The day of reckoning seemed to have come. The sense of guilt and the
weight of wrath bowed many souls to the earth. One supreme desire seemed
to prevail--that they arise and return to Him, from whom they had so
deeply and shamefully revolted.

"The Covenants! The Covenants!" This was now the national cry. The
Covenants have ever been Scotland's hope, strength, and glory. The cry
went from house to house, from church to church, from earth to heaven.
It was on the lips and in the prayers of men, women, and children. Hope
revived, enthusiasm spread like flames, the nation was rapidly prepared
for the high honors that were awaiting her. The people in large numbers
were fired with a passion to renew their Covenant with God!

The Holy Spirit fell mightily upon many, causing a floodtide of
spiritual life to sweep the country. The leading Covenanters were
endowed with wisdom and courage to direct the holy enthusiasm into the
right channel. It had to be turned by prompt action, to present use, and
conserved for the generations to come, or its strength and volume would
soon be lost. On Sabbath February 25, 1638, the ministers preached on
Covenanting. Next day the people met in their churches and received
notice that, on Wednesday following, their Covenant with God would be
renewed in Edinburgh. The announcement struck a responsive chord. The
country was astir early on the morning of the appointed day. Doubtless
many had spent the preceding night with the Lord Jesus Christ in prayer.
While the stars were still shining, many households, we may be assured,
were called around the family altar, that the father might bless his
house and hasten to Edinburgh. The commissioners who had been appointed
to lead the people in Covenanting were on the ground at break of day.

The Covenant of 1581 was chosen for the present occasion. Two