Page:History of all religions.pdf/7

7 when on his travels in Germany; that they might bring about a reformation, entered into National Covenant in the year 1581. It was renewed by people of all ranks, in the year 1584. It was again renewed by royal and church authority in 1590, and afterwards by Nobles, Barons, Burgeſſes, Miniſters, and Commons, in the year 1648, and approven by the General Aſſembly, and by an act of Parliament, 1650. It was also ſubſcribed by King Charles II. at the river Spey in the north of Scotland, and at the palace of Scoon near Perth, in the year 1651. This Covenant is recorded at large in the Confeſſion of Faith p. 454, the subdance of which is as follows:

"We protest against all falſe Religion, chiefly all kinds of Popery(ſee the 15 articles of Rome) and also to defend the King's person and government, in defence of the true Religion."

King Charles II. no ſooner got power, than he perſecuted the Covenanters, no leſs than 20 years. And his brother, James VII did the ſame for 7 or 8 years--In this perſecution, Mr Donald Cargil, the Earl of Argyle, Mr Skeen, Mr Guthrie, Mr Renwick, and many others, ſuffered martyrdom for their adherence to the National Covenant and Solemn League.

The nation at laſt thought proper to change the government, and ſo called over William Prince of Orange, to be king; which line of Princes fill the throne of the new United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland-King William began to reign in the year 1608.

The doctrine, worſhip and government of the Church of Scotland, are inſerted in the