fcj* ^ yl+~jtLc~o i / I & / ..* i v- c V ">M/ *tA< yv-iAAr s / 3C4 Alftff Explanation &vA Application O F T H E Solemn League COVENANT. FOR The REFORMATION and Defence of Religion, the Honour and Happinefs of the King, and Peace and Safety of the Three Kingdoms of Scotland, England ancj Ireland. Enjoined by the Lords and Commons aflembled in Parliament in England, and by the Eftates of the Parliament of Scotland, to be taken by every Man within the Three KINGDOMS, 1643. . By the Reverend Mr. Richard Ward Minifies of Stanfieed-Mount-Fitcbetm ESSEX. AS ALSO, Another of the fame, by the Reverend and Learned Divines of the Church of Ireland, about the Time of taking and fubferibing the Covenant in that King- dom. To which is added A Vindication of the perpetual Obligation of our Co* venants, by the Reverend Mr. JUx»vder Shields. Printed in the Year M. DCC XXXVIL ? The PuWifhcr to th^ READER. Chriftian Reader, rHE following Explanations of the Solemn Le:gue and Obli- ■•en of the National Covenant, and Solemn League and ( t feveral Articles I .:! Duties bound to in tie fame, a?>d the Corruptions ana Errors condemned and abjured therein. Hi ten and apy c Reverend and Learned L rs and Suffer: Ccve- flints, . I and zealous for tie fir ft taking and fubferibin^ the fame, a rtainly heft under flood )& ■:ew the true Intent and Me vin- J die at ion and Explanation, clearly and fully confutes the many Jenfelefs, fcoli/b and groundlefs Objections that many of the Carriers on, and Compliers with the prefent Defection and pnful Courfes of the Times, make a^atnft the fame ; and is a /landing Vindication of the bleffed Work of Reformation and /acred Covenants witr Cod , and from the federal falfe A/per (tons, Calumnies and Reproaches mo ft unjuftly caft u* pon the Covenants, by the common Oppofers and Enemies of the fame, without Caufe * and is now reprinted for the Be- nefit of all tl ofe, who defire to know and retain the Refor- I wed, profejfed and fwcrn-to Principles of the fometime fa- mous reforming Church of Scotland : And is a publick Tefli* mony again ft all tie Injuries done to the holy Covenants, and Heffed Work of Reformation, as profejfed and happily efta- bl'tfted in tl e /aid Church, from 1 6$ 8 to 1 650, by the Compilers with tJ e former and pre/ent Defections : and very ufeful and prof table to ht read, obferved and kept by all who take or ad- here to the [aid Covenants \ efpecially in this Day of Back* Jliding, when Defection and Apoftafy from the fame is come to to fuch an Height, that fome malignant Presbyterian Minifters and Profeffors, who once appeared very active for fome Points of onr Covenanted Reformation Principles, have now turned their Back upon them, by doing what in them lies tofv And fuppvefs the fame, and bending their Tongues with Lies,rc- proacling and calumniating the zealous, orthodox, and ftedfaft Owners thereof \ 7 )iJfatisJaclion with and Opposition againft the prefent Reformers, and Work of Reformation a- •• Hands, is come to fuch a Pit b, tl at, in their Be- ■ and Bentnefs to Bachfliding, they are even publiqkly ing, preaching, writing and printing again ft them ; whi "tie, corrupt and bitter Fruit, "and neceffary Confeouence of their carrying on, and complying with the pre* Defe&ions, Time-fervin? and erroneous Principles, ex- prefly condemned by the ftanding AEts and Difciplim of thr* anted reformed Church, eien to Depojition. The Analyfis, Explication and Appli- cation of the Sacred and Solemn LEAGUE and COVENANT. IN the League or Covenant, we may obferve thefe three general Parts, viz* the Exordium, Narrati- on and Condufion. FIRST, In the Exordium is only fbewed the Oc- cafion, moving Caufe, Necefliry, andEnd of the taking of this Covenant ; which is (b obvious and perfpicuous ' to every Eye, that I forbear (for Brevity's Sake) the particular Anatomizing and Analyzing thereof. SECONDLY, In the Narration, or Narrative Fart of this Covenant, are thefe three Generals, to wit, the Covenanter*, the Covenanted, and the Cove- nant itfelf. Firft, The Covenanters, or thofe who take or make this Covenant, are all who are cordially and candidly affected to the true Reformed Protefiant Religion, in all the Three Kingdoms of Scotland, England and Ira- land. " Secondly, The Covenanted, or he with whom we enter into Covenant, is Jehovah, our GOD, the great Creator and Preferver of Heaven and Earth. "Thirdly, There is the Covenant kfelf, wherein, and by the Covenanters oblige and bind themlelves foLmnly unto GOD. Now, in this Covenant, are fome Things Moral and Politick, and fame Theological and Pious. FIRST, SomeThings in this Covenant arc Moral and Politck, wherein four Things are remarkable, v iz. the Matter, Manner, Means and Limits, or £hi*ltficati- ons thereof. Firfi) The Matter, or Material Heads of the Moral A i aad 4 The Explication and Politick Pare ot this Covenant, are thefe, to wit, I. Mutually to preferve the Rights and Privileges of the Parliament. And, II. The Liberties of the Kingdoms. And, III. 77- * Prefer vat ion and Defence of the King : Wherein thefc Particulars are included, to wir, Frfi, Whom muft we endeavour to freferve and defend ? The King's Majefty. Secondly, What muft we endeavour to prrferve ar.c defend in the King \ His Majeiiy's Petjon and Jmtbi fity. Thirdly, How muft we endeavour the Prefervation of his Per fin and Authority ? /» /fo Preferzation and Defence of the rftue Religion, and Liberties of the King- doms, that is, cither, 1. We, by endeavouring the Prefitvatio* and De* fence of the true Religion, and Liberties of the King- doms, do truly and really endeavour the Prefervatio* and Defence of his Majefty's Perfin and Authority > they being the bed Friends y and ftrongeft Supporters of his Vtrfon and Power , who ftand moft ftourly for rfrut Religion, and Liberties of the Kingdoms, the King's Tliroue beingeftablifhed by Piety, Equity and Law 2. We promife to endeavour to preferve his Ma jetty's Perfin and Authority, to wir, lb long as he real ly endeavours ^he Prefervaricn and Defence of the True Religion and Liberties of the Kingdoms. And, Fourthly, W'hy, or wherefore do we thus endeavour the Preiervation and Defence of the King's Authority and Perfon ? To wir, i. That the World may bear Witnefs with our Confciences, of our Loyalty unto him. And, 2. Th3t we may make it evident to the World, that zve have no Thoughts or Intentions to dimintjb his Majefiy's juft Power and Greatnefs. IV. Another material Head, or Branch of the pe- litick Part of this Covenant, is, to dilcover malevo- lent and ill-affected Spirits and Pcrfons; wherein thefe three Particulars are involved, c tfrfi Profane- tiefs. And, 'jthly, Whatfoever fhall be found to be contrary to found DoBrine and the Power of Godlineft. And, V. Another material Head of the Theological Parto{ this Covenant is, The Amendment of Life ; wherein thefe two Things are obfervablc, viz. Ftrjt, The Caufe moving us to this Amendment of Life, which is twofold, viz. 1. The Gonfideration of our Guiltinefs by Realbn of our many Sins and Provocations againft GOD, and his Son JESUS CHRIST. And, 2. Our prefent Diftrefles and Dangers, the Fruits of that Guiltinefs. And, Secondly, The Expreffion of this Amendment of Life. Note here, Our Amendment of Life is expre£- fed, either by our Aftions or Affetiions, our Deeds or Defres. FIRST, By our Deeds and A&ions, or Words; for we profels and declare, before GOD and the World, our unfeigned Defire to be humbled. Now here three Things crave our Animadverfion, viz. I. For what we muft be humbled? For our own Sins, and the Sins of thefe Kingdoms. And, II. For what Sins muft we humble ourfelvcs? viz* For thefe, namely, 1. That we have nof, as we ought, valued the in- eftimable Benefit of the Gofpel. And, 2. That we have not laboured for the Purity and •Power thereof. And, 3 % That we have not endeavoured to receive Cbrift B ' IP \o The Explication in our Hearts, nor to walk worthy of him in our Lives. And, III. Why mud we humble ourfelves for thefe Things? Bccaufe they are Guiles of our other Sins and Tranigrefiions, fo much abounding among us. And, SECONDLY, Our Amendment of Life is expref- fed by our Affe8ions y and true and unfeigned Pur- pofes and Defires, which refpedt both to ourlelves and others ; wherein three Things are confiderable, to wit, Firft) The Matter of this Purpofe and DeGrc ; namely, I. " To amend our Lives. And, II. " Each one of us to go before other, in the fi Example of a real Reformation. "" And y Secondly ) The Extent of this Purpofe and Defire, to wit, I. " It muft be both in publick and private. And y II. " In all Duties we owe to GOD and Man " And % thirdly ^ The Scope, or End of this Purpofe and Defire of Amendment ; which is, I. " That the LORD may turn away his Wrath 11 and heavy Indignation from us. And* II. 1C That he may eftablifli thefe Churches and Kingdoms in Truth and Peace. " And thus much for the Matter of the theological Part of this Covenant Now, Secondly^ The next Thing in this Part is the Man- mat thereof, to wit, That every Branch, Claufe, Pari, and Particle of this Covenant, be performed and ob- fcryed fincerely y really ', faithfully and conftantly. And, tttrdly, Next in Order follow the Means % where- by we may be enabled to perform what we have pro mifed ; which are, I. An earnctt Endeavour, to the utmoft of our A- bility, to pay our Vows, and perform all our Promifei unto GOD. And, II. The Grace of GOD enabling us in fomc Mca fure thereunto. Aiid, of the Covenant. 11 Fourthly^ Another Thing in this Theological Part of our Covenant is the Limits or Qualifications thereof viz. We muft endeavour to obferve every Branch of this Covenant, according to our leveral Places, Voca* tions and Interefts. And, Fifthly , The laft Thing in this Part is the Scope or End of it, which is fourfold ; to wit, I. " That all we in all thefe three Kingdoms of u Scotland^ England and Ireland, and our Pofterity af- u ter us, may as Brethren live in Faith and Love. " And % II. " That tbe LORD may delight to dwell among " us. And, III. " That the LORD may be One, and his fC Name One in all the three Kingdoms. And> IV. " That we may not partake in other Mens €i Sins, and thereby be in Danger to receive of their €C Plagues. " And thus much for the fecond general Part of this Covenant, viz. the Narration. Now, THIRDLY, The laft general Part is the Peroral tion or Conclufion, wherein are thefe four particular Branches, to wit, an Attefiation, Prcteftation, Appeal and Supplication. Firft, In the Atteftation, or calling GOD to wit- nefs, we acknowledge three Things, viz. I. That God is prefent with as, at the taking of this Covenant or Oath. And, II. That he, who is prefent, is Almighty, to wit, both to reward us, if we perform what we promife ; and to punifh us, if we be Covenant-breakers, or fal- sify our Oath unto GOD. And, HI. That as he is infinite in Power, (b he is infinite in Knowledge ; the very Thoughts, Purpofes and In- tentions of our Hearts being known unto him. And this is laid down in thefe Words, And this Vow and Covenant I make in the Prefence of Almighty GO D $ the Searcher of all Hearts. Secondly, In the Proteftation, We promifc in the Prefence of Almighty GOD, thefe two Things, to wir f B; I. Ta ft 7he Explication I. To perform all the Contents of this Oath, and this is the Matter of the Proteftation. And, II. To perform it with a fall and true Intention of Heart; and this is the Manner of the Proteftation : Both which are laid down in thefe Words, And this Vow and Covenant I make with a true Intention to per* form the fame. Thirdly, The Appeal is contained in thefe V\ ord% (this I prom if e to perform , as I Jball anjwer at the Great Day, when the Secrets of all Hearts jball be difchfed ; Wherein are thefe five Things, to wit, I. A Belief, That there fhall be a Day of Judg- ment And, JI. That at that Day all fhall be judged. And, III. That at that Day all Secrets and fecret Things (that is, all fecret Actions, Intentions, Purpofes and Defires) fhall be difcovered, difclofed, laid open and tnanifefted. And, IV. A Belief, That we fhall moft juftly and im- partially at that Day be judged by the moft juft Judge v according to thofe Actions, Intentions, Puiv poles and Defires which are then difcovered, and ma- nifefted to have been in us. And, V. A fecret and implicite Imprecation, li GOD do " fo to me, and more alfo at that Day ; or, I defirc constantly \ thro Go(Cs Grace ; and according to our Places and Callings ; and further, without RefpiB of Perfons $ endeavour the Extirpation of 1. Popery. %. Prelacy (that is, Church- government by, (1.) Archbifhops. (2.) Bifhops. ( 3.) Deans. (4.) Deans and Chapters. (5.) Chancellors. (6.) Commiflaries. (V) Arch-deacons, and all other Ecclefiafticftl Officers depending on that Hierarchy. 1 6 The Explanation 5. Superfition, as Croffings, Holy-days, £* 4. Herefy, as Arminianifm, Anabaprifm, c 5. Scbifm, as Separation from lawful and wcll-con- flitute Churches. 6. Profanity of all Serts, as Drunkennefs, Swearing, ©V. 7. iVbatfoever is found contrary to found Doclrine, and the Power of Godlinefs. The Ends which we have before us, in this Article, are, 1. To beware *Ibat we partake not mother Mcni Sins, and Plagues. 2. That the Lord maybe One, and bis Name One, in the three Kingdoms. * III. In the third Article, We undertake in manner forefaid, and with our Efiates ana Lives, mutually to preferve and defend, I. Vbe Rights and Privilege of Parliament. a. ^tbe Liberties of the Kingdoms. 3. *The King's Majefiy's Per/on and Authority, in the Preservation and Defence of the true Religion, and Liber- ties of the Kingdoms. The End aimed at herein is, That the iVorld and our Confciences may bear Witnefs of our Loyalty ; and that we have no Intentions to diminijb his Majefiy's jufi Power and Greatnefs. IV. In the Fourth Article, lfi, We undertake againft the Enemies of true Re- ligion, the King, the Parliament, and Peoples Rights; and to Endeavour to dijtover all of them. Namely, (1.) Such as hinder the Reformation of Religion, as all Papifts and Prelatifts do. (2.) Such as divide between the King andiois Subje&s, as all Flatterers, and politick Incendiaries. (3) Thefe who divide one of the Kingdoms from an- other. (4.) Thefe who make Faolions and Parties among the People, contrary to this League and Covenant. idly % To eadcaYOUr, that they he brought to publick Trial And of the Covenant. \j And, %dly y That they Receive condign Tunj/bment 9 is the Degree of the Offences ihall require or deferve ; [>r, as the fupreme Judicatories of both Kingdoms (or rthers having Power from ihem) fb all judge convenient* V. In the Fifth Article, We promife to Endeavour \bat tbefe Kingdoms may remain cor join d in a firm Peace and Union , to all Posterity; as is concluded by both Parliaments. And, That Jufi ice be done upon the wilful Oppofers thereof, as in the former Article. Thefc rhings we are to endeavour, according to out f laces %nd Interefis. VI. In the Sixth Article, We undertake, 1. To Affift and Defend (in this common Caufe of Religion, Liberties and Peace of the Kingdoms) all hofe that enter into this League and Covenant , in the maintaining and purfuing thereof, 2. Not to fuffer ourf elves to be withdrawn from this tlejfed Union^ neither direBly (againft the Covenant) nor nHireblly (upon other Quarrels) to weaken them who nainrain the Covenant; neither by any Combination^ ^erfwafion nor Terror. 5. Not to make DefeSion to the contrary Party , nor to five ourfelves to a detefiable Neutrality in this Caufe y whicB b much concerns j I . The Glory of God. 2. The Good of be Kingdoms. 3. The Honour of the King. 4. That we /ball Zeafoujly and confiantly continue herein, againft all Oppofires. And, 5. Promote the fame againft all Impediments, iccording to our Power, all the Days of our Lives. 6. That, what we cannot fupprefs or overcome ourfelves, ve Jball reveal and make known, that it may be timely \ invented. All this we promife to do as in the Sight of God. THIRDLY, In the Conclufion there is, 1 . A ConfeJJlon of many Sins againft God and hit 5on Chrift Jefus (evident in the Fruits thereof, o/'t. Mirprefent DiftrefTes and Dangers.) 2. A Prefejpon of Defirc to be humbled, 1. For our jwn Sins. 2. For the Sins of theft Kingdoms. More particularly for that, (1.) We have not valued the Gofpel C (1.) Ni* 18 7'be Explanation i Sec. (2.) Nor laboured for the Power and Purity tlerecf. (3.] Nor endeavoured to receive Cbrifl in our Hearts. (4.) Not to Walk worthy of Him in our Lives, as we ought to havei* done ; which are the Caufe of all ether Sim among ft us. I™ a A Purpofe, Dejireznd Endeavour, avowed and pro- miled, for ourfelves, and all others under our Power and Charge, both in Publick and Private, in all Duties to God and Man ; To amend cur Lives y aid each one to go before another in the Example of a real Reformation 4. The Ends aimed at in all thefe are, 1. That thel Lord may turn away his Wrath. 2. That he m3y e-l ftablifh thefe Churches in Truth and Peace. 5. The folemn taking of this Covenant is exprefled in that, I. We male It in thePrefence of ALMIGHTY" GOD. 2. With exprefs Remembrance, That he is the Searcher of all Hearts. 3. With Profeflion of a true Intention to perform the fame. 4. With an Appeal to the fame GOD in the great Day, faying, As we flail anfwer to GOD, in the Day when the Secrets of all Hearts Jball be laid open. 6. All is clos'd with a Prayer to God (without whofc Help we can do nothing) 1. To be ftrengthned by his Spirit for this End. 2. That he would blefs our Defires And Proceedings with fuch Succefs as may be, (1.) Deli- verance and Safety to his Pecple. (2.) Encouragement to ether Chrif\an Churches, groning under, or in Danger of 9 the Toke of Antichriftian tyranny, to join in the fame or like AJfociation and Covenant. And the great Ends look'd to and defired herein, are, I. The Glory of GOD. 2. The Enlargement of the Kingdom of JESUS CHRIST. 3. The Peace and Tranquillity of Chriftian Kingdoms and Commonwealths. Amen. The ^he perpetual Obligation of our Owe* wants National and Solemn League* aflerted, vindicated, and proven from the Scriptures, by the Angular and worthy Mr. Alexander Shields. rHEIR binding Force is clear, if we confider, ifi y Their Form, or Formahs Ratio (i.e. for- mal Reafon) their Nature and Eflence; and lat either in refpect of feveral fbrts of Ties included 1 them, or, in the next Place, The Qualifications of lefe Ties. For the firfi, They are Oaths wherein rod is invocated as a Witnefs of our Sincerity, and a vift Witnefs againft us if we break. See the Third lommand for this, Lev. 6. 3. and 19. 12. Numb. 30. 2 # fal. 15. 4. So that the Debt is God's, £>>uia religio ju- imenti pertinet ad forum div'wum> that is, For the Re- gion of an Oath belongs to the Court of God. idly* "hey are Promifes, or promiffory Oaths, whereby re exprefs our Purpofe and Refolution as to important )uties, both to God and Man (invocating him as a Vitnefs of our Sincerity) in relation to the firft and *cond Table ; and Promifes (of this Nature efpecial- y) are (trong Bonds : The very Heathens made Con- cience of Promifes. 3^/y, They are Vows unco God, hat is, they are Promifes made to God, in the Things if God, fuch as publick perfonal Reformation. God n them is not only invocated as a Witnefs, but is the proper Party, or Correlate : And it is a fearful Thing o fall into his E-fands. For Commands to perform, and Vows, Ice Numb. 30. 2. 1 Sam. 1. 21. Vfal. 76. ii. Ecci 5 4, 5. 4/fc/y, They are Covenants,and that both with God and Man. We have engaged to God (in rhefe Vows) fpealdng to us in his Word from Hea- pen, ft National Reformation.- — There is like- wife a mutual Stipulation between the Nations, and with one another, touching important Duties of the lecond Table, in relation to their mutual Rights. For C 1 the ao r J Vindication the Weight of fuch Engagements, fee Ezek. 17. *jfojb. 9. i8> 19. Mr*. 9. 38. y^ r *54- ^ — S° that in thefc facred Bonds there is the Tie of an Oath, from the Reverence we owe to God ; the Obligation of a Vow, from the Homage and Fealty wc owe to him ; the brrength of a Promife both to God and Man, from the Influence both of Truth and Righteoufnefs : All concurring to render them inviolable. Bur, SECONDLY, Their binding Force will appear, if we confider their Qualifications ; as, ij?, They were folcranly taken on. *Tis a Maxim, That the Obliga- tion grows with the Solemnity of the Engagement; and the Scripture aggravateth the Breach from the Solemnity : Such as the cutting the Calf in twain. Zedekiah giving the Hand, ©V. For it imports Delibe- ration and Refolution in the Engagers. Thele Oaths were taken by folcmn Affemblies and Parliaments, af- ter Conference, Prayer and Fafting. idly^ They are holy and moft weighty Engagements, in the great Con- cerns of God's Glory, and our own Salvation. $dfy f They are large and extenfive, including Duties in the whole Word of God, all Duties we arc tied unto in his holy Law. 4*£//, They are univerfal ; Rcprefenta- tives and Members of Church and State were given up in them, ftbfy, They are perpetual and real ; as that between David and Jonathan, zSam 9. 7, 21. and that between Jcjbua and the Giheonites y J0&.9. 18, 19. and that Covenant, Dent, 29. 14, 15. THIRDLY, Their binding Force appears, if we confider in the next Place their Matter and Objeft, as, I ft, The immediate and formal Object is the Word oi God, and the Truths and Duties therein-contained ; and whatever is contrary to found Dodtrine and the Power of Godlinefi (under the formal Realbn) is here abjured. zdh y The more remote, or more marerial Ofrje&s, are the publick, neceilary and great impor- tant Truths and Duties therein-enumerated, both of the firft and iecond Table ; and the Errors and Sins therein-abjured. So that this Oath has an objective as well as fubjeftive Neceflity contained therein : A Nc- ceflity of the MatterJ in its own Nature prior to the Engage- cf the Covenants* a ingagement ; as well as a Neceflity of Performance owing from the Engagement itfelf, which may take 'lace in Things indifferent. FINALLY, The conftantly obliging Ends and cope of them, joined with the Importance of the Mat- :r fubfervient to thcfe Ends, further difcover their twiolable Obligation. There is here both Necefitas rtcepti, Medii &* Finis: So it cannot be objected, bat thefe Oaths are but temporary ; for the Mainte- ance of them runs alongft in all the fore-mentioned Particulars. And, (i.) It falls under the Obligation f the Oath, Vow, Promife and Covenant ; and under he fore- mentioned Qualifications of Solemnity, Uni- erfality and Importance. Again, (2.) The publick r aith of Church and State reaches this mcfl evident- y> and is engaged for it. (5.) The Things engaged nto, are rnoft exprefly holden out in his Word. For cripture-Proofs, fee Deut. 29th, where thefe who /ere not there, as well as thofe thar were there, Young nd Old, Wives and little Ones, from the Hewer of ftcod to the Drawer of Wa:er. National Compact lo oblige all the Nation, altho* not perfonally fworn mro by every Individual. None will fay, that no >ubjeft oweth Fealty and Allegiance to the King, but uch as have perfonally fworn the Oath of Allegiance : "or, if fo, a Man could no: be guilty of Treafon which is certainly a Breach of that Fealty) unlefs he lad perfonally fworn, Quod nemo unquam dixtrit % i. c. Which no Body will lay. Further, in that 29th Chapter ir is told, that it belongs to their Seed for ?ver: And, Deut. 5. 2, 5. Adofa tells the People em- phatically, That God made the Covenant with them yho were then alive, even that Covenant at Hereby tho* hey were all dead with whom it was made: And, Nek. 9. 3S. all entred into Covenant, but fome only Pealed it; as is clear, Chap. ic. And, was not that Oath of Jofeph's Brethren, ancnr the carrying up of his Bones from Efypt to Canaan y and their Oath to the Gibeonites, fuch as did reach their Poftcrity ? Alfo (hat Oa:h between David and Yonatltn, 2. Sam. 9. 7. Now, 22 A Vindication Now, that the Nature of their Oaths is fuch, cannot be doubted, they being Matters of perpetual and e- verlafting Importance, which no Time can alter, eva- cuate or limit, and having the publick Faith of Church and State interpofed in them, by a Vow and Covenant with God and Man, over and above the Oath : And likewile in its Nature promiflbry, in relation to Du- ties, Midfes or Ends, perpetually neceiTary and obli- ging; It is palpably evident that ir is real, and not peribnal only. ObjcHicn. M But that Expreflion, Every one of us — into the Hands of their Enemies. Certainly this did oblige the Pofterity, at leaft not to recal thefe Servants, and it was always morally o» biiging. So our National Covenant, fworn with tiands lifted up to the moft high God, being materi- ally alfo binding, cannot be abrogated by the Pofterity, except the Lord renounce his Intereft in them. As long as the Witnefs liveth then, who claims them as his, they cannot be made void : Efpecially confidering, VI. They are National Covenants made with God as the other Party contracting, in the Matters of God, which none can difpenfe with, or grant Remifliong in; and therefore they muft perperually bind until he Joofe them. And if even the Pofterity break them, the Lord will make them that hate them to reign o- ver them, and he will bring a Sword upon them to avenge the Quarrel of his Covenant, Lev. 26. 15, 17, 25. Such were all the National Covenants of the Lord's People renewed by Jojhua y Jfx^ Jehopaphat 3 Henekiahy Jofiab, Ezra t Nebemiab, for the Breaches of which the Lord plagued the Pofterity I It was for Breach of their Father's Covenant with God, that the Ten Tribes were carried away Captive, 2 Kings 17. I 5, &V. We have already experienced the threatned Judgments for Covenant-breaking, and may look foe toore. VII. of the Covenants; 17 VII. They arc for their Matter National Cove- nants about Things moral Obje&ively, obliging to join our/elves to the Lord in a perpetual Covenant that pall never to be forgotten , Jer. 50. J. I might eafily demonftrate all the Articles of the Covenant to be morally obliging ; but they are demonftrate fufficient- Jy above, Head I. Argument II. (for which fee Hind let loofe, Pag. 224, 225, 226".) therefore they are perpetually binding. VIII. They are for their Ends National Covenants inviolably obliging, which cannot be made void* though they fliould be broken, becaufe the Ends of rhem are always to be purfued ; as is proved above, Head I. of the forecited Book, from Pag. 220 to 168 ; therefore they are perpetual. IX. They are for their Formality National Cove- nants, moft folemnly fworn and fubferibed by all Ranks with uplifted Hands, with bended Knees, with folemn invocating the Name of God, with folemn Preaching, Prayer and Praife, rendring themfelves and the Pofterity obnoxious to the Curje if they fhould break it. Now, the Solemnities of the Oath do ag- gravate the Hainoufnefs of the Breach of it, as is :lear from Jer. 54. 19. Ezek. 17. 18. quoted above, rhc Reafbn is y Becaufe of their greater Deliberation n the Adtion, and becaufe of the greater Scandal accompanying the Violation thereof. Hence, as they »re National Oaths and Covenants fo fblemnized,they ire National Adjurations under the Pain of a Natio- lal Curfe not to break them Nationally, which do nake the Pofterity obnoxious to it; as Jojbua adju- ing Ifrael y faying, Curfed be the Man that rifetb up and mildetbtbis City Jericho, Jofb. 6. 16. which was ful- illed many Generations after, in the Days of Abab % ipon Hiel the Betbelite y 1 Kings 16. ult. So the Curfe >f introducing abjured Prelacy and Popery, if it be ctin, will be impendent on the Nation. All Natio- nal Covenants have a Curfe annexed in Cafe of a breach, whenever it fhall be: So, in Nebemiab's Co- venant, they clave to their Brethren, and entred into I Curfe, and into an Oath to walk in God's Law, D a which ?8 A Vindication which was given by Mofes the Servant of God, and to obferve and do all the Commandments of the Lord our Lord, and his Judgments and his Statutes; partis fcularly not to writer into Affinity with their Malignant Enemies, Neb. 10. 29, 50. which certainly did oblige Pofterity, becaufe the Thing was moral : So in our Covenants ue are bound to the fame Things, an" nothing but rhefe; and therefore the Pofterity is liaWi to the Curfe of Perjury for the Breach thereof. X. They are for their Legality National Laws being folemnly ratified by the Parliament and by tl King, and made the Foundation of their Comp3< with him at his Inauguration ; whereby they becar fundamental Laws of the Government, and amoi the very leges &* reguU regnandt : Which, though they be refcinded by a wicked Law, yet make the Refcii ders chargeable, not only of Perjury in breaking Covenant, but of tfreafon and Tyranny in breaking at altering the Conftitution of the Government, and rei der them liable to the Curfe thereof; for they canno refcind that, nor cfcape its Vengeance : Whereo; wc have a fpeakin£ Pledge already, in that the Ri fcinder of thefe Covenants was fo terribly refcinded, and cut off by the Hands of unnatural Violence; God thereby fulfilling that thre3tned Judgment of Covenant-breakers, that he that hath broken his Co- venant /hall be brought to Deftru&ion, and bloody an 1 deceitful Men fhall not live out half their Days, Vfal. 55. 20 tilt. So Charles II. got nor Leave to live our Half the Days that he projected to himfclf. XL They are National Engagements of an herodi- tary Nature, like that of IfraeK Deut. 29. 14, 15. which did oblige not only the prefent, but the abfent ; not only them chat ftood there that Day before the Lord their God, but them that were not there that Day. Grot'tus di jure bell. Lib. 2. Cap 6. gives theft Marks of hereditary Covenants. ift 9 When the Sub~ jc& is of a permanent Nature, and as long as manet idem corpus : Therefore 3S long as Scotland is Scotland, whofe People in their perfonal Capacity, whofe Parliaments in their parliamentary Capacity, whofe King in his princely of the Covenants. 29 princely Capacity, did all folcmnly and facredly en- gage in the Covenant, it muftbe real, and perpetually obliging. 2dly a> When there is fuch a Claufe in the Cove- nant as that itjbould be perpetual There are many Clau- fes in the Solemn League to this Purpofe. In Art. i. arc thefe Words, tfkat we and out Pofterity after us may % as Brethren, live in Faith and Love , and the Lord may delight to dwell in the Mdft of us . In the 5 Art. We (ball each one of us, according to our Place and Inter eft, endeavour that the Kingdoms may remain conjoin din a firm Peace and Union to all Pofterity. $dly y When it is fuch as is made for the Good of the Kingdom : The Covenant exprefTcs its End for the perpetual Good of the Kingdom, having before our Eyes the Glory of God \ the Advancement of the Kingdom ofChrifi, the Honour and' Happinefs of the King and bis Pofterity, and the truepublick Liberty, Safety and Peace of the Kingdoms; Wherein every One*s private Condition i$ included. And again it is added, For Prefervation of ourfelves and our Religion from utter Ruin and Deftru&ion : All thit is a publick National Good, fybly, The Matter is moral,about materially binding Duties; and therefore it muft be hereditary, and of perpetual Obligation. XII. and laftly, They are National Obligations, taking on publick Duties by way of virtual Repre- fentation of the Pofterity ; and they that think it irra- tional that the Father ftiould reprefent and involve the Family, muft refolve us how the Religious and Civil Covenants of lfrael and Judah, made in Alofes, Jqfbua 9 $ % David's, Afas, Joafh, Hezekiah, Joftah and Nehemiab's Days, did comprehend and bind, as well the ablent as the prefent, and their Pofterity yet unborn ? as al- fo, how the Laws and Contracts, continually parted by ibme, do take.jin others not personally consenting? yea, how comes it to pafs that every fucceeding Gene- ration is bound to the Laws, and muft be obedient to the Kings that they did not make themlclves ? No Reafon can be given, but becaufe they are virtually reprefented and included in their Fathers. Now, if thefe Arguments prove our National Covenants to be perpetually binding, and cannot be difpenfed with, then muft thefe poftcrior Oaths, that are made in a diametrical jo AVindicdtion diametrical Oppoficion to the Covenant^ and are con- demned by rhe Covenants, be falfe and unlawful Oaths , but the firft is proved : Therefore thefc Oaths, fo oppo- site to and condemned by the Covenants, arc falfc and ynlawful, &c. The fame Author, in his Introduction to the Re- newing of the Covenants at Lefmahago, March ^d 1688, {which Introduction is delivered by way of 'Difcourfe on the z$th Chap, of Deu- teronomy) ftates and an fivers the following Sgueftion with refpe£t to National Covenanting. IT may be doubted, If Covenanting nvitb God, efpe- c'taUy National^ be a necejfary or expedient Duty, ap- froven in the Scriptures ? Anf. The Lawfulnefs of Oaths, Vows and Cove- nants, to, for, or before GOD, will be queftioncd by none but Sfyakers, and other Entbufiafts, or Fanaticks. In the OldTeftament it is here evident the Lord com- manded to enter into this Covenant and Oath, v> i y 12. and it is never abrogate in the New Teftament, except in ordinary Communications, wherein it was condem- ned in the Old as well as in the New. And it is fa far from being abrogate, that it is confirmed by the A- poftle, faying, A Man s Covenant once confirmed cannot be difanuliedy Gal. 3.15. And concerning even promif- fory Oarhs, faying, That an Oath for Confirmation is an End of all Strife, Heb. 6. 1 6. Nor can the Expe- diency or the Neceflity of this Duty be doubted by any who confiders the Commands enforcing it, the Ufefulnefs that the Saints experienced in it, for re- training from Sin, for aggravating it in their Humili- ations, from this Confidcrarion, That they had vowed and covenanted to the contrary ; for tfirring up to the Duties bound upon them by the Law, and for encou- raging themfelves in the Hope ot Pardon for their Shortcomings: We mutt not think it is inconvenient to Vow, or that it is indirlerent to Vow, or no: \ It is laid indeed, E cl. 5. 5. Better it is that tbeu Jhouidfi net of the Covenants. 3 1 not vow, than that thou Jhouldfi vow and not pny t But thar does nor make Vowing either inconvenient, inex- pedient nor indifferent, or not good (imply ; no mu- c than the Apoftle's faying, 2 Pet. 2. 21. It had been bet- ter not to have known the iVay of Rigbteoufnefs, than, afc ter it is known, to turn from it, will make knowing the Way of Righteotifnejs to be cither inconvenient, or in- expedient, or not good (imply : For Vowing, as well as Paying, is exprefiy commanded, Pfal. 76. 11. And in fome Cafes (efpecially in neceffary Things) Vowing ind Breaking is better than not Vowing and yet Break- ing the Law ; for the latter is two Sins, Omifiion in not Vowing, and Commiffion in Breaking, the former only the Sin of breaking the Vow; as Mr. Durham clears it at large on Command 3d. Pag. 135, 13d, QPc* 2. As for National Vowing or Covenanting, it is e- pidently approven in Scripture Precepts, Promifes and Practices. Here is a Scripture Precept for it in the Old Teftament, never abrogated in the New. There are alfo Promifes, and thefe relating to the New~Tefta- ment Times, not only of Perfonal, but of National Covenanting; as Churches, and Chriftian Societies, Ifa. 19. 18, 21, 23. to the End. Jer. 50.4, 5. Zech.2.n. And as for Precedents, we have very many of National Covenants, made and renewed again and again, foe Prefervation and Reformation of Religion, Extirpa- :ion of falfe Worfliip, maintaining their Laws, Liber- ies and Government, punifhing and reftraining the Wicked, keeping the common Peace, and mutual De- fence againft the common Enemies. As here,after that in Horeb, Ifraet% Covenant is folcmnly fworn under the Conduct of Mofes ; And renewed by Jojbua, Jofb. 24* By Afa, 2 Chron. 15. 13, 14. Jehojadab, 2 Kings 11. 17. zChron, 23. 16. Mezehah^ 2 Chron. 29. 10. Jo-. Hah, 2 Kings 23. 2. 2 Chron. 34. Ezra, Chap. 10. 3. Nehemiab, Chap. 9. ult. and io. 28, 29. Yea, always in Times of Humiliation and intended Reformation, wc find they fell about this Duty,