See that you buy the field where the Pearl is; sell all, and make a purchase of salvation. Think it not easy: for it is a steep ascent to eternal glory: many are lying dead by the way, slain with security.
Samuel RutherfordRead
I know that, as night and shadows are good for flowers, and moonlight and dews are better than a continual sun, so is Christ's absence of special use, and that it hath some nourishing virtue in it, and giveth sap to humility, and putteth an edge on hunger, and funisheth a fairfield to faith to put forth itself, and to exercise its fingers in gripping it seeth not what.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Christ's absence can nurture and strengthen faith, similar to how night and darkness benefit flowers.
In this quote, Samuel Rutherford suggests that just as the absence of sunlight at night allows flowers to thrive in a different way, the absence of Christ can have a beneficial effect on a believer's faith. This analogy emphasizes the idea that challenges and periods of longing can nourish humility and strengthen the desire for a deeper connection with the divine, showcasing the paradox that absence can sometimes enhance spiritual growth.
Themes
FaithAbsenceSpiritualityHumilityGrowth
In practice
Example use cases
A pastor might use this quote in a sermon discussing the nature of faith during difficult times.
More from Samuel Rutherford
All quotes →Let your children be as so many flowers, borrowed from God. If the flowers die or wither, thank God for a summer loan of them.
Samuel RutherfordRead
Oh thrice fools are we who like new-born princes weeping in the cradle know not that there is a kingdom before them then let our Lord's sweet hand square us and hammer us and strike off the knots of pride self-love and world-worship and infidelity that He may make us stones and pillars in His Father's house.
Samuel RutherfordRead
Those who can take that crabbed tree handsomely upon their back, and fasten it on cannily, shall find it such a burden as wings unto a bird, or sails to a ship.
Samuel RutherfordRead
You will not be carried to Heaven lying at ease upon a feather bed.
Samuel RutherfordRead
Millions of hells of sinners cannot come near to exhaust infinite grace.
Samuel RutherfordRead
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