Hugh M’Kail, a young minister of Jesus Christ, was another victim.  He was a man mighty in the Scriptures and full of the Holy Spirit.  His lips were touched with a live coal from the altar of God, his eloquence was seraphic.  In one of his impassionate outbursts he had said, “The Church in all ages has been persecuted by a Pharaoh on the throne, a Haman in the state, and a Judas in the Church.”  Archbishop Sharp heard of the terse statement.  The lightning had struck the mark.  Sharp appropriated the caricature, and saw Judas personified in his own character.  He never forgave the young minister.

M’Kail was put on trial for his connection with the Pentland Rising.  He candidly confessed his part in the insurrection.  The Court then demanded information concerning the leaders; he had none to impart.  They then tortured him with the iron boot; the only response was groans.  He swooned in the dreadful agony.

This noble young minister was sentenced to die.  He received the sentence with serene happiness.  When on the scaffold, he was filled with unutterable joy; his victory over fear and death was complete; his soul was clothed with immortal bliss.  His highest hopes were now turning into realizations that were ten thousand times brighter and more glorious than his most sanguine expectations.  The Lord Jesus was at his side; the heavens were opening to receive him; in a few moments his face would shine in the light that dazzled angels, and his voice would mingle in the chorus of the redeemed round about the throne.  What wonder that he poured forth the ecstasy of a transfigured soul in these his last words:  “Welcome, God and Father; welcome, sweet Jesus, the Mediator of the new Covenant; welcome, blessed Spirit of grace, and God of all consolation; welcome, glory; welcome, eternal life; welcome, death.  O Lord, into Thy hands I commit my spirit; for Thou hast redeemed my soul, Lord God of truth.”

These were the winter days of the Church.  But the winter was like summer in fruitfulness.  How nobly did she endure the inclement season and produce fruit of excellent quality!  We are enjoying the summer time of peace and comfort, of privileges and advantages.  How much more abundant should be our labors of love than even theirs, in the Lord Jesus Christ!  A comparison, we fear, would put us to great disadvantage, perhaps to shame.

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Points for the class.

1.  What cruelties practiced on the Covenanters on Rullion Green field?

2.  Describe the wounded Covenanter seeking shelter.

3.  What horrors followed the battle?

4.  What atrocities committed by Gen. Dalziel’s troops?

5.  What three men were in great part responsible for the cruelties?

6.  Describe the sufferings of John Neilson.

7.  Relate the sufferings of Hugh McKail.

8.  How did he meet his death?