A57970:231
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 32: To Mr. JAMES BRUCE. Minister of the Gospel. (32)
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. JAMES BRUCE. Minister of the Gospel. (32)
Reverend & well beloved Brother.
Reverend & welbeloved Brother.
Grace, mercy and peace be to you: Upon the nearest acquaintance, that we are fathers children, I thought good to write to you. My case in my bonds for the honour of my royal Prince, and King Jesus, i• as good as becometh the witness of such a Sovereign King. At my first coming hither, I was in great heaviness, wrestling with challenges, being burdened in heart, (as I am yet) for my silent Sabbaths, and for a bereft people; young ones new-borne plucked from the breasts, & the Children's table drawn. I thought I was a dry tree cast over the dike of the vine-yard; but my secret conceptions of Christs love, at his sweet & long desired return to my soul, were found to be a lye of Christs love forged by the tempter, and my own heart, and I am persuaded that it was so: Now there is greater peace and security within then before: the court is raised and dismissed for it was not fenced in God's name: I was far mistaken, who should have summoned Christ for unkindness: misted faith, & my sever conceived amiss of him: now, now, he is pleased to feast a poor prisoner, and to refresh me with joy unspeakable and glorious; so, as the holy Spirit is witness, that my sufferings are for Christs truth, and God forbid I should ⟨p. 75⟩