THE late Mr. Philpot is well known in Free Presbyterian circles through the excellent sermons he left behind him. He was a clear and able experimental preacher. He laid all emphasis on the sovereign grace of God in Christ in saving ruined sinners from sin, death, and hell. We do not accept his views on baptism, but on the cardinal doctrine of justification by faith, and faith alone, Mr. Philpot, probably, resembles Rev. Archibald Cook more than any we ever read, on the absolute sovereignty of God in justifying a sinner through the righteousness of Christ. He was not a great theologian, like Calvin, John Owen, Charles Hodge, and Thomas Chalmers, but as an experimental preacher, he was second to none. Philpot’s sermon on Isaiah xviii. 5, 6, entitled “Winter afore Harvest,” is truly a masterpiece in experimental theology, depth of thought, pathos, faithfulness to the truth of God, in spirituality, simplicity of language, gospel flavour, scriptural logic, we have read few, if any, on the same lines that equal the above sermon. There are other most excellent sermons by the same author, but we may mention another famous sermon of his, entitled, “The heir of Heaven walking in darkness,” which is also a most refreshing sermon for tried souls, “who hunger and thirst after righteousness.”
There is a pamphlet by the same author entitled, Review of “Apocalyptic Sketches,” “Signs of the Times,” and “The Coming Struggle,” price 3d. post free. The above pamphlet is on the book of Revelation. We read it long ago, but after re-reading it recently we were struck with its applicable reasoning to present-day conditions. It is very instructive indeed, and suitable for old, and young people. Philpot is more like Rev. Lachlan Mackenzie, of Lochearron, in his cautious analogies, and reasoning than any one we have read on the events that may take place before the Millennium; only Philpot does not go so far as Mackenzie in propounding the opinion that the Pope shall remove his seat to Jerusalem before its final overthrow.
We do not advocate experimental preaching on all occasions, but the objection of modern preachers to experimental doctrines arises from another quarter. They cannot preach what they never experienced, unless it be “stolen water” to suit the occasion, which if the Lord’s people drink of such ‘water’ they must spew it out again! We advise all who love the gospel, and rejoice in its scrutinising light to secure copies of the above sermons, which are to be had in booklet form at the nominal price of 6d. each, post free, from Farnecombe and Sons, Ltd., 30 Imperial Buildings, Ludgate Circus, E.C.4.—James Macleod.