Letters of Samuel Rutherford (ebook)

by Samuel Rutherford

in ePub, .mobi & pdf formats

365 Letters

The "Letters of Samuel Rutherford" is a collection of pastoral correspondence written by Samuel Rutherford, a 17th-century Scottish Presbyterian pastor, theologian, and author. Rutherford was one of the Scottish Commissioners to the Westminster Assembly and is best known for his theological works and his involvement in the Scottish Reformation. The letters were written during various periods of Rutherford's life, including his time as a professor of Divinity at St. Mary's College in St. Andrews and during his exile in Aberdeen.

The letters are renowned for their spiritual depth, devotional warmth, and insightful pastoral care. They address a wide range of topics, including suffering, divine sovereignty, the beauty of Christ, Christian living, and the soul's communion with God. Rutherford's letters are characterized by his profound love for Christ, his earnest desire for the holiness and spiritual well-being of his correspondents, and his deep longing for heaven.

This collection is considered a classic of Christian literature, offering timeless wisdom and encouragement to believers. It has been treasured by generations of Christians for its rich theological insight, its expressive and affectionate language, and its testimony to the power of God's grace in the midst of trials and tribulations.

Rutherford's letters are not only of historical interest, providing a window into the religious and political tumults of 17th-century Scotland, but they also continue to be a source of spiritual nourishment and inspiration. His passionate expressions of love for Christ and his earnest pastoral care resonate with readers, drawing them to a deeper understanding of and relationship with God.

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Table of Contents

Preface
Sketch of Samuel Rutherford
1. To Marion M'Naught.—Children to be Dedicated to God
2. To a Christian Gentlewoman, on the death of a Daughter.—Christ's Sympathy with, and Property in us—Reasons for Resignation
3. To Lady Kenmure, on occasion of illness and spiritual depression.—Acquiescence in God's Purpose—Faith in exercise—Encouragement in view of Sickness and Death—Public Affairs
4. To Lady Kenmure, on death of her infant Daughter.—Tribulation the Portion of God's People, and intended to wean them from the World
5. To Lady Kenmure, when removing from Anwoth.—Changes—Loss of Friends—This World no abiding Place
6. To Marion M'Naught, telling of his Wife's illness.—Inward Conflict, arising from Outward Trial
7. To Lady Kenmure.—The Earnest of the Spirit—Communion with Christ—Faith in the Promises
8. To Marion M'Naught.—His Wife's Illness—Wrestlings with God
9. To Marion M'Naught.—Recommending a Friend to her Care—Prayers asked
10. To Marion M'Naught.—Submission, Perseverance, and Zeal recommended
11. To Lady Kenmure.—God's Inexplicable Dealings with His People well ordered—Want of Ordinances—Conformity to Christ—Troubles of the Church—Mr. Rutherford's Wife's Death
12. To Marion M'Naught.—God Mixeth the Cup—The Reward of the Wicked—Faithfulness—Forbearance—Trials
13. To Marion M'Naught, when exposed to reproach for her principles.—Jesus a Pattern of Patience under Suffering
14. To Marion M'Naught, in prospect of the Lord's Supper.—Abundance in Jesus—The Restoration of the Jews—Enemies of God
15. To Marion M'Naught.—The threatened Introduction of the Service Book—Troubles of the Church—Private Wrongs
16. To Marion M'Naught.—Proposal to Remove him from Anwoth—Babylon's Destruction, and Christ's Coming—The Young invited
17. To Marion M'Naught.—The Prospects of the Church—Arminianism—Call to Prayer—No Help but in Christ
18. To Marion M'Naught, in prospect of the Lord's Supper.—Prayer Solicited—The Church's Prospects
19. To Lady Kenmure.—Encouragement to Abound in Faith from the Prospect of Glory—Christ's Unchangeableness
20. To Lady Kenmure.—Assurance of Christ's Love under Trials—Fulness of Christ—Hope of Glory
21. To Lady Kenmure.—Self-denial—Hope of Christ's Coming—Loving God for Himself
22. To John Kennedy.—Deliverance from Shipwreck—Recovery from threatened Death—Use of Trials—Remembrance of Friends
23. To Lady Kenmure.—Exhorting to remember her Espousal to Christ—Tribulation a Preparation for the Kingdom—Glory in the End
24. To Marion M'Naught.—Christ and His Garden—Provision of Ordinances in the Church—Our Children
25. To a Gentleman at Kirkcudbright, excusing himself from visiting
26. To Marion M'Naught, after her dangerous illness.—Use of Sickness—Reproaches—Christ our Eternal Feast—Fasting
27. To Lady Kenmure.—Love to Christ and Submission to His Cross—Believers kept—The Heavenly Paradise
28. To Lady Kenmure, after the death of a child.—The State of the Church, Cause for God's Displeasure—His Care of His Church—The Jews—Afflicted Saints
29. To Marion M'Naught.—Christ with His People in the Furnace of Affliction—Prayer
30. To Lady Kenmure.—Rank and Prosperity hinder Progress—Watchfulness—Case of Relatives
31. To Lady Kenmure.—A Union for Prayer Recommended
32. To Marion M'Naught.—State and Prospects of the Church—Satan
33. To Marion M'Naught.—In Prospect of Going to the Lord's Table
34. To Marion M'Naught.—Prospects of the Church—Christ's Care for the Children of Believers
35. To Lady Kenmure, on the death of a child.—God Measures our Days—Bereavements Ripen us for the Harvest
36. To Marion M'Naught.—Choice of a Commissioner for Parliament
37. To Lady Kenmure.—On the Death of Lord Kenmure—Design of, and duties under, Affliction
38. To Marion M'Naught.—Christ's Care of His Church, and His Judgments on her Enemies
39. To Lady Kenmure.—Preparation for Death and Eternity
40. To Lady Kenmure.—When Mr. Rutherford had the Prospect of being Removed from Anwoth
41. To Marion M'Naught.—The Church's Trials—Comfort under Temptations—Deliverance—A Message to the Young
42. To Lady Kenmure.—The World passeth away—Special Portions of the Word for the Afflicted—Call to Kirkcudbright
43. To Marion M'Naught.—When Mr. Rutherford was in difficulty as to accepting a Call to Kirkcudbright, and Cramond
44. To Marion M'Naught.—Troubles threatening the Church
45. To Marion M'Naught.—In the Prospect of the Lord's Supper, and of Trials to the Church
46. To Marion M'Naught.—Tossings of Spirit—Her Children and Husband
47. To Marion M'Naught.—Submission to God's Arrangements
48. To Marion M'Naught.—Troubles from False Brethren—Occurrences—Christ's Coming—Intercession
49. To Marion M'Naught.—Spoiling of Goods—Call to Kirkcudbright—The Lord Reigneth
50. To Marion M'Naught.—Christ coming as Captain of Salvation—His Church's Conflict and Covenant—The Jews—Last Days' Apostasy
51. To Marion M'Naught.—Public Temptations—The Security of every Saint—Occurrences in the Country-side
52. To Marion M'Naught.—In the Prospect of her Husband being compelled to receive the Commands of the Prelates—Saints are yet to Judge
53. To Marion M'Naught.—Encouragement under Trial by prospect of Brighter Days
54. To Marion M'Naught.—Public Wrongs—Words of Comfort
55. To Marion M'Naught.—When he had been threatened with Persecution for Preaching the Gospel
56. To Lady Kenmure.—Reasons for Resignation—Security of Saints—The End of Time
57. To Marion M'Naught.—In the Prospect of Removal to Aberdeen
58. To Lady Kenmure.—On occasion of Efforts to introduce Episcopacy
59. To Earlston, Elder.—No Suffering for Christ unrewarded—Loss of Children—Christ in Providence
60. To Marion M'Naught.—When he was under Trial by the High Commission
61. To Lady Kenmure, on the evening of his banishment to Aberdeen.—His only Regrets—The Cross unspeakably Sweet—Retrospect of his Ministry
62. To Lady Culross, on the occasion of his banishment to Aberdeen.—Challenges of Conscience—The Cross no Burden
63. To Mr. Robert Cunningham, at Holywood, in Ireland.—Consolation to a Brother in Tribulation—His own Deprivation of Ministry—Christ worth Suffering for
64. To Alexander Gordon of Earlston.—His Feelings upon Leaving Anwoth
65. To Robert Gordon of Knockbreck, on his way to Aberdeen.—How Upheld on the Way
66. To Robert Gordon of Knockbreck, after arriving at Aberdeen.—Challenges of Conscience—Ease in Zion
67. To William Fullerton, Provost of Kirkcudbright.—Encouragement to Suffer for Christ
68. To John Fleming, Bailie of Leith.—The Sweetness and Faithfulness of Christ's Love
69. To Lady Kenmure.—His Enjoyment of Christ in Aberdeen—A Sight of Christ exceeds all Reports—Some ashamed of Him and His
70. To Lady Kenmure.—Exercise under Restraint from Preaching—The Devil—Christ's Loving-kindness—Progress
71. To Mr. Hugh M'Kail, Minister of Irvine.—Christ to be Trusted amid Trial
72. To William Gordon of Roberton.—How Trials are Misimproved—The Infinite Value of Christ—Despised Warnings
73. To Earlston, the Elder.—Satisfaction with Christ's Ways—Private and Public Causes of Sorrow
74. To Lady Culross.—Suspicions of God's Ways—God's Ways always Right—Grace Grows under Trial
75. To John Kennedy, Bailie of Ayr.—Longing after Discoveries of Christ—His Long-suffering—Trying Circumstances
76. To Robert Gordon of Knockbreck.—Benefit of Affliction
77. To Lady Boyd.—Aberdeen—Experience of himself Sad—Taking Pains to win Grace
78. To Lord Boyd.—Encouragement to Exertion for Christ's Cause
79. To Margaret Ballantine.—Value of the Soul, and Urgency of Salvation
80. To Marion M'Naught.—His Comfort under Tribulations, and the Prison a Palace
81. To Mr. John Meine (jun.).—Experience—Patient Waiting—Sanctification
82. To John Gordon of Cardoness, Elder.—Win Christ at all Hazards—Christ's Beauty—A Word to Children
83. To the Earl of Lothian.—Advice as to Public Conduct—Everything to be endured for Christ
84. To Jean Brown.—The Joys of this Life embittered by Sin—Heaven an Object of Desire—Trial a Blessed Thing
85. To John Kennedy, Bailie of Ayr.—The Reasonableness of Believing under all Affliction—Obligations to Free Grace
86. To Lord Craighall.—Episcopalian Ceremonies—How to Abide in the Truth—Desire for Liberty to preach Christ
87. To Elizabeth Kennedy.—Danger of Formality—Christ wholly to be Loved—Other Objects of Love
88. To Janet Kennedy.—Christ to be kept at every sacrifice—His incomparable Loveliness
89. To the Rev. Robert Blair.—God's Arrangements sometimes Mysterious
90. To the Rev. John Livingstone.—Resignation—Enjoyment—State of the Church
91. To Mr. Ephraim Melvin.—Kneeling at the Lord's Supper a species of Idolatry
92. To Mr. Robert Gordon of Knockbreck.—Visits of Christ—The Things which Affliction Teaches
93. To Lady Kenmure.—God's Dealings with Scotland—The Eye to be directed Heavenward
94. To Lady Kenmure.—The Times—Christ's Sweetness in Trouble—Longing after Him
95. To Lady Kenmure.—Christ's Cross Sweet—His Coming to be Desired—Jealous of any Rival
96. To Lady Kenmure.—Christ all Worthy—Anwoth
97. To Alexander Gordon of Earlston.—Christ Endeared by Bitter Experiences—Searchings of Heart—Fears for the Church
98. To Mr. Alexander Colville of Blair.—Increasing Experience of Christ's Love—God with His Saints
99. To Earlston, Younger.—Christ's Ways Misunderstood—His increasing Kindness—Spiritual Delicacy—Hard to be Dead to the World
100. To Lady Cardoness.—The One Thing Needful—Conscientious Acting in the World—Advice under Dejecting Trials
101. To Jonet Macculloch.—Christ's Sufficiency—Stedfastness in the Truth
102. To Alexander Gordon of Knockgray.—Grounds of Praise—Affliction tends to misrepresent Christ—Idols
103. To Lady Cardoness, Elder.—Christ and His Cause Recommended—Heavenly-mindedness—Caution against Compliances—Anxiety about his Parish
104. To Lady Kenmure.—Painstaking in the Knowledge of Christ—Unusual enjoyment of His Love—Not Easy to be a Christian—Friends must not mislead
105. To a Gentlewoman, upon the death of her Husband.—Resignation under Bereavement—His own Enjoyment of Christ's Love
106. To Lady Kenmure.—Weak Assurance—Grace different from Learning—Self-accusations
107. To Lady Boyd.—Consciousness of Defects no argument of Christ being unknown—His Experience in Exile
108. To Lady Kaskiberry.—Gratitude for Kindness—Christ's Presence felt
109. To Lady Earlston.—Following Christ not Easy—Children not to be over-loved—Joy in the Lord
110. To Mr. David Dickson.—God's Dealings—The Bitter Sweetened—Notes on Scripture
111. To Jean Brown.—Christ's Untold Preciousness—A Word to her Boy
112. To Mr. John Fergushill.—The Rod upon God's Children—Pain from a sense of Christ's Love—His Presence a Support under Trials—Contentedness with Him alone
113. To Mr. Robert Douglas.—Greatness of Christ's Love revealed to those who suffer for Him
114. To William Rigg of Athernie.—Sustaining Power of Christ's Love—Satan's Opposition—Yearnings for Christ Himself—Fears for the Church
115. To Mr. Alexander Henderson.—Sadness because of Christ's Headship not set forth—His Cause attended with Crosses—The Believer seen of all
116. To Lord Loudon.—Blessedness of Acting for Christ—His Love to His Prisoner
117. To Mr. William Dalgleish, Minister of Kirkdale and Kirkmabreck.—Christ's Kindness—Dependence on Providence—Controversies
118. To Mr. Hugh M'Kail, Minister at Irvine.—Christ's Bountiful Dealings—Joy in Christ through the Cross
119. To Mr. David Dickson.—Joyful Experience—Cup Overflowing in Exile
120. To Mr. Matthew Mowat, Minister at Kilmarnock.—Plenitude of Christ's Love—Need to use Grace aright—Christ the Ransomer—Desire to proclaim His Gospel—Shortcomings and Sufferings
121. To William Halliday.—Diligence in securing Salvation
122. To a Gentlewoman after the death of her Husband.—Vanity of Earthly Possessions—Christ a sufficient Portion—Design of Affliction
123. To John Gordon of Cardoness, Younger.—Reasons for being earnest about the Soul, and for Resignation
124. To John Gordon of Cardoness, Elder.—Call to Earnestness about Salvation—Intrusion of Ministers
125. To Lady Forret.—Sickness a Kindness—Christ's Glooms better than the World's Joys
126. To Marion M'Naught.—Adherence to Duty amidst Opposition—Power of Christ's Love
127. To John Carsen.—Nothing worth the Finding but Christ
128. To the Earl of Cassillis.—Honour of testifying for Christ
129. To Mr. Robert Gordon, Bailie of Ayr.—Christ above All
130. To John Kennedy, Bailie of Ayr.—Christ's Love—The Three Wonders—Desires for His Second Coming
131. To Jean Brown.—His Wisdom in our Trials—Rejoicing in Tribulation
132. To Jean Macmillan.—Strive to enter In
133. To Lady Busbie.—Complete Surrender to Christ—No Idols—Trials discover Sins—A Free Salvation—The Marriage Supper
134. To John Ewart, Bailie of Kirkcudbright.—The Cross no Burden—Need of Sure Foundation
135. To William Fullerton, Provost of Kirkcudbright.—Fear not them who kill the Body—Unexpected Favour
136. To Robert Glendinning, Minister of Kirkcudbright.—Prepare to meet thy God—Christ his Joy
137. To William Glendinning.—Perseverance against Opposition
138. To Mr. Hugh Henderson, Minister of the Gospel.—Trials selected by God—Patience—Looking for the Judge
139. To Lord Balmerinoch.—His happy Obligations to Christ—Emptiness of the World
140. To Lady Mar, Younger.—No Exchange for Christ
141. To James Macadam.—The Kingdom taken by Force
142. To William Livingstone.—Counsel to a Youth
143. To William Gordon of Whitepark.—Nothing lost by Trials—Longing for Christ Himself, because of His Love
144. To Mr. George Gillespie, Minister of Kirkcaldy.—Suspicions of Christ's Love Removed—Three Desires
145. To Jean Gordon.—God the Satisfying Portion—Adherence to Christ
146. To Mr. James Bruce, Minister of the Gospel.—Misjudging of Christ's Ways
147. To John Gordon, at Rusco.—Pressing into Heaven—To be a Christian no Easy Attainment—Sins to be Avoided
148. To Lady Hallhill.—Christ's Crosses better than Egypt's Treasures
149. To John Osburn, Provost of Ayr.—Adherence to Christ—His Approbation worth all Worlds
150. To John Henderson, in Rusco.—Continuing in Christ—Preparedness for Death
151. To John Meine, Senior.—Enjoyment of God's Love—Need of Help—Burdens
152. To Mr. Thomas Garven.—A Prisoner's Joys—Love of Christ—The Good Part—Heaven in Sight
153. To Bethaia Aird.—Unbelief under Trials—Christ's Sympathy
154. To Alexander Gordon of Knockgray.—Prospective Trials
155. To Grizzel Fullerton, daughter of Marion M'Naught,—The One Thing Needful—Christ's Love
156. To Patrick Carsen.—Early Devotedness to Christ
157. To the Laird of Carleton.—Increasing Sense of Christ's Love—Resignation—Deadness to Earth—Temptations—Infirmities
158. To Lady Busbie.—Christ all Worthy—Best at our Lowest—Sinfulness of the Land—Prayers
159. To John Fleming, Bailie of Leith.—Directions for Christian Conduct
160. To Alexander Gordon of Earlston.—Hungering after Christ Himself rather than His Love
161. To John Stuart, Provost of Ayr.—Commercial Misfortunes—Service-Book—Blessedness of Trials
162. To John Stuart, Provost of Ayr.—The Burden of a Silenced Minister—Spiritual Shortcomings
163. To John Stuart, Provost of Ayr.—View of Trials past—Hard Thoughts of Christ—Crosses—Hope
164. To Ninian Mure, one of the family of Cassincarrie.—A Youth Admonished
165. To Mr. Thomas Garven.—Personal Insufficiency—Grace from Christ alone—Longings after Him
166. To Cardoness, the Elder.—A Good Conscience—Christ kind to Sufferers—Responsibility—Youth
167. To Lady Boyd.—Lessons learned in the School of Adversity
168. To Mr. David Dickson.—Christ's Infinite Fulness
169. To the Laird of Carleton.—God's Working Incomprehensible—Longing after any Drop of Christ's Fulness
170. To Robert Gordon of Knockbreck.—Longing for Christ's Glory—Felt guiltiness—Longing for Christ's Love—Sanctification
171. To the Laird of Moncrieff.—Concert in Prayer—Stedfastness to Christ—Grief misrepresents Christ's Glory
172. To John Clark.—Marks of Difference betwixt Christians and Reprobates
173. To Cardoness, the Younger.—Warning and Advice as to Things of Salvation
174. To Lord Craighall.—Idolatry Condemned
175. To John Laurie.—Christ's Love—A Right Estimate of Him—His Grace
176. To the Laird of Carleton.—A Christian's Confession of Unworthiness—Desire for Christ's Honour—Present Circumstances
177. To Marion M'Naught.—Christ Suffering in His Church—His Coming—Outpourings of Love from Him
178. To Lady Culross.—Christ's Management of Trials—What Faith can do—Christ not Experience—Prayers
179. To Mr. John Nevay.—Christ's Love Sharpened in Suffering—Kneeling at the Communion—Posture at Ordinances
180. To John Gordon of Cardoness, the Elder.—Longings for those under his former Ministry—Delight in Christ and His Appearing—Pleading with his Flock
181. To Earlston, the Younger.—Dangers of Youth—Christ the best Physician—Four Remedies against Doubting—Breathing after Christ's Honour
182. To Alexander Gordon of Knockgray.—Joy in God—Trials work out Glory to Christ
183. To Mr. J—— R——.—Christ the Purifier of His Church—Submission to His Ways
184. To Mr. William Dalgleish, Minister of the Gospel.—The Fragrance of the Ministry—A Review of his Past and Present Situation, and of his Prospects
185. To Marion M'Naught.—Longing to be Restored to his Charge
186. To Robert Stuart.—Christ chooses His own in the Furnace—Need of a Deep Work—The God-Man, a World's Wonder
187. To Lady Gaitgirth.—Christ Unchangeable, though not always Enjoyed—His Love never yet fully poured out—Himself His People's Cautioner
188. To Mr. John Fergushill of Ochiltree.—Desponding Views of his own State—Ministerial Diligence—Christ's Worth—Self-seeking
189. To John Stuart, Provost of Ayr.—Hope for Scotland—Self-submission—Christ Himself sought for by Faith—Stability of Salvation—His Ways
190. To the Laird of Carsluth.—Necessity of making sure of Salvation—Vanity of the World—Nothing worth having but Christ—Flight of Time
191. To the Laird of Cassincarrie.—Earnestness about Salvation—Christ Himself sought
192. To Lady Cardoness.—Grace—The Name of Christ to be Exalted—Everything but God fails us
193. To Sibylla Macadam.—Christ's Beauty and Excellence
194. To Mr. Hugh Henderson, Minister of Dalry.—The Ways of Providence—Believing Patience
195. To Lady Largirie.—Christ the Exclusive Object of Love—Preparation for Death
196. To Earlston, the Younger.—Sufferings—Hope of Final Deliverance—The Believer in Safe Keeping—The Recompense Marred by Temptations
197. To Mr. William Dalgleish, Minister of the Gospel.—Thoughts as to God's Arrangements—Winning Souls to be Supremely Desired—Longings for Christ
198. To the Laird of Cally.—Spiritual Sloth—Danger of Compromise—Self, the Root of all Sin—Self-renunciation
199. To John Gordon of Cardoness, the Younger.—Dangers of Youth—Early Decision
200. To Robert Gordon, Bailie of Ayr.—The Misery of mere Worldly Hope—Earnestness about Salvation
201. To Alexander Gordon of Earlston.—Christ's Kingdom to be Exalted over all; and more Pains to be taken to Win farther into Him
202. To the Laird of Cally.—Youth a Precious Season—Christ's Beauty
203. To William Gordon, at Kenmure.—Testimony to Christ's Worth—Marks of Grace in Conviction of Sin and Spiritual Conflict
204. To Margaret Fullerton.—Christ, not Creatures, worthy of all Love—Love not to be measured by Feeling
205. To Lady Kenmure.—Difficulties in the way to the Kingdom—Christ's Love
206. To Lady Kenmure.—The Use of Sufferings—Fears under them—Desire that Christ be Glorified
207. To John Henderson of Rusco.—Practical Hints
208. To Alexander Colville of Blair.—Regrets for not being able to Preach—Longings for Christ
209. To Mr. John Nevay.—Christ's Surpassing Excellency—His Cause in Scotland
210. To Lady Boyd.—His Soul Fainting for Christ's Matchless Beauty—Prayer for a Revival
211. To a Christian Gentlewoman.—God's Skill to bless by Affliction—Unkindness of Men—Near the Day of Meeting the Lord
212. To William Glendinning.—Search into Christ's Loveliness—What he would Suffer to see it—His Coming to Deliver
213. To Robert Lennox of Disdove.—Men's Folly in Undervaluing Christ—It is He that satisfieth—Admiration of Him
214. To Mr. James Hamilton, Minister of the Gospel.—Suffering for Christ's Headship—How Christ visited him in Preaching
215. To Mistress Stuart.—Personal Unworthiness—Longing after Holiness—Winnowing Time
216. To Mr. Hugh M'Kail, Minister of Irvine.—Advantages of our Wants and Distempers—Christ Unspeakable
217. To Alexander Gordon of Garloch.—Free Grace finding its Materials in us
218. To John Bell, Elder.—Danger of Trusting to a Name to Live—Conversion no Superficial Work—Exhortation to Make Sure
219. To Mr. John Row, Minister of the Gospel.—Christ's Crosses better than the World's Joys—Christ Extolled
220. To Lord Craighall.—Duty of being disentangled from Christ-dishonouring Compliances
221. To Marion M'Naught.—Her Prayers for Scotland not Forgotten
222. To Lady Culross.—Christ's Way of Showing Himself the Best—What Fits for Him—Yearning after Him insatiably—Domestic Matters
223. To Alexander Gordon of Knockgray.—State of the Church—Believers purified by Affliction—Folly of seeking Joy in a Doomed World
224. To Fulwood, the Younger.—Vanity of the World in the light of Death and Christ—The Present Truth—Christ's Coming
225. To his Parishioners.—Protestation of Care for their Souls, and for the Glory of God—Delight in his Ministry, and in his Lord—Efforts for their Souls—Warnings against Errors of the Day—Awful Words to the Backslider—Intense Admiration of Christ—A Loud Call to All
226. To Lady Kilconquhar.—The Interests of the Soul and Urgent—Folly of the World—Christ altogether Lovely—His Pen fails to set forth Christ's Unspeakable Beauty
227. To Lord Craighall.—Standing for Christ—Danger from Fear, or Promises of Men—Christ's Requitals—Sin against the Holy Ghost
228. To Mr. James Fleming, Minister of the Gospel.—Glory Gained to Christ—Spiritual Deadness—Help to Praise Him—The Ministry
229. To Mr. Hugh M'Kail, Minister of Irvine.—The Law—This World under Christ's Control for the Believer
230. To Lady Kenmure.—Believer Safe though Tried—Delight in Christ's Truth
231. To Lord Lindsay of Byres.—The Church's Desolations—The End of the World, and Christ's Coming—His Attractiveness
232. To Lord Boyd.—Seeking Christ in Youth—Its Temptations—Christ's Excellence—The Church's Cause concerns the Nobles
233. To Fulk Ellis.—Friends in Ireland—Difficulties in Providence—Unfaithfulness to Light—Constant Need of Christ
234. To James Lindsay.—Desertions, their Use—Prayers of Reprobates, and how the Gospel affects their Responsibility
235. To Lord Craighall.—Fear God, not Man—Sign of Backsliding
236. To Mr. James Hamilton, Minister of the Gospel.—Christ's Glory not affected by His People's Weakness
237. To the Laird of Gaitgirth.—Truth worth Suffering for—Light Sown, but Evil in this World till Christ come
238. To Lady Gaitgirth.—Christ an Example in Bearing Crosses—The extent to which Children should be Loved—Why Saints Die
239. To Mr. Matthew Mowat, Minister of Kilmarnock.—What am I?—Longing to Act for Christ—Unbelief—Love in the Hiding of Christ's Face—Christ's Reproach
240. To Mr. John Meine, Jun.—Christ the Same—Youthful Sins—No Dispensing with Crosses
241. To John Fleming, Bailie of Leith.—Riches of Christ Fail Not—Salvation—Vanity of Created Comforts—Longing for more of Christ
242. To Lady Rowallan.—Jesus the Best Choice, and to be made sure of—The Cross and Jesus inseparable—Sorrows only Temporary
243. To Marion M'Naught.—His own Prospects—Hopes—Salutations
244. To Marian M'Naught.—Proceedings of Parliament—Private Matters—Her Daughter's Marriage
245. To Lady Boyd.—Imperfections—Yearnings after Christ—Christ's Supremacy not inconsistent with Civil Authority
246. To Mr. Thomas Garven.—Heaven's Happiness—Joy in the Cross
247. To Janet Kennedy.—The Heavenly Mansions—Earth a Shadow
248. To Margaret Reid.—Benefits of the Cross, if we are Christ's
249. To James Bautie.—Spiritual Difficulties Solved
250. To Lady Largirie.—Part with all for Christ—No Unmixed Joy here
251. To Lady Dungueich.—Jesus or the World—Scotland's Trials and Hopes
252. To Jonet Macculloch.—Cares to be cast on Christ—Christ a Steady Friend
253. To Mr. George Gillespie.—Christ the True Gain
254. To Mr. Robert Blair.—Personal Unworthiness—God's Grace—Prayer for Others
255. To Lady Carleton.—Submission to God's Will—Wonders in the Love of Christ—No debt to the World
256. To William Rigge of Athernie.—The Law—Grace—Chalking out Providences for ourselves—Prescribing to His Love
257. To Lady Craighall.—The Comforts of Christ's Cross—Desires for Christ
258. To Lord Loudon.—The Wisdom of adhering to Christ's Cause
259. To Mr. David Dickson.—Danger of Worldly Ease—Personal Occurrences
260. To Alexander Gordon of Earlston.—All Crosses Well Ordered—Providences
261. To Lady Kilconquhair.—The Kingdom to be taken by Violence
262. To Robert Lennox of Disdove.—Increasing Experience of Christ's Love—Salvation to be made sure
263. To Marion M'Naught.—Hope in Trial—Prayer and Watchfulness
264. To Thomas Corbet.—Godly Counsels—Following Christ
265. To Mr. George Dunbar, Minister of the Gospel.—Christ's Love in Affliction—The Saint's Support and Final Victory
266. To John Fleming, Bailie of Leith.—Comfort Abounding under Trials
267. To William Glendinning, Bailie of Kirkcudbright.—The Past and the Future—Present Happiness
268. To the Earl of Cassillis.—Anxiety for the Prosperity of Zion—Encouragement for the Nobles to Support it—The Vanity of this World, and the Folly and Misery of forsaking Christ—The One Way to Heaven
269. To his Parishioners at Anwoth.—Exhortation to abide in the Truth, in prospect of Christ's Coming—Scriptural Mode of Observing Ordinances such as the Sabbath, Family Prayer, and the Lord's Supper—Judgments Anticipated
270. To Lady Busbie.—His Experience of Christ's Love—State of the Land and Church—Christ not duly Esteemed—Desire after Him, and for a Revival
271. To Earlston, Younger.—Prosperity under the Cross—Need of Sincerity, and being founded on Christ
272. To John Gordon.—Christ all Worthy—This World a Clay Prison—Desire for a Revival of Christ's Cause
273. To William Rigge of Athernie.—Comfort in Trials from the Knowledge of Christ's Power and Work—Corruption—Free Grace
274. To James Murray.—The Christian Life a Mystery to the World—Christ's Kindness
275. To Mr. John Fergushill.—Spiritual Longings under Christ's Cross—How to bear it—Christ Precious, and to be had without Money—The Church
276. To William Glendinning.—Sweetness of Trial—Swiftness of Time—Prevalence of Sin
277. To Lady Boyd.—Sense of Unworthiness—Obligation to Grace—Christ's Absence—State of the Land
278 To the Earl of Cassillis.—Ambition—Christ's Royal Prerogative—Prelacy
279. To Marion M'Naught.—A Spring-tide of Christ's Love
280. To John Gordon of Rusco.—Heaven hard to be won—Many come short in Attaining—Idol Sins to be renounced—Likeness to Christ
281. To Lord Loudoun.—True Honour in maintaining Christ's Cause—Prelacy—Light of Eternity
282. To Lady Robertland.—Afflictions purify—The World's Vanity—Christ's wise love
283. To Thomas Macculloch of Nether Ardwell.—Earnest Call to Diligence—Circumspect Walking
284. To the Professors of Christ and His Truth in Ireland.—The Way to Heaven ofttimes through Persecution—Christ's Worth—Making sure our Profession—Self-denial—No Compromise—Tests of Sincerity—His own Desire for Christ's Glory
285. To Robert Gordon of Knockbreck.—Not the Cross, but Christ the Object of Attraction—Too little expected from Him—Spiritual Deadness
286. To the Parishioners of Kilmalcolm.—Spiritual Sloth—Advice to Beginners—A Dead Ministry—Languor—Obedience—Want of Christ's Felt Presence—Assurance Important—Prayer-Meetings
287. To Lady Kenmure.—On the Death of her Child—Christ Shares His People's Sorrows
288. To the Persecuted Church in Ireland.—Christ's Legacy of Trouble—God's Dealings with Scotland in giving Prosperity—Christ takes Half of all Sufferings—Stedfastness for His Crown—His Love should lead to Holiness
289. To Dr. Alexander Leighton.—Public Blessings alleviate Private Sufferings—Trials Light when viewed in the Light of Heaven—Christ worthy of Suffering for
290. To a Person unknown.—Anent Private Worship
291. To Henry Stuart, and Family, Prisoners of Christ at Dublin.—Faith's preparation for Trial—The World's Rage against Christ—The Immensity of His Glorious Beauty—Folly of Persecution—Victory Sure
292. To Mrs. Pont, Prisoner at Dublin.—Support under Trials—The Master's Reward
293. To Mr. James Wilson.—Advices to a Doubting Soul—Mistakes about his Interest in God's Love—Temptation—Perplexity about Prayer—Want of Feeling
294. To Lady Boyd.—Sins of the Land—Dwelling in Christ—Faith awake sees all well
295. To John Fenwick.—Christ the Fountain—Freeness of God's Love—Faith to be exercised under Frowns—Grace for Trials—Hope of Christ yet to be exalted on the Earth
296. To Peter Stirling.—Believers' Graces all from Christ—Aspiration after more Love to Him—His Reign Desired
297. To Lady Fingask.—Faith's Misgivings—Spiritual Darkness not Grace—Christ's Love Inimitable
298. To Mr. David Dickson, on the Death of his Son.—God's Sovereignty, and Discipline by Affliction
299. To Lady Boyd, on the Loss of several Friends.—Trust even though slain—Second Causes not to be regarded—God's thoughts of Peace therein—All in Mercy
300. To Agnes Macmath, on the Death of a Child.—Reason for Resignation
301. To Mr. Matthew Mowat, Minister of Kilmarnock.—Worthiness of God's Love as manifested in Christ—Heaven with Christ
302. To Lady Kenmure, on her Husband's Death.—God's Method in Affliction—Future Glory
303. To Lady Boyd.—Sin of the Land—Read Prayers—Brownism
304. To James Murray's Wife.—Heaven a Reality—Stedfastness to be grounded on Christ
305. To Lady Kenmure—Sins of the Times—Practical Atheism
306. To Mr. Thomas Wylie, Minister of Borgue.—Sufficiency of Divine Grace—Call to England to assist at Westminster Assembly—Felt Unworthiness
307. To a Young Man in Anwoth.—Necessity of Godliness in its Power
308. To Lady Kenmure.—Westminster Assembly—Religious Sects
309. To Lady Boyd.—Proceedings of Westminster Assembly
310. To Mistress Taylor, on her Son's Death.—Suggestions for Comfort under Sorrow
311. To Barbara Hamilton.—On Death of her Son-in-Law—God's Purposes
312. To Mistress Hume, on her Husband's Death.—God's Voice in the Rod
313. To Lady Kenmure.—Christ's Designs in Sickness and Sorrow
314. To Barbara Hamilton, on her Son-in-Law slain in Battle.—God does all Things Well, and with Design
315. To a Christian Friend, on the Death of his Wife.—God the First Cause—The End of Affliction
316. To a Christian Brother, on the Death of his Daughter.—Consolation in her having gone before—Christ the Best Husband
317. To a Christian Gentlewoman.—Views of Death and Heaven—Aspirations
318. To Lady Kenmure.—Christ never in our Debt—Riches of Christ—Excellence of the Heavenly State
319. To Mr. James Guthrie.—Prospects for Scotland—His own Darkness—Christ's Ability
320. To Lady Kenmure.—Trials cannot Injure Saints—Blessedness in Seeing Christ
321. To Lady Ardross, in Fife, on her Mother's Death.—Happiness of Heaven, and Blessedness of Dying in the Lord
322. To M. O.—Gloomy Prospects for the Backsliding Church—The Misunderstandings of Believers cause of great grief—The Day of Christ
323. To Earlston the Elder.—Christ's Way of Afflicting the Best—Obligation to Free Grace—Enduring the Cross
324. To Mr. George Gillespie.—Prospect of Death—Christ the true support in Death
325. To Sir James Stewart, Lord Provost of Edinburgh.—Declining Chair in Edinburgh
326. To Mistress Gillespie, Widow of George Gillespie.—On the Death of a Child—God Afflicts in order to save us from the World
327. To the Earl of Balcarras.—Regarding some Misunderstanding
328. To Colonel Gilbert Ker.—Singleness of Aim—Judgment in regard to Adversaries
329. To Colonel Gilbert Ker.—Courage in Days of Rebuke—God's Arrangements all Wise
330. To William Guthrie.—Depression under Dark Trials—Dangers of Compliance
331. To Colonel Gilbert Ker.—Courage in the Lord's Cause—Duty in regard to Providence to be observed—Safety in this
332. To Colonel Gilbert Ker.—Christ's Cause deserves Service and Suffering from us
333. To Colonel Gilbert Ker, when taken Prisoner.—Comforting Thoughts to the Afflicted—Darkness of the Times—Fellowship in Christ's Sufferings—Satisfaction with His Providences
334. To Colonel Gilbert Ker.—Comfort under the Cloud hanging over Scotland—Dissuasion from Leaving Scotland
335. To Lady Kenmure.—Difference between what is Man's and Christ's, and between Christ Himself and His Blessings
336. To Lady Ralston, Ursula Mure.—Duty of Preferring to Live rather than Die—Want of Union in the judgments of the Godly
337. To a Minister of Glasgow.—Encouraging Words to a Suffering Brother—Why men shrink from Christ's Testimony
338. To Lady Kenmure.—A Word to Cheer in Times of Darkness
339. To Grizzel Fullerton.—Exhortation to Follow Christ fully when others are cold
340. To Mr. Thomas Wylie.—Regarding a Letter of Explanation
341. To Lady Kenmure.—Present Need helped by past Experience
342. To Colonel Gilbert Ker.—Deadness—Hopes of Refreshment—Distance from God—Nearness Delighted in
343. To Colonel Gilbert Ker.—The State of the Land
344. To Mr. John Scot, at Oxnam.—Excuse for Absence from Duty
345. To Lady Kenmure.—Thoughts for a Time of Sickness about the Life to Come
346. To Simeon Ashe.—Views of the Presbyterians as to Allegiance to the Protector
347. To Lady Kenmure.—Unkindness of the Creature—God's Sovereignty in permitting His Children to be Injured by Men
348. To Lady Kenmure.—God's Dealings with the Land
349. To Mr. John Scot, at Oxnam.—Protesters' Toleration
350. To Mr. John Scot, at Oxnam.—Gloomy Times—Means of promoting Godliness
351. To Mr. James Durham, Minister of Glasgow, some few days before his Death.—Man's Ways not God's Ways
352. To Mr. John Scot, at Oxnam.—Adherence to the Testimony against Toleration
353. To Lady Kenmure.—Trials—Deadness of the Spirit—Danger of False Security
354. To Lady Kenmure.—Prevailing Declension, Decay, and Indifference to God's Dealings—Things Future
355. To the Presbytery of Kirkcudbright.—Union—Humiliation—Choice of a Professor
356. To Mr. John Murray, Minister at Methven.—A Synod Proposal for Union—Brethren under Censure
357. To Mr. Guthrie, Mr. Trail, and the rest of their Brethren imprisoned in the Castle of Edinburgh.—On Suffering for Christ—God's Presence ever with His People—Firmness and Constancy
358. To Several Brethren.—Reasons for Petitioning his Majesty after his return, and for owning such as were censured while about so necessary a Duty
359. To a Brother Minister.—Judgment of a Draught of a Petition, to have been presented to the Committee of Estates
360. To Lady Kenmure, on the Imprisonment of her Brother, the Marquis of Argyle.—God's Judgments—Calls to Flee to Him—The Results of timid Compliance
361. To Mistress Craig, upon the Death of her hopeful Son.—Nine Reasons for Resignation
362. To Mr. James Guthrie, Minister of the Gospel at Stirling.—Stedfast though Persecuted—Blessedness of Martyrdom
363. To Mr. Robert Campbell.—Stedfastness to Protest against Prelacy and Popery
364. To Believers at Aberdeen.—Sinful Conformity and Schismatic Designs reproved
365. To Mr. John Murray, Minister at Methven.—Proposal of a Season of Prayer

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