Samuel Rutherford

Religion & Spirituality

Letters of Samuel Rutherford (Third Edition)

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Letters of Samuel Rutherford

PREFACE.

CONTENTS.

SKETCH OF SAMUEL RUTHERFORD.

LIST OF HIS WORKS.

LETTERS.

I.—For Marion M'Naught, on the return home of her daughter.

(CHILDREN TO BE DEDICATED TO GOD.)

II.—To a Christian Gentlewoman on the death of her daughter.

(CHRIST'S SYMPATHY WITH, AND PROPERTY IN US—REASONS FOR RESIGNATION.)

III.—To the Viscountess of 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.)

IV.—To the Elect and Noble Lady, my Lady Kenmure, on occasion of the death of her infant daughter.

(TRIBULATION THE PORTION OF GOD'S PEOPLE, AND INTENDED TO WEAN THEM FROM THE WORLD.)

V.—To my Lady Kenmure, upon her removal with her husband from the parish of Anwoth.

(CHANGES AND LOSS OF FRIENDS—THIS WORLD NO ABIDING PLACE.)

VI.—For Marion M'Naught, on occasion of the illness of his wife.

(INWARD CONFLICT ARISING FROM OUTWARD TRIAL.)

VII.—To my Lady Kenmure.

(THE EARNEST OF THE SPIRIT—COMMUNION WITH CHRIST—FAITH IN THE PROMISES.)

VIII.—For Marion M'Naught, on occasion of his wife's illness.

(WRESTLINGS WITH GOD.)

IX.—For Marion M'Naught, recommending a friend to her love.

(PRAYERS ASKED.)

X.—For Marion M'Naught.

(SUBMISSION, PERSEVERANCE AND ZEAL RECOMMENDED.)

XI.—To my Lady Kenmure.

(GOD'S INEXPLICABLE DEALINGS WITH HIS PEOPLE WELL ORDERED—WANT OF ORDINANCES—CONFORMITY TO CHRIST—TROUBLES OF THE CHURCH—DEATH OF MR. RUTHERFORD'S WIFE.)

XII.—For Marion M'Naught.

(GOD MIXETH THE CUP—THE WICKED HAVE THEIR REWARD—FAITHFULNESS—FORBEARANCE—TRIALS.)

XIII.—For Marion M'Naught, when exposed to reproach for her principles.

(JESUS A PATTERN OF PATIENCE UNDER SUFFERING.)

XIV.—For Marion M'Naught, in the prospect of a Communion season.

(ABUNDANCE IN JESUS—THE RESTORATION OF THE JEWS—ENEMIES OF GOD.)

XV.—For Marion M'Naught on occasion of the threatened introduction of the Episcopalian Service-Book.

(TROUBLES OF THE CHURCH—PRIVATE WRONGS.)

XVI.—For Marion M'Naught, on occasion of a proposal to remove him from Anwoth.

(BABYLON'S DESTRUCTION AND CHRIST'S COMING—THE YOUNG INVITED.)

XVII.—For Marion M'Naught, when in distress as to prospects of the Church.

(ARMINIANISM—CALL TO PRAYER—NO HELP BUT IN CHRIST.)

XVIII.—For Marion M'Naught, in the prospect of a Communion season.

(PRAYER SOLICITED—THE CHURCH'S PROSPECTS.)

XIX.—To my Lady Kenmure.

(ENCOURAGEMENT TO ABOUND IN FAITH FROM THE PROSPECT OF GLORY—CHRIST'S UNCHANGEABLENESS.)

XX.—To my Lady Kenmure.

(ASSURANCE OF CHRIST'S LOVE UNDER TRIALS—FULNESS OF CHRIST—HOPE OF GLORY.)

XXI.—To my Lady Kenmure.

(SELF-DENIAL—HOPE OF CHRIST'S COMING—LOVING GOD FOR HIMSELF.)

XXII.—To John Kennedy. (Letter LXXV.)

(DELIVERANCE FROM SHIPWRECK—RECOVERY FROM THREATENED DEATH—USE OF TRIALS—REMEMBRANCE OF FRIENDS.

XXIII.—To my Lady Kenmure.

(EXHORTING TO REMEMBER HER ESPOUSAL TO CHRIST—TRIBULATION A PREPARATION FOR THE KINGDOM—GLORY IN THE END.)

XXIV.—For Marion M'Naught.

(CHRIST AND HIS GARDEN—PROVISION OF ORDINANCES IN THE CHURCH—OUR CHILDREN.)

XXV.—To a Gentlewoman at Kirkcudbright, excusing himself from visiting.

XXVI.—For Marion M'Naught, after her dangerous illness.

(USE OF SICKNESS—REPROACHES—CHRIST OUR ETERNAL FEAST—FASTING.)

XXVII.—To my Lady Kenmure.

(LOVE TO CHRIST AND SUBMISSION TO HIS CROSS—BELIEVERS KEPT—THE HEAVENLY PARADISE.)

XXVIII.—To my 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.)

XXIX.—For Marion M'Naught.

(CHRIST WITH HIS PEOPLE IN THE FURNACE OF AFFLICTION—PRAYER.)

XXX.—To my Lady Kenmure.

(RANK AND PROSPERITY HINDER PROGRESS—WATCHFULNESS—CASE OF RELATIVES.)

XXXI.—To my Lady Kenmure.

(A UNION FOR PRAYER RECOMMENDED.)

XXXII.—For Marion M'Naught.

(STATE AND PROSPECTS OF THE CHURCH—SATAN.)

XXXIII.—For Marion M'Naught.

(IN PROSPECT OF A COMMUNION SEASON.)

XXXIV.—For Marion M'Naught.

(PROSPECTS OF THE CHURCH—CHRIST'S CARE FOR THE CHILDREN OF BELIEVERS.)

XXXV.—To my Lady Kenmure, on the death of a child.

(GOD MEASURES OUR DAYS—BEREAVEMENTS RIPEN US FOR THE HARVEST.)

XXXVI.—For Marion M'Naught.

(CHOICE OF A COMMISSIONER FOR PARLIAMENT.)

XXXVII.—To my Lady Kenmure.

(ON THE DEATH OF LORD KENMURE—DESIGNS OF AND DUTIES OF AFFLICTION.)

XXXVIII.—To Marion M'Naught.

(CHRIST'S CARE OF HIS CHURCH, AND HIS JUDGMENTS ON HER ENEMIES.)

XXXIX.—To my Lady Kenmure.

(PREPARATION FOR DEATH AND ETERNITY.)

XL.—To my Lady Kenmure.

(WHEN MR. RUTHERFORD HAD THE PROSPECT OF BEING REMOVED FROM ANWOTH.)

XLI.—For Marion M'Naught.

(THE CHURCH'S TRIALS—COMFORT UNDER TEMPTATIONS—DELIVERANCE—A MESSAGE TO THE YOUNG.)

XLII.—To my Lady Kenmure.

(THE WORLD PASSETH AWAY—SPECIAL PORTIONS OF THE WORD FOR THE AFFLICTED—CALL TO KIRKCUDBRIGHT.)

XLIII.—For Marion M'Naught.

(WHEN MR. RUTHERFORD WAS IN DIFFICULTY AS TO ACCEPTING A CALL TO KIRKCUDBRIGHT, AND CRAMOND.)

XLIV.—For Marion M'Naught.

(TROUBLES THREATENING THE CHURCH.)

XLV.—For Marion M'Naught.

(IN THE PROSPECT OF THE COMMUNION, AND OF TRIALS TO THE CHURCH.)

XLVI.—To Marion M'Naught.

(TOSSINGS OF SPIRIT—HER CHILDREN AND HUSBAND.)

XLVII.—For Marion M'Naught.

(SUBMISSION TO GOD'S ARRANGEMENTS.)

XLVIII.—For Marion M'Naught.

(TROUBLES FROM FALSE BRETHREN—OCCURRENCES—CHRIST'S COMING—INTERCESSION.)

XLIX.—To Marion M'Naught.

(SPOILING OF GOODS—CALL TO KIRKCUDBRIGHT—THE LORD REIGNETH.)

L.—For Marion M'Naught.

(CHRIST COMING AS CAPTAIN OF SALVATION—HIS CHURCH'S CONFLICT AND COVENANT—THE JEWS—LAST DAYS APOSTASY.)

LI.—To Marion M'Naught.

(PUBLIC TEMPTATIONS—THE SECURITY OF EVERY SAINT—OCCURRENCES IN THE COUNTRY-SIDE.)

LII.—For Marion M'Naught.

(IN THE PROSPECT OF HER HUSBAND BEING COMPELLED TO RECEIVE THE COMMAND OF THE PRELATES—SAINTS ARE YET TO JUDGE.)

LIII.—For Marion M'Naught.

(ENCOURAGEMENT UNDER TRIAL BY PROSPECT OF BRIGHTER DAYS.)

LIV.—For Marion M'Naught.

(PUBLIC WRONGS—WORDS OF COMFORT.)

LV.—To Marion M'Naught.

(WHEN HE HAD BEEN THREATENED WITH PERSECUTION FOR PREACHING THE GOSPEL—THE SAINTS SHALL YET WIN THE DAY.)

LVI.—To my Lady Kenmure.

(REASONS FOR RESIGNATION—SECURITY OF SAINTS—THE END OF TIME.)

LVII.—For Marion M'Naught.

(IN THE PROSPECT OF REMOVAL TO ABERDEEN.)

LVIII.—To my Lady Kenmure.

(ON OCCASION OF EFFORTS TO INTRODUCE EPISCOPACY.)

LIX.—To Earlston, Elder.

(NO SUFFERING FOR CHRIST UNREWARDED—LOSS OF CHILDREN—CHRIST IN PROVIDENCE.)

LX.—To Marion M'Naught.

(WHEN HE WAS UNDER TRIAL BY THE HIGH COMMISSION.)

LXI.—To the truly Noble and Elect Lady, my Lady Viscountess of Kenmure, on the evening of his banishment to Aberdeen.

(HIS ONLY REGRETS—THE CROSS UNSPEAKABLY SWEET—RETROSPECT OF HIS MINISTRY.)

LXII.—To the Lady Culross, on occasion of his banishment to Aberdeen.

(CHALLENGES OF CONSCIENCE—THE CROSS NO BURDEN.)

LXIII.—To Mr. Robert Cunningham, Minister of the Gospel at Holywood, in Ireland.

(CONSOLATION TO A BROTHER IN TRIBULATION—HIS OWN DEPRIVATION OF MINISTRY—CHRIST WORTH SUFFERING FOR.)

LXIV.—To Alexander Gordon of Earlston.

(HIS FEELINGS UPON LEAVING ANWOTH.)

LXV.—To Robert Gordon of Knockbreck, on his way to Aberdeen.

(HOW UPHELD ON THE WAY.)

LXVI.—To Robert Gordon of Knockbreck, after arriving at Aberdeen.

(CHALLENGES OF CONSCIENCE—EASE IN ZION.)

LXVII.-For William Fullarton, Provost of Kirkcudbright.

(ENCOURAGEMENT TO SUFFER FOR CHRIST.)

LXVIII.—To John Fleming, Bailiffe (Bailie) of Leith.

(THE SWEETNESS AND FAITHFULNESS OF CHRIST'S LOVE.)

LXIX.—To the Noble and Christian Lady the Viscountess of Kenmure.

(HIS ENJOYMENT OF CHRIST IN ABERDEEN—A SIGHT OF CHRIST EXCEEDS ALL REPORTS—SOME ASHAMED OF HIM AND HIS.)

LXX.—To the Right Honourable and Christian Lady, my Lady Viscountess of Kenmure.

(EXERCISE UNDER RESTRAINT FROM PREACHING—THE DEVIL—CHRIST'S LOVING KINDNESS—PROGRESS.)

LXXI.—To Mr. Hugh M'Kail.

(CHRIST TO BE TRUSTED AMID TRIAL.)

LXXII.—To William Gordon of Roberton.

(HOW TRIALS ARE MISIMPROVED—THE INFINITE VALUE of CHRIST—DESPISED WARNINGS.)

LXXIII.—To Earlston, Elder.

(CHRIST'S LIBERALITY—HIS OWN MISAPPREHENSIONS OF CHRIST.)

LXXIV.—To the Lady Culross.

(HIS OWN MISCONCEPTION OF CHRIST'S WAYS—CHRIST'S KINDNESS.)

LXXV.—To John Kennedy, Bailiffe (i.e. Bailie) of Ayr.

(LONGING AFTER CLEARER VIEWS OF CHRIST—HIS LONG-SUFFERING—TRYING CIRCUMSTANCES.)

LXXVI.—To Robert Gordon of Knockbrex.

(BENEFIT OF AFFLICTION.)

LXXVII.—To my Lady Boyd.

(ABERDEEN—EXPERIENCE OF HIMSELF SAD—PRESSING FORWARDS.)

LXXVIII.—To my Lord Boyd.

(ENCOURAGEMENT TO EXERTION FOR CHRIST'S CAUSE.)

LXXIX.—To Margaret Ballantine.

(VALUE OF THE SOUL AND URGENCY OF SALVATION.)

LXXX.—For Marion M'Naught.

(HIS COMFORT UNDER TRIBULATION, AND THE PRISON A PALACE.)

LXXXI.—To Mr. John Meine (Jun.).

(EXPERIENCE—PATIENT WAITING—SANCTIFICATION.)

LXXXII.—To John Gordon of Cardoness, Elder.

(WIN CHRIST AT ALL HAZARDS—CHRIST'S BEAUTY—A WORD TO CHILDREN.)

LXXXIII.—To the Earl of Lothian.

(ADVICE AS TO PUBLIC CONDUCT—EVERYTHING TO BE ENDURED FOR CHRIST.)

LXXXIV.—To Jean Brown.

(THE JOYS OF THIS LIFE EMBITTERED BY SIN—HEAVEN AN OBJECT OF DESIRE—TRIAL A BLESSED THING.)

LXXXV.—To John Kennedy, Bailie of Ayr.

(THE REASONABLENESS OF BELIEVING UNDER ALL AFFLICTION—OBLIGATIONS TO FREE GRACE.)

LXXXVI.—To my Lord Craighall.

(EPISCOPALIAN CEREMONIES—HOW TO ABIDE IN THE TRUTH—DESIRE FOR LIBERTY TO PREACH CHRIST.)

LXXXVII.—To Elizabeth Kennedy.

(DANGER OF FORMALITY—CHRIST WHOLLY TO BE LOVED—OTHER OBJECTS OF LOVE.)

LXXXVIII.—To Janet Kennedy.

(CHRIST TO BE KEPT AT EVERY SACRIFICE—HIS INCOMPARABLE LOVELINESS.)

LXXXIX.—To my Well-beloved and Reverend Brother, Mr. Robert Blair.

(GOD'S ARRANGEMENTS SOMETIMES MYSTERIOUS.)

XC.—To his Reverend and Dear Brother, Mr. John Livingstone.

(RESIGNATION—ENJOYMENT—STATE OF THE CHURCH.)

XCI.—To Mr. Ephraim Melvin.

(THE IDOLATRY OF KNEELING AT THE COMMUNION.)

XCII.—To Robert Gordon of Knockbrex.

(VISITS OF CHRIST—THE THINGS WHICH AFFLICTION TEACHES.)

XCIII.—To the Honourable and truly Noble Lady, the Viscountess of Kenmure.

(GOD'S DEALINGS WITH SCOTLAND—THE EYE TO BE DIRECTED HEAVENWARD.)

XCIV.—To the Noble and Christian Lady, the Viscountess of Kenmure.

(THE TIMES—CHRIST'S SWEETNESS IN TROUBLE—LONGING AFTER HIM.)

XCV.—To the Right Honourable and Christian Lady, the Viscountess of Kenmure.

(CHRIST'S CROSS SWEET—HIS COMING TO BE DESIRED—JEALOUS OF ANY RIVAL.)

XCVI.—To the Noble and Christian Lady, the Viscountess of Kenmure.

(CHRIST ALL WORTHY—ANWOTH.)

XCVII.—To Alexander Gordon of Earlston.

(CHRIST ENDEARED BY BITTER EXPERIENCES—SEARCHINGS OF HEART—FEAR FOR THE CHURCH.)

XCVIII.—To the Worthy and much Honoured Mr. Alexander Colville of Blair.

(INCREASING EXPERIENCE OF CHRIST'S LOVE—GOD WITH HIS SAINTS.)

XCIX.—ToEarlston, Younger.

(CHRIST'S WAYS MISUNDERSTOOD—HIS INCREASING KINDNESS—SPIRITUAL DELICACY—HARD TO BE DEAD TO THE WORLD.)

C.—To the Lady Cardoness.

(THE ONE THING NEEDFUL—CONSCIENTIOUS ACTING IN THE WORLD—ADVICE UNDER DEJECTING TRIALS.)

CI.—To Jonet Macculloch.

(CHRIST'S SUFFICIENCY—STEDFASTNESS IN THE TRUTH.)

CII.—To Alexander Gordon of Knockgray.

(GROUNDS OF PRAISE—AFFLICTION TEMPTS TO MISREPRESENT CHRIST—IDOLS.)

CIII.—To the Lady Cardoness, Elder.

(CHRIST AND HIS CAUSE RECOMMENDED—HEAVENLY-MINDEDNESS—CAUTION AGAINST COMPLIANCES—ANXIETY ABOUT HIS PARISH.)

CIV.—To the Right Honourable and Christian Lady, my Lady Viscountess of Kenmure.

(PAINSTAKING IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST—UNUSUAL ENJOYMENT OF HIS LOVE—NOT EASY TO BE A CHRISTIAN—FRIENDS MUST NOT MISLEAD.)

CV.—To a Gentlewoman, upon the death of her husband.

(RESIGNATION UNDER BEREAVEMENT—HIS OWN ENJOYMENT OF CHRIST'S LOVE.)

CVI.—To the Right Honourable and Christian Lady, my Lady Kenmure.

(WEAK ASSURANCE—GRACE DIFFERENT FROM LEARNING—SELF-ACCUSATIONS.)

CVII.—To the Right Honourable and Christian Lady, my Lady Boyd.

(CONSCIOUSNESS OF DEFECTS NO ARGUMENT OF CHRIST BEING UNKNOWN—HIS EXPERIENCE IN EXILE.)

CVIII.—To the Lady Kaskeberry.

(GRATITUDE FOR KINDNESS—CHRIST'S PRESENCE FELT.)

CIX.—To the Lady Earlston.

(FOLLOWING CHRIST NOT EASY—CHILDREN NOT TO BE OVER-LOVED—JOY IN THE LORD.)

CX.—To his Reverend and Dear Brother, Mr. David Dickson.

(GOD'S DEALINGS—THE BITTER SWEETENED—NOTES ON SCRIPTURE.)

CXI.—To Jean Brown.

(CHRIST'S UNTOLD PRECIOUSNESS—A WORD TO HER BOY.)

CXII.—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.)

CXIII.—To his Reverend and Dear Brother, Mr. Robert Douglas.

(GREATNESS OF CHRIST'S LOVE REVEALED TO THOSE WHO SUFFER FOR HIM.)

CXIV.—To the much Honoured William Rigg, of Athernie, in Fife, near Leven.

(SUSTAINING POWER OF CHRIST'S LOVE—SATAN'S OPPOSITION—YEARNINGS FOR CHRIST HIMSELF—FEARS FOR THE CHURCH.)

CXV.—To Mr. Alexander Henderson.

(SADNESS BECAUSE CHRIST'S HEADSHIP NOT SET FORTH—HIS CAUSE ATTENDED WITH CROSSES—THE BELIEVER SEEN OF ALL.)

CXVI.—To the Right Honourable my Lord Loudon.

(BLESSEDNESS OF ACTING FOR CHRIST—HIS LOVE TO HIS PRISONER.)

CXVII.—To Mr. William Dalgleish, Minister of the Gospel.

(CHRIST'S KINDNESS—DEPENDENCE ON PROVIDENCE—CONTROVERSIES.)

CXVIII.—To Mr. Hugh Mackail, Minister of the Gospel at Irvine.

(CHRIST'S BOUNTIFUL DEALINGS—JOY IN CHRIST THROUGH THE CROSS.)

CXIX.—To Mr. David Dickson.

(JOYFUL EXPERIENCE—CUP OVERFLOWING IN EXILE.)

CXX.—To Mr. Matthew Mowat.

(PLENITUDE OF CHRIST'S LOVE—NEED TO USE GRACE ARIGHT—CHRIST THE RANSOMER—DESIRE TO PROCLAIM HIS GOSPEL—SHORTCOMINGS AND SUFFERINGS.)

CXXI.—To William Halliday.

(DILIGENCE IN SECURING SALVATION.)

CXXII.—To a Gentlewoman, after the death of her Husband.

(VANITY OF EARTHLY POSSESSIONS—CHRIST A SUFFICIENT PORTION—DESIGN OF AFFLICTION.)

CXXIII.—To John Gordon of Cardoness, Younger.

(REASONS FOR BEING EARNEST ABOUT THE SOUL, AND FOR RESIGNATION.)

CXXIV.—To John Gordon of Cardoness, Elder.

(CALL TO EARNESTNESS ABOUT SALVATION—INTRUSION OF MINISTERS.)

CXXV.—To the Lady Forret.

(SICKNESS A KINDNESS—CHRIST'S GLOOMS BETTER THAN THE WORLD'S JOYS.)

CXXVI.—For Marion M'Naught.

(ADHERENCE TO DUTY AMIDST OPPOSITION—POWER OF CHRIST'S LOVE.)

CXXVII.—To John Carsen.

(NOTHING WORTH THE FINDING, BUT CHRIST.)

CXXVIII.—To the Earl of Cassillis.

(HONOUR OF TESTIFYING FOR CHRIST.)

CXXIX.—To Mr. Robert Gordon, Bailie of Ayr.

(CHRIST ABOVE ALL.)

CXXX.—To John Kennedy, Bailie of Ayr.

(CHRIST'S LOVE—THE THREE WONDERS—DESIRES FOR HIS SECOND COMING.)

CXXXI.—To Jean Brown.

(HIS WISDOM IN OUR TRIALS—REJOICE IN TRIBULATION.)

CXXXII.—To Jean Macmillan.

(STRIVE TO ENTER IN.)

CXXXIII.—To the Lady Busbie.

(COMPLETE SURRENDER TO CHRIST—NO IDOLS—TRIALS DISCOVER SINS—A FREE SALVATION—THE MARRIAGE SUPPER.)

CXXXIV.—To John Ewart, Bailie of Kirkcudbright.

(THE CROSS NO BURDEN—NEED OF SURE FOUNDATION.)

CXXXV.—To William Fullerton, Provost of Kirkcudbright.

(FEAR NOT THEM WHO KILL THE BODY—UNEXPECTED FAVOUR.)

CXXXVI.—To Robert Glendinning, Minister of Kirkcudbright.

(PREPARE TO MEET THY GOD—CHRIST HIS JOY.)

CXXXVII.—To William Glendinning.

(PERSEVERANCE AGAINST OPPOSITION.)

CXXXVIII.—To Mr. Hugh Henderson.

(TRIALS SELECTED BY GOD—PATIENCE—LOOKING FOR THE JUDGE.)

CXXXIX.—To my Lord Balmerinoch.

(HIS HAPPY OBLIGATIONS TO CHRIST—EMPTINESS OF THE WORLD.)

CXL.—To my Lady Mar, Younger.

(NO EXCHANGE FOR CHRIST.)

CXLI.—To James Macadam.

(THE KINGDOM TAKEN BY FORCE.)

CXLII.—To my very dear brother, William Livingstone.

(COUNSEL TO A YOUTH.)

CXLIII.—To William Gordon of Whitepark.

(NOTHING LOST BY TRIALS—LONGING FOR CHRIST HIMSELF BECAUSE OF HIS LOVE.)

CXLIV.—To Mr. George Gillespie.

(SUSPICIONS OF CHRIST'S LOVE REMOVED THREE DESIRES.)

CXLV.—To Jean Gordon.

(GOD THE SATISFYING PORTION—ADHERENCE TO CHRIST.)

CXLVI.—To Mr. James Bruce, Minister of the Gospel.

(MISJUDGING OF CHRIST'S WAYS.)

CXLVII.—To John Gordon, at Rusco, in the Parish of Anwoth, Galloway.

(PRESSING INTO HEAVEN—A CHRISTIAN NO EASY ATTAINMENT—SINS TO BE AVOIDED.)

CXLVIII.—To the Lady Hallihill.

(CHRIST'S CROSSES BETTER THAN EGYPT'S TREASURES.)

CXLIX.—To the much honoured John Osburn, Provost of Ayr.

(ADHERENCE TO CHRIST—HIS APPROBATION WORTH ALL WORLDS.)

CL.—To his loving Friend, John Henderson. [See Letter CCVII.]

(CONTINUING IN CHRIST—PREPAREDNESS FOR DEATH.)

CLI.—To John Meine, Senior.

(ENJOYMENT OF GOD'S LOVE—NEED OF HELP—BURDENS.)

CLII.—To Mr. Thomas Garven.

(A PRISONER'S JOYS—LOVE OF CHRIST—THE GOOD PART—HEAVEN IN SIGHT.)

CLIII.—To Bethaia Aird.

(UNBELIEF UNDER TRIAL—CHRIST'S SYMPATHY AND LOVE.)

CLIV.—To Alexander Gordon of Knockgray, near Carsphairn.

(PROSPECTIVE TRIALS.)

CLV.—To Grizzel Fullerton.

(THE ONE THING NEEDFUL—CHRIST'S LOVE.)

CLVI.—To Patrick Carsen.

(EARLY DEVOTEDNESS TO CHRIST.)

CLVII.—To Carleton.

(INCREASING SENSE OF CHRIST'S LOVE—RESIGNATION—DEADNESS TO EARTH—TEMPTATIONS—INFIRMITIES.)

CLVIII.—To the Lady Busbie. [See Letter CXXXIII.]

(CHRIST ALLWORTHY AND BEST AT OUR LOWEST—SINFULNESS OF THE LAND—PRAYERS.)

CLIX.—To John Fleming, Bailie of Leith. [Letter LXVIII.]

(DIRECTIONS FOR CHRISTIAN CONDUCT.)

CLX.—To Alexander Gordon of Earlston.

(HUNGERING AFTER CHRIST HIMSELF RATHER THAN HIS LOVE.)

CLXI.—To John Stuart, Provost of Ayr.

(COMMERCIAL MISFORTUNES—SERVICE-BOOK—BLESSEDNESS OF TRIAL.)

CLXII.—To John Stuart, Provost of Ayr.

(THE BURDEN OF A SILENCED MINISTER—SPIRITUAL SHORTCOMINGS.)

CLXIII.—To John Stuart, Provost of Ayr.

(VIEW OF TRIALS PAST—HARD THOUGHTS OF CHRIST—CROSSES—HOPE.)

CLXIV.—To Ninian Mure [see Letter CXCI.], one of the family of Cassincarrie.

(A YOUTH ADMONISHED.)

CLXV.—To Mr. Thomas Garven.

(PERSONAL INSUFFICIENCY—GRACE FROM CHRIST ALONE—LONGINGS AFTER HIM.)

CLXVI.—To Cardoness, the Elder.

(A GOOD CONSCIENCE—CHRIST KIND TO SUFFERERS—RESPONSIBILITY—YOUTH.)

CLXVII.—To my Lady Boyd. [Letter CVII.]

(LESSONS LEARNED IN THE SCHOOL OF ADVERSITY.)

CLXVIII.—To his reverend and dear Brother, Mr. David Dickson.

(CHRIST'S INFINITE FULNESS.)

CLXIX.—To the Laird of Carleton.

(GOD'S WORKING INCOMPREHENSIBLE—LONGING AFTER ANY DROP OF CHRIST'S FULNESS.)

CLXX.—To Robert Gordon of Knockbrex.

(LONGING FOR CHRIST'S GLORY—FELT GUILTINESS—LONGING FOR CHRIST'S LOVE—SANCTIFICATION.)

CLXXI.—To the Laird of Moncrieff.

(CONCERT IN PRAYER—STEDFASTNESS TO CHRIST—GRIEF MISREPRESENTS CHRIST'S GLORY.)

CLXXII.—To John Clark (supposed to be one of his Parishioners at Anwoth).

(MARKS OF DIFFERENCE BETWIXT CHRISTIANS AND REPROBATES.)

CLXXIII.—To Cardoness, the Younger. [Letter CXXIII.]

(WARNING AND ADVICE AS TO THINGS OF SALVATION.)

CLXXIV.—To my Lord Craighall. [Letter LXXXVI.]

(IDOLATRY CONDEMNED.)

CLXXV.—To John Laurie (probably some one at a distance, like Lady Robertland in Stewarton).

(CHRIST'S LOVE—A RIGHT ESTIMATE OF HIM—HIS GRACE.)

CLXXVI.—To Carleton.

(A CHRISTIAN'S CONFESSION OF UNWORTHINESS—DESIRE FOR CHRIST'S HONOUR—PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES.)

CLXXVII.—To Marion M'Naught.

(CHRIST SUFFERING IN HIS CHURCH—HIS COMING—OUTPOURINGS OF LOVE FROM HIM.)

CLXXVIII.—To Lady Culross. [Letter LXXIV.]

(CHRIST'S MANAGEMENT OF TRIALS—WHAT FAITH CAN DO—CHRIST NOT EXPERIENCE—PRAYERS.)

CLXXIX.—To his reverend and loving Brother, Mr. John Nevay.

(CHRIST'S LOVE SHARPENED IN SUFFERING—KNEELING AT THE COMMUNION—POSTURES AT ORDINANCES.)

CLXXX.—To the much Honoured John Gordon of Cardoness, the Elder.

(LONGINGS FOR THOSE UNDER HIS FORMER MINISTRY—DELIGHT IN CHRIST AND HIS APPEARING—PLEADING WITH HIS FLOCK.)

CLXXXI.—To Earlston, the Younger.

(DANGERS OF YOUTH—CHRIST THE BEST PHYSICIAN—FOUR REMEDIES AGAINST DOUBTING—BREATHINGS AFTER CHRIST'S HONOUR.)

CLXXXII.—To his honoured and dear Brother, Alexander Gordon of Knockgray.

(JOY IN GOD—TRIALS WORK OUT GLORY TO CHRIST.)

CLXXXIII.—To Mr. J—— R——.

(CHRIST THE PURIFIER OF HIS CHURCH—SUBMISSION TO HIS WAYS.)

CLXXXIV.—To Mr. William Dalgleish. [Letter CXVII.]

(THE FRAGRANCE OF THE MINISTRY—A REVIEW OF HIS PAST AND PRESENT SITUATION, AND OF HIS PROSPECTS.)

CLXXXV.—To Marion M'Naught.

(LONGING TO BE RESTORED TO HIS CHARGE.)

CLXXXVI.—To Robert Stuart.

(CHRIST CHOOSES HIS OWN IN THE FURNACE—NEED OF A DEEP WORK—THE GOD-MAN, A WORLD'S WONDER.)

CLXXXVII.—To the Lady Gaitgirth.

(CHRIST UNCHANGEABLE, THOUGH NOT ALWAYS ENJOYED—HIS LOVE NEVER YET FULLY POURED OUT—HIMSELF HIS PEOPLE'S CAUTIONER.)

CLXXXVIII.—To Mr. John Fergushill of Ochiltree.

(DESPONDING VIEWS OF HIS OWN STATE—MINISTERIAL DILIGENCE—CHRIST'S WORTH—SELF-SEEKING.)

CLXXXIX.—To John Stuart, Provost of Ayr. [Letter CLXIII.]

(HOPE FOR SCOTLAND—SELF-SUBMISSION—CHRIST HIMSELF IS SOUGHT FOR BY FAITH—STABILITY OF SALVATION—HIS WAYS.)

CXC.—To Carsluth (Kirkmabreck).

(NECESSITY OF MAKING SURE OF SALVATION—VANITY OF THE WORLD—NOTHING WORTH HAVING BUT CHRIST—FLIGHT OF TIME.)

CXCI.—To Cassincarrie.

(EARNESTNESS ABOUT SALVATION—CHRIST HIMSELF TO BE SOUGHT.)

CXCII.—To the Lady Cardoness.

(GRACE—THE NAME OF CHRIST TO BE EXALTED—EVERYTHING BUT GOD FAILS US.)

CXCIII.—To Sibylla Macadam. [See notice, Letter CXLI.]

(CHRIST'S BEAUTY AND EXCELLENCE.)

CXCIV.—To Mr. Hugh Henderson, Minister of Dalry, Ayrshire.

(THE WAYS OF PROVIDENCE—BELIEVING PATIENCE.)

CXCV.—To the Lady Largirie.

(CHRIST THE EXCLUSIVE OBJECT OF LOVE—PREPARATION FOR DEATH.)

CXCVI.—To Earlston, the Younger.

(SUFFERINGS—HOPE OF FINAL DELIVERANCE—THE BELIEVER IN SAFE KEEPING—THE RECOMPENSE MARRED BY TEMPTATIONS.)

CXCVII.—To Mr. William Dalgleish. [Letter CXVII.]

(THOUGHTS AS TO GOD'S ARRANGEMENTS—WINNING SOULS TO BE SUPREMELY DESIRED—LONGINGS FOR CHRIST.)

CXCVIII.—To the Laird of Cally.

(SPIRITUAL SLOTH—DANGER OF COMPROMISE—SELF, THE ROOT OF ALL SIN—SELF-RENUNCIATION.)

CXCIX.—To John Gordon of Cardoness, the Younger.

(DANGERS OF YOUTH—EARLY DECISION.)

CC.—To Robert Gordon, Bailie of Ayr. [Letter CXXIX.]

(THE MISERY OF MERE WORLDLY HOPE—EARNESTNESS ABOUT SALVATION.)

CCI.—To Alexander Gordon of Earlston.

(CHRIST'S KINGDOM TO BE EXALTED OVER ALL; AND MORE PAINS TO BE TAKEN TO WIN FARTHER UNTO HIM.)

CCII.—To the Laird of Cally.

(YOUTH A PRECIOUS SEASON—CHRIST'S BEAUTY.)

CCIII.—To William Gordon at Kenmure.

(TESTIMONY TO CHRIST'S WORTH—MARKS OF GRACE IN CONVICTION OF SIN AND SPIRITUAL CONFLICT.)

CCIV.—To Margaret Fullerton.

(CHRIST, AND NOT CREATURES, WORTHY OF ALL LOVE—LOVE NOT TO BE MEASURED BY FEELING.)

CCV.—For the Right Honourable my Lady Viscountess of Kenmure.

(DIFFICULTIES IN THE WAY TO THE KINGDOM—CHRIST'S LOVE.)

CCVI.—For the Right Honourable my Lady Viscountess of Kenmure.

(THE USE OF SUFFERINGS—FEARS UNDER THEM—DESIRE THAT CHRIST BE GLORIFIED.)

CCVII.—To John Henderson, in Rusco.

(PRACTICAL HINTS.)

CCVIII.—To Mr. Alexander Colville of Blair. [Letter XCIX.]

(REGRETS FOR NOT BEING ABLE TO PREACH—LONGINGS FOR CHRIST.)

CCIX.—To his Reverend and Dear Brother, Mr. John Nevay. [Letter CLXXIX.]

(CHRIST'S SURPASSING EXCELLENCY—HIS CAUSE IN SCOTLAND.)

CCX.—To my Lady Boyd.

(HIS SOUL FAINTING FOR CHRIST'S MATCHLESS BEAUTY—PRAYER FOR A REVIVAL.)

CCXI.—To a Christian Gentlewoman.

(GOD'S SKILL TO BLESS BY AFFLICTION—UNKINDNESS OF MEN—NEAR THE DAY OF MEETING THE LORD.)

CCXII.—To William Glendinning. [Letter CXXXVII.]

(SEARCH INTO CHRIST'S LOVELINESS—WHAT HE WOULD SUFFER TO SEE IT—CHRIST'S COMING TO DELIVER.)

CCXIII.—To Robert Lennox of Disdove.

(MEN'S FOLLY IN UNDERVALUING CHRIST—IT IS HE THAT SATISFIETH—ADMIRATION OF HIM.)

CCXIV.—To Mr. James Hamilton.

(SUFFERING FOR CHRIST'S HEADSHIP—HOW CHRIST VISITED HIM IN PREACHING.)

CCXV.—To Mistress Stuart.

(PERSONAL UNWORTHINESS—LONGING AFTER HOLINESS—WINNOWING TIME.)

CCXVI.—Mr. Hugh Mackail of Irvine.

(ADVANTAGES OF OUR WANTS AND DISTEMPERS—CHRIST UNSPEAKABLE.)

CCXVII.—To Alexander Gordon of Garloch.

(FREE GRACE FINDING ITS MATERIALS IN US.)

CCXVIII.—To John Bell, Elder.

(DANGER OF TRUSTING TO A NAME—CONVERSION NO SUPERFICIAL WORK—EXHORTATION TO MAKE SURE.)

CCXIX.—To Mr. John Row.

(CHRIST'S CROSSES BETTER THAN THE WORLD'S JOYS—CHRIST EXTOLLED.)

CCXX.—To my Lord Craighall.

(DUTY OF BEING DISENTANGLED FROM CHRIST—DISHONOURING COMPLIANCES.)

CCXXI.—For Marion M'Naught.

(HER PRAYERS FOR SCOTLAND NOT FORGOTTEN.)

CCXXII.—To my Lady Culross. [Letter LXII.]

(CHRIST'S WAY OF SHOWING HIMSELF THE BEST—WHAT FITS FOR HIM—YEARNING AFTER HIM INSATIABLY—DOMESTIC MATTERS.)

CCXXIII.—To Alexander Gordon of Knockgray.

(STATE OF THE CHURCH—BELIEVERS PURIFIED BY AFFLICTION—FOLLY OF SEEKING JOY IN A DOOMED WORLD.)

CCXXIV.—To Fulwood, the Younger.

(VANITY OF THE WORLD IN THE LIGHT OF DEATH AND CHRIST—THE PRESENT TRUTH—CHRIST'S COMING.)

CCXXV.—To his Parishioners.

(PROTESTATION OF CARE FOR THEIR SOULS AND GLORY OF GOD—DELIGHT IN HIS MINISTRY, AND IN HIS LORD—EFFORTS FOR THEIR SOULS—WARNING AGAINST ERRORS OF THE DAY—AWFUL WORDS TO THE BACKSLIDER—INTENSE ADMIRATION OF CHRIST—A LOUD CALL TO ALL.)

CCXXVI.—To the Lady Kilconquhar.

(THE INTERESTS OF THE SOUL MOST URGENT—FOLLY OF THE WORLD—CHRIST ALTOGETHER LOVELY—HIS PEN FAILS TO SET FORTH CHRIST'S UNSPEAKABLE BEAUTY.)

CCXXVII.—To my Lord Craighall.

(STANDING FOR CHRIST—DANGER FROM FEAR, OR PROMISES OF MEN—CHRIST'S REQUITALS—SIN AGAINST THE HOLY SPIRIT.)

CCXXVIII.—To Mr. James Fleming.

(GLORY GAINED TO CHRIST—SPIRITUAL DEADNESS—HELP TO PRAISE HIM—THE MINISTRY.)

CCXXIX.—To Mr. Hugh Mackail of Irvine.

(THE LAW—THIS WORLD UNDER CHRIST'S CONTROL FOR THE BELIEVER.)

CCXXX.—To the Right Honourable and Christian Lady, my Lady Kenmure.

(BELIEVER SAFE THOUGH TRIED—DELIGHT IN CHRIST'S TRUTH.)

CCXXXI.—To the Right Honourable my Lord Lindsay.

(THE CHURCH'S DESOLATIONS—THE END OF THE WORLD, AND CHRIST'S COMING—HIS ATTRACTIVENESS.)

CCXXXII.—To my Lord Boyd.

(SEEKING CHRIST IN YOUTH—ITS TEMPTATIONS—CHRIST'S EXCELLENCE—THE CHURCH'S CAUSE CONCERNS THE NOBLES.)

CCXXXIII.—To his Worthy and much Honoured Friend Fulk Ellis.

(FRIENDS IN IRELAND—DIFFICULTIES IN PROVIDENCE—UNFAITHFULNESS TO LIGHT—CONSTANT NEED OF CHRIST.)

CCXXXIV.—To James Lindsay (a friend of R. Blair and other ministers).

(DESERTIONS, THEIR USE—PRAYERS OF REPROBATES, AND HOW THE GOSPEL AFFECTS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY.)

CCXXXV.—To my Lord Craighall.

(FEAR GOD, NOT MAN—SIGN OF BACKSLIDING.)

CCXXXVI.—To Mr. James Hamilton. [Letter CCXV.]

(CHRIST'S GLORY NOT AFFECTED BY HIS PEOPLE'S WEAKNESS.)

CCXXXVII.—To the Laird of Gaitgirth. [Letter CLXXXVII.]

(TRUTH WORTH SUFFERING FOR—LIGHT SOWN, BUT EVIL IN THIS WORLD TILL CHRIST COME.)

CCXXXVIII.—To the Lady Gaitgirth.

(CHRIST AN EXAMPLE IN BEARING CROSSES—THE EXTENT TO WHICH CHILDREN SHOULD BE LOVED—WHY SAINTS DIE.)

CCXXXIX.—To Mr. Matthew Mowat. [Letter CXX.]

(WHAT AM I?—LONGING TO ACT FOR CHRIST—UNBELIEF—LOVE IN THE HIDING OF CHRIST'S FACE—CHRIST'S REPROACH.)

CCXL.—To Mr. John Meine, Jun. [See Letter LXXXI.]

(CHRIST THE SAME—YOUTHFUL SINS—NO DISPENSING WITH CROSSES.)

CCXLI.—To John Fleming, Bailie of Leith.

(RICHES OF CHRIST FAIL NOT—SALVATION—VANITY OF CREATED COMFORTS—LONGING FOR MORE OF CHRIST.)

CCXLII.—To the Lady Rowallan.

(JESUS THE BEST CHOICE, AND TO BE MADE SURE OF—THE CROSS AND JESUS INSEPARABLE—SORROWS ONLY TEMPORARY.)

CCXLIII.—For Marion M'Naught.

(HIS OWN PROSPECTS—HOPES—SALUTATIONS.)

CCXLIV.[351]—To Marion M'Naught.

(PROCEEDINGS OF PARLIAMENT—PRIVATE MATTERS—HER DAUGHTER'S MARRIAGE.)

CCXLV.—To my Lady Boyd.

(IMPERFECTIONS—YEARNINGS AFTER CHRIST—CHRIST'S SUPREMACY NOT INCONSISTENT WITH CIVIL AUTHORITY.)

CCXLVI.—To Mr. Thomas Garven. [Letter CLII.]

(HEAVEN'S HAPPINESS—JOY IN THE CROSS.)

CCXLVII.—To Janet Kennedy. [Letter LXXXVIII.]

(THE HEAVENLY MANSIONS—EARTH A SHADOW.)

CCXLVIII.—To Margaret Reid. [Probably an Anwoth parishioner.]

(BENEFITS OF THE CROSS, IF WE ARE CHRIST'S.)

CCXLIX.—To James Bautie.

(SPIRITUAL DIFFICULTIES SOLVED.)

CCL.—To the Lady Largirie. [Letter CXCV.]

(PART WITH ALL FOR CHRIST—NO UNMIXED JOY HERE.)

CCLI.—To the Lady Dungueich.

(JESUS OR THE WORLD—SCOTLAND'S TRIALS AND HOPES.)

CCLII.—To Jonet Macculloch. [See Letter CI.]

(CARES TO BE CAST ON CHRIST—CHRIST A STEADY FRIEND.)

CCLIII.—To his Reverend and very dear Brother, Mr. George Gillespie.

(CHRIST THE TRUE GAIN.)

CCLIV.—To his Reverend and dear Brother, Mr. Robert Blair.

(PERSONAL UNWORTHINESS—GOD'S GRACE—PRAYER FOR OTHERS.)

CCLV.—To the Lady Carleton. [Letter XV.]

(SUBMISSION TO GOD'S WILL—WONDERS IN THE LOVE OF CHRIST—NO DEBT TO THE WORLD.)

CCLVI.—To William Rigge of Athernie.

(THE LAW—GRACE—CHALKING OUT PROVIDENCES FOR OURSELVES—PRESCRIBING TO HIS LOVE.)

CCLVII.—To the Lady Craighall. [Letter LXXXVI.]

(THE COMFORTS OF CHRIST'S CROSS—DESIRES FOR CHRIST.)

CCLVIII.—To the Right Honourable my Lord Loudon.

(THE WISDOM OF ADHERING TO CHRIST'S CAUSE.)

CCLIX.—To Mr. David Dickson.

(DANGER OF WORLDLY EASE—PERSONAL OCCURRENCES.)

CCLX.—To Alexander Gordon of Earlston.

(ALL CROSSES WELL ORDERED—PROVIDENCES.)

CCLXI.—To the Lady Kilconquhair. [See Letter CCXXVI.]

(THE KINGDOM TO BE TAKEN BY VIOLENCE.)

CCLXII.—To Robert Lennox of Disdove. [See Letter CCXIII.]

(INCREASING EXPERIENCE OF CHRIST'S LOVE—SALVATION TO BE MADE SURE.)

CCLXIII.—To Marion M'Naught.

(HOPE IN TRIAL—PRAYER AND WATCHFULNESS.)

CCLXIV.—To Thomas Corbet. [One of his Anwoth parishioners.]

(GODLY COUNSELS—FOLLOWING CHRIST.)

CCLXV.—To Mr. George Dunbar.

(CHRIST'S LOVE IN AFFLICTION—THE SAINT'S SUPPORT AND FINAL VICTORY.)

CCLXVI.—To John Fleming, Bailie of Leith.

(COMFORT ABOUNDING UNDER TRIALS.)

CCLXVII.—To William Glendinning, Bailie of Kirkcudbright.

(THE PAST AND THE FUTURE—PRESENT HAPPINESS.)

CCLXVIII.—To the Earl of Cassillis. [Letter CXXVIII.]

(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.)

CCLXIX.—To his Parishioners at Anwoth.

(EXHORTATION TO ABIDE IN THE TRUTH, IN PROSPECT OF CHRIST'S COMING—SCRIPTURAL MODE OF OBSERVING ORDINANCES SUCH AS THE SABBATH, FAMILY PRAYER, AND THE LORD'S SUPPER—JUDGMENTS ANTICIPATED.)

CCLXX.—To the Lady Busbie. [Letter CXXXIII.]

(HIS EXPERIENCE OF CHRIST'S LOVE—STATE OF THE LAND AND CHURCH—CHRIST NOT DULY ESTEEMED—DESIRES AFTER HIM, AND FOR A REVIVAL.)

CCLXXI.—To Earlston, Younger.

(PROSPERITY UNDER THE CROSS—NEED OF SINCERITY, AND BEING FOUNDED ON CHRIST.)

CCLXXII.—To John Gordon. [Letter CXLVII.]

(CHRIST ALL WORTHY—THIS WORLD A CLAY PRISON—DESIRE FOR A REVIVAL OF CHRIST'S CAUSE.)

CCLXXIII.—To William Rigge of Athernie.

(COMFORT IN TRIALS FROM THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST'S POWER AND WORK—THAT WILL SOON BE OVER—CORRUPTION—FREE GRACE.)

CCLXXIV.—To James Murray.

(THE CHRISTIAN LIFE A MYSTERY TO THE WORLD—CHRIST'S KINDNESS.)

CCLXXV.—To Mr. John Fergushill. [Letter CXII.]

(SPIRITUAL LONGINGS UNDER CHRIST'S CROSS—HOW TO BEAR IT—CHRIST PRECIOUS, AND TO BE HAD WITHOUT MONEY—THE CHURCH.)

CCLXXVI.—To William Glendinning. [Letter CXXXVII.]

(SWEETNESS OF TRIAL—SWIFTNESS OF TIME—PREVALENCE OF SIN.)

CCLXXVII.—To my Lady Boyd.

(SENSE OF UNWORTHINESS—OBLIGATION TO GRACE—CHRIST'S ABSENCE—STATE OF THE LAND.)

CCLXXVIII.—To the Earl of Cassillis.

(AMBITION—CHRIST'S ROYAL PREROGATIVE—PRELACY.)

CCLXXIX.—For Marion M'Naught.

(A SPRING-TIDE OF CHRIST'S LOVE.)

CCLXXX.—To John Gordon, at Rusco.[390] [Letter CCLXXII.]

(HEAVEN HARD TO BE WON—MANY COME SHORT IN ATTAINING—IDOL SINS TO BE RENOUNCED—LIKENESS TO CHRIST.)

CCLXXXI.—To my Lord Loudoun.

(TRUE HONOUR IN MAINTAINING CHRIST'S CAUSE—PRELACY—LIGHT OF ETERNITY.)

CCLXXXII.—To the Lady Robertland.

(AFFLICTIONS PURIFY—THE WORLD'S VANITY—CHRIST'S WISE LOVE.)

CCLXXXIII.—To his Reverent and Respected Friend, Thomas Macculloch of Nether Ardwell. [See "Ardwell" in notice at Letter CI.]

(EARNEST CALL TO DILIGENCE—CIRCUMSPECT WALKING.)

CCLXXXIV.—To the Honourable, Reverend, and Well-beloved Professors of Christ and His truth in sincerity, 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.)

CCLXXXV.—To Robert Gordon of Knockbrex.

(NOT OUR CROSS, BUT CHRIST, THE OBJECT OF ATTRACTION—TOO LITTLE EXPECTED FROM HIM—SPIRITUAL DEADNESS.)

CCLXXXVI.—To the Parishioners of Kilmalcolm.[401]

(SPIRITUAL SLOTH—ADVICE TO BEGINNERS—A DEAD MINISTRY—LANGUOR—OBEDIENCE—WANT OF CHRIST'S FELT PRESENCE—ASSURANCE IMPORTANT—PRAYER-MEETINGS.)

CCLXXXVII.—To the Viscountess of Kenmure.

(ON THE DEATH OF HER CHILD—CHRIST SHARES IN HIS PEOPLE'S SORROWS.)

CCLXXXVIII.—To the persecuted Church in Ireland.[410]

(CHRIST'S LEGACY OF TROUBLE—GOD'S DEALINGS WITH SCOTLAND IN GIVING PROSPERITY—CHRIST TAKES HALF OF ALL SUFFERINGS—STEDFASTNESS FOR HIS CROWN—HIS LOVE SHOULD LEAD TO HOLINESS.)

CCLXXXIX.—To his Reverend and much honoured Brother, Dr. Alexander Leighton, Christ's Prisoner in bonds at London.

(PUBLIC BLESSINGS ALLEVIATE PRIVATE SUFFERINGS—TRIALS LIGHT WHEN VIEWED IN THE LIGHT OF HEAVEN—CHRIST WORTHY OF SUFFERING FOR.)

CCXC.—To a Person unknown, anent Private Worship in time and place of public.[413]

CCXCI.—To Mr. Henry Stuart, his Wife, and two Daughters, all 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.)

CCXCII.—To Mrs. Pont, Prisoner at Dublin.

(SUPPORT UNDER TRIALS—THE MASTER'S REWARD.)

CCXCIII.—To Mr. James Wilson.

(ADVICES TO A DOUBTING SOUL—MISTAKES ABOUT HIS INTEREST IN GOD'S LOVE—TEMPTATION—PERPLEXITY ABOUT PRAYER—WANT OF FEELING.)

CCXCIV.—To my Lady Boyd.

(SINS OF THE LAND—DWELLING IN CHRIST—FAITH AWAKE SEES ALL WELL.)

CCXCV.—To his very dear Friend, John Fenwick.

(CHRIST THE FOUNTAIN—FREENESS OF GOD'S LOVE—FAITH TO BE EXERCISED UNDER FROWNS—GRACE FOR TRIALS—CHRIST YET TO BE EXALTED ON THE EARTH.)

CCXCVI.—To the much honoured Peter Stirling.

(BELIEVERS' GRACES ALL FROM CHRIST—ASPIRATION AFTER MORE LOVE TO HIM—HIS REIGN DESIRED.)

CCXCVII.—To the Lady Fingask.

(FAITH'S MISGIVINGS—SPIRITUAL DARKNESS NOT GRACE—CHRIST'S LOVE INIMITABLE.)

CCXCVIII.—To his Reverend and dear Brother, Mr. David Dickson, on the Death of his Son.

(GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY, AND DISCIPLINE BY AFFLICTION.)

CCXCIX.—To my 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.)

CCC.—ToAgnes Macmath on the Death of a Child.

(REASON FOR RESIGNATION.)

CCCI.—To Mr. Matthew Mowat.

(WORTHINESS OF GOD'S LOVE AS MANIFESTED IN CHRIST—HEAVEN WITH CHRIST.)

CCCII.—To my Lady Kenmure, on her Husband's Death.

(GOD'S METHOD IN AFFLICTION—FUTURE GLORY.)

CCCIII.—For the Right Honourable, my Lady Boyd.

(SIN OF THE LAND—READ PRAYERS—BROWNISM.)

CCCIV.—To James Murray's Wife. [See Letter CCLXXIV.]

(HEAVEN A REALITY—STEDFASTNESS TO BE GROUNDED ON CHRIST.)

CCCV.—For the Right Honourable Lady, my Lady Kenmure.

(SINS OF THE TIMES—PRACTICAL ATHEISM.)

CCCVI.—To Mr. Thomas Wylie, Minister of Borgue.

(SUFFICIENCY OF DIVINE GRACE—CALL TO ENGLAND TO ASSIST AT WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY—FELT UNWORTHINESS.)

CCCVII.—To a Young Man in Anwoth.

(NECESSITY OF GODLINESS IN ITS POWER.)

CCCVIII.—For the Right Honourable, my Lady Viscountess of Kenmure.

(WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY—RELIGIOUS SECTS.)

CCCIX.—For the Right Honourable, my Lady Boyd.

(PROCEEDINGS OF THE WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY.)

CCCX.—To Mistress Taylor, on her son's death. [Her son was a parishioner of Mr. Blair.]

(SUGGESTIONS FOR COMFORT UNDER SORROW.)

CCCXI.—To Barbara Hamilton.

(ON DEATH OF HER SON-IN-LAW—GOD'S PURPOSES.)

CCCXII.—To Mistress Hume, on her Husband's Death.

(GOD'S VOICE IN THE ROD.)

CCCXIII.—To the Viscountess Kenmure.

(CHRIST'S DESIGNS IN SICKNESS AND SORROW.)

CCCXIV.—To Barbara Hamilton, on her Son-in-law slain in battle. [Letter CCCXII.]

(GOD DOES ALL THINGS WELL, AND WITH DESIGN.)

CCCXV.—To a Christian Friend, upon the death of his Wife.

(GOD THE FIRST CAUSE—THE END OF AFFLICTION.)

CCCXVI.—To a Christian Brother, on the death of his Daughter.

(CONSOLATION IN HER HAVING GONE BEFORE—CHRIST THE BEST HUSBAND.)

CCCXVII.—To a Christian Gentlewoman.

(VIEWS OF DEATH AND HEAVEN—ASPIRATIONS.)

CCCXVIII.—To my Lady Kenmure.

(CHRIST NEVER IN OUR DEBT—RICHES OF CHRIST—EXCELLENCE OF THE HEAVENLY STATE.)

CCCXIX.—To Mr. J. G.[461]

(PROSPECTS FOR SCOTLAND—HIS OWN DARKNESS—ABILITY OF CHRIST.)

CCCXX.—To my Lady Kenmure.

(TRIALS CANNOT INJURE SAINTS—BLESSEDNESS IN SEEING CHRIST.)

CCCXXI.—To the Lady Ardross, in Fife. [There is an Ardross near Ferintosh in Ross-shire.]

(ON HER MOTHER'S DEATH—HAPPINESS OF HEAVEN, AND BLESSEDNESS OF DYING IN THE LORD.)

CCCXXII.—To M. O.

(GLOOMY PROSPECTS FOR THE BACKSLIDING CHURCH—THE MISUNDERSTANDINGS OF BELIEVERS CAUSE OF GREAT GRIEF—THE DAY OF CHRIST.)

CCCXXIII.—To Earlston, Elder.

(CHRIST'S WAY OF AFFLICTING THE BEST—OBLIGATION TO FREE GRACE—ENDURING THE CROSS.)

CCCXXIV.—To his Reverend and worthy Brother, Mr. George Gillespie.[463]

(PROSPECT OF DEATH—CHRIST THE TRUE SUPPORT IN DEATH.)

CCCXXV.—To Sir James Stewart, Lord Provost of Edinburgh.[467]

CCCXXVI.—To Mistress Gillespie, Widow of George Gillespie.

(ON THE DEATH OF A CHILD—GOD AFFLICTS IN ORDER TO SAVE US FROM THE WORLD.)

CCCXXVII.—To the Earl of Balcarras.

(REGARDING SOME MISUNDERSTANDING.)

CCCXXVIII.—To the worthy and much honoured Colonel Gilbert Ker.

(SINGLENESS OF AIM—JUDGMENT IN REGARD TO ADVERSARIES.)

CCCXXIX.—To the worthy and much honoured Colonel Gilbert Ker.

(COURAGE IN DAYS OF REBUKE—GOD'S ARRANGEMENTS ALL WISE.)

CCCXXX.—To Mr. William Guthrie, when the army was at Stirling, after the defeat at Dunbar,[475] and the godly in the West were falsely branded with intended compliance with the usurpers, about the time when those debates and that difference concerning the Public Resolutions arose.[476]

(DEPRESSION UNDER DARK TRIALS—DANGER OF COMPLIANCE.)

CCCXXXI.—To the worthy and much honoured Colonel Gilbert Ker.

(COURAGE IN THE LORD'S CAUSE—DUTY IN REGARD TO PROVIDENCE TO BE OBSERVED—SAFETY IN THIS.)

CCCXXXII.—To the much honoured and truly worthy Colonel Gilbert Ker.

(CHRISTS CAUSE DESERVES SERVICE AND SUFFERING FROM US.)

CCCXXXIII.—To the much honoured and truly worthy Colonel Gilbert Ker, when taken prisoner.

(COMFORTING THOUGHTS TO THE AFFLICTED—DARKNESS OF THE TIMES—FELLOWSHIP IN CHRIST'S SUFFERINGS—SATISFACTION WITH HIS PROVIDENCES.)

CCCXXXIV.—To the worthy and much honoured Colonel Gilbert Ker.

(COMFORT UNDER THE CLOUD HANGING OVER SCOTLAND—DISSUASION FROM LEAVING SCOTLAND.)

CCCXXXV.—To my Lady Kenmure.

(DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WHAT IS MAN'S AND CHRIST'S, AND BETWEEN CHRIST HIMSELF AND HIS BLESSINGS.)

CCCXXXVI.—To Lady Ralston.[486]

(DUTY OF PREFERRING TO LIVE RATHER THAN DIE—WANT OF UNION IN THE JUDGMENTS OF THE GODLY.)

CCCXXXVII.—To a Minister of Glasgow.[491]

(ENCOURAGING WORDS TO A SUFFERING BROTHER—WHY MEN SHRINK FROM CHRIST'S TESTIMONY.)

CCCXXXVIII.—For the Right Honourable and Christian Lady, the Lady Kenmure.

(A WORD TO CHEER IN TIMES OF DARKNESS.)

CCCXXXIX.—For Grizzel Fullerton. [Letter V.]

(EXHORTATION TO FOLLOW CHRIST FULLY WHEN OTHERS ARE COLD.)

CCCXL.—To Mr. Thomas Wylie.[497]

(REGARDING A LETTER OF EXPLANATION.)

CCCXLI.—To my Lady Kenmure.

(PRESENT NEED HELPED BY PAST EXPERIENCE.)

CCCXLII.—For the Right Honourable and truly worthy Colonel Gilbert Ker.

(DEADNESS—HOPES OF REFRESHMENT—DISTANCE FROM GOD—NEARNESS DELIGHTED IN.)

CCCXLIII.—For the truly honourable Colonel Gilbert Ker.[498]

(THE STATE OF THE LAND.)

CCCXLIV.—For Mr. John Scot, at Oxnam..

(EXCUSE FOR ABSENCE FROM DUTY.)

CCCXLV.—To my Lady Kenmure.

(THOUGHTS FOR A TIME OF SICKNESS, ABOUT THE LIFE TO COME.)

CCCXLVI.—To Simeon Ashe.

(VIEWS OF THE PRESBYTERIANS AS TO ALLEGIANCE TO THE PROTECTOR.)

CCCXLVII.—To my Lady Kenmure.

(UNKINDNESS OF THE CREATURE—GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY IN PERMITTING HIS CHILDREN TO BE INJURED BY MEN.)

CCCXLVIII.—To my Lady Kenmure.

(GOD'S DEALINGS WITH THE LAND.)

CCCXLIX.—For Mr. John Scot, at Oxnam.

(PROTESTERS' TOLERATION.)

CCCL.—For Mr. John Scot, at Oxnam.

(GLOOMY TIMES—MEANS OF PROMOTING GODLINESS.)

CCCLI.—To Mr. James Durham, Minister of the Gospel at Glasgow, some few days before his Death.

(MAN'S WAYS NOT GOD'S WAYS.)

CCCLII.—For Mr. John Scot, at Oxnam.

(ADHERENCE TO THE TESTIMONY AGAINST TOLERATION.)

CCCLIII.—To my Lady Kenmure.

(TRIALS—DEADNESS OF SPIRIT—DANGER OF FALSE SECURITY.)

CCCLIV.—To my Lady Kenmure.

(PREVAILING DECLENSION, DECAY, AND INDIFFERENCE TO GOD'S DEALINGS—THINGS FUTURE.)

CCCLV.—To the Presbytery of Kirkcudbright, anent Union, with a desire to have Mr. William Rait Professor at St. Andrews.[511]

(UNION—HUMILIATION—CHOICE OF A PROFESSOR.)

CCCLVI.—To Mr. John Murray, Minister at Methven.[514]

(A SYNOD PROPOSAL FOR UNION—BRETHREN UNDER CENSURE.)

CCCLVII.—To his Reverend and dear Brethren, Mr. Guthrie, Mr. Traill, 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.)

CCCLVIII.—To Several Brethren. Reasons for petitioning his Majesty after his return, and for owning such as were censured[519] while about so necessary a duty.

CCCLIX.—To a Brother Minister.

CCCLX.—For the Right Honourable my Lady Viscountess of Kenmure.

(GOD'S JUDGMENTS CALLING TO FLEE TO HIM—THE RESULT OF TIMID COMPLIANCE.)

CCCLXI.—For Mistress Craig, upon the Death of her hopeful Son, who was drowned while washing himself in a river in France.

(NINE REASONS FOR RESIGNATION.)

CCCLXII.—For my Reverend and dear Brother, Christ's Soldier in bonds, Mr. James Guthrie, Minister of the Gospel at Stirling.

(STEDFAST THOUGH PERSECUTED—BLESSEDNESS OF MARTYRDOM.)

CCCLXIII.—To Mr. Robert Campbell.

(STEDFASTNESS TO PROTEST AGAINST PRELACY AND POPERY.)

CCCLXIV.—To [Brethren in] Aberdeen.

(SINFUL CONFORMITY AND SCHISMATIC DESIGNS REPROVED.)

CCCLXV.—To Mr. John Murray, Minister at Methven.[528] [See Letter CCCLVI.]