When the day for the re-organization of the General Assembly arrived, the delegates from the Covenanted churches were on the ground.  The house was filled with able, earnest, resolute men, true servants of the Lord Jesus Christ.  They had come in His name at His call to do His work.  Each breathed deeply the spirit of reverence; they felt the presence of God; holy dignity rested on every brow.  They had come in the strength of the Lord and were ready for duty and its consequences.

Hamilton with his friends also appeared.  He immediately began the work of obstruction.  Alexander Henderson was chosen moderator, and Archibald Johnston, known also as Lord Warriston, clerk, both of whom had taken an active part in the renewing of the Covenant.  Hamilton made certain demands all of which were refused.  He then attempted to dissolve the meeting but failed.  In a storm of passion and with vigorous threats he withdrew, leaving the Assembly to pursue its own course.  Can we conceive of sublimer courage than these Covenanters exhibited in standing by duty, conviction, and principle, owning their Covenant and honoring Christ Jesus, in the face of the king’s wrath?  The Assembly continued its sessions one month.  The work was stupendous, and it was thoroughly done.  The Church was cleansed, the ministry purified, true worship restored, and enactments adopted for the protection of the Reformed religion.  After pronouncing the final benediction, the moderator said, “We have now cast down the walls of Jericho; let him that rebuildeth them beware of the curse of Hiel the Bethelite.”

Behold how these fathers stood at the risk of their lives for the sovereignty of Jesus Christ!  What devotion, what courage, what self-immolation!  How great the moral grandeur of those lives, lifted up in the service of Christ far above the fear of man!  They felt deeply the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, giving them wisdom, peace, joy, and success, in their tasks!  Had we the same enduement of the Spirit of God, surely the Lord’s work would prosper in our hands!  May God grant it.

* * * * *

Points for the class.

1.  In what spirit did the people retire from the Covenant Convention in Edinburgh?

2.  How was the Covenant received by the nation?

3.  How did King Charles regard it?

4.  How did he attempt to counteract its power?

5.  In what manner did the Covenanters receive his commissioner?

6.  When and where was the General Assembly reorganized?

7.  With what interference did it meet?

8.  What good work did it accomplish?

9.  What trust did it commit to future generations?

XV.

The king Wages war.—­A.D. 1639.