IN the yeere 1588, there met in a Christian mans house certaine well-minded persons, which dwelt in one towne together, with whom also the Preacher of the place did meete at the same time. These with one consent, fell into communication, how the case stood betwixt God and themselves.
Some accusing and complaining of themselves, that they had not used their long continued peace and liberty of the Gospel to the end for which God did send both, but that they had been dim lights. The rest consenting, and by occasion offered among them all, (well nigh twenty persons,) sundry reasons and proofs were set down, to make their complaints more weighty, and also to show what evil, fruit they did see to proceed from such a dead and unprofitable course of living: and yet the persons spoken of, did as farce exceede the common sort of them that professe the Gospel, as the common professors doe exceede them in religion, which know not the Gospel.
When they proceeded thus fame, it was demanded, whither there were no way to come out of this wearisome and unprofitable life, which (in their owne judgment) did not beseeme such as imbraced the Gospel: If there were any way, what might be the fittest and best remedies to come out of such bondage, for they counted it no better: and betwixt them they agreed upon certaine, with such good liking, after they heard and conceived them, that it might appeare that their heavie hearts were much eased, when they did but see a way how to be delivered from that yoke of bondage, their plentifull tearer being turned into cheerefull countenance. The conclusion was this, they did covenant faithfully, and seriously, to set up these remedies forth with and speedily; thinking that such a weighty matter had neede of no delay: and thereupon, desired. the Preacher to set downe the summe of their conference and communication together, for the better putting of them in remembrance of it to practice it.
Now it may be, ye Tooke to heare what fruite there came of this; surely even this meeting was a great whetting them on to enjoy the publike ministrie more cheerefully and fruitfully afterward: and this meane with others, both publike and private, did knit them in that love, the bond whereof could not be broken, either on their part which now sleepe in the Lord, whiles they heere lived, nor in them which yet remaine, by any adversary power unto this day. And this I set downe to this end, as well that godly conference may be had in account among Christians; as principallie, to show what hindrances there are from a faithfull proceeding in a sound and godly course, and how necessary it is, that all good remedies should be used to continue the same; this was the chiefe end why I did mention it. And some of this covenant I have here set downe in the words following.