ABERDEEN, _Sept. 21, 1636_.
[162] His brother was a teacher in Kirkcudbright, and between him and
Samuel there was a warm attachment, and strong sympathies. He, too,
suffered persecution for his adherence to the cause of Presbytery. For
this, and his zealous support of Mr. Glendinning, whom the Bishop of
Galloway treated with such cruelty, he was in November 1636 condemned
to resign his charge, and remove from Kirkcudbright before the ensuing
term of Whitsunday.
LXVIII.--_To JOHN FLEMING, Bailiffe (Bailie) of Leith_.
[Of Mr. Fleming nothing can be ascertained, unless it is he who
is mentioned by Livingston as being a merchant in Edinburgh, a
man of note among the godly.]
(_THE SWEETNESS AND FAITHFULNESS OF CHRIST'S LOVE._)
MY VERY WORTHY FRIEND,--Grace, mercy, and peace be to you. I received
your letter. I bless the Lord through Jesus Christ, I find His word
good, "I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction" (Isa. xlviii.
10). "I will be with him in trouble" (Ps. xci. 15). I never expected
other at Christ's hand but much good and comfort; and I am not
disappointed. I find my Lord's cross overgilded and oiled with
comforts. My Lord hath now shown me the white side of His cross. I
would not exchange my weeping in prison with the Fourteen
Prelates'[163] laughter, amidst their hungry and lean joys. This world
knoweth not the sweetness of Christ's love; it is a mystery to them.
[163] Referring probably to the number of prelates (consisting of two
archbishops and twelve bishops) who were members of the High
Commission by whom he was sentenced to imprisonment.
At my first coming here, I found great heaviness, especially because
it had pleased the prelates to add this gentle cruelty to my former
sufferings (for it is gentle to them), to inhibit the ministers of the
town to give me the liberty of a pulpit. I said, What aileth Christ at
my service? But I was a fool; He hath chid Himself friends with me. If
ye and others of God's children shall praise His great name, who
maketh worthless men witnesses for Him, my silence and sufferings
shall preach more than my tongue could do. If His glory be seen in me,
I am satisfied; for I want for no kindness from Christ. And, sir, I
dare not smother His liberality. I write it to you, that ye may
praise, and desire your brother and others to join with me in this
work.
This land shall be made desolate. Our iniquities are full; the Lord
saith, we shall drink, and spue, and fall. Remember my love to your
good kind wife. Grace be with you.
Yours in his sweet Lord Jesus,