In 1627, Rutherford became minister of Anworth, which most of his letters are pastoral in nature. In 1636, Rutherford was exiled to Aberdeen for nonconformity. It was while in exile that he began to speak with much grief and heartache of his "dumb Sabbaths." In other words, being in exile he was unable to preach the Gospel on Sunday, and it was his greatest burden! When met with the possibility of being moved from the pastorate later in life, he recalled the turmoil of living with "dumb Sabbaths" and said, "... for there is a woe unto me if I preach not the gospel, and I know not who can go betwixt me and that woe." He could not stand it if he could not preach! Like Jeremiah, a fire was shut up in his bones!

On February 15 of this year, I was called to pastor First Baptist Church, Paintsville, KY, and after a year of exile away from the pulpit, my "dumb Sabbaths" are finally over! I know how Rutherford felt. Even though the Lord ministered to my heart every time I sat and heard a minister proclaim the Scripture during my time away from the pulpit, at the same time, my heart would almost explode! I was literally dying to preach! And I am so grateful that the Lord has given me the privilege to do so again.

This past Sunday was a glorious day at First Baptist. There is a strange, high receptivity to the Word, and I know it is the work of God in the hearts of His people! The service closed with everyone one their feet singing joyfully "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name." It was thrilling to see.