ABSTRACT
Oliver Cromwell and the English army had subverted the Covenant by corrupting the Reformation and the federative union by encouraging divisive motions in the English Parliament and ignoring Scottish objections to the trial and execution. The Commonwealth specifically targeted key institutions that supported the covenanted interest across the three kingdoms. Approaching the Scottish border in July 1650, Oliver Cromwell justified his invasion to the Scots by publishing a declaration arguing that the English army, through God's Providence, was bringing liberty to Scotland with the offer of friendship and peace whilst abiding by all laws of God, nations, nature and religion. However, similar objections to conquest and political integration can be drawn upon. Gillespie, Sir John Chiesly and three Glasgow burgesses would convene their own meetings away from the established institutions within the Burgh. Presbyterian ministers across the kingdoms responded by emphasising the value of an ordained and trained ministry. Sectaries were irreligious and destructive, contrary to the Protestant Reformed faith.
