The Letters of Samuel RutherfordRecommendations

Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661) was a Scottish 17th century theologian, pastor, and professor whose life spanned significant events in history. Elizabeth I. was on the throne when he was born, but when he was three, the thrones of Scotland and England were united with the ascension of James VI of Scotland and I of England. Rutherford lived in a time of great apprehension in Scotland that the Kirk (church) was about to lose all that had been gained by the Reformation. His letters are in a large part concerned with that situation and with expressions of trust, love, and devotion to his Saviour. His metaphors and style are lovely, and even secular scholars have admired his compositions and it was said of him had he not been a theologian, he might well have been a great writer. Written in the 1600s, spiritual giants as well as the most unassuming of Christians have drawn strength and inspiration from reading these letters. Richard Baxter, Nonconformist church leader and theologian, who has been described as "the chief of English Protestant Schoolmen," said of this collection of letters, “Apart from the Bible, ‘such a book as Mr. Rutherford’s Letters the world never saw the like.” The great 19th century preacher, Charles Haddon Spurgeon lauded these letters by saying, “‘When we are dead and gone let the world know that Spurgeon held Rutherford’s Letters to be the nearest thing to inspiration which can be found in all the writings of mere men.’ A must-have for the Christian library, presented here in hard cover.