ABERDEEN, _March 13, 1637_.
CXLII.--_To my very dear brother_, WILLIAM LIVINGSTONE.
[Probably one of his Anwoth parishioners. There are Livingstones
in that neighbourhood to this day.]
(_COUNSEL TO A YOUTH._)
MY VERY DEAR BROTHER,--I rejoice to hear that Christ hath run away
with your young love, and that ye are so early in the morning matched
with such a Lord; for a young man is often a dressed lodging for the
devil to dwell in. Be humble and thankful for grace; and weigh it not
so much by weight, as if it be true. Christ will not cast water on
your smoking coal; He never yet put out a dim candle that was lighted
at the Sun of Righteousness. I recommend to you prayer and watching
over the sins of your youth; for I know that missive letters go
between the devil and young blood. Satan hath a friend at court in the
heart of youth; and there pride, luxury, lust, revenge, forgetfulness
of God, are hired as his agents. Happy is your soul if Christ man the
house, and take the keys Himself, and command all, as it suiteth Him
full well to rule all wherever He is. Keep Christ, and entertain Him
well. Cherish His grace; blow upon your own coal; and let Him tutor
you.
Now for myself: know that I am fully agreed with my Lord. Christ hath
put the Father and me into each other's arms. Many a sweet bargain He
made before, and He hath made this among the rest. I reign as king
over my crosses. I will not flatter a temptation, nor give the devil a
good word: I defy hell's iron gates. God hath passed over my
quarrelling of Him at my entry here, and now He feedeth and feasteth
with me.
Praise, praise with me; and let us exalt His name together.
Your brother in Christ,