The brave and faithful young Margaret Wilson.. What a testimony of the faith. She went to her death in believing the crown rights of King Jesus in all areas of life.
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The year 1685 is known in Scotland as “the killing times.” Soldiers of King Charles II of England hunted down thousands of men, women, and children and killed them in the cruelest ways imaginable. … These brave Scots were called Covenanters.
Two Covenanters, Margaret MacLachlan and Margaret Wilson, were among those put to death during “the killing times.” …
The older woman to the stake furthest from shore and strapping young Margaret to the pole closest to the bank. She would be able to watch Mrs. MacLachlan die first. They wanted Margaret Wilson to watch the horrible death of the old woman first in hopes that she would break down and recant. Many friends of the women gathered on the banks praying that the Margarets’ lives might be spared.
The older Margaret said nothing as the cold seawater rose around her. She struggled to lift her head above the waves and gasped for air. One of the executioners turned to the young Margaret and sneered, “What do you think of her now?”
“I see Christ wrestling there,” she answered. “Do you think we are the sufferers? No, it is Christ in us.” Soon the water covered the lifeless body of Margaret MacLachlan. As the rising tide swirled higher around the young Margaret, she began to sing a song from Psalm 25:
“My sins and faults of youth
Do thou, O Lord, forget:
After thy mercy think on me,
And for thy goodness great.
God good and upright is:
The way he’ll sinners show;
The meek in judgment he will guide
And make his path to know.”
Her tormentors left her hands free when they tied her to the stake and permitted her to hold a Bible. She turned to Romans chapter 8 and read aloud: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Young Margaret read through to the end of the Chapter: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Shortly after, the waters had risen to her neck. Soldiers waded out, loosened the ropes, and lifted her up. “Pray for the king,” they shouted, “for he is supreme over all persons in the church.”
“I pray for the salvation of all men,” Margaret answered. “I wish no one to be condemned.” They pushed her head under the water, then yanked her up again. “Pray for the king! Swear the oath,” they demanded.
“Dear Margaret,” called out someone in the crowd, “say, God save the King.” Her face pale and lips blue, Margaret caught her breath and prayed “Lord, give the king repentance, forgiveness and salvation if it be Thy holy will.” “She has said it! She has said it!” several bystanders shouted. “Release her.”
The chief officer was furious. “Let the dog go to hell! We do not want such prayers. Swear the oath,” he cried.
“NO! NO!” she answered. “No sinful oaths for me. I am one of Christ children. Let me go.”
“Take another drink,” a soldier sneered, thrusting his halberd on her shoulder and plunging her under the water for the last time. There she died for her love for Christ and her desire to follow His Word.”
Trail and Truimph by Richard M. Hannula pg. 179, 180
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