s Sabbath, a sweet summer day. That morning he
drove his cows to pasture, carrying the sacred Book with him. The field
is a beautiful place for personal devotions. Here the soul can luxuriate
in prayer and meditation, holding fellowship with heaven. A solemn
stillness had fallen upon the broad landscape; nothing was heard but the
notes of the plover, the bleating of the lambs, and the grazing of the
cows. M'Roy sat down on the soft grass, and opened the Book of God. He
was then in his element; he delighted in the law of the Lord. The sun
poured down its blessings upon the fields, and a light much brighter
spread around his soul; the fragrant air fanned his brow, and sweeter
aroma from the "mountain or myrrh" refreshed his spirit. His heart was
beating fast with the joys that were crowding into his inner life. He
was preparing, though he knew it not, for a crisis. Suddenly and rudely
the spiritual reverie was interrupted. Captain Lagg, with a company of
horsemen, was dashing across that field, when their eyes fell upon the
lonely herdsman. They galloped to the spot where he sat in solemn
composure.

"What book is that you are reading?" Lagg gruffly asked.

"It is the Bible, Sir," meekly replied M'Roy, looking up into the face
of the rough soldier, who held his weapon ready for action. The
confession sealed his death.

"Your cows must find another herdsman," sternly returned Lagg, who
immediately delivered the fatal shot. The bleeding body struggled a
moment on the heath, then the ransomed spirit took its flight to
brighter realms.

The Bible won the young, as well as the more matured. It warmed,
strengthened, purified, and ennobled the hearts of sons and daughters,
affording comfort and arousing heroism equal to that of fathers and
mothers. Andrew Hislop, while yet a youth, was overtaken as he hastened
to a hiding-place, and was put on trial for his life, while he stood
before the soldiers in the field across which he was running. His Bible
was found on his person. His mother's home had been demolished by
Claverhouse some time previous; she and her children had been compelled
to face the future without food or shelter. She had been charged with
harboring Covenanters; therefore her residence had been destroyed, her
provisions seized, and her children scattered; all were now being hunted
for their lives. Claverhouse had found Andrew. He was allowed a short
time for prayer. His prayer brought the needed blessing with mo