SWeet is the name of Peace; but the thing it self, when enjoyed, much more sweet, and most of all▪ after long War, as a Sun-shine after a Storm. But what Peace? Or with whom? Surely at least a Civill peace, and that with [...]ll men, if possible; so far as peace with men, breaks not our pe [...]e with God. Not a peace with Amaleck▪ or Antichrist, with whom the God of Peace will have immortall War. But peace amongst those, that professe to be the children of peace, and friends to Truth: as all those do, who at this day in City and Country are engaged in the common Cause, [Page 2] against the common Enemy. Peace I say, even amongst dissenting brethren, is that, here aymed at, and desired.

Now the Reasons perswading to this peace, are chiefly taken from the late solemne Covenant, for Reformation, and for the u­niting of the three Kingdomes against the common enemy: So as unreasonable it were, for any so to strain the genuine sense of the Covenant, as to wring blood out of it, by forcing it beyond its bounds. And therefore for the removing of all Bars obstructing the way to a safe and sound peace, let us seriously weigh some principall passages in the said solemn Covenant.

The first is, That we shall sincerely really, and constantly, through the grace of God, indeavour in our severall places and callings, the preservation of the Reformed Religion in the Church of Scotland, in Doctrine, Worship, Discipline, and Government, against our common Enemies. True, Against our common Enemies: And who are they, but the whole faction of Papists, the Antichristian Adversary, who seek to destroy all that Religion, which is termed Protestant, and Reformed? Against these, I say, we do by this Covenant oblige our indeavour to preserve, &c. But hereby we do not bind our selves to set up in England the Religion which is in the Church of Scotland, as making that a pattern, and a binding Law to us. Surely we never intended any such thing in the taking of it; otherwise, how could we without dishonour to God, in­gage the Grace of God, saying, Through the Grace of God. For we should be a very ungracious and unworthy Nation, without any further caution or proviso, to tie up our Consciences to a confor­mity to anothers Religion, (although we may have a charitable o­pinion of it) before we have first examined it in all points, whe­ther it be according to the Rule. Yea, we did expresse thus much, when we took the Covenant. For we hold no Church, nor Nati­on to be infallible, nor any Church Reformation so exact in all points, as to challenge to it self a power to bind other Churches. It is not for a free-born People, especially Christs free-born, to swear to any such blind obedience. Yea, we should therein swear to a grosse contradiction in our Covenant, where we promise to extirpate all Popery, whereof blind obedience is one of the main Pillars, as without which, what were the Papal Supremacy, but as a brutum fulmen, a buzzing Bee without a sting? And yet [Page 3] we may see, into what an inextricable Labyrinth this one blind misconceit would lead us, through the grosse and intollerable mi­stake of this first passage in our Covenant. In so much, as [...] this miserable mistak [...] be not the more speedily corrected and cured, it threatens at this very time utter ruine to ou [...] City and Country. Good God! What's become of ou [...] common prud [...] ▪ not to see our danger, through importune haste to [...]o our selves? O [...] ­ver let it be verified of England, of London, prophesied long ago▪ (Esay 29. 14.) B [...] will proc [...]ed to do a marrvellous work a­mongst this People, even a marvellous work and a wonder. For the wisdome of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of the prudent men shall be hid. And wherefore? Therefore, saith the Lord there, Even because (ver. 13.) This People draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me but have re­moved their heart far from me, and their feare toward me is taught by the precept of men: Therefore, &c. Read the word and apply it. We swear to a Reformation in Religion. What? Whose? O you worthy Senate of London, heare, and feare, and be wise. Remember you are English bred, nay (I hop [...]) Heaven-bre [...] Subject not your Consciences to men▪ for he that is Lord over the Conscience is Lord over all. We love our neighbours the Scots, as they have deserved, and we are ready upon occasion to defend them against the common Enemy, according to our Covenant: but all must be usque ad aras, not to subject our Consciences to them. Therefore, my good hearts, let not any spirit of errour pos­sefle you. And let not the Crown of Honour, which God [...]th put upon London, in using you as instruments to rescue this King­dome, be now cast in the [...]. The Parliament loves and honours you: so do you it. Let none divide between you. Wait upon God in all your desires, who hath hitherto [...]ously appeared for the Parliament both in Providence, and Power [...] [...] Gods ti [...] is, and what seems good unto his Wisdo [...] ▪ you sh [...]ll obtaine of him above your desires. And assure your [...] ▪ through our dis­unions the Parliament should miscarry in the [...] C [...]e in hand, not all [...]u [...] [...]st professed friends in the world [...] us from perishing. It was a bad sign to Jerusalem, when it was said, A Jer. 5. 31. wonderfull and horrible thing is committed in the L [...]d▪ The P [...] ­phets prophecie fa [...]st, and the Priests bear rule by their means, and [Page 4] my People love to have it so: And what will you do in the end thereof? The Lord deliver this City from all such sad presages.

But I passe to the second main Passage in the Covenant. The Reformation of Religion in the Kingdome of England and Ireland, in Doctrine, Worship, Discipline, and Government, ACCORD­ING TO THE WORD OF GOD. Here is set down the sole and suprame Rule of Church-Reformation. THE WORD OF GOD. That this is the sole Rule, we all a­gree. So that this must be the Touchstone, to try the Gold, whe­ther it be as pure for substance, as in appearance. To this Rule, the Reformation both in Scotland and England, must be reduced. Therefore although we shall endeavour (as afore) the preservation of that Reformed Religion in Scotland against our common Ene­mies; yet we do not binde our selves to the erection, and so pre­servation of the same in England.

But it is added; And the example of the best Reformed Churches. Well: but first, let it be tryed, which be the best Reformed Churches. If that of Scotland plead for it, we desire a clear de­monstration of it. But why not the Churches of New-England, which are of the latest Reformation, and therefore likeliest to be the Best? And if the Best reformed, we must, by our solemn Co­venant, look over rather the great Ocean to New-England Churches, than over Twede to that in Scotland. But indeed simply to neither, but in relation to THE WORD OF GOD. Those being the Best reformed Churches, which come nearest to the Rule, THE WORD OF GOD. To the Law, and Esa. 8. 20. to the Testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is, be­cause there is no light in them. As Aug. said to the Arian: Nei­ther Res cum re, causa cum causa, ratio cum rati­one, Scriptura­ram authorita­tibus concertet. Aug. cont. Ma­ximinum Arri­anorum episc. lib. 3. c. 14. to. 6. do thou alleadge the Councel of Ariminum, nor will I the Councel of Nice: Neither am I bound by the authority of this, nor thou of that: but let thing with thing, cause with cause, reason with reason contend by Scripture-authorities.

But now all sides alleadge Scriptures for them: who shall judge? Even the Scripture, which remains the same still, in the midst of our differences. And that way of Reformation which is purest from humane mixtures, and comes closest home to the Rule, that certainly is the best. So as we have need to prove all things, and 1 Thes. 5. 21. Phil. 1. 20. hold fast that which is good; and to approve the things that are [Page 5] excellent, above those of inferior rank. And both Scripture and Reason teach us, that to depend upon Christ, and Scripture only for a right Reformation, is better, than to depend upon humane power and authority. And it is a s [...]er and better way to give Christ all his honour, than to give any part of it to m [...]n. Consider­ingActum est de Religione, ubi vel minimum detrahitur de Dei gloria. that excellent saying of Calvin, Religion is at a losse, when never so little is taken away from Gods glory. Again, where there is most of Christ, and least of the world, where most self-deniall and resolution for Christ, in daily exposall to the odium and re­proach of the world: certainly [...] comes neerer to Christs rule, and example, than where the world most reigneth. Good there­fore we should compare these things together, and see which doth best agree with the Rule.

And as for Ʋniformity in Religion in the three Kingdomes, truly that also must in all things be reduced, and hold conformity to the same Rule: As many as walk according to this Rule, Peace be Gal. 6. 16. upon them, and mercy and upon the Israel of God. And this Ʋnifor­mity is in spirit and truth, and not in externall forms devised and imposed by men. Much pains is taken for compiling a Confession of Faith: O let Christ be confessed in his three offices, all which the Scripture clearly sets forth unto us; and [...] let the Form of Church-Government hold forth Christ as well in his Propheticall and Regal office, as in his Priesthood. And for Directory for Wor­ship and Catechising; Sure we are, the Scripture is compleat, which to contract into a short model, is to epitomise the globe of the earth and sea into a small map, where [...] goodly country is not to be found; as one [...], gloried [...] great lands, being brought to a map, he could not find [...] of it.

2. For extirpation of Popery, Prelacy, and Prelaticall Church-Government, &c. and all other Ecclesiasticall O [...] depending on that Hierarchie. And if so, what shall become of all th [...]se Eccle­siasticall Officers who had, and still have [...] very [...] of their Ecclesiasticall Office from that Hierarchie, and [...] their Beeing still depending upon, and subsisting in that Hierarchie? How is the Extirpation hereof endeavoured? Where is he that hath renounced his Order of Priesthood received [...] that Hie­rarchie? Is this nothing? And as for Schisme; it is not a sepa­ration from all manner of corruptions, and from such congregati­ons [Page 6] as have no right of a Church body according to the Gospel: but a Schisme is a rending from, or of, a true church (as 1 Cor. 11. 18.) framed as a house of fit materials, and compacted as an or­ganical body of living members. And in such a church (if any where) sound▪ doctrine, & the power of godlinesse should be found▪ Whereas sound doctrine; especially of Christs kingdome, and of his Kingly office and government over consciences and churches, where (almost) i [...] it preached, much lesse practised, in many hun­dreds of Parochial congregations? And for the power of godli­nesse, how little of that also to be found, either under a Ministerial conformity, or National uniformity, as we have seen by wofull experience?

3. And for mutuall preserving the Rights and Priviledges of Parliaments, &c. Never was there greater need, than in these our distractions, and especially when we see [...]esuiticall plots creeping forth, disguised under the terms of friendship and confederates, with bold compliance to make up a destructive fraction and breath as between the Body and Head, that so both might become a mi­serable prey both to professed enemies, and false friends: The preventing whereof lieth not a little in the power of this noble and famous City, while it cheerfully continueth necessary supplies, and due encouragemen [...] unto: the Parliament. I remember an Apo­logue of Mene [...]ius Agrippa, who in a great defection of the peo­ple of Rome from the Senat [...], came and told them this: That on a time the Members of the Body conspired against the belly; that they did all labour▪ and all to feed the Belly, which wrought no­thing at all▪ where [...]pon [...]ey concluded to withdraw all suste­nance from the Belly [...] so to starve [...]. [...]ut within two or three dayes they found their er [...], when the face grew pale, the cheeks thin, the hands feeble, the feet f [...]ltring, &c. so as they saw a ne­cessity of providing for the Belly, whose office is to digest and di­stribute nourishment into every part of the Body, without which it could not s [...]. And [...]rewith the People was so affected, as that they un [...] mo [...]s [...]y retu [...]ed, and reconciled themselves to the Senate. It needs no application.

[...]

4. The nex [...] thing in the Governant is, for discovery of such as go about to make any faction or parties among the People, contrary [Page 7] to this League and Covenant, that they may be brought to publike triall, &c. Much more those, that, under what plausible pretence soever, shall go about to undermine the City, and to divide it from the Parliament and Armies, to combine with them to bring to passe their designe, which what can it be else, but [...] ruine Par­liament, City, Kingdome, and themselves too.

And 5. and 6. We promise, Not to suffer our selves directly nor indirectly, by whatsoever combination, perswasion, or terror, to be divided from this blessed union, or to make defection to the con [...]y part, or to give our selves to a det [...]stable indifferencie, or neutrality in this Cause, &c. But we shall reveale and make known, &c. And therefore much lesse should we directly or indirectly, by what­soever combination, o [...] subtile insinuation, for feare, or favour from any that carry two faces under one hood, suffer the least alienation of our affections, or d [...]nution of our loyalty to our faithfullest and fastest friends; who watch, that we may sleep; and warre, that we may enjoy peace; and lie on the cold ground, while we in our warm beds; and what not?

Now all these things laid together, and well weighed, what s [...] stand in our way, to separate us one from another, either in affe­ction, or a mutuall combination, to stick close [...]gether, and to con­tribute our utmost abilities to the helping on of the common cause, to come to a timely perfection in an universall fruition of Truth and Peace in this Kingdome, and so in this fa [...]ous City? And for this cause, let the dividing termes of Presbyterian and Inde­pendent come under an A [...]stia, and not once be mentioned a­mong us; whereof that Noble and Vi [...]us Army gives us a worthy example, where, difference of Opinions though there be, yet there is such an unity and symp [...]y of a [...]ble Affections, as if they were so many Member [...] [...] [...] naturall Body, and acted by one Spirit. So as there i [...] spirit of Peace, in the cl [...] ­ing [...] of War; bright Sun-beames, in [...] of Storms; the LORD of Hosts, their GOD of Con [...] ▪ So [...] [...] [...]y be said ofNum. 23. 21, 23. them, as once of the camp of Israel, There is no [...] against Jacob, nor divination against Israel: t [...] Lord [...] God is with them, and the shout of a King is a [...] [...] that this spirit did thus act among us here at home, by bearing and forbearing one another in love, not withstanding ou [...] difference in judgement; [Page 8] waiting till God shall reveale the same truth to those who are other­wise Phil. 3. 15. minded. And let each of us practise the counsel of the Holy Ghost: Who is a wise man, and endued with knowledge among you, Jam. 3. 13. Let him show out of a good conversation his works, with meeknesse of wisdome. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdome descendeth not from above; but is earthly, sensuall, devilish. For where envy­ing and strife is, there is confusion, and every [...] work: But the wisdome that is from above, is first, pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easie to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiali­ty, and without hypocrisie; And the fruit of righteousnesse is sown in peace, of them that make peace.

And for the procuring and preserving us in the keeping of the unity of the spirit, in the bond of peace; what can be a stronger tye than the solemn Covenant, which was taken to unite the three Kingdomes together in a mutuall ingagement against the common adversary, being taken in that sense only which is bounded by the Word of God, without which, whatever Covenant is made, is ipso facto unlawfull and invalid, and so doth not bind the conscience. So as we are to measure the mind of our Covenant by the Word of Jer. 4. 2. God, which requireth an oath to be taken in truth, in judgement, and in righteousnesse. And therefore as the making, and taking of this Covenant had this main end in it, thereby to glorifie God in a conscientious observing of it for our mutuall good (which is, in truth, and in judgement) and not to the hurt or prejudice of any, (which is, in righteousnesse) So the constant keeping of it, is the very ground and foundation whereon our peace is firmly built, as on a rock. But if any violence be offered to the true sense of the words, and that so a wrong interpretation obtruded upon any mans conscience, as pressing either the taking, or the keeping of it in such a sense, as i [...] directly contrary to the Word of God: surely thus it is made an o [...]sion of the violation of peace, yea and of causing and fomenting heart-burnings between brethren, and ( [...]hat which is directly crosse to the expresse meaning of the Co­venant, and quite destroyed it) it cuts in sunder the very knot that should tie the two Kingdoms together inviolably, while some would force upon us a confirmity to that Religion, Worship, Church government, and Discipline, which is already established in [Page 9] the Church of Scotland. Which as it is no part of the Covenant, bearing no such se [...] formerly proved: so is it flatly against the Word of God, and against a main principle in Divinity, and of the Law of nature, to force any mans conscience to a conformity to any platform of Religion set up [...]d it in a vio­lation of the law [...] of Nations, for [...]sse and force upon another f [...] State and King [...] law for the [...] ­lating of it in m [...] Divine worship; yea it is an A [...] ­stian usurpation [...] [...]sides the unreasonablenesse of it in S [...] policie, the usuall Cynosure or Pole-star by which the cou [...] of Nationall Church-government is steered; So as in this conside­ration, that which may suit with one Nation for Politicall [...] peculiar unto it, will not suit with another Nation, as being of a different constitution. For instance: The Church of Scotland hath been formerly en [...]d to the Presbyterian Church-Govern­ment (as they call it) so as they have had experience of it, and they can well comply with it generally in Scotland: But the English Nation never knew yet to this day (at least by experience) the nature of the Presbyterian Government, and so cannot [...] an estimate how it may sort with our English tempers, so w [...] with the Scotish: and besides, there are [...] thousands in Eng­land, who are in their consciences convinced, and that strongly by the Word of God, that there is another kinde of Church­government, and that Presbyterian too, properly so called, but improperly (as an improperium) Independent, which the Scotish brethren are strangers unto: And therefore to presse the Scotish Presbyterie upon the State of England [...] possibly breed some bad blood, and cause di [...]ers in [...]; and the rather, be­cause God hath appeared to own many of those that are so called (Independents) for his own peop [...] most gracious eye upon them, in crowning them w^th many [...]vert [...]es, & many glorious Victories over their puissant [...] to whom they are become a terror; As on the other si [...]vers of their country, very gracious and amiable in [...] whole Nati­on, unlesse of such as have lost their [...] of common humanity; in which respect, it w [...] only against Divinity, but even against [...] policie to force upon such W [...] to [...] a [Page 10] Church-government, as their consci [...]ces (being ot [...]w [...] doctrinated by the Word of Christ) [...]y brook. An [...] so much the more, in respect of one [...]h they hold That CHRIST is the only King and Law-g [...] Consci [...] and Churches, and not any power on earth w [...]. And ne­ver did Christ in these▪ later times appears [...]y i [...] his Royall power and so [...]eraig [...]ry, to any, [...] [...] [...] Men, working even wonders by them to ad [...] [...] [...]f this were the very time of the fulfilling of that Prophe [...], where John [...]ee [...] H [...]aven opened, and behold a w [...]ite horse, and [...] that s [...] him Rev. 19. called Faithfull and True, who in righteousnesse doth judge and [...] war, clothed with a garment dipt in blood, and his name is called THE WORD OF GOD; with his Armies fol­lowing him on white horses, clothed in [...] linnen, white and clean; with his sharp sword in his [...] Nations, and [...]g them with his iron rod; having on his vesture and thigh [...] written, THE KING OF KINGS, and LORD OF LORDS. And thus, (as chap. 6. 2.) He rides on his white horse, conquering, and to conquer. Now this Prince, and Lord of Peace himself, give [...] [...]eace alwayes, by all [...]es; even all that love the Truth and Peace, (Zach. [...]) The Lord be with you all, 2 Thes. 3. 16.