163. CLXIV.—To NINIAN MURE [see Letter CXCI.], one of the family of Cassincarrie

CLXIV.—To NINIAN MURE [see Letter CXCI.], one of the family of Cassincarrie

[We do not know more of Ninian Mure than that he was a parishioner of Anwoth. The name "Mure" is found on several tombs in the old churchyard, of which the oldest and most interesting is the following, on the east side of the enclosed pile:— "Walking with God in purity of life, In Christ I died, and endit all my strife. For in my saul Christ here did dwell by grace;

Now dwells my saul in glory of His face.

Therefore my body shall not here remain, But to full glory surely rise again."

"Marion Mure, goodwife of Cullindock, Departed this life, anno 1612."] (A YOUTH ADMONISHED.)

LOVING FRIEND,—I received your letter. I entreat you now, in the morning of your life, to seek the Lord and His face. Beware of the follies of dangerous youth, a perilous time for your soul. Love not the world. Keep faith and truth with all men in your covenants and bargains. Walk with God, for He seeth you. Do nothing but that which ye may and would do if your eye-strings were breaking, and your breath growing cold. Ye heard the truth of God from me, my dear heart, follow it, and forsake it not. Prize Christ and salvation above all the world. To live after the guise and course of the rest of the world will not bring you to heaven; without faith in Christ, and repentance, ye cannot see God. Take pains for salvation; press forward toward the mark for the prize of the high calling. If ye watch not against evils night and day, which beset you, ye will come behind. Beware of lying, swearing, uncleanness, and the rest of the works of the flesh; because "for these things the wrath of God cometh upon the children of disobedience." How sweet soever they may seem for the present, yet the end of these courses is the eternal wrath of God, and utter darkness, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. Grace be with you. Your loving pastor,

S. R.

ABERDEEN, 1637.