A letter from Samuel Rutherford in 1637, when he was confined in exile in Aberdeen for the gospel, to one of his parishioners, John Gordon, at Rusco.
(See page 150 for a Review of Letters of Samuel Rutherford)
Dear Brother,
I earnestly desire to know the case of your soul and to understand that you have made sure work of heaven and salvation.
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Remember that salvation is one of Christ’s dainties which He giveth but to a few.
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Remember that it is violent sweating and striving that taketh heaven.
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That it cost Christ’s blood to purchase that house to sinners, and to set mankind down as the King’s free tenants and freeholders.
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That many make a start toward heaven who fall on their back and win not up to the top of the mount. It plucketh heart and legs from them, and they sit down and give it over, because the devil setteth a sweet-smelled flower to their nose (this fair busked* world) wherewith they are bewitched, and so forget or refuse to go forward.
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Remember that many go far on and reform many things, and can find tears, as Esau did; and suffer hunger for truth, as Judas did; and wish and desire the end of the righteous, as Balaam did; and profess fair, and fight for the Lord, as Saul did; and desire the saints of God to pray for them, as Pharaoh and Simon Magus did; and prophesy and speak of Christ, as Caiaphas did; and walk softly and mourn for fear of judgements, as Ahab did; and put away gross sins and idolatry, as Jehu did; and hear the Word of God gladly, and reform their life in many things according to the Word, as Herod did; and say to Christ, “Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest,” as the man who offered to be Christ’s servant did (Matt. 8:19). And many may taste of the virtues of the life to come, and be partaker of the wonderful gifts of the Holy Ghost, and taste of the good Word of God, as did the apostates who sin against the Holy Ghost (Heb. 6). And yet all these are but like gold in clink and colour, and watered brass, and base metal. These are written that we should try ourselves, and not rest till we be a step nearer Christ than sunburnt and withering professors can come.
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Consider that it is impossible that your idol-sins and you can go to heaven together, and that they who will not part with these can, indeed, love Christ at the bottom, but only in word and show, which will not do the business.
*Adorned
- Remember how swiftly God’s post time flieth away, and that your forenoon is already spent, your afternoon will come, and then your evening, and at last night, when you cannot see to work. Let your heart be set upon finishing of your journey and summing and laying your accounts with your Lord. O how blessed shall you be to have a joyful welcome of your Lord at night! How blessed are they who, in time take sure course with their souls! Bless His great name for what you possess in goods and children, ease and worldly contentment, that He hath given you; and seek to be like Christ in humility and lowliness of mind. And be not great and entire with the world. Make it not your god, nor your lover that you trust unto, for it will deceive you.
I recommend Christ and His love to you, in all things. Let Him have the flower of your heart and your love. Set a low price upon all things but Christ, and cry down in your thoughts clay and dirt, that will not comfort you when you get summons to remove, and appear before your Judge to answer for all the deeds done in the body. The Lord give you wisdom in all things. I beseech you sanctify God in your speaking, for holy and reverend is His name; and be temperate and sober. Keeping company with the bad is a sin that holdeth many out of heaven.
I will not believe that you will receive the ministry of a stranger, who will preach a new and uncouth doctrine to you. Let my salvation stand for it, if I delivered not the plain and whole counsel of God to you in His Word.
Read this letter to your wife, and remember my love to her, and request her to take heed to do what I write to you. I pray for you and yours. Remember me in your prayers to our Lord, that He would be pleased to send me amongst you again. Grace be with you.
Your lawful and loving pastor.
S. R.