Xlii. to the rev.john Ferguson of Ochiltree
Samuel Rutherford's sermon highlights the importance of mutual encouragement among believers and the desire for Christ's glory in the face of personal trials and communal challenges in Scotland.
Samuel Rutherford expresses his longing to serve the Lord and spread His kingdom, even in the midst of challenges and imprisonment. He acknowledges that his ultimate desire is for God to be glorified and for Christ's kingdom to be expanded through his life, regardless of his circumstances. Rutherford places his trust in Christ's sovereignty, believing that God will work all things for His glory. He also seeks support in being restored to his flock, showing his dedication to caring for his community despite his own struggles.
Text
MY VERY DEAR BROTHER, -- I would have looked for larger and more
particular letters from you, for my comfort in this; for your words
before have strengthened me. I pray you to mend this; and be thankful
and painful, while ye have a piece or corner of the Lord's vineyard to
dress. Oh, would to God that I could have leave to follow you, to break
the clods! But I wish I could command my soul to be silent, and to wait
upon the Lord. I am sure that while Christ lives, I am well enough
friend-stead. I hope that He will extend His kindness and power for me;
but God be thanked it is not worse with me than a cross for Christ and
His truth. I know that He might have pitched upon many more choice and
worthy witnesses, if He had pleased; but I seek no more (be what timber
I will, suppose I were made of a piece of hell) than that my Lord, in
His infinite art, hew glory to His name, and enlargement to Christ's
kingdom, out of me. Oh that I could attain to this, to desire that my
part of Christ might be laid in pledge for the heightening of Christ's
throne in Britain! Let my Lord redeem the pledge, or, if He please, let
it sink and drown unredeemed. But what can I add to Him? Or what way
can a smothered and borne-down prisoner set out Christ in open market,
as a lovely and desirable Lord to many souls? I know that He seeth to
His own glory better than my ebb thoughts can dream of; and that the
wheels and paces of this poor distempered kirk are in His hands; and
that things shall roll as Christ will have them: -- only, Lord, tryst
the matter so, as Christ may be made a householder and lord again in
Scotland, and wet faces for His departure may be dried at His sweet and
much-desired welcome-home!
I desire you to contribute your help to see if I cannot be restored
to my wasted and lost flock.
Grace be (as it is) your portion.
ABERDEEN, 1637
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The importance of communication in fellowship - Strengthening one another through words - The role of letters in spiritual encouragement
- II points: - The call to labor in the Lord's vineyard - The significance of being thankful and diligent - Personal desire to support fellow believers
- III points: - Trusting in Christ's sustaining power - Understanding suffering as a cross for Christ - The hope of divine intervention and support
- IV points: - Desiring to glorify Christ through personal trials - The role of individual believers in Christ's kingdom - The need for a collective return to Christ in Scotland
- V points: - The assurance of Christ's sovereignty - The importance of prayer for restoration - The longing for Christ's presence among His people
Key Quotes
“Oh, would to God that I could have leave to follow you, to break the clods!” — Samuel Rutherford
“I seek no more... than that my Lord, in His infinite art, hew glory to His name.” — Samuel Rutherford
“Let my Lord redeem the pledge, or, if He please, let it sink and drown unredeemed.” — Samuel Rutherford
Application Points
- Engage in regular communication with fellow believers to strengthen each other's faith.
- Embrace personal trials as opportunities to glorify Christ and deepen your reliance on Him.
- Pray for the restoration of Christ's presence in your community and actively seek ways to contribute to that effort.