"The manse at Anwoth had many visits of kind friends, who in Rutherford's fellowship felt that saying verified, 'They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn' (Hosea 14:7). The righteous compassed him about, because the Lord had dealt bountifully with him.
"His letters would be enough of themselves to show that his company was sought by the godly on all sides. His own brother George, at Kirkcudbright, was a teacher in that town, and often repaired to Anwoth to take sweet counsel with Samuel; and, together, they often talked of and prayed for their only other brother James, an officer in the Dutch service, who had sympathy with their views, and in after days conveyed to Samuel the invitation to become Professor at Utrecht. Visits of those friends who resided near were frequent, such as the Gordons, Viscount Kenmure and his lady, and in humbler life, Marion Macknaught, while at other times Anwoth manse was lighted up by the glad visit of unexpected guests.
"There is a tradition that Archbishop Usher, passing through Galloway, turned aside on a Saturday to enjoy the congenial society of Rutherford. He came, however, in disguise, and being welcomed as a guest, took his place that evening with the rest of the family when they were catechized, as was usual. The stranger was asked, 'How many commandments are there?' His reply was, 'Eleven.' The pastor corrected him; but the stranger maintained his position, quoting the Lord's words, 'A NEW COMMANDMENT I give unto you, That ye love one another.' They retired to rest, all interested in the stranger.
"Sabbath morning dawned, and Rutherford arose and repaired for meditation to a walk that bordered on a thicket, but was startled by hearing the voice of prayer – prayer from the heart, and in behalf of the souls of the people that day to assemble. It was none other than the holy Archbishop Usher; and soon they came to an explanation, for Rutherford had begun to suspect he had 'entertained angels unawares.' With mutual love they conversed together, and at the request of Rutherford, the Archbishop went up to the pulpit, conducted the usual service of the Presbyterian pastor, and preached on 'The New Commandment.' "