A57970:852
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 ROBERT LENNO X. of Disdove. (156.)
Dear Brother.
Grace, mercy & peace be to you: I beseech you in the Lord Jesus make fast and sure work of life eternal: Sow not rotten seed, every man's work will speak for it self what his seed hath been. O how many see I, who sow to the flesh! Alas what a crop will that be, when the Lord shall put in his hook to reap this world, that is ripe & white for judgement. I recommend to you holiness & sanctification, & that ye keep your self clean from this present evil world: We delight to tell our own dreams, & to flatter our own flesh with the hope we have: It were wisdom for us to be free, plain, honest & sharp with our own souls, and to charge them to brew better, that they may drink well and fare well, when time is melted away like snow in a hot summer. O how hard a thing is it to get the soul to give up with all things on this side of death and doomsday! We say we are removing and going from this world; but our heart stirreth not one foot off it's seat. Alas I see few heavenly minded souls that have nothing upon the earth, but their body of clay going up and down this earth, because their soul & the powers of it are up in heaven, & there, their hearts live, desire, enjoy, rejoice. Oh mens souls have no wings, and therefore night and day they keep their nest and are not acquaint with Christ! Sir, take you to your one thing, to Christ, that ye may be acquainted with the taste of his sweetness & excellency, & charge your love not to dote upon this world; for it will not do your business in that day, when nothing will come in good stead to you, but God's favour: Build upon Christ some good, choice & fast work; for when your soul for many years hath taken the play & hath posted & wandered through the creatures ye will come home again with the wind: They are not good, at least not the souls good, it is the infinite Godhead that must allay the sharpness of your hunger after happiness: