The Guest List (pt.2)

There is a place at the banquet table for two women both named Margaret, and I expect there are many women hoping to sit next to them. I want to. After you read their story, I expect you will too. These are not wimpy women. These are women of noble character, and strong in faith. I have a feeling they have a storehouse of treasure to share from their knowledge and love of their Bridegroom Jesus.

First there is Margaret Wilson, age 18. She was the oldest of three children, born to Gilbert Wilson in dangerous 17th century England. Margaret's father was a follower of the king's church. Margaret and her siblings were not. Once the children's absence from the official church was noticed, the children fled for safety. Margaret's brother, Thomas, was never heard from again. But the two sisters found refuge with another Covenanter, Margaret MacLachlan. All three were betrayed by neighbors, arrested and imprisoned.

"Frantic, Gilbert Wilson raised enough money to buy his younger daughter's freedom, but not Margaret's, who was sentenced on April 13, 1685, to be 'tied to stakes fixed within the flood-mark in the water of Blednoch... there to be drowned.'"

At low tide on May 11, the two condemned Margarets were each fixed to their stakes. MacLachlan, weak from prison, was put farthest from shore. She died first, after a short struggle for life. Guards allowed the surf to nearly quench Wilson's life before they pulled her from the sea. They demanded again she pledge fealty to the crown. Margaret replied, "May God save the king if He will."

"Tied once more to her stake, guards pushing her under the tide, Margaret Wilson died singing:

Do not remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions; According to Your mercy remember me, For your goodness' sake, O LORD (Psalm 25:7). (Foxe's Book of Martyrs)

Which would you find harder, to die for Christ, or to watch another die for Christ? The young Margaret was forced to watch the other Margaret drown. The young Margaret, tied to the stake in the water closer to shore was helpless to rescue the one who had helped her. That by itself is a fate worse than death. But young Margaret did not waver. She bravely faced death knowing that there was great gain awaiting her in heaven and she would soon experience that gain with her dear friend.

May we learn to love and pray and support one another in the faith so that we may be the kind of friend that bravely stands with each other to the very end.