A57970:1323
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 my Lady BOYD. (32)
MADAM.
I Received your La: letter: but because I was still going through the country for the affairs of the Church, I have had no time to answer it. I had never more cause to fear then I have now, when my Lord hath restored me to my second created heaven on earth, & hath turned my apprehended fears into joys and great deliverance to his Church, whereof I have my share and part. Alas that weeping prayers answered and sent back from heaven with joy, should not have laughing praises! O that this land would repent and lay burdens of praises upon the top of fair mount Zion. Madam, except this land be humbled, a Reformation is rather my wonder, then belief at this time: but surely it must be a wonder, and what is done already is a wonder: our Lord must restore beauty to his Churches without hire; for we were sold without money, and now our buyers repent them of the bargain, and would gladly give again better cheap then they bought us: they devoured Jacob and eat up his people as bread; now Jacob is grown a living child in their womb, and they would fain be delivered of the child and render the birth: Our Lord shall be midwife. O that this land be not like Ephraim an unwise son, that stayeth too long in the place of breaking forth of children! Your La: is blessed with children who are honoured to build up Christ's waste places again: I believe your La: will think them well bestowed on that work, and that ⟨p. 503⟩Zion's beauty is your joy, this is a mark and evidence for heaven which helpeth weak ones to hold their grip when other marks fail them. I hope your La: is at a good understanding with Christ, and that, as becometh a Christian, ye take him up aright [for many mistake and misshape Christ] in his comings and goings: Your wants and falls proclaim ye have nothing of your own but what ye borrow (nay, your self is not your own) but Christ hath given himself to you: Put Christ to the bank and heaven shall be your interest and income: Love him, for ye cannot over-love him: Take up your house in Christ, let him dwell in you and abide ye in him, & then ye may look out of Christ and laugh at the clay-heavens that the sons of men are seeking after in this side of the water. Christ mindeth to make your losses grace's great advantage: