The Covenant of 1638 was signed first by those who filled the
Greyfriars' Church. The parchment was then brought outside and laid on a
flat tombstone, where those who had assembled in the churchyard eagerly
embraced the opportunity to add their signatures. The people were deeply
moved, as they thus joined themselves and their children to the Lord, in
an everlasting Covenant never to be forgotten.]

At the appointed hour, Greyfriars' Church and churchyard were crowded
"with Scotland's gravest, wisest, and best sons and daughters."
Alexander Henderson constituted the meeting with prayer. His earnest
words were deeply felt, they seemed to bring the Lord of glory out of
heaven. The Earl of Loudon made a solemn address, appealing to the
Searcher of motives. Archibald Johnston unrolled the vast parchment and
read the Covenant in a clear voice. Silence followed--a dreadful pause
during which the Holy Spirit was doing great work on all present. The
Earl of Rothes broke the silence with a few well-chosen words. Another
solemn pause ensued, while all eyes watched for the next act in the
sublime programme. The Covenant was ready for signatures. What name will
have the honor of heading the list on that white parchment? At length
the Earl of Sutherland, an aged elder, with much reverence and emotion,
stepped forward and taking the pen with trembling hand subscribed his
name. Others rapidly followed. The heart went with the name, the blood
was pledged with the ink, the Covenant was for life even unto death.
When all in the church had subscribed, the parchment was carried to the
churchyard and placed on a flat tombstone, where the people outside
added name after name till there was no room, no, not for an initial
letter. The scene was impressive beyond description; the people gave
themselves willingly unto the Lord. Many wrote through blinding tears
and with throbbing hearts; some added the words, "Till death"; some drew