ng; the Bridegroom is
coming; I am ready, I am ready." He died with the words of assurance on
his lips: "Lord, into Thy hands I commend my spirit."

Are present Covenanters acquainted thus with God? Have they the
all-inclusive view of His glorious Trinity, His personal presence, His
revealed will, His exacting requirements, His omnipotent grace, His
redeeming love, His mediatorial kingdom, His everlasting Covenant? Have
they the view that will keep them steadfast, progressive, and
enthusiastic in His service? They, who have an abiding acquaintance with
God, will eventually develop a life, that will be clear as the sun, deep
as the sea, firm as the rock, and strong as the cedar.

* * * * *

POINTS FOR THE CLASS.

1. Where was James Renwick born?

2. How was he troubled with doubts regarding God?

3. How did the death of Cargill affect him?

4. What was his first notable service in the Covenant?

5. Where did he study theology?

6. How did he testify against the errors of the Church of Holland?

7. What success did he have in his ministry?

8. What was his great sorrow?

9. Wherein lay his unwavering strength?

XLIX.

THE SHEPHERDLESS FLOCK.

Renwick received the martyr's crown at the age of twenty-six. His limp
body was borne from the scaffold to Greyfriar's churchyard. A spot of
ground, a few yards square, had been allotted there for criminals. The
Covenanters in these days were accounted criminals by the civil
authorities. Here the ground was stirred again and again, till the
bodies of 100 martyrs were heaped together, and Renwick's was the last.
A suitable stone bearing his name, and referring to the others, now
graces this hundredfold grave. What a cluster of gems the Lord will find
here, in the day when He makes up His jewels!

When the Blue Banner fell from Renwick's lifeless hand, Alexander
Shields grasped it. He was scarcely worthy. Though he had served well
and suffered much in former years, yet once he had lapsed. This
temporary defection, while pardonable, proved to be a symptom of
inherent weakness that unfitted him for leadership. For his fault he
shed tears, but they could not remove the stain, nor restore
confidence. The fearless Covenanters continued the struggle, their own
spiritual momentum being sufficient to carry them forward with or
without leaders. The persecution had now reached its eventide; the
sunset was showing some rosy tints; a brig