ws ready upon the string to
shoot at us_, the Pestilence and Famine.

In the next place let us apply our hearts to know, and to search, and to
seek out wisdome, and the reason of things, and to understand the language
of this present judgment, and Gods meaning in it, For though _the Almighty
giveth not an accompt of any of his matters, and hath his way in the sea,
and his path in the deep waters which cannot be traced_; Yet he is pleased
by the light of his Word and Spirit, by the voice of our own consciences,
and by that which is written and ingraven upon our judgement, as with the
point of a Diamond and a Pen of iron, to make known in some measure his
meaning unto his servants. _God hath spoken once, yea twice, yet man
perceiveth not_; Therefore now hath he made this rod to speak aloud the
third time, that we may _hear the voice of the rod, and who hath appointed
it_. That which the rod pointeth at, is not any guilt of Rebellion or
disloyaltie in us, as the Sons of _Belial_ do slander and belye the
Solemne League and Covenant of the three Kingdoms, which we are so farre
from repenting of, that we cannot remember or mention it without great joy
and thankfulnesse to God, as that which hath drawn many blessings after
it, and unto which God hath given manifold and evident testimonies, for no
sooner was the Covenant begun to bee taken in England; but sensibly the
condition of affairs there was changed to the better; and though a little
before the Enemy was coming in like a Flood, yet as soon as the Spirit of
the Lord did lift up the Standard against him, from that day forward the
Waters of their Deluge did decrease.

And for our part, our Forces sent into that Kingdom, in pursuance of that
Covenant, have been so mercifully and manifestly assisted, and blessed
from Heaven (though in the mids of many dangers and distresses, and much
want and hardship) and have been so farre instrumentall to the foyling and
scattering of two principal Armies; First, the Marquesse of Newcastle his
Army, And afterward, Prince _Ruperts_ and his together; And to the
reducing of two strong Cities, York and Newcastle, that we have what to
answer the Enemy that reproacheth us concerning that businesse, and that
which may make iniquitie it self to stop her mouth. But which is more unto
us than all Victories, or whatsomever temporal Blessing, the Reformation
of Religion in England, and Uniformity therein between both Kingdoms (a
principal end of that