The king's officials were alarmed.
Feigning a bold spirit they commanded the Covenanters to depart on pain
of rebellion. The Covenanters, knowing their rights and power, refused.
After preparing a respectful petition to the king, and a strong
remonstrance against the wrongs they suffered, they elected a permanent
commission of sixteen men to remain in the Capital, to protect their
interests and give notice when danger appeared.

[Illustration: GREYFRIARS' CHURCH.

Here the Covenanters gathered to renew their Covenant in 1638. The house
was crowded to its utmost capacity with renowned minister, elders, and
nobles. The oath was taken and the Covenant signed in the most
impressive manner. The churchyard contains many graves of celebrated
martyrs.]

The new year followed the old carrying trouble in its bosom. The
mid-winter storms drove the flocks to the fold and the shepherd to the
cot; all nature rested from labor, awaiting the coming of summer; but
hostilities against the Presbyterian Church took no rest. The king's
Council was removed from Edinburgh to Stirling; from thence they thought
to spring a crushing surprise upon the Covenanters. The news of this
intention spread as if on the wings of lightning. One day was enough to
give the alarm. The Covenanters were minute-men, with the heart of a
lion, the eye of an eagle, and feet swift to meet the battle call.
Before the sun was hot, the morning after the news, the Covenanters had
crowded Stirling. The city authorities seeing their strength meekly
besought them to disband and return home. These Covenanters were
patient, long-suffering, full of charity, believing all things, hoping
all things. Receiving the promise of better treatment, they drew off as
quickly as they had come. They refused to leave Edinburgh when
threatened; they consented to leave Stirling when requested. Behold the
spirit of these Covenanted Presbyterians!

But no confidence could be placed in the king or his representatives.
The land was greatly troubled by the wickedness of its rulers. One wave
of commotion followed another; there was no peace, no safety, no
security. Many weary hearts were crying out, "How long, O Lord?"

The Covenanters saw that the king was determined to crush their Church.
The General Assembly had not met for twenty years; that court of God's
House had been stamped out beneath the iron heel of despotism; the
lesser courts had been corrupted; the king had resolved on the
subv