AN EXHORTATION TO th …

AN EXHORTATION TO the taking of the Solemne League and Covenant, FOR REFORMATION AND Defence of Religion, the Honour and happinesse of the King, and the Peace and safety of the three King­domes of England, Scotland, and Ireland.

IF the power of Religion, or so­lid Reason, if Loyalty to the King, and piety to their Na­tive Country, or love to them­selves, and naturall affection to their posterity, if the Example of men touched with a deep sense of all these, or extraordi­nary successe from God thereupon, can awaken an embroyled bleeding remnant to imbrace the sove­raigne, [Page 2]and onely meanes of their recovery, there can be no doubt but this Solemne League and Co­venant will find wheresoever it shall bee tende­red, a people ready to entertaine it with all cheere­fulnesse and duty.

And were it not commended to the Kingdom by the concurrent encouragement of the Honourable Houses of Parliament, the Assembly of Divines, the renowned City of London, multitudes of other per­sons of eminent rank and quality in this Nation, and the whole Body of Scotland, who have all willingly sworn and subscribed it, with rejoycing at the Oath, so graciously seconded from Heaven already, by blasting the Counsels, and breaking the power of the Enemy more than ever; yet it goeth forth in its own strength, with such convincing evidence of e­quity, Truth and Righteousnesse, as may raise in all (not wilfully ignorant, or miserably seduced) infla­med affections to joyne with their Brethren in this happy Bond, for putting an end to the present mise­ries, and for saving both of King and Kingdom from utter ruine now so strongly and openly la­boured by the Popish faction, and such as have been bewitched and besotted by that viperous and blou­dy generation.

For what is there almost in this Covenant, which was not for substance either expressed or manifestly included in that solemne Protestation of May 5. 1641. wherein the whole Kingdome stands inga­ged untill this day? The sinfull neglect whereof, [Page 3]doth (as we may justly feare) open one floodgate the more to let in all these calamities upon the Kingdome, and cast upon it a necessity of renewing Covenant, and of entring into this.

If it be said, the extirpation of Prelacy, to wit, the whole Hierarchicall Government (standing, as yet, by the knowne Lawes of the Kingdome) is new, and unwarrantable: This will appear to all impartiall understandings, (though new) to be not onely warrantable, but necessary; if they con­sider (to omit what some say, that this Govern­ment was never formally established by any Lawes of this Kingdome at all) that the very life and soule thereof is already taken from it by an Act passed this present Parliament, so as (like Jezabels Carcasse, of which no more was left but the skull, the feete, and the palmes of her hands) nothing of jurisdiction remaines but what is precarious in them, and vo­luntary in those who submit unto them: that their whole Government is at best but a humane constitution, and such as is found and adjudged by both Houses of Parliament, (in which, the judge­ment of the whole Kingdom is involved and De­clared) not onely very prejudiciall to the Civill State, but a great hinderance also to the perfect Re­formation of Religion; Yea, who knoweth it not to bee too much an enemy there unto, and destru­ctive to the power of godlinesse, and pure admini­stration of the Ordinances of Christ: which moved the well-affected, almost throughout this King­dom, [Page 4]long since to Petition this Parliament (as hath been desired before, even in the Reigne of Queen Elizabeth, and of King James) for a to­tall abolition of the same. Nor is any man hereby bound to offer any violence to their persons, but only, in his place and calling, to indevour their ex­tirpation in a lawful way.

And as for those Clergy-men, who pretend that they (above all others) cannot Covenant to ex­tirpate that Government, because they have (as they say) taken a solemne Oath to obey the Bi­shops, in licitis et honestis: they can tell, if they please, that they that have sworn obedience to the Laws of the Land, are not thereby prohibited from indevouring by all lawfull meanes the aboli­tion of those Lawes, when they prove inconveni­ent or mischievous. And if yet there should any Oath be found into which any Ministers or others have entred, not warranted by the Laws of God and the Land, in this case, they must teach them­selves and others, that such Oathes call for repen­tance, not pertinacy in them.

If it be pleaded that this Covenant crosseth the Oaths of Supremacy and Allegiance; there can be nothing farther from truth: for, this Covenant binds all, and more strongly engageth them to pre­serve and defend the Kings Majesties Person, and au­thority in the preservation and defence of the true Reli­gion and Liberties of the Kingdomes.

That scruple, that this is done without the Kings [Page 5]consent, will soone be removed, if it be remem­bred that the Protestation of the fifth of May be­fore mentioned, was in the same manner voted and executed by both Houses, and after (by order of one House alone) sent abroad to all the King­dome, his Majesty not excepting against it, or gi­ving any stop to the taking of it, albeit he was then resident in Person at Whitehall.

Erra 10. Neh. 9.Thus Ezra and Nehemiah drew all the people into a Covenant, without any speciall Commission stom the Persian Monarchs (then their Sovereigns) so to doe, albeit they were not free Subjects, but Vassals, and one of them the meniall Servant of Artaxerxes, Neh. 1. then by Conquest King of Judah al­so.

Nor hath this doctrine or practise beene deemed seditious or unwarrantable by the Princes that have sate upon the English Throne, but justified and de­fended by Queene Elizabeth of blessed memory, with the expence of much Treasure and Noble blood, in the united Provinces of the Netherlands combined not only without, but against the unjust violence of Philip of Spaine; King James follow­ed her steps, so farre as to approve their onion, and to enter into league with them as free States; which is continued by his Majestie now reigning, onto this day; who both by his expedition for reliefe of Roebel in France, and his strict confedera­cy with the Prince of Orange, and the States Gene­rall, notwithstanding all the importunitie of Spaine [Page 6]to the contrary, hath set to his Seale that all that had beene done by his Royall Ancestors; in main­tenance of those who had so engaged and combi­ned themselves, was just and warrantable.

And what had become of the Religion, Lawes, and Liberties of our sister Nation of Scotland, had they not entred into such a solemne League and Covenant at the beginning of the late troubles there? which course, however it was at first, by the Popish and Prelatick Projectors, represented to his Majestie as an offence of the highest nature, justly deserving chastisement by the fury of a pu­issant Army; yet when the matter came afterwards in coole blood to bee debated, first by Commissio­ners of both kingdomes, and then in open Parlia­ment here, (when all those of either House, who are now engaged at Oxford, were present in Par­liament, and gave their Votes, therein) it was found, adjudged and declared by the King in Parliament, that our deare Brethren of Scotland had done no­thing, but what became loyall and obedient Sub­jects, and were thereupon by Act of Parliament publikely righted in all the Churches of this King­dome, where they had beene defamed.

Therefore however some men, hoodwinkt and blinded by the artifices of those Jesuiticall Engi­neers, who have long conspired to sacrifice our Re­ligion to the Idolatry of Rome, our Lawes, Liber­ties and persons to arbitrary slavery, and our estates to their insatiable avarice, may possibly bee deterred [Page 7]and amused with high threats and Declarations, flying up and downe on the wings of the Royall Name and Countenance (now captivated and pro­stituted to serve all their lusts) to proclaime all Re­bells and Traytors who take this Covenant; yet let no faithfull English heart bee afraid to joyne with our Brethren of all the three Kingdomes in this solemne League, as sometimes the men of Israel (although under another King) did with the men of Judah, 2 Chron. 30. at the invitation of Hezekiah.

What though those tongues set on fire by Hell doe raile and threaten? That God who was pleased to cleare up the innocency of Mordecai and the Jewes against all the malitious aspersions of wicked Haman to his and their Soveraigne, so as all his plotting produced but this effect,Esth. 9. that when the Kings commandement and decree drew neare to bee put in exe­cution, and the enemies of the Jewes hoped to have power over them, it was turned to the contrary; and the Jewes had rule over them that hated them, and laid hands on such as sought their hurt, so as no man could withstand them; and that same God, who but even as yesterday, vouchsafed to disperse and scatter those dark clouds & fogs which overshadowed that Loy­all and Religious Kingdome of Scotland, and to make they righteousnesse to shine as cleare as the Sunne at noone day in the very eyes of their greatest enemies, will doubtlessely stand by all those who with singlenesse of heart, and a due sense of their owne sinnes, and a necessitie of reformati­on, [Page 8]shall now enter into an everlasting Covenant with the Lord, never to bee forgotten, to put an end to all those unhappy and unnaturall breaches betweene the King and such as are faithfull in the Land; causing their righteousnesse and praise to spring forth before all the Nations, to the terror and con­fusion of those men of blood, the confederate ene­mies of God and the King, who have long com­bined, and have now raked together the dregs and scumme of many Kingdomes, to bury all the glory, honour and libertie of this Nation in the eternall grave of dishonour and destruction.

Die Veneris 9. Februar. 1643.

AN Exhortation touching the taking of the Solemn League and Covenant, and for satisfying of such Scruples, as may arise in the taking of it, was this day read the first and second time; And by Vote upon the Question assented unto, and Ordered to bee forthwith Printed.

H. Elsynge Cler. Parl. D. Com.

Printed at London for Ralph Smith, at the signe of the Bible in Cornhill, neere the Royall Exchange. 1644.

A SOLEMN League and …

A SOLEMN League and Covenant, FOR Reformation, and Defence of Religion, The Honour and Happinesse of the KING, And the Peace & Safety of the three Kingdoms OF England, Scotland, and Jreland.

WE Noblemen, Barons, Knights, Gentlemen, Citizens, Burgesses, Ministers of the Gospel, and Commons of all sorts in the kingdoms of England, Scotland and Ireland, by the Providence of God li­ving under one King, and being of one Reformed Religion, halving before our eyes the glory of God, and the advancement of the Kingdome of our Lord and Saviour Iesus Christ, the honour and happiness of the Kings Majestie, and His Posterity, and the true publike Liberty, Safety and Peace of the Kingdoms, wherein every ones private condition is included, and [Page 10]calling to minde the treacherous and bloody plots, Con­spiracies, Attempts, and practices of the Enemies of God, against the true religion, and professors thereof in all places, especially in these three Kingdoms ever since the reformation of religion, and how much their rage, power and presumption, are of late, and at this time increased and exercised; whereof the deplorable estate of the Church and Kingdom of Ireland, the di­stressed estate of the Church & Kingdom of England, and the dangerous estate of the Church and Kingdom of Scotland, are present and publike Testimonies; We have now at last, (after other meanes of Supplication, Remonstrance, Protestations, and Sufferings) for the preservation of our selves and our religion, from utter ruine and Destruction, according to the commendable practice of these Kingdoms in former times, and the Ex­ample of Gods people in other Nations; after mature de­liberation, resolved and determined to enter into a mu­tuall and solemne League and Covenant, wherein we all subscribe, and each one of as for himself, with our hands lifted up to the most high God, do swear:

I. THat we shall sincerely, really and constantly, through the Grace of God, endeavour in our severall places and callings, the preservation of the Reformed Religion in the Church of Scotland, in doctrine, Worship, Disci­pline [Page 11]and Government, against our common Enemies, the Reformation of Religion in the Kingdoms of England and Ireland, in Doctrine, Worship, Discipline and Go­vernment, according to the Word of God, and the Exam­ple of the best Reformed Churches; And shall indeavour to bring the Churches of God in the three Kingdoms, to the neerest conjunction and Uniformity in Religion, Con­fession of Faith, Form of Church-Government, Directo­ry for Worship and Catechizing; That we and our po­sterity after us may as Brethren live in Faith and Love, and the Lord may delight to dwell in the middest of us.

II. That we shall in like manner, without respect of per­sons, indeavour the extirpation of Popery, Prelacy, (that is, Church-Government, by Arch-Bishops, Bishops, their Chancellours and Commissaries, Deanes, Deanes and Chapters, Archdeacons, and all other Ecclesiasticall Of­ficers depending on that Hirarchy) Superstition, Heresie, Schisme, Prophanenesse, and whatsoever shall be found to be contrary to found Doctrine, and the power of God­linesse; lest we partake in other mens sins, and thereby be in danger to receive of their plagues, and that the Lord may be one, and his Name one in the three Kingdoms.

III. We shall with the same sincerity, reallity and constancy, in our severall Vocations, endeavour with our estates and lives, mutually to preserve the Rights and Priviledges of the Parliaments, and the Liberties of the Kingdoms, and to preserve and defend the Kings Majesties person and authority, in the preservation and defence of the true Re­ligion, and Liberties of the Kingdoms, that the world may bear witnesse with our consciences of our Loyaltie, and [Page 12]that we have no thoughts or intentions to diminish His Majesties just power and greatnesse.

IIII. We shall also with all faithfulnesse endeavour the dis­covery of all such as have been, or shall be Incendia­ries, Malignants, or evill Instruments, by hindering the Reformation of Religion, dividing the King from his peo­ple, or one of the Kingdoms from another, or making any Faction or parties amongst the people, contrary to this League and Covenant, that they may be brought to pub­licke triall, and receive condigne punishment, as the de­gree of their offences shall require or deserve, or the su­pream Judicatories of both Kingdoms respectively, or others having power from them for that effect, shall judge convenient.

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

VI. We shall also according to our places and callings in this common cause of Religion, Liberty and Peace of the Kingdomes, assist and defend all those that enter into this League & Covenant, in the maintaining & pursuing there­of, and shall not suffer our selves directly or indirctly by whatsoever combination, perswasion or terrour, to be di­vided, [Page 13]& withdrawn frm this blessed Union & conjuction, whether to make defectiō to the contrary part, or to give our selves to a detestable indifferency or neutrality in this cause, which so much concerneth the glory of God, the good of the Kingdoms, and the honour of the King; but shall all the dayes 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 our selves to suppresse or overcome, we shall reveal and make known, that it may be timely prevented or removed; All which we shall do as in the sight of God.

And because these Kingdoms are guilty of many sins and provocations against God, and his Son Iesus Christ, as is too manifest by our present distresses and dangers, the fruits thereof; We professe and declare before God and the world, our unfayned desire to be humbled for our own sins, and for the sins of these Kingdoms, especially, that we have not as m ought, valued the inestimable benefit of the Gospel, that we have not laboured for the purity and power thereof, and that we have not endeavoured to receive Christ in our hearts, nor to walk worthy of him in our lives, which are the causes of other sins and Transgressions, so much abounding amongst us; And our true and unfained pur­pose, desire, and endeavour for our selves, and all others under our power and charge, both in publike and in private, in all du­ties we owe to God and man, to amend our lives, and each one to go before another in the example of a reall Reformation, that the Lord may turn away his wrath, and heavy indignation, and establish these Churches and Kingdoms in trueth and peace. And this Covenant we make in the presence of Almighty God the Searcher of all hearts, with a true intention to performe the [Page 14]same, as we shall answer at that great day, when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed, Most humbly beseeching the Lord to strengthen us by his Holy Spirit for this end, and to blesse our desires and proceedings with such successe, as may be deliverance and safety to his people, and encouragement to other Christian Churches groaning under, or in danger of the yoke of Anti­christian Tyranny; to joyne 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 Kingdomes and Common-Wealths.

  • Wil: Lenthall Speaker
  • Beuchamp St. Iohn
  • Gilbert Gerrard
  • Walter Erle
  • Iames Cambell
  • Tho: Cheeke
  • Robert Nicholas
  • Benjamin Rudyard
  • Iohn Gurdon
  • Robert Harley
  • Francis Knollys
  • Edward Master
  • Iohn White
  • Anthony Stapeley
  • Dennis Bond
  • Laurence Whitaker
  • Michaell Noble
  • Pere: Hoby
  • Richard Barwis
  • Edward Baynton
  • William Cawley
  • Iohn Moyle
  • [Page 15]Iohn Pyne
  • George Searle
  • Henry Vane Senior
  • Nevill Poole
  • Iohn Yonge
  • Henry Herbert
  • Thomas Sandis
  • William Iesson
  • Philip L: Herbert
  • Thomas Barrington
  • Martin Lumley
  • Iohn Trevor
  • Francis Godolphin
  • Thomas Arundell
  • Edward Stephens
  • Gilbert Pykering
  • Iohn Creue
  • Oliver Cromwell
  • Henry Vane Iunior.
  • William Cage
  • Richard Erisey
  • Philip L: Lisle.
  • William Heveningham
  • Isaac Penington
  • Richard Cresheld
  • Thomas Pelham
  • Thomas Parker
  • Iohn Leigh
  • Iohn Harris
  • Augustine Skinner
  • Iohn Venn
  • William Strickland
  • Iohn Franklin
  • Samuel Browne
  • [Page 16]Robert Scawen
  • Roger Hill
  • Iohn Button
  • Iohn Meyrick
  • Ambrosse Browne
  • Richard Wynn
  • Edward Owner
  • Charles Pym
  • Charles L: Cranborne
  • Ben. Weston
  • Dudley North
  • Iohn Nut
  • Io: Corlet
  • Roger Burgoyne
  • Peter Temple
  • Benjamin Valentyne
  • Thomas Walsingham
  • Oliver Luke
  • William Alenson
  • Humphery Salwey
  • Richard More
  • VVilliam Ashurst
  • Thomas Moore
  • Thomas Fountayne
  • VVilliam Ellys
  • Henry Shelley
  • Richard Shuttleworth
  • Henry Ludlow
  • George Gallopp
  • Robert Wallopp
  • Arthur Hesilrige
  • Oliver Saint-John
  • Thomas Grantham
  • Francis Barneham
  • [Page 17]Will: L: Fitzwilliams
  • Edmund Dunch
  • Henry Mildmay
  • Hugh Rogers
  • Thomas Hatcher
  • John Wray
  • Simonds D'Ewes
  • Anthony Bedingfield
  • John Ashe
  • William L: Munson
  • Martyn Lister
  • Robert Goodwyn
  • Edward Thomas
  • Henry Lucas
  • Miles Corbett
  • Philip Smith
  • Cornelius Holland
  • William Spurstowe
  • John Lowry
  • Peter Wentworth
  • Henry Cholmeley
  • Philip Stapleton
  • William Pierrepont
  • Roger North
  • Alexander Popham
  • Thomas Hodges
  • John Maynard
  • Samuel Vassall
  • Anthony Irby
  • John Clotworthy
  • John Broxolme
  • Richard Jervoyse
  • John Blakiston
  • Walter Longe
  • [Page 18]John Rolle
  • Robert Jennor
  • John Waddon
  • William Masham
  • John Lisle
  • Edmund Fowell
  • Edward Ashe
  • Thomas Pury
  • Richard Whithead
  • Richard Jenyns
  • Humphrey Tufton
  • Thomas Dacres
  • Thomas Erle
  • John Downes
  • John Goodwyn
  • Francis Drake
  • William Waller
  • Samuel Luke
  • Francis Buller
  • Richard Harman
  • George Buller
  • Arthur Onslowe
  • Richard Wynwood
  • Robert Pye
  • Hen. L: Grey of Ruthin
  • Richard Knightley
  • John Pym
  • Christopher Yelverton
  • Anthony Nicoll
  • Peter Wroth
  • Robert Reynolds
  • Nathaniel Barnardiston
  • Henry Heyman
  • William Purefoy
  • [Page 19]Valentine Walton
  • Michael Oldesworth
  • William Wheler
  • Hall Ravenscroft
  • Tho. L: Grey of Groby
  • Thomas Middleton
  • Edward Hungerford
  • Christopher Wrey
  • Richard Lee
  • Herbert Morley
  • Thomas Lane
  • Robert Cecill
  • William Bell
  • Thomas Some
  • Herbottle Grimstone
  • Symon Snowe
  • John Nash
  • Herbottle Grimstone
  • Ralph Asheton
  • Edward Ayshcoghe
  • John Wylde
  • John Trenchard
  • Thomas Jervoyse
  • Richard Brown
  • William Playters
  • Nathaniel Stephens
  • Richard Rose
  • Francis Rous
  • Gilbert Millington
  • Walter Young
  • John Brown
  • John Hippisley
  • Edward Poole
  • Henry Pelham
  • [Page 20]William Hay
  • John Driden
  • Nathaniel Fyennes
  • William Lewis
  • Giles Grene
  • William Lytton
  • John Hervey
  • Edward Dowce
  • William Strode
  • Edmond Prideaux
  • Thomas Hoyle
  • Edward Exton
  • Francis Popham
  • Zouch Tate
  • John Curson
  • Alexander Bence
  • Squire Bence
  • John Selden
  • John Glynn
  • Richard Onslow
  • John Coke
  • Thomas L: Wenman
  • Bulstrode Whitelocke
  • George Mountagu
  • Edward Partheriche
  • Henry Campion
  • William Whitaker
  • Denzell Holles
  • Edward Wingate
  • James Fenys.
  • Poynings Moore
  • Edward Bisse, Junior.
  • William Jephson
  • Edward Mountagu
  • Norton Knatchboll.
  • Thorn at Eden

THE DECLARATION of the Kingdoms of ENGLAND And SCOTLAND, Joyned in Arms for the Vindication and De­fence of their Religion, Liberties, and Laws, against the Popish, Prelaticall, and Malignant Party

IF either Christian Duty, which, by reason of the Light of the Gospel so clearly shining a­mongst us, might have been expected from the Professors of Religion; Or if naturall Affection, which, even in the Heathen and Infidells, ignorant of Christ, hath abounded [Page 22]toward their Native Countrey; Or sincere respect to His Majesties Honour and Hap­pinesse, could have been found in the waves or hearts of our common Enemies, the Ene­mies of Truth and Peace; If they had either feared God, or regarded men, or yeelded to our Importunities, We had not, after so many Petitions, Declarations and Remon­strances as have filled all mens ears and hands, been put to this necessity of a new Declaration (which therefore must be more patheticke and pressing then any of the former) Nor after so many troubles and sufferings of the Kingdome of Scotland, after the desolation of the Kingdome of Ireland, and after so much blood, and so many unnaturall Tragedies in the Kingdom of England, had we been redacted to this present condition, and joynt posture of Arms, the Lord, whose counsels are a great depth, and who is righteous in all his wayes, and holy in all his Works, hath just cause of controversie against us, and this whole Island.

But who would have believed, That our Religion, Liberties, and Laws, which [Page 23]for so long a time have endured Oppositi­on and Assaults of forreigne Power, envy­ing our happinesse, would have been oppo­sed, oppressed, and trod under foot, by the craft and cruelty of our own Natives and Countrey-men?

In this our extremity, first of all we de­clare, That we place not our confidence in our own counsells and strength, but our con­fidence is in God Almighty, the Lord of Hosts, who will not leave nor forsake his peo­ple; It is his own Truth and Cause which we maintain, with all the Reformed Churches, and which hath been witnessed and sealed by the Testimony, Sufferings, and Blood of so many Confessors and Martyrs, against the Heresie, Superstition, and Tyranny of Anti­christ: The glory of his own Name, The ex­altation of the Kingdome of his Son, and The preservation of his Church, and of this whole Island from utter ruine and devasta­tion, is our Aym, and the End which we have before our eyes. His Covenant have we in both Nations solemnly sworn and subscribed; which he would not have put in our hearts to do, if he had been minded to destroy us: The [Page 24]many Prayers and Supplications which these many yeers past, but especially of late have been offered up with Fasting and Humiliati­on, and with strong crying and tears, unto him that is able to deliver and save us, are a Seed which promise unto us a plentifull Harvest of Comfort and Happinesse: and the Apostasie, Atheisme, Idolatry, Blasphemies, Prophane­nesse, Cruelty, Excesse, and open Mocking of all Godlinesse and Honesty, have filled the cup of our adversaries to the brim, and threaten their speedy and fearfull destruction, unlesse it be prevented by such extraordinary repent­ance, as seemeth not yet to have entred into their hearts.

Upon these and the like Grounds and Con­siderations, being confident that this War wherein both Nations, now firmly united, are so deeply engaged, is of God; we resolve with courage and constancy unto the end, to do our part; and the Lord, who hath stirred up our spirits, displayed his Banner before us, and given the Alarm, do that which seemeth him good.

Secondly, although every man is to hope for the principall reward of his service from God, [Page 25]rewards every one according to his workes; yet we finde our selves bound in conscience and equity to Declare, That besides those who have the Publick Faith ingaged to them for their se­curity, such as since the beginning have done valiantly, and dealt faithfully in this Cause, and such as have chosen rather to suffer the spoyling of their goods, then to assist the Enemy, or to take Armes against their Religion and Coun­trey, and shall continue constant in the same course of doing or suffering unto the end, shall be according to their Merits taken into publick Notice and Consideration; their losses (so farre as may bee) repaired, and themselves honou­red and rewarded by such meanes and wayes, as we trust God in his providence shall afford, and the Parliaments or Estates of the two King­domes respectively shall in their Wisdome, Ju­stice, and Thankfulnesse, judge most conveni­ent: so that no man who hath been eminent in action, or hath suffered any notable losse for the publick, shall be neglected or sleighted, but one way or other shall bee thankfully remem­bred, to his owne honour and the good of his posterity.

Thirdly, although newtrality and indifferen­cy in the time of the danger of Religion be a thing detestable to God, who willeth all Christians ear­nestly to contend for the Truth: and such as have beene Newtralists or indifferent in the times of civill division and danger of the Common-wealth, have beene in all Nations severely puni­shed as pernicious and publick enemies: Yet that the consciences of all men may bee the more convinced, and all pretexts removed, We give now PUBLICK WARNING to such per­sons to rest no longer upon their Newtrality, or to please themselves with the naughty and sloth­full pretext of Indifferency, but that they addresse themselves speedily to take the Covenant, and joyne with all their power in the defence of this Cause, against the common Enemy; and by their zeale and forwardnesse hereafter, to make up what hath been wanting through their lukewarmnesse; this they will finde to be their greatest wisdome and safety; Otherwise We do Declare them to be publick Enemies to the Religion and Countrey, and that they are to be censured and punished as professed Adversaries and Malignants.

Fourthly, Because a great many of the multi­tude of the people, upon ignorant Mistakings, false Informations, and Threats, or Compulsions, [Page 27]against their wils and inclination, have been in­duced or constrained to joyne in Armes with the Enemies against their Religion and Native coun­trey; We doe Declare that all common Souldiers, who upon the humble acknowledgement of their former errours, shall offer themselves willingly and speedily to take the Covenant, and shall joyne heartily and really in the defence of this Cause, as becommeth good Christians and lovers of their Countrey, shall be freely accepted into the Covenant, and their former errour passed by; o­therwise let them expect the punishment of wil­full Delinquents and Malignants.

Fifthly, because some of the Scottish Nation, upon their own private respects, or upon speci­ous pretences and faire perswasions, have joyned themselves in Armes with the popish Prelaticall, and Malignant party, against the Parliament and Kingdome of ENGLAND, and not considering the nature of the Cause in which they have been inga­ged, nor the deep interest of the Church and king­dome of SCOTEAND, upon which this War was to turn in the end, have been fighting against their ovvn Religion and native Kingdome: We do therefore again WARNE all such, of vvhatsoever quality, & in vvhatsoever place, speedily to vvith­draw [Page 28]themselves from that Faction, to confesse their mistakes, and to joyne in the Covenant and cause of God in both Kingdomes before the first day of March next; otherwise we Declare, in the behalfe of the Kingdome of ENGLAND, that they are to expect no favour, but are to be used as de­sperate Malignants. And We Declare in behalfe of the kingdome of SCOTLAND, if they either conti­nue in Arms after the foresaid first day of March, or withhold their help and assistance from their Na­tive country in the time of trouble & danger, they are to be censured & punished as publick enemies to their Religion and Country, perfidious trans­gressours of their Nationall Covenant, and their estates disposed of for the use of the Publick.

Sixthly, Because there are divers Noblemen, Knights, Gentlemen, Citizens; and others, who by forsaking or deserting the Parliament of England, and by joyning themselves to the Enemies of Re­ligion, his Majesties happinesse and peace of the kingdomes, have made the Division greater, and the Breaches wider betwixt the King and his Par­liament; and thereby contrary to the duty of their places & callings, have been the cause of the shed­ding of much innocent Blood, of great Losses, and of many Miseries and Dangers to the publick of [Page 29]both Kingdomes, and of the sufferings of private men in their Estates, and Lives, and yet are not to be reckoned amongst the prime Authors of this unnaturall War, nor amongst the malicious and desperate Enemies of their Religion and country: We do Declare, That all such forsaking their for­mer Opposition, returning to their duty, & endea­vouring the good of Religion and the publick Peace, shall, as to their lives and liberties of their persons, be secured, and shall be received into fa­vour: But to the end, that a just difference may be made betwixt such persons returning so late to their duty, and those that never departed from it, they must expect, that toward the payment of the publick Debts, relieving the common Burdens of the Kingdomes, and repairing of particular losses: All which in a great part have been contracted and sustained by their default or procurement: Their estates in some proportion should be lyable, and that as the wisdome and discretion of Parliament, or of such as shall be authorized by them, (who will be as carefull to prevent their ruine as to pu­nish their Delinquencies) shall finde and judge to be necessary for that end. Wherein also, the time of their returning and offering themselves, the reality of their affections and intentions, and rea­dinesse [Page 30]to joyne in the common Cause and Cove­nant, will be taken into speciall consideration. And in case they persist in their Opposition, and shall not return before the first day of March next, they are not to expect favour, but shall be punished as publick enemies to their Religion and Country.

Seventhly, Because Papists and popish Recu­sants, according to the principles of their professi­on, have ever beene plotting and contriving the change of Religion in this Iland, and the ruine of all the Professours thereof: And after the frustrati­on of their attempts, having waited upon such a time as this, have alienated the heart or the Kings Majesty from his Protestant & loyall Subjects, ta­ken Armes against the Parliament and Kingdome; and by all their means and power have maintai­ned a bloody and unnaturall War, presuming in the end to have their execrable Superstition and Idolatry set up in the place of the true Reformed Religion, and the King and his kingdomes to be brought under the power & tyrannie of the Pope. We doe hereby Declare, that all such Papists and popish Recusants, who have been, now are, or shall be actually in Arms, under the false pretence of defending the Kings person and authority, are to look for no favour, but to be punished as tray­rors [Page 31]and professed and intolerable Enemies of Re­ligion and their Native country. The same Decla­ration We also make against all such Irish Rebels, whether Papists or others, who have come over from Ireland, and assisted in this war against the Parliament, and Kingdome of England.

And Lastly, because there are some few wicked and divellish spirits of both Kingdomes, who have kindled and fomented the fire of Division and War betwixt the King and his Parliament, or have misgoverned his Majesties Counsels and courses to his own dishonour, and to the destruction of his loving and dutifull subjects, or have infused malignancy in others, or have been restlesse and and active Instruments of the troubles and mise­ries of his Majesties Dominions.

We doe Declare, concerning those who are or shall be found by the Supreame Judicatories of the Kingdomes respectively, or their Committees appointed for that effect, to be such, That as the conscience of their own bad deservings hath made them to despaire of favour, and thereby unces­santly to work more and more mischiefe against their Religion and Native country, so are they to looke for such execution of Justice, as is due to traytors and enemies of Religion, of the King, and [Page 32]his Kingdomes for Terror and example to others, in all times to come.

And it is further now Declared, That the whole estates reall and personall, moveable & inheritance of those that shall not come in at the times before limited in the sixth Article, and of the persons be­fore excepted from pardon, (as of Papists in Arms, Irish Rebels, and those who shall be found to come within the compasse of the precedent Article) shall be forfeited and imployed for paying the publicke debts, relieving the common burdens of the King­doms, and repairing of particular losses.

And this Declaration we make, not from any presumption or vain-glorying in the strength of our Armies and Forces, but from the sence of that duty which is required, and expected from the high places and publick relations wherin we stand, and from the assurance We have of the assistance of God, by whose providence the trust and safety of these Kingdomes is put into our hands at this time, having ofter long and grave consultation, re­solved and deereed, never to lay downe Armes till Truth and Peace, by the blessing of God, be setled in this Iland upon a firme foundation, for the pre­sent and future Generations, which shall be esteem­ed of Us an abundant reward of all that We can doe or suffer in rhis Cause.

A DECLARATION Of the Kingdome of SCOTLAND, For Information and Satisfaction to their Brethren of England, concerning the present Expedition into ENGLAND.

ALthough we have reason to beleeve that the bloody and barbarous attempts of the Papists and their Faction, both in England and Ireland, and the manifold oppressions and miseries endured by those that stand well affected to the Protestant Religion, and their Countries Liberty, have made way in the hearts of men for the ready entertainment of as­sistance from their Brethren, whose earnest desire it is, and whose utmost endeavour it shall be, to preserve and restore both unto them: Yet know­ing how industrious the malice of the Devill and his instruments are, in raising Prejudices, and fo­menting jealousies betwixt them whose hearts and mindes ought to be one, because their happi­nesse is the same, and particularly betwixt us and our Brethren of England, that by dividing us from each other, they might destroy us both: And that [Page 34]this our second Expedition into England (which we doubt not but God will blesse, to the advan­tage of that Nation, as he did our first, to the hap­pinesse of our owne) in steal of wonder and op­position, may finde the cheer ull concurrence of all those who together with us desire, The Pre­servation and Reformation of Religion: The ho­nour and happinesse of the King; The Peace and Libertie of the Kingdoms: We thought fit to per­mit this short, but free and ingenuous Declarati­on, of our Grounds and Intentions in this our pre­sent undertaking, that so we may meet with none but such as we may either finde peaceable or leave inexcusable.

Whereas there ore the greatest questions that are like to arise in this businesse, may be reduced to these three particulars, viz. The justnesse of our Cause: The lawfulnesse of our calling thereto: And The faith­fulnesse of our carriages therein. We shall hereby en­deavour to give satisfaction in them all, and doubt not to doe it, unlesse there remain some whose in­ve [...]erate malice hath produced in them a resolution to be unsatisfied.

As for the cause and ground of this underta­king, we are not ignorant with how much earnest­nesse the sons of slander and perdition (whose custome is to traduce those proceedings which they know not how to disappoint) do endeavour [Page 35]to possesse the hearts of our Brethren, that we are coming to fish in the troubled waters of England, to seek and take our own advantages in the midst of your necessities. But suffer not your e [...]res, much lesse your hearts, to be open to any such delusions, whereof we trust your eyes shall shortly witnesse the falshood. For as here after we doubt not to ap­peal to our carnages and your consciences, besides your late experience of our Religious observance of our former Declarations of this kinde; so in the meane time give us leave to appeal to the great searcher of hearts, who knows; That had not the love of Christ, requiring Christians to beare one a­nothers burden; and the Law of nature challen­ging our utmost care and endeavor, for the preven­tion of our own danger and ruine, which an ordi­nary understanding will easily see to be wrapped up in our neighbours, And our dutie, and desire of rescuing the King from the dangers wherein he is involved, by the company and pernicious Counsell of those who are enemies to Religion, his Majesties happinesse, and Peace of his Dominions, Called and compelled us to this Service, we could with far more content and satisfaction to our selves, have enjoyed with quietnesse our dry morsell, then entred into your houses full of sacrifices with strife: Which yet since we are required and necessitated to, by that just Calling, hereafter to be mentioned, We professe [Page 37]before God and the World, that our hearts and thoughts are clean and free from any other Intentions then those expressed in our solemn League & Covenant, in which we are confederate with England, viz. The Preservation and Reformation of Religion; The Honour and Happinesse of the King; and, The Peace and Liberties of the Kingdoms. All which we now apprehend to be deeply endange­red, by the Councels and Confederacies of Papists, Prelats, Malignants, and their adherents, so preva­lent in England and Ireland: And we shall no other­wise desire a blessing upon our endeavours, then as they shall be directed to the conservation and e­stablishment thereof.

And because it is not sufficient to be ingaged in a good Cause, unlesse by a good calling, we do here­by further declare, That though the inseparable in­terests of both Nations in their Religion and Li­berties, which having the same common Enemies, must look to stand and fall together, might have given us sufficient warrant to have endeavoured the prevention of our own ruine, by preserving our Friends and Brethren from destruction: yet that we might be the more fully and formally obliged to this Christian duty and service, and so the mouth of slander and malice be stopped, God hath so or­dered things in his wise and just providence, that the Parliament, of England, who (beside, their inte­rest [Page 36]in the Preservation and Reformation of Religi­on, and the defence of the Lawes and Liberties of the Kingdome, to which our help is requited) have a particular obligation upon this Nation (As we have formerly declared our Intentions publi­shed before our last Expedition) for refusing to countenance or maintaine a Warre against us, in the yeere 1640. have thought fit by their Commissi­oners enabled to that effect, to desire a firm Vnion with us; and this just and necessary assistance from us.

And whereas it is too obvious an Objection, That the Kings command or consent being no in­gredient, our Calling is thereby rendred deficient: We answer, That though, through the injury of mischievous Councels, both his Person and perso­nall Commands are withheld from us: Yet his Ho­nour, his Happinesse, his Posterity, his great Coun­cel, and the welfare of his Kingdoms, call importu­nately to us for this timely interposing. So that un­lesse we can (which God forbid) blot out of our thoughts the sence of Piety and Religion toward God, of Honour and duty toward our Soveraigne, and of Gratitude toward the Parliament and King­dome of England, we can in no wise resist our pre­sent Call to this undertaking.

And lastly, for what concernes the manner of the pursuance of this just Cause and lawfull Calling: [Page 38]Although the many frustrate Petitions and Remon­strances from both Kingdoms presented to his Ma­jesty, have left us onley this way, which yet is not intended against his Majesties Person, not any of his good Subjects, but those Enemies of the King and Kingdomes, and whom no other meanes can pre­vailed Yet we shall diligently endeavour so to or­der the Affaires of our Army, that all Insolencies, Rapines, Plunderings, and those other calamities that usually attend upon Warre, may be prevented. And herein as with no small content to our selves, so with no lesse satisfaction to you, are we able to refer you to the experience of out former Expedi­tion (when our own necessitie drove us into Eng­land; as now yours do call us) to consider how little damage was occasioned by out meanes, how little disorder was committed by us in any place where we came: And we hereby promise the like care and diligence shall be renewed, and if possible doub­led to that effect.

And that we may not be looked with the preju­dice of Strangers, which we hope the firme Union of this mutuall Covenant will weare out, There is a Committee of your owne Nation, the most of which are Parliament men, such to whom you have committed the trust and care of your Religi­on, Laws and Liberties, joyned with us, without whose concurrence nothing that concernes you is [Page 39]to be transacted. And to free you of all unjust suspi­tion, which if your mindes are not ready to con­ceive, yet the malicious mouthes of our Adversaries and yours are ready to suggest, That notwithstand­ing this Declaration, we have some sinister and se­cret ends which may prove prejudiciall to your Rights and happinesse: Be it hereby made knowne un­to you, that we have freely ingaged our selves, by an Article of the late Treaty betwixt the Nations, to give the publike Faith of the Kingdome of Scotland unto the Kingdome of England, that neither our en­trance into, not continuance in that Kingdome, shall be made use of to any other ends then expressed in the Covenant, and that Treaty subscribed to us by the Commissioners of both Kingdomes, which we are resolved, to the honour of God and of this Na­tion, to keepe inviolate.

And as our Friends and Brethren may looke for actions conforme to the expressions of this Declara­tion, so must the Malignants and implacable or­posers of the ends declared in our Covenant, ex­pect nothing but an impartiall and vigorous prose­cution of the same: In which, if any evill befall them, we are confident that the judgement of wise and indifferent men will reduce it to themselves, as the wilfull Authors thereof.

And finally we declare against all false and arti­ficiall relations) that we are so farre from desiring [Page 40]harme or losse to any of our Brethren of England, that our sincere and reall intentions are not to adde fuell, not bring oyle, but water to extinguish these lamen­table combustions and fires, which we have with so much duty and love laboured to quench: That our taking of Armes is not to make Wars (if we be not necessitated) but to obtaine a better grounded and a more durable Peace, for enjoying of our Reli­gion and Liberties in all the three Kingdomes: And that the wicked (who are the unworthy authors of all our troubles) being removed from our King, a right understanding may be established betwixt his Majesty and his people. And as we have solemnly sworn to protect and defend all who shall enter in, and adhere to this Covenant: So doe we certainly expect, that all our Brethren in England, who are zealous for the true Protestant Religion, loyall to the King and faithfull for their Country, will joyne and concurre with us in the most noble and just wayes of procuring these just desires: Which being obtained, we shall be most willing and ready to re­turne to our native Country esteeming it our grea­test happinesse, that truth with Peace may be esta­blished in all His Majesties Dominions.

Arch Primerose.
FINIS.

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