Letters of Samuel Rutherford / (Third Edition)

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

42557

Title

Letters of Samuel Rutherford / (Third Edition)

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A profound collection of letters by Samuel Rutherford, a 17th-century Scottish divine, offering spiritual encouragement during persecution. These writings reveal a soul in deep communion with God, addressing themes of suffering, faith, and the enduring love of Christ amidst the turmoil of the Covenanters' struggles.

Summary up to 500 words

Compiled and edited by Andrew A. Bonar, the *Letters of Samuel Rutherford* offers a profound window into the life of a leading figure in the Scottish Covenanting movement. Written primarily between 1637 and 1661, these letters address a wide circle of correspondents, including his wife, Lady Kenmure, various ministers, and nobles. The texts chronicle Rutherford's personal trials, including the illness and death of his wife, the political persecution of the Covenanters, his banishment to Aberdeen, and the eventual execution of his colleagues. Throughout these hardships, Rutherford maintains a tone of unwavering trust in God's sovereignty and the sufficiency of Christ's grace. He frequently uses metaphors of the cross as a source of sweetness rather than burden, and the world as a transient place compared to the eternal kingdom. The letters serve as both historical documents of the turbulent era in Scotland and timeless devotional guides, illustrating how a believer can find joy and strength in Christ even when facing death, imprisonment, and the loss of liberty. The collection concludes with Rutherford's final days, shortly before his own execution, offering a poignant testament to the security of the saint in the hands of God. In his correspondence, Rutherford emphasizes that Christ is the only true refuge, describing Him as the 'sweet child' and the Bridegroom who prepares a place for His people. He urges his friends to endure suffering for the sake of truth, viewing earthly losses as goods given into Christ's hand. He speaks of the approaching end of time with urgency, warning that worldly glory and political power are fleeting idols compared to the eternal reality of the New Jerusalem. Even as he faces the prospect of banishment and the threat of the 'Service-Book' (the Book of Common Prayer), he finds comfort in the promise that the cross is unspeakably sweet. His writings reveal a soul deeply engaged in spiritual warfare, yet consistently anchored in the love and presence of Jesus. Whether writing from the prison of Anwoth or the exile of Aberdeen, Rutherford's voice remains steady, encouraging others to 'harden their face against the wind' of persecution and to look forward to the day when all courts and kings of clay will pass away. The letters stand as a powerful witness to the resilience of faith, demonstrating that the security of the believer lies not in circumstances, but in the unchanging character of God and the finished work of Christ.

LLM editorial rating

4.8/5

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Categories

• Religion
• Biography