Lxiv. to Mr David Dickson, on the Death of His Son
The sermon encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and mercy in the midst of suffering, and to look forward to the exaltation and triumph that awaits them in heaven.
Samuel Rutherford preaches a message of encouragement and comfort to a dear brother, reminding him of the sovereignty of God over his life and the need to trust in His timing and plans. He assures the brother that even in the midst of trials and suffering, there is a purpose and a richer measure of grace being worked out. Rutherford urges the brother to continue on his journey without losing heart, knowing that his ultimate victory is secured through Christ who leads him. The preacher expresses his love and support, emphasizing the importance of prayer and unity among believers.
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REVEREND AND DEAR BROTHER, -- Ye look like the house whereof ye are a
branch: the cross is a part of the life rent that lieth to all the sons
of the house. I desire to suffer with you, if I could take a lift of
your house-trial off you; but ye have preached it ere I knew anything
of God. Your Lord may gather His roses, and shake His apples, at what
season of the year He pleaseth. Each husbandman cannot make harvest
when he pleaseth, as He can do. Ye are taught to know and adore His
sovereignty, which He exerciseth over you, which yet is lustred with
mercy. The child has but changed a bed in the garden, and is planted up
higher, nearer the sun, where he shall thrive better than in this
outfield muir-ground. Ye must think your Lord would not want him one
hour longer; and since the date of your loan of him was expired (as it
is, if ye read the lease), let Him have His own with gain, as good
reason were. I read on it an exaltation and a richer measure of grace,
as the sweet fruit of your cross; and I am bold to say, that that
college where your Master has set you now shall find it.
Dearest brother, go on and faint not. Something of yours is in
heaven, beside the flesh of your exalted Savior; and ye go on after
your own. Time's thread is shorter by one inch than it was. An oath is
sworn and past the seals, whether afflictions will or not, ye must grow
and live and triumph and reign and be more than a conqueror. For your
Captain who leadeth you on, is more than conqueror, and He maketh you
partaker of His conquest and victory. Did not love to you compel me, I
would not fetch water to the well, and speak to one who knoweth better
than I can do what God is doing with him.
Remember my love to your wife, to Mr John and all friends there. Let
us be helped by your prayers, for I cease not to make mention of you to
the Lord, as I can.
ST ANDREW, May 28, 1640
Sermon Outline
- The Sovereignty of God in Suffering
- The Death of a Beloved Child
- The Exaltation of the Believer
- Triumph and Reigning in Suffering
- The believer must grow and live and triumph
- The Captain who leads the believer is more than conqueror
Key Quotes
“The cross is a part of the life rent that lieth to all the sons of the house.” — Samuel Rutherford
“Something of yours is in heaven, beside the flesh of your exalted Savior;” — Samuel Rutherford
“For your Captain who leadeth you on, is more than conqueror, and He maketh you partaker of His conquest and victory.” — Samuel Rutherford
Application Points
- Trust in God's sovereignty and mercy in the midst of suffering.
- Look forward to the exaltation and triumph that awaits you in heaven.
- Remember that your suffering is a part of the life rent of believers, and it is used by God to exalt and enrich you.