Dusty Books

18/08/2025

The fruit of a lifetime of study, this faithful, rigorous, and accessible introduction to the Old Testament from my dear friend, Dr. Michael Barrett, is ideal for ministers, seminarians, professors, and laymen alike. Tracing the themes of creation, corruption, the Curse-Reverser, and the covenant, Dr. Barrett displays the gospel according to the Old Testament by unveiling Genesis to Malachi in a distinctly Christ-centered way.

Despite the prominence of the Old Testament to the entire story of redemption, many laymen and pastors struggle to understand and apply its ancient text. For this reason, I am thankful that the Lord has given Dr. Michael Barrett as a gift to the church as a scholar and pastor. For half a century, it has been his passion to kindle in the people of God and in their spiritual shepherds a deeper thirst for the Old Testament and a clearer picture of its message. I am particularly grateful for the close friendship I have enjoyed with Dr. Barrett for several decades, wherein I have seen his commitment to the Word of God, his passion for Scripture, and his deep mind and spirituality.

Unencumbered by the critical and Christless interpretations of the Old Testament that are so in vogue in our day, Barrett approaches the Word of God with his characteristic precision and fidelity (as well as the practicality of a preacher), presenting a Christ-centered perspective of the Old Testament that combines historical, exegetical, biblical-theological, thematic, and hermeneutic elements. I cannot commend this book enough as a staple for the bookshelf of every pastor and theological student.

You can pre-order it here now and receive the eBook immediately: https://heritagebooks.org/products/old-testament-introduction-barrett.html

18/08/2025

Commemorating Charles Haddon Spurgeon!

This month of August, we dedicate ourselves to remembering the life, ministry, and enduring influence of Charles Haddon Spurgeon, known as the “Prince of Preachers.”

"..... through faith, though he is dead, he still speaks." Hebrews 11:4 (NASB)

In light of the sudden closure of Spurgeon’s College, London, we turn afresh to his writings, sermons, and legacy, which continue to feed the church of Christ across the world.

Throughout the month, we will share quotes and articles by Spurgeon, highlighting his Christ-centered preaching, pastoral wisdom, and zeal for the gospel. His ministry reminds us that though institutions may close, the truth he proclaimed stands forever.

“The Word of God is the anvil upon which the opinions of men are smashed.”– C.H. Spurgeon

May his voice still lead us to Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

18/08/2025

Monday's Pastoral Devotional, 18th August 2025.

The Closing of Spurgeon’s College: A Sad Loss!

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” – (cf. Hebrews 13:8)

The Sad Loss of Spurgeon’s College Closure.

The recent closure of Spurgeon’s College after 169 years strikes a painful chord in the Christian community. The College was not just a building but a training ground where men and women were formed by Scripture and inspired by the legacy of Charles Haddon Spurgeon and other faithful saints.

On August 1, 2025, Christian Today News reported the immediate closure of Spurgeon’s College, London. Founded in 1856 by Charles Haddon Spurgeon, often called 'The Prince of Preachers', this institution has stood for 169 years as a beacon of Christian theological training. Its closure represents not merely an institutional failure, but a deeply felt wound in the landscape of Christian education, especially within the Baptist and wider evangelical tradition.

The Board of Trustees announced that Spurgeon’s College would close with immediate effect. The reasons include: declining student numbers, prolonged financial struggles common in theological institutions, and the unexpected withdrawal of promised funding by a charitable partner on July 21, 2025. This forced the College into insolvency proceedings.

The Historical Significance.
Founded by C. H. Spurgeon in 1856, the Pastor’s College trained preachers faithful to the Word. Over nearly two centuries, it trained thousands of pastors, missionaries, and Christian leaders, serving both the UK and the global church. It became one of the most well-known Baptist theological schools, with a reputation for deep piety, rigorous biblical fidelity, and practical ministry training.

The closure affects students whose studies and ministry formation are disrupted, faculty and staff whose work ends abruptly, and the wider church which loses a historic center of pastoral training. This is not merely an administrative matter but a grief-filled event for many believers.

Institutions, however noble, are not eternal. They rise and fall, yet Christ’s kingdom endures (cf. Matthew 16:18). The trustees called the church to prayer for wisdom and protection of students. Gratitude is due for 169 years of service, even amid deep sadness.

Believers reacted with sorrow and thanksgiving: ‘This college has served God well over so many years... countless others owe them our gratitude.’ Another: ‘Very saddened… Many fine preachers and pastors were formed through Spurgeon’s.’ These voices capture the Christian spirit of lament and thanks.

Lessons for the Church

Three lessons emerge:
(1) the call to faithful stewardship of resources, (2) adaptability in training future ministers, and
(3) remembrance that though institutions close, the fruit of their ministry continues.

‘The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.’ (Isaiah 40:8)

‘Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.’ (Psalm 127:1)

‘
Spurgeon’s Enduring Influence Lives on.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon’s ministry continues to inspire pastors worldwide. Through his sermons, devotionals like ‘Morning and Evening,’ and writings such as ‘The Treasury of David,’ countless ministers have been equipped for preaching and pastoral care. Spurgeon emphasized Christ-centered preaching, the authority of Scripture, and the necessity of prayer. His own words and personal sentiments still echo today:
• ‘I would sooner bring one sinner to Jesus Christ than unpack all the mysteries of the divine Word.’
• ‘The Word of God is like a lion. You don’t have to defend a lion. All you have to do is let the lion loose, and the lion will defend itself.’
• ‘Without prayer, we cannot expect blessing.’

For over a century, pastors have drawn courage, conviction, and clarity from Spurgeon’s example. His sermons are still studied in seminaries, his devotionals read by families, and his legacy lives on in the pulpits of countless churches. Though the College closes, the fire of Spurgeon’s ministry continues to burn in those influenced by his writings.

In Conclusion

The closure of Spurgeon’s College is a moment of profound sadness, marking the end of an era in UK Christian education. Yet even as its doors shut, the gospel it proclaimed remains unstoppable. The same God who raised up Charles Spurgeon and sustained this College for nearly 170 years will continue to raise faithful ministers for His gospel. Institutions may fall, but Christ and His Word endure forever.

Lessons in Light of the Closure of Spurgeon’s College

The College as a Living Legacy: Spurgeon’s College not only trained ministers but instilled in them a reverence for Scripture and the writings of faithful men of old.

It's the End of a Chapter, Not the End of Influence: Though its doors close, the books, sermons, and lives of those trained there remain, echoing like voices from the past.

Our Responsibility Now: To continue the tradition Spurgeon prized, reading, learning, and applying the wisdom of past saints for the church’s present and future.

Our Hope Remains Rooted in Christ and His Word!

The closure of Spurgeon’s College should drive us back to the principle Spurgeon himself lived by: the sufficiency of God’s Word, supported by the faithful testimonies of God’s servants.

• “The Word of God is always most precious to the man who most lives upon it.”
• “We shall not adjust our Bible to the age, but before we have done with it, by God’s grace, we shall adjust the age to the Bible.”

Let us press on in hope, for Christ remains faithful, and His Word cannot be silenced.

Soli Deo Gloria,
Chester Chummie

17/06/2025

Tuesday's Pastoral Devotion.

John Bunyan: Pilgrim’s Imaginative Preacher: A Picture of a True, Faithful Minister.

A. Christian at the Interpreter’s House – A Faithful Guide.

As Christian enters the Interpreter’s house, he is warmly welcomed and led into a private room. There, by candlelight, he beholds a striking portrait: a man with eyes lifted to heaven, the Bible in his hand, truth upon his lips, the world behind his back, and a golden crown above his head.

The Interpreter explains, this is a true gospel minister, one among a thousand. He begets spiritual children through the gospel (1 Cor. 4:15), labors for their growth (Gal. 4:19), and nourishes them gently (1 Cor. 3:2). His gaze heavenward shows his communion with God; the Book in his hand, his faithfulness to Scripture; his posture, his pleading with souls; and the crown, his eternal reward for despising worldly gain to serve his Master.

B. The Interpreter warns Christian to remember this man, for only such are true guides on the pilgrim’s path will profit him, others may lead, but to destruction.

“Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.”~ 1 Corinthians 4:15

"My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,.." ~ Gal 4:19

Other supporting texts: 2 Timothy 2:15,2 Corinthians 4:5, Mark 4:24

C. A true minister of the gospel is a man called and formed by the Spirit, who lives above the world, preaches Christ crucified, and labors to birth and build souls in Christ with his eyes fixed on eternity.

In every age, there is a temptation to follow charismatic leaders who appear religious but are not truly gospel ministers. The church often fails to discern between mere instructors and true spiritual fathers, between those who preach themselves and those who faithfully preach Christ.

1. A Minister With Eyes Lifted to Heaven
“…his eyes lift up to heaven…”

A true ministers eyes are always Godward in gaze and purpose. He communes with God, depends upon divine strength, and seeks heaven’s will, not man’s applause.

Calvin writes, —“The pastor ought to have two voices, one for calling the sheep and another for driving away the wolves and thieves.” But both are derived from communion with the Chief Shepherd.

2. The Best of Books in His Hand
“…the best of books in his hand…”

The Word of God is the minister's chief authority, his daily bread, his only rule for faith and practice.

In Application: A gospel minister does not entertain goats but feeds sheep.

Puritan Insight: Thomas Watson wrote, “Preaching without Scripture is like a cloud without rain, or a sword without edge.”

3. The Law of Truth Upon His Lips
“…the law of truth writ on his lips…”

The true minister is not vague or uncertain. He declares the whole counsel of God with clarity.

Scripture Connection: 2 Timothy 2:15

Faithful ministers are not peddlers of popular opinion.

4. The World Behind His Back
“…the world was behind its back…”

He is dead to the world’s applause, riches, and honors.

John Owen wrote, “What that minister is on his knees in secret before God Almighty, that he is and no more.”

A true minister is not concerned with popularity, but fidelity.

5. A Man Who Pleads With Men
“…it stood as if it pleaded with men…”

This captures the passion of gospel proclamatiom.

Richard Baxter said, “I preached as never sure to preach again, and as a dying man to dying men.”

True ministers are men with hearts aflame.

6. A Crown Hanging Over His Head
“…a crown of gold did hang over its head…”

Though despised now, his reward is certain. Cf. 1Peter 5:4

Then said the Interpreter, “I have shown thee this picture first, because the man it portrays is the only one whom the Lord of the place to which thou art journeying has appointed to guide thee through the difficult paths ahead. Therefore, take careful heed to what I have shown thee, and keep well in mind what thou hast seen. For on thy journey, thou mayest encounter others who claim to lead rightly, yet their path ends in death.” cf. Romans 10:14–17

“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!... So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Preaching remains the chief ordinary means by which God communicates saving grace to His people. As Calvin notes, God chooses to 'open His sacred mouth' through the lips of faithful ministers. The preacher is not merely a speaker but a herald of divine truth, sent by God and empowered by the Spirit, to bring dead sinners to life and to feed Christ’s sheep with the pure Word.

“Preaching is the chariot that carries Christ up and down the world.” ~ Thomas Watson,

Westminster Confession 18.1: The assurance of salvation… enables the believer to rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

Every picture of a true minister is ultimately a picture of Christ Himself. The best ministers are but shadows of Christ. Therefore, let us not merely admire such men but look through them to Christ Himself, the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls.

Pastoral Reflection and Application

* To Pastors: Measure your ministry not by popularity or results, but by faithfulness to Christ.
* To Churches: Learn to discern between entertainers and true shepherds of the sheep.
* To Believers: Seek those whose eyes are lifted to heaven, whose lips carry truth, and whose hearts burn for your soul, and who's only motive is God's glory.

O Lord of the Harvest, grant unto Thy church faithful ministers who walk with Thee... Keep us from those who would lead astray. And make us, each one, to bear the marks of heavenly-mindedness in whatever calling we have received. Amen.

“True preaching is not merely explaining a text, but applying it. It is not merely instructing the mind, but reaching the conscience, warning the sinner, wooing the lost, and stirring the heart to respond to Christ.” ~ Joel R. Beeke,

Soli Deo Gloria
Chester Chummie

13/06/2025

13/06/2025

Family Worship Bible Guide
Author: Joel Beeke, Michael Barrett, Jerry Bilkes, Paul Smalley
Pages: 768
Binding: Bonded Leather
Price: Php 1,600.00
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THIS BOOK IS COMPRISED OF FAMILY WORSHIP THOUGHTS EXTRACTED FROM THE REFORMATION HERITAGE STUDY BIBLE.

Leading and nurturing your family as you seek to glorify God and encourage spiritual growth in your home is both God’s command and your privilege. One of the best and most effective ways to do this is through intentional, worshipful, daily family devotions where the truths of God’s life-changing Word are openly discussed chapter by chapter.

Hand in hand with your Bible, this Family Worship Bible Guide presents rich devotional thoughts on all 1,189 chapters in the Bible, including searching questions to promote conversation, to help you with this responsibility. Use this resource every day alongside Scripture to read each chapter’s major takeaways aloud and then discuss them with your family.

With the Holy Spirit’s blessing, this book will transform you and your family!
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Editors

The four editors of this book serve the Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan: Dr. Joel R. Beeke as president and professor of systematic theology and homiletics; Dr. Michael Barrett as academic dean and Old Testament professor; Dr. Jerry Bilkes as Old Testament and New Testament professor; and Rev. Paul Smalley as faculty teaching assistant.

Endorsement

“The power of God’s Word is seen most clearly as that Word is understood and applied to the lives of God’s people. In the Family Worship Bible Guide, we have a unique resource that offers to bring that dynamic power of the Word into our personal and family worship. For each chapter of Scripture, seasoned pastors and teachers offer brief, pointed comments that simultaneously explain the biblical text and apply it to readers’ lives and experiences. With the Spirit's blessing, the Family Worship Bible Guide promises to be used to infuse biblical life, warmth, discussion, and power into personal and family worship. It certainly has in our family!” — Dr. Stephen Myers, associate professor of church history, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan

13/06/2025

Charles Spurgeon called Richard Newton (1813-1887) “The Prince of Preachers to the Young,” and I would add that he was the premier nineteenth-century author for the young as well. Solid Ground Christian Books has reprinted 18 of his sound, Reformed, exciting books for children, covering biblical and historical topics in an informative, gripping, and edifying way for children. When I was growing up, Richard Newton was far and away my favorite author. His books on Christ’s life, gospel jewels and truths, biblical animals, biblical and church history heroes, and even his sermon books to children covering scores of other subjects are superlative. His writings are great for family worship and for private reading. If you want to give your children excellent reading material for the next year, buy the entire set of 18 books. You won’t be sorry.

https://heritagebooks.org/products/richard-newton-childrens-bundle.html

Here are the 18 book titles:

Heroes of the Early Church: Life-Changing Lessons for the Young
Bible Promises: Sermons to Children on God's Word as Our Solid Rock
The Safe Compass and How it Points: Sermons for Children on the Bible as Our Sure Guide to Heaven
Rays from the Sun of Righteousness: Sermons for Children on the Unsearchable Riches of Christ
Bible Warnings: Sermons for Children on Dangers that Lie Along the Path and How to Avoid Them
Bible Jewels and the Lessons Taught by Them for Children
Leaves from the Tree of Life: Sermons for Children on the Truths about Jesus that Heal the Soul
Pebbles from the Brook: Sermons for Children Who are Fighting the Good Fight of Faith
Bible Models: The Shining Lights of Scripture
The Jewish Tabernacle: And Its Furniture in Their Typical Teachings
The Five Giants and How to Fight Them: Lessons for Children of All Ages
The Beauty of the King: Sermons for Children on the Riches of the Grace and the Wonders of the Love of Christ
Rills from the Fountain of Life: Good Words from God's Word for the Young
Heroes of the Reformation: Life-Changing Lessons for the Young
The King's Highway: The Ten Commandments Explained to the Young
The Life of Jesus Christ for the Young, Volume One
The Life of Jesus Christ for the Young: Volume Two
Bible Animals and the Lessons Taught by Them for Children

08/06/2025

Weekly Devotional Studies.

I’ve started writing devotionals drawn from the many books I continue to read, glean from each week, not only for my own sermon preparation, but also for my own spiritual growth. What began as a personal discipline has now been shared with our church family and with others who have asked for them. These devotionals are written for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom.

I'm certainly not a writer by trade, but I am a passionate and devoted reader, especially of the Bible, church history, and the rich writings of the Church Fathers and Puritans. I find deep joy in exploring historical theology and immersing myself in the wisdom of those who have gone before us in the faith. My heart is to take the profound truths I’ve learned and express them simply and clearly, in a way that encourages and equips the ordinary believer in the pew.

Reading is not merely a hobby for me, it is how I nourish my soul, deepen my convictions, and grow in grace.

I take courage from what Richard Baxter the Puritan wrote about reading the Best Books First:

“Make careful choice of the books which you read: let the Holy Scriptures ever have the preeminence… but next to them, the solid, lively, heavenly writings of the most godly men... Read the best books first; and when you are settled in the fundamental truths, then you may with safety read the others.”~ Christian Directory

And as Martin Luther, the Reformer wrote: “You should read not all books but the best ones, and repeat the best often. A good book deserves to be read more than once. A bad book is not worth reading at all.”~ Table Talk

My goal, as expressed in my Statement of Purpose, is this:

“That I may know Him and make Him known, for the glory of God and the growth of His people.”

These daily devotionals exist to exalt Jesus Christ, proclaim the gospel of grace to the lost, and strengthen believers in sound doctrine and sincere devotion.

Rooted in Scripture, they aim to be Reformed, readable, reliable, and relevant—speaking the truth in love, reaching the heart, shaping the mind, and stirring the soul toward holiness and hope.(cf. Ephesians 4:15)

My earnest desire is to glorify God in Christ, edify the church in truth and love, and call all people to behold the beauty of the Lord.

“Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.”(cf. Colossians 1:28)

“Preaching is not the performance of an hour. It is the outflow of a life.” ~ John Owen.

"Whatever thy calling—be it sacred or secular—let it be adorned with the diligence of one who fears the Lord and serves Him faithfully." ~ Charles Bridges

"And whatever we do, whether in word or deed, let us do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Col 3:17)

Let this verse stir us to faithful stewardship under Christ, the Chief Shepherd.

In Christ,
Pastor Chester Chummie

03/06/2025

Voltaire in 1776 and His Relationship with the Bible

1. Historical Context: Voltaire in 1776, François-Marie Arouet, better known as Voltaire (1694–1778), was one of the most prominent figures of the Enlightenment, a French philosopher, satirist, and fierce critic of institutional religion, particularly the Roman Catholic Church. By 1776, Voltaire was 82 years old and living at Ferney, near the Swiss border, where he had become a kind of intellectual statesman and cultural icon. His influence had spread across Europe, and in that year, he even witnessed the early stages of the American Revolution, a movement influenced by Enlightenment ideals he championed.

2. Voltaire and the Bible: Admiration and Critique
Voltaire’s relationship with the Bible was complex and not one of devotional love, but rather philosophical and literary respect mixed with rationalist critique. He appreciated the Bible as a monument of ancient literature and valued its moral teachings, especially the ethics found in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount

However, he was deeply critical of:
* The supernatural elements of Scripture,
* The literal interpretation of the Bible,
* Its use to justify intolerance, war, and persecution, especially by the Church.

He once said: “The Bible. That is what fools have written, what imbeciles commend, what rogues teach and young children are made to learn by heart.”

Yet he also wrote:“We owe to the Jews a respect for their Scriptures, for from them Christianity sprang.”

This demonstrates intellectual respect for the Bible’s historical and cultural role, but not personal religious devotion.

3. The Famous Misquote: Voltaire and the Bible in 100 Years. A widely circulated legend claims that Voltaire once said, “In 100 years, the Bible will be a forgotten book found only in museums.” This is likely apocryphal. Ironically, 50 years after his death, the Geneva Bible Society reportedly purchased Voltaire’s former home in Ferney to distribute Bibles, but this too is probably mythologized.

The truth is that Voltaire never predicted the Bible’s demise so simplistically. Instead, he believed that reason and science would eventually replace superstition and religious dogma. He saw the Bible as both a source of ethical insight and a document distorted by religious institutions.

4. Did Voltaire 'Love the Bible'? In a devotional or theological sense, no, Voltaire did not love the Bible. He loved liberty, reason, and human dignity, and where he saw those values reflected in Scripture (especially in Christ's moral teachings), he gave measured appreciation. But he did not believe the Bible to be divinely inspired in the orthodox Christian sense.

5. Legacy: The Enlightenment and the Bible. Voltaire’s work helped provoke a broader critical engagement with the Bible, paving the way for modern biblical scholarship, historical criticism, and greater religious toleration. Ironically, while he intended to weaken Christianity’s power, his critiques also forced the Church to reform, clarify doctrine, and engage reason more seriously.

In Conclusion
In 1776, Voltaire stood as a towering Enlightenment figure, sharp in wit, skeptical of religious authority, yet intellectually respectful of the Bible’s influence. He did not “love” the Bible in a devotional sense, but he engaged it seriously, seeking to strip away superstition while preserving the moral ideals that uplift humanity. His legacy remains as a catalyst for both criticism and appreciation of the Scriptures.

6. Some Reformed and Puritan Reflections on Voltaire from: John Witherspoon (1723–1794):
“Voltaire is an example of how wit and learning, untempered by divine truth, lead not to enlightenment but to deeper spiritual blindness.”
Jonathan Edward's (1703–1758): “The pretensions of such men as Voltaire, who with one hand flatter reason and with the other scorn the revelation of God, will not stand before the majesty of divine truth.”Thomas Scott (1747–1821): “The mockeries of Voltaire and his company may amuse the profane, but they cannot silence the voice of conscience or suppress the power of the Scriptures.” John Newton,(1725–1807): “Voltaire endeavored to bury the Bible, but he only succeeded in showing how precious it must be, that even the wit of France could not extinguish its light.”

In 1776, Voltaire stood as a towering Enlightenment figure—sharp in wit, skeptical of religious authority, yet intellectually respectful of the Bible’s influence. He did not “love” the Bible in a devotional sense, but he engaged it seriously, seeking to strip away superstition while preserving the moral ideals that uplift humanity. His legacy remains as a catalyst for both criticism and appreciation of the Scriptures.

Sol I Deo Gloria
Chester Chummie,

28/05/2025

“I have got infinitely more in my work from prayer than from the study and know much more help from the assistance of the Spirit than from books.”~ George Gillespie

In his ‘Story of the Scottish Church,’ Thomas McCrie records an account of the last days of the life of George Gillespie as he drew near to death in 1648 at the age of just thirty six. Gillespie lacked a sense of heart assurance but held firm to the promises of God saying, ‘though the Lord has not allowed me comfort, I shall yet believe that my beloved is mine, and I am his.’ One of his brethren who visited asked him what counsel he would give upon his death to those who were left behind and he answered, ‘I have this to say, that I have got infinitely more in my work from prayer than from study, and know much more help from the assistance of the Spirit than from books.’ McCrie then quotes Woodrow ‘and yet it is well known that he was an indefatigable student.’

Gillespie was born in 1613 in Kircaldy, Fife, the son of John Gillespie who was the parish minister there from 1612. After studying at St. Andrews University and being licensed for the ministry he did not proceed to ordination because he could not in conscience submit to ordination at the hands of the bishops of that day. At this time, he took up various posts in tutoring which in God’s Providence brought him to the household of Lord and Lady Kenmure, and through them into the close acquaintance of Samuel Rutherford. Together they spent much time together in prayer and study and would become lifelong friends. In 1638, the year of the second Reformation in Scotland when the Church threw off the yoke of her episcopal bo***ge, Gillespie was ordained to the ministry. Such was his learning that he was sent in 1642 (along with Rutherford) as a commissioner to the Westminster Assembly. The four years he spent in London were to leave a deep impression not only upon the minds of the members of the Assembly but upon the Westminster documents themselves.

He had only just arrived when Thomas Goodwin was making his case for Independent Church government. Alexander Henderson directed the Prolocutor to call Gillespie to reply and though unprepared and reluctant to speak, at length he agreed and in a ninety-minute response he refuted the claims of the Independents. Later the renowned English jurist and scholar John Selden spoke to advocate for Erastianism and such was his speech that the Presbyterians wondered who would be able to make their reply. Samuel Rutherford knew of one and turning to his young friend said, ‘Rise up George, and defend the right of the Lord Jesus to govern, by his own laws, the Church which Christ hath purchased with His own blood.’ Arise he did, and when he was finished Selden himself testified: “This young man, by this single speech, has swept away the learning and labour of my life.” All the while Selden had been speaking, Gillespie was seen scribbling notes on a page. After his speech his friends desired to see what he had recorded and how he had structured his response but on the page they found written only, ‘Da Lucem Domine’ and other similar prayers, ‘Lord give light.’

On another occasion it was Gillespie’s prayer for light that gave light to the Assembly and to many generations since. When the Shorter Catechism was being prepared and the Divines came to the fourth question – What is God? They paused for prayer before attempting to answer such a question. Gillespie was called to lead the august body and Robert Ballie records that he addressed the almighty, ‘Lord, thou are infinite, eternal and unchanging in thy being, wisdom, power holiness, justice, goodness and truth.’ Upon concluding the prayer, its opening words were recorded and became that illustrious answer to the catechism question.

These examples take us back to those dying words, the dying words of one of the most significant theologians of the Scottish Church: ‘I have got infinitely more in my work from prayer than from the study and know much more help from the assistance of the Spirit than from books.’ Are these not words we need to hear again and again? We are sure Gillespie got much help from books and we would do well to imitate his enthusiastic labor and intensive study, but we should be equally aware that all this is nothing without prayer.

We have far more resources available to us that Gillespie did, but we do not seem to have the light that he had. Posting book stacks and reading lists on social media and working through these lists annually will not profit us if we do it prayerlessly, indeed if we do not give the chief place to prayer. Through the act of prayer, which is essentially contemplative, the Truth we wrestle to understand is turned over in our mind. More importantly, in answer to our prayers we receive the vital illumination of the Spirit who alone can lead us into an understanding of the Truth. Whatever a man knows of the truth intellectually he has not grasped it as he ought to have until the Sprit leads him into this understanding: ‘Open thou mine eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law!’ (Ps 119:18)

In Acts 6:4 the Apostles said, “but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and the ministry of the Word”. They gave priority to prayer. What later became a motto in the Christian Church — ora et labora, pray and work — is clearly exemplified in the whole ministry and dying testimony of that ‘noble youth’ George Gillespie. In this he has left a challenge to the servants of Christ in every generation.