num_pages: 506
description: The progress and persecution of evangelical Christianity in Scotland from 1560 to 1689 is the subject of these rare volumes. In that history covenants were oaths of allegiance which bound Christians their bodies and possessions to the furtherance of all things required of God in his Scripture that may be to his glory. Handwritten and circulated from 1557 when martyrdom was still a prospect for the few who pledged themselves the covenants became a crucial part of an immense struggle to uphold the Bible in the Church and nation. After the National Covenant of 1638 Covenanters became the accepted name honoured by the sufferings of perhaps 18000 before the Stuart monarchy fell in the glorious revolution of 1689.After that date controversy over these men and women was to continue. Some authors pitied them as fanatics others as heroes whose lives were outstanding examples of devotion. This great work of James King Hewison has three distinctive characteristics. First he aimed by exact research at an absolutely impartial account not accepting traditional representations from either side which lacked firm evidence. Second he took care to show how the covenanting movement was bound up with many political events leading to the making of a new nation. And third he believed the covenanting story is one of intrinsic interest vigour and power. In the view of Alexander Smellie the result is a great book one for which all true Scotsmen will thank him.The Solemn League and CovenantCost Scotland bloodcost Scotland tears:But it sealed Freedoms sacred causeIf thourt a slave indulge thy sneers. Robert Burns
language: English
title: The Covenanters: Volume One
publisher: Banner of Truth