Xxii. to Mr Hugh Mackail, Minister of the Gospel at Irvine
Samuel Rutherford's sermon emphasizes the joy and strength found in Christ, encouraging thankfulness and faith amidst trials.
Samuel Rutherford expresses gratitude for the spiritual revival he has experienced, comparing it to rain on mown grass and the dew of herbs. He finds security in his current circumstances, acknowledging that salvation surrounds him even in prison. Rutherford's joy transcends his trials, focusing solely on Christ, whom he welcomes to come and go as He pleases. He is confident in anchoring himself on the Rock of Christ during times of darkness and uncertainty, trusting in His grace to sustain him.
Text
REVEREND AND DEAR BROTHER,- I bless you for your letter. He is come
down as rain upon the mown grass; He has revived my withered root, and
He is as the dew of herbs. I am most secure in this prison. Salvation
is for walls in it, and what think ye of these walls? He maketh the dry
plant to bud as the lily, and to blossom as Lebanon. The great
Husbandman's blessing cometh down upon the plants of righteousness: who
may say this, my dear brother, if I, His poor exiled stranger and
prisoner, may not say it? Though all the world should be silent, I
cannot hold my peace. No preaching, no book, no learning, could give me
that which it behaved me to come and get in this town. But what of all
this, if I were not misted and confounded and astonished how to be
thankful, and how to get Him praised for evermore!
Some have written to me that I am possibly too joyful at the cross;
but my joy overleapeth the cross, it is bounded and terminated upon
Christ. I know that the sun will overcloud and eclipse, and that I
shall again be put to walk in the shadow: but Christ must be welcome to
come and go, as He thinketh meet. I hope, when a change cometh, to cast
anchor at midnight upon the Rock which He has taught me to know in this
daylight; whither I may run, when I must say my lesson without book,
and believe in the dark. I am sure it is sin to tarrow at Christ's good
meat, and not to eat when He saith, 'Eat, O well-beloved, and drink
abundantly.' If He bear me on His back, or carry me in His arms over
this water, I hope for grace to set down my feet on dry ground, when
the way is better. But this is slippery ground: my Lord thought good I
should go by a hold, and lean on my Well-beloved's shoulder. It is good
to be ever taking from Him. I desire that He may get the fruit of
praises, for dawting and thus dandling me on His knee: and I may give
my bond of thankfulness, so being I have Christ's back-bond again for
my relief, that I shall be strengthened by His powerful grace to pay my
vows to Him. But, truly, I find that we have the advantage of the brae
upon our enemies: we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us;
and they know not wherein our strength lieth.
Pray for me. Grace be with you.
Your brother in Christ.
ABERDEEN
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The joy found in Christ despite circumstances - The significance of thankfulness - The assurance of salvation
- II points: - The metaphor of Christ as nourishment - The importance of faith in darkness - The role of grace in our lives
- III points: - The strength of believers against adversaries - The call to prayer and support - The bond of thankfulness to Christ
Key Quotes
“He maketh the dry plant to bud as the lily, and to blossom as Lebanon.” — Samuel Rutherford
“I hope for grace to set down my feet on dry ground, when the way is better.” — Samuel Rutherford
“We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” — Samuel Rutherford
Application Points
- Cultivate a heart of thankfulness in all circumstances.
- Lean on Christ for strength during difficult times.
- Pray for one another, recognizing the power of community in faith.