Letters of Samuel Rutherford II: No Poison in Christ’s Cup

This week on The Whole Counsel, Dr. John Snyder continues our series on the great letterwriters in Christendom: Letters of Samuel Rutherford. After introducing the Scottish Puritan pastor last episode, we now focus on his deep friendship with Marion McNaught, a godly woman who encouraged her family, supported Rutherford during trials, and even mentored others amid persecution.

Marion traveled far to hear Rutherford preach because, as she beautifully put it: “Though other ministers show me the majesty of God and the plague of my own heart, Mr. Samuel does both these things, but he also shows me as no other minister ever does the loveliness of Christ.”

In one poignant letter from a time of intense trial (as Rutherford faces exile and separation from his flock), he urges her: “Swim through your temptations and troubles to be at that lovely, amiable person, Jesus.” These aren’t mere words, Rutherford lived upon this truth, finding Christ sufficient even in suffering and heaviness of heart.

If this stirs your soul for more of Rutherford’s Christ-centered comfort and the lives of those around him, pick up Faith Cook’s Samuel Rutherford and His Friends (Banner of Truth). It brings fresh insight into the people who received these treasures.

Show Notes

Samuel Rutherford and His Friends by Faith Cook: https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/ebooks/samuel-rutherford-and-his-friends/

Letters of Samuel Rutherford: https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/letters/letters-of-samuel-rutherford/

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