[ROBERT GORDON was a merchant in Ayr. In Paterson's "History of
the County of Ayr," he and his partner merchants are mentioned as
having, in 1644, supplied the Scots army in Ireland, at a certain
price, with a large quantity of meal and beans. He was cousin to
John, Viscount of Kenmure, whose "Last and Heavenly Speeches and
Glorious Departure" were published by Rutherford, and to which
there is a reference in the beginning of this letter. It was to
him that Kenmure said, "Robert, I know you have light and
understanding; and though you have no need to be instructed by
me, yet have you need to be incited" (p. 94). Gordon was
frequently a member of the Town Council of Ayr; in 1631 as Dean
of Guild, and in 1632 as Bailie. In 1638 and 1647 he held the
office of Provost. He was a man of piety, and a zealous supporter
of the Presbyterian cause. In an old parchment copy of the
National Covenant 1638 (in the possession of Hugh Cowan, Esquire,
Ayr), Gordon's signature appears, as well as the signatures of
the other members of the Town Council, some of whom were
Rutherford's correspondents, as John Kennedy, John Osborne, and
John Stewart. The above copy of the National Covenant is signed
by Rothes, Montrose, and other men of rank, being one of the
copies sent at that time by the Covenanters from Edinburgh to the
various burghs throughout the country to be subscribed.]
(_CHRIST ABOVE ALL._)
WORTHY SIR,--Grace, mercy, and peace be to you.--I long to hear from
you on paper. Remember your chief's speeches[226] on his death-bed. I
pray you, sir, sell all, and buy the Pearl. Time will cut you from
this world's glory; look what will do you good, when your glass shall
be run out. And let Christ's love bear most court in your soul, and
that court will bear down the love of other things. Christ seeketh
your help in your place; give Him your hand. Who hath more cause to
encourage others to own Christ than I have? for He hath made me sick
of love, and left me in pain to wrestle with His love. And love is
like to fall aswoon through His absence. I mean not that He deserteth
me, or that I am ebb of comforts; but this is an unco pain.--O that I
had a heart and a love to render to Him back again! Oh, if
principalities and powers, thrones and dominions, and all the world
would help me to praise! Praise Him in my behalf.
[226] The words of Lord Kenmure.
Remember my love to your wife. I thank you most kindly for your love
to my brother. Grace be with you.
Yours, in his sweet Lord Jesus,