"Therapeutica Sacra" by David Dickson is a profound theological exploration of the spiritual ailments of the conscience and the divine remedies provided through the covenants of God. Initially published in the 1600s, this work remains a treasure for its deep pastoral sensitivity and scriptural insight into the nature of regeneration and the believer's experience of grace.
The book unfolds across three parts: the first lays a foundation of understanding the human conscience and the biblical concept of regeneration; the second addresses the believers' doubts and struggles with sin through the lens of God's redemptive promises; and the third exhorts believers to caution against common spiritual pitfalls and to diligently pursue sanctification. Dickson's discourse on the three divine covenants-Redemption, Works, and Grace-serves as the backbone of his argument, illustrating how these eternal agreements provide a framework for understanding God's relationship with humanity.
Dickson particularly emphasizes the Covenant of Redemption, a pre-temporal agreement within the Trinity to save a chosen people, showing its central role in the stability and assurance of the believer's faith. By understanding these covenants, Christians gain a firmer grasp of their eternal security and the robustness of God's promises.
This work is meticulously crafted to address the tender consciences of troubled saints, applying scriptural balm to soothe and restore. Dickson combines rigorous theology with a pastor's heart, making "Therapeutica Sacra" a vital resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of God's sovereign grace and its implications for personal holiness and comfort. This book is particularly suited for those wrestling with doubts about their salvation, seeking assurance in the face of spiritual despondency, or desiring a deeper theological grounding in the works of a prominent Reformation theologian.