Lxii. to Lady Boyd
Samuel Rutherford's sermon emphasizes the need for repentance, the joy of answered prayers, and the importance of building one's life on Christ.
Samuel Rutherford preaches a message of hope and encouragement, expressing gratitude for God's deliverance and blessings amidst fears and challenges. He emphasizes the importance of repentance for the nation and the need for a true Reformation. Rutherford encourages a deep relationship with Christ, highlighting the concept of surrendering all to Him and finding true joy and peace in His presence.
Text
MADAM, -- I received your Ladyship's letter; but because I was still
going through the country for the affairs of the church, I had no time
an answer it.
I had never more cause to fear than I have now, when my Lord has
restored me to my second created heaven on earth, and has turned my
apprehended fears into joys, and great deliverance to His church,
whereof I have my share and part. Alas! that weeping prayers, answered
and sent back from heaven with joy, should not have laughing praises!
Oh that this land would repent, and lay burdens of praises upon the top
of the fair Mount Zion! Madam, except this land be humbled, a
Reformation is rather my wonder than belief, at this time. But surely
it must be a wonder, and what is done already is a wonder.
Your Ladyship is blessed with children who are honored to build up
Christ's waste places again. I believe that your Ladyship will think
them well bestowed on that work, and that Zion's beauty is your joy.
This is a mark and evidence from heaven, which helpeth weak ones to
hold their grip, when other marks fail them.
I hope that your Ladyship is at a good understanding with Christ, and
that, as becometh a Christian, ye take Him up aright: for many mistake
and misshape Christ in His comings and goings. Your wants and falls
proclaim that ye have nothing of your own but what ye borrow; nay,
yourself is not your own, but Christ has given Himself to you. Put
Christ to the bank, and heaven shall be your interest and income. Love
Him, for ye cannot over-love Him. Take up your house in Christ. Let Him
dwell in you, and abide in Him; and then ye may look out of Christ, and
laugh at the clay-heavens that the sons of men are seeking after on
this side of the water. Christ mindeth to make your losses grace's
great advantage. If I had known long since, as I do now (though still,
alas! I am ignorant) what was in Christ, I would not have been so late
in starting to the gate to seek Him. Oh what can I do or say to Him who
has made the North render me back again! But when my faith was asleep,
Christ was awake; and now, when I am awake, I say He did all things
well. O infinite wisdom! O incomparable loving-kindneses! Alas, that
the heart I have is so little and worthless for such a Lord as Christ
is!
I put all the favors which ye have bestowed on my brother upon
Christ's score; in whose books are many such counts, and who will
requite them. I wish you to be builder more and more upon the stone
laid in Zion, and then ye shall be the more fit to have a hand in
rebuilding our Lord's fallen tabernacle in this land; in which ye shall
find great peace when ye come to grips with death, the king of terrors.
The God of peace be with your Ladyship, and keep you blameless till
the day of our Lord Jesus.
ST ANDREWS
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction and acknowledgment of Lady Boyd's letter - Personal reflections on fears and joys - Call for repentance in the land
- II points: - The importance of praising God for answered prayers - The need for humility for true Reformation - Recognition of God's wonders in the church
- III points: - Encouragement regarding Lady Boyd's children - Building up Christ's waste places - Zion's beauty as a source of joy
- IV points: - Understanding Christ correctly - The concept of borrowing from Christ - The significance of dwelling in Christ
- V points: - The transformative power of faith - Acknowledgment of Christ's work in personal life - The wisdom and kindness of Christ
- VI points: - Encouragement to build upon Christ - Preparation for facing death - Prayer for peace and blamelessness
Key Quotes
“Oh that this land would repent, and lay burdens of praises upon the top of the fair Mount Zion!” — Samuel Rutherford
“Put Christ to the bank, and heaven shall be your interest and income.” — Samuel Rutherford
“The God of peace be with your Ladyship, and keep you blameless till the day of our Lord Jesus.” — Samuel Rutherford
Application Points
- Reflect on the answered prayers in your life and respond with gratitude and praise.
- Consider how you can contribute to the spiritual rebuilding of your community.
- Invest your faith in Christ, trusting Him to turn your losses into grace.