EDINBURGH, _Dec. 1634_.
XLIX.--_To_ MARION M'NAUGHT.
(_SPOILING OF GOODS--CALL TO KIRKCUDBRIGHT--THE LORD REIGNETH._)
WELL-BELOVED AND DEAR SISTER,--My love in Christ remembered. God hath
brought me home from a place where I have been exercised with great
heaviness, and I have found at home new matter of great heaviness, yet
dare not but in all things give thanks.
In my business in Edinburgh,[138] I have not sinned nor wronged my
party,--by his own confession, and by the confession of his friends, I
have given of my goods for peace and the saving of my Lord's truth
from reproaches, which is dearer to me than all I have. My mother is
weak, and I think shall leave me alone; but I am not alone, because
Christ's Father is with me.
[138] See note, Letter XII.
For your business anent your town I see great evidence; but Satan and
his instruments are against it, and few set their shoulders to
Christ's shoulder to help Him. But He will do all His lone; and I dare
not but exhort you to believe, and persuade you, that the hungry in
your city shall be fed; and as for the rest that want a stomach, the
parings of God's loaf will suffice them; and, therefore, believe it
shall be well. I may not leave my mother to come and confer with you
of all particulars. I have given such directions to our dear friend as
I can; but the event is in our dear Lord's hands.
God's Zion abroad flourisheth, and His arm is not shortened with us,
if we could believe. There is scarcity and a famine of the word of God
in Edinburgh. Your sister Jane laboureth mightily in our business; but
hath not as yet gotten an answer from I. P. Mr. A. C.[139] will work
what he can. My Lady saith she can do little, and that it suiteth not
her nor her husband well to speak in such an affair. I told her my
mind plainly.
[139] Probably Mr. Alexander Colville, mentioned Letter XI.
I long to know of your estate. Remember me heartily to your dear
husband. Grace be the portion of your bairns. I know you are mindful
of the green wound of our sister kirk in Ireland. Bid our Lord lay a
plaister to it (He hath good skill to do so), and set others to work.
Grace, grace upon your soul, and body, and all yours.
Yours in Christ,