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Samuel Rutherford
Samuel Rutherford (1600–March 29, 1661) was a Scottish Presbyterian preacher, theologian, and author, celebrated for his profound spiritual writings and steadfast faith during a turbulent era. Born near Nisbet, Roxburghshire, Scotland, to a prosperous farmer, little is known of his early life, though he likely attended Jedburgh Grammar School. He enrolled at the University of Edinburgh in 1617, earning an M.A. in 1621, and briefly served as a regent of Humanity before resigning in 1626 amid a personal scandal (possibly an indiscretion before his marriage). Ordained in 1627, he became minister of Anwoth, Kirkcudbrightshire, where his eloquent preaching and pastoral care earned him a devoted following, despite his initial reluctance to enter the ministry. Rutherford’s career was marked by conflict with the Stuart monarchy’s episcopal policies. Exiled to Aberdeen in 1636 for his nonconformist writings, like Exercitationes Apologeticae Pro Divina Gratia, he wrote many of his famous Letters—over 300 spiritual correspondences showcasing his mystical devotion to Christ. Returning to Anwoth in 1638, he later joined the Westminster Assembly in 1643 as a Scottish commissioner, contributing to the Westminster Confession. Appointed professor of divinity at St. Andrews in 1649, he resisted Cromwell’s Commonwealth and faced charges of treason in 1661 for opposing the Restoration’s episcopal revival, dying before trial. Married twice—first to Eupham Hamilton (d. 1630), with one surviving daughter, and later to Jean M‘Math, with seven children (only two outliving him)—Rutherford’s works, including Lex, Rex (1644), shaped Presbyterian theology and resistance to tyranny, cementing his legacy as a “prince of preachers.”
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Samuel Rutherford preaches a message of encouragement and hope, reminding his audience of the rich mercy and grace found in Christ. He urges them to endure crosses, losses, and sad hearts, knowing that Christ has redeemed them from the power of sin and the devil. Rutherford encourages his listeners to stand firm in faith, trusting that their sufferings are not in vain and that Christ is preparing a glorious future for them.
Believers Safe Though Tried
Madam,— Grace, mercy, and peace be to your Ladyship— God be thanked you are yet in possession of Christ, and that sweet child. I pray God that the first may be a sure heritage, and the second a loan for your comfort, while you do good to His poor, afflicted, withered Mount Zion. And who knows but our Lord has comforts laid up in store for her and you! I am persuaded that Christ has bought you away from the devil, and hell, and sin, so that they have no claim to you; and that is a rich and invaluable mercy. Long since, you were half challenging death's cold kindness, in being so slow and reluctant to come to loose a tired prisoner; but you stand in need of all the crosses, losses, changes, and sad hearts that befell you since that time.** Christ knows that the body of sin unsubdued will take them all, and more: we know that Paul had need of the devil's service, to buffet him**; and far more we. But, my dear and honourable Lady, spend your sand-glass** well. I am sure that you have law to raise a suspension against all that devils, men, friends, worlds, losses, hell, or sin, can decree against you. It is good that your crosses will but convey you to heaven's gates: in, they cannot go; the gates shall be closed upon them, when you shall be admitted to the throne. Time does not stand still, eternity is hard at our door. Oh, what is laid up for you! Therefore, harden your face against the wind. And the Lamb, your Husband, is making ready for you. The Bridegroom is eagerly preparing for that day**, as gladly as you would wish to have it yourself. He has not forgotten you. I have heard a rumour of the prelates' purpose to banish me. But let it come, if God so wills: the other side of the sea is my Father's ground, as well as this side**. I owe bowing to God, but no servile bowing to crosses: I have been but too soft in that. I am comforted that I am persuaded fully, that Christ is my partner with me in this well-born and honest cross**; and if He claim right to the best half of my troubles (as I know He does to the whole), I shall remit over to Christ what I shall do in this case**. I know certainly, that my Lord Jesus will not misuse nor waste my sufferings; He has use for them in His house. Oh, what it works on me to remember that a stranger, who comes not in by the door, will build hay and stubble upon the golden foundation which I laid amongst that people at Anwoth!** But I know that Providence does not squint, but looks straight through all men's darkness. Oh that I could wait upon the Lord! I had but one eye, one joy, one delight, even to preach Christ; and my mother's sons were angry at me, and have put out the poor man's one eye, and what have I behind?** I am sure that this sour world has deservedly lost my heart; but oh that there were a daysman** to lay his hands upon us both, and determine upon my part of it. Alas, that innocent and lovely truth should be sold!** My tears are little worth, but yet for this thing I weep. I weep, alas, that my fair and lovely Lord Jesus should be misrepresented in His own house! It matters little what five hundred of me feel; yet, at the same time, faith is not drowned in me. Our King still lives. I write the prisoner's blessings: the good-will, and long-lasting kindness, with the comforts of the very God of peace, be to your Ladyship, and to your sweet child. Grace, grace be with you. Your Honour's, at all obedience, in his sweet Lord Jesus, S.R. Aberdeen, Sept. 5, 1637
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Samuel Rutherford (1600–March 29, 1661) was a Scottish Presbyterian preacher, theologian, and author, celebrated for his profound spiritual writings and steadfast faith during a turbulent era. Born near Nisbet, Roxburghshire, Scotland, to a prosperous farmer, little is known of his early life, though he likely attended Jedburgh Grammar School. He enrolled at the University of Edinburgh in 1617, earning an M.A. in 1621, and briefly served as a regent of Humanity before resigning in 1626 amid a personal scandal (possibly an indiscretion before his marriage). Ordained in 1627, he became minister of Anwoth, Kirkcudbrightshire, where his eloquent preaching and pastoral care earned him a devoted following, despite his initial reluctance to enter the ministry. Rutherford’s career was marked by conflict with the Stuart monarchy’s episcopal policies. Exiled to Aberdeen in 1636 for his nonconformist writings, like Exercitationes Apologeticae Pro Divina Gratia, he wrote many of his famous Letters—over 300 spiritual correspondences showcasing his mystical devotion to Christ. Returning to Anwoth in 1638, he later joined the Westminster Assembly in 1643 as a Scottish commissioner, contributing to the Westminster Confession. Appointed professor of divinity at St. Andrews in 1649, he resisted Cromwell’s Commonwealth and faced charges of treason in 1661 for opposing the Restoration’s episcopal revival, dying before trial. Married twice—first to Eupham Hamilton (d. 1630), with one surviving daughter, and later to Jean M‘Math, with seven children (only two outliving him)—Rutherford’s works, including Lex, Rex (1644), shaped Presbyterian theology and resistance to tyranny, cementing his legacy as a “prince of preachers.”