Xxxvii. to Earlston, the Younger
Samuel Rutherford warns of the dangers of youth while emphasizing Christ's mercy and the importance of humility in the Christian journey.
Samuel Rutherford preaches about the struggles of youth and the dangers of unrepentant sin, emphasizing the need to be wary of the temptations that come with youth and the importance of seeking forgiveness and redemption. He encourages believers to come to Christ with their fears, doubts, and sins, assuring them that Jesus will never reject those who come to Him in sincerity. Rutherford humbly acknowledges his own shortcomings and sins, expressing a deep sense of unworthiness and a longing for true transformation and salvation.
Text
See also Letter LVI.
MUCH HONORED AND WELL BELOVED IN THE LORD, GraCe, mercy, and peace be
to you. Your letters give a dash to my laziness in writing.
I must first tell you, that there is not such a glassy, icy, and
slippery piece of way betwixt you and heaven, as Youth; and I have
experience to say with me here, and to seal what I assert. The old
ashes of the sins of my youth are new fire of sorrow to me. I have seen
the devil, as it were, dead and buried, and yet rise again, and be a
worse devil than ever he was: therefore, my brother, beware of a green
young devil, that has never been buried. Yet I must tell you, that the
whole saints now triumphant in heaven, and standing before the throne,
are nothing but a pack of redeemed sinners.
I shall be loath to put you off your fears, and your sense of
deadness: I wish it were more. There be some wounds of that nature,
that their bleeding should not be soon stopped. Ye must take a house
beside the Physician. It will be a miracle if ye be the first sick man
whom He put away uncured, and worse than He found you. 'Him that cometh
unto Me I will in no wise cast out' (John 6.37). Take ye that. It
cannot be presumption to take that as your own, when you find that your
wounds stound you. He that can tell his tale and send such a letter to
heaven as he has sent to Aberdeen, it is very like he will come speed
with Christ. It bodeth God's mercy to complain heartily for sin.
Now for myself; alas! I am not the man I go for in this nation: men
have not just weights to weigh me in. Oh, but I am a silly, feckless
body, and overgrown with weeds; corruption is rank and fat in me. Oh,
if I were answerable to this holy cause, and to that honorable Prince's
love for whom I now suffer! If Christ should refer the matter to me (in
His presence I speak it), I might think shame to vote my own salvation.
I think Christ might say, 'Thinkest thou not shame to claim heaven, who
does so little for it?' I am very often so, that I know not whether I
sink or swim in the water.
Grace be with you,
ABERDEEN, June 16, 1637
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The dangers of youth and its temptations - Personal reflections on past sins - The importance of vigilance against sin
- II points: - The assurance of Christ's mercy - The significance of coming to Christ - The promise of healing for the wounded soul
- III points: - The reality of being a redeemed sinner - The need for humility in recognizing one's own failings - The call to live in accordance with one's faith
- IV points: - The role of community in spiritual healing - The importance of seeking guidance from the Physician - The necessity of honest self-assessment
Key Quotes
“''Him that cometh unto Me I will in no wise cast out'' (John 6.37).” — Samuel Rutherford
“I am very often so, that I know not whether I sink or swim in the water.” — Samuel Rutherford
“Oh, but I am a silly, feckless body, and overgrown with weeds.” — Samuel Rutherford
Application Points
- Be vigilant against the temptations of youth and seek accountability.
- Approach Christ with your wounds, trusting in His promise of healing.
- Engage in honest self-reflection to recognize and address your spiritual weaknesses.