Opening…

Preface

Most justly does the old Preface to the earlier Editions begin by telling the Reader that "These Letters have no need of any man's epistle commendatory, the great Master having given them one, written by His own hand on the hearts of all who favour the things of God." Every one who knows these "Letters" at all, is aware of their most peculiar characteristic, namely, the discovery they present of the marvellous intercourse carried on between the writer's soul and his God.

This Edition will be found to be the most complete that has hitherto appeared. It is the same as that of 1863, in two vols., with two slight alterations, viz. the footnotes are for the most part removed to the Glossary, and a few of the notices are condensed, but nothing omitted of any importance. On the other hand, one or two slight additions have been made. Attending carefully to the chronological arrangement, the Editor has sought, by biographical, topographical, and historical notices, to put the Reader in possession of all that was needed to enable him to enter into the circumstances in which each Letter was written, so far as that could be done. The appended Glossary of Scottish words and expressions (many of them in reality old English), the Index of Places and Persons, the Index of Special Subjects, and the prefixed Contents of Each Letter, will, it is confidently believed, be found both interesting and useful. The Sketch of Rutherford's Life may be thought too brief; but the limits within which such a Sketch must necessarily be confined, when occupying the place of a mere Introduction, rendered brevity inevitable.

Every Letter hitherto published is to be found in this Edition. The ten additional Letters of the Edition 1848, along with two more, added since that time, are all inserted in their chronological place. The publishers have taken great pains with the typography.

2. To a Christian Gentlewoman, on the death of a Daughter.--Christ's Sympathy with, and Property in us--Reasons for Resignation, 34

3. To Lady Kenmure, on occasion of illness and spiritual depression.--Acquiescence in God's Purpose--Faith in exercise--Encouragement in view of Sickness and Death--Public Affairs, 36

4. To Lady Kenmure, on death of her infant Daughter.-- Tribulation the Portion of God's People, and intended to wean them from the World, 40

5. To Lady Kenmure, when removing from Anwoth.--Changes-- Loss of Friends--This World no abiding Place, 42

6. To Marion M'Naught, telling of his Wife's illness.--Inward Conflict, arising from Outward Trial, 44

7. To Lady Kenmure.--The Earnest of the Spirit--Communion with Christ--Faith in the Promises, 46

8. To Marion M'Naught.--His Wife's Illness--Wrestlings with God, 49

9. To Marion M'Naught.--Recommending a Friend to her Care--Prayers asked, 50

10. To Marion M'Naught.--Submission, Perseverance, and Zeal recommended, 50

11. To Lady Kenmure.--God's Inexplicable Dealings with His People well ordered--Want of Ordinances--Conformity to Christ--Troubles of the Church--Mr. Rutherford's Wife's Death, 52

12. To Marion M'Naught.--God Mixeth the Cup--The Reward of the Wicked--Faithfulness--Forbearance--Trials, 54

13. To _Marion M'Naught, when exposed to reproach for her principles_.--Jesus a Pattern of Patience under Suffering, 57

14. To Marion M'Naught, in prospect of the Lord's Supper.-- Abundance in Jesus--The Restoration of the Jews-- Enemies of God, 58

15. To Marion M'Naught.--The threatened Introduction of the Service-Book--Troubles of the Church--Private Wrongs, 60

16. To Marion M'Naught.--Proposal to Remove him from Anwoth-- Babylon's Destruction, and Christ's Coming--The Young invited, 62

17. To Marion M'Naught.--The Prospects of the Church-- Arminianism--Call to Prayer--No Help but in Christ, 64

18. To Marion M'Naught, in prospect of the Lord's Supper.-- Prayer Solicited--The Church's Prospects, 66

19. To Lady Kenmure.--Encouragement to Abound in Faith from the Prospect of Glory--Christ's Unchangeableness, 67

20. To Lady Kenmure.--Assurance of Christ's Love under Trials--Fulness of Christ--Hope of Glory, 69

21. To Lady Kenmure.--Self-denial--Hope of Christ's Coming-- Loving God for Himself, 72

22. To John Kennedy.--Deliverance from Shipwreck--Recovery from threatened Death--Use of Trials--Remembrance of Friends, 74

23. To Lady Kenmure.--Exhorting to remember her Espousal to Christ--Tribulation a Preparation for the Kingdom-- Glory in the End, 77

24. To Marion M'Naught.--Christ and His Garden--Provision of Ordinances in the Church--Our Children, 80

25. To a Gentleman at Kirkcudbright, excusing himself from visiting, 83

26. To Marion M'Naught, after her dangerous illness.--Use of Sickness--Reproaches--Christ our Eternal Feast-- Fasting, 83

27. To Lady Kenmure.--Love to Christ and Submission to His Cross--Believers kept--The Heavenly Paradise, 85

28. To Lady Kenmure, after the death of a child.--The State of the Church, Cause for God's Displeasure--His Care of His Church--The Jews--Afflicted Saints, 87

29. To Marion M'Naught.--Christ with His People in the Furnace of Affliction--Prayer, 89

30. To Lady Kenmure.--Rank and Prosperity hinder Progress-- Watchfulness--Case of Relatives, 90

31. To Lady Kenmure.--A Union for Prayer Recommended, 92

32. To Marion M'Naught.--State and Prospects of the Church--Satan, 94

33. To Marion M'Naught.--In Prospect of Going to the Lord's Table, 95

34. To Marion M'Naught.--Prospects of the Church--Christ's Care for the Children of Believers, 96

35. To Lady Kenmure, on the death of a child.--God Measures our Days--Bereavements Ripen us for the Harvest, 97

36. To Marion M'Naught.--Choice of a Commissioner for Parliament, 99

37. To Lady Kenmure.--On the Death of Lord Kenmure--Design of, and duties under, Affliction, 100

38. To Marion M'Naught.--Christ's Care of His Church, and His Judgments on her Enemies, 102

39. To Lady Kenmure.--Preparation for Death and Eternity, 103

40. To Lady Kenmure.--When Mr. Rutherford had the Prospect of being Removed from Anwoth, 105

41. To Marion M'Naught.--The Church's Trials--Comfort under Temptations--Deliverance--A Message to the Young, 106

42. To Lady Kenmure.--The World passeth away--Special Portions of the Word for the Afflicted--Call to Kirkcudbright, 108

43. To Marion M'Naught.--When Mr. Rutherford was in difficulty as to accepting a Call to Kirkcudbright, and Cramond, 111

44. To Marion M'Naught.--Troubles threatening the Church, 113

45. To Marion M'Naught.--In the Prospect of the Lord's Supper, and of Trials to the Church, 113

46. To Marion M'Naught.--Tossings of Spirit--Her Children and Husband, 114

47. To Marion M'Naught.--Submission to God's Arrangements, 116

48. To Marion M'Naught.--Troubles from False Brethren-- Occurrences--Christ's Coming--Intercession, 117

49. To Marion M'Naught.--Spoiling of Goods--Call to Kirkcudbright--The Lord Reigneth, 119

50. To Marion M'Naught.--Christ coming as Captain of Salvation--His Church's Conflict and Covenant--The Jews--Last Days' Apostasy, 121

51. To Marion M'Naught.--Public Temptations--The Security of every Saint--Occurrences in the Country-side, 123

52. To Marion M'Naught.--In the Prospect of her Husband being compelled to receive the Commands of the Prelates--Saints are yet to Judge, 125

53. To Marion M'Naught.--Encouragement under Trial by prospect of Brighter Days, 126

54. To Marion M'Naught.--Public Wrongs--Words of Comfort, 126

55. To Marion M'Naught.--When he had been threatened with Persecution for Preaching the Gospel, 128

56. To Lady Kenmure.--Reasons for Resignation--Security of Saints--The End of Time, 129

57. To Marion M'Naught.--In the Prospect of Removal to Aberdeen, 131

58. To Lady Kenmure.--On occasion of Efforts to introduce Episcopacy, 131

59. To Earlston, Elder.--No Suffering for Christ unrewarded-- Loss of Children--Christ in Providence, 132

60. To Marion M'Naught.--When he was under Trial by the High Commission, 135

61. To Lady Kenmure, on the evening of his banishment to Aberdeen.--His only Regrets--The Cross unspeakably Sweet--Retrospect of his Ministry, 136

62. To _Lady Culross, on the occasion of his banishment to Aberdeen_.--Challenges of Conscience--The Cross no Burden, 138

63. To Mr. Robert Cunningham, at Holywood, in Ireland.-- Consolation to a Brother in Tribulation--His own Deprivation of Ministry--Christ worth Suffering for, 140

64. To Alexander Gordon of Earlston.--His Feelings upon Leaving Anwoth, 143

65. To _Robert Gordon of Knockbreck, on his way to Aberdeen_.--How Upheld on the Way, 144

66. To Robert Gordon of Knockbreck, after arriving at Aberdeen.--Challenges of Conscience--Ease in Zion, 144

67. To William Fullerton, Provost of Kirkcudbright.-- Encouragement to Suffer for Christ, 145

68. To John Fleming, Bailie of Leith.--The Sweetness and Faithfulness of Christ's Love, 147

69. To Lady Kenmure.--His Enjoyment of Christ in Aberdeen-- A Sight of Christ exceeds all Reports--Some ashamed of Him and His, 148

70. To Lady Kenmure.--Exercise under Restraint from Preaching--The Devil--Christ's Loving-kindness-- Progress, 150

71. To Mr. Hugh M'Kail, Minister of Irvine.--Christ to be Trusted amid Trial, 152

72. To William Gordon of Roberton.--How Trials are Misimproved--The Infinite Value of Christ--Despised Warnings, 153

73. To Earlston, the Elder.--Satisfaction with Christ's Ways--Private and Public Causes of Sorrow, 156

74. To Lady Culross.--Suspicions of God's Ways--God's Ways always Right--Grace Grows under Trial, 157

75. To John Kennedy, Bailie of Ayr.--Longing after Discoveries of Christ--His Long-suffering--Trying Circumstances, 158

76. To Robert Gordon of Knockbreck.--Benefit of Affliction, 161

77. To Lady Boyd.--Aberdeen--Experience of himself Sad-- Taking Pains to win Grace, 163

78. To Lord Boyd.--Encouragement to Exertion for Christ's Cause, 164

79. To Margaret Ballantine.--Value of the Soul, and Urgency of Salvation, 166

80. To Marion M'Naught.--His Comfort under Tribulations, and the Prison a Palace, 168

81. To Mr. John Meine (jun.).--Experience--Patient Waiting--Sanctification, 169

82. To John Gordon of Cardoness, Elder.--Win Christ at all Hazards--Christ's Beauty--A Word to Children, 170

83. To the Earl of Lothian.--Advice as to Public Conduct--Everything to be endured for Christ, 174

84. To Jean Brown.--The Joys of this Life embittered by Sin--Heaven an Object of Desire--Trial a Blessed Thing, 177

85. To John Kennedy, Bailie of Ayr.--The Reasonableness of Believing under all Affliction--Obligations to Free Grace, 179

86. To Lord Craighall.--Episcopalian Ceremonies--How to Abide in the Truth--Desire for Liberty to preach Christ, 181

87. To Elizabeth Kennedy.--Danger of Formality--Christ wholly to be Loved--Other Objects of Love, 183

88. To Janet Kennedy.--Christ to be kept at every sacrifice--His incomparable Loveliness, 185

89. To the Rev. Robert Blair.--God's Arrangements sometimes Mysterious, 187

90. To the Rev. John Livingstone.--Resignation--Enjoyment-- State of the Church, 190

91. To Mr. Ephraim Melvin.--Kneeling at the Lord's Supper a species of Idolatry, 192

92. To Mr. Robert Gordon of Knockbreck.--Visits of Christ--The Things which Affliction Teaches, 195

93. To Lady Kenmure.--God's Dealings with Scotland--The Eye to be directed Heavenward, 197

94. To Lady Kenmure.--The Times--Christ's Sweetness in Trouble--Longing after Him, 198

95. To Lady Kenmure.--Christ's Cross Sweet--His Coming to be Desired--Jealous of any Rival, 200

96. To Lady Kenmure.--Christ all Worthy--Anwoth, 201

97. To Alexander Gordon of Earlston.--Christ Endeared by Bitter Experiences--Searchings of Heart--Fears for the Church, 202

98. To Mr. Alexander Colville of Blair.--Increasing Experience of Christ's Love--God with His Saints, 204

99. To Earlston, Younger.--Christ's Ways Misunderstood--His increasing Kindness--Spiritual Delicacy--Hard to be Dead to the World, 205

100. To Lady Cardoness.--The One Thing Needful--Conscientious Acting in the World--Advice under Dejecting Trials, 208

101. To Jonet Macculloch.--Christ's Sufficiency--Stedfastness in the Truth, 210

102. To Alexander Gordon of Knockgray.--Grounds of Praise-- Affliction tends to misrepresent Christ--Idols, 211

103. To Lady Cardoness, Elder.--Christ and His Cause Recommended--Heavenly-mindedness--Caution against Compliances--Anxiety about his Parish, 213

104. To Lady Kenmure.--Painstaking in the Knowledge of Christ--Unusual enjoyment of His Love--Not Easy to be a Christian--Friends must not mislead, 215

105. To a Gentlewoman, upon the death of her Husband.-- Resignation under Bereavement--His own Enjoyment of Christ's Love, 217

106. To Lady Kenmure.--Weak Assurance--Grace different from Learning--Self-accusations, 218

107. To Lady Boyd.--Consciousness of Defects no argument of Christ being unknown--His Experience in Exile, 220

108. To Lady Kaskiberry.--Gratitude for Kindness--Christ's Presence felt, 222

109. To Lady Earlston.--Following Christ not Easy--Children not to be over-loved--Joy in the Lord, 223

110. To Mr. David Dickson.--God's Dealings--The Bitter Sweetened--Notes on Scripture, 224

111. To Jean Brown.--Christ's Untold Preciousness--A Word to her Boy, 226

112. To Mr. John Fergushill.--The Rod upon God's Children-- Pain from a sense of Christ's Love--His Presence a Support under Trials--Contentedness with Him alone, 227

113. To Mr. Robert Douglas.--Greatness of Christ's Love revealed to those who suffer for Him, 229

114. To William Rigg of Athernie.--Sustaining Power of Christ's Love--Satan's Opposition--Yearnings for Christ Himself--Fears for the Church, 230

115. To Mr. Alexander Henderson.--Sadness because of Christ's Headship not set forth--His Cause attended with Crosses--The Believer seen of all, 232

116. To Lord Loudon.--Blessedness of Acting for Christ--His Love to His Prisoner, 234

117. To Mr. William Dalgleish, Minister of Kirkdale and Kirkmabreck.--Christ's Kindness--Dependence on Providence--Controversies, 237

118. To Mr. Hugh M'Kail, Minister at Irvine.--Christ's Bountiful Dealings--Joy in Christ through the Cross, 239

119. To Mr. David Dickson.--Joyful Experience--Cup Overflowing in Exile, 240

120. To Mr. Matthew Mowat, Minister at Kilmarnock.-- Plenitude of Christ's Love--Need to use Grace aright--Christ the Ransomer--Desire to proclaim His Gospel--Shortcomings and Sufferings, 242

121. To William Halliday.--Diligence in securing Salvation, 245

122. To a Gentlewoman after the death of her Husband.--Vanity of Earthly Possessions--Christ a sufficient Portion--Design of Affliction, 245

123. To John Gordon of Cardoness, Younger.--Reasons for being earnest about the Soul, and for Resignation, 247

124. To John Gordon of Cardoness, Elder.--Call to Earnestness about Salvation--Intrusion of Ministers, 248

125. To Lady Forret.--Sickness a Kindness--Christ's Glooms better than the World's Joys, 249

126. To Marion M'Naught.--Adherence to Duty amidst Opposition--Power of Christ's Love, 250

127. To John Carsen.--Nothing worth the Finding but Christ, 251

128. To the Earl of Cassillis.--Honour of testifying for Christ, 252

129. To Mr. Robert Gordon, Bailie of Ayr.--Christ above All, 253

130. To John Kennedy, Bailie of Ayr.--Christ's Love--The Three Wonders--Desires for His Second Coming, 254

131. To Jean Brown.--His Wisdom in our Trials--Rejoicing in Tribulation, 257

132. To Jean Macmillan.--Strive to enter In, 259

133. To Lady Busbie.--Complete Surrender to Christ--No Idols--Trials discover Sins--A Free Salvation--The Marriage Supper, 260

134. To John Ewart, Bailie of Kirkcudbright.--The Cross no Burden--Need of Sure Foundation, 262

135. To William Fullerton, Provost of Kirkcudbright.--Fear not them who kill the Body--Unexpected Favour, 263

136. To Robert Glendinning, Minister of Kirkcudbright.-- Prepare to meet thy God--Christ his Joy, 264

137. To William Glendinning.--Perseverance against Opposition, 265

138. To Mr. Hugh Henderson, Minister of the Gospel.--Trials selected by God--Patience--Looking for the Judge, 266

139. To Lord Balmerinoch.--His happy Obligations to Christ--Emptiness of the World, 267

140. To Lady Mar, Younger.--No Exchange for Christ, 269

141. To James Macadam.--The Kingdom taken by Force, 270

142. To William Livingstone.--Counsel to a Youth, 271

143. To William Gordon of Whitepark.--Nothing lost by Trials--Longing for Christ Himself, because of His Love, 272

144. To Mr. George Gillespie, Minister of Kirkcaldy.-- Suspicions of Christ's Love Removed--Three Desires, 273

145. To Jean Gordon.--God the Satisfying Portion--Adherence to Christ, 275

146. To Mr. James Bruce, Minister of the Gospel.--Misjudging of Christ's Ways, 276

147. To John Gordon, at Rusco.--Pressing into Heaven--To be a Christian no Easy Attainment--Sins to be Avoided, 277

148. To Lady Hallhill.--Christ's Crosses better than Egypt's Treasures, 278

149. To John Osburn, Provost of Ayr.--Adherence to Christ--His Approbation worth all Worlds, 280

150. To John Henderson, in Rusco.--Continuing in Christ-- Preparedness for Death, 281

151. To John Meine, Senior.--Enjoyment of God's Love--Need of Help--Burdens, 281

152. To Mr. Thomas Garven.--A Prisoner's Joys--Love of Christ--The Good Part--Heaven in Sight, 283

153. To Bethaia Aird.--Unbelief under Trials--Christ's Sympathy, 284

154. To Alexander Gordon of Knockgray.--Prospective Trials, 286

155. To Grizzel Fullerton, daughter of Marion M'Naught.--The One Thing Needful--Christ's Love, 286

156. To Patrick Carsen.--Early Devotedness to Christ, 287

157. To the Laird of Carleton.--Increasing Sense of Christ's Love--Resignation--Deadness to Earth-- Temptations--Infirmities, 288

158. To Lady Busbie.--Christ all Worthy--Best at our Lowest--Sinfulness of the Land--Prayers, 290

159. To John Fleming, Bailie of Leith.--Directions for Christian Conduct, 292

160. To Alexander Gordon of Earlston.--Hungering after Christ Himself rather than His Love, 295

161. To John Stuart, Provost of Ayr.--Commercial Misfortunes--Service-Book--Blessedness of Trials, 298

162. To John Stuart, Provost of Ayr.--The Burden of a Silenced Minister--Spiritual Shortcomings, 302

163. To John Stuart, Provost of Ayr.--View of Trials past--Hard Thoughts of Christ--Crosses--Hope, 304

164. To _Ninian Mure, one of the family of Cassincarrie_.--A Youth Admonished, 307

165. To Mr. Thomas Garven.--Personal Insufficiency--Grace from Christ alone--Longings after Him, 308

166. To Cardoness, the Elder.--A Good Conscience--Christ kind to Sufferers--Responsibility--Youth, 310

167. To Lady Boyd.--Lessons learned in the School of Adversity, 312

168. To Mr. David Dickson.--Christ's Infinite Fulness, 315

169. To the Laird of Carleton.--God's Working Incomprehensible--Longing after any Drop of Christ's Fulness, 317

170. To Robert Gordon of Knockbreck.--Longing for Christ's Glory--Felt guiltiness--Longing for Christ's Love--Sanctification, 319

171. To the Laird of Moncrieff.--Concert in Prayer-- Stedfastness to Christ--Grief misrepresents Christ's Glory, 321

172. To John Clark.--Marks of Difference betwixt Christians and Reprobates, 323

173. To Cardoness, the Younger.--Warning and Advice as to Things of Salvation, 324

174. To Lord Craighall.--Idolatry Condemned, 326

175. To John Laurie.--Christ's Love--A Right Estimate of Him--His Grace, 330

176. To the Laird of Carleton.--A Christian's Confession of Unworthiness--Desire for Christ's Honour--Present Circumstances, 331

177. To Marion M'Naught.--Christ Suffering in His Church-- His Coming--Outpourings of Love from Him, 335

178. To Lady Culross.--Christ's Management of Trials--What Faith can do--Christ not Experience--Prayers, 337

179. To Mr. John Nevay.--Christ's Love Sharpened in Suffering--Kneeling at the Communion--Posture at Ordinances, 340

180. To John Gordon of Cardoness, the Elder.--Longings for those under his former Ministry--Delight in Christ and His Appearing--Pleading with his Flock, 344

181. To Earlston, the Younger.--Dangers of Youth--Christ the best Physician--Four Remedies against Doubting--Breathing after Christ's Honour, 348

182. To Alexander Gordon of Knockgray.--Joy in God--Trials work out Glory to Christ, 353

183. To Mr. J---- R----.--Christ the Purifier of His Church--Submission to His Ways, 355

184. To Mr. William Dalgleish, Minister of the Gospel.--The Fragrance of the Ministry--A Review of his Past and Present Situation, and of his Prospects, 358

185. To Marion M'Naught.--Longing to be Restored to his Charge, 361

186. To Robert Stuart.--Christ chooses His own in the Furnace--Need of a Deep Work--The God-Man, a World's Wonder, 363

187. To Lady Gaitgirth.--Christ Unchangeable, though not always Enjoyed--His Love never yet fully poured out--Himself His People's Cautioner, 366

188. To Mr. John Fergushill of Ochiltree.--Desponding Views of his own State--Ministerial Diligence-- Christ's Worth--Self-seeking, 368

189. To John Stuart, Provost of Ayr.--Hope for Scotland-- Self-submission--Christ Himself sought for by Faith--Stability of Salvation--His Ways, 371

190. To the Laird of Carsluth.--Necessity of making sure of Salvation--Vanity of the World--Nothing worth having but Christ--Flight of Time, 373

191. To the Laird of Cassincarrie.--Earnestness about Salvation--Christ Himself sought, 376

192. To Lady Cardoness.--Grace--The Name of Christ to be Exalted--Everything but God fails us, 378

193. To Sibylla Macadam.--Christ's Beauty and Excellence, 380

194. To Mr. Hugh Henderson, Minister of Dalry.--The Ways of Providence--Believing Patience, 381

195. To Lady Largirie.--Christ the Exclusive Object of Love--Preparation for Death, 383

196. To Earlston, the Younger.--Sufferings--Hope of Final Deliverance--The Believer in Safe Keeping--The Recompense Marred by Temptations, 384

197. To Mr. William Dalgleish, Minister of the Gospel.-- Thoughts as to God's Arrangements--Winning Souls to be Supremely Desired--Longings for Christ, 386

198. To the Laird of Cally.--Spiritual Sloth--Danger of Compromise--Self, the Root of all Sin-- Self-renunciation, 388

199. To John Gordon of Cardoness, the Younger.--Dangers of Youth--Early Decision, 390

200. To Robert Gordon, Bailie of Ayr.--The Misery of mere Worldly Hope--Earnestness about Salvation, 393

201. To Alexander Gordon of Earlston.--Christ's Kingdom to be Exalted over all; and more Pains to be taken to Win farther into Him, 395

202. To the Laird of Cally.--Youth a Precious Season-- Christ's Beauty, 397

203. To William Gordon, at Kenmure.--Testimony to Christ's Worth--Marks of Grace in Conviction of Sin and Spiritual Conflict, 399

204. To Margaret Fullerton.--Christ, not Creatures, worthy of all Love--Love not to be measured by Feeling, 401

205. To Lady Kenmure.--Difficulties in the way to the Kingdom--Christ's Love, 402

206. To Lady Kenmure.--The Use of Sufferings--Fears under them--Desire that Christ be Glorified, 404

207. To John Henderson of Rusco.--Practical Hints, 407

208. To Alexander Colville of Blair.--Regrets for not being able to Preach--Longings for Christ, 408

209. To Mr. John Nevay.--Christ's Surpassing Excellency--His Cause in Scotland, 409

210. To Lady Boyd.--His Soul Fainting for Christ's Matchless Beauty--Prayer for a Revival, 410

211. To a Christian Gentlewoman.--God's Skill to bless by Affliction--Unkindness of Men--Near the Day of Meeting the Lord, 412

212. To William Glendinning.--Search into Christ's Loveliness--What he would Suffer to see it--His Coming to Deliver, 414

213. To Robert Lennox of Disdove.--Men's Folly in Undervaluing Christ--It is He that satisfieth-- Admiration of Him, 416

214. To Mr. James Hamilton, Minister of the Gospel.-- Suffering for Christ's Headship--How Christ visited him in Preaching, 418

215. To Mistress Stuart.--Personal Unworthiness--Longing after Holiness--Winnowing Time, 421

216. To Mr. Hugh M'Kail, Minister of Irvine.--Advantages of our Wants and Distempers--Christ Unspeakable, 423

217. To Alexander Gordon of Garloch.--Free Grace finding its Materials in us, 425

218. To John Bell, Elder.--Danger of Trusting to a Name to Live--Conversion no Superficial Work-- Exhortation to Make Sure, 427

219. To Mr. John Row, Minister of the Gospel.--Christ's Crosses better than the World's Joys--Christ Extolled, 429

220. To Lord Craighall.--Duty of being disentangled from Christ-dishonouring Compliances, 430

221. To Marion M'Naught.--Her Prayers for Scotland not Forgotten, 430

222. To Lady Culross.--Christ's Way of Showing Himself the Best--What Fits for Him--Yearning after Him insatiably--Domestic Matters, 431

223. To Alexander Gordon of Knockgray.--State of the Church--Believers purified by Affliction--Folly of seeking Joy in a Doomed World, 434

224. To Fulwood, the Younger.--Vanity of the World in the light of Death and Christ--The Present Truth-- Christ's Coming, 436

225. To his Parishioners.--Protestation of Care for their Souls, and for the Glory of God--Delight in his ministry, and in his Lord--Efforts for their Souls--Warnings against Errors of the Day--Awful words to the Backslider--Intense Admiration of Christ--A Loud Call to All, 438

226. To Lady Kilconquhar.--The Interests of the Soul and Urgent--Folly of the World--Christ altogether Lovely--His Pen fails to set forth Christ's Unspeakable Beauty, 445

227. To Lord Craighall.--Standing for Christ--Danger from Fear, or Promises of Men--Christ's Requitals-- Sin against the Holy Ghost, 449

228. To Mr. James Fleming, Minister of the Gospel.-- Glory Gained to Christ--Spiritual Deadness--Help to Praise Him--The Ministry, 451

229. To Mr. Hugh M'Kail, Minister of Irvine.--The Law--This World under Christ's Control for the Believer, 454

230. To Lady Kenmure.--Believer Safe though Tried--Delight in Christ's Truth, 455

231. To Lord Lindsay of Byres.--The Church's Desolations--The End of the World, and Christ's Coming--His Attractiveness, 457

232. To Lord Boyd.--Seeking Christ in Youth--Its Temptations--Christ's Excellence--The Church's Cause concerns the Nobles, 457

233. To Fulk Ellis.--Friends in Ireland--Difficulties in Providence--Unfaithfulness to Light--Constant Need of Christ, 463

234. To James Lindsay.--Desertions, their Use--Prayers of Reprobates, and how the Gospel affects their Responsibility, 466

235. To Lord Craighall.--Fear God, not Man--Sign of Backsliding, 470

236. To Mr. James Hamilton, Minister of the Gospel.-- Christ's Glory not affected by His People's Weakness, 471

237. To the Laird of Gaitgirth.--Truth worth Suffering for--Light Sown, but the Evil of this World till Christ comes, 471

238. To Lady Gaitgirth.--Christ and Example in Bearing Crosses--The extent to which Children should be Loved--Why Saints Die, 473

239. To Mr. Matthew Mowat, Minister of Kilmarnock.--What am I?--Longing to Act for Christ--Unbelief--Love in the Hiding of Christ's Face--Christ's Reproach, 474

240. To Mr. John Meine, Jun.--Christ the Same--Youthful Sins--No Dispensing with Crosses, 476

241. To John Fleming, Baillie of Leith.--Riches of Christ Fail Not--Salvation--Vanity of Created Comforts-- Longing for more of Christ, 477

242. To Lady Rowallan.--Jesus the Best Choice, and to be made sure of--The Cross and Jesus inseparable-- Sorrows only Temporary, 478

243. To Marion M'Naught.--His own Prospects--Hopes-- Salutations, 480

244. To Marion M'Naught.--Proceedings of Parliament--Private Matters--Her Daughter's Marriage, 481

245. To Lady Boyd.--Imperfections--Yearnings after Christ-- Christ's Supremacy not inconsistent with Civil Authority, 483

246. To Mr. Thomas Garven.--Heaven's Happiness--Joy in the Cross, 485

247. To Janet Kennedy.--The Heavenly Mansions--Earth a Shadow, 486

248. To Margaret Reid.--Benefits of the Cross, if we are Christ's, 487

249. To James Bautie.--Spiritual Difficulties Solved, 489

250. To Lady Largirie.--Part with all for Christ--No Unmixed Joy here, 494

251. To Lady Dungueich.--Jesus or the World--Scotland's Trials and Hopes, 495

252. To Janet Macculloch.--Cares to be cast on Christ-- Christ a Steady Friend, 496

253. To Mr. George Gillespie.--Christ the True Gain, 497

254. To Mr. Robert Blair.--Personal Unworthiness--God's Grace--Prayer for Others, 498

255. To Lady Carleton.--Submission to God's Will--Wonders in the Love of Christ--No debt to the World, 500

256. To William Rigge of Athernie.--The Law--Grace--Chalking out Providences for ourselves--Prescribing to His Love, 501

257. To Lady Graighall.--The Comforts of Christ's Cross-- Desires for Christ, 503

258. To Lord Loudon.--The Wisdom of adhering to Christ's Cause, 504

259. To David Dickson.--Danger of Worldly Ease--Personal Occurrences, 507

260. To Alexander Gordon of Earlston.--All Crosses Well Ordered--Providences, 508

261. To Lady Kilconquhair.--The Kingdom to be taken by Violence, 510

262. To Robert Lennox of Disdove.--Increasing Experience of Christ's Love--Salvation to be made sure, 512

263. To_ Marion M'Naught_.--Hope in Trial--Prayer and Watchfulness, 513

264. To Thomas Corbet.--Godly Counsels--Following Christ, 514

265. To Mr. George Dunbar, Minister of the Gospel.--Christ's Love in Affliction--The Saint's Support and Final Victory, 515

266. To John Fleming, Bailie of Leith.--Comfort Abounding under Trials, 517

267. To William Glendinning, Bailie of Kirkcudbright.--The Past and the Future--Present Happiness, 517

268. To the Earl of Cassillus.--Anxiety for the Prosperity of Zion--Encouragement for the Nobles to Support it--The Vanity of this World, and the Folly and Misery of forsaking Christ--The One Way to Heaven, 519

269. To his Parishioners at Anwoth.--Exhortationn to abide in the Truth, in prospect of Christ's Coming-- Scriptural Mode of Observing Ordinanaces such as the Sabbath, Family Prayer, and the Lord's Supper-- Judgments Anticipated, 521

270. To Lady Busbie.--His Experience of Christ's Love--State of the Land and Church--Christ not duly Esteemed-- Desire after Him, and for a Revival, 524

271. To Earlston, Younger.--Prosperity under the Cross--Need of Security, and being founded on Christ, 526

272. To John Gordon.--Christ all Worthy--This World a Clay Prison--Desire for a Revival of Christ's Cause, 527

273. To William Rigge of Athernie.--Comfort in Trials from the Knowledge of Christ's Power and Work-- Corruption--Free Grace, 529

274. To James Murray.--The Christian Life a Mystery to the World--Chrsit's Kindness, 530

275. To Mr. John Fergushill.--Spiritual Longings under Christ's Cross--How to bear it--Christ Precious, and to be had without Money--The Church, 531

276. To William Glendinning.--Sweetness of Trial--Swiftness of Time--Prevalence of Sin, 534

277. To Lady Boyd.--Sense of Unworthiness--Obligation to Grace--Christ's Absence--State of the Land, 536

278. To The Earl of Cassillis.--Ambition--Christ's Royal Prerogative--Prelacy, 538

279. To Marion M'Naught.--A Spring-tide of Christ's Love, 540

280. To John Gordon of Rusco.--Heaven hard to be won-- Many come short in Attaining--Idol Sins to be renounced--Likeness to Christ, 541

281. To Lord Loudoun.--True Honour in maintaining Christ's Cause--Prelacy--Light of Eternity, 543

282. To Lady Robertland.--Afflictions purify--The World's Vanity--Christ's wise love, 545

283. To Thomas Macculloch of Nether Ardwell.--Earnest Call to Diligence--Circumspect Walking, 548

284. To the Professors of Christ and His Truth in Ireland.-- The Way to Heaven ofttimes through Persecution-- Christ's Worth--Making sure our Profession-- Self-denial--No Compromise--Tests of Sincerity--His own Desire for Christ's Glory, 549

285. To Robert Gordon of Knockbreck.--Not the Cross, but Christ the Object of Attraction--Too little expected from Him--Spiritual Deadness, 555

286. To the Parishioners of Kilmalcolm.--Spiritual Sloth-- Advice to Beginniers--A Dead Ministry--Languor-- Obedience--Want of Christ's Felt Presence--Assurance Important--Prayer Meetings, 559

287. To Lady Kenmure.--On the Death of her Child--Christ Shares His People's Sorrows, 565

288. To the Persecuted Church in Ireland.--Christ's Legacy of Trouble--God's Dealings with Scotland in giving Prosperity--Christ takes Half of all Sufferings-- Steadfastness for His Crown--His Love should lead to Holiness, 568

289. To Dr. Alexander Leighton.--Public Blessings alleviate Private Sufferings--Trials Light when viewed in the Light of Heaven--Christ worthy of Suffering for, 575

290. To a Person unknown.--Anent Private Worship, 578

291. To Henry Stuart, and Family, Prisoners of Christ at Dublin.--Faith's preparation for Trial--The World's Rage against Christ--The Immensity of His Glorious Beauty--Folly of Persecution--Victory Sure, 579

292. To Mrs. Pont, Prisoner at Dublin.--Support under Trials--The Master's Reward, 585

293. To Mr. James Wilson.--Advices to a Doubting Soul-- Mistakes about his Interest in God's Love-- Temptation--Perplexity about Prayer--Want of Feeling, 588

294. To Lady Boyd.--Sins of the Land--Dwelling in Christ-- Faith awake sees all well, 591

295. To John Fenwick.--Christ the Fountain--Freeness of God's Love--Faith to be exercised under Frowns-- Grace for Trials--Hope of Christ yet to be exalted on the Earth, 593

296. To Peter Stirling.--Believers' Graces all from Christ-- Aspiration after more Love to Him--His Reign Desired, 599

297. To Lady Fingast.--Faith's Misgivings--Spiritual Darkness not Grace--Chrit's Love Inimitable, 600

298. To Mr. David Dickson, on the Death of his Son.--God's Sovereignty, and Discipline by Affliction, 602

299. To Lady Boyd, on the Loss of several Friends.--Trust even though slain--Second Causes not to be regarded--God's thoughts of Peace therein--All in Mercy, 603

300. To Agnes Macmath, on the Death of a Child.--Reason for Resignation, 607

301. To Mr. Matthew Mowat, Minister of Kilmarnock.-- Worthiness of God's Love as manifested in Christ-- Heaven with Christ, 608

302. To Lady Kenmure, on her Husband's Death.--God's Method in Affliction--Future Glory, 609

303. To Lady Boyd.--Sin of the Land--Read Prayers--Brownism, 611

304. To James Murray's Wife.--Heaven a Reality-- Steadfastness to be grounded on Christ, 612

305. To Lady Kenmure.--Sins of the Times--Practical Atheism, 613

306. To Mr. Thomas Wylie, Minister of Borgue.--Sufficiency of Divine Grace--Call to England to assist at Westminster Assembly--Felt Unworthiness, 614

307. To a Young Man in Anwoth.--Necessity of Godliness in its Power, 615

308. To Lady Kenmure.--Westminster Assembly--Religious Sects, 616

309. To Lady Boyd.--Proceedings of Westminster Assembly, 618

310. To Mistress Taylor, on her Son's Death.--Suggestions for Comfort under Sorrow, 620

311. To Barbara Hamilton.--On Death of her Son-in-Law-- God's Purposes, 623

312. To Mistress Hume, on her Husband's Death.--God's Voice in the Rod, 625

313. To Lady Kenmure.--Christ's Designs in Sickness and Sorrow, 626

314. To _Barbara Hamilton, on her Son-in-Law slain in Battle_.--God does all Things Well, and with Design, 627

315. To a Christian Friend, on the Death of his Wife.--God the First Cause--The End of Affliction, 629

316. To a Christian Brother, on the Death of his Daughter.--Consolation in her having gone before-- Christ the Best Husband, 630

317. To a Christian Gentlewoman.--Views of Death and Heaven--Aspirations, 632

318. To Lady Kenmure.--Christ never in our Debt--Riches of Christ--Excellence of the Heavenly State, 635

319. To Mr. James Guthrie.--Prospects for Scotland--His own Darkness--Christ's Ability, 636

320. To Lady Kenmure.--Trials cannot Injure Saints-- Blessedness in Seeing Christ, 638

321. To Lady Ardross, in Fife, on her Mother's Death.-- Happiness of Heaven, and Blessedness of Dying in the Lord, 639

322. To M. O.--Gloomy Prospects for the Backsliding Church--The Misunderstandings of Believers cause of great grief--The Day of Christ, 640

323. To Earlston the Elder.--Christ's Way of Afflicting the Best--Obligation to Free Grace--Enduring the Cross, 642

324. To Mr. George Gillespie.--Prospect of Death--Christ the true support in Death, 644

325. To Sir James Stewart, Lord Provost of Edinburgh.-- Declining Chair in Edinburgh, 645

326. To Mistress Gillespie, Widow of George Gillespie.--On the Death of a Child--God Afflicts in order to save us from the World, 646

327. To the Earl of Balcarras.--Regarding some Misunderstanding, 648

328. To Colonel Gilbert Ker.--Singleness of Aim--Judgment in regard to Adversaries, 649

329. To Colonel Gilbert Ker.--Courage in Days of Rebuke-- God's Arrangements all Wise, 651

330. To William Guthrie.--Depression under Dark Trials-- Dangers of Compliance, 652

331. To Colonel Gilbert Ker.--Courage in the Lord's Cause--Duty in regard to Providence to be observed--Safety in this, 654

332. To Colonel Gilbert Ker.--Christ's Cause deserves Service and Suffering from us, 656

333. To Colonel Gilbert Ker, when taken Prisoner.-- Comforting Thoughts to the Afflicted--Darkness of the Times--Fellowship in Christ's Sufferings-- Satisfaction with His Providences, 658

334. To Colonel Gilbert Ker.--Comfort under the Cloud hanging over Scotland--Dissuasion from Leaving Scotland, 662

335. To Lady Kenmure.--Difference between what is Man's and Christ's, and between Christ Himself and His Blessings, 663

336. To Lady Ralston, Ursula Mure.--Duty of Preferring to Live rather than Die--Want of Union in the judgments of the Godly, 665

337. To a Minister of Glasgow.--Encouraging Words to a Suffering Brother--Why men shrink from Christ's Testimony, 668

338. To Lady Kenmure.--A Word to Cheer in Times of Darkness, 671

339. To Grizzel Fullerton.--Exhortation to Follow Christ fully when others are cold, 672

340. To Mr. Thomas Wylie.--Regarding a Letter of Explanation, 673

341. To Lady Kenmure.--Present Need helped by past Experience, 674

342. To Colonel Gilbert Ker.--Deadness--Hopes of Refreshment--Distance from God--Nearness Delighted in, 675

343. To Colonel Gilbert Ker.--The State of the Land, 678

344. To Mr. John Scot, at Oxnam.--Excuse for Absence from Duty, 679

345. To Lady Kenmure.--Thoughts for a Time of Sickness about the Life to Come, 680

346. To Simeon Ashe.--Views of the Presbyterians as to Allegiance to the Protector, 681

347. To Lady Kenmure.--Unkindness of the Creature--God's Sovereignty in permitting His Children to be Injured by Men, 682

348. To Lady Kenmure.--God's Dealings with the Land, 683

349. To Mr. John Scot, at Oxnam.--Protesters' Toleration, 683

350. To Mr. John Scot, at Oxnam.--Gloomy Times--Means of promoting Godliness, 684

351. To _Mr. James Durham, Minister of Glasgow, some few days before his Death_.--Man's Ways not God's Ways, 685

352. To Mr. John Scot, at Oxnam.--Adherence to the Testimony against Toleration, 686

353. To Lady Kenmure.--Trials--Deadness of the Spirit-- Danger of False Security, 686

354. To Lady Kenmure.--Prevailing Declension, Decay, and Indifference to God's Dealings--Things Future, 688

355. To the Presbytery of Kirkcudbright.--Union-- Humiliation--Choice of a Professor, 689

356. To Mr. John Murray, Minister at Methven.--A Synod Proposal for Union--Brethren under Censure, 691

357. To _Mr. Guthrie, Mr. Trail, and the rest of their Brethren imprisoned in the Castle of Edinburgh_.-- On Suffering for Christ--God's Presence ever with His People--Firmness and Constancy, 692

358. To Several Brethren.--Reasons for Petitioning his Majesty after his return, and for owning such as were censured while about so necessary a Duty, 694

359. To a Brother Minister.--Judgment of a Draught of a Petition, to have been presented to the Committee of Estates, 696

360. To _Lady Kenmure, on the Imprisonment of her Brother, the Marquis of Argyle_.--God's Judgments--Calls to Flee to Him--The Results of timid Compliance, 698

361. To _Mistress Craig, upon the Death of her hopeful Son_.--Nine Reasons for Resignation, 699

362. To _Mr. James Guthrie, Minister of the Gospel at Stirling_.--Stedfast though Persecuted--Blessedness of Martyrdom, 701

363. To Mr. Robert Campbell.--Stedfastness to Protest against Prelacy and Popery, 703

364. To Believers at Aberdeen.--Sinful Conformity and Schismatic Designs reproved, 701

365. To Mr. John Murray, Minister at Methven.--Proposal of a Season of Prayer, 708

* * * * *

Index of the Chief Places and Individuals referred to in the Letters, 711

Index of Special Subjects, 715

Glossary, 718

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