When Charles the I came to the throne in 1625, the liturgy used in the Kirk of Scotland was vastly different than the one used in England. His father, James the VI had established a uniform translation of the Bible in to English. The next natural step was to unify the liturgy.

Charles: It is best to take the English Liturgy without any variation, that the same Service-book might be establish in all my dominions.

But it was suggested that a review of both English and Scottish liturgy should be done in order that a common book be establish that was agreeable to both. And so, the books were reviewed, but many of the changes suggested by the Scottish Bishops were ignored in favor of a more mass oriented Liturgy.

Charles: All Scots Bishops will read the English Service-book in their cathedrals, and to use in morning and evening in their own houses as it has been used in his majesty's chapel-royal.

The Scots complained!

Noble: This is no less than subjection to England, by receiving their laws, of which we are most passionately abhorred.

The complain was ignored and finally, the Archbishop of St Andrews prepared himself for the fateful introduction of the English Service-book. But the "devouter sex" raised such a tumult that no one could hear the service. The king responded with the letters of horning.

Charles: If they chose to rebel against my word, let us enter into court and have it dealt with by the Privy Council.

Noble: We, the men, women and servants of Edinburgh, likewise the noblemen, gentry and ministers have signed a petition against the Service-book.

Charles: We find these proceedings are contrary to our pious intention, who has princely care for the preservation for the true religion. We have been highly wronged and abused. We request that bishops sit in judgement over this case.

Noble: We urge our humble petition to be judged not by bishops, but by your most gracious Majesty.

The King, however, created the "Tables", a committee of Nobles, Lesser Barons, Burgesses, and Clergy to review the issue. But the charges brought forth by the petitioners were less against the Service-book and more against the Clergy for forcing it on the people. Thus the King exonerated the bishops and took the burden himself.

Charles: I compel you to comply with my orders. You are pardoned for the past; but if you continue to offend me by meeting you will be punished as traitors.

Noble: If we allow a royal proclamation to pass in silence, we will be bound to obey it. The King must prove by old precedent that it has the right to issue and enforce such proclamations.

But the people of Scotland would not listen.

Noble: Therefore, from the knowledge and conscience of our duty to God, to our king and country, without any worldly respect or inducement we promise and swear by the name of the Lord our God to continue in the profession and obedience of the said religion.

We were, and still are, so far from any thought of withdrawing ourselves from our dutiful subjection and obedience to his majesty's Government; but on the contary, we acknowledge our quietness, stability and happiness to depend upon the safety of the king's majesty, as on God's administration of justice.

Charles: What is it you want?

Noble: The discharge of the Service-book and a return to the liturgy as it was under King James.

Charles: Rescind this covenant if you hope to remain loyal subjects!

Noble: It is better that you, too, should sign the covenant and join our cause.

Charles: This I will take under consideration.

But the King did not. Instead sent his fleet to Scotland to deal with the Covenant traitors. The war had begun. For ten years, the battles raged, lives were lost but neither side gave way.

The war had spread across all of England with Cromwell and the Parliament faction firmly ensconced in London. In 1645 at the battle of Naseby the king's forces were defeated. The king escaped and traveled north, eventually to find himself among Scottish troops.

Noble: Sign the Covenant and we will protect you, take you to Scotland and press your suit in England.

Charles: Never!

January 8^th, 1647 the king was given into the hands of the English Parliament.
January 30^th, 1649 Charles the I was beheaded. The Covenant had won.