Scottish National Covenant

Background. Tensions arose from disputes over church authority, with James VI asserting royal supremacy. In 1636, the Book of Discipline was replaced by a Book of Canons, and in 1637, a new Book of Common Prayer sparked riots, notably involving Jenny Geddes at St Giles' Cathedral. These events prompted organized protest and the election of commissioners to represent grievances to the government.

Signing of the Covenant. Facing royal opposition, leaders arranged the creation of the National Covenant to bolster the movement. The document began by repeating the Negative Confession of 1581. It was first signed on 28 February 1638 at a meeting at Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh. Copies were subsequently distributed across Scotland to gain widespread support against the proposed reforms.

Aftermath. Following the signing, Charles I viewed his Scottish subjects as being in rebellion. In August 1638, the privy council agreed that all subjects should subscribe to the Covenant, though this act was later removed. In November 1638, the General Assembly in Glasgow approved the Covenant and abolished bishops. The king responded by marching on Scotland in 1639, initiating the First Bishops' War.