To be “weighed and laid to heart” – John Sinclair and the Ormiston Covenant – SFH107

To be “weighed and laid to heart” – John Sinclair and the Ormiston Covenant – SFH107

We conclude our series about the Solemn League and Covenant in Ormiston and we discover how and why the international covenant made an international journey from here. What abiding significance did the covenant have after it was publicly burned by the authorities?

What Made the Solemn League and Covenant Solemn? – Aberlady – SFH106

What Made the Solemn League and Covenant Solemn? – Aberlady – SFH106

The renewing of the Solemn League and Covenant at Aberlady, East Lothian in 1648 gives us the opportunity to consider the international covenant further. The General Assembly had published A Solemn Acknowledgement of Public Sin and Breaches of the Covenant; and a Solemn Engagement to all the Duties contained therein which was to be made use of in this.  It would be publicly read by the minister after a period of public fasting when the Covenant was to be renewed. It was a document that certainly emphasised the “solemn” in Solemn League and Covenant and it was the duty of the Aberlady minister to do this too. We find out more about this event in the penultimate episode in a mini-series on the international covenant.

Covenant Close and the International Covenant – The Royal Mile, Edinburgh – SFH104

Covenant Close and the International Covenant – The Royal Mile, Edinburgh – SFH104

The Royal Mile was the trunk of Old Edinburgh with a large number of small alleyways called closes, courts or wynds branching off on each side. Most of the alleyways are called “closes” which tend to be narrow with tall buildings on both sides and access private property. They all have their own names. One of them is called Covenant Close and as you might have guessed there is a story behind this.

Newbattle Abbey and the International Covenant – Lothian Burial Ground, Newbattle Abbey – SFH103

Newbattle Abbey and the International Covenant – Lothian Burial Ground, Newbattle Abbey – SFH103

You would never realise that this neglected spot within the grounds of Newbattle Abbey witnessed considerable events of such historical significance. Our story weaves around Robert Leighton and the leading Covenanting noble the Earl of Lothian. But there are some other famous Covenanters that share some connection with the location too.