Today in Reformation History

Today is the 387th anniversary of the signing of the National Covenant.

By February 1638, Scottish Presbyterians were facing accusations of treason from the king due to their opposition to bishops, the Book of Canons, and the Book of Common Prayer. Recognizing the need for unity in defending their faith, they decided to renew the 1581 King’s Confession with two additional sections.

One section, written by Archibald Johnston of Wariston, was legal in nature and cited over sixty acts of Parliament—many opposing Roman Catholicism—that supported the Presbyterian cause. The other, authored by Alexander Henderson, focused on practical application.

The National Covenant bound those who swore it to defend the true religion against recent innovations that contradicted the Bible, the teachings of the Reformers, and the acts of Parliament listed, which they believed could lead to Roman Catholicism. Its purpose was to uphold “the true worship of God, the majesty of our King, and the peace of the kingdom” for the well-being of those who pledged it and their descendants. Signatories also vowed to live in accordance with their covenant with God and to set an example for others.

The Covenant was first signed at Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh on February 28, 1638, after all objections had been addressed. 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.”