through half a mile of burning brimstone than have the mental agony
repeated.

Bruce, during his early ministry, was greatly beloved by the king. Such
was his delight in him that he was chosen to anoint the king's bride and
place the crown on her head. Three years after this pleasant event he
incurred the king's wrath by discountenancing his majesty's authority
over the Church. Being commanded to perform a certain service in the
pulpit he resolutely refused. To forfeit thus the royal good will, and
take the risk of consequences, required courage of the highest type.
But Bruce was a man of public spirit and heroic mind, equal to the
occasion, through the abiding Spirit of God, that wrought mightily in
him.

When matters were going from bad to worse, in his relation to the king,
he attended a meeting with a few other ministers, contrary to the king's
proclamation, to take counsel concerning the Church. A delegation was
appointed at this meeting to wait on the king, and urge their plea for
relief. Bruce was the spokesman. The king received the delegates, but
listened with impatience. He was in bad humor; anger flushed his face.
"How durst you convene against my proclamation?" he said. "We dare more
than that, and will not suffer religion to be overthrown," was the swift
reply. Bruce, after this interview, quickly felt the power of the law.
His property was seized; he was driven from home; and, on permission to
return, was required to cease preaching. This he refused to do, finally
consenting to quit for ten days. That night he fell into a fever, and
suffered such terrors of conscience, that he resolved that he would die
ere he would make a promise like that again.

Bruce's strength lay in his familiarity with Jesus Christ. His preaching