COVENANT

In History, the famous bond of a ociation adopted by the Scottish Presbj'terians in 1638. It was framed on the model of a similar declaration, which had been twice solemnly subscribed in the early period of the Reformation: but in more violent language, and with more specific obligation to support the kirk, together with a prohibition and abjuration of the Anglican liturgy and articles. The founders of the Solemn League and Covenant were Alexander Henderson, leader of the clergy, and Archibald Johnston of Wariston, an advocate. (See Laing's History of Scotland, vol. iii.) A new religious covenant between the two kingdoms was framed in 1643, and taken by the English House of Commons and a embly of divines at Westminster. Charles II. subscribed the Scottish covenant on his coronaticm in 1651; but on his restoration it was declared null by act of parliament, and burned by the common hangman. It formed, however, the watch-word and bond of union of the discontented party, or Covenanters, as they were called, in the rebellions of his reign. Covenant. In a theological sense, a promise made by God to man upon certain conditions: the two grand distinctions of which are emphatically designated the Old and New Covenant or Testament; in each of which certain temporal or spiritual benefits are promised to man upon the performance of duties therein pointed out. Covenant. In Law, is an engagement under seal to do or to omit a direct act. Covenants are of many different species, as, in fact and in law, implied and expre , .; and, according to their subject matter, or expre stipulation, they are binding respectively on the heirs, executors, and a igns, or executors and a igns only, of the covenantor. Covenant is also a form of action, which lies where a party claims damages for breach of a covenant or contract under seal. [s. 308]