n 1649. Being scriptural in its matter,
and not yet implemented, and besides, having been acquiesced in by the
civil power, it is to this day binding on the nations;[782] to this day
it binds the Churches in the three kingdoms,--the Church of Scotland,
and all those who have seceded from it as an establishment, as well as
those Presbyterians who never were connected with that Church since the
Revolution.[783] It is not too much to describe it, in the language of a
most justly esteemed writer, as "a document which we may be pardoned for
terming the noblest, in its essential nature and principles, of all that
are recorded among the international transactions of the world."[784]

The National Covenant of Scotland, and the Solemn League and Covenant,
were renewed, with various additions, at Lanark, before the devoted but
disastrous struggle at Pentland, in 1666; at Lesmahagow, in 1669; at
Auchensaugh, near Douglas, on July 24, 1712; and at Crawfordjohn, in
1745. What was suited to these times in the engagements made on those
occasions, and not yet accomplished, is binding, through the deeds of
the parties who entered into them, on those whom these parties
represented.

It would not savour much of candour to keep out of view, that by other
parties besides, these covenants have been renewed since the Revolution;
though it must be declared, that of the renovations made by such we
cannot in all things approve.

Scotland, nay Britain, we may then say, was solemnly dedicated to the
Lord. When will the Covenanted work of Reformation, which at present
lies under the bann of many wicked acts, yea, even under the act
confirming the Union between Scotland and England, be revived? May
there be soon fulfilled to our people again the promise,--"Thou shalt
be called Hephzi-bah, and thy land Beulah: for the Lord delighteth in
thee, and thy land shall be married."

It must be admitted that the testimonies of those who opposed the Romish
apostacy were in accordance, at least in some measure, with the mind of
Christ; and it cannot be denied, that the many to whom we have referred,
delivering those testimonies with all the solemnity of an oath,
appeared, to the fulfilment of ancient prophecy concerning those who in
the last times should testify for him, as his "Witnesses." Besides, has
there not been fulfilled in our own land, as well as elsewhere, in those
who engaged in Covenanting, in part such promises as this,--"He shall
not fail nor