Conformity One Way or Another - 1644
Charles I, King of England, at his execution.
Introduction
When the Reformation came to Scotland, it found expression in a covenant (1580). This was a creed-like statement of faith. Under the oppression of King Charles I, the Scots resisted by preparing a new covenant (1640) in which they insisted that Christ, not the king, was head of the church. Eventually Charles backed down in Scotland. However, he developed a trial process to force religious conformity in England. Many suffering English believers turned to Scotland for assistance in their hour of need. The result was a third covenant in 1643 at the height of the war between Royalists and Parliamentarians. The Scottish and English Parliaments required everyone to accept this new covenant. They issued the order on this day, February 2, 1644.
Quote
“Whereas a covenant for the preservation and reformation of religion, the maintenance and defence of laws and liberties, hath been thought a fit and excellent means to acquire the favour of Almighty God towards the three kingdoms of England, Scotland and Ireland; and likewise to unite them, and by uniting, to strengthen and fortify them against the common enemy of the true reformed religion, peace and prosperity of these kingdoms: and whereas both houses of parliament in England, the cities of London and Westminster, and the kingdom of Scotland, have already taken the same; it is now ordered and ordained by the Lords and Commons in Parliament, that the same covenant be solemnly taken in all places throughout the kingdom of England, and dominion of Wales. And for the better and more orderly taking thereof, these directions ensuing are appointed and enjoined strictly to be followed.
“Instructions for the taking of the Solemn League and Covenant throughout the Kingdom.
“4. That the several ministers be required to read the said covenant publicly unto their people, the next Lord’s day after they receive it….
“8. That this league and covenant be tendered to all men, within the several parishes, above the age of eighteen….
“13. The manner of the taking it to be thus; ‘The minister to read the whole covenant distinctly and audibly in the pulpit, and, during the time of the reading thereof, the whole congregation to be uncovered, and at the end of his reading thereof, all to take it standing, lifting up their right hands bare, and then afterwards to subscribe it severally by writing their names, (or their marks, to which their names are to be added) in a parchment roll, or a book, whereinto the covenant is to be inserted, purposely provided for that end, and kept as a record in the parish.’”
“The Solemn League and Covenant: an Ordinance of the Lords and Commons.” Quoted in The Covenants And The Covenanters: Covenants, Sermons, and Documents of the Covenanted Reformation, edited by James Kerr.