Ladies Of The Covenant

Christians can find hope for the future by looking to the past

2012-01-04T17:02:00.000-06:00

By Angela Wittman As the New Year begins, a Christian can find great comfort and encouragement by reflecting upon what God has done in their life during the previous year. And while one can find peace while tracing the hand of God in their circumstances, hope for the future can also be found by looking at the history and triumph of God’s Church in this world. One of the best loved

Dr. George Grant: The Covenanters and the Theology of Liberty

2011-11-07T08:45:00.001-06:00

Sermon 2 of the Scottish and American History Series by Dr. George Grant

Reformed Covenanter: James Standfield on the abolitionism of the American Covenanters

2011-11-05T14:48:00.000-05:00

Our friend Daniel Ritchie (Reformed Covenanter) has posted this bit of history and quotation concerning the American Covenanters and the abolition of slavery at his blog: James Standfield, an Anglican layman and secretary of the Belfast Anti-Slavery Society, was heavily involved in a controversy about the Free Church of Scotland receiving money from and having fellowship with slaveholding

Joe Morecraft III: The Scottish Covenanters

2011-10-06T09:48:00.001-05:00

Scripture Text: Hebrews 12 (Audio: 69 minutes) (Audio: 57 minutes) (Audio: 53 minutes) (Audio: 64 minutes)

Who are the Covenanters?

2011-09-24T11:04:00.000-05:00

A brief history and outline of the Covenanters, past and present.

Home Schooled Teen Re-enacts Covenanters

2011-09-21T10:31:00.002-05:00

Sarah Livingston - Photo Courtesy of WLOX - 13 A friend recently sent me this link to a story about a home schooled teen, Sarah Livingston, and her re-enactment of the Scottish Covenanters for a Mississippi History Day Competition at USM this past June where she won first place in the Performance category and the Overall prize in the high school division. Sarah is quoted in the news story as

Covenanting

2011-09-20T10:33:00.001-05:00

For those new to the concept of covenanting, this series by Pastor Andy McCracken is excellent! Pastor McCracken tells why it is important and good for God's people to covenant with Him, and he also tells the history of the Solemn League and Covenant of the Scottish Covenanters. Please be blessed as you listen to these wonderful, rich teachings! They are definitely good food for your soul. :)

The Heart of the Matter: Rev. David Silversides Discusses the Scottish Reformation

2011-08-30T12:21:00.001-05:00

(Audio: 32 minutes. Originally aired February 26, 2010.)

Recommended Sermon: The Covenanters in Ireland

2011-08-26T13:42:00.001-05:00

Additional Resources: The Covenanters in Ulster The Irish Covenanter and the civil magistrate’s power concerning matters of religion (by Thomas Houston) Reformation History: Covenanters in Ireland Cameron Press

Rev. Samuel B. Wylie: The Two Sons of Oil

2011-04-18T10:51:00.000-05:00

Editor's Note: Dear Friends, As you listen to this reading by Pastor Brian Schwertley, please keep this Scripture text in mind: 14Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the LORD of the whole earth. (Zechariah 4:14, King James Version) Thank you. -AW

Pastor Paul Michael Raymond: God and Government; The Covenanters

2011-04-17T14:06:00.001-05:00

More Details: Christ is the Sovereign King and Legitimate Lawgiver over all creation. According to the Holy Scriptures, He is Lord, which signifies both a universal and comprehensive position of authority. His supremacy extends into every aspect of life. This is an undisputed declared doctrinal truth.

Covenanters and Slavery - Part Ten: Conclusion - Was the War Between the States God's Judgment on America?

2011-02-02T08:30:00.009-06:00

Readers may be familiar with the National Reform Association and the movement for a national Christian amendment acknowledging Christ as Lord in the United States Constitution. This movement has a noble history and was led by men with theological roots to the Scottish Covenanters. Wikipedia reports the movement began during the Civil War: In February 1863, while the American Civil War was being

Covenanters and Slavery - Part Nine: Christians and the Civil War by Dr. John W. Robbins

2011-02-01T09:32:00.006-06:00

Ladies Of The Covenant editor's note: This essay by John W. Robbins is being reproduced from The Trinity Foundation website and can be found in its entirety at: http://www.trinityfoundation.org/journal.php?id=256 . Also, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Andrea Schwertley for directing me to it. Mrs. Schwertley is truly a lady of the Covenant. - Angela Wittman, ed. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Covenanters and Slavery - Part 8: 'justice, your religion, requires that you should cease to be slave-holders'

2011-01-31T08:49:00.002-06:00

As we conclude Alexander McLeod's Discourse: Negro Slavery Unjustifiable, let us learn from his words and the spilled blood of Americans in the War Between the States that God will not be mocked. If only God's people had heeded the words of Pastor McLeod preached 60 years earlier and followed the direction given on how to repent and extricate themselves from the sin of slave-holding, the War may

Covenanters and Slavery - Part Seven: 'God is the Lord of the universe. As the Supreme Governor, he does what is right.'

2011-01-30T14:16:00.006-06:00

Alexander M’Leod's Negro Slavery Unjustified continued from Part Six: [Bold text emphasis is mine, A.W.] This naturally leads us to consider another objection—the most plausible argument that can possibly be offered in defence of the unhallowed practice of holding our fellow men in perpetual bondage. OBJECTION IV. "God permitted the ancient Israelites to hold their fellow creatures in

Covenanters and Slavery - Part Six: 'The inferiority of the blacks to the whites has been greatly exaggerated.'

2011-01-29T11:33:00.003-06:00

In our study of Alexander McLeod's booklet Negro Slavery Unjustified, we now come to the section where he refutes objections which had been raised. In order to not overwhelm the reader or miss any important point raised, I'll go through the objections raised and responses given a few at a time. Once again, please note that the text in bold is my emphasis on that particular point. I have now

Covenanters and Slavery - Part Five: Consequences of Slavery for Nations and Individuals

2011-01-28T08:34:00.004-06:00

Pastor McLeod continues to lay out the injurious results for a nation (America in particular) and its people which tolerate and practice enslavement of their fellow human beings. As you read this excerpt from Negro Slavery Unjustifiable (printed in the early 1800s), look at America as it is today in 2011 and you will see how the awful effects of our historical past of tolerating slavery still

Covenanters and Slavery - Part Four: Slavery Violates Four Precepts of the Decalogue

2011-01-27T08:21:00.007-06:00

Let us continue with Pastor McLeod's pamphlet Negro Slavery Unjustified (printed in 1802) as he explains how American slavery of Negroes was in violation of the Commandments of God: 4. The practice which I am opposing is a manifest violation of four precepts of the decalogue. If this can be shown, it will be an additional confirmation of the doctrine of the proposition. Revelation informs us,

Covenanters and Slavery - Part Three: 'To hold any of our fellow men in perpetual slavery is sinful.'

2011-01-26T10:05:00.001-06:00

In the pamphlet Negro Slavery Unjustifiable Pastor McLeod went on to write of the "natural rights of man" and what this means from a Biblical viewpoint, which is very different from the antinomian view of Libertarians [emphasis in bold text is mine - AW]: I. To hold any of our fellow men in perpetual slavery is sinful. 1. This appears from the inconsistency of the practice of holding slaves

Covenanters and Slavery - Part Two: Negro Slavery Unjustifiable

2011-01-25T08:43:00.001-06:00

Alexander McLeod (1773 - 1833) was a man of character who took a strong stand against the inhumane slavery of fellow human beings. Covenanter.org has this brief biography of Alexander McLeod, who was clearly a conservative theologian and a man of respectability. He was no liberal wolf in sheep's clothing seeking to lead folks astray with unbiblical anti-slavery propaganda. Born in the Isle of

Covenanters and Slavery - Part One: RPCNA - Abolitionists

2011-01-24T13:10:00.002-06:00

While researching the history of the (RPCNA) Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America and abolition of slavery, I found these excerpts from on-line resources which report the RPCNA's history of the abolition of slavery officially began in the year 1800: Perhaps the most enduring change during the 19th century involved participation in social reform movements. One cause favored by the

Covenanters and Slavery - Introduction

2011-01-24T12:52:00.000-06:00

Dear Readers, It has recently been brought to my attention that "slavery apologists" advocate that it was mostly liberal theologians and churches who opposed slavery in the south. In the next few weeks I plan to share information which confirms the Covenanters and their American descendents were against slavery and were in fact abolitionists. Please subscribe and follow this blog as we look

450 Year Anniversary of John Knox To Be Observed

2010-10-24T15:29:00.002-05:00

450 years since John Knox By Phyllis Stephen - The Edinburgh Reporter Joint plans to mark the 450th anniversary of the Reformation were unveiled by the Church of Scotland and Scottish Government today. The main national focus will be on Wednesday November 3, beginning with a conference, organised by the Joint Commission on Doctrine, followed by an ecumenical service at St Giles’ Cathedral and

The Solemn League and Covenant: Is it Lawful? (Conclusion)

2009-08-18T09:46:00.004-05:00

by Rev. George GillespieObj. 4. The army which hath served us so faithfully, and regained our liberties, shall by this ordinance lose their own greatest liberty, which is the liberty of their consciences.Ans. 1. In the ordinance and instructions of parliament, dated the 2d Feb. 1643, it was ordained that the covenant should be speedily sent to my Lord General, and the Lord Admiral, and all other

The Solemn League and Covenant: Is it Lawful? (Part Six)

2009-08-17T08:08:00.003-05:00

by Rev. George GillespieObj. 2. The covenant was occasional and temporary, being made upon the occasion of the prevalency and growing power of the enemy (as is mentioned in the narrative), which foundation being taken away the superstructure cannot stand.Ans. 1. Ex malis moribus bonae nascuntur leges. Shall we therefore be no longer bound to obey and maintain good laws, because the evils which

The Solemn League and Covenant: Is it Lawful? (Part Five)

2009-08-14T07:38:00.006-05:00

by Rev. George GillespieObj. 1. The covenant ought not to be compulsory but free. Good things grow evil when men's consciences are thereunto forced. Ans. 1. An ordinance enjoining the taking of it under a certain penalty were not other compulsion than was used by king Josiah and others, yea by this present parliament upon their own members, and upon ministers to be ordained, as is evident by the

The Solemn League and Covenant: Is it Lawful? (Part Four)

2009-08-13T07:39:00.003-05:00

by Rev. George Gillespie7. In the first article of the treaty between the kingdoms, signed Nov. 29, 1643, it is agreed and concluded, that the covenant be sworn and subscribed by both kingdoms, not that it shall be taken by as many as will in both kingdoms, but that it shall be taken by both kingdoms. How shall this be performed if it be still left arbitrary?8. In the propositions of peace it is

The Solemn League and Covenant: Is it Lawful? (Part Three)

2009-08-12T07:00:00.004-05:00

by Rev. George Gillespie3. When king Josiah made a solemn covenant (the effect whereof was a thorough reformation, the taking away of the ancient and long-continued high places, the destroying of Baal's vessels, altars, priests, &c. 2 Kings xxiii., throughout), he did not leave his covenant arbitrary; but "he caused all that were present in Jerusalem and Benjamin to stand to it," 2 Chron. xxxiv.

The Solemn League and Covenant: Is it Lawful? (Part Two)

2009-08-11T08:16:00.003-05:00

by Rev. George GillespieNow the grounds and reasons for such an ordinance may be these:-1. It were a great unthankfulness to God, if, after sacred and solemn vows made in time of our greatest dangers, and when, after our vows, God hath begun to deliver us, and hath dissipated our enemies, we should now grow weary of paying and performing those vows. We may say of the covenant as the prophet said

The Solemn League and Covenant: Is it Lawful? (Part One)

2009-08-10T07:10:00.006-05:00

Whether it be lawful, just and expedient, that there be an ordinance of parliament for the taking of the solemn league and covenant, by all persons in the kingdom, under a considerable penalty; or, an answer returned to a gentleman who had consulted a friend concerning this question.by Rev. George GillespieFirst of all, that I may rightly deduce and state the matter of fact, it is to be

George Gillespie Biographical Sketch (Conclusion)

2009-08-07T07:56:00.002-05:00

By Alexander Whyte 'Challenges' is another of Rutherford's technical terms that he constantly uses to his expert correspondents. 'I was under great challenges,' he says, in this same letter; and in a letter written the same month of March to William Rigg, of Athernie, he says, 'Old challenges revive, and cast all down.' Dr. Andrew Bonar, Rutherford's expert editor, gives this glossary upon

George Gillespie Biographical Sketch (Part Four)

2009-08-06T08:34:00.003-05:00

By Alexander WhyteThomas Goodwin, that perfect prince of pulpit exegetes, lays down this canon, and continually himself acts upon it, that 'the context of a scripture is half its interpretation;... if a man would open a place of scripture, he should do it rationally; he should go and consider the words before and the words after.' Now, let us apply this rule to the interpretation of this text out

George Gillespie Biographical Sketch (Part Three)

2009-08-05T08:45:00.004-05:00

By Alexander WhyteEvery line of life has its own language, its own peculiar vocabulary, that none but its experts, and those who have been brought up to it, know. Go up to the Parliament House and you will hear the advocates and judges talking to one another in a professional speech that the learned layman no more than the ignorant can understand. Our doctors, again, have a shorthand symbolism

George Gillespie Biographical Sketch (Part Two)

2009-08-04T09:10:00.003-05:00

By Alexander WhyteMany stories were told in Scotland of the debating powers of young Gillespie as seen on the floor of the Westminster Assembly. Selden was one of the greatest lawyers in England, and he had made a speech one day that both friend and foe felt was unanswerable. One after another of the Constitutional and Evangelical party tried to reply to Selden's speech, but failed. 'Rise, George

George Gillespie Biographical Sketch (Part One)

2009-08-03T07:59:00.003-05:00

Rev. George Gillespie (1613-1648)He was one of the greatest and most influential Scottish Presbyterians to ever live - though his life was exceedingly short.Biographical Sketch (written by Alexander Whyte):Rev. George Gillespie was one of that remarkable band of statesmanlike ministers that God gave to Scotland in the seventeenth century. Gillespie died while yet a young man, but before he died,

Jenny Geddes (Part Five - Conclusion)

2009-05-15T08:15:00.003-05:00

From: Jenny Geddes, or Presbyterianism and its great Conflict with Despotism,by Rev. W. P. Breed, D.D., Philadelphia, Presbyterian Board of Publication, 1869.The magistrates managed to keep the peace in the afternoon, but when the performance was over the tumult in the streets was greater than ever. The Earl of Roxborough, returning with the bishop in his carriage, was so pelted with stones and

Jenny Geddes (Part Four)

2009-05-14T09:24:00.004-05:00

From: Jenny Geddes, or Presbyterianism and its great Conflict with Despotism,by Rev. W. P. Breed, D.D., Philadelphia, Presbyterian Board of Publication, 1869.No sooner had the first words of the book, through the lips of the dean, reached the ear of Jenny, the stern prophetess on her tripod, than a sudden inspiration seized her. In an instant she was on her feet, and her shrill, impassioned

Jenny Geddes (Part Three)

2009-05-13T10:11:00.001-05:00

From: Jenny Geddes, or Presbyterianism and its great Conflict with Despotism,by Rev. W. P. Breed, D.D., Philadelphia, Presbyterian Board of Publication, 1869.It was in the month of July — a month since become so memorable in the history of human freedom — on the twenty-third day of the month, that Jenny emerged from domestic obscurity to historic celebrity and renown. On that day there was a

Jenny Geddes (Part Two)

2009-05-12T09:09:00.003-05:00

From: Jenny Geddes, or Presbyterianism and its great Conflict with Despotism,by Rev. W. P. Breed, D.D., Philadelphia, Presbyterian Board of Publication, 1869.Jenny (or Janet) Geddes was a Scotch woman, a native of that land of great minds and heroic champions of Calvinistic orthodoxy. Born perhaps about the close, before or after, of the sixteenth century, toward the middle of the seventeenth she

Jenny Geddes (Part One)

2009-05-11T05:25:00.008-05:00

From: Jenny Geddes, or Presbyterianism and its great Conflict with Despotism,by Rev. W. P. Breed, D.D., Philadelphia, Presbyterian Board of Publication, 1869.Writers of human annals have been accustomed to divide their subjects into two general classes. The one comprises those which are truly and in themselves in a high sense historic, affecting widely and powerfully the interests of men and

The Life of James Renwick (Part 15 - Conclusion)

2009-05-08T09:27:00.002-05:00

Taken from: The Life of James Renwick by Thomas Houston, D.D.CONCLUSION. (Continued)Finally—the testimony of Renwick is valuable, as throwing light on great evils connected with systems of civil government, and with Protestant churches, and as pointing out clearly the duty of faithful witnesses in relation to them. Two great principles—the one doctrinal, and the other practical, were essential to

The Life of James Renwick (Part 14)

2009-05-07T09:43:00.003-05:00

Taken from: The Life of James Renwick by Thomas Houston, D.D.CONCLUSION. (Continued)Renwick was, furthermore, distinguished by a catholic, genial, loving spirit. This characteristic is not generally thought to have been prominent in the spirit of illustrious reformers and suffering confessors. Luther, Calvin, and Knox, have been represented as unsocial, morose fanatics, and gloomy bigots.

The Life of James Renwick (Part 13)

2009-05-06T08:03:00.005-05:00

Taken from: The Life of James Renwick by Thomas Houston, D.D.CONCLUSION.The record of the life, labours, and testimony, of James Renwick is fraught with practical lessons of the highest value to the Church in the present day; and ministers, theological students, and the rising youth of the Church generally have a special interest in pondering them deeply, and in seeking to reduce them to

The Life of James Renwick (Part 12)

2009-05-05T08:00:00.002-05:00

Taken from: The Life of James Renwick by Thomas Houston, D.D.RENWICK'S MARTYRDOM AND TESTIMONY. (Continued)In the close of his testimony, written in prison, the day before his execution, there are those sublime and affecting expressions, which were designed to be his last words from the scaffold—"Farewell, beloved sufferers, and followers of the Lamb. Farewell, Christian and comfortable mother

The Life of James Renwick (Part 11)

2009-05-04T09:30:00.003-05:00

Taken from: The Life of James Renwick by Thomas Houston, D.D.RENWICK'S MARTYRDOM AND TESTIMONY. (Continued)The testimony of Renwick contained in the "CLOUD OF WITNESSES," was written the night before he suffered, and in near anticipation of his martyrdom. His mother and sisters were allowed to be with him for a short time, on the morning of the day of his execution: In giving thanks at food in

The Life of James Renwick (Part 10)

2009-05-01T07:51:00.003-05:00

Taken from: The Life of James Renwick by Thomas Houston, D.D.RENWICK'S MARTYRDOM AND TESTIMONY.This devoted servant of Christ, though worn with incessant labours, was found actively engaged in his darling work when he was called to receive his reward. On the 24th and 27th of January, he preached in Fifeshire, and at Borrowstoness, on the 29th. The last night of the month, he lodged with a friend

The Life of James Renwick (Part 9)

2009-04-30T07:44:00.003-05:00

Taken from: The Life of James Renwick by Thomas Houston, D.D.II.—THE LIMITS OF PUBLIC AUTHORITY, AND OF A PEOPLE'S ALLEGIANCE.(Continued)The manifold labours and sufferings of Renwick, which were ended by his martyrdom, deserve a brief notice. For a period of five years, after he entered on his public ministry, he was in constant movement and unremitting and exhausting labours. He was employed at

The Life of James Renwick (Part 8)

2009-04-29T07:30:00.004-05:00

Taken from: The Life of James Renwick by Thomas Houston, D.D.II.—THE LIMITS OF PUBLIC AUTHORITY, AND OF A PEOPLE'S ALLEGIANCE.A question was raised in the later times of the persecution of difficult solution, but of vast practical importance. This was the due limit of submission to civil rulers, and the withdrawal of allegiance and submission from those who had violated their compact with the

The Life of James Renwick (Part 7)

2009-04-28T08:03:00.002-05:00

Taken from: The Life of James Renwick by Thomas Houston, D.D.I.—THE INDULGENCE.When the power of the persecutors was unable to put down the preaching of the gospel in the fields, and to crush the spirit of liberty in the breasts of multitudes of the people of Scotland, the Indulgence was a master contrivance of the arch-enemy to divide the Presbyterians, and to seduce them to abandon some of

The Life of James Renwick (Part 6)

2009-04-27T06:14:00.003-05:00

Taken from: The Life of James Renwick by Thomas Houston, D.D.RENWICK'S SPECIAL TESTIMONY.To understand properly the position of James Renwick and his associates, and the distinctive testimony which they maintained at the peril of life, and transmitted, sealed with their blood, to posterity, it is necessary to advert to the particular time in which these devoted witnesses were called to appear in

The Life of James Renwick (Part 5)

2009-04-24T08:10:00.003-05:00

Taken from: The Life of James Renwick by Thomas Houston, D.D.RENWICK'S LIFEThe "LECTURES AND SERMONS" of James Renwick that remain were published from the notes taken, at the time of their delivery, by some of his attached hearers and followers. They were not prepared with any view to future publication; and the trying circumstances in which their devoted author was placed, wholly prevented any

The Life of James Renwick (Part 4)

2009-04-23T08:59:00.003-05:00

Taken from: The Life of James Renwick by Thomas Houston, D.D.RENWICK'S LIFE[Excerpt]Though he ever testified boldly against the defections of the times, especially the Indulgence, and insisted on disowning the papist James, as not being a constitutional monarch, and on maintaining fully Presbyterian order and discipline, and all the covenanted attainments, his discourses were eminently

The Life of James Renwick (Part 3)

2009-04-22T08:40:00.003-05:00

Taken from: The Life of James Renwick by Thomas Houston, D.D.RENWICK'S LIFE[Excerpt]...His Christian decision had its reward. He declared that he did not fully know what the gracious presence of God with His people meant, till he joined the fellowship of the persecuted remnant. A large measure of the spirit of the "faithful Cargill" rested on his youthful successor; and when, some two years after

The Life of James Renwick (Part 2)

2009-04-21T07:28:00.004-05:00

Taken from: The Life of James Renwick by Thomas Houston, D.D.RENWICK'S LIFE[Excerpts]James Renwick was the child of godly parents in humble life. His father, Andrew Renwick, was a weaver, and his mother, Elizabeth Corson, is especially mentioned, like the mother and grandmother of Timothy, or like Monica, the mother of Augustine, as a woman of strong faith, and eminently prayerful. As several of

The Life of James Renwick (Part 1)

2009-04-20T09:58:00.005-05:00

Taken from: The Life of James Renwick by Thomas Houston, D.D.Historical Introduction[Excerpts]The prophet's message to Eli, "Wherefore the Lord God of Israel said ***THEM THAT HONOR ME, I WILL HONOUR," (1 Sam. ii. 30,) declares a fundamental law of the divine government, which history alike of individuals and of communities has illustrated in all by-past ages. The works of many men of eminent

Life of Donald Cargill (Part 8 - Conclusion)

2009-04-16T08:23:00.006-05:00

By Jean L. Watson (Published in Edinburgh, 1880)[Excerpts from Chapter 6, pages 53 - 57]Let us now look at how the martyr bears himself on the scaffold. It was a day in the end of July, when summer was about to give place to Autumn. The trees around the old grey capitol of the north had lost the freshness of their early green, and looked dark and dusty, though in the terraced gardens running

Life of Donald Cargill (Part 7)

2009-04-15T06:50:00.005-05:00

By Jean L. Watson (Published in Edinburgh, 1880)[Excerpt from Chapter 6, pages 48 - 50]They have set his head on Nether Bow,To scorch in the summer air;And months go by, and the winter's snowFalls white on its thin grey hair.And still the same look that in death he woreIs sealed on the solemn brow:A look as of one who has travailed sore,But whose pangs are ended now."Through years of oppression,

Life of Donald Cargill - (Part Six)

2009-04-14T12:32:00.006-05:00

By Jean L. Watson (Published in Edinburgh, 1880)[Excerpt from Chapter 5, pages 39 - 40]For some time, Cargill, Cameron, and a few others, had been separating themselves to a greater degree from the more moderate party, and were getting clearer and clearer views of their duty as regarded the Indulgence. The paper which Cargill had drawn out, was condensed and put into shape by his son in the

Life of Donald Cargill - (Part Five)

2009-04-13T20:50:00.009-05:00

By Jean L. Watson (Published in Edinburgh, 1880)[Excerpt from Chapter 5, pages 38 - 39]"But for the iron endurance of these grim and resolute tender men, the combat in the south would have been worse to sustain. Their qualities we still need, though in a different fashion; uncompromising fidelity to truth, to duty, and to God - to courage to endure and wear out, as well as to do - with a tender

Life of Donald Cargill - (Part Four)

2009-04-09T00:00:00.004-05:00

By Jean L. Watson (Published in Edinburgh, 1880)[Excerpt from Chapter 4, pages 33 - 37]About the beginning of the year 1680, Cargill resided for some time at Queensferry, where he seems to have been employed in drawing up the document which after wards became so famous, and was called the "Queensferry Paper."For some time before this disputes had been going on amongst the Covenanters, arising

Life of Donald Cargill - (Part Three)

2009-04-08T06:58:00.006-05:00

By Jean L. Watson (Published in Edinburgh, 1880)[Excerpt from Chapter 4, pages 28 - 30]"O dreary, dreary was the lot of Scotland's true ones then,A famine stricken-remnant, bearing scarce the guise of men;They burrowed few and lonely 'mid the still dark mountain caves,For those who once had sheltered them were in their martyr graves."~~ Mrs. S. MonteithCARGILL was at the battle of Bothwell

Life of Donald Cargill - (Part Two)

2009-04-07T08:36:00.008-05:00

By Jean L. Watson (Published in Edinburgh, 1880)[Excerpt from Chapter 2, pages 14 - 18]The charge to which Mr. Cargill was now appointed had been long a vacant one. The Church of Scotland at that time was rent in two parties, the Protesters and Resolutioners. The Protesters, led by Gillespie, Guthrie, Rutherford, and Warriston, acted more from principle, and wished to delay the crowning of

Life of Donald Cargill - (Part One)

2009-04-06T09:19:00.010-05:00

By Jean L. Watson (Published in Edinburgh, 1880)[Excerpt from Chapter 2, pages 12 - 14]"Bear aloft our Zion's standard,Crimsoned o'er with martyrs' blood;It was borne through lapse of ages,Undestroyed by fire or flood.On the field of bloody conflict It hath waved amid the strife,And our fathers to preserve it,Perilled fortune, home, and life."~~Mrs. S. Monteith~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Be still, and know that I am God..." (Part 5 - Conclusion)

2009-04-02T20:55:00.006-05:00

The last sermon preached by Mr. [Richard] Cameron on Kype Water in Avondale, July 18, 1680, three days before he was killed at Ayrsmoss."Be still, and know that I am God : I will be exalted among the heathen : I will be exalted in the earth." -- Psalm 46:10We might speak of many advantages that folk might have by being still or fixed, which we cannot stay now to mention. I shall only notice

"Be still, and know that I am God..." (Part 4)

2009-04-01T21:47:00.007-05:00

The last sermon preached by Mr. [Richard] Cameron on Kype Water in Avondale, July 18, 1680, three days before he was killed at Ayrsmoss."Be still, and know that I am God : I will be exalted among the heathen : I will be exalted in the earth." -- Psalm 46:10Now, of what has been said, there is a threefold use to be made.USE 1. Of information. From what has been spoken, your judgments may be

"Be still, and know that I am God..." (Part 3)

2009-03-31T21:22:00.007-05:00

The last sermon preached by Mr. [Richard] Cameron on Kype Water in Avondale, July 18, 1680, three days before he was killed at Ayrsmoss."Be still, and know that I am God : I will be exalted among the heathen : I will be exalted in the earth." -- Psalm 46:10III. As for the reasons annexed to these, we shall only give you these two that are contained in the text, "Be still, and wait on God."I.

"Be still, and know that I am God..." (Part 2)

2009-03-30T20:35:00.006-05:00

The last sermon preached by Mr. [Richard] Cameron on Kype Water in Avondale, July 18, 1680, three days before he was killed at Ayrsmoss."Be still, and know that I am God : I will be exalted among the heathen : I will be exalted in the earth." -- Psalm 46:10II. I come now to speak of what is here required.And 1st, It requires fixedness of mind and stayedness of heart. " Thou wilt keep him in

"Be still, and know that I am God..." (Part 1)

2009-03-27T08:47:00.015-05:00

The last sermon preached by Mr. [Richard] Cameron on Kype Water in Avondale, July 18, 1680, three days before he was killed at Ayrsmoss."Be still, and know that I am God : I will be exalted among the heathen : I will be exalted in the earth." -- Psalm 46:10OUTWARD troubles ordinarily begin and occasion many stirrings and commotions within, either when they are beginning or in the time of their

The Cameronian's Dream

2009-03-25T18:33:00.009-05:00

Called by Wodrow "The Vision: A Poem on the Slaughter of Mr Richard Cameron and Others at Airsmoss," written by an "Ayrshire Shepherd Lad." It first appeared in the Edinburgh Magazine in 1821 when the author, James Hyslop, had charge of a school in Greenock. He was a school master on board the war ship 'Tweed' and died of fever on one of the Cape Verde Islands in 1827, aged twenty nine. ~~~~~~~~~

Covenanter Richard Cameron (Part Six - Conclusion)

2009-03-24T07:02:00.005-05:00

The last night of his life, he was in the house of William Mitchell of Meadowhead, at the Water of Ayr, where about twenty-three horse and forty foot had continued with him that week. That morning a woman gave him water to wash his face and hands; and having washed and dried them with a towel, he looked to his hands, and laid them on his face, saying, “This is their last washing. I have need to

Covenanter Richard Cameron (Part Five)

2009-03-23T07:35:00.004-05:00

When Richard Cameron came to preach in and about Cumnock, he was much opposed by the lairds of Logan and Horsecleugh, who represented him as a Jesuit, and a vile, naughty person. But yet some of the Lord’s people, who had retained their former faithfulness, gave him a call to preach in that parish. When he began, he exhorted the people to mind that they were in the sight and presence of a holy

Covenanter Richard Cameron (Part Four)

2009-03-22T08:23:00.006-05:00

In the beginning of the year 1680, he returned to Scotland, where he spent some time in going from minister to minister, of those who formerly kept up the public standard of the gospel in the fields. But all in vain: for the persecution after Bothwell Bridge being then so hot against all who had not accepted the Indulgence and Indemnity, none of them would adventure upon that hazard, except

Covenanter Richard Cameron (Part Three)

2009-03-21T08:50:00.003-05:00

After the giving of this promise, finding himself by virtue thereof bound up from declaring the whole counsel of God, he turned a little melancholy; and, to get the definite time of that unhappy promise exhausted, he went over to Holland, in the end of the year 1678, not knowing what work the Lord had for him there; where he conversed with Mr M‘Ward and others of our banished Worthies. In his

Covenanter Richard Cameron (Part Two)

2009-03-20T08:09:00.003-05:00

After he was licensed, they sent him at first to preach in Annandale. He said, how could he go there? He knew not what sort of people they were. But Mr Welch said, “Go your way, Ritchie, and set the fire of hell to their tail.” He went, and the first day he preached upon the text Jer. 3:19, “How shall I put thee among the children?” In the application he said, “Put you amongst the children! the

Covenanter Richard Cameron (Part One)

2009-03-19T09:41:00.002-05:00

Richard Cameron was born in Falkland in the shire of Fife, his father being a merchant there. He was of the Episcopal persuasion at first; as, after he had passed his course of learning, he was for some time school-master and precentor to the curate of Falkland. He sometimes attended the sermons of the Indulged, as he had opportunity; but at last it pleased the Lord to incline him to go out and

Biography of John Livingstone by John Howie, author of "Scots Worthies"

2009-03-18T07:56:00.006-05:00

JOHN LIVINGSTONE.BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICE.JOHN LIVINGSTONE was the son of William Livingstone, the minister of Kilsyth, and was born there in 1603. He was blessed with godly parents, and, above all, he was himself, and that early, the subject of regenerating grace. In his Autobiography, he tells of the workings of God the Spirit upon his heart while he was very young, leading him to earnest prayer and

Covenanter John Livingstone - Part 5 (Conclusion)

2009-03-17T06:52:00.004-05:00

JOHN LIVINGSTON (1603 - 1672) TELLS HIS OWN STORY.Mr. Lowell pays to the naturalist Agassiz the fine tribute that, “where’er he met a stranger, there he left a friend.” It is a coronet which might gleam on Livingston’s brow. He had a genius for friendship. To the end of life he won new sisters and brothers in the family of God. One of our debts to him is the series of portraits he has bequeathed

Covenanter John Livingstone - Part 4

2009-03-16T07:01:00.004-05:00

JOHN LIVINGSTON (1603 - 1672) TELLS HIS OWN STORY.There were two places where John Livingston was seen at his best. One was his home. It might be very poor. In Killinchy - the record is almost incredible - his stipend was £4 a year. But the household was always rich in love. His wife was the eldest daughter of Bartholomew Fleming, an Edinburgh merchant. Before he married her, in 1635, many had

Covenanter John Livingstone - Part 3

2009-03-15T13:53:00.004-05:00

JOHN LIVINGSTON (1603 - 1672) TELLS HIS OWN STORY.We begin to understand John Livingston’s character. He was a Protester, but a Protester in whom resided the New Testament grace of epiekeria, moderation and sweet reasonableness. He suspected at times that those with whom he allied himself “kept too many meetings,” and thus rendered the Church’s divisions wider and more mournful than they need

Covenanter John Livingstone - Part 2

2009-03-14T09:16:00.009-05:00

JOHN LIVINGSTON (1603 - 1672) TELLS HIS OWN STORY.He was a son of the manse, born at Kilsyth in 1603, his father “all his days straight and zealous in the work reformation,” his mother “a rare pattern of piety and meekness.” He could not remember the time or the mode of his own conversion; from the outset his life had belonged to God and His Christ. While he was yet a schoolboy in Stirling, he

Covenanter John Livingstone - Part 1

2009-03-13T18:34:00.009-05:00

JOHN LIVINGSTON (1603 - 1672) TELLS HIS OWN STORY."My Lord Middleton’s journey into the western shires,” wrote the Earl of Lauderdale to Sir Robert Moray, “was only a flanting and a feasting journey; many ministers were put out in those parts, but no further done.” The achievement in expulsion, to Lauderdale so paltry, was grievous to the western shires themselves. Nor was it the west alone which

The Trial and Triumph of Faith - Sermon 27

2008-01-01T07:23:00.000-06:00

By Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661)"And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out and her daughter laid upon the bed."—MARK 7:30.BECAUSE I haste to an end, and shall not now refute the dream of Papists, from this collecting the lawfulness of their bastard confirmation, and of confirming children by the unhallowed blessing of the prelate; only observe the case of the child. Mark

The Trial and Triumph of Faith - Sermon 26

2007-12-30T07:16:00.000-06:00

By Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661)"BE it unto thee as thou wilt."—We see what power Christ hath over the devils: Christ sent him an invisible summons, ‘Let Satan be gone,’ and he must be gone. It is a proper work of Christ to oppose Satan. "He took part of flesh and blood," Ina katargese, that he might make Satan unprofitable, and idle, and fruitless, (Heb. 2:14,) as the word is used, ‘Why doth

The Trial and Triumph of Faith - Sermon 25

2007-12-22T11:00:00.000-06:00

By Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661)"BE it unto thee as thou wilt." (Genetheto soi;) it is a word of Omnipotency, to create being. (1.) It is spoken of Satan, and to Satan, (Mark 9:25; Luke 4:35). (2.) None can speak to leprosy, but Christ, "Be thou clean." (Matt. 8:3; Luke 4:39.) (3.) Christ can speak to stark death: "Jesus cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth." (John 11:43; 5:28.) (4.) He

The Trial and Triumph of Faith - Sermon 24

2007-12-16T10:46:00.000-06:00

By Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661)"THY faith." Faith is so Christ’s, as the fountain and the cause, that it is ours, as agents moved and acted by Christ. Hence it is a foul error to say, ‘That there is no inherent righteousness in the saints, and no graces in the souls of believers, but in Christ only.’ There is water, even "the Spirit poured on the dry ground," (Isa. 44:3); "God’s Spirit put

The Trial and Triumph of Faith - Sermon 23

2007-12-01T20:12:00.000-06:00

By Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661)5. THE woman had no apparent evidences of believing; yet did she hang by one single thread of the word of the mercies of the Son of David. The more that the word of promise hath influence in believing, and the less of convincing reason and appearances, the greater faith. Abraham had a promise of a son in whom the nations of the world should be blessed. (Rom. 4.)

The Trial and Triumph of Faith - Sermon 22

2007-11-22T09:12:00.000-06:00

By Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661)NOW, a word of a strong and great faith, and withal, of a weak and fainting faith. For the most, I go not from the text, to find out the ingredients of a great faith.1. A strong praying and a crying faith, is a great faith. So must Christ's faith have been, who prayed with strong cries and tears. Strong faith maketh sore sides in praying, as this woman prayed with

The Trial and Triumph of Faith - Sermon 21

2007-11-19T08:56:00.000-06:00

By Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661)"Then Jesus answered, and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith," etc.THIS is the last passage of the text, containing a commendation of the woman, given to her by Christ in her face. (2.) An answer according to her desire. (3.) The effect of her praying with instancy and pressing importunity of faith: the devil is cast out of her daughter.Christ acknowledgeth

The Trial and Triumph of Faith - Sermon 20

2007-10-29T20:14:00.000-05:00

By Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661)YEA, the law from the highest bended love, even from love with all the whole soul, and all its strength, (Matt. 22,) forbiddeth all sin, no less than the gospel of love, which gospel doth spiritualize the law to the believer, but not abolish it. The gospel addeth a new argument of gospel love: because Christ hath died for me, therefore I will keep that same law of

The Trial and Triumph of Faith - Sermon 19

2007-10-15T13:29:00.000-05:00

By Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661)OBJECTION. But the gospel, from the law of love, not the law itself, forbiddeth the believer to sin; neither teach we, (say they,) that the gospel maketh sin to be no sin, but it only maketh it to be no more my sin, but Christ's, and counted on his score, who was wounded for my iniquities, and was my surety; and therefore, his payment is my payment, so as we have

The Trial and Triumph of Faith - Sermon 18

2007-10-07T08:11:00.000-05:00

By Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661)NAY, give me leave to say, that Antinomians make justification and free grace, their common-place of divinity, as if they only had seen the visions of the Almighty, and no other. But they are utterly ignorant thereof; for they confound and mix what the Word distinguisheth, because justification is only a removal of sin by a law-way, so that in law it cannot

The Trial and Triumph of Faith - Sermon 17

2007-09-24T08:18:00.000-05:00

By Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661)"And she said Truth, Lord, yet the dogs eat of the crumbs that fall from the master's table."—VERSE 27.OBSERVE, 1. The woman's witty answer. By retortion in great quickness, by concession of the conclusion, and granting she was a dog, she borroweth the argument, and taketh it from Christ's mouth to prove her question. She argueth from the temptation: Let me be a

The Trial and Triumph of Faith - Sermon 16

2007-09-16T10:39:00.000-05:00

By Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661)"But he answered, and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to the dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord, yet the dogs eat of the crumbs that fall from the master's table. And Jesus answered, and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith, be it unto thee even as thou wilt: and her daughter was made whole from that very hour."—MATTHEW 15:26-28

The Trial and Triumph of Faith - Sermon 15

2007-09-13T09:26:00.000-05:00

By Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661)"Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me."—vs.25.CHRIST had denied her to be his, but she will not deny but Christ is her's: see how a believer is to carry himself towards Christ deserting, frowning. Christ, (1.) Answered her not one word. (2.) He gave an answer but to the disciples, not to the woman. Oh dreadful! Christ refuseth to give her one

The Trial and Triumph of Faith - Sermon 14

2007-09-06T07:46:00.000-05:00

By Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661)"LOST sheep." Lost, is either understood of the common condition of all men, and so, because all are the heirs of wrath, (Eph. 2). "All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God," (Rom. 3:23,) and so are lost. But the Scripture entitleth men by that which they are in their own esteem; as "I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance," (Matt.

The Trial and Triumph of Faith - Sermon 13

2007-09-02T09:30:00.000-05:00

By Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661)"OF ISRAEL." It was then a privileged mercy, that Christ was sent to the Jews. (1.) The Jew is the elder brother, and the native heir of Christ. Christ is of their blood and house. (Rom. 1:2,3, and 9:3.) They were Christ's first bride. Alas! they killed their husband. There is a born Jew in heaven, in soul and body: it is sweet to have any relation to Christ. (2.)

The Trial and Triumph of Faith - Sermon 12

2007-08-25T09:18:00.000-05:00

By Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661)"And his disciples came and besought Him, saying, Send her away," etc.IN the disciples we see little tenderness: no more but "send her away, she troubleth us with crying." Forsooth, they were sore slain, that their dainty ears were pained with the crying of a poor woman! Why, they say not, 'Dear Master, her little daughter is tormented with the devil, and thou, her

The Trial and Triumph of Faith - Sermon 11

2007-08-19T07:14:00.000-05:00

By Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661)"But he answered her not a word: And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away, for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent, but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me."—MATTHEW 15:23-25.WE now enter into the dialogue between the woman and Christ. The first trial is,

The Trial and Triumph of Faith - Sermon 10

2007-08-16T07:07:00.000-05:00

By Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661)"MY daughter is grievously vexed with a devil."Children, especially to mothers, whose affections are more weak and soft, are taking lovers, especially being parts and substantial shadows of ourself; yet four things are considerable in us to them. (1.) So to hold, as we are willingly to let go; love them as creatures only: often the child is the mother's daughter,

The Trial and Triumph of Faith - Sermon 9

2007-08-13T09:15:00.000-05:00

By Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661)"O LORD, thou Son of David." The one word "O Lord," holdeth forth Christ's Godhead; the other, "Son of David," holdeth forth his manhood. Here is the perfection of our Mediator, in that he is the substantial covenant, and Emmanuel, God with us, or God us, in a personal union; the substantial marriage and alliance between the two houses of heaven and earth; God and