solemnly entered into the Covenant. This occurred
in the city of Edinburgh, December 3, 1557. This Covenant embodied their
purpose, thus, "We by His grace, shall, with all diligence, continually
apply our whole power, substance, and our very lives, to maintain, set
forward, and establish the most blessed Word of God and His Church."
This is known as The First Covenant of Scotland. Two years later,
another bond of agreement was subscribed, on behalf of the Church, by
her most prominent leaders, which was called The Second Covenant.

[Illustration: MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS.

Mary, Queen of Scots, came to the throne young, beautiful, aspiring, and
unscrupulous. She selected for her counselors, those who were devoted to
the Papal religion. She employed the government, the army, and the
French forces, to suppress the Reformers. The tide of power was against
her. She lost her throne and kingdom, and fled the country. She was
finally beheaded in London.]

THE FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY--1560.

The First Covenant was a formidable bulwark of defence against Papacy.
The young Protestant Church found in it a strong tower. The battle grew
fiercer. Many of the nobles joined the Covenanted ranks. Two years later
this Covenant was renewed and the cause gained great strength. Among
other leaders Lord James Stuart, the queen's brother, subscribed. He was
a daring defender of the Reformed faith. He stood as a wall of adamant
between the Reformation and his sister, Mary, Queen of Scots, who
employed the government and army to destroy it. After her overthrow he
became regent, ruling the nation with kingly power and extraordinary
ability, having the fear of God and the welfare of the people at heart.
His home was like a sanctuary; the fire burned on the family altar, the
Bible was read at the table, the beauty of holiness graced the
household. In history he is known as Lord Murray, the "Good Regent." He
was assassinated by an ingrate, whom he had pardoned and saved from
execution. Much credit for the First Reformation must be given to Murray
in the State and Knox in the Church, each peerless in his place. In
their day the Church became an organized power and assumed the
appearance of "an army with banners." The First General Assembly met in
Edinburgh, December 20, 1560. The purpose was, "To consult upon those
things which are to forward God's glory and the well-being of His Kirk."
The glory of God! the honor of Christ! the exaltation of the su