Obelisk of Drumclog

I called this autumn at the rather poignant obelisk commemorating the 1679 Battle of Drumclog in which Scottish Covenanters (the equivalent of English puritans but even more cruelly treated) were attacked by government dragoons as they assembled for worship. Like rightwing Americans from the Deep South or Mid-West, they rather conveniently attended the service that ‘sabbath morning’ of 1st of June fully armed (though with muskets and pitchforks rather than revolvers and semi-automatics). When John Grahame of Claverhouse, the government’s enforcer in those parts, attacked them with his troops, they gave as much back, winning the day. 'Bluidy Clavers' fled with his tail between his legs, leaving the people of God rejoicing in their victory, but the government was alarmed. It sent a larger force which defeated the Covenanters three weeks later, inflicting much damage, at Bothwell Bridge.

Although Christians today might question our Scottish brethren’s willingness to use armed force in their defence, none can gainsay their courage and conviction, qualities which our generation sorely lack. Their banner at Drumclog read:

For Reformation of Religion In Church And State According To The Word Of God And Our Sworn Covenants.

Blessed be the Lord my strength which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: -Psalm 144:1