No King but Christ (Donald Cargill)

The dramatic story of Donald Cargill. Hairbreadth escapes, night-time journeys to avoid pursuing soldiers, exile, the public excommunication of King Charles II and his principal ministers for their crimes against God and his church, arrest and the gallows – these are all part of the dramatic story of Donald Cargill.

Set in Scotland in the colourful days of the Restoration of the monarchy under Charles II, when to preach without licence from the Crown was an offence punishable by imprisonment, banishment and even death, this book tells the story of one of the most noted and loved preachers of the day, who defied the king and Privy Council and was in consequence branded ‘rebel and traitor’ for refusing to acknowledge their jurisdiction over the church. Cargill was prepared to face years of privation and constant danger, and ultimately death itself, rather than surrender the rights of Christ alone to be Head of the church.

No King but Christ is a challenge to faithfulness and a striking testimony of the grace of God which enabled Cargill to face a violent and cruel death with the words: ‘The Lord knows, I go up this ladder with less fear and perturbation of mind than ever I entered the pulpit to preach… Farewell, all relations and friends in Christ; farewell, all acquaintances and all earthly enjoyments; farewell, reading and preaching, praying and believing, wanderings, reproaches and sufferings. Welcome, joy unspeakable and full of glory. Welcome, Father, Son and Holy Ghost! Into thy hands I commit my spirit.’