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  XXV. TO MR GEORGE GILLESPIE
  by Samuel Rutherford
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Summary: Samuel Rutherford reflects on suffering and the transformative
power of Christ's love in the life of George Gillespie.

Topics: "Suffering And Joy", "Christ's Redemption"
Scripture References: Psalm 30:5, Psalm 34:17, Romans 8:28, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Philippians 4:13

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DESCRIPTION
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Samuel Rutherford, a young ministerial Commissioner of the Church of
Scotland, reflects on his experiences of loss, imprisonment, and
challenges, ultimately finding joy and salvation in Christ. Despite
initial doubts and feelings of abandonment, he comes to see the purpose
and love of Christ in his suffering, leading to gratitude and praise for
the King who lifts up the downtrodden. Rutherford encourages his fellow
minister to remember their covenant with God, to pray for each other,
and to share their experiences, acknowledging the transformative power
of Christ's cross.

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CONTENT
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Gillespie died in 1648, at the age of 36. In spite of his youth he

had been sent as one of the four ministerial Commissioners of the

Church of Scotland to the Westminster Assembly in 1643, where his

learning and effective speaking made a great impression. At the time of

this letter he had been quite recently ordained.

REVEREND AND DEAR BROTHER, -- I received your letter. As for my case,

brother, I bless His glorious name, that my losses are my gain, my

prison a palace, and my sadness joyfulness. At my first entry, my

apprehensions so wrought upon my cross, that I became jealous of the

love of Christ, as being by Him thrust out of the vineyard, and I was

under great challenges, as ordinarily melted gold casteth forth a

drossy scum, and Satan and our corruption form the first words that the

heavy cross speaketh, and say, 'God is angry, He loveth you not.' But

our apprehensions are not canonical, they indite lies of God and

Christ's love. But since my spirit was settled, and the clay has fallen

to the bottom of the well, I see better what Christ was doing. And now

my Lord is returned with salvation under His wings. I see not how to be

thankful, or how to get help to praise that Royal King, who raiseth up

those that are bowed down. And, therefore, let no man scant at Christ's

cross, or raise an ill report upon Him or it; for He beareth the

sufferer and it both.

Brother, remember our old covenant and pray for me, and write to me

your case. The Lord Jesus be with your spirit.

ABRDEEN, March 13, 1637

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/samuel-rutherford/xxv-to-mr-george-gillespie/
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