What do you think?
Rate this book
The Fiery Edge of Love: A Collection of Quotes from Samuel Rutherford
Samuel Rutherford was a 17th Century Scottish Presbyterian preacher whose writings have had a profound impact on Christians throughout the generations. He was one of the Scottish Commissioners to the Westminster Assembly, and his best–known work, Lex, Rex, had far reaching influence. This collection of quotes, collated by editor Malcolm MacLean, give an idea of the power his words had. Although no more than a sentence or two, each of these quotes has a profundity which leaves the reader thinking long after they have closed the book. The quotations are split into For those who have never read Samuel Rutherford’s works before, this is a delectable introduction, encouraging you to seek out his full works. For those who need no introduction to his writings, these quotes are a quick reminder of the great truths he strived to preach and the great God he strived to proclaim.
80 pages, Hardcover
Published November 5, 2021
4 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
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."
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 5, 2024
It's hard for me to enjoy little books of quotes or lines of poetry because of the time commitment it takes to read a quote, stop and ponder it, then move on to the next quote and repeat. It just feels awkward to me. But I really did enjoy reading some of Samuel Rutherford's thoughts on the Christian life in bite-sized form. It is wonderful to me how a man who wrote something as piercing and bold as "Lex, Rex" could also have such a deep and warm affection for His Savior in such an emotional way, referring to Him as the lover in Song of Soloman, wooing his soul, for example. A true Puritan he was, knitting together doctrine and the affections in the hearts of Christians.
December 24, 2021
A collection of quotes from Rutherford. If you’re interested in his work I’d recommend just reading his letters.
August 18, 2024
Some of the quotes given are not even profound. Seriously, a sentence as short as "In everything Christ is excellent" is hardly even a quote by that point. Other quotes were better, but I'd rather get larger quotes from Rutherford instead of these tiny little chunks. Still an interesting book idea, but could be better in that regard.
October 5, 2024
This book would benefit from less quotes, with the remaining ones given more context. Most aren’t more than 1 sentence. Rutherford is definitely a gold mine of devotional richness, but the structure of this compilation could be improved upon. The biography in the beginning was helpful.
December 31, 2023
Excellent!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews