Letters of Samuel Rutherford: (Third Edition)Rutherford, Samuel
Religion
Letters of Samuel Rutherford: (Third Edition)
Rutherford, Samuel
Rutherford, Samuel, 1600?-1661 -- Correspondence
And what was his recreation? The manse of Anwoth had many visits of
kind friends, who, in Rutherford's fellowship, felt that saying
verified, "They that dwell under His shadow shall return; they shall
revive as the corn."[30] The righteous compassed him about, because
the Lord had dealt bountifully with him. His Letters would be enough
of themselves to show that his friendship and counsel were sought by
the godly on all sides. One of his visitors was his own brother,
George, at Kirkcudbright. This good man was a teacher in that town,
who often repaired to Anwoth to take sweet counsel with Samuel; and
then, together, they talked of and prayed for their only other brother
James, an officer in the Dutch service, who had sympathy with their
views, and, in after days, conveyed to Samuel the invitation to become
Professor at Utrecht. Visits of those friends who resided near were
not unfrequent--such as the Gordons, Viscount Kenmure and his lady,
and Marion M'Naught. But at times Anwoth manse was lighted up by the
glad visit of unexpected guests. There is a tradition that Archbishop
Usher, passing through Galloway, turned aside on a Saturday to enjoy
the congenial society of Rutherford. He came, however, in disguise;
and being welcomed as a guest, took his place with the rest of the
family when they were catechised, as was usual, that evening. The
stranger was asked, "How many commandments are there?" His reply was
"_Eleven_."[31] The pastor corrected him; but the stranger maintained
his position, quoting our Lord's words, "_A_ NEW COMMANDMENT _I give
unto you, that ye love one another_." They retired to rest, all
interested in the stranger. Sabbath morning dawned. Rutherford arose
and repaired, as was his custom, for meditation to a walk that
bordered on a thicket,[32] but was startled by hearing the voice of
prayer--prayer too from the heart, and in behalf of the souls of the
people that day to assemble. It was no other than the holy Archbishop
Usher; and soon they came to an explanation, for Rutherford had begun
to suspect he had "entertained angels unawares." With great mutual
love they conversed together; and at the request of Rutherford, the
Archbishop went up to the pulpit, conducted the usual service of the
Presbyterian pastor, and preached on "the New Commandment."
[30] Hos. xiv. 7.
[31] In the parish church of Chiseldon, North Wilts, there are to be
seen Eleven Commandments inscribed on a slab (which is affixed to the
chancel arch); the additional one consisting of our Saviour's
precept--"A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another"
(John xiii. 34). The church is quite an ancient one, dating back to
1641.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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