This sermon, read by elder Lyndon Dohms, was originally preached to England's House of Commons 'At Their Late Solemn Fast, Wednesday, March 27, 1644.' It is taken from volume one of Gillespie's two volume Works. It gives great insight into the covenanted unity, uniformity and worldwide Reformation sought by the majority of the Westminster Divines and the best of the civil leaders of Gillespie's day.
Gillespie searchingly deals with the individual, the church and the state, while painting a Scriptural picture of prophesied earthly victory (Isa. 2:2-5, Ezek 47:1-12, etc.) -- in classic historicist postmillennial style -- which is sure to stir even the coldest Christian heart. He shows how the worst disease the land can suffer is corruption in religion (particularly as exhibited in false worship), rebukes those opposing the Solemn League and Covenant and calls upon all to maintain (and even improve upon) the Reformation attainments 'whereunto we have already attained' (Phil. 3:16).
Also noted is the destruction of Antichrist, the calling and conversion of the Jews (Rom. 11), and the 1260 year apostasy. Gillespie closes with an appeal to the English House of Commons, with whom the Scots had 'joined in covenant and in arms,' to be faithful 'according to the word he (God--RB) hath covenanted with you (i.e. in the Solemn League and Covenant--RB), so his spirit remaineth among you.'
For Reformation materials on CD, please click on the 'Outside Web Link' below. |