ANWOTH, _April 22, 1635_.
LI.--_To_ MARION M'NAUGHT.
(_PUBLIC TEMPTATIONS--THE SECURITY OF EVERY SAINT--OCCURRENCES IN THE
COUNTRY-SIDE._)
LOVING AND DEAR SISTER,--For Zion's sake hold not your peace, neither
be discouraged, for the on-going of this persecution. Jehovah is in
this burning Bush. The floods may swell and roar, but our ark shall
swim above the waters; it cannot sink, because a Saviour is in it.
Because our Beloved was not let in by His spouse when He stood at the
door, with His wet and frozen head, therefore He will have us to seek
Him awhile; and while we are seeking, the watchmen who go about the
walls have stricken the poor woman, and have taken away her veil from
her. But yet a little while and our Lord will come again. Scotland's
sky will clear again; her moment must go over. I dare in faith say and
write (I am not dreaming), Christ is but seeking (what He will have
and make) a clean glistering bride out of the fire. God send Him His
errand, but He cannot want what He seeks. In the meantime, one way or
other, He shall find, or make a nest for His mourning dove. What is
this we are doing, breaking the neck of our faith? We are not come as
yet to the mouth of the Red Sea; and howbeit we were, for His honour's
sake, He must dry it up. It is our part to die gripping and holding
fast His faithful promise. If the Beast should get leave to ride
through the land, to seal such as are his, he will not get one lamb
with him, for these are secured and sealed as the servants of God. In
God's name, let Christ take His barn-floor, and all that is in it, to
a hill, and winnow it. Let Him sift His corn, and sweep His house, and
seek His lost gold. The Lord shall cog the rumbling wheels, or turn
them; for the remainder of wrath doth He restrain. He can loose the
belt of kings; to God, their belt, wherewith they are girt, is knit
with a single draw-knot.
As for a pastor to your town, your conscience can bear you witness you
have done your part. Let the Master of the vineyard now see to His
garden, seeing you have gone on, till He hath said, "Stand still." The
will of the Lord be done. But a trial is not, to give up with God and
believe no more. I thank my God in Christ, I find the force of my
temptation abated, and its edge blunted, since I spoke to you last. I
know not if the tempter be hovering, until he find the dam gather
again, and me more secure; but it hath been my burden, and I am yet
more confident the Lord will succour and deliver.
I intend, God willing, that our Communion shall be celebrated the
first Sabbath after Pasch. Our Lord, that great Master of the feast,
send us one hearty and heartsome supper, for I look it shall be the
last. But we expect, when the shadows shall flee away, and our Lord
shall come to His garden, that He shall feed us in green pastures
without fear. The dogs shall not then be hounded out amongst the
sheep. I earnestly desire your prayers for assistance at our work, and
put others with you to do the same. Remember me to your husband, and
desire your daughter to be kind to Christ, and seek to win near Him;
He will give her a welcome unto His house of wine, and bring her into
the King's chamber. O how will the sight of His face, and the smell of
His garments, allure and ravish the heart! Now, the love of the lovely
Son of God be with you.
Yours in his sweet Jesus,