Xxvii. to Lady Halhill
Samuel Rutherford's sermon emphasizes finding joy and strength in Christ amidst trials and the value of spiritual over worldly treasures.
Samuel Rutherford writes a letter to a Christian lady, sharing his personal experience of the kind dealings of Christ in the midst of trials and challenges. He testifies to the faithfulness of God in sustaining him, bringing joy and consolation even in the midst of suffering. Rutherford expresses his contentment in Christ, valuing the reproaches and cross of Christ over worldly treasures and comforts, highlighting the transformation of his heart and love solely for Christ. He encourages the lady to seek the love of Christ above all else, wishing the same for her family, and concludes with a prayer for the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ to be with her.
Text
DEAR AND CHRISTIAN LADY, -- I longed much to write to your Ladyship; but
now the Lord offering a fit occasion I would not omit to do it. I
cannot but acquaint your Ladyship with the kind dealing of Christ to my
soul, in this house of my pilgrimage, that your Ladyship may know that
He is as good as He is called. For at my first entry into this trial
(being cast down and troubled with challenges and jealousies of His
love, whose name and testimony I now bear in my bonds), I feared
nothing more than that I was casten over the dyke of the vineyard, as a
dry tree. But, blessed be His dear name, the dry tree was in the fire,
and was not burnt; His dew came down and quickened the root of a
withered plant. And now He is come again with joy, and has been pleased
to feast His exiled and amicted prisoner with the joy of His
consolations. Now I weep, but am not sad; I am chastened, but I die
not; I have loss, but I want nothing; this water cannot drown me, this
fire cannot burn me, because of the good-will of Him that dwelt in the
Bush. The worst things of Christ, His reproaches, His cross, are better
than Egypt's treasures. I would not give, nor exchange, my bonds for
the prelates' velvets; nor my prison for their coaches; nor my sighs
for all the world's laughter. This clay-idol, the world, has no great
court in my soul. Christ has come and run away to heaven with my heart
and my love, so that neither heart nor love is mine: I pray God, that
Christ may keep both without reversion.
Remember my service to the laird, your husband, and to your son, my
acquaintance. I wish that Christ had his young love, and that in the
morning he would start to the gate, to seek that which the world
knoweth not and therefore does not seek it.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
ABERDEEN, March 14, 1637
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction to the letter and purpose - Personal reflections on trials and tribulations - The goodness of Christ in times of trouble
- II points: - Experiencing doubt and fear in faith - The metaphor of the dry tree and its significance - The transformative power of Christ's presence
- III points: - The joy of Christ's consolations - Contrasting worldly treasures with spiritual wealth - The value of suffering for Christ
- IV points: - The importance of maintaining faith amidst challenges - Encouragement for Lady Halhill and her family - A prayer for continued grace and love
Key Quotes
“blessed be His dear name, the dry tree was in the fire, and was not burnt” — Samuel Rutherford
“this water cannot drown me, this fire cannot burn me, because of the good-will of Him that dwelt in the Bush” — Samuel Rutherford
“the worst things of Christ, His reproaches, His cross, are better than Egypt's treasures” — Samuel Rutherford
Application Points
- Trust in Christ's goodness during difficult times.
- Value spiritual wealth over worldly possessions.
- Encourage others in their faith journey, especially during trials.