Samuel Rutherford
(c. 1600 – 1661)
Rutherford is best known for his devotional letters many of which were written from exile in Aberdeen. He played a major role in the Covenanting Revolution in Scotland and at the Westminster Assembly in formulating the Westminster Standards. He was one of the foremost theologians and apologists for Presbyterianism in the seventeenth century. His Lex, Rex was an important rebuttal of the divine right of kings theory.
Lex Rex
Our ideas of political power and its limitations were significantly shaped by Reformed writers like Samuel Rutherford and his book, Lex, Rex (The Law and the King)
Is Uncertainty a Virtue?
The tide of uncertainty is influencing some evangelicals in subtle ways. Samuel Rutherford tells us to examine the truth to gain certainty.
Spiritual Summer Time
It is good for our growth to have a variety of spiritual seasons. The important matter is to make best use of our current condition. Samuel Rutherford explains what to look for.
7 Types of People Who Prize Rutherford’s Letters
Andrew Bonar explained well who was most likely to spiritually benefit from the riches contained in Samuel Rutherford’s letters.
The Christ We Do Not Know
There is always more to know and discover not only about but in Christ. That should inspire humble awe. Samuel Rutherford lamented how little he had grasped. We need to wonder together with him at so glorious a Saviour.
Did Luther Reject the Ten Commandments?
Samuel Rutherford translated Luther’s treatise Against the Antinomians to explain how Luther used the Ten Commandments.
Help for Stirring Up Your Spiritual Life
Samuel Rutherford on our responsibility to engage in spiritual duties.
Conscience is Fragile: Handle with Care
It can either be our best friend or our worst enemy, but to Samuel Rutherford it is a golden gift.
Submitting to God’s Will in Dark Providences
In the confused noise of dark trials, Samuel Rutherford discovers more of what it is to trust an infinite God.
10 Signs of a Spiritual Person
Spirituality is such a vague concept these days–both inside and outside the Church. Many people would like to think they are a spiritual person. Here are 10 biblical ways to recognise someone who is spiritual.
Being Captivated by the Beauty of God
The only truly beautiful life is in communion with the true and beautiful God: Samuel Rutherford explains.
What is Conscience?
And why does it vary so much? Samuel Rutherford exposes how our consciences can excuse or accuse us.
Heavenly Violence in Prayer?
Samuel Rutherford describes the power of a fervent spirit expressing its desires to God.
What is Political Sovereignty?
How do we define sovereignty and does it matter? We can get some help from past thinkers who have helped to shape our constitutional heritage.
New Year Revolutions
Samuel Rutherford suggests some spiritual priorities, rather than New Year resolutions, that would turn our lives upside down were we to embrace them fully.
7 Reasons Why God Permits Sin
The is a practical matter. We need to know that God is not powerless and defeated by it but rather that He overrules it to a greater good and His greater glory.
What is Spiritual Fellowship?
What is spiritual fellowship? How do we promote it? Any dangers to avoid?
Political Power and its Limitations
Our ideas of political power and its limitations were significantly shaped by Reformed writers like Samuel Rutherford and his book, Lex, Rex (The Law and the King) The book is a hammer blow against state claims for absolute power and so they had it publicly burned. We live in times when politics is polarising to an extraordinary degree. In many democratic countries there is a drift towards autocracy. On the other hand some want to take us into an anarchy where valued liberties and principles are discarded. What are the lessons we can learn today?
