re desperate. And if by the Declaration of both Kingdomes joined in
Arms, _Anno 1643._ such as would not take the Covenant, were declared _to
be publike Enemies to their Religion and Countrey, and that they are to be
censured and punished as professed Adversaries and Malignants._ Who seeth
not now a strange falling away from these first Principles and
Professions, among these who either magnifie and cry up, or at least
connive at and comply with such as have not taken the Covenant, yea, are
known Enemies to it, and cry down such as are most zealous for it?

In this case, while in the Neighbour Kingdom, the staves of Beauty and
Bands, Covenant & Brother-hood are broken by many, the home of Malignants
and Sectaries exalted, the best affected born down, Reformation ebbing,
Heresie and Schisme flowing; It can hardly be marvelled at by any Person
of prudence and discretion, if we be full of such feares and apprehensions
as use to be in those who dwell near a House set on fire, or a Family
infected, especially being taught by the sad experience of these
Prelatical times, how easily a Gangrene in the one half of this Island may
spread through the whole; Knowing also the inveterate and insatiable
malice of the Enemies of this Cause and Covenant against this Church and
Kingdome; which we cannot be ignorant of, unlesse we would shut our eyes &
stop our ears.

Our present purpose leadeth us to touch somewhat of the proceedings of the
Army in _England_ this Summer, so far as Religion is therein concerned; As
we are confident, divers have gone a long with them in the simplicity of
their hearts, & we presume not to judge the thoughts & intentions of any,
it being Gods owne prerogative, to bring to light the hidden things of
darknes, and to make manifest the counsels of the hearts; So it cannot be
denied, that upon these passages and proceedings hath followed the
interrupting of the so much longed for Reformation of Religion, of the
setling of Presbyteriall government, and of the suppressing of heresies
and dangerous errors, (which works the Parliament had taken in hand) the
retarding and delaying the relief of _Ireland_, the sowing of the seeds of
another War in _England_, the strengthning of the hand of the Malignant &
Episcopall party, the weakning and wounding both of Magistracy and
Ministery: In all which, whether the Army bee blamelesse and innocent,
from ministring occasion to so great evils, or whether there be not cause
for t