Finally they resolved to make their defence by force of arms.  Their cause was just.  Momentous issues were involved; their Covenant with God, the supremacy of Jesus Christ, the independence of the Church, the liberty of conscience, the purity of Divine worship, the rights of citizenship, the heritage of future generations, the progress of Christian civilization—­all this appealed to the Covenanters for defence.  The trumpet of war sounded, and the sturdy sons of the Covenant quickly responded.

General Alexander Leslie was at the head of the Covenanted army.  He led his forces with rapid marches to meet the king.  Friendly troops converged upon him on the way from all parts of Scotland till his command numbered 24,000 men.  They presented a formidable array.  These soldiers of the Covenant were marching to victory or to death.  Courage in the countenance and firmness in the step told of an unconquerable purpose.  Onward moved the resolute columns.  Every day brought them nearer the royal hosts that would test their strength.  The sight was thrilling; solid ranks of infantry, sword-girded cavalry, stalwart cannoneers, and floating banners.  The Psalms reverberated among the hills in worship morning and evening.  Well might King Charles pause ere he strike against this host of God.

[Illustration:  Memorial stone of captain Paton.

Captain Paton was a brave defender of the Covenanters.  His exploits in different battles are noted as extraordinary.  Finally he was captured and, on May 9, 1684, executed in Edinburgh.  In his last words he exhorted the people, saying, “Let your way be the good old path, the Word of God.”  His joy on the scaffold was triumphant.  This memorial stone is at Fenwick.]

One day the Covenanters from an eminence beheld their enemy at a distance of six miles.  General Leslie halted, arranging his troops on sloping grounds, facing the foe.  There he prepared for action.  Forty pieces of cannon bristled along the oval summit; the musketry and swordmen were placed on the hillside and outstretching plain.  The encampment presented an appearance unusual in warfare.  At the tent-door of each captain the ensign of the Covenant was unfurled.  On the banner was inscribed in letters of gold the soul-stirring motto: 

    For Christ’s crown and covenant.

As the flag rose and fell on the soft summer winds, the men were reminded of the sacred cause which they loved more than their lives.  A chaplain of highest character was assigned to each regiment.  Every morning and evening the men were summoned by the beat of drum for the worship of their God.  Such were the Covenanters as they waited in the presence of their foes for a sanguinary struggle.  How often they sang the 3rd Psalm, the 27th, and the 72nd, we know not.  The Psalms were the lion’s marrow upon which these lion-hearted heroes fed.