[OF JOHN OSBURN, merchant in Ayr, and at this time chief magistrate of
that burgh, little is now known. He died about the close of the year
1653, or beginning of the following year, as appears from his son
David being retoured his heir on 17th January 1654. He appears on the
list of the gentlemen in Ayrshire whom Middleton fined in 1662.]
(_ADHERENCE TO CHRIST--HIS APPROBATION WORTH ALL WORLDS._)
MUCH HONOURED SIR,--Grace, mercy, and peace be to you.--Upon our small
acquaintance, and the good report I hear of you, I could not but write
to you. I have nothing to say, but that Christ, in that honourable
place He hath put you in, hath intrusted you with a dear pledge, which
is His own glory; and hath armed you with His sword to keep the
pledge, and make a good account of it to God. Be not afraid of men.
Your Master can mow down His enemies, and make withered hay of fair
flowers. Your time will not be long; after your afternoon will come
your evening, and after evening, night. Serve Christ. Back Him; let
His cause be your cause; give not an hair-breadth of truth away; for
it is not yours, but God's. Then, since ye are going, take Christ's
testificate with you out of this life--"Well done, good and faithful
servant!" His "well done" is worth a shipful of "good-days" and
earthly honours. I have cause to say this, because I find Him truth
itself. In my sad days, Christ laugheth cheerfully, and saith, "All
will be well!" Would to God that all this kingdom, and all that know
God, knew what is betwixt Christ and me in this prison--what kisses,
embracements, and love communion! I take His cross in my arms with
joy; I bless it, I rejoice in it. Suffering for Christ is my garland.
I would not exchange Christ for ten thousand worlds! nay, if the
comparison could stand, I would not exchange Christ with heaven.
Sir, pray for me, and the prayers and blessing of a prisoner of Christ
meet you in all your straits. Grace be with you.
Yours, in Christ Jesus, his Lord,