A57970:183
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
Part 1 › Letter 22: To Mr MATTHEW MOWAT. (22)Part 1 › Letter 22: To Mr MATHEW MOWAT. (22)
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 Mr MATTHEW MOWAT. (22)
To Mr MATHEW MOWAT. (22)
Reverend and dear brother, I am a very far mistaken man, if others knew how poor my stock were, they would not think upon the like of me, but with compassion; for I am as one kept under a strict Tutor: I would have more then my Tutor alloweth upon me, but it is good that a bairns wit is not the rule which regulateth my Lord Jesus: let him give what he will it shall ay be above merit, & my ability to gain therewith. I would not wish a better stock (while heaven be my stock) then to live upon credit at Christs hands, daily borrowing: surely running over love, that vast, huge, boundless love of Christ (that there is telling in for man and Angel) is the only thing, I fainest would be in hands with: He knoweth I have little but the love of that love, & that I shall be happy, suppose I never get another heaven, but only an eternal lasting feast of that love: but suppose my wishes were poor, He is not poor; Christ all the seasons of the year is dropping sweetness, if I had vessels I might fill them, but my old riven, holly, and running out dish, even when I am at the well, can bring little away: Nothing but Glory will make tight, and fast, our looking and rifty vessels. Alas I have skailed more of Christs Grace, love, faith, ⟨p. 54⟩humility, and godly sorrow, then I have brought with me. How little of the sea can a child carry in his hand, as little dow I take away, of my great sea, my boundless & Running-over-Christ-Jesus: I have not lighted upon the right gate of putting Christ to the bank, & making my self rich with him: my misguiding and childish trafficking, with that matchless pearl, That heaven's jewel, the jewel of the fathers delights, hath put me to a great loss. O that he would take a loan of me, & my stock, and put his name in all my bonds, and serve himself Heir to the poor mean portion I have: & be countable for the talent himself! gladly would I put Christ in my room, to guide all; and let me be but a servant to run errands, & do by his direction, let me be his interdicted heir: Lord Jesus, work upon my minority, & let him win a pupil's blessing. Oh how would I rejoice to have this work of my salvation legally fastened upon Christ! a back-bond of my Lord Jesus that it should be forthcoming to the Orphan, should be my happiness: dependency on Christ, were my surest way: if Christ were my bottom I were sure enough.