John
Davidson (1550-1604) was a Presbyterian minister in the Scottish town of
Prestonpans, East Lothian. Fervent in his preaching of the Gospel, he boldly
placed his life at risk for the cause of Christ. He is remembered for his
generosity as well as for the evident power of the Holy Spirit in his
ministry.
"Q.
What is this faith, that is the only instrument of this strait conjunction
between Christ crucified and us?
"A.
It is the sure persuasion of the heart, that Christ by his death and
resurrection hath taken away our sins, and, clothing us with his own
righteousness, has thoroughly restored us to the favour of God."
Mr.
John Davidson's Catechism, p. 46.
"Q.
What is faith?
"A.
It is an hearty assurance, that our sins are freely forgiven us in Christ. Or
after this manner: It is the hearty receiving of Christ offered in the
preaching of the word and sacraments, by the working of the Holy Spirit, for
the remission of sins, whereby he becomes one with us, and we one with him, he
our head, and we his members."
Mr.
John Davidson's Catechism, p. 24.
Reference
The
Marrow of Modern Divinity (part I. The Covenant of Works & The Covenant of
Grace), by Edward Fisher, with notes by Thomas Boston. The above lines were
quoted by Mr Boston.
