Farewell, sun, moon, and stars - 1666
A Covenanter banner.
Introduction
Hugh McKail was a Presbyterian minister in Scotland. Because he spoke out against King Charles II’s attempt to force Scotland to adopt an Episcopal system [See December 4], he had to flee for his life. For three years, he lived on the European continent. After his return to his native land, he joined a band of Covenanters, Scots who had taken an oath to uphold the Presbyterian system, and who even took up arms for their cause. But McKail was sick; unable to keep up with the Covenanters he had joined, he was captured, tortured, and sentenced to hang. Scots authorities suppressed a letter from the king, ordering that McKail be sent to a plantation in America, and proceeded with the hanging. On the scaffold on this day, 22 December 1666, McKail said:
Quote
“Now I leave off to speak any more with created beings and begin my communion with God, which shall never be broken off. Farewell, father and mother, friends and relations! Farewell, the world and all delights! Farewell meat and drink! Farewell, sun, moon and stars! Welcome, God and Father! Welcome, sweet Lord Jesus, the mediator of the New Covenant! Welcome, blessed Spirit of grace, God of all consolation! Welcome glory! Welcome eternal life! Welcome death!”
Electric Scotland and other internet sources.