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Points for the class.

1.  When did King James VI. die?

2.  What was he planning when death claimed him?

3.  Who was his successor?

4.  What course did his son Charles pursue?

5.  How did God prepare His Church for the approaching trials?

6.  How did Communion Monday service originate?

7.  How did the king try to enforce uniformity on the Church?

8.  How was the Liturgy received by the Presbyterians?

9.  What demonstration of strength by the Presbyterians?

10.  What practical lesson here for us?

XII.

Gathering of the hosts.—­A.D. 1637.

“Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners?” What a beautiful and striking portrait of the Church in her militant character and service!

Terrible as an army with banners!  The Church is mighty to subdue the strongholds of Satan; powerful in the use of spiritual weapons; invincible in the presence of her enemies.  She fights the battles of her Lord, and though often defeated, moves steadily forward assured of final victory.  How terrible her warfare in the sight of enemies! how admirable in the eyes of heaven!

The first impressive demonstration of numbers, power, and resolution, given by the Church of Scotland, was in 1637.  The king and his advisers had attempted to force upon the Presbyterians the “New Prayer Book” against their will.  The attempt was as insane as it was despotic.  As well might the king have tried to change the song of the sea or the course of the stars.  The Scotch conscience, enlightened by the Word of God, strengthened by the Covenant, and guided by the Holy Spirit, was like Scotland’s granite, upon which the storms spend their force to no effect.

To resist the king’s purpose, the Presbyterians poured into the Capital from all directions.  Home and flocks were left in the care of the mother and children, and the crops lay ripening in the warm September sun.  The freedom of the Church was the supreme interest that stirred the blood of these men.  They filled the streets of Edinburgh, thousands moved determinately and irresistibly through the chief thoroughfares of that awakened city.  There was no confusion, this was not a mob.  These were men of mind, purpose, prayer, and peace; they knew their rights and commanded respect.  They carried their Bibles to show their authority.  Resolution gleamed in the face of the grey-headed and flashed from the eyes of the young men as they stood side by side.  Their adversaries were overawed and made conciliatory promises.  The Covenanters therefore withdrew.