ST. ANDREWS, _Feb. 15, 1661_.
CCCLXIII.--_To_ MR. ROBERT CAMPBELL.
[MR. ROBERT CAMPBELL was minister of a parish in the Presbytery
of Dunkeld. He was a Protester, and after the restoration of
Charles II. was ejected for nonconformity to Prelacy.]
(_STEDFASTNESS TO PROTEST AGAINST PRELACY AND POPERY._)
REVEREND AND DEAR BROTHER,--Ye know that this is a time in which all
men almost seek their own things, and not the things of Jesus Christ.
Ye are your lone, as a beacon on the top of a mountain; but faint not:
Christ is a numerous multitude Himself, yea, millions. Though all the
nations were convened against Him round about, yet doubt not but He
will, at last, arise for the cry of the poor and needy.
For me, I am now near to eternity;[526] and, for ten thousand worlds I
dare not venture to pass from the protestation against the corruptions
of the time, nor go alongst with the shameless apostasy of the many
silent and dumb watchmen of Scotland. But I think it my last duty to
enter a protestation in heaven, before the righteous Judge, against
the practical and legal breach of Covenant, and all oaths imposed on
the consciences of the Lord's people, and all popish, superstitious,
and idolatrous mandates of men. Know that the overthrow of the sworn
Reformation, the introducing of Popery and the mystery of iniquity, is
now set on foot in the three kingdoms; and whosoever would keep their
garments clean are under that command, "Touch not, taste not, handle
not."
[526] Rutherford died on the 20th of March 1661, shortly after this
letter was written.
The Lord calleth you, dear brother, to be still "stedfast, unmoveable,
and abounding in the work of the Lord." Our royal kingly Master is
upon His journey, and will come, and will not tarry; and blessed is
the servant who shall be found watching when He cometh. Fear not men,
for the Lord is your light and salvation. It is true, it is somewhat
sad and comfortless that ye are your lone; but so it was with our
precious Master: nor are ye your lone, for the Father is with you. It
is possible that I shall not be an eyewitness to it in the flesh, but
I believe He cometh quickly who will remove our darkness, and shine
gloriously in the Isle of Britain, as a crowned King, either in a
formally sworn covenant, or in His own glorious way; which I leave to
the determination of His infinite wisdom and goodness. And this is the
hope and confidence of a dying man, who is longing and fainting for
the salvation of God.
Beware of the ensnaring bonds and obligations, by any hand-writ or
otherwise, to give unlimited obedience to any authority, but only in
the Lord. For all innocent self-defence (which is according to the
Covenant, the Word of God, and the laudable example of the reformed
churches) is now intended to be utterly subverted and condemned: and
what is taken from Christ, as the flower of His prerogative-royal, is
now put upon the head of a mortal power; which must be that great idol
of indignation that provoketh the eyes of His glory. Dear brother, let
us mind the rich promises that are made to those that overcome,
knowing that those that endure to the end shall be saved.
Thus recommending you to the rich grace of God, I remain,
Your affectionate brother in Christ,