To Mr. David Dickson — Letter 73
Reverend and well-beloved brother in the Lord.
I bless the Lord who has so wonderfully stopped the proceeding of that lawless process against you. The Lord reigns and has a saving eye upon you and your ministry, and therefore fear not what men can do. I bless the Lord that the Irish ministers find employment, and the believers comfort of their ministry. Believe me, I would not dare, as I am now disposed, to keep an honest brother out of the pulpit. I trust the Lord shall guard you and hide you in the shadow of his hand. I am not pleased with any who are against you in that. I see this: in prosperity, men's conscience will not be troubled at small sins. But if some had been where I have been since I came from you, a little more would have made their eye water and troubled their peace. Oh, how ready are we to incline toward the world's hand! Our arguments, when well examined, are often drawn from our desire for a whole skin; the whole skin and a peaceful dwelling is a topical maxim in great demand in our logic. I find a little sprouting of God's seed in this town, for which the doctors have told me their mind — that they cannot bear with it — and have examined and threatened the people who frequent my company. I fear I am not permitted to winter here, and where I go, I know not; I am ready at the Lord's call. I wish I could make better acquaintance with Christ's cross, for I find that comforts lie and follow upon the cross. I suffer in my reputation by them. I take it as a part of the crucifying of the old man. Let them cut the throat of my credit and do as they like best with it; when the wind of their slanders has blown away my good name from me in the way to heaven, I know Christ will take my name out of the mire and wash it and restore it to me again. I would have a mind — if the Lord would be pleased to give me it — to be a fool for Christ's sake. Sometimes while I have Christ in my arms, I fall asleep with the sweetness of his presence, and he in my sleep steals away out of my arms, and when I awake I miss him. I am much comforted with my Lady Pitsligo, a good woman and acquainted with God's ways. Grace be with you.
Aberdeen, September 11, 1637. Yours in his sweet Lord Jesus, S. R.
