During these times the Church was found chiefly in groups of Christians who met secretly for prayer.  A company of devout believers came together to spend the evening hours, or the Sabbath day, in the worship of God.  The meeting was called a Society.  In these places prayer was offered in faith, the Psalms were sung with grave melody, and the Bible was read with reverence.  These hungry souls fed upon the Word.  Sometimes the meetings were held in caves for fear of the enemy.  Once a minister, being pursued, entered one of these caves for safety.  As he sat down in its shelter, he was surprised at hearing soft melody farther back in that dark retreat.  Following the sound of the voices he found a company of devout worshipers.

In those troublous times the Holy Spirit, in His own mysterious way, electrified the hearts of these hidden ones with the thought of Covenanting with each other and with God, to stand for life, liberty, and religion.  A day was set and a place appointed for entering into the holy bond.  Notwithstanding the danger incurred, a large concourse of people assembled and solemnly entered into the Covenant.  This occurred in the city of Edinburgh, December 3, 1557.  This Covenant embodied their purpose, thus, “We by His grace, shall, with all diligence, continually apply our whole power, substance, and our very lives, to maintain, set forward, and establish the most blessed Word of God and His Church.”  This is known as The First Covenant of Scotland.  Two years later, another bond of agreement was subscribed, on behalf of the Church, by her most prominent leaders, which was called The Second Covenant.

[Illustration:  Mary, queen of Scots.

Mary, Queen of Scots, came to the throne young, beautiful, aspiring, and unscrupulous.  She selected for her counselors, those who were devoted to the Papal religion.  She employed the government, the army, and the French forces, to suppress the Reformers.  The tide of power was against her.  She lost her throne and kingdom, and fled the country.  She was finally beheaded in London.]

THE FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY—­1560.

The First Covenant was a formidable bulwark of defence against Papacy.  The young Protestant Church found in it a strong tower.  The battle grew fiercer.  Many of the nobles joined the Covenanted ranks.  Two years later this Covenant was renewed and the cause gained great strength.  Among other leaders Lord James Stuart, the queen’s brother, subscribed.  He was a daring defender of the Reformed faith.  He stood as a wall of adamant between the Reformation and his sister, Mary, Queen of Scots, who employed the government and army to destroy it.  After her overthrow he became regent, ruling the nation with kingly power and extraordinary ability, having the fear of God and the welfare of the people at heart.  His home was like a sanctuary; the fire burned on the