and to endeavour to renew. Though these covenants were
condemned by the laws of the land, they are still binding. The act of
Queen Anne was against the Revolution Settlement, and, therefore, the
reforming party in the Church of late declared that it was
unconstitutional. The Revolution Settlement itself was based upon the
overthrow of the whole of the Covenanted Reformation; and no more than
the act of Queen Anne, regarding patronage, ought the sinful parts of it
to be regarded. Popery exists, and Prelacy, absorbing Popery, exists.
Would that the Free Presbyterian Church, by recognising the binding
obligation of the covenants, National, and Solemn League and Covenant,
and by adding to the binding obligations of these, engagements suited to
the times, were to go forth in opposition to all evil, in all the
gracious vigour of a faithful witness for the whole truth.[795]

The movement that has been lately made, contemplated in its highest
character, appears the work of God. By a wondrous providence he has shut
up the Church to a course of duty, and has plainly indicated the
necessity to persevere in it. On the other hand, contemplating the human
instrumentality called to accomplish an estimable work, and approving
much of the agents immediately employed, we should not be forgetful of
the corresponding efforts made in time past, even in the National
Church. Our heart is to the memory of such as had in their view the
objects lately contended for, and in a day when the rights of the people
were trampled on without remorse, willingly lifted the voice in the
Assembly against patronage, and otherwise laboured for the removal of
its flagrant enormities. There was good principle in the National
Church, but evil caused much of it to be unseen, though some of it
remained manifest. Gold may be dissolved by a compound acid, and for a
time may cease to be observed, but not beyond the power of re-appearing.
The gold cannot be decomposed: let a test be added, and the
indestructible ore will re-appear. By a powerful solvent the noble
principle in the National Church became nearly all invisible, though
some of it could not be dissolved. A test has been added, and the whole
has been precipitated, and nearly all of it has come out.[796] The sound
principle and piety in the Church were the gold; moderatism, including
erastianism and patronage, was the solvent; a wondrous providence
applied a test; and the gold of true excellence shines forth. L