Samuel Rutherford
Published by Reformation Press
Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661) was one of the ministers who was a Scottish Commissioner at the Westminster Assembly. In my earlier review on the Conversations with a Dying Man, in the same series by Reformation Press, I noted that Rutherford is best known for his Letters.
In 1627, Rutherford became the minister of Anworth in Kirkcudbrightshire, where he would be the minister for the next nine years. Viscount Kenmure, John Gordon, was a year older than Rutherford and he inherited his estates one year after Rutherford moved to Anwoth. In 1636, Rutherford was exiled from Anwoth to Aberdeen, and wrote many of his letters, some to Lady Kenmure. The letters are from an exiled pastor to his parishioners and they are rightly viewed as a classic for their experimental religion and warmth that draw the reader to a Christ centred view of piety.
There are many who read with profit, Morning and Evening by C.H. Spurgeon. It is a book that I have given to my own children, but the author of that book says, ‘When we are dead and gone let the world know that Spurgeon held Rutherford’s Letters to be the nearest thing to inspiration which can be found in all the writings of mere men.’
This type of short thought, is perfect for those who want a guide to their devotions alongside their private worship in the morning and evening. Each one is short, but full weighty material:
June 22nd – When I look to my guiltiness, I see that my salvation was one of our Saviour’s greatest miracles, either in heaven or earth. (Letter 170)
July 28th – I know that he doth in many seek nothing so much as faith, that can endure summer and winter in their extremity. Faint not – the miles to heaven are but few and short (Letter 211)
September 5th – Venture through the thick of all things after Christ, and lose not your Master, Christ, in the throng of this great market. (Letter 252).
