A Note from Arizona

Greetings! I write from Rio Verde, Arizona, where I am currently staying with my awesome grandparents and aunt and uncle for spring break. I have been thouroughly enjoying my time here and will be posting later about my time here, but for now I am compelled to make a quick post regarding a book I am reading. I am currently reading a book entitled, "Letters of Samuel Rutherford," which is a collection of letters written by a 17th century Scottish pastor. Most of the letters were written by Rutherford from prison in Aberdeen where he was imprisoned, and were written to friends and those who had sat under his preaching. I have read this book several times now and must say that Rutherford's letters are some of the most edifying and spiritually helpful things I have ever read. Charles Spurgeon spoke well when he called these letters "the nearest thing to inspiration which can be found in all the writings of mere men." Rutherford's intense love for and delight in Jesus ooze from each page as he writes from his prison cell. I recommend everyone to buy and read this book. Here is a small section from a letter written on February 9, 1637:

"I see that mortification, and to be crucified to the world, is not so highly accounted of by us as it should be. O how heavenly a thing it is to be dead and dumb and deaf to this world's sweet music! I confess it hath pleased His Majesty to make me laugh at the children who are wooing this world for their match. I see men lying about the world, as nobles about a king's court, and I wonder what they are all doing there. As I am at this present I would scorn to court such a feckless [worthless] and petty princess, or buy this world's kindness with a bow of my knee. I scarce now either see or hear what it is that this world offereth me; I know that it is little which it can take from me and as little that it can give me. I recommend mortification to you above anything; for, alas! we but chase feathers flying in the air, and tire our own spirits for the froth and over-gilded clay of a dying life. One sight of what my Lord hath let me see within this short time is worth a world of worlds" (57).

I will try and post again soon.