Rutherford Revised (230)

230. To the Right Honourable and Christian Lady, my Lady Kenmure From Aberdeen Sept 5 1637

(See letters  4,5,7,11,19-21,23,27,28,30,31,35,37,39,40,42,56,58,61,69,70,93-96,104, 106 205, 206.)

Madam, Grace, mercy and peace be to your Ladyship,- God be thanked you are still in possession of Christ and that sweet child. I pray God that the former be a sure inheritance, and the latter a loan for your comfort, while you do good to His poor, afflicted , withered Mount Zion. And who knows if our Lord has comforts laid up in store for her and you! I am sure that Christ has brought you past the devil, and hell and sin, so that they have no claim on you; and that is a rich and invaluable mercy. Long ago you were half challenging death's cold kindness, in being so slow and reluctant to come to loose a tired prisoner; but you are in need of all the crosses, losses, changes and sad hearts that came to you since that time. Christ knows that the unsubdued body of sin will make them all and more: we know that Paul needed the devil's service, to trouble him, and far more we. But my dear and honourable Lay, spend your hourglass well. I am sure that you have a way to raise a suspension of all that devils, men, friends, worlds, losses, hell or sin can plot against you. It is good that your crosses will only escort you to heaven's gates: they cannot go in; the gates will be closed on them, when you will be admitted to the throne. Time does not stand still, eternity is close to our door,. Oh, what is laid up for you! Therefore, harden your face against the wind. And the Lamb, your Husband, is getting ready for you. The bridegroom would gladly have that day, as gladly as your Honour would wish to have it. He has not forgotten you.
   I have heard a rumour about the bishops' desire o banish me. But let it come:, if Gd so wills; the other side of he sea is my Father's ground, as well as this side. I owe it to bow to God, not slavish bowing to crosses.: I have been too soft in that. In having this persuasion, I am comforted, that Christ is sharer wih me in his well born and honest cross: and if He claims the right to the best half of my troubles (as I know He does to the whole) I will give over to Christ what I will do in this case. I certainly know that my Lord Jesus will not spoil or lose my sufferings; He has use for them in His house.
   Oh, how it troubles me to remember that a stranger who does not come in by the door, will build hay and stuble on he golden foundation which I laid among the people at Anwoth. But I know that Providence does no squint, but looks straight out and through all men's darkness. Oh that I could wait on the Lord! I had only one eye, one joy, one delight, even to preach Christ; and my mother's sons were angry at me, and have put out the poor man's one eye, and what have I left? I am sure this sour world deserves to lose my heart; but oh that there was an arbitrator to lay his hands on both of us, and to judge my part of it. Alas, that innocence and lovely truth should be sold! I weep alas, that my fair and lovely Lord Jesus should be overlooked in His own house! It is of little consequence what hundreds like me feel; yet at the same time , I can say that faith is not drowned in me. Yet our King lives!
   I write the prisoner's blessings.: the goodwill and long lasting kindness, with the comfort of the very God of peace, be to your Ladyship, and to your sweet child. Grace, grace be with you.
   Your Honour's, at all obedience, in his wet Lord Jesus,  S.R.