THE LAND OF THE COVENANTS.


All history is interesting and much of it is inspiring. Scotland
furnishes a large measure of that quality of history, that awakens the
soul, and appeals to the faculties by which life is transfigured with
moral grandeur.

History yields its best results when we use our best powers in pursuing
its paths. Let the creative genius, a healthy imagination, be employed
restoring the scenes of former times, mingling with the people and
participating in their high endeavors; then will the quiet page of
history become a world of thrilling activity. In this manner let us here
endeavor to follow the chain of events which gave Scotland two
Reformations and a Revolution. Let us keep our horizon wide by
resuscitating the former generations and associating with the Covenanted
fathers, who, in their faithfulness to God and loyalty to Jesus Christ,
were like the burning bush, enswirled with fire but not consumed.

Scotland--the very name awakens fondest memories, revives holiest
scenes, makes dearest associations throb with life. Scotland--charming
in her romances of love, mighty in her struggles for freedom, pathetic
in her sufferings for Christ, and glorious in her oft-renewed covenant
with God--Scotland in many respects is incomparable among the nations.
The Covenanted Church of Scotland, coming up from the wilderness leaning
upon her Beloved in holy dependence and dauntless faith, while heaven
looks down with admiration--how beautiful, how instructive, how
inspiring!