These people, however, were not to be despised.  They were numerous; a few years later, upon an emergency, they mustered a regiment for their country’s defence without the beat of a drum, and announced that another regiment or two would follow if needed.  They were courageous; they gave a most aggressive testimony at Lanark against the king and the defections of the times.  They were intelligent; they ably defended their principles and position both in speech and in print.  They were consecrated; they made their appeal always to God, to the Covenant, to conscience, and to the enlightened judgment of Christendom.

The General Meeting resolved, in 1682, to educate four young men for the ministry, among whom was James Renwick.  These were sent to college.  Renwick was ordained in 1684.

Each society endeavored to hold a meeting every Sabbath for Divine worship.  This went far to supply the spiritual nourishment which the ministers had failed to give.  The “Society” is a sweet memory, lingering still in the hearts of some of our aged people.  There are Covenanters who can yet recall the old-fashioned prayer meeting, then known as the Society which descended from the times of persecution They can remember how half a dozen families, sometimes more, sometimes less, came quietly together on Sabbath morning to one of their homes.  The atmosphere, within and without, was pervaded with holy awe.  A quiet joy, subdued with gravity, beamed in all faces.  The largest room in the house was crowded with men, women, and children; the chairs were supplemented with boards, cushioned with quilts, for seats.  At 11 a.m. the worship of God began.

[Illustration:  St. Sebastian church, Rotterdam, Holland.

In the times of persecution many Covenanters fled to Holland for safety.  Here they found a city of refuge.  The city council gave them the use of this church for worship.  The building is very ancient, and yet it is in a good state of preservation.]

Order of exercises: 

A Psalm announced, a blessing invoked singing the Psalm, reading a chapter, and prayer by the leader.

Bible verse announced, statement of doctrine and remarks.

A second Psalm, chapter, and prayer.

Reading in the Confession of Faith or in a sermon.

A third Psalm, chapter, and prayer.

The children reciting Psalms and Questions.

The Shorter Catechism recited by the whole house.

A fourth Psalm, followed with a short prayer.

Adjournment at 3 p.m.

These societies were the deep roots of the Covenanted Church.  By means of them, she became thoroughly indoctrinated in the Word of God and His holy Covenant.  In these meetings the elders became like ministers in the knowledge of Christ, and the people like elders.  The feeble in Israel waxed strong as the house of David, and the house of David as the angel of the Lord.  There were giants in those days.