About this episode

Dr. John Snyder discusses the letters of Samuel Rutherford, focusing on his relationship with Marion McNaught and the comfort found in Christ during trials.

This week on The Whole Counsel, Dr. John Snyder continues our series on the great letterwriters in Christendom: Letters of Samuel Rutherford. After introducing the Scottish Puritan pastor last episode, we now focus on his deep friendship with Marion McNaught, a godly woman who encouraged her family, supported Rutherford during trials, and even mentored others amid persecution. Marion traveled far to hear Rutherford preach because, as she beautifully put it: “Though other ministers show me the majesty of God and the plague of my own heart, Mr. Samuel does both these things, but he also shows me as no other minister ever does the loveliness of Christ.” In one poignant letter from a time of intense trial (as Rutherford faces exile and separation from his flock), he urges her: “Swim through your temptations and troubles to be at that lovely, amiable person, Jesus.” These aren’t mere words, Rutherford lived upon this truth, finding Christ sufficient even in suffering and heaviness of heart. If this stirs your soul for more of Rutherford’s Christ-centered comfort and the lives of those around him, pick up Faith Cook’s Samuel Rutherford and His Friends (Banner of Truth). It brings fresh…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. John Snyder

Topics covered

• Samuel Rutherford
• Christian friendship
• Puritanism
• suffering
• Christ-centered comfort

Keywords

• Samuel Rutherford
• Marion McNaught
• Christianity
• letters
• suffering
• Puritan
• faith

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Banner of Truth

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• Praying Together I: Digging the Well (Originally Published 03.27.25) · April 16, 2026 · 30 min
• Letters of Samuel Rutherford IV: Assurance of Faith · April 9, 2026 · 33 min
• Letters of Samuel Rutherford III: Dark World, Fair Jesus · April 2, 2026 · 17 min
• Letters of Samuel Rutherford I: Six People Who will Benefit · March 19, 2026 · 23 min
• Letters of John Calvin VI: The Final Farewell of the Reformer · March 12, 2026 · 30 min

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