ct continued while century
followed century.

[Illustration: This old Banner is yet to be seen at the home of Mr. John
Howie of Lochgoin. It has its own unwritten history. As we placed our
hands on the precious folds, the heart was asking about the brave
standard-bearers who carried it in the hard-fought encounters, and the
fearless Covenanters who followed it unto death.]

Victory finally crowned the martyrs' cause, and peace spread her white
wings over the crimson field, which in our day yields a rich harvest of
happiness and prosperity. Out of that great struggle we have inherited
the civil and religious liberty, which to-day is the crowning glory of
Great Britain and America.

But the victories of our fathers were not final: they only placed us on
vantage ground to continue the struggle, until the whole world shall be
redeemed from every system of false religion and despotic power. Much
land yet remains to be possessed. Animated by their noble example and
encouraged by their success, we should press forward in the same cause,
for the glory of Christ and the salvation of souls. How can we
hesitate? Great obligations have descended from the fathers to us as
their successors; future generations are dependent on our faithfulness.

* * * * *

POINTS FOR THE CLASS.

1. Describe the religion that prevailed in Scotland before the Gospel
was introduced.

2. What is known concerning the beginning of the Church in this country?

3. What was the success of the Gospel during the early centuries?

4. What were the chief doctrines of the Church in those times?

5. What foe attempted her suppression?

6. Describe the resistance offered by the martyrs.

7. What was the great doctrine around which the battle was waged?

III.

SOME EARLY MARTYRS.--A.D. 1200.

The Roman hierarchy, having gained a foothold on the shores of Scotland,
pushed hard for the ascendancy. At length the Papal religion prevailed.
The black wings of apostasy, as of an ominous bird, were stretched from
sea to sea. Dense darkness fell upon Scotland. The Thirteenth century
was the horrible midnight, during which the people slept helpless in the
grasp of a terrorizing nightmare. Kings combined with priests to crush
all who asserted their right to a free conscience in the worship of God.
The Bible was officially condemned and publicly burned; its perusal by
the people was accounted a crime worthy of death. Poor S