equal to the
occasion, through the abiding Spirit of God, that wrought mightily in
him.

When matters were going from bad to worse, in his relation to the king,
he attended a meeting with a few other ministers, contrary to the king's
proclamation, to take counsel concerning the Church. A delegation was
appointed at this meeting to wait on the king, and urge their plea for
relief. Bruce was the spokesman. The king received the delegates, but
listened with impatience. He was in bad humor; anger flushed his face.
"How durst you convene against my proclamation?" he said. "We dare more
than that, and will not suffer religion to be overthrown," was the swift
reply. Bruce, after this interview, quickly felt the power of the law.
His property was seized; he was driven from home; and, on permission to
return, was required to cease preaching. This he refused to do, finally
consenting to quit for ten days. That night he fell into a fever, and
suffered such terrors of conscience, that he resolved that he would die
ere he would make a promise like that again.

Bruce's strength lay in his familiarity with Jesus Christ. His preaching
was with power, because Christ was with him. On one occasion, being late
for the service, a certain person reported, saying, "I think he will
not come to-day, for I overheard him in his room say to another, 'I
protest I will not go unless thou goest with me.'" He was talking with
Jesus about going to preach. In his prayers he was brief, but "every
word was as a bolt shot to heaven;" and in preaching he was slow and
solemn, but "every sentence was as a bolt shot from heaven." He, having
finished his work, entered into glory, saying pleasantly to his
children, as the dying hour drew near, "I have breakfasted with you this
morning, and I shall sup with my Lord Jesus Christ this night." That
night he entered the heavenly city.

They who are truly alive to the holiness, justice, and goodness of God,
and dwell in the radiance of His blessed face, will get views of the
Church and her mission, that will inspire to greatest service and
noblest sacrifices for Christ and His cause. They will arise far above
ordinary life, in effort, enthusiasm, power, and stability in the Lord's
work.

* * * * *

POINTS FOR THE CLASS.

1. Why did the king insist on having bishops in the Church?

2. How did the Presbyterian ministers oppose them?

3. In what way did the king authorize that whi