Let the wind blow where it may

This letter by M'Ward to Richard Cameron speaks very much about witness. And its speaking as much to me, (perhaps more than many) as well as to anyone else, who are not consistent to the truth at all times, and I don't think theres one single believer alive who is. (even the wisest amongst us) So, let the wind fall where it may. And may the first arrow pierce my own heart sharpest. Its an excerpt from the book "Lion of the Covenant"

A new necessity is laid upon me to write this line unto you, by the account I have had of the solemnity of that reception decreed for the Duke of York in Scotland. Brother, I cannot hide from you that I would have been less troubled if I had heard that he had marched down to Scotland with an army, made up of his English, French and Irish papists, than to have heard that by this very deed we have declared our abominable baseness in the sight of God, angels and men. Alas, whither have we not caused our shame to go! Oh, where is the spirit of our noble ancestors, zealous for the Lord God of hosts? Alas, where are our Knoxes, who said that one mass was more fearful to him, than if ten thousand armed enemies were landed in any part of the nation, to suppress the whole religion? All that made us famous and renowned among the nations was our love and loyalty to Jesus Christ, our former faithfulness and fixedness in his cause, our fevour in opposing kings when they did show favour to the popish party; that was that rich and radiant diadem which made us a renown among all the churches of Christ; but now, by this base, this abominable deed in the sight of all the nations, that beautiful crown is fallen from our heads... We seem to have forgotten we have souls, and are so much beasts, as, with the faces of men, we can bow our neck to the yoke of bondage, and glory in being so base.

Will they look upon us as the successors of those who so contended the truth against Queen Mary of unhappy memory? Will they look upon us as the posterity of those who ventured the whole interest of the nation for the defense of true religion and just liberty? It is easy for you, dear brother, to judge what they must and will say of us. It may be they will find names for it; but I profess, I can find none expressive of its nature.

Now brother if you would know what I intend by all this, I shall shortly tell you. You see how matters stand, and how the whole nation is ready to be looked upon as a company of poor, base, degenerate souls having neither regard for religion nor any respect to the liberty of the nation; but as a miserable company who by this foolish frolic have declared to the world how easy it is for this declared enemy of Jesus Christ and his interest, the limb and instrument of Antichrist to command their service and assistance. And therefore to prevent this, I would have you forthwith, without any further demur, procrastination or delay, speak to some of your more zealous and serious brethren, and awaken them unto the due and deep consideration of these things; that they and you may excite and stir up the people to give such a present signification of their hatred at, and abhorrence of this deed, as may let the world hear that there are persons in that land of that love and loyalty to Christ, and of that they regard to liberty, as they dare adventure at all disadvantages, yeah in the sight of death.

There is something on your part now presently called for as indispensable duty.. I would have you call all the godly, in all the several corners of the nation, to keep a day of solemn public humiliation, that an idolater was with so much solemnity and ceremony welcomed, in such capacity, as the presumptive heir to the Crown, into a land engaged under the penalty of incurring the displeasure of God Almighty, to extirpate these abominations..and as a second branch of the cause of this fast the grievous sin not calling to public mourning sooner, but leaving you to sub-divide and branch out the causes of this public humiliation, according as you see reason, both from what is already suggested, and what will certainly occur to yourself, when you set yourself seriously before the Lord to consider it.

You know well, brother, that it would make many who now sink into the depth of sorrow, weep for joy to see you, as incensed with the true zeal of God, call to weeping and mourning for the madness of mirth.. You know beside how this would contribute for the keeping up, or rather recovering the credit and necessary repute of the ministry, brought under contempt by our course and carriage.. Up, dear brother, rise and be doing; call in your brethren to this weeping, this wrestling, this witnessing work; stir up yourself and others to seriousness in this duty.. So carry, so acquit yourself in this juncture, as it may be evident you can neither be dared nor daunted into forbearance of a duty of so much concernment to the cause, by the frowning or fear of this furious enemy, nor be demurred by your reluctant brethren.. Let not the want of the company or concurrence of such who have not the spirit of the day, and whose hearts are hid from understanding, present duty, make you shrink or shun so eminent an appearance for your God. Up and be doing; go forward, as not fearing what flesh can do unto you.. Your own God shall be with you, and hold your hand in the undertaking, and make your single and serious essayings, yeah, to admiration.. Grace in its plenty and power will be sufficient for the work, and make it appear that while you are in it, and about it, you are not alone; grace, great grace, from the God of all grace be with you.

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