A57970:667
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 122: To ALEXANDER GORDON, Of Earlestown. (122)
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 ALEXANDER GORDON, Of Earlestown. (122)
Much honoured & worthy Sir.
Grace, Mercy & peace be unto you: I long to hear from you: I received few letters since I came hither: I am in need of a word: A dry plant would have some watering: My case betwixt Christ my Lord & me standeth between love & jealousy, faith & suspicion of his love: It is a marvel he keepeth house with me: I make many pleas with Christ, but he maketh as many agreements with me: I think his unchangeable love hath said, I defy thee to break me & change me: If Christ had such changeable & new thoughts of my salvation as I have of it, I think I should then be at a sad loss: He humoureth not a fool like me in my unbelief, but rebuketh me & •athereth kindness upon me: Christ is rather like the poor friend & needy prisoner [begging love] then I am: I cannot for shame get Christ said Nay of my whole love; for he will not want his errand for the seeking: God be thanked my bridegroom tireth not of wooing: Honour to him he is a wilful suitor of my soul: But as love is his, pain is mine that I have nothing to give him: His count-book is full of my debts of mercy, kindness & free love towards me: Oh that I might read with watery eyes! O that he would give me the interest of interest to pay back! Or rather my soul's desire is, that he would comprise my person, soul & body, love, joy, [confidence, fear, sorrow & desire, & drive the Puynd, & let me be rouped, & sold to Christ, & taken home to my creditor's house & his fire-side. The Lord knoweth, if I could, I would sell ⟨p. 234⟩