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one_o poor_a joy_n that_o be_v on_o this_o side_n of_o heaven_n even_o my_o liberty_n to_o preach_v christ_n to_o his_o people_n yet_o i_o be_o dead_a to_o that_o now_o so_o be_v he_o will_v hew_v and_o carve_v glory_n glory_n for_o evermore_o to_o my_o royal_a king_n out_o of_o my_o silence_n &_o suffering_n oh_o that_o i_o have_v my_o fill_n of_o his_o love_n but_o i_o know_v ill_a manner_n make_v a_o uncouth_a &_o strange_a bridegroom_n i_o entreat_v you_o earnest_o for_o the_o aid_n of_o your_o prayer_n for_o i_o forget_v not_o you_o &_o i_o salute_v with_o my_o soul_n in_o christ_n the_o faithful_a pastor_n and_o honourable_a &_o worthy_a professor_n in_o that_o land_n now_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n that_o bring_v again_o our_o lord_n jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a the_o great_a shepher_v of_o the_o sheep_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n make_v you_o perfect_a in_o every_o good_a work_n to_o do_v his_o will_n work_v in_o you_o that_o which_o be_v well_o 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that_o good_a lady_n will_v be_v mindful_a to_o god_n of_o the_o lord_n prisoner_n not_o for_o my_o cause_n but_o for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n madam_n bind_v i_o more_o if_o more_o can_v be_v to_o your_o la_n and_o write_v thanks_o to_o your_o brother_n my_o lord_n of_o lorne_n for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o i_o a_o poor_a unknown_a stranger_n to_o his_o lo_o i_o shall_v pray_v for_o he_o &_o his_o house_n while_o i_o live_v it_o be_v his_o honour_n to_o open_v his_o mouth_n in_o the_o street_n for_o his_o wrong_a and_o oppress_a master_n christ_n jesus_n now_o madam_n commend_v your_o la_n and_o the_o sweet_a child_n to_o â—he_n tender_a mercy_n of_o i_o own_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o good_a will_n who_o dwell_v in_o the_o bush_n i_o rest._n edinb_n july_n 28._o 1636._o you_o in_o his_o own_o sweet_a lord_n jesus_n s._n r._n to_o the_o noble_a &_o christian_a lady_n the_o vicountesse_n of_o kenmure_n 5_o my_o very_a honourable_a &_o dear_a lady_n grace_n mercy_n &_o peace_n be_v 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&_o my_o cause_n not_o good_a but_o i_o care_v not_o much_o for_o man_n thought_n or_o approbation_n i_o think_v no_o shame_n of_o the_o cross_n the_o preacher_n of_o this_o town_n pretend_v great_a love_n but_o the_o prelate_n have_v add_v to_o the_o rest_n this_o gentle_a cruelty_n for_o so_o they_o think_v of_o it_o to_o discharge_v i_o of_o the_o pulpit_n of_o this_o town_n the_o people_n murmur_n &_o cry_v out_o against_o it_o and_o to_o speak_v true_o howbeit_o christ_n be_v most_o indulgeat_fw-la to_o i_o otherwise_o yet_o my_o silence_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n keep_v i_o from_o be_v exalt_v above_o measure_n &_o fronâ—â—artling_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o my_o lord_n love_v some_o people_n affect_v i_o for_o the_o which_o cause_n i_o hear_v the_o preacher_n here_o purpose_v to_o have_v my_o confinement_n change_v to_o another_o place_n so_o cold_a be_v northern_a love_n but_o christ_n and_o i_o will_v bear_v it_o i_o have_v wrestle_v long_o with_o this_o sad_a silence_n i_o say_v 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a_o dry_a tree_n but_o it_o be_v his_o mercy_n i_o see_v that_o the_o fire_n do_v not_o burn_v the_o dry_a tree_n &_o now_o as_o if_o my_o lord_n jesus_n have_v do_v the_o fault_n &_o not_o i_o who_o belie_v my_o lord_n he_o have_v make_v the_o first_o mend_n &_o he_o speak_v not_o one_o word_n against_o i_o but_o have_v come_v again_o &_o quicken_v my_o soul_n with_o his_o presence_n nay_o now_o i_o think_v the_o very_a aâ—â—uety_n and_o casualty_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n jesus_n my_o lord_n &_o these_o comfort_n that_o accompany_v it_o better_o than_o the_o world_n
say_v i_o be_o sick_a will_v cure_v they_o they_o think_v complaint_n a_o good_a charm_n for_o guiltiness_n i_o hope_v you_o be_v wrestle_v &_o struggle_v on_o in_o this_o dead_a age_n wherein_o folk_n have_v lose_v tongue_n and_o leg_n and_o arm_n for_o christ._n i_o urge_v upon_o you_o madam_n a_o near_a communion_n with_o christ_n and_o a_o grow_a communion_n there_o be_v curtain_n to_o be_v draw_v by_o in_o christ_n that_o we_o never_o see_v and_o new_a folding_n of_o love_n in_o he_o i_o despair_v that_o ever_o i_o shall_v win_v to_o the_o far_a end_n of_o that_o love_n there_o be_v so_o many_o ply_v in_o it_o therefore_o dig_v deep_a and_o sweat_n and_o labour_n and_o take_v pain_n for_o he_o and_o set_v by_o so_o much_o time_n in_o the_o day_n for_o he_o as_o you_o can_v he_o will_v be_v win_v with_o labour_n ay_o his_o exile_a prisoner_n seek_v he_o and_o he_o have_v rue_v upon_o i_o and_o have_v make_v a_o moan_n for_o i_o as_o he_o do_v for_o his_o own_o jer._n 31_o 20._o isa_n 45_o 11._o and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v with_o christ_n his_o love_n surround_v and_o surcharge_v i_o and_o burden_v with_o it_o but_o o_o how_o sweet_a &_o lovely_a be_v that_o burden_n i_o thou_fw-mi not_o keep_v it_o within_o i_o i_o be_o so_o in_o love_n with_o his_o love_n that_o if_o his_o love_n be_v not_o in_o heaven_n i_o will_v be_v unwilling_a to_o go_v there_o o_o what_o weigh_v &_o what_o tell_n be_v in_o christ_n love_n i_o fear_v nothing_o now_o so_o much_o as_o the_o laugh_n of_o christ_n cross_n &_o the_o love-shower_n that_o accompany_v it_o i_o wonder_v what_o he_o mean_v to_o put_v such_o a_o slave_n at_o the_o board-head_n at_o his_o own_o elbow_n oh_o that_o i_o shall_v lay_v my_o black_a mouth_n to_o such_o a_o fair_a fair_a fair_a face_n as_o chriâ—…s_n but_o i_o dare_v not_o refuse_v to_o be_v love_v the_o cause_n be_v not_o in_o i_o why_o he_o have_v look_v upon_o i_o &_o love_v i_o for_o he_o get_v neither_o bud_n nor_o hire_v of_o i_o it_o 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shall_v i_o think_v he_o a_o false_a witness_n or_o that_o he_o will_v subscribe_v blank_a paper_n i_o thank_v his_o high_a and_o dreadful_a name_n for_o what_o he_o have_v give_v i_o hope_v to_o keep_v his_o seal_n &_o his_o pawn_n till_o he_o come_v &_o loose_v it_o himself_o i_o defy_v hell_n to_o put_v i_o off_o it_o but_o he_o be_v christ_n &_o he_o have_v meet_v with_o his_o prisoner_n &_o i_o take_v instrument_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n that_o it_o be_v he_o &_o no_o other_o for_o he_o when_o the_o devil_n fence_v a_o bastard_n court_n in_o my_o lord_n ground_n &_o give_v i_o forge_v summons_n it_o will_v be_v my_o shame_n to_o misbeleeve_v after_o such_o a_o fair_a broad_a seal_n &_o yet_o satan_n &_o my_o apprehension_n sometime_o make_v a_o lie_n of_o christ_n as_o if_o he_o hate_v i_o but_o i_o dare_v believe_v no_o evil_n of_o christ_n if_o he_o will_v cool_v my_o lovefever_n for_o himself_o with_o real_a presence_n &_o possession_n i_o will_v be_v rich_a but_o i_o dare_v 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christ_n every_o day_n so_o sweet_a comfortable_a lovely_a &_o kind_a as_o three_o thing_n only_o trouble_v i_o 1._o i_o see_v not_o how_o to_o be_v thankful_a or_o how_o to_o get_v help_n to_o praise_v that_o royal_a king_n who_o raise_v up_o these_o that_o be_v bow_v down_o 2._o his_o love_n pain_v i_o &_o wound_v my_o soul_n so_o as_o i_o be_o in_o a_o fever_n for_o want_n of_o real_a presence_n 3._o a_o excessive_a desire_n to_o take_v instrument_n in_o god_n name_n that_o this_o be_v christ_n &_o his_o truth_n i_o now_o suffer_v for_o yea_o the_o apple_n of_o the_o eye_n of_o christ_n honour_n even_o the_o sovereignty_n &_o royal_a privilege_n of_o our_o king_n &_o lawgiver_n christ_n &_o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n scar_n at_o christ_n cross_n or_o raise_v a_o ill_a report_n upon_o he_o or_o it_o for_o he_o bear_v the_o sufferer_n &_o it_o both_o i_o be_o here_o trouble_v with_o the_o dispute_v of_o the_o great_a doctor_n especial_o with_o d._n b._n in_o ceremonial_a &_o 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lord_n jesus_n market-sweet_a lovely_a desirable_a &_o fair_a to_o all_o the_o world_n both_o to_o jew_n and_o gentil_n o_o let_v my_o part_n of_o heaven_n go_v for_o it_o sobeing_n he_o will_v take_v my_o tongue_n to_o be_v his_o instrument_n to_o set_v out_o christ_n in_o his_o whole_a bravery_n of_o love_n virtue_n grace_n sweetness_n &_o matchless_a glory_n to_o the_o eye_n &_o heart_n of_o jew_n &_o gentile_n but_o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n o_o for_o the_o help_n of_o angel_n tongue_n to_o make_v christ_n eye-sweet_a and_o amiable_a to_o many_o thousand_o o_o how_o little_a do_v this_o world_n see_v of_o he_o &_o how_o far_o be_v they_o from_o the_o love_n of_o he_o see_v there_o be_v so_o much_o loveliness_n beauty_n and_o sweetness_n in_o christ_n that_o no_o create_a eye_n do_v ever_o yet_o see_v i_o will_v that_o all_o man_n know_v his_o glory_n and_o that_o i_o can_v put_v many_o in_o at_o the_o bridegroom_n chamber_n door_n to_o see_v his_o beauty_n &_o 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scar_n at_o christ_n cross_n if_o my_o stipend_n place_n country_n credit_n have_v be_v a_o earledom_n a_o kingdom_n ten_o kingdom_n and_o a_o whole_a earth_n all_o be_v too_o little_a for_o the_o crown_n and_o sceptre_n of_o my_o royal_a king_n my_o enemy_n my_o enemy_n have_v make_v i_o bless_v they_o have_v send_v i_o to_o the_o bridegroom_n chamber_n love_n be_v his_o banner_n over_o i_o i_o live_v a_o king_n life_n i_o want_v nothing_o but_o heaven_n and_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o crown_n my_o earnest_n be_v great_a christ_n be_v no_o niggard_n to_o i_o dear_a brother_n be_v for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o heartbroken_a bride_n i_o need_v not_o i_o hope_v remember_v my_o distress_a brother_n to_o your_o care_n remember_v my_o love_n to_o your_o wife_n let_v christ_n want_v nothing_o of_o we_o his_o garment_n shall_v be_v roll_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o slay_v of_o scotland_n grace_n grace_n be_v with_o you_o pray_v for_o christ_n prisoner_n aberd._n sept._n 21._o 1637_o you_o in_o his_o sweet_a lord_n jesus_n s._n r._n to_o robert_n gordon_n of_o knockbrex_n 159_o dear_a brother_n grace_n mercy_n &_o peace_n be_v to_o you_o i_o be_o by_o god_n mercy_n come_v now_o to_o aberden_n the_o place_n of_o my_o confinement_n &_o settle_v in_o a_o honest_a man_n house_n i_o find_v the_o town's-man_n cold_a &_o general_a &_o dry_a in_o their_o kindness_n yet_o i_o find_v a_o lodging_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o stranger_n my_o challenge_n be_v revive_v again_o &_o i_o find_v old_a sore_n bleed_v of_o new_a so_o dangerous_a &_o painful_a be_v a_o undercotted_a conscience_n yet_o i_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o blood_n that_o be_v physic_n for_o such_o sore_n but_o very_o i_o see_v christianity_n be_v conceive_v to_o be_v more_o easy_a &_o light_a than_o it_o be_v so_o that_o i_o sometime_o think_v i_o never_o know_v any_o thing_n but_o the_o letter_n of_o that_o name_n for_o our_o nature_n content_v itself_o with_o little_a in_o godliness_n our_o 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shall_v the_o temple_n of_o christ_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o mountain_n top_n &_o the_o land_n from_o coast_n to_o coast_n shall_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n brother_n your_o day-task_n be_v wear_v short_a your_o hourglass_n of_o this_o span-length_n and_o hand-breadth_n of_o life_n will_v quick_o pass_v &_o therefore_o take_v order_n &_o course_n with_o matter_n betwixt_o you_o and_o christ_n before_o it_o come_v to_o open_v plead_v there_o be_v no_o quarter_n to_o be_v have_v of_o christ_n in_o open_a judgement_n i_o know_v you_o see_v your_o thread_n wear_v short_a &_o that_o there_o be_v not_o many_o inch_n to_o the_o threed'_v end_n and_o therefore_o lose_v not_o time_n remember_v i_o his_o prisoner_n that_o it_o will_v please_v the_o lord_n to_o bring_v i_o again_o among_o you_o with_o abundance_n of_o the_o gospel_n grace_n grace_n be_v with_o you_o aberd._n 1637._o you_o in_o his_o sweet_a lord_n jesus_n s._n r._n to_o mr_n hugh_n mc_n kaill_n 162_o reverend_a &_o dear_a brother_n i_o thank_v you_o for_o your_o letter_n i_o can_v but_o show_v you_o that_o as_o i_o never_o expect_v any_o thing_n from_o christ_n but_o much_o good_a &_o kindness_n so_o he_o have_v make_v i_o to_o find_v it_o in_o the_o house_n of_o my_o pilgrimage_n and_o believe_v i_o brother_n i_o give_v it_o to_o you_o under_o my_o own_o hand-writ_a that_o who_o so_o look_v to_o the_o white_a side_n of_o christ_n cross_n and_o can_v take_v it_o up_o handsome_o with_o faith_n and_o courage_n shall_v find_v it_o such_o a_o burden_n as_o 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o a_o ship_n or_o wing_n to_o a_o bird_n i_o find_v my_o lord_n have_v overguild_v that_o black_a tree_n &_o have_v perfume_v it_o &_o oil_v it_o with_o joy_n &_o consolation_n like_o a_o fool_n once_o i_o will_v chide_v &_o plead_v with_o christ_n &_o slander_v he_o to_o other_o of_o unkindness_n but_o i_o trust_v in_o god_n not_o to_o call_v his_o gloom_n unkind_a again_o for_o he_o have_v take_v from_o i_o my_o 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i_o come_v not_o on_o his_o wrong_a side_n again_o and_o never_o again_o fall_v a_o rave_v against_o my_o physician_n in_o my_o fever_n brother_n plead_v with_o your_o mother_n while_o you_o have_v time_n a_o pulpit_n will_v be_v a_o high_a feast_n to_o i_o but_o i_o dare_v not_o say_v one_o word_n against_o he_o who_o have_v do_v it_o i_o be_o not_o out_o of_o the_o house_n as_o yet_o my_o sweet_a master_n say_v i_o shall_v have_v houseroom_n at_o his_o own_o elbow_n albeit_o their_o synagogue_n will_v need_v force_n cast_v i_o out_o a_o letter_n be_v a_o work_n of_o charity_n to_o i_o grace_n be_v with_o you_o pray_v for_o i_o aberd._n novemb_n 22._o 1636._o your_o brother_n &_o christ_n prisoner_n s._n r._n to_o james_n murray_n 163_o dear_a brother_n i_o receive_v your_o letter_n i_o be_o in_o good_a health_n of_o body_n but_o far_o better_a in_o my_o soul._n i_o find_v my_o lord_n no_o worse_o than_o his_o word_n i_o will_v be_v with_o he_o in_o trouble_n be_v make_v good_a to_o i_o now_o he_o hear_v the_o sigh_v of_o the_o prisoner_n brother_n i_o be_o comfort_v in_o my_o royal_a prince_n and_o king_n this_o world_n know_v not_o our_o life_n it_o be_v a_o mystery_n to_o they_o we_o have_v the_o sunny_a side_n of_o the_o world_n and_o our_o paradise_n be_v far_o above_o they_o yea_o our_o weep_a above_o their_o laugh_n which_o be_v but_o like_o the_o crackle_n of_o thorn_n under_o a_o pot_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v good_a cause_n to_o fight_v it_o out_o for_o the_o day_n of_o our_o laureation_n be_v approach_v i_o find_v my_o prison_n the_o sweet_a place_n that_o ev_n r_o i_o be_v in_o my_o lord_n jesus_n be_v kind_a to_o i_o and_o have_v take_v the_o mask_n off_o his_o face_n and_o be_v content_a to_o quit_v i_o all_o by-gones_a i_o dare_v not_o complain_v of_o he_o and_o for_o my_o silence_n i_o lay_v it_o before_o christ_n i_o hope_v it_o shall_v be_v a_o speak_a silence_n he_o who_o know_v what_o i_o will_v know_v that_o my_o soul_n desire_v no_o 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feast_n that_o my_o lord_n jesus_n may_v be_v honour_v i_o allow_v you_o not_o to_o hide_v christ_n bounty_n to_o i_o when_o you_o meet_v with_o such_o as_o know_v christ._n you_o write_v nothing_o to_o i_o what_o be_v the_o cruel_a mercy_n of_o the_o prelate_n towards_o i_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o town_n as_o i_o hear_v intend_v that_o i_o shall_v be_v more_o strict_o confine_v or_o else_o transport_v because_o they_o find_v some_o people_n affect_v i_o grace_n be_v with_o you_o aberd._n nou._n 21._o 1637._o you_o in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n s._n r._n to_z john_n fleming_n bailiff_n of_o leith_n 164_o my_o very_a worthy_a friend_n grace_n mercy_n &_o peace_n be_v to_o you_o i_o receive_v your_o letter_n i_o bless_v my_o lord_n through_o jesus_n christ_n i_o find_v his_o word_n good_a isa_n â—8_o â—0_n i_o have_v choose_v thou_o in_o the_o furnace_n of_o affliction_n and_o psal._n 91._o 15._o i_o will_v be_v with_o he_o in_o trouble_n i_o never_o expect_v other_o at_o christ_n hand_n but_o much_o good_a &_o comfort_n &_o i_o be_o not_o disappoint_v i_o find_v my_o lord_n cross_n overguild_v &_o oil_v with_o comfort_n my_o lord_n have_v now_o show_v i_o the_o white_a side_n of_o his_o cross_n i_o will_v not_o exchange_v my_o weep_n in_o prison_n with_o the_o fourteen_o prelate_n laughter_n amid_o their_o hungry_a 〈◊〉_d lean_a joy_n this_o world_n know_v not_o the_o sweetness_n of_o christ_n love_n it_o be_v a_o mystery_n to_o they_o at_o my_o first_o come_v here_o i_o find_v great_a heaviness_n especial_o because_o it_o have_v please_v the_o prelate_n to_o add_v this_o gentle_a cruelty_n to_o my_o former_a suffering_n â—or_a it_o be_v gentle_a to_o they_o to_o inhibit_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o town_n to_o give_v i_o the_o liberty_n of_o a_o pulpit_n i_o say_v what_o ad_v christ_n at_o my_o service_n but_o i_o be_v a_o fool_n he_o have_v chide_v himself_o friend_n with_o i_o if_o you_o &_o other_o of_o god_n child_n shall_v praise_v his_o great_a name_n who_o make_v worthless_a man_n witness_n for_o he_o my_o silence_n &_o suffering_n shall_v preach_v more_o than_o my_o tongue_n can_v do_v if_o his_o glory_n be_v see_v in_o i_o i_o be_o satisfy_v for_o i_o want_v no_o kindness_n of_o christ_n and_o sir_n i_o dare_v not_o smother_v his_o liberality_n i_o write_v it_o to_o you_o that_o you_o may_v praise_v &_o desire_v your_o brother_n &_o other_o to_o join_v with_o i_o in_o this_o work_n this_o land_n shall_v be_v make_v desolate_a our_o iniquity_n be_v full_a the_o lord_n say_v we_o shall_v drink_v
live_v be_v remove_v far_o from_o my_o acquaintance_n my_o lover_n &_o my_o friend_n i_o see_v god_n have_v the_o world_n on_o his_o wheel_n &_o cast_v it_o as_o a_o potter_n do_v a_o vessel_n on_o the_o wheel_n i_o dare_v not_o say_v that_o there_o be_v any_o inordinat_a or_o irregular_a motion_n in_o providence_n the_o lord_n have_v do_v it_o i_o will_v not_o go_v to_o law_n with_o christ_n for_o i_o will_v again_o nothing_o of_o that_o 3._o i_o have_v learn_v some_o great_a mortification_n &_o not_o to_o mourn_v after_o or_o seek_v to_o suck_v the_o world_n dry_a breast_n nay_o my_o lord_n have_v fill_v i_o with_o such_o dainty_n that_o i_o be_o like_a to_o a_o full_a banquettor_n who_o be_v not_o for_o common_a cheer_n what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v to_o fall_v down_o upon_o my_o knee_n &_o worship_n mankind_n great_a idol_n the_o world_n i_o have_v a_o better_a god_n than_o any_o clay-god_n nay_o at_o present_a as_o i_o be_o now_o dispose_v i_o care_v not_o much_o to_o give_v this_o world_n a_o discharge_n of_o my_o life-rent_a of_o it_o for_o bread_n &_o water_n i_o know_v it_o be_v not_o my_o home_n nor_o my_o father_n house_n it_o be_v but_o his_o footstool_n the_o outer_a cloâ—ster_n of_o his_o house_n his_o out-field_n &_o moor-ground_n let_v bastard_n take_v it_o i_o hope_v never_o to_o think_v myself_o in_o its_o common_a for_o honour_n or_o riches_n nay_o now_o i_o say_v to_o laughter_n thou_o be_v madness_n 4._o i_o find_v it_o most_o true_a that_o the_o great_a tempâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o live_v without_o temptation_n if_o my_o water_n shall_v stand_v they_o will_v rot_v faith_n be_v the_o better_a of_o the_o free_a air_n &_o of_o the_o sharp_a winter-storm_n in_o its_o face_n grace_n wither_v without_o adversity_n the_o devil_n be_v but_o god_n master-fencer_n to_o teach_v we_o to_o handle_v our_o weapon_n 5._o i_o never_o know_v how_o weak_a i_o be_v till_o now_o when_o he_o hide_v himself_o &_o when_o i_o have_v he_o to_o seek_v seven_o 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heart_n that_o i_o can_v find_v myself_o dispose_v to_o leauâ—_n myself_o &_o go_v whole_o in_o to_o christ_n alas_o that_o there_o shall_v bâ—_n oâ—e_v bite_v oâ—_n i_o out_o of_o he_o and_o that_o we_o leave_v too_o much_o liberty_n and_o latitude_n for_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o ease_n and_o credit_n &_o pleasure_n &_o so_o little_a room_n for_o all-love-worthy_a christ_n o_o what_o pain_n &_o charge_v it_o cost_v christ_n ere_o he_o get_v we_o &_o when_o all_o be_v do_v we_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o have_v it_o be_v a_o â—ondâ—r_a that_o he_o shall_v seek_v the_o like_a of_o we_o but_o love_n overlook_v blackness_n and_o â—ecklesness_n for_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o christ_n will_v never_o have_v make_v so_o fair_a &_o bless_v a_o bargain_n with_o we_o as_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v i_o find_v that_o in_o all_o our_o suffering_n christ_n be_v but_o â—iddiâ—g_a march_n that_o every_o one_o of_o we_o may_v say_v mine_z &_o tâ—ine_n and_o that_o man_n may_v 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appoint_a place_n how_o far_o &_o no_o further_o the_o sâ—a_n of_o affliction_n shall_v flow_v and_o where_o the_o wave_n thereof_o shall_v be_v stay_v he_o prescribe_v how_o much_o pain_n and_o sorrow_n both_o for_o weight_n and_o measure_n we_o must_v have_v you_o have_v then_o good_a cause_n to_o recall_v your_o love_n from_o all_o lover_n and_o give_v it_o to_o christ_n he_o who_o be_v afflict_v in_o all_o your_o affliction_n look_v not_o oâ—_n you_o iâ—_n your_o sad_a hour_n with_o a_o insensible_a heart_n or_o dry_a eye_n all_o the_o lord_n saint_n may_v see_v that_o it_o be_v lose_v love_n whâ—ch_o be_v bestow_v upon_o this_o perish_a world_n death_n &_o judgement_n will_v make_v man_n lament_v that_o ever_o their_o miscarry_v heart_n â—arryed_v they_o to_o lay_v &_o lavish_a out_o their_o love_n upon_o false_a appearance_n right-dream_n alas_o that_o christ_n shall_v fare_v the_o worse_o because_o oâ—_n 〈◊〉_d own_o goodness_n in_o make_v peace_n &_o the_o gospel_n to_o ride_v 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his_o besiege_a city_n &_o for_o you_o aberd._n feb._n 7._o 1637._o your_o brother_n &_o fellow_n sufferer_n s._n r._n to_o mr_n ephraim_n melvin_n 199_o reverend_a &_o dear_a brother_n i_o receive_v your_o letter_n &_o be_o content_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n that_o our_o acquaintance_n in_o our_o lord_n continue_v i_o be_o wrestle_v as_o i_o thou_fw-mi up_o the_o mount_n with_o christ_n cross_n my_o second_o be_v kind_a &_o able_a to_o help_v as_o for_o your_o question_n because_o of_o my_o manifold_a distraction_n &_o letter_n to_o multitude_n i_o have_v not_o time_n to_o answer_v they_o what_o shall_v be_v say_v in_o common_a for_o that_o shall_v be_v impart_v to_o you_o for_o i_o be_o upon_o these_o question_n therefore_o spare_v i_o a_o little_a for_o the_o service-book_n will_v take_v a_o great_a timeâ—_n but_o i_o think_v sicut_fw-la deosculatio_fw-la religio_fw-la sà _fw-la imaginis_fw-la aut_fw-la etiam_fw-la elâ—mentorum_fw-la est_fw-la in_o se_fw-la idololatria_fw-la 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or_o what_o my_o lord_n will_v bring_v out_o of_o it_o yet_o i_o believe_v the_o vision_n shall_v not_o tarry_v &_o that_o christ_n be_v on_o his_o journey_n for_o my_o deliverance_n he_o go_v not_o slow_o but_o pass_v over_o ten_o mountain_n at_o one_o stride_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o be_o pain_v with_o his_o love_n because_o i_o want_v real_a possession_n when_o christ_n come_v he_o stay_v not_o long_o but_o certain_o the_o blow_n of_o his_o breath_n upon_o a_o poor_a soul_n be_v heaven_n upon_o earth_n &_o
when_o the_o wind_n turn_v into_o the_o north_n &_o he_o go_v away_o i_o die_v till_o the_o wind_n change_n in_o the_o west_n &_o he_o visit_v his_o prisoner_n but_o he_o hold_v i_o not_o often_o at_o his_o door_n i_o be_o rich_o repay_v for_o suffer_v for_o he_o o_o if_o all_o scotland_n be_v as_o i_o be_o except_o my_o bond_n o_o what_o pain_n i_o have_v because_o i_o can_v get_v he_o praise_v by_o my_o suffering_n o_o that_o heaven_n within_z and_o without_o &_o the_o earth_n be_v paper_n &_o all_o the_o river_n fountain_n &_o sâ—as_n be_v ink_n &_o i_o able_a to_o write_v all_o the_o paper_n within_o &_o without_o full_a of_o his_o praise_n &_o love_n &_o excellency_n to_o be_v read_v by_o man_n &_o angel_n nay_o this_o be_v little_a i_o owe_v my_o heaven_n for_o christ_n &_o to_o desire_v howbeit_o i_o shall_v never_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n to_o send_v my_o love_n &_o my_o praise_n over_o the_o wall_n to_o christ._n alas_o that_o time_n &_o day_n lie_v betwixt_o he_o &_o i_o &_o adjourn_v our_o meeting_n it_o be_v my_o part_n to_o cry_v o_o when_o will_v the_o night_n be_v past_a &_o the_o day_n dawn_n that_o we_o shall_v see_v one_o another_o be_v please_v to_o remember_v my_o service_n to_o my_o lord_n to_o who_o i_o write_v &_o show_v he_o that_o for_o his_o affection_n to_o i_o i_o can_v but_o pray_v for_o he_o &_o earnest_o desire_v that_o christ_n miss_v he_o not_o out_o of_o the_o roll_n of_o these_o who_o be_v his_o witness_n now_o when_o his_o kingly_a honour_n be_v call_v in_o question_n it_o be_v his_o honour_n to_o hold_v up_o christ_n royal_a train_n &_o to_o be_v a_o instrument_n to_o hold_v the_o crown_n upon_o christ_n head_n show_v he_o because_o i_o love_v his_o true_a honour_n &_o stand_a that_o this_o be_v my_o earnest_a desire_n for_o he_o now_o i_o bless_v you_o &_o the_o prayer_n of_o christ_n prisoner_n come_v upon_o you_o &_o his_o sweet_a presence_n who_o you_o serve_v in_o the_o spirit_n accompany_v you_o aberd._n june_n 23._o 1637._o you_o at_o all_o oblige_a obedâ—ince_n in_o christ_n s._n r._n to_o mr_n john_n row_n 204_o reverend_a &_o dear_a brother_n i_o receive_v you_o i_o bless_v his_o high_a &_o great_a name_n i_o like_v my_o sweet_a master_n still_o the_o long_o the_o better_o a_o sight_n of_o his_o cross_n be_v more_o awsom_n than_o the_o weight_n of_o it_o i_o think_v the_o worst_a thing_n of_o christ_n even_o his_o reproach_n &_o his_o cross_n when_o i_o look_v on_o these_o not_o with_o blear_a eye_n far_o rather_o to_o be_v choose_v then_o the_o laughter_n &_o worm-eaten_a joy_n of_o my_o adversary_n oh_o that_o they_o be_v as_o i_o be_o except_o my_o bond_n my_o witness_n be_v above_o my_o ministry_n next_o to_o christ_n be_v dear_a to_o i_o of_o any_o thing_n but_o i_o lay_v it_o down_o at_o christ_n foot_n for_o his_o glory_n &_o his_o honour_n as_o supreme_a lawgiver_n which_o be_v dear_a to_o i_o my_o dear_a brother_n if_o you_o will_v receive_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o poor_a prisoner_n of_o christ_n who_o dare_v not_o now_o dissemble_v for_o the_o world_n i_o believe_v certain_o &_o expect_v thanks_o from_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o my_o poor_a hazard_n such_o as_o they_o be_v for_o his_o honourable_a cause_n who_o i_o can_v ever_o enough_o extol_v for_o his_o running-ove_a love_n to_o my_o sad_a soul_n since_o i_o come_v hither_o o_o that_o i_o can_v get_v he_o set_v on_o high_a &_o praise_v i_o seek_v no_o more_o as_o the_o top_n &_o root_n of_o my_o desire_n but_o that_o christ_n may_v make_v glory_n to_o himself_o &_o edification_n to_o the_o weak_a out_o of_o my_o suffering_n i_o desire_v you_o will_v help_v i_o both_o to_o pray_v &_o praise_n grace_n be_v with_o you_o aberd._n july_n 8._o 1637._o you_o in_o his_o sweet_a lord_n jesus_n s._n r._n to_o the_o lady_n culross_n 205_o madam_n grace_n mercy_n &_o peace_n be_v to_o you_o i_o be_o much_o refresh_v with_o your_o letter_n now_o at_o length_n come_v to_o i_o i_o find_v my_o lord_n jesus_n come_v not_o in_o that_o precise_a way_n that_o i_o lie_v wait_v for_o he_o he_o have_v a_o gate_n of_o his_o own_o o_o how_o high_a be_v his_o way_n above_o my_o way_n i_o see_v but_o little_a of_o he_o it_o be_v best_a not_o to_o offer_v to_o learn_v he_o a_o lesson_n but_o to_o give_v he_o absolute_o his_o own_o will_n in_o come_v go_v ebb_a flow_a &_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o gracious_a work_n i_o want_v nothing_o but_o a_o back_n burden_n of_o christ_n love_n i_o will_v go_v through_o hell_n &_o the_o thick_a of_o the_o damn_a devil_n to_o have_v a_o hearty_a feast_n of_o christ_n love_n for_o he_o have_v fetter_v i_o with_o his_o love_n &_o run_v away_o &_o leave_v i_o a_o chain_a man_n woe_n be_v i_o that_o i_o be_v so_o loose_a rash_a vain_a &_o graceless_a in_o my_o unbelieved_a thought_n of_o christ_n love_n but_o what_o can_v a_o soul_n under_o a_o nonentry_n when_o my_o right_n be_v wod-set_a and_o lose_v do_v else_o but_o make_v a_o false_a libel_n against_o christ_n love_n i_o know_v yourself_o madam_n and_o many_o more_o will_v be_v witness_n against_o i_o if_o i_o repent_v not_o of_o my_o unbelief_n for_o i_o have_v be_v seek_v the_o pope_n ware_n some_o hire_n for_o grace_n within_o myself_o i_o have_v not_o learned_a as_o i_o shall_v do_v to_o put_v my_o stock_n &_o all_o my_o treasure_n in_o christ_n hand_n but_o i_o will_v have_v a_o stock_n of_o my_o own_o &_o ere_o i_o be_v aware_a i_o be_v take_v hire_n to_o be_v the_o law_n be_v advocate_n to_o seek_v justification_n by_o work_n i_o forget_v that_o grace_n be_v the_o only_a garland_n that_o be_v wear_v in_o heaven_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o the_o glorify_a and_o now_o i_o half_o rejoice_v that_o i_o have_v sickness_n for_o christ_n to_o work_v upon_o since_o i_o must_v have_v wound_n wel's_z my_o soul_n i_o have_v a_o day_n work_n for_o my_o physician_n christ_n i_o hope_v to_o give_v christ_n his_o own_o call_n it_o set_v he_o full_a well_o to_o cure_v disease_n my_o ebbing_n be_v very_o low_a &_o the_o tide_n be_v far_o out_o when_o my_o beloved_n go_v away_o &_o then_o i_o cry_v oh_o cruelty_n to_o put_v out_o the_o poor_a man_n one_o eye_n &_o that_o that_o be_v my_o joy_n next_o to_o christ_n to_o preach_v my_o well-beloved_a than_o i_o make_v a_o noise_n about_o christ_n house_n look_v uncouth-like_a in_o at_o his_o window_n &_o cast_v my_o love_n &_o my_o desire_n over_o the_o wall_n till_o god_n send_v better_o i_o be_o often_o content_a my_o bill_n lie_v in_o heaven_n till_o the_o day_n of_o my_o departure_n provide_v i_o have_v assurance_n that_o mercy_n shall_v be_v write_v on_o the_o back_n of_o it_o i_o will_v not_o care_v for_o onwaiting_a but_o when_o i_o draw_v in_o a_o tire_a arm_n &_o empty_a hand_n withal_o it_o be_v much_o to_o i_o to_o keep_v my_o thought_n in_o order_n but_o i_o will_v not_o get_v a_o gate_n for_o christ_n love_n when_o i_o have_v do_v all_o i_o can_v i_o will_v fain_o yield_v to_o his_o stream_n &_o row_v with_o christ_n &_o not_o against_o he_o but_o while_o i_o live_v i_o see_v that_o christ_n kingdom_n in_o i_o will_v not_o be_v peaceable_a so_o many_o thought_n in_o i_o rise_v up_o against_o his_o honour_n &_o kingly_a power_n sure_o i_o have_v not_o express_v all_o his_o sweet_a kindness_n to_o i_o i_o spare_v to_o do_v it_o lest_o i_o â—e_v deem_v to_o seek_v myself_o but_o his_o breath_n have_v sinel_v of_o the_o powder_n of_o the_o merchant_n &_o of_o the_o king_n spikenard_n i_o think_v i_o conceive_v new_a thought_n of_o heaven_n because_o the_o card_n &_o the_o map_n of_o haven_n that_o he_o let_v i_o now_o see_v be_v so_o fair_a &_o so_o sweet_a i_o be_o sure_a we_o be_v niggard_n &_o spare_a body_n in_o seek_v i_o very_o judge_v we_o know_v not_o how_o much_o may_v be_v have_v in_o this_o life_n there_o be_v yet_o something_o beyond_o all_o we_o see_v that_o seek_v will_v light_v upon_o o_o that_o my_o love-sickness_n will_v 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the_o dear_a saint_n of_o god_n this_o before_o my_o compearance_n which_o be_v three_o several_a day_n do_v trouble_v i_o &_o burden_v i_o more_o now_o howbeit_o christ_n &_o in_o he_o god_n reconcile_v meet_v i_o with_o open_a arm_n &_o try_v i_o precise_o at_o the_o entry_n of_o the_o door_n of_o the_o chancellour_n hall_n &_o assist_v i_o to_o answer_v so_o as_o the_o advantage_n that_o be_v be_v not_o they_o but_o christ_n alas_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o wonder_v that_o i_o be_o thus_o bear_v down_o with_o challenge_n for_o the_o world_n have_v mistake_v i_o &_o no_o man_n know_v what_o guiltiness_n be_v in_o i_o so_o well_o as_o these_o two_o who_o keep_v my_o eye_n now_o wake_v &_o my_o heart_n heavy_a i_o mean_v my_o heart_n &_o conscience_n &_o my_o lord_n who_o be_v great_a than_o my_o heart_n show_v your_o brother_n that_o i_o desire_v he_o while_o he_o be_v on_o the_o watchtower_n to_o plead_v with_o his_o mother_n &_o to_o plead_v with_o thiâ—land_n &_o spare_v not_o to_o cry_v for_o my_o sweet_a lord_n jesus_n his_o fair_a crown_n that_o the_o interdit_v &_o forbid_a lord_n be_v pluck_v off_o his_o royal_a head_n if_o i_o be_v free_a of_o challenge_n &_o a_o high_a commission_n within_o my_o soul._n i_o will_v not_o give_v a_o straw_n to_o go_v to_o my_o father_n house_n through_o ten_o death_n for_o the_o truth_n &_o cause_n of_o my_o lovely_a lovely_a one_o jesus_n but_o i_o walk_v in_o heaviness_n now_o if_o you_o love_v i_o &_o christ_n in_o i_o my_o dear_a lady_n pray_v pray_v for_o this_o only_a that_o by-gones_a betwixt_o my_o lord_n &_o i_o may_v be_v by-gones_a &_o that_o he_o will_v pass_v from_o the_o summons_n of_o his_o high_a commission_n &_o seek_v nothing_o from_o i_o but_o what_o he_o will_v do_v for_o i_o &_o work_n in_o i_o if_o your_o la_n know_v i_o as_o i_o do_v myself_o ve_fw-la will_v say_v poor_a soul_n no_o marvel_n it_o be_v not_o my_o apprehension_n that_o creat_v this_o cross_n to_o i_o it_o be_v too_o real_a &_o 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the_o lord_n servant_n witness_n welcome_n welcome_o sweet_a sweet_a cross_n of_o christ_n welcome_o fair_a fair_a lovely_a royal_a king_n with_o thy_o own_o cross_n let_v we_o all_o three_o go_v to_o heaven_n together_o neither_o care_v i_o much_o to_o go_v from_o the_o south_n of_o scotland_n to_o the_o north_n &_o to_o be_v christ_n prisoner_n among_o 〈◊〉_d couth_a face_n a_o place_n of_o this_o kingdom_n which_o i_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o be_v in_o love_n with_o i_o know_v christ_n shall_v make_v abâ—rdeen_n my_o garden_n of_o delight_n i_o be_o full_o persuade_v that_o scotland_n shall_v â—at_a ezâ—kiel's_n book_n that_o be_v write_v within_o &_o without_o lamenâ—…_n &_o mourning_n &_o â—oe_n ezek._n 2_o 10._o but_o the_o saint_n shall_v get_v a_o drink_n of_o the_o well_o that_o go_v through_o the_o street_n of_o the_o nâ—w_n jerusalem_n to_o put_v it_o down_o thus_o hope_v you_o will_v think_v upon_o the_o poor_a prisoner_n of_o christ_n i_o pray_v grace_n grace_n be_v with_o you_o edinb_n july_n 30._o 1636._o your_o la_n in_o his_o sweet_a lord_n jesus_n s._n 〈◊〉_d to_o alexander_n gordon_n of_o earlestown_n 212_o much_o honour_a sir_n i_o find_v small_a hope_n of_o qs._n business_n i_o intend_v after_o the_o councel-day_n to_o go_v on_o to_o aberdeen_n the_o lord_n be_v with_o i_o i_o care_v not_o what_o man_n can_v do_v i_o burden_v no_o man_n &_o i_o want_v nothing_o no_o king_n be_v better_a provide_v than_o i_o be_o sweet_a sweet_a &_o easy_a be_v the_o cross_n of_o my_o lord_n all_o man_n i_o look_v in_o the_o face_n of_o whatsoever_o rank_n noble_n &_o poor_a acquaintance_n &_o stranger_n be_v friendly_a to_o i_o my_o well-beloved_a be_v some_o kind_a &_o more_o warm_o then_o ordinary_a &_o come_v and_o visit_v my_o soul_n my_o chain_n be_v overguild_v with_o gold_n only_o the_o remembrance_n of_o my_o fair_a day_n with_o christ_n in_o anwoth_n &_o of_o my_o dear_a floâ—â—_n who_o case_n be_v my_o heart_n sorrow_n be_v vinegar_n to_o my_o 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