PUBLIC-DOMAIN CHRISTIAN BOOK
Letters of Samuel Rutherford (Third Edition)
Rutherford, Samuel, 1600?-1661 · 345,819 words · 915 reading sections
Part 61
Your Ladyship's at all obedience,…
5 wordsSECTION 62S. R.
ANWOTH, _June 26, 1630_. XII.--_For_ MARION M'NAUGHT.…
8 wordsSECTION 63(_GOD MIXETH THE CUP--THE WICKED HAVE THEIR REWARD--FAITHFULNESS--FORBEARANCE--TRIALS._)
WELL-BELOVED AND DEAR SISTER,--My love in the Lord Jesus remembered. I understand that you are still under the Lord's visitation, in your former business with your enemies, which is God's dealing. For, till He take His children out of the furnace that knoweth how long they should be tried, there is no deliverance; but …
892 wordsSECTION 64Part 64
For other business, I say nothing, till the Lord give me to see your face. I am credibly informed, that multitudes of England, and especially worthy preachers, and silenced preachers of London, are gone to New England; and I know one learned holy preacher, who hath written against the Arminians, who is gone thither.[10…
436 wordsSECTION 65S. R.
ANWOTH, _July 21, 1630_. XIII.--_For_ MARION M'NAUGHT, _when exposed to reproach for her principles_.…
15 wordsSECTION 66(_JESUS A PATTERN OF PATIENCE UNDER SUFFERING._)
WELL-BELOVED SISTER,--I have been thinking, since my departure from you, of the pride and malice of your adversaries; and ye may not (since ye have had the Book of Psalms so often) take hardly with this; for David's enemies snuffed at him, and through the pride of their heart said, "The Lord will not require it" (Ps. x…
753 wordsSECTION 67S. R.
ANWOTH, _Feb. 11, 1631_. XIV.--_For_ MARION M'NAUGHT, _in the prospect of a Communion season_.…
15 wordsSECTION 68(_ABUNDANCE IN JESUS--THE RESTORATION OF THE JEWS--ENEMIES OF GOD._)
WELL-BELOVED IN THE LORD,--You are not unacquainted with the day of our Communion. I entreat, therefore, the aid of your prayers for that great work, which is one of our feast days, wherein our Well-beloved Jesus rejoiceth, and is merry with His friends. Good cause have we to wonder at His love, since the day of His d…
661 wordsSECTION 69S. R.
ANWOTH, _May 7, 1631_. XV.--_For_ MARION M'NAUGHT _on occasion of the threatened introduction of the Episcopalian Service-Book_.…
18 wordsSECTION 70(_TROUBLES OF THE CHURCH--PRIVATE WRONGS._)
WELL-BELOVED SISTER,--My love in Christ remembered. I have received a letter from Edinburgh, certainly informing me that the English service, and the organs, and King James' Psalms, are to be imposed upon our kirk; and that the bishops are dealing for a General Assembly. A. R. hath confirmed the news also, and says he …
713 wordsSECTION 71S. R.
ANWOTH, _June 2, 1631_. [106] Carleton, in Galloway (see note at Letter CLVII.), not far from Anwoth, where Mr. Fullerton, a true friend, resided. XVI.--_For_ MARION M'NAUGHT, _on occasion of a proposal to remove him from Anwoth_.…
38 wordsSECTION 72(_BABYLON'S DESTRUCTION AND CHRIST'S COMING--THE YOUNG INVITED._)
WORTHY AND DEAR MISTRESS,--My dearest love in Christ remembered. As to the business which I know you would so fain have taken effect, my earnest desire is, that you stand still. Haste not, and you shall see the salvation of God. The great Master Gardener, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, in a wonderful providence, …
750 wordsSECTION 73Part 73
Remember me to your husband, and desire him from me to help Christ, and to take His part, and in judgment sit ever beside Him, and receive a blow patiently for His sake; for He is worthy to be suffered for, not only to blows, but also to blood. He shall find that innocency and uprightness in judgment shall hold its fee…
357 wordsSECTION 74ANWOTH.
[109] To whom I have given, and dare venture to give. XVII.--_For_ MARION M'NAUGHT, _when in distress as to prospects of the Church_.…
24 wordsSECTION 75(_ARMINIANISM--CALL TO PRAYER--NO HELP BUT IN CHRIST._)
WELL-BELOVED SISTER,--My dearest love in Christ remembered to you. Know that I am in great heaviness for the pitiful case of our Lord's kirk. I hear the cause why Dr. Burton[110] is committed to prison is his writing and preaching against the Arminians. I therefore entreat the aid of your prayers for myself, and the Lo…
639 wordsSECTION 76ANWOTH.
[110] Henry Burton, an able divine of the Church of England, wrote several vigorous pieces against Popery, and against Montague's "Appello Cæsarem." XVIII.--_For_ MARION M'NAUGHT, _in the prospect of a Communion season_.…
33 wordsSECTION 77(_PRAYER SOLICITED--THE CHURCH'S PROSPECTS._)
MISTRESS,--My love in Christ as remembered. Our Communion is on Sabbath come[111] eight days. I will entreat you to recommend it to God, and to pray for me in that work. I have more sins upon me now than the last time. Therefore I will beseech you in Christ, seek this petition to me from God, that the Lord would give m…
526 wordsSECTION 78ANWOTH.
XIX.--_To my_ LADY KENMURE.…
5 wordsSECTION 79(_ENCOURAGEMENT TO ABOUND IN FAITH FROM THE PROSPECT OF GLORY--CHRIST'S UNCHANGEABLENESS._)
MADAM,--Having saluted you in the Lord Jesus, I thought it my duty, having the occasion of this bearer, to write again unto your ladyship, though I have no new purpose but what I wrote of before. Yet ye cannot be too often awakened to go forward towards your city, since your way is long, and (for anything ye know) your…
955 wordsSECTION 80Part 80
Madam, fearing I be tedious to your Ladyship, I must stop here, desiring always to hear that your Ladyship is well, and that ye have still your face up the mountain. Pray for us, Madam, and for Zion, whereof ye are a part. We expect a trial. God's wheat in this land must go through Satan's sieve, but their faith shall …
125 wordsSECTION 81S. R.
ANWOTH, _Nov. 26, 1631_. XX.--_To my_ LADY KENMURE.…
9 wordsSECTION 82(_ASSURANCE OF CHRIST'S LOVE UNDER TRIALS--FULNESS OF CHRIST--HOPE OF GLORY._)
MADAM,--I am grieved exceedingly that your Ladyship should think, or have cause to think, that such as love you in God, in this country, are forgetful of you. For myself, Madam, I owe to your Ladyship all evidences of my high respect (in the sight of my Lord, whose truth I preach, I am bold to say it) for His rich grac…
472 wordsSECTION 83Part 83
If I hit not upon the right string, it is because I am not acquainted with your Ladyship's present condition; but I believe your Ladyship goeth on foot, laughing, and putting on a good countenance before the world, and yet ye carry heaviness about with you. Ye do well, Madam, not to make them witnesses of your grief, w…
687 wordsSECTION 84S. R.
ANWOTH, _Jan. 4, 1632_. XXI.--_To my_ LADY KENMURE.…
9 wordsSECTION 85(_SELF-DENIAL--HOPE OF CHRIST'S COMING--LOVING GOD FOR HIMSELF._)
MADAM,--Understanding (a little after the writing of my last letter) of the going of this bearer, I would not omit the opportunity of remembering your Ladyship, still harping upon that string, which in our whole lifetime is never too often touched upon (nor is our lesson well enough learned), that there is a necessity …
875 wordsSECTION 86Part 86
Madam, fearing to be tedious to you, I break off here, commending you (as I trust to do while I live), your person, ways, burdens, and all that concerneth you, to that Almighty who is able to bear you and your burdens. I still remember you to Him, who will cause you one day to laugh. I expect that, whatever ye can do, …
152 wordsSECTION 87S. R.
ANWOTH, _Jan. 14, 1632_. XXII.--_To_ JOHN KENNEDY. (_Letter_ LXXV.)…
10 wordsSECTION 88(_DELIVERANCE FROM SHIPWRECK--RECOVERY FROM THREATENED DEATH--USE OF TRIALS--REMEMBRANCE OF FRIENDS._)
MY LOVING AND MOST AFFECTIONATE IN CHRIST,--I salute you with grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ. I promised to write to you, and although late enough, yet I now make it good. I heard with grief of your great danger of perishing by the sea, and of your merciful deliverance wit…
558 wordsSECTION 89Part 89
Ye contracted with Christ, I hope, when first ye began to follow Him, that ye would bear His cross. Fulfil your part of the contract with patience, and break not to Jesus Christ. Be honest, brother, in your bargaining with Him; for who knoweth better how to bring up children than our God? For (to lay aside His knowledg…
854 wordsSECTION 90S. R.
ANWOTH, _Feb. 2, 1632_. XXIII.--_To my_ LADY KENMURE.…
9 wordsSECTION 91(_EXHORTING TO REMEMBER HER ESPOUSAL TO CHRIST--TRIBULATION A PREPARATION FOR THE KINGDOM--GLORY IN THE END._)
MADAM,--Your Ladyship will not (I know) weary nor offend, though I trouble you with many letters. The memory of what obligations I am under to your Ladyship, is the cause of it. I am possibly impertinent in what I write, because of my ignorance of your present estate; but for all that is said, I have learned of Mr. W.…
742 wordsSECTION 92Part 92
Madam, I am in exceeding great heaviness, God thinking it best for my own soul thus to exercise me, thereby, it may be, to fit me to be His mouth to others. I see and hear, at home and abroad, nothing but matter of grief and discouragement, which indeed maketh my life bitter. And I hope in God never to get my will in t…
233 wordsSECTION 93S. R.
ANWOTH, _Feb. 13, 1632_. [119] His place. XXIV.--_For_ MARION M'NAUGHT.…
11 wordsSECTION 94(_CHRIST AND HIS GARDEN--PROVISION OF ORDINANCES IN THE CHURCH--OUR CHILDREN._)
BELOVED MISTRESS,--My dearest love in Christ remembered to you. Know that Mr. Abraham[120] showed me there is to be a meeting of the bishops at Edinburgh shortly. The causes are known to themselves. It is our part to hold up our hands for Zion. Howbeit, it is reported, they came sad from court. It is our Lord's wisdom,…
661 wordsSECTION 95Part 95
And for that present tumult that the children of this world raise anent the planting of your town with a pastor, believe and stay upon God, as you still shame us all in believing. Go forward in the strength of the Lord; and I say from my Lord, before whom I stand, have your eyes upon none but the Lord of armies, and th…
720 wordsSECTION 96S. R.
ANWOTH, _March 9, 1632_. XXV.--_To a Gentlewoman at Kirkcudbright, excusing himself from visiting._ MISTRESS,--I beseech you to have me excused if the daily employments of my calling shall hinder me to see you according as I would wish; for I dare not go abroad, since many of my people are sick, and the time of our C…
113 wordsSECTION 97S. R.
XXVI.--_For_ MARION M'NAUGHT, _after her dangerous illness_.…
8 wordsSECTION 98(_USE OF SICKNESS--REPROACHES--CHRIST OUR ETERNAL FEAST--FASTING._)
DEARLY-BELOVED MISTRESS,--My love in Christ remembered. You are not ignorant what our Lord in His love-visitation hath been doing with your soul, even letting you see a little sight of that dark trance you must go through ere you come to glory. Your life hath been near the grave, and you were at the door, and you found…
446 wordsSECTION 99Part 99
It is true, you see Him not now as you shall see Him then. Your well-beloved standeth now behind the wall looking out at the window (Cant. ii. 9), and you see but a little of His face. Then, you shall see all His face and all the Saviour,--a long, and high, and broad Lord Jesus, the loveliest person among the children …
565 wordsSECTION 100S. R.
ANWOTH, _Sept. 19, 1632_. [121] _Noon_, or a little before it, was then the usual hour for dinner. [122] In regard to whom I pray for the mercy Paul sought for the house of Onesiphorus (2 Tim. i. 6). XXVII.--_To my_ LADY KENMURE.…
44 wordsSECTION 101(_LOVE TO CHRIST AND SUBMISSION TO HIS CROSS--BELIEVERS KEPT--THE HEAVENLY PARADISE._)
MADAM,--Having saluted you with grace and mercy from God our Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, I long both to see your Ladyship, and to hear how it goeth with you. I do remember you, and present you and your necessities to Him who is able to keep you, and present you blameless before His face with joy; and my pr…
966 wordsSECTION 102ANWOTH.
[123] Μόνας. XXVIII.--_To my_ LADY KENMURE, _after the death of a child_.…
13 wordsSECTION 103(_THE STATE OF THE CHURCH, CAUSE FOR GOD'S DISPLEASURE--HIS CARE OF HIS CHURCH--THE JEWS--AFFLICTED SAINTS._)
MADAM,--I am afraid now (as many others are) that, at the sitting down of our Parliament, our Lord Jesus and His spouse shall be roughly handled. And it must be so, since false and declining Scotland, whom our Lord took off the dunghill and out of hell, and made a fair bride to Himself, hath broken her faith to her swe…
640 wordsSECTION 104S. R.
ANWOTH, _April 1, 1633_. XXIX.--_For_ MARION M'NAUGHT.…
8 wordsSECTION 105(_CHRIST WITH HIS PEOPLE IN THE FURNACE OF AFFLICTION--PRAYER._)
DEAR SISTER,--I longed much to have conferred with you at this time. I am grieved at anything in your house that grieveth you; and shall, by my Lord's grace, suit my Lord to help you to bear your burden, and to come in behind you, and give you and your burdens a put up the mountain. Know you not that Christ wooeth His …
417 wordsSECTION 106S. R.
ANWOTH, _Aug. 20, 1633_. [124] The village and church of _Carsphairn_ stood not far from Kenmure Castle, and very near Earlston and Knockgray. The road from Dalmellington is bare, with steep, rocky hills on either side of the glen. The "Ken" may be meant by "that water" in the next sentence. XXX.--_To my_ LADY KENMUR…
56 wordsSECTION 107(_RANK AND PROSPERITY HINDER PROGRESS--WATCHFULNESS--CASE OF RELATIVES._)
MADAM,--I determined, and was desirous also, to have seen your ladyship, but because of a pain in my arm I could not. I know ye will not impute it to any unsuitable forgetfulness of your Ladyship, from whom, at my first entry to my calling in this country (and since also), I received such comfort in my affliction as I …
950 wordsSECTION 108S. R.
ANWOTH, _Nov. 15, 1633_. XXXI.--_To my_ LADY KENMURE.…
9 wordsSECTION 109(_A UNION FOR PRAYER RECOMMENDED._)
MADAM,--Having received a letter from some of the worthiest of the ministry in this kingdom, the contents whereof I am desired to communicate to such professors in these parts as I know love the beauty of Zion, and are afflicted to see the Lord's vineyard trodden under foot by the wild boars out of the wood, who lay it…
583 wordsSECTION 110S. R.
ANWOTH, _Jan. 23, 1634_. XXXII.--_For_ MARION M'NAUGHT.…
8 wordsSECTION 111(_STATE AND PROSPECTS OF THE CHURCH--SATAN._)
MISTRESS,--My love in Christ remembered. I am in care and fear for this work of our Lord's, now near approaching, because of the danger of the time; and I dare not for my soul be silent, to see my Lord's house burning, and not cry "Fire, fire!" Therefore, seek from our Lord wisdom spiritual, and not black policy, to sp…
535 wordsSECTION 112S. R.
ANWOTH, _March 2, 1634_. XXXIII.--_For_ MARION M'NAUGHT.…
8 wordsSECTION 113(_IN PROSPECT OF A COMMUNION SEASON._)
MISTRESS,--My love in Christ remembered. Please you understand, to my grief, our Communion is delayed till Sabbath come eight days; the laird and lady hath earnestly desired me to delay it, because the laird is sick, and he fears he be not able to travel, because he has lately taken physic. The Lord bless that work. Co…
215 wordsSECTION 114ANWOTH.
XXXIV.--_For_ MARION M'NAUGHT.…
4 wordsSECTION 115(_PROSPECTS OF THE CHURCH--CHRIST'S CARE FOR THE CHILDREN OF BELIEVERS._)
WELL-BELOVED SISTER,--My old and dearest love in Christ remembered. Know that I have been visiting my Lady Kenmure. Her child is with the Lord. I entreat you, visit her, and desire the goodwife[127] of Barcapple to visit her, and Knockbrecks (Mr. Gordon), if you see him in the town. My Lord her husband is absent, and I…
655 wordsSECTION 116S. R.
ANWOTH, _April 25, 1634_. [128] Mr. Robert Glendinning, the minister. [129] "For this;" as in our metre version, Ps. cvi. 40, etc. XXXV.--_To my LADY KENMURE, on the death of a child_.…
33 wordsSECTION 117(_GOD MEASURES OUR DAYS--BEREAVEMENTS RIPEN US FOR THE HARVEST._)
MADAM,--All submissive and dutiful obedience in our Lord Jesus remembered. I trust I need not much entreat your Ladyship to look to Him who hath stricken you at this time; but my duty, in the memory of that comfort I found in your Ladyship's kindness, when I was no less heavy (in a case not unlike that), speaketh to me…
786 wordsSECTION 118S. R.
ANWOTH, _April 29, 1634_. XXXVI.--_For_ MARION M'NAUGHT.…
8 wordsSECTION 119(_CHOICE OF A COMMISSIONER FOR PARLIAMENT._)
WELL-BELOVED MISTRESS,--My love in Christ remembered. I hear this day your town is to choose a commissioner for the Parliament; and I was written to from Edinburgh, to see that good men should be chosen in your bounds. And I have heard this day that Robert Glendoning or John Ewart look to be chosen. I beseech you see t…
211 wordsSECTION 120S. R.
ANWOTH, _May 20_. XXXVII.--_To my_ LADY KENMURE.…
8 wordsSource & rights
Public domain in the USA; original historical text digitized by Project Gutenberg.
Project Gutenberg source record →
Historical Christian writing; not Scripture.