to
build up the temple of the Lord.« »I have heard my father observe,« replied
Morton, »that many who assumed power in the name of Heaven, were as severe in
its exercise, and as unwilling to part with it, as if they had been solely moved
by the motives of worldly ambition - But of this another time. Have you
succeeded in obtaining a committee of the council to be nominated?«
    »I have,« answered Burley. »The number is limited to six, of which you are
one, and I come to call you to their deliberations.«
    Morton accompanied him to a sequestered grass-plot, where their colleagues
awaited them. In this delegation of authority, the two principal factions which
divided the tumultuary army had each taken care to send three of their own
number. On the part of the Cameronians, were Burley, Macbriar, and
Kettledrummle; and on that of the moderate party, Poundtext, Henry Morton, and a
small proprietor called the Laird of Langcale. Thus the two parties were equally
balanced by their representatives in the committee of management, although it
seemed likely that those of the most violent opinions were, as is usual in such
cases, to possess and exert the greater degree of energy. Their debate, however,
was conducted more like men of this world than could have been expected from
their conduct on the preceding evening. After maturely considering their means
and situation, and the probable increase of their numbers, they agreed that they
would keep their position for that day, in order to refresh their men, and give
time to reinforcements to join them, and that, on the next morning, they would
direct their march towards Tillietudlem, and summon that stronghold, as they
expressed it, of malignancy. If it was not surrendered to their summons, they
resolved to try the effect of a brisk assault; and, should that miscarry, it was
settled that they should leave a part of their number to blockade the place, and
reduce it, if possible, by famine, while their main body should march forward to
drive Claverhouse and Lord Ross from the town of Glasgow. Such was the
determination of the council of management; and thus Morton's first enterprise
in active life was likely to be the attack of a castle belonging to the parent
of his mistress, and defended by her relative, Major Bellenden, to whom he
personally owed many obligations! He felt fully the embarrassment of his
situation, yet consoled himself with the reflection, that his newly-acquired
power in the insurgent army would give him, at