Vol 16 - TO MARION MACNAUGHT.

TO MARION MACNAUGHT.
WELL-BELOVED SISTER,
MY old and dearest love in CHRIST remembered:—Our LORD knows best what is good for an old Kirk, that is fallen from her first love, and has forgotten her husband, days without number. There is a dry wind coming, but neither to fan nor to purge. Happy are they who are not blown away with the chaff; for we shall but suffer temptation for ten days. But those who are " faithful to death shall receive the crown of life." I hear daily what has been spoken of myself, most unjustly and falsely; and no marvel; the Dragon with the swing of his tail has made the " third part of the stars to fall from heaven," and the fallen would have many to fall with them. If ever SATAN was busy, now, when he knows his time is short, he is busy: " Yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry." I know, before it be long the LORD shall come, and rid all pleas between us and his enemies. Now welcome LORD JESUS, go fast!
You remember what I said to you concerning your love to me and my brother begun in CHRIST; you know, " we are here but strangers," and you have not yet found us a dry well, as others have been. Be not overcome of any suspicion. I trust in GOD that the LORD, who knit us together, shall keep us together. It is time now, that the lambs of JESUS should all run together, when the wolf is barking at them; yet I know that, before GOD's children want a cross, their love amongst themselves shall be a cross; but our LORD giveth love for another end. I know you will with love cover infirmities; and our Loa') give you wisdom in all things! I think love has broad shoulders, and will bear many things, and yet neither faint, nor sweat, nor fall under the burden. Grace, mercy, and peace, be with you!
Anwoth, Yours in his LORD JESUS,
April 25, 1634. S. R.