Perseverance...

[PuritanCovenanter]

I have been rereading things I have underlined in a book I am reading. I have also been thinking about perseverance and God's faithfulness. The following quote about Patrick Simson really struck me as I read it in the introduction a few weeks ago. This is about Patrick Simson who was George Gillispie's grandfather. He finished well and bore much fruit. He opposed even his Uncle Patrick Adamson in the Black Acts claiming we must not subscribe to institutions forbidden in scripture.

As an old man, Gillespie's grandfather was asked by a woman, "Sir what shall we say when news comes hereafter that Mr. Patrick Simson is become a bishop?" He paused a little, and answered, "Lady, I am a weak and sinful man, and also much given to the world, as any other, and dare not say but that I may be also easily drawn away to any evil course; but when that day comes, say that I confessed I had fallen away from Christ and from his truth in that point."

Oh that I could taste the kind of heart of such solid men. Truth will always be truth no matter where we end up. But Paul was persuaded of better things of us who are called. Christ is the author and finisher of our faith. He will complete it. For he has chosen us and not we him. He has ordained it that we should go forth and bear much fruit. Christ has ordained that that fruit should remain also. We see He did that as we still reap the benefits of this Reverend Patrick Simson's life. His grandson was one of the Scottish Commissioner's of the Westminster Assembly.