Xlix. to Mrs Stuart, Wife of the Provost of Aye
Samuel Rutherford reflects on his spiritual inadequacies while expressing hope for revival and the return of Christ in Scotland.
Samuel Rutherford expresses humility and a deep sense of unworthiness, acknowledging his shortcomings and the insufficiency of his own efforts compared to the grace of Christ. He longs for a genuine, transformative experience of God's love beyond mere words or appearances. Rutherford emphasizes the need for true repentance, seeking forgiveness for both visible and hidden sins, and the necessity of a Savior to cleanse and purify the heart. He calls for a heartfelt mourning over the state of the Church and the persecution of believers, urging believers to intercede for the restoration and revival of Christ's work. Rutherford concludes with a reminder of the unbreakable bond between believers and Christ, encouraging steadfastness in faith and prayer for one another.
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MISTRESS, -- Grace, mercy, and peace be to you. -- I am sorry that ye
take it so hardly that I have not written to you.
I am judged to be that which I am not. I fear that if I were put into
the fire, I should melt away, and fall down in shreds of painted
nature; for truly I have little stuff at home that is worth the eye of
God's servants. If there 'be anything of Christ's in me (as I dare not
deny some of His work), it is but a spunk of borrowed fire, that can
scarce warm myself, and has little heat for standers-by. I would fain
have that which ye and others believe I have; but ye are only witnesses
to my outer side, and to some words on paper. Oh that He would give me
more than paper-grace or tongue-grace! But if I have any love to Him,
Christ has both love to me, and wit to guide His love. And I see that
the best thing I have has as much dross beside it as might curse me and
it both; and, if it were for no more, we have need of a Savior to
pardon the very faults, and diseases, and weakness of the new man, and
to take away (to say so) our godly sins, or the sins of our
sanctification, and the dross and scum of spiritual love.
I would have you and myself helping Christ mystical to weep for His
wife. And oh that we could mourn for Christ buried in Scotland, and for
His two slain witnesses, killed because they prophesied! If we could so
importune and solicit God, our buried Lord and His two buried witnesses
should rise again. Earth and clay and stone will not bear down Christ
and the Gospel in Scotland. I know not if I shall see the second temple
and the glory of it; but the Lord has deceived me if it be not to be
reared up again. I would wish to give Christ His welcome Home again. My
blessing, my joy, my glory and love be on the Home-comer.
I know that your heart and Christ are married together; it were not
good to make a divorce. Rue not of that meeting and marriage with such
a Husband. Pray for me, His prisoner. Grace, grace be with you.
ABERDEEN, 1637
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction of grace and mercy - Expression of personal inadequacy - Reflection on the nature of spiritual strength
- II points: - The need for a Savior - Acknowledgment of personal faults - The importance of Christ's love and guidance
- III points: - Call to mourn for Christ and His witnesses - Desire for revival in Scotland - Hope for the reestablishment of faith
- IV points: - Encouragement of unity with Christ - Importance of prayer and support - Conclusion with blessings
Key Quotes
“Oh that He would give me more than paper-grace or tongue-grace!” — Samuel Rutherford
“Earth and clay and stone will not bear down Christ and the Gospel in Scotland.” — Samuel Rutherford
“My blessing, my joy, my glory and love be on the Home-comer.” — Samuel Rutherford
Application Points
- Recognize and embrace your spiritual weaknesses as a part of your journey.
- Pray earnestly for the revival of faith in your community.
- Cultivate a deeper relationship with Christ, ensuring it remains strong and unbroken.