Thomas Martin on National Covenants (7)
175. You then consider these nations [England, Scotland and Ireland] as having nationally committed themselves to the principles and objects of the Solemn League?
I do. “It was framed and concluded by the representatives of the kingdom, in concurrence with those of the church. It was sworn by all by them in their public capacity, at their call, and by their authority. It was afterwards sworn by the people in their different ranks and orders. And, finally, it was ratified and pronounced valid by laws, both civil and ecclesiastical. The public faith was thus plighted by all the organs through which a nation is accustomed to express its mind and will.” – (T. McCrie’s, Unity of the Church).
176. What are the great principles assumed in the Solemn League?
That communities or nations are under the moral Government of God, and bound to yield obedience to His law – that nations may enter into covenant with God – and that public covenanting is a valuable means of promoting true religion.
177. Are these principles Scriptural?
We have already proved them to be so. “The great principles of this bond are the principles of the Bible itself.” (William Hetherington).
178. What were the objects which the Covenanters engaged to prosecute?
They engaged to preserve the true Protestant religion – to propagate and extend the Reformation – to promote unity and uniformity in religion – to maintain civil and religious liberty – to abolish Prelacy – and to secure for the church free and unfettered exercise of her authority in spiritual matters.
December 9, 2006 at 4:11 pm
If you put the icon on the picture above it will as ’singing of the national covenant’ this was a typing error – it really should read ’signing’ – to have sung the national covenant would have been unauthorised as only the psalms are to be sung in worship.