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people, the farewell exhortations came from these devoted men of God as
words from heaven. Great excitement and sorrow prevailed in the
churches, as the stricken congregations took leave of the pastors who
loved the truth more than their own lives. Who can wonder at the
indignation that arose like a storm, as the congregation witnessed their
beloved pastor and his wife and children leave their home, and go forth
to wander under the skies of summer or through the storms of winter, not
knowing whither they were going! Should the people be censured for
nailing the church doors against intruding ministers, and refusing to
hear the hirelings sent to fill the pulpit against their will?

The Five Articles of Perth, adopted by those who were in power in the
Church and enforced by Civil law, became the pastor's test. The
Presbyterian minister who would not approve of the Five Articles was
deposed. But how could a Covenanter give his approval without perjury?
The Five Articles of Perth were these:

Kneeling at the Communion;

Observance of Holidays;

Episcopal Confirmation;

Private Baptism;

Private Communion.

The first implied the worship of the bread; the second, the homage of
saints; the third, the approval of Prelacy; the fourth, that baptism was
necessary to salvation; and the fifth, that the communion opened heaven
to the dying; all savored of Popery.

What minister having any regard for conscience could sign this list of
errors, after swearing the Covenant? Would he not immediately feel his
spiritual life sink below zero? Would not his heart chide him bitterly
for the degradation of his office and manhood? And God is greater than
the heart.

David Dickson was one of the ministers who had strength to endure,
rather than bend. He was a young man full of fire and holy power. He had
charge of a flourishing congregation at Irvine. His preaching swayed the
people. They crowded the church to hear him. His appeals melted the
heart and watered the cheeks. He was bold to denounce the Articles of
Perth. The authorities called him up and commanded him to retract; he
refused. A sad farewell to his flock followed. Rather than support
error, however popular and profitable, he would sacrifice the dearest
ties on earth and journey to parts unknown. And this he did.

Alexander Henderson, another minister, encountered the displeasure of
the men in power and suffered much at their hands. In his early life he
accepted the Pre