A57970:1145
Joshua Redivivus, or Mr. Rutherford's Letters
Joshua redivivus, or, Mr. Rutherford's letters divided into two parts, the first, containing these which were written from Aberdeen, where he was confined by a sentence of the high commission ... partly on account of his non-conformance : the second, containing some which were written from Anwoth ... / now published for the use of all the people of God ... by a well-wisher to the work & people of God.Joshua redivivus, or, Mr. Rutherfoord's letters divided into two parts, the first, containing these which were written from Aberdeen, where he was confined by a sentence of the high commission ... partly on account of his non-conformance : the second, containing some which were written from Anwoth ... / now published for the use of all the people of God ... by a wellwisher to the work & people of God.
Rotterdam? : s.n., 1664
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
To the Viscountess of Kenmure. (1.)
To the Vicountess of Kenmure. (1.)
MADAM..
ALL dutiful obedience in the Lord remembered: I have heard of your La: Infirmity and sickness with grief yet I trust ye have learned to say. It is the Lord, let him do whatsoever seemeth good in his eyes. It is now many years since the Apostate Angels made a question, whether their will or the will of their Creator should be done, & since that time, froward mankind hath always in that same suit of Law compeared, to plead with them against God, in a daily repining against his will: ⟨p. 416⟩but the Lord being both party & Judge, hath obtained a decreet & saith, Isa. 46. 10. My counsel shall stand, & I will do all my pleasure. It is then best for us in the obedience of faith & in an holy submission, to give that to God which the Law of •is almighty & just power will have of us. Therefore, Madam, your Lord willeth you in all states of life to say Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven: & herein shall ye have comfort, that he who seeth perfectly through all your evils, & knoweth the frame & constitution of your nature, & what is most healthful for your soul, holdeth every cup of affliction to your head with his own gracious hand: Never believe that your tender-hearted Saviour who knoweth the strength of your stomach, will mix that cup with one dram weight of poison: Drink then with the patience of the saints, & the God of patience bless your Physic. I have heard your La: complain of deadness & want of the bestirring power of the life of God, but courage, he who walked in the garden & made a noise that made Adam hear his voice, will also at sometimes walk in your soul & make you hear a more sweet word: Yet ye will not always hear the nose & the din of his feet when he walketh: Ye are at such a time like Jacob mourning at the supposed death of Joseph, when Joseph was living: The new creature, the image of the second Adam is living in you, & yet ye are mourning at the supposed death of the life of Christ in you: Ephraim is bemoaning & mourning,