CCLXXIX.--_For_ MARION M'NAUGHT.
(_A SPRING-TIDE OF CHRIST'S LOVE._)
MY DEAR AND WELL-BELOVED SISTER,--Grace, mercy, and peace be to
you.--I am well; honour to God. I have been before a court set up
within me of terrors and challenges; but my sweet Lord Jesus hath
taken the mask off His face, and said, "Kiss thy fill!" and I will not
smother nor conceal the kindness of my King Jesus. He hath broken in
upon the poor prisoner's soul, like the swelling of Jordan. I am bank
and brim full; a great, high spring-tide of the consolations of Christ
have overflowed me. I would not give my weeping for the fourteen
prelates' laughter. They have sent me here to feast with my King. His
spikenard casteth a sweet smell. The Bridegroom's love hath run away
with my heart. O love, love, love! Oh, sweet are my royal King's
chains! I care not for fire nor torture. How sweet were it to me to
swim the salt sea for my new Lover, my second Husband, my first Lord!
I charge you in the name of God, not to fear the wild beasts that
entered into the vineyard of the Lord of Hosts. The false prophet is
the tail. God shall cut the tail from Scotland. Take your comfort and
droop not, despond not.
Pray for my poor flock: I would take a penance on my soul for their
salvation. I fear that the entering of a hireling upon my labours
there will cut off my life with sorrow. There I wrestled with the
Angel and prevailed. Wood,[388] trees, meadows, and hills are my
witnesses, that I drew on a fair meeting betwixt Christ and Anwoth.
[388] Perhaps specially referring to the wood adjoining Bushy Bield,
the spot still called "Rutherford's Walk."
My love to your husband, to dear Carleton, to my beloved brother
Knockbrex.[389] Forget not Christ's prisoner. I long for a letter
under your own hand.
Your friend and Christ's prisoner,