Generall demands concerning the late covenant propounded by the ministers and professors of divinitie in Aberdene, to some reverend brethren, who came thither to recommend the late covenant to them, and to those who are committed to their charge. Together with the answers of those reverend brethren to the said demands. As also the replyes of the foresaid ministers and professors to their answers.

ANSVVER.

THe act of Parliament forbiddeth in the first part, leagues and bands of maintenance privily made, such as are called bands of Manrent, as the act in Queen Maries time, to which it hath relation, doth bear. And in the second part, only such, as tend to the publick disturbance of the peace of the Realme by moving sedition. But no act of Parliament doth discharge, nor can any just law forbid, Conventions, or Covenants in the generall; or such Covenants in speciall as are made with God, and amongst our selves; not for any mans particular, but for the common benefit of all; not to move sedition, but to perserve peace, & to prevent trouble: which by all probability had been to many, before this time, too sensible, if this course had not been taken. Conventions and Covenants (in the judgement of Jurisconsults) are to be esteemed and judged of, according

to their diverse ends, good or bad: which made King James of happie memorie to take it for an undoubted maxime, That pro aris & focis, & pro patre patriae, the whole body of the Common-wealth should stirre at once: not any more as di∣vided members, but as one consolidate lump.