ABERDEEN, _July 8, 1637_.
CCXX.--_To my Lord_ CRAIGHALL.
(_DUTY OF BEING DISENTANGLED FROM CHRIST--DISHONOURING COMPLIANCES._)
MY LORD,--I persuade myself that, notwithstanding the greatness of
this temptation, ye will not let Christ want a witness of you, to avow
Him before this evil generation. And if ye advise with God's truth
(the perfect testament of Christ, that forbiddeth all men's additions
to His worship), and with the truly learned, and with all the
sanctified in this land, and with that warner within you (which will
not fail to speak against you, in God's time, if ye be not now fast
and fixed for Christ), I hope then that your Lordship will acquit
yourself as a man of courage for Christ, and refuse to bow your knee
superstitiously and idolatrously to wood or stone, or any creature
whatsoever. I persuade myself that when ye shall take good night at
this world, ye shall think it God's truth I now write.
Some fear that your Lordship hath obliged yourself to his Majesty by
promise to satisfy his desire. If it be so, my dear and worthy Lord,
hear me for your soul's good. Think upon swimming ashore after this
shipwreck, and be pleased to write your humble apology to his Majesty;
it may be that God will give you favour in his eyes. However it be,
far be it from you to think a promise made out of weakness, and
extorted by the terror of a king, should bind you to wrong your Lord
Jesus. But for myself, I give no faith to that report, but I believe
that ye will prove fast to Christ. To His grace I recommend you.
Your Lordship's, at all obedience in Christ,