Meaning: The quote provided is attributed to Donald Cargill, a Scottish Covenanter and clergyman who lived during the 17th century. In this quote, Cargill reflects on his commitment to holiness, teaching truth, and focusing on what he refers to as "the main things." He also emphasizes the importance of being "right in their conditions" before engaging in what he describes as God's "great and public matters."

Cargill's words convey a deep sense of dedication to spiritual and moral principles, as well as a clear understanding of the complexities and challenges inherent in engaging with societal and public issues.

The first part of the quote, "I have followed holiness, I have taught truth," speaks to Cargill's personal commitment to living a life guided by principles of holiness and truth. As a clergyman, he likely saw these as essential virtues in his own life and sought to impart these values to others through his teachings and actions. This reflects a strong sense of moral responsibility and a desire to lead by example.

The phrase "I have been most in the main things" suggests that Cargill prioritized what he considered to be the most important or fundamental aspects of his faith and ministry. This could include core theological principles, ethical teachings, and the foundational elements of Christian belief. By focusing on these "main things," Cargill aimed to ensure that his efforts were directed towards what he perceived as the most critical aspects of his religious calling.

The latter part of the quote, "not that I thought the things concerning our times little, but that I thought none could do anything to purpose in God's great and public matters, till they were right in their conditions," reveals Cargill's perspective on engaging with broader societal issues. Here, he emphasizes the idea that individuals must first attend to their own spiritual and moral well-being before attempting to address larger public concerns. This reflects a belief in the interconnectedness of personal and public morality, suggesting that one's effectiveness in addressing societal issues is contingent upon their own ethical and spiritual readiness.

Cargill's words may also be interpreted as a call to personal introspection and moral accountability. By asserting that "none could do anything to purpose in God's great and public matters, till they were right in their conditions," he underscores the idea that meaningful action in the public sphere must stem from a foundation of individual integrity and righteousness.

Overall, Cargill's quote encapsulates a deeply held conviction about the relationship between personal holiness, truth-telling, and engagement with broader societal and public matters. His emphasis on the primacy of attending to one's own spiritual and moral condition before addressing public issues reflects a perspective rooted in the intertwining of personal faith and communal responsibility.

In summary, Donald Cargill's words convey a sense of moral and spiritual commitment, underscored by a belief in the interconnectedness of personal holiness and engagement with broader societal concerns. His reflections offer insight into the complex nature of navigating faith, truth, and public engagement, and continue to resonate as an expression of conscientious and principled leadership.