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When referring to this work, full bibliographic details including the author, title, awarding institution and date of the thesis must be given. ‘For Christ’s Crown and Covenant’: An Historical Interpretation of Scottish Covenanting Political Theology and its Contribution to the American Revolution in the Backcountry of North Carolina Michael S. Griggs PhD in History The University of Edinburgh 2019 ABSTRACT This project examines the Covenanters’ political thought and considers its transmission in Scotland and throughout the American Colonies with a focus particularly on the backcountry of North Carolina. By seeing the development of beliefs and political cultures, this study revises our understanding of the political implications of Scottish Covenantalism in colonial America. Through the social network and correspondence of clergymen, Covenantalism became a driving force in religious orthodoxy among theologians and pastors in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries and interjected itself throughout diverse Atlantic political cultures. This thesis examines how ‘radical’ Presbyterians of the southern colonies used their pulpits not only for conversions, but also as lecterns for the articulation of political ideas. This project brings together the intellectual and the ecclesiastical for a more inclusive understanding of the political thought and strategies within several colonies that later supported and became active participants in the American Revolution. This thesis illustrates the link between Scottish covenanting tradition and the American Revolution, thus further demonstrating that the religious stories of the Revolution were not just a New England story, nor were the ideological origins of the Revolution just ‘English’. The political theology of the Covenanters demonstrates that their behaviour and methods for participating in the political discourse of the American Revolution and the period preceding it were in fact intentional and deliberate. The evidence shows that the Covenanters did not separate their theology i from their politics but used their theology to promote their politics. A secondary outcome expands our understanding of the intellectual history of the American Revolution to properly include more of the thirteen colonies and not limit the so- called enlightenment narrative to New England as others have contended. This thesis thus contributes to knowledge by further illuminating the religious dimensions of political thought and action in the Atlantic world by shifting focus from the religious sinews of revolutionary thought and action in the northern colonies during the American Revolution to the lower southern colonies. ii THESIS DECLARATION I declare that I composed this thesis solely by myself. Likewise, I have not submitted, in whole or in part, my thesis in any previous application for a degree or professional qualification. Except where otherwise by reference or acknowledgement, the work presented is entirely my own. ________________________________________ Date: 15/02/2019 Michael S. Griggs S1256531 iii To my beloved wife Rebecca, a constant reminder to me of God’s grace and favour iv TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT .............................................................................................................. i THESIS DECLARATION ..................................................................................... iii TABLE OF CONTENTS ........................................................................................ v ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ...................................................................................... vi Introduction ............................................................................................................. 1 Chapter 1 – Influence .............................................................................................32 Roots of Scottish Covenanting Thought Chapter 2 – Interpretation .....................................................................................58 Resistance Justified Theologically Chapter 3 – Information ........................................................................................85 Roots of American Covenanting Thought Chapter 4 – Insurgency ........................................................................................ 102 Resistance Exemplified in America Chapter 5 – Independence ................................................................................... 122 Rebellion Declared in North Carolina Chapter 6 – Insurrection ...................................................................................... 147 Revolution Enacted in North Carolina Chapter 7 – Instruction ........................................................................................ 171 Reform Established through Education and Government Chapter 8 – Inconsistent ...................................................................................... 206 Restricted Liberty for the Enslaved Inference ............................................................................................................... 224 BIBLIOGRAPHY ................................................................................................ 232 APPENDIX ........................................................................................................... 260 v ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This thesis encompasses far more than the results from the labours of research and writing. It reflects substantial support from individuals whose encouragement helped its accomplishment. Many thanks are due to the support from a number of library and archive staff members, especially from the University of Edinburgh Library, University of Edinburgh’s New College Library, National Library of Scotland, National Archives of Scotland, Mitchell Library, Presbyterian Historical Society in Philadelphia, Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill – Wilson Library, Southern Historical Collection, North Carolina State Archives, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Public Library – Carolina Room, Reformed Theological Seminary Library in Charlotte, NC and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte J. Murray Atkins Library and Special Collections. Many thanks also to the staff historians at a few churches in Charlotte, North Carolina, especially Sugar Creek Presbyterian Church, Hopewell Presbyterian Church, Steele Creek Presbyterian Church, and Providence Presbyterian Church. I appreciate the fellow members of the Mecklenburg Historical Association, especially Jim Williams and Robin Brabham. I am especially grateful to The University of Edinburgh Department of History for permitting me to complete my research in North Carolina. I certainly achieved this with the help and guidance from Stephen Bowd, Billy Mitchell, and Lindsay Scott. vi I wish to extend my gratitude to my supervisors, Frank Cogliano and Gordon Pentland who offered immense patience and provided invaluable criticism and feedback. They also extended much needed support, encouragement, and genuine kindness throughout this journey. Next, I must extend my sincerest appreciation to many family and friends who have travelled this path with me the past few years. Because of them, I felt as though I was never alone. I cannot adequately thank my children, Megan, Jacob, and Levi for all their care and inspiration through this journey. Of all the people on this earth with whom I owe my deepest gratitude and thankfulness is to my darling Rebecca, to whom I dedicate this work. Words cannot sufficiently express my genuine appreciation to her. Her steadfast support for me displays such amazing love and grace. Her unselfish devotion and complete confidence in me empowered me to finish well. I can write unashamedly that I am a better man, husband, father, and student because of her. She embodies God’s grace and favour in my life. No words can satisfactorily express what I owe her. Finally, many days through this journey were very difficult, but God provided me with abundant grace and endurance to complete this task. Soli Deo Gloria vii The Declaration of Independence contains many elements of the Reformation thinking of Knox and Rutherford and should be carefully considered when discussing resistance. It speaks directly to the responsibility of citizens concerning oppressive civil government. 1 When reading A Christian Manifesto by Francis Schaeffer for an assignment in a course, I read the above quote and became fascinated with such an assertion without reference or citation. This compelled me to understand how Schaeffer made such a statement and felt duty-bound to determine the validity of his statement. This thesis provides the results of my pursuit. 1 Francis Schaeffer, A Christian Manifesto , (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1981), p. 127. viii Introduction For the Covenanters,