Lv. to Robert Lennox of Disdove, Near Gatehouse
Samuel Rutherford urges Robert Lennox to follow Christ, build on the rock of Zion, and mind heaven and Christ.
Samuel Rutherford passionately urges his worthy and dear brother to focus on Christ, to sell all things for Him, and to build the foundation of salvation on the rock of Zion. He emphasizes the importance of being dead to the world, surrendering to Christ, and walking with Him despite worldly challenges. Rutherford warns against false teachings, encourages prayer and reading of God's Word, and assures that those who hold onto the love of Christ will find peace despite facing opposition.
Text
WORTHY AND DEAR BROTHER, -- I forget you not in my bonds. I know that
you are looking to Christ; and I beseech you to follow your look. I can
say more of Christ now by experience (though He be infinitely above and
beyond all that can be said of Him), than when I saw you. I am drowned
over head and ears in His love. Sell, sell, sell all things for Christ.
Sir, make sure work of your salvation: build not upon sand; lay the
foundation upon the rock of Zion. Strive to be dead to this world, and
to your will and lusts; let Christ have a commanding power and a king's
throne in you. Walk with Christ, howbeit the world should take the hide
off your face: I promise you that Christ will win the field. Your
pastors cause you to err. Except you see Christ's word, go not one foot
with them. Countenance not the reading of that Romish service-book.
Keep your garments clean, as ye would walk with the Lamb clothed in
white. Learn to discern the Bridegroom's tongue, and to give yourself
to prayer and reading. Ye were often a hearer of me. I would put my
heart's blood on the doctrine which I taught, as the only way to
salvation: go not from it, my dear brother. What I write to you, I
write to your wife also. Mind heaven and Christ, and keep the spunk of
the love of Christ which you have gotten. Christ will blow on it if ye
entertain it; and your end shall be peace. There is a fire in our Zion.
I assure you, howbeit we be nicknamed Puritans, that all the powers of
the world shall not prevail against us. Remember, though a sinful man
write it to you, that those people shall be in Scotland as a green
olive-tree, and a field blessed of the Lord; and that it shall be
proclaimed, 'Up, up with Christ, and down, down with all contrary
powers.'
Sir, pray for me (I name you to the Lord), for further evil is
determined against me.
ABERDEEN, Sept. 13, 1637
Sermon Outline
- Follow Christ
- Build on the Rock
- Discern the Bridegroom's tongue
- Mind Heaven and Christ
- Keep the spunk of the love of Christ
- Entertain the love of Christ
Key Quotes
“Sell, sell, sell all things for Christ.” — Samuel Rutherford
“I can say more of Christ now by experience (though He be infinitely above and beyond all that can be said of Him), than when I saw you.” — Samuel Rutherford
“Christ will blow on it if ye entertain it; and your end shall be peace.” — Samuel Rutherford
Application Points
- Strive to be dead to this world and let Christ have a commanding power in you.
- Give yourself to prayer and reading to discern the Bridegroom's tongue.
- Entertain the love of Christ and keep the spunk of the love of Christ.