A57970:1367
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 KENMURE. (40)
MADAM.
Grace, mercy & peace be to your La: I am heartily sorry that your La: is deprived of such an husband, & the Lord's Kirk of so active & faithful a friend. I know your La: long ago made acquaintance with that wherein Christ will have you joined in a fellowship with himself, even with his own Cross, & hath taught you to stay your soul upon the Lord's goodwill, who giveth not account of his matters to any of us: When he hath led you through this water that was in your way to glory, there are fewer behind: & his order in dismissing us, & sending us out of the market, one before another, is to be reverenced. One year's time of heaven shall swallow up all sorrows, even beyond all comparison: What then will not a duration of blessedness so long as God shall live fully and abundantly recompense? It is good that our ⟨p. 522⟩Lord hath given a debtor obliged by gracious promises, for more in Eternity then Time can take from you: & I believe, your La: hath been now many years advising & thinking what that Glory will be which is abiding the pilgrims & strangers on the earth, when they come home, & which we may think of, love & thirst for, but we cannot comprehend it, nor conceive of it as it is, far less can we over-think or over-love it. O so long a Chapter, or rather, so large a Volume, as Christ is in that Divinity of Glory! There is no more of him let down now to be seen & enjoyed by his children, but as much as may feed hunger in this life, but not satisfy it. Your La: is a debtor to the Son of God's Cross, that is wea•ing out love and affiance in the creature, out of your heart by degrees: or rather, the obligation standeth to his free grace, who careth for your La: in this gracious dispensation, and who is preparing & making ready the garments of Salvation for you, & who calleth you with a new name that the mouth of the Lord hath named, & purposeth to make you a crown of glory & a royal diadem in the hand of your God.