strongholds of Satan; powerful in the use of spiritual weapons;
invincible in the presence of her enemies. She fights the battles of her
Lord, and though often defeated, moves steadily forward assured of final
victory. How terrible her warfare in the sight of enemies! how admirable
in the eyes of heaven!

The first impressive demonstration of numbers, power, and resolution,
given by the Church of Scotland, was in 1637. The king and his advisers
had attempted to force upon the Presbyterians the "New Prayer Book"
against their will. The attempt was as insane as it was despotic. As
well might the king have tried to change the song of the sea or the
course of the stars. The Scotch conscience, enlightened by the Word of
God, strengthened by the Covenant, and guided by the Holy Spirit, was
like Scotland's granite, upon which the storms spend their force to no
effect.

To resist the king's purpose, the Presbyterians poured into the Capital
from all directions. Home and flocks were left in the care of the mother
and children, and the crops lay ripening in the warm September sun. The
freedom of the Church was the supreme interest that stirred the blood of
these men. They filled the streets of Edinburgh, thousands moved
determinately and irresistibly through the chief thoroughfares of that
awakened city. There was no confusion, this was not a mob. These were
men of mind, purpose, prayer, and peace; they knew their rights and
commanded respect. They carried their Bibles to show their authority.
Resolution gleamed in the face of the grey-headed and flashed from the
eyes of the young men as they stood side by side. Their adversaries were
overawed and made conciliatory promises. The Covenanters therefore
withdrew.