A57970:1496
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. (66)
MADAM.
I Confess I have cause to be grieved at my long silence or Laziness in writing: I am also afflicted to hear, that such, who were debtors to your La: for better dealing, have served you with such prevarication: Ye know crookedness is neither strong nor long-enduring, & ye know likewise that these things spring not out of the dust: It's sweet to look upon the lawless & sinful stirrings of the creatures, as ordered by a most holy hand in heaven O if some could make peace with God! It would be our wisdom, & afford us much sweet peace, if oppressors were looked upon as passive instruments, like the saw or axe in the Carpenters hand; they are bidden [if such a distinction may be admitted] but not commanded of God (as Shimei was, 2. Sam. 16: 10.) to do what they do. Madam, these many years the Lord hath been teaching you, to read & study well the book of holy, holy & spotless sovereignty, in suffering from some nigh hand & some far off: Whoever be the instruments, the replying of •lay to the Potter, the Former of all, is unbeseeming the nothing creature: I hope he shall clear you, but when Zion's public evils lie not nigh some of us, & leave no impression upon our hearts, it is no wonder that we be exercised with domestic troubles; but I know ye are taught of God to prefer Jerusalem to your chiefest joy. Madam, there is no cause of fainting: Wait upon the not-carrying vision, for it will speak. The only wise God be with you, & God even your own God bless you.
I Confess I have cause to be grieved at my long silence or Laziness in writing: I am also afflicted to hear, that such, who were debters to your La: for better dealing, have served you with such prevarication: Ye know crookedness is neither strong nor long-enduring, & ye know likewise that these things spring not out of the dust: It's sweet to look upon the lawless & sinfull stirrings of the creatures, as ordered by a most holy hand in heaven O if some could make peace with God! It would be our wisdom, & afford us much sweet peace, if oppressours were looked upon as passive instruments, like the saw or ax in the Carpenters hand; they are bidden [if such a distinction may be admitted] but not commanded of God (as Shimei was,