undertaking the work before us.--In solution of which the following
considerations were proposed.

1st, As to the things that might seem to speak against us: 1st, _Our
darkness_, not whether covenanting be a duty, but in regard of the want
of right apprehensions of the nature and greatness of the duty, which
cannot be a sufficient ground to neglect the duty, unless there were
some duties from which a Christian is exeemed and that this is one of
them, which indeed will not be found in the whole Bible. 2d, _Our want
of a frame suitable for the greatness and weightiness of the work_,
which speaks sadly against us, but is not to be a ground to neglect the
duty, we being commanded to look to the God of the covenant for it.

Upon the other hand, the things which seemed to speak for us, and yield
matter of encouragement, that not only the work was the Lord's, but also
that we had his call to the same, were, 1st, The many, palpable, plain,
and open breaches of these covenants, are a loud call to renew them. 2d,
The undervaluing account that the nations have made of them, is a call
to all such as have any respect to the sacred name of the Lord invocated
in these covenants, to do their utmost to vindicate them from that
disgrace, by showing how high a price and value they put upon them. 3d,
The lands enacting the perpetual banishment of these covenants, and
imposing oaths contrary and opposite to them; which brings double
perjury upon the nation, both by disregarding and omitting the
performance of this just, lawful, and commendable covenant, and by
making unjust, sinful and hateful covenants, for opposing the growth and
success of Christ's kingdom, even the reformation of these many abuses
that have corrupted the holy religion of his institution: And perjury
drawing wrath after it, as a native and necessary fruit consequent; they
that would stand in the gap, to turn away national wrath, cannot