolute tyranny and compliance therewith, enacted by law, and all
+the mischiefs established by a throne of iniquity since the unhappy
+restoration of Charles II. to this day. Yet few have ever zealously
+contended and fewer have constantly continued in contending,
+against these obstructions, so obstructive to the cause, many have
+kept secret the first motions and appearances of these things,
+while they might have been suppressed and overcome, and the
+generality have passed them over in silence, and not made known,
+nor advertised unto evil of these things when declared, by
+witnessing against these things, when, they could not be otherwise
+removed or overcome. Yea, many of us have ourselves cast in lets
+and impediments, obstructive to the cause, by our defections
+divisions and disorders against common consent, and precipitances,
+without common consent even of our brethren adhering to the
+testimony. Many a divisive motion hath not been counted dangerous,
+of those which tended to divide us from the Covenanted cause. And
+many a good and necessary motion hath been accounted divisive,
+namely, such as proposed the necessity of confessing and forsaking
+sin.</p>
+<p>"Besides these and many other breaches of the Articles of the
+Covenant, in the matter thereof, which concerneth every one of us,
+to search out and acknowledge before the Lord, as we could wish his
+wrath to be turned away from us, so have many of us failed
+exceedingly in the manner of following and pursuing the duties
+contained therein, not only seeking great things for ourselves, and
+mixing private interests, and ends concerning ourselves, and
+friends, and followers, with those things which concern the public
+good; but many times preferring such to the honour of God and good
+of his cause; and retarding God's work until we might carry alongst
+with us our own interests and designs: it hath been our way to
+trust in the means, and to rely upon the arm of flesh for success,
+albeit the Lord hath many times made us meet with disappointments,
+and stained the pride of all our glory, by blasting every carnal
+confidence unto us. We have followed for the most part the counsels
+of flesh and blood, and walked more by the rules of policy than
+piety, and have hearkened more unto men than unto God."</p>
+<p>In the conclusion of the Solemn League and Covenant there is a
+profession and declaration "before God and the world of our
+unfeigned desires to be humbled<a name="FNanchor28" id=
+"FNanchor28"></a><a href="#Footnote_28"><sup>[28]</sup></a> for our
+own sins and for the sins of these kingdoms<a name="FNanchor29" id=
+"FNanchor29"></a><a href="#Footnote_29"><sup>[29]</sup></a>;
+especially that we have not valued, as we ought, the inestimable
+benefit of the gospel<a name="FNanchor30" id=
+"FNanchor30"></a><a href="#Footnote_30"><sup>[30]</sup></a>, that
+we have not laboured for the purity<a name="FNanchor31" id=
+"FNanchor31"></a><a href="#Footnote_31"><sup>[31]</sup></a> and
+power thereof<a name="FNanchor32" id="FNanchor32"></a><a href=
+"#Footnote_32"><sup>[32]</sup></a>, and that we have not
+endeavoured to receive Christ into our hearts<a name="FNanchor33"
+id="FNanchor33"></a><a href="#Footnote_33"><sup>[33]</sup></a>, nor
+to walk worthy of him in our lives<a name="FNanchor34" id=
+"FNanchor34"></a><a href="#Footnote_34"><sup>[34]</sup></a>, which
+are the causes of other sins and transgressions so much abounding
+amongst us<a name="FNanchor35" id="FNanchor35"></a><a href=
+"#Footnote_35"><sup>[35]</sup></a>: all which we are under many
+obligations to confess and mourn over from the word; and, of our
+true and unfeigned purpose and desire, to endeavour for ourselves
+and all others under our power and charge<a name="FNanchor36" id=
+"FNanchor36"></a><a href="#Footnote_36"><sup>[36]</sup></a> both in
+public and in private, in all dutie<a name="FNanchor37" id=
+"FNanchor37"></a><a href="#Footnote_37"><sup>[37]</sup></a>] we owe
+to God and man, to amend our lives<a name="FNanchor38" id=
+"FNanchor38"></a><a href="#Footnote_38"><sup>[38]</sup></a> and
+each one to go before another<a name="FNanchor39" id=
+"FNanchor39"></a><a href="#Footnote_39"><sup>[39]</sup></a> in the
+example of a real reformation, that the Lord might turn away his
+wrath and heavy indignation,<a name="FNanchor40" id=
+"FNanchor40"></a><a href="#Footnote_40"><sup>[40]</sup></a> and
+establish these kingdoms in truth and peace.<a name="FNanchor41"
+id="FNanchor41"></a><a href="#Footnote_41"><sup>[41]</sup></a> Yet
+we have refused to be reformed and have walked proudly and
+obstinately before the Lord, not valuing his gospel, nor submitting
+ourselves unto the obedience thereof; not seeking after Christ, nor
+studying to honour him in the excellency of his person, nor to
+employ him in the virtue of his offices; not making conscience of
+the public ordinances, nor studying to edify one another in love.
+The ignorance of God and his Son Jesus Christ prevails exceedingly
+in the land." Even our fathers in their purest times confessed, in
+their acknowledgement of sins, "That the greatest part of masters
+of families among noblemen, barons, gentlemen, burgesses, and
+commons, neglected to seek God in their families, and to endeavour
+the reformation thereof. And albeit it had been much pressed, yet
+few of the nobles and great ones could be persuaded to perform
+family duties themselves in their own persons, which made so
+necessary a duty to be disregarded by persons of inferior
+rank."</p>
+<p>We may add, in our degenerate times, not only the great ones
+generally profess the neglect and contempt of so necessary a duty,
+both in their own persons and in the use of chaplains; but the
+great part of the commons are altogether strangers to it; many
+performing no part of the family worship at all, others only
+singing a psalm and reading a chapter without praying, and others
+making a fashion of all, but very perfunctoriously, formally, and
+indifferently, and scarcely once in a day. And ministers also
+making little conscience of visiting families to see how this duty
+is performed, not pressing it upon the negligent, nor stirring up
+the formal to a more spiritual way of performing it, nay, some
+giving bad examples to their flocks, by neglecting it themselves in
+their own families. <i>The nobility, gentry, and barons, who should
+be examples of sober walking unto others, are very generally
+ringleaders of excess and rioting</i>. We have been far from
+amending our lives and promoting a personal reformation, and going
+before one another in the example of a real reformation, when we
+have been examples of deformation in our personal practices and
+public transactions, and being too-familiar and too far united with
+the patrons and patterns of the land's deformations. "Our fathers
+also acknowledged, albeit they were the Lord's people engaged unto
+him in a solemn way; yet they had not made it their study that
+judicatories and armies should consist of, and places of power and
+trust be filled with men of blameless and Christian conversation,
+and of known integrity and approved fidelity, affection, and zeal
+unto the cause of God. And not only those who were neutral and
+indifferent, but disaffected and malignant, and others who were
+profane and scandalous were intrusted. By which it came to pass
+that judicatories, EVEN THEN, were the seats of injustice and
+iniquity. And many in their armies, by miscarriages, became their
+plague unto the great prejudice of the cause of God, the great
+scandal of the gospel, and the great increase of looseness and
+profanity throughout all the land." But, since the time of that
+acknowledgment there has still been more and more degeneracy, so
+that judicatories have consisted of, and been filled with perjured
+traitors to God and their country. And armies made up of these
+plagues marshalled under a displayed banner against Christ and his
+interest, not only to the scandal, but for the suppression of the
+gospel, and forcing people to profanity throughout the land; and
+now are, to the disgrace of the Protestant religion, made up of the
+refuse of the lands, and employed in the support of an
+Antichristian interest abroad. Yet have we not sighed and cried for
+these abominations, nor have we been concerned, as we ought, with
+the abounding of them through the land. As also, with blushing, we
+must confess our pride and presumptuous boasting of external
+privileges of the gospel and outward reformation, and of a
+testimony which we bragged of, as if that had made us better than
+others, while we made no conscience of personal reformation, which,
+no doubt, amongst other sinful miscarriages, was a main cause of
+the Lord's depriving us so long a time of the comfortable and
+soul-enriching mercy of a faithfully dispensed gospel.</p>
+<p>And, in like manner, the conceitedness of some in suffering and
+contending for truth, rather for keeping up the contention abetting
+a party, and many times under too lofty names of the suffering
+party, and remnant, and the like, than to keep and hold fast the
+word of the Lord's patience to his glory as our crown; and many
+other evidences of pride hateful to God, such as boasting in the
+strength of armies in the suffering times in an ostentatious way,
+vaunting of, and being too much taken up with them, though then
+necessary for the defence of our lives; rejoicing in our
+numerousness or worldly abilities, or in the number of them that
+frequent the public ordinances in the fields; or that they, who are
+owners of the testimony, are for the most, part kept free from the
+gross out-breakings into which others are left to fall; which
+things, though very good and desirable in themselves, may yet be,
+and have been, occasions of sin when boasted in, more than humbly
+and thankfully acknowledged to be from the hand of God. As also,
+revengeful resenting of affronts, passionate and disdainful
+refusing to take reproof for faults, or for the excess in any duty,
+as to the manner of it, when we thought the matter was right.</p>
+<p>And, it is likewise matter of regret, that both in the time of
+greatest suffering and afterwards, idleness of both kinds did too
+much prevail amongst us; both that when we were in a manner driven
+from the world, and shut up from all employment but the exercise of
+godliness, many did not improve that opportunity of the cross to
+promote acquaintance and communion with God, being slothful in
+prayer, reading and other duties; and some again, even when they
+might have had access to lawful employments, continued idle and out
+of work, to the opening of the mouths of many against the cause;
+albeit they were not called to, or employed in any public business
+for the same.</p>
+<p>And besides all these things, there may be many other
+transgressions whereof the lands wherein we live are guilty, and
+these attended with many heinous aggravating circumstances beyond
+what they were in our fathers, which we have not been humbled for
+to this day; but, instead of mourning for them, confessing and
+forsaking them, we have been rather defending or daubing, covering
+or coloring, excusing or extenuating them. All which we now desire
+to acknowledge and be humbled for, that the world may bear witness
+with us, that righteousness belongeth unto God, and shame and
+confusion of face to us, as appears this day.</p>
+<hr style="width: 45%;">
+<h4><i>A SOLEMN ENGAGEMENT TO THE DUTIES CONTAINED IN OUR NATIONAL
+AND SOLEMN LEAGUE AND COVENANT.</i></h4>
+<h5><i>Particularly adjusted to the Circumstances of these Times,
+Anno 1712</i></h5>
+<p>Because it is requisite, in order to obtain mercy, not only to
+confess, but also to forsake our sins, and to do the contrary
+duties; therefore, that the sincerity and reality of our repentance
+may appear, we resolve, and solemnly engage before God, in the
+strength and through the assistance of Christ, that we shall
+carefully endeavour, in all time coming, to avoid all these
+offences, whereof we have now made solemn public acknowledgment,
+and all the snares and temptations tending thereunto; and to
+testify this sincerity of our resolution, and that we may be better
+enabled in the power of the Lord's might, to perform the same, we
+do again renew our Covenants, both National and Solemn League,
+promising to make conscience of a more exact performance of all the
+duties therein contained, so far as we, in our stations, and
+present deplorable circumstances, are capable; particularly such as
+follow.</p>
+<p>Because religion is of all things the most excellent and
+precious in its own nature, and therefore most to be desired by the
+children of men, and the knowledge of the great truths of the
+gospel, so generally decreased in this land, is so absolutely
+necessary to salvation; therefore in order to attain it, we shall
+labor to be better acquainted with the <i>written word of God</i>,
+the only infallible rule of faith and manners; and shall (according
+to our capacity) study more than formerly the doctrine of the
+reformed church of Scotland, summed up in our<a name="FNanchor42"
+id="FNanchor42"></a><a href="#Footnote_42"><sup>[42]</sup></a>
+Confession of Faith, Catechisms Larger and Shorter, Sum of
+Christian Doctrine and practical Use of Saving Knowledge, Directory
+for Worship (as the same was received and observed by this church
+in her purest times, viz. in the year 1649,) Propositions
+concerning Church Government, and Ordination of Ministers, annexed
+to the Confession of Faith, and other writings clearing and
+confirming these truths, approven by this church, and agreeable to
+the word of God.</p>
+<p>We shall likewise endeavor the advancing and promoting the power
+of this true Reformed Religion, against all ungodliness and
+profanity, the securing and preserving the purity thereof, against
+all kinds of errors, heresy and schism, as namely, Independency,
+Brownism, Anabaptism, Antinomianism, Arminianism, Socinianism,
+Libertinism, Familism. Scepticism, Quakerism, Deism, Burignonism
+and Erastianism; and as we declare, that we willingly agree in our
+consciences unto the doctrine of the church of Scotland in all
+points, as unto God's undoubted truth and verity, grounded only
+upon his written word, so we resolve constantly to adhere unto,
+maintain and defend, profess and confess, and (when called of God)
+to yield ourselves sufferers for the said doctrine, as we shall
+desire to be approven and confessed by Jesus Christ, before God and
+his holy angels. <i>2dly</i>, We shall also study more sincerity,
+uprightness and heart-integrity in the worship of God, and shall
+not satisfy ourselves with the form of it, without the power and
+spirituality, which God the only object of religious worship, doth
+require: and shall endeavor the due performance of all the duties
+of religious worship, which God hath in his most holy word
+required. And shall (if Providence offer occasion) endeavor to
+recover, and labor to preserve the purity thereof from all
+corruptions, mixtures, innovations and inventions of men, Popish,
+Prelatical, or any other; and while we are not able, by reason of
+the prevailing power of the abettors and maintainers of them, to
+get them removed, we shall labor (through grace) to keep ourselves
+free from all sinful communion and participation with them, and
+shall, in our stations, testify against these corruptions and
+perversions of God's worship, by all competent means. <i>3dly</i>,
+We shall likewise by all lawful means endeavor, that Presbyterian
+church government in kirk-sessions, presbyteries, synods and
+general assemblies, may be recovered in its former purity,
+established upon its proper basis and foundation, the word of God;
+and that it may be freed from all encroachments and invasions made
+thereupon by the powers of the earth; and that the discipline of
+the church may be impartially exercised against all scandalous
+offenders, great or small; and when the ministers of this church,
+or any of them, shall sincerely and conscientiously endeavor the
+restoration of the government in all its privileges, and freedom
+from all Erastian encroachments, and to have the discipline duly
+and impartially exercised, then we promise to be obedient, and be
+subject thereunto, as becomes the flock of Christ; but shall always
+testify our dislike of all encroachments made and yielded to,
+prejudical to the privileges which Christ hath bestowed upon his
+church.</p>
+<p><i>4thly</i>, We shall always desire and pray for the reviving
+of the work of uniformity in the three kingdoms, and (if the Lord
+in his providence shall offer opportunity) shall seek and endeavour
+it by other means possible, lawful, expedient, and competent to us
+in our capacities; and shall never cordially consent unto, nor
+cease to testify against, whatsoever doth obstruct and hinder that
+work of uniformity, and shall detest and abhor all multiformity,
+introduced by Erastianism, Prelacy, and Sectarianism, now so
+prevalent, and confirmed by this late union with England.</p>
+<p>According to the second Article, we shall do our utmost
+endeavour to have the land purged of Popish idolatry, and the
+monuments thereof destroyed, particularly the abomination of the
+mass; and, so far as lies in our power, shall never suffer the same
+to be re-introduced or erected again, nor favour any attempts
+tending thereunto. We shall never make any conjunction with these
+abominable Popish idolaters, at home or abroad, in armies or
+otherwise; and shall, according to our National Covenant, detest
+and abhor all their wicked superstitious rites and ceremonies. We
+shall never consent, for any reason whatsoever, that the Penal
+Statutes made against Papists should be annulled; but shall, when
+opportunity offers, be ready to concur in putting them to a due and
+vigorous execution. <i>2dly</i>, We shall, by all approven means,
+in our stations and vocations, endeavour the extirpation of
+Prelacy; and shall never submit to that wicked hierarchy of
+Bishops, Archbishops, &amp;c., having superiority of order and
+jurisdiction above preaching Presbyters, whether Erastian or only
+Diocesan, in any form or degree, howsoever reformed, accommodated,
+limited, or restricted by cautions and provisions of men; seeing
+that all such superiority is flatly condemned in the Word of God,
+and hath proven many times fatal to the church of Christ. We shall
+detest and abhor, and in our stations witness against whatsoever
+courses, tending to the establishment of that abominable hierarchy;
+and particularly, the oaths of allegiance, with the assurance, and
+oath of abjuration, lately imposed on the persons of public trust
+in these realms, in regard they may justly be interpreted to
+strengthen that hierarchy, by upholding the persons that maintain
+the same. We shall not submit to any orders issued forth by
+Bishops, nor own them as our lawgivers, nor acknowledge any title
+they have to be members of parliament or council. <i>3dly</i>, We
+shall in like manner detest, and abhor, and labour, to extirpate
+all kinds of superstition&mdash;all rites and ceremonies superadded
+by human invention to the worship of God, not enjoined and required
+in his Word; together with all heresy and false doctrine, and all
+profaneness and immortalities of every kind, and whatsoever is
+contrary to sound religion; and shall in the strength, and through
+the help of Christ, endeavour to deny all ungodliness and worldly
+lusts, and from henceforth to live righteously towards our
+neighbour, soberly in ourselves, and to walk humbly with our
+God.</p>
+<p>We shall upon the one hand, endeavour to keep ourselves, as far
+as we can, from all partakings in other men's sins, by consenting
+unto associations, incorporations, combinations, compliance with,
+or conniving at, their sins. And upon the other, to guard against
+all schism, and sinful separation, or unjust, rash, and disorderly
+withdrawing from societies, congregations or families, or any part
+of the communion of the true reformed church of Scotland, holding
+purely and entirely the doctrine, worship, discipline and
+government of the same, in principle and exercise, according to the
+rules of Christ, and standing acts and constitutions of this
+church, consonant thereunto, so far as the Lord gives light
+therein. And as we look not upon our practice in withdrawing from
+the backslidden ministers of the present Erastian church, for
+reasons valid and sufficient, to be a gathering and setting up
+formed separate churches under other ordinances and ministry,
+distinct from the Presbyterian church of Scotland, (although we be
+falsely aspersed as doing it) so we purpose and resolve always to
+adhere to that standard of doctrine, discipline, and government,
+and that purity and form of worship, which during our reforming
+times were established, and to embrace such ordinances, and such a
+ministry as are of divine appointment; and that we shall not
+presume to withdraw from minister or member of that body for any
+offence, in any case, where either the offence may be legally
+removed without withdrawing, or cannot be instructed to be
+condemned by the word of God, and constitution of this church, or
+is in itself an insufficient ground of withdrawing, or where it is
+not defended, or obstinately persisted in, or is a thing to be
+condescended upon, forborn, or forgiven; but shall study to
+maintain union and Christian communion, with all and every one,
+whether ministers or private Christians, who adhere unto the purity
+of the doctrine, worship, discipline and government of the church
+of Scotland, and to the whole word of Christ's patience, in the
+sufferings and contendings of his people, in opposition to his
+enemies' encroachments; and shall join, in the way of truth and
+duty, with all who do, and in so for as they do, adhere to the
+institutions of Christ. And because many have labored to supplant
+the liberties of the true kirk, and have in a great measure, of
+late by indulgences and toleration, and now by oaths of allegiance
+and abjuration, and encroaching on the freedom of Christ's courts,
+obtained their design: we shall therefore, to our power withstand
+and witness against all these encroachments made upon the liberties
+of Christ's church in our land, and when we can do no more, shall
+withdraw our countenance and concurrence from such as hold their
+freedom from, and are modified by such usurpation; and shall
+neither hear their sermons, nor pay them stipends, while they
+continue unfaithful; and shall, whenever God gives us opportunity,
+endeavor to recover, and when recovered, to maintain and defend the
+liberties and privileges of the church of Scotland, against all who
+shall oppose or undermine the same, or encroach thereupon, under
+any pretext whatsoever.</p>
+<p>With reference to the third Article, wherein we are bound to
+defend the privileges of the Parliament, liberties of the kingdoms,
+and the King's Majesty's person and authority, in the defence of
+the true Reformed religion: albeit God, in his righteous judgment,
+hath left the nations so far to the counsels of their own hearts,
+as to suffer them to set up Magistrates, wanting the qualifications
+requisite, and to fill places of power and trust with insufficient
+and disaffected persons, who have no respect to the interest of
+religion, and this nation in particular to give up the rights and
+privileges of Parliament, and kingdom, to the will and lust of the
+English, and so to betray the interest both of religion and civil
+liberty for unworthy by-ends; yet we purpose and promise, that we
+shall always in our capacities bear witness against these courses,
+and shall not by any means corroborate them, or encourage and
+countenance the maintainers and abettors of them. And if ever the
+Lord in his mercy shall be pleased to open a door of relief, and
+break the cords of the ungodly, we shall not be wanting in all
+lawful and suitable endeavors to promote, to our power, the
+recovery of that liberty and freedom which we have lost, and to
+have those acts and oaths, which impede Reformation, rescinded: and
+that all the righteous laws, made in favor of the Covenanted
+Reformation, may be put in full force, and duly executed.</p>
+<p>We shall earnestly pray to God that he would give us able men,
+men of truth, fearing God and hating covetousness, to bear charge
+over his people, and that all places of power and trust in church,
+state, or army, may consist of, and be filled with men of known
+good affection to the cause of God, and of a Christian and
+blameless conversation; and when it shall please the Lord to give
+us such magistrates and judges supreme and subordinate, then we
+will, in the terms of the covenant, yield allegiance to them, and
+loyally subject to their good government, not from any by-end or
+sinistrous principle, but out of sincere obedience to God's
+commandment; and shall willingly support and defend them, with our
+estates and lives, in their persevering and defending the true
+reformed Protestant religion, in doctrine, worship, discipline and
+government, and suppressing all kinds of false religion in their
+dominions, and in the administration of justice and punishment of
+iniquity; but while the Lord, in his just displeasure for our sins,
+withholds such from us, we intend to wait till he turn away his
+anger, and not to stretch forth our hands to iniquity, in owning
+and countenancing such as are not duly qualified; as, particularly,
+those that are Popish or Prelatical in their professed principle
+and practice, and by oaths engage themselves to maintain, and
+accordingly to defend, the Prelatical form of church government,
+who oppose and encroach upon the true government of Christ's house
+by their supremacy, and tolerate Sectarian errors in their
+dominions, and that every one of them supreme and subordinate; and
+shall not corroborate their unjust authority, by pacing them cess
+and supply, for upholding their corrupt courts and armies, employed
+in an unjust and antichristian quarrel; or, by compearing before
+their judicatories, either to defend or pursue lawsuits, or upon
+any other account.</p>
+<p>Because we are not in a case to bring to due trial and
+punishment, condign, according to the merit of their offences,
+malignants and evil instruments, according to the fourth Article;
+therefore, we shall endeavour to keep ourselves, as far as
+possible, from any compliance with, or approbation of their cause
+and courses, opposite to the cause and work of God; and shall
+endeavour to keep at a distance from everything that may anyways
+import a unitive conjunction, association, or confederacy with
+them, or strengthening them in their opposition to the cause of
+God&mdash;the covenanted interest. We shall, through grace,
+endeavour to represent before the throne of justice their wicked
+courses; and pray that God would defeat their inventions, though we
+shall always, as becomes Christians, implore the throne of grace
+for mercy to their souls, so far as it may be consistent with God's
+eternal purpose of electing love. Moreover, we shall always
+endeavour to guard against all unwarrantable and irregular ways,
+not approven in God's Word, of punishing malignants and
+incendiaries, for their opposition to reformation.</p>
+<p>Whereas, in the fifth Article, we are bound to endeavour, that
+the kingdoms may remain united in a most firm peace and union to
+all posterity; which union did consist in a uniformity in doctrine,
+worship, discipline and government, though, as was said, it is now
+laid aside, and a union entered into which establishes multiformity
+therein, and so is the opposite of this Covenanted Union. We shall,
+therefore, deny our consent unto, and approbation of this union,
+and shall, as we have in weakness been witnessing against it
+formerly, so continue to do for the future, and shall not
+corroborate or strengthen the same; but upon the contrary, if the
+Lord afford opportunity, shall do our utmost to have the <i>union
+of the kingdoms settled</i> upon the true covenanted basis; and
+shall lay out ourselves, as far as possible, to entertain
+correspondence and sympathy with every one in the kingdoms of
+England and Ireland, who do, or shall, to our knowledge, adhere to
+this League and Covenant.</p>
+<p>According to the sixth Article, considering what danger we and
+all our brethren, under the bond and owning the obligation of these
+covenants, are in, and may be exposed unto, from the Popish and
+Prelatical malignant faction still prevailing, and from this
+backslidden church; and being sensible of the many defects which
+have been amongst us, in the duty of defending and assisting one
+another in maintaining the common cause of religion and liberty, we
+do here solemnly enter into a bond of association with all that do
+now renew these covenants, "with the Acknowledgement of the Public
+Sins and Breeches, and the Engagement of Duties thereof, and
+concert and assert the old covenanted cause and quarrel," as our
+fathers stated and contended for it, from the year 1638 to the year
+1650. Which cause of the covenanted reformation in doctrine,
+worship, discipline and government, and all interests, or rights,
+religious or civil, contended for during the foresaid space of
+years, conducing to promote the same, we faithfully promise to
+prosecute, propagate, preserve and maintain, to the utmost of our
+power, with our lives and all that we have; and to adhere to all
+the faithful testimonies, protestations and declarations, in the
+defence of the foresaid covenanted reformation, agreeable to, and
+founded on God's Word, ever since the foresaid year 1650, not
+regarding the foul aspersions of rebellion, combination or schism,
+or what else our adversaries, from their craft and malice, would
+put upon us; seeing what we do is so well warranted, and ariseth
+from an unfeigned desire to maintain the true religion, to obtain
+the protection and preserve the honour of righteous government, and
+promote the peace and happiness of the kingdoms.</p>
+<p>And for the better performance of what we here engage to, we
+shall sympathize, bear all burdens, embark our interest with,
+assist and defend all those, who enter into, or join this
+association and Covenant, and shall reckon whatsoever is done to
+the least of us, for this cause, as done to us all in general and
+to every one of us in particular: and shall account it a breach of
+Covenant, if seeing our brethren pursued for this very cause, and
+having sufficient means to comfort and assist them, any of us shall
+either make peace with the persecutors, bind up their hands by
+oaths and bonds from resisting them, refuse to hide, harbor, or
+supply their brethren, decline to venture, in lawful and necessary
+attempts for their relief, or withdraw from their dutiful support;
+and being thus united and associated in this cause, as we resolve
+and oblige ourselves to abide in this firm conjunction, and neither
+consent nor concede to any combination or counsel, suggestion,
+persuasion, allurement or terror, that may have any known tendency
+or influence, whether direct or indirect, to seduce us either to a
+division amongst ourselves, or defection to our adversaries, or a
+base indifferency and neutrality between the two; but shall, with
+all zeal, fidelity and constancy, communicate our best help,
+counsel and concurrence, for promoting all resolutions, which by
+common consent shall be found to conduce to the good of the cause,
+and shall endeavor to discover, oppose and suppress, all
+contrivances or counsels, that may cast in any let or impediment,
+that may be obstructive or prejudicial to the same. So we shall
+likewise desire, design and endeavor, (whenever the Lord in his
+providence shall offer opportunity) to get the defections, unworthy
+neutralities, and unhappy divisions, which have long and lamentably
+wounded, and wrecked this church, removed and remedied. And shall
+be willing, with all tender sympathy and compassion, to embrace and
+welcome with the utmost bowels of kindness and respect that we can,
+all who shall confess and forsake these defections, and according
+to their stations, as ministers or private Christians, shall, by
+all proper means, labor to satisfy the conscience of the godly,
+that are through these defections and scandals justly offended, and
+that according to the rules of Christ, delivered in his word, and
+received in this church, in her Reforming times, and join cordially
+with us in the prosecution of this cause; and we shall be willing
+also, at their desire, to acknowledge and forsake, for peace and
+unity, whatever we can rationally be convinced to be bad in our
+conduct and management, as we must acknowledge, that in all things
+we fail, and come exceedingly short of that perfection, which we
+should and would be at.</p>
+<p>And because there be many who heretofore have not made
+conscience of the oath of God&mdash;but some, through fear, others
+by persuasion, and upon base ends, and human interests, have
+entered thereinto, who have afterwards discovered themselves to
+have dealt deceitfully with the Lord, in swearing falsely by his
+name; therefore, we, who do now renew our covenants with reference
+to these duties, and all other duties contained therein, do, in the
+sight of him who is the searcher of hearts, solemnly profess, that
+it is not upon any politic advantage, or private interest, or
+by-end, or because of any terror or persuasion from men, or
+hypocritically or deceitfully, that we do again take upon us the
+oath of God; but honestly and sincerely, and from the sense of our
+duty. And that, therefore, denying ourselves and our own things,
+and, laying aside all-self interests and ends, we shall, above all
+things, seek the honour of God, the good of his cause, and the
+wealth of his people; and that, forsaking the counsels of flesh and
+blood, and not leaning upon carnal confidences, we shall depend
+upon the Lord, walk by the rule of his Word, and hearken to the
+voice of his servants. In all which, professing our own weakness,
+we do earnestly pray to God who is the Father of mercies, through
+his Son JESUS CHRIST, to be merciful unto us, and to enable us, by
+the power of his might, that we may do our duty, unto the praise of
+his grace in the churches. Amen.</p>
+<p>FOOTNOTES:</p>
+<p><a name="Footnote_4" id="Footnote_4"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor4">[4]</a></p>
+<blockquote>In the Preface to this edition, the reader may perceive
+the same spirit in 1880. | ED.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_5" id="Footnote_5"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor5">[5]</a></p>
+<blockquote>The lawful supreme Magistrate.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_6" id="Footnote_6"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor6">[6]</a></p>
+<blockquote>The persons and authority of such, when God of his
+mercy shall grant them to us.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_7" id="Footnote_7"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor7">[7]</a></p>
+<blockquote>King Charles the First.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_8" id="Footnote_8"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor8">[8]</a></p>
+<blockquote>Remonstrances, declarations and testimonies of old, and
+of late.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_9" id="Footnote_9"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor9">[9]</a></p>
+<blockquote>Or any other corruptions thereof, Prelatic or Erastian,
+either tried or to be tried; such as indulgence, the toleration,
+the magistrates appointing fasts without advice and consent of the
+church, dissolving assemblies, &amp;c.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_10" id="Footnote_10"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor10">[10]</a></p>
+<blockquote>Remonstrances, declarations and
+testimonies.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_11" id="Footnote_11"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor11">[11]</a></p>
+<blockquote>To righteous governors, (when obtained), and to our
+country.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_12" id="Footnote_12"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor12">[12]</a></p>
+<blockquote>The lawful supreme Magistrate's.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_13" id="Footnote_13"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor13">[13]</a></p>
+<blockquote>The person and authority of sovereigns having the
+qualifications which the Scriptures require.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_14" id="Footnote_14"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor14">[14]</a></p>
+<blockquote>The lawful supreme Magistrate's.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_15" id="Footnote_15"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor15">[15]</a></p>
+<blockquote>The lawful supreme Magistrate.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_16" id="Footnote_16"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor16">[16]</a></p>
+<blockquote>Lawful supreme Magistrates.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_17" id="Footnote_17"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor17">[17]</a></p>
+<blockquote>Anno 1638.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_18" id="Footnote_18"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor18">[18]</a></p>
+<blockquote>Lawful supreme Magistrates.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_19" id="Footnote_19"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor19">[19]</a></p>
+<blockquote>After all supplications, remonstrances protestations
+and sufferings of our fathers, and our own grievous sufferings and
+contendings both before and since the late Revolution.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_20" id="Footnote_20"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor20">[20]</a></p>
+<blockquote>When restored, according to their ancient
+foundation.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_21" id="Footnote_21"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor21">[21]</a></p>
+<blockquote>The lawful supreme Magistrate's.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_22" id="Footnote_22"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor22">[22]</a></p>
+<blockquote>The lawful Magistrate's.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_23" id="Footnote_23"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor23">[23]</a></p>
+<blockquote>The lawful Magistrate, when obtained.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_24" id="Footnote_24"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor24">[24]</a></p>
+<blockquote>Our Reformers.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_25" id="Footnote_25"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor25">[25]</a></p>
+<blockquote>As they were then.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_26" id="Footnote_26"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor26">[26]</a></p>
+<blockquote>The lawful supreme Magistrate.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_27" id="Footnote_27"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor27">[27]</a></p>
+<blockquote>Such as the Curate of Carsphairn, and some others. But
+it is to be noted, that this sentence is not meant of those who
+either designed or actually executed that act of extraordinary
+justice upon the Archbishop of St. Andrews, who being an
+arch-traitor, and public incendiary, and implacable enemy to the
+work of God, and all the godly in the kingdom, was therefore justly
+put to death; though (because of the defect of justice in those
+that had authority,) the act, in respect of the persons executing,
+was singular and extraordinary. See the same vindicated, <i>Hind
+Let Loose</i>, head vi., page 633, &amp;c.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_28" id="Footnote_28"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor28">[28]</a></p>
+<blockquote>Ezek. vii. 16. But they that escape of them shall
+escape, and shall be on the mountains like doves of the vallies,
+all of them mourning, every one for his iniquity.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_29" id="Footnote_29"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor29">[29]</a></p>
+<blockquote>Ezek. ix. 4.---- Set a mark upon the foreheads of the
+men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in
+the midst thereof.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_30" id="Footnote_30"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor30">[30]</a></p>
+<blockquote>Matt. xxii. 5. But they made light of it, and went
+their ways, one to his farm, another to his
+merchandise.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_31" id="Footnote_31"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor31">[31]</a></p>
+<blockquote>1 Tim. vi. 14. That thou keep this commandment without
+spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus
+Christ.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_32" id="Footnote_32"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor32">[32]</a></p>
+<blockquote>2 Tim. lii. 5. Having a form of godliness, but denying
+the power thereof.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_33" id="Footnote_33"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor33">[33]</a></p>
+<blockquote>Eph. in. 17. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by
+faith.---- Col. ii. 6. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus
+the Lord, so walk ye in him.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_34" id="Footnote_34"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor34">[34]</a></p>
+<blockquote>Col. i. 10. That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto
+all pleasing.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_35" id="Footnote_35"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor35">[35]</a></p>
+<blockquote>2 Thes. ii. 10, 11, 12. Because they received not the
+love of the truth----For this cause God shall send them strong
+delusion, that they should believe a lie. That they all might be
+damned, who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in
+unrighteousness.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_36" id="Footnote_36"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor36">[36]</a></p>
+<blockquote>Josh. xxiv. 15.---- But as for me and my house, we will
+serve the Lord. Gen. xviii. 19. For I know him, that he will
+command his children and his household after him, and they shall
+keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_37" id="Footnote_37"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor37">[37]</a></p>
+<blockquote>1 Tim. iii. 15---- That thou mayest know how thou
+oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God.----</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_38" id="Footnote_38"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor38">[38]</a></p>
+<blockquote>Psal. ci 2. I will walk within my house with a perfect
+heart. Jer. vii. 3. Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of
+Israel; amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to
+dwell in this place. Isa. I. 16, 17; <i>Cease to</i> do evil. Learn
+to do well.----</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_39" id="Footnote_39"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor39">[39]</a></p>
+<blockquote>Jer. 1. 8. Remove out of the midst of Babylon, and go
+forth out of the land of the Chaldeans, and be ye as the he goats
+before the flocks.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_40" id="Footnote_40"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor40">[40]</a></p>
+<blockquote>Zech. i 3. Turn ye unto me, saith the Lord of hosts,
+and I will turn unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. Psal. lxxxv. 3.
+Thou hast taken away all thy wrath; thou hast turned thyself from
+the fierceness of thine anger. Verse 4th. Turn us, O God of our
+salvation and cause thine anger towards us to cease</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_41" id="Footnote_41"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor41">[41]</a></p>
+<blockquote>Psal. lxxxv. 9, 10. Surely his salvation is nigh them
+that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land. Mercy and truth
+are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each
+other.<br>
+Isa. xxxii. 17. And the work of righteousness shall be peace, and
+the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.<br>
+Zech. viii. 19---- Therefore love the truth and peace.</blockquote>
+<p><a name="Footnote_42" id="Footnote_42"></a><a href=
+"#FNanchor42">[42]</a></p>
+<blockquote>Note. The Confession of Faith is here adhered to, as it
+was received and approven by the General Assembly of this church,
+by their Act of the 27th of Aug. 1647, Sess. 23, the 2d Article of
+the 31st Chap, being understood, as explained in that Act, and the
+4th Sect, of the 23d Chap, being understood, as it is explained in
+our Informatory Vindication, page 196, 2d Edition.</blockquote>
+<p>[Typographical errors excepted, and <i>Historical
+Introduction</i> substituted for <i>Preface</i>, this edition
+agrees with those of Paisley, 1820, and Belfast,
+1835.&mdash;ED.]</p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="ACT_OF_COVENANT_RENOVATION" id=
+"ACT_OF_COVENANT_RENOVATION"></a>
+<h2>ACT OF COVENANT RENOVATION,</h2>
+<h4>AGREED UPON AT PHILADELPHIA, OCTOBER 8, 1880,</h4>
+<h6>BY THE</h6>
+<h2>REFORMED PRESBYTERY,</h2>
+<h4>AFTER THE APPROVED EXAMPLE OF OUR FATHERS, AT</h4>
+<h4>AUCHENSAUGH, 1712, AND ACCOMMODATED</h4>
+<h4>TO THE PRESENT TIME.</h4>
+<hr style="width: 45%;">
+<p>"I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy
+righteous judgments."&mdash;<i>Psalms</i> cxix: 106.</p>
+<p>"They (Egyptians) shall vow a vow unto the Lord, and perform
+it."&mdash;<i>Is</i>. xix: 21.</p>
+<p>The Corinthians "first gave their own selves to the
+Lord."&mdash;<i>2 Cor</i>. viii: 5.</p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;">
+<a name="COVENANT_RENOVATION." id="COVENANT_RENOVATION."></a>
+<h2>COVENANT RENOVATION.</h2>
+<p>Vow, and pay unto the Lord your God.&mdash;<i>Ps</i>. lxxvi:
+II.</p>
+<h4>PREFACE.</h4>
+<p>Having in prospect a united, public and solemn approach to our
+covenant God, some important principles should be understood, that
+we may proceed with intelligence and have sure ground for our
+faith.</p>
+<p>"God is love;" and reciprocal love constitutes "the bond of
+perfectness" between God and rational creatures. Communion with God
+is the supreme felicity and highest honor of which angels and men
+are capable. The first emanation of divine love revealed to us was
+displayed in the covenant of works; although not called a covenant,
+the narrative contains all the elements essential to a federal
+deed, comprising a summary of the whole moral law. Thus the
+sovereign love of God was manifested through the medium of law and
+covenant inseparably combined; and this is the Lord's manner of
+dealing with mankind till the present time.</p>
+<p>That covenant was made with us in Adam as our common father and
+public representative. By the breach of it we are born in Adam's
+image and "children of wrath;" for the principle of representative
+identification pervades the moral universe. Our rational and social
+nature fits us both for personal and federal responsibility.</p>
+<p>When we had "destroyed ourselves" by apostasy from God, then did
+God "show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward
+us through Christ Jesus." The gift of his Son to be a covenant head
+to sinners is God's highest, and most glorious demonstration of his
+ineffable love. The breadth, and length, and depth, and height of
+the love of Christ passeth knowledge; and the displays of this love
+through the covenant of grace will doubtless furnish matter of
+admiration to holy angels, and of adoring gratitude to redeemed
+sinners throughout eternity. Rev. i: 5, 6.</p>
+<p>Ever since our fall in Adam God has dealt with our sinful race
+by covenant. This covenant was made with Christ as Mediator between
+God and man, and as the representative of all whom the Father gave
+him to be redeemed and brought to glory. John xvii: 2. Accordingly,
+the Lord Jesus, immediately on the fall of our first parents,
+entered upon his work of mediation. To them first he announced his
+commission, declaring his purpose to "bruise the serpent's
+head&mdash;to destroy the works of the devil." Gen. iii: 15; 1 John
+iii: 8. Christ is given "for a witness to the people; a leader and
+commander to the people; to have power over all flesh, that he
+should give eternal life to as many as the Father hath given
+him."</p>
+<p>Throughout the whole of the mediatorial administration the law
+and the covenant are distinct, though inseparably connected: and
+although many covenants are mentioned in the Scriptures, and even
+distinguished as <i>old</i> and <i>new</i>. Jer. xxxi: 31; Heb.
+viii: 8; yet we must understand these as only different and
+successive modes of administering one and the same Covenant of
+Grace. This covenant was proclaimed before the deluge by prophets,
+as Enoch and Noah; after the flood by patriarchs; then by the
+ministry of Moses and other prophets, when John the Baptist and the
+Messiah in person proclaimed it; and from the day of Pentecost till
+the end of the world is the last dispensation&mdash;still, the
+covenant is immutably the same. The most solemn and memorable act
+of covenanting with God was at Horeb, otherwise called Sinai, when
+the Israelites were first and formally organized in ecclesiastical
+and civil relations. Then "Judah was his sanctuary, and Israel his
+dominion." Ps. cxiv: 2.</p>
+<p>Besides circumcision and the passover, both of which involved
+covenant obligation, God instituted the additional ordinance of
+public and social federal transaction, that the whole body might
+glorify him by a united act of solemn dedication as his special
+property separated visibly from the world. Is. lxiii: 19. And that
+this is a moral ordinance, and of perpetual obligation, is evident
+from the practice of God's people, both under the Old and New
+Testament, and the language of prophecy. Deut. xxix: 10-12; 2 Cor.
+viii: 5; Is. xliv: 5.</p>
+<p>Again, when we renew our covenant, we do not mean that the
+obligation has ceased, or that we can increase its obligation, for
+this is infinite and permanent; we intend by our personal act to
+deepen and render more durable our sense of preexisting obligation.
+This is, indeed, the immediate object of all renovations, by Moses,
+Joshua, kings of Judah and Nehemiah. And as we have seen, this
+ordinance was observed by Christians in the time of the apostles,
+so their practice may be traced through history afterwards, however
+obscure, until the time of the Reformation from Popery; when in
+Europe, both continental and insular, this ordinance was revived
+and exemplified. Among all nations in Christendom Scotland stands
+preeminent since first emancipated from bondage in mystical
+Babylon, for the frequency and fidelity of her ecclesiastical and
+national vows to the Most High. After many struggles with Popery
+and Prelacy, during which Christ's witnesses in that land derived
+strength and courage from vows renewed to withstand these organized
+oppressors; at length by their example and influence the kingdoms
+of England and Ireland were brought into a confederation by that
+famous and grand document, the Solemn League and Covenant. Taken in
+connection with the National Covenant of Scotland, those three
+nations and the churches in them were voluntarily bound to God and
+to each other by all the solemnity of cords and bands made in
+heaven. Yet, through the corruption of human nature and the
+restless malice of the Dragon and his angels, these bands were
+treacherously broken and the cords cast away. Although those
+symbols of the public faith were Scriptural documents, yet the
+reformation as truly described by the late Mr. Robert Lusk, was to
+the majority "a reformation only on paper." Like Israel of old the
+hearts of most of the people were not right with God, neither were
+they steadfast in his covenant. Ps. lxxviii: 37. This was soon made
+manifest by the Public Resolutions, accepting Indulgences, and the
+subsequent twenty-eight years of persecution inflicted upon those
+who "stood to the covenant." Then followed, in 1689, what the
+apostates called, and their successors still fondly hail, as the
+"glorious Revolution settlement!"&mdash;a settlement which, by
+forms of law, consigned the nations' solemn vows to oblivion, with
+all possible expressions of detestation by the infamous "Act
+Rescissory." In the year 1707, the "Act of Incorporation" brought
+the church and kingdom of Scotland under degrading bondage to the
+anti-Christian, Prelatic and Erastian throne of Britain.</p>
+<p>While these steps of apostasy were in progress, the Lord
+preserved a "wasted remnant" of witnesses, who "resisted unto blood
+striving against sin." These valiant Christian patriots&mdash;"the
+Society People"&mdash;kept themselves and their garments clean, and
+kept also the word of Christ's patience. They never were
+<i>dissenters</i>, nor properly called the "Old Dissenters." During
+this hour of temptation they were destitute of the help and
+guidance of a public ministry. At length, in the year 1706, Mr.
+John M'Millan, wearing the honorable badges of suspension and
+deposition, imposed by his apostate brethren for advocating in
+their Assembly the continued obligation of the Covenants. National
+and Solemn League, (Is. lxvi: 5,) was joyfully received as their
+minister by the voice of the Society people. In the year 1712, at
+Auchensaugh, Mr. M'Millan, with the assistance of Mr. John M'Neil,
+licentiate, "resolved to set about this solemn and tremendous duty
+of renewing their national covenants with God." Their mode of
+procedure was Scriptural, following the examples of Moses and
+others to Nehemiah&mdash;"the footsteps of the flock." They framed
+three papers, History, Confession and Engagement. The text of the
+Covenants of our fathers was left entire, only some explanatory
+words and phrases being placed in the margin. These explanations
+were then necessary to clear that question of
+questions&mdash;"Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with
+thee?"&mdash;a question to be finally settled only at the sounding
+of the last Apocalyptic trumpet. Rev. xi: 15. That transaction was
+ever after incorporated with the Terms of Communion.</p>
+<p>Some years after this transaction another renovation took place
+in Scotland, at a locality called Crawford-John; but no attainments
+were then made, nor has any authentic record of the proceedings
+been transmitted to posterity. Also the Seceders, soon after their
+erection as a distinct organization in Scotland, and repeatedly
+since in Britain and America, by public covenanting have
+contributed to the preservation of sound doctrine and Christian
+practice. We cannot, however, accord to them the honor of being the
+successors of the covenanted witnesses, which they unwarrantably
+claim, seeing that they disowned the "civil part" of the public
+Covenants, and thus unwittingly, we charitably believe, passed an
+implied censure on the One Lawgiver for having given us a second
+table in the moral law!</p>
+<p>We merely refer to the Octoraro transaction, (1743,) conducted
+by that unstable minister, Mr. Craighead, as being unworthy of
+anything more than historical notice.</p>
+<p>The two most noteworthy instances of avowed covenant-renovation
+within the present century are those at Dervock, Ireland, in 1853,
+and in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1871; and we class them
+together, because however the respective documents differ in their
+provisions, and in our judgment some of these are irreconcilable,
+yet the parties have ever since agreed to coalesce. Reference is
+here made only to a sample of <i>essential</i> discrepancies. In
+the Dervock bond the British Covenants are expressly mentioned and
+owned; in the Pittsburg bond they are neither owned nor mentioned,
+although both were urged at the time, while they were openly
+vilified without rebuke. In the former Prelacy is abjured, in the
+latter it is not so much as named. The fourth article of the former
+is irreconcilable with the fourth article of the latter. The former
+is limited by <i>recognized truth</i>; the latter substitutes for
+truth <i>supposed piety</i>. But since these two parties, in the
+face of such antagonistic fundamental principles, do actually
+harmonize in practice, coming down to treat with opposing parties
+in the plain of Ono, their example of treachery in covenant can be
+regarded only as a beacon of warning.</p>
+<p>Strictly speaking, no new obligation has been imposed or assumed
+since the law was given at Sinai. We are to "keep the words of the
+covenant, the ten commandments." This is just what Christ still
+enjoins upon his disciples&mdash;"Teaching them to observe all
+things whatsoever I have commanded you." The footsteps of Christ's
+flock differ nothing now from what they were in the days of
+Solomon. Some turn back into Egypt, while others turn aside with
+the "flocks of the companions to right-hand extremes or left-hand
+defections"; for the harlot's "ways are moveable that thou canst
+not know them," and we are warned&mdash;"Come not near the door of
+her house."</p>
+<p>The federal deeds which we propose to renew are, of course,
+those of our witnessing fathers, the National Covenant of Scotland
+and the Solemn League of Scotland, England and Ireland, adapting
+these public deeds to our time, and comprising all preceding and
+subsequent attainments, as was done by our predecessors at
+Auchensaugh. Our condition and surroundings are in many respects
+similar to theirs. "Their soul was exceedingly filled with the
+scorning of those that were at ease, and with the contempt of the
+proud"; but they were also exposed to many perils from the existing
+ecclesiastical and civil authorities which they publicly
+disowned.</p>
+<p>All inspired records of public vows to God by his united people,
+from the time of Moses to Nehemiah, contained a synopsis of special
+providence towards themselves and others, of sins, mercies and
+judgments; and these were motives to this special duty, though not
+a rule&mdash;"And because of all this we make a sure covenant and
+write it."</p>
+<p>After these examples, which we judge "written for our learning,"
+we renew our own and our ancestors' covenants, neither
+ecclesiastically nor nationally as representatives of either church
+or state, as they are now confederated against the Lord and his
+Anointed: but we appear publicly as a "despised remnant," avowing
+allegiance to Zion's only King and "Prince of the kings of the
+earth," pledging adherence to those public deeds of our
+progenitors, in which the divine ordinances of Church and State are
+exhibited; and in which they are exemplified as co-ordinate,
+mutually independent, friendly, and helpful to the family and to
+each other. Thus acted the people of God under the covenant of
+grace in all ages; and so acted his servants at Auchensaugh, whose
+more immediate example we propose to follow.</p>
+<hr style="width: 45%;">
+<h4>CONFESSION OF PUBLIC SINS.</h4>
+<p>All authentic history confirms the declaration of the Sacred
+Scriptures, That by one man sin entered into the world, and that
+there is not a just man upon earth that doeth good and sinneth not.
+Yet there is mercy with God that he may be feared, and plenteous
+redemption to redeem Israel from all his trespasses. But we are
+assured that "he that covereth his sins shall not prosper, but
+whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy."</p>
+<p>Believing these teachings of God's word, and in view of renewing
+solemn vows to him, we now give glory to the Lord God of Israel by
+making confession of our own and our fathers' sins in violating our
+solemn covenants. We acknowledge the heinous sins of repeated
+violation of our covenanted unity&mdash;<i>First</i>, By joining in
+a military confederacy with the American Colonies in the
+revolutionary war of 1776. <i>Second</i>, Joining in a similar
+confederacy with Irish Papists and others to cast off the British
+government in 1798. <i>Third</i>, In a similar confederacy in the
+war between the United States and England in 1812. <i>Fourth</i>,
+By the like military association in the recent civil war: and these
+sins were aggravated by framing oaths of allegiance or fidelity in
+the years 1812 and 1863.</p>
+<p>Some of those who had violated their covenants by military
+association with the United Irishmen fled for refuge to the United
+States; and without undergoing censure became active agents in
+constituting a presbytery without authority had from the parent
+body in Scotland, 1798; and proceeded in 1806 to frame and publish
+<i>Reformation Principles Exhibited</i>, a work which removed
+landmarks which the fathers had set; and which with an abstract of
+Terms of Communion unpresbyterially introduced, unsettled the
+foundations and issued in the lamentable disruption of 1833.</p>
+<p>In Scotland the leaders of the people caused them to err by
+changing the Terms of Communion in the year 1822, and the Testimony
+in 1837. While these changes were made in the Covenanted Church's
+organic law some of the most popular and influential
+ministers&mdash;theological professors, were publicly transgressing
+our covenants by joining in affinity with divers confederacies for
+moral reform. Doctor Andrew Symington, the most influential
+minister in the Synod did actually and publicly co-operate with the
+Evangelical Alliance; and in 1841 the same professor was among the
+foremost in projecting a plan for a "concert of prayer," by diverse
+sorts of professors, those of the Established Church of Scotland
+being expressly mentioned. No wonder the hesitating
+<i>Covenanter</i> ventured at least to express preferance for "more
+generally small meetings for prayer, to a large number of
+Christians of different names." This kind of amalgamation being
+contrary to Scripture was a breach also of the Solemn League, the
+sixth article of which was evidently designed by our fathers to
+prevent such social sins under the name of religion. The
+Theological Seminary in Scotland, as a corrupt fountain, polluted
+all the streams, the ministers taking the lead in the defection, as
+is now manifested to the world.</p>
+<p>All along our history in Scotland, Ireland and America, the sin
+of the antediluvians and of Israel after the flesh has been
+imitated by us&mdash;joining with the known enemies of truth and
+righteousness, in the face of many fearful judgments for such
+breaches of solemn vows.</p>
+<p>The ministers took the lead in joining and inducing others to
+join the Colonization Society, a scheme for the removal of colored
+freedmen from among the bondmen, that slavery might be more secure
+and more certainly perpetuated by removing the disturbing element;
+and all this under the guise of evangelizing Africa! The General
+Synod which had unanimously patronized that scheme in 1828,
+discovering the deception, did in 1836, by a majority transfer its
+patronage to the rival cause of Abolition, thus continuing and
+persevering in the same transgression, from which they are not
+reclaimed to this day.</p>
+<p>About the same time when we were ensnared in these unscriptural
+confederacies, occasional hearing naturally became developed in a
+sabbath-school, which for a short time was conducted jointly by
+three denominations in Pittsburgh&mdash;Covenanters, Seceders and
+Associate Reformed, violating our covenanted unity and erecting an
+unauthorized agency for spiritual instruction. The General Synod
+did, in 1840, abolish its own deligation form and the Subordinate
+Synods in violation of conventional law and Presbyterial order, and
+still continues to adhere to this two-fold breach of the brotherly
+covenant. That body, carrying on defection, joined in military
+association as noticed above, during the late civil war between the
+Union and Confederate armies, framing an "oath of fidelity," and
+thus profaning a divine ordinance by pledging themselves to enforce
+an atheistical constitution and execute the laws: and some of them
+glory in their shame and boast of this flagrant and complicated
+breach of solemn vows to the contrary.</p>
+<p>While recognizing many precious principles embodied in the
+Dorvock bond, we cannot give it our approbation as an adequate
+renovation of our National Covenant and Solemn League, because it
+not only omits but obviously excludes the Form of Presbyterial
+Church Government and the Directory for Public Worship, and seems
+to substitute for these the Testimony which is incompatible with
+that of 1761; although the two documents above named were received
+by our General Assembly of Scotland as "part of the uniformity" to
+which we are bound in the Solemn League. And besides, all their
+symbols of faith mentioned in the Dervock transaction as
+subordinate, are owned only as "<i>Doctrinal</i> Standards," thus
+leaving at loose ends individual and social Christian
+<i>practice</i>. This document is therefore a defective, evasive,
+and consequently inadequate renovation of our Covenants.</p>
+<p>The sound principles comprised in the Pittsburgh bond are still
+more palpably rendered nugatory by contradictions, manifold
+evasions and ambiguous phrases; such as "accepted manuals, our
+fathers' covenants," etc.; while the solemn pledge to "maintain
+Christian friendship with pious men of every name, and to feel and
+act as one with all in every land who pursue this grand end
+"&mdash;an <i>undefined</i> end&mdash;would overthrow, if this were
+possible, the whole scriptural fabric of our Presbyterial
+Covenanted Reformation. Treachery and perfidy, not to say perjury,
+are bound up in the Pittsburgh bond, especially in pledging
+themselves to the performance of civil duties "not forbidden in the
+law of God." Some of the native fruits of this transaction, tending
+still more to corrupt themselves and others are the continual
+practice of occasional hearing, exchange of pulpits and
+correspondence by delegation.</p>
+<p>This body has placed itself under the authority of the
+Pennsylvania Legislature, having petitioned for and obtained an act
+of incorporation, and having voluntarily submitted to the Erastian
+civil jurisdiction of the state of Pennsylvania and of the United
+States. The civil Charter expressly institutes and appoints its
+trustees to be regulated and limited in the exercise of the
+functions of their respective offices by the constitutions of
+Pennsylvania and of the nation. Their bond prepared the way for
+this more gross and practical surrender of all that is distinctive
+in our covenanted position. And finally, so far as we know all
+parties in the three lands claiming to be Reformed Presbyterians,
+have for years renounced those provisions of our Directory which
+require the lines to be read in public praise to God, and the banns
+to be proclaimed before marriage.</p>
+<p>The nations throughout Christendom, continue in league with
+Antichrist and give their strength to the beast. They still refuse
+to profess and defend the true religion in doctrine, worship,
+government and discipline, contrary to the example of the kingdoms
+of Scotland, England and Ireland in the seventeenth century. Some
+of them have waged wars of conquest, under pretence of opening a
+way for the spread of the gospel; and disregarding international
+law, have violated solemn treaties among themselves, and all of
+them practically disregard divine authority; habitually profaning
+the Christian Sabbath, by carrying the mail, by commercial traffic,
+and parties of pleasure on land and water.</p>
+<p>Acknowledging the righteousness of divine judgment upon
+ourselves and others for manifold violations of God's law and
+breaches of our own and our fathers' solemn vows in our domestic,
+ecclesiastical and civil relations; we desire to humble ourselves
+before God for these sins, and for others not contained in this
+enumeration. Seeing that God hath punished us less than our
+iniquities deserve, and hath left us a small remnant in his
+sovereign mercy, our prayer to him is that he may enable us by his
+grace to bring forth fruits meet for repentance, to the glory of
+his great and holy name, and the commendation of his pardoning
+mercy.</p>
+<hr style="width: 45%;">
+<h4>ACT OF ADHERENCE TO OUR COVENANTS. NATIONAL AND SOLEMN LEAGUE;
+AS ADAPTED TO THE PRESENT TIME.</h4>
+<p>We, office-bearers and members of the Reformed Presbyterian
+Church, convinced by the Word and Spirit of God of our guilt and
+depravity by our breach of covenant in Adam; of utter inability to
+save ourselves from the ruins of the falls or its just penal
+consequences; desiring moreover to bless, the Lord, that when we
+were yet without strength Christ died for the ungodly; that a door
+of faith has been opened to the Gentiles, and repentance unto life
+granted to such; taking our warrant and encouragement from God
+alone, with our hands lifted up toward him:&mdash;do swear by his
+great and fearful name as the Lord our God, that&mdash;</p>
+<p>I. We accept God in Christ for ourselves and our children as
+offered to us in the gospel, to be our everlasting portion; and we
+joyfully surrender ourselves and our all to him as his rightful and
+exclusive property. We cordially approve the Covenant of Grace, and
+embrace it as all our salvation and all our desire. Dead to the law
+as a covenant of works, we cheerfully receive it from Christ's hand
+as our perfect rule of life, to direct our personal and social
+conduct. Aiming to glorify God as our chief end, and to do good
+unto all men as we have opportunity&mdash;especially to the
+household of faith&mdash;we promise in the strength of divine grace
+to search the Scriptures, conforming heart and life to this
+standard, in constant opposition to the course of this world,
+exemplifying godliness and honesty before men all our days.</p>
+<p>II. Set for the defence of the gospel, and under manifold
+obligations to contend earnestly for the faith which was once
+delivered to the saints, we acknowledge the Scriptures of the Old
+and new Testament to be the Word of God and the alone infallible
+rule of faith and manners, rejecting any and all additions or
+subtractions, false translations, perverting or wresting them to
+men's destruction.</p>
+<p>We own also, as subordinate standards of faith and practice of
+doctrine and order, the National Covenant and Solemn League: as
+also the Westminster formularies, well known by their
+names&mdash;viz., the Confession of Faith, the Larger and Shorter
+Catechisms, Form of Church Government, and Directory of Public
+Worship; as these were received respectively by the Church of
+Scotland in the years 1645, '47, and '48, not merely as
+"<i>Doctrinal</i> Standards," but as symbols, all of them, of
+Christian practice also, and as a part of the uniformity sworn to
+in the Solemn League. We adhere to the Renovation of the National
+Covenants at Auchensaugh, 1712, as comprising the same grand
+Scriptural principles with the original deeds, and preserving the
+identity of the moral person, which became more visible in 1761 by
+a Judicial Testimony, re-exhibited in 1858 and 1876.</p>
+<p>We repudiate the Renovation at Dervock, 1853, as being
+inadequate, defective, and unfaithful&mdash;part of the document
+couched in abstract, evasive, and equivocal language. Also, we
+condemn and reject the Pittsburgh Bond, as ambiguous,
+self-contradictory and treacherous&mdash;"a snare on Mizpah." We
+abjure and testify against Popery, as delineated by our ancestors
+in the National Covenant, together with the fictitious dogma of the
+Immaculate Conception, and the blasphemous assumption by the Pope
+of Jehovah's incommunicable prerogative of Infallibility. In like
+manner we reject Prelacy, whether Erastian or Diocesan, as abjured
+in the National Covenant and more explicitly in the Solemn League;
+while in pity for the persons involved in these despotic systems,
+we will pray and labor for the extirpation of these poisonous
+plants, and the emancipation of their deluded admirers. We condemn
+and disown all existing systems which involve the infidel element
+called Voluntaryism, representing the divine ordinances of Church
+and State as mutually inimical or in any way antagonistic, thus
+impeaching the wisdom of the Almighty.</p>
+<p>III. Believing that the Son of God has been, as Mediator
+appointed heir of all things, and invested with universal dominion;
+that he reigns and must reign till all his impenitent enemies be
+put under his feet: we pledge ourselves in reliance on divine grace
+to continue our advocacy of his claims upon the homage and willing
+obedience of individual and social man, in the family, the church
+and the civil commonwealth. We will maintain and urge his exclusive
+right to prescribe the faith and order of the church by his royal
+authority. We promise to inculcate and exemplify Presbyterian
+Church Government as alone of divine right and unalterable.</p>
+<p>Believing, moreover, that civil government, originating in the
+will of God as Creator, has been placed by the Father under the
+authority of the Mediator, and that the principal objects to be
+promoted by this divine ordinance are the glory of its Author, the
+welfare of mankind, and the prosperity of the church; we engage to
+endeavor the reformation of the nations by testifying against all
+neglect or contempt of Messiah's claims, or impious invasion of his
+rights by either rulers or subjects. In joyful anticipation of the
+universal reign of righteousness and peace on the earth, we will
+labor and pray for a gospel ministry and a Scriptural magistracy;
+testifying against all corruptions of these or substitutes for
+them. Persuaded of the adaptation and sufficiency of divine
+ordinances to effect reformation, we will refuse to identify or
+incorporate with any substitutes for these, or to co-operate with
+voluntary associations for moral reform, whether secret and sworn,
+or open and pledged, as these imply want of faith in divine
+ordinances, and in the wisdom and beneficence of our covenant
+God.</p>
+<p>IV. Believing that the Christian Church is one by her divine
+constitution, and lamenting existing divisions among the children
+of God; recognizing the obligation upon us to love the brotherhood,
+we will endeavor to cultivate charity in private intercourse
+towards all who reflect the divine image; and help to elevate them
+to the platform of the Covenanted Reformation as our only
+recognized bond of organic and ministerial church-fellowship. Nor
+will we, in reliance upon the promised and continued supplies of
+the Spirit of Jesus Christ, permit ourselves to be divided from
+this our covenanted unity and uniformity by the promises, threats,
+or solicitations of surrounding communities. Through divine grace
+we will endeavor, by practical manifestation of the truth, to
+commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God, as
+the most effectual means of healing Zion's breaches, that are great
+like the sea.</p>
+<p>V. Having learned from God's Word that all who live godly in
+Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution, in their character, in their
+substance, or in their persons; and knowing from the recorded
+history of those who nobly stood to their covenant that they were
+subjected to all these kinds of suffering; and since our Sovereign
+Lord in his holy providence for the trial of the patience and faith
+of his saints permits Antichrist to practice and prosper, the kings
+of the earth still giving their strength unto the beast: we
+therefore, anticipating like treatment from an opposing world
+wherever we may sojourn, resolve in his strength to follow the
+Lamb, whithersoever he goeth, as our leader, endeavoring so to
+diffuse the sweet savor of his name, that in due time and in every
+land men shall be blessed in him, and all nations shall call him
+blessed.</p>
+<p>VI. Finally, this solemn renewal of our federal obligations we
+confirm by oath in the presence of the omniscient God, who
+searcheth our hearts, uninfluenced by any selfish, worldly,
+politic, or carnal motives or ends; but singly with a view to the
+glory of God and the temporal and eternal welfare of our
+fellow-men; beseeching our Father in heaven for Christ's sake so to
+furnish us with the gifts and graces of his Holy Spirit, that we
+may prove faithful unto death, and joyfully welcome, the glorious
+appearing of our final and chosen Judge.</p>
+<p>And in testimony of our desires, and assurance to be heard, we
+say&mdash;Amen.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Auchensaugh Renovation of the
+National Covenant and Solemn League and Covenant, by The Reformed Presbytery
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE AUCHENSAUGH RENOVATION ***
+
+***** This file should be named 12381-h.htm or 12381-h.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        https://www.gutenberg.org/1/2/3/8/12381/
+
+Produced by Jordan Dohms and PG Distributed Proofreaders
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+https://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+https://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at https://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit https://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including including checks, online payments and credit card
+donations.  To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+Each eBook is in a subdirectory of the same number as the eBook's
+eBook number, often in several formats including plain vanilla ASCII,
+compressed (zipped), HTML and others.
+
+Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks replace the old file and take over
+the old filename and etext number.  The replaced older file is renamed.
+VERSIONS based on separate sources are treated as new eBooks receiving
+new filenames and etext numbers.
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
+
+EBooks posted prior to November 2003, with eBook numbers BELOW #10000,
+are filed in directories based on their release date.  If you want to
+download any of these eBooks directly, rather than using the regular
+search system you may utilize the following addresses and just
+download by the etext year.
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org/etext06
+
+    (Or /etext 05, 04, 03, 02, 01, 00, 99,
+     98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 92, 91 or 90)
+
+EBooks posted since November 2003, with etext numbers OVER #10000, are
+filed in a different way.  The year of a release date is no longer part
+of the directory path.  The path is based on the etext number (which is
+identical to the filename).  The path to the file is made up of single
+digits corresponding to all but the last digit in the filename.  For
+example an eBook of filename 10234 would be found at:
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/2/3/10234
+
+or filename 24689 would be found at:
+     https://www.gutenberg.org/2/4/6/8/24689
+
+An alternative method of locating eBooks:
+     https://www.gutenberg.org/GUTINDEX.ALL
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+</body>
+</html>
diff --git a/old/12381.txt b/old/12381.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e356e8c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/old/12381.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,5456 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Auchensaugh Renovation of the National
+Covenant and Solemn League and Covenant, by The Reformed Presbytery
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Auchensaugh Renovation of the National Covenant and
+         Solemn League and Covenant
+       With the Acknowledgment of Sins and Engagement to Duties, As They
+       Were Renewed at Auchensaugh, Near Douglas, July 24, 1712. (Compared
+       With The Editions Of Paisley, 1820, And Belfast, 1835.) Also, The
+       Renovation of These Public Federal Deeds Ordained at Philadelphia,
+       October 8, 1880, by the Reformed Presbytery, with Accommodation of
+       the Original Covenants, in Both Transactions, to Their Times and
+       Positions Respectively
+       
+
+Author: The Reformed Presbytery
+
+Release Date: May 19, 2004 [EBook #12381]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE AUCHENSAUGH RENOVATION ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Jordan Dohms and PG Distributed Proofreaders
+
+
+
+
+THE AUCHENSAUGH RENOVATION
+OF THE
+NATIONAL COVENANT AND SOLEMN LEAGUE AND COVENANT;
+WITH THE
+ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF SINS AND ENGAGEMENT TO DUTIES,
+AS THEY WERE
+RENEWED AT AUCHENSAUGH, NEAR DOUGLAS,
+JULY 24, 1712.
+(COMPARED WITH THE EDITIONS OF PAISLEY, 1820, AND BELFAST, 1835.)
+ALSO,
+THE RENOVATION
+OF THESE
+PUBLIC FEDERAL DEEDS
+ORDAINED AT PHILADELPHIA, OCTOBER 8, 1880,
+BY THE
+REFORMED PRESBYTERY,
+WITH ACCOMMODATION OF THE ORIGINAL COVENANTS, IN BOTH TRANSACTIONS,
+TO THEIR TIMES AND POSITIONS RESPECTIVELY.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+PHILADELPHIA 1880.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+PREFACE.
+
+The Reformed Presbytery, at a meeting in Philadelphia, October 6th 1880,
+"_Resolved_, That another edition of the Auchensaugh Deed be published,"
+and appointed the undersigned a committee "to attend to this business
+with all convenient speed."
+
+This Presbytery, after forty years' experience, during which
+opportunities have been afforded for examining the opinions and
+practices of all parties, professing any regard for the Covenanted
+Reformation, is still deeply impressed with the conviction that the
+transaction at Auchensaugh 1712, is the only faithful renovation of our
+Covenants, National and Solemn League. The fidelity of our fathers in
+that hazardous and heroic transaction, it is believed, has ever since
+been the _occasion_ (not the _cause_) of all opponents manifesting their
+hostility to the whole covenanted cause, by first assaults upon that
+detested Bond. And that this is the real state of the case we proceed to
+prove by the following historical facts. _First._--In connection with
+remodeling the Testimony; or rather by supplanting it in 1806, the Terms
+of Communion, without submitting an overture, were also changed to
+harmonize with _Reformation Principles Exhibited_, by excluding the
+Auchensaugh Renovation from the fourth Term, where it had stood for
+nearly a century. The same party have for years excluded from their
+abstract of Terms the _Covenants themselves_. _Second._--In Scotland
+this faithful document was expunged in 1822, obviously to prepare the
+way for the adoption of a _"New Testimony"(!)_, which appeared 1837-9.
+The majority of the actors in that work who survive, are now in the Free
+Church! _Third._--At the time when defection was progressing in the R.P.
+Synod of Scotland, the sister Synod of Ireland strenuously resisted an
+attempt to remove the foresaid Bond from its place in the Terms. The
+Rev. Messrs. Dick, Smith and Houston in 1837, were faithful and
+successful for the time in resisting that attempt. Mr. Houston "_would
+ever resist any alteration_ in respect of the Auchensaugh Bond,
+regarding the objection laid against it as in reality aimed at the
+Covenants themselves." Yet as a sequel to their Renovation of the
+Covenants at Dervock 1853, the Auchensaugh Bond was subsequently "shown
+to the porch"--removed from the Terms! _Fourth._--At what was called
+covenant-renovation at Pittsburgh 1871, we believe no one spoke in
+behalf of their fathers' noble achievement in 1712. Indeed this could
+not be rationally expected in a body who could tolerate members
+vilifying the very Covenants which they pretended to renew.
+_Fifth._--Other parties farther removed from the position of their
+reforming progenitors; but who still claim ecclesiastical affinity with
+John Knox, and commonly prefix to the symbols of their faith the
+historical word _Westminster_, give very strong expression to their
+feelings of hostility--not to the Auchensaugh Bond, of which probably
+they never heard, but to the British Covenants expressly; yea, to the
+very ordinance of public social covenanting itself. But we shall let
+them speak for themselves. One Doctor of divinity is reported as
+saying--"I am opposed to the whole matter of covenanting. Covenants do
+an immense sight more harm than good. Those Scotch Covenanters brought
+persecution upon themselves by their covenants."[1]
+
+Another Dr. said, "I have always been opposed to covenanting. One
+generation of God's people have no right to enter into bonds that entail
+obligations upon future generations."[2] A third Dr. said, "I hold it is
+a sin for men to go into the august presence of God and enter into
+covenant with him. It is base presumption."[3] A fourth Dr. said, "I
+hold that the church as an organization is not a responsible moral
+agent. Neither is the nation!" These sentiments may well excite
+astonishment and alarm, when proclaimed by accredited teachers of
+morality and religion. _Sixth._--Seceders have all along their history
+claimed to be the sole heirs of the Scottish covenanted inheritance.
+They are not ignorant of the Auchensaugh Renovation. How they view that
+transaction may be best ascertained from their own language. The
+_Original Secession Magazine_ for November 1880, p. 861, speaks thus,
+"The distinction drawn between 'Covenanters' and 'Seceders,' we have
+shown to be groundless. Are Reformed Presbyterians covenanters at all?
+There is not an _actual_ Covenanter among them. They renewed the
+Covenants after a fashion in 1712. In our view the Covenants were not
+renewed, they were only mangled," &c. These sentiments are sufficiently
+strong and explicit to be intelligible. The writer's feelings evidently
+interfered with judicial discrimination, while openly expressing that
+hostility to the Auchensaugh Bond which is concealed by others. The Rev.
+John McMillan, whom the Lord honored to take the lead at Auchensaugh, is
+especially branded by this writer who asserts,--"he did not secede and
+retire, he was expelled; nor was the position of his early associates in
+the ministry of the purest water." Moreover, this writer asserts "that
+they (Seceders) have actually renewed the Covenants, from time to time,
+during the whole period of their existence." How could this be, since
+Seceders have all along rejected "the civil part of the Covenants?" But
+these documents bear on their face a direct aim at personal, domestic,
+ecclesiastical, and civil reformation. No party can intelligently and
+honestly renew the National Covenant and Solemn League, while eulogizing
+the "Glorious Revolution" of 1688, while in allegiance to the British
+throne--that "bloody horn of the beast;" or whose political principles
+will identify them with any other horn which may have power to scatter
+"Judah." Zech. i: 21.
+
+We have thus attempted by an induction of particulars, as concisely as
+we could, to point out existing opposition to our Covenanted
+Reformation, by various parties who assail the British Covenants
+directly, or by a first assault upon the Auchensaugh Bond, would reach a
+fatal stroke at the Covenants themselves. We believe with our
+predecessors that those who reject the Auchensaugh Renovation, by
+logical necessity will relinquish the Covenants themselves.
+
+The reader may be assured that neither we nor the Reformed Presbytery,
+whose committee we are, claim Papal infallibility or Christian
+perfection; nor do we ask implicit faith in any uninspired documents.
+But we sincerely believe ourselves that the Auchensaugh Renovation and
+the Bond, to which the foregoing statements are prefixed, will be found
+on examination to be sound, faithful, and "in nothing contrary to the
+word of God."
+
+DAVID STEELE,
+ROBERT ALEXANDER,
+JOHN CLYDE.
+_Committee_
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 1: This gentleman does not seem to know that infidels use
+similar argument against Christianity. Or, did he never read--"I came
+not to send peace on the earth, but a sword." His logic also is as
+faulty as his theology--_non causa pro causa_.]
+
+[Footnote 2: On what principle does this minister dispense the ordinance
+of baptism to subjects in their minority? Is baptism a mere ceremony,
+involving no obligation upon the children of believers? Gen. xvii: 14.]
+
+[Footnote 3: No _presumption_, when graciously invited to do so. Is.
+lvi: 4, 6, 11. This teaching tends to the subversion of social
+order--the moral order of the universe. 2 Pet. ii: 10.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+THE AUCHENSAUGH RENOVATION.
+
+THE NATIONAL COVENANT AND SOLEMN LEAGUE AND COVENANT, WITH THE
+ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF SINS AND ENGAGEMENT TO DUTIES: AS THEY WERE RENEWED AT
+AUCHENSAUGH, NEAR DOUGLAS, 24th JULY, 1712, WITH ACCOMMODATION TO THE
+(THEN) PRESENT TIMES.
+
+
+PSALM lxxvi: 11. Vow and pay unto the Lord your God.
+
+ISAIAH xxiv: 5. The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof:
+because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken
+the everlasting covenant.
+
+EZEK. xvii: 18. Seeing he despised the oath by breaking the covenant
+(when, lo, he had given his hand), and hath done all these _things_, he
+shall not escape.
+
+2 TIM. iii: 3. Truce-breakers--or Covenant-breakers.
+
+
+
+HISTORICAL INTRODUCTION.
+
+
+It is the ineffable product of eternal love, and infinite condescension
+in God toward his rational creatures, that ever he was pleased to make a
+covenant with them, and not to command and require obedience to his holy
+and just will, by virtue of his most absolute supremacy and rightful
+dominion only; but even to superadd sweet and precious promises, as a
+reward of that obedience, which he might of right have required, without
+giving any such incitements or pursuasives to it. And as no tongue of
+men or angels is sufficient to express, no strength of imagination to
+conceive, no sublimity of intellectual faculties to comprehend the depth
+of that spring, and breadth of that ocean of unbounded love, which hath
+exerted itself in God's covenanting with man; yea, with sinful man, by
+means of a Mediator: so shall it always afford matter of wonder and
+admiration to all finite and intelligent beings, to the ages of
+eternity, and shall never be comprehended by any, but by him whose
+understanding is infinite; wherefore He, who is all-sufficient and
+self-sufficient, should invite, yea, press and entreat unworthy indigent
+nothings, the sinful children of men to such an incomparable degree of
+honor, dignity and advancement, as that is, to enter into a covenant
+relation, and come into a solemn treaty of peace and conjunction with
+Him, who is infinitely removed beyond all blessing and all praise. To
+have this invitation, is indeed the honor and privilege of all within
+the visible church, to whose ears the joyful sound of the glorious
+gospel of Jesus Christ hath come; but few are so wise as to accept and
+approve it. Many, too many, account themselves unworthy of this honor,
+and by despising this privilege, and rejecting this dignity, deprive
+themselves of the greatest happiness; but as all nations, upon whom the
+day-star of the gospel hath arisen, have had the invitation to this
+duty, and all sound and real believers have actually participated of
+this honor, to have God making a covenant with them, and they striking
+hands with Him through a Mediator (which covenant is commonly termed the
+_Covenant of Grace_,) so these three kingdoms of Scotland, England and
+Ireland conjunctly, and Scotland by itself, as an independent nation,
+had in an eminent way and manner the honor, above most nations in the
+world, to dedicate and surrender themselves to the Lord, by a most
+voluntary, free and deliberate choice, and to come under the bond of a
+most solemn oath, in a most religious manner, devoting their all to
+Christ, his interest and honor, the flourishing and thriving of his
+kingdom, the success of his gospel, and reformation of his churches; and
+openly avouching him for their Lord and Master, to the honor of his
+name, and confusion of his enemies; which _Covenants National_ and
+_Solemn League_, though we look not upon them to be the same with the
+covenant of grace, yet we conceive of them as a solemn superadded and
+new obligation, tying us to all the duties, as well of a particular
+Christian conversation, as these which tend to the public and national
+advancement of reformation in religion, whereof the covenant of grace is
+the spring and foundation.
+
+These covenants, as they were the effects and consequents of many
+remarkable and signal expressions of divine love and goodness, many
+singular mercies and deliverances vouchsafed to these nations, as the
+return of many earnest prayers and wrestlings of the Lord's people with
+him; so they were the occasions of many blessings, and great indications
+of God's favor and loving-kindness. Then the Lord delighted to dwell in
+the nations; then did he beautify the place of his sanctuary; then did
+he fill his people's hearts with joy and gladness, by the familiar
+intimations of his special love and down pourings of his Spirit's
+gracious influences, as our land can afford many instances. Then did he
+enlarge his people's affections, and animate their spirits with zeal and
+courage, attended with knowledge, prudence and discretion to act for
+him, and advance his kingdom. Then did he illustrate his churches in
+these kingdoms, as bright and sparkling stars arising out of the thick
+clouds of antichristian darkness, and getting out from under Prelatic
+and Erastian yokes of bondage and slavery, and made them go forth as the
+meridian sun glorious and excellent; _terrible as an army with banners_.
+Hence it came to pass that these nations sent out a savory report to all
+the neighboring reformed churches, a report which comforted, revived,
+strengthened, animated and encouraged all the true and loyal subjects of
+Christ's kingdom; which struck terror and amazement to the hearts of his
+enemies; which shook and caused to tremble the pillars of Antichrist's
+kingdom, and disquieted the very foundations of the _seat of that
+beast_; which made malignants at home and abroad to be ashamed and
+confounded, and even forced the haters of the Lord to _feign submission
+to him_. Numberless were the advantages and privileges which did redound
+to these nations by, and were the lovely attendants and sweet
+consequents of, these covenants; whereby God did set to his seal of
+approbation, and gave clear evidence and demonstration of his acceptance
+of his people's cheerful and willing adventures in this duty of
+covenanting with him: and as these blessings and mercies, which, as the
+dew of Hermon, were distilled upon his people's heads and hearts, while
+they abode steadfast with him, and faithful in his covenant were so many
+irrefragable proofs of his acquiescence in their first and laudable
+undertakings; so the many sad and fearful plagues, distractions,
+confusions and miseries, which have attended and followed the many gross
+breaches and violations of these covenants and departures from God, are
+no less evident discoveries, undeniable signs and pregnant convictions
+of the Lord's most just displeasure and indignation with the bypast and
+present courses of revolting and backsliding from him; which courses of
+declension and grievous apostatizing from God and his covenant, all the
+three kingdoms and in special this nation, and every individual therein
+capable of such a work, are, without all controversy, called to bewail
+and confess before God, and by speedy amendment to turn from them, in
+order to avert judgments, and turn away justly impendent wrath and long
+threatened strokes.
+
+The consideration of these blessings and benefits, on the one hand,
+which followed the zealous entering into, and sincere performing of
+these sacred oaths; and upon the other hand the sense we desire to
+retain of the plagues and curses, threatened by God in his word against
+covenant-breaking inflicted upon covenant-breakers in former ages, and
+foreign nations, and visibly impending upon us in these nations, for our
+perfidious dealing in God's covenant; hath moved us a _poor
+insignificant handful of people_, unworthy indeed to be called the
+posterity of our zealous reforming ancestors, though heartily desirous
+to be found adhering to the same standard of doctrine, worship,
+discipline and government to which they adhered, to attempt this solemn
+and weighty duty of renewing (in our capacities and stations) these
+covenant obligations, that we might at least give some discovery of our
+respect to the cause of God, for the advancement and preservation
+whereof these covenants were first entered into, and afterwards again
+and again renewed by our religious progenitors, and by the whole
+representative body of the three kingdoms, who had any zeal for the
+interest of religion. And that we might, for our parts, be in some
+measure instrumental to transmit a testimony for the work of God in our
+land to the succeeding generation. Neither do we want, besides these
+general motives, some special inducements to this undertaking. As 1.
+Because these national covenants, having been nationally broken, and
+their funeral piles erected by wicked and perfidious rulers in the
+capital cities of the kingdom, with all imaginable ignominy and
+contempt, have long lien buried and (almost) quite forgotten under these
+ashes; most people either hating the very name and remembrance of them,
+or at least being ashamed honorably to avouch their adherence to them,
+and afraid to endeavor a vigorous and constant prosecution of the duties
+contained in them: So that it is high time that every one should do his
+utmost towards a reviving of them. 2. Because many openly declare their
+sorrow and grief that ever these covenants should have been entered
+into: malignants calling them a conspiracy, attributing every
+miscarriage of the persons engaged in them to the covenants themselves
+as their native effects; and others, who would take it ill to be called
+malignants, making them the causes of all the tyranny, rapine, bloodshed
+and persecution of the late reigns, as having raised the spleen of the
+enemies of religion, and accounting it safer that they should lie still
+in their graves, than that they should irritate malignants any more by
+their resurrection.[4] Therefore we judge it our duty to renew them,
+that we might evidence, that notwithstanding all these malicious
+calumnies and false consequences cast upon them, we are still of the
+same judgment with our reformers, that they are the most sovereign
+means, under the blessing of God, for the reviving and preserving the
+work of God in the land. 3. Because of the courses that are carried on
+in direct opposition to these covenants; the nations, formerly cemented
+in peace and love in conjunction with truth and righteousness, having
+broken these bonds, and united themselves upon another footing, by the
+late sinful incorporating union: and imposing new oaths in opposition to
+the covenant; such as abjuration, &c. granting license, protection and
+toleration to all the evils abjured in the covenant; as heresies and
+errors in doctrine, superstition in worship, Prelacy and Erastianism in
+government, and overthrowing all good discipline. 4. Because of our own
+sinful miscarriages in, and woful declinings from our covenanted duties,
+our proneness to break covenant with God, and to be indifferent, lax,
+negligent and unsteadfast in the cause and work of God, and to be led
+away with the error of the wicked, and to fall from our steadfastness;
+wherefore we thought it necessary to bind ourselves by a new tie to the
+Lord, and one to another in a zealous prosecution of covenanted duties,
+that the covenant might be as a hedge to keep us from running out into
+the paths of destroyers. 5. We being sincerely desirous and having an
+earnest longing to celebrate the sacred ordinance of the Lord's Supper,
+whereof many had unjustly called us despisers and contemners, and
+finding it to have been the laudable practice of the church of Scotland
+formerly, that all such as were admitted to that holy table should swear
+and subscribe the covenant before their coming thereunto; we judged it a
+fit preparation for our receiving a sacramental confirmation of God's
+covenanted love and favor to us, through our Lord Jesus Christ, that we
+should avouch Him for our God, and testify our adherence to His cause
+and truth, by our renewing our national covenants with Him.
+
+Upon these and the like weighty considerations we resolved to set about
+this solemn and tremendous duty; and being assured that we have no
+sufficiency in ourselves for any such undertaking, after frequently
+imploring the Lord for light and direction, strength and assistance, and
+seeking for ourselves a right way in the performance of the duty, upon
+days of humiliation, both in our private societies and publicly in the
+fields, we did condescend upon the following _acknowledgment of sins_,
+the more to enable us to remember our own and the land's breaches of
+covenant, in our solemn public confession thereof; and did draw up the
+following _engagement to duties_, not to superadd any new oath and
+obligation to the covenants, but only to adjust the articles of the
+covenant to the circumstances of the time, and to explain in what sense
+the covenant binds us against the present evils that are now prevalent
+in the land, and to the contrary duties. As for the covenants
+themselves, we made no material alteration in them, as judging it a work
+more proper for an assembly of divines, or representative body of church
+and state (had they been upright and faithful in this cause) than for
+us, who, as we are called by others in contempt, must own ourselves in
+truth to be, _but a handful of weak and most illiterate people_, and but
+as babes in comparison of the first framers of our covenants; only that
+we might make them in some measure accomodable to the present lamentable
+circumstances, whereinto we are involved by our iniquities, we have
+annotated some few necessary alterations upon the margin, wherein the
+judicious will find that we have in nothing receded from the scope and
+substance of the covenant, but only in the phrase; for instance, where
+the covenant binds to _the defence and preservation of the king's
+majesty and government_, in regard we have no king nor supreme civil
+magistrate so qualified, as God's law and the laudable laws of this
+realm require, to whom we might, for conscience sake, subject ourselves,
+in a consistency with our defending the true reformed religion in all
+its parts and privileges: Therefore, we can only bind ourselves to
+_defend and preserve the honor, authority and majesty of lawful
+sovereigns, or supreme magistrates, having the qualifications aforesaid,
+when God shall be pleased to grant them to us_. Where no judicious
+person will say that there is any substantial alteration as to the
+_matter of the duty_, but only as to the object to whom the duty is to
+be performed; there being none such in being as can justly claim, or to
+whom we may with a good conscience pay such an allegiance.
+
+Having mutually agreed concerning these prerequisites to this sacred
+action, that the same might be orderly gone about, and might not be
+performed in a clandestine way, so as to preclude any upright-hearted
+friends to the covenanted reformation from joining with us in that so
+necessary a duty, there was public intimation made of the design a
+competent space of time before, upon a day of humiliation, and likewise
+upon the Lord's day immediately preceding the work.
+
+As for the particular way and manner, method and circumstances of the
+work, we had not given any narrative of them; but that some, who came
+with an evil eye, to spy out our liberty, for criticizing, not for
+joining or profiting, have in part misrepresented the same, and may
+further do so; therefore, to obviate all such misreports, we have
+thought fit to make this brief relation thereof.
+
+Upon Wednesday, July 23d, those who had the work in design being met
+together, the minister began the day's work with prayer for special
+assistance to attain due preparation, and a suitable frame, throughout
+the whole solemnity: and thereafter had a prefatory discourse to the
+people, showing the nature of the work in general, its lawfulness,
+expediency, and necessity, from scripture precedents and approven
+examples of the people of God, adducing the 9th chapter of Ezra, Neh.
+Ezek. Dan. and Neh. x. 28, 29, for proof thereof; and of the day in
+particular, that it was a day of fasting and supplication, with
+preaching of the word, in order to preparation for the solemnities
+intended, both of renewing the covenants and celebrating the sacrament
+of the Lord's, Supper. After which a part of the lxxviii. Psalm, from
+the 5th to the 12th verse being sung, Mr. John M'Neil, preacher of the
+gospel, had a sermon upon Jer. 1. 4, and 5. "In those days, and in that
+time, saith the Lord, the children of Israel shall come, they and the
+children of Judah together, going and weeping: they shall go and seek
+the Lord their God. They shall ask the way to Zion, with their faces
+thitherward, saying, Come and let us join ourselves to the Lord, in a
+perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten." From which text he
+raised and prosecuted largely, and particularly the two following
+observations, as most pertinent for the work of the day; the first
+implicitly supposed, the other more explicitly asserted in the words;
+viz. 1. That, _a people in covenant with God may be forgetful of and
+deal falsely in their covenant_; or that _covenant-takers may be
+covenant-breakers_. 2. That, _it is the duty of a people who have broken
+covenant with God to engage themselves again to the Lord by the
+renovation of their covenant_. Where in prosecuting the former, he
+showed by what gradual steps of declension a people usually come to deal
+falsely in God's covenant, such as, (1.) By forgetfulness, Deut. iv. 23.
+There being a connexion between forgetting and forsaking, or dealing
+falsely in God's covenant, so the church intimates, Psal. xliv. 17, 18.
+"All this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten thee, neither have
+we dealt falsely in thy covenant; our heart is not turned back, neither
+have our steps declined from thy way." And the returning remnant of
+Israel being sensible of this connexion, resolve to bind themselves to
+the Lord _in a perpetual covenant that may not be forgotten_. (2.) By
+seeking shifts and arguments to elude and evade the obligation of the
+covenant and to defend the breaches thereof; which is after vows to make
+inquiry. (3.) By despising the bond of it; Ezek. xvi. 59. "Which hast
+despised the oath in breaking the covenant." (4.) By defection to the
+iniquities which are sworn and engaged against in the covenant, Jer. xi.
+10. "They are turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, which
+refused to hear my words; and they went after other gods to serve them;
+the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant,
+which I made with their fathers." (5.) By changing the government, laws,
+and ordinances sworn to be maintained in the covenant; either the
+government of the state, without consulting divine direction, and due
+inspection into the qualification of the persons set up, Hos. viii.,
+compare the 1st and 4th verses. "They have transgressed my covenant, &c.
+They have set up kings, but not by me, princes and I knew it not;" that
+is, without consulting me to know my will, and without my approbation
+and consent; or the government of the church, without regard to the
+revealed will of God. Thus, Abijah justly chargeth Jeroboam that he had
+"cast out the priests of the Lord, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites,"
+and that he had "made priests after the manner of the nations of other
+lands;" but encourages himself that he and Judah had the Lord for their
+God, because they had not forsaken him; "and the priests which
+ministered unto the Lord were the sons of Aaron." 2 Chron. xiii. 6, 10.
+(6.) By an entire forsaking and disowning the obligation of the
+covenant, Dan. xi. 30. "He------shall have intelligence with them that
+forsake the holy covenant." (7.) By a stated opposition to the covenant,
+and persecuting of these who adhere thereunto. Thus Elijah justly
+charges Israel, 1 Kings xix. 10, that they had forsaken God's covenant,
+because they had thrown down his altars, slain his prophets, and sought
+after Elijah's life. And in a use of lamentation deduced from the
+foresaid doctrine, he showed, that all ranks in the land had reason to
+mourn over their breach of covenant, in regard that some of all ranks,
+from the throne to the dunghill, in church and state, are, or have been
+guilty of dealing falsely in God's covenant, in all and every one of
+these diverse ways, and of declining from it: and in regard that there
+has been so much ignominy and contempt cast upon these sacred covenants,
+not only by breaking them openly, but also avowedly disowning and
+disdaining their obligation, and making the adherence to them criminal;
+and, which is above all, burning them by the hand of the hangman, and
+burying them so long in forgetfulness. This guiltiness he applied not to
+great persons only, but also to professors, to ministers, and
+particularly to ourselves, who are called dissenters from the present
+establishment; pressing upon us no less than others, the absolute and
+indispensable necessity of being convinced of, and mourning over these,
+not as the sins of others only, but also as our own--we having a chief
+hand in the trespass; pressing upon all present concerned in the work
+the duty of self-examination, and putting themselves to the trial,
+concerning their knowledge of the covenant obligations, both as to their
+nature and extent, as well as their sense of the breaches of these
+obligations.
+
+In the second head of doctrine, viz., _That it is the duty of a people
+who have broken covenant with God, to engage themselves again to him by
+renovation of their covenant_; after proving the proposition by several
+heads of arguments deduced--1st, From the lawfulness of entering into
+covenant with God, whether personal, as Jacob, Gen. xxviii. 20, 21, or
+economical, as Joshua and his family, Josh. xxiv. 15, or national, as
+God brought his people Israel under a covenant with himself, Exod. xix
+5. The consequence holding undeniably, that if it be lawful and
+necessary, in any of these respects, to enter into covenant with God, it
+must needs be also lawful and a duty to renew the same after the breach
+thereof. 2dly, From Scripture precedents of the people of God, who,
+after breaking off and declining from God's covenant, renewed the same.
+As for instance, the covenant made with Israel at Horeb, was renewed at
+the plains of Moab, Deut. xxxix;--by Joshua, chap, xxiv.;--by Asa, 2
+Chron. xv. 13, 14;--by Jehoiada, 2 Kings xi. 17;--by Hezekiah, 2 Chron.
+xxix. 10;--by Josiah, 2 Kings, xxiii. 2;--by Ezra and Nehemiah, Ezra, x.
+3;--Neh. ix ult. and x. 28, 29. 3dly, From Scripture precepts, Deut.
+xxix. 1--"These are the words of the covenant which the Lord commanded
+Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, beside
+the covenant which he made with them in Horeb." Psalm, lxxvi. 11--"Vow,
+and pay unto the Lord your God." 4thly, From Scripture promises, wherein
+the Lord promiseth as a blessing and mercy to his church and people,
+that they should renew their covenant with him, Isaiah xix. 21, 23--25;
+Zech. ii. 11. For further opening of the proposition, these two
+questions were proposed and solved--_First_, Whether all persons who
+have broken covenant with God may be admitted to renew the same?
+_Answer_, All sorts of persons in the three kingdoms are under the
+obligation of the covenant, and consequently, bound to renew and keep it
+inviolable; but all are not in present capacity, and therefore have no
+actual right to enter into covenant: such as are obstinately wicked,
+living in error, profanity, or malignancy, have not God's call and right
+from him, as such, to renew a covenant with him; for, Psal. 1. 16,
+17--"God says to the wicked, What hast thou to do to take my covenant in
+thy mouth?" But all such as are reformed, or reforming from all
+iniquity, and namely from the defections and compliances of the time;
+who have some suitable sense of the breaches, and competent knowledge
+and understanding of the duties engaged unto in the covenant, Neh. x.
+28, have a right and an immediate call to the duty of renewing the
+covenant. 2dly, If any number of people may renew a national oath and
+covenant without the consent and concurrence of royal authority, or at
+least, without the concurrence of some chief and principal men in church
+and state? _Answer_, Without the concurrence of church and state, a
+covenant cannot be taken or renewed nationally, speaking strictly; yet a
+few may publicly declare their adherence to their covenant-engagements
+by renewing them, not only without the consent and concurrence of
+authority, but against it; and there are several precedents for so
+doing, both before and since the established reformation. As for
+instance, that covenant at Edinburgh, Anno 1557; at Perth, 1559; at
+Stirling, the same year; another at Leith, Anno 1560; another at Ayr,
+1562. And at Lanark, a small handful of the Lord's people renewed it in
+direct opposition to, and at Lesmahago, without the consent or
+concurrence of authority; which instances may be both an inducement and
+encouragement to us to renew, and in our mean capacity, to testify to
+the nation our approbation of, and adherence to these covenants.
+
+In the prosecution of this doctrine, he had occasion also to insist upon
+the _reasons_, or _motives_, and _manner_ of entering into covenant. The
+scope and argument of the reasons adduced as motives to the duty of
+covenanting was to this effect:--
+
+1. The turning away of the Lord's wrath and anger from a land, or
+people, which covenant-breaking hath deserved, may be a motive to
+renewing covenant with God; this was the motive that prompted the good
+reforming King Hezekiah to make a covenant with the Lord, 2 Chron. xxix.
+10--"Now it is in mine heart to make a covenant with the Lord God of
+Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away from us." And Nehemiah, with
+the returned captives, Neh. ix. 38--"And because of all this, we make a
+sure covenant."
+
+2. Reviving and advancement in reformation, being the ordinary
+consequent and effect of upright covenanting with the Lord, may be
+another motive and inducement thereunto; this appears both in personal
+and national covenanting--In personal, Psal. cxix. 106--"I have sworn,
+and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments." The
+Psalmist's having sworn, was a very quickening consideration to excite
+him to the performance of his duty. In national covenanting, we always
+find, after the people of Israel and Judah had covenanted with the Lord,
+they made progress in reformation, and the land was purged of
+abominations and idols. Thus it was in Asa's covenant, 2 Chron. xv. 12
+to 19; for there, the people have entered into a covenant with the Lord,
+"and sworn with all their soul, and with all their heart," the Lord was
+found of them; and Asa removed his mother, Maachah, from her royal
+dignity, and stamped the idol which she had made, and burnt it at the
+brook Kidron; and he brought into the house of the Lord the things that
+his father and himself had dedicated. Thus it was also in Jehoiada's
+covenant, which he made "between the Lord, and the king, and the people,
+that they should be the Lord's people," 2 Kings xi. 17, 18, 20; for,
+immediately after the making of his covenant, "all the people of the
+land went into the house of Baal, and brake it down--his altars, and his
+images brake they in pieces thoroughly; and the priest appointed
+officers over the house of the Lord;" and they slew Athaliah with the
+sword. The like is evident in Hezekiah's covenanting, 2 Chron. xxxiv.,
+xxxv. chapters.
+
+3. This upright renewing of covenant with the Lord is a way and mean to
+procure many mercies, both spiritual and temporal, from the hand of the
+Lord; which should be a strong inducement and motive to engage us
+thereunto. Spiritual mercies are entailed upon it, Deut. xxix. 12, 13.
+"That thou shouldest enter into covenant with the Lord thy God, and into
+his oath, which the Lord thy God maketh with thee this day: that he may
+establish thee to-day for a people to himself, and that he may be unto
+thee a God, as he hath said unto thee, and as he hath sworn unto thy
+fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob." Temporal mercies are also
+promised to this upright renewing and keeping covenant, Deut. xxix.
+9--"Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may
+prosper in all that ye do." And, it is remarked, 2 Chron. xv. 15, that
+after Asa's covenant, "the Lord gave them rest round about."
+
+4. The malice and opposition of the Popish, Prelatical, and malignant
+party against the covenants, and their doing what in them lies, to make
+their obligation void and null, may be a motive and argument for the
+people of God so much the more to avouch their respect to them by a
+public adherence, especially after long continued breaches.
+
+5. Upright entering into, or renewing covenant with God, is a most
+sovereign medicine for healing a people's breaches, as well as their
+backslidings, the covenant being a cement, as well to join and unite the
+people of God one to another, as all of them in their duty to God; and,
+as it flows from the nature of the covenant to unite the friends of
+reformation, so it is observable as one of the peculiar fruits of
+covenant-renewing, that union in the Lord has followed thereupon: thus
+it was with Israel and Judah in the text, who united together in making
+a covenant with the Lord. Whence all the people of God, who are called
+to be united and "perfectly joined together in the same spirit, and in
+the same mind;" and especially they who have been lamentably divided one
+from another, by their manifold defections from God, and from their
+covenant-engagements, ought to be strongly inclined, moved, and engaged
+to this duty; from this consideration, the upright covenant-renewing is
+a usual mean of land-uniting and church-uniting dispositions amongst the
+people of God.
+
+As for the manner of renewing covenant with God, and how the duty ought
+to be gone about, he propounded and opened it in the following
+particulars, to this effect:--
+
+1. That it must be done with understanding and judgment, both in
+relation to the nature of the duties we engage to perform in the
+covenant: grossly ignorant persons being justly deprived of the
+privilege of engaging in covenant, though bound to inform themselves of
+its nature and obligation; and also in relation to the breaches, such as
+would engage into it being called to have some suitable sense and
+understanding, both how it has been violated, and by what means persons
+come to be guilty of the breach thereof. So, Neh. x. 28, 29--"Every one
+that had knowledge and understanding entered into the covenant."
+
+2. This duty must be gone about with sincerity and uprightness of heart;
+thus Joshua, when making a covenant with the people, that they should
+serve the Lord, exhorts them--"Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve
+him in sincerity and truth," Joshua, xxiv., compare the 25th verse with
+the 14th. The want of which qualification in covenant-renewing, causes
+unsteadfastness and perfidy in covenant-performing--Psal. lxxviii. 36,
+37.
+
+3. This duty of covenant-renewing requires, as a qualification towards
+the right performing of it, that there be a due consideration, and some
+suitable impression of the solemnity and weightiness of the work: which
+ariseth, partly from the _object_ or _party covenanted with_, the holy
+and jealous God, Joshua xxiv. 19--"He is a holy God, he is a jealous
+God, he will not forgive your transgressions, nor your sins," and partly
+from the _subject matter covenanted, or engaged to_. The articles of the
+covenant of grace, which we have professedly, at last, yielded to in our
+baptism, are weighty; for therein, as God engages to give us himself,
+his Son Christ Jesus, and in him all temporal and eternal blessings; so
+we engaged to be obedient children, and faithful subjects to him all the
+days of our lives. And the articles of these national covenants are
+weighty, for therein we engage to great things relating to the glory of
+God, and the good of our own and other's souls. And, partly, this
+weightiness ariseth from the great _danger and dreadful punishment of
+breaking the covenant_; which is threatened in many places of Scripture.
+The same is also intimated to us in the customs both of the Jews and
+Heathens, in entering into covenant; particularly, we find that the Jews
+used to cut a calf, or some other clean beast, in twain, and pass
+between the parts of it--using this, or the like form of speech, as the
+Jewish doctors relate--"So God divide or separate me, if I keep not this
+covenant." Jer. xxxiv. 18, compared with verse 20--"I will give the men
+into the hands of their enemies who have transgressed my covenant, which
+they had made before me, when they cut the calf in twain, and passed
+between the parts thereof." Nehemiah also, chap. v. 12, 13, when he took
+an oath of the priests, shook his lap and said--"So God shake out every
+man from his house, and from his labour, that performeth not this
+promise," &c. And all the covenanters said--"Amen."
+
+4. Much tenderness and heart-melting is requisite to the right
+performing of this duty. So it was with covenant-renewing Israel and
+Judah, who were "weeping as they went to seek the Lord their God, and to
+make a covenant never to be forgotten." This brokenness of heart, and
+tender-melting frame may arise, both from the consideration of the many
+sins and iniquities whereby persons have provoked the Lord their God to
+anger, whence they come "to be like doves of the valley, every one
+mourning for his iniquity:" and likewise from the consideration of the
+grace and mercy of God, manifested in Christ Jesus, his condescension to
+enter into a covenant with sinful men, and readiness, upon his people's
+repentance, to pardon their former breaches; from the consideration of
+this transcendently free grace, an humble and sincere covenanter will be
+transported into an ecstacy of wonder and admiration; as the church is,
+Mic. vii. 18, 19, 20--"Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth
+iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his
+heritage?" &c.
+
+5. Dependency and recumbency upon the Lord by faith, for strength to
+perform covenant engagements, is requisite to right covenanting, Isa.
+xxvii. 5--"Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with
+me; and he shall make peace with me." This is to "take hold of" God's
+covenant, Isa. lvi. 4.
+
+6. Affection to God and the duties whereunto we engage, is requisite to
+right covenanting, and that in its flower and vigour, height and
+supremacy. Thus, 2 Chron. xv. 12, 15, Asa and the people "entered into a
+covenant, to seek the Lord God of their fathers with all their heart,
+and with all their soul:--And all Judah rejoiced at the oath; for they
+had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire."
+They had an affection to the work, and did it with complacency, not in
+dissimulation, so as not to design to perform it: nor through
+compulsion, with an eye to secular profit or preferment, as many in
+these lands did.
+
+7. It is necessary, in order to right covenanting, that the work be
+gone about with a firm purpose and resolution (through grace enabling
+us) to adhere to our covenant engagements, notwithstanding whatever
+opposition and persecution we may meet with from the world for so doing,
+and whatever difficulties and discouragements may arise from the
+multitude of those, who prove unsteadfast in, or foully forsake their
+covenant. We must stand to our covenant, as it is said of Josiah, 2
+Chron. xxxiv. 32, that "he caused all that were present in Judah and
+Benjamin, to stand to" the covenant, which implies as well a firm
+resolution to perform, as consent to engage, as in the latter part of
+the verse, it is remarked, that "the inhabitants of Jerusalem did
+according to the covenant of God, the God of their fathers;" where
+_doing according to the covenant_ is exegetical of _standing to it._
+David also joins the resolution of performance with swearing; Psal.
+cxix. 106. "I have sworn, and I will perform, that I will keep thy
+righteous judgments."
+
+From the doctrine thus confirmed and explained, he drew this inference,
+by way of information, that seeing it is a people's duty, who have
+broken covenant with the Lord, to engage themselves again to him, by
+renewing their covenant, that it is not arbitrary for us (as many are
+apt to think) to renew, or not to renew our covenant; but that there is
+a plain and positive necessity for our repenting and returning again to
+the Lord, by entering anew into covenant with him, whether personal made
+in baptism, or at the Lord's table, or under affliction and trouble, or
+national vows and covenants entered into by ourselves or our fathers.
+And in a use of lamentation, he bewailed the backwardness of these
+lands, and particularly of this nation, to this duty; in that, now after
+sixty years and upwards of great defections from, and grievous breaches
+of our covenants by people of all ranks; yet there appears so little
+sense of either the obligations or breaches of them, and of a
+disposition to reviving them, even amongst those who not only profess
+some love to the reformation of religion, but even some belief of their
+perpetual binding obligation; and that notwithstanding, as the Prophet
+Isaiah saith, concerning Judah, chap. xxiv. 5, "The earth (or the land)
+is defiled under the inhabitants thereof, because they have transgressed
+the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant;" our
+land having been denied with Popery and Prelacy, and with a flood of
+abomination and profanity, the natural consequent of perfidy, the
+ordinances having been changed, perverted and corrupted, and the
+covenant not only broken, but burnt ignominiously, and the adherence to
+it made criminal; yet, for all this, there has not been a time found for
+renewing them these twenty-three years; and that ministers, at whose
+door it chiefly lay to stir up the land to this work, have many of them
+been as careless as others, waiving and putting off a stumbled and
+offended people, expressing some concernedness for this duty, with these
+and the like pretexts, that it was not a fit time, nor the land in a
+case for it (too sad a truth), but not laboring to get the land brought
+to be in a case and disposition for it, by pressing the obligation, and
+plainly discovering the violations thereof; so that, instead of being
+brought to a fitter condition for this duty, the covenants are almost
+forgotten and quite out of mind, so that the succeeding generation is
+scarce like to know that ever there was a covenant sworn in Scotland.
+And more particularly, that the godly, who are dissatisfied with, and
+dissent from the defections and corruptions of the times, have
+discovered so little concern about the work of reformation, and cause of
+God, which the covenants oblige us to own, defend, and promote. All
+which laxness and remissness is for a lamentation, and ought to be
+lamented and mourned over by the people of God.
+
+In the exhortation, he pressed upon us who are embodied together to
+renew our _covenant-engagements_, by giving an open and public testimony
+of our adherence to the _covenants, national_ and _solemn league_, that
+we should labor to attain a suitable frame, and serious consideration of
+the weightiness, solemnity, and awfulness of the work we were then
+undertaking: enforcing the same by several cogent motives, as namely,
+because in renewing these covenants we are called to remember our
+baptismal and personal vows, whereby we had renounced the devil, the
+world and the flesh, and devoted ourselves to the Lord to be his people;
+which if they were slighted and forgotten, there could be no right,
+acceptable, and comfortable entering into _national covenants._ And
+likewise because of the weightiness of the duties engaged to in our
+_national covenant_, and in the _solemn league_ and _covenant_, which
+he proved to be a covenant that ought to be renewed by us in this nation
+no less than our _national covenant_, in regard it was a religious,
+just, and holy covenant made betwixt God and the three kingdoms, though
+it cannot now be taken in the same consideration and extent, as at the
+first framing it was, viz.: As a league betwixt us and the
+representative body of the kingdoms of England and Ireland: where he
+took occasion to go over the several articles of the covenant, showing
+the nature and weightiness of the duties.
+
+Beside these two more general doctrines which were chiefly insisted
+upon, he observed several others pertinently deducible from the words,
+as first, _That unfaithful dealing in God's covenant will breed distance
+and estrangement from God._ This is implied in the children of Israel
+and Judah seeking the Lord, asking the way to Zion, &c.; their asking
+the way to Zion, importing that they had forgotten the right way of
+worshipping God, and that their sins had made a sad separation between
+them and their God. Secondly, That it is necessary that persons become
+sensible of their sin against God, and of his anger against them, and
+lay these things to heart, that they may be concerned about
+reconciliation with God, and reform their lives. Thirdly, That the
+kindly exercise of repentance in a backsliding people lamenting after
+the Lord, and setting about to renew their covenant with him, hath an
+effectual influence to unite and cement the divided people of God: thus
+in the text the children of Israel and Judah, whom their iniquities had
+long and sadly divided, are uniting together in this desirable frame of
+weeping and seeking the Lord their God, and making a perpetual covenant
+with him. This doctrine he proved and applied briefly as the time would
+permit, both because of its native result from the text, and because of
+his own, and our sincere desire to see a holy union and communion, in
+the way of truth and duty effected by returning to the Lord, and
+renewing the covenant with him, as among all the godly, so especially
+among those that profess their dissent from, and dislike of the corrupt
+courses of the times.
+
+Sermon being ended, after prayer, the covenants were first read
+according to the _Directory for renewing the solemn league and
+covenant_, prescribed by the Act of the General Assembly at Edinburgh,
+6th October, 1648, post meridiem, entitled, _Act for renewing of the
+Solemn League and Covenant;_ and, thereafter, the following
+Acknowledgment of Sins was also read: after which, prayer was made,
+containing a comprehensive confession of the more general heads of the
+foresaid Acknowledgement of Sins; and a part of the 78th Psalm,
+beginning at the 36th verse, was sung; and the minister dismissed the
+congregation with a short reprehension and advice, reproving them for
+their unconcerned carriage and behaviour during the reading of the
+acknowledgment of the breaches of these covenants, which had been first
+entered into at the expense of so much blood and treasure, and confirmed
+and sealed with the blood of many honourable martyrs of all ranks in the
+land; withal, exhorting all present to labour after a heart-melting
+frame for the right performance of the work in hand.
+
+Upon Thursday, July 24th, after singing a part of the 105th Psalm, from
+the 6th to the 12th verse, and prayer--Mr. John M'Millan preached upon
+Isaiah, xliv. 5--"One shall say I am the Lord's: and another shall call
+himself by the name of Jacob: and another shall subscribe with his hand
+unto the Lord, and sirname himself by the name of Israel." Whereupon,
+after the unfolding of the context, and explication of the words,
+showing that they clearly contain an intimation of a covenant relation
+betwixt God and a people, and their avouching of the same upon their
+part; the words seeming to have a reference to the state of the New
+Testament Church, and conversion of the Gentiles, who, being allured by
+the great gospel blessings and mercies bestowed by God upon the Jews, to
+join themselves to the church, should avouch their interest in the
+Messiah and covenant of grace, by taking the Lord for their God, and
+owning themselves to be his people. So that the words may be taken up as
+an answer to such a presupposed question as this, _Whose are you?_ _and
+what is your name?_ To which question, one shall answer, _I am the
+Lord's;_ another, _I am one of old Jacob's family and offspring_;
+another, if you desiderate my name, look the covenant subscriptions and
+you will find it there; another shall say, whatever my name was before,
+_my sirname now is an Israelite_. So sweetly should a shower of gospel
+grace engage the hearts of the New Testament converts to avow their
+covenant relation to the Lord, and glory in their union with his church
+and covenanted people. Having taking up the sense of the words to this
+effect, he deduced from them these two observations:
+
+_1. That the Lord is graciously pleased sometimes to privilege his
+people with very remarkable tokens of his gracious presence._ This
+doctrine is clear from the context, verses 3d and 4th--"For I will pour
+water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground; I will
+pour my Spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring. And
+they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the
+watercourses."
+
+Under this head of doctrine, he gave the following marks to evidence
+whether the present time of renewing our covenant with God was indeed to
+us a time of the Lord's privileging us with his gracious presence--1st,
+That a time of God's privileging his people with his gracious presence,
+and with a shower of gospel grace, is a very inviting and alluring time;
+wherein, as the Lord invites his people to their duty, by engaging their
+hearts and souls, through his Spirit's gracious influences, to fall in
+love with him and his commandments, so they mutually invite one another
+to covenant with God. 2d, That such a time proves a soul-engaging and
+taking time, wherein souls are engaged to fall in love with the
+covenant, and with Christ the Mediator of the covenant, and are taken in
+the net of the gospel. 3d, That a time of the letting out of God's
+gracious presence is ordinarily a time of many sweet and excellent
+resolutions, the people of God resolving to walk more accurately and
+circumspectly in the ways of new obedience. 4th, That this usually is a
+time of ridding marches, and clearing of evidences. 5th, That it is a
+time of many and special confirmations of God's love to the soul. 6th,
+That this time of God's letting out much of his gracious presence to his
+people, is a very uniting and healing time to them amongst themselves.
+Having given these marks, to show whether the Lord were, at the
+occasion, letting out his gracious presence, he added, by way of
+caution, that seeing (no doubt) the people of God would be expecting
+something of all these, upon the undertaking of so great a work; if so
+be that they found it not, they should not thence be induced to have
+hard thoughts of the Lord, and to conclude that he keeps not his usual
+method with his people, or is not so good to them as formerly he hath
+been: for whatever defects there are upon his people's part, there is
+none upon the Lord's, for he remains the same to them, providing they do
+so to him; the change of his dispensations towards his people being from
+the change of his people's deportment towards him.
+
+The Second Doctrine, resulting more directly from the words, was, _That
+the Lord's Spirit poured out in plenty upon his people will quickly
+bring them to an embracing of him, and to a public acknowledgment and
+avouching of the same._ Thus it was with the people of God in the
+text--no sooner does the Lord "pour water upon the thirsty, and floods
+upon the dry ground," even his Spirit upon the spiritual seed of Israel,
+but presently they are at covenanting work and subscribing work; "One
+shall say, I am the Lord's," etc. In prosecuting this doctrine he shewed
+first negatively that he was not for that occasion largely to treat of
+the several ways that the Spirit useth to manage this work of engaging
+the hearts of his people to embrace Christ, and so to make a public
+avouchment of the same; whether he doth it by representing to their
+views the sweet and precious promises made in the covenant of grace,
+thereby sweetly alluring and drawing them with the cords of love to
+himself, or by holding forth to their consciences the terrors and
+threatenings of the law, and thereby powerfully constraining them to fly
+to him as to the city of refuge from the face of Divine Justice pursuing
+them: for seeing the Spirit is a free agent and blows both how and where
+he listeth, he may engage a soul to close with Christ by either of these
+ways, though most usually he doth it by a conjunction and concurrence of
+both. Only this ought to satisfy us, that what way soever the Spirit
+taketh in bringing a soul to embrace Christ upon the gospel terms, he so
+manageth the work as that the end is effectually and infallibly
+attained.
+
+Nor Secondly, Was he to enquire into the measure of the outpouring of
+the Spirit's graces and operations, which is effectual for attaining the
+end, this being one of the deep things of God which the Spirit alone
+searcheth, and therefore is not necessary for us further to know, save
+only that we understand so much to be needful as may serve to empty the
+creature of all confidence in or dependence upon itself, or any other
+creature-helps whatsoever, and bring it to rely upon Christ alone, for
+acceptance with God; so much is necessary, and less cannot be
+sufficient.
+
+Nor Thirdly, Was he to handle the material differences between those who
+are brought really and sincerely to accept, embrace and acknowledge the
+Lord for their Lord, and to avouch the same publicly, which presupposeth
+a mighty power of the Spirit manifested in the sweet impressions which
+he maketh upon the soul, moving them sweetly and readily to comply with
+and yield to Christ without any longer resistance, and these who only in
+semblance and shew profess to avouch Christ to be their Lord, and feign
+submission to him, not from the Spirit's effectual and saving
+operations, but either from carnal and external considerations, or at
+most from the Spirit's common motions and convictions; which differences
+commonly arise from the different natures, motives, manner or ends of
+this their acknowledging and avouching Christ for their Lord, and
+covenanting with Him.
+
+These things, as not so immediately proper for the work in hand, though
+natively involved in the doctrine, being only cleared in transition; he
+came in the second place more positively to insist upon and handle the
+following heads. First, More generally to propose some considerations
+which make such a great work as renewing covenant with the Lord a
+weighty, hard and difficult work. And upon the other hand, to lay down
+some counterbalancing considerations which render such a work more easy
+and light, and may afford matter of encouragement toward the undertaking
+of it. Secondly, More particularly in application to ourselves and the
+work in hand, to lay before those who were resolved to enter into
+covenant with the Lord, what were the things that seemed to speak
+against us in the work, and might prove matter of discouragement in the
+undertaking of it. And what, upon the other side, might speak for us,
+and be ground of encouragement to us to go forward in humble and sincere
+endeavors to renew our covenant with the Lord. Thirdly, To give some
+advices and directions to such as were resolved upon the work. As for
+the first: The considerations which make covenanting work weighty and
+difficult. The _first_ consideration was drawn from the greatness of the
+party to be covenanted with, the great and glorious Jehovah, the
+Creator of the ends of the earth, who is a holy and jealous God, and who
+will not forgive the iniquity of such as are false hearted and
+perfidious in his covenant, obstinately persisting in their false
+dealing; so Joshua premonisheth a people making very fair resolutions
+and promises to serve the Lord, that it was a harder work than at the
+first sight they apprehended; "That they could not serve the Lord, in
+regard he is an holy God, he is a jealous God, and would not forgive
+their transgressions nor their sins; and that if they should forsake the
+Lord, and serve strange gods, then he would turn and do them hurt and
+consume them, after he had done them good," Josh. xxiv. 19, 20. 'Tis a
+part of his name, Exod. xxxiv. 7. _That he will by no means clear the
+(obstinately and impenitently) guilty_.
+
+A _second_ consideration that makes the work of covenanting with God to
+appear a hard and difficult work, was taken from the nature of the work
+itself, which is to serve the Lord in a covenant way, and in the
+capacity of covenanted children, this covenant relation involving in it
+a walk and conversation in all things like the chosen of the Lord; and
+'tis no small matter, so to walk, and so to behave as to be accounted
+worthy of a covenanted union with the Lord and interest in him, this
+covenant relation being confirmed with such awful sanctions, as in
+scripture we find, Neh. x. 29. "They------entered into a curse and into
+an oath, to walk in God's law," &c. This consideration, that covenanting
+work is weighty in its own nature, was further illustrated and amplified
+from the difficulty both of the things to be engaged against, and of the
+things to be engaged unto. As for the former, the things to be engaged
+against, which is sin in all its kinds and degrees, and in all the
+inducements to it, both with reference to ourselves, and also as to
+participation in the sins of others. This must first be put away, if one
+would be a right covenanter. Well did old Jacob understand the necessity
+of this, who being resolved to go up to Bethel, to renew his covenant
+with God, that answered him in the day of his strait, advises his family
+first "to put away the strange gods that were amongst them, and to be
+clean." Gen. xxxv. 2. So David assures us, Psal. xxxiv. 14, that
+departing from evil must precede doing of good. A man that would lift up
+his face without spot in renewing covenant with God, must first "put
+iniquity far away, and not suffer wickedness to dwell in his
+tabernacles," as Zophar advises Job, chap. xi. 14, 15. They that would
+take on with a new master must be fairly parted from the old, there is
+no way of pleasing both Christ and mammon, and therefore no possibility
+of serving both; whence the nature of covenanting work requires, that
+there be an upright putting away of all sin; for if the soul have any
+secret reserves in favor of a beloved sin, it has no ground to think
+that Christ will accept it, as his covenanted spouse and bride. Nor is
+this all, but 2dly, it must be mourned over and truly bewailed,
+especially upon the account of the offence done to a gracious God
+thereby; which sorrow must not be of an ordinary sort, but an
+extraordinary and most intense sorrow, for it cannot be an ordinary kind
+of sorrow, provided it be in any suitable measure proportioned to the
+offence. And 3dly, which follows upon the former, there must be a
+"loathing of the person's self because of these its ways and doings that
+have not been good in his sight," Ezek. vi. 9, even to that degree as to
+fill the soul with wonder and astonishment, that ever it should have an
+occasion of renewing covenant with God again. 4thly, There must be a
+sincere and hearty resolving against all sins, consequent upon this
+loathing; the soul saying with a steady purpose, "if I have done
+iniquity I will do so no more," Job xxxiv. 32.
+
+2dly, As to the latter, the things engaged unto render the nature of
+covenanting work difficult and weighty, which are duties of various
+kinds, such as, 1st, Holiness towards God, which is one special and
+chief part of the covenant, and that not for a time only, but for ever;
+both in regard that God, the party covenanted with, is holy and
+unchangeably so, and calls his people to imitate him in this attribute
+especially; and also in regard that the covenant itself is for its
+nature holy, all the articles being morally good and consonant to the
+royal law, the scriptures of truth; and for the extent of its duration,
+of perpetual force and obligation. This duty of holiness towards God,
+engaged to in the covenant, comprehends in it a zealous endeavor to
+maintain the purity of the doctrine, worship, discipline and government
+of his institution, in opposition to all those who would corrupt it, or
+decline from it. 2d, Righteousness towards our neighbor, and more
+especially to our covenanted brother; which righteousness should
+discover itself both in reference to sin and duty, by reproving him for
+sin; or upon his rejecting reproof, by withdrawing from him, that he may
+be ashamed, and so come to be reclaimed from his evil course; and by
+affording him all that help and assistance to covenanted duties, that
+may be warrantably called for, and generally by uprightness towards him
+in all our transactions and dealings of any kind. 3d, Faithfulness
+towards our nation, which comprehends a constant endeavor to advance and
+promote in our station the common good thereof; and a stedfast
+opposition to the courses that tend to take away the privilege of the
+same. 4th, Uprightness towards ourselves, in everything relating to the
+real good of our own souls and bodies; by walking in all the duties of
+soberness, temperance, and moderation; for as others are to have their
+due, so ourselves are not to be neglected.
+
+A _third_ consideration, whereby the duty of renewing covenant with God
+appears to be difficult and weighty, was deduced from _the manner and
+way of engaging_; whereunto several things of great difficulty to be
+attained were showed to be absolutely necessary, as, 1st, _Judgment_, to
+know, and in some measure comprehend, the nature of the duties to be
+engaged to, and the advantages flowing from the right entering into, and
+keeping of the covenant, and the losses redounding to the breakers
+thereof. 2d, _Seriousness_, which, if ever it be in exercise, will
+certainly then be most lively, when the soul is entering upon a work of
+so high import, as making a covenant with God; for then the creature has
+one of two things to look for, either covenant blessings, or covenant
+curses, according as it performs or not performs the tenor of the
+covenant. 3d, _Deliberation_; rashness in covenanting is of dangerous
+consequence: 'tis not the example of others only, nor raw flashes of
+conviction or love, nor external considerations, as gain, honor, men's
+approbation, &c., that must induce to this duty; but a fixed permanent
+purpose of heart and soul, rationally and deliberately entered into.
+4th, _Heart-integrity_, That it be done with all the heart, 2 Chron. xv.
+15, for the man brings himself under a curse, that "having a male in his
+flock, sacrificeth to the Lord a corrupt thing." Mal. i. 14.
+
+A _fourth_ consideration, from whence the work of covenanting comes to
+be a difficult and hard work, was deduced from the _way and manner of
+performing_ the duties engaged to; which is (as 'tis expressed in the
+covenant) with sincerity, reality, and constancy; the difficulty of
+attaining to these qualifications in the performance of covenant-duties,
+arising partly from the strength of corruption within, the law of sin
+and death, which opposes the law of God; and partly from the strength of
+snares and temptations from without; which requires, that (as becomes
+covenanted children) there be a daily recourse to Jesus Christ, for
+light to discover, and strength to overcome these corruptions and
+temptations; and life, that the soul turn not dead and insensible under
+them.
+
+A _fifth_ consideration, from whence the difficulty of covenanting with
+God is sometimes heightened, was taken from _the meanness of such as
+attempt the work_. When the great ones, the nobles that are called _the
+shields of the earth_, do not afford their authority and patrociny, as
+an encouragement to the undertaking; and when the wise and learned will
+not employ their learning, parts, and abilities for the facilitating
+thereof; but the mean and weakest are left to do the work alone. This
+was no small difficulty and discouragement to the Tekoites, in their
+building and repairing the wall of Jerusalem, "That their nobles put not
+their necks to the work of their Lord." Neh. iii. 5.
+
+A _sixth_ consideration, which may sometimes render such a work hard and
+difficult, was drawn from _the want of the concurrence of civil
+authority; and the opposition made thereunto by the laws of the land_;
+which, when it happens to be the case of a people designing to renew
+national engagements cannot but be a very difficult and discouraging
+ingredient amongst others in their cup.
+
+On the other hand, these counterbalancing considerations were adduced,
+which are as so many props and pillars to support his people, and to
+allay the difficulties of the duty of entering into covenant with God,
+and to make it the more light and easy. 1st, _That the work is the
+Lord's_, and he is greatly concerned in it; and, therefore, his people
+may safely lean to him for help, he having enacted no law against it, as
+men have. 2d, That _he looks not upon his people in such undertakings,
+as in themselves_, for then it were impossible for creatures, having
+the least sinful imperfection in them, to covenant with their spotless
+Creator, and come so near a jealous God, who is a consuming fire to the
+workers of iniquity; _but he considers his people in their covenanting
+with him, as in their head, Christ, his eternal Son_; whence we may
+safely say, That our national covenant wants not a Mediator more than
+the covenant of grace, in this sense, as it is through him we have
+access to make this covenant with God. 3d, That _the Lord has promised
+his presence to his own work_; thus we find through the whole of the
+covenants made, and renewed by the people of Israel and Judah, that the
+Lord discovered his gracious presence with them, by some remarkable
+effect of his goodness. Thus it is remarked of Hezekiah, that after he
+had entered into covenant, "That the Lord was with him, and he prospered
+whithersoever he went forth," 2 Kings xviii. 7, compared with 2 Chron.
+xxix. 10. 4th, That _the Lord puts none of his people to any piece of
+his work upon their own proper expense and charges, but upon his own_;
+and whatever complaints his people may have of want of necessary
+charges, he both has wherewith to supply them, and has undertaken to
+make it actually forthcoming for them, having commanded his people to
+open their mouths wide, and he has promised to fill them. 5th, That the
+covenant has a greater entail of blessings, than what will sufficiently
+compensate whatever expense and pains a people may be at, in undertaking
+and performing it. In regard, that though a Christian should lose all,
+yea, even life itself, upon the account of it, yet the covenant will
+bring in all with advantage to a hundred fold, and glory to the
+overplus, when it is duly observed. 6th, That _the undertakers have
+God's call and commandment to set about it_; this is that which, above
+all other considerations, inspires a Christian with undaunted courage
+and alacrity in the undertaking of a duty, when it is made clear that
+the person has God's call and command for a warrant; otherwise the want
+of this may make the duty to be heartlessly and doubtingly entered upon,
+and lamely performed.
+
+Seeing, therefore, that sometimes a work may be the Lord's, and yet the
+Lord's call to such a particular person, or people to undertake it, may
+be wanting; he came necessarily (which was the _second_ head proposed)
+to enquire, what were the several things that might seem to speak
+against us, as not having this call from the Lord, and what were the
+things that spake for us, and might give us matter of encouragement in
+undertaking the work before us.--In solution of which the following
+considerations were proposed.
+
+1st, As to the things that might seem to speak against us: 1st, _Our
+darkness_, not whether covenanting be a duty, but in regard of the want
+of right apprehensions of the nature and greatness of the duty, which
+cannot be a sufficient ground to neglect the duty, unless there were
+some duties from which a Christian is exeemed and that this is one of
+them, which indeed will not be found in the whole Bible. 2d, _Our want
+of a frame suitable for the greatness and weightiness of the work_,
+which speaks sadly against us, but is not to be a ground to neglect the
+duty, we being commanded to look to the God of the covenant for it.
+
+Upon the other hand, the things which seemed to speak for us, and yield
+matter of encouragement, that not only the work was the Lord's, but also
+that we had his call to the same, were, 1st, The many, palpable, plain,
+and open breaches of these covenants, are a loud call to renew them. 2d,
+The undervaluing account that the nations have made of them, is a call
+to all such as have any respect to the sacred name of the Lord invocated
+in these covenants, to do their utmost to vindicate them from that
+disgrace, by showing how high a price and value they put upon them. 3d,
+The lands enacting the perpetual banishment of these covenants, and
+imposing oaths contrary and opposite to them; which brings double
+perjury upon the nation, both by disregarding and omitting the
+performance of this just, lawful, and commendable covenant, and by
+making unjust, sinful and hateful covenants, for opposing the growth and
+success of Christ's kingdom, even the reformation of these many abuses
+that have corrupted the holy religion of his institution: And perjury
+drawing wrath after it, as a native and necessary fruit consequent; they
+that would stand in the gap, to turn away national wrath, cannot
+otherwise make up the hedge, that the land should not be destroyed, but
+by renewing and keeping national covenants. 4th, That so many are
+speaking against them everywhere, accounting them a conspiracy against
+royal authority, a popular combination for advancing private ends and
+interests under the cloak of religion, or at least unnecessary and
+unprofitable for the end intended by them, binding to things of such a
+heterogeneous nature, as renders the keeping of them, and keeping within
+the sphere of our own activity and station, inconsistent and impossible,
+and such things as whereof we now have no occasion, and the like; which
+is a loud call to us, or any that retain other thoughts of their nature
+and ends, than the generality do, to speak for them; which cannot be
+done more fitly, honorably, nor conspicuously any other way, than by
+renewing and observing them. 5th, The practice of the godly in such a
+juncture of time, as what ours appears to be, is a call and encouraging
+consideration to set us upon this work: the godly usually in times of
+great defection from the purity and power of religion, and corruption of
+the ordinances of God's worship, set about renewing their covenant,
+thereby to prevent covenant curses, and procure covenant blessings; as
+we find both in scripture record, 2 Chron. xv. 12, 13; xxix. 10; xxxiv.
+30, 31; Ezra x. 3, and in our own ecclesiastic history. And the practice
+was justified by the success, for the most part terminating in some
+reviving and reformation. 6th, The time being come to such a crisis,
+that such as would keep the word of Christ's patience cannot any longer
+do it in a distinguishing way from those that are covenant-breakers, but
+by renewing covenant, and thereby making a test and trial of the
+well-wishers to the covenanted interest in the land, is a call to set
+about this work: in former times the godly held fast this their
+profession, by suffering for their adherence to covenanted duties,
+resisting unto blood, striving against the sin of covenant-breaking;
+whereas now our call seems to be more clear to do it, by renewing those
+covenant-obligations. 7th, The covenants themselves have, as it were, a
+loud voice to call us, and all who own their obligation, to set about
+renewing of them; they call by the justness and intrinsic goodness of
+the matter, which is of binding force by virtue of the law of God, prior
+to any covenant-tie, and by the holiness and excellency of the end, to
+wit, the reformation and preservation of religion. Yea, the covenant
+seems to say to us, and to every true hearted son of the church of
+Scotland, as Job said in another case, "Have pity upon me, O my
+friends," &c. So says the covenant: Have pity upon me, all ye that have
+any respect for me, for church and state have forsaken me.
+
+The _third_ thing proposed was to give some advices and directions for
+right managing the duty intended. The scope and substance whereof
+briefly follows:
+
+1st, Such as would make a covenant with God aright, so as the same may
+never be broken nor yet forgotten, must labor to know if they be in good
+terms with the God of the covenant, and with the Mediator of the
+covenant; if they sincerely closed with the terms, and acquiesced to the
+proposals of the covenant of grace; this personal and particular
+acceptance of Christ in the new covenant being the only fountain of
+acceptable entering into national covenants. Hence it concerns all that
+would be right Covenanters, to search and see how it may be betwixt God
+and them, because 'tis but a profanation of the covenant to have the
+hand and tongue at it, and the heart from it: a well informed head
+without a reformed heart is not sufficient: a good opinion and liking of
+the covenant without a heart and affection to the covenant avails
+nothing in God's sight.
+
+2d, Such as would rightly renew covenant with God, must be well resolved
+concerning the motives leading them to covenant; which motives must
+neither arise wholly from without, nor yet wholly from within, for if
+these motives arise wholly from without, it discovers a great deal of
+treachery in the persons covenanting, as not beginning at the heart, not
+duly considering the inward case of the soul, but being moved from some
+external considerations, as a name amongst men, or affectation of zeal
+for public concerns, or such like; if they arise wholly from within it
+betrays much weakness and lowness of spirit, as not being able at the
+same time both to have a concern about the inward frame of the heart,
+and eternal state and condition of the soul, and likewise a zeal for the
+public good of the nation, and thriving of the work of God and kingdom
+of Christ. Both which interests ought to be in their due proportion
+before the eyes of a sound and real Covenanter; a right engager in
+covenant must be moved thereto, both from a due sense of the strength
+and power of corruption within, and also from the consideration of the
+lowness of God's work through defection without.
+
+3d, A right covenanter must be well resolved concerning the terms of
+the covenant; that it excludes all coming and going, according to the
+revolutions of the times, and the ebbing and flowing of worldly
+interests: One that has given up his name to the Lord in covenant, and
+called himself by the name of Israel, must not, like the Samaritans, be
+an Israelite only in the time of Israel's prosperity, but he must be one
+in adversity too: The things engaged to in the covenant being of an
+everlasting and permanent duration, in their nature, must be lasting
+also in their observation.
+
+4th, A right renewer of covenant must be well resolved anent the cost
+and expense of steadfast keeping of covenant. This should be first
+counted and deliberately resolved upon before engaging, lest after
+persons have engaged they want sufficiency to finish and fulfil the
+undertaking; and the Wise man assures us, it is better not to vow, than
+to vow and not pay. The covenant may come to require the cost both of
+doing and suffering to finish it: there must, therefore, be a resolving
+upon both, before engaging.
+
+5th, A right covenanter must be well resolved concerning the separating
+nature, and the uniting tie and bond of the covenant, for as it
+distinguished between friends and foes, so it unites covenanters amongst
+themselves in duties, interests, and concerns. So that they become one
+society, having an identity of common duties and privileges, common
+crosses and rejoicings; and must rejoice together and weep together.
+
+He closed the Sermon with a two-fold advice or exhortation, to two sorts
+of persons.
+
+1st, To those who had some good opinion of, and some love for the
+covenant, but yet were not resolved to join in covenant with us, because
+of many entanglements in a world; some estate, farm, or place of
+employment would be forfeited thereby; and hence, though the covenant
+be, in their opinion, a lawful and commendable engagement, yet not for
+them; they are in a course inconsistent with it, and could not be
+otherwise without foregoing some worldly accommodation. Those he advised
+to consider the matter duly; not to engage without a resolution to
+forsake all interests that might interfere with covenanted duties; for
+to engage in the covenant, and yet to walk in a course opposite to it,
+would be exceedingly sinful; but to labour rather after old Jacob's
+spirit and disposition, who looked to and trusted in the God of the
+covenant when he had nothing else to look to--no outward encouragement,
+Gen. xxxii. 10--He had but his staff in his hand when he passed over
+Jordan, and the Lord made him to return with two bands. For, if a person
+could attain Jacob's spirit, name and sirname would be lovely in their
+eyes, covenant and covenanting.
+
+2dly, To those who had put their hands to many sinful covenants in
+opposition to this covenant, and such as being in a natural and
+unrenewed state, in league with sin and Satan, and in covenant with hell
+and death. Those he advised and earnestly obtested to break all their
+sinful covenants, to loathe and abhor them, and be humbled for them: and
+to come and fall in with this covenant, to say in sincerity that whereas
+other lords have had too long dominion over them, henceforth they would
+make mention only of the name of the Lord as their Lord; and that their
+name should henceforth be _Jacob_, and their sirname _Israel_, and to
+sign and seal the same with their oath and subscription. This
+exhortation he enforced by the several calls to the work mentioned
+before, and by the two following motives: 1st, Because right entering
+into, and steadfast keeping of this covenant is the way to a holy life,
+and a holy life tends to make a holy nation; for, if we would observe
+this covenant sincerely, uniformly, and constantly, we could never be an
+unholy, and consequently, never an unhappy people; but it should be
+written as a motto upon our walls and gates, JEHOVAH SHAMMAI, _the Lord
+is there._ 2d, Because the entering rightly into and due observance of
+this covenant would be our strength in the midst of all perplexing
+thoughts, whether arising from inward corruptions, or from outward
+temptations or dangers; the covenant yielded more satisfaction to David
+when dying than a royal diadem, a melodious harp, a puissant army,
+strong cities, a numerous offspring, or any earthly comforts could do,
+when, 2 Sam. xxiii. 5, he supports himself with this, That "though his
+house was not so with God," yet He had made with him "an everlasting
+covenant, well-ordered in all things, and sure." The keeping of this
+covenant had been to our nation a Samson's lock, whereby we should have
+been able to oppose all our enemies; whereas the breach of it hath
+opened a door to all sorts of enemies to creep in amongst us, and hence
+is verified that which the Lord has threatened his people with for
+their breach of covenant, Deut. xxviii. 44, that the enemy shall be the
+head, and his people the tail.
+
+Sermon being closed by prayer, the Acknowledgment of Sins was again
+read, as preparative to the engaging part; and the minister, in the
+first place, admonished all such as were guilty of such public steps of
+defection as are confessed in the Acknowledgment, to make full and free
+confession thereof before the congregation, with such a due sense of,
+and sorrow for these public sins, as might evidence a hearty design of
+abandoning them and of adhering more closely to covenanted duties, which
+accordingly many did, both with respect to the perjurious oaths of the
+late times and defections of the present.
+
+Because many have made a handle of this, above any other part of the
+action, to reproach and render the whole of the work contemptible,
+calling it Jesuitic superstition, enthusiasm, advancing our own
+confessions into the room of Christ's satisfaction, and expecting pardon
+upon the score of superficial public acknowledgments:--therefore, to
+vindicate this part of the work from such groundless calumny, we desire
+it may be adverted. 1st, That this is a commanded duty, that such as
+have violated the law and commandments of God, and being guilty of false
+and unfaithful dealing in his covenant, should unfeignedly confess their
+iniquity, which, if they do, God is faithful and just to forgive. 2d,
+That according to the nature of the offence, as the same has been acted
+secretly or publickly, and is of a secret or public nature and concern,
+so it ought to be confessed. If the offence be in its nature and way of
+perpetration a secret sin, known only to God and the person's own
+conscience, secret repentance sufficeth: nor can the church require any
+thing else, in regard such sins come not within the sphere of her
+cognizance;--but if the sin be public and national, or only personal,
+but publickly acted, so as the same has been stumbling, scandalous, and
+offensive to others; then it is requisite, for the glory of God and good
+of offended brethren, that the acknowledgment be equally public as the
+offence. These are _first principles_ that will not need to be proved,
+but may be taken for granted. But, 3dly, To make it appear that it is
+consonant to the practice of the godly to make public confession of
+national backsliding, we will advance two or three Scripture instances.
+Joshua, chap. vii. 19, compared with verse 11, commands Achan, who had
+broken God's covenant which he commanded Israel, and so brought upon the
+whole nation the Lord's anger, that he would give glory to God, by
+making confession to him. Whence it appears, that such sins as are
+national in their consequences, and bring national judgments upon a
+people, ought to be publickly confessed for turning away these
+judgments, and vindicating the honour of the Supreme Lawgiver, Ezra x.
+1,2--"Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping, and
+casting himself down before the house of God, there assembled unto him
+out of Israel a very great congregation of men, women, and children: for
+the people wept very sore." Verse 2d, And Shechaniah the son of Jehiel,
+one of the sons of Elam, answered and said unto Ezra, We have trespassed
+against our God, and have taken strange wives of the people of the land.
+Verse 3d, Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God, to put away
+all the wives, and such as are born of them. Verse 10, And Ezra the
+priest stood up and said unto them, Ye have transgressed and taken
+strange wives, to increase the trespass of Israel. Verse 11, Now
+therefore make confession unto the Lord God of your fathers, and do his
+pleasure. Verse 12, Then all the congregation answered, and said with a
+loud voice, As thou hast said, so must we do." Neh. ix. 1--"Now, in the
+twenty and fourth day of this month, the children of Israel were
+assembled with fasting and with sackclothes, and earth upon them. Verse
+2d, And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and
+stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers.
+Verse 3d, And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the
+law of the Lord their God, one fourth part of the day, and another
+fourth part they confessed and worshipped the Lord their God." Acts xix.
+18--"And many that believed came, and confessed, and showed their
+deeds."
+
+These Scripture examples, as we conceive, do sufficiently evince, that
+such public confession, for the substance of it, is not only expedient,
+but also necessary for such as would renew their covenant with God. As
+for some circumstances of the manner thereof, neither are we to
+vindicate them, nor can they justly be charged upon the whole of those
+who made those confessions; far less upon the minister, who, though he
+exhorted such as were guilty of scandalous defection, to glorify God by
+a public confession, yet obliged none thereunto _authoritatively_: and
+such as confessed the sin of their thoughts, or any other sins not
+scandalous or offensive to others; he exhorted to be serious in mourning
+over these things secretly before the Lord; but withal told them that
+these things are not the subject matter of such a public acknowledgment.
+Such as were unconcerned in their confessions, and seemed rather to do
+it from the examples of others, than from a real and deep sense of their
+guiltiness before God (as it must not be dissembled, there were too
+many,) he exhorted to attain a sense of the things confessed, and posed
+their consciences, whether they were convinced of what they pretended to
+confess. If any was so ignorant and weak in their apprehensions of the
+nature of right repentance and justification, as to put their
+acknowledgment of sin in the room of Christ's satisfaction, and to rely
+thereupon for peace and acceptance with God, as it is alleged they did,
+it must be owned that they wofully erred in a matter of the highest
+consequence: but to affix this either upon all in general, or upon any
+particular person by name, is against the law of charity, and a judging
+of the heart, which is not obvious to man, but only to God, and so an
+usurping of God's prerogative; wherefore it appears, that the objecting
+of these and other such like things against this duty, is the effect of
+an impotent malice, and passion against the whole design of the work,
+which is too shrewd an evidence of a malignant spirit.
+
+Whereas, some have taken occasion to pass injurious reflections upon the
+minister, because he made confession and acknowledgment of his own
+personal miscarriage; as though he did it with design to please the
+people, and to excite them to make confession of the things whereof they
+had no due sense, and that he should have proposed himself, as an
+example to the people; therefore, to discover the falsehood of such
+reports, we must declare plain matter of fact upon this head. The
+minister did indeed acknowledge his own iniquities in general, with
+others, and also particularly at the entry of the work; but without any
+design to please party or person; but only for the glory of God as
+himself declared, which if any shall say was but hypocritical
+self-seeking, we must remit them to the apostle's interrogation, to
+prepare an answer, _Who art thou, O man, that judgest?_ Neither did he
+say that he did it to be an example to others, though, even in that
+case, he had not been to be blamed, seeing the best of God's saints, in
+public employment in church and state, have done the like in public
+assemblies, as Josiah, Ezra, Nehemiah, in sacred record, and in our
+church history, the Rev. John Davidson, who, at the renewing of the
+covenant, March 30th, 1596, not only exhorted the brethren of the
+ministry to a serious confession of their sins, but did also make
+confession of his own, and excited the rest by his example, as is
+related by Mr. Calderwood in his history of the church of Scotland, page
+317. Wherefore, seeing he has the command of God, and the most eminent
+of his saints for his warrant and precedent, he may be perfectly
+unconcerned, what are the constructions that such persons as are
+indifferent either about national sins or judgments do put upon this
+action,
+
+The Acknowledgment of Sins being read, the minister prayed, confessing
+therein the sins which had been publicly confessed in the said
+Acknowledgment, and begging assistance to know and do the duties engaged
+unto, then the Engagement to Duties was likewise read in the audience of
+the congregation; where he showed that the design of these engagements
+was to accommodate the covenants to our case and circumstances. And
+advised the mixed multitude to beware of entering into the covenant,
+unless they were duly resolved concerning the performing of the same,
+according as our fathers understood it, as the same was explained and
+applied to the present condition of things in these engagements. After
+which the minister having prayed for the gracious presence and
+assistance of the divine Spirit, to enable us both to engage and
+perform; commanding those who were to renew their covenant to stand
+upright, and hold up their right hands, he proceeded to the
+administration of the oath, causing the people to elevate their hands at
+the end of each article. The covenants being renewed, the minister
+addressed himself to those that had entered into covenant to this
+purpose. Now, you who have renewed your covenant with God must not
+imagine that you may sit down upon your performance and rest yourselves
+as though your work was perfected and finished; nay, but you must
+consider with yourselves that now it is but beginning; your race is
+before you, the greatest, part of the work is before your hand:
+covenanting is relative to performing; you must, therefore, meditate
+upon, and ponder your engagements more now than before; for now you have
+put a new bond upon your souls, to walk with God in all the ways of new
+obedience. In order therefore to your performing, as you have
+undertaken, I would put you in mind of several particulars, which you
+must have much and frequently upon your hearts, and before your eyes.
+
+1st, You must know that a holy life is what becomes Covenanters; it is
+not holiness in name, show and appearance, but holiness in reality, in
+truth and substance, that must be interwoven with all your actions and
+duties; though others should not look to conscience, yet you must;
+though others slight and neglect religion, you must by no means do it;
+you must put on a Joshua's generous and holy resolution, "That whatever
+others do, you and your house will serve the Lord." You must consider
+upon it, that well-set speeches concerning the covenant, is not what you
+are principally to study, but well-set hearts; you must shake off
+laziness as well as hypocrisy.
+
+2d. You must be very regular in your walk; an uniform conversation in
+the way of holiness is that which greatly adorns a Christian, and
+consequently, a Covenanter. And if you endeavor such a regular course of
+life, you will not shape yourselves according to the company you fall
+into. As some have a religion for every company, so they have one for
+man and another for God, and will be more careful and afraid lest their
+hypocrisy be discovered by men, than they are afraid to be made manifest
+to the Lord. But so it must not be with you who have renewed your
+covenant with the Lord: you must be the same in the closet as in the
+public assembly, and have a greater regard to the eye of Jehovah, and
+the answer of a good conscience, than the approbation of fellow
+creatures.
+
+3d, You mast be careful to perform all things which you have engaged to,
+within your sphere and station, but must not go without it: God is _a
+God of order_, and as he hath placed the stars in their proper orbs for
+the order and ornament of the universe, so hath he assigned to
+Christians their diverse stations, for the beauty, order, and union of
+the Church; Christ, the Captain of salvation, hath marshalled his
+soldiers into rank and file, and it were a disordering of his army if
+any should break their ranks.
+
+4th, You must slight no opportunity of pursuing the ends of your
+covenant; whatever it may cost you when the occasion offers, suffering
+must not deter you from it; and if the times be such now as spare both
+your persons and purses, yet you must not be sparing in your prayers for
+the reviving of the work of God in the land, which is the very end of
+covenanting.
+
+5th, You must be careful that you do not forget the covenant; forgetting
+(as you heard before) is a step towards forsaking, and, therefore, you
+must endeavour to have the covenant nearer to you than the Israelites
+had it--they had it written upon the posts of their doors, you must have
+it written upon the tables of your hearts.
+
+6th, You must evidence a great deal of cheerfulness and patience under
+your crosses, which may occur to you for your adherence to this your
+covenant; you must neither weaken your own hands in the discharge of
+covenanted duties, by drooping and discouragement under these crosses,
+nor stumble others, by repining at these losses, or by any carriage and
+deportment under them that may import your repenting of what you have
+now done. And because you are impotent and weak in yourselves,
+therefore,
+
+7th, You must see that faith be in exercise in all your performances of
+covenanted duties. If this be wanting you will perform nothing to
+purpose, "for without faith it is impossible to please God." By this
+grace you must keep up acquaintance with Christ, and have frequent
+recourse to him, both for cleansing you from your defilements, when you
+break the covenant, and for strength to perform what you are obliged to
+by covenant; both for recovering grace, to raise you up when fallen, and
+for preventing grace, to preserve you from falling or relapsing again.
+
+8th, That you may be the more active and vigilant in keeping covenant,
+you must labor to maintain a constant fear of breaking it, and have a
+fixed impression of the tremendous threatening denounced against
+covenant-breakers; and you must know that all are such in God's account,
+who satisfy themselves with the form of godliness, denying the power
+thereof. For this end read and ponder these and the like scriptures.
+
+Lev. xxvi. 25, "And I will bring a sword upon you, that shall avenge the
+quarrel of my covenant, and when ye are gathered together within your
+cities, I will send the pestilence among you: and ye shall be delivered
+into the hand of the enemy." Neh. v. 13--"So God shall shake out every
+man from his house, and from his labor, that performeth not this
+promise; even thus be he shaken out and emptied." Jer. xi. 3, "Cursed be
+the man that obeyeth not the words of this covenant, which I commanded
+your fathers in the day that I brought them forth from the iron
+furnace." Ezek. xvii. 15, "Shall he prosper? shall he escape that doth
+such things? or shall he break the covenant and be delivered?" Verse 18,
+"Seeing he hath despised the oath, by breaking the covenant, when lo, he
+had given his hand, and hath done all these things, he shall not
+escape." Verse 19th, "Therefore, thus saith the Lord God, as I live,
+surely mine oath that he hath despised and my covenant that he hath
+broken, even it will I recompense upon his own head."
+
+The minister having given these exhortations, closed the day's work with
+prayer, and singing a part of the ciii. Psalm from the 17th to the 19th
+verse. And having intimated the time of meeting for more immediate
+preparation for the _holy communion_, putting the people in mind to be
+preparing for the work, by fervent prayer and supplication, joined with
+serious and upright self-examination, he dismissed the congregation
+after the usual form.
+
+This true and unbiassed account of the work in its design, progress and
+issue we have given, not to pre-occupy false reports only, which we
+cannot rationally suppose an entire freedom from, unless we fall in with
+the opposers of our covenanted reformation, and to purchase the good
+opinion and commendation of men at the rate of losing the favor of God.
+The main end of relating some of the more material heads, scope and
+argument of the _sermons_ is because there are some things handled in
+them which behoved to have been inserted in this _preface_, to clear up
+our motives and call to the work, which could not be better done than as
+the same was cleared then to the people. And this brief relation,
+though falling short of the matter then delivered, may serve to bring
+things to the memories of those that found sweet satisfaction in hearing
+them in the public. As for what may be the observations of censorious
+critics, either _of the sermons_ in particular, or of the _work_ in
+general, we are perfectly unconcerned about them, seeing we equally
+value their approbation or disapprobation; providing true matter of fact
+be not misrepresented, and so truth injuriously wronged. Nor are we
+willing here to make any observation of our own concerning the issue and
+on-carrying of the work, though all the godly there present ought to
+observe the Lord's gracious assistance and favor (so far as they found
+the same afforded to themselves, or displayed in others), lest we may
+either be in danger to diminish the grace of God by complaining, or
+incur the suspicion of self-flatterers by commending, but shall leave it
+to the judgment of such as were then present, and the candid
+interpretation of others that may read this preceding account thereof.
+
+There have been many objections made against the _design, matter_ and
+_form_ of the _covenants_: more against subjects covenanting to defend
+the purity and promote the reformation of religion, without the royal
+concurrence of their sovereign princes; most of all against private
+persons entering into covenant, or renewing thereof, for the said end
+without the general concurrence of the representative body of the church
+and state. Those which concern the former two, have been fully answered
+by the greatest of our reformers, whose piety and learning set them
+sufficiently above the snarling censures of whatsoever cavilling pens or
+tongues: As for what are made against the last, they are also answered
+better than we can pretend to, in the analysis upon the 19th chapter of
+Deuteronomy, prefixed to the National and Solemn League and Covenant
+renewed at Lesmahago, whereunto we refer the reader. Only because that
+book may not be at hand to every one that would desire these objections
+solved, we shall here transcribe the answers to two or three of the most
+material of these objections, making but small, if any, variation from
+the author's words.
+
+_Object_. 1. "In all the national covenants whereof we read in
+scripture, there was still the concurrence of either the sovereign
+authority then in being, or at least of the Captains, Elders, Officers,
+and Heads of the tribes; And, therefore, it cannot be done by private
+subjects, without either royal or parliamentary authority."
+
+_Ans_. Certainly the obligations of the Covenant, held forth Deut. xxix.
+10, 11, 12, being so extensive as to reach all the members of church and
+commonwealth, of all qualities, ranks, vocations, ages, sexes; is to be
+understood _positively_, that all these are obliged to enter into
+covenant, but not _negatively_, that without any of these the covenant
+should not be entered into. The motives mentioned are to the small as
+well as to the great; and without them as well as with them; the
+articles of it, and the keeping and doing them, are common to both
+alike: The relation that the small and meaner sort of people have to God
+(the other contracting party) is the same that the nobles and great ones
+have, and the privileges of it, to be established as a people unto
+himself and to have him for their God, do no more belong to the one than
+the other; And consequently the small may renew it, as well as the
+great; but not nationally to bind the whole nation formally, to which
+indeed the concurrence of the representatives is necessary. As for
+precedents of this practice, see them above, in the narrative of the
+sermons, [p. 9].
+
+_Object_. 2. "This covenant having been disclaimed by the political
+father, and made void by law, never again revived by authority of
+parliament, nor the law rescinded by which it was declared not
+obligatory; is therefore of no binding force upon us, who have never
+personally sworn it; and to renew it, and bring ourselves under the bond
+of it, when we are free, without the concurring or imposing authority of
+our rulers, is high presumption in private subjects."
+
+_Ans_. If any engagements can be supposed binding to posterity,
+certainly national covenants to keep the commandments of God, and to
+adhere to his institutions, must be of that nature. It cannot be denied,
+that several obligations do bind to posterity; such as public promises
+with annexation of curses to breakers, Neh. v. 12, 13. Thus Joshua's
+adjuration did oblige all posterity never to build Jericho, Josh. vi.
+26. And the breach of it did bring the curse upon Hiel the Bethelite, in
+the days of Ahab. 2dly, Public vows: Jacob's vow, Gen. xxviii. 21, did
+oblige all his posterity, virtually comprehended in him, Hos. xii. 4.
+The Rechabites found themselves obliged to observe the vow of their
+forefather Jonadab, Jer. xxxv. 6, 14, for which they were rewarded and
+commended. Public oaths do oblige posterity: Joseph took an oath of the
+children of Israel, to carry up his bones to Canaan, Gen. i. 25, which
+did oblige posterity some hundred years after. Exod. xiii 19. Josh.
+xxiv. 32. National covenants with men before God, do oblige posterity,
+as Israel's covenant with the Gibeonites, Josh. ix. 15, 19. The breach
+whereof was punished in the days of David, 2 Sam. xxi. 1. Especially
+National Covenants with God, before men, about things moral and
+objectively obliging, are perpetual; and yet more especially (as Grotius
+observes) when they are of an hereditary nature, i.e. when the subject
+is permanent, the matter moral, the end good, and in the _form_ there is
+a clause expressing their perpetuity.
+
+All which ingredients of perpetual obligations are clear in Scotland's
+Covenants, which are _national promises_, adjuring all ranks of persons,
+under a curse, to preserve and promote reformation according to the word
+of God, and extirpate the opposite thereof. _National vows_, devoting
+the then engaging, and succeeding generations to be the Lord's people,
+and walk in his ways. _National oaths_, solemnly sworn by all ranks,
+never to admit of innovations, or submit to usurpations, contradictory
+to the word of God. _National covenants_, wherein the king, parliament
+and people did covenant with each other, to perform their respective
+duties, in their several places and stations, inviolably to preserve
+religion and liberty: Yea, more, _national laws_, solemnly ratified by
+the king and parliament, and made the foundation of the people's compact
+with the king, at his inauguration: And, finally, they are _national
+covenants with God_, as party contracting, to keep all the words of his
+covenant. The subject or parties contracting are permanent, to wit, the
+unchangeable God and the kingdom of Scotland, (the same may be said of
+England and Ireland,) which, whilst it remains a kingdom, is still under
+the obligation of these covenants. The _matter_ is _moral_, antecedently
+and eternally binding, albeit there had been no formal covenant: the
+_ends_ of them perpetually good, to wit, _the defence of the true
+reformed religion, and the maintenance of the King's Majesty's person
+and estate_, (as is expressed in the National Covenant,) _the glory of
+God, the advancement of the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ; the honor
+and happiness of the King's Majesty and his posterity, and the public
+liberty, safety, and peace of the kingdoms_, as it is expressed in the
+Solemn League. And in the _form_ of them there are clauses expressing
+their perpetuity. In the National covenant it is said, _that the present
+and succeeding generations in this land are bound to keep the foresaid
+National Oath and Subscription inviolable_. And in the Solemn League,
+Article 1, _That we and our posterity after us, may, as brethren, live
+in faith and love_. And Art. 5, _That they may remain conjoined in a
+firm peace and union to all posterity_.
+
+We may add also the sanctions of rewards and punishments descending to
+posterity, prove the obligation perpetual: Which is, alas! too visible
+in our case as to the punishments inflicted for the breach of our
+covenants, and like to be further inflicted, if repentance prevent not;
+so that as we have been a taunting proverb, and an hissing, for the
+guilt, we may look to be made a curse and an execration for the
+punishment of it. The distinction which some make use of to elude this
+obligation, "That suppose they be materially bound, yet seeing they have
+not sworn the covenants personally, they are not formally bound," is
+both false and frivolous; for our father's oath having all the aforesaid
+qualifications, binds us formally as an oath, though we have but
+virtually sworn it; and whether the obligation be material or formal,
+implicit or explicit, it is all one in God's sight, if it be real,
+seeing even virtual obligations have frequently brought rewards and
+punishments upon the head of the observers or breakers of them, as well
+as formal. Seeing, then, the obligation of the covenant upon us is
+evident to a demonstration, it cannot, in justness, be called a
+rebellious action against lawful authority, to declare in our station
+that we believe so much and resolve to practice accordingly. It is
+indeed too true that the wicked laws enacting the perpetual breaches of
+these covenants have never been rescinded; but seeing they are wicked
+and opposite to the commandment and covenant of the Lord, the supreme
+legislator, they are naturally void and null, and have been still so
+esteemed by us.
+
+_Object_. 3. "Albeit the National Covenant should be granted to be
+binding upon us the people of Scotland, and, therefore, may be renewed:
+yet, to renew the Solemn League with England and Ireland, as matters now
+stand, is ridiculous and impossible."
+
+_Ans_. This objection is partly answered before in the Sermons, [page
+14,] and may be further cleared, if we consider, that the Solemn League
+and Covenant may be taken under different respects, _either as a league
+amongst men_ or _a covenant between God and men_: in the former sense,
+as it notes a _league offensive and defensive_ made betwixt the
+collective bodies of these kingdoms, it is certain it cannot be taken by
+us, who are but a poor insignificant handful of people, far from any
+authority, or influence in church or commonwealth; the collective and
+representative body of the three kingdoms having basely abandoned their
+covenant with God, and united in a sinful compact opposite thereto, so
+that to make a league with England or Ireland in this sense, were to
+enter into a sinful confederacy with apostate covenant breakers; but in
+the latter acceptation, as it is a covenant with God, not as a witness
+only, but also as a party contracting, there is no absurdity or
+impossibility why Scotland, or any part thereof, may not renew it,
+obliging themselves by a solemn vow to perform what they are bound to
+antecedently by the law of God. And if it be considered as an
+association, it respects those only who now do, or hereafter shall,
+adhere unto it, whether here or in the other two kingdoms. Hence, the
+words in the preamble of the Solemn League and Covenant, expressing the
+several ranks and the extent of the Covenanters, were not read at the
+renewing of it at Douglass, because we own ourselves to be under a
+league with none but such as own the covenanted Reformation; these, and
+these only, we heartily embrace as our colleagues, into the nearest and
+dearest bonds of Christian union and fellowship, according to this
+League and Covenant.
+
+As the revolt of the ten tribes from the true religion and covenant of
+the Lord their God, hindered not the godly of Judah, nor the small party
+that joined in the sincere worship of God, out of Ephraim and Manasseh,
+to renew their covenant under the auspicious reigns of Asa, Hezekiah,
+Josiah; Nor did the horrid apostacy of the Sectarian party in England
+impede our ancestors to renew this Solemn League and Covenant in
+Scotland, Anno, 1649. So neither can the defection of the generality of
+the three kingdoms, which is to be bewailed, if possible, with tears of
+blood, hinder us from testifying our adherence to the covenant, or
+invalidate what we have done therein.
+
+_Object_. 4. "Albeit the action should be granted to be for the main,
+lawful and right, yet it was most unseasonable to undertake it at such a
+time, when the parliament and ministry is composed of a set of men that
+evidence no good affection to the present established church in
+Scotland, who will be ready to interpret the action of a few
+immoderately and unseasonably zealous people, as the deed of the whole
+Presbyterians in Scotland, and to make a handle thereof against them, to
+impose upon them some new burdens; or to take such measures as will
+effectually put a stop to the more general renovation thereof throughout
+the land."
+
+In answer to this objection, we shall only desire the gentlemen that
+made it to remember, That now for the space of 24 years they have been
+crying, the time is not come wherein we should set about
+covenant-renewing; one while they have pretended that the time was not
+seasonable, because such as were in authority were friends to the
+church; and it would look like a suspecting of their integrity, to enter
+into covenant for defence and reformation of religion, as if they would
+not show themselves active enough for these ends, and prove an
+irritation to them to turn enemies to Presbyterian government; it would
+cause them to think the Presbyterians to be a people of indiscreet and
+ungovernable zeal, and so disgust them at the establishment. Another,
+while they excuse themselves from this duty, because these in authority
+are unfriendly to the Presbyterian establishment, they must walk
+cautiously now and manage prudently, lest they give any umbrage to
+Jacobites and Episcopalians to represent them ill at court, and so
+occasion the overthrow of the great security founded in the Union
+Treaty. Formerly they needed not renew the covenant, because religion
+was not in danger; now they dare not attempt to do it because it is;
+they must wait till a well-affected parliament and good counsellors set
+it out of danger again, and then they will not need to covenant for its
+safety. These shifts are too shrewd discoveries of neutrality in this
+cause. It is to be feared that the godly have too long been hoodwinked
+with such frivolous pretexts; and it is high time for every one that
+has the low case of the work of God in the land at heart, to be awakened
+to renew their covenant with God and keep the same. The motives and
+calls to the work above mentioned will sufficiently, we hope,
+demonstrate the seasonableness of it. But if there was a defect as to
+the seasonableness, it was not because it was so soon set about, but
+because it was no sooner.
+
+We shall not dwell any longer upon these and the like objections; there
+will not want mountains of difficulties in the way till such time as the
+Lord, coming by his Spirit in a day of his power, shall be pleased to
+level them and say, "Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubabel
+thou shalt become a plain." In that day (we doubt not) there shall be a
+willing people to enter covenant with the Lord, even a perpetual
+covenant that shall not be forgotten; but, in the mean time, they would
+do well to consider the hazard they bring themselves into who wilfully
+raise objections against the covenant, because they are unwilling to
+enter into it, or be bound by it.
+
+It may be some will desiderate an account of the other _solemn holy
+action_ that followed upon the back of this, in regard there were some
+circumstances in it not so ordinary in this church in former times,
+because of the paucity of public instruments; but neither do we think it
+needful to give any large account of it, nor will it fall so properly
+into this preface, which concerneth only national covenanting, and, it
+is likely the reader's patience is too far transgressed upon already;
+nor was there any _substantial or formal_ difference betwixt it and the
+comely order of the Church of Scotland observed in our purest times of
+reformation in the celebration of that sacred ordinance, except what in
+the form arose from the circumstances we were in, and the reason now
+mentioned. The work was awful and great, the persons employed about it
+few, insignificant in their own eyes, as well as mean in the eyes of
+others; and hence the Lord's power and grace was the more conspicuous,
+who (we must not dissemble it) was present to the sensible experience of
+many, sealing instruction upon the hearts of some, and granting,
+strengthening, and confirming grace to others, for which he ought to
+have all the glory.
+
+But because there has been, as we are informed, no small clamor raised
+anent some expressions used in debarring the ignorant and scandalous
+from the holy table of the Lord; _That the Minister should have
+unreasonably and presumptuously excommunicated the Queen and Parliament,
+and the whole Ministers of the established church of Scotland_;
+Therefore, we shall here insert the very words relating to that affair,
+as they were uttered by him without any alteration. In warning the
+ignorant, scandalous and profane to beware of presuming to approach to
+the holy table of the Lord, the minister observed (as the manner is) the
+order of the decalogue, where, in the sins forbidden in the second
+commandment, as they are enumerated by the very Reverend the Assembly of
+Divines sitting at Westminster, in their humble advice concerning a
+Larger Catechism, we find these amongst others--"All devising,
+counseling, commanding, using, and any ways approving any religious
+worship not instituted by God himself, tolerating a false religion.----
+All superstitious devices, corrupting the worship of God, adding to it,
+taking from it, whether invented and taken up of ourselves, or received
+by tradition from others, though under the title of antiquity, custom,
+devotion, good intent, or any other pretence whatsoever." Hence, he
+expressed himself in these words--"I excommunicate and debar from this
+holy table of the Lord, all devisers, commanders, users, or approvers of
+any religious worship not instituted by God in his Word, all tolerators
+and countenancers thereof; and by consequence I debar and excommunicate
+from this holy table of the Lord, Queen and Parliament, and all under
+them, who spread and propagate or tolerate a false superstitious
+worship, ay and until they repent," And in relation to the opposing of
+the covenants and work of reformation, he had these words--"I
+excommunicate and debar all who are opposers of our covenants and
+covenanted Reformation, and all that have taken oaths contrary to our
+covenants, and such particularly as are takers of the Oath of
+Abjuration, whether Ministers or others, until they repent."
+
+That this was no presumptuous and rebellious arrogance is evident,
+because the sins for which he debarred Queen and Parliament, and all
+others guilty of them, are proven from Scripture to be gross breaches of
+God's law, and every violation thereof persisted in without repentance,
+is a sufficient cause (in the opinion of Protestant Divines) to debar
+and exclude from the Lord's table. Now, it is certain that even those
+ministers of the established church who make such obloquy against the
+work for this particular, do the same thing in effect every time that
+they administrate this ordinance, for (as can be proved if they please
+to require it, or do deny it,) they excommunicate from the table all
+guilty of such sins as are forbidden in the second commandment,
+according as they are specified in the forsaid Catechism; and so, by an
+infallible consequence, they excommunicate the Queen and Parliament, who
+are grossly guilty of the most of them, only they have not the courage
+ingenuously and freely to own and express the consequence, but that it
+follows natively and necessarily from the premises, even according to
+their own principles, they will never be able to disprove.
+
+Now, Reader, thou hast a just and true account as far as was necessary,
+of our poor and weak endeavours in this matter, which we hope will, at
+least, stand as a witness and testimony (without arrogance we desire to
+speak it) against the apostacy of some and indifferency of others, who
+should have been to us as the _he-goats before the flock_ in paving our
+way to Zion, but are rather _making to themselves captains_ to carry us
+back to Babylon, and pollute our land with idolatry and superstition;
+and, as a pledge to posterity that the Lord has not yet utterly deserted
+the land, though we rather wish,(if so it may consist with his holy
+purpose, _who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in working_) that it
+might tend to excite, some to bethink "whence they have fallen, and
+repent, and to do their first works, lest the Lord come quickly, and
+utterly remove his candlestick from us:" and engage them to renew these
+covenants in a more public way, and prosecute the ends of them with more
+zeal, fidelity, and constancy, "that the Lord may yet delight to dwell
+amongst us, make our judges peace, and our exactors righteousness," and
+make us to be called _Hephzibah_, and our land _Beulah_.
+
+The reader may please to cast his eye upon the following passages,
+quoted from the writings of some of the ablest divines, wherewith these
+kingdoms have been blessed, since the first reformation from Popery;
+wherein he will see, how far different an opinion they have entertained
+of the Covenant, from what are the thoughts of the learned
+Latitudinarians of our age.
+
+_A Testimony to the truth of_ JESUS CHRIST _and to our Solemn League
+and Covenant, &c., subscribed by the Ministers of Christ, within the
+province of London, December_ 14, 1649 Head IV.
+
+"In order unto reformation and defence of religion within these three
+kingdoms, we shall never forget, how solemnly and cheerfully the Solemn
+League and Covenant was sworn with hands lifted up to the most high
+God.--We were, and are abundantly satisfied, that our Solemn League and
+Covenant of September 27, 1643, is not only warrantable for the matter
+of it and manner of entering into it, but also of such excellency and
+importance,--That it will be very hard in all points to parallel it;
+and, therefore, as we did sincerely swear this covenant with God, with
+all our heart, and with all our soul, much rejoicing at the oath with a
+true intention to perform it, and not for promoting any politic design;
+so we do believe and profess to the world that we still stand as firmly
+engaged to the real performance of it, and that it is not in the power
+of any person or persons on earth to dispense with it or absolve from
+it."
+
+_The harmonious consent of the Ministers of the county Palatine
+Lancaster with their Reverend Brethren the Ministers of the province of
+London._ Head V.
+
+"We shall never forget how solemn it (the Solemn League and Covenant)
+was sworn, and what rejoicing there was at the oath, sundry at the
+taking of it weeping for joy; and when the Covenant was thus taken, we
+thought with ourselves, that surely now the crown is set upon England's
+head: We judged the day of entering into this Covenant to be England's
+coronation-day, as it was the day of the gladness of our hearts."
+
+_Mr. Philip Nye's Exhortation at the taking of the Covenant, September
+29th, 1649, p. 2._
+
+"This Oath is such, and in the matter and consequence of it of such
+concernment, as I can truly say, it is worthy of us, yea, of all the
+kingdoms of the world; for it is swearing fealty and allegiance to
+Christ the King of kings, and giving up of all these kingdoms which are
+his inheritance, to be subdued more to his throne, and ruled more by his
+sceptre, upon whose shoulders the government is laid."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_THE NATIONAL COVENANT, OR THE CONFESSION OF FAITH OF THE KIRK OF
+SCOTLAND_;
+
+
+Subscribed at first by the King's Majesty and his Household, in the year
+of God 1580; Thereafter, by persons of all ranks, in the year 1581; By
+Ordinance of the Lords of the Secret Council, and Acts of the General
+Assembly. Subscribed again by all sorts of persons in the year 1590, by
+a new Ordinance of Council, at the desire of the General Assembly, with
+a Band for the maintenance of the true religion, and the King's person:
+And subscribed in the year 1638, by the Noblemen, Barons, Gentlemen,
+Burgesses, Ministers and Commons, then under-subscribing; together with
+their resolution and promises for the causes after specified, to
+maintain the True Religion, and the King's Majesty, according to the
+Confession aforesaid and Acts of Parliament; And upon the supplication
+of the General Assembly to his Majesty's High Commissioner, and the
+Lords of his Majesty's honorable Privy Council. Subscribed again in the
+year 1639, by Ordinance of Council, and Acts of General Assembly, &c.,
+&c. The Tenor whereof here followeth.
+
+We all, and every one of us underwritten, protest, that after long and
+due examination of our own consciences in matters of true and false
+religion, we are now thoroughly resolved in the truth by the Word and
+Spirit of God: And, therefore, we believe with our hearts, confess with
+our mouths, subscribe with our hands and constantly affirm before God
+and the whole world, that this only is the true Christian faith and
+religion pleasing God, revealed to the world by the preaching of the
+blessed evangel; and is received, believed, and defended by many and
+sundry notable kirks and realms, but chiefly by the _Kirk of Scotland,
+and sometimes by the King's Majesty, and the three estates of this
+realm_, as God's eternal truth and only ground of our salvation, as more
+particularly is expressed in the Confession of our Faith, established
+and publickly confirmed by sundry Acts of Parliaments, and now of a long
+time have been openly professed by the King's Majesty, and whole body of
+this realm, both in burgh and land. To the which Confession and form of
+religion, we willingly agree in our own consciences, in all points, as
+unto God's undoubted truth and verity, grounded only upon his written
+word. And, therefore, we abhor and detest all contrary religion and
+doctrine; but chiefly all kind of Papistry in general, and particular
+heads, even as they are now damned and confuted by the word of God, and
+Kirk of Scotland. But in special we detest and refuse the usurped
+authority of that Roman Antichrist upon the Scriptures of God, upon the
+Kirk, the civil Magistrate, and consciences of men: All his tyrranous
+laws made upon indifferent things against our Christian liberty: His
+erroneous doctrine against the sufficiency of the written word, the
+perfection of the law, the offices of Christ, and his blessed evangel:
+His corrupted doctrine concerning original sin, our natural inability
+and rebellion to God's law, our justification by faith only, our
+imperfect sanctification and obedience to the law; the nature, number,
+and use of the holy sacraments: His five bastard sacraments; with all
+his rites, ceremonies, and false doctrine, added to the ministration of
+the true sacraments, without the Word of God: His cruel judgment against
+infants departing without the sacrament: His absolute necessity of
+baptism: His blasphemous opinion of transubstantiation, or real presence
+of Christ's body in the elements, and receiving of the same by the
+wicked, or bodies of men: His dispensations with solemn oaths,
+perjuries, and degrees of marriage forbidden in the Word; His cruelty
+against the innocent divorced: His devilish mass: His blasphemous
+priesthood: His profane sacrifice for the sins of the dead and the
+quick: His canonization of men; calling upon angels or saints departed;
+worshipping of imagery, relics and crosses; dedicating of kirks, altars,
+days; Vows to creatures: His purgatory, prayers for the dead; praying or
+speaking in a strange language; with his processions and blasphemous
+litany, and multitude of advocates or mediators: His manifold orders,
+auricular confession: His desperate and uncertain repentance; His
+general and doubtsome faith: His satisfactions of men for their sins:
+His justification by works, _opus operatum_, works of supererogation,
+merits, pardons, peregrinations and stations: His holy water, baptizing
+of bells, conjuring of spirits, crossing, earning, anointing, conjuring,
+hallowing of God's good creatures, with the superstitious opinion joined
+therewith: His worldly monarchy, and wicked hierarchy: His three solemn
+vows, with all his shavellings of sundry sorts: His erroneous and bloody
+decrees made at Trent, with all the subscribers and approvers of that
+cruel and bloody bond, conjured against the Kirk of God.
+
+And finally, we detest all his vain allegories, rites, signs, and
+traditions brought into the Kirk, without or against the Word of God and
+doctrine of this true reformed Kirk; to the which we join ourselves
+willingly, in doctrine, faith, religion, discipline, and use of the holy
+sacraments, as lively members of the same in Christ our head: Promising
+and swearing by the _Great Name of the Lord our God_, that we shall
+continue in the obedience of the doctrine and discipline of this kirk,
+and shall defend the same according to our vocation and power, all the
+days of our lives, under the pains continued in the law and danger both
+of body and soul, in the day of God's fearful judgment. And, seeing that
+many are stirred up by Satan and that Roman Antichrist, to promise,
+swear, subscribe, and for a time use the holy sacraments in the Kirk
+deceitfully against their own consciences, minding thereby, first, under
+the external cloak of religion, to corrupt and subvert secretly God's
+true religion within the Kirk, and afterwards, when the time may serve,
+to become open enemies and persecutors of the same, under vain hope of
+the Pope's dispensation devised against the Word of God, to his greater
+confusion, and their double condemnation in the day of the Lord Jesus.
+
+We, therefore, willing to take away all suspicion of hypocrisy, and of
+such double dealing with God and his Kirk, protest, and call _the
+Searcher of all hearts for witness_, that our minds and hearts do fully
+agree with this our _Confession, Promise, Oath_, and _Subscription_, so
+that we are not moved with any worldly respect, but are persuaded only
+in our own consciences, through the knowledge and love of God's true
+religion, imprinted in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, as we shall answer
+to him in the day when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed.
+And because we perceive that the quietness and stability of our religion
+and kirk, doth depend upon the safety and good behaviour of [the[5]
+King's Majesty,] as upon a comfortable instrument of God's mercy,
+granted to this country, for the maintaining of this kirk, and
+ministration of justice amongst us, we protest and promise with our
+hearts, under the same oath, hand-write, and pains, that we shall defend
+[his[6] person and authority,] with our goods, bodies, and lives, in
+the defence of Christ's evangel, liberties of our country, ministration
+of justice, and punishment of iniquity, against all enemies within this
+realm, or without, we desire our God to be a strong and merciful
+defender to us in the day of our death, and coming of our Lord Jesus
+Christ. To whom with the Father, and the Holy Spirit, be all honour and
+glory eternally. Amen.
+
+Likeas, many Acts of Parliament not only in general do abrogate, annul,
+and rescind all laws, statutes, acts, constitutions; canons, civil or
+municipal, with all other ordinances and practique penalties whatsoever,
+made in prejudice of the true religion and professors thereof; or of the
+true kirk-discipline, jurisdiction and freedom thereof; or in favor of
+idolatry and superstition; or of the Papistical kirk; as Act. 3, Act.
+31, Parl. 1; Act. 23, Parl. 11; Act. 114, Parl. 12, of King James VI.
+that Papistry and superstition may be utterly suppressed, according to
+the intention of the Acts of Parliament, repeated in the 5th Act, Parl.
+20, King James VI. And to that end they ordain all Papists and priests
+to be punished with manifold civil and ecclesiastical pains, as
+adversaries to God's true religion, preached, and by law established
+within this realm, Act 24, Parl. 11, King James VI.; as common enemies
+to all Christian government, Act 18 Parl. 16, King James VI.; as
+rebellers and gainstanders of our sovereign Lord's authority, Act 47
+Parl. 8, King James VI.; and as idolaters, Act 104, Parl. 7, King James
+VI. But also in particular, by and attour the Confession of Faith, do
+abolish and condemn the Pope's authority and jurisdiction out of this
+land, and ordain the maintainers thereof to be punished, Act 2, Parl. 1;
+Act 51 Parl. 3; Act 106, Parl. 7; Act 114, Parl. 12, King James VI., do
+condemn the Pope's erroneous doctrine, or any other erroneous doctrine
+repugnant to any of the articles of the true and Christian religion,
+publickly preached, and by law established in this realm; and ordain the
+spreaders and makers of books, or libels, or letters, or writs of that
+nature, to be punished, Acts 46, Parl. 3; Act 106, Parl. 7; Act 24, Par.
+11, K. James VI. do condemn all baptism conform to the Pope's kirk, and
+the idolatry of the mass; and ordains all sayers, wilful hearers,
+concealers of the mass, the maintainers and resetters of the priests,
+Jesuits, trafficking Papists, to be punished without any exception or
+restriction, Act 5, Parl. 1; Act 120, Parl. 12; Act 134, Parl. 13; Act
+139, Parl. Act 1, Parl. 19; Act 5, Parl. 20, King James VI., do condemn
+all erroneous books and writs, containing erroneous doctrine against the
+religion presently professed or containing superstitious rites and
+ceremonies Papistical, whereby the people are greatly abused; and
+ordains the home-bringers of them to be punished, Act 25, Parl. 11, King
+James VI., do condemn the monuments and dregs of the bygone idolatry, as
+going to crosses, observing the festival days of Saints and other
+superstitious and Papistical rites, to the dishonour of God, contempt of
+true religion, and fostering of great error among the people; and
+ordains the users of them to be punished for the second fault as
+idolaters, Act 104, Parl. 7, King James VI.
+
+Likeas, many acts of parliament are conceived for maintenance of God's
+true Christian religion, and the purity thereof in doctrine and
+sacraments of the true church of God, the liberty and freedom thereof in
+her national synodical assemblies, Presbyteries, sessions, policy,
+discipline, and jurisdiction thereof, as that purity of religion and
+liberty of the church was used, professed, exercised, preached, and
+confessed according to the reformation of religion in this realm. As for
+instance, the 99th Act, Parl. 7, Act 23, Parl. 11; Act 114, Parl. 12;
+Act 160, Parl. 13, King James VI., ratified by the 4th Act of King
+Charles. So that the 6th Act, Parl. 1, and 68th Act, Parl. 6, of King
+James VI., in the year of God 1579, declares the ministers of the
+blessed evangel, whom God of his mercy had raised up, or hereafter
+should raise, agreeing with them that then lived in doctrine and
+administration of the sacraments, and the people that professed Christ
+as he was then offered in the evangel and doth communicate with the holy
+sacraments, (as in the reformed kirks of this realm they were publickly
+administrate) according to the Confession of Faith, to be the true and
+holy kirk of Christ Jesus within this realm, and decerns and declares
+all and sundry who either gainsay the word of the evangel, received and
+approved as the heads of the Confession of Faith, professed in
+parliament in the year of God 1560, specified also in the first
+Parliament of King James VI, and ratified in this present parliament;
+more particularly do specify, or that refuse the administration of the
+holy sacraments as they were then administered, to be no members of the
+said kirk within this realm, and true religion presently professed, so
+long as they keep themselves so divided from the society of Christ's
+body; and the subsequent Act 69, Parl. 6. of King James VI. declares,
+that there is none other face of kirk, nor other face of religion, than
+was presently at that time by the favour of God established within this
+realm, which therefore is ever styled, _God's true religion--Christ's
+true religion--the true and Christian religion--and a perfect religion_;
+which, by manifold acts of parliament, all within this realm are bound
+to subscribe the articles thereof, the Confession of Faith, to recant
+all doctrine and errors repugnant to any of the said articles, Act 4 and
+9, Parl. 1; Act 45, 46, 47, Parl. 3; Act 71, Parl. 6; Act 106, Parl. 7;
+Act 24, Parl. 11; Act 123, Parl. 12; Act 194 and 197, Parl. 14, of King
+James VI. And all magistrates, sheriffs, &c. on the one part, are
+ordained to search, apprehend, and punish all contraveners; for
+instance, Act 5, Parl. 1; Act 104, Parl. 7; Act 25, Parl. 11, King James
+VI.; and that notwithstanding of the King's Majesty's licence to the
+contrary, which are discharged and declared to be of no force, in so far
+as they tend in any ways to the prejudice and hinder of the execution of
+the acts of parliament against Papists and adversaries of true religion,
+Act 106, Parl. 7, King James VI. On the other part, in the 47th Act,
+Parl. 3, of King James VI. it is declared and ordained, seeing the cause
+of God's true religion and his highness' authority are so joined, as the
+hurt of the one is common to both; and that none shall be reputed as
+loyal and faithful subjects to our sovereign lord or his authority, but
+be punishable as rebellers and gainstanders of the same, who shall not
+give their confession, and make their profession of the said true
+religion, and that they who, after defection, shall give the confession
+of their faith of new, they shall promise to continue therein in time
+coming, to maintain our sovereign lord's authority, and at the uttermost
+of their power to fortify, assist, and maintain the true preachers and
+professors of Christ's evangel against whatsoever enemies and
+gainstanders of the same; and namely, against all such (of whatsoever
+nation, estate, or degree they be,) that have joined and bound
+themselves, or have assisted, or assist to set forward, and execute the
+cruel decrees of Trent, contrary to the preachers and true professors of
+the Word of God, which is repeated, word by word, in the articles of
+pacification at Perth, the 23rd of February, 1572; approved by
+Parliament, the last of April, 1573; ratified in Parliament, 1587; and
+related, Act 123, Parl. 12, of King James VI., with this addition, that
+they are bound to resist all treasonable uproars and hostilities that
+are raised against the true religion, the King's Majesty, and the true
+professors.
+
+Likeas all lieges are bound to maintain the King's Majesty's royal
+person, and authority, the authority of Parliaments, without the which
+neither any laws, or lawful judicatories can be established, Act 130,
+Act 131, Parl. 8, K. James VI. and the subjects' liberties, who ought
+only to live and be governed by the King's laws, the common laws of this
+realm allenarly, Act 48, Parl. 3, K. James I. Act 79, Parl. 6, K. James
+IV. repeated in the Act 131, Parl. 8, K. James VI. Which, if they be
+innovated or prejudged, the commission anent the union of the two
+kingdoms of Scotland and England, which is the sole Act of the 17 Parl.
+of K. James VI. declares such confusion would ensue, as this realm could
+be no more a free monarchy, because by the fundamental laws, ancient
+privileges, offices and liberties of this kingdom, not only the princely
+authority of his Majesty's royal descent hath been these many ages
+maintained, but also the people's security of their lands, livings,
+rights, offices, liberties, and dignities preserved, and therefore for
+the preservation of the said true religion, laws and liberties of this
+kingdom, it is statute by the 8 Act, Parl. 1, repeated in the 99 Act,
+Parl. 7, ratified in the 23 Act, Parl. 11, and 114 Act, Parl. 12, of K.
+James VI. and 4 Act K. Charles I. That all kings and princes at their
+coronation and reception of their princely authority, shall make their
+faithful promise by their solemn oath in the presence of the eternal
+God, that enduring the whole time of their lives; they shall serve the
+same eternal God to the uttermost of their power, according as he hath
+required in his most holy word, contained in the Old and New Testaments.
+And according to the same word, shall maintain the true religion of
+Christ Jesus, the preaching of his holy word, the due and right
+ministration of the sacraments now received and preached within this
+realm (according to the Confession of Faith) and shall abolish and
+gainstand all false religion contrary to the same, and shall rule the
+people committed to their charge, according to the will and command of
+God, revealed in his foresaid word, and according to the laudable laws
+and constitutions received in this realm, no ways repugnant to the said
+will of the eternal God; and shall procure, to the uttermost of their
+power, to the kirk of God and whole Christian people, true and perfect
+peace in all time coming; and that they shall be careful to root out of
+their empire all heretics, and enemies to the true worship of God, who
+shall be convicted by the true kirk of God, for the foresaid crimes,
+which was also observed by his Majesty[7] at his coronation in
+Edinburgh, 1633, as may be seen in the order of the coronation.
+
+In obedience to the commandment of God, conform to the practice of the
+godly in former times, and according to the laudable example of our
+worthy and religious progenitors,----which was warranted also by Act of
+Council, commanding a general bond to be made and subscribed by his
+Majesty's subjects of all ranks, for two causes: one was, for defending
+the true religion as it was then reformed, and is expressed in the
+Confession of faith above-mentioned, and a former large Confession
+established by sundry acts of lawful General Assemblies, and of
+Parliament, unto which it hath relation, set down in public Catechisms,
+and which had been for many years (with a blessing from heaven) preached
+and professed in this kirk and kingdom as God's undoubted truth,
+grounded only upon his written Word. The other cause was, for
+maintaining the King's Majesty, his person, and estate; the true worship
+of God and the King's authority being so straitly joined as that they
+had the same friends and common enemies and did stand and fall together;
+and finally, being convinced in our minds, and confessing with our
+mouths, that the present and succeeding generations in this land are
+bound to keep the foresaid national oath and subscription inviolable.
+We,------------under subscribing, considering divers times before, and
+especially at this time, the danger of the true reformed religion
+--------, and of the public peace of the kingdom; by the manifold
+innovations and evils generally contained and particularly mentioned,
+[in supplications, complaints, and protestations,[8]] do hereby
+profess, and before God, his angels, and the world, solemnly declare,
+that with our whole hearts we agree and resolve, all the days of our
+life, constantly to adhere unto and defend the foresaid true religion;
+and (forbearing the practice of all novations already introduced in the
+matters of the worship of God, or approbation of the corruptions of the
+public government of the kirk, or civil places and power of kirkmen,[9]
+till they be tried and allowed in free assemblies and in Parliaments,)
+to labor by all means lawful to recover the purity and liberty of the
+gospel, as it was established and professed before the foresaid
+novations; and because, after due examination, we plainly perceive, and
+undoubtedly believe, that the evils contained in our [supplications,
+complaints, and protestations,[10]] have no warrant of the Word of God;
+are contrary to the articles of the foresaid Confessions, to the
+intention and meaning of the blessed reformers of religion in this land,
+to the above-written Acts of Parliament, and do sensibly tend to the
+re-establishing of the Popish religion and tyranny, and to the
+subversion and ruin of the true reformed religion, and of our liberties,
+laws and estates. We also declare, that the foresaid confessions are to
+be interpreted, and ought to be understood of the foresaid novations and
+evils, no less than if every one of them had been expressed in the
+foresaid Confessions, and that we are obliged to detest and abhor them,
+amongst other particular heads of Papistry abjured therein; and,
+therefore, from the knowledge and conscience of our duty to God, [to our
+King and country,[11]] without any worldly respect or inducement, so far
+as human infirmity will suffer, wishing a further measure of the grace
+of God for this effect, we promise and swear by the _great name of the
+Lord our God_, to continue in the profession and obedience of the
+foresaid religion; that we shall defend the same, and resist all these
+contrary errors and corruptions, according to our vocation, and to the
+uttermost of that power that God hath put in our hands, all the days of
+our life; and, in like manner, with the same heart, we declare before
+God and men, that we have no intention nor desire to attempt any thing
+that may turn to the dishonour of God, or to the diminution of [the
+King's[12]] greatness and authority; but on the contrary, we promise and
+swear, that we shall, to the uttermost of our power, with our means and
+lives, and to the defence of [our dread sovereign, the King's Majesty,
+his person and authority[13]] in the defence and preservation of the
+foresaid true religion, liberties, and laws of the kingdom; as also, to
+the mutual defence and assistance every one of us of another, in the
+same cause of maintaining the true religion [his Majesty's[14]]
+authority, with our best counsel, our bodies, means, and whole power,
+against all sorts of persons whatsoever. So that whatsoever shall be
+done to the least of us for that cause, shall be taken as done to us all
+in general, and to every one of us in particular; that we shall, neither
+directly nor indirectly, suffer ourselves to be divided or withdrawn, by
+whatsoever suggestion, allurement, or terror, from this blessed and
+loyal conjunction; nor shall cast in any let or impediment that may stay
+or hinder any such resolution, as by common consent shall be found to
+conduce for so good ends;--but, on the contrary, shall, by all lawful
+means labour to further and promote the same, and if any such dangerous
+and divisive motions be made to us by word or write, we, and every one
+of us, shall either suppress it, or if need be, shall incontinent make
+the same known that it may be timeously obviated; neither do we fear the
+foul aspersions of rebellion, combination, or what else our adversaries
+from their craft and malice would put upon us, seeing what we do is so
+well warranted, and ariseth from an unfeigned desire to maintain the
+true worship of God, the majesty of [[15] our King,] and peace of the
+kingdom, for the common happiness of ourselves and the posterity.
+
+And because we cannot look for a blessing from God upon our proceedings,
+except with our profession and subscription, we join such a life and
+conversation as beseemeth Christians who have renewed their covenant
+with God: We, therefore, faithfully promise, for ourselves, our
+followers, and all other under us, both in public, in our particular
+families and personal carriage, to endeavor to keep ourselves within the
+bounds of Christian liberty, and to be good examples to others of all
+godliness, soberness and righteousness, and of every duty we owe to God
+and man. And that this our union and conjunction may be observed without
+violation, we call the living God, the searcher of our hearts, to
+witness, who knoweth this to be our sincere desire and unfeigned
+resolution, as we shall answer to Jesus Christ, in the great day, and
+under the pain of God's everlasting wrath and of infamy, and loss of all
+honour and respect in this world: Most humbly beseeching the Lord to
+strengthen us by his Holy Spirit for this end, and to bless our desires
+and proceedings with a happy success, that religion and righteousness
+may nourish in the land, to the glory of God, the honour of [our
+King[16]] and peace and comfort of us all. In witness whereof we have
+subscribed with our hands all the premises, &c.
+
+The article of this covenant, which was at first subscription
+referred[17] to the determination of the General Assembly, being now
+determined, and thereby the five articles of Perth, the government of
+the Kirk by Bishops, the civil places and power of kirkmen upon the
+reasons and grounds contained in the Acts of the General Assembly,
+declared to be unlawful within this kirk, we subscribe according to the
+determination foresaid.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_THE SOLEMN LEAGUE AND COVENANT, FOR REFORMATION AND DEFENCE OF
+RELIGION, ETC_.
+
+
+We, having before our eyes the glory of God, and the advancement of the
+kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the honour and happiness
+of [the[18] King's Majesty and his posterity] and the true public
+liberty, safety, and peace of the kingdoms, wherein every one's private
+condition is included; and calling to mind 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 estate
+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 public testimonies. We have now
+at last [[19] after other means of supplication, remonstrance,
+protestation and suffering] for the preservation of ourselves and our
+religion from utter ruin and destruction, according to the commendable
+practice of these kingdoms in former times, and the example of God's
+people in other nations, after mature deliberation, resolved and
+determined to enter into a mutual and Solemn League and Covenant:
+Wherein we all subscribe, and each one of us for himself, with our hands
+lifted up to the Most High God, do swear--
+
+1. That we shall sincerely, really, and constantly, through the grace of
+God, endeavour in our several places and callings, the preservation of
+the reformed religion in the church of Scotland, in doctrine, worship,
+discipline, and government, against our common enemies; the reformation
+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 endeavour to bring
+the churches of God in the three kingdoms, to the nearest conjunction
+and uniformity in religion, Confession of Faith, Form of
+Church-government, Directory for Worship and Catechizing; that we and
+our posterity after us, may, as brethren, live in faith and love, and
+the Lord may delight to dwell in the midst of us.
+
+2. That we shall, in like manner, without respect of persons, endeavor
+the extirpation of Popery, Prelacy (that is, church government by
+arch-bishops, bishops, their chancellors and commissaries, deans, deans
+and chapters, archdeacons, and all other ecclesiastical officers
+depending on that hierarchy), superstition, heresy, schism, profaneness,
+and whatsoever shall be found to be contrary to sound doctrine and the
+power of godliness; lest we partake in other men's sins, and thereby be
+in danger to receive of their plagues; and that the Lord may be one,
+and his name one in the three kingdoms.
+
+3. We shall, with the same sincerity, reality and constancy, in our
+several vocations, endeavor with our estates and lives mutually to
+preserve the rights and privileges of the parliaments[20] and the
+liberties of the kingdoms; and to preserve and defend [the King's[21]
+Majesty's] person and authority, in the preservation and defence of the
+true religion and liberties of the kingdoms; that the world may bear
+witness with our consciences of our loyalty, and that we have no
+thoughts or intentions to diminish [his[22] Majesty's] just power and
+greatness.
+
+4. We shall also with all faithfulness endeavor the discovery of all
+such as have been, or shall be, incendiaries, malignants, or evil
+instruments, by hindering the reformation of religion, dividing [the[23]
+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 public trial, and receive condign
+punishment, as the degree of their offences shall require or deserve, or
+the supreme judicatories of both kingdoms respectively, or others having
+power from them for that effect, shall judge convenient.
+
+5. And whereas the happiness of a blessed peace between these kingdoms,
+denied in former times to our progenitors, was by the good providence of
+God granted unto [[24]us] and--concluded, and settled by both
+parliaments, We shall, each one of us, according to our place and
+interest, endeavor that they may be and remain conjoined[25] in a firm
+peace and union to all posterity, and that justice may be done upon the
+wilful opposers thereof, in manner expressed in the precedent article.
+
+6. We shall also according to our places and callings this common cause
+of religion, liberty and peace of the kingdoms, assist and defend all
+those that enter into this league and covenant, in the maintaining and
+pursuing thereof; and shall not suffer ourselves, directly or
+indirectly, by whatsoever combination, persuasion or terror, to be
+divided and withdrawn from this blessed union and conjunction, whether
+to make defection to the contrary part, or to give ourselves to a
+detestable indifferency or neutrality in this cause which so much
+concerneth the glory of God, the good of the kingdoms, and honor of
+[the[26] King;] but shall all the days of our lives zealously and
+constantly continue therein, against all opposition, and promote the
+same according to our power, against all lets and impediments
+whatsoever; and what we are not able ourselves to suppress or overcome,
+we shall reveal and make known, that it may be timely prevented or
+removed; all of 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 profess and declare
+before God and the world, our unfeigned 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 labored for the purity and power thereof, and that we have not
+endeavored to receive Christ in our hearts, nor to walk worthy of him in
+our lives, which are the causes of other sins and transgressions so much
+abounding amongst us; and our true and unfeigned purpose, desire and
+endeavor for ourselves, and all others under our power and charge, both
+in public and 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 real
+reformation; that the Lord may turn away his wrath, and heavy
+indignation, and establish these churches and kingdoms in truth and
+peace. And this Covenant we make in the presence of Almighty God, the
+searcher of all hearts, with a true intention to perform the same, as we
+shall answer at the great day, when the secrets of all hearts shall be
+disclosed; most humbly beseeching the Lord to strengthen us by his Holy
+Spirit for this end, and to bless our desires and proceedings with such
+success as may be deliverance and safety to his people, and
+encouragement to other Christian churches that may be groaning under, or
+in danger of, the yoke of Antichristian tyranny, to join 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 commonwealths.
+
+N.B.--These Covenants above-written, formerly nationally taken and
+renewed, and still nationally binding, We, in our private station only,
+swear and subscribe in their genuine sense, conform to the Explication
+and Application thereof, in our present Acknowledgment of the public
+Sins and Breaches of the same, and Engagement to the Duties contained
+therein, which do in a special way relate to the present times, and are
+proper for our capacities therein.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_A SOLEMN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF PUBLIC SINS, AND BREACHES OF THE NATIONAL
+COVENANT AND SOLEMN LEAGUE AND COVENANT_.
+
+
+We all and every one of us--being _by the good hand of our God upon us_,
+now, after a long and due deliberation, determined to testify to the
+world, for the glory of God, and the exoneration of our consciences, in
+the matter of our duty, our adherance to the whole of our attained
+Reformation, by renewing these our vows and Covenant-engagements with
+God, and knowing that it is a necessary preparative for the right
+performance of that so great and solemn a duty, that we be duly sensible
+of, and deeply humbled for the many heinous breaches thereof, which
+these nations, and we ourselves in particular are guilty of; do
+therefore, with that measure of sorrow and repentance which God of his
+mercy shall be pleased to grant us, desire to acknowledge and confess
+our own sins and violations of these vows, and the sins and
+transgressions of our fathers; to which we have also an example left us
+by the _Cloud of witnesses, which through faith and patience have
+inherited the promises_, ever since the Lord had a visible national
+church upon earth, and more especially by our progenitors in this
+nation; as, for instance, in the year 1596, "Wherein the General
+Assembly, and all the kirk judicatories, with the concurrence of many of
+the nobility, gentry and burgesses, did with many tears acknowledge the
+breach of the National Covenant, and engaged themselves into a
+reformation, even as our predecessors, and theirs, had done in the
+General Assembly and Convention of Estates in the year 1567." As also
+the more recent practice of the godly renewing the National Covenant,
+and acknowledging the breaches of it, both before they obtained the
+concurrence of civil authority, in the year 1638, and again, by
+authority, in the year 1639. And that noble precedent of that _National
+Solemn acknowledgment of Public Sins and Breaches of the Solemn League
+and Covenant, and Solemn Engagement to all the duties contained
+therein_, (which we are here taking for our pattern, and enlarging the
+same as the sad sins and transgressions since that time committed, and
+the circumstances of time give occasion) condescended upon, "by the
+Commission of the General Assembly, and approven by the Committee of
+Estates, and publickly owned in all the churches, at the renewing of the
+Solemn League, Anno 1648, and 1649, together with that solemn renovation
+thereof accompanied with such confession of sins as did best suit that
+time, by that small company of the Lord's people at Lanark, before their
+discomfiture at Pentland hills. And perceiving by the foresaid
+instances, that this duty, when gone about out of conscience, hath very
+often been attended with a reviving out of troubles--or at least out of
+deadness, security, and formality, under which we and the land are at
+present sinking, and with a blessing and success from heaven;--'We do
+humbly and sincerely, as in His sight who is the searcher of hearts,
+acknowledge the many sins and great transgressions of the land; we have
+done wickedly, our kings, our princes, our nobles, our judges, our
+officers, our teachers, and our people. Albeit the Lord hath long and
+clearly spoken unto us, we have not hearkened to his voice. Albeit he
+hath followed us with tender mercies, we have not been allured to wait
+upon him and walk in his way. And though he hath sticken us, yet we have
+not grieved: nay, though he hath consumed us, we have refused to receive
+correction. We have not remembered to render unto the Lord according to
+his goodness, and according to our vows and promises; but have gone away
+backward, by a perpetual backsliding, and have most sinfully and
+shamefully broken the National Covenant, and all the articles of the
+Solemn League and Covenant, which our fathers sware before God, angels
+and men.'" Albeit there has been in the land, ever since the reformation
+of religion, some of all ranks who have been for a testimony unto the
+truth, and for a name of joy and praise unto the Lord, by living godly,
+studying to keep their garments pure, and being steadfast in the
+covenant and cause of God; and there yet continues to be some, though
+reduced to a very small number, destitute of outward power and ability,
+and other helps fit for the right managing of a testimony, wanting the
+countenance of civil authority, and having few to feed or lead them; who
+are, notwithstanding all these difficulties, labouring in the strength
+of Christ to keep the good old way of these faithful witnesses who are
+gone before, in bearing testimony to the truths of Christ. "Yet we have
+reason to acknowledge, that most of us in this land have not endeavoured
+with that reality, sincerity, and constancy that did become us, to
+preserve the work of reformation in the Kirk of Scotland, as we are
+obliged by the first article of the Solemn League, and by the National
+Covenant; wherein we promise and swear by the great name of the Lord our
+God, that we shall continue in the obedience of the doctrine and
+discipline of this kirk, and shall defend the same according to our
+vocation and power all the days of our lives, under the pains contained
+in the law, and danger both of body and soul in the day of God's fearful
+judgment, and resist all contrary error and corruptions, according to
+our vocations, and the utmost of that power God hath put in our hands
+all the days of our life--according to these Scriptures."
+
+Ezra ix. 10, 11, "And now, O our God, what shall we say after this? for
+we have forsaken thy commandments. Verse 11. Which thou hast commanded
+by thy servants the prophets, &c." Isaiah xxiv. 5, "The earth also is
+defiled under the inhabitants thereof, because they have transgressed
+the laws, changed the ordinances, broken the everlasting covenant."
+Jeremiah ix. 13, "And the Lord saith, because they have forsaken my law,
+which I set before them, and have not obeyed my voice, neither walked
+therein. Verse 15. Therefore, thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of
+Israel, behold I will feed them, even this people, with wormwood, and
+give them water of gall to drink." Daniel vii. 25, "And he shall speak
+great words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the
+Most High, and think to change times and laws." Galatians v. 1, "Stand
+fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be
+not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." I Timothy iv. 16, "Take
+heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine: continue in them: for in doing
+this, thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee." 2 Timothy
+i. 13, "Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me,
+in faith, and love, which is in Christ Jesus." Revelation in. 10, 11,
+"Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I will also keep thee
+from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try
+them that dwell upon the earth. Behold I come quickly; hold fast that
+which thou hast, that no man take thy crown."
+
+"But we have been so far from such endeavours, that there hath been a
+stupid submission to our rulers and great ones, breaking down and
+ruining the whole work of reformation, razing the bulwarks thereof,
+rescinding the laws in favour of the same, and not only breaking but
+burning the covenants for preserving it, enacting the breaches thereof,
+and declaring the obligation thereof void and criminal to be, owned;
+and, upon the ruins thereof, setting up abjured Diocesan Erastian
+Prelacy, with its concomitant bondage of patronages--a blasphemous and
+sacrilegious supremacy and arbitrary power in magistrate over church and
+state. There was little conscience made of constant endeavours to
+preserve the reformation, when there was not a seasonable testimony
+exhibited against these audacious and heaven-daring attempts; when our
+ministers were by a wicked edict ejected from their charges, both they
+and the people too easily complied with it. Albeit, in the National
+Covenant, the land is obliged to defend the reformation, and to labour
+by all means lawful to recover the purity and liberty of the gospel, by
+forbearing the practice of all novations introduced in the worship of
+God, or approbation of the corruptions of the public government of the
+kirk: yet was there given all the approbation required by law of the
+novation and corruption of Prelacy by hearing the Prelatic curates. Both
+ministers and people, in a great measure complied with, submitted unto,
+and connived at the encroachments of the supremacy and absolute power,
+both in accepting and countenancing the former indulgences and later
+toleration; the generalty took and subscribed oaths and bonds imposed
+during the reigns of these tyrants, Charles II. and James Duke of York,
+pressing conformity with the then establishments of church and state,
+most contrary to the reformation which the nation had sworn to preserve;
+some of these oaths and bonds restraining the takers from all endeavours
+to preserve it, as those that renounced the privilege of defensive arms;
+some of them abjuring the covenants expressly, and condemning the
+prosecution of the ends of them as rebellion, viz., the declaration and
+test; the most part did, Issachar like, crouch beneath all the burthens
+of maintaining and defending an arbitrary power and absolute tyranny,
+wholly employed and applied for the destruction of reformation, and paid
+such subsidies and supplies as were declaredly imposed for upholding the
+tyrant's usurpations, and suppressing all endeavours to preserve the
+reformation."
+
+And after the Lord was pleased in mercy to break the rod of oppression,
+and burst the bands of that horrid tyranny from off his people's necks,
+and to allow us a time of peace and ease; yet have we not made
+conscience of keeping this our oath; but instead of all lawful means to
+preserve the discipline and government of this church, there have been
+frequent invasions made thereupon by the civil powers, exercising an
+Erastian supremacy over her assemblies, by indicting, prorogueing, and
+dissolving them at their pleasure, and in their name and authority;
+whereby Christ's supremacy and kingly dignity was highly injured. And as
+the state for their part have, contrary to this article, made these
+usurpations upon the government of the church, so have backslidden
+ministers in their stations shamefully succumbed to, been silent at, and
+pleaded in defence of these usurpations, and have not zealously and
+faithfully asserted their Master's prerogatives, and the privileges of
+his church, sacrilegiously encroached upon by the magistrate. And people
+likewise have, in their stations, been unconcerned about these wrongs
+and injuries done to Christ, and have not used all lawful endeavour with
+their superiors (which they own as such,) whether of church or state, in
+order to reformation thereof, nor made faithful protestations against
+them, when they could not obtain redress--and as the government of the
+church has not been duly preserved; so there has been a want of constant
+endeavours to preserve pure the doctrine of this reformed church; and
+that ever since that fatal distraction of _public resolution principles_
+began to creep into the church, which corrupted people in that doctrine
+of abstaining from association with malignants and enemies to truth and
+godliness, and so far prevailed that the avowed enemies of religion were
+brought into places of greatest trust and authority. And these
+associations have not been made only with the haters of religion at
+home, but are also entered into with the enemies to the Protestant
+religion abroad; and many backsliding ministers in the late times of
+tyranny were very faulty in this point of not labouring to preserve the
+purity of doctrine, either by express condemning of some important
+truths then persecuted, or at least in being silent and not asserting
+them, nor applying their doctrine to the time's corruptions; whereby
+many of the people were left to be overcome by snares--"And so laid open
+to seek out other principles to justify their practices of compliance,
+or extravagances on the right or left hand, not consistent with the
+doctrine and rules of the Church of Scotland, others were not constant
+in confessing those doctrines before men when called to suffer for, and
+avouch them." Neither are there at this day, nor has there been all
+along during these years of peace and quiet, suitable endeavours for
+suppressing all sorts of unsound doctrine, or purging the land of the
+leaven of erroneous principles. Although there have been many laws made
+against Popery, yet how have they been put to execution, when Papists
+are so rife and Popery prevalent?--the idolatrous mass being set up in
+several places of the kingdom; the maintainers and promoters of
+Quakerism, Bourignianism, Arminianism, &c, are not punished, but
+protected by the state, and connived at by the church. And whereas, the
+right endeavouring of maintaining sound doctrine, doth require
+uprightness and sincerity in the profession and belief thereof, and a
+suitable practice accompanying that belief; we have it to lament that
+the most part of us in this land are but hypocritical in the professing
+of the doctrines of the gospel, and want a suitable practice and
+conversation becoming the gospel, cause, and cross of Christ. Many are
+grossly ignorant of the fundamental doctrines of Christianity, or study
+the circumstantial and controverted more than the fundamental truths.
+There has also been great short coming of _real, sincere and constant
+endeavors to preserve the worship of God_, public and private. "In times
+of hazard, many ministers left off preaching, and the people hearing. We
+have been negligent and remiss in family worship; and, instead of
+preserving, many have done much to discourage and hinder it: And in
+secret we have been formal and careless: Many have satisfied themselves
+with the purity of the ordinances, neglecting the power thereof, yea,
+some have turned aside to crooked ways destructive to both." Neither
+have we been careful to preserve the discipline, church censures being
+laid aside, and not impartially exercised against scandals, personal and
+public. Scandalous persons being admitted to hold up their children to
+baptism, and to partake of the Lord's table and other privileges of the
+church, without respect to the rules of Christ. The discipline of the
+church hath also been circumscribed, limited, and bounded by Acts of
+Parliament, and is now rendered ineffectual by the late Act of the
+British Parliament, entitled, _Act for preventing the Disturbing of
+those of the Episcopal Communion in that part of Great Britain called
+Scotland_. So that ministers could not without transgressing these Acts
+(which they too punctually observe) draw out the sword of discipline
+against many covenant-breakers; perjured hireling-curates being allowed
+to enjoy churches and benefices without censure or molestation, if
+subject to the civil government, as is evident from the 27th Act of the
+fifth Session of William's first Parliament, entitled, _Act concerning
+the Church_. Ministers have neglected to draw out the sword of
+discipline, duly and impartially against scandalous persons of every
+rank and quality; so that many gross offenders have been passed over
+without censure, as, namely, such as shed the blood of the Lord's
+people, complied with the tyrants and usurpers in the times of
+persecution, by testing, bonding, hearing of curates, paying of cess and
+other taxations, intelligencers, and informers against the people of
+God, accepters of indulgences and toleration, and such as preached under
+the covert of remissions and indemnities bought by sums of money from
+the council, such as had been lack and negligent in testifying against
+the corruptions of the times, were not brought to an acknowledgment of
+it; but, upon the contrary, encouraged as well-doers, and advanced to
+office and public employment in the church without evident signs of
+repentance. And many other scandalous persons are daily connived at and
+superficially past, without sufficient discoveries of their repentance
+and amendment: Many also have been overlooked because of their eminency
+in the world, or past over for pecuniary mulcts. And, whereas, in the
+same first Article of the Solemn League, we are bound "to endeavor the
+promoting and propagating of the Reformation and uniformity of religion,
+Confession of Faith, Form of Church-government (which as it was
+primarily understood, so still we own to be only Presbyterial) Directory
+for Worship and Catechising. According to the Scriptures."
+
+Isa. xix. 18. "In that day shall five cities in the land of Egypt speak
+the language of Canaan, and swear to the Lord of Hosts." Jer. xxxii. 39.
+"And I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me for
+ever, for the good of them and of their children after them." Zech. xiv.
+9. "And the Lord shall be King over all the earth: in that day there
+shall be one Lord, and his name one." Acts ii. 46. "And they continuing
+daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread, from house to
+house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart." Acts
+iv. 32. "And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart, and
+one soul." I Cor. vii. 17. "But as God hath distributed to every man, as
+the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk; and so ordain I in all
+churches." Gal. vi. 16. "And as many as walk according to this rule,
+peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God." Phil. iii. 16.
+"Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained; let us walk by the same
+rule; let us mind the same thing."
+
+Yet as our fathers had reason to complain, "that the profane, loose, and
+insolent carriage of many in their armies, who went to the assistance of
+their brethren in England, and the tampering and unstraight dealings of
+some commissioners and others of our nation, in London, the Isle of
+Wight, and other places, had proved great lets to the work of
+reformation and settling of kirk government there, whereby error and
+schism in the land had been greatly increased, and sectaries hardened in
+their way;" so much more during the time of the late persecution, the
+offensive carriage of many who went to England is to be bewailed, who
+proved very stumbling to the Sectarians there.
+
+There hath been little zeal or endeavour for such a uniformity, little
+praying for it, or mourning over the obstructions of it; but, upon the
+contrary, a toleration was embraced, introductive of a sectarian
+multiformity of religion without a testimony against the toleration even
+of Popery itself, under the usurper James, Duke of York; and since the
+Revolution the land hath done exceeding much to harden them. 1st, By
+accepting such persons to the royal dignity over this realm as had sworn
+to maintain the Antichristian hierarchy of Prelacy, with all the
+superstitions and ceremonies of the Church of England, and who
+countenance a multiformity in the worship of God and government of the
+church, and do not suppress such as are unsound and heterodox in the
+fundamental articles of the Christian faith. And, next, to put a full
+stop to all endeavours of uniformity and union in the Lord's way, and to
+bring the nation under an indespensible necessity of covenant breaking,
+this nation hath entered into an _incorporating union_ with England in
+such terms, and upon such conditions as formally and explicitly
+established Prelacy as the Church-government there to all succeeding
+generations; and that while, in the meantime, all manner of Sectarian
+errors are there encouraged, maintained, and supported by means of a
+toleration. By the concluding of which union, this land hath said upon
+the matter that there is no obligation upon us to tender the advancement
+of religion in that nation, or to study such means and methods as might
+tend to bring them to a sense of their breach of covenant, or reduce
+them to a performance of the duties whereunto they are engaged; and thus
+this land hath hardened them in their sinful ways and courses, contrary
+to this Solemn League, and given them ground to think that we look upon
+the obligation thereof to be loosed. This land hath been wanting in
+compassion to them as brethren, in not labouring to show them their sin
+and danger, while persisting in a professed violation of their vows, and
+refusing them help in their need, when supplication was made by some of
+them to the first Assembly after the Revolution for ministers to preach
+the gospel. And though this land hath sought out methods how to
+entertain amity and friendship with them, yet have they not endeavoured
+to have it such as that the Lord should, upon that account, delight to
+dwell amongst us: nay, upon the contrary, unless these methods be
+repented of and forsaken, it is impossible that reformation should ever
+amount to that degree of perfection in these kingdoms, to which, through
+the mercy of God, it once arrived; so that instead of _living together
+in peace and love, we and our posterity after us_, are like to live in a
+joint defection from our covenant engagements made to the Most High God.
+
+In the second Article of the Solemn League and Covenant, we swear, "That
+we shall, without respect of persons, endeavour the extirpation of
+Popery, Prelacy, Superstition, Heresy, Schism, Profaneness, and
+whatsoever shall be found to be contrary to sound doctrine and the power
+of godliness. And in the National Covenant to abhor and detest the
+Antichristian wicked Hierarchy," &c. According to the Scriptures.
+
+Exod. xxiii. 32, 33. "Thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor with
+their gods. They shall not dwell in thy land, lest they make thee sin
+against me: for if thou serve their gods, it surely will be a snare unto
+thee." Exod. xxxiv. 12, 13. "Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a
+covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither thou goest, lest it be
+for a snare in the midst of thee: But ye shall destroy their altars,
+break their images, and cut down their groves." Deut. xiii. chapter
+throughout. Judges ii. 2. "And ye shall make no league with the
+inhabitants of this land; you shall throw down their altars," &c. Zech.
+xiii. 2, 3. "And it shall come to pass in that day saith the Lord of
+Hosts, that I will cut off the names of idols out of the land, and also
+I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirits to pass out of the
+land. And it shall come to pass, that when any shall yet prophesy, then
+his father and his mother that begat him, shall say unto him, Thou shalt
+not live; for thou speakest lies in the name of the Lord: and his
+father, and his mother, that begat him, shall thrust him through, when
+he prophesieth." I Tim. iv. 1, 2, 3. "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly,
+that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed
+to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils: Speaking lies in hypocrisy,
+having their conscience seared with a hot iron: Forbidding to marry, and
+commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received
+with thanksgiving of them which believe, and know the truth." Rev. xvii.
+5. "And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE
+GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS, AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. Verse 16.
+And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the
+whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh,
+and burn her with fire." Compared with Rev. xviii. 4, 5, 6. "A I heard
+another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye
+be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues:
+For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her
+iniquities. Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her
+double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled, fill to
+her double."
+
+Yet, alas! so far has the land been defective in this, that upon the
+contrary, it hath been polluted with idolatrous masses; altars, and
+other monuments of idolatry were suffered again to be erected; the penal
+statutes were disabled, stopped, and suspended by an absolute arbitrary
+power by means of a toleration in its own nature tending, and in its
+design intending to introduce Popery and slavery, which yet was accepted
+and addressed for by many backslidden ministers, who to this day have
+made no public acknowledgement of the sin of so doing, notwithstanding
+all the reformation which is bragged of, and was countenanced, complied,
+and concurred with by many people without a testimony or endeavour to
+withstand it. Yea, the administration of the government and the greatest
+offices of power and trust were committed into, and permitted to abide
+in the hands of Papists; and the head of them and great pillar and
+promoter of Popery, James the VII, was owned as King, contrary to the
+laws of God and man and covenant obligations, without respect of persons
+to extirpate Popery and Papists; and few during that time evinced any
+just zeal or indignation against, or fear of the manifest appearances of
+the coming in of Popery and intended establishment of it in the land.
+And not only then, but even to this day, there is too much conniving at
+Papists; the laws are not put in execution against them in their full
+extent and latitude: And albeit this land, yea, whole Britain and
+Ireland, were purged of Popery, yet cannot we be said to have made
+conscience of performing this part of the oath of God, while there is a
+confederating with Papists abroad and fighting in their quarrel, and
+that, whilst in the meantime they are persecuting, with the height of
+rigour and severity, all such as profess any thing of the reformed
+religion in their dominions. And as there hath been great failures in
+respect of extirpating Popery, so especially in the performance of that
+part of the covenant which binds us to the extirpation of
+Prelacy--"_i.e._ Church government by arch-bishops, bishops, their
+chancellors and commissaries, deans, deans and chapters, archdeacons,
+and all other officers depending upon that hierarchy:" there hath been a
+most wilful and palpable violation of the oath of God, though it be most
+clearly our duty prescribed in his word.
+
+Matt. xx. 25, 26. "But Jesus called them unto him, and said, ye know
+that the Princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they
+that are great exercise authority upon them: But it shall not be so
+among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your
+minister." Luke xxii. 25, 26. "And he said unto them the Kings of the
+Gentiles exercise lordship over them," &c. Acts xx: 17. "And from
+Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church."
+Compared with verse 28. "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all
+the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you observers (bishops)
+to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood."
+I Peter v. 3. "Neither as being lords over God's heritage: but being
+ensamples to the flock." 3 John verse 9. "I wrote unto the church; but
+Diotrepehes, who loveth to have the pre-eminence among them, receiveth
+us not."
+
+And these breaches of it were not only made during the tunes of
+persecution, when Charles the II. by an arbitrary power, granted him by
+a parasitical Parliament, did overturn Presbyterian government, and
+introduce Prelacy, to which change the greatest part of the ministry did
+perfidiously yield, and became vassals to the bishops; such as were not
+willing to conform, were pressed to it by confinement, banishment,
+imprisonment, confiscation of goods, all manner of tortures, and,
+finally, death itself.
+
+During which hour and power of darkness, many complied with the enemy,
+by taking oaths and bonds, indulgencies and toleration, and because so
+remiss in this matter, that it was all one to them which government had
+the ascendant, so they might enjoy their worldly accommodations. And
+not only then, while Satan was let loose in his members and emissaries
+to persecute and waste the Church of Christ, but since peace and
+quietness are obtained, this duty continues to be greatly slighted; yea,
+in place of extirpating Prelacy, have there not been courses taken
+effectually to establish it? To instance a few--the accepting of William
+and Mary, and after them the present possessor of the Crown, to be
+supreme Magistrates, while they are knownly and professedly Prelatical
+in their judgment, and engaged by oath at their coronation to maintain
+the same; the swearing oaths of allegiance to them without security for
+their preserving of the true reformed religion--yea, without any
+limitation or qualification whatsoever; as also, the taking an oath of
+adjuration, wherein, by consequence, the takers engaged to do to the
+utmost of their power to procure that the Kings or Queens of these
+kingdoms shall be of the communion of the Prelatical Church, and so that
+they shall contribute to the support of Prelacy.
+
+Again, the Episcopal clergy who subjected to it during the time of its
+legal establishment, have not been therefore prosecuted by the
+discipline of the church; but such as did, and yet do profess it as
+their principle, are allowed equal encouragement with the Presbyterians,
+only providing they evidence good affection to the civil government. And
+now, since the late _incorporating union_ with England, we of this
+nation have consented that Prelacy shall be established there to all
+succeeding generations, (as was observed in the first article); and,
+moreover, have given into the hands of the Prelatics in England, the
+power of making laws which must become binding upon this land, they
+being members of the British Parliament and council; which power has
+been already improved, to establish a liberty and protection for the
+whole rabble of the Episcopal Clergy in the free exercise of the Popish
+ceremonies of the Church of England, without any provision against the
+grossest heretical opinions that they please to broach, excepting only
+the denying of the doctrine of the blessed Trinity. Where, then, are our
+endeavours for the extirpation of the wicked hierarchy?--where is the
+abhorrence and detestation of it, sworn and engaged to in these
+Covenants?--Do not many who profess themselves to be Presbyterians show
+themselves so indifferent in this point, that they can join with
+either, as may suit their interest?--instance the Sacramental Testers.
+Few mourn over and pray earnestly for the subversion of that hierarchy.
+Few doctrinally discover the evils of such a government, and how
+contrary it is to God's Word--or labour to bring their hearers into a
+dislike and detestation of it, and the sad fruits which result from it.
+Few study to convince others of the evil of such a principle, and
+following such a course by the Apostle's rule, avoiding all unnecessary
+company with them, that they may be ashamed; but, upon the contrary,
+many Presbyterians too familiar and unnecessary converse with them,
+encourage and harden them; and, particularly, ministers are to be blamed
+herein, who preach one half of the Lord's day in the church, and allow
+the curate the other half. Few impartially reprove and warn them of
+their sin and danger; but, upon the other hand, many professed
+Presbyterians, by their untender and unchristian walk and conversation,
+or by their lukewarmness and indifferency in Christ's matters, now
+called _moderation_, and by their walking contrary to covenant
+engagements, do exceedingly harden them in their evil way, and
+scandalize them at their duty. Instead of endeavours to extirpate
+superstition and heresy, as we are bound by the same article of the
+Solemn League, and by the "National Covenant to detest all superstition
+and heresy, without or against the Word of God, and doctrine of this
+reformed kirk, according to the Scripture."
+
+Duet. xii. 30, 31, 32--"Take heed to thyself, that thou be not snared by
+following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee, and that
+thou inquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve
+their gods? even so will I do likewise. Thou shalt not do so unto the
+Lord thy God; for every abomination to the Lord which he hateth, have
+they done unto their gods: for even their sons and their daughters they
+have burnt in the fire to their gods. What thing soever I command you,
+observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto nor diminish from it." Acts
+xvii. 22--"Then Paul stood in the midst of Mar's-hill, and said--Ye men
+of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious." Gal.
+iv. 10--"Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years." Gal. v.
+20--"Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulation, wrath, strife,
+seditions, heresies." Col. ii. 20--"Wherefore, if ye be dead with Christ
+from the rudiments of the world; why as though living in the world, are
+ye subject to ordinances? verse 21, Touch not, taste not, handle not:
+verse 23, Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will-worship, and
+humility, and neglecting of the body, not in any honour to the
+satisfying of the flesh." Tit. iii. 10--"A man that is an heretic, after
+the first and second admonition, reject."
+
+Yet, in the darkness of the times of persecution, many dregs of Popish
+superstition were observed, many omens and freets too much looked to;
+Popish festival days--as Pasche, Yule, Fastings-even, &c, have been kept
+by many; and Prelatical anniversary days, and festivities devised of
+their own heart, appointed for commemorating the King's and Queen's
+birthdays, (as May 29th, October 13th, February 6th,) who were born as a
+scourge to this realm, were complied with by many. Yes, some have
+superstitiously made use of the Scriptures as a fortune book, looking to
+that which first cast up to them, or to impressions borne in upon their
+minds from such and such places of Scripture as Divine responses,
+without a due search of them as the Lord hath commanded. And many
+wavering and unstable souls have been seduced unto damnable and
+pernicious heresies, as Quakers, and delirious delusions, as those that
+followed John Gib. All which have been breaches of Covenant, as well as
+of Divine commands. Yea, even to this very day, the same superstitions
+are observed and practised, as abstaining from labouring upon the
+foresaid festivities, and observing presages of good or tad fortune (as
+it is called,) upon them and other times; as likewise, many practisers
+of enchantments and users of charms--yea, such as are in actual compact
+with the devil, are not carefully sought out, nor accurately tried, in
+order to be brought to punishment, but overlooked and protected.
+
+There has been also since the revolution, as well as before, a great
+deluge of errors through these covenanted lands, which, to this day,
+continue and increase: that might be sufficient to convince us that
+there have not been proper measures taken to suppress them, as this
+article obliges us to do;--nay, instead thereof, they are tolerated,
+maintained, and protected by authority, as appears both from the late
+Act of Parliament, and from the liberty allowed to that pestilent
+generation of Quakers, who keep their general meetings yearly in
+Edinburgh, being guarded by a company of the town guards. And as the
+state do not prosecute the promoters and abettors of these heresies with
+civil pains, as is the duty of such as call themselves God's
+vicegerents, and own themselves to be intrusted with keeping of both
+tables of the law; so the church is nothing speedier or more active in
+drawing out their ecclesiastical sword to cut off these luxurant
+branches, and to take _the little foxes which spoil the wines_. Many
+whose duty, by virtue of their office, is to give warning from Zion's
+walls, as watchmen entrusted with the city of God, neglect to discover,
+and from the scriptures to confute these errors, or to show their flocks
+by doctrine or writing the danger of being tainted with them. And as
+suitable endeavours have been wanting effectually to extirpate heresy
+and error, so schism, its inseparable companion, and necessary
+consequent, has exceedingly grown and increased, to the great damage of
+the church of Christ in these kingdoms, and utter subversion of that
+most pleasant fabric of uniformity in religion, which the League and
+Covenant binds us to endeavour. The word of God makes schism a very
+great sin, as is evident from Rom. xvi. 17; 1 Cor. xi. 18, xii. 25; Heb.
+x. 25; Jude 19.
+
+And all the nation are to be reputed guilty of it who depart from the
+doctrine and laudable constitutions delivered by Christ and his
+apostles, and adhered unto by the church of Scotland in her purest times
+of Reformation. And if we consider schism under this notion, as we ought
+to do, then will we find that the greatest part of the land is guilty of
+it. Few are firmly and constantly adhering to the attained Reformation;
+but many upon the left hand, have turned aside to compliance with
+Prelacy and Erastianism, and so have by their defection broken the
+church's _beauty_ and _bands_, order and union, in making a faction
+repugnant to her established order, and, censurable by all her standing
+acts, in bringing innovations in the government, and making a rent in
+the bowels of the church; by causing divisions and offences contrary to
+the doctrine of the church; whereby they have made themselves guilty of
+schism; and some have fallen into delusions and dotages upon the right
+hand, who, in seeking to be religious above what is commanded, have come
+short of the truth of religion, and made a faction repugnant to this
+covenant. Some, being private persons, have pretended an immediate
+commission to preach the word, and administer the sacraments. Others,
+being stumbled with the defection of the time, have turned aside to
+independency. "Some upon slender and insufficient grounds, have and do
+separate both from faithful ministers and Christian societies and
+families, because of difference in judgment and incident debates,
+wherein the testimony of Christ is not much concerned; or because of
+personal offences easily removed, not observing the rules of Christ for
+removing of them, not having respect to his great commands of charity,
+forbearance, forgiving one another, or condescendency. And among divided
+parties, which in our day have been long biting and devouring one
+another, there hath been too much both of sinful union and confederacy
+in terms prejudicial to truth; as our joinings in the _Angus regiment_,
+at the _Revolution_, and our guarding and supplicating that corrupt
+_Convention of Estates_, which consisted mostly of such as had been
+directly or indirectly guilty of the murder of the Lord's people; and
+upon the other hand, there hath been too much of sinful heats,
+animosities, and jealousies, pride, passion, and prejudice, grieving the
+Spirit of the Lord, and eating out the power and life, and much
+hindering the holy practice and spiritual exercise of religion."
+
+_We have been so far from endeavouring to extirpate profaneness, another
+evil engaged against in the covenant, and condemned in the Word of God_.
+Deut. xxix. 19; Job xxi. 14; Jer. xxiii. 15; Ezek. xxii. 26; Hos. iv.
+1-3; Heb. vii. 15.
+
+"That profanity hath been much winked at, and profane persons much
+countenanced, and many times employed, till iniquity and ungodliness
+have gone over the land as a flood; and profanity, beginning at the
+court, hath spread itself through every rank and quality in the land: so
+that immoralities and sins against every precept of both tables are
+greatly abounding." As, namely, great contempt of God and godliness,
+ignorance, atheism and irreligion, unsuitable walking to the knowledge
+of him and his perfections which we have, and not labouring in the use
+of means to attain more. Much neglect of pressing after peace and
+reconciliation with him, through a Mediator, and of living up to the
+profession which we make of him. Despising of his holy ordinances and
+means of worship; deafness and stupidity under the calls of his Word.
+Profanation of his holy sacraments, neglect of secret prayer (wherein
+much of the life of religion lies), and of prayer in families, or a
+negligent, careless and superficial performance thereof; many using a
+formality of words and expressions learned by custom. Some using our
+blessed Lord's prayer as a set form, which ought to be used as a rule of
+direction in all our prayers, and not as a dead form of words: many
+seeking more to be seen of men in this and all other duties, than to
+approve themselves to God, and more careful to come by apposite words
+and expressions, when praying with others, than to attain and entertain
+the breathings and influences of the Spirit of God. Much neglect of
+propagating Christian knowledge in congregations and families; ministers
+and masters of families not making diligent search into the knowledge of
+the flocks and families under their charge, and instructing them
+suitably. Much swearing and profanation of God's name, by loose and vain
+oaths in common discourse: yea, swearing by the creatures--as, soul,
+faith, conscience, and the like, thereby sacrilegiously attributing to
+them divine honour; as also, by imposing upon all persons in any public
+trust the unlimited and unlawful oath of allegiance, together with the
+bond of assurance, and the oath of abjuration, contrary to the oath of
+the covenant, thereby debauching people's consciences, and involving
+them in the guilt of perjury. Great profanation of the holy Sabbath, and
+neglect or careless performance of the duties therein required; breaking
+it by unnecessary feasting, walking, idle, vain and impertinent
+discourse, and such like recreations; yea, by hunting, hawking, riding
+and going of journeys, sounding trumpets before their lords of
+Justiciary when going to church, reading of proclamations wholly
+irrelative to religion, and making publications not necessary nor
+expedient to be made upon that day. Much disobedience to parents, and
+undue carriage of persons of all ranks and relations towards each other.
+Great murder and bloodshed, so that the land is defiled with blood, and
+that not only the blood of the Lord's people, who, in the times of
+persecution, were led forth like sheep to the slaughter, because of
+their adherence to their duty, and refusing conformity with wicked
+courses and subjection to wicked laws, eversive of their covenant
+engagements, not yet mourned over, nor purged away by the blood of those
+that shed it; but likewise many through the land are murdered
+frequently, and the murderers are not prosecuted with due severity: nay,
+such are the methods that are now taken to embolden the wicked in that
+and all other crimes, that whatever presumptions of guilt may be had, or
+how ample confession soever be made, if it be extrajudicial, and the
+very fact not proved by witnesses, the delinquent is passed over and
+absolved as a well-doer, and many actually convicted of murder are
+indemnified and let pass unpunished.
+
+Much uncleanness and filthiness, adultery, fornication, incest,
+bestiality, sodomy, lasciviousness, promiscuous dancing, stage plays,
+excessive drinking, vanity in apparel, and the like abominable
+unchastity and incentives to it. Much stealing, robbery and oppression,
+grinding the faces of the poor by unjust taxations and heavy
+impositions, and by hindering the poor from begging, for the support of
+their lives in times of scarcity, by a wicked edict. Perverting of
+justice in law suits; lawyers and advocates finding means, for their own
+gain and worldly advantage, to obtain decisive sentences in favor of the
+rich, contrary to justice and equity; much cheating and deceiving in
+bargaining; forestalling of markets in times of scarcity; depriving the
+poor of their habitations and livelihoods by building of parks and
+in-closures; tenants taking leases over their neighbor's head, and the
+like. It is, moreover, to be bewailed that many ministers, who should be
+examples of charity and good works, are ringleaders in this sin of
+oppression. Much lying and bearing of false witness, defaming one
+another's good name, reproaching persons for their adherence to the
+truths and cause of Christ, or for discovering any piece of zeal and
+affection that way. Much covetousness and worldly-mindedness, repining,
+murmuring and discontentment with God's dispensations; revenge, wrath,
+malice, envy, bitterness and innumerable sins, both against the precepts
+of the moral law, and the offers of Christ in the Gospel, which plainly
+says that we have not used the endeavours which in this Article we
+promise, for "Rooting up profaneness and whatsoever is found contrary to
+sound doctrine and the power of godliness, lest we partake of other
+men's sins, and so be in danger to receive of their plagues." Nay, hath
+not much unsound doctrine been maintained in the arguments which have
+been used for defending the lawfulness of the courses of compliance with
+Prelacy and Erastianism? and these, amongst other unsound notions, have
+been entertained amongst us--"That lesser and circumstantial truths are
+not to be suffered for; that confession of these truths hath not been
+called for in our day; that people are not in hazard of the sins of
+others, especially of magistrates and ministers, if they do not directly
+act the same sins themselves; that sins of bypast times (if they be not
+presently practiced) are not to be confessed, nor the persons guilty to
+be stood at a distance from, till they give evident documents of their
+repentance;" contrary to express and plain Scripture.
+
+2 Sam. xxi. 1; 2 Sam. xxiv. 17; 2 Kings xxi. 11, 12; Isa. xliii. 27, 28;
+Jer. xiv. 15,16; Mic. iii. 11, 12.
+
+Whence both ministers and people have been involved in the sins of
+Prelacy, Indulgence, Toleration, Erastianism, subjecting the government
+of the church to the secular and civil authority; while they thought
+these only to be the sins of Prelates, or of wicked and usurping rulers;
+they in the meantime yielding all the conformity with, submission unto,
+and approbation of them, that was by wicked laws required. On the other
+hand, many of us have rested too much in a non-compliance with these,
+and "having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof."
+
+In the third Article, whereas we are bound, "in our several vocations,
+mutually to preserve the rights and privileges of Parliaments, and
+liberties of the kingdoms;" meaning the true, real and righteous
+privileges and liberties--consonant to the Word of God.
+
+Deut. i. 13; Deut. xvi. 18; Isa. i. 26.
+
+Likeas, all lieges are bound by the laws of the land inserted in the
+National Covenant, to "maintain the authority of Parliaments, without
+which neither any laws nor lawful judicatories can be established." Yet
+as our fathers had reason to complain "that neither had the privileges
+of the Parliament nor liberties of the subject been duly tendered; but
+some amongst them had laboured to put into the hands of the king an
+arbitrary and unlimited power destructive to both; and many of them had
+been accessory to those means and ways whereby the freedom and
+privileges of Parliaments had been encroached upon, and the subjects
+oppressed in their consciences, persons and estates;" so afterwards, all
+alongst the tract of tyranny and persecution, they had rather the name
+and show than the real power and privileges of lawfully constituted
+Parliaments; having advanced the royal prerogative to such a boundless
+pitch of arbitrariness, and being so corrupted, that faithful men and
+honest and honourable patriots were excluded, and those admitted who by
+the law of God and man should have been debarred; and so prelimited that
+the members behoved to take such oaths (for instance, the declaration
+and test, abjuring and condemning the Covenants) as engaged them to be
+perjured and conjured enemies both to our religion and liberty, which
+both the electors of Members of Parliament and the elected did sinfully
+comply with; neither did the body of the land make conscience of
+recovering these rights and privileges thus perverted and polluted; but
+in stupid subjection did own those for representatives who betrayed
+their liberties, and made laws to enslave the nation and entail slavery
+upon, posterity. On the other hand, they that disowned them did not make
+conscience of preserving those rights and privileges of supreme
+judicatories, when inadvertently and unadvisedly they put in such
+expressions and styles in some of their declarations as do not belong to
+private persons, but only to such judicatories. And not only then, but
+since the Revolution, have there been many ways taken for corrupting and
+depriving the Members of Parliament; as that all members and electors of
+members have been obliged to take the oath of allegiance, with the
+assurance to such as did, and do, in their dominions, support Prelacy
+and exercise an Erastian supremacy over the church of Christ.
+
+And now, last of all, by the means of this fatal Union with England, in
+terms and upon conditions inconsistent with our covenanted Union,
+engaged to in the League and Covenant; the nation's sovereignty and
+independency are given up, the rights of Parliament entirely lost, or
+vanished into a shadow, little preferable to no Parliament; so few
+being to represent this nation in the Parliament of Great Britain, as
+can never be able to prevent, by their number of voices, any act which
+it shall please the English to make, how destructive soever the same be
+to our sacred or civil concerns. Which treaty of Union was concluded in
+a Parliament as manifestly prelimited, as any which ever was seen in
+Scotland; the members were corrupted with bribes and preferment, and so
+engaged to act contrary to the will and mind of those whome they did
+represent, and to comply with that stratagem hatched by the English, for
+enslaving this poor nation, and denuded it of its privileges, as well
+sacred as civil. And alas! how insignificant were the endeavours then
+used to prevent that course, and preserve the privileges of the
+Parliament and liberties of this kingdom? only some faint addresses, all
+other attempts being laid aside at their Queen's command, by her
+proclamation, as _treasonable convocation of the lieges_.
+
+Again, the subject's liberties, both as men and as Christian, which the
+scriptures allow, we should preserve,
+
+I Sam. xiv. 25; Acts xxii. 25,28; xxv. 11,16,27; Gal. v. 1.
+
+Have been miserably encroached upon by arbitrary government, whereby the
+subjects have been oppressed in their consciences, persons and estates,
+by all the oaths and bonds pressing conformity with the corruptions,
+novations, and usurpations the government of church and state, and
+persecutions for recusancy, and by impositions of the freedom of secret
+thoughts, which no law of men can reach, which yet in the time of the
+late persecution were extorted, by threatening of death and manifold
+tortures; the church's liberties have also been invaded by the
+ecclesiastical supremacy, declared by a blasphemous law inherent to the
+crown, which law, though it be not now in force, is yet still kept up in
+practice by the indiction, prorogation, and dissolution of Assemblies,
+and prescribing diets and causes of fasting and thanksgiving in the
+magistrate's name and authority, to which ecclesiastical supremacy,
+usurped by the magistrate, this backslidden church hath always
+subjected, and now to discover to the world that they are not ashamed of
+this surrendering of our Lord's prerogative to his enemies they have, in
+their Assembly, holden at Edinburgh, Anno 1710, most explicitly and
+fully subscribed to this ecclesiastical supremacy, in their Act for
+observation of fasts, wherein they affirm, "that it is much for the
+honor of God that fasts whether appointed' by the church, or the civil
+magistrate, be duly observed."
+
+In that same third Article, we are likewise bound to defend "The supreme
+magistrate's person and authority, in the preservation and defence of
+the true religion and liberties of the kingdom:" as in the National
+Covenant is expressed: likewise, "to defend his person and authority, in
+the defence of Christ his evangel, liberties of our country,
+ministration of justice, and punishment of iniquity; and to stand to his
+defence, in the defence of the true religion, liberties and laws of the
+kingdom;" as the duty is qualified in scripture.
+
+II Sam. v. 3.; II Kings xi. 17; II Chron. xxvi. 16, 17, 18, 21; Rom.
+xiii. 3, 4, 6; I Pet. ii. 13, 14.
+
+As our fathers in their acknowledgments had reason to say, "Neither hath
+it been our care to avoid these things which might harden the king in
+his evil way; but, upon the contrary he hath not only been permitted,
+but many of us have been instrumental to make him exercise his power in
+many things tending to the prejudice of religion, and of the Covenant,
+and of the peace and safety of these kingdoms; which is so far from the
+right way of preserving his Majesty's person and authority that it
+cannot but provoke the Lord against him unto the hazard of both. Nay,
+under a pretence of relieving and doing for the king, whilst he refuses
+to do what was necessary for the house of God, some have ranversed and
+violated most of all the Articles of the Covenant."
+
+So, during the unhappy days of the late tyranny, it was the land's sin
+and shame, and ought to be our sorrow, that men were mounted upon a
+throne of iniquity whose main design and practice was to subvert
+religion and persecute it, to introduce Popery itself and slavery, to
+destroy the nation's liberties, suppress the evangel, and oppress its
+professors; who enacted and executed manifest injustice, stopped the
+ministration of justice against idolaters, adulterers, murderers, and
+other malefactors, and punished equity and duty, instead of iniquity;
+arrogated and obtained a monstrous prerogative above all rights and
+privileges of Parliaments, all laws, all liberties; a power to tyrannize
+as they pleased without control. But, as it was their sin who
+inaugurated Charles II. after such discoveries of his hypocritical
+enmity to religion and liberty, upon his subscription to the Covenants,
+so when he burned and buried that Covenant, and degenerated into
+manifest tyranny, and had razed the very foundation upon which both his
+right to govern, and the people's allegiance were founded, and remitted
+the subjects' allegiance by annulling the bond of it: it was the land's
+sin that they continued still to own his authority when opposite to, and
+destructive of religion and liberty; and of those who appeared in arms
+at Pentland and Bothwell Bridge, that they put in his interest (with
+application of the words of the Covenant to him, though stated in
+opposition to it) into _the state of the quarrel_, in their _declaration
+of war_, for which (so far as the godly could discern) the Lord put them
+to shame, and went not forth with their armies. It was likewise the sin
+of the land, and a great breach of Covenant, when the Duke of York was
+admitted to the exercise of the royal office against the laws of God and
+man; being incapable of the Covenant qualifications of a magistrate, and
+being a Papist, and so incapable of taking the "oath of coronation to
+maintain the true Protestant religion, and gainstand and abolish
+Popery;" which, for the preservation of the true religion, laws, and
+liberties of this kingdom, is stated by the 8th Act of Parliament, I
+King James VI, "That all kings, at the reception of their princely
+authority, shall take and swear;" yet this authority, though
+inconsistent with, and declaredly opposite to religion and liberty, was
+owned and upheld, by paying cess and supplies, expressly exacted for
+upholding tyranny in the destruction of religion and liberty; and though
+the Lord did, for a long time, by the tyranny of Charles II. and James
+VII., chastise these covenanted lands, yet there has not been a turning
+to him that smiteth: but these lands have again transgressed the Lord's
+commandments, and broken this part of the Covenant of the Lord, by
+receiving, admitting, supporting and subjecting to such, for Kings and
+Queens over these realms as want the qualifications required in God's
+word, and enacted by the righteous and laudable laws of the land to be
+in magistrates, superior and inferior: which were not brought under
+Covenant ties and obligations, to be for God and religion in their own
+persons and families, and to advance and preserve the same allenarly in
+their dominions; but in place thereof have come under oath and
+obligation to countenance, protect end advance the Romish superstitions
+and innovations in the worship of God and government of the Church,
+which the Covenant binds these kingdoms to suppress and extirpate, and
+in consequence of, and in conformity to, these obligations, do maintain
+and defend, or tolerate and allow Prelacy and Sectarian errors in their
+dominions, contrary to the true religion and sound doctrine, contrary to
+justice and equity; yea, contrary to that trust especially committed to
+the hands of Christian Magistrates, who for that end have the sword
+given them, _that they may be a terror to evil doers_, preserve and
+defend the true religion and professors thereof, and punish and
+extirpate false religion and heresies, and bring the wheel over the
+broachers, maintainers and abettors thereof; which did, and do exercise
+an Erastian supremacy over the church, in proroguing, and dissolving
+General Assemblies, appointing diets and causes of fasts and
+thanksgivings; and by their civil authority causing them to be kept and
+observed; which do not impartially execute justice upon all offenders,
+witness the frequent indemnities and remissions granted to murderers; as
+particularly, the passing without punishment the persons which
+perpetrated the inhuman, barbarous and lawless action of the massacre of
+Glencoe. Which waste and destroy the kingdom, by levying men and raising
+money for maintaining a long and expensive war, undertaken neither for
+the advancement of the true religion, nor for the advantage and safety
+of the nation; but in favour of the house of Austria, which hath been,
+and yet continues to be, one of the strong pillars of Antichrist's
+kingdom, and inplacable enemies to the true reformed religion, as
+appears by the persecution of the Protestants in Silesia, Hungary, &c.
+And yet notwithstanding of all this, many in the land of all ranks have
+sworn to bear true and faithful allegiance to them, without any
+conditional restriction or limitation; so that it is not possible for
+them, in a consistency with their oath, to disown their authority, and
+deny them subjection, or refuse to defend their persons and government,
+albeit they should proceed to the greatest pitch of arbitrariness; which
+is very far from the defence promised to Magistrates in the Covenant:
+the whole land (almost) hath complied with them in all the
+forementioned particulars so diametrically opposite to the Covenants,
+and supported, strengthened and encouraged them in these evil courses,
+by paying them cess and other subsidies; and ministers have minded so
+much to be loyal to their government, that they have forgotten to be
+faithful to their souls, in that they have not discovered to them the
+sin and danger of patronising Prelacy, and exercising Erastianism over
+the church; but in order to obtain their favor, have clapped their hands
+in these sins, which certainly is most opposite to that loyalty which we
+ought to maintain towards Princes, and tends rather to diminish their
+just power and greatness, than to increase and preserve it; and, instead
+of being a proper way of defending their persons and authority, is
+rather a mean to bring the wrath of a just and jealous God upon them,
+and those who defend or connive at them in these unlawful courses.
+
+"Our own consciences within, and God's judgment upon us without, do
+convince us of the manifold, wilful, renewed breaches of the fourth
+Article, which concerneth the discovery of malignants, consonant to the
+Scriptures."
+
+2 Sam. xxiii. 6; Esther vii. 5. 6; Psalm xxvi. 5; Psalm ci. 8; Prov.
+xxv. 5.
+
+"For their crimes have not only been connived at, but dispensed with and
+pardoned, and themselves received into intimate fellowship, intrusted
+with counsels, admitted into parliaments, and put in places of power and
+authority for managing the public affairs of the kingdom; whereby, in
+God's justice, they got at last into their hands the whole power and
+strength of the kingdom, both in judicatories and armies, and did employ
+the same unto the enacting and prosecuting an unlawful engagement in war
+against the kingdom of England, notwithstanding the dissent of many
+considerable members of parliament, who had given constant proof of
+their integrity in the cause from the beginning; of many faithful
+testimonies and free warnings of the servants of God; of the
+supplications of many synods, presbyteries, and shires; and the
+declaration of the General Assembly and their Commissioners to the
+contrary; which engagement, as it was the cause of much sin, so also of
+much misery and calamity unto this land, and held forth the grievousness
+of our sin, in complying with malignants in the greatness of our
+judgment, that we may be taught never to split again upon the same rock,
+upon which the Lord hath set so remarkable a beacon. And, after all that
+is come to pass unto us, because of this our trespass, and after that
+grace hath been showed unto _our fathers and us once and again_ from the
+Lord our God, by breaking these men's yoke from off _their and our
+necks, and sometimes_ delivering our fathers _so far from their
+insultings_, that he put them in a capacity to act for the good of
+religion, their own safety, and the peace and safety of the kingdoms,
+should they and we again break the commandment and covenant of the Lord,
+by joining once more with the people of these abominations, and taking
+unto our bosom these serpents which had formerly stung us almost unto
+death; this, as it would argue great madness and folly upon our part, so
+no doubt, if it be not avoided, will provoke the Lord against us, to
+consume us until there is no remnant nor escaping in the land? many
+times have we been warned of the sin of complying with malignants, both
+by faithful ministers, and fatherly corrections from the Lord;"--yet,
+after all these punishments, we have again joined with the people of
+these abominations; the Lord is righteous, for we remain yet escaped as
+it is this day; behold, we are before him in our trespass, we cannot
+stand before him because of this.
+
+These incendiaries, malignants, and evil instruments, made many grievous
+encroachments, and prevailed much in the days of our fathers--yet not
+without dissent, testimonies, warnings, and declarations; but more
+especially in the dismal days of persecution and tyranny, they were
+suffered, yea, encouraged, without any significant joint testimony, not
+only to hinder the reformation of religion, but to overturn the whole
+work of reformation, to burn and bury the covenants for it, to
+re-establish abjured Prelacy, erect a monstrous Christ-exauctorating and
+church-enslaving supremacy, attempt the introduction of Popery and
+slavery at the gate of an anti-Christian toleration, and to persecute
+and destroy the godly, who durst not in conscience comply with them; and
+not only to divide the _King from his people, or one of the kingdoms
+from another_--but first, to divide the bulk and body of both kingdoms,
+and make them pursue divided interests from the interest and cause of
+Christ, and then to divide the remnant of such as adhered to it amongst
+themselves, by indulgences and other bonds of contention, in order to
+get them more easily destroyed; and at length to engage the King into
+such a division from the people, as to make him, instead of their
+protector, their declared destroyer; and not only to _make parties among
+the people contrary to his league and covenant_, but to draw and divide
+the whole people into a party with perjuries. The generality,
+notwithstanding, did own allegiance to the head of these incendiaries
+and malignants, yea, a Popish incendiary, because he wore a crown on his
+head; and did pay the cess imposed for the maintenance and encouragement
+of malignants; many did associate with them in expeditions of war,
+drawing up with them in their musters and rendezvouses, thereby
+countenancing a malignant cause, and listing themselves under a
+malignant--yea, Popish banner; many subscribed and sware themselves
+contrary to the covenant by taking tests, oaths, and bonds, obliging
+them to surcease from covenanted duties, and to keep the peace and good
+behaviour with them, whom they were obliged by covenant to seek to bring
+to punishment; yea, some, and not a few, were inveigled in the snare of
+the oath of delation, to delate the persecuted people of God to their
+courts, and thereby made them (instead of discovering malignants
+according to the covenant,) to discover their brethren to malignants.
+And very many, almost the universality of the land, were involved in the
+snare of the oath of abjuration, renouncing the principle of declaring
+war against a malignant King, and of asserting the lawfulness of
+bringing his murthering accomplices and incendiaries to condign
+punishment; but, on the other hand, some of the suffering party did
+sometimes exceed the bounds of moderation in this matter, in usurping
+the sword without God's call, without respect to the rule, and against
+the scope of their own declarations, to take vengeance on them at their
+own hand; yea, even to that degree, of taking the lives of some of them
+in an extravagant manner;[27] for which, they were sadly rebuked of God,
+an occasion was given and taken to reproach and blaspheme the way of God
+upon that account. But to descend to our own time, we have it to
+bewail, that whatever alteration there is in the face of affairs since
+the yoke of tyranny was taken off our neck, yet there is no alteration
+in this matter to the better, but rather to the worse; malignants are so
+far from being brought to condign punishment, that they are the whole
+administrators of the affairs of the kingdom; whence it is come to pass,
+that the supreme judicatories which should take trial of such and bring
+them to punishment, and to whom they should be delated, are wholly, or
+mostly composed of such; yea, none may now be reputed malignant unless
+he be disaffected to the civil government; so that malignancy is not now
+disaffection to the cause and work of God, but disaffection to the
+present establishment, and so far are they that are truly disaffected to
+Christ and his interest this day advanced and strengthened in their
+designs, that they have (so far as in them lies) put a final stop to all
+further progress in reformation in these covenanted kingdoms; so that
+instead of discovering and bringing to punishment them who make parties
+and factions against the League and Covenant, and reformation therein
+concerted, the most part of Britain and Ireland are nought else but a
+party and faction against it, who have cast it out of doors, and, for
+what is apparent, are never minded to receive it again; and, upon the
+contrary, such as are labouring to adhere most closely (though in
+weakness) to these engagements, and prosecute the ends of these
+covenants, are unjustly looked upon as a party and faction, and
+prosecuted as offenders by such as, according to the genuine sense of
+this Article, ought to be brought to condign punishment. It is likewise
+promised in this Article, that such _shall be brought to trial as shall
+divide the King from his people, or one of the kingdoms from another_,
+which clause hath been broken, by using endeavours to have King and
+people and the kingdoms all conjoined in a _union_ and conjunction
+contrary to, and eversive of this Solemn League and Covenant; and these
+that go under the character of ministers, from whom it might in all
+reason be expected that they should interpose for having malignants duly
+punished, are so far from doing so, that they make it their endeavour
+to please them; and upon the contrary, they spare no pains to incense
+the persons in the government against those whose design it is, in the
+Lord's strength, to adhere to their covenant engagements, and keep
+themselves unspotted from the abominations of the times. We acknowledge
+also ourselves guilty of the breach of this Article, in so far as we
+have not more frequently and fervently, from a real respect and zeal to
+the glory of God, after we saw no means of getting such evil instruments
+and opposers of reformation punished and suppressed by human
+judicatories, applied by prayer and supplication to God, that he would
+either of his infinite mercy convince them of, and reclaim them from, or
+in justice reprove and punish them for their opposition to his cause and
+interest. As also, that we have not duly searched into our own sins, and
+especially the malignancy of our own hearts: by means whereof, the Lord
+is highly provoked to permit such evil instruments not only to afflict
+and oppress us, but also to retard the success of his own work; and that
+we have not impartially or sincerely mourned over these sins in our own
+hearts and lives, which hinder our own personal, and so have influence
+to impede national reformation, and have not forsaken and abandoned
+them.
+
+In the fifth Article, we are bound, "according to our place and station,
+to endeavor, that the kingdoms may remain conjoined in a most firm peace
+and union to all posterity; and that justice may be done upon the wilful
+opposers thereof;" according to Isa. ii. 2, 3, xiv. 23, 24; Jer. 1, 4,
+5; Ezek. xxxvii. 16, 17; Zech. ii. 11. viii. 21, 22; Gal. v. 12.
+
+"But through the peace and union of the kingdoms (while duly subordinate
+to the interest of religion) was a great blessing of God unto both, and
+a bond which we are bound to preserve inviolated, and to endeavor that
+justice may be done upon the wilful opposers thereof; yet some in this
+land, who have come under the bond of the Covenant, have made it their
+great study how to dissolve this union, and few or no endeavors have
+been used by any of us for punishing of such;" yea, very little, or none
+at all, have the most of us been concerned about this Article; whether
+there be peace with, or holiness and truth in, the other kingdoms; or
+what sort of peace, or on what foundation it be settled: both kingdoms
+are mutually guilty of dissolving this Covenant Union, in invading each
+other, at several times, contrary to the Covenant, the English nation
+in subjecting us to their conquest, and forcing us to a submission to
+their Sectarian usurpations on church and state; and this nation, in
+giving such provocations to them, by the unlawful engagement in the year
+1648, by treating with, setting up and entertaining, the head of the
+malignant party, their enemy and ours both, as our King in the year
+1650, and invading them upon his quarrel, at the Worcester expedition,
+Anno 1651; since which time, after that kingdom and this both united in
+that unhappy course of restoring the King, without respect to the
+Covenant, and re-establishing the Prelacy, which broke our Covenanted
+Union and Conjunction, that nation hath sometimes sent aid to our
+persecutors, for suppressing our attempts to recover our religion and
+liberties; and this nation hath sent forces to help their destroyers,
+and to suppress their endeavors for the recovery of their privileges.
+And in the mean time, we have been very little solicitous for
+correspondence to settle union with such of them as owned the Covenant,
+or for giving to, or receiving from them, mutual informations of our
+respective cases and conditions, under all our calamities and calumnies
+cast upon us: nor have we studied to keep sympathy or communion of
+saints, or mutual bearing of one another's burdens, as became covenanted
+brethren.
+
+On the other hand instead of union in truth and duty according to the
+bond of the Covenant, a confederacy hath been studied in defection from
+the Covenant, and an union and peace which wanted the foundation laid
+down in the foregoing Articles of the Covenant, viz., "uniformity in
+doctrine, worship, discipline and government, against Popery, Prelacy,
+Schism, Sectarianism, for our religion, laws and liberties, and
+discovering, suppressing and punishing the enemies of these interests."
+Such an Union has not been studied nor sought, but on the contrary an
+Union against the Reformation and Uniformity, for Prelacy and
+Sectarianism multiformity, by maintaining tyranny and strengthening
+malignancy. Yea, by the means of this incorporating Union now of late
+established, Prelacy is not only strengthened and confirmed, but so
+settled as to continue to all succeeding generations, and this nation's
+slavery as well as their sin perpetuated. And persons of all ranks have
+had a deep hand in this trespass: the nobility and gentry who
+represented the nation, in surrendering their own and the nation's
+rights and privileges; ministers in not warning them faithfully to
+beware of that covenant-breaking course, which could not but provoke God
+to anger against this poor island, but showing more concern in that
+juncture for settling their own, then for securing and advancing
+Christ's interest; and the body of the land, in that they did not bestir
+themselves, for the defence of their own liberties in a lawful way.
+
+In the sixth Article we are bound, "according to our places and
+callings, in this common cause of religion, liberty and peace, to assist
+and defend all those that enter into this League and Covenant, in the
+maintaining thereof. And in the National Covenant, in like manner, we
+are bound to stand to the mutual defence and assistance, every one of us
+of another, in the same cause, with our best counsel, our bodies, means,
+and whole power, against all sorts of persons whatsoever; so that
+whatsoever shall be done to the least of us for that cause, should be
+taken as done to all of us in general, and to every one of us in
+particular." A duty very clear in the scriptures; Judges v. 23; 1 Chron.
+xii. 1, 18; Neh. iv. 14; Prov. xxiv. 11, 12.
+
+But alas! how little conscience hath been made of this duty? "We have
+suffered many of our brethren in many parts of the land to be oppressed
+of the common enemy, without compassion or relief. There hath been great
+murmuring and repining because of expenses of means and pains in doing
+of our duty;" and not only so, but many did swear and subscribe oaths
+and bonds expressly against such assistances, and to condemn all such
+endeavors, to assist, defend and rescue them, as rebellion and sedition,
+and obliging them to assist their murdering malignant enemies, by such
+occurrences as they required. Yea, many instead of coming out to _help
+the Lord against the mighty_, and defending their brethren, did come out
+to the help of the mighty against the Lord, his cause, Covenant, and
+oppressed people; concurring in arms against them at all the appearances
+that were made and essayed for the cause of Christ; compearing at
+courts, held for informing against and condemning their brethren, that
+were present at, or concerned in such appearances for the Covenanted
+cause, and coming in as witnesses against them; sitting in assizes for
+condemning them, and guarding them to their executions, when martyred
+for their duty, and the interest of truth. Many likewise denied to
+reset, harbor or entertain their brethren, persecuted for maintaining
+the Covenanted Reformation; some raised the hue and cry after them,
+thereby occasioning, and assisting in, the murder of several faithful
+brethren; the most part owned the great murderer who authorized all the
+rest, and enacted all these murders, and assisted him and his
+accomplices, and executioners of his murdering mandates, with their
+persons and estates, in paying the supplies professedly demanded, and
+declaredly imposed, for enabling them to accomplish these mischiefs.
+Yea, many were so far from assisting, that they added afflictions to
+their afflicted brethren, their reproaches, and persecuting by the
+tongue those whom the Lord had smitten, and talking to the grief of
+those he had wounded. And all sorts of us have been wanting in our
+sympathy with, and endeavoring succor to, our suffering brethren, let be
+to deliver them from their enemies' hands according to our capacity. So
+also, it is for matter of lamentation, that many ministers all alongst
+discovered great unconcernedness with, and contempt of, poor despised
+and reproached sufferers, condemned the heads of their suffering, forgot
+or refused to pray for them publicly. And as this Article was all
+alongst through the persecuting times, most grossly violated, so to this
+day it continues to be. Any that would appear in the least active in
+this cause, are so far from being assisted that they are borne down,
+derided, sentenced, and sometimes imprisoned; whatever motions are made
+in private discourses, or public sermons, which may import a respect to,
+or liking of, this noble cause of religion, or a dislike of, and
+displacency with the courses opposite unto it, are so far from being
+countenanced, that the movers are hated, vilipended, contemned or
+censured, as raisers of dust, formenters of division, pragmatic,
+turbulent and fractious spirits, and loaded with many other defamatory
+epithets and calumnies. Many instances of which may be given since the
+Revolution. For example, when in the year 1690, there was a paper of
+grievances presented to the Assembly by some of those who had been
+keeping up a witness against the iniquitous courses of the times, and
+were now expecting that as the fruit of a merciful delivery from
+tyrannical usurpations, and antichristian persecutions, Reformation
+should be revived, grievances redressed, judicatories rightly
+constituted, and duly purged, it was far from receiving a kind and
+friendly reception and they who presented it left without assistance and
+help, contrary to the tenor of the Covenant, so that that paper could
+not be allowed a hearing, let be a redress, and the persons who offered
+it to their consideration were, to their great sorrow and grief of
+heart, dismissed without a satisfying answer. As also when Messrs.
+Linning, Shields and Boyd, who had been carrying on a Testimony against
+the time's defection, and were now minded to join with the Assembly,
+after the exhibition of their Testimony, whatever acceptance it might
+meet with at their hands, had in prosecution of this their design,
+exhibited their proposals to the Committee of Overtures, these
+proposals, though both worthy of consideration and necessary to be
+redressed, were not allowed a hearing in open Assembly, but rejected as
+being "made up of mistakes, reflections, unseasonable and impracticable
+overtures," and the said persons, so far from being assisted, in order
+to a removal of the evils therein complained of, as destructive to the
+cause of God, that upon the contrary the four named persons stand in the
+fifth Act of that pretended Assembly characterized with the name and
+epithet of persons who had followed courses contrary to the order of the
+church, and in their Moderator's exhortation, _to walk orderly in time
+coming, in opposition to all schism and division_, their former practice
+of testifying against the corruptions of the times was implicitly
+condemned as disorderly, schismatic and divisive. Another instance of
+this appeared not long after; when in the year 1692, some of the godly
+of the land published their declaration disowning William and Mary's
+government, because not qualified as God's word, and our Covenants do
+require, as it is specified at large in the narrative of that
+declaration; some of them were apprehended and imprisoned, for that
+piece of adherence to the Covenanted Reformation, and opposing or at
+least witnessing against the courses which they found to be contrary to
+it. Yet who at that juncture appeared to assist them in their laudable
+undertakings? And all alongst since, whosoever has offered grievances,
+or any way witnessed against the bypast and present defections, have
+been and are prosecuted with church censure, or persecuted with bitter
+and malicious invectives and reproaches, falling from the tongues and
+pens of those that are obliged by Covenant to have assisted, defended
+and encouraged them. And especially ministers, who by virtue of their
+office, as well as Covenant engagements, are obliged to excite persons
+to, and assist them in their duty, have been active to do the quite
+contrary; for instance, when some persons offered to give public
+satisfaction for their compliance with Christ's enemies, they refused to
+admit them. But to what purpose do we repeat these instances? It is too
+certain and evident, that there is more assistance and encouragement
+afforded to the enemies of this cause and Covenant, by persons of all
+ranks than to the friends and well wishers of it. Love to, and zeal for
+this cause are greatly decayed, and therefore mutual sympathy and
+affection amongst the people of God in the prosecution and maintenance
+of it are much a wanting.
+
+In the same Article we are bound, "not to suffer ourselves directly or
+indirectly, by whatsoever combination or terror, to be divided or
+withdrawn from this blessed union and conjunction, whether to make
+defection to the contrary part, or to give ourselves to a detestable
+indifferency or neutrality in this cause; and in the National Covenant,
+that we shall neither directly nor indirectly suffer ourselves to be
+divided, or withdrawn, by whatsoever suggestion, allurement or terror,
+from this blessed and loyal conjunction. According to scripture
+warrants."
+
+Gen. xiii. 8; Psal. cxxxiii. throughout; Zech. viii. 19; I Cor. i. 10;
+Eph. iv. 3; Phil. i. 27, ii. 2; Heb. xxi. 14; Jer. ix. 3; Ezek. xxii.
+25; Hag. i. 2; Phil. ii. 21; II Tim. iv. 10; Rev. iii. 15.
+
+But, alas! it is long since our fathers had reason to complain and
+confess, "That many in their day through persuasion or terror, suffered
+themselves to be divided and withdrawn to make defection to the contrary
+part. Many had turned off to a detestable indifferency and neutrality in
+this cause, which so much concerneth the glory of God, and the good of
+these kingdoms. Nay, many had made it their study to walk so, as they
+might comply with all times, and all the revolutions thereof. That it
+was not their care to countenance, encourage, entrust, and employ, such
+only as from their hearts did affect and mind God's work; but the hearts
+of such, many times had been discouraged, and their hands weakened,
+their sufferings neglected, and themselves slighted, and many who had
+been once open enemies, and always secret underminers, countenanced and
+employed. Nay, even those who had been looked upon as incendiaries, and
+upon whom the Lord had set marks of desperate malignancy, falsehood and
+deceit, were brought in as fit to manage public affairs."
+
+All which sins and breaches of covenant have now increased to a great
+height of heinousness; for, in our day, these incendiaries, desperate
+and engrained malignants have only been employed in, and admitted to the
+management of the affairs of the kingdom, and none but they accounted
+habile by law; and such divisions from the Covenanted-conjunction, and
+defections to the contrary part have been, and are enacted and
+established by law; yea, all the unhappy divisions that have been from
+the _public resolutions_, and downward, have been the woful consequents
+and effects of defections to the contrary part. At the first erection of
+Prelacy, many, both ministers and professors, partly by terror, partly
+by persuasions, did withdraw from this covenanted conjunction, and make
+defection unto Prelacy, with which they combined, conforming with, and
+submitting to the ministry of the conforming curates; and afterward, by
+the terror of the fear of men, and the persuasions of their counsel and
+example, many of the land were seduced into a combination with
+malignants, in taking oaths and bonds contrary to the covenant, thereby
+dividing themselves from the recusants, and making defection to the
+party imposing them, and opposing the covenants. By combination of those
+that preferred peace to truth, and ease to duty--by the terror of
+threatened continuance of persecution, and the persuasion of a promised
+relaxation and immunity from troubles; many ministers have been divided
+from the testimony of the Church of Scotland, against the enroaching
+supremacy and absolute power, and one from another, and have made
+defection to that part and party that were advancing these encroachments
+and usurpations on the prerogatives of Christ and privileges of his
+church; by receiving indulgences and tolerations from them, in their own
+nature destructive unto, and given and received on terms inconsistent
+with the duties of the covenants, which were contrived and conferred on
+purpose to divide them from this cause, and from their brethren that
+more tenaciously adhered to it; and did effectuate that design in a
+great measure--and others gave themselves to a detestable indifferency
+in complying with, conniving at, and not witnessing against these
+defections, but passing them over in a secure submissive silence. And
+as, in the times of persecuting violence, these breaches of this Article
+were made by reason of the snares of that sinful time; so much more has
+there been a manifest violation of it since, when at this day there is
+such a universal combination of interests in opposition to the
+covenanted reformation. Are not the most of the three kingdoms in one
+great combination against it, by this cope-stone of defection, this
+incorporating union? How have we made conscience of performing that part
+of the covenant anent _resisting the persuasion of men to make defection
+to the contrary part_, when the whole land is so deeply involved into
+it? There has been, alas! too much way given to carnal arguments and
+persuasives--such as worldly gain, ease, profit, and preferment, and too
+much slavish fear and terror of men, whose breath is in their nostrils,
+has been entertained, without a due reliance and dependance upon
+Omnipotency; which has greatly carried men off their feet, and wheedled
+them into a compliance with, and defection to the contrary part, or into
+a neutrality and indifferency in this cause; so that few are found
+valiant for the truth upon the earth. What strange laxness and Laodicean
+indifference has there appeared in this cause, through the whole conduct
+of affairs in church and state, since the revolution; whereby many
+discover to every observant eye that they are satisfied if they obtain a
+peaceful enjoyment of their own things, and liberty to dwell in their
+ceiled houses--albeit the Lord's house (in a great measure) lies waste?
+Where are there any acts of Assemblies, or proceedings of the church,
+which discover any due concern or zeal for the covenanted interests?
+Nay, the contrary has too frequently appeared; as for instance, when by
+the 5th act of the 2d session of William and Mary's 1st Parl., the
+establishment of the church was calculated for the meridian of
+state-policy, according to act 114, Parl. 12, King James VI. Anno 1592.
+On purpose to pass over in shameful oblivion the church's choicest
+attainments in reformation betwixt 1638 and 1649; and particularly, to
+make void the League and Covenant, with the Assembly's explanatory
+declaration affixed to the National, the malignants' grand eye-sore,
+there was no faithful protestation and testimony exhibited against this
+by the Assembly, then indicted, and convened the 16th of October
+following; which, if duly pondered in all its circumstances, without the
+mask and pretexts industriously drawn over it, will appear to be,
+perhaps one of the greatest sins of this nation, and to be little
+inferior in nature and aggravations to the burning of the covenants,
+which is granted by all Presbyterians to be a most atrocious act of
+contempt done to the eternal God, and to his Son Jesus Christ, and
+cannot be called to mind by any of the godly without great abhorrence
+and detestation of it; in so far as the passing over and not ratifying
+these acts of Parliament and Assembly by the respective judicatories,
+which were made during that time of reformation, was a practical and
+interpretative condemning of them as unprofitable, and did greatly
+corroborate the acts whereby Charles II. had declared them null and not
+obligatory; and did likewise import a vilifying and despising of what
+God had wrought for his people in these lands, during that time; and,
+lastly, was a manifest indication of disregard to the oath of God, which
+these lands had come under. Neither did that, nor any succeeding
+Assembly, impartially and explicitly enumerate the land's sins in their
+national fasts; namely, the indulgence and toleration, with the
+addresses and thanksgiving for it, and the burning of the covenant, &c.;
+neither have they, in any of their addresses to their King or Queen, by
+letters, or other means, declared unto them the indispensable duty of
+renewing the covenants, nor applied to the Parliament for that effect;
+neither have they, by their Assembly-acts, asserted the intrinsic power
+of the church; neither did they in any of their acts, or public papers,
+make honourable mention of those who had laid down their lives for their
+adherence to Christ's truths during the times of persecution, nor
+testified their approbation of what was done that way; and yet many of
+us have been wanting in testifying our dislike of these backsliding
+courses, by discountenancing, withdrawing from, and keeping ourselves
+free of all participation with them; but have received the sacraments
+of Baptism and the Lord's Supper, and the privilege of marriage at their
+hands, and paid tithes and stipends. By all which, it is apparent now
+much indifferency there has been in this cause of covenanted interest,
+which so much concerneth the glory of God, the good of the kingdoms, and
+the honour of the civil Magistrate.
+
+Moreover in the same Article we are sworn, "All the days of our lives,
+zealously and constantly to continue in this cause, against all lets and
+impediments whatsoever, and what we are not able ourselves to suppress
+and overcome, to reveal and make known the same that it may be timeously
+prevented. And in the National Covenant, never to cast in any let, that
+may stop or hinder any such resolution, as by common consent shall be
+found to conduce for so good ends; but on the contrary, by all lawful
+means, to labor to further and promote the same; and if any such
+dangerous or divisive motion be made to us by word or writ, that we and
+every one of us shall either suppress it, or if need be, incontinent
+make the same known, that it may be timeously obviated. Agreeing very
+well with the scriptures." Numb. xiv. 9, 10; Neh. vi. 3, 6, 8, 9, 10,
+11; Isa. viii. 12, 13, 14; Acts iv. 19, 20, 24, xxi. 13; Gal. ii. 5;
+Phil. i. 28.
+
+Nevertheless, _many have been the lets and impediments, that have been
+cast in the way, to retard and obstruct the Lord's work_, by Prelacy,
+supremacy, indulgences, toleration, and absolute tyranny and compliance
+therewith, enacted by law, and all the mischiefs established by a throne
+of iniquity since the unhappy restoration of Charles II. to this day.
+Yet few have ever zealously contended and fewer have constantly
+continued in contending, against these obstructions, so obstructive to
+the cause, many have kept secret the first motions and appearances of
+these things, while they might have been suppressed and overcome, and
+the generality have passed them over in silence, and not made known, nor
+advertised unto evil of these things when declared, by witnessing
+against these things, when, they could not be otherwise removed or
+overcome. Yea, many of us have ourselves cast in lets and impediments,
+obstructive to the cause, by our defections divisions and disorders
+against common consent, and precipitances, without common consent even
+of our brethren adhering to the testimony. Many a divisive motion hath
+not been counted dangerous, of those which tended to divide us from the
+Covenanted cause. And many a good and necessary motion hath been
+accounted divisive, namely, such as proposed the necessity of confessing
+and forsaking sin.
+
+"Besides these and many other breaches of the Articles of the Covenant,
+in the matter thereof, which concerneth every one of us, to search out
+and acknowledge before the Lord, as we could wish his wrath to be turned
+away from us, so have many of us failed exceedingly in the manner of
+following and pursuing the duties contained therein, not only seeking
+great things for ourselves, and mixing private interests, and ends
+concerning ourselves, and friends, and followers, with those things
+which concern the public good; but many times preferring such to the
+honour of God and good of his cause; and retarding God's work until we
+might carry alongst with us our own interests and designs: it hath been
+our way to trust in the means, and to rely upon the arm of flesh for
+success, albeit the Lord hath many times made us meet with
+disappointments, and stained the pride of all our glory, by blasting
+every carnal confidence unto us. We have followed for the most part the
+counsels of flesh and blood, and walked more by the rules of policy than
+piety, and have hearkened more unto men than unto God."
+
+In the conclusion of the Solemn League and Covenant there is a
+profession and declaration "before God and the world of our unfeigned
+desires to be humbled[28] for our own sins and for the sins of these
+kingdoms[29]; especially that we have not valued, as we ought, the
+inestimable benefit of the gospel[30], that we have not laboured for the
+purity[31] and power thereof[32], and that we have not endeavoured to
+receive Christ into our hearts[33], nor to walk worthy of him in our
+lives[34], which are the causes of other sins and transgressions so much
+abounding amongst us[35]: all which we are under many obligations to
+confess and mourn over from the word; and, of our true and unfeigned
+purpose and desire, to endeavour for ourselves and all others under our
+power and charge[36] both in public and in private, in all dutie[37] we
+owe to God and man, to amend our lives[38] and each one to go before
+another[39] in the example of a real reformation, that the Lord might
+turn away his wrath and heavy indignation,[40] and establish these
+kingdoms in truth and peace.[41] Yet we have refused to be reformed and
+have walked proudly and obstinately before the Lord, not valuing his
+gospel, nor submitting ourselves unto the obedience thereof; not seeking
+after Christ, nor studying to honour him in the excellency of his
+person, nor to employ him in the virtue of his offices; not making
+conscience of the public ordinances, nor studying to edify one another
+in love. The ignorance of God and his Son Jesus Christ prevails
+exceedingly in the land." Even our fathers in their purest times
+confessed, in their acknowledgement of sins, "That the greatest part of
+masters of families among noblemen, barons, gentlemen, burgesses, and
+commons, neglected to seek God in their families, and to endeavour the
+reformation thereof. And albeit it had been much pressed, yet few of the
+nobles and great ones could be persuaded to perform family duties
+themselves in their own persons, which made so necessary a duty to be
+disregarded by persons of inferior rank."
+
+We may add, in our degenerate times, not only the great ones generally
+profess the neglect and contempt of so necessary a duty, both in their
+own persons and in the use of chaplains; but the great part of the
+commons are altogether strangers to it; many performing no part of the
+family worship at all, others only singing a psalm and reading a chapter
+without praying, and others making a fashion of all, but very
+perfunctoriously, formally, and indifferently, and scarcely once in a
+day. And ministers also making little conscience of visiting families to
+see how this duty is performed, not pressing it upon the negligent, nor
+stirring up the formal to a more spiritual way of performing it, nay,
+some giving bad examples to their flocks, by neglecting it themselves in
+their own families. _The nobility, gentry, and barons, who should be
+examples of sober walking unto others, are very generally ringleaders of
+excess and rioting_. We have been far from amending our lives and
+promoting a personal reformation, and going before one another in the
+example of a real reformation, when we have been examples of deformation
+in our personal practices and public transactions, and being
+too-familiar and too far united with the patrons and patterns of the
+land's deformations. "Our fathers also acknowledged, albeit they were
+the Lord's people engaged unto him in a solemn way; yet they had not
+made it their study that judicatories and armies should consist of, and
+places of power and trust be filled with men of blameless and Christian
+conversation, and of known integrity and approved fidelity, affection,
+and zeal unto the cause of God. And not only those who were neutral and
+indifferent, but disaffected and malignant, and others who were profane
+and scandalous were intrusted. By which it came to pass that
+judicatories, EVEN THEN, were the seats of injustice and iniquity. And
+many in their armies, by miscarriages, became their plague unto the
+great prejudice of the cause of God, the great scandal of the gospel,
+and the great increase of looseness and profanity throughout all the
+land." But, since the time of that acknowledgment there has still been
+more and more degeneracy, so that judicatories have consisted of, and
+been filled with perjured traitors to God and their country. And armies
+made up of these plagues marshalled under a displayed banner against
+Christ and his interest, not only to the scandal, but for the
+suppression of the gospel, and forcing people to profanity throughout
+the land; and now are, to the disgrace of the Protestant religion, made
+up of the refuse of the lands, and employed in the support of an
+Antichristian interest abroad. Yet have we not sighed and cried for
+these abominations, nor have we been concerned, as we ought, with the
+abounding of them through the land. As also, with blushing, we must
+confess our pride and presumptuous boasting of external privileges of
+the gospel and outward reformation, and of a testimony which we bragged
+of, as if that had made us better than others, while we made no
+conscience of personal reformation, which, no doubt, amongst other
+sinful miscarriages, was a main cause of the Lord's depriving us so long
+a time of the comfortable and soul-enriching mercy of a faithfully
+dispensed gospel.
+
+And, in like manner, the conceitedness of some in suffering and
+contending for truth, rather for keeping up the contention abetting a
+party, and many times under too lofty names of the suffering party, and
+remnant, and the like, than to keep and hold fast the word of the Lord's
+patience to his glory as our crown; and many other evidences of pride
+hateful to God, such as boasting in the strength of armies in the
+suffering times in an ostentatious way, vaunting of, and being too much
+taken up with them, though then necessary for the defence of our lives;
+rejoicing in our numerousness or worldly abilities, or in the number of
+them that frequent the public ordinances in the fields; or that they,
+who are owners of the testimony, are for the most, part kept free from
+the gross out-breakings into which others are left to fall; which
+things, though very good and desirable in themselves, may yet be, and
+have been, occasions of sin when boasted in, more than humbly and
+thankfully acknowledged to be from the hand of God. As also, revengeful
+resenting of affronts, passionate and disdainful refusing to take
+reproof for faults, or for the excess in any duty, as to the manner of
+it, when we thought the matter was right.
+
+And, it is likewise matter of regret, that both in the time of greatest
+suffering and afterwards, idleness of both kinds did too much prevail
+amongst us; both that when we were in a manner driven from the world,
+and shut up from all employment but the exercise of godliness, many did
+not improve that opportunity of the cross to promote acquaintance and
+communion with God, being slothful in prayer, reading and other duties;
+and some again, even when they might have had access to lawful
+employments, continued idle and out of work, to the opening of the
+mouths of many against the cause; albeit they were not called to, or
+employed in any public business for the same.
+
+And besides all these things, there may be many other transgressions
+whereof the lands wherein we live are guilty, and these attended with
+many heinous aggravating circumstances beyond what they were in our
+fathers, which we have not been humbled for to this day; but, instead of
+mourning for them, confessing and forsaking them, we have been rather
+defending or daubing, covering or coloring, excusing or extenuating
+them. All which we now desire to acknowledge and be humbled for, that
+the world may bear witness with us, that righteousness belongeth unto
+God, and shame and confusion of face to us, as appears this day.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_A SOLEMN ENGAGEMENT TO THE DUTIES CONTAINED IN OUR NATIONAL AND SOLEMN
+LEAGUE AND COVENANT._
+
+_Particularly adjusted to the Circumstances of these Times, Anno 1712_
+
+
+Because it is requisite, in order to obtain mercy, not only to confess,
+but also to forsake our sins, and to do the contrary duties; therefore,
+that the sincerity and reality of our repentance may appear, we resolve,
+and solemnly engage before God, in the strength and through the
+assistance of Christ, that we shall carefully endeavour, in all time
+coming, to avoid all these offences, whereof we have now made solemn
+public acknowledgment, and all the snares and temptations tending
+thereunto; and to testify this sincerity of our resolution, and that we
+may be better enabled in the power of the Lord's might, to perform the
+same, we do again renew our Covenants, both National and Solemn League,
+promising to make conscience of a more exact performance of all the
+duties therein contained, so far as we, in our stations, and present
+deplorable circumstances, are capable; particularly such as follow.
+
+Because religion is of all things the most excellent and precious in its
+own nature, and therefore most to be desired by the children of men,
+and the knowledge of the great truths of the gospel, so generally
+decreased in this land, is so absolutely necessary to salvation;
+therefore in order to attain it, we shall labor to be better acquainted
+with the _written word of God_, the only infallible rule of faith and
+manners; and shall (according to our capacity) study more than formerly
+the doctrine of the reformed church of Scotland, summed up in our[42]
+Confession of Faith, Catechisms Larger and Shorter, Sum of Christian
+Doctrine and practical Use of Saving Knowledge, Directory for Worship
+(as the same was received and observed by this church in her purest
+times, viz. in the year 1649,) Propositions concerning Church
+Government, and Ordination of Ministers, annexed to the Confession of
+Faith, and other writings clearing and confirming these truths, approven
+by this church, and agreeable to the word of God.
+
+We shall likewise endeavor the advancing and promoting the power of this
+true Reformed Religion, against all ungodliness and profanity, the
+securing and preserving the purity thereof, against all kinds of errors,
+heresy and schism, as namely, Independency, Brownism, Anabaptism,
+Antinomianism, Arminianism, Socinianism, Libertinism, Familism.
+Scepticism, Quakerism, Deism, Burignonism and Erastianism; and as we
+declare, that we willingly agree in our consciences unto the doctrine of
+the church of Scotland in all points, as unto God's undoubted truth and
+verity, grounded only upon his written word, so we resolve constantly to
+adhere unto, maintain and defend, profess and confess, and (when called
+of God) to yield ourselves sufferers for the said doctrine, as we shall
+desire to be approven and confessed by Jesus Christ, before God and his
+holy angels. _2dly_, We shall also study more sincerity, uprightness and
+heart-integrity in the worship of God, and shall not satisfy ourselves
+with the form of it, without the power and spirituality, which God the
+only object of religious worship, doth require: and shall endeavor the
+due performance of all the duties of religious worship, which God hath
+in his most holy word required. And shall (if Providence offer
+occasion) endeavor to recover, and labor to preserve the purity thereof
+from all corruptions, mixtures, innovations and inventions of men,
+Popish, Prelatical, or any other; and while we are not able, by reason
+of the prevailing power of the abettors and maintainers of them, to get
+them removed, we shall labor (through grace) to keep ourselves free from
+all sinful communion and participation with them, and shall, in our
+stations, testify against these corruptions and perversions of God's
+worship, by all competent means. _3dly_, We shall likewise by all lawful
+means endeavor, that Presbyterian church government in kirk-sessions,
+presbyteries, synods and general assemblies, may be recovered in its
+former purity, established upon its proper basis and foundation, the
+word of God; and that it may be freed from all encroachments and
+invasions made thereupon by the powers of the earth; and that the
+discipline of the church may be impartially exercised against all
+scandalous offenders, great or small; and when the ministers of this
+church, or any of them, shall sincerely and conscientiously endeavor the
+restoration of the government in all its privileges, and freedom from
+all Erastian encroachments, and to have the discipline duly and
+impartially exercised, then we promise to be obedient, and be subject
+thereunto, as becomes the flock of Christ; but shall always testify our
+dislike of all encroachments made and yielded to, prejudical to the
+privileges which Christ hath bestowed upon his church.
+
+_4thly_, We shall always desire and pray for the reviving of the work of
+uniformity in the three kingdoms, and (if the Lord in his providence
+shall offer opportunity) shall seek and endeavour it by other means
+possible, lawful, expedient, and competent to us in our capacities; and
+shall never cordially consent unto, nor cease to testify against,
+whatsoever doth obstruct and hinder that work of uniformity, and shall
+detest and abhor all multiformity, introduced by Erastianism, Prelacy,
+and Sectarianism, now so prevalent, and confirmed by this late union
+with England.
+
+According to the second Article, we shall do our utmost endeavour to
+have the land purged of Popish idolatry, and the monuments thereof
+destroyed, particularly the abomination of the mass; and, so far as lies
+in our power, shall never suffer the same to be re-introduced or erected
+again, nor favour any attempts tending thereunto. We shall never make
+any conjunction with these abominable Popish idolaters, at home or
+abroad, in armies or otherwise; and shall, according to our National
+Covenant, detest and abhor all their wicked superstitious rites and
+ceremonies. We shall never consent, for any reason whatsoever, that the
+Penal Statutes made against Papists should be annulled; but shall, when
+opportunity offers, be ready to concur in putting them to a due and
+vigorous execution. _2dly_, We shall, by all approven means, in our
+stations and vocations, endeavour the extirpation of Prelacy; and shall
+never submit to that wicked hierarchy of Bishops, Archbishops, &c.,
+having superiority of order and jurisdiction above preaching Presbyters,
+whether Erastian or only Diocesan, in any form or degree, howsoever
+reformed, accommodated, limited, or restricted by cautions and
+provisions of men; seeing that all such superiority is flatly condemned
+in the Word of God, and hath proven many times fatal to the church of
+Christ. We shall detest and abhor, and in our stations witness against
+whatsoever courses, tending to the establishment of that abominable
+hierarchy; and particularly, the oaths of allegiance, with the
+assurance, and oath of abjuration, lately imposed on the persons of
+public trust in these realms, in regard they may justly be interpreted
+to strengthen that hierarchy, by upholding the persons that maintain the
+same. We shall not submit to any orders issued forth by Bishops, nor own
+them as our lawgivers, nor acknowledge any title they have to be members
+of parliament or council. _3dly_, We shall in like manner detest, and
+abhor, and labour, to extirpate all kinds of superstition--all rites and
+ceremonies superadded by human invention to the worship of God, not
+enjoined and required in his Word; together with all heresy and false
+doctrine, and all profaneness and immortalities of every kind, and
+whatsoever is contrary to sound religion; and shall in the strength, and
+through the help of Christ, endeavour to deny all ungodliness and
+worldly lusts, and from henceforth to live righteously towards our
+neighbour, soberly in ourselves, and to walk humbly with our God.
+
+We shall upon the one hand, endeavour to keep ourselves, as far as we
+can, from all partakings in other men's sins, by consenting unto
+associations, incorporations, combinations, compliance with, or
+conniving at, their sins. And upon the other, to guard against all
+schism, and sinful separation, or unjust, rash, and disorderly
+withdrawing from societies, congregations or families, or any part of
+the communion of the true reformed church of Scotland, holding purely
+and entirely the doctrine, worship, discipline and government of the
+same, in principle and exercise, according to the rules of Christ, and
+standing acts and constitutions of this church, consonant thereunto, so
+far as the Lord gives light therein. And as we look not upon our
+practice in withdrawing from the backslidden ministers of the present
+Erastian church, for reasons valid and sufficient, to be a gathering and
+setting up formed separate churches under other ordinances and ministry,
+distinct from the Presbyterian church of Scotland, (although we be
+falsely aspersed as doing it) so we purpose and resolve always to adhere
+to that standard of doctrine, discipline, and government, and that
+purity and form of worship, which during our reforming times were
+established, and to embrace such ordinances, and such a ministry as are
+of divine appointment; and that we shall not presume to withdraw from
+minister or member of that body for any offence, in any case, where
+either the offence may be legally removed without withdrawing, or cannot
+be instructed to be condemned by the word of God, and constitution of
+this church, or is in itself an insufficient ground of withdrawing, or
+where it is not defended, or obstinately persisted in, or is a thing to
+be condescended upon, forborn, or forgiven; but shall study to maintain
+union and Christian communion, with all and every one, whether ministers
+or private Christians, who adhere unto the purity of the doctrine,
+worship, discipline and government of the church of Scotland, and to the
+whole word of Christ's patience, in the sufferings and contendings of
+his people, in opposition to his enemies' encroachments; and shall join,
+in the way of truth and duty, with all who do, and in so for as they do,
+adhere to the institutions of Christ. And because many have labored to
+supplant the liberties of the true kirk, and have in a great measure, of
+late by indulgences and toleration, and now by oaths of allegiance and
+abjuration, and encroaching on the freedom of Christ's courts, obtained
+their design: we shall therefore, to our power withstand and witness
+against all these encroachments made upon the liberties of Christ's
+church in our land, and when we can do no more, shall withdraw our
+countenance and concurrence from such as hold their freedom from, and
+are modified by such usurpation; and shall neither hear their sermons,
+nor pay them stipends, while they continue unfaithful; and shall,
+whenever God gives us opportunity, endeavor to recover, and when
+recovered, to maintain and defend the liberties and privileges of the
+church of Scotland, against all who shall oppose or undermine the same,
+or encroach thereupon, under any pretext whatsoever.
+
+With reference to the third Article, wherein we are bound to defend the
+privileges of the Parliament, liberties of the kingdoms, and the King's
+Majesty's person and authority, in the defence of the true Reformed
+religion: albeit God, in his righteous judgment, hath left the nations
+so far to the counsels of their own hearts, as to suffer them to set up
+Magistrates, wanting the qualifications requisite, and to fill places of
+power and trust with insufficient and disaffected persons, who have no
+respect to the interest of religion, and this nation in particular to
+give up the rights and privileges of Parliament, and kingdom, to the
+will and lust of the English, and so to betray the interest both of
+religion and civil liberty for unworthy by-ends; yet we purpose and
+promise, that we shall always in our capacities bear witness against
+these courses, and shall not by any means corroborate them, or encourage
+and countenance the maintainers and abettors of them. And if ever the
+Lord in his mercy shall be pleased to open a door of relief, and break
+the cords of the ungodly, we shall not be wanting in all lawful and
+suitable endeavors to promote, to our power, the recovery of that
+liberty and freedom which we have lost, and to have those acts and
+oaths, which impede Reformation, rescinded: and that all the righteous
+laws, made in favor of the Covenanted Reformation, may be put in full
+force, and duly executed.
+
+We shall earnestly pray to God that he would give us able men, men of
+truth, fearing God and hating covetousness, to bear charge over his
+people, and that all places of power and trust in church, state, or
+army, may consist of, and be filled with men of known good affection to
+the cause of God, and of a Christian and blameless conversation; and
+when it shall please the Lord to give us such magistrates and judges
+supreme and subordinate, then we will, in the terms of the covenant,
+yield allegiance to them, and loyally subject to their good government,
+not from any by-end or sinistrous principle, but out of sincere
+obedience to God's commandment; and shall willingly support and defend
+them, with our estates and lives, in their persevering and defending the
+true reformed Protestant religion, in doctrine, worship, discipline and
+government, and suppressing all kinds of false religion in their
+dominions, and in the administration of justice and punishment of
+iniquity; but while the Lord, in his just displeasure for our sins,
+withholds such from us, we intend to wait till he turn away his anger,
+and not to stretch forth our hands to iniquity, in owning and
+countenancing such as are not duly qualified; as, particularly, those
+that are Popish or Prelatical in their professed principle and practice,
+and by oaths engage themselves to maintain, and accordingly to defend,
+the Prelatical form of church government, who oppose and encroach upon
+the true government of Christ's house by their supremacy, and tolerate
+Sectarian errors in their dominions, and that every one of them supreme
+and subordinate; and shall not corroborate their unjust authority, by
+pacing them cess and supply, for upholding their corrupt courts and
+armies, employed in an unjust and antichristian quarrel; or, by
+compearing before their judicatories, either to defend or pursue
+lawsuits, or upon any other account.
+
+Because we are not in a case to bring to due trial and punishment,
+condign, according to the merit of their offences, malignants and evil
+instruments, according to the fourth Article; therefore, we shall
+endeavour to keep ourselves, as far as possible, from any compliance
+with, or approbation of their cause and courses, opposite to the cause
+and work of God; and shall endeavour to keep at a distance from
+everything that may anyways import a unitive conjunction, association,
+or confederacy with them, or strengthening them in their opposition to
+the cause of God--the covenanted interest. We shall, through grace,
+endeavour to represent before the throne of justice their wicked
+courses; and pray that God would defeat their inventions, though we
+shall always, as becomes Christians, implore the throne of grace for
+mercy to their souls, so far as it may be consistent with God's eternal
+purpose of electing love. Moreover, we shall always endeavour to guard
+against all unwarrantable and irregular ways, not approven in God's
+Word, of punishing malignants and incendiaries, for their opposition to
+reformation.
+
+Whereas, in the fifth Article, we are bound to endeavour, that the
+kingdoms may remain united in a most firm peace and union to all
+posterity; which union did consist in a uniformity in doctrine, worship,
+discipline and government, though, as was said, it is now laid aside,
+and a union entered into which establishes multiformity therein, and so
+is the opposite of this Covenanted Union. We shall, therefore, deny our
+consent unto, and approbation of this union, and shall, as we have in
+weakness been witnessing against it formerly, so continue to do for the
+future, and shall not corroborate or strengthen the same; but upon the
+contrary, if the Lord afford opportunity, shall do our utmost to have
+the _union of the kingdoms settled_ upon the true covenanted basis; and
+shall lay out ourselves, as far as possible, to entertain correspondence
+and sympathy with every one in the kingdoms of England and Ireland, who
+do, or shall, to our knowledge, adhere to this League and Covenant.
+
+According to the sixth Article, considering what danger we and all our
+brethren, under the bond and owning the obligation of these covenants,
+are in, and may be exposed unto, from the Popish and Prelatical
+malignant faction still prevailing, and from this backslidden church;
+and being sensible of the many defects which have been amongst us, in
+the duty of defending and assisting one another in maintaining the
+common cause of religion and liberty, we do here solemnly enter into a
+bond of association with all that do now renew these covenants, "with
+the Acknowledgement of the Public Sins and Breeches, and the Engagement
+of Duties thereof, and concert and assert the old covenanted cause and
+quarrel," as our fathers stated and contended for it, from the year 1638
+to the year 1650. Which cause of the covenanted reformation in doctrine,
+worship, discipline and government, and all interests, or rights,
+religious or civil, contended for during the foresaid space of years,
+conducing to promote the same, we faithfully promise to prosecute,
+propagate, preserve and maintain, to the utmost of our power, with our
+lives and all that we have; and to adhere to all the faithful
+testimonies, protestations and declarations, in the defence of the
+foresaid covenanted reformation, agreeable to, and founded on God's
+Word, ever since the foresaid year 1650, not regarding the foul
+aspersions of rebellion, combination or schism, or what else our
+adversaries, from their craft and malice, would put upon us; seeing what
+we do is so well warranted, and ariseth from an unfeigned desire to
+maintain the true religion, to obtain the protection and preserve the
+honour of righteous government, and promote the peace and happiness of
+the kingdoms.
+
+And for the better performance of what we here engage to, we shall
+sympathize, bear all burdens, embark our interest with, assist and
+defend all those, who enter into, or join this association and Covenant,
+and shall reckon whatsoever is done to the least of us, for this cause,
+as done to us all in general and to every one of us in particular: and
+shall account it a breach of Covenant, if seeing our brethren pursued
+for this very cause, and having sufficient means to comfort and assist
+them, any of us shall either make peace with the persecutors, bind up
+their hands by oaths and bonds from resisting them, refuse to hide,
+harbor, or supply their brethren, decline to venture, in lawful and
+necessary attempts for their relief, or withdraw from their dutiful
+support; and being thus united and associated in this cause, as we
+resolve and oblige ourselves to abide in this firm conjunction, and
+neither consent nor concede to any combination or counsel, suggestion,
+persuasion, allurement or terror, that may have any known tendency or
+influence, whether direct or indirect, to seduce us either to a division
+amongst ourselves, or defection to our adversaries, or a base
+indifferency and neutrality between the two; but shall, with all zeal,
+fidelity and constancy, communicate our best help, counsel and
+concurrence, for promoting all resolutions, which by common consent
+shall be found to conduce to the good of the cause, and shall endeavor
+to discover, oppose and suppress, all contrivances or counsels, that may
+cast in any let or impediment, that may be obstructive or prejudicial to
+the same. So we shall likewise desire, design and endeavor, (whenever
+the Lord in his providence shall offer opportunity) to get the
+defections, unworthy neutralities, and unhappy divisions, which have
+long and lamentably wounded, and wrecked this church, removed and
+remedied. And shall be willing, with all tender sympathy and compassion,
+to embrace and welcome with the utmost bowels of kindness and respect
+that we can, all who shall confess and forsake these defections, and
+according to their stations, as ministers or private Christians, shall,
+by all proper means, labor to satisfy the conscience of the godly, that
+are through these defections and scandals justly offended, and that
+according to the rules of Christ, delivered in his word, and received in
+this church, in her Reforming times, and join cordially with us in the
+prosecution of this cause; and we shall be willing also, at their
+desire, to acknowledge and forsake, for peace and unity, whatever we can
+rationally be convinced to be bad in our conduct and management, as we
+must acknowledge, that in all things we fail, and come exceedingly short
+of that perfection, which we should and would be at.
+
+And because there be many who heretofore have not made conscience of the
+oath of God--but some, through fear, others by persuasion, and upon base
+ends, and human interests, have entered thereinto, who have afterwards
+discovered themselves to have dealt deceitfully with the Lord, in
+swearing falsely by his name; therefore, we, who do now renew our
+covenants with reference to these duties, and all other duties contained
+therein, do, in the sight of him who is the searcher of hearts, solemnly
+profess, that it is not upon any politic advantage, or private interest,
+or by-end, or because of any terror or persuasion from men, or
+hypocritically or deceitfully, that we do again take upon us the oath of
+God; but honestly and sincerely, and from the sense of our duty. And
+that, therefore, denying ourselves and our own things, and, laying aside
+all-self interests and ends, we shall, above all things, seek the honour
+of God, the good of his cause, and the wealth of his people; and that,
+forsaking the counsels of flesh and blood, and not leaning upon carnal
+confidences, we shall depend upon the Lord, walk by the rule of his
+Word, and hearken to the voice of his servants. In all which, professing
+our own weakness, we do earnestly pray to God who is the Father of
+mercies, through his Son JESUS CHRIST, to be merciful unto us, and to
+enable us, by the power of his might, that we may do our duty, unto the
+praise of his grace in the churches. Amen.
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[Footnote 4: In the Preface to this edition, the reader may perceive the
+same spirit in 1880. | ED.]
+
+[Footnote 5: The lawful supreme Magistrate.]
+
+[Footnote 6: The persons and authority of such, when God of his mercy
+shall grant them to us.]
+
+[Footnote 7: King Charles the First.]
+
+[Footnote 8: Remonstrances, declarations and testimonies of old, and of
+late.]
+
+[Footnote 9: Or any other corruptions thereof, Prelatic or Erastian,
+either tried or to be tried; such as indulgence, the toleration, the
+magistrates appointing fasts without advice and consent of the church,
+dissolving assemblies, &c.]
+
+[Footnote 10: Remonstrances, declarations and testimonies.]
+
+[Footnote 11: To righteous governors, (when obtained), and to our
+country.]
+
+[Footnote 12: The lawful supreme Magistrate's.]
+
+[Footnote 13: The person and authority of sovereigns having the
+qualifications which the Scriptures require.]
+
+[Footnote 14: The lawful supreme Magistrate's.]
+
+[Footnote 15: The lawful supreme Magistrate.]
+
+[Footnote 16: Lawful supreme Magistrates.]
+
+[Footnote 17: Anno 1638.]
+
+[Footnote 18: Lawful supreme Magistrates.]
+
+[Footnote 19: After all supplications, remonstrances protestations and
+sufferings of our fathers, and our own grievous sufferings and
+contendings both before and since the late Revolution.]
+
+[Footnote 20: When restored, according to their ancient foundation.]
+
+[Footnote 21: The lawful supreme Magistrate's.]
+
+[Footnote 22: The lawful Magistrate's.]
+
+[Footnote 23: The lawful Magistrate, when obtained.]
+
+[Footnote 24: Our Reformers.]
+
+[Footnote 25: As they were then.]
+
+[Footnote 26: The lawful supreme Magistrate.]
+
+[Footnote 27: Such as the Curate of Carsphairn, and some others. But it
+is to be noted, that this sentence is not meant of those who either
+designed or actually executed that act of extraordinary justice upon the
+Archbishop of St. Andrews, who being an arch-traitor, and public
+incendiary, and implacable enemy to the work of God, and all the godly
+in the kingdom, was therefore justly put to death; though (because of
+the defect of justice in those that had authority,) the act, in respect
+of the persons executing, was singular and extraordinary. See the same
+vindicated, _Hind Let Loose_, head vi., page 633, &c.]
+
+[Footnote 28: Ezek. vii. 16. But they that escape of them shall escape,
+and shall be on the mountains like doves of the vallies, all of them
+mourning, every one for his iniquity.]
+
+[Footnote 29: Ezek. ix. 4.----Set a mark upon the foreheads of the men
+that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the
+midst thereof.]
+
+[Footnote 30: Matt. xxii. 5. But they made light of it, and went their
+ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise.]
+
+[Footnote 31: 1 Tim. vi. 14. That thou keep this commandment without
+spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.]
+
+[Footnote 32: 2 Tim. lii. 5. Having a form of godliness, but denying the
+power thereof.]
+
+[Footnote 33: Eph. in. 17. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by
+faith.----Col. ii. 6. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the
+Lord, so walk ye in him.]
+
+[Footnote 34: Col. i. 10. That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all
+pleasing.]
+
+[Footnote 35: 2 Thes. ii. 10, 11, 12. Because they received not the love
+of the truth----For this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that
+they should believe a lie. That they all might be damned, who believed
+not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.]
+
+[Footnote 36: Josh. xxiv. 15.----But as for me and my house, we will
+serve the Lord. Gen. xviii. 19. For I know him, that he will command his
+children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the
+Lord, to do justice and judgment.]
+
+[Footnote 37: 1 Tim. iii. 15----That thou mayest know how thou oughtest
+to behave thyself in the house of God.----]
+
+[Footnote 38: Psal. ci 2. I will walk within my house with a perfect
+heart. Jer. vii. 3. Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel;
+amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this
+place. Isa. I. 16, 17; _Cease to_ do evil. Learn to do well.----]
+
+[Footnote 39: Jer. 1. 8. Remove out of the midst of Babylon, and go
+forth out of the land of the Chaldeans, and be ye as the he goats before
+the flocks.]
+
+[Footnote 40: Zech. i 3. Turn ye unto me, saith the Lord of hosts, and I
+will turn unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. Psal. lxxxv. 3. Thou hast
+taken away all thy wrath; thou hast turned thyself from the fierceness
+of thine anger. Verse 4th. Turn us, O God of our salvation and cause
+thine anger towards us to cease]
+
+[Footnote 41: Psal. lxxxv. 9, 10. Surely his salvation is nigh them that
+fear him; that glory may dwell in our land. Mercy and truth are met
+together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
+
+Isa. xxxii. 17. And the work of righteousness shall be peace, and the
+effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.
+
+Zech. viii. 19----Therefore love the truth and peace.]
+
+[Footnote 42: Note. The Confession of Faith is here adhered to, as it
+was received and approven by the General Assembly of this church, by
+their Act of the 27th of Aug. 1647, Sess. 23, the 2d Article of the 31st
+Chap, being understood, as explained in that Act, and the 4th Sect, of
+the 23d Chap, being understood, as it is explained in our Informatory
+Vindication, page 196, 2d Edition.]
+
+[Typographical errors excepted, and _Historical Introduction_
+substituted for _Preface_, this edition agrees with those of Paisley,
+1820, and Belfast, 1835.--ED.]
+
+
+
+
+ACT OF COVENANT RENOVATION,
+
+AGREED UPON AT PHILADELPHIA, OCTOBER 8, 1880,
+
+BY THE
+
+REFORMED PRESBYTERY,
+
+AFTER THE APPROVED EXAMPLE OF OUR FATHERS, AT
+
+AUCHENSAUGH, 1712, AND ACCOMMODATED
+
+TO THE PRESENT TIME.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous
+judgments."--_Psalms_ cxix: 106.
+
+"They (Egyptians) shall vow a vow unto the Lord, and perform it."--_Is_.
+xix: 21.
+
+The Corinthians "first gave their own selves to the Lord."--_2 Cor_.
+viii: 5.
+
+
+
+
+COVENANT RENOVATION.
+
+Vow, and pay unto the Lord your God.--_Ps_. lxxvi: II.
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+Having in prospect a united, public and solemn approach to our covenant
+God, some important principles should be understood, that we may proceed
+with intelligence and have sure ground for our faith.
+
+"God is love;" and reciprocal love constitutes "the bond of perfectness"
+between God and rational creatures. Communion with God is the supreme
+felicity and highest honor of which angels and men are capable. The
+first emanation of divine love revealed to us was displayed in the
+covenant of works; although not called a covenant, the narrative
+contains all the elements essential to a federal deed, comprising a
+summary of the whole moral law. Thus the sovereign love of God was
+manifested through the medium of law and covenant inseparably combined;
+and this is the Lord's manner of dealing with mankind till the present
+time.
+
+That covenant was made with us in Adam as our common father and public
+representative. By the breach of it we are born in Adam's image and
+"children of wrath;" for the principle of representative identification
+pervades the moral universe. Our rational and social nature fits us both
+for personal and federal responsibility.
+
+When we had "destroyed ourselves" by apostasy from God, then did God
+"show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us
+through Christ Jesus." The gift of his Son to be a covenant head to
+sinners is God's highest, and most glorious demonstration of his
+ineffable love. The breadth, and length, and depth, and height of the
+love of Christ passeth knowledge; and the displays of this love through
+the covenant of grace will doubtless furnish matter of admiration to
+holy angels, and of adoring gratitude to redeemed sinners throughout
+eternity. Rev. i: 5, 6.
+
+Ever since our fall in Adam God has dealt with our sinful race by
+covenant. This covenant was made with Christ as Mediator between God and
+man, and as the representative of all whom the Father gave him to be
+redeemed and brought to glory. John xvii: 2. Accordingly, the Lord
+Jesus, immediately on the fall of our first parents, entered upon his
+work of mediation. To them first he announced his commission, declaring
+his purpose to "bruise the serpent's head--to destroy the works of the
+devil." Gen. iii: 15; 1 John iii: 8. Christ is given "for a witness to
+the people; a leader and commander to the people; to have power over all
+flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as the Father hath
+given him."
+
+Throughout the whole of the mediatorial administration the law and the
+covenant are distinct, though inseparably connected: and although many
+covenants are mentioned in the Scriptures, and even distinguished as
+_old_ and _new_. Jer. xxxi: 31; Heb. viii: 8; yet we must understand
+these as only different and successive modes of administering one and
+the same Covenant of Grace. This covenant was proclaimed before the
+deluge by prophets, as Enoch and Noah; after the flood by patriarchs;
+then by the ministry of Moses and other prophets, when John the Baptist
+and the Messiah in person proclaimed it; and from the day of Pentecost
+till the end of the world is the last dispensation--still, the covenant
+is immutably the same. The most solemn and memorable act of covenanting
+with God was at Horeb, otherwise called Sinai, when the Israelites were
+first and formally organized in ecclesiastical and civil relations. Then
+"Judah was his sanctuary, and Israel his dominion." Ps. cxiv: 2.
+
+Besides circumcision and the passover, both of which involved covenant
+obligation, God instituted the additional ordinance of public and social
+federal transaction, that the whole body might glorify him by a united
+act of solemn dedication as his special property separated visibly from
+the world. Is. lxiii: 19. And that this is a moral ordinance, and of
+perpetual obligation, is evident from the practice of God's people, both
+under the Old and New Testament, and the language of prophecy. Deut.
+xxix: 10-12; 2 Cor. viii: 5; Is. xliv: 5.
+
+Again, when we renew our covenant, we do not mean that the obligation
+has ceased, or that we can increase its obligation, for this is infinite
+and permanent; we intend by our personal act to deepen and render more
+durable our sense of preexisting obligation. This is, indeed, the
+immediate object of all renovations, by Moses, Joshua, kings of Judah
+and Nehemiah. And as we have seen, this ordinance was observed by
+Christians in the time of the apostles, so their practice may be traced
+through history afterwards, however obscure, until the time of the
+Reformation from Popery; when in Europe, both continental and insular,
+this ordinance was revived and exemplified. Among all nations in
+Christendom Scotland stands preeminent since first emancipated from
+bondage in mystical Babylon, for the frequency and fidelity of her
+ecclesiastical and national vows to the Most High. After many struggles
+with Popery and Prelacy, during which Christ's witnesses in that land
+derived strength and courage from vows renewed to withstand these
+organized oppressors; at length by their example and influence the
+kingdoms of England and Ireland were brought into a confederation by
+that famous and grand document, the Solemn League and Covenant. Taken in
+connection with the National Covenant of Scotland, those three nations
+and the churches in them were voluntarily bound to God and to each other
+by all the solemnity of cords and bands made in heaven. Yet, through the
+corruption of human nature and the restless malice of the Dragon and his
+angels, these bands were treacherously broken and the cords cast away.
+Although those symbols of the public faith were Scriptural documents,
+yet the reformation as truly described by the late Mr. Robert Lusk, was
+to the majority "a reformation only on paper." Like Israel of old the
+hearts of most of the people were not right with God, neither were they
+steadfast in his covenant. Ps. lxxviii: 37. This was soon made manifest
+by the Public Resolutions, accepting Indulgences, and the subsequent
+twenty-eight years of persecution inflicted upon those who "stood to the
+covenant." Then followed, in 1689, what the apostates called, and their
+successors still fondly hail, as the "glorious Revolution
+settlement!"--a settlement which, by forms of law, consigned the
+nations' solemn vows to oblivion, with all possible expressions of
+detestation by the infamous "Act Rescissory." In the year 1707, the "Act
+of Incorporation" brought the church and kingdom of Scotland under
+degrading bondage to the anti-Christian, Prelatic and Erastian throne of
+Britain.
+
+While these steps of apostasy were in progress, the Lord preserved a
+"wasted remnant" of witnesses, who "resisted unto blood striving against
+sin." These valiant Christian patriots--"the Society People"--kept
+themselves and their garments clean, and kept also the word of Christ's
+patience. They never were _dissenters_, nor properly called the "Old
+Dissenters." During this hour of temptation they were destitute of the
+help and guidance of a public ministry. At length, in the year 1706, Mr.
+John M'Millan, wearing the honorable badges of suspension and
+deposition, imposed by his apostate brethren for advocating in their
+Assembly the continued obligation of the Covenants. National and Solemn
+League, (Is. lxvi: 5,) was joyfully received as their minister by the
+voice of the Society people. In the year 1712, at Auchensaugh, Mr.
+M'Millan, with the assistance of Mr. John M'Neil, licentiate, "resolved
+to set about this solemn and tremendous duty of renewing their national
+covenants with God." Their mode of procedure was Scriptural, following
+the examples of Moses and others to Nehemiah--"the footsteps of the
+flock." They framed three papers, History, Confession and Engagement.
+The text of the Covenants of our fathers was left entire, only some
+explanatory words and phrases being placed in the margin. These
+explanations were then necessary to clear that question of
+questions--"Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee?"--a
+question to be finally settled only at the sounding of the last
+Apocalyptic trumpet. Rev. xi: 15. That transaction was ever after
+incorporated with the Terms of Communion.
+
+Some years after this transaction another renovation took place in
+Scotland, at a locality called Crawford-John; but no attainments were
+then made, nor has any authentic record of the proceedings been
+transmitted to posterity. Also the Seceders, soon after their erection
+as a distinct organization in Scotland, and repeatedly since in Britain
+and America, by public covenanting have contributed to the preservation
+of sound doctrine and Christian practice. We cannot, however, accord to
+them the honor of being the successors of the covenanted witnesses,
+which they unwarrantably claim, seeing that they disowned the "civil
+part" of the public Covenants, and thus unwittingly, we charitably
+believe, passed an implied censure on the One Lawgiver for having given
+us a second table in the moral law!
+
+We merely refer to the Octoraro transaction, (1743,) conducted by that
+unstable minister, Mr. Craighead, as being unworthy of anything more
+than historical notice.
+
+The two most noteworthy instances of avowed covenant-renovation within
+the present century are those at Dervock, Ireland, in 1853, and in
+Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1871; and we class them together, because
+however the respective documents differ in their provisions, and in our
+judgment some of these are irreconcilable, yet the parties have ever
+since agreed to coalesce. Reference is here made only to a sample of
+_essential_ discrepancies. In the Dervock bond the British Covenants are
+expressly mentioned and owned; in the Pittsburg bond they are neither
+owned nor mentioned, although both were urged at the time, while they
+were openly vilified without rebuke. In the former Prelacy is abjured,
+in the latter it is not so much as named. The fourth article of the
+former is irreconcilable with the fourth article of the latter. The
+former is limited by _recognized truth_; the latter substitutes for
+truth _supposed piety_. But since these two parties, in the face of such
+antagonistic fundamental principles, do actually harmonize in practice,
+coming down to treat with opposing parties in the plain of Ono, their
+example of treachery in covenant can be regarded only as a beacon of
+warning.
+
+Strictly speaking, no new obligation has been imposed or assumed since
+the law was given at Sinai. We are to "keep the words of the covenant,
+the ten commandments." This is just what Christ still enjoins upon his
+disciples--"Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have
+commanded you." The footsteps of Christ's flock differ nothing now from
+what they were in the days of Solomon. Some turn back into Egypt, while
+others turn aside with the "flocks of the companions to right-hand
+extremes or left-hand defections"; for the harlot's "ways are moveable
+that thou canst not know them," and we are warned--"Come not near the
+door of her house."
+
+The federal deeds which we propose to renew are, of course, those of our
+witnessing fathers, the National Covenant of Scotland and the Solemn
+League of Scotland, England and Ireland, adapting these public deeds to
+our time, and comprising all preceding and subsequent attainments, as
+was done by our predecessors at Auchensaugh. Our condition and
+surroundings are in many respects similar to theirs. "Their soul was
+exceedingly filled with the scorning of those that were at ease, and
+with the contempt of the proud"; but they were also exposed to many
+perils from the existing ecclesiastical and civil authorities which they
+publicly disowned.
+
+All inspired records of public vows to God by his united people, from
+the time of Moses to Nehemiah, contained a synopsis of special
+providence towards themselves and others, of sins, mercies and
+judgments; and these were motives to this special duty, though not a
+rule--"And because of all this we make a sure covenant and write it."
+
+After these examples, which we judge "written for our learning," we
+renew our own and our ancestors' covenants, neither ecclesiastically nor
+nationally as representatives of either church or state, as they are now
+confederated against the Lord and his Anointed: but we appear publicly
+as a "despised remnant," avowing allegiance to Zion's only King and
+"Prince of the kings of the earth," pledging adherence to those public
+deeds of our progenitors, in which the divine ordinances of Church and
+State are exhibited; and in which they are exemplified as co-ordinate,
+mutually independent, friendly, and helpful to the family and to each
+other. Thus acted the people of God under the covenant of grace in all
+ages; and so acted his servants at Auchensaugh, whose more immediate
+example we propose to follow.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CONFESSION OF PUBLIC SINS.
+
+
+All authentic history confirms the declaration of the Sacred Scriptures,
+That by one man sin entered into the world, and that there is not a just
+man upon earth that doeth good and sinneth not. Yet there is mercy with
+God that he may be feared, and plenteous redemption to redeem Israel
+from all his trespasses. But we are assured that "he that covereth his
+sins shall not prosper, but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall
+have mercy."
+
+Believing these teachings of God's word, and in view of renewing solemn
+vows to him, we now give glory to the Lord God of Israel by making
+confession of our own and our fathers' sins in violating our solemn
+covenants. We acknowledge the heinous sins of repeated violation of our
+covenanted unity--_First_, By joining in a military confederacy with the
+American Colonies in the revolutionary war of 1776. _Second_, Joining in
+a similar confederacy with Irish Papists and others to cast off the
+British government in 1798. _Third_, In a similar confederacy in the war
+between the United States and England in 1812. _Fourth_, By the like
+military association in the recent civil war: and these sins were
+aggravated by framing oaths of allegiance or fidelity in the years 1812
+and 1863.
+
+Some of those who had violated their covenants by military association
+with the United Irishmen fled for refuge to the United States; and
+without undergoing censure became active agents in constituting a
+presbytery without authority had from the parent body in Scotland, 1798;
+and proceeded in 1806 to frame and publish _Reformation Principles
+Exhibited_, a work which removed landmarks which the fathers had set;
+and which with an abstract of Terms of Communion unpresbyterially
+introduced, unsettled the foundations and issued in the lamentable
+disruption of 1833.
+
+In Scotland the leaders of the people caused them to err by changing the
+Terms of Communion in the year 1822, and the Testimony in 1837. While
+these changes were made in the Covenanted Church's organic law some of
+the most popular and influential ministers--theological professors, were
+publicly transgressing our covenants by joining in affinity with divers
+confederacies for moral reform. Doctor Andrew Symington, the most
+influential minister in the Synod did actually and publicly co-operate
+with the Evangelical Alliance; and in 1841 the same professor was among
+the foremost in projecting a plan for a "concert of prayer," by diverse
+sorts of professors, those of the Established Church of Scotland being
+expressly mentioned. No wonder the hesitating _Covenanter_ ventured at
+least to express preferance for "more generally small meetings for
+prayer, to a large number of Christians of different names." This kind
+of amalgamation being contrary to Scripture was a breach also of the
+Solemn League, the sixth article of which was evidently designed by our
+fathers to prevent such social sins under the name of religion. The
+Theological Seminary in Scotland, as a corrupt fountain, polluted all
+the streams, the ministers taking the lead in the defection, as is now
+manifested to the world.
+
+All along our history in Scotland, Ireland and America, the sin of the
+antediluvians and of Israel after the flesh has been imitated by
+us--joining with the known enemies of truth and righteousness, in the
+face of many fearful judgments for such breaches of solemn vows.
+
+The ministers took the lead in joining and inducing others to join the
+Colonization Society, a scheme for the removal of colored freedmen from
+among the bondmen, that slavery might be more secure and more certainly
+perpetuated by removing the disturbing element; and all this under the
+guise of evangelizing Africa! The General Synod which had unanimously
+patronized that scheme in 1828, discovering the deception, did in 1836,
+by a majority transfer its patronage to the rival cause of Abolition,
+thus continuing and persevering in the same transgression, from which
+they are not reclaimed to this day.
+
+About the same time when we were ensnared in these unscriptural
+confederacies, occasional hearing naturally became developed in a
+sabbath-school, which for a short time was conducted jointly by three
+denominations in Pittsburgh--Covenanters, Seceders and Associate
+Reformed, violating our covenanted unity and erecting an unauthorized
+agency for spiritual instruction. The General Synod did, in 1840,
+abolish its own deligation form and the Subordinate Synods in violation
+of conventional law and Presbyterial order, and still continues to
+adhere to this two-fold breach of the brotherly covenant. That body,
+carrying on defection, joined in military association as noticed above,
+during the late civil war between the Union and Confederate armies,
+framing an "oath of fidelity," and thus profaning a divine ordinance by
+pledging themselves to enforce an atheistical constitution and execute
+the laws: and some of them glory in their shame and boast of this
+flagrant and complicated breach of solemn vows to the contrary.
+
+While recognizing many precious principles embodied in the Dorvock bond,
+we cannot give it our approbation as an adequate renovation of our
+National Covenant and Solemn League, because it not only omits but
+obviously excludes the Form of Presbyterial Church Government and the
+Directory for Public Worship, and seems to substitute for these the
+Testimony which is incompatible with that of 1761; although the two
+documents above named were received by our General Assembly of Scotland
+as "part of the uniformity" to which we are bound in the Solemn League.
+And besides, all their symbols of faith mentioned in the Dervock
+transaction as subordinate, are owned only as "_Doctrinal_ Standards,"
+thus leaving at loose ends individual and social Christian _practice_.
+This document is therefore a defective, evasive, and consequently
+inadequate renovation of our Covenants.
+
+The sound principles comprised in the Pittsburgh bond are still more
+palpably rendered nugatory by contradictions, manifold evasions and
+ambiguous phrases; such as "accepted manuals, our fathers' covenants,"
+etc.; while the solemn pledge to "maintain Christian friendship with
+pious men of every name, and to feel and act as one with all in every
+land who pursue this grand end "--an _undefined_ end--would overthrow,
+if this were possible, the whole scriptural fabric of our Presbyterial
+Covenanted Reformation. Treachery and perfidy, not to say perjury, are
+bound up in the Pittsburgh bond, especially in pledging themselves to
+the performance of civil duties "not forbidden in the law of God." Some
+of the native fruits of this transaction, tending still more to corrupt
+themselves and others are the continual practice of occasional hearing,
+exchange of pulpits and correspondence by delegation.
+
+This body has placed itself under the authority of the Pennsylvania
+Legislature, having petitioned for and obtained an act of incorporation,
+and having voluntarily submitted to the Erastian civil jurisdiction of
+the state of Pennsylvania and of the United States. The civil Charter
+expressly institutes and appoints its trustees to be regulated and
+limited in the exercise of the functions of their respective offices by
+the constitutions of Pennsylvania and of the nation. Their bond prepared
+the way for this more gross and practical surrender of all that is
+distinctive in our covenanted position. And finally, so far as we know
+all parties in the three lands claiming to be Reformed Presbyterians,
+have for years renounced those provisions of our Directory which require
+the lines to be read in public praise to God, and the banns to be
+proclaimed before marriage.
+
+The nations throughout Christendom, continue in league with Antichrist
+and give their strength to the beast. They still refuse to profess and
+defend the true religion in doctrine, worship, government and
+discipline, contrary to the example of the kingdoms of Scotland, England
+and Ireland in the seventeenth century. Some of them have waged wars of
+conquest, under pretence of opening a way for the spread of the gospel;
+and disregarding international law, have violated solemn treaties among
+themselves, and all of them practically disregard divine authority;
+habitually profaning the Christian Sabbath, by carrying the mail, by
+commercial traffic, and parties of pleasure on land and water.
+
+Acknowledging the righteousness of divine judgment upon ourselves and
+others for manifold violations of God's law and breaches of our own and
+our fathers' solemn vows in our domestic, ecclesiastical and civil
+relations; we desire to humble ourselves before God for these sins, and
+for others not contained in this enumeration. Seeing that God hath
+punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and hath left us a small
+remnant in his sovereign mercy, our prayer to him is that he may enable
+us by his grace to bring forth fruits meet for repentance, to the glory
+of his great and holy name, and the commendation of his pardoning mercy.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+ACT OF ADHERENCE TO OUR COVENANTS. NATIONAL AND SOLEMN LEAGUE; AS
+ADAPTED TO THE PRESENT TIME.
+
+
+We, office-bearers and members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church,
+convinced by the Word and Spirit of God of our guilt and depravity by
+our breach of covenant in Adam; of utter inability to save ourselves
+from the ruins of the falls or its just penal consequences; desiring
+moreover to bless, the Lord, that when we were yet without strength
+Christ died for the ungodly; that a door of faith has been opened to the
+Gentiles, and repentance unto life granted to such; taking our warrant
+and encouragement from God alone, with our hands lifted up toward
+him:--do swear by his great and fearful name as the Lord our God,
+that--
+
+I. We accept God in Christ for ourselves and our children as offered to
+us in the gospel, to be our everlasting portion; and we joyfully
+surrender ourselves and our all to him as his rightful and exclusive
+property. We cordially approve the Covenant of Grace, and embrace it as
+all our salvation and all our desire. Dead to the law as a covenant of
+works, we cheerfully receive it from Christ's hand as our perfect rule
+of life, to direct our personal and social conduct. Aiming to glorify
+God as our chief end, and to do good unto all men as we have
+opportunity--especially to the household of faith--we promise in the
+strength of divine grace to search the Scriptures, conforming heart and
+life to this standard, in constant opposition to the course of this
+world, exemplifying godliness and honesty before men all our days.
+
+II. Set for the defence of the gospel, and under manifold obligations to
+contend earnestly for the faith which was once delivered to the saints,
+we acknowledge the Scriptures of the Old and new Testament to be the
+Word of God and the alone infallible rule of faith and manners,
+rejecting any and all additions or subtractions, false translations,
+perverting or wresting them to men's destruction.
+
+We own also, as subordinate standards of faith and practice of doctrine
+and order, the National Covenant and Solemn League: as also the
+Westminster formularies, well known by their names--viz., the Confession
+of Faith, the Larger and Shorter Catechisms, Form of Church Government,
+and Directory of Public Worship; as these were received respectively by
+the Church of Scotland in the years 1645, '47, and '48, not merely as
+"_Doctrinal_ Standards," but as symbols, all of them, of Christian
+practice also, and as a part of the uniformity sworn to in the Solemn
+League. We adhere to the Renovation of the National Covenants at
+Auchensaugh, 1712, as comprising the same grand Scriptural principles
+with the original deeds, and preserving the identity of the moral
+person, which became more visible in 1761 by a Judicial Testimony,
+re-exhibited in 1858 and 1876.
+
+We repudiate the Renovation at Dervock, 1853, as being inadequate,
+defective, and unfaithful--part of the document couched in abstract,
+evasive, and equivocal language. Also, we condemn and reject the
+Pittsburgh Bond, as ambiguous, self-contradictory and treacherous--"a
+snare on Mizpah." We abjure and testify against Popery, as delineated by
+our ancestors in the National Covenant, together with the fictitious
+dogma of the Immaculate Conception, and the blasphemous assumption by
+the Pope of Jehovah's incommunicable prerogative of Infallibility. In
+like manner we reject Prelacy, whether Erastian or Diocesan, as abjured
+in the National Covenant and more explicitly in the Solemn League; while
+in pity for the persons involved in these despotic systems, we will pray
+and labor for the extirpation of these poisonous plants, and the
+emancipation of their deluded admirers. We condemn and disown all
+existing systems which involve the infidel element called Voluntaryism,
+representing the divine ordinances of Church and State as mutually
+inimical or in any way antagonistic, thus impeaching the wisdom of the
+Almighty.
+
+III. Believing that the Son of God has been, as Mediator appointed heir
+of all things, and invested with universal dominion; that he reigns and
+must reign till all his impenitent enemies be put under his feet: we
+pledge ourselves in reliance on divine grace to continue our advocacy of
+his claims upon the homage and willing obedience of individual and
+social man, in the family, the church and the civil commonwealth. We
+will maintain and urge his exclusive right to prescribe the faith and
+order of the church by his royal authority. We promise to inculcate and
+exemplify Presbyterian Church Government as alone of divine right and
+unalterable.
+
+Believing, moreover, that civil government, originating in the will of
+God as Creator, has been placed by the Father under the authority of the
+Mediator, and that the principal objects to be promoted by this divine
+ordinance are the glory of its Author, the welfare of mankind, and the
+prosperity of the church; we engage to endeavor the reformation of the
+nations by testifying against all neglect or contempt of Messiah's
+claims, or impious invasion of his rights by either rulers or subjects.
+In joyful anticipation of the universal reign of righteousness and peace
+on the earth, we will labor and pray for a gospel ministry and a
+Scriptural magistracy; testifying against all corruptions of these or
+substitutes for them. Persuaded of the adaptation and sufficiency of
+divine ordinances to effect reformation, we will refuse to identify or
+incorporate with any substitutes for these, or to co-operate with
+voluntary associations for moral reform, whether secret and sworn, or
+open and pledged, as these imply want of faith in divine ordinances, and
+in the wisdom and beneficence of our covenant God.
+
+IV. Believing that the Christian Church is one by her divine
+constitution, and lamenting existing divisions among the children of
+God; recognizing the obligation upon us to love the brotherhood, we will
+endeavor to cultivate charity in private intercourse towards all who
+reflect the divine image; and help to elevate them to the platform of
+the Covenanted Reformation as our only recognized bond of organic and
+ministerial church-fellowship. Nor will we, in reliance upon the
+promised and continued supplies of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, permit
+ourselves to be divided from this our covenanted unity and uniformity by
+the promises, threats, or solicitations of surrounding communities.
+Through divine grace we will endeavor, by practical manifestation of the
+truth, to commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of
+God, as the most effectual means of healing Zion's breaches, that are
+great like the sea.
+
+V. Having learned from God's Word that all who live godly in Christ
+Jesus shall suffer persecution, in their character, in their substance,
+or in their persons; and knowing from the recorded history of those who
+nobly stood to their covenant that they were subjected to all these
+kinds of suffering; and since our Sovereign Lord in his holy providence
+for the trial of the patience and faith of his saints permits Antichrist
+to practice and prosper, the kings of the earth still giving their
+strength unto the beast: we therefore, anticipating like treatment from
+an opposing world wherever we may sojourn, resolve in his strength to
+follow the Lamb, whithersoever he goeth, as our leader, endeavoring so
+to diffuse the sweet savor of his name, that in due time and in every
+land men shall be blessed in him, and all nations shall call him
+blessed.
+
+VI. Finally, this solemn renewal of our federal obligations we confirm
+by oath in the presence of the omniscient God, who searcheth our hearts,
+uninfluenced by any selfish, worldly, politic, or carnal motives or
+ends; but singly with a view to the glory of God and the temporal and
+eternal welfare of our fellow-men; beseeching our Father in heaven for
+Christ's sake so to furnish us with the gifts and graces of his Holy
+Spirit, that we may prove faithful unto death, and joyfully welcome, the
+glorious appearing of our final and chosen Judge.
+
+And in testimony of our desires, and assurance to be heard, we
+say--Amen.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Auchensaugh Renovation of the
+National Covenant and Solemn League and Covenant, by The Reformed Presbytery
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE AUCHENSAUGH RENOVATION ***
+
+***** This file should be named 12381.txt or 12381.zip *****
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+        https://www.gutenberg.org/1/2/3/8/12381/
+
+Produced by Jordan Dohms and PG Distributed Proofreaders
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+https://gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at
+https://pglaf.org/fundraising.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at https://pglaf.org
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit https://pglaf.org
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including including checks, online payments and credit card
+donations.  To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+Each eBook is in a subdirectory of the same number as the eBook's
+eBook number, often in several formats including plain vanilla ASCII,
+compressed (zipped), HTML and others.
+
+Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks replace the old file and take over
+the old filename and etext number.  The replaced older file is renamed.
+VERSIONS based on separate sources are treated as new eBooks receiving
+new filenames and etext numbers.
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
+
+EBooks posted prior to November 2003, with eBook numbers BELOW #10000,
+are filed in directories based on their release date.  If you want to
+download any of these eBooks directly, rather than using the regular
+search system you may utilize the following addresses and just
+download by the etext year.
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org/etext06
+
+    (Or /etext 05, 04, 03, 02, 01, 00, 99,
+     98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 92, 91 or 90)
+
+EBooks posted since November 2003, with etext numbers OVER #10000, are
+filed in a different way.  The year of a release date is no longer part
+of the directory path.  The path is based on the etext number (which is
+identical to the filename).  The path to the file is made up of single
+digits corresponding to all but the last digit in the filename.  For
+example an eBook of filename 10234 would be found at:
+
+     https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/2/3/10234
+
+or filename 24689 would be found at:
+     https://www.gutenberg.org/2/4/6/8/24689
+
+An alternative method of locating eBooks:
+     https://www.gutenberg.org/GUTINDEX.ALL
+
+
diff --git a/old/12381.zip b/old/12381.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c621844
--- /dev/null
+++ b/old/12381.zip