A57970:468
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 JOHN MEINE. (80)
Dear Brother.
I Received your letter: I cannot but testify under mine own hand, that Christ is still the longer the better, & that this time is the time of loves. When I have said all I can, others may begin & say, I have said nothing of him. I never knew Christ to ebb or flow, wax or wane: his winds turn not when he seemeth to change, it is but we who turn our wrong side to him. I never had a plea with him in my hardest conflicts but of mine own making. Oh that I could live in peace & good ⟨p. 167⟩neighbourhood with such a second, & let him alone! My unbelief made many black lies, but my recantation to Christ is not worth the hearing. Surely he hath born with strange gâdes in me: He knoweth my heart hath not natural wit to keep quarters with such a Saviour. Ye do well to fear your own backsliding: I had stood sure, if I had in my youth borrowed Christ to be my bottom: But he that beareth his own weight to heaven, shall not fail to slip & sink. Ye had no need to be bare-footed among the thorns of this apostate generation, lest a stob strike up in your foot & cause you to halt all your days: And think not, Christ will do with you in the matter of suffering as the Pope doeth in the matter of sin: Ye shall not find that Christ will sell a Dispensation or give a Dyvour's Protection against crosses: Crosses are proclaimed as common Accidents to all the saints, & in them standeth a part of our communion with Christ: But there lieth a sweet casuality to the cross; even Christ's presence & his comforts when they are sanctified. Remember my love to your father & mother. Grace be with you.