45 
The heroism of this story shines so brightly that every 
noble nature must be stirred by it to admiration. But the 
Covenanters did "not always see the full sweep of their own 
principles. They often denied that freedom to others which 
they claimed for themselves. The Solemn League and Coven- 
ant was really an Act of Uniformity binding three kingdoms 
to one form of church order, ritual and creed. But though 
the Covenanters held the principle of religious liberty in 
narrow limits “ they budded better than they knew.” The 
sapling they planted has become a mighty tree, sheltering all 
peoples. We shall best honour these heroic souls by carrying 
the principle of spiritual freedom to its ultimate issues until 
the iron rod of tyranny, social, political, and religious, has 
become the sceptre of righteousness and peace. 
