To the Much Honoured John Osburn, Provost of Ayr — Letter 43

Much honored sir,

Grace, mercy, and peace be to you. Upon our small acquaintance and the good report I hear of you, I could not but write to you. I have nothing to say but this: Christ, in that honorable place he has put you in, has entrusted you with a dear pledge which is his own glory, and has armed you with his sword to keep the pledge and make a good account of it to God. Be not afraid of me. Your Master can mow down his enemies and make swift work of those arrayed against him. Your time will not be long; after your afternoon will come your evening, and after evening, night. Serve Christ, back him, let his cause be your cause. Give not a hair's breadth of it away, for it is not yours but God's. Then, since you are going, take Christ's certificate with you out of this life: 'Well done, good and faithful servant.' His 'well done' is worth a shipload of good days and earthly honors. I have cause to say this, because I find him to be truth itself; in my sad days, Christ laughs cheerfully and says, all will be well. Would to God that all this kingdom, and you, and all that know God, knew what is between me and Christ in this prison — what kisses, embracements, and love-communings! I take his cross in my arms with joy; I bless it; I rejoice in it. Suffering for Christ is my garland; I would not exchange Christ for ten thousand worlds. No — if the comparison could stand — I would not exchange Christ for heaven itself. Sir, pray for me, and the prayers and blessing of a prisoner of Christ meet you in all your straits. Grace be with you.

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