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but_o god_n be_v thank_v for_o many_o spill_v salvation_n and_o many_o ill_a ravel_a hesp_n have_v christ_n mend_v since_o first_o he_o enter_v tutor_v to_o lose_a mankind_n o_o what_o can_v we_o bairn_n do_v without_o he_o how_o soon_o will_v we_o mar_v all_o but_o the_o less_o of_o our_o weight_n be_v upon_o our_o own_o feeble_a leg_n and_o the_o more_o that_o we_o be_v on_o christ_n the_o strong_a rock_n the_o better_a for_o we_o it_o be_v good_a for_o we_o that_o ever_o christ_n take_v the_o cumber_v of_o we_o it_o be_v our_o heaven_n to_o lay_v many_o weight_n and_o burden_n upon_o christ_n and_o to_o make_v he_o all_o we_o have_v root_n and_o top_n beginning_n and_o end_v of_o our_o salvation_n lord_n hold_v we_o â—ere_z now_o to_o this_o tutor_n and_o rich_a lord_n i_o recommend_v you_o hold_v fast_o till_o he_o come_v and_o remember_v his_o prisoner_n grace_n grace_n be_v with_o you_o aberd._n 1637._o you_o in_o he_o and_o your_o lord_n jesus_n s._n r._n to_o mr_n william_n dalgleish_n 131_o reverend_a &_o dear_a brother_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 our_o high_a and_o only_o wise_a lord_n who_o have_v break_v the_o sâ—are_n that_o man_n have_v lay_v for_o you_o &_o i_o hope_v that_o now_o he_o shall_v keep_v you_o in_o his_o house_n in_o despite_n of_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n who_o know_v but_o the_o street_n of_o our_o jerusalem_n shall_v yet_o be_v fill_v with_o young_a man_n &_o with_o old_a man_n &_o boy_n &_o woman_n with_o child_n &_o that_o they_o shall_v plant_v vine_n in_o the_o mountain_n of_o samaria_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o wheel_n pace_n &_o motion_n of_o this_o poor_a church_n be_v temper_v &_o rule_v not_o as_o man_n will_v but_o according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n &_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o our_o only_a wise_a lord_n i_o be_o here_o wait_v in_o hope_n that_o my_o innocency_n in_o this_o honourable_a cause_n shall_v melt_v this_o cloud_n that_o man_n have_v casten_z over_o i_o i_o know_v my_o lord_n have_v his_o own_o quarrel_n against_o i_o &_o that_o my_o dross_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o this_o hot_a furnace_n but_o i_o rejoice_v in_o this_o that_o fair_a truth_n beautiful_a truth_n who_o glory_n my_o lord_n clear_v to_o i_o more_o &_o more_o birth_n i_o company_n &_o that_o my_o weak_a aim_n to_o honour_v my_o master_n in_o bring_v guest_n to_o his_o house_n now_o swell_v upon_o i_o in_o comfort_n &_o that_o i_o be_o not_o afraid_a to_o want_v a_o witness_n in_o heaven_n that_o it_o be_v my_o joy_n to_o have_v a_o crown_n put_v upon_o christ_n head_n in_o that_o country_n o_o what_o joy_n will_v i_o have_v to_o see_v the_o wind_n turn_v upon_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n &_o to_o see_v my_o lord_n jesus_n restore_v with_o the_o voice_n of_o praise_n to_o his_o own_o fâ—ee_a throne_n again_o &_o to_o be_v bring_v among_o you_o to_o see_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n i_o hope_v that_o country_n will_v not_o be_v so_o silly_a as_o to_o suffer_v man_n to_o pluck_v you_o away_o from_o they_o &_o that_o you_o will_v use_v mean_n to_o keep_v my_o place_n empty_a &_o to_o bring_v i_o back_o again_o to_o the_o people_n to_o who_o i_o have_v christ_n right_a and_o his_o church_n lawful_a call_n dear_a brother_n let_v christ_n be_v dear_a &_o dear_a to_o you_o let_v the_o conquest_n of_o soul_n be_v top_n and_o root_n flower_n and_o bloom_n of_o your_o joy_n and_o desire_n in_o this_o side_n of_o sun_n and_o moon_n and_o in_o the_o day_n when_o the_o lord_n shall_v
to_o christ_n &_o his_o oppress_a truth_n i_o be_o bold_a to_o write_v to_o you_o earnest_o desire_v you_o to_o join_v with_o we_o so_o many_o as_o in_o these_o bound_n profess_v christ_n to_o wrestle_v with_o god_n one_o day_n of_o the_o week_n especial_o the_o wedensday_n for_o mercy_n to_o this_o fall_v &_o decay_a kirk_n and_o to_o such_o as_o suffer_v for_o christ_n name_n &_o for_o your_o own_o necessity_n &_o the_o necessity_n of_o other_o who_o be_v by_o covenant_n engage_v in_o that_o business_n for_o we_o have_v no_o other_o armour_n in_o these_o evil_a time_n but_o prayer_n now_o when_o wrath_n from_o the_o lord_n be_v go_v out_o against_o this_o backslide_n land_n for_o you_o know_v we_o can_v have_v no_o true_a public_a fast_n neither_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o our_o humiliation_n ever_o lay_v before_o the_o people_n now_o very_o worthy_a sir_n i_o be_o glad_a in_o the_o lord_n that_o the_o lord_n reserve_v any_o of_o your_o place_n or_o of_o note_n in_o this_o time_n of_o common_a apostasy_n to_o come_v forth_o in_o public_a to_o bear_v christ_n name_n before_o man_n when_o the_o great_a man_n think_v christ_n a_o cumbersome_a neighbour_n and_o that_o religion_n carry_v hazard_n trial_n &_o persecution_n with_o it_o i_o persuade_v myself_o it_o be_v your_o glory_n &_o your_o garland_n &_o shall_v be_v your_o joy_n in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n &_o the_o stand_n of_o your_o house_n &_o seed_n to_o inherit_v the_o earth_n that_o you_o true_o &_o sincere_o profess_v christ_n neither_o be_v our_o king_n who_o the_o father_n have_v crown_v in_o mount_n zion_n so_o weak_a that_o he_o can_v do_v for_o himself_o &_o his_o own_o cause_n i_o very_o believe_v they_o be_v bless_v who_o can_v hold_v the_o crown_n upon_o his_o head_n and_o carry_v up_o the_o train_n of_o his_o robe_n royal_a and_o that_o he_o shall_v yet_o be_v victorious_a and_o triumph_n in_o this_o land_n it_o be_v our_o part_n to_o back_v our_o royal_a king_n howbeit_o there_o be_v not_o six_o in_o all_o the_o land_n to_o follow_v he_o it_o be_v wisdom_n now_o to_o take_v up_o and_o discern_v the_o devil_n &_o the_o antichrist_n come_v out_o in_o their_o white_n &_o the_o apostasy_n &_o idolatry_n of_o this_o land_n washen_n with_o foul_a water_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v art_n to_o wash_v the_o devil_n till_o his_o skin_n be_v white_a for_o myself_o sir_n i_o have_v buy_v a_o plea_n against_o christ_n since_o i_o come_v hither_o in_o judge_v my_o princely_a master_n angry_a at_o i_o because_o i_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o vineyard_n as_o a_o wither_a tree_n my_o dumb_a sabbath_n work_v i_o much_o sorrow_n but_o i_o see_v now_o sorrow_n have_v not_o eye_n to_o read_v love_n write_v upon_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n &_o therefore_o i_o pass_v from_o my_o rash_a plea_n woe_n woe_n be_v i_o that_o i_o shall_v have_v receive_v a_o slander_n of_o christ_n love_n to_o my_o soul_n &_o for_o all_o this_o my_o lord_n jesus_n have_v forgive_v all_o as_o not_o willing_a to_o be_v hear_v with_o such_o a_o fool_n &_o be_v content_a to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v confine_v with_o i_o &_o to_o bear_v i_o company_n &_o to_o feast_v a_o poor_a oppress_a prisoner_n and_o now_o i_o write_v it_o under_o my_o hand_n worthy_a sir_n that_o i_o think_v well_o &_o honourable_o of_o this_o cross_n of_o christ_n i_o wonder_v that_o he_o will_v take_v any_o glory_n from_o the_o like_a of_o i_o i_o find_v that_o when_o he_o but_o send_v his_o hearty_a commendation_n to_o i_o &_o but_o blow_v a_o kiss_n afar_o off_o i_o be_o confound_v with_o wonder_v what_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lamb_n will_v be_v up_o in_o our_o father_n dining-palace_n of_o glory_n since_o the_o four-hour_n in_o his_o dismal_a wilderness_n &_o when_o in_o prison_n &_o in_o our_o sad_a day_n a_o kiss_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o comfortable_a o_o how_o sweet_a &_o glorious_a shall_v our_o case_n be_v when_o that_o fair_a among_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v lay_v his_o fair_a face_n to_o our_o now_o sinful_a face_n &_o wipe_v away_o all_o tear_n from_o our_o eye_n o_o time_n time_n run_v swift_o &_o hasten_v that_o day_n o_o sweet_a lord_n jesus_n come_v fly_v like_o a_o roe_n or_o a_o young_a hart_n alas_o that_o we_o blind_a fool_n be_v fall_v in_o love_n with_o moonshine_a &_o shadow_n how_o sweet_a be_v the_o wind_n that_o blow_v out_o of_o the_o airth_n where_o christ_n be_v every_o day_n we_o may_v see_v some_o new_a thing_n in_o christ_n his_o love_n have_v neither_o brim_n nor_o bottom_n oh_o if_o i_o have_v help_v to_o praise_v he_o he_o know_v if_o my_o suffering_n glorify_v his_o name_n &_o encourage_v other_o to_o stand_v fast_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o supreme_a lawgiver_n christ_n my_o wage_n then_o be_v pay_v to_o the_o full_a sir_n help_v i_o to_o love_v that_o never-enough_a praise_v lord_n i_o find_v now_o that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o saint_n under_o suffer_v for_o christ_n be_v fair_a before_o the_o wind_n &_o with_o full_a sail_n carry_v upon_o christ_n &_o i_o hope_v to_o lose_v nothing_o in_o this_o furnace_n but_o dross_n for_o christ_n can_v triumph_v in_o a_o weak_a man_n than_o i_o be_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o and_o when_o all_o be_v do_v his_o love_n pain_v i_o &_o leave_v i_o under_o such_o debt_n to_o christ_n as_o i_o can_v neither_o pay_v principal_a nor_o interest_n oh_o if_o he_o will_v comprise_v myself_o &_o if_o i_o be_v sell_v to_o he_o as_o a_o bondman_n &_o that_o he_o will_v take_v i_o home_o to_o his_o house_n &_o fireside_n for_o i_o have_v nothing_o to_o render_v to_o he_o then_o after_o i_o let_v no_o man_n think_v hard_a of_o christ_n sweet_a cross_n for_o i_o will_v not_o change_v my_o sigh_n with_o the_o paint_a laughter_n of_o all_o my_o adversary_n i_o desire_v grace_n in_o patience_n to_o wait_v on_o &_o to_o lie_v upon_o the_o brink_n till_o the_o water_n fill_v &_o flow_v i_o know_v he_o be_v fast_o come_v sir_n you_o will_v excuse_v my_o boldness_n &_o till_o it_o please_v god_n i_o see_v you_o you_o have_v the_o prayer_n of_o a_o prisoner_n of_o christ_n to_o who_o i_o recommend_v you_o &_o in_o who_o i_o rest_v aberd._n may_n 14._o 1637._o you_o at_o all_o obedience_n in_o christ_n s._n r._n to_z john_n clerk_n 190._o love_v brother_n hold_v fast_o christ_n without_o waver_v &_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n because_o christ_n be_v not_o easy_o get_v nor_o keep_v the_o lazy_a professor_n have_v put_v heaven_n as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o very_a next_o door_n &_o think_v to_o fly_v up_o to_o heaven_n in_o his_o bed_n and_o in_o a_o night-dream_n but_o true_o that_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a a_o thing_n as_o most_o man_n believe_v christ_n himself_o do_v sweat_v ere_o he_o win_v this_o city_n howbeit_o he_o be_v the_o freeborn_a heir_n it_o be_v christianity_n my_o heart_n to_o be_v sincere_a unfeigned_a honest_a &_o upright-hearted_n before_o god_n &_o to_o live_v &_o serve_v god_n suppose_v there_o be_v not_o one_o man_n or_o woman_n in_o all_o the_o world_n dwell_v beside_o you_o to_o eye_n you_o any_o little_a grace_n that_o you_o have_v see_v that_o it_o be_v sound_a &_o true_a you_o may_v put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o you_o and_o reprobat_n if_o you_o have_v these_o mark_n 1._o if_o you_o prize_v christ_n &_o his_o truth_n so_o as_o you_o will_v sell_v all_o &_o buy_v he_o &_o suffer_v for_o it_o 2._o if_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n keep_v you_o back_o from_o sin_v more_o than_o the_o law_n or_o fear_n of_o hell_n 3._o if_o you_o be_v humble_a &_o deny_v your_o own_o will_n wit_n credit_n ease_n honour_n the_o world_n &_o the_o vainity_n &_o glory_n of_o it_o 4._o your_o profession_n must_v not_o be_v barren_a &_o void_a of_o good_a work_n 5._o you_o must_v in_o all_o thing_n aim_v at_o god_n honour_n you_o must_v eat_v drink_v sleep_n buy_v sell_v sit_z stand_v speak_v pray_v read_v and_o hear_v the_o word_n with_o a_o heart-purpose_n that_o god_n may_v be_v honour_v 6._o you_o must_v show_v yourself_o a_o enemy_n to_o sin_n and_o reprove_v the_o work_n of_o darkness_n such_o as_o drunkenness_n swear_v &_o lie_v albeit_o the_o company_n shall_v hate_v you_o for_o do_v so_o 7._o keep_v in_o mind_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n that_o you_o hear_v i_o teach_v and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o corruption_n and_o new_a guise_n enter_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n 8._o make_v conscience_n of_o your_o call_n in_o covenant_n in_o buy_v &_o sell_v 9_o acquaint_v yourself_o with_o daily_o pray_v commit_v all_o your_o way_n &_o action_n to_o god_n by_o prayer_n supplication_n &_o thank_v
none_o of_o it_o when_o i_o be_o near_o the_o apple_n he_o draw_v back_o his_o hand_n &_o go_v away_o to_o cause_v i_o follow_v and_o again_o when_o i_o be_o within_o a_o arm-length_n to_o the_o apple_n he_o make_v a_o now_o break_v to_o the_o gate_n &_o i_o have_v he_o to_o seek_v of_o new_a he_o seem_v not_o to_o pity_v my_o dwine_a &_o my_o swoon_v for_o his_o love_n i_o dare_v sometime_o put_v my_o hunger_n over_o to_o he_o to_o be_v judge_v if_o i_o will_v not_o buy_v he_o with_o a_o thousand_o year_n in_o the_o hot_a furnace_n in_o hell_n sobeing_n i_o may_v enjoy_v he_o but_o my_o hunger_n be_v feed_v with_o want_n &_o absence_n i_o hunger_n &_o i_o have_v not_o but_o my_o comfort_n be_v to_o lie_v &_o wait_v on_o &_o to_o put_v my_o poor_a soul_n &_o my_o suffering_n in_o christ_n hand_n let_v he_o make_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o i_o sobeing_n he_o be_v glorify_v in_o my_o salvation_n for_o i_o know_v i_o be_o make_v for_o he_o o_o that_o my_o lord_n may_v win_v his_o own_o 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have_v you_o also_o high_o to_o esteem_v the_o design_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v raise_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o so_o much_o grace_n above_o the_o circle_n of_o the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n out_o of_o very_a nothing_o &_o contrive_v his_o thought_n of_o love_n so_o that_o '_o lump_n of_o glorify_a clay_n shall_v stand_v before_o he_o for_o all_o age_n the_o burdenes_n &_o load_a debtor_n of_o free_a eternal_o free_a grace_n sir_n you_o can_v cast_v the_o count_n of_o the_o rent_n of_o your_o so_o great_a inheritance_n of_o glory_n grace_n be_v with_o you_o edinb_n may._n 18._o 1651._o your_o servant_n in_o his_o own_o lord_n jesus_n s._n r._n to_o the_o much_o honour_a &_o true_o worthy_a colonel_n g._n ker_n habakuk_n 2_o 3_o 4._o 61._o much_o honour_v &_o worthy_a sir_n your_o chain_n now_o shine_v as_o much_o for_o christ_n the_o cause_n be_v he_o as_o your_o sword_n be_v make_v famous_a in_o act_v for_o that_o cause_n and_o bless_v be_v such_o as_o can_v willing_o 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state_n fall_v off_o from_o christ_n &_o the_o night_n come_v upon_o the_o prophet_n which_o we_o will_v pray_v to_o prevent_v because_o it_o be_v a_o rare_a thing_n to_o see_v a_o fall_v star_n win_v ever_o up_o again_o to_o the_o firmament_n to_o shine_v and_o what_o if_o this_o be_v the_o thick_a darkness_n go_v before_o the_o break_n of_o day_n sure_o sir_n the_o sun_n shall_v rise_v upon_o scotland_n but_o if_o i_o shall_v see_v it_o or_o how_o near_o it_o be_v to_o day_n i_o leave_v that_o to_o he_o even_o unto_o jehovah_n who_o create_v upon_o every_o dwell_n in_o
long_a day_n without_o cloud_n or_o night_n dawn_n the_o spirit_n &_o the_o bride_n say_v coâ—…_n o_o when_o shall_v the_o lamb_n wife_n be_v ready_a and_o the_o bridegroom_n say_v come_v worthy_a sir_n i_o mind_n you_o to_o the_o hearer_n of_o prayer_n o_o help_v i_o in_o that_o kind_n the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n be_v with_o your_o spirit_n s._n andrews_n may._n 14._o 1651._o you_o in_o his_o only_a only_a lord_n jesus_n s._n r._n to_o my_o lady_n kenmure_n 63_o madam_n graceâ—_n mercy_n &_o peace_n be_v to_o you_o we_o be_v fall_v in_o winâ—owing_v &_o try_v time_n i_o be_o glad_a that_o your_o breath_n serve_v you_o to_o run_v to_o the_o end_n in_o the_o same_o condition_n &_o way_n wherein_o you_o have_v walk_v these_o twenty_o year_n past_a it_o be_v either_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n or_o we_o be_v yet_o in_o our_o sin_n &_o have_v miss_v the_o way_n the_o lord_n its_o true_a have_v stain_v the_o pride_n of_o all_o our_o glory_n &_o now_o last_o of_o all_o the_o sun_n have_v go_v down_o upon_o many_o of_o the_o prophet_n but_o stumble_v not_o man_n be_v man_n &_o god_n appear_v more_o &_o more_o to_o be_v god_n &_o christ_n it_o still_o christ._n madam_n strong_a than_o i_o be_o have_v almost_o stumble_v i_o &_o cast_v i_o down_o but_o o_o what_o mercy_n be_v it_o to_o discern_v betwixt_o what_o be_v christ_n &_o what_o be_v man_n &_o what_o way_n the_o hue_n colour_n &_o lustre_n of_o gift_n &_o grace_n dazzle_v &_o deceive_v our_o weak_a eye_n oh_o to_o be_v dead_a to_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v below_o christ_n be_v it_o even_o a_o create_a heaven_n &_o create_a grace_n holiness_n be_v not_o christ_n nor_o be_v the_o blossom_n &_o flower_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n the_o tree_n itself_o man_n &_o creature_n may_v wind_v themselves_o in_o between_o we_o &_o christ_n &_o therefore_o the_o lord_n have_v do_v much_o to_o take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n all_o betwixt_o he_o and_o we_o there_o be_v not_o in_o our_o way_n now_o king_n or_o army_n or_o noble_n or_o judicatories_n or_o strong_a hold_n or_o watchman_n or_o godly_a professor_n the_o fair_a thing_n &_o most_o eminent_a in_o britain_n be_v stain_v and_o have_v lose_v their_o lustre_n only_o only_a christ_n keep_v his_o greenness_n &_o beauty_n &_o remain_v what_o he_o be_v oh_o if_o he_o be_v more_o &_o more_o ezcellent_a to_o our_o apprehension_n then_o ever_o he_o be_v who_o excellency_n be_v above_o all_o apprehension_n &_o still_o more_o &_o more_o sweet_a to_o our_o taste_n i_o care_v for_o nothing_o if_o so_o be_v i_o be_v near_o to_o he_o &_o yet_o he_o fly_v not_o from_o i_o i_o flee_v from_o he_o but_o he_o pursue_v i_o hear_v your_o la_n have_v the_o same_o eastern_a of_o the_o despise_a cause_n &_o covenant_n of_o our_o lord_n you_o have_v before_o madam_n hold_v you_o there_o i_o dare_v &_o will_v glad_o breathe_v out_o my_o spirit_n in_o that_o way_n with_o a_o near_a communion_n &_o fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n &_o the_o son_n &_o will_v seek_v no_o more_o but_z that_o i_o may_v die_v believe_v and_o also_o i_o will_v hope_v that_o the_o earth_n shall_v not_o cover_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o godly_a slay_v in_o scotland_n but_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v make_v inquisition_n for_o their_o blood_n when_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o these_o land_n shall_v be_v fulfil_v the_o goodwill_n of_o he_o that_o dwell_v in_o the_o bush_n be_v with_o you_o glasgow_n sept_n 28._o 1651._o your_o la_n at_o all_o observance_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n s._n r_o to_o my_o lady_n kenmure_n 64._o madam_n grace_n mercy_n &_o peace_n be_v to_o you_o i_o know_v you_o think_v of_o a_o out-going_a &_o that_o your_o quarter_a in_o time_n and_o your_o abode_n in_o this_o life_n be_v short_a for_o we_o flee_v away_o as_o a_o shadow_n the_o decline_a of_o the_o sun_n &_o the_o lengthen_v of_o the_o shadow_n say_v our_o journey_n be_v short_a &_o near_o the_o end_n i_o speak_v it_o because_o i_o have_v warning_n of_o my_o removal_n madam_n i_o know_v 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with_o your_o la._n aberd._n feb._n 13._o 1637._o your_o la_n at_o all_o obliged_a obedience_n in_o christ_n s._n r._n to_o the_o noble_a &_o christian_a lady_n the_o vicountesse_n of_o kenmure_n 8_o madam_n grace_n mercy_n &_o peace_n be_v to_o you_o i_o will_v not_o omit_v the_o occasion_n to_o write_v to_o your_o la_n with_o the_o bearer_n i_o be_o glad_a the_o child_n be_v well_o god_n favour_n even_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n be_v see_v upon_o he_o i_o hope_v your_o la_n be_v think_v upon_o these_o sad_a &_o woeful_a day_n wherein_o we_o now_o live_v when_o our_o lord_n in_o his_o righteous_a judgement_n be_v send_v the_o church_n the_o gate_n she_o be_v go_v to_o rome_n brothel_n house_n to_o seek_v a_o lover_n of_o her_o own_o see_v she_o have_v give_v up_o with_o christ_n her_o husband_n o_o what_o sweet_a comfort_n what_o rich_a salvation_n be_v lay_v up_o for_o these_o who_o have_v rather_o wash_v and_o roll_v their_o garment_n in_o their_o own_o blood_n then_o break_v 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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 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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 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commission_n your_o soul_n your_o love_n to_o christ_n your_o faith_n can_v be_v summon_v not_o sentence_v nor_o accuse_v nor_o condemn_v by_o pope_n deputy_n prelat_n ruler_n or_o tyrant_n your_o faith_n be_v a_o free_a lord_n &_o can_v be_v a_o captive_a all_o the_o malice_n of_o hell_n &_o earth_n can_v but_o hurt_v the_o scabbard_n of_o a_o believer_n &_o death_n at_o the_o worst_a can_v get_v but_o a_o clay-pawne_n in_o keep_v till_o your_o lord_n make_v the_o king_n key_n &_o open_v your_o grave_n therefore_o upon_o luck_n head_n as_o we_o use_v to_o say_v take_v your_o sill_z of_o his_o love_n and_o let_v a_o post_n way_n or_o a_o causey_n be_v lay_v betwixt_o your_o prison_n and_o heaven_n and_o go_v up_o &_o visit_v your_o treasure_n enjoy_v your_o belove_a &_o dwell_v upon_o his_o love_n till_o eternity_n come_v in_o time_n room_n &_o possess_v you_o of_o your_o eternal_a happiness_n keep_v your_o love_n to_o christ_n lay_v up_o your_o faith_n in_o heaven_n keep_v &_o 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you_o to_o read_v &_o study_v well_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a holy_a &_o spotless_a sovereignty_n in_o suffer_v from_o some_o nigh_o hand_n &_o some_o far_o off_o whoever_o be_v the_o instrument_n the_o reply_n of_o â—lay_n to_o the_o potter_n the_o former_a of_o all_o be_v unbeseeming_a the_o nothing_o creature_n i_o hope_v he_o shall_v clear_v you_o but_o when_o zion_n public_a evil_n lie_v not_o nigh_o some_o of_o we_o &_o leave_v no_o impression_n upon_o our_o heart_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o we_o be_v exercise_v with_o domestic_a trouble_n but_o i_o know_v you_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n to_o prefer_v jerusalem_n to_o your_o chief_a joy_n madam_n there_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o faint_a wait_v upon_o the_o not-carrying_a vision_n for_o it_o will_v speak_v the_o only_a wise_a god_n be_v with_o you_o &_o god_n even_o your_o own_o god_n bless_v you_o sy_n andrews_n june_n 1657._o you_o at_o all_o observance_n in_o god_n s._n r._n to_o my_o lady_n kenmure_n 67._o madam_n i_o shall_v not_o forget_v you_o but_o my_o deadness_n under_o a_o threatning-stroke_n both_o of_o a_o fail_a church_n a_o break_a covenant_n a_o despise_a remnant_n &_o craziness_n of_o body_n that_o i_o can_v get_v a_o piece_n sickly_a clay_n carry_v about_o from_o one_o house_n or_o town_n to_o another_o lie_v most_o heâ—vy_a on_o i_o the_o lord_n have_v remove_v scotland_n crown_n for_o we_o own_v not_o his_o crown_n we_o fret_v at_o his_o catholic_n government_n of_o the_o world_n &_o fret_v that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v rule_v &_o lead_v by_o we_o in_o break_v our_o adversary_n &_o he_o make_v we_o suffer_v &_o pine_v away_o in_o our_o in_o quity_n under_o the_o break_a government_n of_o his_o house_n it_o be_v like_a it_o will_v be_v our_o snare_n to_o be_v try_v with_o the_o honour_n of_o a_o peaceable_a reformation_n we_o may_v mar_v the_o carve_a work_n of_o his_o house_n worse_o than_o thâ—se_a against_o who_o we_o cry_v out_o it_o be_v like_a he_o have_v bid_v we_o lie_v on_o our_o left_a side_n three_o hundred_o &_o ninety_o day_n &_o yet_o so_o astonish_v be_v our_o stupidity_n that_o we_o â—…oan_v not_o our_o sore_a side_n our_o gold_n be_v become_v dim_a the_o visage_n of_o our_o nazarite_n be_v become_v black_a the_o sun_n be_v go_v down_o on_o our_o seeâ—s_n the_o crown_n be_v sallen_v from_o our_o head_n we_o roar_v like_o bear_n lord_n save_v we_o from_o that_o he_o that_o have_v make_v they_o will_v not_o have_v meâ—â—_n on_o they_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o scribe_n meditat_v terror_n oh_o madam_n if_o the_o lord_n will_v help_v to_o more_o self-judging_a and_o to_o make_v sure_o a_o interest_n in_o christ_n ah_o we_o forget_v eternity_n &_o it_o approach_v quick_o grace_n be_v with_o you_o sy_n andrew_n 20_o nou._n 1657._o your_o la_n at_o all_o obedience_n in_o the_o lord_n s._n r._n to_o my_o lady_n kenmure_n 68_o madam_n i_o be_o ashamed_a of_o my_o long_a silence_n to_o your_o lâ—_n your_o tossing_n &_o wander_n be_v know_v to_o he_o upon_o who_o 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