To the Noble and Christian Lady, the Viscountess of Kenmure — Letter 10

Madam.

Notwithstanding the great haste of the bearer I would bless your ladyship in paper, desiring that since Christ has ever begrudged that the world should have your love before him, that you give yourself out for Christ and that you may be for no other. I know none worthy of you but Christ. Madam, I am either suffering for Christ, and this is either the sure and good way, or I have done with heaven and will never see God's face (which I bless him cannot be). I write my blessing to that sweet child that you have borrowed from God; he is no heritage to you but a loan. Love him as people do borrowed things. My heart is heavy for you. They say the church of Christ has neither son nor heir, and therefore her enemies shall possess her. But I know she is not that poorly friended — her husband is her heir, and she his heritage. If my Lord would be pleased, I would desire some to be dealt with for my return to Anwoth. But if that never be, I thank God Anwoth is not heaven; preaching is not Christ. I hope to wait on. Let me hear how the child is, and your ladyship's mind and hopes of him, for it would ease my heart to know that he is well. I am in good terms with Christ, but oh my guiltiness. Yet he brings not pleas between him and me to the streets and before the sun. Grace, grace forevermore be with your ladyship.

Aberdeen, 1637. Your ladyship's at all obedience in Christ, S. R.