To Mr. James Bruce, Minister of the Gospel — Letter 32

Reverend and well-beloved brother.

Grace, mercy, and peace be to you. Upon the nearest acquaintance, that we are our Father's children, I thought good to write to you. My case in my bonds for the honor of my royal Prince and King Jesus is as good as becomes the witness of such a sovereign king. At my first coming here I was in great heaviness, wrestling with challenges, being burdened in heart (as I am yet) for my silent Sabbaths, and for a bereft people — young ones newly born plucked from the breasts, and the children's table drawn. I thought I was a dry tree cast over the wall of the vineyard. But my secret conceptions of Christ's love at his sweet and long-desired return to my soul were found to be a lie of Christ's love, forged by the tempter and my own heart, and I am persuaded that it was so. Now there is greater peace and security within than before. The court is raised and dismissed, for it was not fenced in God's name. I was far mistaken — who should have summoned Christ for unkindness. Misguided faith and my severe misjudgment conceived amiss of him. Now, now, he is pleased to feast a poor prisoner and to refresh me with joy unspeakable and glorious. So the Holy Spirit is witness that my sufferings are for Christ's truth, and God forbid I should deny the testimony of the Holy Spirit and make him a false witness. Now I testify under my hand, out of some small experience, that Christ's cause (even with the cross) is better than the king's crown, and that his reproaches are sweet, his cross perfumed, the walls of my prison fair and large, my losses gain. I desire you, my dear brother, help me to praise, and remember me in your prayers to God. Grace, grace be with you.

Aberdeen, March 14, 1637. Yours in our Lord Jesus, S. R.