William Symington: Penman of the Scottish Covenanters

by Roy Blackwood and Michael LeFebvre

Most Americans are unfamiliar with the name of William Symington. An accomplished pastor in his own right, Symington became known during the 19th century as the historian and heir of the legacy of the 17th century Scottish covenanters. He not only composed the standard text of the Scottish Reformation, he actively labored to see its teachings applied in his own day. He pressed the implications of Christ's kingly reign upon the matters of civil government as well as its implications on the affairs of the church. He provided both exposition and example of how Christ's mediatorial dominion affects every area of life.

 

This book is organized into two parts. The first part introduces the life and work of William Symington. The second part discusses two of Symington's most important writings: his 1834 work on the priesthood of Christ, On the Atonement and Intercession of Jesus Christ; and his 1839 work on the kingship of Christ, Messiah the Prince or, On the Mediatorial Dominion of Jesus Christ. The difficulties faced in obtaining copies of these books coupled with the fact that most modern readers are not accustomed to reading books from the 19th century makes this summary of Symington by Roy Blackwood and Michael LeFebvre such a welcome and necessary volume.

 

It is commonly said that a Christian has two avenues of witness: "walks" and "talks." William Symington: Penman of the Scottish Covenanters is an introduction to the Christian witness of both the walk (his life, Part One of the book) and the talk (his writings, Part Two of the book) of William Symington. Even though he lived 150 years ago, his witness is as relevant and practical for the 21st century as it was for the 19th. While the end of 20th century brought much attention to "worldview thinking," precious little attention was given to "worldview living." This book shows one example of how "walks" and "talks" should go together.

 

Endorsements:

"Roy Blackwood's revival of the life and work of William Symington offers profound insight for those seeking to remain true to Christ in a drifting age like ours. Especially on the topics of the atonement and the kingship of Christ, Symington's works are lost treasures. Dr. Blackwood is uniquely gifted in relating the struggles and triumphs of prior generations to those that we face today, and pastors and laymen alike will be greatly enlightened and strengthened by this excellent study."
- Rick Phillips (Senior Pastor, Second Presbyterian Church, Greenville, SC)

"I had a burning question 35 years ago: How could I apply my new Christian faith to every story I was assigned, as a news reporter for the Associated Press? I found a big part of the answer in Dr. Roy Blackwood's thesis on the doctrine of Christ's kingship over all areas of life. Now I am very thankful that Michael LeFebvre has made it accessible to a wider audience. Many Christians write and speak these days about the kingdom of Christ. Dr. Blackwood has spelled the doctrine in fascinating detail, tracing it through the history of the church." —Russ Pulliam (Associate Editor, Indianapolis Star)

"This book rewards the reader in numerous ways. It is part historical theology, part systematic theology, part biblical theology, and part spiritual biography. With great acumen it distills the two major works of William Symington into easily digestible portions. But it doesn't simply nourish the mind; it also nourishes the soul because it unfolds the reality of the twin glories of Christ's atoning work and boundless kingship. Finally, it reminds us that doctrine must be lived by implicitly challenging us to follow in the faithful footsteps of men like William Symington and Roy Blackwood by seeking first the kingdom of God in every realm of our lives." —Anthony Selvaggio (Minister, RPC, North America)

Paperback; 312 pages