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Profiles in Reformed Spirituality
The King in His Beauty: The Piety of Samuel Rutherford
The King in His Beauty introduces readers to the life and writings of Samuel Rutherford (16001661). Matthew Vogans biographical introduction traces the significant events of this Scottish theologians life and guides readers through his writings, focusing on his distinctive insight into Christian experience. In forty-three excerpts drawn from Rutherfords letters, major treatises, catechism, and sermons, readers will discover the depth of Rutherfords compassion, piety, and theological wisdom, all rooted in his unwavering love for Christ.
- GenresBiography
202 pages, Paperback
First published February 18, 2011
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About the author
Samuel Rutherford
173 books79 followersSamuel Rutherford, Scottish minister and covenanter Rutherford was born about the year 1600 near Nisbet, Scotland. Little is known of his early life. In 1627 he earned a M.A. from Edinburgh College, where he was appointed Professor of Humanity. He became minister of the church in Anwoth in 1627. It was a rural parish, and the people were scattered in farms over the hills.
His first years in Anwoth, though, were touched with sadness. His wife was ill for a year and a month, before she died in their new home. Two children also died during this period.
In 1636 Rutherford published a book defending the doctrines of grace (Calvinism) against Armininism. This put him in conflict with the Church authorities, which were dominated by the English Episcopacy. He was called before the High Court, deprived of his ministerial office, and exiled to Aberdeen. This exile was a sore trial for the beloved pastor. He felt that being separated from his congregation was unbearable. However, because of his exile, we now have many of the letters he wrote to his flock, and so the evil of his banishment has been turned into a great blessing for the church worldwide.
In 1638 the struggles between Parliament and King in England, and Presbyterianism vs. Episcopacy in Scotland culminated in momentous events for Rutherford. In the confusion of the times, he simply slipped out of Aberdeen and returned to his beloved Anwoth. But it was not for long. The Kirk (Church of Scotland) held a General Assembly that year, restoring full Presbyterianism to the land. In addition, they appointed Rutherford a Professor of Theology of St. Andrews, although he negotiated to be allowed to preach at least once a week.
The Westminster Assembly began their famous meetings in 1643, and Rutherford was one of the five Scottish commissioners invited to attend the proceedings. Although the Scots were not allowed to vote, they had an influence far exceeding their number. Rutherford is thought to have been a major influence on the Shorter Catechism.
During this period in England, Rutherford wrote his best-known work, Lex Rex, or The Law, the King. This book argued for limited government, and limitations on the current idea of the Divine Right of Kings.
When the monarchy was restored in 1660, it was clear that the author of Lex Rex would could expect trouble. When the summons came in 1661, charging him with treason, and demanding his appearance on a certain day, Rutherford refused to go. From his deathbed, he answered, "I must answer my first summons; and before you."
His first years in Anwoth, though, were touched with sadness. His wife was ill for a year and a month, before she died in their new home. Two children also died during this period.
In 1636 Rutherford published a book defending the doctrines of grace (Calvinism) against Armininism. This put him in conflict with the Church authorities, which were dominated by the English Episcopacy. He was called before the High Court, deprived of his ministerial office, and exiled to Aberdeen. This exile was a sore trial for the beloved pastor. He felt that being separated from his congregation was unbearable. However, because of his exile, we now have many of the letters he wrote to his flock, and so the evil of his banishment has been turned into a great blessing for the church worldwide.
In 1638 the struggles between Parliament and King in England, and Presbyterianism vs. Episcopacy in Scotland culminated in momentous events for Rutherford. In the confusion of the times, he simply slipped out of Aberdeen and returned to his beloved Anwoth. But it was not for long. The Kirk (Church of Scotland) held a General Assembly that year, restoring full Presbyterianism to the land. In addition, they appointed Rutherford a Professor of Theology of St. Andrews, although he negotiated to be allowed to preach at least once a week.
The Westminster Assembly began their famous meetings in 1643, and Rutherford was one of the five Scottish commissioners invited to attend the proceedings. Although the Scots were not allowed to vote, they had an influence far exceeding their number. Rutherford is thought to have been a major influence on the Shorter Catechism.
During this period in England, Rutherford wrote his best-known work, Lex Rex, or The Law, the King. This book argued for limited government, and limitations on the current idea of the Divine Right of Kings.
When the monarchy was restored in 1660, it was clear that the author of Lex Rex would could expect trouble. When the summons came in 1661, charging him with treason, and demanding his appearance on a certain day, Rutherford refused to go. From his deathbed, he answered, "I must answer my first summons; and before you."
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 25, 2021
The "Profiles in Reformed Spirituality" helps modern day readers to go back to Puritan writers and writings.
Samuel Rutherford is championed for how his writings ooze of the loveliness of Christ. The extracts from his writings gave me an insight into some of this.
One feeling I had reading the last couple "chapters" which were excerpts of his letters, was that it felt a bit disjointed, as I had no context to who the letter was being written which made it hard to understand what Rutherford was responding to or addressing.
However, this just increased my desire to purchase "The letters of Samuel Rutherford" so I guess the book achieved its purpose.
Samuel Rutherford is championed for how his writings ooze of the loveliness of Christ. The extracts from his writings gave me an insight into some of this.
One feeling I had reading the last couple "chapters" which were excerpts of his letters, was that it felt a bit disjointed, as I had no context to who the letter was being written which made it hard to understand what Rutherford was responding to or addressing.
However, this just increased my desire to purchase "The letters of Samuel Rutherford" so I guess the book achieved its purpose.
March 22, 2023
The series Profiles in Reformed Spirituality continues to bless my soul. I would encourage everyone to take and read any of the books in this series. Read a chapter each day - (they are short!) - as part of your morning devotions. Your walk with Christ and love for Him will be enriched.
August 17, 2013
Great overview of Rutherford's life and thought with wonderful nuggets of his actual work.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews