A57970:732
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 133: To JOHN GORDON Of Cardoness younger. (133).
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.
Dearly beloved in our Lord.
Grace, mercy & peace be to you: I long exceedingly to hear of the case of your soul which hath a large share both of •y prayers & careful thoughts. Sir, remember that a precious treasure & prize is upon this short play that ye are now upon, even the eternity of well or woe to your soul standeth upon the little point of your ill or well employed short & swift posting sand-glass: Seek the Lord while he may be found, the Lord waiteth upon you: Your soul is of no little price: gold or silver of as much bounds as would cover the highest heavens round about, cannot buy it: To live as others do & to be free of open sins that the world crieth shame upon, it will not bring you to heaven: as much civility & country-discretion as would lye between you & heaven, will not lead you one foot or one inch above condemned nature: & therefore take pains upon seeking of salvation, & give your will, wit, humour the green desires of youth's pleasures, off your hand to Christ, It is not possible for you to know, till experience teach you, how dangerous a time Youth is: It is like green & wet timber; when Christ casteth fire on it, it taketh not fire: There is need here of more then ordinary pains; for corrupt nature hath a good back-friend of Youth, & sinning against light will put out your candle & stupefy your conscience & bring upon it moe coverings & skins & less feeling & sense of guiltiness, & when that is done the Devil is like a mad horse that hath broken the bridle & runneth away with his rider whither he listeth. Learn to know that which the Apostle knew, the ⟨p. 260⟩deceitfulness of sin: strive to make prayer & reading & holy company & holy conference your delight, & when delight cometh in, ye shall by little & little smell the sweetness of Christ, till at length your soul be over head & ears in Christ's sweetness: then shall ye be taken up to the top of the mountain with the Lord, to know th• ravishments of spiritual love & the glory & excellency of a seen, revealed, felt & embraced Christ: & then ye shall not be able to loose your self off Christ & to bind your soul to old lovers: then & never till then are all the paces, motions, walkings & wheels of your soul in a right tune & in a spiritual temper: But if this world & the lusts thereof be your delight, I know not what Christ can make of you, ye cannot be metal to be a vessel of glory & mercy: