CCLIII.--_To his Reverend and very dear Brother_, MR. GEORGE
GILLESPIE.
(_CHRIST THE TRUE GAIN._)
MY VERY DEAR BROTHER,--I received yours. I am still with the Lord. His
cross hath done that which I thought impossible once. Christ keepeth
tryst in the fire and water with His own, and cometh ere our breath go
out, and ere our blood grow cold.
Blessed are they whose feet escape the great golden net that is now
spread. It is happiness to take the crabbed, rough, and poor side of
Christ's world, which is a lease of crosses and losses for Him. For
Christ's incomes and casualties that follow Him are many; and it is
not a little one that a good conscience may be had in following Him.
This is true gain, and must be laboured for and loved.
Many give Christ for a shadow; because Christ was rather _beside_
their conscience, in a dead and reprobate light, than _in_ their
conscience. Let us be ballasted with grace, that we be not blown over,
and that we stagger not. Yet a little while, and Christ and His
redeemed ones shall fill the field, and come out victorious. Christ's
glory of triumphing in Scotland is yet in the bud, and in the birth;
but the birth cannot prove an abortion. He shall not faint nor be
discouraged, till He hath brought forth judgment unto victory. Let us
still mind our Covenant; and the very God of peace be with you.
Your brother in Christ,