July 21/31, 1676.
My dear Friend in our Saviour Jesus Christ.
I have received your letter dated the 24th of June this day....Your memory is dear unto me, so are
your lines, and your exhortations very necessary, I confess myself still spiritually very poor and
naked and all my happiness is that I do know that I am so, and that whatsoever I have studied and
learned heretofore is but dirt in comparison to the true knowledge of Christ. I confess also my
infidelity to this light heretofore by suffering myself to be conducted by false politic lights now
that I have sometimes a small glimpse of the true light I do not attend it as I should being drawn
away by the works of my calling which must be done, and (as your swift English hounds) I often
overrun my sent being, called back when it is too late. Let not this make you less earnest in
prayers for me, you see I need them, your Letters will be always welcome to me, so will your
Friends if any please to visit me. I should admire God's providence if my brother could be a means
of releasing your father and forty more in Scotland having promised to do his best I know he will
perform it he has ever been true to his word and you shall find me with the grace of our Lord a
true friend,
Elizabeth
P.S.--The Countess of Hornes sends you her most hearty commendations, she has not had time to learn English having employed it in more necessary works since God hath visited this Family with many sick of smallpox and contagious fevers of which she has had a care not considering the infection, amongst the rest there was a servant of hers very desperately sick of whom she had ane especial care deeming her to be also a sister in Christ who did draw great comfort out of the books you left here.
1. 1.. Ibid., pages46-48.