Meaning: This quote by Donald Cargill, a Scottish Presbyterian minister and Covenanter, reflects the deep sense of sorrow and resignation he felt as he contemplated leaving his native land. Cargill was a prominent figure in the struggles for religious freedom and against the Anglican Church's attempts to impose its authority on Scotland. The quote expresses his conflicted emotions about leaving the part of his homeland where he had hoped to live and work alongside his fellow believers, while also acknowledging the grim forebodings he harbored for the future of his country.

Cargill's words reveal the personal and emotional cost of his decision to depart from Scotland. As a fervent advocate for the Presbyterian cause, Cargill's departure would have represented a significant loss for the community he had sought to serve. His deep attachment to his native land and the people he had hoped to support and live among is evident in the poignant language he uses to convey his sense of grief.

At the same time, Cargill's reference to "the dreadful apprehensions" he has of what is coming upon the land suggests that he is acutely aware of the challenges and dangers facing Scotland at the time. The political and religious turmoil of the period, marked by conflicts between the Presbyterian Covenanters and the forces of the monarchy, likely contributed to Cargill's apprehensions. The quote captures the profound sense of foreboding and uncertainty that many Scots, especially those aligned with the Presbyterian cause, must have felt during this tumultuous period in their country's history.

Cargill's resignation to "this providence, though more bitter" reflects his religious faith and his belief in a higher purpose guiding his life. This acknowledgment of providence suggests that Cargill sought solace and strength in his religious convictions, even as he faced the painful prospect of leaving behind his homeland and the people he cherished. The phrase "more bitter" conveys the depth of his sorrow and the difficulty of accepting the circumstances that compelled him to leave.

Cargill's words resonate with the experiences of many individuals who have faced similar dilemmas throughout history, as they navigated the conflicting emotions of attachment to their homeland and the recognition of the challenges and perils it faced. His poignant expression of personal sorrow and apprehension also provides insight into the complex interplay of personal, religious, and political forces that shaped the lives of individuals in this turbulent period of Scottish history.

In conclusion, Donald Cargill's quote encapsulates the deep emotional turmoil and conflicting emotions he experienced as he contemplated leaving his native land. His sense of grief at parting from the community he had hoped to serve is palpable, as is his apprehension about the future of Scotland. The quote reflects the personal and emotional toll of the political and religious turmoil of the time, as well as Cargill's abiding faith in the providential guidance that he believed would sustain him through the bitter circumstances he faced.