Samuel Rutherford preaches about the necessity of prioritizing heaven above all earthly possessions, emphasizing the importance of salvation and the steep journey to eternal glory. He encourages believers to examine their hearts, make conscience of their ways, and not be deceived by the temporary pleasures of the world. Rutherford urges perseverance in faith, even in times of trial and when God seems distant, reminding them to wait patiently for His return and to seek sanctification.

Samuel Rutherford emphasizes the danger of formal religion and the importance of wholeheartedly loving Christ above all else. He warns against being deceived by a mere profession of faith and urges believers to seek a genuine, enduring relationship with Christ that can withstand trials and storms. Rutherford paints a vivid picture of the joy and fulfillment found in being deeply in love with Christ, contrasting it with the fleeting pleasures of the world. He encourages believers to fix their thoughts and hearts on Christ's love, mercy, and grace, which surpass all earthly treasures and desires.

Samuel Rutherford delves into the topic of preparations or qualifications before conversion, refuting the idea that one can earn grace through their own efforts. He emphasizes the impossibility of obtaining salvation through natural abilities or works, highlighting the necessity of God's mercy and grace. Rutherford stresses that even common grace cannot produce true conversion, as it is only through Christ's free grace that souls are saved. He also addresses the role of desires, faith, and repentance in the journey to Christ, emphasizing the need for a genuine heart transformation and reliance on Christ alone for salvation.

Samuel Rutherford preaches about the twofold sense in which the promises of the gospel are offered to sinners, emphasizing the need for sinners to believe and apply Christ immediately while acknowledging their sinful condition. He highlights that while all within the visible church are offered Christ without price, true belief requires self-despair of salvation and a recognition of one's sinfulness. Rutherford also discusses the importance of being prepared for Christ's grace, cautioning against false beliefs and premature faith. He concludes by emphasizing that the love of Christ is undivided and consistent, moving Him to draw fallen saints out of the pit with the same love that began the work in them.

Samuel Rutherford shares his spiritual journey of encountering Christ in a deeper way, realizing the sweetness and joy of communion with the Lord despite facing trials and suffering. He expresses a desire to fully surrender to Christ, welcoming crosses and challenges as opportunities to draw closer to Jesus. Rutherford encourages the recipient to grow rapidly in their faith, emphasizing the importance of mortifying lusts and worldly desires, and preparing for the inevitable decline of youth by seeking grace and heavenly treasures.

Samuel Rutherford preaches a heartfelt letter to Lady Cardoness, urging her to walk in the truth and follow Christ wholeheartedly. He shares his personal experiences of feeling Christ's presence and comfort, even in the midst of suffering. Rutherford emphasizes the value of a clear conscience and staying faithful to Christ until the end, reminding Lady Cardoness of her heavenly inheritance and the importance of focusing on eternal things. He encourages her to guide her family in seeking the Lord and ends with a farewell filled with love and grace.

Samuel Rutherford preaches about the separation of believers from the condemned world, urging them to hold fast to Christ and resist the temptations of Satan. He emphasizes the incomparable worth of Christ, highlighting the eternal glory and joy awaiting those who endure suffering for Him. Rutherford warns against being charmed by the fleeting pleasures of sin and encourages a deep longing for Christ and His kingdom to come.

Samuel Rutherford preaches about the temporary nature of worldly glory and the importance of investing in Christ, emphasizing the need to leave behind worldly comforts and pursue Christ and His Gospel even in difficult times. He encourages believers to endure hardships, knowing that Christ's light will shine and bring clarity to the world. Rutherford reflects on his own shortcomings in fully loving and trusting Christ, expressing a desire for deeper communion with Him. He warns against treating Christ's honor as a commodity and urges believers to stand firm in their faith, even in the face of worldly temptations.

Samuel Rutherford, a devoted pastor and theologian, faced numerous trials and hardships throughout his life, from personal losses to conflicts with Church authorities. Despite his exile to Aberdeen, Rutherford's letters to his congregation became a source of great blessing for the church worldwide. His influence extended beyond Scotland, as he played a significant role in the Westminster Assembly and the development of the Shorter Catechism, advocating for limited government and challenging the Divine Right of Kings. Rutherford's unwavering faith and commitment to his beliefs ultimately led to his refusal to appear in court on charges of treason, choosing to meet his Maker instead.

Samuel Rutherford preaches about finding safety and rest in the New Covenant and between the Mediator's breasts, away from the harsh judgment of the Law. He emphasizes the humility of believers who cling to Christ for righteousness, contrasting it with the prideful pursuit of self-righteousness. Rutherford encourages trust in God's sovereignty, assuring that no matter the winds of life, they will blow believers closer to the Lord, who secures their journey to their heavenly home.

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.

Samuel Rutherford preaches about the unworthiness of following Christ, the mysterious ways of God's providence, the struggle against heart-atheism, and the necessity of obedience to have sound light in our souls. He emphasizes the need to protest against the dominion of sin, condemn it, and rely on the grace and mercy of Jesus for salvation. Rutherford encourages believers to sing praises to Jesus both on earth and in heaven, to learn the song of the Lamb, and to be filled with the surpassing love of Christ.

Samuel Rutherford delves into the topic of desertions, likening them to a fallow land gathering sap for a better crop, highlighting the special use of Christ's absence in nurturing humility, hunger, and faith, and emphasizing the challenge of sanctification and mortification of lusts in Christianity. He also addresses the concept of reprobates and their access to Christ, explaining God's sovereign free-will in justice, the command for reprobates to believe in Christ despite not being saved, and the distinction between relying on Christ and believing He died for them personally.

Samuel Rutherford writes a letter to Janet Kennedy, encouraging her to keep her focus on heaven and not be swayed by the temptations and distractions of this world. He emphasizes the importance of journeying towards heaven with spiritual virtues like faith, hope, and patience, leaving behind the vanities of the world. Rutherford warns about the influence of Antichrist and urges to hold onto Christ firmly, finding Him as the ultimate source of strength and joy. He reassures believers of God's provision and encouragement through Christ's love, preparing them for the journey ahead.

Samuel Rutherford preaches on the prophecy of the fall of Babylon and the deliverance of Jerusalem, emphasizing the union and fellowship of a divided Kirk and the people of God. The Scripture describes the thankfulness of the children of Israel and Judah upon their deliverance, as they journey from Babylon to Zion, weeping, seeking the Lord, and making a perpetual covenant with Him. The sermon highlights the assurance that the Kirk of God will be delivered from trouble, as faith sees beyond the present struggles and believes in God's promises of redemption and salvation.

Samuel Rutherford preaches on the importance of seeking Christ diligently, using the example of Mary Magdalene's persistent search for Jesus after His resurrection. He emphasizes the need for believers to wait on Christ, even in times of despair, and to continue seeking Him until they find Him. Rutherford highlights the significance of spiritual hunger and desire for Christ, encouraging believers to be fervent in their pursuit of Him. He also underscores the assurance that Christ belongs to His followers, even in moments of doubt or difficulty, and the importance of trusting in His salvation despite worldly challenges.

Samuel Rutherford emphasizes the importance of depending on Christ and His grace for salvation, rather than relying on free will to keep or dispose of it. He compares Christ to a wise tutor, a good shepherd, and a skilled pilot, highlighting the need for lost souls to trust in Him for their salvation. Rutherford stresses that Christ knows the destiny of all He has redeemed and encourages believers to find happiness in depending on His strength.

Samuel Rutherford emphasizes the importance of dedicating specific hours of the day to God for prayer and the Word, even if it means sacrificing time during the busiest hours. He encourages believers to maintain a constant awareness of spiritual matters amidst worldly tasks, remembering sin, death, judgment, and eternity, and offering quick prayers to God. Rutherford warns against distractions during private prayer and advises not to be disheartened if joy is not felt after prayer, as times of humility and hunger for God are beneficial. He stresses the significance of dedicating the entire Lord's Day to worship, whether in private devotion or public gatherings, and cautions against allowing known sins to harden the heart.

Samuel Rutherford preaches about the importance of responding to failure by actively seeking holiness and not just complaining, urging believers to strive for a deeper communion with Christ and to labor for a closer relationship with Him. He shares his personal experience of being overwhelmed by Christ's love and the sweet burden it brings, emphasizing the need to embrace Christ's love without cost. Rutherford warns against having a superficial 'stage Christianity' and encourages believers to endure the challenges and arrows of love that come with following Christ.

Samuel Rutherford addresses Lady Jane Campbell, a woman of remarkable ability and Christian devotion, who faced many personal tragedies, including the loss of children and her husband. Rutherford encourages her to trust in God's sovereignty amidst her sickness and impending death, reminding her that as a child of God, she is secure in Christ. He urges her to find comfort in the promise of Christ's presence through sickness and death, assuring her that only a small part of her will experience death, as her soul is above the law of death. Rutherford also calls on Lady Jane to be vigilant in upholding the cause of the Church and to encourage her family to stand for the Lord.

Samuel Rutherford preaches a message of comfort and encouragement to a grieving lady, reminding her that her suffering is a part of conforming to the image of Christ. He assures her that her departed child is not lost but found in Christ, shining in eternity. Rutherford urges her to build her hope on eternal things, warning against worldly attachments that hinder her relationship with Jesus. He emphasizes the importance of enduring suffering with patience, trusting in the mercy and grace of the Lord Jesus, and eagerly anticipating His second coming.

Samuel Rutherford, in a letter to Marion McNaught, expresses his deep struggles and heaviness, seeking her prayers as his wife is tormented and he feels overwhelmed by God's chastisement. Despite the storm, he acknowledges the difficulty of keeping sight of God but finds comfort in the assurance of heaven and the strength of Christ to overcome. Rutherford reflects on the bitterness of being a Christian yet finds solace in the absence of poison in Christ's cup, praying for deliverance from temptation and the kingdom of Satan's attacks.

Samuel Rutherford preaches a heartfelt message to a grieving individual, encouraging them to find joy and hope in God's promises despite their present sorrows. He emphasizes the importance of seeking God's presence through prayer, hearing His word, and believing in His faithfulness. Rutherford reminds the listener of the eternal rewards and blessings that come from being in Christ, urging them to hold fast to their faith even in times of doubt. He concludes with a reminder to find true joy and satisfaction in God alone, trusting in His plan for their life.

Samuel Rutherford preaches about the fellowship and communion with the sufferings of Christ, emphasizing that our earthly condition cannot be more pleasant or easier than His, as through afflictions, He was made perfect. He encourages believers to trust in God's infinite wisdom, even when His ways seem contrary to our desires, knowing that there is a just reason behind His decrees. Rutherford reminds the audience that in the clarity of eternity, they will see the depth of God's wisdom and how every trial and affliction led them to the glorious crown of glory, urging them to believe, suffer, hope, and wait on the Lord.

Samuel Rutherford, in Letter 37 to Lady Kenmure on the death of her husband, encourages her to find comfort in Christ as a widow, emphasizing the opportunity to deepen her relationship with God. He reminds her that mourning for her husband is a heavy sorrow but also a chance to make God her Husband. Rutherford urges her to cast all her love upon Jesus Christ, the suitable object of her affections, and to focus on the eternal joy and inheritance awaiting her. He warns against seeking fulfillment in the fleeting pleasures of this world and instead directs her gaze towards the heavenly reward where true happiness lies.