Four "tables," as they were called, were formed in Edinburgh.

One consisted of nobility, another of gentry, a third of ministers, a fourth of burgesses.

The table of gentry was divided into many subordinate tables, according to their different counties.

In the hands of the four tables the whole authority of the kingdom was placed.

Orders were issued by them, and every where obeyed with the utmost regularity.[**] And among the first acts of their government was the production of the "Covenant." This famous covenant consisted first of a renunciation of Popery, formerly signed by James in his youth, and composed of many invectives, fitted to inflame the minds of men against their fellow-creatures, whom Heaven has enjoined them to cherish and to love.