Lopping Branches

To a Christian Gentlewoman [April 23, 1628],

My love in Christ remembered to you. I was indeed sorrowful when I left you, espeically since you were in such heaviness after your daughter's death; yet I am sure you know that the weightiest end of the cross of Christ was laid upon you, lied on your strong Saviour. For Isaiah said that in all your afflictions He is afflicted (Is. 63:9). O blessed Saviour, who suffers with you! Your soul may be glad, even to walk in the fiery furnace, with the Son of Man, who is also the Son of God. Take courage. When you tire, he will bear both you and your burden (Ps 55:22). In a little while you shall see the salvation of God.

Your lease on your daughter has run out; and you can no more quarrel against your great Superior for taking what he owns, than a poor tenant can complain when the landowner takes back his own land when the lease is expired. Do you think she is lost, when she is only sleeping in the bosom of the Almighty? If she were with a dear friend your concern for her would be small, even though you would never see her again. Oh now, is she not with a dear friend and gone higher, upon a certain hope that you shall see her again the resurrection? Your daughter was a part of yourself; and therefore, being as it were cut in half, you will be grieved. But you have to rejoice; though a part of you is on earth, a great part of you is glorified in heaven.

Follow her, but do not envy her; for indeed it is self-love that makes us mourn for she that die in the Lord. Why? Because we cannot mourn for them since they are happy; therefore, we mourn for our own private account. Becareful then, that in showing your affection in mourning for your daughter that you are not, out of self affection, mourning for yourself.

Consider what the Lord is doing. Your daughter has been plucked out of the fire, and she rests from her labours. Your Lord is testing you by casting you in the fire. Go through all fires to your rest. And now remember, that the eye of God is upon the burning bush, and it is not consumed; and He is gladly content that such a weak woman as you should send Satan away frustrated. Honour God now, and shame the strong roaring lion, when you seem weakest.

Should you faint in the day of adversity? Recall the days of old! The Lord still lives; trust in Him. Faith is exceedingly charitable and believes no evil of God. The Lord has placed in the balance your submission to His will and your affection for your daughter. Which of the two will you choose? Be wise; and as I trust you love Christ better, pass by your daughter, and kiss the Son. Men lop branches off the trees so they may grow up high and tall. The Lord has lopped your branch off be taking from you many children, so that you would grow upwards, setting your heart above, where Christ is at the right hand of the Father.

Prepare yourself; you are nearer your daughter this day than you were yesterday. Run your race with patience; let God have what belongs to him. Do not ask Him for the daughter who has been taken from you, the daughter of faith; but ask Him for patience; and in patience possess your soul. Lift up your head; your redemption draws near.

Your affectionate and loving

friend in the Lord Jesus,

Samuel Rutherford