the honor, above most nations in the
world, to dedicate and surrender themselves to the Lord, by a most
voluntary, free and deliberate choice, and to come under the bond of a
most solemn oath, in a most religious manner, devoting their all to
Christ, his interest and honor, the flourishing and thriving of his
kingdom, the success of his gospel, and reformation of his churches; and
openly avouching him for their Lord and Master, to the honor of his
name, and confusion of his enemies; which _Covenants National_ and
_Solemn League_, though we look not upon them to be the same with the
covenant of grace, yet we conceive of them as a solemn superadded and
new obligation, tying us to all the duties, as well of a particular
Christian conversation, as these which tend to the public and national
advancement of reformation in religion, whereof the covenant of grace is
the spring and foundation.

These covenants, as they were the effects and consequents of many
remarkable and signal expressions of divine love and goodness, many
singular mercies and deliverances vouchsafed to these nations, as the
return of many earnest prayers and wrestlings of the Lord's people with
him; so they were the occasions of many blessings, and great indications
of God's favor and loving-kindness. Then the Lord delighted to dwell in
the nations; then did he beautify the place of his sanctuary; then did
he fill his people's hearts with joy and gladness, by the familiar
intimations of his special love and down pourings of his Spirit's
gracious influences, as our land can afford many instances. Then did he
enlarge his people's affections, and animate their spirits with zeal and
courage, attended with knowledge, prudence and discretion to act for
him, and advance his kingdom. Then did he illustrate his churches in
these kingdoms, as bright and sparkling stars arising out of the thick
clouds of antichristian darkness, and getting out from under Prelatic
and Erastian yokes of bondage and slavery, and made them go forth as the
meridian sun glorious and excellent; _terrible as an army with banners_.
Hence it came to pass that these nations sent out a savory report to all
the neighboring reformed churches, a report which comforted, revived,
strengthened, animated and encouraged all the true and loyal subjects of
Christ's kingdom; which struck terror and amazement to the hearts of his
enemies; which shook and caused to tremble the pillars of Antichrist's
kingdom,