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The Works of Samuel Rutherford, Volume 1: Arminianism: A Systematic and Theological Response
In this landmark volume, Samuel Rutherford appears as Scotland’s foremost professor of elenctic theology. Presented in English for the first time, A Systematic and Theological Response offers a comprehensive examination of the theological roots of one of the most consequential errors in the Christian church.
Rutherford does not confine himself to a handful of theses about salvation. Beginning with Scripture and the knowledge of God, he advances through the divine decrees, the fall, original sin, the accomplishment and application of redemption, covenant theology, justification, perseverance, the church, the sacraments, the magistrate, and the resurrection. The result is a vast theological architecture. Arminianism is exposed not as an isolated doctrinal misstep but as a rival account of God, grace, and the moral order.
Throughout, Rutherford writes as a convinced Augustinian. For him, the debate is nothing less than the perennial contest between divine grace and Pelagian self-reliance. His arguments are exegetical, scholastic, and rigorously ordered, yet never detached from pastoral consequence. Assurance, perseverance, the honor of Christ’s merit, and the immutability of God stand at the center of the controversy.
This volume inaugurates the first complete edition of Rutherford’s works. Based on seventeenth-century manuscripts and early printed editions, and supported by substantial introductions and full scholarly apparatus, it restores to scholars and pastors a major voice of Reformed orthodoxy whose theology has long remained inaccessible.
For historians of the post-Reformation period, theologians of grace, and pastors seeking to understand the doctrinal foundations of the Reformed tradition, this release is a significant event.
Contents
General Preface
Editorial Conventions
List of Abbreviations
Translator's Preface
The Cause of God Against the Arminians
A Systematic and Theological Response
Dedicatory Epistle
Epistle to Matthias Nethen
Preface to the Reader
Endorsement
The Sacred Scriptures and Their ContentGodElectionReprobationThe State of the First ManOriginal SinThe State of Fallen ManThe State of GraceUniversal RedemptionThe Covenant of GraceThe Process of ConversionThe Sinner’s JustificationThe Perseverance of the SaintsCertainty of SalvationThe Church and Her MarksMinisters of the WordSynodsSacraments and Church DisciplineThe MagistrateThe Soul and the Resurrection of the BodyAcknowledgements
Appendix 1: Original Index of Chapters and Questions
Appendix 2: Manuscript Comparison
Appendix 3: Manuscript Supplement
Biographical Register of Persons and Names
Works Cited
Scripture Index
Subject Index
Rutherford does not confine himself to a handful of theses about salvation. Beginning with Scripture and the knowledge of God, he advances through the divine decrees, the fall, original sin, the accomplishment and application of redemption, covenant theology, justification, perseverance, the church, the sacraments, the magistrate, and the resurrection. The result is a vast theological architecture. Arminianism is exposed not as an isolated doctrinal misstep but as a rival account of God, grace, and the moral order.
Throughout, Rutherford writes as a convinced Augustinian. For him, the debate is nothing less than the perennial contest between divine grace and Pelagian self-reliance. His arguments are exegetical, scholastic, and rigorously ordered, yet never detached from pastoral consequence. Assurance, perseverance, the honor of Christ’s merit, and the immutability of God stand at the center of the controversy.
This volume inaugurates the first complete edition of Rutherford’s works. Based on seventeenth-century manuscripts and early printed editions, and supported by substantial introductions and full scholarly apparatus, it restores to scholars and pastors a major voice of Reformed orthodoxy whose theology has long remained inaccessible.
For historians of the post-Reformation period, theologians of grace, and pastors seeking to understand the doctrinal foundations of the Reformed tradition, this release is a significant event.
Contents
General Preface
Editorial Conventions
List of Abbreviations
Translator's Preface
The Cause of God Against the Arminians
A Systematic and Theological Response
Dedicatory Epistle
Epistle to Matthias Nethen
Preface to the Reader
Endorsement
The Sacred Scriptures and Their ContentGodElectionReprobationThe State of the First ManOriginal SinThe State of Fallen ManThe State of GraceUniversal RedemptionThe Covenant of GraceThe Process of ConversionThe Sinner’s JustificationThe Perseverance of the SaintsCertainty of SalvationThe Church and Her MarksMinisters of the WordSynodsSacraments and Church DisciplineThe MagistrateThe Soul and the Resurrection of the BodyAcknowledgements
Appendix 1: Original Index of Chapters and Questions
Appendix 2: Manuscript Comparison
Appendix 3: Manuscript Supplement
Biographical Register of Persons and Names
Works Cited
Scripture Index
Subject Index
875 pages, Hardcover
Published July 14, 2026
About the author
Samuel Rutherford
210 books83 followersSamuel Rutherford, Scottish minister and covenanter Rutherford was born about the year 1600 near Nisbet, Scotland. Little is known of his early life. In 1627 he earned a M.A. from Edinburgh College, where he was appointed Professor of Humanity. He became minister of the church in Anwoth in 1627. It was a rural parish, and the people were scattered in farms over the hills.
His first years in Anwoth, though, were touched with sadness. His wife was ill for a year and a month, before she died in their new home. Two children also died during this period.
In 1636 Rutherford published a book defending the doctrines of grace (Calvinism) against Armininism. This put him in conflict with the Church authorities, which were dominated by the English Episcopacy. He was called before the High Court, deprived of his ministerial office, and exiled to Aberdeen. This exile was a sore trial for the beloved pastor. He felt that being separated from his congregation was unbearable. However, because of his exile, we now have many of the letters he wrote to his flock, and so the evil of his banishment has been turned into a great blessing for the church worldwide.
In 1638 the struggles between Parliament and King in England, and Presbyterianism vs. Episcopacy in Scotland culminated in momentous events for Rutherford. In the confusion of the times, he simply slipped out of Aberdeen and returned to his beloved Anwoth. But it was not for long. The Kirk (Church of Scotland) held a General Assembly that year, restoring full Presbyterianism to the land. In addition, they appointed Rutherford a Professor of Theology of St. Andrews, although he negotiated to be allowed to preach at least once a week.
The Westminster Assembly began their famous meetings in 1643, and Rutherford was one of the five Scottish commissioners invited to attend the proceedings. Although the Scots were not allowed to vote, they had an influence far exceeding their number. Rutherford is thought to have been a major influence on the Shorter Catechism.
During this period in England, Rutherford wrote his best-known work, Lex Rex, or The Law, the King. This book argued for limited government, and limitations on the current idea of the Divine Right of Kings.
When the monarchy was restored in 1660, it was clear that the author of Lex Rex would could expect trouble. When the summons came in 1661, charging him with treason, and demanding his appearance on a certain day, Rutherford refused to go. From his deathbed, he answered, "I must answer my first summons; and before you."
His first years in Anwoth, though, were touched with sadness. His wife was ill for a year and a month, before she died in their new home. Two children also died during this period.
In 1636 Rutherford published a book defending the doctrines of grace (Calvinism) against Armininism. This put him in conflict with the Church authorities, which were dominated by the English Episcopacy. He was called before the High Court, deprived of his ministerial office, and exiled to Aberdeen. This exile was a sore trial for the beloved pastor. He felt that being separated from his congregation was unbearable. However, because of his exile, we now have many of the letters he wrote to his flock, and so the evil of his banishment has been turned into a great blessing for the church worldwide.
In 1638 the struggles between Parliament and King in England, and Presbyterianism vs. Episcopacy in Scotland culminated in momentous events for Rutherford. In the confusion of the times, he simply slipped out of Aberdeen and returned to his beloved Anwoth. But it was not for long. The Kirk (Church of Scotland) held a General Assembly that year, restoring full Presbyterianism to the land. In addition, they appointed Rutherford a Professor of Theology of St. Andrews, although he negotiated to be allowed to preach at least once a week.
The Westminster Assembly began their famous meetings in 1643, and Rutherford was one of the five Scottish commissioners invited to attend the proceedings. Although the Scots were not allowed to vote, they had an influence far exceeding their number. Rutherford is thought to have been a major influence on the Shorter Catechism.
During this period in England, Rutherford wrote his best-known work, Lex Rex, or The Law, the King. This book argued for limited government, and limitations on the current idea of the Divine Right of Kings.
When the monarchy was restored in 1660, it was clear that the author of Lex Rex would could expect trouble. When the summons came in 1661, charging him with treason, and demanding his appearance on a certain day, Rutherford refused to go. From his deathbed, he answered, "I must answer my first summons; and before you."
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 19, 2026
Reformation Heritage Books sent me a copy of “The Works of Samuel Rutherford Volume 1: Arminianism: A Systematic and Theological Response” in exchange for an honest review.
Samuel Rutherford is, I dare say, one of the greatest theological minds of the 17th-century. He was a giant of theology, and at the same time he writes with a robust piety and pastoral sensibility. Unfortunately, most of Rutherford’s works have been inaccessible to English-speaking readers. That is about to change. RHB has undertaken the Herculean task of collecting Rutherford’s works in English, many of which for the first time. This book is the first installment of this collection, and it gives us a window into what this series will be like.
I’ll begin with the aesthetics of this volume. The color scheme is really nice. The combination of blue, white, and silver recalls the Scottish flag, which is appropriate for one of Scotland’s great theologians. I really like the fabric on the spine. It looks and feels really good. The only thing I’m skeptical of is the cover. The main cover is a paper over board. You’ll want to make sure you don’t accidentally set this down on a surface with liquid on it. I also don’t know how that cover will hold up over time. I hope it lasts a while, but I simply don’t know.
Whatever minor flaws there may be in the presentation, they are vastly nullified by the content. This first volume contains Rutherford’s massive systematic dismantling of Arminianism. This was a well-respected work in its own day, and it’s well worth reading today, regardless of your soteriological persuasion. Rutherford gives a robustly biblical and exegetically precise examination of Arminianism and defense of Reformed soteriology. This is better than any book you could read by modern pop Calvinists. This book is something you must think through and wrestle with as you ponder Scripture’s teaching on soteriology. As a side note, the ~100 pages of prefatory material are very helpful for understanding the historical context of this work and the significance of the issue.
This is a must-have work that every Christian should read at some point. This is my most-anticipated release of 2026 and it did not disappoint! If this volume is any indication, I’m really excited for the rest of the set to release.
Samuel Rutherford is, I dare say, one of the greatest theological minds of the 17th-century. He was a giant of theology, and at the same time he writes with a robust piety and pastoral sensibility. Unfortunately, most of Rutherford’s works have been inaccessible to English-speaking readers. That is about to change. RHB has undertaken the Herculean task of collecting Rutherford’s works in English, many of which for the first time. This book is the first installment of this collection, and it gives us a window into what this series will be like.
I’ll begin with the aesthetics of this volume. The color scheme is really nice. The combination of blue, white, and silver recalls the Scottish flag, which is appropriate for one of Scotland’s great theologians. I really like the fabric on the spine. It looks and feels really good. The only thing I’m skeptical of is the cover. The main cover is a paper over board. You’ll want to make sure you don’t accidentally set this down on a surface with liquid on it. I also don’t know how that cover will hold up over time. I hope it lasts a while, but I simply don’t know.
Whatever minor flaws there may be in the presentation, they are vastly nullified by the content. This first volume contains Rutherford’s massive systematic dismantling of Arminianism. This was a well-respected work in its own day, and it’s well worth reading today, regardless of your soteriological persuasion. Rutherford gives a robustly biblical and exegetically precise examination of Arminianism and defense of Reformed soteriology. This is better than any book you could read by modern pop Calvinists. This book is something you must think through and wrestle with as you ponder Scripture’s teaching on soteriology. As a side note, the ~100 pages of prefatory material are very helpful for understanding the historical context of this work and the significance of the issue.
This is a must-have work that every Christian should read at some point. This is my most-anticipated release of 2026 and it did not disappoint! If this volume is any indication, I’m really excited for the rest of the set to release.
November 11, 2026
completely unbiased opinion. buy this book and keep me employed. and buy an extra copy for all your Arminian friends. they need it
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews