The execution was public and the streets were thronged. Guthrie mounted the scaffold with a cheerful spirit. He spoke with great deliberation and earnestness for one hour to the immense throng that crowded close to hear his last words. He then yielded himself to the executioner, who placed the death cap over his face. But, as the light of that bright June day was shut out from his eyes, a vision of entrancing joy seemed to break upon his soul. In that flash of inspiration he saw Scotland: The land was covered with the glory of Christ; peace filled all her borders, and prosperity crowned her industries; churches and schools adorned her hills and valleys; the mountains and moors were filled with devout worshipers; the Sabbath poured forth its weekly blessings; the Psalms arose with solemn music in praise to the Lord Jesus. The Covenanted Reformation, in that vision, was triumphant. Lifting the cap from his eyes, he exclaimed with the rapture of a prophet, and with the shout of a conqueror: "The Covenants, the Covenants shall yet be Scotland's reviving." [Illustration: JAMES GUTHRIE. Guthrie was an eminent minister of Christ, and valiant defender of the Covenant, in the reign of King Charles II. He was the second victim sacrificed to the king's rage against the Covenanters. On the day of his execution he wrote a very touching letter to his wife. One quotation: "My heart, I commend you to the eternal love of Jesus Christ. Pray for me while I am here, and praise with me hereafter. God be with you!" He died on the scaffold June 1, 1661.] Thus he died in the full assurance of victory. His head was affixed over the gate, where it remained many years. The sun bronzed the face, the storms smote it, the rains drenched it, the snows dashed against it, the winds swirled the white locks, the stars looked down in silence, the people looked up in sadness, but James Guthrie was heedless of all. The soul was mingling with the redeemed in heaven and rejoicing in the presence of God. Guthrie had gone home to be forever with the Lord. Little Willie often came and sat near the gate, gazing up at the silent motionless head. He would stay there till night veiled the sombre features of his father. He seemed to be communing with the spirit that now lived above the stars. "Where have you been, Willie?" his mother would say, on his return. "I have been looking at father's head," he would sadly reply. The intense strain sapped his vitality and he died in early manhood. Have we a conscience like that of the Covenanted fathers? a conscience that cannot submit to a man? a conscience that can take instructions only from God? The surrender of conscience to man imperils the soul. * * * * * POINTS FOR THE CLASS. 1. How did Argyle's death seem to affect the king? 2. Whom did he seize next? 3. What charge was preferred against Guthrie? 4. What was the nature of that "high treason?" 5. How did he defend himself in court?