ABERDEEN, _Jan. 4, 1638_.
CCLXXXIII.--_To his Reverent and Respected Friend, THOMAS MACCULLOCH
of Nether Ardwell._ [See "Ardwell" in notice at Letter CI.]
[This letter is given from the "Christian Instructor" for January
1839, furnished by one who had the MS. Why Rutherford calls his
correspondent "reverent," we do not know. It seems to mean
"REVERED," as in the address of Letter CCLXXXIV.][394]
[394] The contributor who furnishes this letter to the "Christian
Instructor" says: "The _paper_ is small and dingy, and the mode of
_folding_ is not exactly in modern style. But the _wax_ and the
_impression_ on it are entire."
(_EARNEST CALL TO DILIGENCE--CIRCUMSPECT WALKING._)
REVERENT AND MUCH RESPECTED,--Grace, mercy, and peace be to you.--I
long to hear how your soul prospereth, and I expected you would have
written to me. My earnest desire to you is, that you would seek the
Lord and His face. I know that you are not ignorant that your daylight
is going fast away, and your sun declining. I beseech you by the
mercies of God, and by the wounds of your redeeming Lord, and your
dreadful compearance before the awesome Judge of quick and dead, make
your account clear and plain with your Judge and Lord, while ye have
fair daylight, for your night is coming on. Therefore, I pray you,
judge more of the worth of your soul, and know that if you are in
Christ, and secure your own soul, you are blessed for ever. Few, few,
yea very few, are saved. Grace is not casten down at every man's door;
therefore speed yourself and others upon seeking Christ and salvation;
and learn to overcome, in the bitterness of your soul, your sins in
time. It is not easy to take heaven, as the word saith, "by violence."
Keep your tongue from cursing and swearing; refrain from wrath and
malice; forgive all men for Christ's sake, as you would have your Lord
forgive you. I pray you, seeing your time is short, make speed in your
journey to heaven, that you may secure a lodging to your soul against
night.
Remember my love to your wife, William your son, and the rest of your
children.
Grace be with you.
Yours, at all hours, in Christ,