Covenanter Witness Vol. 54 - Rparchives.org

generation."
existed."
since."
I
Such pity as a father hath
Unto his children dear,
Like pity shows the Lord to such
As worship Him in fear.
Tears started into the sailor's eyes as he lis
tened to these words. The chaplain asked him if he
had not had a pious mother. The man broke into
tears. Yes, his mother had, in years gone by, taught
him these words, and had also prayed to God for
him. Since then he had been a wanderer by sea and
land, but the memory of her faith and love moved
his heart. The appeals made to him were blessed by
the Spirit of God. His life was spared and proved
the reality of his conversion.
Associate Reformed Presbyterian
COVENANTER MEMORIAL DEDICATED
In the Grassmarket Square, Edinburgh, a circu
lar raised pavement marks the place where stood the
gallows whereon three hundred years ago, about one
hundred people were hanged for their covenanted
faith, and then interred in a common tomb in the
Greyfriars churchyard.
A handsome stone wall now surrounds the afore
time comparatively obscure memorial pavement, so
that it has become the centre-piece of a memorial
garden. This quite costly operation was carried out
by the Edinburgh Corporation at the suggestion of
one of the councillors, who, in turn, was motivated
by some American visitors. The latter desired to
photograph the humble memorial pavement, but be
fore doing so, had to secure a brush so as to make it
presentable at least, so it has been reported.
At a ceremony of dedication on October 24, at
which the Lord Provost of Edinburgh and the mem
bers of the Corporation, together with the High
Constables and a guard of honour by the Cameroni
ans (Scottish Rifles) were present, the Duke of
Hamilton in his speech referred to the National
Covenant of 1638, as embodying principles which
shaped the pattern of Scottish religious life. It was
a document which stood for liberty without the sacri
fice of loyalty, and for tolerance wherever such was
compatible with truth, said the Duke. He closed:
"May this simple ceremony and fitting memorial to
Scots who died for the Kirk, inspire us to renew our
covenant with Him who is the Light and Truth for
men of every
Thereafter he unlocked
the gate of the memorial garden and declared it open.
No doubt this will be a focal point for Reformed
Presbyterians when they visit Edinburgh in the
future. We are all greatly indebted to the Edinburgh
Corporation for this fine service to our cause, and
may it stimulate us all to increasing devotion to the
Saviourhood and Headship of Christ personally, and
in Church and State.
Tourist Tragedy
continued from front page
into spiritual wisdom! and with an unhappiness
which echoes before the Throne to the grief of a
wounded Lord.
The tourist . . the worshiper . . which shall it be
from this moment as the Spirit applies these truths
to these hearts of ours Of course, we know what
the answer ought to be . . but the actual answer be
fore HIM is the crucial concern. But oh! to fully
realize it!
February 23, 1955
Book Review
THE WORLD TO COME
Isaac Watts
This is the latest volume in the Wycliffe Series
of Christian Classics which the Moody Press is re
printing.
Isaac Watts was 'born in the year 1674 in England,
while the Killing Times were going on in Scotland.
Religion was at a low ebb in England, and Isaac's
father was several times imprisoned for his faith.
While the greater part of the book is a series of
sermons by Isaac Watts, the biography of Watts
by S. Maxwell Coder contains some interesting ma
terial for us as a denomination. This deals with his
interesting work as a writer of hymns. Coder tells us
that "A Baptist minister of London named Benjamin
Keach was one of a number of men who sought to
introduce an occasional hymn. He began by using one
at the communion service, was able to add a hymn on
thanksgiving day six years later. Fourteen more
years had to elapse before he was allowed to use a
hymn at the regular church service. It was neces
sary to place this hymn at the close of the meet
ing so that members who opposed the innovation
might be able to leave the building before it began.
Even so, a disgruntled minority withdrew from the
congregation and began a new church where hymn
singing was banned." People gave up the Psalms
with reluctance.
However, the great part of this book consists of
a series of sermons on the life to come, with its re
wards and punishments. Isaac Watts was a great
preacher, judging him by his volume of sermons.
They are a sample of preaching at its best by a man
who knew the truth and preached it. It is no wonder
that he had a great influence in England.
These sermons are helpful reading because they
are well written and true to the Bible. This volume
is well worth reading. It is a book of 448 pages and
sells for $4.00. The address of the Moody Press is
820 N. La Salle St., Chicago 10, 111.
R. C. F.
GLIMPSES Continued on page 114
let those dear souls know that I could not stay with them
and go with God. I took off my little apron and have
never seen it
Mr. Haney adds: "I have known many good men who
have gone with them (secret societies), but not one spirit
ual man who has not sustained serious loss by remaining
with them. I have known many ministers whose path was
a shining light before they entered, but in no case have
I failed to see that light grow dim in proportion as their
interests in the lodge increased ....
have demonstrated
in thirty years of evangelism, that it is well nigh im
possible to have a wide, deep, thorough revival in any com
munity, town or city which has been honey-combed with
the influences of the lodge. In my 79th year, and before
I go back to God, I have felt that I must leave the above
testimony. There are a few temperance organizations
which have their signs and passwords. I have been in them
but had to come out of them and question seriously
whether the cause would not be further advanced, if they
had not
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