official paper with
the scepter, a streak of lightning blazed through the gloom, and
another, and a third, blinding the guilty men in the presence of their
awful deed. Three peals of thunder followed in quick succession, making
every heart tremble. A momentary pang of conscience must have been felt,
while the KING of heaven spoke in thunder that made their ears tingle,
and in flames that dazzled their eyes. This dismal day, July 25, 1621,
is remembered in Scotland as "Black Saturday." Oh, how black with storm
clouds, with man's guilt, with heaven's rebukes, and with apprehensions
of sorrow and suffering!

These were the days of Melville, Welch, and Boyd, who, with other men,
mighty in the Lord, withstood the king to his face, and the government
with its threats and penalties. When the Church was in jeopardy, the
Lord Jesus Christ had His chosen servants, able and willing to defend
the faith. Like the prophets of old, they lifted up their voices in the
high places, wrestled with principalities and powers, uttered their
testimony as with the voice of thunder, and cheerfully sealed their
testimony with their blood.

Among the champions of that day, Robert Bruce, an eminent minister of
the Gospel, took his place in the thickest of the fight. He was a large
man, dignified and commanding in appearance; the countenance, physique,
intellect, and spirit denoting true kingliness and strength. He may have
been a descendant of his famous namesake, Robert Bruce, one of
Scotland's great kings; his heart was just as heroic and patriotic. This
soldier of the cross was strong because he lived in the bosom of God's
love; his life was fragrant with heaven's atmosphere. He had a keen
conscience. When urged to accept the ministry he at first refused, but
that refusal caused such remorse that he said, he would rather walk
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,