uthors and abettors of much bloodshed, many miseries, and sad calamities
to these nations. (6) That the people of God in these kingdoms have taken
upon themselves a most solemn and sacred bond of an oath and covenant to
discover them and bring them to condign punishment. (7) That it hath been
one of the predominant sins of Scotland under the bond of the covenant to
comply with them. (8) That indignation and wrath from the Lord hath been
following that party and their designs these years past. (9) That
compliances with them hath always been cursed to us of God. (10) That few
of that party do really abandon and forsake their corrupt principles and
way and join cordially in the cause and covenant. (11) That many of them
do, after the profession of their repentance for their opposition to the
cause and covenant of God, relapse frequently into the same sin. (12) That
sudden receiving of many of them to fellowship and trust, and too great
credulity in believing their professions hath often cost this land very
dear. (13) That upon consideration of the deep treachery and hypocrisy of
these men, and the sad consequences following upon sudden receiving of
them without evidence of a change, after long and renewed experience, this
land renewed their obligations more strictly in the solemn engagement.
(14) That there hath been a design driven these two years past to get that
party again in power and trust. (15) That this design hath been testified
against by the public resolutions of the judicatories unto this time. (16)
That as it hath been driven at very cunningly and actively, by many
instruments and arguments of several sorts, so hath it gained ground piece
and piece, until at length many of them are brought into the court and to
the army and judicatories in the country. And now by the public
resolutions they are generally to be employed and intrusted. Thus the
design is accomplished. But, (17) These men do not satisfy themselves with
some degree of power, but endeavour to engross the whole power of the
kingdom into their own hands, and study to bring into contempt, and cull
out these who have been and do continue constant in the cause of God. (18)
That having power into their hands, they must act according to their own
principles and for establishing their own ends. And lastly, That these
principles and ends are destructive to the covenant and work of
reformation.

Section III.

That The E