It is the Lord's kindness that he will take the scum off us in the fire. Who know how needful winnowing is to us and what dross we have before we enter the kingdom of God? So narrow is the entry to heaven that our knots, lumps of pride, self-love, idol-love, and world-love must be hammered off us, that we may stoop low and creep through into that narrow entry.
Samuel RutherfordYou will not get to steal quietly into heaven, into Christ's company, without a conflict and a cross. I find crosses to be Christ's carved work that he marks out for us and that with crosses he portraits us to his own image, cutting away pieces of our ill and corruption. Lord cut - Lord carve - Lord wound - Lord do anything that may perfect thy Father's image in us and make us ready for glory.
Samuel RutherfordTo believe Christ's cross to be a friend, as he himself is a friend, is also a special act of faith
Samuel RutherfordHumility is a strange flower; it grows best in winter weather, and under storms of affliction.
Samuel RutherfordThrough many afflictions we must enter into the kingdom of God ... It is folly to think to steal to heaven with a whole skin.
Samuel Rutherford