Sketches of the CovenantersMcFeeters, J. C. (James Calvin)
History
Sketches of the Covenanters
McFeeters, J. C. (James Calvin)
Covenanters; Scotland -- Church history -- 16th century; Scotland -- Church history -- 17th century
"Your cows must find another herdsman," sternly returned Lagg, who
immediately delivered the fatal shot. The bleeding body struggled a
moment on the heath, then the ransomed spirit took its flight to
brighter realms.
The Bible won the young, as well as the more matured. It warmed,
strengthened, purified, and ennobled the hearts of sons and daughters,
affording comfort and arousing heroism equal to that of fathers and
mothers. Andrew Hislop, while yet a youth, was overtaken as he hastened
to a hiding-place, and was put on trial for his life, while he stood
before the soldiers in the field across which he was running. His Bible
was found on his person. His mother's home had been demolished by
Claverhouse some time previous; she and her children had been compelled
to face the future without food or shelter. She had been charged with
harboring Covenanters; therefore her residence had been destroyed, her
provisions seized, and her children scattered; all were now being hunted
for their lives. Claverhouse had found Andrew. He was allowed a short
time for prayer. His prayer brought the needed blessing with more than
lightning-speed; sufficient grace and strength were immediately given.
His face shined with courage; his eyes gleamed with contempt for danger
and death; a halo of victory seemed to wreathe him; the Holy Spirit
filled his soul with joy; his lips took up the Psalmist's inspired
challenge, and the solemn music smote the ears of his foes, as he sang--
"The mighty Lord is on my side,
I will not be afraid;
For any thing that man can do
I shall not be dismayed."
The dragoons were unable to endure the glory of that face, or the
sweetness of that voice. He was ordered to draw down his "bonnet" over
his eyes, and receive the volley. He sternly refused, lifting it higher
on his dauntless brow, and affirming that he could look the musketeers
in the face, while they delivered the murderous fire. Then holding out
his Bible, he haled them to the Judgment-seat, where they would be
judged by that Book.
[Illustration: COVENANTERS BIBLES
In this group of Bibles, Peden's is the largest; Cargill's is underneath
it, and Captain Paton's to the left. We had the privilege of using
Cargill's Bible in 1896, at a Conventicle service held on the Cargill
farm. We felt deeply impressed, while reading from the pages upon which
the piercing eyes of the martyr had often flashed. The book still bears
the marks of rain-drops, received, doubtless, while being used in the
outdoor meetings held by the Covenanters.]
"Shoot," cried Claverhouse. Not a gun was discharged. The men were
overawed by the sweet innocency and intrepid spirit of the youthful
Covenanter.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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