ar and peremptory in
this that it makes us tremble to think on it. _Page 6_, "Should we again
break his commandments and covenant, by joining any more in affinity with
the people of these abominations, and take in our bosom these serpents,
which have formerly stung us almost to death? This, as it would argue much
folly and madness, so, no doubt, it would provoke the Lord to consume us
till there be no remnant, nor escaping." Let the 6th article also be
considered.(361) Join to this the Declaration of the commission, upon
report of this enemy's invading, _p. 6_ where it is declared, that
malignants shall not be associated with, nay, not countenanced and
permitted to be in our armies. The General Assembly after this, upon the
enemy's entry into Scotland, gives serious warning to the rulers, to take
heed of snares from that party and that the rather, because men ordinarily
are so taken with the sense of danger, as not to look back to that which
is behind them, &c. How often have we sentenced ourselves unto wrath and
consumption if we shall fall into this sin again? All these and the like,
are endeavoured to be taken off, by saying that our engagements in this
point were conceived in a way of prosecution of the cause, but to be no
impediment of the just and necessary defence, which we are bound to by
nature's law, which no human law can infringe.

But we reply, (1) It is strange, our prosecution of the cause these years
past should be contradistinguished from the defence of it and the kingdom.
It was conceived that our war in England was defensive, not invasive, that
it was necessitated for the defence even of our kingdom, but it seems it
is now questioned. But passing what was acted abroad, certainly all our
wars at home were merely defensive, both against unjust invasion and
seditious insurrections. Now our solemn engagements were conceived, in
relation to our actings at home especially, and modelling our armies for
the defence of our liberties and religion. We know well enough that a
just invasive war is a rare accident in the world, and that the flock of
Jesus Christ is for the most part, obnoxious to the violence of others, as
sheep among wolves, but are not often called to prey upon others. (2) To
call our solemn engagements and declarations grounded upon our oaths and
the word of God, human laws and constitutions that must cede to nature's
law, is indeed ingenious dealing, because to justify the present
proceedings,