We Americans can throw no stones. Canadians, Mexicans, the southern republics below Panama, all challenge our right to the monopoly of “America” and “Americans.” Language lags behind events. When at last, in 1914, the great war did come, and the storm broke, no part of the Empire responded more quickly, generously, fully than Scotland, nor did any courage or sacrifice exceed that of the Scots; yet, not only was the credit usually given to “England,” but even the prayer of hate, made in Germany, chose “England” as its butt. Yet while Scottish valor and sacrifice and Irish courage and free-will offerings of life on the field and waves are unstinted, who can blame the poet, nay, who does not say “amen,” to his lines, in the Glasgow “Herald,” written in the closing days of 1915? “The ‘English’ navy in its might Is out upon the main; The ‘English’ army--some in kilts-- Is at the front again; The dogs of war are loosened And gathering to the fray, But the British ships and British troops-- I wonder where are they? “When blood has flowed like water, And ’midst the heaps of slain Lie stalwart Scot and brawny Celt Who victory help to gain, The glory will be ‘England’s,’ Like every other thing; ’Tis ‘England’ this and ‘England’ that-- Flag, navy, army, king. “Still let Scots do their duty In Britain’s day of war; A greater cause than ‘England’s’ Nerves Scottish hearts by far. For Britain and the empire We Scotsmen draw the sword, And not like hired mercenaries, As if ‘England’ were our lord.” During this trial of the soul of a nation, in the wager of battle, to decide whether truth is worth living and dying for and whether solemn compacts are as torn paper--we catch a glimpse of a great part of the nation at prayer. It is in St. Giles’s Church, Edinburgh, that the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland holds its annual sessions and the function is made decidedly spectacular, as is supposed to become a State Church. For two hundred and twenty-five years, the meeting has been held without interruption. In the brilliant procession, the Lord High Chancellor, as representative of the king, takes part, and usually a regiment of the garrison troops adds color and a show of worldly might to the spectacle. Few elements appropriate to the day are omitted, for this is the august assembly of the “Church established by law.” In the spring of 1914, the full strength of the Cameron Highlanders was paraded. [Illustration: FOR THE WHOLE WORLD (The Edinburgh Conference of Missions)]