Rutherford Quotes 2

The great Master Gardener, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, in a wonderful providence, with his own hand, planted me here, whereby his grace, in this part of his vineyard, I grow; and here I will abide till the great Master of the vineyard think fit to transplant me.

No pen, no words, no image can express to you the loveliness of my only, only Lord Jesus.

Build your nest in no tree here for the Lord of the forest has condemned the whole woods to be demolished.

Why should I tremble at the plough of my Lord, that maketh deep furrows on my soul? I know He is no idle husbandman; He purposed a crop.

Your heart is not the compass that God steers by.

When we shall come home and enter into the possession of our brother's fair kingdom, and when our heads shall find the weight of the eternal crown of glory, then we shall look back to pains and sufferings and then we will see life and sorrow to be less than one step or stride from a prison to glory. Our little inch of time-suffering is not worthy of our first night's welcome-home to heaven.

Be not cast down. If ye saw Him who is standing on the shore, holding out His arms to welcome you to land, ye would wade, not only through a sea of wrongs, but through hell itself to be with Him.

After winter comes the summer. After night comes the dawn. And after every storm, there comes clear, open skies.

I find my Lord Jesus cometh not in the precise way that I lay wait for Him. He hath a manner of His own. Oh, how high are His ways above my ways.

I have been benefited by praying for others; for by making an errand to God for them I have gotten something for myself.

Grace grows best in winter.

There is nothing that will make you a Christian indeed, but a taste of the sweetness of Christ. 

 [Samuel Rutherford]

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Rutherford Quotes

Our little time of suffering is not worthy of our first night's welcome home to Heaven. 

Believe God's love and power more than you believe your own feelings and experiences. 

Your rock is Christ, and it is not the rock that ebbs and flows but the sea. 

I urge you, a nearer communion with Christ, and a growing communion. There are curtains to be opened in Christ that we have never seen before Therefore, dig deep, and sweat, and labor. Take pains for Him and set aside as much time as you can in each day for Him. 

In our fluctuations of feelings, it is well to remember that Jesus admits no change in His affections; your heart is not the compass Jesus sails by. 

The secret formula of the saints: When I am in the cellar of affliction, I look for the Lord's choicest wines. 

Humility is a strange flower; it grows best in winter weather, and under storms of affliction. 

You will not get to steal quietly into heaven, into Christ's company, without a conflict and a cross. I find crosses to be Christ's carved work that he marks out for us and that with crosses he portraits us to his own image, cutting away pieces of our ill and corruption. Lord cut - Lord carve - Lord wound - Lord do anything that may perfect thy father's image in us and make us ready for glory. 

They lose nothing who gain Christ. 

I pray God that I may never find my will again. Oh, that Christ would subject my will to His, and trample it under His feet. 

I find it most true that the greatest temptation outside of hell is to live without temptations; if water stands, it rots; faith is the better for the sharp winter storm in its face and grace withers without adversity. The devil is but God's master fencer to teach us to handle our weapons. 

O my Lord Jesus Christ, if I could be in heaven without Thee, it would be hell; and if I could be in hell, and have Thee still, it would be heaven to me, for Thou are all the heaven I want. 

There is no sweeter fellowship with Christ than to bring our wounds and our sores to him.

[Samuel Rutherford]

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My Rock!!

Believe God's love and power more than you believe your own feelings and experiences. Your rock is Christ, and it is not the rock that ebbs and flows but the sea.

[Samuel Rutherford]

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1 Samuel 2:2 ... There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.

Psalm 31:3 ... For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.

Psalm 18:2 ... The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. ❤

Called to Suffering?

If your Lord calls you to suffering, do not be dismayed, for He will provide a deeper portion of Christ in your suffering. The softest pillow will be placed under your head though you must set your bare feet among thorns. Do not be afraid at suffering for Christ, for He has a sweet peace for a sufferer. God has called you to Christ's side, and if the wind is now in His face, you cannot expect to rest on the sheltered side of the hill. 

You cannot be above your Master who received many an innocent stroke. The greatest temptation out of hell is to live without trials. A pool of standing water will turn stagnant. Faith grows more with the sharp winter storm in its face. Grace withers without adversity. You cannot sneak quietly into heaven without a cross. Crosses form us into His image. They cut away the pieces of our corruption. Lord cut, carve, wound; Lord does anything to perfect Your image in us and make us fit for glory! 

We need winnowing before we enter the kingdom of God. O what I owe to the file, hammer, and furnace! Why should I be surprised at the plough that makes such deep furrows in my soul? Whatever direction the wind blows, it will blow us to the Lord. His hand will direct us safely to the heavenly shore to find the weight of eternal glory. As we look back to our pains and suffering, we shall see that suffering is not worthy to be compared to our first night's welcome home in heaven. 

If we could smell of heaven and our country above, our crosses would not bite us. Lay all your loads by faith on Christ, ease yourself, and let Him bear all. He can, He does, and He will bear you. Whether God comes with a rod or a crown, He comes with Himself. "Have courage, I am your salvation!" Welcome, welcome Jesus! 

[Samuel Rutherford]

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1 Peter 3:14 ... But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

Romans 8:17 ... And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

James 1:2 ... My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;❤

"Sin"

Sin is worse than suffering; it is better to suffer than to sin. Every sin is an attempt to dethrone God in your heart. Sin never goes alone but leaves a stain wherever it touches.

[Richard Baxter]

Sin is the dare of God's justice, the rape of His mercy, the jeer of His patience, and the contempt of His love. Sin turns the soul into a dungeon of darkness.

[John Bunyan] 

Sin is infinitely worse than any affliction. One sin allowed, is enough to damn the soul. Sin is the soul's only sickness, and Christ is the soul's only Physician.

[Jeremiah Burroughs]

Sin in the heart is like Jonah in the ship it turns the soul into a tempest. Sin will usher in the greatest and saddest losses imaginable. Sin is Satan's firstborn.

[Thomas Brooks]

Sin is an offense against infinite holiness and deserves infinite punishment. Sin is a deicide every sin would kill God if it could.

[Stephen Charnock]

Be killing sin, or it will be killing you. The seed of every sin is in every heart. 

[John Owen]

The smallest sin is an infinite evil, because it is committed against an infinite God. Sin is the foulest evil it pollutes everything it touches. 

[Samuel Rutherford]

Sin is the cause of all suffering and the root of all sorrow. Sin is the disturber of Heaven, earth, and Hell. One of the greatest sins, is not to see sin as the greatest evil. Sin is the soul's enemy, the heart's wound, and the thief of eternal joy.

[Ralph Venning]

Till sin is bitter, Christ will not be sweet. Sin has the devil for its father, shame for its companion, and death for its wages. Sin is a spiritual poison that would murder the soul. Sin is worse than Hell, because sin brought Hell into being.

[Thomas Watson]

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"Providential Care"

In every trial and tribulation, let us find comfort in the knowledge that God, in His infinite wisdom, orchestrates all for the good of His chosen people. God's hand is behind every event, crafting our lives for His glory. 

[John Owen] 

The providence of God is a tapestry of grace, where every thread, even the darkest, contributes to the glorious picture of our salvation. His providence is a rich treasure; He knows how to turn our trials into triumphs, our sorrows into songs. [Thomas Watson] 

The heart that loves God finds peace in knowing that even the most confusing paths are ordered by Him for our benefit. [Richard Sibbes] 

To love God is to rest in His sovereign will, trusting that even the most perplexing circumstances are shaped for our ultimate good. In every situation, whether in joy or sorrow, we are called to trust that God is orchestrating the events of our lives for His glory. 

[Jonathan Edwards] 

Though the winds may howl and the storms rage, we are assured that God's hand is upon us, guiding every event to our benefit and His glory. 

[Richard Baxter] 

God's providence is a divine compass, guiding our lives through every storm, always pointing us toward our true good and His eternal glory. In the tapestry of life, every thread of sorrow is skillfully woven by God, contributing to the beauty of our salvation. 

[Matthew Henry] 

God's providence is like a skilled artisan who, though unseen, is weaving our lives into a masterpiece, with every thread serving His holy purpose! 

[John Bunyan] 

All that befalls us, whether sweet or bitter, is ordained by God, who works all things in concert for the good of those who are called according to His purpose. 

[William Perkins]

Trust in the Lord, for He has a wise design in every affliction, transforming our pain into a pathway of grace. Trust the divine Designer; He weaves even our pain into His purpose. 

[Samuel Rutherford] 

We may often walk through the valley of shadows, but remember, dear believer, that God is sovereignly guiding our steps toward a glorious end! We may rest assured that even the harshest providences are part of God's plan, working towards a good that we may not yet see. 

[John Flavel]

Romans 8:28 ... And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

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"Afflictions"

Afflictions teach us to value the blessings of God which in prosperity we are apt to forget.

God's afflictions are not to destroy us, but to wean us from the world and bring us closer to Christ.

It is folly to doubt God's goodness because of His chastening rod, for the rod is in the hand of infinite love.

[Richard Baxter]

Afflictions are but God's furnace to refine His gold. 

Christ's school of affliction is the best school in this world.

God would not rub so hard, if it were not to fetch out the dirt that is ingrained in our natures.

Afflictions are God's medicines to cure His people.

[ Thomas Brooks]

As the winter prepares the earth for the spring, so affliction prepares the soul for glory.

The greatest afflictions are less than we deserve.

God empties us of worldly comfort to fill us with heavenly joy.

[William Bridge]

God's people are like gold they are purified by fire. 

God does not strike as an enemy to destroy, but as a father to correct.

[Jeremiah Burroughs]

Sanctified afflictions are better than unsanctified prosperity.

The furnace of affliction is where God polishes His jewels.

[John Flavel]

God's wounds cure sin's kisses kill.

[William Gurnall]

Afflictions quicken our desires for eternal things.

Afflictions are blessings to the soul, though they seem bitter to the flesh.

[John Owen]

Your afflictions are your father's love-tokens.

When I am in the cellar of affliction, I look for the Lord's choicest wines.

[ Samuel Rutherford]

God breaks the cistern to drive us to the fountain.

The fire does not destroy the gold, but only refines it.

God's hammer breaks us in pieces, that He may fashion us into His own likeness.

God squeezes the sins out of His saints by affliction.

It is better to go limping to Heaven, than leaping to Hell.

[ Richard Sibbes]

A sick bed often teaches more than a sermon.

God's rod is a pencil to draw Christ's image more distinctly upon us.

[Thomas Watson]

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Well Beloved Christ.

Put the beauty of ten thousand worlds of paradises, like the Garden of Eden in one; put all trees, all flowers, all fragrances, all colors, all tastes, all joys, all loveliness, all sweetness in one. O what a lovely and excellent thing would that be! And yet it would be less compared to our dearest well-beloved Christ than one drop of rain compared to the whole seas, rivers, and lakes of ten thousand earths. 

[Samuel Rutherford]

Psalm 89:6-7 ... For who in the heaven can be compared unto the Lord? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the Lord?  God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.

1 Chronicles 29:11 ... Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all.

Psalm 97:9 ... For thou, Lord, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods. ❤

Beyond Measure!!

Every day we may see some new thing in Christ. His love hath neither brim nor bottom. 

[Samuel Rutherford]

Deuteronomy 28:1-6 ... And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:  And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God.  Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep. Blessed shall be thy basket and thy store. Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out. ❤

Give Your Heart!!

Since He looked upon me, my heart is not my own. He hath run away to heaven with it.

[Samuel Rutherford]

2 Thessalonians 3:5 ... And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. ❤

Providence.

Howbeit your faith seeth but the black side of Providence, yet it hath a better side, and God shall let you see it. We know that all things work together for good to them that love God; (Romans 8:28) hence I infer that losses, disappointments, ill tongues, loss of friends, houses or country, are God’s workmen, set on work to work out good to you, out of everything that befalleth you. 

When the Lord’s blessed will bloweth cross your desires, it is best, in humility, to strike sail to Him, and to be willing to be led any way our Lord pleaseth. 

[Samuel Rutherford]

G░O░D░ ░L░O░V░E░S░ ░Y░O░U

Our Time.

Our little time of suffering on earth, is not worthy of our first night's welcome home to Heaven! 

[Samuel Rutherford]

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2 Corinthians 4:17 ... For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

1 Peter 5:10 ...  But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 

Romans 8:18 ...  For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.❤

New Thing.

Every day we may see some new thing in Christ. His love hath neither brim nor bottom.

[Samuel Rutherford]

Isaiah 43:19 ...  Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.❤

Every Day ...

Every day we may see some new thing in Christ. His love hath neither brim nor bottom.

[Samuel Rutherford]

2 Peter 3:18 … But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.❤

The Strong Cable

Our hope is not hung on such an untwisted thread as ‘I imagine so,’ or ‘It is likely;’ but the strong cable of our fastened anchor is the promise and oath of Him who is eternal verity. Our salvation is fastened with God’s own hand and Christ’s own strength to the stronghold of God’s unchanging nature and truthfulness.

[Samuel Rutherford]

James 1:17 ... Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Hebrews 13:8 ... Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

Malachi 3:6 ... For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.❤

The Fountain

Dry wells send us to the fountain.

[Samuel Rutherford]

John 4:14 ... But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

Isaiah 44:3 ... For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:

Revelation 22:17 ... And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.❤

Trust in God's Word

Trust God's Word and His power more than you trust your own feelings and experiences. Remember, your Rock is Christ, and it is the sea that ebbs and flows with the tides, not Him.

[Samuel Rutherford]

Proverbs 3:5 ... Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Psalm 9:10 ... And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

Psalm 31:3 ... For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.❤

Gaining Christ

They lose nothing who gain Christ.

[Samuel Rutherford]

Philippians 1:21 ...  For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

Philippians 3:7 ... But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

1 John 5:13 ... These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.❤

Praise Him!

If I had as many angel's tongues, as there have fallen drops of rain since the creation; or as there are leaves of trees in all the forests of the earth; or stars in the heavens to praise him, yet my Lord Jesus would ever be behind with me.

[Samuel Rutherford]

Psalm 150:1-6 ... Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.  Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.  Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.  Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.❤

Yes, He is Atogether Lovely!

Put the beauty of ten thousand worlds of paradises, like the Garden of Eden in one; put all trees, all flowers, all fragrances, all colors, all tastes, all joys, all loveliness, all sweetness in one. O what a lovely and excellent thing would that be! And yet it would be less compared to that beauteous and dearest well-beloved Christ than one drop of rain, compared to the whole seas, rivers, lakes, and foundations of ten thousand earths!

[Samuel Rutherford]

Song of Solomon 5:16 ... His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.❤