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SUrely in 43 my Friend was an Infant at Law; yet having then a place by his Master Gamli∣el's Excellency, in mundane affairs, worth more then 100 l per an. he, according to the trust on, and duty in him, tendred the Covenant to many; a∣mongst the rest, viz. the Prelatical and Royal Cler∣gie and Gentry, whom he found (though silenc'd their imperfections) that after much trouble on their own spirits, they could in humane eyes,
imbrace any thing to preserve their large Reve∣nues, without seeking first the Kingdom of heaven, & laying up treasure there; notwithstanding, at that time some chosen ones refused to take that earthly honour from the dust by such means. For Oh my friends, (if so to God and your own spirits) tell me the Plot and issue; was it not more from Nor∣thern Policy, then Southern Piety, that we should ingage to preserve a Nebuchadnezzars or Belshazzar's dying fate with yours, though then by those in hostility against both, ye espyed not the Vision and Hand-writing on the wall? Truly, I cannot but acknowledge my friend declined it, though his Master brought forth more Law then Gospel for it; and suddenly his employment (God calling him thence by his own hand to a more retired way, lest he should abound and wax worse) fell from him, as several times since, on other occasi∣ons. Had this Idol-creature and other things be∣fore and since entred into, been, or savoured more of God then man, so much blood, treasure, & sweat surely had never been extorted to serve the three Nations, and yet no deliverance: no (my hearts) I doubt you yet but grope (as 'tis convenient) till true light appear; but when it doth or shall glori∣fie the giver, reject not the means, but embrace it, lest your condemnation in the great day be just; which asseveration I believe you ignorantly took in the conclusion of the Covenant: hereupon I in∣treat you (for Gods cause) to consider you have do∣ted more on man then God; seek Gods face more, mans (viz. honour and carnality) less and less;
write but a new Covenant on your hearts, to serve the God of glory, promote Christs Kingdom, and seek the union and common defence of his people more now then ever; never more need: then joyn∣ing your constant prayers therewith, trust God with the issue; it may be Crowned with everlasting success, if God once speak the word; however, you shall have done your duty: for what is earthly, tends to its Centre; but what is heavenly in you, to a glorious Essence. Be wise in time, and repent, lest ye all likewise perish, the Kingdom of heaven being now close at hand.