V. to Lady Kenmure
Samuel Rutherford's sermon emphasizes the necessity of enduring suffering with faith, finding comfort in Christ's presence, and recognizing God's wisdom in our trials.
Samuel Rutherford preaches about the fellowship and communion with the sufferings of Christ, emphasizing that our earthly condition cannot be more pleasant or easier than His, as through afflictions, He was made perfect. He encourages believers to trust in God's infinite wisdom, even when His ways seem contrary to our desires, knowing that there is a just reason behind His decrees. Rutherford reminds the audience that in the clarity of eternity, they will see the depth of God's wisdom and how every trial and affliction led them to the glorious crown of glory, urging them to believe, suffer, hope, and wait on the Lord.
Text
MADAM, -- Grace, mercy, and peace be multiplied upon you. I received
your Ladyship's letter, in the which I perceive your case in this world
smelleth of a fellowship and communion with the Son of God in His
sufferings. Ye cannot, ye must not, have a more pleasant or more easy
condition here, than He had, who 'through afflictions was made perfect'
(Heb. 2.10). We may indeed think, Cannot God bring us to heaven with
ease and prosperity? Who doubteth but He can? But His infinite wisdom
thinketh and decreeth the contrary; and we cannot see a reason for it,
yet He hath a most just reason. We never with our eyes saw our own
soul; yet we have a soul. We see many rivers, but we know not their
first spring and original fountain; yet they have a beginning. Madam,
when ye are come to the other side of the water, and have set down your
foot on the shore of glorious eternity, and look back again to the
waters and to your wearisome journey, and shall see, in that clear
glass of endless glory, nearer to the bottom of God's wisdom, ye shall
then be forced to say, 'If God had done otherwise with me than He hath
done, I had never come to the enjoying of this crown of glory.' It is
your part now to believe, and suffer, and hope, and wait on; for I
protest, in the presence of that all-discerning eye, who knoweth what I
write and what I think, that I would not want the sweet experience of
the consolations of God for all the bitterness of affliction. Nay,
whether God come to His children with a rod or a crown, if He come
Himself with it, it is well. Welcome, welcome, Jesus, what way soever
Thou come, if we can get a sight of Thee! And sure I am, it is better
to be sick, providing Christ come to the bedside and draw by the
curtains, and say, 'Courage, I am thy salvation', than to enjoy
health, being lusty and strong, and never to be visited of God
My wife now, after long disease and torment, for the space of a year
and a month, is departed this life. The Lord hath done it; blessed be
His name. I have been diseased of a fever tertian for the space of
thirteen weeks, and am yet in the sickness, so that I preach but once
on the Sabbath with great difficulty. I am not able either to visit or
examine the congregation. The Lord Jesus be with your spirit.
ANWOTH, June 26, 1630.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction and greeting - Acknowledgment of suffering - Comparison to Christ's sufferings
- II points: - God's wisdom in affliction - The unseen reasons for suffering - The journey towards eternal glory
- III points: - The importance of faith and hope - The sweetness of God's consolation - Embracing Christ in all circumstances
- IV points: - Personal testimony of suffering - The impact of illness on ministry - Blessing God's name in trials
Key Quotes
“If God had done otherwise with me than He hath done, I had never come to the enjoying of this crown of glory.” — Samuel Rutherford
“Welcome, welcome, Jesus, what way soever Thou come, if we can get a sight of Thee!” — Samuel Rutherford
“I would not want the sweet experience of the consolations of God for all the bitterness of affliction.” — Samuel Rutherford
Application Points
- Embrace your trials as opportunities to deepen your faith and reliance on God.
- Seek the presence of Christ in your suffering, knowing He brings comfort and hope.
- Reflect on the wisdom of God in your life, trusting that His plans are ultimately for your good.