ANWOTH, _Nov. 29, 1634_.
XL.--_To my_ LADY KENMURE.
(_WHEN MR. RUTHERFORD HAD THE PROSPECT OF BEING REMOVED FROM ANWOTH._)
MADAM,--My humble obedience in the Lord remembered. Know it hath
pleased the Lord to let me see, by all appearance, that my labours in
God's house here are at an end; and I must now learn to suffer, in the
which I am a dull scholar. By a strange providence, some of my papers,
anent the corruptions of this time, are come to the King's hand. I
know, by the wise and well-affected I shall be censured as not wise
nor circumspect enough; but it is ordinary, that that should be a part
of the cross of those who suffer for Him. Yet I love and pardon the
instrument; I would commit my life to him, howbeit by him this hath
befallen me. But I look higher than to him. I make no question of your
Ladyship's love and care to do what ye can for my help, and am
persuaded that, in my adversities, your Ladyship will wish me well. I
seek no other thing but that my Lord may be honoured by me in giving a
testimony. I was willing to do Him more service; but seeing He will
have no more of my labours, and this land will thrust me out, I pray
for grace to learn to be acquaint with misery, if I may give so rough
a name to such a mark of those who shall be crowned with Christ. And
howbeit I will possibly prove a faint-hearted, unwise man in that, yet
I dare say I intend otherwise; and I desire not to go on the lee-side
or sunny side of religion, or to put truth betwixt me and a storm: my
Saviour did not so for me, who in His suffering took the windy side of
the hill. No farther; but the Son of God be with you.
Your Ladyship's in the Lord Jesus,