Xlviii. to Lady Kenmure
Samuel Rutherford encourages Lady Kenmure to seek Christ's love and promises God's blessings for those who do.
Samuel Rutherford preaches from Aberdeen, expressing gratitude for the warm reception he has received despite facing opposition from those who do not share his faith. He encourages the noble lady to keep a close relationship with Christ, believing that Christ desires her love and has been actively pursuing her heart. Rutherford reminds her of the importance of seeking refuge in God and assures her of God's protection and blessings, especially in times of distress.
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MY VERY NOBLE AND DEAR LADY,- Grace, mercy, and peace be to you. -- The
Lord has brought me safely to Aberdeen: I have gotten lodging in the
hearts of all I meet with. No face that has not smiled upon me; only
the indwellers of this town are dry, cold, and general. They consist of
Papists, and men of Gallio's metal, firm in no religion; and it is
counted no wisdom here to countenance a confined and silenced prisoner.
But the shame of Christ's cross shall not be my shame.
Madam, your Ladyship knoweth what Christ has done to have all your
love; and that He alloweth not His level upon your dear child. Keep
good quarters with Christ in your love. I verily think that Christ has
said, 'I must needs-force have Jean Campbell for Myself'; and He has
laid many oars in the water, to fish and hunt home-over your heart to
heaven. Let Him have His prey, He will think you well won, when He has
gotten you. It is good to have recourse often, and to have the door
open, to our stronghold. For the sword of the Lord, the sword of the
Lord is for Scotland! And yet two or three berries shall be left in the
top of the olive-tree.
If a word can do my brother good in his distress, I know your Ladyship
will be willing and ready to speak it, and more also. Now the only wise
God, and your only, only One, He who dwelt in the Bush, be with you. I
write many kisses and many blessings in Christ to your dear child: the
blessings of his father's God, the blessings due to the fatherless and
the widow, be yours and his.
ABERDEEN
Sermon Outline
- Introduction
- The State of Aberdeen
- Christ's Love for Lady Kenmure
- Conclusion
- Encouragement to seek Christ's love
- The promise of God's blessings
Key Quotes
“But the shame of Christ's cross shall not be my shame.” — Samuel Rutherford
“For the sword of the Lord, the sword of the Lord is for Scotland!” — Samuel Rutherford
“Let Him have His prey, He will think you well won, when He has gotten you.” — Samuel Rutherford
Application Points
- Seek Christ's love and presence in your life by keeping good quarters with Him.
- Be open to God's power and judgment, and trust in His promise of salvation.
- Remember that God's blessings are available to all, especially the fatherless and the widow.