Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this file which includes the original illustrations. See 13570-h.htm or 13570-h.zip: (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/3/5/7/13570/13570-h/13570-h.htm) or (https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/3/5/7/13570/13570-h.zip) SKETCHES OF THE COVENANTERS by J. C. McFEETERS, D.D. Minister of the Second Church of the Covenanters, Philadelphia "That ye may tell it to the generations following; For this God is our God for ever and ever; He will be our guide even unto death." [Illustration: MODERN CHURCH OF THE COVENANTERS, GREENOCK.] THE UNCONQUERABLE COVENANTERS "We bind and obligate ourselves to defend ourselves and one another, in our worshiping of God, and in our natural, civil, and divine rights and liberties, till we shall overcome, or send them down under debate to posterity, that they may begin where we end."--_Queensferry Paper_. PREFACE This book is a spontaneous growth, being without pre-meditation or original intention. A visit to Scotland was the embryo; out of this seed sprang a stereopticon lecture on "The Martyrs of Scotland;" the lecture developed into an illustrated serial which was published in the CHRISTIAN NATION; and the serial, at the request of many readers, developed into this volume. The book, therefore, was not originally contemplated; it is a providential growth, rather than a human conception; and we sincerely trust that it is one of God's eternal thoughts, blossoming in the sunlight of its own appointed time. May our Lord Jesus Christ add His blessing, and commission these Sketches to do Him service and glorify His exalted name. J.C.M. Philadelphia, March 1, 1913. CONTENTS. SUBJECTS ILLUSTRATIONS Chapter I. The Land of the Covenants In the Highlands Chapter II. The Battle-field of Presbyterianism Flag of the Covenanters Chapter III. Some Early Martyrs George Wishart Chapter IV. Knox in the Field of Conflict Knox Administering the Lord's Supper Chapter V. Foundation Stones Mary, Queen of Scots Chapter VI. The National Covenant King James VI. Chapter VII. Contending with the King Melville before King James Chapter VIII. Men of Might Edinburgh Castle Chapter IX. Darkness Brooding Over the Land Souvenirs of the Covenanters Chapter X. Approaching a Crisis Alexander Henderson Chapter XI. The Advance Guards Jean Geddes Chapter XII. Gathering of the Hosts Greyfriars Church