A57970:430
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 Mr JAMES HAMILTON. (71)
Reverend & dear Brother.
Peace be to you from God our father and from our Lord Jesus: I am laid low when I remember what I am, and that my out-side casteth such a lustre when I find so little within. It is a wonder that Christ's glory is not defiled in running through such an unclean & impure channel: But I see Christ will be Christ in the dreg and refuse of men: his art, his shining wisdom, his beauty speaketh loudest in blackness, weakness, deadness, yea in nothing. I see, nothing, no money, no worth no good, no life, no deserving is the ground that omnipotency delighteth to draw glory out of. O how sweet is the inner side of the walls of Christ's house, and a room beside himself! my distance from him maketh me sad. O that we were in others arms! O that the middle things betwixt us were removed! ⟨p. 154⟩I find it a difficult matter to keep all stots with Christ: when he laugheth I scarce believe it, I would so fain have it true. But I am like a low man looking up to a high mountain, whom weariness and fainting overcometh. I would climb up, but I find that I do not advance in my journey as I would wish: Yet I trust he shall take me home against night. I marvel not that Antichrist in his slaves is so busy, but our crowned King seeth and beholdeth, and will arise for Zion's safety. I am exceedingly distracted with letters and company that vilite me; what I can do, or time will permit, I shall not omit: Excuse my brevity, for I am straitened. Remember the Lord's prisoner: I desire to be mindful of you. Grace, grace be with you.