"There was one great, and even sublime idea, brought somewhat indefinitely before the Westminster Assembly, which has not yet been realized, the idea of a Protestant union throughout Christendom, not merely for the purpose of counterbalancing Popery, but in order to purify, strengthen, and unite all true Christian churches, so that with combined energy and zeal they might go forth, in glad compliance with the Redeemer's commands, teaching all nations, and preaching the everlasting gospel to every creature under heaven.

This truly magnificent, and also truly Christian idea, seems to have originated in the mind of that distinguished man, Alexander Henderson. It was suggested by him to the Scottish commissioners, and by them partially brought before the English Parliament, requesting them to direct the Assembly to write letters to the Protestant Churches in France, Holland, Switzerland, and other Reformed Churches. . . . and along with these letters were sent copies of the Solemn League and Covenant, a document which might itself form the basis of such a Protestant union.

The deep thinking divines of the Netherlands apprehended the idea, and in their answer, not only expressed their approbation of the Covenant, but also desired to join in it with the British kingdoms. Nor did they content themselves with the mere expression of approval and willingness to join. A letter was soon afterwards sent to the Assembly from the Hague, written by Duraeus (the celebrated John Dury), offering to come to the Assembly, and containing a copy of a vow which he had prepared and tendered to the distinguished Oxenstiern, chancellor of Sweden, wherein he bound himself 'to prosecute a reconciliation between Protestants in point of religion'.

[O]n one occasion Henderson procured a passport to go to Holland, most probably for the purpose of prosecuting this grand idea. But the intrigues of politicians, the delays caused by the conduct of the Independents, and the narrow-minded Erastianism of the English Parliament, all conspired to prevent the Assembly from entering farther into that truly glorious Christian enterprise.

Days of trouble and darkness came; persecution wore out the great men of that remarkable period; pure and vital Christianity was stricken to the earth and trampled under foot. . ."

- William Hetherington, The History of the Westminster Assembly of Divines, [Edmonton, Alberta: Still Waters Revival Books], pp. 337-339.

+ For more on the Solemn League and Covenant and what it means to (and for) Christians today, please listen to the FREE MP3 by Greg Price titled "Covenants & Covenanting (5/7) The Solemn League and Covenant." Also see:

A Defense of Covenanting & The Solemn League and Covenant & Who (Including Churches and Nations) It Binds Today - A Covenanter Classic by Greg Price (21 FREE MP3s)

+ Many FREE RESOURCES on the Solemn League and Covenant
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/freebook/covcov.htm

+ Covenanting In the Bible and In the Future (As Prophesied In Biblical Prophecy) By Pastor Jim Dodson, Pastor Greg Price and Pastor James Willson (Many Free SWRB MP3s, PDFs and Videos)

+++ PURITAN HARD DRIVE WITH 12,500+ PURITAN AND REFORMATION RESOUCES & WORLD-CLASS BIBLE STUDY SOFTWARE +++

• PURITAN HARD DRIVE REVIEWS
• DR. JOEL R. BEEKE ON THE PURITAN HARD DRIVE
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• JUSTIN RAWSON ON THE PURITAN HARD DRIVE
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Solemn League and Covenant

Westminster Confession, Assembly and Divines