To John Gordon of Cardoness, Younger — Letter 25

Honored and dear brother.

I wrote of late to you; multitudes of letters burden me now. I am refreshed with your letter. I exhort you in the bowels of Christ: set to work for your soul, and let these bear weight with you and ponder them seriously. First, weeping and gnashing of teeth in outer darkness, or heaven's joy. Second, think what you would give for an hour when you shall lie like dead, cold, blackened clay. Third, there is sand in your glass yet, and your sun is not gone down. Fourth, consider what joy and peace is in Christ's service. Fifth, think what advantage it will be to have angels, the world, life and death, crosses, indeed and devils, all for you as the king's sergeants and servants to do your business. Sixth, to have mercy on your seed and a blessing on your house. Seventh, to have true honor and a name on earth — that casts a sweet smell. Eighth, how you will rejoice when Christ lays down your head under his chin and between his breasts, and dries your face, and welcomes you to glory and happiness. Ninth, imagine what pain and torture is a guilty conscience, and what slavery to carry the devil's dishonest loads. Tenth, sin's joys are but night-dreams, thoughts, vapors, imaginations, and shadows. Eleventh, what dignity it is to be a son of God. Twelfth, dominion and mastery over temptations, over the world, and sin. Thirteenth, that your enemies should be the tail and you the head. For your children now at their rest, I speak to you and your wife (and cause her read this). First, I am a witness of Barbara's glory in heaven. Second, for the rest, I write it under my hand: there are days coming on Scotland when barren wombs and dry breasts and childless parents shall be pronounced blessed. They are then in the shelter of the harbor before the storm comes on. Third, they are not lost to you that are laid up in Christ's treasury in heaven. Fourth, at the resurrection you shall meet with them. They are sent before, but not sent away. Fifth, your Lord loves you, who is familiar to take and give, borrow and lend. Sixth, let not children be your idols, for God will be jealous and take away the idol, because he is greedy of your love wholly. I bless you, your wife and children. Grace forevermore be with you.

Aberdeen. Your loving pastor, S. R.