Today in Covenanting History

Today is the 388th anniversary of the signing of the National Covenant in Greyfriars, Edinburgh.

Within days, it had been signed by the people of Edinburgh, and copies were distributed across Scotland for others to add their names. Within weeks, it had gained widespread support throughout the Lowlands, including from nearly all nobles. While progress was slower in the north, many eventually signed as well.

Signing the covenant was not an act of rebellion but rather an appeal to the law of the land against royal tyranny. It declared that Jesus Christ was the sole head of the church and that the church should be free from control by the king or government.

Archibald Johnston of Wariston recorded the event in his diary.

“Wednesday, 28 February 1638, that glorious marriage day of the kingdom with God…The noblemen having appointed the body of the gentry to meet at two in the Greyfriars Kirk to hear copies of it read and to answer objections, I proposed and resolved to have the principal ready in parchment…[that]…it might be presently subscribed…after a divine prayer most fit for the time and present purpose made by Mr Alexander Henderson, the Covenant was subscribed first by the noblemen and barons all that night till 8 at night.”