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David Dickson

David Dickson

4 Sermons

David Dickson (c. 1583 – December 1662) was a Scottish preacher and theologian whose ministry profoundly shaped the Church of Scotland during the 17th century. Born in Glasgow to John Dick or Dickson, a prosperous merchant, and an unnamed mother, he was their only child after many years of marriage. Initially intended for a mercantile career, he instead pursued theology at the University of Glasgow, earning an M.A. around 1601 and serving as a Regent of Philosophy until 1618, when he was ordained minister of Irvine, Ayrshire. Dickson’s preaching career was marked by his fervent opposition to Episcopacy and the Five Articles of Perth, leading to his summons before the High Commission in 1622 and temporary banishment to Turriff, Aberdeenshire. Returning to Irvine, he played a key role in the Stewarton revival (c. 1625–1630), earning a reputation for powerful gospel preaching. He became Professor of Divinity at Glasgow University in 1640 and later at Edinburgh University in 1650, also serving as Moderator of the General Assembly in 1639 and 1652. A leader among the Resolutioners during the church’s division, he co-authored The Sum of Saving Knowledge and wrote Therapeutica Sacra. Married to Margaret Roberton in 1617, he had four sons—John, James, David, and Alexander—and died in Edinburgh at age 79, buried on December 31, 1662, leaving a legacy of Reformed theology and pastoral care.

Sermons
Bio

The Sum of Saving Knowledge - Heads

HOS 13:9MAT 22:14JHN 3:16ROM 5:8ROM 8:30EPH 1:4EPH 2:8TIT 3:5HEB 9:15

David Dickson preaches on the four heads of The Sum of Saving Knowledge: the woeful condition of all men by nature due to breaking the covenant of works, the remedy provided in Jesus Christ through the covenant of grace, the means appointed for believers to partake in this covenant, and the blessings effectively conveyed to the elect through these means. The sermon emphasizes the eternal decrees of God, the covenant of works, the covenant of redemption, the threefold office of Christ as Prophet, Priest, and King, the outward means of the covenant of grace, and the inward change and blessings experienced by the Lord's elect.

The Sum of Saving Knowledge - the Use of Saving Knowledge

ISA 55:3JHN 16:8ROM 8:1ROM 10:82TH 1:72PE 1:10

David Dickson preaches on the practical use of saving knowledge contained in Scripture, emphasizing the chief general use of Christian doctrine to convince individuals of sin, righteousness, and judgment through the law or covenant of works and the gospel or covenant of grace. The sermon delves into the importance of understanding the covenant of works and the covenant of grace, highlighting the impossibility of finding righteousness through one's own works and the necessity of fleeing to Jesus Christ for eternal life. It also explores the concept of judgment, both for believers who embrace the covenant of grace and for those who reject it, emphasizing the consequences of not believing in Christ.

The Sum of Saving Knowledge - Warrants and Motives to Believe.

ISA 55:1JHN 3:362CO 5:141JN 3:23

David Dickson preaches about the four Warrants and special Motives to believe in Christ, emphasizing God's hearty invitation to all sinners, the open offer of Christ's grace, the solid satisfaction found in Christ, and the assurance of life given to those who believe. He also highlights the earnest request for reconciliation with God, the strait and awful command to believe in Christ, and the certification of destruction for those who disobey. Dickson encourages believers to strengthen their faith by reasoning from the grounds of God's love, the promise of everlasting life, and the consequences of rejecting Christ.

The Sum of Saving Knowledge - Evidences of True Faith

MAT 5:16JHN 15:51TI 1:52PE 1:5

David Dickson preaches about the evidences of true faith, emphasizing the believer's obligation to keep the moral law, the importance of growing in godliness and righteousness, the necessity of obedience to the law through faith in Christ, and the significance of maintaining close communion with Jesus to bear good fruits.