The promises were quickly broken.  One month later, a fresh attempt by the king and his counselors to trample the heaven-given right to worship God with a free conscience stirred the country.  The Covenanters were alert, they were not caught napping.  They concentrated their strength upon the Capital once more, and this time with a speed that surprised the government.  Their number was greater than before; hundreds of ministers, and hundreds of noblemen, with strong delegations of elders from many congregations assembled for the occasion.  The vast concourse of people was too unwieldy to meet in one place; they therefore divided into four sections, each going in its own direction.  They held meetings for prayer and consultation, realizing deeply the dangers that were converging upon their Church, their homes, and their persons.  They prepared petitions to be presented to the king.  Once more they received assurance of relief, and quietly returned to their homes.

The months rolled past heavily.  Mild September had seen the country greatly agitated; bountiful October had witnessed the recurrence and increase of violent measures; November now came, chilled with sleety storms, and vexed with man’s perfidy and cruel attempt to crush conscience.  More desperate efforts were again in progress by the king and those who supported him in his claim of supremacy over the Church and power to regulate her worship.  The Covenanters were apprised, and for the third time the roads converging upon Edinburgh were filled with their dauntless ranks.  They came on foot, on horses, and in wagons; old men with white locks and young men with iron nerve; ministers and elders, noblemen and commoners.  These were men who were exalted into Covenant with the Almighty; they had tasted the sweetness of the liberty of the sons of God; they had felt the energy of the Holy Spirit throb in their hearts; they had visions of the king of kings in His transcendent glory.  They came with one resolve—­that Jesus Christ must not be superseded by the king of Scotland in the government of the Church.  They poured into the Capital in strong, living streams, till the city was almost deluged with their number.  The king’s officials were alarmed.  Feigning a bold spirit they commanded the Covenanters to depart on pain of rebellion.  The Covenanters, knowing their rights and power, refused.  After preparing a respectful petition to the king, and a strong remonstrance against the wrongs they suffered, they elected a permanent commission of sixteen men to remain in the Capital, to protect their interests and give notice when danger appeared.

[Illustration:  Greyfriars’ church.

Here the Covenanters gathered to renew their Covenant in 1638.  The house was crowded to its utmost capacity with renowned minister, elders, and nobles.  The oath was taken and the Covenant signed in the most impressive manner.  The churchyard contains many graves of celebrated martyrs.]