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The Letters of Samuel Rutherford
Abridged edition. Like John Bunyan in Bedford gaol, Samuel Rutherford did his best work while suffering imprisonment for the gospel. His opponents had meant to silence him but instead they perpetuated his ministry through the centuries for it was out of this period that most of his famous Letters came. Addressed to high and low they were so prized by the recipients that the first collection by Robert McWard appeared in 1664 just three years after Rutherford's death. the successive editions contained more letters until they grew to the 365 in Andrew Bonar's classic edition. From this, 'the most remarkable series of devotional letters that the literature of the Reformed churches can show', the great leaders in the Church as well as the humblest Christians have drawn strength. It is said of Robert Murray M'Cheyne that 'the Letters of Samuel Rutherford were often in his hand.' This abridged edition contains sixty-nine of these letters.
This abridged edition contains 69 of the letters. The complete, unabridged edition is Letters of Samuel Rutherford (with biographical introduction by Andrew Bonar) also published by The Banner of Truth.
This abridged edition contains 69 of the letters. The complete, unabridged edition is Letters of Samuel Rutherford (with biographical introduction by Andrew Bonar) also published by The Banner of Truth.
208 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1664
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About the author
Samuel Rutherford
172 books77 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 - 30 of 77 reviews
June 30, 2017
For various reasons, it took me awhile to finish this. Normally, I don't like my reading a book to turn into a months' long endeavor, but in this case, stepping into this man's mindset day after day for four months was the best possible thing that could have happened. When you spend that much time reading the letters of man who was all-consumed with Jesus Christ and living in light of eternity, your own thinking starts to change as well. That was certainly true of my experience with this book. When a book grabs hold of me like that, I know I've found something truly spectacular. (And his beautiful writing style is an added bonus!).
June 21, 2025
Finally finished, after reading in tiny chunks for a couple years. Would read a letter or two for devotional value and it's great...but went ahead and pushed thru to get it off my currently reading list haha.
Absolutely solid, and a fascinating glimpse into the language and communication style of the puritans in the 1600s. Sobering to consider all that Rutherford faced and how he sought to continually encourage others enduring hardship in the midst of his persecution and suffering. He is Christ centered and gospel breathing utterly. If I could cultivate a heart and mind that is in step with my Savior to one tenth of Rutherford's when pain and difficulty arise...I would be well blessed.
Absolutely solid, and a fascinating glimpse into the language and communication style of the puritans in the 1600s. Sobering to consider all that Rutherford faced and how he sought to continually encourage others enduring hardship in the midst of his persecution and suffering. He is Christ centered and gospel breathing utterly. If I could cultivate a heart and mind that is in step with my Savior to one tenth of Rutherford's when pain and difficulty arise...I would be well blessed.
June 12, 2025
I understand why Spurgeon said that the letters of Samuel Rutherford are “the nearest thing to inspiration which can be found in all the writings of mere men.” His affection for Christ is infectious. His perspective on suffering is orienting. His prose is enriching. His life and devotion convicting. Each letter is indulgent and every page a delicacy if you’re coming to feast on Christ.
May 10, 2024
What a comforting work to keep in hand through trials of various kinds. Rutherford truly displays what it means to rejoice in suffering, counting it all joy. The way Rutherford writes of the sweetness and excellencies of Christ and his cross grips one’s affections and lifts the eyes of the heart off of one’s self and circumstances onto the blessed and sufficient Savior. There are so many gems in this book. I have already used many of his sayings in counseling others. Here are a few of my favorite quotes:
“I think it the Lords wise love that feeds us with wants and desertions”
'Welcome, welcome, sweet, sweet cross of Christ' I verily think the chains of my Lord Jesus are all overlaid with pure gold, and that his cross is perfumed, and that it smelleth of Christ, and that the victory shall be by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of his truth, and that Christ, lying on his back in his weak servants and oppressed truth, shall ride over his enemies' bellies, and shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath'
I cannot, indeed, see through my cross to the far end; yet I believe I am in Christ's books, and in his decree (not yet unfolded to me), a man triumphing, dancing and singing on the other side of the Red Sea, and laughing and praising the Lamb, over beyond time, sorrow, deprivation, prelates indignation, losses, want of friends, and death, Heaven is not a fowl flying in the air (as men used to speak of things that are uncertain); nay, it is well paid for. Christ's comprisement lieth on glory' for all the mourners in Zion, and shall never be loosed. Let us be glad and rejoice that we have blood, losses and wounds to show our Master and Captain at his appearance, and what we suffered for his cause.
For, since Faith apprehendeth pardon, but never payeth a penny for it, no marvel that salvation doth not die and live, ebb or flow, with the working of faith. But, because it is for your Lords honor to believe his mercy and his fidelity, it is infinite goodness in our Lord that misbelief giveth a dash to our Lords glory, and not to our salvation.
“I think it the Lords wise love that feeds us with wants and desertions”
'Welcome, welcome, sweet, sweet cross of Christ' I verily think the chains of my Lord Jesus are all overlaid with pure gold, and that his cross is perfumed, and that it smelleth of Christ, and that the victory shall be by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of his truth, and that Christ, lying on his back in his weak servants and oppressed truth, shall ride over his enemies' bellies, and shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath'
I cannot, indeed, see through my cross to the far end; yet I believe I am in Christ's books, and in his decree (not yet unfolded to me), a man triumphing, dancing and singing on the other side of the Red Sea, and laughing and praising the Lamb, over beyond time, sorrow, deprivation, prelates indignation, losses, want of friends, and death, Heaven is not a fowl flying in the air (as men used to speak of things that are uncertain); nay, it is well paid for. Christ's comprisement lieth on glory' for all the mourners in Zion, and shall never be loosed. Let us be glad and rejoice that we have blood, losses and wounds to show our Master and Captain at his appearance, and what we suffered for his cause.
For, since Faith apprehendeth pardon, but never payeth a penny for it, no marvel that salvation doth not die and live, ebb or flow, with the working of faith. But, because it is for your Lords honor to believe his mercy and his fidelity, it is infinite goodness in our Lord that misbelief giveth a dash to our Lords glory, and not to our salvation.
May 26, 2020
Indeed, this is the best sort of devotional literature the Reformed tradition has to offer. Rutherford's letters brim with the intimacy with Christ that is only bred out of suffering yet it is founded upon the firm foundations of doctrine that shaped the mind of this Westminster divine. Every letter is an invitation to join Rutherford in the operating room, sometimes as a spectator, most often as the patient. His skilled hand and deft mind invariably cut you open to bring the loving balm of Christ to the heart.
I mean to read the unabridged version someday. Highly recommend it.
I mean to read the unabridged version someday. Highly recommend it.
June 22, 2022
Samuel Rutherford was a Covenanter minister in Scotland during the 1600s. He was a minister in Anwoth in southwest Scotland, and deeply loved the congregation there. Though he has written many excellent in depth theological works, it is in his letters that we really see his pastoral heart. His love of Christ and his love and care for Christ’s people shines through. When I read this book I would read a letter in the morning and in the evening before beginning my Scripture reading and prayer. At the time I was helping care for my dying father so the letters had a special poignancy as so many of them were written to those grieving a death and held out the great hope and comfort we have in Christ. The letters also have a lot to say about assurance of salvation, of Rutherford’s own struggles with why God was doing certain things, his conviction of his own sinfulness, and his hope that Christ and His cause would triumph again in Scotland. His love for Christ and praise of Christ runs through it all. Yes, sometimes the old wording and sentence structure can be a bit difficult but these letters are a treasure chest of gems that make it worth it. Comforting and convicting, you will be reminded of the immeasurable riches we have in Christ.
April 25, 2022
I can’t believe that I read someone’s letters from 360 years ago 😂
I think if you want to learn about someone’s head, you should read their books. But if you want to learn and know someone’s heart, you should read their letters.
A pastor can be very benefited from reading Rutherford’s letters. His pastoral insights and encouragements are always commendable.
I think if you want to learn about someone’s head, you should read their books. But if you want to learn and know someone’s heart, you should read their letters.
A pastor can be very benefited from reading Rutherford’s letters. His pastoral insights and encouragements are always commendable.
May 3, 2021
More than anything else I've read (outside of Scripture) in the last couple of years, Rutherford's beautifully written letters have prodded me back toward a trust in God's love for me. To flip one of my pastor's phrases, loveliness bestows love.
If Rutherford had majored more on the Father love of God than on bridal imagery, I think the book would have cured me outright. Alas, his overly individualized employment of marital metaphors was rather too cringey for me. I don't think, for Rutherford, that it was quite in the vein of the "sloppy wet kisses" genre—for him it was more a greater cultural comfort with earthiness—but that's not a comfort I'm ever likely to share to that degree.
My only other criticism is that it mightn't have killed him to offer, at least every once in a while, plain expressions of heartfelt sympathy before launching into expositions of sovereignty, exhortations to duty, and assurances of spiritual benefits when his correspondents were facing great and grievous tragedies. As the bumper sticker put it, no one cares how much you know until they know how much you care. But still...the cumulative effect for a reader like me was to get that sense of how much Rutherford cared—both for the individuals he addressed and for the Christ he served. He was not writing of mere academic abstractions, but of truths he intensely believed and applied amidst the trials and tragedies of his own life.
This edition had a lot of background historical notes that were helpful both in placing the letters in context and in reminding the present-day reader to be rightly reading her own historical context.
All in all, it wouldn't be a bad desert island book...but I'm still holding out for a solar-powered Kindle if I'm ever sentenced to be marooned.
The narrator, Derek Perkins, is a man of obvious general intelligence, but scant theological or biblical literacy. He pronounced Arminian as Armenian all the way through and even managed to say luh-VEE for Levi. Does the man not own a pair of jeans?
If Rutherford had majored more on the Father love of God than on bridal imagery, I think the book would have cured me outright. Alas, his overly individualized employment of marital metaphors was rather too cringey for me. I don't think, for Rutherford, that it was quite in the vein of the "sloppy wet kisses" genre—for him it was more a greater cultural comfort with earthiness—but that's not a comfort I'm ever likely to share to that degree.
My only other criticism is that it mightn't have killed him to offer, at least every once in a while, plain expressions of heartfelt sympathy before launching into expositions of sovereignty, exhortations to duty, and assurances of spiritual benefits when his correspondents were facing great and grievous tragedies. As the bumper sticker put it, no one cares how much you know until they know how much you care. But still...the cumulative effect for a reader like me was to get that sense of how much Rutherford cared—both for the individuals he addressed and for the Christ he served. He was not writing of mere academic abstractions, but of truths he intensely believed and applied amidst the trials and tragedies of his own life.
This edition had a lot of background historical notes that were helpful both in placing the letters in context and in reminding the present-day reader to be rightly reading her own historical context.
All in all, it wouldn't be a bad desert island book...but I'm still holding out for a solar-powered Kindle if I'm ever sentenced to be marooned.
The narrator, Derek Perkins, is a man of obvious general intelligence, but scant theological or biblical literacy. He pronounced Arminian as Armenian all the way through and even managed to say luh-VEE for Levi. Does the man not own a pair of jeans?
February 25, 2024
The heart of a pastor to his people!
Want to read
January 30, 2023A phenomenal work on Christian devotion. Hundreds of these letters were written while Rutherford was imprisoned in Aberdeen. What a gift from the Lord for us to be encouraged by the words that Rutherford penned from prison to his parishioners over 360 years ago.
My copies are unabridged in Kindle and hardcover containing 365 letters with a biographical introduction.
Charles Spurgeon said:
Quotations
"The great Master Gardener, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, in a wonderful providence, with His own hand, planted me here, where, by His grace, in this part of His vineyard, I grow. ... And here I will abide till the great Master of the Vineyard think fit to transplant me."
"It is not for us to set an hourglass to the Creator of time."
"His cross is the sweetest burden that ever I bare; it is such a burden as wings are to a bird, or sails to a ship, to carry me forward to my harbour."
"Be not cast down. If ye saw Him who is standing on the shore, holding out His arms to welcome you to land, ye would wade, not only through a sea of wrongs, but through hell itself to be with Him."
"Christ hath come, and run away to heaven with my heart and my love, so that neither heart nor love is mine."
"Why should I tremble at the plough of my Lord, that maketh deep furrows on my soul? I know He is no idle husbandman, He purposeth a crop."
"… and though we cannot see a reason for it, yet He hath a most just reason."
"Say, ‘I shall rather spoil twenty prayers, than to not pray at all. Let my broken words go up to Heaven; when they come up into the angel’s golden censer, that compassionate Advocate will put together my broken prayers and perfume them,’ Words are but accidents of prayer."
"They lose nothing who gain Christ."
"I pray God, that I may never find my will again. Oh, if Christ would subject my will to his, and trample it under his feet, and liberate me from that lawless lord!"
"Among many marks that we are on the journey, and under sail towards heaven, this is one, when the love of God so filleth our hearts that we forget to love and care too much for the having or wanting of other things; as one extreme heat burneth out another."
"Your heart is not the compass Christ saileth by."
"I know that He who sent me to the west and south sends me also to the north. I will charge my soul to believe and to wait for Him, and will follow His Providence and not go before it nor stay behind it."
"I am most gladly content that Christ breaketh all my idols in pieces; it hath put a new edge upon my blunted love to Christ. I see He is jealous of my love, and will have all to Himself."
"If there were ten thousand, thousand millions of worlds, and as many heavens full of men and angels, Christ would not be pinched to supply all our wants, and to fill us all. Christ is a well of life, but who knoweth how deep it is to the bottom?"
"I have been benefited by praying for others; for by making an errand to God for them I have gotten something for myself."
"You must learn to make your evils your great good; and to spin comforts, peace, joy, communion with Christ, out of your troubles, which are Christ’s wooers, sent to speak for you from Himself."
"O my Lord Jesus Christ, if I could be in heaven without thee, it would be a hell; and if I could be in hell, and have thee still, it would be a heaven to me, for thou art all the heaven I want."
"It is impossible to be submissive and religiously patient, if ye stay your thoughts down among the confused rollings and wheels of second causes; as, ‘Oh the place!’ ‘Oh the time!’ ‘Oh if this had been, this had not followed!’ ‘Oh the linking of this accident with this time and place!’ Look up to the master motion and the first wheel. ‘How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!’ His providence halteth not, but goeth with even and equal legs."
"Our little time of suffering is not worthy of our first night's welcome home to Heaven."
"I find it to be most true, that the greatest temptation out of hell is to live without temptations. If my waters should stand, they would rot. Faith is the better of the free air, and of the sharp winter storm in its face. Grace withereth without adversity. The devil is but God’s master fencer, to teach us to handle our weapons."
"Providence hath a thousand keys, to open a thousand sundry doors for the deliverance of His own, when it is even come to a conclamatum est [all is over]. Let us be faithful, and care for our own part, which is to do and suffer for Him, and lay Christ’s part on Himself, and leave it there. Duties are ours, events are the Lord’s."
"Nay, whether God come to His children with a rod or a crown, if He come Himself with it, it is well. Welcome, welcome Jesus, what way soever thou come, if we can get a sight of thee. And sure I am, it is better to be sick, providing Christ come to the bed-side, and draw aside the curtains, and say ‘Courage, I am thy salvation,’ than to enjoy health, being lusty and strong, and never to be visited of God."
"It is not long to the day, and he will continue his journey upon the morrow, and leave them all. Indeed our fair morning is at hand, the day-star is near the rising, and we are not many miles from home."
"Worthy and dear Lady, in the strength of Christ, fight and overcome. You are now alone, but you may have, for the seeking, three always in your company, the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit. I trust they are near you."
"My dear brother, let God make of you what He will, He will end all with consolation, and shall make glory out of your sufferings; and would ye wish better work? This water was in your way to heaven, and written in your Lord's book; ye behoved to cross it: and therefore kiss His wise and unerring providence. Let not the censures of men, who see but the outside of things (and scarce well that), abate your courage and rejoicing in the Lord; howbeit, your faith seeth but the black side of providence, yet it hath a better side, and God shall let you see it. Learn to believe Christ better than His strokes; Himself and His promises better than His glooms. 'For we know that all things work together for good to them that love God,' ergo, shipwreck, losses, disappointments, ill tongues, loss of friends, houses or country, are God's workmen, set on work, to work out good to you, out of everything that befalleth you. Let not the Lord's dealings seem harsh, rough or unfatherly, because it is unpleasant. When the Lord's blessed will bloweth cross your desires, it is best in humility to strike sail to Him and be willing to be laid any way our Lord pleaseth: it is a point of denial of yourself, to be as if ye had not a will but had made a free disposition of it to God, and had sold it over to Him; and to make use of His will for your own is both true holiness, and your ease and peace. Ye know not what the Lord is working out of this, but ye shall know it hereafter."
My copies are unabridged in Kindle and hardcover containing 365 letters with a biographical introduction.
Charles Spurgeon said:
“What a wealth of spiritual ravishment we have here! Rutherford is beyond all praise of men. Like a strong-winged eagle he soars into the highest heaven and with unblenched eye he looks into the mystery of love divine. There is, to us, something mysterious, awe-creating and superhuman about Rutherford’s letters. ... When we are dead and gone, let the world know that Spurgeon held Rutherford’s Letters to be the nearest thing to inspiration which can be found in all the writings of mere men.”
Quotations
"The great Master Gardener, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, in a wonderful providence, with His own hand, planted me here, where, by His grace, in this part of His vineyard, I grow. ... And here I will abide till the great Master of the Vineyard think fit to transplant me."
"It is not for us to set an hourglass to the Creator of time."
"His cross is the sweetest burden that ever I bare; it is such a burden as wings are to a bird, or sails to a ship, to carry me forward to my harbour."
"Be not cast down. If ye saw Him who is standing on the shore, holding out His arms to welcome you to land, ye would wade, not only through a sea of wrongs, but through hell itself to be with Him."
"Christ hath come, and run away to heaven with my heart and my love, so that neither heart nor love is mine."
"Why should I tremble at the plough of my Lord, that maketh deep furrows on my soul? I know He is no idle husbandman, He purposeth a crop."
"… and though we cannot see a reason for it, yet He hath a most just reason."
"Say, ‘I shall rather spoil twenty prayers, than to not pray at all. Let my broken words go up to Heaven; when they come up into the angel’s golden censer, that compassionate Advocate will put together my broken prayers and perfume them,’ Words are but accidents of prayer."
"They lose nothing who gain Christ."
"I pray God, that I may never find my will again. Oh, if Christ would subject my will to his, and trample it under his feet, and liberate me from that lawless lord!"
"Among many marks that we are on the journey, and under sail towards heaven, this is one, when the love of God so filleth our hearts that we forget to love and care too much for the having or wanting of other things; as one extreme heat burneth out another."
"Your heart is not the compass Christ saileth by."
"I know that He who sent me to the west and south sends me also to the north. I will charge my soul to believe and to wait for Him, and will follow His Providence and not go before it nor stay behind it."
"I am most gladly content that Christ breaketh all my idols in pieces; it hath put a new edge upon my blunted love to Christ. I see He is jealous of my love, and will have all to Himself."
"If there were ten thousand, thousand millions of worlds, and as many heavens full of men and angels, Christ would not be pinched to supply all our wants, and to fill us all. Christ is a well of life, but who knoweth how deep it is to the bottom?"
"I have been benefited by praying for others; for by making an errand to God for them I have gotten something for myself."
"You must learn to make your evils your great good; and to spin comforts, peace, joy, communion with Christ, out of your troubles, which are Christ’s wooers, sent to speak for you from Himself."
"O my Lord Jesus Christ, if I could be in heaven without thee, it would be a hell; and if I could be in hell, and have thee still, it would be a heaven to me, for thou art all the heaven I want."
"It is impossible to be submissive and religiously patient, if ye stay your thoughts down among the confused rollings and wheels of second causes; as, ‘Oh the place!’ ‘Oh the time!’ ‘Oh if this had been, this had not followed!’ ‘Oh the linking of this accident with this time and place!’ Look up to the master motion and the first wheel. ‘How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!’ His providence halteth not, but goeth with even and equal legs."
"Our little time of suffering is not worthy of our first night's welcome home to Heaven."
"I find it to be most true, that the greatest temptation out of hell is to live without temptations. If my waters should stand, they would rot. Faith is the better of the free air, and of the sharp winter storm in its face. Grace withereth without adversity. The devil is but God’s master fencer, to teach us to handle our weapons."
"Providence hath a thousand keys, to open a thousand sundry doors for the deliverance of His own, when it is even come to a conclamatum est [all is over]. Let us be faithful, and care for our own part, which is to do and suffer for Him, and lay Christ’s part on Himself, and leave it there. Duties are ours, events are the Lord’s."
"Nay, whether God come to His children with a rod or a crown, if He come Himself with it, it is well. Welcome, welcome Jesus, what way soever thou come, if we can get a sight of thee. And sure I am, it is better to be sick, providing Christ come to the bed-side, and draw aside the curtains, and say ‘Courage, I am thy salvation,’ than to enjoy health, being lusty and strong, and never to be visited of God."
"It is not long to the day, and he will continue his journey upon the morrow, and leave them all. Indeed our fair morning is at hand, the day-star is near the rising, and we are not many miles from home."
"Worthy and dear Lady, in the strength of Christ, fight and overcome. You are now alone, but you may have, for the seeking, three always in your company, the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit. I trust they are near you."
"My dear brother, let God make of you what He will, He will end all with consolation, and shall make glory out of your sufferings; and would ye wish better work? This water was in your way to heaven, and written in your Lord's book; ye behoved to cross it: and therefore kiss His wise and unerring providence. Let not the censures of men, who see but the outside of things (and scarce well that), abate your courage and rejoicing in the Lord; howbeit, your faith seeth but the black side of providence, yet it hath a better side, and God shall let you see it. Learn to believe Christ better than His strokes; Himself and His promises better than His glooms. 'For we know that all things work together for good to them that love God,' ergo, shipwreck, losses, disappointments, ill tongues, loss of friends, houses or country, are God's workmen, set on work, to work out good to you, out of everything that befalleth you. Let not the Lord's dealings seem harsh, rough or unfatherly, because it is unpleasant. When the Lord's blessed will bloweth cross your desires, it is best in humility to strike sail to Him and be willing to be laid any way our Lord pleaseth: it is a point of denial of yourself, to be as if ye had not a will but had made a free disposition of it to God, and had sold it over to Him; and to make use of His will for your own is both true holiness, and your ease and peace. Ye know not what the Lord is working out of this, but ye shall know it hereafter."
May 13, 2024
This book changed my life by taking me deeper with Gospel and see God’s love for me. This makes modern theology books worth hardly anything.
Top 10 theology books I have ever read and they were only pastoral letters from prison. I want to be more like Rutherford and ultimately going deeper with Jesus.
Top 10 theology books I have ever read and they were only pastoral letters from prison. I want to be more like Rutherford and ultimately going deeper with Jesus.
February 10, 2018
Read it fully
This was such a great book. I benefitted so much seeing the heart of a man who loves Jesus and loves his people. I wish I read it more slowly. At times the language is hard but it’s worth ploughing through. I’m looking forward to some of the letters. Loved it!
This was such a great book. I benefitted so much seeing the heart of a man who loves Jesus and loves his people. I wish I read it more slowly. At times the language is hard but it’s worth ploughing through. I’m looking forward to some of the letters. Loved it!
July 30, 2017
An old classic. Not all of the letters, but a fine selection nonetheless. Good to orchestrate in one's prayer time.
July 21, 2024
This compilation of letters written by the Puritan Samuel Rutherford read more like inspired Scripture than they do personal letters. Makes me wonder why modern 21st Christian letters, emails, texts, have become so human centric / sound less "Bibline" and more Post-modern ... very convicting and challenging to me. My prayer is that my personal words, notes, letters, etc would bleed scripture like these precious words of Rutherford that were written while he was in his own personal valleys and mountaintops to those in differing legs of their own earthly pilgrimage. How great if someone in the 23rd Century read my messages and compared them to Scripture.
I love how Banner of Truth organized these letters chronologically while capturing the themes at the beginning of each letter for quick reference. Hence, this review will highlight some of my favorite quotes under three of the reoccurring themes and circumstances in which he wrote the letters (of note, there were many of these varying circumstances but I'm focusing on the three which seemed most prevalent).
Theme 1: To those suffering:
- “when you tire, He will bear both you and your burden (Psalm 55:22).”
-“whether God come to His children with a rod or a crown, if He come Himself with it, it is well.”
-“I think it the Lord’s wise love that feeds us with hunger, and makes us fat with wants and desertions.”
-Written from prison: “my prison is a palace to me, and Christ’s banqueting-house.”
-“Teach me many things in my exile and prison that were mysteries to me before.”
-“A soul bleeding to death till Christ were sent for, and cried in all haste, to come and stem the blood, and close up the hole in the wound with His own hand and balm, were a very good disease, when many are dying of a whole heart. We have all too little of hell pains and terrors that way. Nay, God send me such a hell as Christ hath promised to make a heaven of.”
-“I think our weakness maketh us the church of the redeemed ones … weakness is our Mediator’s world: sin is Christ’s only fair and market.”
-“Weakness is to make us the strongest things; that it, when, having no strength of our own, we are carried upon Christ’s shoulders, and walk, as it were, upon His legs.”
-“A Christ bought with strokes is sweetest.”
Theme 2: To those who lost a loved one:
-“Seeing her (your daughter) term was come, and your lease run out, you can no more justly quarrel against your great Superior for taking His own, at His just term-day, than a poor farmer can complain, that his master takes a portion of his own land to himself, when his lease is expired.”
-“The Lord hath this way lopped your branch in taking from you many children, to the end you should grow upward, like one of the Lord’s cedars, setting your heart above, where Christ is at the right hand of the Father.”
-After the loss of his wife: “My wife, after a long disease and torment, for the space of a year and a month, is departed this life; the Lord hath done it, blessed be His name.” … “when my Lord took from me the delight of mine eyes as the word speaketh (Ezek 24:16), which wound is not yet fully healed,” … “this giveth you a particular right to make God your husband … read God’s mercy out of this visitation.”
-“God hath dried up one channel of your love by the removal of your husband; let now that stream run upon Christ.”
-“The Lord hath been loosing you at the root from perishing things.”
-“Let our Lord pluck His own fruit at any season He pleaseth. They are not lost to you, but are laid up so well as that they are offered in heaven, where our Lord’s best jewels lie.”
Theme 3: To those doubting their own salvation or struggling with assurance:
-“Fulfil your course with joy; for we take nothing to the grave with us, but a good or evil conscience.”
-“fears and doubtings shake us; and yet without fear and doubtings we should soon sleep, and lose our hold of Christ. Tribulations and temptations will almost loose us at the root; and yet without tribulations and temptations we can now no more grow than herbs or corn without rain.”
-“I am often blown off my back and off my feet with a storm of doubting.”
-“It is our heaven to lay many weights and burdens upon Christ, and to make Him all we have, root and too, beginning and ending of our salvation. Lord hold us here.”
-“For if you were not His, your thoughts would not be such, nor so serious, as these, ‘Am I his?’ or, ‘Whose am I?’”
-“Let my broken words go up to heaven; when they come up into the great angel’s golden censer, that compassionate Advocate will put together my broken prayers and perfume them. Words are but the accidents (incidental accompaniments) of prayer.”
I love how Banner of Truth organized these letters chronologically while capturing the themes at the beginning of each letter for quick reference. Hence, this review will highlight some of my favorite quotes under three of the reoccurring themes and circumstances in which he wrote the letters (of note, there were many of these varying circumstances but I'm focusing on the three which seemed most prevalent).
Theme 1: To those suffering:
- “when you tire, He will bear both you and your burden (Psalm 55:22).”
-“whether God come to His children with a rod or a crown, if He come Himself with it, it is well.”
-“I think it the Lord’s wise love that feeds us with hunger, and makes us fat with wants and desertions.”
-Written from prison: “my prison is a palace to me, and Christ’s banqueting-house.”
-“Teach me many things in my exile and prison that were mysteries to me before.”
-“A soul bleeding to death till Christ were sent for, and cried in all haste, to come and stem the blood, and close up the hole in the wound with His own hand and balm, were a very good disease, when many are dying of a whole heart. We have all too little of hell pains and terrors that way. Nay, God send me such a hell as Christ hath promised to make a heaven of.”
-“I think our weakness maketh us the church of the redeemed ones … weakness is our Mediator’s world: sin is Christ’s only fair and market.”
-“Weakness is to make us the strongest things; that it, when, having no strength of our own, we are carried upon Christ’s shoulders, and walk, as it were, upon His legs.”
-“A Christ bought with strokes is sweetest.”
Theme 2: To those who lost a loved one:
-“Seeing her (your daughter) term was come, and your lease run out, you can no more justly quarrel against your great Superior for taking His own, at His just term-day, than a poor farmer can complain, that his master takes a portion of his own land to himself, when his lease is expired.”
-“The Lord hath this way lopped your branch in taking from you many children, to the end you should grow upward, like one of the Lord’s cedars, setting your heart above, where Christ is at the right hand of the Father.”
-After the loss of his wife: “My wife, after a long disease and torment, for the space of a year and a month, is departed this life; the Lord hath done it, blessed be His name.” … “when my Lord took from me the delight of mine eyes as the word speaketh (Ezek 24:16), which wound is not yet fully healed,” … “this giveth you a particular right to make God your husband … read God’s mercy out of this visitation.”
-“God hath dried up one channel of your love by the removal of your husband; let now that stream run upon Christ.”
-“The Lord hath been loosing you at the root from perishing things.”
-“Let our Lord pluck His own fruit at any season He pleaseth. They are not lost to you, but are laid up so well as that they are offered in heaven, where our Lord’s best jewels lie.”
Theme 3: To those doubting their own salvation or struggling with assurance:
-“Fulfil your course with joy; for we take nothing to the grave with us, but a good or evil conscience.”
-“fears and doubtings shake us; and yet without fear and doubtings we should soon sleep, and lose our hold of Christ. Tribulations and temptations will almost loose us at the root; and yet without tribulations and temptations we can now no more grow than herbs or corn without rain.”
-“I am often blown off my back and off my feet with a storm of doubting.”
-“It is our heaven to lay many weights and burdens upon Christ, and to make Him all we have, root and too, beginning and ending of our salvation. Lord hold us here.”
-“For if you were not His, your thoughts would not be such, nor so serious, as these, ‘Am I his?’ or, ‘Whose am I?’”
-“Let my broken words go up to heaven; when they come up into the great angel’s golden censer, that compassionate Advocate will put together my broken prayers and perfume them. Words are but the accidents (incidental accompaniments) of prayer.”
January 14, 2025
#13 of 60+ in the Puritan Paperbacks series by Banner of Truth.
In 1636, Samuel Rutherford, a faithful minister of the gospel in Scotland, was removed from his pulpit, separated from his flock, and imprisoned for two years. During this time, his ministry in service of Christ did not cease but only changed manner. Instead of preaching from a pulpit, Rutherford penned letters from exile. He continued to care for his flock and to labor for their faith. He was well acquainted with affliction both in ministry and his personal life. After losing his wife at a young age, his response was that “the Lord hath done it, blessed be his name.” (9) Writing to a lady in his congregation upon the death of her husband, he counseled: “the Lord hath pierced the vessel; it will be known whether there be in it wine or water. Let your faith and patience be seen, that it may be known that your only beloved, first and last, hath been Christ.” (21) Writing at length to another in his congregation going through a trial, Rutherford exhorted him to:
“learn to believe Christ better than his strokes; himself and his promises better than his glooms. Dashes and disappointments are not canonical Scripture. When the Lord’s blessed will bloweth across your desires, it is best, in humility, to strike sail to him, and to be willing to be led any way our Lord pleaseth. It is a point of denial of yourself, to be as if you had not a will, but had made a free disposition of it to God, and had sold it over to him. And to make use of his will for your own is both true holiness, and your ease and peace. You know not what the Lord is working out of this, but you shall know it hereafter.” (75-76)
Rutherford’s pastoral counsel for those in the midst of trials is by far the most useful aspect of this collection of his letters. He speaks as one familiar and the reader feels that. That being said, the collection could be much more helpful when the letters are better placed in the context of his life. Each letter does have a date and location from which he wrote. However, it still requires knowledge of his own life which is not given much room in the introductory remarks. This is one of those books that is good to have read through and marked some key passages to revisit during your own times of affliction.
In 1636, Samuel Rutherford, a faithful minister of the gospel in Scotland, was removed from his pulpit, separated from his flock, and imprisoned for two years. During this time, his ministry in service of Christ did not cease but only changed manner. Instead of preaching from a pulpit, Rutherford penned letters from exile. He continued to care for his flock and to labor for their faith. He was well acquainted with affliction both in ministry and his personal life. After losing his wife at a young age, his response was that “the Lord hath done it, blessed be his name.” (9) Writing to a lady in his congregation upon the death of her husband, he counseled: “the Lord hath pierced the vessel; it will be known whether there be in it wine or water. Let your faith and patience be seen, that it may be known that your only beloved, first and last, hath been Christ.” (21) Writing at length to another in his congregation going through a trial, Rutherford exhorted him to:
“learn to believe Christ better than his strokes; himself and his promises better than his glooms. Dashes and disappointments are not canonical Scripture. When the Lord’s blessed will bloweth across your desires, it is best, in humility, to strike sail to him, and to be willing to be led any way our Lord pleaseth. It is a point of denial of yourself, to be as if you had not a will, but had made a free disposition of it to God, and had sold it over to him. And to make use of his will for your own is both true holiness, and your ease and peace. You know not what the Lord is working out of this, but you shall know it hereafter.” (75-76)
Rutherford’s pastoral counsel for those in the midst of trials is by far the most useful aspect of this collection of his letters. He speaks as one familiar and the reader feels that. That being said, the collection could be much more helpful when the letters are better placed in the context of his life. Each letter does have a date and location from which he wrote. However, it still requires knowledge of his own life which is not given much room in the introductory remarks. This is one of those books that is good to have read through and marked some key passages to revisit during your own times of affliction.
December 15, 2024
Hugely overrated to be honest. There are odd sections and lines of wonderful devotion with superb clarity but overall I didn't overly enjoy it. The hype destroyed it for me because not every word of it is almost inspired and perfect, like the reviews would lead you to believe. So much of it is grounded in his current circumstances or those of his congregation and contemporaries. As another reviewer has said, it may be better if you read a biography of his life before you read this - but I don't think that that would transform it. It's ok. I'm a strong Presbyterian and love Rutherford. I really wanted to love this work and wanted to give it a higher rating. To say I enjoyed it however would be a lie so I must be honest. I will read it again another time when I know more about Rutherford's life but I've learnt that being skeptical when most say a book is amazing is exactly the correct attitude. Read it if you want but I struggle to recommend it. Controversial I know but I must be honest.
August 9, 2025
I am thankful for this book. Rutherford's pastoral career spanned all the troubles and disturbances in Britain from the 1630s to the restoration of King Charles II. He was a witness of much trial and disturbance in his life and times, but he remained faithful even to his death in 1661, by which time the Covenanting cause in Scotland has been proscribed and surpressed.
Rutherford's letters may pour cold water on your thoughts of faith and grace, but he does it in order that he may extinguish presumption and complacency. In each of his letters, he rakes up the coals, and applies the bellows of scripture to build up a fire of devotion. The way he encourages his correspondents, the way he remains faithful even amid his own trials and doubts, is a fine example and puts steel in my profession of faith.
If I could recommend a single letter, it would be #56, to James Wilson, January 8th, 1640. It set me straight on some doubtings and discouragements I have experienced lately.
Rutherford's letters may pour cold water on your thoughts of faith and grace, but he does it in order that he may extinguish presumption and complacency. In each of his letters, he rakes up the coals, and applies the bellows of scripture to build up a fire of devotion. The way he encourages his correspondents, the way he remains faithful even amid his own trials and doubts, is a fine example and puts steel in my profession of faith.
If I could recommend a single letter, it would be #56, to James Wilson, January 8th, 1640. It set me straight on some doubtings and discouragements I have experienced lately.
July 26, 2022
This was such a beneficial book to me. Rutherford has plumbed the depths of human depression and tragedy, knowing the true and only source of comfort in this life. Every letter that he wrote was pastoral top to bottom, willing to grieve when needed, rebuke, comfort, and celebrate. This was a shorter collection of what many have deemed his best letters, though Bonar did collect and publish many others. This is worthwhile and I have already returned to it on several occasions, not simply for my own benefit, but also to benefit others who are walking down roads that are steeper than I can understand.
February 11, 2024
Advice and encouragement written in the 1600s in these letters still very relevant and applicable to me now! Was interesting noting some letters very encouraging to the depressed readers, than at other times Samuel Rutherford was suffering from similar complaints and basically asking people he wrote to, to encourage and preach God's truth to him.
"...I discourage none; I know Christ hath made a new marriage-contract of love, and sealed it with his blood, and the trembling believer shall not be confounded. Grace be with you.
"...I discourage none; I know Christ hath made a new marriage-contract of love, and sealed it with his blood, and the trembling believer shall not be confounded. Grace be with you.
April 22, 2024
“What can be our part in this pitched battle betwixt the Lamb and the Dragon, but to receive the darts in patience that rebound off us upon our sweet Master; or rather, light first upon him, and then rebound off him upon his servants?”
Rutherford’s letters are a beautiful lens into the heart of a pastor. Always pouring himself out for others, even in the midst of his own suffering and imprisonment, Rutherford models the true shepherd and offers wonderful counsel throughout his letters on suffering and persecution. This is a great devotional resource.
Rutherford’s letters are a beautiful lens into the heart of a pastor. Always pouring himself out for others, even in the midst of his own suffering and imprisonment, Rutherford models the true shepherd and offers wonderful counsel throughout his letters on suffering and persecution. This is a great devotional resource.
June 22, 2025
Exceptional!
Beautiful letters, written full of life and hope; a glimpse into Rutherford's soul, ministry and life ambition to proclaim Christ. Poetic in many places yet full of pastoral care, permanently thinking of the last day when Jesus will return!
Oozing with hope even in the darkest trials, encouraging in the Lord those who have lost children, husbands, physical health, freedom. What lively faith Rutherford had and what adoration of Jesus!
I will try to make it a habit of returning to these letters lots.
Beautiful letters, written full of life and hope; a glimpse into Rutherford's soul, ministry and life ambition to proclaim Christ. Poetic in many places yet full of pastoral care, permanently thinking of the last day when Jesus will return!
Oozing with hope even in the darkest trials, encouraging in the Lord those who have lost children, husbands, physical health, freedom. What lively faith Rutherford had and what adoration of Jesus!
I will try to make it a habit of returning to these letters lots.
March 22, 2020
I can see why Robert Murray M’Cheyne carried these letters around with him. They’re super encouraging, convicting, warm and devotional. He testifies to Christ’s love and quotes Song of Solomon more than any author I have read before. It spurs me on to love Christ more!
It’s also neat to read about Church History in Scotland during his time through the lens of his letters to others.
I hope it can bless you as it has blessed me.
Soli Deo Gloria
It’s also neat to read about Church History in Scotland during his time through the lens of his letters to others.
I hope it can bless you as it has blessed me.
Soli Deo Gloria
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2021
I feel like a fraud, rating this and shelving it as "read" when I'm only about 40% through. I have read the print book (abridged?) before, but 32 hours of Samuel Rutherford in a short period of time isn't the way to take in this book. Small sips, not massive glugs. I intend to return to this throughout 2021, but for now I'm taking a break.
May 21, 2019
Wonderful encouragement for the Christian walking in the midst of deep valleys and hard trials-
Read it twice in 2019.
I shared some of my favorite quotes here:
https://beckypliego.me/2019/05/21/fro...
Read it twice in 2019.
I shared some of my favorite quotes here:
https://beckypliego.me/2019/05/21/fro...
October 21, 2010
Rutherford was one of those men who could write a polemical political treatise, then turn around and write a letter to a mom in his church whose child had just passed away. These letters are filled with a deep sense of compassion and sympathy for those Christians in his day who were suffering persecution by the crown, or just undergoing severe trials in life.
The thing that amazed me the most though, was the number of times he refers to Jesus as the "sweet" lover of his soul, and then he would quote the Song of Solomon as a proof text. Rutherford was a manly Puritan who had no problem talking about his personal relationship to Christ in marital categories. Given his context, he was definitely no sentimentalist, but he understood well the sentiments of a passionate Lover who longs to be intimate with His bride.
The thing that amazed me the most though, was the number of times he refers to Jesus as the "sweet" lover of his soul, and then he would quote the Song of Solomon as a proof text. Rutherford was a manly Puritan who had no problem talking about his personal relationship to Christ in marital categories. Given his context, he was definitely no sentimentalist, but he understood well the sentiments of a passionate Lover who longs to be intimate with His bride.
June 12, 2017
I'm thankful for Rutherford's emphasis that we 'feast with Christ' especially in our suffering.
September 23, 2020
The "Letters of Samuel Rutherford" are legendary for their experiential warmth and Christ-centered piety in the history of the Christian church. The first edition of Rutherford's correspondence was published within a few years of his death in the 1660s and has remained in print ever since. Both giants of the faith (such as Spurgeon and M'Cheyne) and scores of simple saints have profited from reading this rich work. The full collection of Rutherford's letters includes hundreds of letters that he wrote to the great and good of Scotland as well as correspondence to his personal friends and parishioners. In this edition of his letters, the Banner of Truth has helpfully curated a solid sample of what is found in the full collection. The result is 70 of Rutherford's letters bound in a manageable paperback that comes in just under 200 pages.
This is a book to chew on - perfect for the nightstand or to incorporate into one's morning devotional routine. I read a letter or two (most of the letters are no more than a page or so) with my morning cup of coffee over the past few months. There are countless gems tucked between these covers and every page called out for underlining and notation. But what struck me most as I reflect on the book as a whole was the relentlessly Christ-centered perspective Rutherford brought to his view of life. In so many conversations between Christians today the question: "How was your week?" will be met with an answer conveying either how busy we are or how difficult our circumstances have been in the past week. But Rutherford answers that question by reflecting on the quality of his communion with Christ. Was the past week full of Christ, or did the Savior seem distant? Was fellowship sweet and strong, or did sin and sloth dull the experience of Christ's presence? The barometer by which we judge life is often our own productivity or pleasures. The barometer by which Rutherford seemed to judge life was his union and communion with Christ. This is but one of the many lessons to be learned from this great man of faith. This book is considered a classic with good reason!
This is a book to chew on - perfect for the nightstand or to incorporate into one's morning devotional routine. I read a letter or two (most of the letters are no more than a page or so) with my morning cup of coffee over the past few months. There are countless gems tucked between these covers and every page called out for underlining and notation. But what struck me most as I reflect on the book as a whole was the relentlessly Christ-centered perspective Rutherford brought to his view of life. In so many conversations between Christians today the question: "How was your week?" will be met with an answer conveying either how busy we are or how difficult our circumstances have been in the past week. But Rutherford answers that question by reflecting on the quality of his communion with Christ. Was the past week full of Christ, or did the Savior seem distant? Was fellowship sweet and strong, or did sin and sloth dull the experience of Christ's presence? The barometer by which we judge life is often our own productivity or pleasures. The barometer by which Rutherford seemed to judge life was his union and communion with Christ. This is but one of the many lessons to be learned from this great man of faith. This book is considered a classic with good reason!
August 16, 2023
Samuel Rutherford was a Scottish Presbyterian minister in the 1600s. Because he had theological differences contrary to some of the Episcopal views, he was persecuted for his beliefs and exiled and imprisoned. He was a prolific letter writer, and this book contains just a few of those letters that he wrote. This is not a book one picks up and reads at one sitting. The writing is from the 17th century, plus he addresses complex issues of the Christian faith, including suffering and persecution. He is constantly encouraging others. He also is open in sharing about his own sufferings but his faith is unshakeable and his thoughts are always on Christ and the eternal salvation that faithfulness will bring. There are many pearls among his letters that offer insight into the life of the persecuted and the faith of one who has complete surrendered to God. For example, he pens these words on his banishment to Aberdeen: "Howbeit Christ's green cross, newly laid upon me, be somewhat heavy, while I call to mind the many fair days sweet and comfortable to my soul and to the souls of many others, and how young ones in Christ are plucked from my breast, and the inheritance of God laid waste, yet that sweet-smelled and perfumed cross of Christ is accompanied with sweet refreshments, with t he kisses of a King, with the joy of the Holy Ghost, with faith that the Lord hears the sighing of a prisoner, with undoubted hope (as sure as my Lord liveth), after this night to see daylight, and Christ's sky to clear up again upon me and his poor kirk (church); and that in a strange land, among strange faces, He will give favour in the eyes of men to his poor oppressed servant, who cannot but love that lovely One, that princely One, Jesus, the Comforter of his soul."
November 16, 2025
EXCELLENT DEVOTIONAL: Possibly someone has already pointed out that there are 365 letters in this edition, one to read for each day of the year. These are so deeply-moving to me that he has become one of the three devotional books that I keep bedside and read each morning--one letter per day--starting back at the beginning when I finish. He is the type one wants for a constant companion. (The other two are Spurgeon's Morning and Evening and Thomas A Kempis' Imitation of Christ, just to give you an idea of Rutherford's caliber if you've not yet met him.)
Mostly, he is ENDEARING . . . so devout, sincere, earnest, and with such quaint turns of phrase. Secondly, he is "hand-fasted with Christ," to use his own expression, totally committed to the Saviour and to the Unseen world and coming Kingdom. Thirdly, his complete urgency about putting God first and our lives in order is unparalleled. For these and more, he is forever in my heart.
"MUCH HONORED SIR, — I long to hear whether or not your soul be hand-fasted with Christ. Lose your time no longer: flee the follies of youth: gird up the loins of your mind, and make you ready for meeting the Lord."
"Ye know that this world is but a shadow, a short living creature, under the law of time. Within less than fifty years, when ye look back to it, ye shall laugh at the evanishing vanities thereof, as feathers flying in the air, and as the houses of sand within the sea-mark, which the children of men are building. Give up with courting of this vain world: seek not the bastard’s moveables, but the son’s heritage in heaven."
Mostly, he is ENDEARING . . . so devout, sincere, earnest, and with such quaint turns of phrase. Secondly, he is "hand-fasted with Christ," to use his own expression, totally committed to the Saviour and to the Unseen world and coming Kingdom. Thirdly, his complete urgency about putting God first and our lives in order is unparalleled. For these and more, he is forever in my heart.
"MUCH HONORED SIR, — I long to hear whether or not your soul be hand-fasted with Christ. Lose your time no longer: flee the follies of youth: gird up the loins of your mind, and make you ready for meeting the Lord."
"Ye know that this world is but a shadow, a short living creature, under the law of time. Within less than fifty years, when ye look back to it, ye shall laugh at the evanishing vanities thereof, as feathers flying in the air, and as the houses of sand within the sea-mark, which the children of men are building. Give up with courting of this vain world: seek not the bastard’s moveables, but the son’s heritage in heaven."
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