The dread disaster-sent a wail through all Scotland.  The grief was great and the penitential searchings deep.  The pious and prayerful inquired of the Lord to know the cause of His wrath and the way of deliverance.  The eyes of many were opened to see the shadow of greater calamities approaching.  Argyle, Johnston, Rutherford, Gillespie, and others of kindred spirit, saw in the last battle the stroke of the Lord for the sins of the nation.  The wrath of God, like a bolt of lightning, had struck that field and thousands lay dead.  Greater retributions were coming; repentance alone could save the country.

The king attempted to rally his shattered forces.  He raised his standard at Stirling.  His army was small; he wanted more men.  Hitherto the army had been recruited from the homes of Covenanters; the rank and file were the resolute sons of the Covenant.  The Scottish Parliament in bygone years had made a law called the “Act of Classes”, by which only those who had taken the Covenant were eligible to office in the government, or position in the army.  The statesmanship of the Scottish fathers was profound; their military wisdom was from above.  Civil government is God’s gift to man.  Why entrust it to other than His people?  The military power is to guard this trust.  Why commit the guardianship to any but the loyal servants of the Lord Jesus Christ?

The king had the Act of Classes repealed that he might increase his army.  He multiplied his regiments, but forgot “The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon.”  Three hundred may be better than thirty thousand.  He accepted battle once more with Cromwell, suffered a terrible defeat, escaped from the country and remained an exile nine years.  All honor to Gen. Leslie, and other faithful officers, who refused to serve after the ranks had been filled with men who feared not God nor regarded His Covenant!

Can we here find a lesson to lay upon our hearts?  Covenanting with God is, possibly, the highest privilege on earth; Covenant-breaking is, possibly, the most dangerous sin.  What can be worse?  The Covenant-breaker destroys much good; brings wrath upon himself, and defeat, sorrow, and distress upon those whom he represents.

* * * * *

Points for the class.

1.  How was the reign of King Charles I. ended?

2.  What effort on the part of the Covenanters to secure a successor?

3.  What were the prospects of the young prince?

4.  What brought ruin upon him?

5.  Why were the Covenanters now compelled to meet the English in battle?

6.  With what result?

7.  What was the “Act of Classes.”

8.  Why was it repealed?

9.  What was the effect?

10.  What heinousness lies in Covenant-breaking?

XXI.

A sifting time—­A.D. 1653.