Patrick's Places: Patrick Hamilton’s Distinction Between Law and Gospel, Faith and Works

by Patrick Hamilton, Don Matzat (Editor), Jordan McKinley (Introduction)

Patrick Hamilton was a Scottish Reformer who, at the age of 23, was the first martyr of the Reformation in Scotland. While studying in Germany, Patrick was influenced by the teachings of Martin Luther and Philip Melanchthon, particularly Luther's "Freedom of a Christian Man" and Melanchthon's "Loci Communes" or "Common Places in Theology." Under the tutelage of Francis Lambert at the University of Marburg, Patrick authored a treatise for discussion and disputation which he named after Melanchthon's "Common Places." Hamilton's good friend John Frith translated Patrick's work from the Latin and named it "Patrick's Places." In this little treatise, Master Patrick profoundly elucidates the distinction between the Law and the Gospel, faith and works by way of eighteen propositions proven via deductive reasoning. This work is taken from volume eight of John Foxe's "Acts and Monuments," better known as "The Book of Martyrs." Foxe adds an introduction and a very valuable commentary on "Patrick's Places." A brief biography of Patrick Hamilton by Lutheran Pastor Jordan McKinley is also included. McKinley, a Scotsman, regards Patrick Hamilton as one of his "fathers in the faith." Every Christian will gain great benefit by reading and meditating upon "Patrick's Places."

86 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 8, 2019

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Reviews

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a reason why this book has survived nearly 500 years and John Foxe included it in his Book of Martyrs. It is sets out the Law and the Gospel, their differences and uses simply as well as clearly.

All Christians should read this book especially preachers. It is a voice from the earliest days of the Scottish Reformation that needs to be heard to-day.

[Matt Heintz · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is tempting to wonder what Patrick Hamilton might have become, had his life not been cut so short. What impact might he have had on the Scottish Reformation? What books might he have written, or sermons could he have preached? But, in the providence of God, Patrick was martyred at the age of 23(ish) in the late 1520s. However his one published book (that I know of) written around the age of 21 still stands as a work worthy of attention in the modern church. In a manner that is remarkably straightforward, and precisely logical, Hamilton outlines the basic beliefs of Protestantism in an accessible way. The book exalted Christ, and clarified the gospel at a time when it was desperately needed. All in all, it is a book I would highly recommend, not just for those interested in church history, but for those who love the good news of Jesus Christ.

[Henry Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

God bless Patrick Hamilton, the eloquent, intelligent young reformer who put his life on the pyre of martyrdom. His short life and actions testify to his true faith in the true gospel of Jesus Christ, which proclaims the good news of His death and resurrection and the free gift of salvation to us all.

Although Hamilton had barely completed his teenage years when he wrote this little book, it still manages to explain the crucial distinction between law and gospel, works and faith, in a way that’s lucid, enlightening, and true. I also learned several new things from him (and also from John Foxe’s wonderful commentary, which is almost the same length as Hamilton’s text), including the distinction but intimate connection between faith and hope, that evil works aren’t done by faith at all, that the Golden Rule depends upon self-reflection, that no works make us righteous or unrighteous, and that in fact whoever believes they can be saved by their works not only misunderstands the gospel but also actively disbelieves in the singular saving power of Christ and instead takes pride in their own power. “He that desires to be saved by his works calls himself Christ.” What an interesting expression! He shows clearly how a Christian cannot do good works for the sake of his own reward or salvation because doing so would be an insult to the grace of Christ. Instead, Christians do good works because they are good, and because God loved them first.

John Foxe points out that those who conflate the law and gospel “take away the sun out of the world” by discrediting the amazing grace and love of God. He shows that when we read the New Testament, we should read passages of the Law with the grain of salt that Christ has forgiven us of the sins which He points out to us.

All in all a wonderful short read that carries in it the truth of the world.