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         Gillespie, George, 1613-1648.
      
       
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             An usefull case of conscience discussed and resolved concerning associations and confederacies with idolaters, infidels, hereticks, or any other known enemies of truth and godlinesse. By Master George Gillespie, late minister at Edinburgh. Whereunto is subjoyned a letter, written by him to the commissioners of the Generall Assembly, in the time of his sicknesse: together with his testimony unto this truth, written two dayes before his death.
             Gillespie, George, 1613-1648.
          
           [2], 34 p.
           
             by the heires of George Anderson, for Andro Wilson,
             Printed at Edinburgh :
             anno 1649.
          
           
             Marginal notes.
             Reproduction of the original in the Harvard University Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
         eng
      
       
         
           Religion and politics -- Scotland -- Early works to 1800.
        
      
    
       A42772  R213029  (Wing G762A).  civilwar no An usefull case of conscience discussed and resolved, concerning associations and confederacies with idolaters, infidels, hereticks, or any Gillespie, George 1649    12415 97 35 0 0 0 0 106 F  The  rate of 106 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the F category of texts with  100 or more defects per 10,000 words. 
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           AN
           USEFULL
           CASE
           OF
           CONSCIENCE
           DISCVSSED
           AND
           RESOLVED
           ,
           Concerning
           Associations
           and
           Confederacies
           with
           Idolaters
           ,
           Infidels
           ,
           Hereticks
           ,
           
             or
             any
             otber
             known
          
           Enemies
           of
           Truth
           and
           Godlinesse
           .
        
         
           By
           Master
           GEORGE
           GILLESPIE
           ,
           late
           Minister
           at
           
             Edinburgh
             .
          
        
         
           Whereunto
           is
           subjoyned
           a
           Letter
           ,
           written
           by
           him
           to
           the
           Commissioners
           of
           the
           Generall
           Assembly
           ,
           in
           the
           time
           of
           his
           sicknesse
           :
           Together
           with
           his
           Testimony
           unto
           this
           Truth
           ,
           written
           two
           dayes
           before
           his
           Death
           .
        
         
           Printed
           at
           
             Edinburgh
             ,
          
           by
           the
           Heires
           of
           
             George
             Anderson
             ,
          
           for
           
             Andro
             Wilson
             ,
          
           Anno
           1649.
           
        
      
       
       
         
           The
           Preface
           .
        
         
           THis
           following
           Question
           and
           case
           of
           Conscience
           ,
           as
           it
           was
           handled
           and
           resolved
           by
           Mr.
           
             Gillespie
          
           in
           some
           Sermons
           delivered
           by
           him
           ,
           about
           the
           time
           of
           contriving
           the
           late
           War
           against
           the
           Kingdome
           of
           
             England
             ,
          
           being
           much
           desired
           by
           many
           who
           heard
           of
           it
           ,
           that
           it
           might
           be
           for
           publike
           use
           ,
           and
           at
           last
           yeelded
           to
           by
           the
           Author
           before
           his
           death
           .
           His
           friends
           have
           thought
           it
           necessary
           to
           publish
           the
           same
           ,
           together
           with
           these
           Testimonies
           wherewith
           he
           sealed
           this
           Trueth
           herein
           contained
           ,
           in
           the
           time
           of
           his
           sicknesse
           ,
           and
           immediatly
           before
           his
           death
           .
        
      
    
     
       
       
         
           Ane
           usefull
           case
           of
           Conscience
           discussed
           and
           resolved
           ,
           concerning
           associations
           and
           confederacies
           with
           Idolaters
           ,
           Infidels
           ,
           Hereticks
           ,
           or
           any
           other
           known
           Enemies
           of
           Truth
           ,
           and
           Godlinesse
           .
        
         
           WHile
           I
           have
           occasion
           to
           speak
           of
           humanne
           Covenants
           ,
           it
           shall
           not
           be
           unprofitable
           to
           speak
           somewhat
           to
           that
           question
           so
           much
           debated
           ,
           as
           wel
           among
           Divines
           ,
           as
           among
           Polititians
           and
           Lawyers
           ,
           whether
           a
           confederacy
           and
           association
           with
           wicked
           men
           ,
           or
           such
           as
           are
           of
           another
           R●ligion
           ,
           be
           lawfull
           ,
           yea
           ,
           or
           no
           .
           For
           Answer
           whereunto
           shortly
           ,
           let
           us
           distinguish
           .
           1.
           
           Civill
           Covenants
           .
           2.
           
           Ecclesiasticall
           ,
           
           Sacred
           or
           Religious
           Covenants
           .
           3.
           
           Mixed
           Covenants
           ,
           partly
           civil
           ,
           partly
           Religious
           .
           The
           last
           two
           being
           made
           with
           wicked
           men
           ,
           and
           such
           as
           differ
           in
           Religion
           from
           us
           .
           
           I
           hold
           to
           be
           unlawfull
           ,
           and
           so
           do
           the
           best
           Writers
           .
           When
           the
           Israelites
           are
           forbidden
           a
           Covenant
           with
           the
           Canaanites
           ,
           
           speciall
           mention
           is
           made
           of
           their
           gods
           ,
           al●ars
           ,
           
           images
           ,
           
           
             Exod.
          
           23.
           32.
           and
           34.
           13
           ,
           14.
           
           
             Iud
             ▪
          
           2●2
           .
           that
           no
           such
           superstitious
           ,
           unlawfull
           ,
           worship
           might
           be
           tolerated
           .
           As
           for
           civill
           Covenants
           ,
           if
           they
           be
           for
           commerce
           or
           peace
           ,
           which
           were
           called
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           they
           are
           allowed
           according
           to
           the
           Scriptures
           .
           
             Gen.
             14
             13.
             
             Gen.
             31.
             44.
             1
             
             Kings
          
           5
           ▪
           12.
           
           
             Ier.
             29
             7.
             
             Rom.
          
           12
           18
           Such
           Covenants
           the
           
             Vene●●ans
          
           have
           with
           the
           
             Turke
             ,
          
           because
           of
           vicinity
           :
           Such
           Covenants
           also
           Ch●istian
           Emperours
           of
           old
           ,
           had
           sometimes
           with
           the
           
             Pagans
             .
          
           It
           was
           the
           breach
           of
           a
           civill
           Covenant
           of
           Peace
           with
           the
           
             Turke
             ,
          
           that
           God
           punished
           so
           exemplarly
           in
           
             Vladyslius
          
           King
           of
           
             Hungary
             :
          
           
           But
           if
           the
           civill
           Covenant
           be
           such
           a
           Covenant
           as
           the
           
             Grecians
          
           called
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           ,
           to
           joine
           in
           military
           expeditions
           together
           ,
           
           of
           this
           is
           the
           greatest
           debate
           and
           controversie
           among
           Writers
           ;
           for
           my
           part
           ,
           I
           hold
           it
           unlawfull
           with
           diverse
           good
           Writers
           ;
           And
           I
           conceive
           that
           
             Exod.
          
           34.
           
           God
           forbiddeth
           not
           only
           Religious
           Covenants
           with
           the
           
             Canaanites
             ,
          
           but
           even
           civill
           Covenants
           ,
           
             vers.
          
           12.
           and
           conjugall
           Covenants
           ,
           
             vers.
          
           16.
           
           Which
           is
           also
           
             Iunius
          
           his
           opinion
           in
           his
           Analysis
           upon
           that
           place
           .
           The
           reason
           for
           the
           unlawfulnesse
           of
           such
           confederacies
           are
           brought
           .
           1.
           
           From
           the
           Law
           ,
           
             Exod.
          
           23.
           32.
           and
           34.
           12
           15.
           
           
             Deut.
          
           7.
           2.
           
           Yea
           God
           maketh
           this
           a
           principall
           stipulation
           and
           condition
           upon
           their
           part
           ,
           while
           he
           is
           making
           a
           Covenant
           with
           them
           ,
           
             Exod.
             34
             10.
             12.
             
             Iud.
          
           2.
           1
           ,
           2.
           and
           lest
           it
           should
           be
           thought
           that
           this
           is
           meant
           only
           of
           these
           seven
           Nations
           enumerate
           ,
           
             Deut.
          
           7.
           the
           same
           Law
           is
           interpret
           of
           four
           other
           Nations
           ,
           1
           
             Kings
          
           11.
           1
           ,
           2.
           so
           that
           't
           is
           to
           be
           understood
           generally
           against
           confederacies
           with
           Idolaters
           and
           those
           of
           a
           false
           Religion
           :
           And
           the
           reason
           of
           the
           Law
           is
           Morall
           and
           perpetuall
           ,
           
             viz.
          
           the
           danger
           of
           ▪
           ensnaring
           the
           people
           of
           God
           ;
           therefore
           they
           were
           forbidden
           to
           Covenant
           either
           with
           their
           gods
           ,
           or
           with
           
           themselves
           ,
           for
           a
           conjunction
           of
           Counsels
           ,
           and
           familiar
           conversation
           (
           which
           are
           consequents
           of
           a
           Covenant
           )
           draweth
           in
           end
           to
           a
           fellowship
           in
           Religion
           .
           2.
           
           From
           disallowed
           and
           condemned
           examples
           ,
           as
           
             Asa
          
           his
           Covenant
           with
           
             Benhadad
             ,
             2.
             Chron.
          
           16.
           to
           
             vers.
          
           10
           ▪
           And
           
             Ahaz
             ,
          
           his
           Covenant
           with
           the
           King
           of
           
             Assyria
             ,
             2
             Kings
          
           16.
           7.
           10.
           2
           
             Chron.
          
           28.
           16
           ▪
           to
           23.
           
           And
           if
           it
           should
           be
           objected
           ,
           these
           are
           but
           examples
           of
           Covenants
           with
           Idolatrous
           heathens
           ,
           there
           is
           not
           the
           like
           reason
           to
           condemne
           confederacies
           and
           associations
           with
           wicked
           men
           of
           the
           same
           Religion
           ;
           
             I
          
           answer
           .
           1.
           
           It
           holds
           
             à
             fortiori
          
           against
           confederacies
           with
           such
           of
           the
           seed
           of
           
             Iacob
             ,
          
           as
           had
           made
           defection
           from
           true
           Religion
           ,
           for
           as
           
             Grotius
             de
             jure
             belli
             &
             pacis
          
           lib.
           2.
           Cap.
           15.
           
           
             Numb.
          
           9.
           noteth
           ,
           GOD
           would
           have
           such
           to
           be
           more
           abominated
           then
           heathens
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           destroyed
           from
           among
           their
           people
           ,
           
             Deut.
          
           13.
           13.
           besides
           this
           I
           adde
           ,
           2.
           
           We
           have
           in
           other
           Scriptures
           exemples
           ,
           which
           meet
           with
           that
           case
           also
           ;
           for
           
             Iehosaphats
          
           confederacy
           with
           
             Ahab
             :
             2.
             Chron.
          
           18.
           3.
           with
           
             Chron.
          
           19.
           2.
           and
           after
           with
           
             Ahaziah
             ,
             2
             Chron.
          
           20.
           35.
           are
           condemned
           ,
           which
           made
           
             Iehosaphat
          
           (
           although
           once
           relapsing
           into
           that
           sin
           )
           yet
           afterwards
           mend
           his
           fault
           ,
           for
           he
           would
           not
           again
           joine
           with
           
             Ahaziah
             ,
          
           when
           he
           sought
           that
           association
           the
           second
           time
           ,
           1
           
             Kings
          
           22.
           49.
           
           So
           
             Amaziah
          
           having
           associate
           himself
           in
           an
           expedition
           with
           the
           
             Isra●lites
             ,
          
           when
           God
           was
           not
           with
           them
           ,
           did
           upon
           the
           Prophets
           admonition
           disjoyne
           himself
           from
           them
           and
           take
           his
           hazard
           of
           their
           anger
           :
           2
           
             Chron.
          
           25
           ▪
           7
           ,
           8
           ,
           9
           ,
           10
           ▪
           
             Lavater
          
           upon
           the
           place
           applying
           that
           example
           ,
           noteth
           this
           as
           one
           of
           the
           causes
           why
           the
           Christian
           Wars
           with
           the
           
             Turke
          
           had
           so
           ill
           successe
           ,
           why
           saith
           he
           ,
           consider
           what
           Souldiers
           were
           imployed
           ,
           this
           is
           the
           fruit
           of
           associations
           with
           the
           
           wicked
           .
           3.
           
           These
           confederacies
           proceed
           from
           an
           evill
           heart
           of
           unbelief
           ,
           as
           is
           manifest
           by
           the
           reasons
           which
           are
           brought
           against
           
             Ahaz
          
           his
           League
           with
           
             Benhadad
             ,
             2
             Chron.
          
           16.
           7
           ,
           8
           ,
           9.
           and
           by
           that
           which
           is
           said
           against
           the
           confederacy
           with
           the
           King
           of
           
             Assyria
             ,
             Isay
          
           8.
           12
           ,
           13.
           for
           as
           
             Calvin
          
           upon
           the
           place
           noteth
           ,
           the
           unbeleevers
           among
           the
           people
           considering
           their
           own
           inability
           for
           managing
           so
           great
           a
           War
           ,
           thought
           it
           necessary
           to
           have
           a
           con●ederacy
           with
           the
           
             Assyrians
             ;
          
           but
           this
           was
           from
           faithlesse
           feares
           ,
           from
           want
           of
           faith
           to
           stay
           and
           rest
           upon
           God
           as
           alsufficient
           .
           4.
           
           If
           we
           must
           avoid
           fellowship
           and
           conversation
           with
           the
           sons
           of
           Belial
           ,
           (
           except
           whe●e
           natu●all
           bonds
           or
           the
           necessity
           of
           a
           calling
           tyeth
           us
           ▪
           
             Psal.
             6.
             8.
             
             Prov.
          
           9.
           6.
           
           &
           24.
           1.
           2
           
             Cor.
          
           6
           14
           ,
           15.
           &
           if
           we
           should
           account
           Gods
           enemies
           our
           enemies
           ,
           
             Psal
          
           139.
           21.
           then
           how
           can
           we
           joyne
           with
           them
           ,
           as
           con●ederates
           and
           associates
           ,
           for
           by
           this
           means
           we
           shal
           have
           fellowship
           with
           them
           ,
           and
           look
           on
           them
           as
           friends
           .
        
         
           Now
           as
           to
           the
           Arguments
           which
           use
           to
           be
           brought
           for
           the
           contrary
           opinion
           .
           First
           t
           is
           objected
           that
           
             A●raham
          
           had
           a
           confederacy
           with
           
             Aner
             ,
             Eschol
             ,
          
           and
           
             Mamre
             ,
             Genesis
             14.
             13.
             
             Abraham
          
           with
           
             Abimelech
             ,
             Genesis
          
           21.
           27.
           32.
           and
           
             Isaac
          
           with
           
             Abimelek
             ,
             Gen.
             26.
             
             Iacob
          
           with
           
             Laban
             ,
             Gen.
             31.
             44.
             
             Solomon
          
           with
           
             Hiram
             .
             1
             Kings
          
           5.
           12.
           
           Answ.
           1.
           
           It
           cannot
           be
           proved
           that
           these
           confederates
           of
           
             Abraham
             ,
             Isaac
             ,
          
           and
           
             Solomon
             ,
          
           were
           either
           idolaters
           or
           wicked
           :
           
             Laban
          
           indeed
           was
           an
           idolater
           :
           But
           there
           are
           good
           interpreters
           who
           conceive
           that
           
             Abrahams
          
           three
           confederates
           feared
           God
           ;
           and
           that
           
             Abimelech
          
           also
           feared
           God
           ,
           because
           he
           speaketh
           reverently
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           ascribeth
           to
           God
           the
           blessing
           and
           prosperitie
           of
           those
           Patriarchs
           .
        
         
           'T
           is
           presumed
           also
           that
           
             Hiram
          
           was
           a
           pious
           man
           ,
           because
           of
           his
           Epistle
           to
           
             Solomon
             ,
             2
             Chron.
          
           2.
           11
           ,
           12.
           however
           ,
           2.
           
           Those
           confederacies
           were
           civill
           ,
           either
           for
           
           commerce
           ,
           or
           for
           peace
           and
           mutuall
           security
           that
           they
           should
           not
           wrong
           one
           another
           ,
           as
           that
           with
           
             Laban
             ,
             Gen.
          
           31.
           52.
           and
           with
           
             Abimelech
             ,
             Gen.
          
           26.
           29.
           which
           kinde
           of
           confederacy
           is
           not
           controverted
           .
        
         
           'T
           is
           objected
           also
           that
           the
           
             Maccabees
          
           h●d
           a
           Covenant
           with
           the
           
             Romans
          
           and
           
             L●cedemonian●
             ,
             1
             Macca
             .
          
           8.
           and
           12.
           1
           ,
           2
           ,
           Answ.
           1.
           
           That
           Covenant
           is
           disallowed
           by
           many
           good
           Writers
           ;
           yea
           t
           is
           observed
           from
           the
           Story
           that
           they
           had
           not
           the
           better
           ,
           but
           the
           worse
           successe
           ,
           nor
           the
           lesse
           but
           the
           more
           trouble
           following
           it
           .
           2.
           
           The
           Story
           it self
           ,
           1
           
             Macc.
          
           1.
           12.
           tells
           us
           that
           the
           first
           motion
           of
           a
           confederacy
           with
           the
           heathen
           in
           those
           times
           proceeded
           from
           the
           children
           of
           Belial
           in
           
             Israel
             .
          
           Lastly
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           objected
           that
           persons
           discontented
           ,
           and
           of
           broken
           fortunes
           were
           gathered
           to
           
             David
             ;
          
           and
           that
           he
           received
           them
           ,
           and
           became
           a
           Captain
           unto
           them
           ,
           1
           
             Sam.
          
           22.
           2.
           
           Answ.
           1.
           
           Some
           think
           (
           and
           't
           is
           probable
           )
           they
           were
           such
           as
           were
           oppressed
           and
           wronged
           by
           
             Saul●
          
           tyranny
           ,
           and
           were
           therefore
           in
           debt
           and
           discontented
           ,
           and
           that
           
             David
          
           in
           receiving
           them
           was
           a
           type
           of
           Christ
           who
           is
           a
           refuge
           for
           the
           afflicted
           ,
           and
           touched
           with
           the
           feeling
           of
           their
           infirmities
           .
           2.
           
           Whoever
           they
           were
           ,
           
             David
          
           took
           care
           that
           no
           prophane
           nor
           wicked
           person
           might
           be
           in
           his
           company
           ,
           
             Psal
          
           101.
           yea
           ,
           
             Psal.
          
           34.
           11.
           
           (
           which
           was
           penned
           at
           that
           same
           time
           when
           he
           departed
           from
           
             Achish
          
           and
           became
           Captain
           of
           those
           400.
           men
           )
           he
           saith
           to
           them
           ,
           
             Come
             ye
             children
             hearken
             unto
             me
             ,
             I
             will
             teach
             you
             the
             fear
             of
             the
             Lord
             .
          
           3.
           
           I
           shall
           bring
           a
           better
           Argument
           from
           
             Davids
          
           example
           against
           the
           joyning
           with
           such
           associates
           in
           War
           as
           are
           known
           to
           be
           malignant
           and
           wicked
           .
           
             Psal.
             118.
             7.
             
             The
             Lord
             taketh
             my
             part
             with
             them
             that
             help
             me
             ,
             therefore
             I
             shall
             see
             my
             desire
             upon
             mine
             enemies
             ,
          
           Psal.
           54.
           4.
           
           
             The
             Lord
             is
             with
             them
             that
             uphold
             my
             
             soul
             .
          
           Upon
           this
           last
           place
           ,
           both
           
             Calvin
          
           and
           
             Gesuerus
          
           observe
           ,
           that
           although
           
             Davids
          
           helpers
           were
           few
           and
           weak
           ,
           y●t
           God
           being
           in
           them
           ,
           and
           with
           them
           ,
           his
           confidence
           was
           that
           they
           should
           prove
           stronger
           then
           all
           the
           wicked
           :
           he
           intimateth
           also
           ,
           that
           if
           he
           had
           not
           known
           that
           God
           was
           with
           his
           helpers
           ,
           leading
           and
           inspiring
           them
           ,
           he
           had
           looked
           for
           no
           help
           by
           them
           :
           2
           
             Chron.
          
           25.
           7
           ,
           8.
           
           That
           
             Davids
          
           helpers
           in
           the
           War
           were
           lookt
           upon
           as
           sincere
           ,
           cordiall
           ,
           and
           stirred
           up
           of
           God
           ,
           may
           further
           appear
           from
           1
           
             Chron.
          
           12.
           where
           
             David
          
           joyneth
           with
           himself
           
             fidos
             homines
             qui
             idem
             cum
             eo
             sentirent
          
           saith
           
             Lavater
          
           on
           the
           place
           ,
           faithfull
           men
           of
           his
           own
           minde
           :
           he
           addeth
           ,
           that
           they
           were
           such
           as
           hated
           
             Sauls
          
           impiety
           and
           injustice
           ,
           and
           loved
           
             Davids
          
           vertue
           .
           
             Vict.
             Strigelius
          
           calls
           them
           ,
           
             fideles
             amicos
             ,
             faithfull
             friends
             .
          
           The
           Text
           it self
           tells
           u●
           ,
           that
           diverse
           of
           them
           joyned
           themselves
           to
           
             David
          
           while
           he
           was
           yet
           in
           distresse
           and
           shut
           up
           in
           
             Zicklag
             :
             vers.
          
           1.
           (
           which
           was
           an
           Argument
           of
           sincerity
           :
           )
           also
           ,
           that
           some
           of
           
             Benjamin
             (
             Sauls
          
           own
           tribe
           )
           adjoyned
           themselves
           to
           
             David
             ,
          
           and
           the
           spirit
           came
           upon
           
             Amasa●
             ,
          
           who
           by
           a
           speciall
           Divine
           instinct
           spake
           to
           assure
           
             David
          
           of
           their
           sincerity
           ,
           
             vers.
          
           2.
           16.
           18.
           
           They
           also
           who
           joined
           themselves
           with
           
             David
          
           after
           
             Sauls
          
           death
           ,
           
             vers.
          
           23.
           were
           not
           of
           a
           
             double
             heart
             .
          
           but
           of
           
             a
             perfect
             heart
             .
             vers.
          
           33.
           38.
           and
           they
           all
           agreed
           that
           the
           first
           great
           businesse
           to
           be
           undertaken
           ,
           should
           be
           Religion
           ,
           the
           bringing
           back
           of
           the
           Arke
           :
           1
           
             Chron.
          
           13.
           3
           ,
           4.
           
        
         
           This
           point
           of
           the
           unlawfulnesse
           of
           confederacies
           with
           men
           of
           a
           false
           Religion
           is
           strangely
           misapplyed
           by
           
             Lutherans
             ,
          
           against
           confederacies
           with
           us
           ,
           whom
           they
           call
           
             Calvinists
             :
          
           So
           argueth
           
             Tarnovius
             Tract.
             de
             Foederib
             .
          
           But
           we
           may
           make
           a
           very
           good
           use
           of
           it
           :
           for
           as
           vve
           ought
           to
           
           pray
           and
           endeavour
           that
           all
           who
           are
           Christs
           may
           be
           made
           one
           in
           him
           ,
           so
           we
           ought
           to
           pray
           against
           and
           by
           all
           meanes
           avoide
           fellowship
           ,
           familiaritie
           ,
           mariages
           ,
           and
           militarie
           confederacies
           with
           known
           wicked
           persons
           ,
           and
           such
           as
           are
           of
           a
           false
           or
           hereticall
           Religion
           .
           I
           shall
           branch
           forth
           this
           matter
           in
           five
           particulars
           ,
           which
           God
           forebade
           to
           his
           people
           in
           reference
           to
           the
           
             Canaanites
          
           and
           other
           heathens
           which
           also
           (
           partly
           by
           parity
           of
           reason
           ,
           partly
           by
           concluding
           more
           strongly
           )
           will
           militate
           against
           confederacies
           and
           conjunctions
           with
           such
           as
           under
           the
           profession
           of
           the
           Christian
           Religion
           do
           either
           maintain
           Heresies
           and
           dangerous
           Errors
           ,
           or
           live
           a
           prophane
           and
           wicked
           life
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           God
           forbade
           all
           Religious
           Covenants
           with
           such
           ,
           and
           would
           not
           have
           his
           people
           to
           tolerate
           the
           gods
           ,
           images
           ,
           altars
           ,
           or
           groves
           of
           idolaters
           :
           
             Exod.
          
           23.
           32.
           and
           34.
           13.
           
           
             Deut.
             7.
             5.
             
             Iud.
          
           2.
           2.
           
           And
           although
           the
           letter
           of
           the
           Law
           mention
           this
           in
           reference
           to
           the
           
             Canaanites
             ,
          
           yet
           the
           best
           reforming
           Kings
           of
           
             Iudah
          
           applyed
           and
           executed
           this
           Law
           ,
           in
           taking
           away
           the
           growes
           and
           high
           places
           abused
           by
           the
           
             Iewes
          
           in
           their
           superstion
           :
           And
           what
           marvell
           ?
           If
           such
           things
           were
           not
           to
           be
           tollerated
           in
           the
           
             Canaanites
             ,
          
           
           much
           lesse
           in
           the
           
             Iewes
             .
             Theodosius
          
           is
           commended
           for
           his
           suppressing
           and
           punishing
           Hereticks
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           God
           forbade
           familiar
           conversation
           with
           these
           heathens
           ,
           that
           they
           should
           not
           dwell
           together
           with
           his
           people
           ,
           nay
           ,
           nor
           in
           the
           land
           with
           them
           ,
           
             Exod.
          
           23.
           33
           lest
           one
           of
           them
           being
           familiar
           with
           an
           
             Israelite
             ,
          
           might
           call
           him
           to
           a
           feast
           ,
           and
           make
           him
           eat
           of
           things
           sacrificed
           to
           idols
           ,
           
             Exod.
          
           3●
           .
           15.
           
           Compare
           this
           with
           
             Iud.
             1.
             21.
             
             Psal.
          
           106.
           35.
           
           Now
           the
           Apostle
           layeth
           much
           more
           restraint
           upon
           us
           ,
           from
           conversing
           ,
           eting
           and
           drinking
           with
           a
           scandalous
           
           Christian
           ,
           1
           
             Cor.
          
           5.
           11.
           then
           with
           a
           
             Pagan
          
           or
           unbeleever
           ,
           1
           
             Cor.
          
           1.
           27.
           
           There
           is
           a
           conversing
           and
           companying
           with
           wicked
           persons
           ,
           which
           is
           our
           affliction
           ,
           not
           our
           fault
           ,
           that
           is
           when
           we
           cannot
           be
           rid
           of
           them
           ,
           do
           wh●t
           we
           can
           ,
           1
           
             Cor.
          
           5.
           10.
           which
           is
           an
           argument
           against
           separating
           and
           departing
           from
           a
           true
           Church
           ,
           because
           of
           scandalous
           persons
           in
           it
           .
           The
           Apostle
           gives
           this
           check
           to
           such
           ,
           go
           where
           they
           will
           ,
           they
           shall
           finde
           scandalous
           persons
           ,
           all
           the
           world
           over
           .
           There
           is
           again
           a
           conversing
           and
           companying
           with
           wicked
           persons
           ,
           which
           naturall
           and
           civile
           bonds
           ,
           our
           neare
           relations
           ,
           or
           our
           calling
           tyeth
           us
           unto
           ,
           as
           between
           husband
           and
           wife
           ,
           parent
           and
           child
           ,
           Pastor
           and
           people
           ,
           Magistrate
           and
           those
           of
           his
           charge
           .
           But
           wittingly
           and
           willingly
           to
           converse
           and
           have
           fellowship
           either
           with
           hereticall
           or
           prophane
           persons
           ,
           whether
           it
           be
           out
           of
           love
           to
           them
           and
           delight
           in
           them
           ,
           or
           for
           our
           own
           interest
           or
           some
           worldly
           benefit
           ,
           this
           is
           certainly
           sinfull
           and
           inexcusable
           .
           If
           we
           take
           care
           of
           our
           bodily
           safety
           ,
           by
           flying
           the
           company
           of
           such
           as
           have
           the
           plague
           ,
           yea
           if
           we
           take
           care
           of
           the
           safety
           of
           our
           beasts
           ,
           and
           would
           not
           to
           our
           knowledge
           suffer
           a
           scabbed
           or
           rotten
           sheep
           to
           infect
           the
           rest
           ,
           shall
           we
           not
           much
           more
           take
           care
           of
           our
           own
           and
           neighbours
           souls
           ,
           by
           avoyding
           and
           warning
           others
           to
           avoide
           the
           fellowship
           of
           the
           ungodly
           ,
           whereby
           spirituall
           infection
           comes
           .
           Remember
           it
           was
           but
           a
           kinde
           visit
           of
           
             Iehosaphat
          
           to
           
             A●ab
          
           which
           was
           the
           occasion
           of
           ingageing
           him
           into
           a
           confederacy
           with
           that
           wicked
           man
           .
           2
           
             Chron.
          
           18.
           2
           ,
           3.
           
        
         
           3.
           
           God
           forbade
           conjugall
           covenants
           or
           marrying
           with
           them
           .
           
             Exod.
             34.
             16.
             
             Deut.
          
           7.
           3.
           
           The
           rule
           is
           the
           same
           against
           matching
           with
           other
           wicked
           persons
           ,
           whether
           Idolaters
           or
           professing
           the
           same
           religion
           with
           us
           .
           
           
           
           We
           read
           not
           of
           idolatry
           or
           any
           professed
           doctrinall
           differences
           in
           Religion
           between
           the
           Posterity
           of
           
             S●th
          
           and
           the
           Posterity
           of
           
             Cain
             ,
          
           yet
           this
           vvas
           the
           great
           thing
           that
           corrupted
           the
           old
           world
           and
           brought
           on
           the
           flood
           ,
           that
           the
           children
           of
           God
           joyned
           themselves
           in
           Mariage
           with
           the
           prophane
           ,
           
             Gen.
             6.
             1
             ,
             2
             ,
             3.
             
             Iehoram
          
           Married
           not
           an
           heathen
           ,
           but
           the
           daughter
           of
           
             Ahab
             ;
          
           but
           't
           is
           marked
           ,
           hee
           did
           evil
           ,
           as
           did
           the
           house
           of
           
             Ahab
             ;
          
           And
           vvhat
           is
           the
           reason
           given
           for
           this
           ?
           
             For
             the
             daughter
             of
             Ahab
             was
             his
             wife
             .
             2
             Kings
          
           8.
           18.
           and
           by
           and
           by
           ,
           
             vers.
          
           27.
           the
           like
           is
           marked
           of
           
             Ahaziah
          
           the
           son
           of
           
             Iehoram
             ,
          
           vvho
           
             did
             evill
             in
             the
             sight
             of
             the
             Lord
             as
             did
             the
             house
             of
             Ahab
             ,
             for
             he
             was
             the
             son
             in
             Law
             of
             the
             house
             of
             Ahab
          
           The
           Apostle
           
             Peter
          
           supposeth
           that
           Christians
           Marrie
           such
           as
           are
           
             heires
             together
             of
             the
             grace
             of
             life
             .
             1
             Peter
          
           3.
           7.
           see
           also
           ,
           
             Prov.
          
           31.
           30.
           
        
         
           4.
           
           God
           forbade
           his
           people
           to
           make
           with
           the
           Canaanites
           
             foedus
             deditionis
          
           or
           
             subactionis
             ,
          
           or
           (
           as
           others
           speak
           )
           
             pactum
             liberatorium
             ,
          
           he
           would
           have
           his
           people
           shew
           no
           mercy
           to
           those
           whom
           he
           had
           destinate
           to
           destruction
           ,
           
             Deut.
          
           7.
           2.
           
           Herein
           
             Ahab
          
           sinned
           ,
           making
           a
           brotherly
           Covenant
           of
           friendship
           with
           
             Benhadad
             ,
          
           when
           God
           had
           delivered
           him
           into
           his
           hand
           ,
           1
           
             Kings
          
           20.
           32
           ,
           33
           ,
           34.
           
           So
           in
           all
           Christian
           common wealths
           ,
           the
           Magistrate
           Gods
           vicegerent
           ought
           to
           cut
           off
           such
           evil
           doers
           as
           Gods
           Word
           appointeth
           to
           be
           cut
           off
           ,
           
             Davids
          
           sparing
           of
           
             Ioab
          
           and
           
             Shimei
             ,
          
           being
           partly
           necessitate
           thereto
           ,
           partly
           induced
           by
           politicall
           reasons
           ,
           (
           whereof
           he
           repented
           when
           he
           was
           dying
           ,
           nor
           could
           his
           conscience
           be
           at
           ease
           till
           he
           left
           a
           charge
           upon
           
             Solomon
          
           for
           executing
           justice
           upon
           both
           
             Ioab
          
           and
           
             Shimei
             ,
             1
             Kings
          
           2.
           5
           ,
           6
           ,
           8
           ,
           9.
           )
           are
           no
           good
           presidents
           or
           warrands
           to
           
           Christian
           Magistrates
           to
           neglect
           the
           executing
           of
           Justice
           .
           T
           is
           a
           better
           president
           which
           
             David
          
           resolveth
           ,
           upon
           more
           deliberatly
           ,
           
             Psal.
          
           101
           ▪
           8.
           
           
             I
             will
             early
             destroy
             all
             the
             wicked
             of
             the
             land
             ,
             that
             I
             may
             cut
             off
             all
             wicked
             doers
             from
             the
             City
             of
             the
             Lord
             .
          
           Marke
           this
           
             all
             ,
          
           of
           what
           degree
           or
           quality
           soever
           ,
           without
           respect
           of
           persons
           ,
           and
           that
           
             early
          
           and
           without
           delay
           .
           Lastly
           ,
           and
           even
           
             Ioab
          
           himself
           was
           so
           far
           punished
           by
           
             David
             ,
          
           that
           he
           was
           cast
           out
           of
           his
           place
           and
           command
           ,
           2
           
             Sam.
          
           19
           13.
           and
           20.
           4.
           
        
         
           5.
           
           The
           Law
           is
           also
           to
           be
           applyed
           against
           civill
           Covenants
           ,
           not
           of
           Pea●e
           ,
           or
           of
           commerce
           ,
           but
           of
           Warre
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           a
           League
           offensive
           and
           defensive
           ,
           wherein
           wee
           associate
           our selves
           with
           idolaters
           ,
           infidels
           ,
           hereticks
           or
           any
           other
           known
           enemies
           of
           Truth
           or
           Godlinesse
           ,
           so
           as
           to
           have
           the
           same
           friends
           or
           enemies
           .
           A
           Covenant
           of
           Peace
           or
           commerce
           with
           such
           may
           happen
           to
           be
           unlawfull
           ,
           in
           respect
           of
           some
           circumstances
           ,
           as
           when
           Peace
           is
           given
           to
           those
           Rebels
           ,
           Murderers
           ,
           Incendiaries
           in
           the
           Kingdome
           ,
           who
           by
           the
           Law
           of
           God
           ought
           to
           be
           destroyed
           by
           the
           hand
           of
           Justice
           ,
           or
           vvhen
           commerce
           vvith
           idolaters
           is
           so
           abused
           ,
           as
           to
           furnish
           them
           vvith
           the
           things
           that
           they
           are
           knovvn
           to
           make
           use
           of
           in
           their
           idolatry
           .
           But
           as
           for
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           ,
           a
           confederacy
           ingageing
           us
           into
           a
           War
           vvith
           such
           associates
           ,
           't
           is
           absolutely
           and
           in
           its
           ovvn
           nature
           unlavvfull
           :
           and
           I
           finde
           it
           condemned
           by
           good
           Writers
           ,
           both
           of
           the
           Popish
           party
           of
           the
           
             Lutheran
          
           party
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           orthodoxe
           party
           .
           Some
           of
           all
           these
           are
           before
           cited
           ,
           what
           holinesse
           God
           required
           in
           the
           Armies
           of
           
             Israel
             ,
          
           see
           
             Deut.
          
           23.
           9.
           11.
           12
           ,
           13
           ,
           14.
           
           We
           may
           well
           argue
           as
           
             Isidorus
             Pelusiota
          
           doth
           ,
           
             lib.
          
           3.
           Epist.
           14.
           
           If
           the
           Law
           was
           so
           severe
           against
           such
           uncleannesses
           as
           were
           not
           
           voluntary
           ,
           how
           much
           lesse
           would
           God
           suffer
           such
           as
           did
           voluntarily
           and
           wickedly
           defile
           themselves
           .
           T
           is
           marked
           as
           a
           part
           of
           
             Abimelechs
          
           sin
           ,
           
             Iud.
          
           9
           4
           ▪
           that
           he
           hired
           
             vaine
             and
             light
             persons
             which
             followed
             him
             .
          
           God
           would
           have
           
             Amazia●
          
           to
           dismisse
           an
           hundred
           thousand
           men
           of
           
             Israel
          
           being
           already
           with
           him
           in
           a
           body
           ,
           and
           told
           him
           he
           should
           fall
           before
           the
           enemy
           if
           these
           went
           with
           him
           ,
           because
           God
           was
           not
           with
           them
           ,
           2
           
             Chron.
          
           25
           7.
           &c.
           If
           they
           had
           not
           yet
           been
           gathered
           into
           a
           body
           ,
           it
           had
           been
           much
           to
           abstain
           from
           gathering
           them
           ,
           upon
           the
           Prophets
           admonition
           ,
           but
           this
           is
           much
           more
           ,
           that
           he
           sends
           them
           away
           after
           they
           are
           in
           a
           body
           ,
           and
           takes
           his
           hazard
           of
           all
           the
           hurt
           that
           so
           many
           inraged
           Souldiers
           could
           do
           to
           him
           or
           his
           people
           ,
           and
           indeed
           they
           did
           much
           hurt
           in
           going
           back
           ,
           
             vers.
          
           13
           yet
           God
           rewarded
           
             Amaziahs
          
           obedience
           with
           a
           great
           Victory
           .
           In
           the
           last
           age
           shortly
           after
           the
           begun
           Reformation
           in
           
             Germany
             ,
          
           this
           case
           of
           conscience
           concerning
           the
           unlawfulnesse
           of
           such
           confederacies
           was
           much
           looked
           at
           .
           The
           City
           of
           
             Strafburg
             .
          
           Anno
           ,
           1529.
           made
           a
           defensive
           League
           with
           
             Zurik
             ,
          
           
           
             Berne
             ,
          
           and
           
             Basil
             ,
             Qui
             &
             vicini
             erant
             ,
             &
             dogmate
             magis
             conveni●bant
          
           saith
           
             Sleidan
             ,
          
           they
           were
           not
           onely
           neighbours
           ,
           but
           of
           the
           same
           Faith
           and
           Religion
           ,
           therefore
           they
           made
           a
           confederacy
           with
           them
           .
           About
           two
           years
           after
           the
           Elector
           of
           
             Saxony
          
           refused
           to
           take
           into
           confederacy
           those
           
             Helvetians
             ,
          
           
           because
           although
           they
           were
           powerfull
           ,
           and
           might
           be
           very
           helpfull
           to
           him
           ,
           yet
           they
           differing
           in
           Religion
           ,
           concerning
           the
           
           Article
           of
           the
           Lords
           Supper
           ,
           he
           said
           ,
           he
           durst
           not
           joyne
           with
           them
           as
           confederates
           ,
           lest
           such
           sad
           things
           might
           befall
           him
           ,
           as
           the
           Scripture
           testifieth
           to
           have
           befallen
           those
           who
           for
           their
           help
           or
           defence
           took
           any
           assistance
           they
           could
           get
           .
        
         
           The
           rule
           was
           good
           
             in
             thesi
             ,
          
           although
           in
           that
           particular
           case
           misapplyed
           .
           The
           very
           heathens
           had
           a
           notion
           of
           the
           unlawfulnesse
           of
           confederacies
           with
           wicked
           men
           ,
           for
           as
           
             Victorinus
             Strigelius
          
           on
           2
           
             Chron.
          
           25.
           noteth
           out
           of
           
             Aschylus
          
           his
           Tragedy
           entituled
           
             Seven
             to
             Thebe
             ,
             Amphiaraus
          
           a
           wise
           and
           vertuous
           man
           was
           therefore
           swallowed
           up
           in
           the
           earth
           with
           seven
           men
           and
           seven
           horses
           ,
           because
           he
           had
           associate
           himself
           ,
           with
           
             Tydeus
             ,
             Capaneus
             ,
          
           and
           other
           impious
           Commanders
           marching
           to
           the
           seige
           of
           
             Thebei
             ,
          
           Lastly
           take
           this
           reason
           for
           further
           confirmation
           ,
           as
           we
           must
           do
           all
           to
           the
           glory
           of
           God
           ,
           so
           we
           must
           not
           make
           Warres
           to
           our selves
           ,
           but
           to
           the
           Lord
           ;
           hence
           
             the
             book
             of
             the
             Wars
             of
             the
             Lord
             .
          
           Num.
           21.
           14.
           and
           ,
           
             the
             battell
             is
             not
             ours
             ,
             but
             the
             Lords
             .
          
           1
           Sam.
           25.
           28.
           2.
           Chron.
           20.
           15.
           
           Now
           how
           shall
           we
           imploy
           them
           that
           hate
           the
           Lord
           ,
           to
           help
           the
           Lord
           ?
           or
           how
           shall
           the
           enemies
           of
           his
           glory
           do
           for
           his
           glory
           ?
           Shall
           rebels
           and
           traitors
           be
           taken
           to
           fight
           in
           the
           Kings
           Wars
           ?
           Offer
           it
           to
           thy
           Governour
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           said
           
             Mal.
          
           1.
           see
           if
           he
           would
           take
           this
           well
           .
        
         
           As
           for
           the
           Objections
           from
           Scripture
           ,
           they
           are
           before
           answered
           .
           There
           are
           many
           other
           exceptions
           of
           mens
           corrupt
           reason
           ,
           which
           yet
           may
           be
           easily
           taken
           off
           ,
           if
           we
           will
           receive
           Scripture
           light
           .
           That
           very
           case
           of
           
             Iehosophats
             ;
          
           confederacy
           with
           
             Ahab
             ,
          
           taketh
           off
           many
           of
           them
           ;
           for
           
           although
           1.
           
           
             Iehosophat
          
           was
           a
           good
           man
           and
           continued
           so
           after
           that
           association
           ,
           not
           drawn
           away
           into
           Idolatry
           ,
           nor
           infected
           with
           
             Ahabs
          
           Religion
           ,
           but
           only
           assisting
           him
           in
           a
           civile
           businesse
           .
           2.
           
           
             Ahab
          
           lived
           in
           the
           Church
           of
           
             Israel
          
           which
           was
           still
           a
           Church
           ,
           although
           greatly
           corrupted
           ,
           and
           he
           was
           no
           professed
           hater
           of
           God
           (
           only
           he
           had
           professed
           to
           hate
           
             Micajah
          
           the
           man
           of
           God
           )
           yea
           lately
           before
           this
           he
           appeared
           very
           penitent
           ,
           and
           some
           think
           
             Iehosaphat
          
           now
           judged
           charitably
           of
           
             Ahab
             ,
          
           because
           of
           that
           great
           humilation
           and
           repentance
           of
           his
           ,
           which
           God
           did
           accept
           ;
           so
           far
           ,
           as
           to
           reward
           it
           with
           a
           temporall
           sparing
           mercy
           ,
           1
           
             Kings
          
           21.
           at
           the
           end
           :
           then
           followes
           immediatly
           
             Chap.
             22.
             
             Iehosaphats
          
           association
           with
           him
           .
           Although
           
             Iehosaphat
          
           was
           also
           joined
           in
           affinity
           vvith
           
             Ahab
             ,
             Ahabs
          
           daughter
           being
           married
           to
           his
           son
           .
           3.
           
           The
           enemy
           was
           the
           King
           of
           
             Syria
             ,
          
           and
           
             Iehosaphat
          
           doth
           not
           joine
           with
           a
           wicked
           man
           against
           any
           of
           Gods
           people
           ,
           but
           against
           the
           infidell
           
             Syrians
             ;
          
           even
           as
           
             Amaziah
          
           was
           beginning
           to
           joine
           with
           those
           of
           the
           ten
           tribes
           against
           the
           
             Edomites
             .
          
           4.
           
           The
           cause
           seems
           to
           have
           been
           good
           ,
           as
           
             Carthusian
          
           on
           1
           
             Kings
          
           22.
           3.
           and
           
             Lavater
          
           upon
           2
           
             Chron.
          
           19
           2.
           note
           .
           For
           
             Ramoth●Gilead
          
           was
           a
           city
           of
           Refuge
           ,
           pairt●ining
           to
           the
           
             Levites
          
           in
           the
           tribe
           of
           
             God
             ,
          
           and
           should
           have
           been
           restored
           by
           the
           king
           of
           
             Syria
          
           to
           
             Ahab
             ,
          
           
           according
           to
           their
           Covenant
           ,
           1
           
             Kings
             20
             ,
             34.
             
             Daneus
          
           brings
           that
           same
           example
           of
           
             Ahabs
          
           going
           up
           against
           
             Ramoth
             Gilead
             ,
          
           to
           prove
           that
           't
           is
           just
           to
           make
           war
           against
           these
           who
           have
           broken
           Covenant
           with
           us
           .
           5.
           
           
             Iehosaphats
          
           manner
           of
           proceeding
           was
           pious
           in
           this
           respect
           ,
           that
           he
           said
           to
           
             Ahab
             ,
             enquire
             I
             pray
             thee
             of
             the
             word
             of
             the
             Lord
             to
             day
             ,
          
           and
           again
           ,
           
             is
             there
             not
             here
             a
             prophet
             of
             the
             Lord
             besides
             ,
          
           he
           enquireth
           
             ultr●
             ,
          
           and
           seeks
           all
           the
           light
           he
           could
           there
           have
           in
           point
           of
           conscience
           
           from
           prophets
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           which
           makes
           it
           probable
           that
           those
           4●0
           .
           prophets
           did
           not
           professe
           ,
           or
           were
           not
           known
           to
           
             Iehosaphat
          
           to
           be
           prophets
           of
           
             Baal
             ;
          
           but
           were
           lookt
           upon
           as
           prophets
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           as
           
             Cajetan
          
           thinketh
           .
           Therefore
           they
           answer
           also
           in
           the
           name
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           
             the
             Lord
             shall
             deliver
             it
             .
          
           'T
           is
           not
           likely
           that
           
             Iehosaphat
          
           would
           desire
           the
           prophets
           of
           
             Baal
          
           to
           be
           consulted
           ,
           or
           that
           he
           would
           hearken
           to
           them
           more
           then
           to
           the
           Prophet
           of
           the
           Lord
           
             Micajah
             ;
          
           yet
           in
           this
           he
           failed
           extremly
           ,
           that
           he
           had
           too
           far
           engaged
           himself
           to
           
             Ahab
             ,
          
           before
           the
           enquiring
           at
           the
           word
           of
           the
           Lord
           .
           How
           ever
           ,
           it
           seems
           ,
           he
           was
           by
           this
           enquiring
           seeking
           a
           faire
           way
           to
           come
           off
           again
           .
           6.
           
           
             Iehosaphats
          
           end
           was
           good
           ,
           
             Martyr
          
           on
           1
           
             Kings
          
           22.
           thinks
           
             Iehosaphat
          
           entered
           into
           this
           confederacy
           with
           
             Ahab
             ,
          
           for
           the
           peace
           and
           safety
           of
           his
           kingdome
           ,
           and
           to
           prevent
           a
           new
           War
           between
           
             Iudah
          
           and
           
             Israel
             ,
          
           such
           as
           had
           been
           between
           
             Asa
          
           his
           father
           ,
           and
           
             Baasha
          
           King
           of
           
             Israel
             ,
          
           for
           which
           end
           also
           
             Carthusian
             ●bid
             .
          
           thinks
           that
           
             Iehosaphat
          
           took
           
             Ahabs
          
           daughter
           to
           his
           son
           .
           Yet
           notwithstanding
           of
           all
           this
           the
           prophet
           
             Iehu●aith
          
           to
           him
           ,
           2
           
             Chron.
             19
             2
             Shouldest
             thou
             help
             the
             ungodly
             ,
             or
             love
             them
             that
             hate
             the
             Lord
             .
          
           The
           LXX
           ,
           read
           
             hated
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
          
           which
           comes
           all
           to
           one
           thing
           .
           And
           lest
           it
           should
           be
           thought
           a
           veniall
           or
           light
           matter
           ,
           he
           addeth
           ,
           
             therefore
             is
             wrath
             upon
             thee
             from
             before
             the
             Lord
             .
          
           So
           that
           from
           this
           example
           we
           learn
           ,
           that
           let
           us
           keep
           our selves
           unspotted
           of
           the
           false
           religion
           or
           errours
           of
           those
           with
           whom
           we
           associate
           ,
           let
           wicked
           men
           seem
           never
           so
           penitent
           ,
           and
           our
           relations
           to
           them
           be
           never
           so
           near
           ,
           let
           the
           common
           enemy
           be
           an
           Infidell
           ,
           let
           the
           cause
           be
           never
           so
           good
           ,
           let
           the
           manner
           of
           proceeding
           be
           never
           so
           pious
           ,
           and
           the
           end
           also
           good
           :
           yet
           all
           this
           cannot
           excuse
           nor
           justifie
           confederacies
           and
           associations
           with
           wicked
           and
           ungodly
           men
           .
           And
           if
           God
           was
           so
           angry
           at
           
           
             Iehosaphat
             ,
          
           when
           there
           were
           so
           many
           things
           concurring
           as
           might
           seem
           to
           excuse
           or
           extenuate
           his
           fault
           ,
           it
           being
           also
           in
           him
           a
           sin
           of
           infirmity
           only
           ,
           and
           not
           without
           a
           reluctation
           of
           conscience
           ,
           and
           a
           conflict
           of
           the
           spirit
           against
           the
           flesh
           (
           which
           
             Pareus
          
           upon
           1
           
             Kings
          
           22.
           doth
           well
           collect
           from
           his
           desire
           of
           enquiring
           at
           the
           word
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           that
           he
           might
           have
           occasion
           to
           come
           off
           )
           how
           much
           more
           will
           God
           be
           angry
           with
           such
           as
           go
           on
           with
           an
           high
           hand
           in
           this
           trespasse
           ,
           casting
           his
           word
           behind
           them
           ,
           and
           hating
           to
           be
           reformed
           .
        
         
           If
           it
           be
           further
           objected
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           not
           able
           without
           such
           confederacies
           and
           help
           to
           prosecute
           a
           great
           war
           alone
           .
           This
           also
           the
           Holy
           Ghost
           hath
           before
           hand
           answered
           ,
           in
           the
           example
           of
           
             Ahaz
          
           his
           confederacy
           with
           the
           King
           of
           
             Assyria
             ;
          
           for
           he
           had
           a
           great
           War
           to
           manage
           ,
           both
           against
           the
           
             Syrians
             ,
          
           and
           against
           the
           King
           of
           
             Israel
             ,
             2
             Kings
          
           16.
           7.
           also
           against
           the
           
             Edomites
          
           and
           
             Philistins
             ,
             2
             Chron.
          
           28.
           16
           ,
           17
           ,
           18.
           yet
           although
           he
           had
           so
           much
           to
           do
           ,
           this
           could
           not
           excuse
           the
           confederacy
           with
           the
           
             Assyrian
             :
          
           he
           should
           have
           trusted
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           not
           used
           unlawfull
           means
           .
           God
           can
           save
           by
           few
           as
           well
           as
           by
           many
           ;
           yea
           sometimes
           God
           thinks
           not
           fit
           to
           save
           by
           many
           .
           
             Iud.
          
           7.
           
           It
           shall
           not
           be
           the
           strength
           of
           battell
           to
           have
           unlawfull
           confederates
           ,
           but
           rather
           to
           want
           them
           ,
           
             Exod.
          
           23.
           22.
           
        
         
           If
           it
           be
           said
           it
           is
           dangerous
           to
           provock
           and
           incense
           many
           wicked
           men
           by
           casting
           them
           off
           .
           This
           is
           plainly
           answered
           from
           the
           example
           of
           
             Amaziah
          
           and
           the
           100000.
           men
           of
           
             Israel
          
           with
           him
           of
           which
           before
           .
           If
           furthermore
           objection
           be
           made
           ,
           that
           we
           must
           be
           gentle
           and
           patient
           towards
           all
           ,
           and
           in
           meeknesse
           instruct
           those
           that
           oppose
           themselves
           ,
           2
           
             Tim.
          
           2.
           24
           ,
           25.
           
           Answ.
           1.
           
           Yet
           he
           bids
           us
           turne
           away
           from
           the
           wicked
           ,
           Ibid.
           
           
             Ch.
          
           3.
           5.
           
           We
           ought
           in
           
           meeknesse
           to
           instruct
           even
           him
           that
           is
           excommunicate
           ,
           2
           
             Thess.
          
           3.
           15.
           yet
           we
           are
           there
           warned
           ,
           
             vers.
          
           14.
           to
           have
           no
           company
           with
           him
           .
           2.
           
           The
           Angel
           of
           the
           Church
           at
           
             Ephesus
             ,
          
           is
           at
           once
           commended
           ,
           both
           for
           his
           patience
           ,
           and
           that
           he
           could
           not
           bear
           them
           which
           were
           evill
           .
        
         
           I
           shall
           adde
           five
           distinctions
           which
           will
           take
           off
           all
           other
           ojections
           that
           I
           have
           yet
           met
           with
           .
           1.
           
           Distinguish
           between
           a
           confederacy
           which
           is
           more
           discretive
           and
           discriminative
           ,
           and
           a
           confederacy
           which
           is
           more
           unitive
           .
           And
           here
           is
           the
           reason
           why
           Covenants
           of
           peace
           and
           commerce
           even
           with
           infidels
           and
           wicked
           persons
           are
           allowed
           ,
           yet
           military
           associations
           with
           such
           ,
           disallowed
           :
           for
           the
           former
           keeps
           them
           and
           us
           still
           divided
           as
           two
           :
           the
           latter
           unites
           us
           and
           them
           ,
           as
           one
           ,
           and
           imbodieth
           us
           together
           with
           them
           :
           for
           
             Thuc●dides
          
           defines
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           to
           be
           such
           a
           Covenant
           as
           makes
           us
           and
           our
           confederates
           to
           have
           the
           same
           friends
           and
           enemies
           ;
           
           and
           t
           is
           mentioned
           by
           Writers
           as
           a
           further
           degree
           of
           Union
           then
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           or
           Covenants
           of
           peace
           .
           2.
           
           Distinguish
           between
           endeavour
           of
           duty
           and
           the
           perfection
           of
           the
           thing
           :
           which
           answers
           that
           exception
           ,
           
             O
             then
             ,
             we
             must
             have
             an
             Army
             all
             of
             Saints
             ,
          
           (
           it
           should
           bee
           said
           ,
           
             without
             any
             known
             wicked
             person
             in
             it
             ;
          
           )
           Now
           even
           as
           t
           is
           our
           dutie
           to
           endeavour
           a
           purging
           of
           the
           Church
           from
           wicked
           and
           scandalous
           persons
           ,
           yet
           when
           we
           have
           done
           all
           we
           can
           ,
           the
           Lords
           field
           shall
           not
           bee
           perfectly
           purged
           from
           tares
           till
           the
           end
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           
             Matth.
          
           13.
           
           So
           when
           we
           have
           done
           all
           that
           ever
           we
           can
           to
           avoid
           wicked
           persons
           in
           an
           expedition
           ,
           yet
           we
           cannot
           be
           rid
           of
           them
           all
           ;
           but
           we
           must
           use
           our
           utmost
           indeavours
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           be
           able
           to
           say
           ,
           t
           is
           our
           affliction
           ,
           not
           our
           fault
           .
           3
           Distinguish
           between
           some
           particular
           wicked
           persons
           ,
           here
           and
           there
           mixing
           themselves
           with
           us
           ;
           and
           between
           a
           wicked
           faction
           
           
           
           and
           malignant
           party
           :
           The
           former
           should
           be
           avoided
           as
           much
           as
           is
           possible
           :
           but
           much
           more
           a
           conjunction
           with
           a
           wicked
           faction
           .
           
             David
          
           would
           by
           no
           meanes
           meet
           and
           consult
           with
           the
           
             Kabal
             meregn●m
             ,
          
           the
           Assembly
           of
           Malig●ants
           ;
           neither
           did
           he
           only
           shunne
           to
           meet
           and
           consult
           with
           
             vaine
             persons
             ;
          
           who
           openly
           shew
           and
           bewray
           themselves
           ;
           but
           even
           
             with
             dissemblers
             ,
          
           or
           (
           as
           the
           
             Chaldee
             )
             with
             those
             that
             hide
             themselves
             that
             they
             may
             do
             evill
             .
          
           Psal.
           26.
           4
           ,
           5.
           
           We
           can
           know
           better
           how
           to
           do
           with
           a
           whole
           field
           of
           tares
           in
           which
           is
           no
           wheat
           ,
           then
           we
           can
           do
           with
           tares
           growing
           here
           and
           there
           among
           the
           wheat
           .
           4.
           
           Distinguish
           between
           such
           a
           fellowship
           with
           some
           wicked
           persons
           ,
           as
           is
           necessary
           (
           which
           is
           the
           case
           of
           those
           that
           are
           Married
           ,
           and
           of
           Parents
           and
           Children
           )
           or
           unavoidable
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           case
           of
           those
           ,
           whose
           lot
           is
           to
           cohabite
           in
           one
           Town
           ,
           or
           in
           one
           Family
           ,
           in
           a
           case
           of
           necessity
           travelling
           or
           sayling
           together
           ;
           Distinguish
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           between
           these
           and
           an
           elective
           or
           voluntary
           fellowship
           with
           wicked
           men
           ,
           when
           love
           to
           them
           ,
           or
           our
           own
           benefite
           draweth
           us
           thereunto
           .
           We
           neither
           loose
           naturall
           bonds
           ,
           nor
           require
           impossibilities
           ,
           but
           that
           we
           keep
           our selves
           pure
           by
           not
           choosing
           or
           consenting
           to
           such
           fellowship
           .
           5.
           
           Distinguish
           between
           infidels
           ,
           hereticks
           ,
           wicked
           persons
           ,
           repenting
           and
           those
           who
           go
           on
           in
           their
           trespasse
           :
           what
           ever
           men
           have
           been
           ,
           yet
           as
           soone
           as
           the
           signes
           of
           repentance
           and
           new
           fruits
           appear
           in
           them
           ,
           we
           are
           ready
           to
           receive
           them
           into
           favour
           and
           fellowship
           :
           Then
           indeed
           the
           Wolfe
           shall
           dwell
           with
           the
           Lamb
           ,
           and
           the
           Cow
           and
           the
           Bear
           shall
           feed
           ,
           their
           young
           ones
           shall
           lye
           down
           together
           ,
           meaning
           such
           as
           were
           Wolves
           ,
           Leopards
           ,
           Beares
           ,
           and
           now
           begin
           to
           change
           their
           nature
           :
           not
           so
           with
           the
           obstinate
           ,
           contumacious
           and
           impenitent
           ,
           who
           still
           remain
           Wolves
           ,
           
             &c
             ▪
          
        
         
           Let
           us
           now
           ,
           1.
           
           Examine
           our selves
           ,
           whether
           there
           
           be
           so
           much
           tendernesse
           of
           conscience
           in
           us
           ,
           as
           to
           close
           vvith
           those
           Scripture
           Truths
           ,
           or
           whether
           we
           are
           still
           in
           a
           way
           of
           consulting
           vvith
           flesh
           and
           blood
           .
           2.
           
           Be
           humbled
           for
           former
           miscarriages
           and
           failings
           in
           these
           particulars
           ,
           and
           for
           not
           vvalking
           accurately
           according
           to
           these
           Scripture
           Rules
           .
           3.
           
           Bevvare
           for
           the
           future
           :
           remember
           and
           apply
           these
           Rules
           vvhen
           vve
           have
           to
           do
           vvith
           the
           practise
           of
           them
           .
           And
           that
           I
           may
           drive
           home
           this
           naile
           to
           the
           head
           ,
           I
           adde
           (
           beside
           what
           was
           said
           before
           )
           these
           Reasons
           and
           Motives
           .
           First
           ,
           t
           is
           a
           great
           judgement
           when
           God
           
             mingleth
             a
             perverse
             Spirit
          
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           a
           people
           ,
           
             Isay
          
           19.
           14.
           shall
           we
           then
           make
           that
           a
           voluntary
           act
           of
           our
           own
           ,
           which
           the
           Word
           mentioneth
           as
           a
           dreadfull
           judgement
           ?
           With
           this
           spirituall
           judgement
           is
           oftentimes
           joyned
           a
           temporall
           judgement
           as
           2
           
             Chron.
          
           16.
           9.
           and
           20.
           37.
           and
           28.
           20.
           so
           
             Hos.
          
           5.
           13.
           7
           ,
           8
           ,
           compared
           with
           
             Hos.
          
           8.
           8
           ,
           9.
           where
           their
           judgement
           ,
           soundeth
           forth
           their
           sin
           as
           by
           an
           Eccho
           :
           The
           
             Chaldee
          
           paraprase
           in
           the
           place
           last
           cited
           saith
           ,
           
             The
             house
             of
             Israel
             is
             delivered
             into
             the
             hands
             of
             the
             people
             whom
             they
             loved
             .
          
           Secondly
           ,
           remember
           what
           followed
           upon
           Gods
           peoples
           mingling
           themselves
           with
           the
           heathen
           ,
           
             Psal.
             106.
             35.
             
             They
             were
             mingled
             among
             the
             heathen
             and
             learned
             their
             workes
             .
             Hos.
             7.
             8.
             
             E●hraim
             he
             hath
             mixed
             himself
             among
             the
             people
             ,
          
           that
           is
           ,
           by
           making
           confederacies
           with
           the
           heathen
           ,
           (
           as
           
             Lu●ther
          
           expounds
           the
           place
           )
           and
           by
           seeking
           their
           help
           and
           assistance
           ,
           
             Hos.
          
           5.
           13.
           
           But
           what
           followes
           ,
           
             Ephraim
             is
             a
             cake
             not
             turned
             ,
          
           hot
           and
           overbaken
           in
           the
           neither
           side
           ,
           but
           cold
           and
           raw
           in
           the
           upper
           side
           .
           This
           will
           prove
           the
           fruit
           of
           such
           confederacies
           and
           associations
           ,
           to
           make
           us
           zealous
           for
           some
           earthly
           or
           humane
           thing
           ,
           but
           remise
           and
           cold
           in
           the
           things
           of
           Christ
           ;
           to
           be
           too
           hote
           on
           our
           neither
           side
           ,
           and
           too
           raw
           on
           the
           upper
           side
           .
           Whereas
           not
           mingling
           our selves
           with
           the
           wicked
           :
           we
           shall
           through
           Gods
           
           mercy
           be
           like
           a
           cake
           turned
           ,
           that
           heat
           and
           zeal
           which
           was
           before
           downward
           ,
           shall
           now
           be
           upward
           ,
           heavenward
           ,
           Godward
           ,
           let
           it
           be
           also
           remembred
           ,
           how
           both
           
             Ahaz
             ,
          
           ●Kings
           16.
           10
           and
           
             Asa
          
           himself
           ,
           2
           
             Chron.
          
           16.
           10.
           
           (
           though
           a
           good
           man
           )
           were
           drawn
           into
           other
           great
           sins
           upon
           occasion
           of
           these
           associations
           with
           the
           enemies
           of
           God
           and
           his
           people
           :
           this
           sin
           will
           certainly
           ensnare
           men
           in
           other
           sins
           .
           T
           is
           well
           said
           by
           
             Calvin
          
           upon
           
             Ezek.
          
           16.
           26.
           that
           as
           we
           are
           too
           prone
           of
           our selves
           to
           wickednesse
           ,
           so
           when
           we
           enter
           into
           confederacies
           with
           wicked
           men
           ,
           we
           are
           but
           seeking
           new
           tentations
           ,
           and
           as
           it
           were
           a
           bellows
           to
           blow
           up
           our
           own
           corruptions
           ,
           as
           wine
           being
           mixed
           with
           water
           loseth
           of
           its
           spirits
           ,
           and
           white
           being
           mixed
           with
           black
           ,
           loseth
           much
           of
           its
           vvhitenesse
           :
           so
           the
           people
           of
           God
           ,
           if
           once
           mixed
           vvith
           vvicked
           enemies
           ,
           shall
           certainly
           losse
           of
           their
           purity
           and
           integrity
           .
           Thirdly
           ,
           as
           these
           unlavvfull
           confederacies
           dravv
           us
           both
           into
           great
           judgements
           and
           great
           sins
           ,
           so
           into
           a
           great
           security
           and
           stupidity
           under
           these
           great
           plagues
           and
           sins
           ,
           vvhich
           vvill
           make
           the
           estate
           of
           such
           to
           be
           yet
           vvorse
           ,
           
             Hos.
          
           7.
           9.
           after
           
             Ephraims
          
           mixing
           himself
           among
           the
           people
           ,
           t
           is
           added
           ,
           
             Strangers
             have
             devoured
             his
             strength
             ,
             and
             he
             knoweth
             it
             not
             ,
             yea
             ,
             gray
             haires
             are
             here
             and
             there
             upon
             him
             ,
             yet
             he
             knoweth
             it
             not
             :
          
           although
           his
           confederates
           have
           distressed
           him
           ,
           and
           not
           strengthned
           him
           ,
           and
           although
           there
           may
           be
           observed
           in
           him
           diverse
           signes
           of
           a
           decaying
           dying
           condition
           ,
           yet
           he
           knowe●
           it
           not
           ,
           nor
           takes
           it
           to
           heart
           ;
           The
           same
           thing
           is
           insisted
           upon
           
             vers
             .
             11.
             
             Ephraim
             als●●
             is
             like
             a
             silly
             Dove
             without
             heart
             ;
             They
             call
             to
             Egypt
             ,
             they
             go
             up
             to
             Assyria
             .
          
           He
           is
           as
           voide
           of
           understanding
           as
           a
           silly
           Dove
           ,
           whose
           nest
           being
           spoiled
           ,
           and
           
             her
             young
             ones
             token
             from
             her
          
           (
           vvhich
           the
           
             Chaldee
          
           paraphrase
           addeth
           for
           explications
           cause
           )
           yet
           she
           still
           returneth
           to
           those
           places
           vvhere
           ,
           and
           among
           those
           people
           by
           vvhom
           she
           hath
           been
           so
           spoiled
           ;
           So
           
             Israel
          
           vvill
           still
           bee
           meddling
           vvith
           those
           that
           
           have
           done
           him
           great
           hurt
           .
           Fourthly
           ,
           vve
           finde
           that
           such
           confederacie
           or
           association
           either
           vvith
           idolaters
           or
           knovvn
           impious
           persons
           ,
           is
           seldome
           or
           never
           recorded
           in
           the
           Book
           of
           God
           ,
           vvithout
           a
           reproof
           ,
           or
           some
           greater
           marke
           of
           Gods
           displeasure
           put
           upon
           it
           .
           If
           it
           vvere
           like
           the
           Polygamie
           of
           the
           P●triarchs
           ,
           often
           mentioned
           and
           not
           reproved
           ,
           it
           vvere
           the
           lesse
           marvell
           to
           hear
           it
           so
           much
           debated
           .
           But
           novv
           vvhen
           God
           hath
           purposely
           set
           so
           many
           Beacons
           upon
           those
           rockes
           ,
           and
           Shelves
           that
           we
           may
           beware
           of
           them
           ,
           O
           why
           shall
           we
           be
           so
           mad
           ,
           as
           still
           to
           run
           upon
           them
           .
           It
           was
           reproved
           in
           the
           time
           of
           the
           Judges
           ,
           
             Iudg.
          
           2.
           1
           ,
           2
           ,
           3.
           
           It
           was
           reproved
           in
           the
           time
           of
           the
           Kings
           ;
           
             A●abs
          
           Covenant
           with
           
             Benhadad
             ,
             Asa's
          
           Covenant
           with
           
             Benhadad
             ,
             Ahaz
          
           his
           confederacy
           with
           the
           
             Assyrian
             ;
             Iehosaphats
          
           association
           ,
           first
           with
           
             Ahab
             ,
          
           then
           with
           
             Ahaziab
             :
             Amaziahs
          
           association
           with
           those
           100000.
           men
           of
           
             Ephraim
             ,
          
           when
           God
           was
           not
           with
           them
           ,
           all
           those
           are
           plainly
           dis●llowed
           and
           condemned
           .
           Moreover
           that
           reproof
           ,
           
             Ier.
             2.
             18.
             
             And
             now
             ,
             what
             hast
             thou
             to
             do
             in
             the
             way
             of
             Egypt
             ,
             to
             drink
             the
             waters
             of
             Sihor
             ?
             Or
             what
             hast
             thou
             to
             do
             in
             the
             way
             of
          
           Assyria
           ,
           
             to
             drink
             the
             waters
             of
             the
             river
             ?
          
           the
           Chaldee
           hath
           thus
           ;
           
             what
             have
             yee
             to
             do
             to
             associate
             with
          
           Pharaoh
           
             King
             of
             Egypt
             —
             And
             what
             have
             ye
             to
             do
             to
             make
             a
             Covenant
             with
             the
          
           Assyrian
           ?
           Again
           after
           the
           captivity
           ,
           
             Ezra
          
           9.
           the
           
             Iewes
          
           mingling
           of
           themselves
           with
           the
           heathen
           is
           lamented
           .
           Fifthly
           ,
           the
           great
           and
           precious
           promises
           of
           God
           ,
           may
           encourage
           us
           so
           ,
           as
           we
           shall
           never
           say
           to
           the
           wicked
           ,
           a
           
             confederacy
             :
          
           for
           upon
           condition
           of
           our
           avoiding
           all
           such
           confederacies
           and
           con●unctions
           ,
           God
           promiseth
           never
           to
           break
           his
           Covenant
           with
           us
           ,
           
             Iudg.
          
           2.
           1
           ,
           2.
           and
           to
           receive
           us
           as
           his
           Sons
           and
           Daughters
           ,
           2
           
             Cor.
          
           6.
           14
           16
           ,
           17
           ,
           18.
           
           Sixthly
           ,
           t
           is
           one
           of
           Gods
           great
           mercies
           which
           he
           hath
           Covenanted
           and
           promised
           ,
           
             I
             will
             purge
             out
             from
             among
             you
             the
             Rebels
             and
             them
             that
             transgresse
             against
             me
             ,
             Ezek.
          
           20.
           38.
           
           
           Why
           should
           we
           then
           forsake
           our
           own
           mercy
           ,
           and
           despise
           the
           counsell
           of
           God
           against
           our
           own
           soules
           ?
           Seventhly
           ,
           as
           it
           was
           in
           
             Asa
          
           his
           experience
           ,
           2
           
             Chron.
          
           16.
           7●
           8.
           so
           it
           hath
           been
           in
           our
           own
           ,
           God
           hath
           done
           his
           greatest
           works
           for
           us
           ,
           when
           we
           were
           most
           unmixed
           with
           such
           men
           .
        
         
           There
           is
           another
           Objection
           ,
           which
           at
           the
           writing
           hereof
           I
           have
           met
           with
           :
           'T
           is
           
             Davids
          
           confederacy
           and
           association
           both
           with
           
             Abn●r
             ,
             2
             Sam.
          
           3.
           12
           ,
           13.
           and
           with
           
             Amasa
             ,
             2
             Sam.
          
           19.
           13.
           whom
           according
           to
           agreement
           he
           made
           Generall
           of
           of
           his
           Hoste
           ,
           2
           
             Sam.
          
           20.
           4.
           although
           both
           of
           them
           had
           been
           
             Davids
          
           enemies
           ,
           and
           born
           Arms
           against
           him
           ,
           
             Abner
          
           being
           also
           scandalous
           ,
           both
           for
           his
           whoredome
           ,
           2
           
             Sam.
          
           3.
           7.
           and
           his
           treachery
           against
           
             Ishbosheth
          
           in
           aspyring
           to
           the
           Crown
           (
           which
           is
           collected
           from
           his
           going
           in
           unto
           
             Saules
          
           Concubine
           ,
           as
           
             Absolom
          
           did
           unto
           
             Davids
          
           afterward
           )
           yea
           for
           that
           he
           had
           born
           Arms
           against
           
             David
             ,
          
           when
           he
           knew
           that
           God
           had
           swo●n
           to
           make
           
             David
          
           King
           ,
           and
           so
           against
           the
           light
           of
           his
           conscience
           ,
           2
           
             Sam
          
           3.
           9.
           18.
           
           Answ.
           1.
           
           
             Peter
             Martyr
          
           commenting
           upon
           those
           places
           ,
           disalloweth
           
             Davids
          
           practise
           in
           both
           these
           cases
           ,
           especially
           his
           League
           with
           
             Abner
             .
          
           Should
           we
           follow
           these
           two
           examples
           ,
           not
           being
           allowed
           or
           commended
           in
           Scripture
           ?
           or
           should
           we
           not
           rather
           avoid
           such
           consederacies
           ,
           because
           of
           many
           examples
           thereof
           ,
           plainly
           condemned
           in
           the
           Word
           of
           GOD
           ?
           2.
           
           Whatsoever
           may
           be
           conceived
           to
           be
           allowable
           or
           excusable
           in
           these
           examples
           of
           
             David
          
           yet
           it
           cannot
           be
           applyed
           ,
           except
           in
           like
           cases
           .
           When
           
             David●ovenanted
          
           with
           
             Abner
             ,
          
           he
           was
           but
           King
           of
           
             Iudah
             ,
             Abner
          
           undertaks
           to
           bring
           about
           all
           
             Israel
          
           to
           him
           ,
           and
           that
           he
           should
           make
           him
           reigne
           over
           all
           the
           tribes
           ,
           whereas
           otherwise
           there
           was
           no
           appearance
           of
           
             Davids
          
           subduing
           of
           all
           the
           other
           t●ibes
           ;
           but
           by
           a
           long
           and
           bloudy
           War
           .
           Again
           when
           
             David
          
           cov●nanted
           and
           capitulated
           with
           
             Amasa
             ,
          
           he
           was
           in
           a
           manner
           fled
           our
           of
           the
           land
           for
           
             Absolon
             ,
             2
             Sam.
          
           19.
           9.
           and
           was
           forced
           to
           
           abide
           in
           the
           land
           of
           
             Gilead
          
           beyond
           
             Iordan
             ,
          
           
           fearing
           also
           (
           as
           interpreters
           observe
           )
           that
           the
           men
           of
           
             Iudah
          
           having
           strengthened
           
             Ierusalem
          
           and
           kept
           it
           with
           a
           garrison
           for
           
             Absolom
          
           and
           having
           done
           so
           much
           in
           assisting
           
             Absolom
          
           against
           
             David
             ,
          
           should
           grow
           desperate
           in
           holding
           out
           against
           him
           ,
           hoping
           for
           no
           mercy
           ,
           therefore
           he
           is
           content
           to
           make
           
             Amasa
          
           Generall
           of
           his
           Army
           ,
           upon
           condition
           that
           he
           would
           cause
           the
           men
           of
           
             Iudah
          
           to
           bring
           him
           back
           to
           
             Ierusalem
             ,
          
           which
           
             Amasa
          
           moves
           the
           men
           of
           
             Iudah
          
           to
           do
           ;
           2
           
             Sam.
          
           19.
           14.
           for
           it
           was
           done
           by
           his
           authoritie
           ,
           as
           
             Iosephus
          
           also
           writeth
           ,
           
           nor
           could
           it
           be
           done
           without
           his
           authority
           ,
           for
           
             Absolom
          
           and
           
             Ahitophel
          
           being
           dead
           ,
           
             Amasa
          
           had
           the
           whole
           power
           and
           sole
           headship
           of
           that
           Army
           and
           of
           all
           that
           faction
           that
           had
           followed
           
             Absolom
             .
          
           Now
           then
           let
           them
           that
           will
           plead
           for
           the
           lawfulnesse
           of
           confederacies
           with
           wicked
           persons
           from
           these
           examples
           of
           
             David
             ,
          
           first
           make
           the
           case
           alike
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           that
           the
           wicked
           one
           have
           power
           of
           an
           Army
           ,
           and
           of
           a
           great
           part
           of
           the
           body
           of
           a
           Kingdome
           ,
           to
           make
           them
           either
           continue
           in
           Rebellion
           and
           enmity
           or
           to
           come
           in
           and
           submit
           .
           Next
           let
           it
           be
           remembred
           that
           both
           
             Abner
          
           and
           
             Amasa
          
           did
           a
           great
           service
           ,
           (
           which
           was
           most
           meritorious
           at
           the
           hands
           of
           men
           )
           for
           the
           good
           ,
           peace
           ,
           and
           safety
           of
           King
           and
           Kingdom
           ,
           and
           they
           did
           it
           at
           that
           time
           also
           when
           
             David
          
           was
           but
           weak
           ,
           and
           they
           had
           power
           enough
           to
           have
           continued
           a
           War
           against
           him
           .
           Which
           is
           a
           very
           rare
           case
           ,
           &
           far
           different
           from
           the
           case
           of
           such
           as
           have
           done
           &
           are
           doing
           all
           that
           they
           can
           to
           pervert
           and
           mislead
           many
           thousands
           of
           the
           people
           of
           God
           ,
           instead
           of
           reduducing
           many
           thousands
           to
           obedience
           ,
           as
           
             Abner
          
           and
           
             Amasa
          
           did
           .
           3.
           
           There
           are
           some
           other
           answers
           proper
           to
           the
           one
           case
           and
           the
           other
           .
           There
           is
           nothing
           in
           the
           Text
           to
           prove
           ,
           that
           
             David
          
           made
           such
           a
           Covenant
           with
           
             Abner
             ,
          
           as
           the
           Grecians
           call
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           ,
           or
           that
           the
           Covenanted
           to
           make
           him
           General
           of
           his
           Army
           ,
           (
           as
           afterwards
           he
           Covenanted
           with
           
             Amasa
          
           )
           for
           at
           that
           time
           he
           could
           have
           no
           colour
           of
           reason
           for
           casting
           
             Ioab
          
           
           out
           of
           his
           place
           ,
           as
           afterwards
           he
           had
           ;
           Therefore
           I
           understand
           with
           
             Sanctus
          
           that
           the
           League
           which
           
             Abner
          
           sought
           from
           
             David
          
           was
           
             Foedus
             pacis
             ,
          
           a
           Covenant
           of
           peace
           ,
           
             Hyerome
          
           readeth
           ,
           
             fac
             mecum
             amicitias
             ,
          
           make
           friendship
           with
           me
           ,
           for
           before
           ,
           they
           had
           been
           enemies
           ,
           So
           that
           this
           League
           is
           not
           of
           that
           kind
           which
           is
           chiefly
           controverted
           .
           As
           for
           
             Amasa
             ,
          
           I
           shall
           not
           go
           about
           (
           as
           some
           have
           done
           )
           to
           excuse
           or
           extenuate
           his
           fault
           in
           joining
           with
           
             Absolom
             ,
          
           
           as
           not
           being
           from
           any
           malice
           or
           wicked
           intention
           against
           
             David
          
           his
           Uncle
           ;
           But
           there
           is
           some
           probability
           that
           
             Amasa
          
           was
           a
           penitent
           and
           hopefull
           man
           .
           Sure
           
             David
          
           had
           better
           hopes
           of
           him
           ,
           then
           of
           
             Ioab
             :
          
           And
           if
           it
           be
           true
           which
           
             Iosephus
          
           writeth
           that
           before
           
             David
          
           sent
           
             Zadok
          
           and
           
             Abiathar
          
           to
           the
           men
           of
           
             Iudah
          
           and
           to
           
             Amasa
             ,
          
           frequent
           messages
           came
           from
           them
           to
           the
           King
           ,
           
           desireing
           to
           be
           received
           into
           his
           favour
           ;
           however
           
             Amasa
          
           being
           so
           willing
           and
           ready
           to
           do
           so
           much
           for
           
             David
             ,
          
           when
           hee
           might
           have
           done
           so
           much
           against
           him
           ,
           
             David
          
           as
           he
           could
           not
           do
           his
           busines
           without
           him
           ,
           so
           he
           had
           some
           ground
           to
           hope
           well
           of
           him
           ;
           considering
           withall
           that
           
             Amasa
          
           was
           not
           set
           upon
           this
           businesse
           by
           any
           offence
           or
           displeasure
           at
           the
           other
           party
           ,
           as
           
             Abner
          
           was
           .
           4.
           
           Even
           as
           this
           example
           ,
           so
           far
           as
           concerneth
           the
           laying
           aside
           and
           casting
           off
           of
           
             Ioab
             ,
          
           and
           not
           preferring
           his
           brother
           
             Abisha
          
           in
           his
           room
           (
           both
           of
           them
           being
           guilty
           of
           
             Abners
          
           bloud
           .
           2
           
             Sam.
          
           3.
           3●
           .
           and
           both
           of
           them
           being
           too
           hard
           for
           
             David
          
           )
           helpeth
           to
           strengthen
           that
           which
           I
           have
           been
           pleading
           for
           .
        
         
           The
           point
           being
           now
           so
           fully
           cleared
           from
           Scripture
           ,
           there
           is
           the
           lesse
           reason
           to
           argue
           contrariwise
           from
           humane
           exemples
           in
           Christian
           States
           and
           Common
           wealthes
           .
           
           The
           Word
           of
           GOD
           must
           not
           stoupe
           to
           mens
           practises
           ,
           but
           they
           to
           it
           .
           Yet
           even
           among
           those
           whose
           exemple
           is
           alledged
           for
           the
           contrary
           opinion
           ,
           there
           want
           not
           instances
           for
           cautiousnesse
           and
           conscientiousnesse
           in
           choosing
           or
           r●fusing
           confederats
           :
           As
           
           namely
           among
           the
           
             Helvetians
          
           or
           
             Su●●zers
             .
          
           They
           of
           
             Zurik
          
           and
           
             Berne
             ,
          
           when
           once
           refo●med
           renounced
           ,
           their
           League
           made
           before
           with
           the
           
             French
          
           King
           ,
           for
           assisting
           him
           in
           his
           Wars
           ,
           and
           resolved
           only
           to
           keep
           peace
           with
           him
           ;
           but
           would
           not
           continue
           the
           League
           of
           
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
             {non-Roman}
          
           ,
           or
           joining
           with
           him
           in
           his
           Wars
           .
           And
           whatsoever
           were
           the
           old
           Leagues
           about
           300
           years
           ago
           ,
           
           mutually
           binding
           those
           Cantons
           each
           to
           other
           ,
           for
           aid
           and
           succour
           ,
           and
           for
           the
           Common
           defence
           of
           their
           Countrey
           ,
           and
           for
           preservation
           of
           their
           particular
           Rights
           and
           Liberties
           ,
           and
           for
           a
           way
           of
           decideing
           controversies
           and
           pleas
           between
           men
           of
           one
           canton
           and
           of
           another
           ,
           (
           which
           Leagues
           are
           recorded
           by
           those
           that
           write
           of
           that
           Common
           wealth
           )
           yet
           after
           the
           Reformation
           of
           Religion
           ,
           there
           was
           so
           much
           zeal
           on
           both
           sides
           ,
           that
           it
           grew
           to
           a
           War
           between
           the
           Popish
           and
           the
           Protestant
           Cantons
           ,
           wherein
           as
           the
           Popish
           side
           strengthened
           themselves
           by
           a
           confederacy
           with
           
             Ferdinand
          
           the
           Emperours
           brother
           ,
           
           so
           the
           Protestant
           side
           ,
           
             Zurik
             ,
             Berne
             ,
          
           and
           
             Basil
          
           entered
           into
           a
           confederacy
           ,
           first
           with
           the
           City
           of
           
             Strasburgh
             ,
          
           and
           shortly
           thereafter
           with
           the
           
             Lantgrave
          
           of
           
             Hesse
             ,
          
           that
           thereby
           they
           might
           be
           strengthened
           and
           aided
           against
           the
           Popish
           Cantons
           .
           The
           differences
           in
           Religion
           put
           them
           to
           it
           to
           choose
           other
           confederates
           .
           Neverthelesse
           ,
           I
           can
           easily
           admit
           vvhat
           
             Lavater
          
           judiciously
           observeth
           ,
           upon
           
             Ezek.
          
           16.
           26
           ,
           27
           ,
           28
           ,
           29.
           that
           Covenants
           made
           before
           true
           Religion
           did
           shine
           among
           a
           people
           are
           not
           to
           be
           rashly
           broken
           ,
           even
           as
           the
           beleeving
           husband
           ought
           not
           to
           put
           away
           the
           unbeleeving
           wife
           ,
           whom
           he
           married
           when
           himself
           also
           was
           an
           unbel●ever
           ,
           if
           she
           be
           willing
           still
           to
           abide
           with
           him
           .
           Whatsoever
           may
           be
           said
           for
           such
           Covenants
           ,
           yet
           confederacies
           with
           enemies
           of
           true
           Religion
           ,
           made
           after
           the
           light
           of
           Reformation
           ,
           are
           altogether
           unexcusable
           .
        
         
           Peradventur
           some
           have
           yet
           another
           Objection
           :
           this
           is
           an
           hard
           saying
           (
           say
           diverse
           malignants
           )
           we
           are
           looked
           upon
           
           as
           enemies
           ,
           if
           we
           come
           not
           in
           and
           take
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           yet
           when
           we
           are
           come
           in
           and
           have
           taken
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           we
           are
           still
           esteemed
           enemies
           to
           the
           Cause
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           to
           his
           servants
           .
           
             Answer
             ,
          
           This
           is
           just
           as
           if
           those
           traitors
           ,
           Covenant-breakers
           ,
           and
           other
           scandalous
           persons
           ,
           from
           which
           the
           Apostle
           bids
           us
           turne
           away
           ,
           2
           
             Tim.
          
           3.
           5.
           had
           objected
           ,
           if
           we
           have
           no
           forme
           of
           Godlinesse
           ,
           we
           are
           looked
           upon
           as
           aliens
           ,
           and
           such
           as
           are
           not
           to
           be
           numbred
           among
           Gods
           people
           ,
           yet
           now
           when
           we
           have
           taken
           on
           a
           forme
           of
           Godlinesse
           ,
           we
           are
           in
           no
           better
           esteem
           with
           
             Paul
             ,
          
           but
           still
           he
           will
           have
           Christians
           to
           turne
           away
           from
           us
           :
           Yea
           ,
           t
           is
           as
           if
           workers
           of
           iniquity
           living
           in
           the
           true
           Church
           ,
           should
           object
           against
           Christ
           himself
           ,
           if
           we
           pray
           not
           ,
           if
           we
           hear
           not
           the
           Word
           ,
           
             &c.
          
           we
           are
           not
           accepted
           ,
           but
           rejected
           for
           the
           neglect
           of
           necessary
           duties
           ,
           yet
           when
           we
           have
           prayed
           ,
           heard
           ,
           
             &c.
          
           we
           are
           told
           for
           all
           that
           ,
           
             Depart
             from
             me
             ye
             warkers
             of
             iniquity
             ,
             I
             never
             knew
             you
             .
          
           Men
           must
           be
           iudged
           according
           to
           their
           fruits
           ,
           according
           to
           their
           words
           and
           works
           ,
           and
           course
           of
           living
           ;
           and
           if
           any
           who
           have
           taken
           the
           Covenant
           shew
           themselves
           in
           their
           words
           and
           actions
           to
           be
           still
           wicked
           enemies
           ,
           our
           eyes
           must
           not
           be
           put
           out
           with
           their
           hand
           at
           the
           Covenant
           .
        
         
           If
           any
           disaffected
           shall
           still
           insist
           and
           say
           ;
           But
           why
           then
           are
           we
           received
           both
           to
           the
           Covenant
           and
           to
           the
           Sacrament
           ,
           nay
           ,
           why
           are
           we
           forced
           and
           compelled
           into
           the
           Covenant
           .
           Answ.
           1.
           
           If
           any
           known
           malignaut
           or
           complier
           with
           the
           rebels
           or
           with
           any
           enemy
           of
           this
           Cause
           hath
           been
           received
           either
           to
           the
           Covenant
           or
           Sacrament
           ,
           without
           signes
           of
           Repentance
           for
           the
           former
           malignancy
           ,
           and
           scandale
           (
           such
           signes
           of
           Repentance
           I
           mean
           ,
           as
           men
           in
           Charity
           ought
           to
           be
           satisfied
           with
           )
           't
           is
           more
           then
           Ministers
           and
           Elderships
           ●an
           answer
           〈◊〉
           to
           Go●
           ,
           or
           to
           the
           Acts
           and
           constitutions
           of
           
           this
           Nationall
           Church
           .
           I
           trust
           all
           faithfull
           and
           conscientious
           Ministers
           have
           laboured
           to
           keep
           themselves
           pure
           in
           such
           things
           .
           Yea
           the
           Generall
           Assembly
           hath
           ordained
           that
           known
           compliers
           with
           the
           rebels
           ,
           and
           such
           as
           did
           procure
           protections
           from
           the
           enemy
           ,
           or
           keep
           correspondence
           and
           intelligence
           with
           him
           ,
           shall
           be
           suspended
           from
           the
           Lords
           Supper
           ,
           till
           they
           manifest
           their
           Repentance
           before
           the
           Co●gregation
           .
           Now
           if
           any
           after
           signes
           and
           declaration
           of
           Repentance
           have
           turned
           again
           to
           their
           old
           wayes
           of
           malignancy
           ,
           their
           iniquity
           be
           upon
           themselves
           ,
           not
           upon
           us
           .
           2.
           
           Men
           are
           no
           otherwise
           drawn
           or
           forced
           into
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           then
           into
           other
           necessary
           duties
           .
           Nay
           it
           ought
           notto
           be
           called
           a
           forceing
           or
           compelling
           .
           Are
           men
           forced
           to
           ●pare
           their
           neighbours
           life
           ,
           because
           murthet
           is
           severly
           punished
           ?
           or
           are
           men
           compelled
           to
           be
           loyall
           ,
           because
           traitors
           are
           exemplarily
           punish●d●
           There
           may
           and
           must
           be
           a
           willingnesse
           and
           freenesse
           in
           the
           doing
           of
           the
           contrary
           duty
           ;
           although
           great
           sins
           must
           not
           go
           away
           unpunished
           .
           Men
           are
           not
           compelled
           to
           vertue
           ,
           because
           vice
           is
           punished
           ,
           else
           vertue
           were
           not
           vertue
           .
           Those
           that
           refuse
           the
           Covenant
           reproach
           it
           ,
           or
           rail
           against
           it
           ,
           ought
           to
           be
           looked
           upon
           as
           enemies
           to
           it
           ,
           and
           dealt
           with
           accordingly
           :
           yet
           if
           any
           man
           were
           known
           to
           take
           the
           Covenant
           against
           his
           will
           ,
           he
           were
           not
           to
           be
           received
           .
           3.
           
           These
           two
           may
           well
           stand
           together
           ,
           to
           censure
           the
           contempt
           or
           neglect
           of
           a
           duty
           ,
           and
           withall
           to
           censure
           wickednesse
           in
           the
           person
           that
           hath
           taken
           up
           the
           practise
           of
           the
           duty
           .
           If
           any
           
             Israelite
          
           would
           not
           worship
           the
           true
           God
           ,
           he
           was
           to
           be
           put
           to
           death
           ,
           2
           
             Chron.
          
           15.
           13.
           but
           withall
           ,
           if
           ,
           worshipping
           the
           true
           God
           ,
           he
           was
           found
           to
           be
           a
           murtherer
           ,
           an
           adulterer
           ,
           
             &c.
          
           for
           this
           also
           he
           was
           to
           be
           put
           to
           death
           .
           The
           Generall
           Assembly
           of
           this
           Church
           hath
           appointed
           that
           such
           as
           after
           admonition
           continue
           in
           an
           usuall
           neglect
           of
           Prayer
           ,
           and
           the
           Worship
           of
           God
           in
           their
           Families
           ,
           shall
           be
           suspended
           from
           
           the
           Lords
           Supper
           ,
           till
           they
           amend
           .
           Yet
           if
           any
           man
           shall
           be
           found
           to
           make
           Familie
           Worship
           a
           cloak
           to
           his
           swearing
           ,
           drunkennesse
           ,
           adultery
           or
           the
           like
           ,
           must
           these
           scandalous
           sinnes
           be
           uncensured
           ,
           because
           he
           hath
           taken
           upon
           him
           a
           forme
           of
           godlinesse
           ?
           God
           forbid
           .
           'T
           is
           just
           so
           here
           ,
           ref●●sers
           of
           the
           Covenant
           and
           railers
           against
           it
           ,
           are
           justly
           censured
           ?
           but
           withall
           if
           wickednesse
           and
           malignancy
           be
           found
           in
           any
           that
           have
           taken
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           their
           offence
           and
           censure
           is
           not
           to
           be
           extenuated
           ,
           but
           to
           be
           aggravated
           .
        
         
           I
           had
           been
           but
           very
           short
           in
           the
           handling
           of
           this
           Question
           if
           new
           objections
           coming
           to
           my
           eares
           had
           not
           drawn
           mee
           forth
           to
           this
           length
           .
           And
           now
           I
           find
           one
           objection
           more
           .
           Some
           say
           ,
           the
           arguments
           before
           brought
           from
           Scripture
           prove
           not
           the
           unlawfulnesse
           of
           confederacies
           and
           associations
           with
           Idolaters
           .
           Hereticks
           or
           prophane
           persons
           of
           the
           same
           Kingdom
           ,
           but
           only
           with
           those
           of
           another
           Kingdome
           .
           Answ.
           1.
           
           Then
           by
           the
           concession
           of
           those
           that
           make
           the
           objection
           ,
           't
           is
           at
           least
           unlawfull
           to
           associate
           ourselves
           with
           any
           of
           another
           Kingdome
           ,
           who
           are
           of
           a
           false
           religion
           or
           wicked
           life
           .
           2.
           
           If
           familiar
           fellowship
           even
           with
           the
           wicked
           of
           the
           same
           kingdom
           be
           unlawfull
           ,
           then
           is
           a
           military
           association
           with
           them
           unlawfull
           ;
           for
           it
           cannot
           be
           without
           cousulting
           ,
           conferring
           ,
           conversing
           frequently
           together
           .
           It
           were
           a
           prophane
           abusing
           and
           mocknig
           of
           Scripture
           to
           say
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           forbidden
           to
           converse
           familiarly
           with
           the
           ungodly
           of
           another
           kingdom
           ,
           but
           not
           with
           the
           ungodly
           of
           the
           same
           kingdome
           ,
           or
           that
           we
           are
           forbidden
           to
           marry
           with
           the
           ungodly
           of
           another
           kingdome
           ,
           but
           not
           with
           the
           ungodly
           of
           the
           same
           kingdome
           ;
           for
           what
           is
           this
           but
           to
           open
           a
           wide
           gate
           upon
           the
           one
           hand
           ,
           while
           we
           seem
           to
           shut
           a
           narrow
           gate
           upon
           the
           other
           hand
           ?
           3.
           
           Were
           not
           those
           military
           associations
           ,
           2
           
             Chron.
          
           19.
           2.
           and
           25.
           7
           ,
           8.
           condemned
           upon
           this
           
           reason
           ,
           because
           the
           associats
           were
           ungodly
           ,
           haters
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           because
           God
           was
           not
           with
           them
           .
           Now
           then
           
             à
             quatenus
             ad
             omne
             .
          
           The
           reason
           holds
           equally
           against
           associations
           with
           any
           of
           whom
           it
           can
           be
           truly
           said
           ,
           they
           are
           ungodly
           ,
           haters
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           God
           is
           not
           with
           them
           .
           4.
           
           God
           would
           have
           the
           Camp
           of
           
             Israel
          
           altogether
           holy
           and
           clean
           ,
           
             Deut.
          
           23.
           9.
           to
           14.
           clean
           from
           whom
           ?
           not
           so
           much
           from
           wicked
           heathens
           (
           there
           was
           not
           so
           much
           fear
           of
           that
           )
           as
           from
           wicked
           
             Israelites
             .
          
           5.
           
           Saith
           not
           
             David
             ,
             I
             will
             early
             destroy
             all
             the
             wicked
             of
             the
             land
             ,
             Psal.
          
           1
           1
           8.
           and
           ,
           
             De●
             part
             from
             me
             all
             ye
             workers
             of
             iniquity
             ,
             Psal.
          
           6.
           9.
           
           How
           can
           it
           then
           be
           imagined
           that
           he
           would
           make
           any
           of
           them
           his
           associats
           and
           helpers
           in
           War
           ?
        
         
           Amandus
           Polanus
           Coment.
           in
           
             Ezek.
          
           16
           ,
           26
           ,
           27
           ,
           28.
           
        
         
           Qui
           Ecclesie
           scortation●●●
           ,
           bac
           est
           ,
           idololatriam
           vel
           falsam
           doctrinam
           ,
           &
           consedrations
           cum
           impis
           reprehendit
           ,
           non
           est
           H●reticus
           ,
           non
           est
           Shismaticus
           ,
           nonest
           ingratus
           advers●
           〈◊〉
           Ecclesiam●
           Ali●qui●
           〈◊〉
           Ezekiel
           cum
           
             Jeremiâ
             ,
          
           aliisu●●
           Prophetis
           ,
           f●iss●t
           〈…〉
           .
        
      
       
       
         
           TO
           THE
           RIGHT
           REVEREND
           ,
           The
           Commission
           of
           the
           GENERALL
           ASSEMBLY
           .
        
         
           My
           very
           Reverend
           and
           dear
           Brethren
           ,
        
         
           ALthough
           the
           LORDS
           hand
           detaineth
           me
           from
           attending
           Your
           meetings
           ,
           yet
           as
           long
           as
           I
           can
           write
           or
           speak
           ,
           I
           dar
           not
           be
           silent
           ,
           no●
           conceal
           my
           thoughts
           of
           any
           sinfull
           and
           dangerous
           course
           in
           the
           publick
           proceedings
           .
           Having
           therefore
           heard
           of
           some
           motions
           and
           beginnings
           of
           complyance
           with
           those
           who
           have
           been
           so
           deeply
           engaged
           in
           a
           War
           distructive
           to
           Religion
           ,
           and
           the
           Liberties
           of
           the
           Kingdomes
           ;
           I
           cannot
           but
           discharge
           my
           conscience
           in
           giving
           a
           Testimony
           against
           all
           such
           complyance
           .
           I
           know
           ,
           and
           am
           perswaded
           ,
           that
           all
           the
           faithfull
           Witnesses
           that
           gave
           Testimony
           to
           the
           Thesis
           ,
           that
           the
           late
           Engagement
           was
           contrary
           and
           distructive
           to
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           will
           also
           give
           Testimony
           to
           the
           Appendi●
           :
           That
           complyance
           with
           any
           who
           have
           beene
           active
           in
           that
           Engagement
           is
           most
           sinfull
           and
           unlawfull
           .
           I
           am
           not
           able
           to
           expresse
           all
           the
           evils
           of
           that
           complyance
           ,
           they
           are
           so
           many
           ;
           Sure
           I
           am
           ,
           it
           were
           a
           hardening
           of
           the
           malignant
           Party
           ,
           a
           wounding
           of
           the
           hearts
           of
           the
           Godly
           ;
           a
           infinite
           wronging
           of
           those
           who
           from
           their
           affection
           to
           the
           Covenant
           and
           Cause
           of
           GOD
           ,
           have
           taken
           their
           life
           in
           their
           hand
           ;
           A
           great
           scandall
           to
           our
           Brethren
           of
           
             England
             ,
          
           who
           as
           they
           have
           been
           strengthened
           and
           encouraged
           by
           the
           hearing
           of
           the
           zeal
           and
           integrity
           of
           the
           well
           affected
           in
           this
           Kingdome
           ,
           and
           how
           they
           opposed
           the
           late
           Engagement
           :
           So
           they
           would
           be
           as
           much
           scandalized
           to
           hear
           of
           a
           complyance
           with
           malignants
           now
           .
           Yea
           ,
           all
           that
           hear
           of
           it
           might
           justly
           stand
           amazed
           at
           us
           ,
           and
           look
           on
           us
           as
           a
           people
           insatuated
           ,
           that
           can
           take
           in
           our
           besome
           the
           fiery
           Serpents
           that
           have
           slung
           us
           so
           sore
           .
        
         
           But
           above
           all
           ,
           that
           which
           would
           heighten
           this
           sin
           even
           to
           the
           he●vens
           ,
           is
           this
           ,
           That
           it
           were
           not
           only
           a
           horrible
           backsliding
           ,
           but
           a
           backsliding
           into
           that
           very
           sin
           which
           was
           specially
           pointed
           at
           ,
           and
           punished
           by
           the
           prevalencie
           of
           the
           malignant
           Party
           :
           GOD
           justly
           making
           them
           thornes
           and
           scourges
           who
           was
           taken
           
           in
           as
           Friends
           ,
           without
           any
           reall
           evidence
           or
           fruits
           of
           Repentance
           .
           Alas
           ,
           shall
           we
           split
           twise
           upon
           the
           same
           Rock
           ,
           yea
           ,
           run
           upon
           it
           ,
           when
           GOD
           hath
           set
           a
           Beacon
           on
           it
           ;
           Shall
           we
           be
           so
           demented
           as
           to
           fall
           back
           into
           the
           same
           sin
           ,
           which
           was
           ingraven
           with
           great
           letters
           in
           our
           late
           judgement
           ;
           Yea
           ,
           I
           may
           say
           ,
           shall
           wee
           thus
           out-face
           and
           out-dare
           the
           Almighty
           by
           protecting
           his
           and
           our
           enemies
           ,
           when
           he
           is
           persecuring
           them
           ,
           by
           making
           Peace
           and
           friendship
           with
           them
           when
           the
           anger
           of
           the
           LORD
           is
           burning
           against
           them
           ,
           by
           setting
           them
           on
           their
           feet
           ,
           when
           GOD
           hath
           cast
           them
           down
           ;
           Oh
           shall
           neither
           Judgements
           nor
           Deliverances
           make
           us
           wise
           ;
           I
           must
           here
           apply
           to
           our
           present
           condition
           ,
           the
           words
           of
           
             Ezra
             .
             And
             after
             all
             this
             is
             come
             upon
             us
             for
             our
             evill
             deels
             ,
             and
             for
             our
             great
             trespasse
             ,
             seeing
             that
             thou
             our
             GOD
             hast
             punished
             us
             lesse
             then
             our
             iniquities
             deserve
             ,
             and
             hath
             given
             us
             such
             deliverance
             as
             this
             :
             Should
             we
             again
             break
             thy
             Commandements
             and
             joyne
             in
             affinititie
             with
             the
             people
             of
             these
             abominations
             ;
             Wouldest
             thou
             not
             be
             angry
             with
             us
             ,
             till
             thou
             hast
             consumed
             us
             ,
             so
             that
             there
             should
             be
             no
             remnant
             nor
             escaping
             ?
          
           O
           happy
           
             Scotland
          
           if
           thou
           canst
           now
           improve
           aright
           and
           not
           abuse
           this
           golden
           opportunitie
           ,
           but
           if
           thou
           wilt
           help
           the
           ungodly
           ,
           and
           love
           them
           that
           hate
           the
           Lord
           ,
           wrath
           upon
           wrath
           ,
           and
           wo
           upon
           wo
           shall
           be
           upon
           thee
           from
           the
           Lord
           .
        
         
           This
           Testimony
           of
           a
           dying
           Man
           ,
           (
           who
           expects
           to
           stand
           shortly
           before
           the
           Tribunall
           of
           Christ
           )
           I
           leave
           with
           you
           my
           Reverend
           Brethren
           ,
           being
           confident
           of
           You
           through
           the
           LORD
           ,
           that
           ye
           will
           be
           no
           otherwise
           minded
           but
           that
           as
           Men
           of
           GOD
           ,
           moved
           with
           the
           zeal
           of
           GOD
           ,
           You
           will
           freely
           discharge
           Your
           consciences
           against
           every
           thing
           which
           You
           see
           listing
           up
           it self
           against
           the
           Kingdome
           of
           the
           LORD
           JESUS
           :
           This
           shall
           be
           Your
           Peace
           and
           Comfort
           in
           Your
           latter
           end
           ;
           Now
           the
           GOD
           of
           all
           Grace
           establish
           You
           ,
           and
           direct
           You
           ,
           and
           preserve
           You
           all
           blamelesse
           to
           the
           end
           ,
           and
           bring
           others
           out
           of
           the
           snare
           that
           hanker
           after
           that
           complyance
           .
           So
           prayeth
           ,
        
         
           
             Your
             most
             affectionate
             Brother
             to
             serve
             You
             in
             what
             I
             can
             to
             my
             last
             .
             GEORGE
             GILLESPIE
             .
          
           
             Kirkcaldie
             ,
             
               September
               8.
               1648.
               
            
          
        
      
       
       
         
           The
           Testimony
           of
           Mr.
           George
           Gillespie
           against
           Association
           and
           Complyance
           with
           malignant
           enemies
           of
           the
           Truth
           and
           Godlinesse
           :
           Written
           two
           dayes
           before
           his
           death
           .
        
         
           SEing
           now
           in
           all
           appearance
           the
           time
           of
           my
           dissolution
           is
           very
           near
           ,
           altho
           I
           have
           in
           my
           latter
           Wil
           declared
           my
           minde
           of
           publick
           affaires
           ,
           yet
           I
           have
           thought
           good
           to
           adde
           this
           further
           Testimony
           ,
           that
           I
           esteem
           the
           malignant
           Party
           in
           these
           Kingdomes
           ,
           the
           seed
           of
           the
           Serpent
           ,
           enemies
           to
           Pietie
           ,
           and
           Presbyteriall
           Government
           ,
           (
           pretend
           what
           they
           will
           to
           the
           contrary
           )
           a
           generation
           that
           have
           not
           set
           GOD
           before
           them
           .
           With
           the
           malignants
           are
           to
           be
           joyned
           the
           prefane
           and
           scandalous
           ,
           from
           all
           which
           ,
           as
           also
           from
           heresies
           and
           errors
           ,
           the
           Lord
           I
           trust
           is
           about
           to
           purge
           his
           Churches
           .
           I
           have
           often
           comforted
           my self
           (
           and
           still
           do
           )
           with
           the
           hopes
           of
           the
           Lords
           purging
           this
           poluted
           Land
           ,
           surely
           the
           Lord
           hath
           begun
           and
           will
           cary
           on
           that
           great
           Work
           of
           mercy
           ,
           and
           will
           purge
           out
           the
           Rebels
           :
           I
           know
           their
           will
           be
           alwayes
           a
           mixture
           of
           Hypocrites
           ,
           but
           that
           cannot
           excuse
           the
           conniving
           at
           grosse
           and
           scandalous
           sinners
           .
           This
           pu●ging
           Work
           which
           the
           Lord
           is
           about
           ,
           very
           many
           have
           directly
           opposed
           and
           said
           by
           their
           deeds
           ,
           we
           will
           not
           be
           purged
           nor
           resined
           ,
           but
           we
           will
           be
           joyning
           and
           mixing
           our selves
           with
           these
           whom
           the
           Ministers
           preach
           against
           as
           malignant
           enemies
           to
           God
           
           and
           his
           Cause
           .
           But
           let
           him
           that
           is
           filthy
           ,
           be
           filthy
           still
           ,
           and
           let
           Wisdome
           be
           justifyed
           of
           her
           Children
           .
           I
           recommend
           to
           them
           that
           fear
           God
           ,
           sadly
           and
           seriously
           to
           consider
           that
           the
           holy
           Scripture
           doth
           plainly
           hold
           forth
           .
           1.
           
           That
           the
           helping
           of
           the
           enemies
           of
           God
           ,
           or
           joyning
           and
           mingling
           with
           wicked
           men
           ,
           is
           a
           sin
           highly
           displeasing
           .
           2.
           
           That
           this
           sin
           hath
           ordinaryly
           ensnared
           Gods
           People
           into
           diverse
           other
           sins
           .
           3.
           
           That
           it
           hath
           been
           punished
           of
           God
           with
           grievous
           judgements
           .
           4.
           
           That
           utter
           destruction
           is
           to
           be
           feared
           ,
           when
           a
           people
           after
           great
           mercies
           and
           judgements
           relapse
           into
           this
           sin
           ,
           
           
             Ezra
             .
          
           9.
           13.
           14.
           
        
         
           Upon
           these
           and
           the
           like
           grounds
           for
           my
           own
           exoneration
           ,
           that
           so
           necessary
           a
           Trueth
           want
           not
           the
           Testimony
           of
           a
           dying
           Witnesse
           of
           Christ
           ,
           also
           the
           unworthiest
           among
           many
           thousands
           :
           And
           that
           Light
           may
           be
           h●ld
           forth
           ,
           and
           warning
           given
           ,
           I
           cannot
           be
           silent
           at
           this
           time
           ;
           but
           speak
           by
           my
           pen
           when
           I
           cannot
           by
           my
           tongue
           ,
           yea
           ,
           now
           also
           by
           the
           pen
           of
           another
           ,
           when
           I
           cannot
           by
           my
           own
           ,
           seriously
           and
           in
           the
           name
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           exhorting
           ,
           and
           obtesting
           all
           that
           fear
           God
           and
           make
           conscience
           of
           their
           wayes
           ,
           to
           be
           very
           tender
           and
           circumspect
           ,
           to
           Watch
           and
           Pray
           that
           they
           be
           not
           ensnared
           in
           that
           great
           dangerous
           sin
           of
           conjunction
           or
           complyncae
           with
           malignant
           or
           profane
           enemies
           of
           the
           Truth
           ,
           under
           whatsoever
           prudentiall
           considerations
           it
           may
           be
           vernished
           over
           ,
           which
           if
           men
           will
           do
           ,
           and
           trust
           God
           in
           his
           own
           way
           ,
           they
           shall
           not
           only
           not
           repent
           it
           ,
           but
           to
           their
           greater
           joy
           and
           peace
           of
           Gods
           people
           ,
           they
           shal
           see
           his
           work
           go
           on
           and
           prosper
           gloriously
           .
           In
           witnesse
           of
           the
           premisses
           ,
           I
           have
           subscribed
           the
           same
           with
           my
           hand
           at
           KIRKCALDY
           ,
           
             Decemb.
          
           15.
           16●8
           .
           Before
           these
           witnesses
           ,
           M.
           F.
           
             Carmichael
          
           Minister
           at
           Markings
           ,
           and
           M.
           
             Alex.
             Moncrief
          
           Minister
           at
           
             Skonie
             .
          
        
         
           Sic
           subscrib.
           .
           
             
               George
               Gillespie
               .
            
             
               F.
               C.
               witnes
               .
            
             
               A.
               M.
               witnes
               .
            
          
        
      
       
       
         
           Followeth
           that
           part
           of
           Mr.
           Gillespie
           his
           Letter-Will
           ,
           unto
           which
           the
           former
           testimony
           relateth
           .
        
         
           BEing
           through
           much
           weaknesse
           and
           sicknesse
           in
           expectation
           of
           my
           last
           change
           ,
           I
           have
           thought
           good
           by
           this
           my
           Letter-Will
           under
           my
           hand
           to
           declare
           first
           of
           all
           that
           the
           expectation
           of
           death
           which
           appeareth
           not
           to
           be
           far
           off
           doth
           not
           shake
           me
           from
           the
           Faith
           and
           Truth
           of
           Christ
           which
           I
           have
           pro●essed
           and
           preached
           ;
           neither
           do
           I
           doubt
           but
           this
           so
           much
           opposed
           Covenant
           and
           Reformation
           of
           the
           three
           Kingdomes
           is
           of
           God
           and
           will
           have
           a
           happy
           conclusion
           .
           It
           hath
           pleased
           God
           who
           chooseth
           the
           foolish
           things
           of
           this
           world
           to
           confound
           the
           wise
           ,
           and
           the
           things
           that
           are
           not
           to
           confound
           the
           things
           that
           are
           to
           imploy
           me
           (
           the
           unfittest
           and
           unworthiest
           among
           many
           thousands
           )
           in
           the
           advanceing
           and
           promoting
           of
           that
           glorious
           work
           ;
           and
           now
           I
           repent
           no
           forwardnesse
           or
           zeal
           that
           ever
           I
           had
           therein
           ,
           and
           dare
           promise
           to
           as
           many
           as
           wil
           befaithful
           and
           zealous
           in
           the
           Cause
           of
           God
           ,
           it
           shall
           be
           no
           grief
           of
           heart
           to
           them
           afterward
           ,
           but
           matter
           of
           joy
           and
           peace
           ;
           as
           this
           day
           I
           find
           it
           ,
           through
           Gods
           mercypassing
           by
           my
           many
           and
           great
           infirmities
           ,
           &
           approving
           my
           poor
           endevours
           in
           his
           cause
           .
           But
           if
           there
           be
           a
           falling
           back
           to
           the
           
           sinne
           of
           complyance
           with
           malignant
           ungodly
           men
           ,
           then
           I
           look
           for
           the
           breaking
           out
           of
           the
           wrath
           of
           the
           Lord
           till
           there
           be
           no
           remedy
           .
           O
           that
           there
           were
           such
           a
           spirit
           at
           least
           in
           such
           of
           our
           Nobility
           as
           stand
           for
           the
           Trueth
           that
           they
           may
           take
           more
           of
           Gods
           counsell
           ,
           and
           leane
           lesse
           to
           their
           owne
           reason
           and
           understanding
           .
           As
           from
           dangers
           on
           the
           other
           hand
           from
           Sectaries
           ,
           I
           have
           been
           and
           am
           of
           the
           opinion
           that
           they
           are
           to
           be
           prevented
           and
           avoided
           by
           all
           lawfull
           means
           ;
           but
           that
           the
           dangers
           from
           malignants
           are
           nearest
           and
           greatest
           in
           this
           Kingdome
           .
        
         
           
             Kirkcaldie
             ,
             
               September
               1.
               1648.
               
            
          
        
         
           FINIS
           .
        
         
      
    
     
       
         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A42772e-190
           
             Z●ppe●us
             .
             de
             Pol
             ,
             Mos.
             lib.
             6.
             
             Cap.
             
          
           
             4.
             
             Pelar●us
             in
             
               Deut.
            
             7.
             1
             ,
             2
             ,
             3.
             
          
           
             Pareus
             in
             
               Gen.
            
             14.
             
          
           
             Revetus
             in
             
               Exod.
            
             23.
             32
             
             Tarnovius
             tract.
             de
             foederibus
             .
          
           
             See
             Victor
             .
             Srigel
             .
             in
             7
             paralip
             .
             25.
             2.
             
             Also
             Zepperus
             ,
             Pelargus
             ,
             Tarnovius
             ,
             ubi
             supra
             .
          
           
             Lavater
             in
             2
             Paralip
             .
             25.
             &
             in
             Ezek.
             16.
             26.
             
             P.
             Martyr
             Loc.
             
             Com.
             Clas.
             4.
             cap.
             16.
             
             〈◊〉
             .
             23.
             &
             comment
             .
             in
             1
             
               Reg.
               15.
               17.
               
               &c.
            
             The
             same
             thing
             is
             holdenby
             Tst●tus
             in
             3.
             
               Reg.
               15.
               
               Quest
               .
            
             24.
             
             Corn
             .
             a
             Lapide
             in
             3.
             
               Reg.
            
             22.
             3.
             
          
           
             Socral
             .
             hist
             lib.
             5.
             
             Cap.
             10.
             
          
           
             Sleid.
             comment
             .
             lib.
             7
             pag.
             106.
             
          
           
             Ibid.
             lib.
             8.
             pag.
             127.
             de
             Helvetiis
             in
             foedus
             recipiendis
             ,
             quod
             civitates
             valde
             cupiebant
             ,
             Saxo
             per
             Legatos
             respondet
             ,
             quoniam
             de
             coena
             Dom.
             diversum
             sequantur
             dogma
             non
             sibi
             licere
             societatem
             cum
             ipsis
             ullam
             coiri
             :
             quante
             sit
             ipsorum
             conjunctio
             ,
             propter
             vires
             atque
             potentiam
             ,
             non
             se
             quidem
             latere
             ,
             sed
             ●o
             sibi
             minime
             respiciendum
             esse
             ,
             ne
             tristis
             inde
             sequatur
             exitus
             ,
             quod
             iis
             accidisse
             Scriptura
             testetur
             ,
             qui
             muniendi
             sui
             causa
             ,
             cujusque
             modi
             praesidiis
             usi
             ●uissent
             .
             Vide
             etiam
             pag.
             133.
             
             Quod
             si
             Zuingliani
             faterentur
             errorem
             atque
             desisterent
             ,
             comprehen
             di
             etiam
             in
             hac
             pace
             ,
             sin
             minus
             ,
             tum
             desere●dos
             ,
             nec
             anxilii
             quicquam
             eis
             communicandum
             ,
             neque
             f●dus
             ullum
             cum
             ipsis
             faciendum
             esse
             .
             Et
             infra
             lib.
             9.
             pag.
             156.
             
             Et
             recipiendos
             esse
             placet
             in
             hoc
             foedus
             (
             Smalcaldicum
             )
             qui
             velint
             atque
             cupiant
             ,
             modo
             Doctrinam
             Auguste
             propositam
             in
             Commitiis
             pro●iteantur
             ,
             &
             sortem
             communem
             subeant
             .
          
           
             Polit.
             Christ
             .
             lib.
             7.
             
             Cap.
             1.
             
          
           
             Kekerm
             .
             de
             Repub.
             Spart
             .
             disp.
             4.
             lib.
             2.
             Cap.
             20.
             
          
           
             Sanctius
             &
             Corn
             a
             la●ide
             in
             2
             Sam.
             19.
             
          
           
             Antiq.
             Jud.
             lib.
             7.
             
             Cap.
             10.
             
          
           
             Tostatus
             in
             2
             Reg.
             17.
             
             Quaest.
             24.
             
          
           
             Antiq.
             lib
             7.
             
             Cap.
             10
             
          
           
             See
             M.
             Fox
             acts
             and
             monuments
             vol.
             2.
             page
             86.
             9.
             870.
             edi●
             1589.
             
          
           
             See
             the
             Estates
             Principalitis
             &
             Empires
             of
             the
             world
             ,
             translated
             by
             
               Grimstou
            
             pag.
             364.
             to
             370.
             
          
           
             Acts
             and
             mo●uments
             nbi
             supra
             ,
             pag.
             872.
             
             
               Slcid.
            
             Com.
             lib.
             7.
             pag.
             106.
             119.
             120.
             
          
        
         
           Notes for div A42772e-5380
           
             This
             far
             did
             the
             Author
             write
             with
             His
             own
             hand
             ,
             two
             dayes
             before
             ,
             his
             death
             but
             finding
             his
             weaknesse
             encrease
             ,
             that
             he
             was
             able
             to
             writ
             no
             more
             ,
             he
             dyted
             that
             which
             followeth
             .
          
        
      
      
  

