not) yet the meanes and ways of prosecution are unlawfull, because
there is not an equall avoiding of rocks on both hands, but a joyning
with malignants to suppresse Sectaries, a joyning hands with a black
devill to beat a white devil; They are bad Physicians who would so
cure one disease as to breed another as evil, or worse. That there is
in the present Engagement a confederacy and association in war with
such of the English who according to the Solemn League and Covenant
and Declarations of both Kingdoms, 1643, can be no otherwise looked
upon but as Malignants and enemies of Reformation and the Cause of
GOD, is now made so manifest before Sun and Moon, that we suppose
none will deny it; And tis no lesse undeniable, that not only many
known Malignants, but diverse who joyned in the late rebellion within
this Kingdom are employed, yea, put into places of trust: All which
how contrary tis to the Word of God, no man can be ignorant who will
attentively search the Scriptures, for we finde therein condemned
confederacies and associations with the enemies of true Religion,
whether Canaanites, Exod. 23, 32, and 34, 12, 15, Deut. 7, 2, or other
heathens, 1 King 11, 1, 2, such was Asa his Covenant with Benhadad, 2
Chron. 16, to v. 10. Ahaz his confederacy with the King of Assyria, 2
King 16, 7, 10, 2 Chron. 28, 16, to v. 23, or whither the association
was with wicked men of the seed of Abraham, as Jehoshaphats with Achab,
2 Chron. 18, 3, compared with chap 19, 2, also his association with
Ahaziah, 2 Chron. 20, 35, and Amaziahs associating to himself 100,000
of the ten Tribes when GOD was not with them, 2 Chron. 25, 7, 8, 9, 10.
The sin and danger of such associations may further appear from Isaiah
8, 12, 15, Jer. 2, 18. Psal. 106, 35, Hos. 5, 13, and 7, 8, 11. 2 Cor.
6, 14, 15, and if we should esteem Gods enemies to be our enemies, and
hate them with perfect hatred, Psal. 139, 21, how can we then joyn
with them as confederates and associates, especially in a cause where
Religion is so highly concerned; and seeing they have been formerly in
actuall opposition to the same cause.
3. We are commanded if it be possible and as much as lieth in us to
have peace with all men, Rom. 12, 18, to seek peace and pursue it,
Psal. 34, 14, war and bloodshed is the last remedy after all the ways
and means of peace have been used in vain. The intended war of the
nine Tribes and a half against the two Tribes and half was prevented
by a Message and Treaty of Peace, Josh. 22; The like means was used by
Jepthah (though not with the like success) for the preventing of war
with the King of Ammon, Judg. 11. The very light of nature hath taught
Heathens not to make war till first all amicable wayes of preventing
bloodshed were tried; yet this war hath been driven on without
observing any such method of proceeding except by a message wherein not
so much as one breach was represented. Yea though these two Kingdoms
are straitly united in Covenant, yet these who have carried on this war
did not only neglect to desire a Treaty, but also slight an offer of
a Treaty made from the Parliament of England upon the Propositions of
both Kingdoms.
4. There are many clear and ful testimonies of Scriptures against the
breach and violation of Covenants, although but between man and man,
Psal. 55, 20. Rom. 1, 31. 2 Tim. 3, 3. Especially where the name of
God was interposed in Covenants by any of his people, Jer. 34, 8, 10,
11, 18. Ezek. 17, 18, 19. How much more the violation of a Solemn
Covenant between God and his people, Lev. 26, 15, 25. Deut. 17, 2, and
29, 21, 14, 25. Jer. 22, 8,9. 1 King 19, 10. Dan. 11, 32. Hos. 6, 7.
If therefore the present Engagement be a breach of our Solemn League
and Covenant, then they who have before taken the Covenant, and have
now joyned in this Engagement, must grant by necessary and infallible
consequence, either that the Covenant it self which they took was
unlawful, and such as they cannot perform without sin (which yet they
cannot professe) or otherwise, that the Engagement is unlawfull and
sinfull, as being a breach of Covenant, and so contrary to the Word of
God; that the present Engagement is a breach of Covenant may appear by
comparing it with each of the Articles, for it is against all the six
Articles of the Covenant.
Against the first, because instead of the preservation of the Doctrine,
Worship, Discipline and Government of this Kirk; there is not onely a
great quarrelling by those that do Engage, at the present doctrine,
and free preaching, a disturbing of, and withdrawing from the Worship,
and namely from the late solemn humiliation: But also a refusall of
such things as were desired by the Commission of the late Assembly
and Provinciall Synods, as necessary to the preservation of the true
Reformed Religion: And we have just cause of fear that the Reformation
of Religion in Doctrine, Worship, Discipline and Government is not
intended to be sufficiently maintained and preserved, when we finde
such a limitation and restriction in the late Declaration of the
Committee of Estates to the Parliament and Kingdom of England, That
they will maintain and preserve the Reformation of Religion, Doctrine,
Worship, Discipline and Government, as is by the mercy of GOD, and
his Majesties goodnesse established by Law among us; but as there is
no such limitation in the Covenant, so we have not had such proof of
his Majesties goodnesse as to establish by Law all that hath been by
the mercies of God inacted in Generall Assemblies. As to the rest of
the first Article, concerning the Reformation of England and Ireland,
and the Uniformity, as there was some hopefull beginings thereof,
and a good foundation laid, during the late War against the Popish
Prelaticall and Malignant party, so the state and ground of the War
being now altered, and these chosen for confederates, and associates
in the War, who are known enemies to that Reformation, and Uniformity,
how can the Covenant be keeped in that point as long as such a War is
carried on.
The second Article is violated because in stead of indeavouring to
extirpate Popery and Superstition without respect of persons (as is
exprest in the Covenant) there is in the late Declaration of the
Committee of Estates a desire of the Queens return, without any
condition tending to the restraint of her Masse or exercise of Popery;
We do also conceive there is a tacit condescending to the toleration
of Superstition and the Book of Common-prayer in His Majesties family,
because as it was reserved by himself in his concession, brought home
by the Commissioners of this Kingdom, So these concessions were never
plainly declared by the Parliament to be unsatisfactory to their
Lordships, howbeit it hath been often and earnestly desired: neither
can we conceive how the clause concerning the extirpation of Prelacy,
can consist with indeavouring to bring His Majesty with Honour, Freedom
and Safety to one of his Houses in or about LONDON, without any
security had from him, for the abolition of Prelacy; it being his known
principle (and publickly declared by himself shortly after he went to
the Isle of Wight) that he holds himself obliged in conscience, and by
his Coronation Oath to maintain Archbishops, Bishops, &c. Can it be
said that they are endeavouring to extirpate Prelacy, who after such a
Declaration would put in His Majesties hand an opportunity to restore
it?
As for the third Article we cannot conceive how the preserving of
the Priviledges of Parliament, and asserting the Kings negative
voice can consist; And we are sorrowfull that under the colour, of
the Priviledges of Parliament, the liberties of the Subjects are
overthrown, and the persons and Estates of such as have been best
affected to the Cause and Covenant are exposed to most grievous
injuries, crying oppressions: And whereas the duty in preserving and
defending his Majesties Person and Authority, is by the third Article
of the Covenant qualified with, and subordinate unto the preservation
and defence of the true Religion and Liberties of the Kingdoms, There
is no such qualification, nor subordination observed in the present
Engagement, but on the contrary, it is so carried on, as to make duties
to God and Religion conditionall, qualified, limited; and duties to the
King absolute and unlimited.
The fourth Article of the Covenant is so foully broken, that they who
were by that Article declared Enemies, Incendiaries, Malignants, and
therefore to be brought to condigne tryall and punishment, are now
looked upon as friends and associates, and are the men who get most
favour and protection, and sundry of them imployed in places of trust,
in the Army and Committees.
For the fifth Article, instead of endeavouring to preserve Peace and
Union, a breach is endeavoured between the Kingdoms, not only by taking
in and garrisoning their frontire Towns, but also entering the Kingdom
of England with on Army, and joyning with the common enemies of both
Kingdoms, notwithstanding of an offer of a Treaty upon the Propositions
of both Kingdoms made by the Parliament of England to the Parliament of
this Kingdom. And whether the way of this Engagement can consist with
the large Treaty between the Kingdoms, we shall wish the Honourable
Committee of Estates may yet take it into their serious second thoughts.
The sixth is also manifestly broken, for we are thereby obliged to
assist and defend all those that entered into this League and Covenant,
in maintaining and pursuing thereof: Whereas the Army now entered
into England, is to assist and defend many who have not entered into
that League and Covenant: And for those who took the Covenant in that
Nation, and continue faithfull in it, what they may expect from this
Army, may be collected not onely from their carriage towards their
Brethren at home; but also from that clause toward the close of the
late Declaration of the Committee of Estates, _And that we will do
prejudice or use violence to none (as far as we are able) but to such
as oppose us, or such ends above mentioned._ It cannot be unknown that
many of the English Nation who are firm and faithfull to the Covenant,
and Presbyteriall Government do, and will according to their places and
callings oppose some of those ends above mentioned in that Declaration;
as namely, the restoring both of King and Queen without any condition
or security first had from them; And so by that rule in the Declaration
they must expect to be used as enemies, not as friends. That sixth
Article is also broken by a departing from the first principles and
resolutions, and by dividing, and withdrawing from those that adhere
thereunto, which hath been before cleared by the Commission of the late
Generall Assembly in their Declaration in March, Representation, and
other Papers published in Print.
5. We leave it to be seriously pondered by every one who is truely
conscientious, whether it be any ways credible or probable, or
agreeable to Scripture rules, that the generality of all that have been
most faithfull and cordiall to the Covenant and cause of God should be
deceived, deluded and darkened in this businesse, and that they who
for the most part were enemies to the work of God in the beginning,
and have never brought forth fruits meet for Repentance, should now
finde out the will of God more then his most faithfull Servants in the
Land; and who, that fears God, will believe that Malignants are for the
ends of the Covenant, and that they who are most instrumentall in this
Reformation, are against the ends of the Covenant.
All which considered, as we could not, without involving our selves
in the guiltinesse of so unlawfull an Engagement, yeeld to the desire
of the Army for Ministers to be sent by us to attend them; So we do
earnestly exhort, and in the name and authority of Jesus Christ, charge
and require all and every one of the Members of this Reformed Kirk of
Scotland;
I. That they search narrowly into the sins which have procured so great
judgements and so sad an interruption of the work of God, that they
examine themselves, consider their wayes, be much in humiliation and
prayer, study a reall and practicall Reformation, That they also mourn
and sigh for the abominations of the Land, and stand in the gap to
turn away the wrath. Among all these fearfull sins, the violation of
the Solemn League and Covenant, would not be forgotten but seriously
laid to heart, as that which eminently provoketh the Lord, and
procureth his judgements to be powred forth not onely upon persons and
families, but also upon States and Kingdoms. Covenant breakers though
in common things, are reckoned by the Apostle in that Catalogue of
the abominations of the Gentiles: But among the people of God, where
his great name is interposed, the breach of Covenant even in meaner
matters, such as the setting of servants at liberty provoketh the Lord
to say, _Behold I proclaim a liberty for you (saith the Lord) to the
sword, to the pestilence, and to the famine, and I will give the men
that hath transgressed my Covenant_, and (not excepting, but expresly
mentioning Princes) he addes, _I will give them into the hands of their
enemies_. The History of the Gibeonites, who surreptitiously procured
the Covenant made to spare them, and whom Saul some ages thereafter in
his zeal to the children of Israel and Judah sought to slay, as being
cursed Canaanites, evidenceth with what vengeance, the LORD followeth
Covenant-breakers, whereof there wants not in prophane History also
both forreign and domestick examples; Therefore let all the inhabitants
of the Land of whatsoever rank, seriously ponder how terrible
judgements the violation of a Covenant so recently, so advisedly, so
solemnly made, and in so weighty matters, may draw on, if not timously
prevented by speedy repentance.
II. That they so respect and honour Authority as that they be not the
servants of men, nor give obedience to the will and authority of Rulers
in any thing which may not consist with the word of GOD, but stand
fast in the liberty wherewith CHRIST hath made them free, and obey GOD
rather then men. III. That they carefully avoid the dangerous rocks
and snares of this time, whereby so many are taken and broken.
Upon the one hand the sowre leaven of Malignancy where ever it enters,
spoileth and corrupteth the whole lump, post-poning Religion, and
the Cause of GOD to humane interest, what ever be pretended to the
contrary, and obstructing the work of Reformation, and propagation of
Religion out of false respects and creature interest. As this hath
formerly abounded in the land, to the prejudice of the Cause and Work
of GOD, so of late it is revived, spreading with specious pretences of
vindicating wrongs done to his Majesty. We desire not to be mistaken,
as if respect and love to his Majesty were branded with the infamous
mark of Malignancy; But hereby we warn all who would not come under
this foul stain, not onely in their speech and profession, but really
and in their whole carriage not to prefer their own, and the interest
of any creature whatsoever, before the interest of CHRIST and Religion.
The characters of these have been fully given in former Declarations,
specially in the Declaration of the Commissioners of the Generall
Assembly in March last, which we hold as here repeated; onely adding
this, that they ordinarily traduce Kirk Judicatures, as medling with
civill affairs, which as it is no new calumny, but such as hath been
cast upon the servants of GOD in former times; so the whole course of
proceedings doth manifestly confute the same.
Upon the other hand Sectarisme hath no lesse hindered the blessed and
glorious work of Reformation in our neighbour Kingdom, against the
venome whereof, lest it approach and infect this Kirk, we have need to
watch diligently to avoid all the beginnings and dangerous appearances
thereof. The many faithfull testimonies from godly Ministers in
severall parts of England, against the vile errours, and abominable
blasphemies abounding there, as they are to us matter of rejoycing
before the LORD; so they ought to be looked on as warnings to all
sorts of people, especially that regard Religion, to beware of Sathans
snares, craftily set to catch their souls. And because such gangreens
creep insensibly, all that love the Honour of GOD, and welfare of
Religion, would seriously consider the following points, both by way of
marks to discern, and meanes to escape the danger of this infection.
1. Whosoever are misprisers of the blessed work of Reformation
established within this Land, and do not shew themselves grieved for
the impediments and obstructions it hath met with in our neighbour
Kingdom, these are even on the brink of this precipice, ready to
tumble down in this gulf whensoever occasion is offered: All therefore
that love the LORD JESUS, would stir up their hearts in the light and
strength of the LORD highly to prize, and thankfully to acknowledge
what the right hand of the most High hath done among us, as also to
thirst fervently after the advancing and perfecting of the LORDS work
among our neighbours.
2. Dis-respect to the publick Ministery and Ordinances is a symptome of
a dangerous inclination to that disease: And therefore as all CHRISTS
Ministers ought to stir up themselves, to walk as becometh their high
and holy calling, lest they be stumbling blocks to the people of
GOD; so also all the people of GOD ought most carefully to stir up
themselves unto a precious estimation of the Ordinances of GOD, and
highly to esteem the Stewards thereof for their works sake. A duty
at all times needfull, but now especially, when Sathan by all means
endeavours the contrary.
3. Indifferency in points of Religion, and pleading for Toleration to
themselves or others how far soever different among themselves, is not
to be forgotten among the characters of Sectaries, and therefore ought
the more carefully to be avoided and opposed by all who desire to hold
fast the profession of their faith without wavering.
4. They who are glorying in, and seeking after new lights, or under the
pretext of them are self-conceited in singular opinions, or who affect
new and strange expressions, are entring into the snare ready to be
carried about with every winde of Doctrine. And therefore albeit we
ought always as Disciples of the LORD to set our selves as in his sight
to be taught by his Spirit according to his Word, yet in this time so
fertil of errours, it becometh all the lovers of truth to hold fast
what they have received, that no man take their Crown.
5. Whosoever brings in any opinion or practise in this Kirk contrary
to the Confession of Faith, Directory of Worship or Presbyterian
Government may be justly esteemed to be opening the door to Schisme
and Sects: And therefore all depravers or misconstructers of the
proceedings of Kirk-Judicatories, especially the Generall Assembly
would take heed least by making a breach upon the walls of Jerusalem
they make a patent way for Sectaries to enter.
6. They who separate the Spirit from the Word, and pretend the Spirit,
when they have no ground or warrant from the Word, are already taken in
an evil snare, And therefore tis necessary to try the Spirits whither
they are of God, for many false Prophets are gone out into the world,
if they speak not according to the word it is because there is no light
in them.
Besides the former, these are also marks of a Sectary; If any commend,
and recommend to others, or spread and divulge the erroneous books of
Sectaries, If any allow, avow, or use Conventicles or private meetings
forbidden by the Acts of the Generall Assembly 1641 and 1647 last past,
If any be unwilling, and decline to reckon Sectaries among the enemies
of the Covenant, from whom danger is to be apprehended, And (though we
disallow the abusing and Idolizing of learning to the patrocinie of
Errour or prejudice of piety) if any contemn literature as needlesse at
best, if not also hurtfull to a Minister.
When we thus expresse our selves for preventing the dangers of Sects
and Schismes, it is far from our intention to discourage any from the
duties of piety, and mutuall edification, according to the directions
of the last Assembly published in Print, and seriously recommended by
them, or to give any advantage to Malignants and prophane persons,
with whom it is frequent to cast upon all those who adhere to former
principles, and cannot approve the present Engagement, the odious
nick-names of Sectaries and Independents. For the better discovery of
such prophane mockers, we give these markes and characters. 1. They
do prophanely and tauntingly abuse the name of the Spirit, under that
name deriding the work of Grace and Sanctification. 2. They esteem and
speak of exercises of conscience, as fancies or fits of melancholy.
3. They mock at Family-worship and the means of mutuall edification
so much recommended by the last Assembly in their directions. 4. They
do usually calumniate godly Ministers, and professors who follow
holinesse, with the names of Sectaries, or the like odious names,
without any just cause: As we account all such to be enemies to the
practise and power of godlinesse, so we do exhort all the lovers of
truth to hold on in the way of holinesse through good report and ill
report, being stedfast, immovable, alwayes abounding in the work of the
Lord, forasmuch as they know their labour is not in vain in the Lord.
IV. That they do not concur in, nor any way assist this present
Engagement, as they would not partake in other mens sins, and so
receive of their plagues, but that by the grace and assistance of
Christ they stedfastly resolve to suffer the rod of the wicked, and the
utmost which wicked mens malice can afflict them with, rather then to
put forth their hand to iniquity.
V. That they suffer not themselves to be abused with fair pretences and
professions usuall in the mouths of those that carry on this designe,
and often published in their Papers, But remember that the foulest
actions have not wanted specious pretences; And if they who killed
the Apostles did both pretend and intend to do God good service, what
marvell that they who engage against the Covenant pretend to engage for
it. Neither is it to be forgotten, That after the first subscription
of our Nationall Covenant, these who had the chief hand in managing
publick affairs, and had subscribed the Covenant, especially the Duke
of Lenox, and Captain Jones then Earle of Arran, in the years 1581,
1582, 1583, 1584, when their designe was to subvert both the Doctrine
and Discipline of this Kirk, yet gave great assurances by promises
and Oaths to the contrary. At the Assemblies 1598, 1599, 1600, It was
declared with many vows and attestation by the King, Statesmen, and
these Ministers who were aspiring to Prelacy, That they intended no
such thing as a change of the Government of the Kirk, or an introducing
of Episcopacy, yet they were really doing what they disclaimed and
professed not to do. And suppose that some who have an active hand
in carrying on the present publick affairs, have no design either to
destroy Religion, or utterly to sleight it: yet the way they are on,
and work they are about as it is contrived, doth of its self, and in
its own nature tend to the endangering, if not to the utter subversion
of Religion; for it cannot be denyed, but the very undertaking of
this War, sets the once suppressed Malignants on work again, and
successe therein puts them in a capacity to set up according to their
principles abolished and abjured corruptions; which will be the more
hardly hindered, considering his Majesties propension, and professed
resolution that way, Especially seeing His Majesties concessions
(though it hath been often desired) have never been plainly declared
unsatisfactory by the Parliament. And who in reason can think that
any more then His Majesties concessions sent from the Isle of Wight
will be required of him, by them who thereupon have proceeded to this
Engagement. The Kings negative voice (asserted in the Papers of the
Commissioners of this Kingdom unto England, which are owned in the late
Declaration to the Kingdom of England, as the sense of this Kingdom)
considered in relation to Religion makes the danger yet the greater and
more palpable, yea, may reach further to shake and unsettle Religion
established in this Land; If to the premises this be added which is not
only often declared, but also demanded, That his Majestie be brought
to one of his houses in Honour, Freedom and Safety, which may infer
the admitting of his Majesty to the free exercise of his Royall power,
before security had from him for Religion, or Application made to him
for the same, who sees not now what hazard Religion runs, certainly
greater then a good intention can salve.
VI. That they do not mistake, or misunderstand the nature of the
true Reformed Religion, and of the Government of JESUS CHRIST, as if
thereby either the Prerogative of Kings, Priviledges of Parliaments
or Liberties of Burghs, and other Corporations were any wayes hurt
or weakened: whereas indeed Religion is the main pillar and upholder
of civill authority, or Magistracie, and it is the resisting, and
not the receiving of the Government of CHRIST, which hath overturned
civill powers. If the Throne be established by righteousnesse (as
we are plainly taught by the Word of GOD) then it is overthrowne by
unrighteousnesse and iniquity.
VII. That they beware of all things which may ensnare their
consciences, as evil councell, evil company, false informations,
rash promises, and especially that they beware of taking any Oathes,
subscribing any Bonds, which may relate to the Covenant and Cause of
GOD, unless such Oaths or Bonds be approved by the Generall Assembly or
their Commissioners for the publique affairs of the Kirk.
VIII. That they do not cast away their confidence, nor sink into
despair, because of the present dangers and difficulties, but live by
faith, waite for better times, and continue stedfast as seeing him who
is invisible, firmly beleeving that such a course as is not of GOD but
against him, will come to naught.