Xxxi. to Ninian Mure, a Parishioner
In this sermon, Samuel Rutherford urges a young parishioner to seek the Lord and follow the truth of God, warning against the dangers of worldly desires and the importance of faith in Christ for salvation.
Samuel Rutherford delivers a heartfelt message urging the listener, in the morning of their life, to seek the Lord and His face, warning against the dangers of youthful follies that can jeopardize the soul. Emphasizing the importance of keeping faith, truth, and walking with God, Rutherford encourages living a life aligned with Christ and salvation, rather than conforming to the ways of the world. He stresses the necessity of faith in Christ, repentance, and vigilance against sinful temptations to attain salvation and avoid the wrath of God.
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LOVING FRIEND, -- I received your letter. I entreat you now, in the
morning of your life, to seek the Lord and His face. Beware of the
follies of dangerous youth, a perilous time for your soul. Love not the
world. Keep faith and truth with all men in your covenants and
bargains. Walk with God, for He seeth you. Do nothing but that which ye
may and would do if your eye-strings were breaking, and your breath
growing cold. Ye heard the truth of God from me, my dear heart, follow
it, and forsake it not. Prize Christ and salvation above all the world.
To live after the guise and course of the rest of the world will not
bring you to heaven; without faith in Christ, and repentance, ye cannot
see God. Take pains for salvation; press forward toward the mark for
the prize of the high calling. If ye watch not against evils night and
day, which beset you, ye will come behind. Beware of lying, swearing,
uncleanness, and the rest of the works of the flesh; because 'for these
things the wrath of God cometh upon the children of disobedience'. How
sweet soever they may seem for the present, yet the end of these
courses is the eternal wrath of God, and utter darkness, where there is
weeping and gnashing of teeth. Grace be with you.
Your loving pastor.
ABERDEEN, 1637
Sermon Outline
- Seek the Lord in the Morning of Your Life
- Walk with God and Keep Faith with Men
- Follow the Truth of God
- Prize Christ and Salvation Above All
- Prize Christ and salvation above all the world
- Without faith in Christ, ye cannot see God
Key Quotes
“Do nothing but that which ye may and would do if your eye-strings were breaking, and your breath growing cold.” — Samuel Rutherford
“To live after the guise and course of the rest of the world will not bring you to heaven; without faith in Christ, and repentance, ye cannot see God.” — Samuel Rutherford
“How sweet soever they may seem for the present, yet the end of these courses is the eternal wrath of God, and utter darkness, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.” — Samuel Rutherford
Application Points
- Take pains for salvation and press forward toward the mark for the prize of the high calling.
- Beware of lying, swearing, uncleanness, and the works of the flesh, and instead follow the truth of God.
- Walk with God and keep faith and truth with all men in your covenants and bargains.