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  LXIV. TO MR DAVID DICKSON, ON THE DEATH OF HIS SON
  by Samuel Rutherford
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Summary: 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.

Topics: "Sovereignty Of God", "Christian Suffering"
Scripture References: Psalm 34:18, Romans 8:37, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Philippians 4:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:11

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DESCRIPTION
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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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CONTENT
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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

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/samuel-rutherford/lxiv-to-mr-david-dickson-on-the-death-of-his-son/
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