r not so far
as the Lord shall assist us by His grace, to advance the kingdom of the
Lord Jesus Christ here upon earth, and make Jerusalem once more the
praise of the whole world, notwithstanding all the contradictions of
men.

What is this but the contents and matter of our oath? What do we
covenant? What do we vow? Is it not the preservation of religion, where
it is reformed, and the reformation of religion, where it needs? Is it
not the reformation of three kingdoms, and a reformation universal, in
doctrine, discipline, and worship, in whatsoever the word shall discover
unto us? To practise is a fruit of love; to reform, a fruit of zeal; but
so to reform, will be a token of great prudence and circumspection in
each of these churches: and all this to be done according to God's
word, the best rule, and according to the best reformed churches, and
best interpreters of this rule. If England hath obtained to any greater
perfection in so handling the word of righteousness, and truths that are
according to godliness, as to make men more godly, more righteous: and,
if in the churches of Scotland any more light and beauty in matters of
order and discipline, by which their assemblies are more orderly: or, if
to any other church or person, it hath been given better to have learned
Christ in any of His ways, than any of us, we shall humbly bow, and kiss
their lips that can speak right words unto us, in this matter, and help
us into the nearest uniformity with the word and mind of Christ in this
great work of Reformation.

Honourable and reverend brethren, there cannot be a more direct and
effectual way to exhort and persuade the wise, and men of sad and
serious spirits (and such are you to whom I am commanded to speak this
day) than to let into their understandings the weight, and worth, and
great importance of the work, they are persuaded unto. This oath is
such, and, in the matter and consequence of it, of such concernment, as
I can truly say, It is worthy of us; yea, of all these kingdoms; yea, of
all the kingdoms of the world; for it is swearing fealty and allegiance
unto Christ, the King of kings; and giving up of all these kingdoms
which are in His inheritance, to be subdued more to His throne, and
ruled more by His sceptre, upon whose shoulders the government is laid,
and "of the increase of whose government and peace there shall be no
end." Yea, we find this very thing in the utmost accomplishment of it,
to have been t