In 1663 Richard Alleine, a Puritan, published A Vindication of Piety. In 1753 it was republished by John Wesley in A Christian Library. Wesley used a part of the work on Monday, August 11, 1755, in what was probably the first celebration of the Covenant Renewal Service among Methodists. Wesley found the service rich and meaningful, and they became a part of the Methodist practices.
In London during the early days of the Methodist Movement, these services were usually held on New Year’s Day. Around Britain the Covenant Service was conducted whenever John Wesley visited a particular Methodist society. Today, the Covenant Renewal Service is most commonly held on New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, the first Sunday of a year, or at the anniversary of a church.
