ST. ANDREWS, _June 15, 1655_.
CCCXLV.--_To my_ LADY KENMURE.
(_THOUGHTS FOR A TIME OF SICKNESS, ABOUT THE LIFE TO COME._)
MADAM,--I have been so long silent, that I am almost ashamed now to
speak. I hear of your weakly condition of body, which speaketh some
warning to you to look for a longer life, where ye shall have more
leisure to praise than time can give you here. It shall be loss to
many; but sure yourself, Madam, shall be only[504] free of any loss.
And truly, considering what days we are now falling into, if sailing
were not serving of the Lord (which I can hardly attain to), a calm
harbour were very good when storms are so high. The Forerunner, who
hath landed first, must help to bring the sea-beaten vessel safe to
the port, and the sick passengers who are following the Forerunner
safe ashore. Much deadness prevaileth over some; but there is much
life in Him who is the Resurrection and the Life to quicken. Oh, what
of our hid life is without us, and how little and poor a stock is in
the hand of some! The only wise God supply what is wanting. The more
ye want, and the more your joy hath run on, the more is owing to you
by the promise of grace. Bygones of waterings from heaven, which your
Ladyship wanted in Kenmure, Rusco, the West, Glasgow, Edinburgh,
England, etc., shall all come in a great sum together. The marriage
supper of the Lamb must not be marred with too large four-hours'
refreshment. Know, Madam, that He, who hath tutored you from the
breasts, knoweth how to time His own day-shinings and love-visits.
[504] It shall do nothing but free you from evil.
Grace, that runneth on, be with you.
Yours, in the Lord, at all observance,