Christ's crown, sceptre and kingdom, are not subject, nor cannot be, to
any other authority, but to his own altogether. So that I would be most
glad to be offered up as a sacrifice for so glorious a truth: It would
be to me the most glorious day, and the gladdest hour I ever saw in this
life; but I am in his hand to do with me whatsoever shall please his
Majesty.

"I am also bound and sworn, by a special covenant, to maintain the
doctrine and discipline thereof, according to my vocation and power all
the days of my life, under all the pains contained in the book of God,
and danger of body and soul, in the day of God's fearful judgment; and
therefore, though I should perish in the cause, yet will I speak for it,
and to my power defend it, according to my vocation."

He wrote about the same time to Sir William Livingston of Kilsyth: There
are some prophetical expressions in this letter that merit notice.

"As for that instrument Spotswood, we are sure the the Lord will never
bless that man, but a malediction lies upon him, and shall accompany all
his doings; and it may be, Sir, your eyes shall see as great confusion
covering him, ere he go to his grave, as ever did his predecessors. Now
surely, Sir, I am far from bitterness, but here I denounce the wrath of
an everlasting God against him, which assuredly shall fall, except it be
prevented. Sir, Dagon shall not stand before the ark of the Lord, and
these names of blasphemy that he wears of arch and lord bishop, will
have a fearful end. Not one book is to be given to Haman, suppose he
were as great a courtier as ever he was; suppose the decree was given
out, and sealed with the king's ring, deliverance will come to us
elsewhere, and not by him, who has been so sore an instrument, not
against our persons, that were nothing, (for I protest to you, Sir, in
the sight of God, I forgive him all the evil he has done, or can do, to
me) but unto Christ's poor kirk, in stamping under foot so glorious a
kingdom and beauty as was once in this land; he has helped to cut
Sampson's hair, and to expose him to mocking, but the Lord will not be
mocked: He shall be cast away as a stone out of a sling, his name shall
rot, and a malediction shall fall upon his posterity after he is gone.
Let this, Sir, be a monument of it, that it was told before, that when
it shall come to pass, it may be seen there was warning given him: And
therefore, Sir, seeing I have not the access myself, if it would pl