A57970:116
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.
MADAM.
Grace, mercy & peace be to you, I would not omit the occasion to write to your La: with the bearer: I am glad the child is well, Gods favour even in the eyes of men be seen upon him: I hope your La: is thinking upon these sad & woeful days, wherein we now live; when our Lord in his righteous judgment, is sending the kirk the gate she is going, to Romes brothel house to seek a lover of her own, seeing she hath given up with Christ her husband. O what sweet comfort, what rich salvation, is laid up for these, who had rather wash and roll their garments in their own blood, then break out from Christ by Apostasy! keep your self in the love of Christ, & stand far aback from the pollutions of the world: side not with these times, and hold off from coming nigh the signs of a conspiracy with these, that are now come out against Christ; that ye may be One kept for Christ only: I know your La: thinketh upon this, and how ye may be humbled for your self & this backsliding land; for I avouch, that wrath from the Lord is gone out against Scotland. I think ay the longer the better of my Royal and worthy master, he is become a new well beloved to me now, in renewed consolations, by the presence of the spirit of grace and glory: Christs garments smell of the powder of the merchant when he cometh out of his Ivory chambers; O his perfumed face, his fair face, ⟨p. 28⟩his lovely & kindly kisses, have made me a poor prisoner see, there i• more to be had of Christ in this life, then I believed: we think all is but a little earnest, a four hours, a small tasting we have, or is to be had in this life, (which is true compared with the inheritance) but yet I know it is more, It is the Kingdom of God within us. Woe, woe, is me, that I have not ten loves, for that one Lord Jesus, and that love f•ileth, & d•ieth up in loving him; & that I find no way to spend my love-desires, and the yolk of my heart upon that fairest, & dearest one: I am far behind with my narrow heart. O how ebb a soul have I to take in Christs love! for let worlds be multiplied according to Angels understanding, in millions, while they weary themselves; these worlds would not contain, the thousand part of his love. O if I could yoke in amongst the thick of Angels, & Seraphims, & now-glorified Saints; & could raise a new love-song of Christ, before all the world!