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Rutherford (RUTHERFURD SAMUEL a Scotch)

or RUTHERFURD, SAMUEL, a Scotch divine; born in Nisbet, Scotland, about the year 1600.

He studied at Edinburgh University, and He studied at Edinburgh University, in 1627 was appointed minister of Anwoth in Kirkcudbright. On account of his strong Presbyterian views he was deprived of his living in 1636 and imprisoned for two years, when he was restored. He took a prominent part in the drawing up of the National Covenant. In 1639 he became Professor of Divinity, and in 1649 principal of the new college, St. Andrews. He published numerous politico-theological treatises.

The most famous of these is "Lex Rex" ("The Law, King"), which on the Restoration was publicly burned and he himself charged with high treason.

Death prevented him from answering the charge before Parliament. His familiar "Letters" have been frequently reprinted. He died in Edinburgh, March 23, 1661.