XXXIV.--_For_ MARION M'NAUGHT.
(_PROSPECTS OF THE CHURCH--CHRIST'S CARE FOR THE CHILDREN OF
BELIEVERS._)
WELL-BELOVED SISTER,--My old and dearest love in Christ remembered.
Know that I have been visiting my Lady Kenmure. Her child is with the
Lord. I entreat you, visit her, and desire the goodwife[127] of
Barcapple to visit her, and Knockbrecks (Mr. Gordon), if you see him
in the town. My Lord her husband is absent, and I think she will be
heavy. You know what Mr. W. Dalgleish and I desired you to deal for,
at my Lord Kirkcudbright's hand. Send me word if you obtained anything
at my Lord's hands, anent the giving up of our names to the High
Commission; for I hear it is not for nothing that the Bishop hath
taken that course. Our Lord knows best what is good for an old kirk
that has fallen from her first love, and hath forgotten her Husband
days without number. A trial is like to come on; but I am sure our
Husbandman Christ shall lose chaff, but no corn at all. Yet there is a
dry wind coming, but neither to fan nor to purge. Happy are they who
are not blown away with the chaff, for we will but suffer temptation
for ten days; but those who are faithful to the death shall receive
the crown of life. I hear daily what hath been spoken of myself, most
unjustly and falsely; and no marvel, the dragon, with the swing of his
tail, hath made the third part of the stars to fall from heaven, and
the fallen stars would have many to fall with them. If ever Satan was
busy, now, when he knoweth his time is short, he is busy. "Yet a
little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry." I
know, ere it be long, the Lord shall come and redd all pleas betwixt
us and our enemies. Now welcome, Lord Jesus, go fast.
[127] _Barcaple_ is in the stewartry of Kirkcudbright, in the parish
of Tongueland.
Send me word about Grizel, your daughter, whom I remember in Christ;
and desire her to cast herself in His arms who was born of a woman,
and, being the Ancient of days, was made a young weeping child. It was
not for nothing that our brother Jesus was an infant. It was that He
might pity infants of believers, who were to come out of the womb into
the world. I believe our Lord Jesus shall be waiting on, with mercy,
mercy, mercy, to the end of that battle, and bring her through with
life and peace, and a sign of God's favour. I will expect
advertisement from you, and especially if you fear her. Mistress, you
remember that I said to you anent your love to me and my brother,
begun in Christ; you know we are here but strangers, and you have not
yet found us a dry well, as others have been. Be not overcome of any
suspicion. I trust in God that the Lord, who knit us together, shall
keep us together. It is time now that the lambs of Jesus should all
run together, when the wolf is barking at them; yet I know, ere God's
bairns want a cross, their love among themselves shall be a cross; but
our Lord giveth love for another end. I know you will, with love,
cover infirmities; and our Lord give you wisdom in all things. I think
love hath broad shoulders, and will bear many things, and yet neither
faint nor sweat, nor fall under the burden.
Commend me to your husband and dear Grizel. I think on her. Lord Jesus
be in the furnace with her, and then she will but smoke and not burn.
Desire Mr. Robert[128] to excuse my not seeing of him at his house. I
have my own reasons therefor.[129] Grace, mercy, and peace be with
you.
Yours in his sweet Lord Jesus,