A57970:179
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.
Reverend & Dear Brother.
Grace, mercy and peace be unto you: I find great men, especially old friends scar to speak for me, but my kingly & Royal Master biddeth me try his moyen to the uttermost, & I shall find a friend at hand: I still depend on him, his court is as before, the prisoner is welcome to him, the black crabbed tree of my Lord's cross hath made Christ and my soul very entire, he is my song in the night: I am often laid in the dust with challenges and apprehensions of his anger, and then if a mountain of iron were laid upon me, I cannot be heavier: and with much wrestling I win in to the Kings house of wine, and for the most part my life is joy, and such joy through his comforts, as I have been afraid to shame my self, and to cry out, for I can scarce bear what I get: Christ giveth me a measure heaped up, pressed down, and running over: and believe it, his love paineth me more then prison and banishment. I cannot get a gate of Christ's love, had I known what he was keeping for me, I would never have been so faint-hearted. In my heaviest times when all is lost, the memory of his love maketh me think Christ's glooms are but for the fashion: I seek no more but a vent to my wine, I am smothered and ready to burst for want of a vent. Think not much of persecution, it is before you, but it is not as men conceive of it, my sugared-cross forceth me to say this to you, ye shall have wailed meat, the sick bairn is often times the spilt barn, ye shall command all the house. I hope ye help a tired prisoner to pray and praise, had I but the annual of annual to give to my Lord Jesus, it should ease my pain; but Alas I have nothing to pay, he will get nothing of poor me, but I am woe I have not room enough in my heart for such a stranger. I am not cast down to go further North, I have good cause to work for my Master, for I am well paid before the hand, I am not behind, howbeit I should not get one ⟨p. 53⟩smile more, till my feet be up within the Kings dining hall. I have gone through yours upon the Covenant, it hath edified my soul and refreshed an hungry man, I judge it sharp, sweet, quick, and profound: take me at my word, I fear it get no lodging in Scotland. The Brethren of Ireland write not to me; chide with them for that, I am sure that I may give you and them a commission (and I will bide by it) that you tell my beloved, I am sick of love.