An exceptionally rare sammelband of four important Covenanter works, with no copies having come to market in the last 25 years.

Not only do the present items mark an important development in the history of the Scottish Covenanters, the Westminster Assembly, and English Puritanism, but it is now commonly understood that the English Civil War, which saw Scottish Presbyterians partnering with the Westminster Assembly to see a Scotland flourish as a haven for religious liberty provided the linguistic and ideological framework for the American Revolution. Most of the primary mouthpieces for the Revolution were Scottish Presbyterians, including many divines. The repetition of language is evident. This includes ideas and language directly linked to Samuel Rutherford’s [one of the author’s below] Lex Rex, which ultimately find themselves expressed, nearly verbatim, in the United States Constitution.

In many ways, the quest for religious freedom begun in Scotland during the Killing Times, found its ultimate expression and fulfillment in the establishment of the United States.

See Adam Smith and the Constitutional Convention in the Loyala Law Review, etc,.

1. Rutherford, Samuel, et al. A Testimony to the Truth of Jesus Christ; Or, To the Doctrine, Worship, Discipline, and Government of the Kirk of Scotland, and to the National Covenant of Scotland: and to the Solemn League and Covenant of the Three Nations, Scotland, England, and Ireland, and to the work of uniformity in religion, and against the errors, heresies, blasphemies, and diverse practises of the times; especially against that vast toleration now on foot in these nation. By Sundry Ministers of the Gospel in the Provinces of Perth and Fife. Edinburgh. Printed by a Society of Stationer's. Anno Dom. 1660, First Edition. 48pp.

2. Guthrie, James. Some Considerations Contributing unto the Discovie of the Dangers that Threaten Religion & the Work of Reformation in the Church of Scotland. Edinburgh. Printed by a Society of Stationer's. Anno Dom. 1660, First Edition. [2], 51-124pp.

3. The National Covenant of the Kirk of Scotland & The Solemn League & Covenant of the Three Kingdoms. Edinburgh. Printed by a Society of Stationer's. Anno Dom. 1660, First Edition. 20pp.

4. A Solemn League & Covenant for Reformation & Defence of Religion. The Honour & Happiness of the King and the Peace & Safety of the three nations, Scotland, England, and Ireland. Edinburgh. Printed by a Society of Stationer's. Anno Dom. 1660, First Edition. 10pp.

Original full calf leather boards, spine perished. Textually very good.

Only 10 traced copies extant worldwide of the first two works, 6 of the third work, and only 4 known copies of the last work. No auction records of any of the works available for the last 25 years.