[CCLXXXIII.—To his Reverent and Respected Friend, Thomas Macculloch of Nether Ardwell. [See "Ardwell" in notice at Letter CI.]
[This letter is given from the "Christian Instructor" for January 1839, furnished by one who had the MS. Why Rutherford calls his correspondent "reverent," we do not know. It seems to mean "REVERED," as in the address of Letter CCLXXXIV.][394]
(EARNEST CALL TO DILIGENCE—CIRCUMSPECT WALKING.)
R EVERENT AND MUCH RESPECTED,—Grace, mercy, and peace be to you.—I long to hear how your soul prospereth, and I expected you would have written to me. My earnest desire to you is, that you would seek the Lord and His face. I know that you are not ignorant that your daylight is going fast away, and your sun declining. I beseech you by the mercies of God, and by the wounds of your redeeming Lord, and your dreadful compearance before the awesome Judge of quick and dead, make your account clear and plain with your Judge and Lord, while ye have fair daylight, for your night is coming on. Therefore, I pray you, judge more of the worth of your soul, and know that if you are in Christ, and secure your own soul, you are blessed for ever. Few, few, yea very few, are saved. Grace is not casten down at every man's door; therefore speed yourself and others upon seeking Christ and salvation; and learn to overcome, in the bitterness of your soul, your sins in time. It is not easy to take heaven, as the word saith, "by violence." Keep your tongue from cursing and swearing; refrain from wrath and malice; forgive all men for Christ's sake, as you would have your Lord forgive you. I pray you, seeing your time is short, make speed in your journey to heaven, that you may secure a lodging to your soul against night.
Remember my love to your wife, William your son, and the rest of your children.
Grace be with you.
Yours, at all hours, in Christ,
S. R.
Aberdeen, Jan. 5, 1638.