CXXXIV.--_To JOHN EWART, Bailie of Kirkcudbright_.
[JOHN EWART's name often occurs in the "Minute Book of Comm. of
Covenanters," as residing in Kirkcudbright. He is understood to
be the father of the John Ewart who was sentenced to banishment,
1663, for refusing to take part in quelling a tumult raised at
the intrusion of a curate in room of the ejected minister of
Kirkcudbright. (Wodrow's "Hist.") A descendant of his at
Stranraer has a small silver cup, which has been handed down from
his ancestors.]
(_THE CROSS NO BURDEN--NEED OF SURE FOUNDATION._)
MY VERY WORTHY AND DEAR FRIEND,--I cannot but most kindly thank you
for the expressions of your love. Your love and respect to me is a
great comfort to me.
I bless His high and glorious name, that the terrors of great men have
not affrighted me from openly avouching the Son of God. Nay, His cross
is the sweetest burden that ever I bare; it is such a burden as wings
are to a bird, or sails are to a ship, to carry me forward to my
harbour. I have not much cause to fall in love with the world; but
rather to wish that He who sitteth upon the floods would bring my
broken ship to land, and keep my conscience safe in these dangerous
times; for wrath from the Lord is coming on this sinful land.
It were good that we prisoners of hope know of our stronghold to run
to, before the storm come on; therefore, Sir, I beseech you by the
mercies of God, and comforts of His spirit, by the blood of your
Saviour, and by your compearance before the sin-revenging Judge of the
world, keep your garments clean, and stand for the truth of Christ,
which ye profess. When the time shall come that your eye-strings shall
break, your face wax pale, your breath grow cold, and this house of
clay shall totter, and your one foot shall be over the march, in
eternity, it will be your comfort and joy that ye gave your name to
Christ. The greatest part of the world think heaven at the next door,
and that Christianity is an easy task; but they will be beguiled.
Worthy Sir, I beseech you, make sure work of salvation. I have found
my experience, that all I could do hath had much ado in the day of my
trial; and, therefore, lay up a sure foundation for the time to come.
I cannot requite you for your undeserved favours to me and my now
afflicted brother. But I trust to remember you to God. Remember me
heartily to your kind wife.
Yours, in his only Lord Jesus,