The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul:
the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart:
the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever:
the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. (Psalm 19:7-9)

The Bible is the statute-book of God's Kingdom, wherein is comprised the whole body of the heavenly law, the perfect rules of a holy life, and the sure promises of a glorious one. -- Ezekiel Hopkins

The Scripture is the library of the Holy Ghost; it is a pandect of divine knowledge, an exact model and platform of religion. The Scripture contains in it the credenda, 'the things which we are to believe,' and the agenda, 'the things which we are to practice.' -- Thomas Watson (1620-1686)

Contents

Contents: Chapter 1, "The Foundation of Biblical Counsel," (parts 1 and 2), interactive
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1cha.html#index1

Combined Interactive Contents for The Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal
http://www.lettermen2.com/combtoc.html

Chapter 1 (part 2)
The Foundation of Biblical Counsel

The Holy Spirit

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And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:16,17)

But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:26,27)

But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, [even] the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:26)

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
Of sin, because they believe not on me;
Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 16:7-11)

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 16:13)

And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
Of sin, because they believe not on me;
Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you.
All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 16:8-15)

Ask and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:7,8)

Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. (1 John 4:13)

Peter teaches us how we are sprinkled with the blood of Christ, viz., through the Spirit, (1 Peter 1:2); nay, John shews us in his Canonical Epistle, that we find all the parts of this ceremony in Christ, where he writes that Christ came by water and blood, and it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. (1 John 5:6.)" -- John Calvin commenting on Numbers 29:6
[1]This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; [2]not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the [3]Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. (1 John 5:6, AKJV)
(1)He proveth the excellency of Christ, in whom only all things are given us by six witnesses, three heavenly, and three earthly, which wholly and fully agree together. The heavenly witnesses are: the Father who sent the Son, the word itself which became flesh, and the holy Ghost. The earthly witnesses are, water, (that is, our sanctification) blood, (that is, our justification) the Spirit, (that is, acknowledge of God the Father in Christ by faith through the testimony of the holy Ghost.)
(2)He warneth us not to separate water from blood, (that is, sanctification from justification, or righteousness begun, from righteousness imputed) for we stand not upon sanctification but so far forth as it is a witness of Christ's righteousness imputed unto us: and although this imputation of Christ's righteousness be never separated from sanctification, yet it is only the matter of our salvation.
(3)Our spirit, which is the third witness, testifies that the holy Ghost is truth; that is to say, that that is true which he telleth us, to wit, that we are the sons of God. -- Geneva Notes, 1599 Geneva Bible, Tolle Lege edition

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 4:24)

See the Theological Notes: "The Holy Spirit," at John 14:26 in The Reformation Study Bible.

So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:8-18)

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. (Romans 8:16-23)

See the Theological Notes: "The Authentication of Scripture," at 2 Corinthians 4:6 in The Reformation Study Bible.
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6)

See the Theological Notes: "Illumination and Conviction," at 1 Corinthians 2:10 in The Reformation Study Bible.
But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. (1 Corinthians 2:10,11)

See the Theological Notes: "Sanctification: The Spirit and the Flesh," at 1 Corinthians 6:11 in The Reformation Study Bible.

See the Theological Notes: "Effectual Calling and Conversion," at 2 Thessalonians 2:14 in The Reformation Study Bible.

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 6:63)

See the Theological Notes: "The Holy Spirit," at John 14:26 in The Reformation Study Bible.

We must now see in what way we become possessed of the blessings which God has bestowed on his only-begotten Son, not for private use, but to enrich the poor and needy. And the first thing to be attended to is, that so long as we are without Christ and separated from him, nothing which he suffered and did for the salvation of the human race is of the least benefit to us. To communicate to us the blessings which he received from the Father, he must become ours and dwell in us. Accordingly, he is called our Head, and the firstborn among many brethren, while, on the other hand, we are said to be engrafted into him and clothed with him, all which he possesses being, as I have said, nothing to us until we become one with him. And although it is true that we obtain this by faith, yet since we see that all do not indiscriminately embrace the offer of Christ which is made by the gospel, the very nature of the case teaches us to ascend higher, and inquire into the secret efficacy of the Spirit, to which it is owing that we enjoy Christ and all his blessings. . . . . Christ came by water and blood, as the Spirit testifies concerning him, that we might not lose the benefits of the salvation which he has purchased. For as there are said to be three witnesses in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Spirit, so there are also three on the earth, namely, water, blood, and Spirit. It is not without cause that the testimony of the Spirit is twice mentioned, a testimony which is engraven on our hearts by way of seal, and thus seals the cleansing and sacrifice of Christ. For which reason, also, Peter says, that believers are elect . . . through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ, (1 Peter 1:2). By these words he reminds us, that if the shedding of his sacred blood is not to be in vain, our souls must be washed in it by the secret cleansing of the Holy Spirit. For which reason, also, Paul, speaking of cleansing and purification, says, but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God, (1 Corinthians 6:11). The whole comes to this that the Holy Spirit is the bond by which Christ effectually binds us to himself. -- John Calvin, Institutes of the Christians Religion, Book III, Chapter 1, Sec. 1.

The Spirit, says our Lord, Shall convince the world of sin, that they believe not in me, -- i.e., He will convince men that they are sinners -- especially that they are sinners in not believing in me." The doctrine and the law of Christ cannot be received, except by those who are persuaded that they are sinners -- guilty and depraved creatures -- exposed to God's righteous displeasure -- unfit for God's holy fellowship. The Gospel is throughout a restorative economy, and, therefore, can be understood, valued, accepted, only by those who are aware that the lost condition, for which such an economy is required and intended, is theirs. It is because men are, to so limited an extent, convinced of sin, of what sin in -- how heinous in its nature, how fearful in its consequences, -- and that they are sinners, that Christianity cannot obtain even a fair hearing. Convince a man that he is a sinner, and then, and not till then, will he have much curiosity to listen to what is said about a Saviour -- much disposition to inquire into the truth of what is said about him -- to ponder at once the meaning and the evidence of the testimony.
This is the radical part of the Spirit's convincing process; but he not only convinces of sin generally, but he convinces of sin in not believing in Christ. He fixes the mind so on the meaning and evidence of the truth respecting Christ, as to produce faith; and, in producing it, to lodge in the mind the conviction that, in not believing that truth, from the moment it was presented to it, there was sin, great sin; not mere intellectual mistake, but sin -- deep, aggravated sin -- the greatest sin man is capable of committing, -- indeed, a sin which, if persisted in, must end in hopeless perdition. . . . -- John Brown (of Edinburgh, 1784-1858), Discourses and Sayings of Our Lord Jesus Christ, III:415, 416

Christ's bodily presence is taken from the earth; he promised instead of it (which was but in one place at once), to send his Spirit, which is to the soul more than the sun's light to the eye, and can shine in all the world at once. This is his agent on earth, by whom (in teachers and learners), he carrieth on his saving work. This is his advocate, who pleadeth his cause effectually against unbelief, and fleshly lusts, and worldly wisdom. This is the well of living water, springing up in us to everlasting life; the name, the mark of God on souls; the divine regenerator, the author of God's holy image; and the divine nature, even divine life, and light, and love; the conqueror of the world and flesh, the strengthener of the weak, the confirmer of the wavering, the comforter of the sad, and the pledge, earnest, and firstfruits of everlasting life. O therefore pray earnestly for the Spirit of grace, and carefully obey him, and joyfully praise God, in the sense of his holy encouragement and help! -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)

The Five Marks of the Holy Spirit
I place these five grand marks of the Spirit's presence before my readers, and confidently claim attention to them. I believe they will bear inspection. I am not afraid of their being searched, criticized, and cross-examined.

1) Repentance toward God.
2) Faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
3) Holiness of heart and life.
4) Habits of real private prayer.
5) Love and reverence toward God's Word.

These are the real proofs of the indwelling of the Holy Ghost in a person's soul. Where He is, these marks will be seen. Where He is not, these marks will be lacking. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

*Bruner, Frederick Dale, A Theology of the Holy Spirit: The Pentecostal Experience and the New Testament Witness, ISBN: 0940931567 9780940931565.
"A THEOLOGY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT is an examination not only of the movement [Pentecostalism], but of the Scriptural basis it claims. Hailed by reviewers, this book is one of the best analyses of Pentecostalism written in the twentieth century. Dr. Gordon H. Clark called it 'masterly,' 'exceedingly well researched,' 'superb,' and a 'penetrating analysis.' No one, whether sympathetic or unsympathetic to the Pentecostal-Charismatic movement, should be without it." -- Publisher

*Buchanan, James (1804-1870), The Office and Work of the Holy Spirit. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Worthy of the best traditions of our Puritan fathers." -- B.B. Warfield

Gilbert, Marvin G. (editor), and Raymond T. Brock (editor), The Holy Spirit and Counseling, ISBN: 0913573140 9780913573143.

*Goodwin, Thomas (1600-1680), The Work of the Holy Spirit in our Salvation, ISBN: 0851512798. Available in THE WORKS OF THOMAS GOODWIN, vol. 6.
"These two great writers [comparing Goodwin, THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN OUR SALVATION, and Owen, THE HOLY SPIRIT -- compiler], were called the 'atlases of independency' by Wood. But beyond this they could well have been called giants among all men of their age. Goodwin was a genius at penetrating to the bottom of points, at isolating differences, and then resolving matters to the satisfaction of nearly everyone. Goodwin and Owen were both excellent expositors. Goodwin interpreted by the insight of a renewed heart, Owen by the patient and prayerful study of words and phrases. Both, along with Baxter, were great preachers: Owen to the understanding, Baxter to the conscience, and Goodwin to the heart. Baxter and Owen were not cordial to one another, but both esteemed Goodwin. Baxter and Goodwin were both successful evangelists. In an age of bitter controversy hardly another man can be found who succeeded in gaining the respect of all his opponents, as did Goodwin; and he still speaks to the minds and hearts of men through his writings. These two books complement one another. Together they form a definitive answer to virtually every book concerning the Holy Spirit which has appeared since these two were written in the 17th century . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Goodwin, Thomas, The Works of Thomas Goodwin, vol. 6, ISBN: 0851512798 9780851512792.
Goodwin, Thomas, The Work of the Holy Spirit in our Salvation.
The Works of Thomas Goodwin
http://archive.org/details/worksofthomasgoo01good

*Kuyper, Abraham, The Work of the Holy Spirit. A Christian classic.
"One of the most important and comprehensive contributions to the study of this great theme." -- William J. Grier

*Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), Growing in the Spirit: Assurance of our Salvation (John 17:20-26) [John 17:20-26], ISBN: 0891075356 9780891075356.
"The late preacher of righteousness, Lloyd-Jones, was a pastor of Westminster Chapel in London. He has authored many truly good books. This is a study of John 17:17-24, the marvelous prayer of the Lord Jesus for His own. And the theme is that in these verses we can find much assurance of our salvation. The author points out that though we are sanctified, set apart, from eternity, and begin to see its effects upon our New Birth, yet sanctification is a life-long process in which we are given a part to play. For we must respond to the leading of God the Spirit in a very personal way. The practical instructions of The Doctor, as the author was called, are plain and easily understood. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)

Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), Joy Unspeakable: Power and Renewal in the Holy Spirit, ISBN: 085476514X 9780854765140.
"The world is not going to pay much attention to all the organized efforts of the Christian church. The one thing she will pay attention to is a body of people filled with a spirit of rejoicing. 'When the Holy Spirit is operating, this is the inevitable result, a joy which is unspeakable and full of glory,' so writes 'the Doctor!' J.I. Packer states that 'anyone who is spiritually alive will gain enormously from this magisterial and challenging recall to the inner realities of true Christian experience'." -- GCB

*Lloyd-Jones, David Martyn (1899-1981), Life in the Spirit in Marriage, Home and Work: An Exposition of Ephesians 5:18 -- 6:9 [Ephesians 5:18 -- Ephesians 6:9], ISBN: 080105799X 9780801057991.

*Martin, Hugh (1822-1885), The Abiding Presence, ISBN: 0310289211 9780310289210.
"Focuses on the presence of Christ in the world and in the believer. These deeply devotional studies expound a facet of Christology and illustrate the way in which a believer is conformed to the image of Christ." -- Cyril J. Barber
"Prof. John Duncan said this book is fitted to promote 'both the doctrine which is according to godliness and the godliness which is according to doctrine'." -- William J. Grier

Mills, Watson E., The Holy Spirit: A Bibliography, ISBN: 0913573914 9780913573914.
"It collects an amazing assortment of books, journal articles, dissertations, articles in Festschriften, and collections of essays on the Holy Spirit -- all arranged alphabetically with subject and Scripture indexes too." -- CBD

*Owen, John (1616-1683), The Holy Spirit, ISBN: 0851511252 9780851511252. Alternate title: HOLY SPIRIT GIFTS AND POWER: EXPOSITION OF THE SPIRIT'S NAME, NATURE, PERSONALITY, DISPENSATION, OPERATIONS AND EFFECTS. A Christian classic.
"Contains: Work of the Holy Spirit, His name, personality, operations, effects, work in regeneration, in the Old Testament, work on the mind, in sanctification, mortification of sin, and more."
John Newton calls Owen's discourse on the Holy Spirit, "An epitome, if not the masterpiece of his writings."
"Goodwin (THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN OUR SALVATION), and Owen were both excellent expositors. Goodwin interpreted by the insight of a renewed heart, Owen by the patient and prayerful study of words and phrases. . . . These two books complement one another. Together they form a definitive answer to virtually every book concerning the Holy Spirit which has appeared since these two were written in the 17th century . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)

*Owen, John (1616-1683), Holy Spirit Gifts and Power: Exposition of the Spirit's Name, Nature, Personality, Dispensation, Operations and Effects, volume 3 of Owen's WORKS. Alternate title: DISCOURSE ON THE HOLY SPIRIT: HIS NAME, NATURE, PERSONALITY, DISPENSATION, OPERATIONS, AND EFFECT, ISBN: 0851511252 9780851511252. A Christian classic.
"One of the outstanding books of all time. Presents a learned and spiritual analysis of the names and titles of the Spirit, His nature and personality, and His varied works and influence." -- Cyril J. Barber
Owen, John (1616-1683), Holy Spirit Gifts and Power.
http://archive.org/details/discourseconcern00owenuoft

Owen, John (1616-1683), I. A Treatise on the Holy Spirit and his Operations, and II. An Exposition on the 130th Psalm (Xenia, OH: The Board of the Calvinistic Book Concern). Alternate title: CALVINISTIC FAMILY LIBRARY, VOL. 4.

Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), The Holy Spirit in Evangelical Life.
Audio cassette JPR02. [audio file]

Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), The Holy Spirit in Evangelical Revival (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette JPR03 [audio file].

Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), Keep in Step With the Spirit, ISBN: 0801066751 9780801066757.
"An important book on the Holy Spirit by one of today's foremost theologians. Combines sound theology with a life-changing practical emphasis as well. Some of the chapters are: Getting the Spirit in Focus; Holy Spirit in the Bible; Version of Holiness; Interpreting the Charismatic Life; Come Holy Spirit; and an appendix on Romans chapter 7." -- GCB

*Pink, Arthur W. (1886-1952), The Holy Spirit, ISBN: 0801068509 9780801068508.
"There is a general omission in the saints of God, in their not giving the Holy Spirit that glory that is due to His Person and for His great work of salvation in us, insomuch that we have in our hearts almost forgotten this third Person." -- Thomas Goodwin

Ram, Bernard L., The Witness of the Spirit: An Essay on the Contemporary Relevance of the Internal Witness of the Holy Spirit.

*Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), The Trial and Triumph of Faith, ISBN: 0851518060 9780851518060. Alternate title: THE TRIAL AND TRIUMPH OF FAITH: OR, AN EXPOSITION OF THE HISTORY OF CHRIST'S DISPOSSESSING OF THE DAUGHTER OF THE WOMAN OF CANAAN, DELIVERED IN SERMONS; . . . BY SAMUEL RUTHERFURD (sic). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #10, #29.
"Sermons preached first in Anwoth, and thereafter, in London on the story of the Syrophenician woman. Anyone familiar with Rutherford knows that his work is calculated for great advantage to those who are advanced in the faith. This work was originally published (1645), as Innes writes, in a 'time which those who seek to occupy his (Rutherford's) exact standpoint have always looked back to as not only the one golden age of the Church of Scotland, but as the only time when the world around it seemed prepared to join in its triumph'." (adapted from Johnston, Treasury of the Scottish Covenant, p. 306) -- Publisher
"This work was first published in 1645, one year after his LEX, REX. Spurgeon described this great man thus: 'What a wealth of spiritual ravishment we have here! Rutherford is beyond all praise of men. Like a strong winged eagle he soars into the highest heaven and with unblenched eye he looks into the mystery of love divine'." -- GCB
Rutherford (Rutherfurd), Samuel, The Trial and Triumph of Faith
http://www.truecovenanter.com/rutherford/rutherford_trial_and_triumph_of_faith.html

*Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635), Thomas Goodwin (1600-1680), Philip Nye (1596-1672), and William Marshall (fl. 1617-1650), A Fountain Sealed: or, The Duty of the Sealed to the Spirit, and the Worke of the Spirit in Sealing. Wherein Many Things are handled about the Holy Spirit, and grieving of it: as also of assurance and sealing what it is, the privileges and degrees of it, with the signes to discerne, and meanes to preserve it. Being the substance of divers sermons preached at Grayes Inne. By that reverend divine, Richard Sibbes, D.D. and sometimes preacher to that honourable society, 1637. Available (THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES), on the Puritan Hard Drive.

Smeaton, George, The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit, ISBN: 0851511872. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Smeaton covers: Doctrine of the Trinity, personality and procession of the Holy Spirit, work of the Spirit in anointing of Christ, inspiration and revelation, regenerating work of the Spirit, the Spirit of holiness, and an important 125-page historical survey of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit." -- GCB

*Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Jesus Christ Himself. (Ephesians 2:20) A sermon by C.H. Spurgeon delivered on Lord's-day morning, December 9, 1877, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon no. 1388.
"Beyond all argument or miracle, Jesus Christ Himself is the proof of His own Gospel. And as He is the proof of it, so, Beloved, He is the marrow and essence of it. When the Apostle Paul meant that the Gospel was preached, He said, Christ is preached, for the Gospel is Christ Himself! If you want to know what Jesus taught, know Him! He is the incarnation of that Truth of God which by Him and in Him is revealed to the sons of men. Did He not, Himself say, I am the way, the truth, and the life?
"You have not to take down innumerable books, nor to pore over mysterious sentences of double meaning in order to know what our great Teacher has revealed. You have but to turn and gaze upon His countenance, behold His actions and note His spirit and you know His teaching. He lived what He taught. If we wish to know Him, we may hear His gentle voice saying, Come and see. Study His wounds and you understand His innermost philosophy. To know Him and the power of His Resurrection is the highest degree of spiritual learning. He is the end of the Law and the soul of the Gospel -- and when we have preached His Word to the fullest, we may close by saying, Now, of the things which we have spoken, this is the sum -- we have an High Priest who is set on the right hand of the Throne of the Majesty in the heavens." -- C.H. Spurgeon
http://www.spurgeongems.org/vols22-24/chs1388.pdf

Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), The Mediator -- Judge and Saviour, a sermon by C.H. Spurgeon delivered on Lord's-day Morning, May 30, 1880, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon no. 1540.
Spurgeon carefully analyses Peter's sermon at Pentecost that brought about the visitation of the Holy Spirit.
http://www.spurgeongems.org/vols25-27/chs1540.pdf

*Thomas, William Henry Griffith, The Holy Spirit.
"While not accorded a place alongside John Owen's magisterial discussion of pneumatology, this work is nonetheless of inestimable value and far superior to other works of more recent vintage. It is also devout, inspiring, and practical. It contains messages delivered at Princeton Theological Seminary, 1913." -- Cyril J. Barber

Well, David F., God the Evangelist: How the Holy Spirit Works to Bring Men and Women to Faith, ISBN: 0802802710 9780802802712 0853644551 9780853644552.
"This book grew out of the Consultation on the Work of the Holy Spirit and Evangelization that took place in Norway in 1985. This study places the preaching and believing of the Gospel in the wider context of the Holy Spirit's work in creation, history, and the church." -- GCB

*Winslow, Octavius (1808-1878), The Work of the Holy Spirit, an Experimental and Practical View.
"A well-reasoned Biblically-oriented study. Clear and detailed, this book first done in 1840, covers the subject well. This book comes from a day when men spent more time studying the Bible and less time with their own novel ideas." -- GCB

See also: Fruit of the holy spirit, Gifts of the holy spirit, Holy Spirit and counseling, Words of christ appearing in biblical counsel: resources for renewal, Spiritual discernment, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 417, 1601-1614, 2154, 3140, 3634, 3803, 4165
TETB: The Holy Spirit . . .

Related Weblinks

The Holy Spirit (FGB #154)
The Withering Work of the Spirit | The Spirit Leading | George Mueller on the Holy Spirit | The Holy Spirit's Work -- A Must in our Salvation | Things in Which we Have Communion With the Holy Spirit
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/hspifg/holy-spirit-the

Justifying Faith
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1cha.html#justfaith

*The Love of the Spirit (FGB #173)
The Gospel of the Holy Spirit's Love, Bonar, Horatius, (1808-1889) | The Communion of the Holy Spirit in His Love, Owen, John (1616-1683) | The Love of the Spirit, Vaughan, C.R. | The Love of the Spirit, M'Crie, | The Tenderness of Spirit, Watson, George D. (1845-1892) | The Superlative Excellence of the Holy Spirit, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | The Spirit in us, Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889)
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/lotsfg/love-of-the-spirit-the

The Mediator -- Judge and Saviour
A sermon by C.H. Spurgeon delivered on Lord's-day morning, May 30, 1880, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon no. 1540.
Spurgeon carefully analyses Peter's sermon at Pentecost that brought about the visitation of the Holy Spirit.
http://www.spurgeongems.org/vols25-27/chs1540.pdf

Words of Christ Appearing in The Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappa.html.html

Fruit of the Holy Spirit

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But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22)

God the Father is called the God of peace (Hebrews 13:20), God the Son, the Prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6), God the Holy Ghost, the Spirit . . . of peace. (Ephesians 4:3) -- Thomas Watson (1620-1686)

Those that look to be happy must first look to be holy. -- Richard Sibbes

Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), Do you Radiate Him? (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette MLJ02 [audio file].

Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), Life of Joy: An Exposition of Philippians 1 and 2, [Philippians 2] ISBN: 0801056586 9780801056581.
"In his own inimitable style the author deftly weaves exegetical and theological insights with practical applications. Though these sermons were first preached in 1947 and 1948 they still speak to us today and address us in our present critical situation." -- GCB

*Lloyd-Jones, David Martyn (1899-1981), Life in the Spirit in Marriage, Home and Work: An Exposition of Ephesians 5:18 -- 6:9 [Ephesians 5:18 -- Ephesians 6:9], ISBN: 080105799X 9780801057991.

*Sanderson, John W., The Fruit of the Spirit.
"A Biblical study of genuine character growth in the life of the Christian, as set forth in Galatians 5." -- Publisher

*Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Jesus Christ Himself. (Ephesians 2:20) A sermon by C.H. Spurgeon delivered on Lord's-day morning, December 9, 1877, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon no. 1388.
"Beyond all argument or miracle, Jesus Christ Himself is the proof of His own Gospel. And as He is the proof of it, so, Beloved, He is the marrow and essence of it. When the Apostle Paul meant that the Gospel was preached, He said, Christ is preached, for the Gospel is Christ Himself! If you want to know what Jesus taught, know Him! He is the incarnation of that Truth of God which by Him and in Him is revealed to the sons of men. Did He not, Himself say, I am the way, the truth, and the life?
"You have not to take down innumerable books, nor to pore over mysterious sentences of double meaning in order to know what our great Teacher has revealed. You have but to turn and gaze upon His countenance, behold His actions and note His spirit and you know His teaching. He lived what He taught. If we wish to know Him, we may hear His gentle voice saying, Come and see. Study His wounds and you understand His innermost philosophy. To know Him and the power of His Resurrection is the highest degree of spiritual learning. He is the end of the Law and the soul of the Gospel -- and when we have preached His Word to the fullest, we may close by saying, Now, of the things which we have spoken, this is the sum -- we have an High Priest who is set on the right hand of the Throne of the Majesty in the heavens." -- C.H. Spurgeon
http://www.spurgeongems.org/vols22-24/chs1388.pdf

See also: The Holy Spirit, Gifts of the Holy Spirit, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 1337

Gifts of the Holy Spirit

---

See the Theological Notes: "Gifts and Ministries," at Ephesians 4:7 in The Reformation Study Bible.

Some of the gifts are connected with the proclamation of the Word and the preserving and inculcating of the truth (prophecy, Romans 12:6; 1 Corinthians 12:10; discerning of spirits, 1 Corinthians 12:10; 1 John 4:1; teaching, Romans 12:7; 1 Corinthians 12:28; tongues and their interpretation, 1 Corinthians 12:10,28,30; miracles, 12:10,28,29; the word of wisdom and the word of knowledge, 12:8); others have to do with rendering service, some of it quite mundane in character, to the Christian brotherhood (healing, 1 Corinthians 12:9,28,30; governments, 12:28; helps, 12:28). The scope of these gifts illustrates that according to the New Testament, the Spirit animates the whole Church as a body, so that nothing is done except by His enabling power. . . . -- "Holy Spirit" in The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, Volume 3, pp. 190-191

Gifts of the Spirit: Isaiah 11:1-16; Zechariah 4:6; 1 Corinthians 12:7-11.

*Owen, John (1616-1683), Holy Spirit Gifts and Power: Exposition of the Spirit's Name, Nature, Personality, Dispensation, Operations and Effects, volume 3 of Owen's WORKS. Alternate title: DISCOURSE ON THE HOLY SPIRIT: HIS NAME, NATURE, PERSONALITY, DISPENSATION, OPERATIONS, AND EFFECT, ISBN: 0851511252 9780851511252. A Christian classic.
"One of the outstanding books of all time. Presents a learned and spiritual analysis of the names and titles of the Spirit, His nature and personality, and His varied works and influence." -- Cyril J. Barber
Owen, John (1616-1683), Holy Spirit Gifts and Power.
http://archive.org/details/discourseconcern00owenuoft

*Owen, John (1616-1683), The Work of the Holy Spirit in Prayer, as a Comforter and as the Author of Spiritual Gifts. A Christian classic. See: THE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN.

Vaughan, Clement Read, The Gifts of the Holy Spirit, ISBN: 0851512224 9780851512228.
"Vaughan was R.L. Dabney's successor as Professor of Theology at Union Seminary, Richmond. This book covers the Bible's teachings on the Spirit in comprehensive fashion. Reading a work such as this will go a long was to eliminating many fanciful and unbiblical ideas concerning the Holy Spirit in our day." -- GCB

See also: The holy spirit, Fruits of the spirit, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 485, 486

Revival

---

Stir up thy strength, and come and save us. Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved. (Psalm 80:2b,3)

Will thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee? (Psalm 85:6)

Behold, I will do a new thing; now it springs forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:19)

Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. (Isaiah 45:22)

Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old. (Lamentations 5:21)

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:6)

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth. Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion. The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. (Isaiah 52:7-8,10)

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (John 1:29)

That they all may be one; as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 17:21-23)

See the Theological Notes: "Regeneration: The New Birth," at John 3:3 in The Reformation Study Bible.

See the Theological Notes: "The Holy Spirit," at John 14:26 in The Reformation Study Bible.

See the Theological Notes: "Effectual Calling and Conversion," at 2 Thessalonians 2:14 in The Reformation Study Bible.

The Treasury of David, Psalm 62, C.H. Spurgeon
God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. (Psalm 62:11)
"Another Psalm highly characteristic of David is Psalm 62 which we are in the habit of calling the ONLY Psalm, from its containing such frequent repetitions of the word 'only.' David rejoiced to place his confidence in God only."
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps062.php

The Treasury of David, Psalm 80, C.H. Spurgeon
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps080.php

Lord, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob. Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Selah. (All goes well when sin is pardoned. This is the one fatal hindrance to prosperity; and, this removed, all is well).
Thou hast taken away all thy wrath: thou hast turned thyself from the fierceness of thine anger.
Turn us, O God of our salvation, and cause thine anger toward us to cease.
(When God turns to us in love, it is high time that we turned to him in faith and repentance; and, indeed, we very soon do so. Love is the great converting force: when the love of Jesus turns us, we are turned indeed.)
Wilt thou be angry with us for ever? wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations?
Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?
Shew us thy mercy, O LORD, and grant us thy salvation.
I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land.
Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
(This is our privilege to see fulfilled in the atonement of the Lord Jesus, by which our captivity is turned, and peace is made between God and our souls.)
Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven.
(Earth looks up in sincerity, and heaven looks down in mercy.)
Yea, the Lord shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase.
Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps.
(Re-established in their land, which was made fruitful once again, they desired to obey the Lord in all things and to follow closely the path of obedience.) -- Spurgeon's Devotional Bible Psalm 85

We can imagine the restored exiles at this time singing -- Psalm 126
When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.
(It seemed too good to be true, they could not realize that so good a thing had befallen them.)
Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.
The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.
(What others declared concerning them was true, and they boldly avowed it; they did not bury the Lord's mercies in forgetfulness, or cast doubts upon them by mock modesty. We too often say "We hope and we trust," when we ought rather to say, "The Lord hath done great things for us.")
Turn again our captivity, O Lord, as the streams in the south.
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. -- Spurgeon's Devotional Bible Psalm 126

I would have you remember, ladies and gentlemen, that the Reformation was born on the wings of sound scholarship. I can not emphasis this enough, that learning and great theology, great evangelical convictions, the great evangelical fervor, and even bravery and martyrdom are not foreign to the Reformation, but they are all part of the story. We see Calvin fleeing from France. We see Archbishop Thomas Cramner putting out the hand to be burned first because that was the hand which betrayed his Lord. We hear Bishop Latimer and Bishop Ridley crying out to one another as they are being burned at the stake by Henry VIII. These men, without exception, were great scholars. The evangelical world then was floated by divine mercy and divine sovereignty on the wings of great scholarship, and desperately the church needed it then. Desperately the church needs it today. . . . Don't every come to the place where you believe that you can not be a great evangelical minister and not be a profound scholar. I would site to you Thornwell, Dabney, Palmer, and the other great leaders of our church, the Southern Church . . . I remind you of the Hodges and the Alexanders, and so on, in American church history to support this thesis. Time does not permit me to recite the list of those who lead the Reformation, who were equally great scholars. -- C. Gregg Singer, in the lecture Speaking on Calvinism

Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. (Psalm 2:8)

Give me Scotland or I die! -- John Knox

The more powerful Calvinism is, the more likely you are to have a genuine revival and reawakening. It follows of necessity from doctrine . . . I regard the term 'dead Calvinism' as a contradiction in terms. I say that a dead Calvinism is impossible and that if your Calvinism appears to be dead it is not Calvinism. -- Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981), The Puritans, pp. 210-211

Family reformation is the easiest and the most likely way to a common reformation; at least to send many souls to heaven and train up multitudes for God, if it reach not to national reformation. -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)

Again later, in the middle of the 19th century "a small student prayer fellowship at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia set in motion forces that eventuated in the Second Great Awakening of the 19th century; the 'haystack prayer meeting' in Williamstown, Massachusetts, in 1806 spawned the modern missionary movement; times of heart-searching and confession among groups in Wales, Korea, and Africa ushered in great revivals at the beginning of this century; and perhaps the greatest spiritual movement of our generation is occurring in the house churches of China. Though the details vary in each situation, at the heart is the principle of small groups of disciples united in Christ." -- Robert E. Coleman

Does anyone of us desire to help the Church of Christ?
Then let him pray for a great outpouring of the Spirit. Only the Holy Spirit can give edge to sermons, and point to advice, and power to rebukes, and can cast down the high walls of sinful hearts. It is not better preaching, and finer writing that is needed in this day -- but more of the presence of the Holy Spirit. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

Revival breaks out when individuals in the church repent. We can change our own lives and start personal revival by repentance and weeping for our sin.

The real value of an object is that which one who knows its worth will give for it. He who made the soul, knew its worth, and gave His life for it. -- Arthur Jackson

*Anonymous, The Life and Times of Selina Countess of Huntingdon by a Member of the House of Shirley and Hastings, 2 volumes.
"Accounts of the Great Awakening and its men: Whitefield, Wesley, Howell Harris, etc. Shows the influence of the Countess, a friend of revival and revivalists." -- Lloyd T. Sprinkle

Bennet, R., Howell Harris and the Dawn of Revival. ISBN: 185049035X 9781850490357.

*Bonar, Andrew (1810-1892), Andrew Bonar: Diary and Life, ISBN: 0851514324 9780851514321. A Christian classic.
"Covering the years 1810-1892. Bonar was a pastor, teacher, participant in the revivals of 1839 and 1859, faithful witness against the inroad of higher criticism, and writer." -- GCB
"Bonar was an outstanding pastor of the last century. His manner was humble, his expressions Biblical and therefore sweet. This book gives a panoramic view of his life, a fascinating period of Scotland's church history. It is a record of God's work in the life of one of His trophies of grace, one who represented all that was finest in the evangelical circles of his times." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)

Burns, William, et al., The Revival of Religion at Kilsyth, 1839: Being the Substance of a Statement by the Rev. Mr. Burns, Minister of the Parish, drawn up at the request of the Presbytery of Glasgow with additions.
"Includes contributions by W. Burns, J. Bonar, R.S. Candish, A.M. Stuart, and P. Fairbairn all dealing with the subject of revival. Covers such areas as the work of Christ and the Holy Spirit, the sovereignty of God, the Word of God, prayer, the godly life, mode of conducting a revival, hindrances to revival, and more." -- GCB

Burns, William C. (1815-1868), Revival Sermons, ISBN: 0851513166 9780851513164.
"Burns (1815-1868), a preacher in Scotland, preached some great sermons on revival." -- GCB

Chambers, Talbot W., New York City Noon Prayer Meeting: A Simple Prayer Gathering That Changed the World, ISBN: 0982265379 9780982265376.

Couper, W.J., Richard Owen Roberts, et al., Scotland saw His Glory: A History of Revivals in Scotland, ISBN: 0926474162 9780926474161.
"Revivals are sometimes classed among movements that are due to ignorance, fanaticism, and unhealthy imitation. The story of Scottish revivals is inspiring for the role played by men of scholarship, wisdom, and prudence, and does much to remove the prejudice. Describing the effects of the revival in Easter Ross about the middle of the eighteenth century, Hugh Miller wrote that they were felt 'for more than eighty years after. There were few dwellings, however humble, in which regularly as the day rose and set, family worship was not kept; and in the course of an evening walk, the voice of Psalms might be heard from almost every hamlet.' What Hugh Miller wrote of his native district could be said of many another place during the long history of revivals in Scotland." -- Publisher

*Crawford, Dan R. (compiler), Single Adults: Resource and Recipients for Revival, ISBN: 0805432361 9780805432367.
Includes bibliography.

Crumb, Lawrence N., The Oxford Movement and its Leaders: A Bibliography of Secondary and Lesser Primary Sources, ISBN: 9780810862807 0810862808.

*Dallimore, Arnold, George Whitefield: The Life and Times of the Great Evangelist of the 18th Century Revival, 2 volumes, ISBN: 0851510264 9780851510262 085151300X 9780851513003. A Christian classic.
"One of the great monumental literary achievements of the 20th century." -- Sherwood E. Wirt
"Justice has at last been done to the greatest preacher that England has ever produced." -- D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Contains accounts of the conversion experiences of Whitefield, the Wesleys, and many others. Includes bibliographic footnotes.

Davies, Samuel (1723-1761), An Account of a Remarkable Work of Grace, or the Great Success of the Gospel in Virginia. In a Letter From the Rev. Mr. Davis . . . to the Rev. Mr. Bellamy. . . . With an account of the state of religion in several parts of North-America, from 1743 to June 1751.

Davis, D. Clair, Church History (part 3 of 5): Awakening and Revivalism (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
From a set of five audio files [audio file].
Audio cassette CD503 [audio file].

Davis, D. Clair, Church History (part 4 of 5): Awakening and Revivalism; Modern Church (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette CD504 [audio file].

Duffield, George, Jr. (1818-1888), The Pastor and Inquirer; or, What is it to Repent and Believe the Gospel? An Authentic Narrative.
"After reading it I have come to this conclusion, Ichabod Spencer was by no means unique in the gifted ability to counsel inquirers as we have in his PASTORAL SKETCHES. Any solid pastor in that day could, no doubt Thomas Smythe, William Sprague, Bennet Tyler, R. L. Dabney, certainly James W. Alexander, and Archibald. I believe that this skill was honed due to the pastoral counsels necessary in the TRUE revivals going on in that day; such is the case with George Duffield Jr. But also because these men were solidly confessional. I am greatly hedged in and chomping at the bit to name pastors in our days who draw large crowds, but I wouldn't trust them to counsel me as I was under awakening." -- Tom M. Sullivan

*Edwards, Brian H., Revival: A People Saturated With God, ISBN: 085234273X: 9780852342732.
"This is an interesting book, in that it sets forth the necessary ingredients for true revival. It has illustrated each section with reports from eye-witnesses of revivals that swept through this place, or that place, around the world. And it includes the days of king Hezekiah as an example of revival in the Bible. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)

*Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), The Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit of God, applied to that uncommon operation that has lately appeared on the minds of many of the people in New-England: . . . By Jonathan Edwards, . . . With a preface by the Rev. Mr. Cooper of Boston, and letters from the Rev. Dr. Colman . . . [London], 1742. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), A Faithful Narrative of the Surprising Work of God in the Conversion of Many Hundred Souls in Northampton, and the Neighbouring Towns and Villages of the County of Hampshire, in the Province of the Massachusetts-Bay in New-England. In a letter to the Reverend Dr. Benjamin Colman, of Boston. Written by the Revd. Mr. Edwards, Minister of Northampton, Nov. 6, 1736. Published with a large preface by the Rev. Dr. Watts and Dr. Guyse of London: to which a shorter is added by some of the reverend ministers of Boston. Together with an attestation from some of the reverend ministers of Hampshire. The third edition Boston: N.E., 1738. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Originally written at the request of a number of ministers who wanted accurate information about the 'awakening' that took place in Edward's congregation in 1735. This is Edward's own explanation and defense of this work of God. It should be especially helpful in our day for contrasting God's work with much of what is now passed off as 'revival' but yet issues in little or no practical obedience to the revealed will of God. This was one of Edwards' most widely read books in his own day, and gained him international recognition." -- Publisher

Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), An Humble Attempt to Promote Explicit Agreement and Visible Union of God's People in Extraordinary Prayer for the Revival of Religion and the Advancement of Christ's Kingdom on Earth, pursuant to Scripture-promises and prophecies concerning the last time. By Jonathan Edwards, A.M. Minister of the Gospel at Northampton. With a preface by several ministers. Available (THE WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS), on the Puritan Hard Drive.

Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), Some Remarkable Narratives of the Success of the Gospel, in America, in the Beginning of this Century. Written by the late Rev. Jonathan Edwards, . . . and by other ministers in America. To which is added, an account of the character of the Rev. David Brainerd . . . Huddersfield, 1791.

Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), Some Thoughts Concerning the Present Revival of Religion in New-England, and the way in which it ought to be acknowledged and promoted; . . . By Jonathan Edwards, 1743.

Elliot, Richard, James Mathews, W. Watts, Thomas Fisher, and E. and C. Dilly (firm), Grace and Truth, or A Summary of Gospel Doctrine, Considered in a Funeral Discourse Preached on the Death of the Rev. Mr. George Whitefield.

Essig, J., The Great Awakening: Reaction and Renewal (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette JE101 [audio file].

Evans, Eifion, Daniel Rowland and the Great Evangelical Awakening in Wales, ISBN: 0851514464 9780851514468.

Evans, Eifion, The Welsh Revival of 1904, ISBN: 0852340125 9780852340127.
Foreword by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. Includes bibliographical references and index.

Evans, Eifion, When he is Come: An Account of the 1858-60 Revival in Wales.

Fish, Henry C., Handbook of Revival: for The use of Winners of Souls.
Contains nineteen chapters discussing every important aspect of the subject of revival.
"First published in 1874, the author furnishes, both for inspiration and guidance, such facts, examples, arguments, directions, and suggestions dealing with the whole matter of revivals, as might lead to their greater appreciation and promotion." -- GCB

Fisher, James, Edwards, Whitefield, the True Nature of Revival and the 'Old Time' Charismatics, 1742. Alternate title: A REVIEW OF THE PREFACE TO A NARRATIVE OF THE EXTRAORDINARY WORK AT KILSYTH. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23. "Originally titled 'A Review of the Preface to a Narrative of the Extraordinary Work at Kilsyth. . .' this book exposes the deficiencies of shallow revivalism and warns against what today would be called charismatic excesses. It contrasts these weaknesses with the true nature and fruit of salvation (from a Reformed perspective), and specifically deals with some of the less than Scriptural antics of the George Whitefield ('a Priest of the Church of England, who refuses to be reformed,' Fisher notes), and those Presbyterians that would hear him (occasional hearing). Some of Jonathan Edwards' revival methods also warrant rebuke in this piece. At one point Fisher writes that Edwards' defense of these works uses 'exactly the language of Quakers, a branch of that hellish scheme, calculated for enervating and overthrowing the divine authority of the Word, as it is the only foundation of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.' (p. 19). He also notes 'that Edwards wants to set aside the Word, as the only rule, at least, in judging and trying this work' (i.e. the 'revivals' at Kilsyth and Cambuslang). The work also exposes the defective nature of 'revivals' that deal with only personal reformation, leaving off any thought of (or actively burying), the more public concerns that have been prominent in past reformation. Fisher writes, 'But can any of the promoters of this work allege for themselves, that they are making the least essay towards public Reformation, as it has been owned and professed in these lands? Nay, as shall afterwards be made appear, they are doing what they can to obliterate the memory of Scotland's Covenanted Reformation, and to raze all concern there . . . out of the minds of the people.' (p. 26). In short, the defective nature of these past 'revivals,' are shown to 'overthrow the very foundation of faith, and all practical godliness and to establish mere enthusiasm and strong delusion, in the room of true religion, revealed and required in the Word.' This work is also useful in evaluating the 'laughing revival' (or 'Toronto blessing'), of our day." -- Publisher

Gibson, William, The Year of Grace: A History of the Ulster Revival of 1859.

*Gillespie, George (1613-1648), Reformation's Refining Fire; or, Iconoclastic Zeal Necessary to World Reformation by George Gillespie, audio file. Available (MP3) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Also found in volume one of GILLESPIE'S WORKS.
"This sermon, read by elder Lyndon Dohms, was originally preached to the House of Lords in the abbey church at Westminster during the days of the Westminster Assembly (on August 27, 1645). It deals with Malachi 3:2 and can also be found in volume one of GILLESPIE'S WORKS. The reading is approximately 80 minutes in length and for content this is likely the best sermon that we have ever carried. The glory of Christ is magnified in a soul stirring manner and at a level which is seldom (if ever), reached in our day. Though preaching before some of the most powerful men of his day, Gillespie does nothing to shave off the sharp edges of the whole counsel of God. He makes it abundantly clear that spiritual Reformation (individual, ecclesiastical and civil), is like a flaming fire which burns the dross of the flesh and is often hated and opposed by those that cry loudest for 'Reform.' On the other hand, the refining fire of Reformation which pleases God (and comes from His fatherly hands, filled with mercy, love and grace), not only turns his wrath from the nations (by granting the grace to remove the causes of His wrath), but invigorates the spirit with that iconoclastic zeal against sin (whether personal or corporate), that can only be produced by His sovereign power. Whole-hearted (covenanted) reformation is contrasted, throughout this sermon, with the half-hearted comfortable Christianity that has been common in most ages. Gillespie wields the sword of Scripture as few can in driving home a multitude of vitally important points. This sermon can be listened to over and over with increasing profit, as it contains a fullness which is almost impossible to absorb in just one sitting. Don't miss this one; it is a real gem!" -- Publisher
Reformation's Refining Fire; or, Iconoclastic Zeal Necessary to World Reformation. Preaching on Malachi 3:2 in 1645.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?currSection=sermonssource&sermonID=103006312

Gillies, John, Historical Collections of Accounts of Revivals. Available (ACCOUNTS OF REVIVALS on MP3) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Gillies was the friend and biographer of George Whitefield. Gilles believed very strongly in the value of bringing the history of revivals together into one volume. Gillies himself lived 1712-1796. This edition of his famous work was done by Horatius Bonar in 1845." -- Publisher

Gilmore, Peter, Rebels and Revivals: Ulster Immigrants, Western Pennsylvania Presbyterianism, and the Formation of Scotch-Irish Identity, 1780-1830, a dissertation, 2009.

Graham, Billy (1918-2018), The Challenge: Sermons From Madison Square Garden.
Evangelistic sermons.

Graham, Billy (1918-2018), and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, A Gathering of Souls: the Billy Graham Crusades, a DVD.
"The history and impact of a spiritual phenomenon.
"During his long and distinguished ministry, Billy Graham has preached the gospel to well over 200 million people worldwide. The massive evangelistic gatherings that took place in sports arenas, concert halls, and outdoor venues became known as the Billy Graham Crusades. The outworking of a sophisticated organizational structure, each crusade represented years of planning and months of follow up. The crusades shaped the face of Evangelical Christianity in the 20th century, served as a catalyst for dozens of parachurch organizations, united a splintering Evangelical community, and altered the course of countless individual lives. With expert commentary from pastors, academics, Graham associates, and fellow evangelists such as Luis Palau, this documentary gives the history of the crusades from the first event in Los Angeles in 1949 to the groundbreaking 1957 New York City crusade and on to the remarkable gatherings behind the Iron Curtain and in the Far East." -- Publisher

Hall, James (1744-1826), A Narrative of a Most Extraordinary Work of Religion in North Carolina, 1802,
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/590be125ff7c502a07752a5b/t/5c171d25cd836685a4b77851/1545018669387/Hall%2C+James%2C+A+Narrative+of+a+Most+Extraordinary+Work.pdf

*Hanko, Herman, Ought the Church to Pray for Revival? Trinity Review, May/June 1991.
Ought the Church to Pray for Revival?
http://www.trinityfoundation.org/journal.php?id=73

Henry, Carl F.H., The Christian Mindset in a Secular Society: Promoting Evangelical Renewal and National Righteousness, ISBN: 0880700416 9780880700412.

*Hislop, Alexander (1807-1865), Christ's Crown and Covenant or National Covenanting Essentially Connected With National Revival, 1860.

*Hodgkin, Henry T., Lay Religion.
"Every great religious awakening has been a revolt against authority." -- Henry T. Hodgkin

Hughes, Philip Edgcumbe, and David Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981), Revive us Again.

*Hurst, Henry, Whether Well-composed Religious Vows do not Exceedingly Promote Religion, 1661. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
"A Puritan sermon on a much neglected means to spiritual victory, ecclesiastical revival, and national reformation." -- Publisher

Johnston, J.B., The Prayer Meeting, and its History as Identified With the Life and Power of Godliness and the Revival of Religion, 1870.

Kinlaw, Dennis, A Revival Account: Asbury -- 1970, a video cassette, DVD.
"This 40-minute, eye-witness account by Dr. Dennis Kinlaw who was serving as president of Asbury College during a visitation in 1970, is helping multitudes of Christians understand the true nature of spiritual awakening and revival."

*Knox, John (1505-1572), National Repentance and Reformation. Alternate title: A BRIEF EXHORTATION TO ENGLAND FOR THE SPEEDY EMBRACING OF THE GOSPEL, 1559. Available in THE WORKS OF JOHN KNOX. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.
"Formerly titled A BRIEF EXHORTATION TO ENGLAND FOR THE SPEEDY EMBRACING OF THE GOSPEL, 1559. Mitchell in THE SCOTTISH REFORMATION (p. 80), cites Dr. Merle D'Aubigné on Knox: 'The blood of warriors ran in the veins of the man who was to become one of the most intrepid champions of Christ's army . . . He was active, bold, thoroughly upright and perfectly honest, diligent in his duties, and full of heartiness for his comrades.' The warrior in Knox was certainly roused for battle in this production. Kevin Reed SELECTED WRITINGS OF JOHN KNOX, p. 580 comments, 'Some historians have reflected negatively on the vehemence of Knox's remarks. Perhaps they should peruse the long list of the martyrs named in the appendix to this work. Critics may then find a clue for understanding the reformer's zeal. Knox is discussing serious matters of life and death -- spiritual issues which affect us deeply in this life, and for eternity.' Magistrates everywhere today need to hear this message again; God has not changed -- there are still corporate curses for disobedience at a national level and corporate blessings for those nations 'that kiss the Son' (cf. Psalm 2)." -- Publisher

Lee, Francis Nigel, Presbyterian Church of Queensland (Committee on Training for the Ministry), and Presbyterian Church of Queensland (Spiritual Renewal Committee), Revive Your Work, O Lord! Articles on Revival, ISBN: 0949197343 9780949197344 .

*Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), Revival, ISBN: 0891074155 9780891074151.
"Based on a series of messages delivered by 'the Doctor' on the 100th anniversary of the Welsh Revival, this study speaks powerfully to today's anemic church. Clearly and forcefully, Dr. Lloyd-Jones shows circumstances accompanying revival in the past, why each generation needs it, and how it will come about today." -- GCB

Lynse, Elana, Flames of Revival: Igniting the Hearts of a Nation Through Prayer, ISBN: 0891075119 9780891075110.
Includes bibliographical references.

Mangalwadi, Vishal, and Ruth Mangalwadi, The Legacy of William Carey: A Model for the Transformation of a Culture, ISBN: 1581341121 9781581341126.
"He was an industrialist. An economist. A medical humanitarian. A media pioneer. An educator. A moral reformer. A botanist. And a Christian missionary. And he did more for the transformation of the Indian subcontinent in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries than any other individual before or since.
"Many know of William Carey. Some know about the specifics of his work and ministry. But few understand the profound contemporary significance of his life. Few realize how much we owe the increasing globalization of Christianity to the silent revolution he initiated. Fewer still are aware of his legacy of sensitivity to the variety of issues confronting true gospel witness in any culture.
"This biography about the central character in the story of India's modernization and transformation will help you understand Carey's impact. But THE LEGACY OF WILLIAM CAREY is more than a biography. It is a charge to all Christians to respond in kind within our own cultures, and to use Carey's example as our model for taking the light of the Gospel into every corner of society. If we follow in his footsteps, not only will lives be bettered this side of heaven, but hearts will be changed for eternity -- and entire cultures transformed for Christ." -- Publisher

*Martin, Hugh (1822-1885), The Connexion Between the Headship of Christ and Revival in the Church: With Present Relative Duties.

Matthews, David, I Saw the Welsh Revival, ISBN: 0962690821 9780962690822.

*Murray, Iain, The Puritan Hope: A Study in Revival and the Interpretation of Prophesy, ISBN: 085151247X.
"Murray is an English pastor, founder of, and currently CEO of Banner of Truth Trust.
"If you are in any way interested in Puritan thought, revival or the interpretation of prophecy, you will probably find this book to be delightful reading. Iain Murray has gathered copious quotations documenting the source and strength of one of the great movements in Church history. The footnotes, which would almost make an interesting small booklet in themselves, run for 21 pages.
"The Puritans were an intelligent and scholarly people, who's hope was solidly based upon the exegesis of Scripture. Their optimistic interpretation of prophecy, mingled with their strong assertion of the sovereignty of God, led to many desirable and godly consequences. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
"A postmillennial treatment of missions, evangelism, the Puritans, and eschatology. Interesting and instructive. In our day this eschatological view is gaining ground. Men such as Hodge, Warfield, Edwards, and John Murray have held the same view." -- GCB
Murray "explains how and why the Puritans came to their eschatological beliefs; how these were perverted, primarily in modern times, by men like Edward Irving and J.N. Darby; why we've stopped thinking critically about these theories; and how we must recapture the confident expectation of Christ's triumphant end-time revival of Gentiles, then all Israel, before his return in glory. Excellent and thought-provoking." -- Reader's Comment

*Murray, Iain H., Revival and Revivalism: The Making and Marring of American Evangelicalism 1750-1858, ISBN: 0851516602: 9780851516608.
The author's conclusion: not since the 1700's when we began to structure and plan evangelistic revivals has there been a true revival in America -- we have only had revivalism.

Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), God in our Midst: Seeking and Receiving Ongoing Revival, ISBN: 0850091357 9780850091359 1862580332 9781862580336.
"This 46-page booklet describes the elements of authentic revival and urges Christians to seek renewal by means of humble, penitent, prayerful, and faith-full exploration before the Lord." -- GCB

Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), The Holy Spirit in Evangelical Life.
Audio cassette JPR02 [audio file].

Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), The Holy Spirit in Evangelical Revival (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette JPR03 [audio file].

Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), Revive us Again: Psalm 85:6. [Psalm 85:6]

*Pendlebury, William, National Repentance and Reformation the way to Obtain National Blessings. A sermon preach'd at Rotherham in Yorkshire, on the eleventh of April, 1744, . . . by William Pendlebury, M.A.

Phillips, Thomas, The Welsh Revival: Its Origin and Development, ISBN: 0851515428 9780851515427.
"This rare book, published in 1860 as the first comprehensive account of the 1859 revival in Wales, holds a primary place in the authentic records of periods of remarkable spiritual recovery and growth. Phillips was an eye witness of much that he records. He also gives the testimony of others." -- GCB

Porter, E., Letters on Revival, ISBN: 0851518559 9780851518558.
"If revival should come to your church would you know what to do? This 336-page paperback features 174 pages by Dr. Porter (19th century), and additional materials by Lloyd-Jones, Hulse, Hallesby, Gerberding, Martin Moore, J.I. Packer, H. Bonar, Tarr, Graham, Ironside, Cuyler, as well as K.R. Linde. Here is a treasure of material on revival that will help to prepare you for God's work in the hearts of his people." -- GCB

Price, Greg L., Family Worship, a series of audio files [audio file]. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #22.
"A great introduction to the duty and privilege of daily family worship with much 'how to' instruction from Scripture. Family worship has always been a major component of all true revivals. Among the Old Testament people of God, in the days of the Apostles, during the great Reformations that took place in the 16th and 17th centuries, at the founding of the American colonies, and wherever there is a love for the Truth, daily family worship has been a sign of faithfulness to God. When it is practiced faithfully, daily family worship is one of the great blessings of covenant life; when it is ignored or set aside, it is a serious sin which has devastating consequences (and evidences and lack of true spirituality)." -- Publisher

Prime, Samuel, I., The Power of Prayer: Illustrated in the Wonderful Displays of Divine Grace at the Fulton Street and Other Meetings in New York and Elsewhere, in 1857 and 1858, ISBN: 0851516025 9780851516028.
"First done in 1859, this book demonstrates that things are never beyond prayer and the work of God in revival." -- CBD

Ravenhill, Leonard, Revival Praying, ISBN: 0764200313 9780764200311.
"A challenge to all who are deeply concerned about a full-scale spiritual awakening in America."

Robb, William M., Sins Among Christians That Hinder Revival: A Sermon Preached in Geneva College, Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, April 2, 1924, 1960.

Roberts, Richard Owen, Revival Literature: An Annotated Bibliography With Biographical and Historical Notices, ISBN: 0940033275 9780940033276.

Scharpff, Paulus, History of Evangelism: Three Hundred Years of Evangelism in Germany, Great Britain and the United States of America.

Schmidt, Leigh Eric, Holy Fairs: Scotland and the Making of American Revivalism, ISBN: 0802849660 9780802849663.
"Leigh Eric Schmidt is a careful, sympathetic, and insightful historian. While only the most dedicated readers will plow through the wealth of primary witness accounts, the journey is worth it. I believe the book came from Schmidt's doctoral dissertation, and it still has that feel. The bibliography is impressive, and I am ransacking it for my own dissertation!" -- Reader's Comment

*Schwertley, Brian M., and Westminster Presbyterian Church in the United States. Publications Committee, National Covenanting and Christ's Victory Over the Nations. Available at Reformed Online.
"This is the first book-length, scholarly exposition and defense of national covenanting since 1843. This comprehensive treatment includes the binding nature of covenants, covenant renewals under the godly kings of Israel, objections to covenanting answered, the unbiblical nature of the U.S. Constitution, the unscriptural alteration of the Westminster Confession of Faith in 1789, the necessity of the Old Testament moral law for a Christian nation and the biblical requirements for civil office. In the book, Rev. Schwertley not only sets forth the biblical case for social or national covenanting in a simple and organized manner but also critiques the modern pluralistic alternatives to the original Presbyterian teaching on this topic." -- Publisher
It was preceded by 'Social Covenanting,' a series of 31 sermons in MP3 format, [audio file], given by the author starting in the summer of 2012.
Social Covenanting series of 31 sermons by Brian Schwertley
http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?seriesOnly=true&currSection=sermonstopic&sourceid=ccc&keyword=National+Covenanting&keyworddesc=National+Covenanting

Smith, Timothy Lawrence, Revivalism and Social Reform: American Protestantism on the Eve of the Civil War, ISBN: 080182477X 9780801824777. Alternate title: REVIVALISM AND SOCIAL REFORM IN MID-NINETEENTH-CENTURY AMERICA.
Includes bibliography and index.

Smith, Wilbur M., The Glorious Revival Under King Hezekiah.

Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Only a Prayer Meeting: Forty Addresses at Metropolitan Tabernacle and Other Prayer-meetings, ISBN: 185792505X 9781857925050.

*Swindoll, Charles, The Grace Awakening, ISBN: 9780849911880 0849911885.
"This is a book about the wonderful fact that Christianity faithfully lived will bring blessedness to our earthly existence, if we ignore the unholy 'grace-killers' among us. Jesus said, If therefore the Son shall make your free, you shall be free indeed. . . ." -- Publisher
"More and more Christians are realizing that the man-made restrictions and legalistic regulations under which they have been living have not come from the God of grace, but have been enforced by people who do not want others to be free. . . . Scarcely a day passes when I am not reminded of the need for a book emphasizing the full extent of grace, giving people permission to be free, absolutely free in Christ. Why? Because so few are!" -- Charles Swindoll
The author believes this is the most important book he has written. The message of Christian freedom is as repressed as the Gospel itself. This book will bless the hearts of the many who have never read a presentation of the message of our freedom in Christ and its wonderful practical implications for the individual, the church, and the nation. A study guide by the same name is available.
"The God of the universe has given us an amazing, revolutionary gift of grace and freedom. This freedom and grace set us apart from every other 'religion' on the face of the earth.
"In this bestselling classic, Charles Swindoll urges you not to miss living a grace-filled life. Freedom and joy -- not lists and demands and duties -- await all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. -- Publisher

Thornbury, J.F., God Sent Revival: Asahel Nettleton, ISBN: 0852341008 9780852341001 0852340990 9780852340998.

Tracy, Joseph, Great Awakening: A History of the Revival of Religion in the Time of Edwards and Whitefield, ISBN: 085151233X 9780851512334 0851517129 9780851517124.
"This volume remains second to none in its definitive treatment of the 'Revival of Religion in New England in 1740', one of the most important and remarkable eras in the history of the Christian church in modern times." -- Publisher
"The most comprehensive account of the major 18th century revival." -- Roberts
"The author follows his theme from the local revivals of the 1730s to the floodtide of 1740-1742. The material is broad-based and includes numerous quotes from the time period." -- GCB
"I have read a number of works on revivals and this revival in particular. This is the one book on the subject that I have gone back to time and again. It is scholarly, thorough, and devotionally helpful. As I read of the changes in the lives in the villagers of New England I became more and more impressed with how true revivals are such awesome and precious things.
"This book is very helpful for our day as well. In describing the excesses of this revival (especially those that had to do with Davenport), and in the detailed accounts of unwanted side-phenomena, we see sad similarities to what has been experienced in some of our churches today. This book shows what a true revival looks like." -- Reader's Comment

*Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), The Doctrine of Repentance, ISBN: 0851515215. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Knowing what repentance is, and actually repenting are essentials to true Christianity. Jesus Christ himself said that if we do not repent, we will perish! It is vital, therefore, to read and study what Scripture has to say about this theme.
"Few better guides have existed in this or any other language. . . . He was a master of both Scripture and the human heart, and wrote with a simplicity and directness that keeps his work fresh and powerful for the twentieth century." -- Publisher
The Doctrine of Repentance, Thomas Watson
http://archive.org/details/TheDoctrineOfRepentance
The Doctrine of Repentance, Thomas Watson
http://ntslibrary.com/PDF%20Books/Repentance%20by%20T%20Watson.pdf
The Doctrine of Repentance, Thomas Watson
http://books.google.com/books?id=V1QCAAAACAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html
The Doctrine of Repentance, Thomas Watson (excerpts)
http://www.fivesolas.com/watson/drepenti.htm

Weakley, Clare G., Jr. (compiler and editor), The Nature of Revival: John Wesley, Charles Wesley and George Whitefield, abridged, ISBN: 0871239256 9780871239259.
"Discusses the human messengers, the divine enabling, the kind of opposition one might expect, and the message preached in the revivals of the Wesley and Whitefield. Insightful." -- Cyril J. Barber
Edited selections from the private journals of John and Charles Wesley and George Whitefield.

Webster, Alexander, and James Fisher, Divine Influence: The True Spring of the Extraordinary Work at Cambuslang and Other Places in the West of Scotland.

*Whitefield, George (1714-1770), George Whitefield's Letters: A Facsimile of Whitefield's Works, Volume 1, 1771, With Supplements, ISBN: 0851512399 9780851512396.
"Contains the original work plus 34 letters omitted from the 1771 edition plus explanatory notes by S.M. Houghton." -- GCB

*Whitefield, George (1714-1770), Select Sermons of George Whitefield.
"This book contains a biographical essay of Whitefield's life by J.C. Ryle, a summary of his doctrine by R. Elliot, and six of Whitefield's significant sermons." -- GCB
"Of few men can it be said that their preaching was 'apostolic' in character, but it certainly can be said of Whitefield." -- D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones.
Sermons of the Reverend George Whitefield
http://www.ccel.org/whitefield/sermons/sermons.html
George Whitefield's Works on CD
"George Whitefield's Works on CD. These are an absolute feast of Whitefield's works to which have been added a number of key biographies and related items and images. The Works are a facsimile AND reset (i.e., retypeset), version of the 1771/1772 edition including letters, tracts, and sermons, plus additional sermons published in the 19th century. The biographies are by Gillies, Gledstone, Andrews, Philip's and Tyerman's two-volume work. George Whitefield is considered by many the greatest evangelist since the Apostles. Certainly he has the best claim to being the greatest English speaking preacher. This work is published by our friends at Quinta Press.
"You render a major service by producing this item. As a Whitefield enthusiast I am overjoyed to find what you have done and will do all I can to ensure that fellow enthusiasts know about it." -- J.I. Packer (1926-2020), Regent College, Vancouver."
http://www.revival-library.org/index.html

*Whitefield, George (1714-1770), John Wesley, and Timothy L. Smith (editor), Whitefield and Wesley on the New Birth, ISBN: 0310751519.
Includes bibliography and index.

Wood, Arthur Skevington, The Inextinguishable Blaze; Spiritual Renewal and Advance in the Eighteenth Century, ISBN: 1597526983 9781597526982.

See also: Christian scholarship, Family worship, The protestant reformation, Justifying faith, Self-justification, self-righteousness, works righteousness, Repentance, National repentance, corporate repentance, The free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, the covenant of eternal salvation, Book-length presentations of the free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come, Evangelism, Hell, Evangelistic praying, Follow-up, Other works on the gospel, Prayer, Intercessory prayer, Prayer groups, Sharing christ with your children, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, chapter 9, the web edition of biblical counsel: resources for renewal, The covenanted reformation of scotland author/title listing, Apologetics, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Christian history, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 310-320

Related Weblinks

The Biblical Basis for Revival in the Church
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, History of Revivalism, 65 min.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=1217037126

Evangelism in the Early Church #1
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, History of Revivalism, 58 min.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=1217037244

Evangelism in the Early Church #2
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, History of Revivalism, 74 min.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=1217037348

Evangelism in the Early Church #3
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, History of Revivalism, 48 min.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=1217037438

Evangelism in the Early Church #4
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=1217037520

Evangelism in the Early Church #5
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, History of Revivalism, 50 min.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=1217037153

Evangelism in the First Four Centuries
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, History of Revivalism, 86 min.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=1217037169

Impact of the Ancient Church on the World and the World on the Church
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, History of Revivalism, 48 min.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=1217037177

Summary of Evangelism in the Church From AD 500 to AD 1500 #1
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, History of Revivalism, 63 min.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=12170371946

Summary of Evangelism in the Church From AD 500 to AD 1500 #2
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, History of Revivalism, 49 min
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=12170372131.

The Greatest Revival: The Reformation
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, History of Revivalism, 69 min.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=12170372251

Revivalism in the New World
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, History of Revivalism, 48 min.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=12170372351

Colonial Presbyterianism and the Great Awakening
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, 49 min.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=1216037179

Revivalism in the New World: Edwards and Whitefield
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, History of Revivalism, 45 min.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=12160372911

Revivalism in the New World: Moving West
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, History of Revivalism, 51 min.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=12160373036

The Mediator -- Judge and Saviour
A sermon by C.H. Spurgeon delivered on Lord's-day morning, May 30, 1880, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon no. 1540.
Spurgeon carefully analyses Peter's sermon at Pentecost that brought about the visitation of the Holy Spirit.
http://www.spurgeongems.org/vols25-27/chs1540.pdf

My Hope America With Billy Graham
My Hope guidelines emphasize personal friendship evangelism.
In the last decade there have been 10 million responses to BGEA My Hope projects in foreign countries.
Approximately 25,000 local churches cooperated in the My Hope America, 2013 initiative. As of mid-December 2013, there were over 100,000 recorded responses of faith in Christ.
http://www.myhopewithbillygraham.org

Presbyterianism in the 20th Century
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, History of the American Presbyterian Church, 42 min.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=12160371916

*Revival (FGB #223)
The Real Reasons for Revival, Lloyd-Jones, D.M. (1899-1981) | The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit, McCheyne, Robert M. (1813-1843) | Born After Midnight, Tozer, A.W. (1897-1963) | Revivals That Stay, Bounds, E.M. (1835-1913) | The Men God Uses in Revival, Bounds, E.M. (1835-1913) | Revival Truth, Reid, William (1814-1896) | The Story of God's Mighty Act, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | Modern Hostility to Revivals, Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889)
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/revifg/revival

Revival in the Bible and History, Peter Hammond [audio file]
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=316171059302

*Series on Hell by Pastor Edward Donnelly, 4 MP3 files.
Yes, the subject is horrible, but how rare is it to hear the Doctrine of Hell expounded thoroughly with tact and skill? The subject is so indispensable that I expect anyone would be greatly benefited by listening to these four lectures, both skeptics and converts.
"A widely traveled preacher and conference speaker, he has to date written three books. He serves also as Principal and Professor of New Testament at the Reformed Theological College, Belfast."
http://www.monergism.com/mp3/2012/08/series_on_hell_by_pastor_edwar_1.php

Theological Tensions of the 19th Century: Old School -- New School
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, History of the American Presbyterian Church, 34 min.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=1216037188

Angels

---

We have now reached that wonderful part of Holy Scripture which is found in the epistle to the Hebrews. Fully to understand it we ought to study closely the Book of Leviticus. Diamonds only will cut diamonds; the Word of God is its own expositor; the New Testament is the key of the old.
The epistle opens with the declaration that whatsoever was communicated by the prophets was spoken by God. He spoke whatsoever was uttered by his prophets. The Scriptures are very jealous on this subject; how different from the language of many who seem desirous to exclude God from being the author of his own word!
God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Ours is the clearest of all revelations. In Jesus we see far more of God than in all the teachings of the prophets.
Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; The priest stood while he performed service, and only sat down when his work was done. Jesus enthroned in glory enjoys the honours of his finished work.
Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? But he does say this to Christ in the second Psalm. And again, speaking to Solomon as the type of Christ in the Second Book of Samuel vii. 14 [2 Samuel 7:14], I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?
And again, (in the ninety-seventh Psalm), when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. (Or "worship him all ye gods," Jesus is by nature infinitely superior to the noblest created beings, for he is essentially God, and to be worshipped as Lord of all.
And of the angels (in Psalm civ. 4 [Psalm 104:4]) he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. But unto the Son he saith, (Psalm xlv. 6,7 [Psalm 45:6,7]), Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. Angels are servants and not kings, they fly upon the divine errands like flames of fire, but they do not sway a sceptre, neither have they a throne existing for ever and ever. Jesus is the anointed king, and though we share in the anointing yet is he far above us. Christ is infinitely greater than Christians. We are right glad to have it so.
And again we read in Psalm cii. 25-27 [Psalm 102:25-27], Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. (Since the Messiah is thus described as immutable and eternal he must be divine, and to deny the Godhead of the Saviour is a deadly error. Dr. Owen most comfortingly remarks: -- "Whatever our changes may be, inward or outward, yet Christ changing not, our eternal condition is secured, and relief provided against all present troubles and miseries. The immutability and eternity of Christ are the spring of our consolation and security in every condition. Such is the frailty of the nature of man, and such the perishing condition of all created things, that none can ever obtain the least stable consolation but what ariseth from an interest in the omnipotency, sovereignty, and eternity of Jesus Christ."
But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?
They are servants of God and our willing guardians; but they are not to be worshipped. Jesus is Lord of all, and we are bound to adore him, and him only. (Hebrews 1:1-14) -- Spurgeon's Devotional Bible

See the Theological Notes: "Angels," at Zechariah 1:9 in The Reformation Study Bible.

Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? (Hebrews 1:14)

For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. (Psalm 91:11)

He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels among them. (Psalm 78:49)

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. (Hebrews 13:2)

By entertaining of strange persons, men sometimes entertain angels unawares: but by entertaining of strange doctrines, many have entertained devils unaware. -- John Flavel

When your thoughts of heaven are staggering or strange, and when you are tempted to doubt whether indeed there is such a life of glory for the saints, it may be a great help to your faith, to think of the world of angels that already do possess it. That there are such excellent and happy inhabitants of the superior orbs, besides what Scripture saith, even reason will strongly persuade any rational man: 1. When we consider that sea, and land, and air, and all places of this lower, baser part of the world, are replenished with inhabitants suitable to their natures; and therefore that the incomparably more great and excellent orbs and regions should all be uninhabited, is irrational to imagine. 2. And as we see the rational creatures are made to govern the brutes in this inferior world, so reason telleth us it is improbable that the higher reason of the inhabitants of the higher regions should have no hand in the government of man. And yet God hath further condescended to satisfy us herein, by some unquestionable apparitions of good angels, and many ore of evil spirits, which puts the matter past all doubt, that there are inhabitants of the unseen world. And When we know that such there are, it maketh it the more easy to us to believe that such we may be, either numbered with the happy or unhappy spirits, considering the affinity which there is between the nature of our souls and them: to conquer senseless Sadducism is a good step to the conquest of irreligiousness; he that is well persuaded that there are angels and spirits, is much better prepared than a Sadducee to believe the immortality of the soul. -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)

Make use of the remembrance of the glorious angels, to acquaint you with the dignity of human nature, and the special dignity of the servants of God, and so to raise up your hearts in thankfulness to your Creator and Redeemer who hath thus advanced you. 1. What a dignity is it that these holy angels should be all ministering spirits sent for our good! that they should love us, and concern themselves so much for us, as to rejoice in heaven at our conversion! "Lord, what is man that thou art mindful of him, and the son of man that thou visitest him? For thou has made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour," Psal. viii. 4,5 [Psalm 8:4,5]. 2. But yet it is a higher declaration of our dignity, that we should in heaven be equal with them, and so be numbered into their society, and join with them everlastingly in the praise of our Creator. 3. And it is yet a greater honour to us, that our natures are assumed into union of person with the Son of God, and so advanced above the angels. "For he took not on him the nature of angels, but the seed of Abraham," nor hath he put the world to come in subjection to the angels, Heb. ii. 5,16 [Hebrews 2:5,16]. This is the Lord's doing and it is wondrous in our eyes. -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)

It is an awful fact that, Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. (2 Corinthians 11:14)

Cameron, Richard (1648-1680), Angels and Offenders. Available (MP3) on the Puritan Hard Drive.

Connelly, Douglas, Angels: 12 Studies for Individuals or Groups, ISBN: 0830810749 9780830810741.

Graham, Billy (1918-2018), Angels: God's Secret Agents, ISBN: 0385113072: 9780385113076.

Williams, Jane, Angels, ISBN: 9780801013058 0801013054.

See also: Discipleship, Bible reference works, Protecting children from danger, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 141-149

The Believer's Position in Christ and Sonship

---

See the Theological Notes: "The Image of God," at Genesis 1:27 in The Reformation Study Bible.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. (Genesis 1:27)

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. (Galatians 4:4-7)

For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. (Acts 17:28)

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. (Romans 8:16-23)

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doeth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. (1 John 3:1-3)

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Romans 8:1)

The four "Servant Songs" of Isaiah are Isaiah 42:1-9; Isaiah 49:1-7; Isaiah 50:4-11; and Isaiah 52:13 -- Isaiah 53:12. See the annotations in The Reformation Study Bible.

Our Triune God has ordained that the preeminent leader of the Church is the Lord Jesus Christ, the God Man, Our Righteousness. (John 1:1-18; Matthew 19:30; Matthew 28:18-20; Isaiah 49:7; Colossians 1:16-19; Colossians 2:9,10; Hebrews 12:1,2; Revelation 5:1-14; Revelation 19:11-15; Revelation 20:11-15; Revelation 22:12, and so forth, and so on). Human leadership is also divinely ordained and tends to devolve to those who are most perfectly at one with Christ, and to those who also know the most Truth (the Apostle Paul, Saint Augustine, Martin Luther, John Calvin, Puritan leaders, The Scots Worthies, and so forth, and so on).
And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 19:28). See: (Matthew 19:28, 1599 Geneva Bible)
Then his master said unto him, It is well done good servant and faithful, Thou hast been faithful in little, I will make thee ruler over much: enter into thy master's joy. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:21) (Matthew 25:21 1599 Geneva Bible)
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:34). See: (Matthew 25:34, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And he said unto him, Well, good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little thing, take thou authority over ten cities. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 19:17) (Luke 19:17, 1599 Geneva Bible)
Therefore I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 22:29) (Luke 22:29, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:17). See: (Romans 8:17, 1599 Geneva Bible)
Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? (1 Corinthians 6:3). See: (1 Corinthians 6:3, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:6). See: (Ephesians 2:6, 1599 Geneva Bible)
To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and corrections among the people:
To bind their kings in chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron,
That they may execute upon them the judgment that is written: this honor shall be to all his Saints. Praise ye the Lord. (Psalm 149:7-9) (Psalm 149:7-9, 1599 Geneva Bible)
But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. (1 Timothy 2:12), (1 Timothy 2:12, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 2:26). See: (Revelation 2:26, 1599 Geneva Bible)
To serve God is to reign. -- Seneca (4 BC -- 65 AD)

The Christ who became one with us in his incarnation, makes us one with him in his death, burial, resurrection, and ascension. In union with Christ we share in all that Christ is and does. -- Peter Barber

A man adopts one for his son and heir that does not at all resemble him; but whosoever God adopts for His child is like Him; he not only bears His heavenly Father's name, but His image. (Colossians 3:10) -- Thomas Watson (1620-1686)

God has made His children, by adoption, nearer to Himself than the angels. The angels are the friends of Christ; believers are His members. -- Thomas Watson (1620-1686)

*Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), The Saint's Everlasting Rest: Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 3, ISBN: 187761128X 9781877611285. A Christian classic.
"Third in the four-volume set. Includes The Saint's Everlasting Rest; Treatise of Self-Denial; The Life of Faith; Obedient Patience, and many more. Over 1000 pages." -- GCB
"This is the greatest treatment on Heaven ever to appear! . . ." -- Wilbur M. Smith.
The Saints' Everlasting Rest, (singly) Richard Baxter, edited by Benjamin Fawcett
"Discusses the nature, excellencies, design, rejection, necessity, of the Saints' rest. Calls us to live the heavenly life now." -- GCB
http://www.ccel.org/b/baxter/everlasting_rest/saints_rest.html

Bobick, Michael W., From Slavery to Sonship: A Biblical Psychology for Pastoral Counseling. Distributed by Westminster Theological Seminary Discount Book Service. Includes bibliography.
"Attempts to break fresh theoretical ground for understanding people biblically: 'We need not choose between solving problems and understanding people; this is a false dilemma. . . . But in the absence of a published Biblical psychology that helps counselors. . . our present need is to emphasize the dynamics of motivation.' Instead of a how-to format for specific problems, this book tries 'to span the gap between theological anthropology and actual ministry.' Part 1 develops a model of the sinful human heart as a maze of lies and 'covenants with idols.' The renewed human heart is increasingly ruled by God's truth and power in Christ. Part 2 shows how the model can be used in the counseling process." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

*Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), The Everlasting Righteousness, or How Shall man be Just With God? ISBN: 0851516556 9780851516554. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language.
"First published in 1874, THE EVERLASTING RIGHTEOUSNESS, may be the best book on the doctrine of justification by faith alone ever written.
"Since the seventeenth century, the church's adherence to the central doctrine of the Christian faith has been weakening; in the twentieth century it has all but disappeared. But to those who remain faithful -- to those who are called of God -- justification by faith alone is the best news there could ever be: that Christ died for our sins, and we shall live forever because of Christ's righteousness.
"Justification by faith alone -- the 'principal hinge of religion,' according to John Calvin, the 'doctrine by which the church stands or falls,' according to Martin Luther -- is salvation. Without it, all hope is lost; with it, Heaven gained. Bonar's discussion is without equal in the English language." -- John W. Robbins
The Everlasting Righteousness; or, How Shall man be Just With God? (1873), Horatius Bonar
http://archive.org/details/everlastingrigh00bonagoog
The Everlasting Righteousness; or, How Shall man be Just With God? full view.
http://books.google.com/books?id=nQMDAAAAQAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html

*Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), God's Way of Holiness, ISBN: 085234130X 9780852341308.
"He describes the new life; the indwelling of Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Then he clarifies what is the root and soil of holiness. He shows us the Cross and its power, and expounds how the saint is not under the law, but under grace. Then a look at Romans 7 shows us how far we must go after we have the new life. We must have a true creed in our true life. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
"Covers such things as: the new life, the Spirit in us, root and soil of holiness, strength against sin, the cross and its power, the saint and the law, the saint and Romans 7, and more." -- GCB
God's Way of Holiness, by Horatius Bonar
http://www.pionet.net/~cultrsch/bgwhtoc.htm

Brown, Stephen W., Heirs With the Prince, ISBN: 0840759398 9780840759399.
Includes bibliographical references.

Burroughs, Jeremiah (1599-1646), The Saint's Inheritance and the Worldling's Portion, Representing the Glorious Condition of a Child of God, and the misery of having ones portion in this world, unfolding the state of true happiness with the marks, means, and members, thereof, 1657. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

*Calvin, John (1509-1564), Sermons on Ephesians. A Christian classic.
"The sermons are priceless." -- C.H. Spurgeon
"These also were translated by A. Golding, one who shared completely the spirit and fervor of John Calvin. He loses noting in the translation. These have been very rare, selling for as high as $500.00 when found. You will revel in the closeness they will bring to you as you contemplate Jesus Christ, the One who has made you alive, and has set you in the heavenlies with Him." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)

Christenson, Larry, The Renewed Mind, ISBN: 0854762272 9780854762279.
Emphasizes Sonship. Excellent book.

*Douty, Norman F., Union With Christ.
"Written by an evangelical who is well grounded in theology, this study of one of the central themes of the New Testament deserves careful reading by all who wish to know more of God's provision for them." -- Cyril J. Barber

Erskine, Ebenezer (1680-1754), The Believer Exalted in Imputed Righteousness. A Sermon preached at a sacramental occasion. By the late Rev. Mr. Ebenezer Erskine, Glasgow, [1782?]. Available (THE WORKS OF EBENEZER ERSKINE), on the Puritan Hard Drive.

*Gill, John (1697-1771), The Doctrine of God's Everlasting Love to His Elect, and Their Eternal Union With Christ.
"Gill is the most famous, and the most learned, of the Baptists. . . . In this book he follows the teaching of the Scriptures, that life always precedes faith, and he shows that both life and faith proceed from the eternal counsels of God: You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, (John 15:16), I have loved thee with an everlasting love. (Jeremiah 31:3). Gill's teaching is very similar to that of Thomas Goodwin, and we feel sure that he had read Goodwin thoroughly. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)

*Girardeau, John L., Calvinism and Evangelical Arminianism Compared as to Election, Reprobation, Justification and Related Doctrines, ISBN: 0873779665. Available (in WORKS OF JOHN GIRARDEAU), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"A thorough but graceful refutation of Wesley's arminianism." -- Lloyd T. Sprinkle
"This powerful and penetrating book has been called the best on the subject . . . ." -- GCB

Houston, Thomas (1803-1882), The Adoption of Sons, its Nature, Spirit, Privileges, and Effects; Practical and Experimental Treatise.

King, Guy Hope, Crossing the Border: An Expositional Study of Colossians.
"A lucid study that emphasizes the spiritual truths of a believer's position in Christ and show how the reality of this truth affects everyday living." -- Cyril J. Barber

*Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), Exposition of Ephesians, 8 volumes.
"This masterful series ranks among the fullest (eight volumes!), and most rewarding exposition of Ephesians. Like the Apostle Paul himself, Dr. Lloyd-Jones pens an unusual blend of careful, evangelical exposition and timely, practical applications -- a blend than can come only from a veteran pastor and preacher. Fellow preachers, teachers, and Bible students will find this series to be of the utmost help. The sermon format follows Dr. Lloyd-Jones' messages at London's Westminster Chapel." -- CBD
*Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), Christian Soldier (Ephesians 6:10-20) [Ephesians 6:10-20], volume 1, ISBN: 0801058015 9780801058011.
"Full and complete, these sermons, by one of the great Bible expositors of all time, adequately present the believer's resources, conflict, and reward. Important." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), Christian Unity (Ephesians 4:1-6) [(Ephesians 4:1-6)], volume 2, ISBN: 0801056071 9780801056079.
*Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), Christian Warfare (Ephesians 6:10-13) [Ephesians 6:10-13], volume 3, ISBN: 0801055741 9780801055744.
"This very extensive exposition of four verses deals with the character and strategy of the devil and demonstrates how his attacks affect our emotional lives and eventually, our walk with and work for the Lord." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), Darkness and Light (Ephesians 4:17 -- 5:17) [Ephesians 4:17 -- Ephesians 5:17], volume 4, ISBN: 0801057981 9780801057984.
"Ranks among the richest, fullest, and most rewarding of expository studies ever produced. Deals adequately with the way in which believers 'grow up into Christ' and the way in which this relationship permeates every area of our being. Reformed." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), God's Ultimate Purpose (Ephesians 1) [Ephesians 1], volume 5, ISBN: 0801057949 9780801057946.
"This work lifts the reader up and helps him understand God's glorious plan for the church and the destiny of the believer." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), God's Way of Reconciliation (Ephesians 2) [Ephesians 2], volume 6, ISBN: 0801057957 9780801057953.
"A detailed exposition applying the truth of these passage to man's entire personality -- mind, emotions, and will -- and showing how, in Christ, God has made full provision for all of his needs." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), Life in the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18 -- 6:9) [Ephesians 5:18 -- Ephesians 6:9], volume 7, ISBN: 0801055504 9780801055508.
"An invaluable discussion of the Biblical teaching on interpersonal relationships -- within the family and on the job -- with practical counsel for people in all walks of life." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), The Unsearchable Riches of Christ (Ephesians 3:1-20) [Ephesians 3:1-20], volume 8, ISBN: 0801057965 9780801057960.
"Probing deeply into Paul's thought, Lloyd-Jones expounds the essence of the Apostle's teaching and explains how Christians may know the true God as opposed to worshiping and serving a god of their own making." -- Cyril J. Barber

*Marshall, Walter (1628-1680), The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification: Growing in Holiness by Living in Union With Christ, ISBN: 189277724X. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Reformation Heritage Books edition is a reprint of the 1954 edition set by Oliphants and includes an introduction by Joel R. Beeke. Also includes the author's famous sermon on "The Doctrine of Justification Opened and Applied."
See the WorldCat record for various foreign language editions.
Other editions:
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification, ISBN: 1597520543 9781597520546.
"This is by far the best book on the doctrine of Sanctification in print. It was originally written in the 17th century, but has been put into modern English with this edition. This book will help you better understand the Gospel and its power not only for our Justification, but our Sanctification as well." -- Reader's Comment
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification, ISBN: 1589600630 9781589600638.
"Here you will read the most closely reasoned defense of scriptural sanctification to be found anywhere. . . . Fourteen directions are given to the reader, all perfected with the aim of explaining to sincere souls what sanctification is, what it is not, and how to attain a holy walk before God. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-mystery of Sanctification, Opened, in Sundry Practical Directions: Suited Especially to the Case of Those who Labor Under the Guilt and Power of Indwelling Sin. To Which is Added a Sermon on Justification (1859)
http://archive.org/details/gospelmysteryofs02mars

Mawhinney, A., Doctrine of the Holy Spirit: Adoption. (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette RS319 [audio file].

*Miller, C. John "Jack" (1928-1996), and Rose Marie Miller, Sonship Course: World Harvest Mission Leadership Training Program, Nurture Training for Ministry, Equipping Others for Ministry. Alternate title: LEADERSHIP TRAINING PROGRAM: NURTURE, TRAINING FOR MINISTRY, EQUIPPING OTHERS FOR MINISTRY (Jenkintown, PA [World Harvest, Box 2175, Jenkintown 19046]: World Harvest, 1988).
This course was developed to prepare World Harvest missionaries to work in the field. The course includes small group participation and Biblical counseling.
"The first half of the SONSHIP track focuses on the doctrines of Justification, Sanctification, and Adoption. The last half lays the foundation for love. We look at how the Gospel affects the way we look at ourselves. Our goal was that increasingly your self-image should be rooted in God's view of you clothed in the perfect righteousness of Christ . . . What we aim at here is to encourage the trainee to learn from Christ how to build a holy life, a life of love to your neighbor. This is done self-consciously relying always on his or her free justification by faith. Sanctification by faith issues from knowing always that my standing as a son is assured by justification by Christ alone through faith alone. Thus the heart of our counseling on character development centers in affirmation of Christ's work for us, and Christ's work in us through the Spirit. But within that framework we attempt seriously to involve each trainee in ongoing repentance, putting off old habits and sins and putting on Christ-like love and faith. . . . Much focus is laid on teamwork. . . . The skill of evangelism . . . is the believer's primary emphasis in the course of training because the staff believes that evangelism is necessary for a healthy Christian life . . . Evangelism rightly understood affects both the faith and the Christian life of the one who shares Christ's message." -- C. John Miller and Rose Marie Miller
Miller, C. John (1928-1996), Rose Marie Miller, Paul Miller, Rick Downs, David M. Desforge, et al., Sonship, a set of 16 sound cassettes (audiobook on tape [audio file]).
World Harvest Mission
http://www.whm.org/home.htm

Miller, Rose Marie, From Fear to Freedom: Living as Sons and Daughters of God, ISBN: 0877882592 9780877882596.

Miller, Rose Marie, Romans (Jenkintown, PA: [World Harvest, Box 2175, Jenkintown 19046], World Harvest, 1985).
Excellent study of Romans based on Ray Stedman's study of Romans. Ties in beautifully with the Sonship Course by C. John Miller and Rosemarie Miller.

Murray, John (1898-1975), The Covenant of Grace: A Biblico-theological Study, ISBN: 0875523633 9780875523637. Alternate title: EXTERNAL SONSHIP: THE COVENANT OF GRACE.

Needham, David C., Birthright: Christian do you Know who you are?
"One of the finest books on the subject. Discover from the Bible who you are, and what your destiny is. This book could change your entire outlook on life." -- GCB

*Owen, John (1616-1683), Holy Spirit Gifts and Power: Exposition of the Spirit's Name, Nature, Personality, Dispensation, Operations and Effects, volume 3 of Owen's WORKS. Alternate title: DISCOURSE ON THE HOLY SPIRIT: HIS NAME, NATURE, PERSONALITY, DISPENSATION, OPERATIONS, AND EFFECT, ISBN: 0851511252 9780851511252. A Christian classic.
"One of the outstanding books of all time. Presents a learned and spiritual analysis of the names and titles of the Spirit, His nature and personality, and His varied works and influence." -- Cyril J. Barber
Owen, John (1616-1683), Holy Spirit Gifts and Power.
http://archive.org/details/discourseconcern00owenuoft

Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), Be Filled With the Spirit: We are Alive (Ephesians 5:18) [Ephesians 5:18], (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette JPV05 [audio file].

Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), God has Blessed us: We are Rich (Ephesians 1:3-2:10) (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette JPV01 [audio file].

Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), Questions and Answers by Dr. Packer on Ephesians Lectures (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette JPV06 [audio file].

Renwick, James (1662-1688), Christ our Righteousness. A Choice Sermon, Preached by the Reverend Mr. James Renwick From Revel. iii. 4 [Revelation 3:4], Falkirk, 1775. Available in (A CHOICE COLLECTION OF VERY VALUABLE PREFACES, LECTURES, AND SERMONS, PREACHED UPON THE MOUNTAINS AND MUIRS OF SCOTLAND, IN THE HOTTEST TIME OF THE LATE PERSECUTION. BY MR. JAMES RENWICK), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available in (A CHOICE COLLECTION OF VERY VALUABLE PREFACES, LECTURES, AND SERMONS, PREACHED UPON THE MOUNTAINS AND MUIRS OF SCOTLAND, IN THE HOTTEST TIME OF THE LATE PERSECUTION. BY MR. JAMES RENWICK), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.

*Stewart, James S., A Man in Christ: The Vital Elements in St. Paul's Religion, ISBN: 1553610415 9781553610410 9781573832243 1573832243.

See also: The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Immanuel, christ's presence, christ in you, The love and justice of god, oneness, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justification, Justifying faith, Loving and obeying god, Discipleship, Christ our example, Affliction, adversity, trials, suffering, chastisement, The priesthood of all believers, Reconciliation of relationships, The believer's position in christ and sonship, Adoption into god's family, god's family, Happiness, holiness, Eternal life, immortality, Heaven, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Idolatry, syncretism, Sexual wholeness, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 739-745, 744, 1246

Related Weblinks

The Priesthood of all Believers

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See the Theological Notes: "The Image of God," at Genesis 1:27 in The Reformation Study Bible.
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. (Genesis 1:27)

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. (1 Peter 2:9)
See also: 2 John 1:13; James 2:5; Matthew 20:16; Matthew 24:22,25,31; Luke 18:7; Romans 11:5.

Beloved fellow-Christians, God needs, greatly needs, priests who can draw near to Him, who live in His presence, and by their intercession draw down the blessings of His grace on others. And the world needs, greatly needs, priests who will bear the burden of the perishing ones, and intercede on their behalf. . . . Let nothing keep you back from giving yourselves to be wholly and only priests -- nothing else, nothing less than the priests of the Most High God. . . . This is the true blessedness of conformity to the image of God's Son. -- Andrew Murray

Martin Luther's doctrine of the The Priesthood of all Believers lead to the doctrine of the equality of all men. This is the basis of the declaration that "all men are created equal" and the belief that men are capable of self-government under God. Teaching the doctrine of the Priesthood of all Believers was part of Martin Luther's Reformation.

We the Citizens of Mecklenburg County do hereby dissolve the political bands which have connected us to the Mother Country and hereby absolve ourselves from all allegiance to the British crown and abjure all political connection, contract or association with that nation who have wantonly trampled on our rights and liberties and inhumanely shed the innocent blood of American patriots at Lexington.
We do hereby declare ourselves a free and independent people -- are and of right ought to be a sovereign and self-governing association, under the control of no power other than that of our God and the general government of the congress, to the maintenance of which independence civil and religious we solemnly pledge to each other our mutual cooperation, our lives, our fortunes and our most sacred honor. -- The Mecklenburg Declaration

The roots of liberty and limited government are in the Protestant Reformation. We believe the key to the maintenance of liberty and limited government is to be found in the Scottish covenanting struggle. -- James A. Dodson

An ignorant laity will always be the bane of a church. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900), "The Fallibility of Ministers," in Warnings to the Churches, pp. 93-121

Bobick, Michael W., From Slavery to Sonship: A Biblical Psychology for Pastoral Counseling. Distributed by Westminster Theological Seminary Discount Book Service. Includes bibliography.
"Attempts to break fresh theoretical ground for understanding people biblically: 'We need not choose between solving problems and understanding people; this is a false dilemma. . . . But in the absence of a published Biblical psychology that helps counselors. . . our present need is to emphasize the dynamics of motivation.' Instead of a how-to format for specific problems, this book tries 'to span the gap between theological anthropology and actual ministry.' Part 1 develops a model of the sinful human heart as a maze of lies and 'covenants with idols.' The renewed human heart is increasingly ruled by God's truth and power in Christ. Part 2 shows how the model can be used in the counseling process." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

*Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), The Everlasting Righteousness, or How Shall man be Just With God? ISBN: 0851516556 9780851516554. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language.
"First published in 1874, THE EVERLASTING RIGHTEOUSNESS, may be the best book on the doctrine of justification by faith alone ever written.
"Since the seventeenth century, the church's adherence to the central doctrine of the Christian faith has been weakening; in the twentieth century it has all but disappeared. But to those who remain faithful -- to those who are called of God -- justification by faith alone is the best news there could ever be: that Christ died for our sins, and we shall live forever because of Christ's righteousness.
"Justification by faith alone -- the 'principal hinge of religion,' according to John Calvin, the 'doctrine by which the church stands or falls,' according to Martin Luther -- is salvation. Without it, all hope is lost; with it, Heaven gained. Bonar's discussion is without equal in the English language." -- John W. Robbins
The Everlasting Righteousness; or, How Shall man be Just With God? (1873), Horatius Bonar
http://archive.org/details/everlastingrigh00bonagoog
The Everlasting Righteousness; or, How Shall man be Just With God? full view.
http://books.google.com/books?id=nQMDAAAAQAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html

*Bucy, Ralph D. (editor), The New Laity Between Church and World, ISBN: 0849928338 9780849928338.

*Calvin, Jean (John, 1509-1564), and John H. Leith, The Christian Life, ISBN: 0060612983 9780060612986.
Calvin, On the Christian Life
http://www.ccel.org/calvin/christian_life/christian_life.html

*Calvin, John (1509-1564), Sermons on Ephesians. A Christian classic.
"The sermons are priceless." -- C.H. Spurgeon
"These also were translated by A. Golding, one who shared completely the spirit and fervor of John Calvin. He loses noting in the translation. These have been very rare, selling for as high as $500.00 when found. You will revel in the closeness they will bring to you as you contemplate Jesus Christ, the One who has made you alive, and has set you in the heavenlies with Him." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)

*Eastwood, Charles Cyril, The Royal Priesthood of the Faithful: An Investigation of the Doctrine From Biblical Times to the Reformation.
Other editions exist.
Includes bibliography.

Elliott, John Hall, The Elect and the Holy: An Exegetical Examination of I Peter 2:4-10. [1 Peter 2:4-10]
Includes bibliography.

Hertz, Karl H., Everyman a Priest.

Hobbs, Herschel H., You are Chosen: The Priesthood of all Believers, ISBN: 0062520040.

Hodgkin, Henry T., Lay Religion.
"Every great religious awakening has been a revolt against authority." -- Henry T. Hodgkin

Howington, Nolan P., A Royal Priesthood.
Includes bibliography.

Ketcherside, W. Carl, The Royal Priesthood: A Plea for the Restoration of the Priesthood of all Believers in the Church of God.

Kraemer, H., Theology of the Laity.
"A very significant, seminal study on the true meaning of laity."

*Leith, John H., John Calvin's Doctrine of the Christian Life, ISBN: 0664213308 9780664213305.
"This work provides a thorough analysis of Calvinist doctrine, defining Christian life in relation to four aspect of Calvinist thought: justification by faith, providence and predestination, history and the transhistorical, and church and society. The relationship between God and man is seen as the most central." -- GCB

*Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), Exposition of Ephesians, 8 volumes.
"This masterful series ranks among the fullest (eight volumes!), and most rewarding exposition of Ephesians. Like the Apostle Paul himself, Dr. Lloyd-Jones pens an unusual blend of careful, evangelical exposition and timely, practical applications -- a blend than can come only from a veteran pastor and preacher. Fellow preachers, teachers, and Bible students will find this series to be of the utmost help. The sermon format follows Dr. Lloyd-Jones' messages at London's Westminster Chapel." -- CBD
*Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), Christian Soldier (Ephesians 6:10-20) [Ephesians 6:10-20], volume 1, ISBN: 0801058015 9780801058011.
"Full and complete, these sermons, by one of the great Bible expositors of all time, adequately present the believer's resources, conflict, and reward. Important." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), Christian Unity (Ephesians 4:1-6) [(Ephesians 4:1-6)], volume 2, ISBN: 0801056071 9780801056079.
*Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), Christian Warfare (Ephesians 6:10-13) [Ephesians 6:10-13], volume 3, ISBN: 0801055741 9780801055744.
"This very extensive exposition of four verses deals with the character and strategy of the devil and demonstrates how his attacks affect our emotional lives and eventually, our walk with and work for the Lord." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), Darkness and Light (Ephesians 4:17 -- 5:17) [Ephesians 4:17 -- Ephesians 5:17], volume 4, ISBN: 0801057981 9780801057984.
"Ranks among the richest, fullest, and most rewarding of expository studies ever produced. Deals adequately with the way in which believers 'grow up into Christ' and the way in which this relationship permeates every area of our being. Reformed." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), God's Ultimate Purpose (Ephesians 1) [Ephesians 1], volume 5, ISBN: 0801057949 9780801057946.
"This work lifts the reader up and helps him understand God's glorious plan for the church and the destiny of the believer." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), God's Way of Reconciliation (Ephesians 2) [Ephesians 2], volume 6, ISBN: 0801057957 9780801057953.
"A detailed exposition applying the truth of these passage to man's entire personality -- mind, emotions, and will -- and showing how, in Christ, God has made full provision for all of his needs." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), Life in the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18 -- 6:9) [Ephesians 5:18 -- Ephesians 6:9], volume 7, ISBN: 0801055504 9780801055508.
"An invaluable discussion of the Biblical teaching on interpersonal relationships -- within the family and on the job -- with practical counsel for people in all walks of life." -- Cyril J. Barber
*Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), The Unsearchable Riches of Christ (Ephesians 3:1-20) [Ephesians 3:1-20], volume 8, ISBN: 0801057965 9780801057960.
"Probing deeply into Paul's thought, Lloyd-Jones expounds the essence of the Apostle's teaching and explains how Christians may know the true God as opposed to worshiping and serving a god of their own making." -- Cyril J. Barber

Manson, Thomas Walter, Ministry and Priesthood: Christ's and Ours.
Includes bibliography.

*Marney, Carlyle, Priests to Each Other, ISBN: 0817006281 9780817006280.
"Marney explores the need for a new reformation within the 20th century church." Includes bibliographical references.

*Marshall, Walter (1628-1680), The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification: Growing in Holiness by Living in Union With Christ. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Reformation Heritage Books edition, ISBN: 189277724X, is a reprint of the 1954 edition set by Oliphants and includes an introduction by Joel R. Beeke. Also includes the author's famous sermon on "The Doctrine of Justification Opened and Applied."
See the WorldCat record for various foreign language editions.
Other editions:
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification, ISBN: 1597520543 9781597520546.
"This is by far the best book on the doctrine of Sanctification in print. It was originally written in the 17th century, but has been put into modern English with this edition. This book will help you better understand the Gospel and its power not only for our Justification, but our Sanctification as well." -- Reader's Comment
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification, ISBN: 1589600630 9781589600638.
"Here you will read the most closely reasoned defense of scriptural sanctification to be found anywhere. . . . Fourteen directions are given to the reader, all perfected with the aim of explaining to sincere souls what sanctification is, what it is not, and how to attain a holy walk before God. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Marshall, Walter, The Gospel-mystery of Sanctification, Opened, in Sundry Practical Directions: Suited Especially to the Case of Those who Labor Under the Guilt and Power of Indwelling Sin. To Which is Added a Sermon on Justification (1859)
http://archive.org/details/gospelmysteryofs02mars

Ogden, Greg, The New Reformation: Returning the Ministry to the People of God, ISBN: 0310246199 9780310246190.
"Ministry is to be by the people and for the people, and this book explains why it is needed and how it can be done." -- Publisher
Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

Renwick, James (1662-1688), Christ our Righteousness. A Choice Sermon, Preached by the Reverend Mr. James Renwick From Revel. iii. 4 [Revelation 3:4], Falkirk, 1775. Available in (A CHOICE COLLECTION OF VERY VALUABLE PREFACES, LECTURES, AND SERMONS, PREACHED UPON THE MOUNTAINS AND MUIRS OF SCOTLAND, IN THE HOTTEST TIME OF THE LATE PERSECUTION. BY MR. JAMES RENWICK), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available in (A CHOICE COLLECTION OF VERY VALUABLE PREFACES, LECTURES, AND SERMONS, PREACHED UPON THE MOUNTAINS AND MUIRS OF SCOTLAND, IN THE HOTTEST TIME OF THE LATE PERSECUTION. BY MR. JAMES RENWICK), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.

*Richards, Lawrence O., and Gib Martin, The Theology of Personal Ministry: Spiritual Giftedness in the Local Church, ISBN: 0310319706 9780310319702.
"In keeping with the title, the first part of this book develops a theological foundation for personal ministry. From this premise the authors expound the practical implications of the fact that the head of the church has called each believer to a personal ministry. All things considered, this is an excellent work." -- Cyril J. Barber

*Robinson, William, Completing the Reformation: The Doctrine of the Priesthood of all Believers.
"The fundamental idea of the Reformation promised to inaugurate a radical change in the whole conception and place of the laity." -- William Robinson

Shurden, Walter B., The Doctrine of the Priesthood of Believers.
Includes bibliographical references. A teaching workbook is available.

Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), C.H. Spurgeon's Prayers. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
C.H. Spurgeon's Prayers
http://archive.org/details/chspurgeonspraye00spur

Stevens, R. Paul, The Equipper's Guide to Every-Member Ministry: Eight Ways Ordinary People can do the Work of the Church, ISBN: 0830813373 9780830813377.

*Stevens, R. Paul, Liberating the Laity: Equipping all the Saints for Ministry, ISBN: 0877846138 9780877846130.
"Seeks to abolish the distinction between clergy and laity and to elevate believers to their true dignity as ministers of Christ. Stevens is not an anticleric. His iconoclasm is of a different order; and his goal is the mobilization of the people of God to do the work he desires. . . ." -- Cyril J. Barber

*Wallace, Ronald, Calvin's Doctrine of the Christian Life, ISBN: 1579100473 9781579100476.
"This renowned student of Calvin's theology says that the great Reformer did not hold that the doctrine of the priesthood of believers was an individualistic idea apart from the Church. Also sets forth Calvin's views on prayer, ethics, and other Christian disciplines. Always the idea of assurance, achievement, and hope was present because of our union with Christ." -- GCB

*Williams, W.S., The Glorious Ministry of the Laity in the Early Days of the Christian Church.

See also: Immanuel, christ's presence, christ in you, The love and justice of god, oneness, Loving and obeying god, Discipleship, Christ our example, Affliction, adversity, trials, suffering, chastisement, The priesthood of all believers, Reconciliation of relationships, The believer's position in christ and sonship, Adoption into god's family, god's family, Happiness, holiness, Eternal life, immortality, Heaven, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Idolatry, syncretism, Sexual wholeness, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 2864

Related Weblinks

Thanksgiving, Gratitude

---

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.
Serve the Lord with gladness:
come before his presence with singing.
Know ye that the Lord he is God:
it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving,
and into his courts with praise.
Be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
For the Lord is good;
his mercy is everlasting,
And his truth endureth to all generations. (Psalm 100:1-5)

O Give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endureth forever. (Psalm 118:1)

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (James 1:17)

O give thanks to the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever. (Psalm 136:2)

In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

It is good to give thanks to the Lord and to sing praises to Your Name, O Most High; to declare Your loving kindness in the morning and Your faithfulness every night. (Psalm 92:1-2)

Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men! (Psalm 31:19)

Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. (Psalm 40:5)

Dr. Martin Luther observed that we exhibit a degree of thankfulness in life in reverse proportion to the amount of blessing we have received. In TABLETALK, Dr. Martin Luther wrote: "The greater God's gifts and works, the less they are regarded." The blessings of life, health, freedom, and food are not really appreciated unless they are lost, or threatened. Because sunrises and sunsets occur daily, they are taken for granted.

For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. (Malachi 3:6)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:3-5)

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth. (2 Thessalonians 2:13)

See the Theological Notes: "The Glory of God," at Ezekiel 1:28 in The Reformation Study Bible.

See the Theological Notes: "The Purpose of God: Predestination and Foreknowledge," at Malachi 1:2 in The Reformation Study Bible.

See the Theological Notes: "Election and Reprobation," at Romans 9:18 in The Reformation Study Bible.

There is no sacrifice in which he takes greater delight than the expression of our gratitude. Thus, (Psalm 50:14), Sacrifice unto the Lord thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High; and, (Psalm 116:12,13), What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 135:1 and context

Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16,17,18)

The Treasury of David, Psalm 23, C.H. Spurgeon
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. . . . He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. . . . I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. . . . Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps023.php

The Treasury of David, Psalm 118, C.H. Spurgeon
It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.
It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes. (Psalm 118:8,9)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps118.php

The Treasury of David, Psalm 136, C.H. Spurgeon
O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. (Psalm 136:1)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps136.php

For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. (2 Corinthians 4:15)

And we must make use also of praise and thanksgiving to stir up peace, joy, love, etc. (Genesis 32:10; Psalm 18:1,2,3; Psalm 33:1; Psalm 104:34). -- Walter Marshall in The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise him, all creatures here below;
Praise him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. -- The Doxology

Oh, you that have passed from death to life, you have reason indeed to be thankful! Remember what you once were by nature -- dead. Think what you are now by grace -- alive.
Look at the dry bones thrown up from the graves. Such were you; and who has made you to differ? Go and fall low before the footstool of your God. Bless Him for His grace, His free distinguishing grace. Say to Him often, "Who am I, Lord, that you have brought me to this time? Why me? Why have you been merciful towards me? -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

Such great and wonderful things would never have been done for us by God, if the life of the soul were to end with the death of the body. Why then do I delay? Why do I not abandon my hopes of this world and devote myself entirely to the search for God and for the happy life? -- Augustine (354-430 AD), Confessions
God's love has conquered death! (1 Corinthians 15:55-57; Romans 8:31-39; Colossians 1:27; 1 John 1:7)

O My God,
You fairest, greatest, first of all objects,
My heart admires, adores, loves You,
For my little vessel is as full as it can be,
And I would pour out all that fullness before You in ceaseless flow.
When I think upon and converse with You
Ten thousand delightful thoughts spring up,
Ten thousand sources of pleasure are unsealed,
Ten thousand refreshing joys spread over my heart,
Crowding into every moment of happiness.
I bless You for the soul You have created,
For adorning it, for sanctifying it,
Though it is fixed in barren soil;
For the body You have given me,
For preserving its strength and vigor,
For providing senses to enjoy delights,
For the ease and freedom of limbs,
For hands, eyes, ears that do Your bidding;
For Your royal bounty providing my daily support,
For a full table and overflowing cup,
For appetite, taste, sweetness,
For social joys of relatives and friends,
For ability to serve others,
For a heart that feels sorrows and necessities,
For a mind to care for my fellow men,
For opportunities of spreading happiness around,
For loved ones in the joys of heaven,
For my own expectation of seeing You clearly.
I love You above the powers of language to express,
For what You are to Your creatures.
Increase my love, O my God, through time and eternity. -- Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions

Mather, Cotton (1663-1728), The Thankful Christian a Brief Essay, Upon Those Returns of Thankfulness and Obedience to the Glorious God, in Which There Lies the Most Acceptable and Ingenuous Thanksgiving to him for his benefits. Address'd unto all that have received the favours of heaven; but more especially unto them, who after the good successes of a whaling-season, would express their gratitude unto God their Saviour.

Washington, George, United States. President (1789-1797), By the President of the United States of America. A Proclamation: Whereas it is the Duty of Nations to Acknowledge the Providence of Almighty God . . . And Whereas both houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States, a day of public thanksgiving and prayer . . ." I do recommend and assign Thursday the twenty-sixth day of November next . . . Given under my hand, at the city of New-York, the third day of October . . . one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine.

See also: The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The covenant faithfulness of god, Praise, Thanksgiving, gratitude, The psalms in worship, Family worship, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 1455, 1457

Related Weblinks

Thankfulness (FGB #190)
Why all Should be Thankful, Cooper, William | The Disposition of God's People, Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635) | One Special day Manton, Thomas (1620-1677) | Of Thankfulness to God, Gill, John (1697-1771) | Thankfulness in all Things, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | Thanksgiving for Mercies Received, Flavel, John (c. 1630-1691) | A Sin for Which There is no Excuse, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | How can we Give Thanks in Everything? Cooper, William | Where are the Nine? Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892)
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/thanfg/thankfulness

The Treasury of David, Psalm 18, C.H. Spurgeon
I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. (Psalm 18:3)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps018.php

The Treasury of David, Psalm 66, C.H. Spurgeon
Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands:
Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious.
Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee. (Psalm 66:1-3)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps066.php

The Treasury of David, Psalm 107, C.H. Spurgeon
Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! (Psalm 107:8)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps107.php

The Treasury of David, Psalm 118, C.H. Spurgeon
It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.
It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes. (Psalm 118:8,9)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps118.php

The Treasury of David, Psalm 138, C.H. Spurgeon
The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands. (Psalm 138:8)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps138.php

The Regulative Principle of Worship, The True Worship of God, Public Worship

---

See the Theological Notes: "The Glory of God," at Ezekiel 1:28 in The Reformation Study Bible.

See the Theological Notes: "The Greatness of God," at 1 Chronicles 29:11 in The Reformation Study Bible.

Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all. (1 Chronicles 29:11)
He is the fountain and centre of every thing that is bright and blessed. All that we can, in our most exalted praises, attribute to him he has an unquestionable title to. His is the greatness; his greatness is immense and incomprehensible; and all others are little, are nothing, in comparison of him. His is the power, and it is almighty and irresistible; power belongs to him, and all the power of all the creatures is derived from him and depends upon him. His is the glory; for his glory is his own end and the end of the whole creation. All the glory we can give him with our hearts, lips, and lives, comes infinitely short of what is his due. His is the victory; he transcends and surpasses all, and is able to conquer and subdue all things to himself; and his victories are incontestable and uncontrollable. And his is the majesty, real and personal; with him is terrible majesty, inexpressible and inconceivable. . . . His sovereign dominion, as rightful owner and possessor of all: "All that is in the heaven, and in the earth, is thine, and at thy disposal, by the indisputable right of creation, and as supreme ruler and commander of all: thine is the kingdom, and all kings are thy subjects; for thou art head, and art to be exalted and worshipped as head above all." -- Matthew Henry (1662-1714), An Exposition of the Old and New Testaments

See the Theological Notes: "One and Three: The Trinity," at Isaiah 44:6 in The Reformation Study Bible.

See the Theological Notes: "The Spiritual Nature of God," at Isaiah 66:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.

See the Theological Notes: "God's Pattern for Worship," at 1 Chronicles 16:29 in The Reformation Study Bible.

See the Theological Notes: "The Church," at Ephesians 2:19 in The Reformation Study Bible.

See the Theological Notes: "The Local Church," at Revelation 2:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.

It was John Calvin's case for church attendance, found in Institutes of the Christian Religion, (Battle's translation), Book IV, Chapter 1, 1-19 (and context), that finally helped the compiler over the hurdle of erroneously forsaking the assembly of ourselves together ostensibly because of hypocracy, faults, impurities, and minor scandals within the church.
Book Four. The External Means or Aids by Which God Invites us Into the Society of Christ and Holds us Therein Chapter I. The True Church With Which as Mother of all the Godly we Must Keep Unity
(The Holy Catholic Church, our mother, 1-4)
1. The necessity of the church
We need outward helps to beget and increase faith within us, and advance it to its goal.
2. What is the relationship of church and creed?
But because a small and contemptible number are hidden in a huge multitude and a few grains of wheat are covered by a pile of chaff, we must leave to God alone the knowledge of his church, whose foundation is his secret election.
3. The communion of saints
Finally, we feel that these promises apply to us: There will be salvation in Zion [Joel 2:32; Obadiah 17, cf. Vg.]; God will abide in the midst of Jerusalem forever, that it may never be moved. [Psalm 46:5]. So powerful is participation in the church that it keeps us in the society of God. In the very word "communion" there is a wealth of comfort because, while it is determined that whatever the Lord bestows upon his members and ours belongs to us, our hope is strengthened by all the benefits they receive.
4. The visible church as mother of believers
On the other hand, those who turn to the cultivation of true godliness are said to inscribe their names among the citizens of Jerusalem [cf. Isaiah 56:5; Psalm 87:6]. For this reason, it is said in another psalm: Remember me, O Jehovah, with favor toward thy people; visit me with salvation: that I may see the well-doing of thy chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the joy of thy nation, that I may be glad with thine inheritance. [Psalm 106:4-5; cf. Psalm 105:4, Vg., etc.]. By these words God's fatherly favor and the especial witness of spiritual life are limited to his flock, so that it is always disastrous to leave the church.
(Her ministers, speaking for God, not to be despised, 5-6)
5. Education through the church, its value and its obligation
We must observe that God always revealed himself thus to the holy patriarchs in the mirror of his teaching in order to be known spiritually. Accordingly, the Temple is called not only the face of God [cf. Psalm 42:2] but (to remove all cause for superstition) his footstool. [Psalm 132:7; Psalm 99:5; 1 Chronicles 28:2]. Happy indeed is that attainment of unity of faith [cf. Ephesians 4:13] when all -- from the highest to the lowest -- aspire toward the Head!
6. Meaning and limits of the ministry
Moreover, it is clear from other passages how he leaves nothing to ministers by themselves. Neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but it is God alone who gives the growth. [1 Corinthians 3:7]. Likewise: I worked more than all; not I, but the grace of God which was with me. [1 Corinthians 15:10]. Surely we ought to remember those statements in which God, ascribing to himself illumination of mind and renewal of heart, warns that it is sacrilege for man to claim any part of either for himself.
(The visible church: its membership and the marks by which it is recognized, 7-9)
7. Invisible and visible church
In this church are mingled many hypocrites who have nothing of Christ but the name and outward appearance. There are very many ambitious, greedy, envious persons, evil speakers, and some of quite unclean life. Such are tolerated for a time either because they cannot be convicted by a competent tribunal or because a vigorous discipline does not always nourish as it ought.
Just as we must believe, therefore, that the former church, invisible to us, is visible to the eyes of God alone, so we are commanded to revere and keep communion with the latter, which is called "church" in respect to men.
8. The limitation of our judgment
Therefore, according to God's secret predestination (as Augustine says), "many sheep are without, and many wolves are within." For he knows and has marked those who know neither him nor themselves. Of those who openly wear his badge, his eyes alone see the ones who are unfeignedly holy and will persevere to the very end [Matthew 24:13] -- the ultimate point of salvation.
9. The marks of the church and our application of them to judgment
Wherever we see the Word of God purely preached and heard, and the sacraments administered according to Christ's institution, there, it is not to be doubted, a church of God exists [cf. Ephesians 2:20]. For his promise cannot fail: Wherever two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them. [Matthew 18:20].
(A church with these marks, however defective, is not to be forsaken: the sin of schism, 10-16)
10. Marks and authority of the church
For the Lord esteems the communion of his church so highly that he counts as a traitor and apostate from Christianity anyone who arrogantly leaves any Christian society, provided it cherishes the true ministry of Word and sacraments. He so esteems the authority of the church that when it is violated he believes his own diminished.
11. The inviolable validity of the marks
If in Word and sacraments it has the order approved by the Lord, it will not deceive; let us, then, confidently pay to it the honor due to churches. But again, if, devoid of Word and sacraments, it advertises the name of church, we must just as scrupulously beware such deceits, as we must avoid rashness and pride on the other side.
12. Heeding the marks guards against capricious separation
The pure ministry of the Word and pure mode of celebrating the sacraments are, as we say, sufficient pledge and guarantee that we may safely embrace as church any society in which both these marks exist. The principle extends to the point that we must not reject it so long as it retains them, even if it otherwise swarms with many faults.
13. Scandal in the church no occasion for leaving it
In bearing with imperfections of life we ought to be far more considerate. . . . For there have always been those who, imbued with a false conviction of their own perfect sanctity, as if they had already become a sort of airy spirits, spurned association with all men in whom they discern any remnant of human nature. . . .
There are others who sin more out of ill-advised zeal for righteousness than out of that insane pride. When they do not see a quality of life corresponding to the doctrine of the gospel among those to whom it is announced, they immediately judge that no church exists in that place. . . . But on their part those of whom we have spoken sin in that they do not know how to restrain their disfavor. For where the Lord requires kindness, they neglect it and give themselves over completely to immoderate severity. Indeed, because they think no church exists where there are not perfect purity and integrity of life, they depart out of hatred of wickedness from the lawful church, while they fancy themselves turning aside from the faction of the wicked.
14. Paul and the needs of his congregations
Yet the church abides among them [the Corinthians and Galatians] because the ministry of Word and sacraments remains unrepudiated there.
15. Fellowship with wicked persons
Indeed, I do not deny that it is the godly man's duty to abstain from all familiarity with the wicked, and not to enmesh himself with them in any voluntary relationship. But it is one thing to flee the boon companionship of the wicked; another, in hating them, to renounce the communion of the church.
For when Paul urges us to a holy and pure partaking of it [Communion], he does not require that one examine another, or every one the whole church, but that each individual prove himself [1 Corinthians 11:28]. If it were unlawful to partake of communion with an unworthy person, surely Paul would bid us investigate whether there is anyone in the multitude whose uncleanliness pollutes us.
16. The false claim of perfection comes from distorted opinion
Puffed up with pride, mad with obstinacy, deceitful in their slanders, troublesome in their seditions, these evil persons feign a rigid severity so they cannot be shown to lack the light of truth. Holy Scripture bids us correct our brothers' vices with more moderate care, while preserving sincerity of love and unity of peace.
Finally, let them realize that, in estimating the true church, divine judgment is of more weight than human.
(The imperfect holiness of the church does not justify schism, but affords occasion for the exercise within it of the forgiveness of sins, 17-22)
17. The holiness of the church
And although there are oftentimes few evidences of this sort of sanctification among men, still we must hold that from the creation of the world there was no time when the Lord did not have his church; and even until the consummation of the age, there will be no time when he will not have it. For even though the whole human race has from the very beginning been corrupted and vitiated by Adam's sin, from this polluted mass, as it were, He ever sanctifies certain vessels unto honor [cf. Romans 9:23 ff.] that there may be no age that does not experience his mercy.
18. The example of the prophets
But if the holy prophets had scruples against separating themselves from the church because of many great misdeeds, not of one man or another but of almost all the people, we claim too much for ourselves if we dare withdraw at once from the communion of the church just because the morals of all do not meet our standard or even square with the profession of Christian faith.
19. The example of Christ and of the apostles
Let the following two points, then, stand firm. First, he who voluntarily deserts the outward communion of the church (where the Word of God is preached and the sacraments are administered) is without excuse. Secondly, neither the vices of the few nor the vices of the many in any way prevent us from duly professing our faith there in ceremonies ordained by God. For a godly conscience is not wounded by the unworthiness of another, whether pastor or layman; nor are the sacraments less pure and salutary for a holy and upright man because they are handled by unclean persons. -- John Calvin's case for church attendance, found in Institutes of the Christian Religion, Battle's translation, Book IV, Chapter 1, 1-19 and context

He [David] mentions also as another qualification, that he shunned the wicked in such a manner as not on that account to forsake the congregation of God, or withdraw himself from the company of those with whom he was commanded by divine appointment to associate. Many err in this way grievously; imagining when they see the evil mingled with the good, that they will be infected with pollution, unless they immediately withdraw themselves from the whole congregation. . . . David, therefore, prudently moderates his zeal, and while separating himself from the ungodly, ceases not to frequent the temple, as the divine commandment and the order prescribed in the law required. When he denominates them the assembly of the ungodly, we may unquestionably conclude, that their number was not few; nay, it is probable that they flaunted about at that time, as if they alone were exalted above the people of God, and were lords over them: yet this did not prevent David from coming as usual to the sacrifices. Public care, indeed, is to be used that the Church be not defiled by such wickedness, and every man ought privately to endeavor, in his own place, that his remissness and forbearance do not cherish the disorders which these vices occasion. Although, however, this strictness should not be exercised with that care which is necessary, there is nothing in this to hinder any of the faithful from piously and holily remaining in the fellowship of the Church. It is to be observed, in the meantime, that what retained David, was his communion with God and with sacred things. -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 26:5

See the Theological Notes: "The Lord's Supper," at 1 Corinthians 11:3 in The Reformation Study Bible.

See the Theological Notes: "Music in the Church," at Colossians 3:16 in The Reformation Study Bible.

See the Theological Notes: "Pleasing God," at 1 Thessalonians 2:6 in The Reformation Study Bible.

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 4:24)

See the Chapter Notes, "Theology of the Psalms," page 754, in The Reformation Study Bible.

See the Theological Notes: "Prayer," at Luke 11:2 in The Reformation Study Bible.

See the Theological Notes: "The Wisdom and Will of God," at Daniel 2:20 in The Reformation Study Bible.

See the Theological Notes: "Mankind's Guilty Knowledge of God," at Romans 1:29 in The Reformation Study Bible.

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 6:63)

If it be inquired, then, by what things chiefly the Christian religion has a standing existence amongst us, and maintains its truth, it will be found that the following two not only occupy the principal place, but comprehend under them all the other parts, and consequently the whole substance of Christianity: this is, a knowledge, first, of the mode in which God is duly worshipped; and, secondly, of the source from which salvation is to be obtained. When these are kept out of view, though we may glory in the name Christians, our profession is empty and vain. After these come the sacraments and the government of the church. . . -- John Calvin, The Necessity of Reforming the Church (Presbyterian Heritage Publications, 1544, reprinted 1995), p. 15

God here cuts off from men every occasion for making evasions, since he condemns by this one phrase, 'I have not commanded them,' whatever the Jews devised. There is then no other argument needed to condemn superstitions, than that they are not commanded by God: for when men allow themselves to worship God according to their own fancies, and attend not to his commands, they pervert true religion. And if this principle was adopted by the Papists, all those fictitious modes of worship, in which they absurdly exercise themselves, would fall to the ground. It is indeed a horrible thing for the Papists to seek to discharge their duties towards God by performing their own superstitions. There is an immense number of them, as it is well known, and as it manifestly appears. Were they to admit this principle, that we cannot rightly worship God except by obeying his word, they would be delivered from their deep abyss of error. The Prophet's words then are very important, when he says, that God had commanded no such thing, and that it never came to his mind; as though he had said, that men assume too much wisdom, when they devise what he never required, nay, what he never knew. -- John Calvin, Commentary on Jeremiah 7:31

God is a Spirit infinitely happy, therefore we must approach him with cheerfulness; he is a Spirit of infinite majesty, therefore we must come before him with reverence; he is a Spirit infinitely high, therefore we must offer up our sacrifices with deepest humility; he is a Spirit infinitely holy, therefore we must address him with purity; he is a Spirit infinitely glorious, we therefore must acknowledge his excellency . . . he is a Spirit infinitely provoked by us, therefore we must offer up our worship in the name of a pacifying mediator and intercessor. -- Stephen Charnock

In opposition to Catholicism, Calvin and the Reformed churches in general held to the "regulative principle of worship." That is, God is to be worshipped only in the manner which he has ordained in his Word (Institutes II:8:17). This Calvinistic principle is concisely set forth in the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646), (XXI:1):

The acceptable way of worshipping the true God is instituted by himself, and so limited by his own revealed will, that he may not be worshipped according to the imaginations and devices of men, or the suggestions of Satan, under any visible representation, or any other way not prescribed in the Holy Scripture.

Calvin sees this principle being worked out in the apostolic church in Acts 2:42 (Institutes IV:17:44). -- W. Gary Crampton

"Attempts to worship God in your own way argues gross and carnal notions of God. . . ."
And then, (2.) It becomes idolatrous upon this ground also, because this daring impudence of men, in worshipping God in their own way, argues gross and carnal notions and conceptions of God. When we devise a carnal, pompous way of worship for him, it is an argument we have set up an idol god first in our imaginations, one like ourselves, and utterly unlike the true God; who is a most simple, pure, spiritual Being; and, as such, will be worshipped, John 4:24. But by devising such a fleshly way of worship, I say it is manifest, we have fancied to ourselves another god, altogether different from that God revealed to us in the word. Hence it was that Joshua told the people, Joshua 24:19. Ye cannot serve the Lord, for he is a jealous God, and will not forgive your sins. i.e., You cannot serve the true God, till you have gotten right apprehensions of him: You fancy to yourselves a God made up of all mercy, as if he had no justice nor righteousness to call you to an account for your sins; and so do but worship an idol, formed in your own imagination, instead of the true God. And if the thing be duly weighed, it will appear as well idolatry to submit to, and acknowledge the sovereign authority of a creature, in appointing laws for worship, or falling down before an imaginary god, or idol, formed in our own phantasy, as to bow to, and worship a graven image, or the stock of a tree. -- John Flavel (1627-1691)

That all true believers whose minds are spiritually renewed have a singular delight in all the institutions and ordinances of divine worship is fully evident," writes Owen, and quotes Psalm 42:1-4, 63:1-5, 84:1-4 to prove his point.(12, Owen). That the saints love public worship is a constant Puritan theme. Why their delight in it? Because in worship the saints do not merely seek God; they also find him. Worship is not only an expression of gratitude, but also a means of grace, whereby the hungry are fed, so that the empty are sent away rich. For "there is in worship an approach of God to man." (13, Charnock). "God's presence in his ordinances" is a reality; God is essentially present in the world, graciously present in his church. "God delights to approach to men, and converse with them in the worship instituted in the gospel." (14, Charnock). And men honour God most when they come to worship hungry and expectant, conscious of need and looking to God to meet them and supply it. -- J.I. Packer (1926-2020)

There are, said the Puritans, three spheres of Christian worship: public, in the local church; domestic, in the family circle; private, in the closet. Of these three, public worship is the most important. David Clarkson was entirely typical when, preaching on Psalm 87:2 under the title "Public Worship to be preferred before Private," he argued from Scripture that "the Lord is more glorified by public worship," "there is more of the Lord's presence in public worship," "here are the clearest manifestations of God," "there is more spiritual advantage to be got in the use of public ordinances," and "public worship is more edifying." (21, Clarkson). Strikingly, yet characteristically (for many others made the same point), he reminds us that public worship is "the nearest resemblance of heaven" that earth knows: for "in heaven, so far as the Scripture describes it to us . . . all the worship of that glorious company is public. . . . They make one glorious congregation and so jointly together sing the praises of him that sits on the throne, and the praises of the Lamb, and continue employed in this public worship to eternity." (22, Clarkson). Similarly, Swinnock insists that on the Lord's Day church must come first, and everything else be built round it. "Esteem the public ordinances the chief work of the day, and let thy secret and private duties be so managed that thy soul may be prepared for them, and profited by them." (23, Swinnock). -- J.I. Packer (1926-2020)

All things in life are interrelated. It was in recognition of this that universities (for unity in diversity), were instituted for higher learning. Recognition of Christ as the center of all things: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. (Colossians 3:11b) For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:36) It becomes easier to understand the necessity for unity of believers. "And for real worship to take place there must be unity." -- Ravi Zacharias

Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 3:12,13)

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:42)
The things which make us spiritual are Bible study, fellowship, and prayer.

The Treasury of David, Psalm 150, C.H. Spurgeon
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps150.php

We may give God a bowed head and a serious face, our bodily presence in His house, and a loud 'Amen!'. But until we give God our heart, we give Him nothing at all. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

Worship is allowing ourselves to be influenced by God.

*Alexander, James W. (1804-1859), Family Worship: Its Influence Over all of Life. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #22.
"Some have postulated that the Reformation would have fizzled out in no time had it not been for the faithful men who led their families in daily worship. Nothing is more calculated to enhanced and abet all other spiritual duties than daily family worship. It will curtail divorce and domestic violence, both of which were unheard of among the Puritans because of their love for the use of the means of grace within this setting, and help lead many individuals and ultimately nations to Christ. This book covers the influence of family worship on the individual piety of parents and children. It shows it to be a means of intellectual improvement and a bond of domestic harmony and love. Men, if you really want to change the world, start with your own immediate sphere of influence and responsibility. Preparing your own heart before the Lord and instituting daily family worship will do more good than most can imagine! This is your commanded duty." -- Publisher

*Alexander, James W. (1804-1859), and B.M. Palmer, The Family in its Civil and Churchly Aspects: An Essay in two Parts, 2 volumes, 551 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (Alexander and Palmer), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #22, 25.
"If you are interest in family matters, you will look long and hard to find a book that matches this one. It is actually two books bound under one cover. Palmer's THE FAMILY, IN ITS CIVIL AND CHURCHLY ASPECTS (1876) and Alexander's THOUGHTS ON FAMILY WORSHIP (1847)." -- Publisher

Ames, William (d. 1633), A Fresh Suit Against Human Ceremonies in God's Worship. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.
"A rare facsimile from this Calvinist divine who was one of the most acute controversialists of his age. This highly influential Puritan theologian was assistant to the president of the Synod of Dort [Dordt], and Professor of Divinity at Franecker. He died in 1633. In this massive work, Ames aims at vindicating the Lord's sovereign Kingship in matters of worship. The summary and general thrust of the detailed and precise argumentation found in this book is beautifully encapsulated by the words inscribed on its title page, I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love'. (Psalm 119:113)" -- Publisher

Anonymous, The Reasons Agreed Upon by the Reformers of the Church of Scotland, For Which the Book of Common-prayer, Urged Upon Scotland, Anno 1637, was Refused.
Reasons for Refusing the Book of Common Prayer
http://www.truecovenanter.com/worship/reasons_against_book_of_common_prayer.html
Graham, George (Bishop of Orkney), The Reasons Agreed Upon by the Reformers of the Church of Scotland, for Which the Book of Common-Prayer, Urged Upon Scotland, Anno 1637, was Refused: As Also the Reasons Agreed Upon by the Assembly of Divines at Westminster, for Laying Aside the English Book of Common-Prayer (1744)
http://archive.org/details/reasonsagreedupo00grah

Ashe (Ash), Simeon (d. 1662), Self-surrender Unto God: Opened and Applyed, in a Sermon Preached [2 Chronicles 30:8] Before the Honourable House of Commons, at Margarets, Westminster, at Their Late Solemn Fast, February 23. 1647. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

Baillie, Robert (1599-1662), The Canterburians Self-Conviction: or An Evident Demonstration of the Avowed Arminianisme, Poperie, and Tyrannie of That Faction, by Their Owne Confessions; With a Postscript to the Personat Jesuite Lysimachus Nicanor, a Prime Canterburian. . . . . (1641), third edition. Alternate title: LADENSIUM [AUTOKATAKRISIS]. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19. Also available in Robert Baillie, THE LIFE OF WILLIAM, NOW LORD ARCH-BISHOP OF CANTERBURY, EXAMINED.
"Baillie was one of the Scottish commissioners to the Westminster Assembly. An exceedingly rare item, this book was written as the storms of the religious wars between the Puritans and the Prelates were beginning to blow. These were days when nations adopted overtly religious presuppositions and books such as this became international defenses of gospel principles against the ecclesiastical (and political), forces of Antichrist -- and his generation of vipers.
"After rehearsing some of the major incidents of Prelatical persecution against the saints of the most high God, and calling to the English for support of the Covenanted cause of Christ, Baillie gives this stirring summary of his motives in writing this book, 'behold I here first upon all hazard do break my pitcher, do hold out my Lamp, and blow my trumpet before the Commissioners of the whole Kingdom, offering to convince that prevalent faction by their own mouth, of Arminianism, Popery, and Tyranny.'
"These were brave and zealous words, for in that day such speech could eventuate in your death.
"This is not only a historically relevant item, but also a fine defense against the prevailing heresies of the flesh (heresy being a work of the flesh, cf. Gal 5:19-20). The two predominant heresies addressed by Baillie in this book still cover much of the professing Christian world today; these being:
(1) false, man-centered views of salvation (Arminianism and Pelagianism) and
(2) false man-centered views of worship (Liturgical innovationism: either high church or Charismatic).
" 'Baillie fought hard against Arminianism' noted Johnston in the TREASURY OF THE SCOTTISH COVENANT, p. 310; making this book especially valuable for today! This is the third edition of 128 pages, plus a 28-page postscript." -- Publisher

Ball, John, Roger Daniel, and Edward Brewster, A Friendly Triall of the Grounds Tending to Separation: In a Plain and Modest Dispute Touching the Lawfulnesse of a Stinted Liturgie and set Form of Prayer, Communion in Mixed Assemblies, and the Primitive Subject and First Receptacle of the Power of the Keyes: Tending to Satisfie the Doubtfull, Recall the Wandring, and to Strengthen the Weak. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

Bannerman, D. Douglas (1842-1903), Worship, Order, and Polity of the Presbyterian Church, ISBN: 052402443X 9780524024430.

Barrow, Reg, Reformation Worship and Separation From Idolatry Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19 and #27. Available (PSALM SINGING IN SCRIPTURE AND HISTORY), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1-30.
"In two parts: 1. 'The Regulative Principle of Worship in History' and 2. 'Psalm Singing in Scripture and History.' Part one explains, defends and chronicles the Reformation use of the regulative principle as the basis of all faithful public worship. Part two defends exclusive Psalmody, demonstrating that this position is nothing less than our Reformation heritage, based on the second commandment. It argues, on the foundation of a biblically close communion, that Christians should separate themselves ecclesiastically from those who do not practice exclusive Psalmody. Hard teaching, but faithful to Scriptures and the original intent of the Westminster Standards." -- Publisher
The Regulative Principle of Worship in History, Reg Barrow (refutes Arminianism in worship)
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/CRTPWors.htm
Psalm Singing in Scripture and History. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1-30.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/CRTPsSing.htm

Barrow, Reg, A Warning Against the False and Dangerous Views of James Jordan Concerning Worship: A Book Review of Kevin Reed's Canterbury Tales. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1-30.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/BlastJJ.htm

Barrow, Reg, Worship: The Regulative Principle of Worship in History. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1-30.
Worship: The Regulative Principle of Worship in History
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/CRTPWors.htm

Barrow, Reg, and Doug Wilson, Saul in the Cave of Adullam: A Testimony Against the Fashionable Sub-Calvinism of Doug Wilson (editor of Credenda/Agenda Magazine); and for Classical Protestantism and the Attainments of the Second Reformation. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #10-30.
"Demonstrates in an e-mail debate (of 170, 8.5 inch by 11 inch, pages), between Doug Wilson (editor of Credenda/Agenda magazine), and Reg Barrow (president of Still Waters Revival Books), how violations of the regulative principle of worship (i.e. the Second Commandment), are grounds for excommunication. Also gives specific examples of how modern 'Reformed' Christians (e.g. John Frame), and denominations are in violation of the Second Commandment and are tolerating false and idolatrous worship. Contains many quotations from major Reformation works and confessions in defense of the regulative principle of worship representing the classical Protestant position on worship.
Saul in the Cave of Adullam, Reg Barrow and Douglas Wilson
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/Saul.htm

Bates, Stewart, Pastoral Admonitions and Warnings of the Reformed Presbyterian Church [together with some profitable ones from other Reformed churches].
Pastoral Admonitions and Warnings of the Reformed Presbyterian Church [together with some profitable ones from other Reformed churches].
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/17/the-reformed-presbyterian-churchs-of-scotland-address-to-the-reformed-presbyterians-and-other-christians-in-british-america
Pastoral Admonitions and Warnings of the Reformed Presbyterian Church [together with some profitable ones from other Reformed churches].
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/6/29/pastoral-admonitions-warnings-and-letters

Begg, James (1808-1883), Anarchy in Worship or Recent Innovation Contrasted with the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church and the Vows of Her Office-Bearers (1875). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #3, #4 and #24.
"The principles upheld in this book are extremely important today, for as the title page notes 'When nations are to perish in their sins, 'Tis in the Church the leprosy begins.' Begg lays his foundations in the second commandment and deals with all man-made innovations in the worship of God. The four types of innovators exposed are especially interesting, being: 1. the presumptuous and blasphemous innovator; 2. the popularity-hunting innovator; 3. the politic and scheming innovator; 4. the aesthetic innovator. Women preachers, drama, dance and numerous other modern inventions in public worship would all be rejected outright if these Biblical principles were faithfully followed. Herein we also see why those holding to the Scriptural law of worship and the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) must reject musical instruments in public worship as just another Popish and Judaizing innovation -- a resurrecting of the abrogated ceremonial law -- and thus a denial of the finished work of Christ. The discussion of vows taken by office holders to the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646), as they relate to worship, is also extremely important and should be read not only by all elders who have bound themselves to uphold the WCF [1646], but also by all Christians who love the truth and want to maintain the church in purity." -- Publisher

Begg, James (1808-1883), Purity of Worship in the Presbyterian Church, as Set Forth in the Westminster Standards, and Illustrated by our History Since the Reformation, ISBN: 0524073929 9780524073926. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #3.

Binning, Hugh (1627-1653), Worshipping God in Spirit and Truth. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #8.

Bogue, Carl, Does the Regulative Principle Matter to the PCA? Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
See: Carl W. Bogue, and William Cunningham, THE SCRIPTURAL LAW OF WORSHIP.
"This message was delivered for Concerned Presbyterian Day (March 23, 1993). It deals with problems in the Presbyterian Church in America concerning differing views of worship as they relate to Scripture and the vows ministers take to the Westminster Confession. Bogue's reviews of A DEFENSE OF LIBERTY AGAINST TYRANTS by Junius Brutus and MESSIAH THE PRINCE OR, THE MEDIATORIAL DOMINION OF JESUS CHRIST, by William Symington, are both appended to this lecture." -- Publisher

Bogue, Carl W., and W. Cunningham, The Scriptural law of Worship.

Bredenhof, Wes, A Book Review of John Calvin's Shunning the Unlawful Rites of the Ungodly and Preserving the Purity of the Christian Religion. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #18. Available in Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press CD-ROM Library "Herein Calvin maintains the sinfulness of outward conformity to false worship. Dealing with a major problem of his day, Calvin shows that false worship should never be tolerated or participated in (even by your bodily presence), no matter what the cost -- whether it be persecution, exile, or death. For his faithfulness in this matter, Calvin was greatly scorned. Obvious parallels to our day abound, not the least of which include the Lordship controversy, false ecumenism, rampant idolatry in the false rites maintained in the public worship of backslidden Protestantism, and in the rise of the influence Roman Catholic harlot (once again in our day)." -- Publisher
A Book Review of John Calvin's Shunning the Unlawful Rites of the Ungodly and Preserving the Purity of the Christian Religion
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/ShunRev.htm

Bredenhof, Wes, The Whole Manner of Worship: Worship and the Sufficiency of Scripture in Belgic Confession Article 7. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Whole Manner of Worship
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/WholeWes.htm

*Burroughs, Jeremiah (1599-1646), Gospel Worship, or, The Right Manner of Sanctifying the Name of God: In General, and Particularly in These 3 Great Ordinances: 1. Hearing the Word, 2. Receiving the Lord's Supper, 3. Prayer, ISBN: 1877611123 9781877611124.
"Of the nearly 300 books I've published since I began, I put this [NONE BUT CHRIST -- compiler] among the top three. The other two would be GOSPEL WORSHIP by Jeremiah Burroughs, and THE TRUE CHRISTIAN'S LOVE TO THE UNSEEN CHRIST, by Thomas Vincent. And I'd be hard-pressed to choose which of the three would be #1. The three chapters addressed to ministers of the gospel are worth the price of the book [NONE BUT CHRIST -- compiler] alone!" -- Don Kistler

*Bushell, Michael, The Songs of Zion: A Contemporary Case for Exclusive Psalmody, ISBN: 1884527043 9781884527043.
"Contains one of the best explanations of the Scriptural law of worship (also known as the regulative principle of worship), in print today. For this and a number of other reasons this is one of the most significant books published this century concerning worship! Furthermore, it demonstrates and defends (from Scripture, history and the creeds), the Reformation practice of exclusive Psalmody. It dovetails splendidly with Eire's (a Roman Catholic author), celebrated WAR AGAINST THE IDOLS, setting forth foundational principles that lay at the very heart of Reformation thought, theology and practice. For as Bushell points out, 'Purity of worship and uniformity of worship go hand in hand because they are both founded upon the assumption that the Scriptures contain clear, sufficient and authoritative directions as to the proper way of worshiping God. The diversity of worship practice that we see in our churches arises ultimately from a denial of this assumption, and it constitutes, therefore, a denial of a central aspect of the doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture. There is much more at stake, then, in this whole discussion than the mere observance or non-observance of a few external rites.' (2nd edition, 1993, p. 3). If you are a Calvinist and have not read this book, you are missing a real treat!" -- Publisher

*Calvin, John (1509-1564), Calvin's Selected Works, Tracts and Letters, 7 Volumes, ISBN: 0801024935 9780801024931. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"These remarkable volumes contain Calvin's tracts and letters. They clearly exhibit why Calvin was one of the great saints (who defended the regulative principle of worship), and why his work was singularly blessed of God. Understanding these works will shed much light on our current situation; for many in the professed Christian community live in as great (or greater), darkness today than those who were contemporaries of Calvin. This set contains such classics as THE NECESSITY OF REFORMING THE CHURCH, THE CATECHISM OF THE CHURCH OF GENEVA, AN ANTIDOTE AGAINST TRENT, THE SINFULNESS OF OUTWARD CONFORMITY TO ROMISH RITES, and much more. Calvin's only letter to Luther, his letters to Knox, Bullinger, Beza and a host of other Reformers, along with Beza's 100 page LIFE OF CALVIN are also all included. Indexed, 3507 pages." -- Publisher
The Necessity of Reforming the Church (1543), by John Calvin
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/NRC_ch00.htm

Calvin, John (1509-1564), Instrumental Music in the Worship of God. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #3.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/InstCalv.htm

Calvin, John (1509-1564), Separation From False Worship, Idolatry, and Popish Principles. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #5.

Cawdrey, Daniel (1588-1664), Diatribe Triplex, or, A Threefold Exercitation: Concerning 1. Superstition, 2. Will-worship, 3. Christmas Festivall, With the Reverend and Learned Dr. Hammond. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

*Charnock, Stephen (1628-1680), The Existence and Attributes of God. A Christian classic. Available (THE WORKS OF STEPHEN CHARNOCK, VOL. 4: THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"When the essence and attributes of God are called into question, to whom else can we better go than to Stephen Charnock? . . . the study of God's attributes is not dry-as-dust theology, but is practical; that is, it leads to righteousness." -- Gordon H. Clark
Discourses Upon the Existence and Attributes of God (1853), Charnock and Symington,
http://archive.org/details/discoursesupone00symigoog
The Works of the Late Rev. Stephen Charnock (1815), volume 1 of 9.
http://archive.org/details/worksoflaterevst01char

*Church of Scotland, General Assembly, The Scottish Prose Psalter Being the Authorized Version of the Psalms With Selected Passages of Scripture, and Ancient Hymns, Pointed for Chanting, With Accompanying Chants. For use in Churches, by Authority of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, 2nd edition (London: T. Nelson and Sons, Paternoster Row, Edinburgh and New York, 1906). A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language.
"Since Christ is the Second Person of the Trinity, the hymns and laments of the psalms are directed to Him as to the Father and the Spirit. Jesus is both a singer of the psalms (Heb. 2:12 [Hebrews 2:12], Psalm 22:22), and the focus of their interest. We can sing to Him our praise, tell Him our complaints and petitions, and thank Him for His goodness. We extol Him as our King, rest our confidence in Him, and look to Him as the embodiment of God's wisdom." -- "The Book of Psalms," The Reformation Study Bible, pp. 754,755
Have you ever planned to sing through The Book of Psalms with your spouse or with your family? Here is your psalter: THE SCOTTISH PROSE PSALTER.
The writer knows of no psalter truer to the literal translation of the Word of God, short of pointing The Book of Psalms from YOUNG'S LITERAL TRANSLATION OF THE HOLY BIBLE, which preserves the Hebrew and Greek grammatical structure, or short of taking 15 years out of one's life to learn the original Hebrew and Greek, which, of course, is not necessary.
This is a split-page psalter. The top set of pages are the music, the bottom set of pages are the Psalms. This format allows the worshiper to match any melody with any particular Psalm.
The preface contains instruction on how to chant. Select chants are recommended for each Psalm.
"Chanting is the singing of a prose text to a simple, repeated melody. Good chanting is essentially good reading aloud; it uses the rhythms and stresses of natural speech.
"The ancient Hebrews never used metrical 'tunes' in the modern sense. In the synagogue, the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings (including the Psalms), were read in a sing-song recitation which was half speech, half song. Originally chanting involved only a single line (that is, no part-singing), and only two or three pitches. The early Christian church retained this practice, adapting it to the recitation of the Psalms in Latin translation. Our present system of chanting in four parts is called Anglican Chant, and dates from sixteenth-century England.
"Chanting has several advantages over metrical Psalmody, stemming from the fact that in chanting, the music completely serves the text. The music is not difficult or interesting in itself, but has character and meaning only in conjunction with words. The meaning of the text is thus more immediate, and the parallel structure of the Hebrew poetry is more apparent. The difficulties of translating ancient non-metrical poems into sensible English rhyme are rendered unnecessary. Chanting encourages the use of entire Psalms rather than selections." -- "An Introduction to Chanting," The Book of Psalms for Singing, Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, 1995, p. 440
A prose psalter was nothing new for The Church of Scotland. They published THE PSALMS OF DAVID IN PROSE AND METRE: WITH THE WHOLE FORME OF DISCIPLINE, AND PRAYERS, ACCORDING TO THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND; THE PSALMS IN PROSE BEING OF THE LAST TRANSLATION; TRANSLATED BY THE SPECIALL COMMANDMENT OF KING JAMES THE SIXT, 1610 (Aberdene: Printed by Edward Raban for David Melvill, 1633).
THE BIBLE PSALTER, (London: J. Nisbet, 1880), 142 pp., Presbyterian Church of England, "the music arranged and partly composed by Sir Herbert S. Oakeley" (1830-1903), and THE PSALTER, (T. Nelson and Sons, 1888), 303 pp., by Authority of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, "pointed for chanting, and with chants adapted thereto or specially composed for this work by Sir Herbert Stanley Oakeley" preceded this work.
"The Musical portion of this work is identical with that in THE PSALTER, AND SELECTED PASSAGES OF SCRIPTURE, etc., published in 1888; but advantage has been taken of a new issue to revise and improve the pointing of the words. To mark the Revised Edition the title of the work has been changed to THE SCOTTISH PROSE PSALTER, etc. . . . ." -- Note to Preface, May, 1897.
Publication of THE PSALTER, under the new title, THE SCOTTISH PROSE PSALTER, could have been a consequence of the awakening of 1905, "part of a worldwide movement and apparently especially inspired by British revivals. . ."
Any concordance to the Authorized King James Version and any index to the Psalms of David (AKJV) may be used with this Psalter.
Psalms are an essential part of personal devotions. There is a sincerity and beautiful simplicity about THE SCOTTISH PROSE PSALTER. Everyone should own a copy, especially fathers who lead family worship.
The Scottish Prose Psalter, 1906 edition
Online PDF file (74MB), high print resolution. It is recommended that a high speed connection be used to download the file.
http://www.lettermen2.com/sppsalter.pdf

Covenanted General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Directions of the General Assembly Concerning Secret and Private Worship, and Mutual Edification, For Cherishing Piety, For Maintaining Unity, and Avoiding Schism and Division, 1647. Alternate title: FAMILY WORSHIP: MR. THOMAS MANTON'S EPISTLE TO THE READER OF THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH AND LARGER AND SHORTER CATECHISMS.

Derham, A. Morgan (editor), Time for the Family, 2 volumes (Wayne, PA [Scripture Union, 150 Strafford Avenue, Wayne 19087]: Scripture Union), ISBN: 0854219870 9780854219872.
"Each volume provides six full months of Bible readings, prayers, and activity material in a lively and readable form. Designed to take just ten minutes a day."

Dick, James, The Hymnary Discussions in the General Assembly: Criticism of the Speeches of the Right Hon. Thomas Sinclair, and Revs. John Irwin, William Park, John M'Ilveen, John M'Dermott, and R.J. Lynd. Together With Letters on Hymns in Early Church History.

Dick, James, Hymns and Hymn Books, reprinted from The Original Covenanter 3:12 (Dec. 1883). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.

Dodds, Robert J., A Condensed Argument for the Exclusive use of an Inspired Psalmody, 1879.

Dodds, Robert J., A Reply to Morton on Psalmody: To Which is Added a Condensed Argument for the Exclusive use of an Inspired Psalmody
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/17/robert-j-dodds-book-a-reply-to-morton-on-psalmody-to-which-is-added-a-condensed-argument-for-the-exclusive-use-of-an-inspired-psalmody

Douglas, James, Strictures on Occasional Hearing: In an Inquiry Into Song I. 7Why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions? In two Parts, 1. Arguments against the practice, 2. Arguments in its favour answered, to which are subjoined observations on prayer for kings, [Song of Solomon 1:7], 1820. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #22.

Eire, Carlos M.N. (a Roman Catholic author), War Against the Idols: The Reformation of Worship From Erasmus to Calvin, ISBN: 052130685X 9780521306850 0521379849 9780521379847. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

Flavel, John (1628-1691), A Warning Against Backsliding, False Worship and False Teachers. Available (THE WORKS OF JOHN FLAVEL), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
"Exposes the subtlety of false worship and false teachers and counsels all Christians to remove themselves from under ministries that practice such things. Promotes family religion and house gatherings in times of great declension and apostasy (such as ours)." -- Publisher

Gibson, James, The Public Worship of God: Its Authority and Modes, Hymns and Hymn Books, 1868.

*Gillespie, George (1613-1648), A Dispute Against the English Popish Ceremonies Obtruded Upon the Church of Scotland, ISBN: 0941075141. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"George Gillespie was one of the Scottish commissioners to the Westminster Assembly, the youngest member there, and undoubtedly one of the most influential. William Hetherington observes 'The effect produced by this singularly able work may be conjectured from the fact that within a few months of its publication, a proclamation was issued by the Privy Council, at the instigation of the Bishops, commanding that all copies of the book that could be found be called in and burned by the hangman. Such was the only answer that all the learned Scottish Prelates could give to a treatise written by a youth who was only in his twenty-fifth year when it appeared' ('Memoir,' from the Works of George Gillespie, p. xviii). James Bannerman notes, 'This was Gillespie's first work, and it may be truly said to have settled the controversy which called it forth, so far as argument was concerned. No answer to it was ever attempted by the Prelatic party; and no answer was possible. It displays singular acuteness, learning, and force of reasoning; and the thoroughness of the discussion is as remarkable as the power with which it is conducted.' (The Church of Christ, vol. 2, p. 435). Possibly the best uninspired book ever written on biblical worship, an extensive and thorough masterpiece that leaves no stone unturned. For advanced study." -- Publisher
A Historic Introduction to Popish Ceremonies, introduction by Roy Middleton
http://www.naphtali.com/epcextrc.htm
English Popish Ceremonies, George Gillespie (extracts)
http://www.naphtali.com/epcextr2.htm

Gillespie, George (1613-1648), Of Uniformity in Religion, Worship of God, and Church Government. This is chapter 15, "A Treatise of Miscellany Questions," pp. 82-85 in GEORGE GILLESPIE'S WORKS, VOLUME 2. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/Uniformity.htm

Girardeau, John L., Greg Fox, and Dabney, Robert L. (1820-1898), Instrumental Music in the Public Worship of the Church, ISBN: 0979216516 9780979216510. Alternate title: INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC IN THE PUBLIC WORSHIP OF THE CHURCH: THE HISTORY SURROUNDING THE WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY. Available (PDF, MP3 [audio file]) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #3, #19.
Instrumental Music in the Public Worship of the Church: The History Surrounding the Westminster Assembly
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/InstrWCF.htm
Robert L. Dabney's Review of Girardeau's "Instrumental Music in the Public Worship of the Church"
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/7/27/robert-l-dabneys-review-of-girardeaus-instrumental-music-in-the-public-worship-of-the-church

Hall, Archibald, Gospel Worship: Being An Attempt to Exhibit the Scriptural View of the Nature, Obligations, Manner, and Ordinances, of the Worship of God, In the New Testament, 2 volumes, 1770. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #17.

Hutton, Thomas, Reasons for Refusal of Subscription to the Booke of Common Praier: Under the Hands of Certaine Ministers of Devon and Cornwall Word for Word as They Were Exhibited by Them to the Right Reverend William Coton; With an Amswere at Severall Times.
http://www.truecovenanter.com/worship/reasons_against_book_of_common_prayer.html

*Knox, John (1505-1572), First and Second Books of Discipline. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available in Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press CD-ROM Library and Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press CD-ROM Library (Dallas, TX [Presbyterian Heritage Publications, P.O. Box 180922, Dallas, 75218]: Presbyterian Heritage Publications, 1999). Available in THE HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION OF RELIGION WITHIN THE REALM OF SCOTLAND . . . TOGETHER WITH THE LIFE OF THE AUTHOR, AND SEVERAL CURIOUS PIECES WROTE BY HIM . . . BY THE REVEREND MR. JOHN KNOX . . . TO WHICH IS ADDED, I. AN ADMONITION TO ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND . . . BY ANTONI GILBY. II. THE FIRST AND SECOND BOOKS OF DISCIPLINE; . . .
" 'Knox and five others drafted the Book of Discipline (1560), which set forth a blueprint for the ideal Christian society,' notes the ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THE REFORMED FAITH. 'THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE was used in conjunction with Calvin's Catechism and the book of order previously used by the English congregation in Geneva,' writes Reed (JOHN KNOX THE FORGOTTEN REFORMER, p. 31). This version includes Calderwood's fiery preface to the 1621 edition. The FIRST BOOK contains an extensive treatment of church polity reflecting principles pertaining to this formative period concerning the Scottish church. Another prominent feature of the FIRST BOOK is its visionary program for Christian education. Furthermore, it 'asserted the authority of Scripture, and it demonstrates that the regulative principle of worship is merely a natural application of the sola scriptura rule of Protestant theology.' (Ibid., p. 76). The SECOND BOOK, often called the 'MAGNA CARTA OF PRESBYTERIANISM,' focuses more specifically on matters of polity relating to an established and reformed church, laying out the key tenets of Presbyterian government. It also gives attention to the doctrine of the civil magistrate. Both books prefigure the WESTMINSTER STANDARDS in many respects, as well as exhibiting the genius of Scottish Presbyterianism (as noted in the helpful Publisher's Introduction by Kevin Reed). Contains contemporary spelling, punctuation and grammar." -- Publisher
First and Second Books of Discipline by John Knox
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/BOD_ch00.htm

Knox, John (1505-1572), The Genevan Book of Church Order. The Form of Prayers and Ministration of the Sacraments, etc. Used in the English Congregation at Geneva in 1556.
"Written by Knox and four others, this book received the approval of John Calvin. Succinctly covers matters of worship and church government.
" 'Readers need only a cursory glance at contemporary Presbyterian books of order to see how far these modern manuals of polity have degenerated from their venerable predecessors', notes Kevin Reed in the introduction. THE GENEVA BOOK is not a liturgy, but illustrates the doctrine and practices of worship used by a church committed to the regulative principle of worship. The Geneva Order was later adopted and expanded by the church of Scotland." -- Publisher
The Genevan Book of Church Order
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/GBO_ch00.htm

*Knox, John (1505-1572), David Laing (editor), The Works of John Knox, 6 volumes. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
"Here is a chance to touch the flame that ignited whole nations for covenanted Reformation. John Knox is considered by many to have been the most biblically consistent and thoroughgoing of all the great Reformers of the sixteenth century. 'John Knox was in fact the embodiment of the Scottish Reformation as its preacher, theologian, liturgist, historian, and catalyst for reform.' (Hall and Hall [editors], Paradigms in Polity: Classic Readings in Reformed and Presbyterian Church Government [Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1994], p. 219). 'With this concern for purity of worship,' notes Kevin Reed regarding Knox, 'it is no wonder that the Scottish Reformation was the most thorough among any of the Protestant nations.' (from the introduction to John Knox, True and False Worship: A Vindication of the Doctrine that the Sacrifice of the Mass is Idolatry [Dallas, TX: Presbyterian Heritage Publications, 1550 reprinted 1994], p. 14). 'I know not,' states George Smeaton, 'if ever so much piety and genius were lodged in such a frail and weak body. Certain I am, that it will be difficult to find one in whom the gifts of the Holy Spirit shone so bright to the comfort of the church.' (cited in Thomas M'Crie, The Life of John Knox [1831], p. 272). THE WORKS OF JOHN KNOX listed here is the complete six volume set collected by David Laing, 1895. Concerning this 6 volume collection, Kyle, in THE MIND OF JOHN KNOX (p. 14), notes, 'The only real basis for a study of Knox's thought must be the writings of the reformer himself. From 1846 to 1864, David Laing collected and edited nearly all of Knox's extant writings. This remarkable collection, which scholars regard highly, is indispensable for any serious study of John Knox.' Contains much that is related to worship questions and the blessings that God pours out upon Churches that keep the second commandment -- as well as the curses that follow those who reject the regulative principle of worship." -- Publisher

Knox, John, Unedited History of the Reformation in Scotland Vol. 1 of 6.
"Reid, in his TRUMPETER OF GOD, notes that Knox 'wrote history as a prophet' and that, wherever he could, he used original sources, many of which he reproduced. Furthermore, he proclaims that this 'is still a work that no one interested in this area can afford to neglect.' As W.C. Dickinson has commented, 'it is his monument, for in it he puts flesh and blood on the whole Reformation movement.' Innes (JOHN KNOX, p. 45), says of this work, 'the author who has enabled us to see his own confused and changing age under 'the broad clear light of that wonderful book' the History of the Reformation in Scotland, and who outside that book was the utterer of many an armed and winged word which pursues and smites us to this day, must have been born with nothing less than genius -- genius to observe, to narrate, and to judge. Even had he written as a mere recluse and critic, looking out upon his world from a monk's cell or from the corner of a housetop, the vividness, the tenderness, the sarcasm and the humour would still have been there.' Moreover, Burton writes, 'there certainly is in the English language no other parallel to it in clearness, vigour, and picturesqueness with which it renders the history of a stirring period.' (cited in Innes, John Knox, p. 45). This photocopy edition far surpasses the edited down version that is available in paperback. Over 600 pages of stirring Reformation history." -- Publisher
The Works of John Knox (1846), vol. 1 of 6.
http://archive.org/details/worksofjohnkn01knox

Knox, John, Unedited History of the Reformation in Scotland Vol. 2 of 6.
"Knox portrayed the origins and development of a movement and not a mere chronology of events . . . Knox based his arguments on original sources and he often cited the documents in full. When Knox's History is compared to the contemporary vernacular narratives of Bishop Leslie and Sir James Melville, the superiority of Knox's work becomes evident. For the most part, these writers were preoccupied with petty details and had no conception of the momentous issues that hung on the events they recorded . . . Knox used history to demonstrate his single-track philosophy. And his philosophy said: 'The hearts of men, their thoughts, and their actions are but in the hands of God.' Lee said Knox's History was a sermon without an audience, a preaching book, one long inflammatory speech in behalf of God's truth as the reformer saw it.' (Kyle, The Mind of John Knox, p. 13). Our editions of volumes one and two of Knox's Works contain the only full, unedited version of Knox's massive History of the Reformation in Scotland available today." -- Publisher

Knox, John, Epistles, Admonitions, etc., Vol. 3 of 6
"Includes 'That the Sacrifice of the Mass is Idolatry.' Also, writings on justification by faith, prayer, the Lord's supper, obedience to magistrates, an exposition of the sixth Psalm, letters of warning, comfort and more." -- Publisher

Knox, John, The Works of John Knox, Vol. 4 of 6
"Includes 'The Appellation . . . to the Scottish Nobility,' 'The First Blast of the Trumpet Against the Monstrous Regiment of Women,' Answers Concerning Baptism, Form of Prayers/Sacraments in Geneva 1556, 'Letter to the Queen,' 'Summary of the Proposed Second Blast of the Trumpet,' and much more." -- Publisher

Knox, John, The Works of John Knox, Vol. 5 of 6
"Includes 'On Predestination, in Answer to the Cavillations by an Anabaptist' (462 pp.), which Boettner, in his REFORMED DOCTRINE OF PREDESTINATION, calls Knox's 'chief theological work.' Also, A Letter to John Foxe, Names of Martyrs, etc. . . .
"Includes the Life of Knox, Letters Relating to Reformation in Scotland, The Book of Common Order, A Debate Concerning the Mass, Fasting, 'The Order of Excommunication and Public Repentance,' indices of names, places and the general index, etc. 755 pages." -- Publisher

Knox, John, The Works of John Knox, Vol. 6 of 6
"Includes 'The Life of Knox,' 'John Knox Debates God's Law, Idolatry and Civil Resistance in the General Assembly of 1564,' 'The Scottish Confession of Faith (1560),' 'John Knox's Only Written Sermon - A Sermon on Isaiah 23:13-21, Preached in St. Giles's Church, Edinburgh, 19th August 1565,' 'A Letter of Wholesome Counsel Addressed to His Brethren in Scotland Or "What to do When There is no Faithful Church to Attend in Your Local Area" originally published in 1556,' 'Select Practical Writings of John Knox,' 'Against Romish Rites and Political and Ecclesiastical Tyranny, A Faithful Admonition to the Professors of God's Truth in England (1554),' 'An Admonition to Flee Idolatry, Romanism and all False Worship (1554),' 'An Answer to a Jesuit: The Marks of a True Church and Ministry: An Answer to a Letter Written by James Tyrie, A Scottish Jesuit, 1572,' 'Against an Anabaptist: In Defense of Predestination,' 'Against Apostasy and Indifference (An Epistle to the Inhabitants of New Castle and Berwick, 1558),' 'On Justification by Faith Alone,' 'National Repentance and Reformation (A Brief Exhortation to England for the Speedy Embracing of the Gospel, 1559),' 'Reformation, Revolution and Romanism: An Appeal to the Scottish Nobility (1558),' 'The Pulpit of the Reformation: "The Last Judgment," by John Welch,' "The Parable of the Householders," and "The Parable of the Tares," by Hugh Latimer.' 'John Knox to the King,' 'The Execution of Servetus for Blasphemy, Heresy, Obstinate Anabaptism,' 'Defended (excerpted from his Treatise on Predestination),' 'A Debate Between John Knox and Secretary Lethington on the Duty of Christian Subjects to Execute Judgement Upon Criminal Magistrates,' 'The Execution of Servetus for Blasphemy, Heresy, Obstinate Anabaptism, Defended (excerpted from John Knox's Treatise on Predestination),' 'It Is I Be Not Afraid,' 'The First Blast of the Trumpet Against the Monstrous Regiment of Women (1558),' and 'Sermon on Isaiah 26.'(sic, all of volume 6)

M'Crie, Charles Greig (1836-1910), The Public Worship of Presbyterian Scotland: Historically Treated, 1892. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"The author states, 'All I have undertaken to give is a statement of the legislation and a description of the service books which have determined the usage and practice of Scotland when free to carry out her chosen and beloved Presbyterian polity and ritual.' A detailed and scholarly historical study, written in an irenic and non-partisan manner." -- Publisher

Miller, Samuel (1769-1850), Thoughts on Public Prayer. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Deals with an important element of Reformed worship and was originally written because of the lack of material to be found on this specific subject. The history, liturgies, faults and characteristics of attaining excellence in public prayer are all covered." -- Publisher
"Excellent book which covers the whole subject rather well. A Presbyterian minister and Princeton professor of 150 years ago sheds light on the needs of our day concerning prayers and public prayer in particular." -- GCB

Murray, John (1898-1975), and William Young, The Forgotten Minority: The Minority Report on Song in the Public Worship of God, ISBN: 093617532X 9780936175324.
"This report, defending exclusive Psalmody (on the basis of the classic understanding of the regulative principle of worship), was submitted to the fourteenth General Assembly of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC) in 1947. It was subsequently buried, ignored and has, as many had hoped, become long forgotten -- until now! It exposes how the OPC flies in the face of the original Westminster Standards, the worship heritage of Presbyterianism and most importantly Scripture." -- Publisher

Owen, John, An Answer Unto two Questions: With Twelve Arguments Against any Conformity to Worship not of Divine Institution
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/19/john-owens-pamphlet-an-answer-unto-two-questions-with-twelve-arguments-against-any-conformity-to-worship-not-of-divine-institution

Owen, John (1616-1683), An Answer Unto two Questions: by The Late Judicious John Owen, D.D. With Twelve Arguments Against Conformity to Worship, not of Divine Institution, London, 1720.

Owen, John (1616-1683), A Discourse Concerning Liturgies and Their Imposition, first published anonymously in 1662, this edition is from the mid 19th-century printing. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.
"This discourse by John Owen contains the judgment of our author in regard to measures which gave rise to the most important events in the ecclesiastical history of England. Owen argues against the liturgy, the imposition of which caused (to the astonishment of the Prelatical hierarchy), nearly two thousand Puritan ministers of the Church of England to resign from their pulpits rather than sacrifice a clear conscience concerning the commanded worship of God. These men sacrificed their livelihood, families, and even their own lives rather than offend God by propagating false worship. In conjunction with this, Girardeau, in his INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC IN THE PUBLIC WORSHIP OF THE CHURCH (pp. 24-25), notes, 'The words of the great theologian, John Owen -- and the British Isles have produced no greater -- are solemn and deserve to be seriously pondered: 'The principle that the church hath power to institute any thing or ceremony belonging to the worship of God, either as to matter or manner, beyond the observance of such circumstances as necessarily attend such ordinances as Christ Himself hath instituted, lies at the bottom of all the horrible superstition and idolatry, of all the confusion, blood, persecution, and wars, that have for so long a season spread themselves over the face of the Christian world.' Worship is a life and death matter -- eternal life and eternal death -- and the regulative principle is ultimately at the heart of any biblically faithful discussion of these questions. Bannerman, in his CHURCH OF CHRIST, summarizes this book as 'giving the Scriptural argument against the imposition of liturgies as well as of other humanely devised elements in Divine worship, with great clearness and force'." (p. 435) -- Publisher

Owen, John (1616-1683), A Treatise on the Nature and Beauty of Gospel Worship. Available [MP3 and PDF], on the Puritan Hard Drive.

Palmer, B.M., and Isaac C. Morgan, Warrant and Nature of Public Worship: A Discourse Delivered at the Dedication of the new Presbyterian Church Edifice, Columbia, South-Carolina, on Sabbath Morning, October 9th., 1853.
The Warrant and Nature of Public Worship
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/PublWors.htm

Poole, Matthew (1624-1679), Evangelical Worship is Spiritual Worship: As it was discussed in a sermon preached before the Right Honourable the Lord Maior, at Pauls Church, Aug. 26. 1660. By Matthew Poole minister of the Gospel at Michael Quern in London.

*Price, Greg L., Foundation for Reformation: The Regulative Principle of Worship, 22 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
Foundation for Reformation: The Regulative Principle of Worship. Greg Price
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualNLs/reformation-rpw-gp.htm

Prime, Derek, Created to Praise,
"A comprehensive book giving us the Bible's picture of Christian happiness in praising God in prayer, song, trials, difficulties, and for eternity." -- GCB

Reed, Kevin, Biblical Worship. Available in Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press CD-ROM Library, and (website) Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press CD-ROM Library (Dallas, TX [Presbyterian Heritage Publications, P.O. Box 180922, Dallas, 75218]: Presbyterian Heritage Publications, 1999). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/BibW_ch0.htm

Reed, Kevin, Presbyterian Worship: Old and New, a book review regarding John Frame. Available in LIBRARY OF PRESBYTERIAN HERITAGE PUBLICATIONS AND PROTESTANT HERITAGE PRESS CD-ROM LIBRARY.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/FrameWor.htm

Reformed Presbyterian Church, Scotland, Guide to Private Social Worship, Recommended by the Reformed Presbyterian Synod of Scotland in 1823, as a Directory in Conducting Prayer Meetings, 1854.

Reformed Presbyterian Magazine, Article on the Ancient Usage in Praising God.
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/17/article-from-the-reformed-presbyterian-magazine-on-the-ancient-usage-in-praising-god

Reed, Kevin, Introductory Essay to John Knox's True and False Worship. Available in LIBRARY OF PRESBYTERIAN HERITAGE PUBLICATIONS AND PROTESTANT HERITAGE PRESS CD-ROM LIBRARY.
"The Protestant Reformation was a conflict over many critical issues. Of all the issues contested between Romanists and Reformers, no issue was more crucial than the question of true worship. John Knox displayed a preeminent concern for worship. Throughout his ministry, the Reformer proclaimed the scriptural law of worship: all forms of worship [and all religious ceremonies], must possess clear scriptural warrant, if they are to be admitted as valid means of worship. This concept has subsequently been called the regulative principle of worship, because it regulates our approach to God in worship." This introductory essay shows how "the example of Knox stands as a sharp rebuke to Christians in the present day. It illustrates the need to think about our worship." -- Kevin Reed
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/TFWIntro.htm

*Rogers, Judy, Judy Rogers Tapes (Jackson, MS [Judy Rogers Tapes, 5125 Robinson Road, Jackson 39204]: Judy Rogers Tapes).
"Judy Rogers' tapes are one of a kind. Biblically concerned parents should obtain them at all costs!" -- Jay E. Adams

• Rogers, Judy, Pilgrim's Praise: Series of Worship and Praise Based on PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.
  "A masterful series of worship and praise songs, and songs from PILGRIM'S PROGRESS by John Bunyan . . . full of sheer encouragement for Christians."
  
• Rogers, Judy, Why Can't I see God? And Other Questions Children ask About God.
  Twenty songs for children covering the great themes of the Bible. "Judy Rogers has done the impossible . . . and it is good!" -- Mary Pride
  "I thought it was a wonderful way to present the catechism to kids by putting it in a song. A great way to start teaching your children about some of those hard to understand topics." -- Listener's Comment
  
• Rogers, Judy, Go to the ant: Songs Taken From Proverbs for Children [audio file].
  "Our whole family enjoys it! Your music is filled with wonderful Biblical truths for everyone."
  
• Rogers, Judy, Walkin' Wise.
  Songs based on Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes for teens.
  "A powerful message for teens."
  
• Rogers, Judy, Stand Up.
  "Songs dealing with 'Teen' issues challenging Christian young people to deeper commitment. Songs such as 'Glorify Him' (1 Corinthians 10:31); 'That's not Love' (1 Corinthians 13)."
  
• Rogers, Judy, Arise! Shine! New Recording!
  "Heart and soul inspiring Scripture songs and hymns of praise and worship! Songs such as 'Arise! Shine!' (Isaiah 60, 2 Chronicles 7:14); 'Clap Your Hands' (Psalm 47).
  
• Rogers, Judy, Guard Your Heart [audio file], ISBN: 0005158524 9780005158524.
  
• Rogers, Judy, and Trena Rogers, Straight for the Heart.
  
• Shop Judy Rogers Music Online
  http://www.judyrogers.com/catalog.php?item=4&ret=judyrogers.com%2Fcatalog.php%3Fpage%3D1%26item%3D6

Rouse, Francis, the Westminster Divines (1643-1653), and the Scottish General Assembly (from 1646-1650), The Psalms of David in Metre (i.e. the Scottish Metrical Psalter of 1650): Allowed by the Authority of the Kirk of Scotland, and of Several Branches of the Presbyterian Church in the United States. With Notes, Exhibiting the Connection, Explaining the Sense, and for Directing and Animating the Devotion (1844 edition published by Robert Carter [New York]), John Brown of Haddington (annotations). Alternate title: THE SCOTTISH METRICAL PSALTER OF 1650. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #7, #30.
"This is the Psalter (less Brown's notes, which were added later), mandated [we find no documentation that it was mandated -- compiler], approved, and used (for public and private worship), by the Westminster Assembly and all those who covenanted to uphold the Biblical Reformation that these Divines proclaimed. The text of the Scottish Metrical Psalms was authorized by the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 1650. The notes added by Brown are suitable for explaining the Psalm before singing and are a great aid to understanding and worship (whether public, family or private). Every song leader (especially fathers for family worship), should have a copy of this edition of the Scottish Psalter with Brown's notes. If money is a factor, the smaller, inexpensive hardcover, containing just the Psalms (see below), should suffice for other members of the family, or the father (or other song leaders), can simply line out the Psalms (as Moses, David, the Apostles, etc. did). All the Psalms, excepting one, are rendered into common metre (with some alternate versions added), and thus can be sung by even those with almost no knowledge of music. For example, the tune to 'Amazing Grace' is one of the many tunes that fits with all common metre renderings. And even Psalm 136, the one Psalm not in common metre, can be sung to any common metre tune, as it adds only one extra syllable to the end of every second line. Maybe not the delight of the accomplished musician, but certainly calculated to make the Psalms [the metric version, not the KJV of the Psalms of David of THE SCOTTISH PROSE PSALTER -- compiler], easily accessible to young and old alike (an attainment surely pleasing to the Lord Jesus Christ), as this Psalter was purposely produced to foster international (and covenanted), Reformation. The Scottish Metrical Psalter is a faithful translation and without a doubt remains the best Psalter in existence today [see www.lettermen2.com/pricemp.html -- compiler]. We have added (at no extra cost to our customers), a copy of The Westminster Shorter Catechism to this printing. This has been done to assist parents in catechizing their children during family worship. Also included in this edition (from the original publisher), is 'A Table of the Psalms Classed Under Several Subject Heads' and an 'Alphabetical Index of the First Line of Each Stanza.' These sections comprise 48 pages of small print alone, while the complete book (not including The Shorter Catechism we've added), is made up of 424 pages. This is a primary source document of Reformation; not to be missed by those serious about the Reformed faith, and worshipping God in spirit and in truth. There are few things in life as pleasing and enjoyable as communing with Christ through the singing of His Psalms!" -- Publisher
The Psalms of David in Metre
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/Psalter0.htm
The Psalms of David in Metre According to the Version Approved by The Church of Scotland The Scottish Metrical Psalter, includes audio accompaniment
http://www.cgmusic.com/workshop/smp_frame.htm

*Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), The due Right of Presbyteries or a Peaceable Plea for the Government of the Church of Scotland. Alternate title: THE DIVINE RIGHT OF CHURCH-GOVERNMENT AND EXCOMMUNICATION: OR A PEACABLE DISPUTE FOR THE PERFECTION OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURE IN POINT OF CEREMONIES AND CHURCH GOVERNMENT; IN WHICH THE REMOVAL OF THE SERVICE-BOOK IS JUSTIFI'D, THE SIX BOOKS OF THO: ERASTUS AGAINST EXCOMMUNICATION ARE BRIEFLY EXAMIN'D; WITH A VINDICATION OF THAT EMINENT DIVINE THEOD: BEZA AGAINST THE ASPERSIONS OF ERASTUS, THE ARGUMENTS OF MR. WILLIAM PRYN, RICH: HOOKER, DR. MORTON, DR. JACKSON, DR. JOHN FORBES, AND THE DOCTORS OF ABERDEEN; TOUCHING WILL-WORSHIP, CEREMONIES, IMAGERY, IDOLATRY, THINGS INDIFFERENT, AN AMBULATORY GOVERNMENT; THE DUE AND JUST POWERS OF THE MAGISTRATE IN MATTERS OF RELIGION, AND THE ARGUMENTS OF MR. PRYN, IN SO FAR AS THEY SIDE WITH ERASTUS, ARE MODESTLY DISCUSSED. TO WHICH IS ADDED, A BRIEF TRACTATE OF SCANDAL; . . . BY SAMUEL RUTHERFURD (sic), PROFESSOR OF DIVINITY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. ANDREWS IN SCOTLAND. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #9 and #24.
"Almost 800 pages long, Rutherford here deals with church membership, separation from the visible church, the civil magistrate and religion, communion among churches, the errors of the independents (specifically in New England), and much more. This could be considered the LEX, REX of church government -- another exceedingly rare masterpiece of Presbyterianism! Characterized by Walker as sweeping 'over a wider field than most. Most essential points which Gillespie has barely touched, Rutherford carefully considers; as, for instance, the nature of the visible church as such, and its constituent elements. Even in the Erastian controversy he is a necessary supplement to his great contemporary. It is something to me altogether amazing, the mass of thinking about Church questions you have in those writings.' Bannerman, in his CHURCH OF CHRIST calls this a 'very learned and elaborate treatise.' Here is a sample of Mr. Rutherford's writing: 'A private subtraction and separation from the Ministry of a known wolf and seducer, . . . this the Law of nature will warrant . . . as Parker saith from Saravia, 'it is lawful to use that blameless and just defence, if the bad church-guide cannot be deposed.' So the son may save himself by a just defence in fleeing from his mad father, or his distracted friend coming to kill him. Now this defence is not an authoritative act, nor a judicial act of authority, but a natural act that is common to any private person, yea to all without the true Church as well as within to take that care in extreme necessity, for the safety of their souls, that they would do for the safety of their bodies' (1642), cited in The Original Covenanter and Contending Witness Magazine." -- Publisher
Brutus, Junius, The Covenant Between God and Kings, from A DEFENSE OF LIBERTY
http://www.constitution.org/vct/vindiciae1a.htm

Smith, Frank J. (editor), and David C. Lachman (editor), et al., Worship in the Presence of God: A Collection of Essays on the Nature, Elements, and Historic Views and Practice of Worship, ISBN: 0977344223 9780977344222.
"Worship is special and it is dialogical in nature. It is also prescribed. The fact of being in God's special presence means that not only are general principles to be observed, but the very elements of worship have been written out beforehand. Written from a Reformed Presbyterian view of Scripture, WORSHIP IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD is a collection of essays on the nature, elements, and historic views and practice of worship.
"Edited by Drs. Frank J. Smith and David C. Lachman, WORSHIP IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD contains articles by James E. Bordwine, E. Clark Copeland, Louis F. DeBoer, J. Cameron Fraser, Herman Hanko, Kerry W. Hurst, R. Sherman Isbell, Douglas F. Kelly, Henry Krabbendam, David C. Lachman, John Murray, Kevin Reed, Thomas G. Reid, Jr., A.M. Schneider III, C. Greg Singer, Frank J. Smith, and William Young." -- Publisher

Steele, David (1803-1887), Believer's Inventory, [A Discourse Delivered on the Morning of Annual Thanksgiving, November 27th, 1884, in the City of Philadelphia], by David Steele.
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/david-steeles-sermon-on-the-believers-inventory

Steele, David (1803-1887), Continuous Singing in the Ordinary Public Worship of God: Considered in the Light of Scripture and the Subordinate Standards of the Reformed Presbyterian Church; In Answer to Some Letters of Inquiry Addressed to the Writer. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.
Continuous Singing, David Steele
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/17/david-steeles-circular-on-continuous-singing

Steele, Richard (1629-1692), and Don Kistler, Remedy for Wandering Thoughts in the Worship of God. Alternate title: AN ANTIDOTE AGAINST DISTRACTIONS; OR, AN ENDEAVOUR TO SERVE THE CHURCH, IN THE DAILY CASE OF WANDERINGS IN THE WORSHIP OF GOD. ISBN: 0873779436. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"A much needed study for the present-day church." -- Lloyd T. Sprinkle

Thompson, Bard, A Bibliography of Christian Worship, ISBN: 0810821540 9780810821545.

Thomson, David, Songs to be Used in the Worship of God, 1848. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #18.
"Prepared under the authority of the Associate Synod of North America."

Thornwell, James Henley (1812-1862), Thornwell Refutes Charles Hodge's Church Polity and Views on Worship. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.

Todd, Isaac, The Posture of Prayer, or God to be Worshipped With the Body as Well as the Mind.
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/19/isaac-todds-the-posture-of-prayer-or-god-to-be-worshipped-with-the-body-as-well-as-the-mind

Twisse, William (1577-1646), The Doctrine of the Synod of Dort [Dordt] and Arles, Reduced to the Practise: With a Consideration Thereof, and Representation With What Sobriety it Proceeds. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

*Westminster Assembly (1643-1652), The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646), [completed and first printed in 1646, approved by the Assembly, August 27, 1647, Session 23 -- compiler] (Glasgow, Scotland: Free Presbyterian Publication [133 Woodlands Road, Glasgow G3 6LE], 1994), ISBN: 0902506080 (case-bound), and ISBN: 0902506358 (paperback). Among the ten greatest works in the English language. Available (THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646) with all its subordinate documents in searchable format) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Also available (THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646) with all its subordinate documents in searchable format) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) With Scripture Proofs
http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/
The Confession of Faith, the Larger and Shorter Catechisms, With the Scripture Proofs at Large: Together With The sum of Saving Knowledge (contained in the Holy Scriptures, and held forth in the said Confession and Catechisms), and Practical use Thereof, Covenants National and Solemn League, Acknowledgment of Sins and Engagement to Duties, Directories, Form of Church-government, &c. of Public Authority in the Church of Scotland, With Acts of Assembly and Parliament, Relative to, and Approbative of the Same (1757) [the original version of 1646, prior to the changes of the "American Version" of 1789 -- compiler]
http://archive.org/details/confessionofscot00chur
" 'The product of Puritan conflict,' stated Shedd, reaching 'a perfection of statement never elsewhere achieved.' All that learning the most profound and extensive, intellect the most acute and searching, and piety the most sincere and earnest, could accomplish, was thus concentrated in the Westminster Assembly's Confession of Faith, which may be safely termed the most perfect statement of Systematic Theology ever framed by the Christian Church,' writes Hetherington (1803-1865), (The History of the Westminster Assembly of Divines, p. 345).
"Concerning The Shorter Catechism, which is one of the items also included in this book, Mitchell notes: 'it is a thoroughly Calvinistic and Puritan catechism, the ripest fruit of the Assembly's thought and experience, maturing and finally fixing the definitions of theological terms to which Puritanism for half a century had been leading up and gradually coming closer and closer to in its legion of catechisms.' (Westminster Assembly: Its History and Standards, p. 431).
"THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646) is the greatest of all the creeds of the Christian church. The church of Christ cannot be creedless and live. Especially in an age of doubt and confusion, it is her duty to define and proclaim the one true faith. Nowhere has the Reformed church done this so effectively as in the WESTMINSTER CONFESSION, and family of documents. This book represents Reformed thinking at its purest and best. It was intended, as part of the Covenanted Reformation taking place during its compilation, to be adopted as the binding confessional standard for every individual, family, court, church, and legislature in the British Isles." -- Publisher
This is considered to be the definitive publication of the Westminster family of documents. It includes the following:

1. "To the Christian Reader, Especially Heads of Families"
   http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_standards/index.html?mainframe=/documents/wcf_standards/p005-to_head_of_families.html
2. "Mr. Thomas Manton's Epistle to the Reader"
   https://reformed.org/documents/wcf_standards/index.html
3. THE CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646), the full and original edition with Scripture proofs written out
   http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/
4. THE LARGER CATECHISM with Scripture proofs written out
   http://www.reformed.org/documents/wlc_w_proofs/index.html
5. THE SHORTER CATECHISM with Scripture proofs written out
   http://www.reformed.org/documents/WSC_frames.html
6. THE SUM OF SAVING KNOWLEDGE
   http://www.reformed.org/master/index.html?mainframe=/documents/sum/sum.html
7. "The National Covenant"
   http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_standards/index.html?mainframe=/documents/wcf_standards/p345-nat_covenant.html
   
8. "The Solemn League and Covenant"
   http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_standards/index.html?mainframe=/documents/wcf_standards/p355-solemn_league.html
   
9. "A Solemn Acknowledgement of Publick Sins and Breaches of the Covenant; and a Solemn Engagement to all the Duties Contained Therein"
   http://www.truecovenanter.com/covenants/scotland_covenant_renewal_1648.html
   
10. THE DIRECTORY FOR PUBLIC WORSHIP
    http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_standards/index.html?mainframe=/documents/wcf_standards/p369-direct_pub_worship.html
    
11. THE FORM OF PRESBYTERIAL CHURCH GOVERNMENT
    http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_standards/index.html?mainframe=/documents/wcf_standards/p395-form_presby_gov.html
    
12. "The Directory for Family-Worship, Approved by the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, for Piety and Uniformity in Secret and Private Worship, and Mutual Edification"
    http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_standards/index.html

1. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE WESTMINSTER STANDARDS AS A CREED
   http://www.fpcr.org/blue_banner_articles/signific.htm
   
2. "The Complete Scripture Index to the Westminster Confession (1646), Larger and Shorter Catechisms." Alternate title: SCRIPTURE INDEX TO THE WESTMINSTER STANDARDS. Available on Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications [and] Protestant Heritage Press CD. Also available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
   
3. Bordwine, James, A GUIDE TO THE WESTMINSTER STANDARDS: CONFESSION OF FAITH AND LARGER CATECHISM, ISBN: 0940931303 9780940931305.
   Includes a unique, 100-page topical index to both the CONFESSION and the LARGER CATECHISM.
   
4. WESTMINSTER LARGER CATECHISM WITH PROOF TEXTS
   http://www.reformed.org/documents/wlc_w_proofs/index.html
   
5. THE SHORTER CATECHISM WITH SCRIPTURE PROOFS
   Arguably the greatest tract ever created, all factors considered.
   http://www.reformed.org/documents/WSC_frames.html
   THE SHORTER CATECHISM
   Free downloadable PDF file.
   http://www.greenvillepresbyterian.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/shorter-catechism.pdf
   
6. Westminster Shorter Catechism Project
   "Click on any of the individual questions below to get the answer and Biblical references, as well as links to works by John Flavel, Thomas Watson, Thomas Boston, James Fisher, and John Whitecross, and others."
   http://www.shortercatechism.com/
   
7. Commentaries on the Westminster Standards Including the Westminster Confession of Faith, The Larger Catechism, and The Shorter Catechism
   http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr3ch.html#cwswcsc
   
8. The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646), (The Westminster Standards), and Related Works: A Study Guide
   http://www.lettermen2.com/suggest.html
   
9. The Scottish Covenanted Reformation continued the work of The Westminster Assembly. David Steel (1803-1887), is considered to be one of the most faithful Covenanter ministers in America. Notice that the citation following is an authorized, complete edition of their final TESTIMONY.
   Reformed Presbytery of North America "Steelite," David Steele (1803-1887), John Thorburn (1730?-1788), John Courtass (d. 1795), et al., ACT, DECLARATION, AND TESTIMONY, FOR THE WHOLE OF THE COVENANTED REFORMATION, AS ATTAINED TO, AND ESTABLISHED IN, BRITAIN AND IRELAND; PARTICULARLY BETWIXT THE YEARS 1638 AND 1649, INCLUSIVE. AS, ALSO, AGAINST ALL THE STEPS OF DEFECTION FROM SAID REFORMATION, WHETHER IN FORMER OR LATER TIMES, SINCE THE OVERTHROW OF THAT GLORIOUS WORK, DOWN TO THIS PRESENT DAY (1876), (Philadelphia, PA: Printed by Rue and Jones, 1876).
   This is a new edition of the Ploughlandhead Testimony of 1761. It was the subordinate standard of the original "Steelite" Reformed Presbytery that was constitutes in 1840.
   https://archive.org/details/actdeclarationte00refo
   
10. Church and State
    Works listed here discuss the decline of the influence of Calvinism and the Covenanted Reformation in Great Britain and the United States. The various alterations to the Westminster Standards are also discussed.
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chc.html#churchstate
    
11. Heresies Defined and the Necessity of Heresies Explained, by George Gillespie, Scottish Commissioner to the Assembly of Divines at Westminster
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/gillespie/ggilles09.html

White, John (1575-1648), David's Psalms in Metre. Agreeable to the Hebrew, to be Sung in Usuall Tunes, to the Benefit of the Churches of Christ.

Williamson, G.I., Instrumental Music in the Worship of God: Commanded or not Commanded?
"There is no doubt that this is the best short written treatment of this subject. Great principles are involved here, including the standard of sola Scriptura and protecting the work of Christ. Many of the Reformers recognized the introduction of musical instruments, the organ in particular, as the badge of Popery. There are abundant Biblical reasons for this and it certainly was not just some knee-jerk reaction to Romanism, as Williamson carefully demonstrates. In fact, the historic practice and testimony of the church is fascinating, as Girardeau in his classic, Instrumental Music in the Public Worship of God, notes, 'Let us pause a moment to notice the fact, supported by a mass of incontrovertible evidence, that the Christian church did not employ instrumental music in its public worship for 1200 years after Christ. . . . It deserves serious consideration, moreover, that notwithstanding the ever-accelerated drift towards corruption in worship as well as in doctrine and government, the Roman Catholic Church did not adopt this corrupt practice until about the middle of the thirteenth century. . . . When the organ was introduced into its worship it encountered strong opposition, and made its way but slowly to general acceptance. These assuredly are facts that should profoundly impress Protestant churches. How can they adopt a practice which the Roman Church, in the year 1200, had not admitted. . . . Then came the Reformation; and the question arises, How did the Reformers deal with instrumental music in the church? . . . Zwingle has already been quoted to show instrumental music was one of the shadows of the old law which has been realized in the gospel. He pronounces its employment in the present dispensation 'wicked pervicacity [great obstinacy or willfulness -- compiler].' There is no doubt in regard to his views on the subject, which were adopted by the Swiss Reformed churches. . . . Calvin is very express in his condemnation of instrumental music in connection with the public worship of the Christian church. . . . In his homily on 1 Sam. xviii. 1-9 [1 Samuel 18:1-9], he delivers himself emphatically and solemnly upon the subject: 'In Popery there was a ridiculous and unsuitable imitation [of the Jews]. While they adorned their temples, and valued themselves as having made the worship of God more splendid and inviting, they employed organs, and many other such ludicrous things, by which the Word and worship of God are exceedingly profaned, the people being much more attached to those rites than to the understanding of the divine Word . . .' Whatever may be the practice in recent times of the churches of Holland, the Synods of the Reformed Dutch Church, soon after the Reformation, pronounced very decidedly against the use of instrumental music in public worship. The National Synod at Middleburg, in 1581, declared against it, and the Synod of Holland and Zealand, in 1594, adopted this strong resolution; 'That they would endeavor to obtain of the magistrate the laying aside of organs, and the singing with them in the churches . . .' The Provincial Synod of Dort [Dordt], also inveighed severely against their use. . . . The Rev. Charles H. Spurgeon . . . upholds an apostolic simplicity of worship. The great congregation which is blessed with the privilege of listening to his instructions has no organ 'to assist' them in singing. . . . The non-prelatic churches, Independent and Presbyterian, began their development on the American continent without instrumental music. They followed the English Puritans and the Scottish Church, which had adopted the principles of the Calvinistic Reformed Church . . . It has thus been proved by an appeal to historical facts, that the church, although lapsing more and more into defection from the truth and into a corruption of apostolic practice, had no instrumental music for twelve hundred years; and that the Calvinistic Reformed Church ejected it from its services as a element of Popery, even the Church of England having come very nigh to its extrusion from her worship. The historical argument, therefore, combines with the scriptural and the confessional to raise a solemn and powerful protest against its employment by the Presbyterian Church. IT IS HERESY IN THE SPHERE OF WORSHIP!' If you are still unconvinced of the importance of this subject, give this short booklet (16 pages), a quick look -- you may be surprised at what you find. Related item: Greg Price's two sermons on this topic Instrumental Music in the OT and NT (on one video or on two audio cassettes [audio file]), present these arguments in a more detailed fashion. One of these sermons ran directly into a communion service without missing a beat -- being applied directly to the Lord's supper, assurance of salvation and justification by faith alone. That should give you an indication of some of the important implications found here." -- Publisher

Williamson, G.I., Frank Joseph Smith, William Young, David Compton, and Randall T. Ruble, Papers Presented at the 1990 Psalmody Conference. Alternate title: SCRIPTURAL REGULATIVE PRINCIPLE OF WORSHIP, PSALM SINGING IN PUBLIC WORSHIP, HISTORY OF PSALMODY, IMPRECATORY PSALMS, CHRIST AND THE PSALMS, PSALMS: A CHRISTIAN'S BIOGRAPHY, SONGS OF SANCTIFICATION AND WISDOM. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Contents: The Scriptural regulative principle of worship / G.I. Williamson | Psalm singing in public worship / Frank J. Smith | The history of psalmody / William Young | The imprecatory psalms / David Compton | Christ and the psalms / Randall T. Ruble | The psalms, a Christian's biography / Herman Hanko | The psalms, songs of sanctification and wisdom / Charles J. Butler.

Young, William, The Puritan Principle of Worship. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.
"Must reading on the regulative principle of worship. 'The biblical regulative principle is formulated in the Reformed confessions in opposition to the Lutheran and Anglican rule that anything may be introduced into God's worship which the scriptures do not expressly reject,' noted Sherman Isbell (Presbyterian Reformed magazine, 1993 -- write for a free sample copy at 2408 Holt St., Vienna, VA, 22180 USA). Dr. Young writes, 'Calvin formulated this regulative principle with clarity and applied it with great consistency, in the Reformation at Geneva. It is implicit in his celebrated definition of pure and genuine religion as 'confidence in God coupled with serious fear -- fear which both includes in it willing reverence, and brings along with it such legitimate worship as is prescribed by the law.' Dr. Young is a brilliant scholar, in the Puritan tradition, and this book shows why." -- Publisher

*Zacharias, Ravi (1946-2020), The Uniqueness of Christ in World Religions (part 1 of 2)
This is a very sensitive presentation of major differences between Islam and Christianity.
The address also applies to a wide array of other issues such as "duality" (the Western position), logic, the law of non-contradiction, "either/or," absolutism verses relativism, etc. -- and "non-duality" (the Eastern position), "both/and," the Hegelian dialectic (the synthesis of opposites into a "higher truth"), situational ethics, values clarification, political compromise, democracy, "have your cake and eat it too," and so forth, and so on.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJHUOmOpd4U
The Uniqueness of Christ in World Religions (part 2 of 2)
"The reality of human nature is best portrayed in the teaching of Christ."
Christianity alone explains the questions of unity in diversity, the one and the many, The Trinity, and spiritual oneness.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYCdlk67lWY

Zuckerman, Shelley P. Sanders, Spiritual Formation Through Psalm-singing Worship: A Study of the Piety Nurtured by the Annotations in John Brown of Haddington's The Psalms of David in Metre With Notes (1775).

See also: The psalms in worship, Music in the worship of god, The inspiration and infallibility of scripture (the doctrine of revelation, the doctrine of plenary inspiration, the doctrine of divine inspiration, the doctrine of verbal inspiration, theopneustia, sufficiency of scripture), Reform of the church, Arminianism, Psalms: chants, responsorials, and scripture choruses, Family worship, Music in the worship of god, Praise, Thanksgiving, gratitude, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 821, 1451, 1453, 2385, 2472, 3921-3951

Related Weblinks

A Brief Critique of Steven M. Schlissel's Articles Against the Regulative Principle of Worship, by Brian M. Schwertley
http://www.iserv.net/~graceopc/pub/schwertley/schlissel.html

The Case Against the Choir, an article from the Free Presbyterian Magazine, 1896
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/19/an-article-from-the-free-presbyterian-magazine-1896-the-case-against-the-choir

The Directory for the Public Worship of God
http://www.covenanter.org/Westminster/directoryforpublicworship.htm

Exclusive Psalmody (Exclusive Psalmody and the Regulative Principle 4/7)
"For Calvin and Knox 'this meant that at a stroke the Reformed Church cut itself loose from the entire mass of Latin hymns and from the use of hymnody in general, and adopted the Psalms of the Old Testament as the sole medium of Church praise.' Hence forth to be a Calvinist was to be a Psalm-singer. For some 2 and a half centuries the Reformed churches as a rule sang nothing but the Psalms in worship."
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/C RTPsSing.htm
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/FREEBOOK/Ref Worsh.htm
Exclusive Psalmody (Exclusive Psalmody and the Regulative Principle 4/7)
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?currSection=sermonsspeaker&sermonID=52501212814

An Irenic Letter Written to a PCA Elder, Regarding Steve Schlissel's Recent Attacks on Historic Reformed (biblical) Worship
http://www.cashflows.org/rpw.htm

Music as Idolatry: Regulating Worship for Weight and Majesty, Douglas Bond. From GOD SINGS!: (AND WAYS WE THINK HE OUGHT TO), ISBN: 9781945062117 1945062118.
"John Knox summarized the prescriptive principle of worship with this emphatic assertion: 'All worshiping, honoring, or service, invented by the brain of man in the religion of God, without his own express commandment, is idolatry.'
"A century later, the Westminster Divines encapsulated the Regulative Principle of Worship:

The acceptable way of worshiping the true God is instituted by himself, and so limited by his own revealed will, that he may not be worshiped according to the imaginations and devices of men, or the suggestions of Satan, under any visible representation or any other way not prescribed in the holy Scripture (WCF 21.1).

Proper Worship of a Sovereign God
Dr. C. Gregg Singer, 33 min.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=12160372722

The Regulative Principle of Worship in History, Reg Barrow (refutes Arminianism in worship)
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/CRTPWors.htm

Regulative Principle of Worship in the New Testament," Greg Price (Puritan Worship Series), (Matthew 15:9)
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonid=380119184

The Regulative Principle of Worship in the Old Testament, Greg Price (Puritan Worship Series), (Leviticus 10:1-2).
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonid=380103046

Song in the Public Worship of God, John Murray
http://www.westminsterconfession.org/worship/song-in-the-public-worship-of-god.php

Worship (FGB #177)
The Worship of God's Pilgrims, Mauro, Philip | What is Worship? | God Seeking Worshipers, Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889) | Do you Worship God? Swinnock, George (c. 1627-1673) | True Worship | True Spiritual Worship, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | A Fragment on Worship | Conscience Pacified Forever, Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889) | Family Worship, D'Aubigne, J.H. Merle (1794-1872)
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/worsfg/worship

Worship: A Clue to Meaning in Life, Ravi Zacharias
"Man is by nature a religious entity. He finds objects or persons to worship and will ultimately reflect that object. It is for this reason that authentic worship is pivotal for the Christian's life. True worship pulls together my conscience, heart, mind, imagination, and will. When these coalesce in unified expression, life finds its meaning."
https://www.christianbook.com/worship-clue-to-meaning-in-life/ravi-zacharias/pd/DA21549-CP?event=ESRCG

Worship Regulated by the Word of God
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/6/30/worship

The Psalms in Worship

---

Grateful acknowledgment is made for select citations particularly on "chants, responsorials, and scripture choruses" from THE BIBLICAL PSALMS IN CHRISTIAN WORSHIP, by John Witvliet. This work is listed below, and is available in Google Books, partial preview.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (Colossians 3:16)

See the Chapter Notes, "Theology of the Psalms," page 754, in The Reformation Study Bible.

See the Theological Notes: "Prayer," at Luke 11:2 in The Reformation Study Bible.

The Great Hallel, Psalm 111 through Psalm 118
"This and the subsequent psalms, to the 119th, are supposed to have been sung by the Jews at the celebration of the Passover; and the subject-matter of them was peculiarly adapted to such a purpose. 'From the 111th to the 118th psalm, inclusive,' says Jebb, in his recent work on the Psalms, 'we find very interesting marks of a ceremonial which, tradition asserts, was observed by the Jews at the eating of the Passover, namely, the singing of the Gospel Hallel -- that hymn, in all likelihood, which our blessed Lord sang with his disciples after the Last Supper. . . . it seems fair to assume, that this group of psalms formed the Greater Hallel, the sentiment they contain being singularly applicable to the festival, -- to the great deliverance from Egypt, which it celebrated, and to the second delivery from Babylon, which so strongly resembled it. According to Dr. Lightfoot, the 113th and 114th psalms were sung at one period of the feast, at the second cup; and after the fourth cup, the other psalms, namely, the 115th to the 118th, inclusive; and here the feast ordinarily ended. They thus held the place of grace before or after meat; and this division is very consistent, the latter psalms being more evidently Eucharistical. -- Jebb's Literal Translation of the Book of Psalms, with Dissertations, volume 2, pages 269-271." -- Footnote 1 to the Introduction to Psalm 111 in Calvin's commentaries

See the Theological Notes: "Omnipresence and Omnipotence," at Jeremiah 23:24 in The Reformation Study Bible.

See the Theological Notes: "Music in the Church," at Colossians 3:16 in The Reformation Study Bible.

Calvin states in THE AUTHOR'S PREFACE to the BOOK OF PSALMS, [Geneva, July 22, 1557, four years before his death], "I affirm and maintain that the world is managed and governed by the secret providence of God."
"The whole PREFACE is exceptional and worthy of careful reading. It could bless many a soul.
" 'There is no other book [THE BOOK OF PSALMS] in which there is to be found more express and magnificent commendations, both of the unparalleled liberality of God towards his Church, and of all his works; there is no other book in which there is recorded so many deliverances nor one in which the evidences and experiences of the fatherly providence and solicitude which God exercises towards us are celebrated with such splendor of diction, and yet with the strictest adherence to truth, in short, there is no other book in which we are more perfectly taught the right manner of praising God, or in which we are more powerfully stirred up to the performance of this religious exercise.'
"Particularly interesting is Calvin's personal biographical comments about his early years pastoring in Geneva. His experiences resembled the experiences of David in some ways. Most Christians know the extraordinary outcome of Calvin's ministry. But so often the young believer becomes discouraged by adversity and opposition. Why do the elect meet with adversity? seems to be a perennial question. Here Calvin relates his experience to be similar to battles we see playing out in our own lives, and in current politics. His language is relevant the adversaries of the Christian ethic in public life today."
The Author's Preface to the Book of Psalms
http://www.biblestudyguide.org/comment/calvin/comm_vol08/htm/vi.htm

Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works. Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually. Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth; O ye seed of Israel his servant, ye children of Jacob, his chosen ones. He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth. Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations; Even of the covenant which he made with Abraham, and of his oath unto Isaac; And hath confirmed the same to Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant. (1 Chronicles 16:8-17)

All Christians employ themselves in David's Psalms more frequently than in any other part of the Old or New Testament. The grace of the Holy Ghost hath so ordered it that they should be sung every night and day . . . Many who know not a letter can say David's Psalms by heart. . . . where men converse with God, David is the first, the midst, and the last. -- Chrysostom

The Treasury of David, Psalm 24, C.H. Spurgeon
Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts: he is the King of glory. (Psalm 24:7-10)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps024.php

The Treasury of David, Psalm 29, C.H. Spurgeon
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps029.php

The Treasury of David, Psalm 33, C.H. Spurgeon
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps033.php

The Treasury of David, Psalm 47, C.H. Spurgeon
For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding. God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness. The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted. (Psalm 47:7-9)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps047.php

The Treasury of David, Psalm 48, C.H. Spurgeon
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps048.php

Martin Luther called The Book of Psalms "a little Bible, and the summary of the Old Testament."

A personal listing of Psalms that have imprecatory content or undertones: Psalm 3, 5, 6, 7, 17, 27, 28, 35, 37, 52, 54, 55, 56, 58, 59, 62, 63, 64, 69, 70, 73, 78, 79, 83, 86, 90, 91, 94, 102, 105, 109, 137, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, and 144.

Rise up, LORD, and let thine enemies be scattered; and let them that hate thee flee before thee. (Numbers 10:35b)

We are a prodigal nation. See the entire commentary of John Calvin on Psalm 78, and see particularly his comments on Psalm 78:10,36,40,55,70,72.

Perhaps the lack of psalm-singing -- even if not exclusive -- is a factor behind much of the "me and my biblism [sec]," and the ecclesiastical freelancer mentality, that blights much of modern evangelicalism. -- Daniel Ritchie, Saintfield, Northern Ireland

Adams, James E., War Psalms. Alternate title: Alternate title: WAR PSALMS OF THE PRINCE OF PEACE: LESSONS FROM THE IMPRECATORY PSALMS. ISBN: 0875520936 9780875520933.
Foreword by Jay Edward Adams (of Westminster Theological Seminary), not to be confused with the author, James E. Adams.
"As to the number of imprecatory Psalms, there are differing opinions. Some scholars see as few as three, others as many as twenty. The reason for this difference is that there are a number of Psalms that contain elements of malediction. It seems to this writer that there are at least ten such Psalms: 7, 35, 55, 58, 69, 79, 83, 109, 137, and 139." -- W. Gary Crampton in What About the Imprecatory Psalms?
Other Psalms that might be considered imprecatory: 3 [Psalm 3], 6, 17, 28, 56, 64, 73, 83, 86, 90, 94, 102, 105, 140, and 142.
A personal listing of Psalms that have imprecatory content or undertones: Psalm 3, 5, 6, 7, 17, 27, 28, 35, 37, 52, 54, 55, 56, 58, 59, 62, 63, 64, 69, 70, 73, 78, 79, 83, 86, 90, 91, 94, 102, 105, 109, 137, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, and 144.

Anderson, John, A Discourse on the Divine Ordinance of Singing Psalms: Intended to prove, I. That the singing of Psalms is a part of that social or publick worship which God hath appointed in his word. II. That there are parts of the sacred Scriptures adapted to the purpose of singing, which ought to be used in the publick worship of the church, till the end of time. III. That the Scripture songs are the only forms of psalmody, which ought to be used in the solemn and publick worship of the church. IV. That, in the publick praises of the church, the musick, or outward part, ought to be conducted with decency and simplicity; and in subserviency to the spiritual part, which is chiefly to be regarded. To which is added, an appendix, in two numbers. No. I. contains a brief history of psalmody. No. II. contains a review of Dr. Watts's Imitation of the Psalms of David, as corrected and enlarged by Joel Barlow.

Anderson, John, Vindiciae Cantus Dominici: Or, A Vindication of the Doctrine Taught in a Discourse on the Divine Ordinance of Singing Psalms, 1793, 184 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.
"Because the author contends that 'the welfare of the church and her members is deeply concerned in the preservation of the purity of God's worship,' he here defends the old paths of Protestant worship in opposition to the will-worship of Popery, Socinianism and Arminianism. Herein he shows how the singing of songs other than the Psalms (in public worship), violates the second commandment, dishonors God and brings His wrath upon individuals, churches and nations. Anderson also answers a number of objections against exclusive Psalmody which are still common today; for example the objection, 'with respect to the nature of singing, as if there were no difference between it and prayer, except in the manner of performance.' This is a valuable contribution to the defense of exclusive Psalmody." -- Publisher

Associate Presbyterian (Seceder) Magazine, The Ancient and Modern Mode of Singing the Psalms (Sept, 1863), an article from the Associate Presbyterian (Seceder) Magazine. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Also available on the Reformation Bookshelf CD #3, #18, #19.
"Historically demonstrates how the Old Testament saints, the early New Testament Christians and almost all Presbyterians (after adopting the WESTMINSTER STANDARDS), sang the Psalms by 'lining them out' (e.g. see the WESTMINSTER DIRECTORY FOR PUBLIC WORSHIP). Musical instruments, a Papal innovation, were also unheard of among faithful Reformers and 'denominated the ensigns of Baal.' Basically a blast against 'all the refined idolatries of the churches' of the author's time. It also lays out the numerous advantages of lining out the Psalms and shows how 'things in themselves indifferent, or even commendable, become unlawful when they have been made instruments of dishonour to God or peculiar temptations to men." -- Publisher
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/17/article-from-the-associate-presbyterian-seceder-magazine-on-the-ancient-and-modern-mode-of-singing-the-psalms

*Baillie, Robert (1599-1662), and David Laing (editor), Letters and Journals of Robert Baillie, 3 volumes, 1841 edition, ISBN: 0921148984 9780921148982. Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #17.
"Baillie was one of the Scottish delegates to the Westminster Assembly and these volumes cover the period from 1637 to 1662 -- some of the most momentous days in the history of the Reformed faith. These letters contain an intimate insider's look at these days of international religious drama, national covenants, and the writing of the greatest religious Confession ever given to men, the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646). A major source for 17th century Church history and a totally unique compilation -- peering into the very heart of Reformation!" -- Publisher
Volume one only of above.
"Contains Baillie's letters and journal entries covering the period from 1637 to 1641. The appendix includes "Original Letters and Papers, Chiefly Relating to Ecclesiastical Affairs in Scotland, 1633 to 1639."
Volume two only of above.
"Contains letters covering the period from 1642 to 1646. The appendix includes 'Original Letters and Papers, Chiefly Relating to Ecclesiastical Affairs in Scotland, 1639 to 1646.'
Volume three only of above.
"Contains letters covering the period from 1647 to 1662. The appendix includes 'Original Letters and Papers, Chiefly Relating to Ecclesiastical Affairs in Scotland, 1647 to 1661.' This volume also includes a glossary, an index of names and the memoir of the life and writings of Robert Baillie. Of special note are pages 525-557, which contain 'Notices Regarding the Metrical Version of the Psalms Received By the Church of Scotland,' where we see the historical validity of the Reformed practice of exclusive Psalmody, from the place occupied by the Psalter printed in Geneva in 1556, right up to the 'Psalter debates' that took place during Westminster Assembly." -- Publisher

Baird, Thomas Dickson, Science of Praise: or, An Illustration of the Nature and Design of Sacred Psalmody, ISBN: 1286328535 9781286328538.

Baker, Richard, Meditations and Disquisitions Upon the First Psalm, the Penitential Psalms, and Seven Consolatory Psalms.
"This great Puritan work appearing in 1639-1640 is a newer edition printed by Mrs. Spurgeon in 1882 and given as a conference gift." -- Lloyd T. Sprinkle

Barrow, Reg, Psalm Singing in Scripture, History. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Discusses Reformed worship-song in the context of the regulative principle of worship [Sola Scriptura in Worship]. Defends exclusive Psalmody from Scripture and the writings and testimony of the most prominent Reformers." -- Publisher

Barrow, Reg, Reformation Worship and Separation From Idolatry. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19 and #27. Available (PSALM SINGING IN SCRIPTURE AND HISTORY), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1-30.
"In two parts: 1. 'The Regulative Principle of Worship in History' and 2. 'Psalm Singing in Scripture and History.' Part one explains, defends and chronicles the Reformation use of the regulative principle as the basis of all faithful public worship. Part two defends exclusive Psalmody, demonstrating that this position is nothing less than our Reformation heritage, based on the second commandment. It argues, on the foundation of a biblically close communion, that Christians should separate themselves ecclesiastically from those who do not practice exclusive Psalmody. Hard teaching, but faithful to Scriptures and the original intent of the Westminster Standards." -- Publisher
The Regulative Principle of Worship in History, Reg Barrow (refutes Arminianism in worship)
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/CRTPWors.htm
Psalm Singing in Scripture and History. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1-30.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/CRTPsSing.htm

Battles, Ford Lewis, Seventy Decisive Years in American Hymnody, 1799-1868.

Beisner, E. Calvin, Psalms of Promise: Celebrating the Majesty and Faithfulness of God, ISBN: 087552107X 9780875521077.

Binnie, William, The Imprecations: God's Forgotten Prayers of Power, ISBN: 0921148402 9780921148401. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.
"This booklet addresses one of the most misunderstood and maligned aspects of God's Word, the prayers and passages cursing his enemies. Binnie notes that the imprecations 'are a wholesome antidote to the religious sentimentality of our time, which shuts its eye to the truth that God's wrath against impenitent despisers of his grace is at once necessary and salutary.' Both Old Testament and New Testament references." -- GCB

Binnie, William, The Psalms: Their History, Teaching, and Use. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.

Binnie, William, The use of Psalms in the Christian Church: A Historical Survey. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
It appears that this is an alternate title for THE PSALMS: THEIR HISTORY, TEACHINGS, AND USE.

Birger, Larry, Jean Calvin, and Reg Barrow, The Geneva Bible, Psalmody, and More Credenda/Agenda Inaccuracies Answered.

Blossom, G., God as Refuge/Rock (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette POG03 [audio file].

Bourgeault, Cynthia, Chanting the Psalms: A Practical Guide With Instructional CD.

Bourgeault, Cynthia, Singing the Psalms.

Brink, Emily Ruth, and Bertus Frederick Polman, Psalter Hymnal Handbook.

Brown, Hugh, Discourses on Scripture Psalmody in Praising God: and Against Instrumental Music in Public Worship. Sing unto Him (Jehovah), sing psalms unto Him. (1 Chronicles 16:9)
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/19/hugh-browns-discourses-on-scripture-psalmody-in-praising-god-and-against-instrumental-music-in-public-worship

*Bushell, Michael, The Songs of Zion: A Contemporary Case for Exclusive Psalmody, ISBN: 1884527043 9781884527043.
"Contains one of the best explanations of the Scriptural law of worship (also known as the regulative principle of worship), in print today. For this and a number of other reasons this is one of the most significant books published this century concerning worship! Furthermore, it demonstrates and defends (from Scripture, history and the creeds), the Reformation practice of exclusive Psalmody. It dovetails splendidly with Eire's (a Roman Catholic author), celebrated WAR AGAINST THE IDOLS, setting forth foundational principles that lay at the very heart of Reformation thought, theology and practice. For as Bushell points out, 'Purity of worship and uniformity of worship go hand in hand because they are both founded upon the assumption that the Scriptures contain clear, sufficient and authoritative directions as to the proper way of worshiping God. The diversity of worship practice that we see in our churches arises ultimately from a denial of this assumption, and it constitutes, therefore, a denial of a central aspect of the doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture. There is much more at stake, then, in this whole discussion than the mere observance or non-observance of a few external rites.' (2nd edition, 1993, p. 3). If you are a Calvinist and have not read this book, you are missing a real treat!" -- Publisher

Chalmers, John T., Ten Reasons why the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church Adheres to the Exclusive use of the Inspired Psalter in the Worship of God.
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/17/john-t-chalmers-book-ten-reasons-why-the-associate-reformed-presbyterian-church-adheres-to-the-exclusive-use-of-the-inspired-psalter-in-the-worship-of-god

Church of Scotland, General Assembly (author/compiler), The Psalter [microform]: Being the Authorized Version of the Psalms Together With Selected Passages of Scripture, and Ancient Hymns, Pointed for Chanting, With Accompanying Chants, for use in Churches / by authority of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
Note: Psalms and tunes each on half-pages. Microfilm: Pitts Theology Library, Emory University, M2115 .H9 REEL 225.

*Church of Scotland, General Assembly, The Scottish Prose Psalter Being the Authorized Version of the Psalms With Selected Passages of Scripture, and Ancient Hymns, Pointed for Chanting, With Accompanying Chants. For use in Churches, by Authority of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. 2nd edition (London: T. Nelson and Sons, Paternoster Row, Edinburgh and New York, 1906). A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language.
"Since Christ is the Second Person of the Trinity, the hymns and laments of the psalms are directed to Him as to the Father and the Spirit. Jesus is both a singer of the psalms (Heb. 2:12 [Hebrews 2:12], Psalm 22:22), and the focus of their interest. We can sing to Him our praise, tell Him our complaints and petitions, and thank Him for His goodness. We extol Him as our King, rest our confidence in Him, and look to Him as the embodiment of God's wisdom." -- "The Book of Psalms," The Reformation Study Bible, pp. 754,755
Have you ever planned to sing through The Book of Psalms with your spouse or with your family? Here is your psalter: THE SCOTTISH PROSE PSALTER.
The writer knows of no psalter truer to the literal translation of the Word of God, short of pointing The Book of Psalms from YOUNG'S LITERAL TRANSLATION OF THE HOLY BIBLE, which preserves the Hebrew and Greek grammatical structure, or short of taking 15 years out of one's life to learn the original Hebrew and Greek, which, of course, is not necessary.
This is a split-page psalter. The top set of pages are the music, the bottom set of pages are the Psalms. This format allows the worshiper to match any melody with any particular Psalm.
The preface contains instruction on how to chant. Select chants are recommended for each Psalm.
"Chanting is the singing of a prose text to a simple, repeated melody. Good chanting is essentially good reading aloud; it uses the rhythms and stresses of natural speech.
"The ancient Hebrews never used metrical 'tunes' in the modern sense. In the synagogue, the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings (including the Psalms), were read in a sing-song recitation which was half speech, half song. Originally chanting involved only a single line (that is, no part-singing), and only two or three pitches. The early Christian church retained this practice, adapting it to the recitation of the Psalms in Latin translation. Our present system of chanting in four parts is called Anglican Chant, and dates from sixteenth-century England.
"Chanting has several advantages over metrical Psalmody, stemming from the fact that in chanting, the music completely serves the text. The music is not difficult or interesting in itself, but has character and meaning only in conjunction with words. The meaning of the text is thus more immediate, and the parallel structure of the Hebrew poetry is more apparent. The difficulties of translating ancient non-metrical poems into sensible English rhyme are rendered unnecessary. Chanting encourages the use of entire Psalms rather than selections." -- "An Introduction to Chanting," The Book of Psalms for Singing, Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, 1995, p. 440
A prose psalter was nothing new for The Church of Scotland. They published THE PSALMS OF DAVID IN PROSE AND METRE: WITH THE WHOLE FORME OF DISCIPLINE, AND PRAYERS, ACCORDING TO THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND; THE PSALMS IN PROSE BEING OF THE LAST TRANSLATION; TRANSLATED BY THE SPECIALL COMMANDMENT OF KING JAMES THE SIXT, 1610 (Aberdene: Printed by Edward Raban for David Melvill, 1633).
THE BIBLE PSALTER (London: J. Nisbet, 1880), 142 pp., Presbyterian Church of England, "the music arranged and partly composed by Sir Herbert S. Oakeley" (1830-1903), and THE PSALTER (T. Nelson and Sons, 1888), 303 pp., by Authority of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, "pointed for chanting, and with chants adapted thereto or specially composed for this work by Sir Herbert Stanley Oakeley" preceded this work.
"The Musical portion of this work is identical with that in THE PSALTER, AND SELECTED PASSAGES OF SCRIPTURE, etc., published in 1888; but advantage has been taken of a new issue to revise and improve the pointing of the words. To mark the Revised Edition the title of the work has been changed to THE SCOTTISH PROSE PSALTER, etc. . . . ." -- Note to Preface, May, 1897.
Publication of THE PSALTER, under the new title, THE SCOTTISH PROSE PSALTER, could have been a consequence of the awakening of 1905, "part of a worldwide movement and apparently especially inspired by British revivals. . ."
Any concordance to the Authorized King James Version and any index to the Psalms of David (AKJV) may be used with this Psalter.
Psalms are an essential part of personal devotions. There is a sincerity and beautiful simplicity about THE SCOTTISH PROSE PSALTER. Everyone should own a copy, especially fathers who lead family worship.
The Scottish Prose Psalter, 1906 edition
Online PDF file (74MB), high print resolution. It is recommended that a high speed connection be used to download the file.
http://www.lettermen2.com/sppsalter.pdf

Clements and Dillard, Character of God in the Psalms: The Lord is my Shepherd (Psalm 23); The Lord who Dwells on Zion (Psalm 87), (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette PSC01 [audio file].

Conn, Harvie M., and Edward Johnson, Psalm 113 God and the Poor.

Cooke, Henry, John Edgar, and Thomas Houston, The True Psalmody: or, The Bible Psalms, the Church's Only Manual of Praise, ISBN: 0524023336 9780524023334. Alternate title: TRUE PSALMODY.

Copeland, Robert M., Sing Up: Learning Music for Worship, 1973.

Cotton, John (1584-1652), Singing of Psalms a Gospel Ordinance. Alternate title: SINGING OF PSALMES A GOSPEL-ORDINANCE, OR, A TREATISE, WHEREIN ARE HANDLED THESE FOURE PARTICULARS. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"An early American treatise wherein are handled four particulars concerning exclusive Psalmody: the duty itself, the matter to be sung, the singers and the manner of singing. This is a facsimile of 1647 edition." -- Publisher

Cotton, John (1584-1652), and Greg Fox, John Cotton on Psalmody and the Sabbath.

Cotton, John (1584-1652), Richard Mather, John Eliot, and Thomas Weld, Bay Psalm Book. Alternate title: THE BAY PSALM BOOK: THE VVHOLE BOOKE OF PSALMES.
Preface to the Bay Psalm Book
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/17/preface-to-the-bay-psalm-book

*Cox, Samuel, The Pilgrim Psalms: An Exposition of the Songs of Degrees.
"In these chapters Cox focuses attention on the often neglected psalms of ascent (Psalms 120-134), and in a series of well-reasoned, clear, and relevant messages draws from each portion of Scripture pertinent truths that are then applied in practical ways. James Moffatt paid high tribute to Cox when he wrote, 'Dr. Cox was too honest an expositor to intrude his views into his interpretation of Scripture. He was as scrupulous as Calvin himself on this point.' The reprinting of this fine work is welcomed." -- Cyril J. Barber

Crampton, W. Gary, Exclusive Psalmody, a newsletter.
"Church historian C. Gregg Singer further confirms this. In his Lectures on Church History, Singer maintains that exclusive Psalmody was never the majority report within Christendom until the time of the Puritans, i.e., the 17th century. In the post-Apostolic church, the Psalter was used in public worship, along with other hymns and spiritual songs."
http://www.trinityfoundation.org/journal.php?id=63

Dakers, Lionel, and The Royal School of Church Music (London, England), The RSCM Chant Book.

Davies, Horton, The Worship of the American Puritans, 1629-1730.

Davies, Horton, The Worship of the English Puritans.

Day, John N., Crying for Justice: What the Psalms Teach us About Mercy and Vengeance in an Age of Terrorism, ISBN: 0825424461 9780825424465.

*Dickson, David (1583-1663), A Brief Explication of the Psalms, 1655, 2 volumes. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Charles Spurgeon calls this a 'rich volume, dropping fatness. Invaluable to the preacher. Having read and re-read it, we can speak of its holy savor and suggestiveness. We commend it with much fervor'." -- Commenting on Commentaries
"Spurgeon also commented, 'Dickson is a writer after our own heart, for preachers he is a great ally.' (Johnston, The Treasury of the Scottish Covenant, p. 314)
"Dickson worked on the DIRECTORY FOR PUBLIC WORSHIP with Calderwood and Henderson and on THE SUM OF SAVING KNOWLEDGE with Durham. THE TREASURY OF THE SCOTTISH COVENANT further notes,

An English merchant had occasion to visit Scotland about 1650. On his return he was asked what news he brought, when he replied: "Great and good news! I went to St. Andrews, where I heard a sweet majestic looking man -- Blair was his name -- who shewed me the majesty of God. After him I heard a little fair man, named Rutherford, and he shewed me the loveliness of Christ. I then went to Irvine, where I heard a well-favoured, proper old man, with a long beard -- his name was David Dickson -- and that man shewed me all my heart.

Dodds, Robert J., A Condensed Argument for the Exclusive use of an Inspired Psalmody, 1879.

Dodds, Robert J., A Reply to Morton on Psalmody: To Which is Added a Condensed Argument for the Exclusive use of an Inspired Psalmody
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/17/robert-j-dodds-book-a-reply-to-morton-on-psalmody-to-which-is-added-a-condensed-argument-for-the-exclusive-use-of-an-inspired-psalmody

Foster, F.M., History of the Decline and Extinction of Psalm-singing in the Presbyterian Church.

George, R.J., Psalmody: Is the use of Uninspired Songs in the Worship of God Authorised?

George, R.J., Psalmody: The Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs of the Bible.

Gill, John (1697-1771), A Discourse on Singing of Psalms as a Part of Divine Worship, From I. Corinthians xiv. 15 [1 Corinthians 14:15]. Preached the 25th of December, 1733. To a society of young men, who carry on an exercise of prayer on Lord's-Day mornings, at a Meeting-House on Horsly-down, Southwark.

Harper, James, The Psalter in the Early Church, 1891. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #17.

Hay Fleming, David (1849-1931), The Hymnology of the Scottish Reformation: A Detailed Historical Defence of the Exclusive Psalmody of the Scottish Reformers, Calvin and Others, ISBN: 9780941075282 0941075281. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.

Houston, Thomas (1803-1882), The Inspired Psalms Only to be Used in the Worship of God: A Preface.

Houston, Thomas (1803-1882), and William Johnston, Divine Psalms Against Paraphrases and Hymns: Review of a Sermon by the Rev. William Johnston, on "Psalms and Paraphrases," 1861.

Inserra, Lorraine, H. Wiley Hitchcock, The Music of Henry Ainsworth's Psalter (Amsterdam, 1612).

Johnson and Silva, Character of God in the Psalms; God is King of all the Earth (Psalm 47); The God who Answers (Psalm 107), (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette PSC04 [audio file].

Kerr, James (1847-1905), Lecture on The Scriptural Doctrines Violated by Ritualism
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/19/james-kerrs-lecture-on-the-scriptural-doctrines-violated-by-ritualism

Kerr, Jeremy, A Response to the Position Statement on Exclusive Psalmody of Sovereign Grace Church at Gettysburg
http://www.truecovenanter.com/worship/psalmody.html

Kidd, Reggie M., With one Voice: Discovering Christ's Song in our Worship.

King's College, "The Psalms of David" 3 CD series

Willcocks, David, and the King's College (University of Cambridge), Choir, The Psalms of David, Volume 1, volume 1 of a 3 volume series by the King's College Choir.

Willcocks, David, and the King's College (University of Cambridge), Choir, The Psalms of David, Volume 2.

Ledger, Philip, and the King's College (University of Cambridge), Choir, The Psalms of David, Volume 3.

Macfarlane, Thomas, The Psalmody of Scotland: Being a Collection of old and new Psalm Tunes, Suitable for Worship in Presbyterian Churches: Containing Also, Peculiar Metre tunes, Chants, Doxologies, &c.; The Whole Arranged for Four Voices, With a Separate Accompaniment for the Pianoforte or Organ.

M'Master, Gilbert, Letter V: Objections Considered
Scripture our only rule. (Colossians 3:16)
Considered -- Demands Answered -- New Mercies Require a new Song -- Book of Psalms Abrogated -- Cannot be Sung in Truth -- May Sing as Well as Pray in our own Words -- Book of Psalms Obscure -- Inadequate -- Modern Hymns More Favourable to Revivals -- More Elegant in Diction -- Watts had as Good a Right to Make Psalms as David -- Cursing Psalms -- Christ not Named in Them
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/17/letter-v?rq=Reply

Magill, George (chairman), Psalm-Singers Conference, Psalm-singers' Conference, Held in the Y.M.C.A. Hall, Wellington Place, Belfast, on the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th of August, 1902. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.

Mather, Richard, Preface to the Bay Psalm Book (1640). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"THE BAY PSALM BOOK was the first book printed in America! Gary DeMar in AMERICA'S CHRISTIAN HISTORY (p. 99), has brought to light some interesting historical footnotes when he writes, 'THE BAY PSALM BOOK was the approved hymnal in the New England colonies,' and that 'a young colonist's education in New England was provided by a very limited curriculum, consisting of three books in addition to the Bible: THE HORNBOOK, THE NEW ENGLAND PRIMER, and THE BAY PSALM BOOK.' This certainly speaks volumes about the place afforded the Psalms during America's formative state. Here Mather introduces this famous PSALM BOOK and defends the exclusive Psalmody of these early Americans." -- Publisher
Preface to the Bay Psalm Book
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/17/preface-to-the-bay-psalm-book

McLaren, Donald Campbell, The Psalms of Holy Scripture: The Only Songs of Zion: An Appeal to the Churches in Behalf of This Ordinance of God.
The Psalms of Holy Scripture, the Only Songs of Zion, an Appeal to the Churches in Behalf of this Ordinance of God
http://www.covenanter.org/Worship/psalmsofholyscripture.htm

*McMaster (M'Master), Gilbert (1778-1854), The Ancient History of Psalmody, 1852. Alternate title: AN INQUIRY INTO THE PRIVILEGE AND DUTY OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH IN THE EXERCISE OF SACRED PRAISE: A CHRONOLOGY AND HISTORY OF SCRIPTURE SONGS FROM THE CREATION; AN ENLARGED REVIEW OF THE ANCIENT AND MODERN HISTORY OF THE PSALMODY OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH; AND AN EXAMINATION OF "AN APOLOGY FOR THE BOOK OF PSALMS." Available in 'Letter II' in M'Master's AN APOLOGY FOR THE BOOK OF PSALMS, IN FIVE LETTERS; ADDRESSED TO THE FRIENDS OF UNION IN THE CHURCH OF GOD. Available (under M'Master) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"This resource covers the character of the age of the Church Fathers and the history of Psalmody in the early ages of the church after the Apostles.
"Statements related to this issue from Pliny, Tertullian, Jerome, Cyril, Augustine, Cassian, Chrysostom, the Apostolic Constitutions and others are all included, set in their context and commented on (from the Latin).
Interestingly, M'Master writes,

The truth is, fifty years after the death of the Apostles had not passed by, when the church they had planted with so much purity, and fostered with so much care, exhibited an aspect very different from what it did before. The historian Hegesippus, of the second century, pronounced the virgin purity of the church to have been confined to the Apostolic age. "Monstrous attempts were made, in that century, to reconcile falsehood with truth, light with darkness" (Mosheim, I. 174). In this age originated a bewildering mysticism, an idle monkish seclusion from the relations and duties of active life, and a multiplication of superstitious innovations, which cast a veil of darkness over the truth, substituting for the simplicity of the gospel an unseemly mixture of truth and error. Jerome, of the fourth century, testifies that the "primitive church was tainted with gross errors while the Saviour's blood was yet warm in Judea." In the following periods the depravity increased. God, indeed, had still his hidden ones, and in their hearts and hands his own cause was preserved; yet the picture of the times is drawn, on the page of history, in dark colours.
"There was no charity in works, no discipline in manners." The practice of such periods can go but a little way in the settlement of controversies respecting divine institutions. For satisfaction, as to the appointments of God, we must rest, not on the practice of the Fathers, but on the records of inspired truth. Keeping this in recollection, it may, nevertheless, be interesting to know their matter and modes of worship. And as a somewhat imposing display of research into the early practice of the church, on the subject of Psalmody, has by various writers been made, it may not be inexpedient to inquire, how far their representations of that practice and the inferences they drew from it, are entitled to our confidence.

McMaster (M'Master), Gilbert (1778-1854), Isaac Watts' Heresies on the Trinity and Person of Jesus Christ Exposed (1852). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"M'Master writes,

Whatever obscurity, from the ambiguity of his language and other causes, may hang over his views, the following facts admit of no doubt -- that is -- that Dr. W. was an anti-trinitarian, and that the distinct divine Personality of the Son of God, as equal with the Father, had no place in his acknowledged creed. The labours of his life, in which he manifested more than his usual mental vigour, were in direct opposition to the orthodox faith on this whole subject . . . He ventured to tell his Maker that the doctrine of three real persons in the Godhead, is a strange and perplexing notion, which we cannot receive; and which is not even inferable from the whole contents of the Book of God! . . . What upon this fundamental subject were the views of Dr. W.? Certainly not those of Christianity. They might be those of a slightly modified Arianism, but not less gross or erroneous than those of the Alexandrian presbyter. The scheme of both was really a form of the old Oriental Gnosticism. The superangelic spirit of Arius (sic) and Watts was but an aeon of the Gnostics. The scheme of W. may be Gnosticism, but Christianity it is not. We understand his scheme as did Bradbury, Doddridge, Edwards, and, perhaps, as every one understands him who has attentively read his works. Why then be specially reproached for understanding what they understood, and for saying what they said? That these vagaries of the Dr. were neither the fruits of youthful indiscretion, nor of the infirmities of advanced years, he assures us himself. In the preface to his USEFUL QUESTIONS, he certifies his readers that "These papers are the product of that part of his life, when his powers of mind and body were in full vigour." That he abandoned them at a late period of his life, it would be grateful to be assured of, but of the fact no evidence has been given. The well meant attempt of Mr. Toplady to prove it, it is well known, was a failure. And his permission of the continuance of the orthodox phraseology of his poetry will not do it. The Dr's. correspondence with Mr. Martin Tomkins, an anti-trinitarian, will explain why he did not alter, as he wished to do, the sentiments of his religious poetry. The language of poetry is no certain index of the principles of the poet. The modern Transcendentalist is often poetic in his theology, and in an evangelical strain he can take the language of Rutherford, and Owen, and Edwards, and talk of a close walk with God, and of intimate communion with him. The pantheism of transcendentalists allows them thus to speak a very spiritual language: while they may mean no more than their exposure to a July sun or a December frost, to a gentle shower or a storm of hail. The poetry of fancy will not do away the heresy of prose. This brings to mind a remarkable coincidence. Bardesanes of Edessa, of the second century, and Watts of Southampton; of the eighteenth century, were both distinguished for their advocacy of error, and both were poets, and are the only poets, as far as recollected, who attempted an imitation of the book of Psalms, each in a book of 150 hymns. If history is to be credited, the Gnostic, as a poet, was not inferior to him of Southampton.

*McNaugher, John (editor), and The United Presbyterian Church of North America. General Assembly, The Psalms in Worship: A Special Exegesis of Col. III. 16 and Eph. V. 19, 1907. [Colossians 3:16], Ephesians 5:19]. Alternate title: THE PSALMS IN WORSHIP: A SERIES OF CONVENTION PAPERS BEARING UPON THE PLACE OF THE PSALMS IN THE WORSHIP OF THE CHURCH. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Photocopied from THE PSALMS IN WORSHIP, published in 1907 by the United Presbyterian Board of Publication, Pittsburgh, PA.
"One of the best-argued short writings defending the exclusive use of Psalms in the public worship of the Lord's day service. Focuses on some of the most hotly debated texts. A great introduction to this topic." -- Publisher
"Consists of 54 pages, thoroughly indexed, presented in 1905 promoting the claims of the Psalms in worship. Dr. David Freeman said that this work is the most comprehensive treatment of the subject to be found anywhere." -- GCB

McNeilly (M'Neilly), Samuel Rea, How Best to Secure a Return to the use of the Psalms in the Ordinance of Praise. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

Murray, John (1898-1975), and William Young, The Forgotten Minority: The Minority Report on Song in the Public Worship of God, ISBN: 093617532X 9780936175324.
"This report, defending exclusive Psalmody (on the basis of the classic understanding of the regulative principle of worship), was submitted to the fourteenth General Assembly of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC), in 1947. It was subsequently buried, ignored and has, as many had hoped, become long forgotten -- until now! It exposes how the OPC flies in the face of the original Westminster Standards, the worship heritage of Presbyterianism and most importantly Scripture." -- Publisher

Myers, Warren, Praise: A Door to God's Presence, ISBN: 0891091440 9780891091448.

Oakeley, Herbert S. (Herbert Stanley), Sir (1830-1903), The Bible Psalter: Being the Authorised Version of the Psalms, Pointed for Chanting, and With Chants Adapted Thereto, or Specially Composed for This Work.

Orthodox Presbyterian Church, Trinity Hymnal.

Patrick, Millar, Bruce Rogers, and the Pforzheimer Bruce Rogers Collection (Library of Congress), Four Centuries of Scottish Psalmody.

Patterson, Ward, Under His Wings: Psalms 1-50.

Patterson, Ward, Out of His Heart: Psalms 51-100.

Patterson, Ward, Into His Love: Psalms 101-150.

Peterson, Eugene H., Answering God: The Psalms as Tools for Prayer.

Plantinga, Cornelius, and Sue A. Rozeboom, Discerning the Spirits: A Guide to Thinking About Christian Worship Today.

Price, Greg L., Christmass Condemned, a 3-tape series [audio file]. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.
"Price shows how the teaching of the Lord Jesus Christ condemns all man-invented holy days. Scripture and history are brought to bear most specifically on the celebration of Christ-mass, demonstrating why it is a sin to celebrate this day. It is also noted that Scripture never commands the celebration of this day and that there is no evidence that Christ and the Apostles ever celebrated this day -- in fact, this syncretism of paganism and 'Babylonian' Christianity was not first celebrated until 354 A.D. (when December 25 was chosen, in accord with the Pagan feast of Saturnalia, as the day of 'celebration'). Price also clearly shows that to call yourself Reformed while you hold on to this Roman Catholic/Pagan monument of idolatry makes for a serious contradiction in your testimony -- as the best Reformed churches have always disciplined those (in accord with Scriptural teaching) who broke the second and fourth commandments by keeping anti-Christian festival days like Christ-mass, Easter, etc. Citations from Luther, Calvin and the company of Geneva Pastors, the Church of Scotland's First Book of Discipline, the 1620 Dutch Synod, the Civil Government of Holland (1625), the U.S. Colonies and the Westminster Assembly all speak with one voice against this Romish corruption. Common objections against the classic Reformed position are also answered. Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen. (Jer. 10:2 [Jeremiah 10:2]) -- Publisher

Price, Greg L., Exclusive Psalmody, 7-tape series [audio file]. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19. Includes:
Tape 1/7 Inspired Song vs. Uninspired Song
Tape 2/7 God's Covenant Songs in Worship
Tape 3/7 The Sufficiency of the Psalter
Tape 4/7 Exclusive Psalmody and the Regulative Principle
Tape 5/7 Exclusive Psalmody in Church History
Tape 6/7 Exclusive. Psalmody and the West. Standards
Tape 7/7 Objections to Exclusive Psalmody Answered

Priority Records, The Psalms of David a 10-CD series [audio file]

Hereford Cathedral Choir, The Psalms of David: Hear my Prayer, O Lord.
This may be volume 1 of the 10 volume set by Priory Records.

Davison, Donald Davison, W.H. Grindle, and the Priory Singers, Beside the Waters of Comfort: The Glorious Psalms of David.
We are unable, at this time, to find a CD that can positively be identified as Volume 1 in the 10 CD series "The Psalms of David" by Priority Records. The series is Gregorian cants.

Boyce, W., L. Flintoft, F.W. Wadely, D.A. Cooper, J. Randall, H. Howells, H. Monk, W.H. Havergal, W. Beale, J. Turle, H. Stonex, H. Smart, T. Turle, T.T. Noble, J. Stainer, M. Camidge, S. Wesley, C.V. Stanford, H.G. Ley, P. Whitlock, C.H. Lloyd, The Psalms of David, Volume 2.

Shaw, Ian, James Lancelot, and the Durham Cathedral Choir, The Psalms of David, Volume 3: The Earth Is the Lord's.

Rees-Williams, Jonathan, with Mark Shepherd, organist, Lichfield Cathedral Choir, The Psalms of David, Volume 4: In Jewry is God Known.

Sanders, John, Mark Lee, and the Gloucester Cathedral Choir, The Psalms of David, Volume 5: Praise the Lord ye Servants.

Millington, Andrew, with Geoffrey Morgan, organist, Guildford Cathedral (Guildford, England), Choir, The Psalms of David, Volume 6: The Lord Is my Light and my Salvation.

Nicholas, Michael, with Neil Taylor, organist, Norwich Cathedral, Choir, The Psalms of David, Volume 7: Let God Arise.

Trepte, Paul, with David Price, organist, Ely Cathedral Choir, The Psalms of David, Volume 8: Praise the Lord O my Soul.

Sayer, Roger, Barry Ferguson, Rochester Cathedral (Rochester, Kent, England), Choir, The Psalms of David, Volume 9: Hear my Voice O God.

Moore, Philip, John Scott Whiteley, and the York Minster Choir, The Psalms of David, Volume 10: Be Thou my Judge, O Lord.

*Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, The Book of Psalms for Singing, ISBN: 1884527108 9781884527104.
Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, The Book of Psalms for Singing: Tune Library, a CD-ROM or [audio file].
See also: McBurney, Charles, Improving Our Praise: Four Studies in Congregational Singing Using the Book of Psalms for Singing, a video [DVD].

Romaine, William (1714-1795), Essay on Psalmody, 1880. Available (MP3 files) on the Puritan Hard Drive.

Rouse, Francis, the Westminster Divines (1643-1653), and the Scottish General Assembly (from 1646-1650), The Psalms of David in Metre (i.e. the Scottish Metrical Psalter of 1650): Allowed by the Authority of the Kirk of Scotland, and of Several Branches of the Presbyterian Church in the United States. With Notes, Exhibiting the Connection, Explaining the Sense, and for Directing and Animating the Devotion (1844 edition published by Robert Carter [New York]), John Brown of Haddington (annotations). Alternate title: THE SCOTTISH METRICAL PSALTER OF 1650. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #7, #30.
"This is the Psalter (less Brown's notes, which were added later), mandated [we find no documentation that it was mandated -- compiler], approved, and used (for public and private worship), by the Westminster Assembly and all those who covenanted to uphold the Biblical Reformation that these Divines proclaimed. The text of the Scottish Metrical Psalms was authorized by the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 1650. The notes added by Brown are suitable for explaining the Psalm before singing and are a great aid to understanding and worship (whether public, family or private). Every song leader (especially fathers for family worship), should have a copy of this edition of the Scottish Psalter with Brown's notes. If money is a factor, the smaller, inexpensive hardcover, containing just the Psalms (see below), should suffice for other members of the family, or the father (or other song leaders), can simply line out the Psalms (as Moses, David, the Apostles, etc. did). All the Psalms, excepting one, are rendered into common metre (with some alternate versions added), and thus can be sung by even those with almost no knowledge of music. For example, the tune to 'Amazing Grace' is one of the many tunes that fits with all common metre renderings. And even Psalm 136, the one Psalm not in common metre, can be sung to any common metre tune, as it adds only one extra syllable to the end of every second line. Maybe not the delight of the accomplished musician, but certainly calculated to make the Psalms [the metric version, not the KJV of the Psalms of David of THE SCOTTISH PROSE PSALTER -- compiler], easily accessible to young and old alike (an attainment surely pleasing to the Lord Jesus Christ), as this Psalter was purposely produced to foster international (and covenanted), Reformation. The Scottish Metrical Psalter is a faithful translation and without a doubt remains the best Psalter in existence today [see www.lettermen2.com/pricemp.html -- compiler]. We have added (at no extra cost to our customers), a copy of The Westminster Shorter Catechism to this printing. This has been done to assist parents in catechizing their children during family worship. Also included in this edition (from the original publisher), is 'A Table of the Psalms Classed Under Several Subject Heads' and an 'Alphabetical Index of the First Line of Each Stanza.' These sections comprise 48 pages of small print alone, while the complete book (not including The Shorter Catechism we've added), is made up of 424 pages. This is a primary source document of Reformation; not to be missed by those serious about the Reformed faith, and worshipping God in spirit and in truth. There are few things in life as pleasing and enjoyable as communing with Christ through the singing of His Psalms!" -- Publisher
The Psalms of David in Metre
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/Psalter0.htm
The Psalms of David in Metre According to the Version Approved by The Church of Scotland The Scottish Metrical Psalter, includes audio accompaniment
http://www.cgmusic.com/workshop/smp_frame.htm

Routley, Erik, Music Leadership in the Church: A Conversation Chiefly With my American Friends.

Royal School of Church Music (London, England), The RSCM Chant Book.

St. Paul's Cathedral Choir's (London, England), 12 CD series, "Psalms From St. Paul's"

Scott, John, Andrew Lucas, and the St. Paul's Cathedral (London, England), Choir, Psalms From St Paul's, Volume 1.

Scott, John, Andrew Lucas, and the St. Paul's Cathedral (London, England), Choir, Psalms From St Paul's, Volume 1: Psalms 1-17.

Scott, John, Andrew Lucas, and the St. Paul's Cathedral (London, England), Choir, Church of England, Psalms From St. Paul's, Volume 2: Psalms 18-29.

Scott, John, Andrew Lucas, and the St. Paul's Cathedral (London, England), Choir, Psalms From St. Paul's, Volume 3: Psalms 30 to 40.

Scott, John, Andrew Lucas, and the St. Paul's Cathedral (London, England) Choir, Psalms From St. Paul's, Volume 4: Psalms 41 to 55.

Lucas, Andrew, John Scott, and the St. Paul's Cathedral (London, England), Choir, Psalms From St. Paul's, Volume 5: Psalms 56 to 68.

Scott, John, Andrew Lucas, and the St. Paul's Cathedral (London, England), Choir, Psalms From St. Paul's, Volume 6: Psalms 69 to 78.

Scott, John, Andrew Lucas, and the St. Paul's Cathedral (London, England), Choir, Psalms From St. Paul's, Volume 7: Psalms 79 to 92.

Scott, John, Andrew Lucas, Huw Tregelles Williams, Sir G.A. Macfarren, Richard Clark, Richard Woodward, William Crotch, Alan Gray, Sir John Stainer, John Randall, Edgar Frederick Day, Thomas Attwood, Sir Sydney H. Nicholson, Peter Andrew Tranchell, Sydney Bevan, Sir Walter Parratt, and the St. Paul's Cathedral (London, England), Choir, Psalms From St. Paul's, Volume 8: Psalms 93 to 104.

Scott, John, Huw Tregelles Williams, C. Hylton Stewart, Sir Edward C. Bairstow, Peter Hurford, Sir Robert Prescott Stewart, James Turle, Richard Woodward, William Jacobs, William Stanley Vann, Sir Fredrick Arthur Gore Ousley, Henry G. Ley, and the St. Paul's Cathedral (London, England) Choir, Psalms From St. Paul's, Volume 9: Psalms 105 to 113.

Willcocks, David, Gerald H. Knight, John Robinson, Christopher Dearnley, Alan Gray, Samuel Wesley, C. Hylton Stewart, Sir Walford Davies, George C. Martin, C. Charlton Palmer, George M. Garrett, Charles Harford Lloyd, Sir John Goss, Thomas Attwood Walmisley, Charles Macpherson, Sir John Leman Rodgers, J.H. Maunder, Edwin Edwards, Donald Wyndham Cremer Mossman, James Turle, George J. Elvey, and the St. Paul's Cathedral (London, England) Choir, Psalms From St. Paul's, Volume 10: Psalms 114 to 118 and 120 to 135

Scott, John, Huw Tregelles Williams, and the St. Paul's Cathedral (London, England), Choir, Psalms From St. Paul's, Volume 11: Psalms 119 and 136 to 138.

St. Paul's Cathedral (London, England) Choir, Psalms From St. Paul's, Volume 12: Psalms 139 to 150, Alternative Settings of Psalm 122 and 150, and Easter Anthem.

Seerveld, Calvin, Voicing God's Psalms.
Seerveld, Calvin, Voicing God's Psalms CD [audio file].

Shepherd, Norman, and Edmund P. Clowney, Westminster Psalmody Debate.

Sommerville, William (1800-1878), The Exclusive Claims of David's Psalms, 1855.

Sommerville, William (1800-1878), The Psalms of David: Designed for Standing use, in the Church.

Sommerville, William (1800-1878), Treatise on Psalmody: Addressed to the Worshipers of God, ISBN: 1331181291 9781331181293.

*Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), The Treasury of David. 3 volumes. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"The most important and practical work of the ages on the Psalter." -- Dr. Philip Schaff
"Spurgeon's own exposition appears under each verse; after that you'll find 'explanatory notes and quaint sayings' (illuminating quotes from Spurgeon's contemporaries as well as from the great Puritan expositors of the 17th and 18th centuries). Each Psalm closes with a short section of 'Hints to Preachers'." -- CBD
Recommended for daily devotions.
The Treasury of David
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/treasury.php
The Treasury of David (1881)
http://archive.org/details/thetreasuryofdav00spuruoft

Stapert, Calvin, My Only Comfort: Death, Deliverance, and Discipleship in the Music of Bach.

Steele, David (1803-1887, editor), Are Hymns Idols? in The Reformation Advocate, Vol. 1, March 1874, No. 1.
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/17/article-from-the-original-covenanter-magazine-entitled-are-hymns-idols

Steele, David (1803-1887), Martin Luther and Psalm Singing. Available [newsletter] on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Did Luther and the Reformation Lutherans practice exclusive Psalmody? What about Luther's hymns? Where and when were they used? ANSWERS HERE" -- Publisher
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/LutherPs.htm

Stewart, Bruce Cameron, Psalm Singing Revisited: The Case for Exclusive Psalmody.

Tournay, Raymond Jacques, Seeing and Hearing God With the Psalms: The Prophetic Liturgy of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.

Van Dyk, Leanne, A More Profound Alleluia: Worship and Theology in Harmony.
"Two questions lie at the heart of this book: What are the theological implications of worship? and What are the liturgical implications of theology? Convinced that worship and theology are integrally related, the authors of A MORE PROFOUND ALLELUIA show in practical terms how liturgy and doctrine fruitfully illuminate each other. Each chapter pairs an element of the worship service with related Christian teachings, demonstrating how the great doctrines of the faith find their natural expression in the drama of worship and how the liturgy in turn finds its corollary in doctrine. The interrelation of theology and worship is illustrated with anecdotes from congregational life, resources drawn from church history, and themes from novels and films. Each chapter also includes two hymn texts that exemplify orthodox doctrine communicated through song." -- Publisher

Various, 50 Suggested Tunes for use With the Scottish Metrical Psalter of 1650, by the Dohms Family (1998), [audio file]. The text for THE SCOTTISH METRICAL PSALTER OF 1650 may be found on Reformation Bookself CD #7.
This tape was produced by Elder Lyndon Dohms and his family to help those using or making the transition to the Psalter of the Covenanted Reformation (i.e. the Scottish Metrical Psalter of 1650). This Psalter passed through the intense scrutiny of -- and was authorized for public use by -- both the Westminster Assembly and the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland (at the height of her purity), in the mid seventeenth century. Concerning the care and preparation that went into this unsurpassed Metrical Psalter, the January 15 (1993) issue of The Original Covenanter and Contending Witness magazine cites an earlier article which notes, Rouse bestowed upon it his greatest pains. This was not enough. For six Years it endured the scrutiny of, and was revised by, two of the most learned Assemblies that ever sat in the British Isles; at a time, too, when these men were zealous for truth and suspicious of error. Every word was weighed, and every expression made exact, before admitted into any statement of Biblical truth. They wrote not so that they might be understood, but so that they could not be misunderstood. This exactness and conscientiousness they carried with them in their translation of the Psalms. In versifying them, they labored not to clothe the mind of the Spirit in poetic finery, but to cause the muse to bow to the exact expression of the Holy Ghost. . . . For more than two centuries (almost three and a half centuries now -- RB), they have stood the test, and every attempt to render them more elegant has resulted in a departure from the exact expression of the Spirit (as in the case of the present RPCNA Psalter, The Book of Psalms for Singing -- RB). Let us hold fast to this good old version until another proves itself worthy of its place.
Moreover, this Psalter was produced to further national and international covenanted Reformation -- and to fulfill the intent of the Solemn League and Covenant for biblically regulated worship and biblical uniformity. It was crafted with faithfulness to the Word of God utmost in the mind of its translators and fashioned in the manner most fitting for ease of use among the general population -- making it a most conducive engine for discipling the nations. To accomplish this last goal the Scottish Metrical Psalter provides a version of every Psalm in common metre (except Psalm 136 -- and even this Psalm, with a little ingenuity, can be made to fit the various common metre tunes). With all this in mind it is easy to recognize how (and why), this 'tune tape' has been created to help the contemporary Covenanter and Psalm singer make good use of this godly and judicious offering -- a landmark Psalter -- which we have received from the hands of our faithful forefathers.
On this cassette [audio file], the Dohms provide us with fifty separate tunes (sung a cappella), most of which are common metre -- but samples of other tunes used in this Psalter also appear (and are noted by name on the tape before each tune is sung). All the common metre tunes can be interchanged and used with all of the Psalms in the Scottish Metrical Psalter of 1650 (sometimes listed as The Psalms of David in Metre in this catalogue). However, because this cassette [audio file], is primarily intended to familiarize the listener with a diverse selection of tunes, only Psalms one and 23 are sung in their entirety. The remaining 48 Psalms (Psalm 2-22 and 24-50), make use of two to four verses from each Psalm. This allows the listener to sample a wider range of tunes on one cassette [audio file] -- and keeps the price of this tape down (as one is not forced to buy numerous tapes to cover the fifty tunes offered here). This is also very useful when it is remembered, as noted above, that all the common metre tunes can be interchanged throughout this Psalter, as all the Psalms (excepting 136), in the Scottish Metrical Psalter are provided in a common metre version. For those who are interested, Psalm 6, 25, 45, 50, 67, 70, 100, 102, 124, 136, 143, 145, 148 are also translated for use with an alternate tune in the Scottish Metrical Psalter (and at least one tune for each of these alternate versions is provided on this tape).
As an added bonus, at the end of this tape, Psalm one is also 'lined out' (as mandated in the Westminster Assembly's Directory for Public Worship), with a short explanation provided by elder Dohms for the use of this ancient practice. The 'lining out' is included to assist those seeking to utilize the venerable practice of the church as it was upheld during Old Testament times, the days of Christ and the Apostles, and during both Reformations.
In short, this cassette [audio file], is provided as a valuable tool for those who love to sing God's holy Word, as a useful aid for song leaders (and singers), in preparing for public, family and secret worship, and for the listening pleasure and edification of all those who love to hide God's Word in their heart!" -- Publisher

Various, The Bay Psalm Book: A Facsimile Reprint of the First Edition of 1640.

Various, The True Psalmody; or, The Bible Psalms the Church's Only Manual of Praise, 1878. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.

Vischer, Lukas, Christian Worship in Reformed Churches Past and Present.

Waltke and Johnson, Character of God in the Psalms; Surely God Is Good (Psalm 73); Why Do You Reject Me? (Psalm 88) (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette PSC02 [audio file].

Ward, Rowland S., Psalm-singing in Scripture and History: A Study in History and Doctrine, ISBN: 0949670146 9780949670144.

Walter, Thomas, The Sweet Psalmist of Israel. A Sermon Preach'd at the Lecture Held in Boston, by The Society for Promoting Regular and Good Singing, and for Reforming the Depravations and Debasements our Psalmody Labours Under, in Order to Introduce the Proper and True old way of Singing. Now published at the desire of several ministers that heard it, and at the request of the Society aforesaid.

*Williamson, G.I., The Singing of Psalms in the Worship of God, 1972.
The Singing of Psalms in the Worship of God
http://www.nethtc.net/~giwopc/psalms.html

Williamson, G.I., Frank Joseph Smith, William Young, David Compton, and Randall T. Ruble, Papers Presented at the 1990 Psalmody Conference. Alternate title: SCRIPTURAL REGULATIVE PRINCIPLE OF WORSHIP, PSALM SINGING IN PUBLIC WORSHIP, HISTORY OF PSALMODY, IMPRECATORY PSALMS, CHRIST AND THE PSALMS, PSALMS: A CHRISTIAN'S BIOGRAPHY, SONGS OF SANCTIFICATION AND WISDOM. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Contents: The Scriptural regulative principle of worship / G.I. Williamson | Psalm singing in public worship / Frank J. Smith | The history of psalmody / William Young | The imprecatory psalms / David Compton | Christ and the psalms / Randall T. Ruble | The psalms, a Christian's biography / Herman Hanko | The psalms, songs of sanctification and wisdom / Charles J. Butler.

Wilson, Ruth Mack, Anglican Chant and Chanting in England, Scotland, and America, 1660 to 1820, ISBN: 0198164246 9780198164241.
"This book presents, for the first time, a history of English liturgical chant as performed in the Church of England and its transmission to churches in Scotland and the United States. In the mid-sixteenth century Reformation, the complex ritual of the Latin rite was replaced by a one-volume BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER, in English. The general nature of the new rubrics, especially for music, left many of the details of performance to be worked out in traditional ways. Thus the music evolved from its Latin roots in oral, and later, written practice. The body of music that makes up the chanting practice of Anglican and related churches around the world is diversified.
"Some texts of the Liturgy are harmonized in four or more voice parts, often with organ accompaniment, and others are sung in plainsong. The largest group of chants, those for the psalms and canticles, has an idiosyncratic written form and a performance practice that continues to evolve in oral tradition. This music is commonly known as Anglican Chant. Its origins in the seventeenth century and its codification in the eighteenth are explored in the choral establishments of the Church of England and parish churches in England, Scotland and the United States." -- Publisher

*Witvliet, John D., The Biblical Psalms in Christian Worship: A Brief Introduction and Guide to Resources.
"The biblical Psalms are, without doubt, a valuable source for Christian worship, but the vast text can prove daunting without direction. John D. Witvliet offers a solution with this brief but comprehensive survey of key theological themes, practical guidelines, and published resources related to the use of the Psalms.
"Arranged in symphonic form with a 'prelude' and 'interludes,' THE BIBLICAL PSALMS IN CHRISTIAN WORSHIP opens with a foundation of words about the Psalms from our wise church fathers, followed by a broad meditation on the basics of worship. Witvliet follows with an extensive tutorial on choosing a Psalm, engaging a congregation, deciding whether to speak or sing the text, and many other practical solutions for integrating Psalms into congregational worship for any generation.
"By including both classroom exercises and a brief musical Psalm sampler as helpful appendices, Witvliet provides all the resources necessary to spark a renewed engagement with the Psalms in community and public worship. This will be an important text for pastors and worship leaders desiring to lead their congregations to renewal." -- Publisher
Well documented. Extensive bibliography, both chapter bibliography and general bibliography.
Available in Google Books, limited preview.
http://books.google.com/books?id=s7cyEGLwHicC&dq=biblical+Psalms+in+Christian+worship&source=gbs_summary_s&hl=en

Wright, Kathleen R., Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ireland. Northern Presbytery. Choir, Scottish Metrical Psalms, cassette [audio file], 5 of 5.
The Northern Presbytery Choir of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, THE PSALMS OF DAVID IN METRE (SCOTTISH METRICAL PSALTER).

Wyton, Alec, The Anglican Chant Psalter.

Wyton, Alec, The Episcopal Church, The Anglican Chant Psalter.

Young, Thomas (Minister of Ellon), The Metrical Psalms and Paraphrases. A Short Sketch of Their History With Biographical Notes of Their Authors, 1909.
"Notes: 'Books recommended:' pp. 193-194."

See also: The regulative principles of worship, Psalms: chants, responsorials, and scripture choruses, Praise, Music in the worship of god, and so forth, and so on.

Related Weblinks

Anti-Instrumental Music in the Worship of God Homepage
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/6/29/instrumental-music-in-the-worship-of-god

Are Different Styles of Music Acceptable in Church? a video.
"A sensitive question because people are socialized by the music they hear.
"What idea is the music conveying?
"There are things that lead people away from worshipping God.
"Some essentials must be there -- doctrine must be in place, but the type of music is just form." -- Publisher
"Music is a very powerful instrument.
"Music is the language of the soul. It brings the emotions into reality.
"Music is very seductive, very seductive. It can make itself into both the means and end.
"Music will keep changing.
"There are errors in form and substance. The substance must always be pointing to the truth.
"Music is a carrier of memories. Memories are preserved in music.
"Music should be a connector of memories, and its substance should be truth. That is what I would encourage you to do." -- Ravi Zacharias
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsB1Rlg890M

*Calvin's Commentary on The Book of Psalms
Written near the end of his life. Highly recommended for mature Christians.
http://www.biblestudyguide.org/comment/calvin/comm_vol08/htm/TOC.htm

Exclusive Psalmody (Exclusive Psalmody and the Regulative Principle 4/7)
"For Calvin and Knox 'this meant that at a stroke the Reformed Church cut itself loose from the entire mass of Latin hymns and from the use of hymnody in general, and adopted the Psalms of the Old Testament as the sole medium of Church praise.' Hence forth to be a Calvinist was to be a Psalm-singer. For some 2 and a half centuries the Reformed churches as a rule sang nothing but the Psalms in worship."
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/C RTPsSing.htm
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/FREEBOOK/Ref Worsh.htm
Exclusive Psalmody (Exclusive Psalmody and the Regulative Principle 4/7)
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?currSection=sermonsspeaker&sermonID=52501212814

Exclusive Psalmody Homepage
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/6/29/psalmody

Master Psalm Tune List: Sing through the Psalms in a Year 2000
http://www.fpcr.org/sing.htm

The Metrical Psalter, from Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metrical_psalter

Praying the Imprecatory Psalms for Justice, [audio file], Livingstone Fellowship
https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=102419102346428&fbclid=IwAR2kj223ZgscMUjlT9WWJ3a0zmzx9NwZ7m_EkA9zrGFuGgIXyjuUwqssu2Q

Psalms of David in Metre
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/Psalter0.htm

The Psalms of David in Metre According to the Version Approved by The Church of Scotland The Scottish Metrical Psalter, includes audio accompaniment
http://www.cgmusic.com/workshop/smp_frame.htm

The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts
After the Bible and the Catechism, this was the third most commonly used book in colonial New England.
http://www.ccel.org/w/watts/psalmshymns/TOC.htm

The Psalms Place (text and midis [audio file])
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Pond/9117/

Psalms in Song: Music Book and Teaching Resources
http://home.earthlink.net/~apex_ps/

The Treasury of David, Psalm 90, C.H. Spurgeon
Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. (Psalm 90:1)
This is, of course, a prayer of Moses, who is considered the greatest of the prophets. He wrote the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament, and Deuteronomy is the book most referred to by Christ in the New Testament.
"The 90th Psalm might be cited as perhaps the most sublime of human compositions -- the deepest in feeling -- the loftiest in theologic conception -- the most magnificent in its imagery." -- Isaac Taylor
"Verse 17 [Psalm 90:17]. And establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it. Let what we do be done in truth, and last when we are in the grave; may the work of the present generation minister permanently to the building tip of the nation. Good men are anxious not to work in vain. They know that without the Lord they can do nothing, and therefore they cry to him for help in the work, for acceptance of their efforts, and for the establishment of their designs. The church as a whole earnestly desires that the hand of the Lord may so work with the hand of his people, that a substantial, yea, an eternal edifice to the praise and glory of God may be the result. We come and go, but the Lord's work abides. We are content to die so long as Jesus lives and his kingdom grows. Since the Lord abides for ever the same, we trust our work in his hands, and feel that since it is far more his work than ours he will secure it immortality. When we have withered like grass our holy service, like gold, silver, and precious stones, will survive the fire." -- C.H. Spurgeon
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps090.php

Psalms: Chants, Responsorials, and Scripture Choruses

---

Grateful acknowledgment is made for the following select citations primarily from THE BIBLICAL PSALMS IN CHRISTIAN WORSHIP, by John Witvliet. This work is listed below, and is available in Google Books, partial preview.

Anonymous, The Bay Psalm Book: A Facsimile Reprint of the First Edition of 1640.

Bourgeault, Cynthia, Chanting the Psalms: A Practical Guide With Instructional CD.

Bourgeault, Cynthia, Singing the Psalms.

Brink, Emily Ruth, and Bertus Frederick Polman, Psalter Hymnal Handbook.

*Bushell, Michael, The Songs of Zion: A Contemporary Case for Exclusive Psalmody, ISBN: 1884527043 9781884527043.
"Contains one of the best explanations of the Scriptural law of worship (also known as the regulative principle of worship), in print today. For this and a number of other reasons this is one of the most significant books published this century concerning worship! Furthermore, it demonstrates and defends (from Scripture, history and the creeds), the Reformation practice of exclusive Psalmody. It dovetails splendidly with Eire's (a Roman Catholic author), celebrated WAR AGAINST THE IDOLS, setting forth foundational principles that lay at the very heart of Reformation thought, theology and practice. For as Bushell points out, 'Purity of worship and uniformity of worship go hand in hand because they are both founded upon the assumption that the Scriptures contain clear, sufficient and authoritative directions as to the proper way of worshiping God. The diversity of worship practice that we see in our churches arises ultimately from a denial of this assumption, and it constitutes, therefore, a denial of a central aspect of the doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture. There is much more at stake, then, in this whole discussion than the mere observance or non-observance of a few external rites.' (2nd edition, 1993, p. 3). If you are a Calvinist and have not read this book, you are missing a real treat!" -- Publisher

Carter, Bill, and the Jazz in Worship Task Force, Swing a New Song to the Lord: Resources for Jazz Worship.

Dakers, Lionel, and The Royal School of Church Music (London, England), The RSCM Chant Book.

Davies, Horton, The Worship of the American Puritans, 1629-1730.

Davies, Horton, The Worship of the English Puritans.

Doddes, Robert J., Robert J. Doddes Book. A Reply to Morton on Psalmody: To Which is Added a Condensed Argument for the Exclusive use of an Inspired Psalmody
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/17/robert-j-dodds-book-a-reply-to-morton-on-psalmody-to-which-is-added-a-condensed-argument-for-the-exclusive-use-of-an-inspired-psalmody

Inserra, Lorraine, H. Wiley Hitchcock, The Music of Henry Ainsworth's Psalter (Amsterdam, 1612).

Jeffery, Peter, James McKinnon, et al., The Study of Medieval Chant. Alternate title: THE STUDY OF MEDIEVAL CHANT: PATHS AND BRIDGES, EAST AND WEST: IN HONOR OF KENNETH LEVY, ISBN: 0851158005 9780851158006.
"Part 1 Emerging and converging textual traditions: liturgical psalmody in the sermons of St Augustine -- an introduction, James W. McKinnon; the first Marian feast in Constantinople and Jerusalem -- chant texts, readings, and homiletic literature, Margot Fassler; the cantatorium -- from Charlemagne to the 14th century, Michel Huglo; a new folio for MS Chilandari 307, with some observations on the contents of the Slavic Lenten Sticherarion and Pentekostarion, Nicolas Schidlovskt.
"Part 2 Mode and melos: the modes before the modes -- antiphon and differentia in western chant, Keith Falconer; the earliest oktoechoi -- the role of Jerusalem and Palestine in the beginnings of modal ordering, Peter Jeffery; Guido's 'Tritus' -- an aspect of chant style, David G. Hughes. Part 3 Turning points in the history of the neumatic notations: early ekphonetic notation in the manuscripts Scheide 2 at Princeton University, Sysse Gudrun Engberg; the other 'modus' -- on the theory and practice of intervals in the 11th and 12th centuries, Charles M. Atkinson; Russian musical azbuki -- a turning point in the history of Slavonic chant, Milos Velimirovic. Part 4 Case studies in melodic transmission: Kontakion melodies in oral and written tradition, Jorgen Raasted; on the verses of the offertory 'Elegerunt', Ruth Steiner; the trisagion in some Byzantine and Slavonic stichera, Dimitrije Stefanovic; proses in the sources of Roman chant, and their alleluias, Alejandro Planchart. Indexes: of manuscripts; of chant incipits; general."

Kelly, Thomas Forrest, Chant and its Origins, ISBN: 9780754626329 0754626326.
"Contents: Part I. General overviews of scholarship. Gregorian studies in the twenty-first century / Richard Crocker. Writings on Western plainchant in the 1980s and 1990s / David Hiley
"Part II. Early history. Jerusalem and Rome (and Constantinople): the musical heritage of two great cities in the formation of the medieval chant traditions / Peter Jeffery. The singing of psalms in the early-medieval office / Joseph Dyer. The eighth-century Frankish-Roman communion cycle / James McKinnon
"Part III. Editions and repertories. The critical edition of the Roman gradual by the monks of Solesmes / Jacque Froger. Research on the antiphoner: problems and perspectives / Hartmut Moller
"Part IV. Analytical studies. Some remarks on Jean Claire's octoechos / Laszlo Dobszay. The offertory chant of the Roman liturgy and its musical form / Joseph Dyer. The Gregorian office antiphons and the comparative method / Edward Nowacki
"Part V. Roman and Frankish chant. The central problem of Gregorian chant / Willi Apel. Die Entstehung des gregorianischen Chorals / Bruno Stablein. The question of the 'old-Roman' chant: a reappraisal / Paul F. Cutter. Papal schola versus Charlemagne / S.J.P. van Dijk. Introits and archetypes: some archaisms of the old Roman chant / Thomas H. Connolly. Toward a new historical view of Gregorian chant / Helmut Hucke. Gregorian chant and the Romans / Kenneth Levy. Remarks on Roman and non-Roman offertories / Andreas Pfisterer
"Part VI. Other chant traditions. The development and chronology of the Ambrosian sanctorale; the evidence of the antiphon texts / Terence Bailey. The Beneventan chant / Thomas Forrest Kelly. The old Hispanic rite as evidence for the earliest forms of the Western Christian liturgies / Don M. Randel."

Kidd, Reggie M., With one Voice: Discovering Christ's Song in our Worship.

King's College, "The Psalms of David" 3 CD series

Willcocks, David, and the King's College (University of Cambridge), Choir, The Psalms of David, Volume 1.
Volume 1 of a 3 volume series by the King's College Choir.

Willcocks, David, and the King's College (University of Cambridge), Choir, The Psalms of David, Volume 2.

Ledger, Philip, and the King's College (University of Cambridge), Choir, The Psalms of David, Volume 3.

McKinnon, James W., The Temple, the Church Fathers, and Early Western Chant, ISBN: 0860786889 9780860786887.
"This book is a collection of articles examining liturgical music from classical Greece and ancient Israel to late 15th-century Flanders and Spain. The focus is on two main topics: the negative role of instruments in ancient cult music; and the development of ecclesiastical song in early Christianity. Presented in this book are 16 articles written by the author over a period of 30 years. They span two millennia in their coverage, ranging from classical Greece and ancient Israel to the late 15th-century Flanders and Spain. Liturgical music in some form or another is the theme that binds them together, and two topics in particular are focused on: the negative role that instruments play in ancient cult music; and the development of ecclesiastical song in early Christianity. For the negative role of instruments, a series of articles treats classical Greek ethical notions of instruments, the status of instruments in temple and synagogue and the absence of instruments from early Christian and medieval Church music. The second focus -- that of the development of ecclesiastical song -- is dealt with in several studies that trace the psalmody and hymnody of the Christian tradition from its roots in Judaism to the origins of Gregorian chant in 7th-century Rome. The articles rely strongly on the writings of the Christian Church Fathers, such as Augustine, Basil and John Chrysostom." -- Publisher

*McNaugher, John (editor), and The United Presbyterian Church of North America. General Assembly, The Psalms in Worship: A Special Exegesis of Col. III. 16 and Eph. V. 19, 1907. [Colossians 3:16], Ephesians 5:19]. Alternate title: THE PSALMS IN WORSHIP: A SERIES OF CONVENTION PAPERS BEARING UPON THE PLACE OF THE PSALMS IN THE WORSHIP OF THE CHURCH. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Photocopied from THE PSALMS IN WORSHIP, published in 1907 by the United Presbyterian Board of Publication, Pittsburgh, PA.
"One of the best-argued short writings defending the exclusive use of Psalms in the public worship of the Lord's day service. Focuses on some of the most hotly debated texts. A great introduction to this topic." -- Publisher
"Consists of 54 pages, thoroughly indexed, presented in 1905 promoting the claims of the Psalms in worship. Dr. David Freeman said that this work is the most comprehensive treatment of the subject to be found anywhere." -- GCB

Murray, Iain, The Psalter -- the Only Hymnal? ISBN: 0851518095 9780851518091.
Murray argues against Exclusive Psalmody.
"It [The Psalms in Hebrew], is in prose not metre and, if keeping as close as possible to the exact words is required of us, then there has to be a strong case for saying that the Churches which chanted the psalms were more correct."
A Review of Iain H. Murray's The Psalter -- The Only Hymnal?
http://www.reformedonline.com/uploads/1/5/0/3/15030584/a_review_of_iain_h.pdf

Nicholson, Sydney H., The Parish Psalter With Chants: The Psalms of David Pointed for Chanting and set to Chants From the St. Nicolas Chant Book.

Orthodox Presbyterian Church, Trinity Hymnal.

Patrick, Millar, Bruce Rogers, and the Pforzheimer Bruce Rogers Collection (Library of Congress), Four Centuries of Scottish Psalmody.

Patterson, Ward, Under His Wings: Psalms 1-50.

Patterson, Ward, Out of His Heart: Psalms 51-100.

Patterson, Ward, Into His Love: Psalms 101-150.

Peterson, Eugene H., Answering God: The Psalms as Tools for Prayer.

Plantinga, Cornelius, and Sue A. Rozeboom, Discerning the Spirits: A Guide to Thinking About Christian Worship Today.

Priority Records, The Psalms of David a 10-CD series [audio file]

Hereford Cathedral Choir, The Psalms of David: Hear my Prayer, O Lord.
This may be volume 1 of the 10 volume set by Priory Records.

Davison, Donald Davison, W.H. Grindle, and the Priory Singers, Beside the Waters of Comfort: The Glorious Psalms of David.
We are unable, at this time, to find a CD that can positively be identified as Volume 1 in the 10 CD series "The Psalms of David" by Priority Records. The series is Gregorian cants.

Boyce, W., L. Flintoft, F.W. Wadely, D.A. Cooper, J. Randall, H. Howells, H. Monk, W.H. Havergal, W. Beale, J. Turle, H. Stonex, H. Smart, T. Turle, T.T. Noble, J. Stainer, M. Camidge, S. Wesley, C.V. Stanford, H.G. Ley, P. Whitlock, and C.H. Lloyd, The Psalms of David, Volume 2.

Shaw, Ian, James Lancelot, and the Durham Cathedral Choir, The Psalms of David, Volume 3: The Earth Is the Lord's.

Rees-Williams, Jonathan, with Mark Shepherd, organist, Lichfield Cathedral Choir, The Psalms of David, Volume 4: In Jewry is God Known.

Sanders, John, Mark Lee, and the Gloucester Cathedral Choir, The Psalms of David, Volume 5: Praise the Lord ye Servants.

Millington, Andrew, with Geoffrey Morgan, organist, Guildford Cathedral (Guildford, England), Choir, The Psalms of David, Volume 6: The Lord Is my Light and my Salvation.

Nicholas, Michael, with Neil Taylor, organist, Norwich Cathedral, Choir, The Psalms of David, Volume 7: Let God Arise.

Trepte, Paul, with David Price, organist, Ely Cathedral Choir, The Psalms of David, Volume 8: Praise the Lord O my Soul.

Sayer, Roger, Barry Ferguson, Rochester Cathedral (Rochester, Kent, England), Choir, The Psalms of David, Volume 9: Hear my Voice O God.

Moore, Philip, John Scott Whiteley, and the York Minster Choir, The Psalms of David, Volume 10: Be Thou my Judge, O Lord.

Reardon, Patrick Henry, Christ in the Psalms.

Routley, Eric, Music Leadership in the Church: A Conversation Chiefly With my American Friends.

Royal School of Church Music (London, England), The SCM Chant Book.

Saint Paul's Cathedral Choir's, Psalms From St. Paul's 12 CD series (Hyperion: London, England).

Scott, John, Andrew Lucas, and the St. Paul's Cathedral (London, England) Choir, Psalms From St Paul's, Volume 1.

Scott, John, Andrew Lucas, and the St. Paul's Cathedral (London, England) Choir, Psalms From St. Paul's, Volume 1: Psalms 1-17.

Scott, John, Andrew Lucas, and the St. Paul's Cathedral (London, England) Choir, Church of England, Psalms From St. Paul's, Volume 2: Psalms 18-29.

Scott, John, Andrew Lucas, and the St. Paul's Cathedral (London, England) Choir, Psalms From St. Paul's, Volume 3: Psalms 30 to 40.

Scott, John, Andrew Lucas, and the St. Paul's Cathedral (London, England) Choir, Psalms From St. Paul's, Volume 4: Psalms 41 to 55.

Lucas, Andrew, John Scott, and the St. Paul's Cathedral (London, England) Choir, Psalms From St. Paul's, Volume 5: Psalms 56 to 68.

Scott, John, Andrew Lucas, and the St. Paul's Cathedral (London, England) Choir, Psalms From St. Paul's, Volume 6: Psalms 69 to 78.

Scott, John, Andrew Lucas, and the St. Paul's Cathedral (London, England) Choir, Psalms From St. Paul's, Volume 7: Psalms 79 to 92.

Scott, John, Andrew Lucas, Huw Tregelles Williams, Sir G.A. Macfarren, Richard Clark, Richard Woodward, William Crotch, Alan Gray, Sir John Stainer, John Randall, Edgar Frederick Day, Thomas Attwood, Sir Sydney H. Nicholson, Peter Andrew Tranchell, Sydney Bevan, Sir Walter Parratt, and the St. Paul's Cathedral (London, England) Choir, Psalms From St. Paul's, Volume 8: Psalms 93 to 104.

Scott, John, Huw Tregelles Williams, C. Hylton Stewart, Sir Edward C. Bairstow, Peter Hurford, Sir Robert Prescott Stewart, James Turle, Richard Woodward, William Jacobs, William Stanley Vann, Sir Fredrick Arthur Gore Ousley, Henry G. Ley, and the St. Paul's Cathedral (London, England) Choir, Psalms From St. Paul's, Volume 9: Psalms 105 to 113.

Willcocks, David, Gerald H. Knight, John Robinson, Christopher Dearnley, Alan Gray, Samuel Wesley, C. Hylton Stewart, Sir Walford Davies, George C. Martin, C. Charlton Palmer, George M. Garrett, Charles Harford Lloyd, Sir John Goss, Thomas Attwood Walmisley, Charles Macpherson, Sir John Leman Rodgers, J.H. Maunder, Edwin Edwards, Donald Wyndham Cremer Mossman, James Turle, George J. Elvey, and the St. Paul's Cathedral (London, England) Choir, Psalms From St. Paul's, Volume 10: Psalms 114 to 118 and 120 to 135.

Scott, John, Huw Tregelles Williams, and the St. Paul's Cathedral (London, England) Choir, Psalms From St. Paul's, Volume 11, Psalms 119 and 136 to 138.

St. Paul's Cathedral (London, England) Choir, Psalms from St. Paul's, Volume 12: Psalms 139 to 150, Alternative Settings of Psalm 122 and 150, and Easter Anthem.

Start, Calvin, My Only Comfort: Death, Deliverance, and Discipleship in the Music of Bach.

Stewart, Bruce Cameron, Psalm Singing Revisited: The Case for Exclusive Psalmody.

Tourney, Raymond Jacques, Seeing and Hearing God With the Psalms: The Prophetic Liturgy of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.

Van Dyk, Leanne, A More Profound Alleluia: Worship and Theology in Harmony.
"Two questions lie at the heart of this book: What are the theological implications of worship? and What are the liturgical implications of theology? Convinced that worship and theology are integrally related, the authors of A MORE PROFOUND ALLELUIA show in practical terms how liturgy and doctrine fruitfully illuminate each other. Each chapter pairs an element of the worship service with related Christian teachings, demonstrating how the great doctrines of the faith find their natural expression in the drama of worship and how the liturgy in turn finds its corollary in doctrine. The interrelation of theology and worship is illustrated with anecdotes from congregational life, resources drawn from church history, and themes from novels and films. Each chapter also includes two hymn texts that exemplify orthodox doctrine communicated through song." -- Publisher

Vischer, Lukas, Christian Worship in Reformed Churches Past and Present.

*Williamson, G.I., The Singing of Psalms in the Worship of God, 1972.
The Singing of Psalms in the Worship of God
http://www.nethtc.net/~giwopc/psalms.html

Wilson, Ruth Mack, Anglican Chant and Chanting in England, Scotland, and America, 1660 to 1820, ISBN: 0198164246 9780198164241.
"This book presents, for the first time, a history of English liturgical chant as performed in the Church of England and its transmission to churches in Scotland and the United States. In the mid-sixteenth century Reformation, the complex ritual of the Latin rite was replaced by a one-volume BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER, in English. The general nature of the new rubrics, especially for music, left many of the details of performance to be worked out in traditional ways. Thus the music evolved from its Latin roots in oral, and later, written practice. The body of music that makes up the chanting practice of Anglican and related churches around the world is diversified.
"Some texts of the Liturgy are harmonized in four or more voice parts, often with organ accompaniment, and others are sung in plainsong. The largest group of chants, those for the psalms and canticles, has an idiosyncratic written form and a performance practice that continues to evolve in oral tradition. This music is commonly known as Anglican Chant. Its origins in the seventeenth century and its codification in the eighteenth are explored in the choral establishments of the Church of England and parish churches in England, Scotland and the United States." -- Publisher

*Witvliet, John D., The Biblical Psalms in Christian Worship: A Brief Introduction and Guide to Resources.
"The biblical Psalms are, without doubt, a valuable source for Christian worship, but the vast text can prove daunting without direction. John D. Witvliet offers a solution with this brief but comprehensive survey of key theological themes, practical guidelines, and published resources related to the use of the Psalms. Arranged in symphonic form with a 'prelude' and 'interludes,' THE BIBLICAL PSALMS IN CHRISTIAN WORSHIP opens with a foundation of words about the Psalms from our wise church fathers, followed by a broad meditation on the basics of worship. Witvliet follows with an extensive tutorial on choosing a Psalm, engaging a congregation, deciding whether to speak or sing the text, and many other practical solutions for integrating Psalms into congregational worship for any generation. By including both classroom exercises and a brief musical Psalm sampler as helpful appendices, Witvliet provides all the resources necessary to spark a renewed engagement with the Psalms in community and public worship. This will be an important text for pastors and worship leaders desiring to lead their congregations to renewal." -- Publisher
Well documented. Extensive bibliography, both chapter bibliography and general bibliography.
Available in Google Books, limited preview.
http://books.google.com/books?id=s7cyEGLwHicC&dq=biblical+Psalms+in+Christian+worship&source=gbs_summary_s&hl=en

Wyton, Alec, The Anglican Chant Psalter.

Wyton, Alec, The Episcopal Church, The Anglican Chant Psalter.

Family Worship

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The Lord's Supper, Communion, Close Communion

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See the Theological Notes: "The Sacraments," at Matthew 28:19 in The Reformation Study Bible.

See the Theological Notes: "The Lord's Supper," at 1 Corinthians 11:3 in The Reformation Study Bible.

But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. (1 Corinthians 11:28)

And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross. (Colossians 2:13-14)

Christ makes his abode in our flesh
First of all, we are taught from the Scriptures that Christ was from the beginning that life-giving Word of the Father [John 1:1], the spring and source of life, from which all things have always received their capacity to live. Therefore, John sometimes calls him the Word of life [1 John 1:1], sometimes writes that in him was life [John 1:4], meaning that he, flowing even into all creatures, instilled in them the power to breathe and live. The same John afterward adds that life was manifested only when, having taken our flesh, the Son of God gave himself for our eyes to see and our hands to touch [1 John 1:2]. For even though he previously poured out his power upon the creatures, still, because man (estranged from God through sin and having lost participation in life) saw death threatening from every side, he had to be received into communion of the Word in order to receive hope of immortality. For how little assurance would you grasp, if you heard that the Word of God (from which you are far removed) contains in itself fullness of life, but in and round about yourself nothing but death meets you and moves before your eyes? But when the Source of life begins to abide in our flesh, he no longer lies hidden far from us, but shows us that we are to partake of him. But he also quickens our very flesh in which he abides, that by partaking of him we may be fed unto immortality. I am, he says, the bread of life come down from heaven. And the bread which I shall give is my flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world. [John 6:48,51; cf. John 6:51-52, Vg.] By these words he teaches not only that he is life since he is the eternal Word of God, who came down from heaven to us, but also that by coming down he poured that power upon the flesh which he took in order that from it participation in life might flow unto us. From this also these things follow: that his flesh is truly food, and his blood truly drink [John 6:55; cf. John 6:56, Vg.], and by these foods believers are nourished unto eternal life. It is therefore a special comfort for the godly that they now find life in their own flesh. For thus not only do they reach it by an easy approach, but they have it spontaneously presented and laid out before them. Let them but open the bosom of their heart to embrace its presence, and they will obtain it. -- John Calvin in Institutes of the Christian Religion (Battles translation), IV.17.8

See the Theological Notes: "The Local Church," at Revelation 2:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.

For if the saying of God speed to a false teacher, make us partakers of his evil deed, 2 John 10, how much more doth the admitting of such or the like scandalous sinners to the Lord's Table, make (I say not all who communicate then and there, but), all who consent to their admission, to be partakers of their evil deeds. -- George Gillespie in Aaron's Rod Blossoming, 1646, p. 53

*Anderson, John, Alexander and Rufus; or a Series of Dialogues on Church Communion, in Two Parts. Part 1: Vindication of Scriptural Church Communion in Opposition to Latitudinarian Schemes. Part 2: Defence of the Communion Maintained in the Secession Church. (1862) Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. (Rom. 16:17 [Romans 16:17])

If it be inquired, then, by what things chiefly the Christian religion has a standing existence amongst us, and maintains its truth, it will be found that the following two not only occupy the principal place, but comprehend under them all the other parts, and consequently the whole substance of Christianity: this is, a knowledge, first, of the mode in which God is duly worshipped; and, secondly, of the source from which salvation is to be obtained. When these are kept out of view, though we may glory in the name Christians, our profession is empty and vain. After these come the sacraments and the government of the church . . . (The Necessity of Reforming the Church [Presbyterian Heritage Publications, 1544, reprinted 1995], p. 15)

In this age of boasted charity, but really 'detestable neutrality and indifferency,' it is an irksome and painful task, but a duty, thus to bear testimony against churches, in which are to be found, no doubt, many precious sons and daughters of the Lord Almighty. But personal piety never was, nor possibly can be, the condition of fellowship in the visible church. To think so, and say so, is one of the most popular delusions of the present day. It puts the supposed pious man, speaking his experience, in the place of God, speaking his sovereign will in the Bible. This is the height of impiety. (Act, Declaration, and Testimony for the Whole of our Covenanted Reformation p. 175).

confuse 'schism' with 'separation.' They are not the same thing. John Brown, of Haddington, states, 'that schism in scripture, chiefly, if not solely, represents alienation of affection, and disagreement among those who continue the same joint attendance on the ordinances of the gospel,' 1 Cor. 12:25 [1 Corinthians 12:25]; 1:10 [1 Corinthians 1:10]. Augustine said, 'It is not a different faith makes schismatics, but a broken society of communion.' In no place, in the Bible, does the word 'schism' appear to signify 'visible separation.' Error in doctrine, corruption in worship and tyranny in discipline, render separation unavoidable, to escape the sin of schism. Your conception of what constitutes 'schism' is that of Rome. If 'schism' is 'separation;' and 'There is no precedent for schism [re: separation], in the Bible;' then, on what basis did Protestants leave Rome? Every Reformer owned that Rome is, in some sense, a Church of Christ. After all, that man of sin is seated in the 'temple of God,' as they taught (emphases added).

Because the Churches take not care, that Ministers be savoury and gracious; from Steermen all Apostasie and rottenness begin. O if the Lord would arise and purge his House in Scotland! As for Church-members, they ought to be holy; and though all baptized be actu primo members, yet such as remain habitually ignorant after admonition, are to be cast out, and though they be not cast out certainly, as paralytick or rottened members cannot discharge the functions of life: So those that are scandalous, ignorant, malignant, unsound in faith, lose their rights of Suffrages in election of Officers, and are to be debarred from the Seals. Nor can we defend our sinful practise in this: it were our wisdom to repent of our taking in the Malignant party, who shed the blood of the people of God, and obstructed the work of God, into places of Trust in the Church State, and the Army, contrary to our Covenants, they continuing still Enemies. (Survey of the Survey, p. 373)

The catholic church comprehends all that profess the true religion. There is a lawful and necessary division of it into sections in respect of local situation. But when a number of people, bearing the Christian name, combine together as a distinct society, for the purpose of maintaining and propagating doctrines and practices, which, instead of belonging to the true religion, are contrary to it; they ought not, considered as such a combination, to be called a lawful section of the catholic church (i.e. constitutionally, according to their public character and profession -- RB). It is not denied, that they belong to the catholic church (in as far as they, as individuals, profess the truth -- RB); but it is denied, that there ought to be any such section or division in it. Thus, there ought to be no section of the catholic church, having for the peculiar end of its distinct subsistence, the support of episcopal hierarchy, unknown in the Scripture, of the propagation of antipaedobaptism, or of anti-scriptural doctrine, in opposition to that of God's election, redemption, effectual calling and the conservation of his people, as delivered in the scripture; or for the support of ways and means of divine worship not found in Scripture. If the catholic visible church were brought to a suitable discharge of her duty, she would abolish all such sections. But no society ought to be called such an unlawful section, while it can be shown that it subsists as a separate society for no other end, than for the maintaining of something in the doctrine, worship or government of the church which belongs to the Christian religion as delivered in the word of God, or for exhibiting a testimony against prevailing errors and corruptions which the scripture requires the catholic church to condemn. Such a profession of any party of Christians is no sectarian profession; and a union with them is not a sectarian, but properly a Christian union; and, being cordial and sincere, is a union in Christ; and communion upon the ground of this union is truly Christian communion. On the other hand, however much of our holy religion any body of Christians hold in common with others, and however many of them we may charitably judge to be saints, yet while their distinguishing profession is contrary to the word of God, communion with them, as a body so distinguished, is sectarian communion; as it implies a union with them in that which ought to be rejected by the whole catholic church. (pp. 10-11, emphases added)

Considering that the Arminian scheme includes some of the most pernicious errors of Popery, how reproachful it is to the memory of Calvin, to call such a base proposal, his plan revived and prosecuted? Did Mr. Calvin ever speak of independent churches in the one church of Christ? Or of promoting union, by holding sacramental communion with the professed teachers of false doctrine, as every Arminian teacher is, or with the professed defenders of superstition in the worship of God? By no means. (Alexander and Rufus, p. 159)

Since the evangelical faith had only recently been preached in the city, and there were still many Romanists, the ministers also urged excommunication on the grounds of failure to confess the faith. The Confession of faith, which all the citizens and inhabitants of Geneva . . . must promise to keep and to hold had been presented to the Council on 10 November 1536. Let the members of the Council be the first to subscribe and then the citizens, 'in order to recognize those in harmony with the Gospel and those loving rather to be of the kingdom of the pope than of the kingdom of Jesus Christ.' Those who would not subscribe were to be excommunicated. (John Calvin: A Biography, p. 63, emphases added)

John Calvin, during the First Reformation, showed that he supported the concept of Covenanted Reformation by requiring all the residents of Geneva to take an oath in support of the Reformation. The 'Register of the Council of 24' of Geneva notes as follows:
12 November 1537. It was reported that yesterday the people who had not yet made their oath to the reformation were asked to do so, street by street; whilst many came, many others did not do so. No one came from the German quarter. It was decided that they should be commanded to leave the city if they did not wish to swear to the reformation. (Scribner, Bob, and Pamela Johnston, 1993, The Reformation in Germany and Switzerland, Cambridge University Press, p. 138, emphases added)

The term sectarian, the favorite watch-word of this author, tends to divert the attention from the matter in dispute. The question is, whether a church's refusing to have sacramental communion with such as openly avow their opposition to one or more articles of her scriptural profession has such effects as are now mentioned? Does this refusal break up the unity of the church at large? By no means. The truths of God's word constitute the bond of unity in the catholic church; so far as they are publicly professed and preserved in the doctrine, worship, and government of the several particular churches. Hence it is evident, that what breaks up the peace of the catholic church, is not the faithfulness of particular churches in refusing, but their laxness in granting sacramental communion to the avowed opposers of undoubted truths of God's word, as exhibited in the public profession of any of the churches, every instance of this laxness tending to weaken the bond of their union. Does refusing sacramental communion with the avowed opposers of the truths of God, publicly professed by a particular church, chill the warmth of love to the catholic church? surely no: for it is manifestly the interest of the catholic church that every particular church should hold these truths in her public profession, and not tolerate opposition to them in her communion. Hence it must give sincere pleasure to a lover of the catholic church to see a particular church uniformly faithful in refusing church communion to open opposers of any one of the truths of God contained in her public profession . . . Does the faithfulness of a particular church, in refusing to have sacramental communion with the open opposers of any article of her scriptural profession, hinder her from using any means appointed in the word of God for promoting his spiritual kingdom? This is so far from being the case, that this refusal is supposed and implied in the use of several proper means for that end; such as, a church's contending for the whole truth exhibited in her public profession; the judicial assertion of the truths of God's word, and the judicial condemnation of the contrary errors; committing the word to faithful men, who will teach others the whole truth and nothing but the truth, according to the public profession or testimony of the church, in due subordination to the holy scriptures; recognizing the solemn engagements, which the church has come under to preserve whatever measure of reformation has been attained. These means, which are certainly appointed in the word of God, cannot be sincerely used by any particular church, unless she be careful, that such as are avowed and obstinate opposers of any article of her scriptural profession, may not be received into, or continued in her communion. Whilst these means, of our Lord's appointment, are willfully neglected, we have little ground to expect the Divine blessing on such other means as men may pretend, to use for the advancement of his spiritual kingdom. (pp. 92-93, emphases added),

Anonymous, Against Arminian Views of the Lord's Supper (Calvinistic Close Communion Versus Arminian Open Communion). Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.

Anonymous, Ecclesiastical Fellowship Versus Free Communion. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.

Anonymous, The Reformed Dissenter, or A Conference Between a Conformist and a Separatist Concerning Communion With the Church of England, 1684.

Anonymous, A Vindication of the Presbyteriall-government, and Ministry: Together, with an Exhortation, to all the ministers, elders, and people, within the bounds of the province of London, whether joyning with us, or separating from us. Published, by the ministers, and elders, met together in a provinciall assembly, Novemb. 2d. 1649. Wherein, amongst other things, these ensuing particulars are contained; 1. That there is a Church-government, by divine right. 2. That the magistrate, is not the fountain of Church-government. 3. That the presbyterial-government, is by divine right. 4. The inconveniencies of the congregationall-way. 5. That the ruling-elder is by divine right. 6. That it is the will of Jesus Christ, that all sorts of persons should give an account of their faith, to the minister, and elders, before admission to the Lords Supper; . . . 7. Directions to the elders, for the right managing of their office. 8. Directions to such as are admitted to the Lords Supper, . . . 9. Rules to preserve people, from the errours of these times. 10. That separation from our churches, is justly charged with schisme. 11. That ministers formerly ordained by bishops, need no new ordination. 12. The necessity and usefulness of catechizing. Licensed, entred, and printed according to order, 1649. Available (under Robert Baillie and Sundry Ministers of London) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.

Barrow, Reg, Calvin, Covenanting, Close Communion and the Coming Reformation, 1996, a book review of ALEXANDER AND RUFUS . . . by John Anderson, 1862. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1, #3.
"Shows how Calvin practiced covenanting and close communion and how the biblical view of these ordinances is intended to purify the individual, church and nation. Refutes the Popish, Independent and paedocommunion heresies -- as well as all views of open communion (so common in our day). Also argues that Arminians, anti-paedobaptists, anti-regulativists, and all those who openly violate the law of God (and are unrepentant), should be barred from the Lord's table -- as a corrective measure ordained of God for their recovery. Also demonstrates that those that would not swear to uphold the Geneva Confession (or 'human constitution,' as it was agreeable to the Word of God), of 1536 in Calvin's day were to be excommunicated and exiled from Geneva. This is Reformation History Notes number two." -- Reg Barrow
Calvin, Covenanting and Close Communion
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/CalvinCC.htm

Barrow, Greg, and Larry Birger, Jr., Reformation Principles Re-Exhibited: An Historical Witness and Brotherly Entreaty. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1-30.

Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), Monthly Preparations for the Holy Communion by R.B.; To Which is Added Suitable Meditations before, in, and after receiving; with divine hymns in common tunes, fitted for publick congregations or private families.
Monthly Preparations for the Holy Communion
http://digitalpuritan.net/richard-baxter/

Beveridge, Thomas, Promiscuous Communion in the Public Ordinances of Worship: or An Answer to the Question "Is it agreeable to the word of God, and consistent with a faithful adherence to a scriptural profession, to hold ecclesiastical communion with such as openly oppose some parts of that profession?"

Birger, Larry, Terms of Ministerial and Christian Communion in the Reformed Presbyterian Church: and, In our day, in the Puritan Reformed Church (Edmonton, AB, and Prince George, BC); With Explanatory Dialogue (including "The Biblical and Logical Necessity of Uninspired Creeds"). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1-30.
"Separation, to start the 'perfect' Church is dangerous as Wilhelmus ŕ Brakel points out." See Wilhelmus ŕ Brakel, "Degeneracy Within the Church: Not a Reason to Separate from the Church," in THE CHRISTIANS REASONABLE SERVICE, volume 2. One comes to the same conviction after reading Calvin's INSTITUTES (Battle's translation), 4.1.6-21. The depravity of ALL humanity is not a valid excuse to forsake the assembly of ourselves together (Hebrews 10:25). Just because there is degeneracy or declension in a local church does not mean the individual must believe it, or must subscribe to it.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/TermsMin.htm

Black, John (1768-1849), Church Union and Communion, 1819. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.

Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), The Best Security Against the day of Wrath. A Sermon Preached Immediately Before the Celebration of the Lord's Supper, at Etrick, June 7th, 1713. By the Reverend Mr. Thomas Boston, . . . Glasgow. Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS BOSTON), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS BOSTON), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #6.

Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), The Nature of Church Communion Illustrated: or, The Unity of the Body of Christ, and the duty the members owe to one another opened. Being the substance of several sermons on 1 Cor. x. 17 [1 Corinthians 10:17]. Alternate title: ON CHURCH COMMUNION. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS BOSTON), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #5.

Bowden, S., Debarring and Inviting Service for the Lord's Supper
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/7/27/s-bowdens-debarring-and-inviting-service-for-the-lords-supper

Bradshaw, William, Arthur Hildersam, and Lesley A. Rowe (editor) Preparing for the Lord's Supper, ISBN: 9781601786609 1601786603.
"PREPARING FOR THE LORD'S SUPPER presents practical instruction from two Puritans. William Bradshaw's contribution explains the dangers of taking Communion unworthily and how to prevent it. His work concludes with a set of questions to aid Christians in self-examination as they prepare for the Lord's Supper. Bradshaw's piece is supplemented with Arthur Hildersham's thorough catechetical tool for understanding and properly partaking of the sacred meal. These treatises exemplify what Puritan ministers taught to common people in ordinary, obscure towns and villages as they prepared to take the Lord's Supper. They are a similar challenge to us today to prepare ourselves thoughtfully and prayerfully before coming to the Lord's Table. In the broadest sense, they supply a helpful guide for proving our faith through self-examination. As Bradshaw says, 'The duty of trying and examining a man's self is of use to the best of Christians'." -- Publisher

*Brown, John (of Edinburgh, 1784-1858), Discourses Suited to the Administration of the Lord's Supper.

Brown, John (of Edinburgh, 1784-1858) "On The Holy Communion," and article
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/7/27/john-browns-of-edinburgh-article-on-the-holy-communion

*Calvin, John (1509-1564), The Necessity of Reforming the Church (1544). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Also found in CALVIN'S SELECTED WORKS, TRACTS AND LETTERS. Available in Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press CD-ROM Library. Available in THE CHURCH EFFEMINATE AND OTHER ESSAYS.
"It [THE NECESSITY OF REFORMING THE CHURCH (1544) -- compiler], has still been correctly acknowledged as one of the most important documents of the Reformation.
"C.H. Spurgeon once said, 'the longer I live the clearer does it appear that John Calvin's system is the nearest to perfection.' (cited in Christian History, Vol. 5, No. 4). . . . Like Calvin, some few believers today see 'the present condition of the Church . . . to be very miserable, and almost desperate.' Our context is different in one key respect however. The church needing reformation in Calvin's day was the tradition-encrusted church of Rome. Shortly after the Reformation, for those leaving Rome behind, two streams became apparent. One was the stream of classical Protestant orthodoxy, represented today by a handful of Gideons in their desktop publishing wine vats. The other was the left wing of the Reformation -- the anabaptist movement. In the early years, the anabaptists were suffering outsiders. But today the anabaptist church is the Establishment -- an establishment governed by a chaos of traditions instead of biblical worship. Everywhere we look we see Christians approaching God with observances in worship which Calvin calls 'the random offspring of their own brain.' Though this work is not an elaborate systematic presentation of the foundations of Christianity, such as CALVIN'S INSTITUTES, it has still been correctly acknowledged as one of the most important documents of the Reformation. Calvin here pleads the cause dearest to his heart before an assembly perhaps the most august that Europe could have furnished in that day. It has been said that the animated style used by Calvin in this work would not lose by comparison with any thing in the celebrated 'Dedication' prefixed to his INSTITUTES. To this day, THE NECESSITY OF REFORMING THE CHURCH remains a powerful weapon, both defensive and offensive, to fight the contemporary battle for Protestantism -- the everlasting gospel of truth. Here, in our modern setting, we find the answers to many of the vexing questions which continue to agitate the Church." -- Publisher
The Necessity of Reforming the Church (1543), by John Calvin
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/NRC_ch00.htm

Calvin, John (1509-1564), A Short Treatise on The Supper of our Lord Jesus Christ.
An extract from CALVIN: THEOLOGICAL TREATISES.
http://www.truecovenanter.com/calvin/calvin_treatise_the_supper_of_our_lord.html

Cawdrey, Daniel (1588-1664), Selfe-examination Required in Every one, for the Worthy Receiving of the Lord's Supper. First, delivered in a sermon, preparatory to the sacrament, in the church of Martines in the Fields: By Daniell Cawdrey, preacher there. Now published for the inhabitants there, and for the publick good. Also, a short catechisme drawne out of the same, for the instruction of the meanest capacity.

Charnock, Stephen (1628-1680), The End, Subjects, and Worthy Partaking of the Lord's Supper. Available (WORKS OF STEPHEN CHARNOCK) on the Puritan Hard Drive.

Chrystie, James, Strictures on Dr. John M. Mason's Plea for Sacramental Communion on Catholic Principles. Alternate title: TERMS OF CHURCH UNION AND COMMUNION. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.

Courtass, John (d. 1795), Frequency of the Lord's Supper, 1797. Alternate title: A LETTER ADDRESSED TO THE COMMUNITY OF OLD DISSENTERS . . . CONCERNING THE MORE FREQUENT DISPENSING OF THE LORD'S SUPPER. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Argues that though weekly communion is most probably the Scriptural frequency of celebrating the Lord's Supper, pastoral care and a Godly sensitivity is in order as to this matter. Too frequent administration of this ordinance, with a congregations that is not 'up to it,' will bring judgement from God. Few books exist on this topic, and this one contains much wisdom for leaders in the church." -- Publisher

Craig, John (1512-1600), Communion Catechism (1592).
Craig, John, Communion Catechism (1592)
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/communca.htm

Durham, James (1622-1658), The Unsearchable Riches of Christ and of Grace and Glory in and Through Him; Diligently Searched Into, Clearly Unfolded, and Comfortably Holden Forth, in Fourteen Rich Gospel Sermons Preached on Several Texts, at Communions in Glasgow, 1685. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.
"These communion sermons cover topics such as: the great danger of unworthy communing; the great sin of not discerning the Lord's body; gospel preparations are the strongest invitations; after God speaks peace, turn not again to folly; right covenanting with God, a business of the greatest concern; heart-melting is a good frame for covenanting with God; we should stir up ourselves to covenant with God; believers' sweetest communion is with Christ in heaven; etc. The tenor of this book could be summed up in this statement excerpted from the Epistle Dedicatory and Prefatory, 'Beware of all sinful dalliances with idols, whereby the soul is estranged from communion with God; for there is no agreement betwixt the temple of God and idols, from love to fellowship with him, and from zeal to his glory, bid them all, with indignation, be gone, saying to them, What have we any more to do with idols? and as to a menstruous cloth, Get you hence' (bold emphasis added. pp. xi-xii). Durham was a well-known Presbyterian Covenanter (who openly sided with the Protesters as he neared his death) -- and Covenanter communion sermons often produced some of the richest gospel fare one is likely to encounter. Taste of this fine feast and you will see for yourself what we mean." -- Publisher

Erskine, Ralph (1685-1752), Christ the People's Covenant. A Sermon preached immediately before the celebration of the Lord's supper, at Dunfermline, August, 19. 1722. To which is annex'd the substance of some discourses after the sacrament, upon the same subject. By Mr. Ralph Erskine. the fourth edition, corrected and amended, Glasgow, 1739. Available in Erskine, THE SERMONS AND OTHER PRACTICAL WORKS OF THE LATE REVEREND RALPH ERSKINE, DUNFERMLINE (1865), vol. 1 of 10.
http://archive.org/details/sermonsotherpr01ersk

George, R.J., Close Communion. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.

Henry, Matthew (1662-1714), The Communicant's Companion: or, Instructions and Helps for the Right Receiving of the Lord's Supper, ISBN: 1878442260. A Christian classic. Alternate title: HOW TO PREPARE FOR COMMUNION. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #17.

James, William, and John Holmes, Homesius Enervatus: A Letter Addressed to Mr. John Holmes, Containing, Ist. An Essay on Church Communion. IId. The Terms of Church Communion Held by the Reformed-Presbytery, Vindicated. IIId. Grounds for Separation From the Synod of Ireland. And, IVthly. Animadversions Upon a Pamphlet, Intitled A Testimony, &c. Written by Mr. Holmes, Minister of Glendermond, 1772.

Knox, John (1505-1572), A Summary, According to the Holy Scriptures, of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, 1550. Available (WORKS OF JOHN KNOX) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #15, #26. Available in SELECTED WRITINGS OF JOHN KNOX.
A Summary, According to the Holy Scriptures, of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/SummarLS.htm

Macleod, John (1872-1948), The Gospel in the Institution of the Lord's Supper.

Manton, Thomas (1620-1677), A Third Volume of Sermons Preached by the Late Reverend and Learned Thomas Manton . . . in Two Parts: The first containing LXVI sermons on the eleventh chapter of the Hebrews [Hebrews 11]: with a treatise of the Life of Faith: Part the second: A treatise of self-denial: With several sermons on the sacrament of the Lord's-Supper, and other occasions: With an alphabetical table to the whole, 1689. Available (THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THOMAS MANTON), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THOMAS MANTON), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #4, #5.

*McKnight, William John (1865-1951), Concerning Close Communion: An Investigation. Available (PDF and MP3), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #3.
"This is one of the best short, easy-to-understand defences of close communion available. Much practical application is added to this doctrine, as McKnight defends the old Reformed way."
Concerning Close Communion
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/william-j-mcknights-book-concerning-close-communion

*McKnight, William John (1865-1951), Covenanting, Communion and Confessions: With a Short Summary of the Westminster Confession of Faith [1646]. Deals With the Terms of Communion as They Relate to the Reformation Creeds and the Westminster Confession. Alternate title: CONCERNING CLOSE COMMUNION: AN INVESTIGATION. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #3.
"Defends creedalism and the historic progress evident in the faithful creeds. Touches on covenanting. Contains a useful summary of every chapter of the WCF [1646]. In classic Reformed Presbyterian style, the author notes the testimony of the martyrs in leaving 'a noble example for us and our posterity to follow, in contending for all divine truth, and in testifying against all contrary evils, which may exist in the corrupt constitutions of either church or state.'
"A strong little book that should be considered by all those seeking the purity and peace of the church. Holds to the strict old covenanted Presbyterian position. Justifies the maintaining of the separate existence of a denomination that will faithfully testify against sin, and the excluding from the Lord's table those that do not so testify. Gives numerous examples of backsliding in regard to specific truths of Scripture. Proclaims that 'the Word of God teaches unequivocally that the Commandments are equally binding.' This includes the first commandment as it relates to Christ's Kingship over the nations (and dissent from immoral civil governments which will not recognize and obey Christ as King and law giver); and the second commandment concerning purity of worship (as against 'all devising, counselling, using, and any wise approving, any religious worship not instituted by God Himself,' such as the use of songs other than the Psalms and the Popish use of musical instruments in public worship). Maintains that violation of these commandments are grounds for barring a person from the Lord's table. Shows how close communion is nothing more than the old Presbyterian view, in keeping with the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) and John Calvin when he stated 'We are only contending about the true and lawful constitution of the church, required in the communion not only of the sacraments (which are the signs of profession), but also especially of doctrine' (John Calvin, Institutes 2.12). Also includes an excellent discussion of essentials and non-essentials, as they relate to the Lord's supper and salvation. The best short book on the Lord's supper that we have seen. Written by an RPCNA minister in large easy-to-read type." -- Publisher

McKnight, W.J. (1865-1951), In Defense of Close Communion by McKnight, an MP3 file [audio file]. Available (PDF and MP3), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"This is one of the best short, easy-to-understand defences of close communion available. Much practical application is added to this doctrine, as McKnight defends the old Reformed way. This item is read (by Ruling Elder Lyndon Dohms), from McKnight's book CONCERNING CLOSE COMMUNION.

*Owen, John (1616-1683), Communion With God. A Christian classic. Alternate title: OF COMMUNION WITH GOD THE FATHER, SON, AND HOLY GHOST (EACH PERSON DISTINCTLY), IN LOVE, GRACE, AND CONSOLATION: OR, THE SAINTS FELLOWSHIP WITH THE FATHER, SON, AND HOLY GHOST, UNFOLDED. BY JOHN OWEN, D.D., and PREPARING FOR COMMUNION, ISBN: 0851511244 9780851511245. Volume 2 of THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN. Available (MP3 files), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Shows what it means to examine yourself in preparation for the Lord's table. Great spiritual blessings result when this matter is properly dealt with before God." -- Publisher
See also: Communion With God, the Puritan Paperback Series edition, abridged and made easy to read by R.J.K. Law, ISBN: 0851516076 9780851516073. "Contains: COMMUNION WITH THE FATHER, THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT, THE DOCTRINE OF THE TRINITY, and more.
"John Owen (1616-1683), believed that communion with God lies at the heart of the Christian life. With Paul he recognized that through the Son we have access by the Spirit to the Father. He never lost the sense of amazement expressed by John: 'Our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.' In this outstanding book he explains the nature of this communion and describes the many privileges it brings.
"COMMUNION WITH GOD was written in a day, like our own, when the doctrine of the Trinity was under attack and the Christian faith was being reduced either to rationalism on the one hand or mysticism on the other. His exposition shows that nothing is more vital to spiritual well-being than a practical knowledge of what this doctrine means. . .
"One of the greatest Christian classics of all time . . ." -- Publisher
Owen, Of Communion With God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost or, The Saints Fellowship With the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Unfolded (1763)
http://archive.org/details/communionwithgo00owengoog
Communion With God, John Owen
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/owen/communion.html

*Owen, John (1616-1683), Communion With God. A Christian classic. Alternate title: OF COMMUNION WITH GOD THE FATHER, SON, AND HOLY GHOST (EACH PERSON DISTINCTLY), IN LOVE, GRACE, AND CONSOLATION: OR, THE SAINTS FELLOWSHIP WITH THE FATHER, SON, AND HOLY GHOST, UNFOLDED. BY JOHN OWEN, D.D., and PREPARING FOR COMMUNION, ISBN: 0851511244 9780851511245. Volume 2 of THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN. Available (MP3 files), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Shows what it means to examine yourself in preparation for the Lord's table. Great spiritual blessings result when this matter is properly dealt with before God." -- Publisher
See also: Communion With God, the Puritan Paperback Series edition, abridged and made easy to read by R.J.K. Law, ISBN: 0851516076 9780851516073. "Contains: COMMUNION WITH THE FATHER, THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT, THE DOCTRINE OF THE TRINITY, and more.
"John Owen (1616-1683), believed that communion with God lies at the heart of the Christian life. With Paul he recognized that through the Son we have access by the Spirit to the Father. He never lost the sense of amazement expressed by John: 'Our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.' In this outstanding book he explains the nature of this communion and describes the many privileges it brings.
"COMMUNION WITH GOD was written in a day, like our own, when the doctrine of the Trinity was under attack and the Christian faith was being reduced either to rationalism on the one hand or mysticism on the other. His exposition shows that nothing is more vital to spiritual well-being than a practical knowledge of what this doctrine means. . .
"One of the greatest Christian classics of all time . . ." -- Publisher
Owen, Of Communion With God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost or, The Saints Fellowship With the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Unfolded (1763)
http://archive.org/details/communionwithgo00owengoog
Communion With God, John Owen
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/owen/communion.html

Owen, John (1616-1683), The Lord's Supper. Available in THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN.

Owen, John (1616-1683), The Principles of the Doctrine of Christ Unfolded in two Short Catechisms: Wherein Those Principles of Religion are Explained, the Knowledge Whereof is Required by the Late Ordinance of Parliament, Before any Person be Admitted to the Sacrament of the Lords Supper: For the use of Several Congregations. Available in THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN.

*Owen, John (1616-1683), Sermons to the Church, ISBN: 0851510655 9780851510651. A Christian classic. Alternate title: THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN VOLUME 9; THE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN, VOLUME 9.
"Contains 83 sermons: Fourteen which resolve practical cases of conscience, twenty-five intended as preparations to the Lord's Table, and others of various Gospel subjects."

Owen, John (1616-1683), A View of the Nature, Order, and Communion of the Churches of Christ, as Exhibited in the New Testament: Extracted From Dr. John Owen's Treatise on Evangelical Churches. With an appendix on scripture presbytery, Edinburgh, 1797.

Pressly, John T., Catholic Communion, in the Present State of the Christian Church Inconsistent With a due Regard for Truth, 1836.

*Preston, John (1587-1628), Richard Sibbes (1577-1635), and John Davenport (1597-1670), The Saints Qualification: or, A Treatise I. Of Humiliation, in Tenne Sermons. II. Of Sanctification, in Nine Sermons.
The Subtitle Continues: "Whereunto is Added a Treatise of Communion With Christ in the Sacrament, in three sermons. Preached by the late faithfull and worthy minister of Jesus Christ, Iohn Preston, Doctor in Divinity, Chaplaine in Ordinary to his Majestie, Master of Emanuel College in Cambridge, and sometime preacher of Lincolnes Inne," 1637.
"A sermon preached at a generall fast before the Commons-House of Parliament: the second of Iuly, 1625. In the time of the plague" and "The cup of blessing: delivered in three sermons upon I Cor. 10.16 [1 Corinthians 10:16]."

Price, Greg L., Covenanter Terms of Communion 1 of 19: The Word of God 1/2, MP3 files. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=1210510584

*Price, Greg L., Terms of Communion: The Westminster Standards, 5 MP3 files. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Explains and defends the second term of communion, which is 'That the whole doctrine of the Westminster Confession of Faith [1646], and the Catechisms, Larger and Shorter, are agreeable unto, and founded upon the Scriptures.' Price not only explains why we need creeds and confession (answering the question: Isn't the Scripture sufficient?), but he shows how everyone has a creed and how such statements of faith are actually inescapable -- for as soon as one says what he believes the Bible means, he has (by definition), put forth his creed ('credo' in Latin means 'to believe'). There is no neutrality! He also gives a summary of the WESTMINSTER STANDARDS and the history of this august assembly, demonstrating why these standards are agreeable to the word of God. After showing how faithful creeds and confessions (i.e. human testimony), have brought untold blessings to the church he gives a history of the Westminster Assembly (setting the context for the study of the STANDARDS themselves). The doctrines contained in the confessional standards are then summarized. Price also exposes and rebukes much false teaching and false practice (contrary to the STANDARDS), using the specific names associated with each heresy refuted. The following doctrines are covered: sola Scripture (refuting popery, neo-orthodoxy, liberalism and the charismatics), the Doctrine of God (refuting Unitarianism, Oneness theology [Modalism, Sabellianism], and tritheism), God's decrees and predestination (refuting Arminianism, fatalism [Islam]), Creation (refuting Evolutionism, Pantheism and New Age and Eastern mysticism), the covenant of works, Providence (against 'luck' and 'accidents'), the Fall of Man (refuting Arminianism and Pelagianism), the Covenant of Grace (refuting dispensationalism), Christ our mediator (refuting Arianism [JW's], Apollinarianism, Nestorianism, Eutychianism [which led to the transubstantiation and consubstantiation heresies], the free offer of the gospel, Effectual Calling (contra Arminianism), Justification by Faith alone through Christ alone (contra Rome and the Arminians), Sanctification and good works (condemning antinomianism and legalism), Assurance of Faith, Perseverance of the Saints, the Law of God, Christian liberty (against pretended liberty of conscience and the imposition of legalistic standards outside of the law of God), worship (against the anti-regulativists and promoters of will-worship), the Regulative Principle (condemning Arminianism in worship), the Sabbath (taking the high Scottish view), lawful oaths and vows (condemning covenant breaking [churches and nations included], perjury, etc.), the Civil Magistrate (against pluralism, false toleration, Erastianism, and for biblical establishments), marriage, the church (contra popery, prelacy and independency [all of which are forms of sectarianism]), and the resurrection and general judgement." -- Publisher
Covenanter Terms of Communion 1 of 19: The Word of God 1/2
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=1210510584

*Reformed Presbyterian Church (Scotland), An Explanation and Defence of the Terms of Communion, Adopted by the Community of Dissenters, etc. Alternate title: AN EXPLANATION AND DEFENCE OF THE TERMS OF COMMUNION, ADOPTED BY THE COMMUNITY OF DISSENTERS: TOGETHER WITH AN INTRODUCTION, CONTAINING SOME REMARKS ON THE PROPRIETY OF TERMS OF COMMUNION, IN GENERAL, THE WHOLE INTENDED TO OBVIATE SOME MODERN OBJECTIONS AND TO SATISFY THE MINDS OF THOSE WHO ARE WILLING TO BE INFORMED ON THE SUBJECT. Available (PDF and MP3) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #2 and #19.
"Defends the inescapable necessity of creeds and confessions, while promoting a fully creedal church membership. Shows how the law of God obliges all Christians to think the same things, and to speak the same things; holding fast the form of sound words, and keeping the ordinances as they have been delivered to us (Col. 3:13), [Colossians 3:13]. After laying some basic groundwork, this book proceeds to defend the six points of the 'Terms of Ministerial and Christian Communion Agreed Upon by the Reformed Presbytery.' These six points are the most conservative and comprehensive short statements of consistent Presbyterianism you will likely ever see. Besides the obvious acknowledgement of the alone infallible Scriptures, the Westminster Standards, and the divine right of Presbyterianism, these points also maintain the perpetual obligation of our Covenants, National and Solemn League, the Renovation of these covenants at Auchensaugh in 1712, and the Judicial Act, Declaration and Testimony emitted by the Reformed Presbytery. In short, this book sets forth adherence to the whole of the covenanted reformation, in both church and state, as it has been attained by our covenanting forefathers." -- Publisher
An Explanation and Defense of the Terms of Communion, Adopted by the Community of Dissenters, etc.
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/24/an-explanation-and-defense-of-the-terms-of-communion

Reformed Presbytery of North America "Steelite," The Six Points of the "Terms of Ministerial and Christian Communion in the Reformed Presbyterian Church" as Listed at the end of THE ACT, DECLARATION, AND TESTIMONY FOR THE WHOLE OF OUR COVENANTED REFORMATION. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
The Six Points of the "Terms of Ministerial and Christian Communion in the Reformed Presbyterian Church
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/6points.htm

Reid, John, Reformed Presbytery's Explanation and Defence of the Terms of Communion
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/reformed-presbyterys-explanation-and-defence-of-the-terms-of-communion-written-by-john-reid

Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), A cry From the Dead, From the Flower of the Church of Scotland, or An Exhortation at a Communion to a Scot's Congregation in London. By Mr. Samuel Rutherford. From a manuscript never before printed, 1765.

Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), An Exhortation at a Communion to a Scots Congregation in London by Mr. Samuel Rutherford, 1728.

Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), Fourteen Communion Sermons, 2nd edition, 1877, ISBN: 0951148400 9780951148402.

Shields, Alexander (1660?-1700), Church-communion Enquired Into: or A Treatise Against Separation From This National Church of Scotland. . . . Which was left in manuscripts by . . . Alexander Shields.

Shields, Alexander (1660?-1700), An Enquiry Into Church-communion or, A Treatise Against Separation From the Revolution-settlement of This National Church, as it was Settled anno 1689 and 1690. . . . by Mr. Alexander Shields . . . Second Edition. To Which is Subjoined Some . . . Acts of the First Parliament of King William and Mary, Vol. 1, 1747.

Simms, Samuel, and James Hislop, The Bible, the Church, and the Terms of Communion: Together With the Terms of Communion of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Ireland. To Which is Appended the Cameronian Dream, 1897.

Sommerville, William (1800-1878), Reformed Presbyterians and Open Communion, a tract.
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/william-sommervilles-tract-on-reformed-presbyterians-and-open-communion

Sommerville, William (1800-1878), Tract on Reformed Presbyterians and Open Communion
http://www.covenanter.org/Communion/opencommunion.htm

Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Till He Come, Communion Meditations and Addresses, ISBN: 0585035407 9780585035406.
"This book contains communion mediations and addresses not published in the Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit." -- GCB
TILL HE COME: Communion Meditations and Addresses, by C.H. Spurgeon
http://www.ccel.org/spurgeon/till_he_come/title.html

Sundry Ministers of London, A Vindication of the Presbyteriall-government, and Ministry: Together, With an Exhortation, to all the Ministers, Elders, and People, Within the Bounds of the Province of London, whether joyning with us, or separating from us. Published, by the ministers, and elders, met together in a provinciall assembly, Novemb. 2d. 1649. Wherein, amongst other things, these ensuing particulars are contained; 1. That there is a Church-government, by divine right. 2. That the magistrate, is not the fountain of Church-government. 3. That the presbyterial-government, is by divine right. 4. The inconveniencies of the congregationall-way. 5. That the ruling-elder is by divine right. 6. That it is the will of Jesus Christ, that all sorts of persons should give an account of their faith, to the minister, and elders, before admission to the Lords Supper; . . . 7. Directions to the elders, for the right managing of their office. 8. Directions to such as are admitted to the Lords Supper . . . 9. Rules to preserve people, from the errours of these times. 10. That separation . . . , 1650. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23

Vines, Richard (editor), et al., The Puritans on the Lord's Supper by Edmund Calamy, Thomas Wadsworth, Thomas Watson, Joseph Alleine, ISBN: 1573580414 9781573580410.

Vines, Richard (1600?-1656), A Treatise of the Right Institution, Administration, and Receiving of the Sacrament of the Lords-Supper Delivered in XX sermons at St. Laurence-Jury, London / by Richard Vines, 1657. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

See also: The love and justice of god, oneness, Immanuel, christ's presence, christ in you, Unity and uniformity in the visible church: unity in the truth, The lord's supper, communion, and close communion, Hope, The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The Scottish Reformation, Covenant Theology and Covenanting, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Separation, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 761, 3197

Related Weblinks

Close Communion Study, Part 1 (Introduction)
http://www.covenanter.org/sermons-and-study-guides/2015/9/19/reformed-presbyterian-close-communion-bible-study-part-1

Communion With God (FGB)
Where Spiritual Life Begins | Thirsting and Longing | Defense Against Satan's Snares | This Heavenly Privilege | Communion With the Holy Spirit | Communion With Christ | Communion With the Father | Let us eat and be Merry | Obtaining and Maintaining | What is Communion With God
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/cwgofg/communion-with-god

Communion/Union With Christ (FGB #164)
On His Breast | Union and Communion | The Soul's Espousal to Christ | The Believer, the Temple, of the Holy Spirit | Christ's Manifestation of Himself Unto Them That Love Him
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/cuwcfg/communionunion-with-christ

Ecclesiastical Terms of Communion
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/6/30/terms-of-communion

An Explanation and Defense of the Terms of Communion, Adopted by the Community of Dissenters, etc.
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/24/an-explanation-and-defense-of-the-terms-of-communion

Formula of Terms of Communion: Terms of Ministerial and Christian Communion in the Reformed Presbyterian Church
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/24/formula-of-terms-of-communion

The Proper Time for the Admission of Recent Converts to the Full Communion of the Church, an article from The Princeton Review.
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/an-article-from-the-princeton-review-on-on-the-proper-time-for-the-admission-of-recent-converts-to-the-full-communion-of-the-church

The Reformed Faith and the Lord's Supper Homepage
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/6/29/lords-supper

Reformed Presbytery [Reformed Presbytery of North America of David Steele, 1803-1887], "Steelite," Reformed Presbytery's Terms of Christian and Ministerial Communion
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/reformed-presbyterys-terms-of-christian-and-ministerial-communion

Self-examination (FGB #250)
"For the good of our immortal souls, we offer the latest FGB, Self-examination. Puritan Thomas Watson helpfully introduces the subject to us. Charles Spurgeon then exhorts us to examine ourselves and gives a useful analysis of the word examine. Wilhemus ŕ Brakel urges us to go even further and examine our faith. With great wisdom and insight, J.C. Ryle warns about his (and our) age of spiritual danger. Arthur Pink shows us that the Scriptures call us to this holy exercise, and Octavius Winslow asks us to dig deep, as we answer his question, 'Are you alive or dead?' The Lord's Supper is always a crucial time to examine our hearts, and Jonathan Edwards helps us to understand who should come to the Table and who should not. Thomas Wilcox gives us some penetrating questions by which we may examine our profession of Christ, and Charles Spurgeon asks yet another pointed question: 'Does Christ dwell in you?' Finally, Ryle closes with brief but powerful applications of where to begin and how to proceed with self-examination. Hear those men: they are skilled physicians of the soul."
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/sexafg/selfexamination

Terms of Communion: Being a Demonstration of the Official Obligation and Legal Authority of the Scottish Books of Discipline Within the Reformed Presbyterian Church; And the Implications Thereof With Respect to The Duty of the Deacon. By a Pastor of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPCNA)
http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/magazine/covenanter_terms_of_communion.html

What are Terms of Communion? (1/2) Greg Price
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonid=780119920

What is Close Communion? (1/2) Greg Price
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonid=42101152912

Westminster Larger Catechism With Proof Texts
http://www.reformed.org/documents/wlc_w_proofs/index.html

Westminster Shorter Catechism With Proof Texts
http://www.reformed.org/documents/WSC_frames.html

Baptism

---

See the Theological Notes: "Baptism," at Romans 6:3 in The Reformation Study Bible.

See the Theological Notes: "One and Three: The Trinity," at Isaiah 44:6 in The Reformation Study Bible.

See the Theological Notes: "The Sacraments," at Matthew 28:19 in The Reformation Study Bible.

See the Theological Notes: "The Baptism of Jesus," at Mark 1:9 in The Reformation Study Bible.

Baillie, Robert (1599-1662), Anabaptism, The True Fountain of Independency, Antinomy, Brownisme, Familisme, and the Most of the Other Errors, Which for the Time do Trouble the Church of England, Unsealed: Also the Questions of Paedobaptisme and Dipping Handled From Scripture: In a Second Part of the Disswasive From the Errors of the Time, 1647. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"The title continues: 'Also the Questions of Paedobaptisme and Dipping Handled from Scripture. In a Second Part of the Dissuasive from the Errors of the Time.' Shows the origin, progress and changing character of the Anabaptist's heresies -- many which still afflict the body of Christ in our day (even in so-called 'Reformed' circles). A fine defense of the biblical view of baptism is also given, including many answers to Anabaptist (Baptist) objections on this point. A staggering array of 'testimonies' (i.e. quotations), are marshalled by Baillie -- both in refuting and setting forth the pernicious Anabaptist teachings. Baillie was one of the Scottish Commissioners sent to the Westminster Assembly. His international perspective and insight (concerning the ecclesiastical and civil battles for the Protestant cause of his day), makes for an interesting backdrop to this title -- not often encountered among most authors dealing with these topics." -- Publisher

Campbell, Alexander, and N.L. Rice, A Debate Between Rev. A. Campbell and Rev. N.L. Rice, on the Action, Subject, Design and Administrator of Christian Baptism; Also, on the Character of Spiritual Influence in Conversion and Sanctification, and on the Expediency and Tendency of Ecclesiastic Creeds, as Terms of Union and Communion; Held in Lexington, Ky., from the fifteenth of November to the second of December, 1843. Alternate title: DEBATE ON THE USEFULNESS OF HUMAN CREEDS. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

Lee, Francis Nigel, Have you Been Neglecting Your Baby? On the Serious Consequences of Withholding Baptism From the Infants of Christians, ISBN: 0949762024 9780949762023.

Miller, Samuel (1769-1850), Infant Baptism Scriptural and Reasonable: and Baptism by Sprinkling or Affusion, the Most Suitable and Edifying Mode. Included in PRESBYTERIANISM. Available (PRESBYTERIANISM) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #24, #28.

Miller, Samuel (1769-1850), Presbyterianism: The Truly Primitive and Apostolic Constitution of the Church of Christ Bound Together With Infant Baptism: Scriptural and Reasonable; and Baptism by Sprinkling or Affusion Most Suitable, 1835. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #24, #28.

Thornwell, J.H. (1812-1862), Sacramental Sorcery: The Invalidity of Roman Catholic Baptism, ISBN: 1891777165 9781891777165.
"In 1845 the General Assembly of the American Presbyterian Church declared that Roman Catholic baptism is not Christian baptism. But in the ecumenical twentieth century, that declaration was all but forgotten by American Presbyterians -- deliberately so. The leading southern Presbyterian theologian of the nineteenth century, J.H. Thornwell, wrote a defense of the 1845 declaration that has never been refuted by any theologian -- it has simply been ignored. The publication of this book is intended to end that ignorance.
"In an age when so-called Protestants favor tradition over Scripture, Thornwell reminds us of the Biblical truth: "We should not be deterred from admitting a Scriptural conclusion because it removes the structures of antiquity. . . . We are first to ascertain from Scripture what the true sacrament of baptism is, and then judge the practice of the church in every age by this standard. . . . The unbroken transmission of a visible Church in any line of succession is a figment of papists and prelatists. Conformity with the Scriptures, not ecclesiastical genealogy, is the true touchstone of a sound church." -- The Trinity Foundation

Witherspoon, Thomas D., Children of the Covenant.

See also: Theology, Systematic theology, Calvinism, The anabaptists (amish, mennonites, brethren), Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 756, 757

Related Weblinks

The Meaning and Mode of Christian Baptism Homepage
http://www.covenanter.org/subjects-1/2015/6/22/baptism

The Protestant Doctrine of Baptism in Opposition to the Heresies of the AnaBaptists
http://www.truecovenanter.com/worship/baptism.htm

Music in the Worship of God

---

See the Theological Notes: "Music in the Church," at Colossians 3:16 in The Reformation Study Bible.

O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. (Psalm 95:1)

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)

Praise him with sound of trumpet. I do not insist upon the words in the Hebrew signifying the musical instruments; only let the reader remember that sundry different kinds are here mentioned, which were in use under the legal economy, the more forcibly to teach the children of God that they cannot apply themselves too diligently to the praises of God -- as if he would enjoin them strenuously to bring to this service all their powers, and devote themselves wholly to it. Nor was it without reason that God under the law enjoined this multiplicity of songs, that he might lead men away from those vain and corrupt pleasures to which they are excessively addicted, to a holy and profitable joy. Our corrupt nature indulges in extraordinary liberties, many devising methods of gratification which are preposterous, while their highest satisfaction lies in suppressing all thoughts of God. This perverse disposition could only be corrected in the way of God's retaining a weak and ignorant people under many restraints, and constant exercises. The Psalmist, therefore, in exhorting believers to pour forth all their joy in the praises of God, enumerates, one upon another, all the musical instruments which were then in use, and reminds them that they ought all to be consecrated to the worship of God. -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 150:3

In Church music we have the foundation of all Western music. Therefore, we can say that music as we know it in the Western world is largely a product of the Church. -- D. James Kennedy (1930-2007), and Jerry Newcombe

Bach, Johann Sebastian, and Melvin P. Unger, Handbook to Bach's Sacred Cantata Texts: An Interlinear Translation With Reference Guide to Biblical Quotations and Allusions, ISBN: 0810829797 9780810829794.
"Identifies scriptural references for the wording, imagery, and themes in Bach's work that his listeners would have known, but which may be a mystery to modern musicians." -- Publisher

Bailey, Albert E., The Gospel in Hymns; Backgrounds and Interpretations.
"A comprehensive study of 313 hymns and their composers." -- Cyril J. Barber

Begg, James (1808-1883), The use of Organs and Other Instruments of Music in Christian Worship Indefensible: With Reviews of the Publications of Dean Ramsay, Dr. Robert Lee, and Others on the Subject; And Some Remarks on the Bearing of Recent Innovations, 1866. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #3.

Birger, Larry, A Brotherly Testimony Against the use of Instrumental Accompaniment In Public Worship.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/InstrLB.htm

Brown, Hugh, Discourses on Scripture Psalmody in Praising God: and Against Instrumental Music in Public Worship. Sing unto Him (Jehovah), sing psalms unto Him. (1 Chronicles 16:9)
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/19/hugh-browns-discourses-on-scripture-psalmody-in-praising-god-and-against-instrumental-music-in-public-worship

Calvin, John (1509-1564), Instrumental Music in the Worship of God. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #3.
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/InstCalv.htm

*Church of Scotland, General Assembly, The Scottish Prose Psalter Being the Authorized Version of the Psalms With Selected Passages of Scripture, and Ancient Hymns, Pointed for Chanting, With Accompanying Chants. For use in Churches, by Authority of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, 2nd edition (London: T. Nelson and Sons, Paternoster Row, Edinburgh and New York, 1906). A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language.
"Since Christ is the Second Person of the Trinity, the hymns and laments of the psalms are directed to Him as to the Father and the Spirit. Jesus is both a singer of the psalms (Heb. 2:12 [Hebrews 2:12], Psalm 22:22), and the focus of their interest. We can sing to Him our praise, tell Him our complaints and petitions, and thank Him for His goodness. We extol Him as our King, rest our confidence in Him, and look to Him as the embodiment of God's wisdom." -- "The Book of Psalms," The Reformation Study Bible, pp. 754,755
Have you ever planned to sing through The Book of Psalms with your spouse or with your family? Here is your psalter: THE SCOTTISH PROSE PSALTER.
The writer knows of no psalter truer to the literal translation of the Word of God, short of pointing The Book of Psalms from YOUNG'S LITERAL TRANSLATION OF THE HOLY BIBLE, which preserves the Hebrew and Greek grammatical structure, or short of taking 15 years out of one's life to learn the original Hebrew and Greek, which, of course, is not necessary.
This is a split-page psalter. The top set of pages are the music, the bottom set of pages are the Psalms. This format allows the worshiper to match any melody with any particular Psalm.
The preface contains instruction on how to chant. Select chants are recommended for each Psalm.
"Chanting is the singing of a prose text to a simple, repeated melody. Good chanting is essentially good reading aloud; it uses the rhythms and stresses of natural speech.
"The ancient Hebrews never used metrical 'tunes' in the modern sense. In the synagogue, the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings (including the Psalms), were read in a sing-song recitation which was half speech, half song. Originally chanting involved only a single line (that is, no part-singing), and only two or three pitches. The early Christian church retained this practice, adapting it to the recitation of the Psalms in Latin translation. Our present system of chanting in four parts is called Anglican Chant, and dates from sixteenth-century England.
"Chanting has several advantages over metrical Psalmody, stemming from the fact that in chanting, the music completely serves the text. The music is not difficult or interesting in itself, but has character and meaning only in conjunction with words. The meaning of the text is thus more immediate, and the parallel structure of the Hebrew poetry is more apparent. The difficulties of translating ancient non-metrical poems into sensible English rhyme are rendered unnecessary. Chanting encourages the use of entire Psalms rather than selections." -- "An Introduction to Chanting," The Book of Psalms for Singing, Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, 1995, p. 440
A prose psalter was nothing new for The Church of Scotland. They published THE PSALMS OF DAVID IN PROSE AND METRE: WITH THE WHOLE FORME OF DISCIPLINE, AND PRAYERS, ACCORDING TO THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND; THE PSALMS IN PROSE BEING OF THE LAST TRANSLATION; TRANSLATED BY THE SPECIALL COMMANDMENT OF KING JAMES THE SIXT, 1610 (Aberdene: Printed by Edward Raban for David Melvill, 1633).
THE BIBLE PSALTER (London: J. Nisbet, 1880), 142 pp., Presbyterian Church of England, "the music arranged and partly composed by Sir Herbert S. Oakeley" (1830-1903), and THE PSALTER (T. Nelson and Sons, 1888), 303 pp., by Authority of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, "pointed for chanting, and with chants adapted thereto or specially composed for this work by Sir Herbert Stanley Oakeley" preceded this work.
"The Musical portion of this work is identical with that in THE PSALTER, AND SELECTED PASSAGES OF SCRIPTURE, etc., published in 1888; but advantage has been taken of a new issue to revise and improve the pointing of the words. To mark the Revised Edition the title of the work has been changed to THE SCOTTISH PROSE PSALTER, etc. . . . ." -- Note to Preface, May, 1897.
Publication of THE PSALTER, under the new title, THE SCOTTISH PROSE PSALTER, could have been a consequence of the awakening of 1905, "part of a worldwide movement and apparently especially inspired by British revivals. . ."
Any concordance to the Authorized King James Version and any index to the Psalms of David (AKJV) may be used with this Psalter.
Psalms are an essential part of personal devotions. There is a sincerity and beautiful simplicity about THE SCOTTISH PROSE PSALTER. Everyone should own a copy, especially fathers who lead family worship.
The Scottish Prose Psalter, 1906 edition
Online PDF file (74MB), high print resolution. It is recommended that a high speed connection be used to download the file.
http://www.lettermen2.com/sppsalter.pdf

Dick, James, Hymns and Hymn Books, 1883. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.

Edgar, William, Taking Note of Music. ISBN: 0281042551 9780281042555.
The author is Associate Professor of Apologetics at Westminster Theological Seminary.

Froehlich, Mary Ann, Music Education in the Christian Home: How to Nurture the Musician in Your Child, ISBN: 1568570317 9781568570310.
" 'Music is a wonderful gift from God and an appreciation for music should have its roots in the home, but knowing where and how to begin, and what to include can often make the task less than appealing,' says the author. Helps parents to understand the importance and role of music in worship, gives an overview of music history, tells how to encourage your child musically, and discusses the role of church and school." -- GCB

Gardiner, John Eliot, Bach: Music in the Castle of Heaven, ISBN: 9780375415296 0375415297.
"An unprecedented book about one of the greatest of all composers, by his greatest modern interpreter. Johann Sebastian Bach is one of the most famously unfathomable composers in the history of music. How can such sublime work have been produced by a man who (when we can discern his personality at all) seems so ordinary, so opaque -- and occasionally so intemperate? John Eliot Gardiner grew up passing one of the only two authentic portraits of Bach every morning and evening on the stairs of his parents' house, where it hung for safety during the Second World War. He has been studying and performing Bach ever since, and is now regarded as one of the composer's greatest living interpreters. The fruits of this lifetime's immersion are now distilled in this remarkable book, which explains in wonderful detail how Bach worked, how his music is constructed, how it achieves its effects -- and what it can tell us about Bach the man. It is grounded in all the most recent Bach scholarship but moves far beyond it, and takes us as deeply into Bach's works and mind as perhaps words can. This is a unique book about one of the greatest of all creative artists." -- Publisher

George, R.J., The Badge of Popery: Musical Instruments in the Public Worship. Available (PDF and MP3) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #16.

George, R.J., Instrumental Music a Corruption of New Testament Worship. Available (PDF and MP3) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #16.

Girardeau, John L., Greg Fox, and Dabney, Robert L. (1820-1898), Instrumental Music in the Public Worship of the Church, ISBN: 0979216516 9780979216510. Alternate title: INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC IN THE PUBLIC WORSHIP OF THE CHURCH: THE HISTORY SURROUNDING THE WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY. Available (PDF, MP3 [audio file]) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #3, #19.
Instrumental Music in the Public Worship of the Church: The History Surrounding the Westminster Assembly
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/InstrWCF.htm
Robert L. Dabney's Review of Girardeau's "Instrumental Music in the Public Worship of the Church"
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/7/27/robert-l-dabneys-review-of-girardeaus-instrumental-music-in-the-public-worship-of-the-church

Glasgow, James, Heart and Voice: Instrumental Music in Christian Worship not Divinely Authorized, 1873.

Goodall, Howard, Big Bangs: The Story of Five Discoveries That Changed Musical History, ISBN: 1446484548 9781446484548.
"Who first invented 'Doh Re Mi . . . ?' What do we mean by 'in tune?' This book guides you through the stories of five seismic developments in the history of Western music. It starts with the invention of notation by an 11th Century Italian monk, which removed the creation of music from the hands of the players to the pens of the composers." -- Publisher

Goodall, Howard, The Story of Music: From Babylon to the Beatles: How Music has Shaped Civilization, ISBN: 9781605986708 1605986704.

Grout, Donald Jay, A History of Western Music. revised edition.

*Handel, George Frederick, "The Messiah" (various artists and recordings). This musical composition has probably inspired more individuals to faith in Christ than any other piece of music.

1. The complete oratorio is performed by The London Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir, conducted by John Alldis, 2 CDs.
This is said to be the top-selling recording of The London Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000062T9E/qid=1040845852/sr=2-1/ref=sr_2_1/103-0225174-5677440
2. Handel, George Frederick, Messiah (complete traditional), George Frideric Handel (composer), Christopher Hogwood (conductor), Academy of Ancient Music (orchestra), Emma Kirkby (performer), Carolyn Watkinson (performer), Judith Nelson (performer), Paul Elliott (performer), David Thomas (performer), Oxford Choir of Christ Church Cathedral (performer), 2 CDs.
"This is the 'Messiah' that started it all -- the first period instrument performance recorded with a choir of men and boys. It introduced music lovers the world over to Christopher Hogwood, Emma Kirkby, and a whole host of performers who have since become ubiquitous as the 'English Early Music Mafia,' appearing as they do under zillions of different ensemble names on a variety of labels. Hogwood's performance still holds its own, however, as one of the finest and freshest available. A first-rate effort." -- David Hurwitz
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000004CXU/qid=1040846214/sr=1-11/ref=sr_1_11/103-0225174-5677440?v=glance&s=classical
3. Also recommended is Handel, George Frederick, Messiah (the complete oratorio) with Erickson, McNair, Hodgson, Humphrey, Stilwell, The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and The Atlanta Symphony Chamber Chorus, Robert Shaw conducting, 2 CDs. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000003CT7/qid=1040838855/sr=2-1/ref=sr_2_1/103-0225174-5677440
4. Handel, George Frederick, Messiah With E. Farrell, Lipton, Cunningham, Warfield, The Philadelphia Orchestra, Eugene Ormandy conducting, with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, 2 CDs.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000024OE/qid=1040845852/sr=1-10/ref=sr_1_10/103-0225174-5677440?v=glance&s=classical
See also:

Newton, John (1725-1807), Messiah: Fifty Expository Discourses on the Series of Scriptural Passages Which Form the Subject of the Celebrated Oratorio of Handel: Preached in the Years 1784 and 1785, in the Parish-church of St. Mary, Woolnoth, Lombard-street. Available in WORKS OF JOHN NEWTON.

Smith, Ruth, Charles Jennens [1700-1773]: The man Behind Handel's Messiah, (2012).
Charles Jennens compiled the text for "Messiah" and was also an editor of Shakespeare.

The unabridged lyrics to "Handel's Messiah" at:
The Free Offer of the Gospel Message of Salvation and the Life to Come: The Means of Grace
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1cha.html#tfootgmos

Hay Fleming, David (1849-1931), The Hymnology of the Scottish Reformation: A Detailed Historical Defence of the Exclusive Psalmody of the Scottish Reformers, Calvin and Others, ISBN: 9780941075282 0941075281. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.

Johnson, Robert (pastor of The Reformed Presbyterian Church, Kossuth, Iowa), A Discourse on Instrumental Music in Public Worship, 1871.
Come before his presence with singing. (Psalm 100:2)
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/7/27/robert-johnsons-pamphlet-a-discourse-on-instrumental-music-in-public-worship

Kavanaugh, Patrick, The Spiritual Lives of Great Composers, ISBN: 0310208068 9780310208068.
"With an introduction by Christopher Parkening, this book opens up an area about which most of us know little. A brisk walk through the innermost thoughts of 12 masters of western music (Handel, Bach, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Liszt, Mendelssohn, Wagner, Dvorak, Ives, and Stravinsky)." -- Publisher

Kennedy, John, and The Free Church of Scotland. Presbytery of Dingwall, The Introduction of Instrumental Music Into the Worship of the Free Church Unscriptural, Unconstitutional, and Inexpedient: A Speech Delivered in the Free Presbytery of Dingwall.

Kerr, James (1847-1905), Consensus of Opinions Against Instrumental Music in Worship: Opinions of Justin Martyr.

*Masters, Peter, Worship in the Melting Pot, ISBN: 1870855337 9781870855334.
"New trends in worship have shaken traditional concepts and attitudes, giving rise to much heart-searching and a flurry of books. Is it all just a matter of generation and taste? Are the traditions of today only the innovations of yesterday?
"This lively and clearly reasoned book focuses on four crucial principles of worship laid down by Christ and strongly re-affirmed at the Reformation. These central pillars are rapidly passing out of sight today, yet it is surely by these that all new ideas should be assessed.
"Here also is a fascinating view of how they worshipped in Bible times, including the Old Testament rules for the use of instruments, and New Testament light on all the elements of worship normative for today.
"WORSHIP IN THE MELTING POT has instantly become core reading among British evangelical pastors and lay people. Searching and challenging; dealing with principles not personalities.
"Dr. Peter Masters has been Minister of the world-famous Metropolitan Tabernacle (Spurgeon's) in central London since 1970. He edits the international magazine 'Sword and Trowel' (started by Spurgeon in 1865), and directs the studies of aspiring pastors in the Tabernacle's adjunct seminary." -- Publisher

McDormand, Thomas Bruce, and Fredric S. Crossman, Judson Concordance to Hymns.

McMaster (M'Master), Gilbert (1778-1854), Isaac Watts's Heresies on the Trinity and Person of Jesus Christ Exposed, (1852). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"M'Master writes,

Whatever obscurity, from the ambiguity of his language and other causes, may hang over his views, the following facts admit of no doubt -- that is -- that Dr. W. was an anti-trinitarian, and that the distinct divine Personality of the Son of God, as equal with the Father, had no place in his acknowledged creed. The labours of his life, in which he manifested more than his usual mental vigour, were in direct opposition to the orthodox faith on this whole subject . . . He ventured to tell his Maker that the doctrine of three real persons in the Godhead, is a strange and perplexing notion, which we cannot receive; and which is not even inferable from the whole contents of the Book of God! . . . What upon this fundamental subject were the views of Dr. W.? Certainly not those of Christianity. They might be those of a slightly modified Arianism, but not less gross or erroneous than those of the Alexandrian presbyter. The scheme of both was really a form of the old Oriental Gnosticism. The superangelic spirit of Arius (sic) and Watts was but an aeon of the Gnostics. The scheme of W. may be Gnosticism, but Christianity it is not. We understand his scheme as did Bradbury, Doddridge, Edwards, and, perhaps, as every one understands him who has attentively read his works. Why then be specially reproached for understanding what they understood, and for saying what they said? That these vagaries of the Dr. were neither the fruits of youthful indiscretion, nor of the infirmities of advanced years, he assures us himself. In the preface to his USEFUL QUESTIONS, he certifies his readers that "These papers are the product of that part of his life, when his powers of mind and body were in full vigour." That he abandoned them at a late period of his life, it would be grateful to be assured of, but of the fact no evidence has been given. The well meant attempt of Mr. Toplady to prove it, it is well known, was a failure. And his permission of the continuance of the orthodox phraseology of his poetry will not do it. The Dr's. correspondence with Mr. Martin Tomkins, an anti-trinitarian, will explain why he did not alter, as he wished to do, the sentiments of his religious poetry. The language of poetry is no certain index of the principles of the poet. The modern Transcendentalist is often poetic in his theology, and in an evangelical strain he can take the language of Rutherford, and Owen, and Edwards, and talk of a close walk with God, and of intimate communion with him. The pantheism of transcendentalists allows them thus to speak a very spiritual language: while they may mean no more than their exposure to a July sun or a December frost, to a gentle shower or a storm of hail. The poetry of fancy will not do away the heresy of prose. This brings to mind a remarkable coincidence. Bardesanes of Edessa, of the second century, and Watts of Southampton; of the eighteenth century, were both distinguished for their advocacy of error, and both were poets, and are the only poets, as far as recollected, who attempted an imitation of the book of Psalms, each in a book of 150 hymns. If history is to be credited, the Gnostic, as a poet, was not inferior to him of Southampton.

Nevin, Robert, Instrumental Music in Christian Worship: A Review, Chiefly in the way of Reply to Professor Wallace / by the Rev. Robert Nevin, 1873. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.

*Newton, John (1725-1807), Messiah: Fifty Expository Discourses, on the Series of Scriptural Passages, Which Form the Subject of the Celebrated Oratorio of Handel, 2 volumes.

Owen, James (1654-1706), Church-pageantry Display'd, or, Organ-worship, Arraign'd and Condemn'd, as Inconsistent With the Revelation and Worship of the Gospel, the sentiments of the ancient fathers, the Church of England, and several eminent divines, both Protestants and Papists. By Eugenius Junior -- in answer to a letter about organs.

Pelikan, Jaroslav, Bach Among the Theologians, ISBN: 9781597522779 1597522775.
"Pelikan is a truly amazing and articulate thinker. He seems to intuitively know what is important -- whether providing a theological overview of Christian history or, as here, focusing in on a single subject. What I found especially refreshing in BACH AMONG THE THEOLOGIANS is Pelikan's appreciation of Bach as a highly creative man who was truly a man of his own time. He puts to rest (for me anyway) the somewhat artificial argument about the sacred and secular strains in Bach's work. This 'tension' ultimately does not seem to have been as big a deal for Bach as it has become for modern historians, musicians, theologians, etc. Perhaps, because Bach's sense of the sacred was much more encompassing than we highly compartmentalized moderns ever allow it to be. In any case, the fact that so many highly divergent groups want to claim Bach as their own is probably sufficient proof of Bach's transcendent greatness." -- Reader's Comment

*Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, The Book of Psalms for Singing, ISBN: 1884527108 9781884527104.
Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, The Book of Psalms for Singing: Tune Library, a CD-ROM or [audio file].
See also: McBurney, Charles, Improving Our Praise: Four Studies in Congregational Singing Using the Book of Psalms for Singing, a video [DVD].

Ritchie, William, William Porteous, Robert Smith Candlish, and John Robertson, The Organ Question; Statements by Dr. Ritchie and Dr. Porteous, for and Against the use of the Organ in Public Worship, in the Proceedings of the Presbytery of Glasgow, 1807-8, with an Introductory notice by Robert S. Candlish . . . to which is annexed a Memorial to the Presbytery of Toronto, in connection with the Church of Scotland, on the same subject.
Robertson, The Organ Question
http://www.covenanter.org/Worship/instruments/organ.htm

Schaeffer, Edith (1914-2013), Forever Music, ISBN: 0840754922 9780840754929.
A beautiful and unique tribute to music that stands apart by itself. It seems significant both to musicians and to those who count music appreciation as an important part of their lives.

Smith, Jane S., and Betty Carlson, The Gift of Music: Great Composers and Their Influence, revised edition, ISBN: 089107869X 9780891078692.
"The purpose of this book is to encourage listening to the finest music with understanding and pleasure, and to stretch one's ear and imagination. It sets forth the lives of about three dozen of the greatest composers, many of whom enriched the Christian church with artistic compositions." -- GCB
Includes bibliography and index.

White, John (1575-1648), David's Psalms in Metre. Agreeable to the Hebrew, to be Sung in Usuall Tunes, to the Benefit of the Churches of Christ.

Williamson, G.I., Instrumental Music in the Worship of God: Commanded or not Commanded?
"There is no doubt that this is the best short written treatment of this subject. Great principles are involved here, including the standard of sola Scriptura and protecting the work of Christ. Many of the Reformers recognized the introduction of musical instruments, the organ in particular, as the badge of Popery. There are abundant Biblical reasons for this and it certainly was not just some knee-jerk reaction to Romanism, as Williamson carefully demonstrates. In fact, the historic practice and testimony of the church is fascinating, as Girardeau in his classic, Instrumental Music in the Public Worship of God, notes, 'Let us pause a moment to notice the fact, supported by a mass of incontrovertible evidence, that the Christian church did not employ instrumental music in its public worship for 1200 years after Christ. . . . It deserves serious consideration, moreover, that notwithstanding the ever-accelerated drift towards corruption in worship as well as in doctrine and government, the Roman Catholic Church did not adopt this corrupt practice until about the middle of the thirteenth century. . . . When the organ was introduced into its worship it encountered strong opposition, and made its way but slowly to general acceptance. These assuredly are facts that should profoundly impress Protestant churches. How can they adopt a practice which the Roman Church, in the year 1200, had not admitted. . . . Then came the Reformation; and the question arises, How did the Reformers deal with instrumental music in the church? . . . . Zwingle has already been quoted to show instrumental music was one of the shadows of the old law which has been realized in the gospel. He pronounces its employment in the present dispensation 'wicked pervicacity [great obstinacy or willfulness -- compiler].' There is no doubt in regard to his views on the subject, which were adopted by the Swiss Reformed churches. . . . Calvin is very express in his condemnation of instrumental music in connection with the public worship of the Christian church. . . . In his homily on 1 Sam. xviii. 1-9 [1 Samuel 18:1-9], he delivers himself emphatically and solemnly upon the subject: 'In Popery there was a ridiculous and unsuitable imitation [of the Jews]. While they adorned their temples, and valued themselves as having made the worship of God more splendid and inviting, they employed organs, and many other such ludicrous things, by which the Word and worship of God are exceedingly profaned, the people being much more attached to those rites than to the understanding of the divine Word . . .' Whatever may be the practice in recent times of the churches of Holland, the Synods of the Reformed Dutch Church, soon after the Reformation, pronounced very decidedly against the use of instrumental music in public worship. The National Synod at Middleburg, in 1581, declared against it, and the Synod of Holland and Zealand, in 1594, adopted this strong resolution; 'That they would endeavor to obtain of the magistrate the laying aside of organs, and the singing with them in the churches . . .' The Provincial Synod of Dort [Dordt], also inveighed severely against their use. . . . The Rev. Charles H. Spurgeon . . . upholds an apostolic simplicity of worship. The great congregation which is blessed with the privilege of listening to his instructions has no organ 'to assist' them in singing. . . . The non-prelatic churches, Independent and Presbyterian, began their development on the American continent without instrumental music. They followed the English Puritans and the Scottish Church, which had adopted the principles of the Calvinistic Reformed Church . . . It has thus been proved by an appeal to historical facts, that the church, although lapsing more and more into defection from the truth and into a corruption of apostolic practice, had no instrumental music for twelve hundred years; and that the Calvinistic Reformed Church ejected it from its services as a element of Popery, even the Church of England having come very nigh to its extrusion from her worship. The historical argument, therefore, combines with the scriptural and the confessional to raise a solemn and powerful protest against its employment by the Presbyterian Church. IT IS HERESY IN THE SPHERE OF WORSHIP!' If you are still unconvinced of the importance of this subject, give this short booklet (16 pages), a quick look -- you may be surprised at what you find. Related item: Greg Price's two sermons on this topic Instrumental Music in the OT and NT (on one video or on two audio cassettes [audio file]), present these arguments in a more detailed fashion. One of these sermons ran directly into a communion service without missing a beat -- being applied directly to the Lord's supper, assurance of salvation and justification by faith alone. That should give you an indication of some of the important implications found here." -- Publisher

Wolff, Christoph, Johann Sebastian Bach: The Learned Musician, ISBN: 039304825X 9780393048254 0393047202 9780393047202 0393322564 9780393322569.
"Finalist for the 2001 Pulitzer Prize in Biography. A landmark biography of Bach on the 250th anniversary of the composer's death, written by the leading Bach scholar of our age.
"Although we have heard the music of J.S. Bach in countless performances and recordings, the composer himself still comes across only as an enigmatic figure in a single familiar portrait. As we mark the 250th anniversary of Bach's death, author Christoph Wolff presents a new picture that brings to life this towering figure of the Baroque era. This engaging new biography portrays Bach as the living, breathing, and sometimes imperfect human being that he was, while bringing to bear all the advances of the last half-century of Bach scholarship. Wolff demonstrates the intimate connection between the composer's life and his music, showing how Bach's superb inventiveness pervaded his career as musician, composer, performer, scholar, and teacher. And throughout, we see Bach in the broader context of his time: its institutions, traditions, and influences. With this highly readable book, Wolff sets a new standard for Bach biography. 'A monumental work that must find its way into the library of every musician and every dedicated lover of music.' -- Isaac Stern
"Christoph Wolff, a Pulitzer Prize finalist, is the Adams University Professor at Harvard University and one of the world's foremost experts on Bach and Mozart. He lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts." - Publisher

See also: Psalms: chants, responsorials, and scripture choruses, The psalms in worship, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 2467, 2469, 2472

Related Weblinks

Are Different Styles of Music Acceptable in Church? a video.
"A sensitive question because people are socialized by the music they hear.
"What idea is the music conveying?
"There are things that lead people away from worshipping God.
"Some essentials must be there -- doctrine must be in place, but the type of music is just form." -- Publisher
"Music is a very powerful instrument.
"Music is the language of the soul. It brings the emotions into reality.
"Music is very seductive, very seductive. It can make itself into both the means and end.
"Music will keep changing.
"There are errors in form and substance. The substance must always be pointing to the truth.
"Music is a carrier of memories. Memories are preserved in music.
"Music should be a connector of memories, and its substance should be truth. That is what I would encourage you to do." -- Ravi Zacharias
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsB1Rlg890M

Arguments in Favor of Instrumental Music Considered
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/7/27/vi-arguments-in-favor-of-instrumental-music-considered

The Case Against the Choir, an article from the Free Presbyterian Magazine, 1896
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/19/an-article-from-the-free-presbyterian-magazine-1896-the-case-against-the-choir

The Mountain Retreat's Christian Midi Music Page
http://www.mountainretreatorg.net/midi.html

NetHymnal
Here is musical accompaniment from your computer for personal or family devotions in the home. Tunes may be identified here that can be used with THE SCOTTISH METRIC PSALTER.
"This site has over 4,800 Christian hymns and Gospel songs from many denominations. You'll find lyrics, scores, MIDI files, pictures, history, and more. To use the site effectively, you'll need speakers, a sound card, and a browser that supports JavaScript and XHTML, and can play MIDI files.
"This worship and teaching resource is provided as a public service."
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/

Online Hymnal
http://www.sermonaudio.com/hymnlist.asp

WAFG 90.3 FM, Coral Ridge Ministries
http://www.wafg.com/wafg.ram

Praise

---

Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.
For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.
The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.
The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance. (Psalm 33:8-12)

This Psalm [Psalm 145] is with much propriety entitled "Praise of David;" for it is throughout a continued celebration of the perfections and doings of God. It is certainly one of the most interesting and beautiful of the compositions of the sweet singer of Israel; and so high an opinion did the ancient Hebrews form of it that they were wont to say -- "Whoever utters this Psalm thrice each day with the heart and tongue is a happy man, and shall infallibly enjoy the blessings of the world to come." -- Calvin's Commentary, footnote 1 to Psalm 145:1
They cannot be employed better than in celebrating his mercies. What is added -- they shall speak the glory of thy kingdom -- I consider to have reference only to believers. If any incline to think that these words rather apply to God's creatures universally, I would not object to that view. -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 145:10
But in nothing is wisdom shown more than in holding fast the truth, that God is just in all his ways, so as to retain in our hearts an unabated sense of it amidst all troubles and confusions. -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 145:17

The Treasury of David, Psalm 147, C.H. Spurgeon
Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite. (Psalm 147:5)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps147.php

See the Theological Notes: "God the Creator," at Psalm 148:5 in The Reformation Study Bible.
Let them priase the name of the Lord: for he commanded and they were created. (Psalm 148:5)

Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints. (Psalm 149:1)

Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof. (Isaiah 42:10)

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say rejoice. (Philippians 4:4)

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. (Jude 24,25)

Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 7:12).

Great and marvellous are thy works,
Lord God Almighty;
just and true are thy ways,
thou King of saints.
Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name?
for though only art holy:
for all the nations shall come and worship before thee;
for thy judgments are made manifest. (Revelation 15:3b,4)

There is no sacrifice in which he takes greater delight than the expression of our gratitude. Thus, (Psalm 50:14), Sacrifice unto the Lord thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High; and, (Psalm 116:12,13), What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 135:1 and context

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)

See the Theological Notes: "The Greatness of God," at 1 Chronicles 29:11 in The Reformation Study Bible.

Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all. (1 Chronicles 29:11)
He is the fountain and centre of every thing that is bright and blessed. All that we can, in our most exalted praises, attribute to him he has an unquestionable title to. His is the greatness; his greatness is immense and incomprehensible; and all others are little, are nothing, in comparison of him. His is the power, and it is almighty and irresistible; power belongs to him, and all the power of all the creatures is derived from him and depends upon him. His is the glory; for his glory is his own end and the end of the whole creation. All the glory we can give him with our hearts, lips, and lives, comes infinitely short of what is his due. His is the victory; he transcends and surpasses all, and is able to conquer and subdue all things to himself; and his victories are incontestable and uncontrollable. And his is the majesty, real and personal; with him is terrible majesty, inexpressible and inconceivable. . . . His sovereign dominion, as rightful owner and possessor of all: "All that is in the heaven, and in the earth, is thine, and at thy disposal, by the indisputable right of creation, and as supreme ruler and commander of all: thine is the kingdom, and all kings are thy subjects; for thou art head, and art to be exalted and worshipped as head above all." -- Matthew Henry (1662-1714), An Exposition of the Old and New Testaments

See the Theological Notes: "God the Creator," at Psalm 148:5 in The Reformation Study Bible.
Let them priase the name of the Lord: for he commanded and they were created. (Psalm 148:5)

See the Theological Notes: "Pleasing God," at 1 Thessalonians 2:6 in The Reformation Study Bible.

For the Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King; He will save us. (Isaiah 33:22)
Isaiah's Prophesy after the Angel of the Lord smote Sennacherib's army for good King Hezekiah.

See the Theological Notes: "Prayer," at Luke 11:2 in The Reformation Study Bible.

But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. (Psalm 22:3)

The Treasury of David, Psalm 8, C.H. Spurgeon
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps008.php

The Treasury of David, Psalm 24, C.H. Spurgeon
Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts: he is the King of glory. (Psalm 24:7-10)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps024.php

The Treasury of David, Psalm 29, C.H. Spurgeon
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps029.php

The Treasury of David, Psalm 33, C.H. Spurgeon
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps033.php

The Treasury of David, Psalm 47, C.H. Spurgeon
For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding. God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness. The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham: for the shields of the earth belong unto God: he is greatly exalted. (Psalm 47:7-9)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps047.php

The Treasury of David, Psalm 48, C.H. Spurgeon
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps048.php

Let the heaven and earth praise him, the seas, and every thing that moveth therein. (Psalm 69:34)

The Treasury of David, Psalm 98, C.H. Spurgeon
For he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity. (Psalm 98:9b)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps098.php

The Treasury of David, Psalm 103, C.H. Spurgeon
But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. (Psalm 103:17,18)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps103.php

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. (Psalm 111:10)

The Treasury of David, Psalm 113, C.H. Spurgeon
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps113.php

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)

The Treasury of David, Psalm 100, C.H. Spurgeon
For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. (Psalm 100:5) (Psalm 100:1-5)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps100.php

The Treasury of David, Psalm 117, C.H. Spurgeon
O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.
For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. Paise ye the Lord. (Psalm 117:1,2)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps117.php

The Treasury of David, Psalm 136, C.H. Spurgeon
O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. (Psalm 136:1)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps136.php

The Treasury of David, Psalm 150, C.H. Spurgeon
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps150.

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20,21)

Praising God is one of the highest and purest acts of religion. In prayer we act like men; in praise we act like angels. -- Thomas Watson (1620-1686)

Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
"God's eye is chiefly on the soul. Bring a hundred dishes to the table; He will carve of none but this. This is the savory meat He loves. He who is best desires to be served with the best. When we give God the soul in a duty, then we give Him the flower and the cream; by a holy chemistry we distill our spirits for Him. A soul inflamed in service is the cup of spiced wine of the juice of the pomegranate (Song of Solomon 8:2), which the spouse makes Christ to drink of." -- Thomas Manton
"There is nothing that more exalts the glory of Divine grace and of redeeming love toward a soul than the consideration of God's holiness. For if your Maker were not of purer eyes than man is, yea, if His hatred to sin, and love to righteousness, were not greater than that of the noblest angel, His pardoning of sin, and patience toward transgressors, would not be such a wonderful condescension. But is His name infinitely holy so that the heavens are not clean in His sight? Is the smallest iniquity the abhorrence of His soul, and what He hates with a perfect hatred? Surely, then, His grace and love must be incomparably greater than our thoughts." -- William Dunlop
"The well is seldom so full that water will at first pumping flow forth. Neither is the heart commonly so spiritual, after our best care in our worldly converse (much less when we somewhat overdo therein), as to pour itself into God's bosom freely, without something to raise and elevate it. Yea, often, the springs of grace lie so low that pumping will not fetch the heart up to a praying frame, but arguments must be poured into the soul before the affections rise. For this reason we find holy men using soliloquies and discourses with their hearts to bring them into a gracious temper, suitable for communion with God in ordinances. It seems by these verses that David either found or feared his heart would not be in so good a frame as he desired. So he redoubles his charge: he found his heart somewhat drowsy, which made him arouse himself in this way." -- William Gurnall (1617-1679), (The above three comments on Psalm 103:1 are from Devotional Classics of C.H. Spurgeon, p. 353)

Following are some Scripture verses of praise that may be used in personal devotions and prayer: Psalm 19:14; Psalm 29:1; Psalm 22:3; Isaiah 6:3; Psalm 118:24; Psalm 57:8,9; Psalm 59:16,17; Revelation 4:11; Colossians 1:16-19; 1 Chronicles 29:11; Matthew 6:13; 2 Chronicles 20:21; Psalm 136; Psalm 52:9; Luke 1:68,69; Exodus 15:1-19; Revelation 15:3; Colossians 1:12-14; 1 Peter 1:3,4,5a; Isaiah 61:10a; Jude 24,25; Luke 1:49; Psalm 70:4; Psalm 5:11,12; Philippians 4:4; Psalm 69:30; Psalm 57:7; Isaiah 25:1; Ephesians 1:3; Isaiah 40:5; Revelation 4:8b; Revelation 4:11; Revelation 5:12; Deuteronomy 10:17; Deuteronomy 32:3,4; Psalm 144:1; 2 Corinthians 12:9; 2 Corinthians 1:3,4; Exodus 15:2; Nehemiah 8:10; Psalm 42:5; Psalm 84:2; 1 Kings 8:23; Psalm 42:11; Psalm 71:7,8; Revelation 5:12; Psalm 61:8; Psalm 50:23; Romans 5:1,2; Numbers 14:21; Psalm 86:5; Psalm 96:10-12; Psalm 143:5; Psalm 90; Psalm 86:8; Psalm 89:15,16; 1 Timothy 1:17; Colossians 3:1-3; Psalm 69:34; Psalm 66:4; Psalm 145; 3-7; Psalm 145:10-13; Psalm 145:21; Psalm 103:20-22; and Psalm 100.

And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 1:5-6)

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise him, all creatures here below;
Praise him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. -- The Doxology

Blaike, Alexander, A Catechism on Praise, 1854, ISBN: 0952679922 9780952679929. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.
Alexander Blaikie's Catechism on Praise
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/7/27/alexander-blaikies-catechism-on-praise

*Church of Scotland, General Assembly, The Scottish Prose Psalter Being the Authorized Version of the Psalms With Selected Passages of Scripture, and Ancient Hymns, Pointed for Chanting, With Accompanying Chants. For use in Churches, by Authority of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, 2nd edition (London: T. Nelson and Sons, Paternoster Row, Edinburgh and New York, 1906). A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language.
"Since Christ is the Second Person of the Trinity, the hymns and laments of the psalms are directed to Him as to the Father and the Spirit. Jesus is both a singer of the psalms (Heb. 2:12 [Hebrews 2:12], Psalm 22:22), and the focus of their interest. We can sing to Him our praise, tell Him our complaints and petitions, and thank Him for His goodness. We extol Him as our King, rest our confidence in Him, and look to Him as the embodiment of God's wisdom." -- "The Book of Psalms," The Reformation Study Bible, pp. 754,755
Have you ever planned to sing through The Book of Psalms with your spouse or with your family? Here is your psalter: THE SCOTTISH PROSE PSALTER.
The writer knows of no psalter truer to the literal translation of the Word of God, short of pointing The Book of Psalms from YOUNG'S LITERAL TRANSLATION OF THE HOLY BIBLE, which preserves the Hebrew and Greek grammatical structure, or short of taking 15 years out of one's life to learn the original Hebrew and Greek, which, of course, is not necessary.
This is a split-page psalter. The top set of pages are the music, the bottom set of pages are the Psalms. This format allows the worshiper to match any melody with any particular Psalm.
The preface contains instruction on how to chant. Select chants are recommended for each Psalm.
"Chanting is the singing of a prose text to a simple, repeated melody. Good chanting is essentially good reading aloud; it uses the rhythms and stresses of natural speech.
"The ancient Hebrews never used metrical 'tunes' in the modern sense. In the synagogue, the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings (including the Psalms), were read in a sing-song recitation which was half speech, half song. Originally chanting involved only a single line (that is, no part-singing), and only two or three pitches. The early Christian church retained this practice, adapting it to the recitation of the Psalms in Latin translation. Our present system of chanting in four parts is called Anglican Chant, and dates from sixteenth-century England.
"Chanting has several advantages over metrical Psalmody, stemming from the fact that in chanting, the music completely serves the text. The music is not difficult or interesting in itself, but has character and meaning only in conjunction with words. The meaning of the text is thus more immediate, and the parallel structure of the Hebrew poetry is more apparent. The difficulties of translating ancient non-metrical poems into sensible English rhyme are rendered unnecessary. Chanting encourages the use of entire Psalms rather than selections." -- "An Introduction to Chanting," The Book of Psalms for Singing, Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, 1995, p. 440
A prose psalter was nothing new for The Church of Scotland. They published THE PSALMS OF DAVID IN PROSE AND METRE: WITH THE WHOLE FORME OF DISCIPLINE, AND PRAYERS, ACCORDING TO THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND; THE PSALMS IN PROSE BEING OF THE LAST TRANSLATION; TRANSLATED BY THE SPECIALL COMMANDMENT OF KING JAMES THE SIXT, 1610 (Aberdene: Printed by Edward Raban for David Melvill, 1633).
The Bible Psalter, ISBN: 1557480265 9781557480262.

*Davies, Samuel (1723-1761), The Divine Government the Joy of the World. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Expands upon the reign and rule of King Jesus and the great blessings that this entails." -- Publisher
The Divine Government the Joy of the World, Samuel Davies
http://books.google.com/books?id=q2msGwAACAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html

Flavel, John (1628-1691), Christ Altogether Lovely, ISBN: 0585074674 9780585074672. Available (FLAVEL'S WORKS), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Christ Altogether Lovely, by John Flavel
http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/ipb-e/epl-10/web/flavel-christ-lovely.html

Heardy, Daniel W., and David F. Ford, Praising and Knowing God, ISBN: 0664246249 9780664246242.
Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

Kendrick, Graham, Learning to Worship as a Way of Life, ISBN: 0871238632 9780871238634.

Kendrick, Graham, Public Praise: Celebrating Jesus on the Streets of the World, ISBN: 0884193144 9780884193142.

Lochman, Jan Milic, The Theology of Praise, ISBN: 0804207305 9780804207300.

Mack, Wayne A., To God be the Glory: A Study in the Biblical Doctrine of Particular Redemption, 18 pages.
"An essay on the doctrine of particular redemption: Christ died to save His people, not simply to make salvation possible. Scripture mandates the understanding that God's love is particular and personal. This truth magnifies God in His wisdom, power, justice, and love. This truth magnifies the person and work of Jesus Christ. This truth is a strong motivating force unto praise, humility, obedience and boldness." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

McBurney, Charles, Improving Our Praise: Four Studies in Congregational Singing Using the Book of Psalms for Singing DVD.
A video seminar with Charles McBurney.

Murphy, Elspeth Campbell, God, You Fill us up With Joy: Psalm 100 for Children, ISBN: 1555130372 9781555130374.

Myers, Warren, Praise: A Door to God's Presence, ISBN: 0891091440 9780891091448.

Powell, Paul W., A Faith That Sings: Discovering Heavenly Living on Earth From the Psalms, ISBN: 080545067X 9780805450675.

Prime, Derek, Created to Praise, ISBN: 0877848254 9780877848257.
"A comprehensive book giving us the Bible's picture of Christian happiness in praising God in prayer, song, trials, difficulties, and for eternity." -- GCB

Protheroe, Rowland E., The Psalms in Human Life. A Christian classic.
Includes bibliography and index.

Reformed Presbyterian Magazine, Article on the Ancient Usage in Praising God.
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/17/article-from-the-reformed-presbyterian-magazine-on-the-ancient-usage-in-praising-god

Steele, David (1803-1887), Continuous Singing in the Ordinary Public Worship of God: Considered in the Light of Scripture and the Subordinate Standards of the Reformed Presbyterian Church; In Answer to Some Letters of Inquiry Addressed to the Writer. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.
Continuous Singing, David Steele
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/17/david-steeles-circular-on-continuous-singing

Stevenson, Thomas Patton, The Sacrifice of Praise: A Discourse on the Relations of Song to Divine Worship, 1864.

Swinnock, George (1627-1673), A Treatise of the Incomparableness of God in his Being, Attributes, Works and Word Opened and Applyed / by Geo. Swinnock . . . 1672. Available [THE WORKS OF GEORGE SWINNOCK], on the Puritan Hard Drive.

Westermann, Claus, Keith R. Crim (translator), and Richard N. Soulen (translator), Praise and Lament in the Psalms, ISBN: 0804217912 9780804217910.
Includes bibliography and index.

See also: The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Music in the worship of god, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, The Psalms in worship, Music, The regulative principle of worship, public worship, Family worship, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 1451-1454, 3110

Related Weblinks

Christian Music Websites
"The Christian Music Websites directory covers sites that offer praise and worship music (contemporary, traditional, country, kids, etc.), for Christians in download, pod cast, CD, DVD or streaming formats. For other Christian and ministry resources, visit our Christian Resources Directory."
http://www.web-church.com/directory/resources/christian_music_websites.html

The Mountain Retreat's Christian Midi Music Page
http://www.mountainretreatorg.net/midi.html

Nave's Topical Bible -- Praise
http://www.biblestudytools.com/Concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T3961

The Psalms Place (text and midis [audio file])
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Pond/9117/

Select Hymns of Horatius Bonar (1808-1889)
http://www.markers.com/ink/hbhymns.htm

*Union With Christ (FGB #214)
Surpassingly Wonderful Union, A.W. Pink (1886-1952) | The Nature of Union With Christ, John Murray (1898-1975) | An Eternal Union of Love, John Gill (1697-1771) | In Christ Jesus, D.M. Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) | Faith Unites us to Christ, William Cunningham (1805-1861) | Justified in Christ, Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) | Sanctified in Christ, A.W. Pink (1886-1952) | The Foundation of all Happiness, Thomas Boston (1676-1732) | Baptized Into Jesus Christ, C.H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/uwchfg/union-with-christ

WAFG 90.3 FM, Coral Ridge Ministries
http://www.wafg.com/wafg.ram

Worship (FGB #177)
The Worship of God's Pilgrims, Mauro, Philip | What is Worship? | God Seeking Worshipers, Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889) | Do you Worship God? Swinnock, George (c. 1627-1673) | True Worship | True Spiritual Worship, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | A Fragment on Worship | Conscience Pacified Forever, Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889) | Family Worship, D'Aubigne, J.H. Merle (1794-1872)
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/worsfg/worship

Bible Reading and Devotional Guides

---

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)

If you would prevent infection in these evil days, begin every day with God: season your hearts every morning by communion with the Lord. This was David's practice, Psalm 139:18. When I awake, I am still with thee. It was blessed counsel which a worthy person gives in this case; "Before earthly things (saith he) break in upon us, and we receive impressions from abroad, it is good to season the heart with thoughts of God, and to consecrate the early and virgin operations of the mind, before they are prostituted to baser objects. When the world gets the start of religion in the morning, it can hardly overtake it all the day; and so the heart is habituated to vanity all the day long: but when we begin with God, we take him along with us to all the businesses and comforts of the day; which being seasoned with his love and fear, are the more sweet and savoury to us." -- John Flavel (1627-1691)

Heart-work is hard work indeed. To shuffle over religious duties with a loose and careless spirit, will cost no great difficulties; but to set yourself before the Lord, and to tie up your loose and vain thoughts to a constant and serious attendance upon him: this will cost you something. To attain ease and dexterity of language in prayer and to be able to put your meaning into appropriate and fitting expressions is easy; but to get your heart broken for sin while you are actually confessing it; melted with free grace even while you are blessing God for it; to be really ashamed and humbled through the awareness of God's infinite holiness, and to keep your heart in this state not only in, but after these duties, will surely cost you some groans and travailing pain of soul." -- John Flavel (1627-1691)

See the Theological Notes: "Illumination and Conviction," at 1 Corinthians 2:10 in The Reformation Study Bible.
But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. (1 Corinthians 2:10,11)

First, then, we ought to believe that Christ cannot be properly known in any other way than from the Scriptures; and if it be so, it follows that we ought to read the Scriptures with the express design of finding Christ in them. Whoever shall turn aside from this object, though he may weary himself throughout his whole life in learning, will never attain the knowledge of the truth; for what wisdom can we have without the wisdom of God? -- John Calvin, commenting on John 5:39

And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. (Deuteronomy 8:3)

The Treasury of David, Psalm 23, C.H. Spurgeon
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. . . . He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. . . . I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. . . . Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps023.php

We can begin each day with the deeply encouraging realization, I'm accepted by God, not on the basis of my personal performance, but on the basis of the infinitely perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ. -- John Owen (1616-1683)

I take a walk every day, by faith and meditation, to mount Calvary; there is nothing like it. -- Matthew Henry (1662-1714)

Look at the cross, think of the cross, meditate on the cross, and then go and set your affections on the world if you can. I believe that holiness is nowhere learned so well as on Calvary. I believe you cannot look much at the cross without feeling your will sanctified, and your tastes made more spiritual.
As the sun gazed upon makes everything else look dark and dim, so does the cross darken the false splendor of this world. As the taste of honey makes all other things seem to have no taste at all, so does the cross seen by faith take all the sweetness out of the pleasures of the world. Keep on, everyday, looking firmly at the cross of Christ. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

The third perspective is that "the Bible can only be correctly interpreted by people who have years of intense training in theology." This argument, which goes back to the Protestant Reformation of several hundred years ago, was rejected by 76 percent of adults [19 percent agreed]. The segments most likely to agree with this idea were African-Americans and Hispanics (24 percent of each group), and Catholics (22 percent). Even among those segments, however, less than one-quarter believes that accurate comprehension of the Bible is beyond the capacity of the average person. -- George Barna in Americans Draw Theological Beliefs From Diverse Points of View, October 8, 2002

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17)

God is able to interpret His own Word unto thee. Indeed none can enter into the knowledge thereof but he must be beholden unto His Spirit to unlock the door. . . . -- William Gurnall (1617-1679)

The whole of the prophecies of Isaiah are precious, and should be read by us constantly in private. -- C.H. Spurgeon, Spurgeon's Devotional Bible

I still say that 100 pages of the great Christian classics will serve better to firm up our thinking and acting than 1000 of these books being written today for that avowed purpose. -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)

Latest is not greatest and newest is not truest.

Adams, James E., War Psalms. Alternate title: Alternate title: WAR PSALMS OF THE PRINCE OF PEACE: LESSONS FROM THE IMPRECATORY PSALMS. ISBN: 0875520936 9780875520933.
Foreword by Jay Edward Adams (of Westminster Theological Seminary), not to be confused with the author, James E. Adams.
"As to the number of imprecatory Psalms, there are differing opinions. Some scholars see as few as three, others as many as twenty. The reason for this difference is that there are a number of Psalms that contain elements of malediction. It seems to this writer that there are at least ten such Psalms: 7, 35, 55, 58, 69, 79, 83, 109, 137, and 139." -- W. Gary Crampton in What About the Imprecatory Psalms?
Other Psalms that might be considered imprecatory: 3 [Psalm 3], 6, 17, 28, 56, 64, 73, 83, 86, 90, 94, 102, 105, 140, and 142.
A personal listing of Psalms that have imprecatory content or undertones: Psalm 3, 5, 6, 7, 17, 27, 28, 35, 37, 52, 54, 55, 56, 58, 59, 62, 63, 64, 69, 70, 73, 78, 79, 83, 86, 90, 91, 94, 102, 105, 109, 137, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, and 144.

Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), What to do on Thursday: A Layman's Guide to the Practical use of the Scriptures, 135 pages, ISBN: 087552074X 9780875520742.
"Making the Bible practical is the author's gift. Sunday is not the Christians only day. This book is designed to bridge the gap in personal application of scriptural principles learned. This method of using the Scriptures will excite you all over again.
"This book contains a 'method that, if faithfully followed, will make your Bible a practical Book that you can use, not only on Sunday but on Thursday, and every other day in the week, to solve the problems that you encounter in daily living.' The Bible was written to be used in daily life, but few Christians have ever been taught how to use it. How do you locate (Bible information, pp. 19-49), understand (Bible interpretation, pp. 53-98), and apply (Bible implementation, pp. 101-134), relevant Scripture? Bible information includes a basic orientation to Scripture. Bible interpretation teaches principles of accurate interpretation, how to use Bible study tools, and how to pursue the intent (telos) of a passage. Bible implementation teaches you how to adapt truth to varying life situations. 'Christians must become actors, not reactors. They must learn to choose and develop goals, structure their lives and become actors who consciously do whatever they do in order to attain biblical goals'." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

Baker, Richard (1615-1691), Meditations and Disquisitions Upon the First Psalm, the Penitential Psalms, and Seven Consolatory Psalms.
"This great Puritan work appearing in 1639-1640 is a newer edition printed by Mrs. Spurgeon in 1882 and given as a conference gift." -- Lloyd T. Sprinkle

Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), Devotions and Prayers.

*Bennett, Arthur (editor), The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions, ISBN: 0851518214 9780851518213.
"The prayers are taken from the works of Thomas Shepard, Thomas Watson, Richard Baxter, John Bunyan, Isaac Watts, William Williams, Philip Doddridge, William Romaine, David Brainerd, Augustus Toplady, Christmas Evans, William Jay, Henry Law, and Charles Haddon Spurgeon" -- Arthur Bennett
"Contains a wealth of insight into the practical application of Puritan theology to the Christian life. Challenging." -- Cyril J. Barber

*Bernard of Clairvaux, and J.M. Houston (editor, abridger), The Love of God and Spiritual Friendship, ISBN: 0880700173 9780880700177. A Christian classic.
"Houston provides his readers with a careful introduction to the times of Bernard and his importance in the history of the Christian church. He then furnishes a carefully edited version of this greatest devotional treatise on the love of God . . ." -- Cyril J. Barber
Bernard, of Clairvaux (Saint, 1090(1)-1153), Saint Bernard on the Love of God (1884)
http://archive.org/details/saintbernardlove00bernuoft
On Loving God, Saint Bernard of Clairvaux
http://www.ccel.org/bernard/loving_God/loving_God.html

*Bernard de Clairvaux, On Loving God: Selections From Sermons by St. Bernard of Clairvaux, ISBN: 0313207879 9780313207877.
On Loving God, Saint Bernard of Clairvaux
http://www.ccel.org/bernard/loving_God/loving_God.html

Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Living in Christ: Studies on Knowing Christ, Growing in Christ, Obeying Christ, Sharing Christ.
A special study guide to the Gospel of John. It is given to new believers who want to know more about the Christian life, and how to walk daily with Christ.

*Bonar, Andrew (1810-1892), Heavenly Springs: Portions for the Sabbaths of a Year, ISBN: 0851514790 9780851514796.
"This is a collection of Bonar's writing by his daughter, Marjory Bonar, together with extracts from his personal diary. The arrangement is in the form of meditations for each Sunday of the year . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)

*Burroughs, Jeremiah (1599-1646), Gospel Fear, ISBN: 187761131X 9781877611315.
"In these sermons on Isaiah 66:2 Burroughs addresses the importance of having a reverence for God's Word." -- GCB This printing has been re-typeset and re-edited from the 1st Soli Deo Gloria reprint in 1991.

*Calvin, John (1509-1564), Calvin's Commentaries, 22 volumes. A Christian classic.
"I know of no man since the Apostles' days whom I value and honor more than Calvin, and whose judgment in all things, one with another, I more esteem and come nearer to." -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)
"Of all commentators I believe Calvin to be the most candid. . . . He was no trimmer and pruner of texts. He gave their meaning as far as he knew it." -- C.H. Spurgeon
"A large volume could not contain all that has been written in praise of Calvin's commentaries, by men of all theological persuasions. Anyone who neglects consulting Calvin is going to be the poorer for their neglect." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
It is recommended that CALVIN'S COMMENTARIES be used for daily devotions.
Calvin's Commentaries at BibleStudyGuide.org
http://www.biblestudyguide.org/comment/calvin/comm_index.htm
Calvin's Commentaries, complete
From the Calvin Translation Society edition.
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/commentaries.i.html
Monergism: Commentaries
From Mongergism.com search "commentaries."
http://www.monergism.com

Calvin, Jean (John, 1509-1564), Heart Aflame: Daily Readings From Calvin on the Psalms, ISBN: 0875524583 9780875524580.
Excerpts from Calvin's commentary on Psalms.
"The book is broken into a year's worth of brief daily readings." -- Publisher

*Calvin, John (1509-1564), The Institutes of the Christian Religion, 2 volumes, ISBN: 0664220207 9780664220204. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. A Christian classic.
"Edited by John McNeill and translated by Ford Lewis Battles, this is the definitive English language edition of one of the monumental works of the Christian church -- Calvin's INSTITUTES.
"Still considered by many to be the finest explanation and defense of the Protestant Reformation available.
"The work is divided into four books: I. The Knowledge of God the Creator, II. The Knowledge of God the Redeemer in Christ, III. The Mode of Obtaining the Grace of Christ, IV. The External Means or Helps by Which God Allures us Into Fellowship With Christ and Keeps us in it. . . . THE INSTITUTES is praised by the secular philosopher, Will Durant, as one of the ten books that shook the world." -- GCB
Calvin spent a lifetime writing and perfecting INSTITUTES OF CHRISTIAN RELIGION. His Prefatory Address makes it clear that he intended the work to be a defense of Christianity to the King of France.
Therefore, plainly stated, one of the most influential works ever published in the English language is a defense of Christianity to leaders of State.
Prefatory Address to His Most Christian Majesty, The Most Mighty and Illustrious Monarch, Francis, King of the French, His Sovereign, John Calvin. Available in THE INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION.
"Indeed, this consideration makes a true king: to recognize himself a minister of God in governing his kingdom. Now, that king, who in ruling over his realm does not serve God's glory, exercises not kingly rule but brigandage. [Footnote: 'Nec iam regnum ille sed latrocinium exercet.' An echo of Augustine's famous phrase: 'When justice is taken away, what are kingdoms [[regna]] but a vast banditry [[magna latocinia]]?' City of God, IV. iv (MPL [[Migne, J.P., Patrologiae cursus completus, series Latina]], 41. 115; tr. NPNF [[A Select Library of the Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, second series]], II. 66)]. Furthermore, he is deceived who looks for enduring prosperity in his kingdom when it is not ruled by God's scepter, that is, his Holy Word; for the heavenly oracle that proclaims that where prophecy fails the people are scattered [Prov. 29:18 (Proverbs 29:18)], cannot lie." (Battles translation)
"The characteristic of a true sovereign is, to acknowledge that, in the administration of his kingdom, he is a minister of God. He who does not make his reign subservient to the divine glory, acts the part not of a king, but a robber. He, moreover, deceives himself who anticipates long prosperity to any kingdom which is not ruled by the sceptre of God, that is, by his divine word. For the heavenly oracle is infallible which has declared, that where there is no vision the people perish (Proverbs 29:18), (Beveridge translation)."
See the entire Prefatory Address, Beveridge translation. Considered to be one of the greatest prefaces ever written.
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/institutes.ii.viii.html
"The doctrines of covenant liberty were rediscovered in the Reformation. John Calvin went further than anyone else in defining liberty and what Christians need to do to maintain it. Includes bibliographies."
It is recommended that INSTITUTES OF CHRISTIAN RELIGION be used for daily devotions and may be used in combination with Ford Lewis Battles and John Walchenbach, AN ANALYSIS OF THE INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION OF JOHN CALVIN and with CALVIN'S COMMENTARIES.
Calvin's Commentaries at BibleStudyGuide.org
http://www.biblestudyguide.org/comment/calvin/comm_index.htm
Calvin's Commentaries, complete
From the Calvin Translation Society edition.
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/commentaries.i.html
One Hundred Aphorisms, Containing, Within a Narrow Compass, the Substance and Order of the Four Books of The Institutes of the Christian Religion
http://www.lettermen2.com/pringle.html
Contents and Chapter Sections for Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion, 1559 (McNeill/Battles)
http://www.lettermen2.com/icrcont.html
Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion; A New Translation by Henry Beveridge (1845), Volume: 1
http://archive.org/details/instituteschrist01calvuoft
Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion; A New Translation by Henry Beveridge (1845), Volume: 2
http://archive.org/details/institutesofreli02calvuoft
Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Beveridge translation
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/institutes.iii.vii.html
Monergism: Commentaries
From Mongergism.com search "commentaries."
http://www.monergism.com

*Carmichael, Amy, If.
"As with a good deal of Amy Carmichael's published works, this book was borne out of an intimate thought-dialogue between Amy and her Lord. Not intended to be read straight through, each page contains a brief reflection on a human response as it compares with the Divine Love demonstrated on the cross. Every entry provides ample food for meditation and self-examination in light of Calvary Love. Only a heart willfully steeled against exposure of its shortcomings will fail to be moved by these practical insights. And though her comments are often piercingly perceptive, Amy never comes across as heavy-handed or preach-y. As always, one is made to feel a kindredness of heart with the author in our earthly journey." -- Reader's Comment
Said to be an all-time bestseller.

Carmichael, Amy, Toward Jerusalem.
"Amy Carmichaels's collection of poetry is breathtaking. In TOWARDS JERUSALEM, Miss Carmichael shares her deep love for the Lord through her writings. They have a lyrical flow that helps you grasp the 'bigger picture' of life and love. Poems such as 'In Acceptance Lieth Peace' calmed and soothed my soul, and indeed did help me to see where peace shall come from. Her poems range in topic from Life issues to Love issues, but are all Christ-Centered. I was deeply touched and inspired. A good companion to read along with TOWARDS . . . is CANDLES IN THE DARK, another one of Miss Carmichael's inspiring books." -- Reader's Comment

Caryl, Joseph (1602-1673), Ingram Cobbin (editor), Bible Thoughts, ISBN: 1877611956 9781877611957.
Meditations upon scripture.

Clowney, E., Call on Me; Cleaving to the Lord; The Laughter of Faith; The Muttering Man (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation)..
Audio recording [audio file].

*Cowman, Mrs. Charles E., Streams in the Desert, ISBN: 9780310282754 0310282756.
Said to be one of the most beautiful devotions ever written.

Derham, A. Morgan (editor), Time for the Family, 2 volumes (Wayne, PA [Scripture Union, 150 Strafford Avenue, Wayne 19087]: Scripture Union), ISBN: 0854219870 9780854219872.
"Each volume provides six full months of Bible readings, prayers, and activity material in a lively and readable form. Designed to take just ten minutes a day."

Donne, John (1572-1631), and Izaak Walton, Devotions Upon Emergent Occasions and Death's Duel, ISBN: 0375705481 9780375705489.
"John Donne (1572-1631) is best known as the greatest English metaphysical poet. But there was another dimension to Donne's life and writing that, if less well known, is no less profound and beautiful.
"Born into an aristocratic Catholic family, Donne joined the Church of England at the age of twenty-one out of fear of persecution. At the age of forty-three, he gave up his preoccupations with secular prestige and devoted himself utterly to religion. It was eight years later when, battered with fever, the deaths of his beloved wife, several of his children, and many dear lifelong friends, he composed DEVOTIONS UPON EMERGENT OCCASIONS. There is both trauma and great drama in this extended meditation on the meaning of mortality, the possibility of salvation, and the true nature of the passage of eternal life. With a new introduction by poet and biographer Andrew Motion, one of the most revered books of Christian devotion speaks to us again of the higher aspirations of man and the always-present possibility of a relationship with God.
"This long out of print edition also contains Donne's last sermon, 'Death's Duel' as well as the short colorful biography of him written by his contemporary Izaak Walton." -- Publisher

Edwards, Charles E. (editor), Devotions and Prayers of John Calvin. Alternate title: SCRIPTURE TEXTS, WITH EXPOSITIONS AND SENTENCE PRAYERS FROM CALVIN'S COMMENTARIES ON THE MINOR PROPHETS. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.

Ellis, Charles, and Norma Ellis, Heirs Together of Life: Daily Bible Readings for Husbands and Wives, ISBN: 0851513115 9780851513119.
"Short discussions on almost 200 passages from the Bible, Genesis through Revelation in sequence. Each selection is related to marriage and the home. Designed as a devotional to be used by husband and wife together." -- GCB

*Gibbs, Alfred P., The Marvelous City of Mansoul.
"A devotion study of Bunyan's HOLY WAR." -- Cyril J. Barber

Graham, Billy (1918-2018), To God Be the Glory: A Testimony of Living Faith From two Famous Christian Personalities, Corrie Ten Boom and Billy Graham, ISBN: 0802724736 9780802724731.
Contributions by Corrie Ten Boom. Roger Elmood, editor.

Gurnall, William, and James S. Bell, The Christian in Complete Armour: Daily Readings in Spiritual Warfare, ISBN: 0802411762 9780802411761.

*Havergal, Frances, Kept for the Master's use, ISBN: 080246582X. A Christian classic.
"If ever a woman lived her whole life as if she were married to Christ, it is Frances Havergal. Her every breath was drawn for Him, and so her every utterance breathed of Him . . . You will thrill to her expressions of praise. And when she leads us to a dedicated Christian life, we find it compelling. By all means read this book. You will never forget it." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Kept for the Master's use
https://archive.org/details/keptformastersus00haverich/page/14

*Havergal, Frances, Opened Treasures.
"If ever there was a woman who was consecrated to the Lord Jesus, it was surely Frances Havergal. All her poetry and prose is saturated with the Living Word. It has a freshness and power which only the eternal dew of heavenly truth could impart. She was know to look to the Lord long and prayerfully before putting pen to paper. She once wrote to her sister, 'If I am to write to any good, a great deal of living must go into a very little writing.' Her hymns, her poetry, and her prose breathe with the fire of love to her Savior. She lived very close, devoting the most of her earnings to missions. By the time of her death one of her volumes of poetry reached its 30th edition, and another was in its 38th. She began to read the Bible at age 4 and never ceased to study it. She lived as she wrote in that famous hymn: 'Take my life, and let it be, Consecrated, Lord, to Thee, Take my moments and my days; Let them flow in ceaseless praise.' Readers thrill at all she writes. There are 366 devotions in this book, consistently heavenly in character. It makes a perfect gift." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)

*Hodgkin, A.M., Christ in all the Scriptures, ISBN: 1557480664 9781557480668.
"First published in 1907, this classic work is a clear testimony of Christ to the Scriptures and their affirmation of Him as the Son of God. The love and reverence with which the author approaches these glorious truths ensure it a place among the finest devotional writings." -- GCB

*Knox, David B., Not by Bread Alone, ISBN: 0851515657 9780851515656.
"The theme of this book is the absolute necessity of the Word of God to maintain spiritual health, happiness, and balance. To demonstrate this Knox shows that the Scriptures have words of guidance for us in such diverse matters of the present as money, abortion, punishment, race, women's liberation, sex, censorship, homosexuality, and much more. As a man thinks in his heart, so is he. (Proverbs 23:7). From this text Knox shows us that there is a continuous battle for the mind between the absolutes of the Bible, and the lack of standards of public opinion. The bent of depraved human society is ever downward. The only cure for this is knowledge of the Bible, and God's providential care that such knowledge is effective in salting down the nation, the province, or the community where it is upheld." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)

Mack, Wayne A., How to Read the Bible: A how to Manual for Christian Growth and Development, 78 pages.
"Study manual for personal or group study. Begins with introductory readings by J.C. Ryle and Charles Spurgeon on the why and how of Bible reading. This is followed by a series of seven Bible studies on the importance of Bible reading, how Jesus Christ used the Bible, ways to profit from the Bible, problems and mistakes that can arise, and three particular methods of doing Bible study." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

McQuilkin, Robertson, Understanding and Applying the Bible, ISBN: 080240457X 9780802404572.

*Morris, Leon, The Story of the Cross: A Devotional Study of St. Matthew, Chapters 26-28.
"A brilliant, evangelical study of the passion narrative in Matthew 26-28." -- Cyril J. Barber

Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), Beyond the Battle for the Bible, ISBN: 0891071954 9780891071952.
"Issues the call to reaffirm the power of God's Word and not get lost in endless debates over authority. How? By recovering an authentic approach to interpretation and Biblical study. Packer lays the foundation for us to implement this reaffirmation." -- GCB

Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), Meeting God: 12 Studies for Individuals or Groups, ISBN: 0830810579 9780830810574.
"Twelve studies for individuals or groups. Designed to enlarge our view of God, who He is, and who we are in relation to Him. Many passages to look up and fill-in-the blanks. Leader's notes in the back." -- GCB

Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), Your Father Loves you: Daily Insights for Knowing God, ISBN: 0877889759 9780877889755.

Pink, A.W., Studies in Scripture, all annual volumes
Free Grace Broadcaster Index
http://www.chapellibrary.org/broadcaster/fgb-index/

Rice, Helen Steiner, Someone Cares, ISBN: 0800705246 9780800705244.
"For millions of readers, Helen Steiner Rice's poetry is a living testimony to God's action in human lives. SOMEONE CARES, one of Mrs. Rice's most popular collections, has now sold nearly a million copies. With an updated format and stunning watercolor art by Stan Myers, this new edition promises to be a hit with Mrs. Rice's many devoted fans.
This collection includes poems on loving God, loving others, God's love and presence, and the richness of family life. SOMEONE CARES shows how important it is to find someone who does care and to become someone who cares for others. It also reassures readers of God's love and presence, encouraging them to remember that the Someone above is always with us.
"In addition to Mrs. Rice's inspiring poems, SOMEONE CARES includes a personal statement of the author's faith entitled THIS I BELIEVE. This statement clearly reveals the spiritual dimension in Mrs. Rice's life, a quality that gives her work such universal appeal.
"Helen Steiner Rice, America's best-loved inspirational poet, wrote poems to encourage readers of all ages. Her popular books have sold more than six million copies. They include SOMEBODY LOVES YOU, A BOOK OF THANKS, and BLOSSOMS OF FRIENDSHIP.
"Stan Myers is an award-winning artist and member of the prestigious National Watercolor Society. His work is included in private and corporate collections and is represented by several galleries in the Midwest." -- Reader's Comment
Helen Steiner Rice is the favorite poetess of D. James Kennedy.

*Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), and Andrew A. Bonar (1810-1892), Letters of Samuel Rutherford: With a Sketch of his Life and Biographical Notices of his Correspondents (Edinburgh, Scotland; Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth Trust, 2006), ISBN: 0851513883 9780851513881. With a biographical introduction by Andrew Bonar. Alternate title: JOSHUA REDIVIVUS: OR, THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-TWO RELIGIOUS LETTERS, BY SAMUEL RUTHERFOORD (sic). A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language.
This reprint of the 1891 edition by Banner of Truth is considered to be the preferred edition. Notes: "First published 1664. This Banner of Truth edition reprinted from the 1891 edition [a facsimile reprint -- compiler], 1984. Includes indexes. Appendix: p. 735-744. Glossary: p. 718-733. Description: xx, 744 pages; illustrations."
Available (this 1891 edition plus The Original Preface to Samuel Rutherford's Letters [1664, 1783], and The Author's Testimony to the Covenanted Work of Reformation, Between 1638 and 1649, and also a large preface and postscript by the Rev. Mr. McWard) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (MP3 files of the same) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (this 1891 edition plus The Original Preface to Samuel Rutherford's Letters [1664, 1783], and The Author's Testimony to the Covenanted Work of Reformation, Between 1638 and 1649, and also a large preface and postscript by the Rev. Mr. McWard) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #10, #21.
"These letters will ever be precious to all who are sensible of their own, and the church's decay and corruptions." -- Andrew Bonar
"Like a strong winged eagle he soars into the highest heaven and with unblenched eye he looks into the mystery of love divine. . . . When we are dead and gone let the world know that Spurgeon held RUTHERFORD'S LETTERS to be the nearest thing to inspiration which can be found in all the writings of mere men." -- C.H. Spurgeon
"Hold off the Bible, such a book the world never saw." -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)
Rutherford, Samuel, and Andrew A. Bonar, Letters of Samuel Rutherford (1904) (This also is a facsimile reprint of the 1891 edition, printed in 1904)
http://archive.org/details/lettersofsamuelr00ruthrich
Other editions:
Rutherford, Samuel, Joshua Redivivus: or, Three Hundred and Fifty two Religious Letters, by the Late . . . Mr. Samuel Rutherfoord (sic) . . . Divided Into Three Parts. . . . To Which is Added, the Author's Testimony to the Covenanted Work of Reformation, Between 1638 and 1649. . . . As Also, a Large Preface and Postscript . . . by the Rev. Mr. McWard, 1783.
Letters of Samuel Rutherford
http://www.ccel.org/rutherford/letters/letters.txt

*Ryle, J.C. (1816-1900), Expository Thoughts on the Gospels, 4 volumes.
"The new 4-volume set is a preacher's handbook to the enduring truths of the Gospels. It is also a wonderful personal or family devotional guide to this portion of Scripture. Written by one of the greatest men of the Church of England in the late 1800's." -- GCB

Scripture Union, various authors, Scripture Union, ISSN: 1350-5130 (Wayne, PA [Scripture Union, 150 Strafford Avenue, Wayne 19087]: Scripture Union).
Excellent, daily, in-depth Bible reading guides for every age in the family. Ask for a sample issue.
"Even if your kids have never read 'the world's bestseller' before, AM/PM will help them start learning what it means to live for Jesus." -- Scripture Union
"Quest" guides may be used for Quest Clubs, weekly Bible studies for kids.

• Encounters With God (mature Christians, includes Small Group devotions), ISSN: 8750-4456.
• Discovery (new Christians).
• AM/PM (teenagers, 15 and up).
• One to One (ages 11-14), ISSN: 1061-4788.
• Quest (ages 7-10).

Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635), Divine Meditations and Holy Contemplations. By that Reverend Divine R. Sibbes, . . . A new edition, again revised, London. Available (THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES), on the Puritan Hard Drive.

Smith, Dale W., Ore From the Puritans' Mine: The Essential Collection of Puritan Quotations, ISBN: 9781601787750 1601787758.
"Three thousand quotes gathered from the writings of English Puritans." -- Publisher

Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), C.H. Spurgeon's Prayers. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
C.H. Spurgeon's Prayers
http://archive.org/details/chspurgeonspraye00spur

*Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), and Al Bryant (compiler), Day-by-Day: A Sourcebook of Daily Meditations From the Prince of Preachers, ISBN: 0825437717 9780825437717.
"This is a completely new compilation gathered from Spurgeon's sermons -- 366 daily meditations." -- GCB

Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Devotional Classics of C.H. Spurgeon, ISBN: 1878442503 9781878442505.

*Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Faith's Checkbook, ISBN: 0938453025. Alternate title: THE CHEQUE BOOK OF THE BANK OF FAITH: BEING PRECIOUS PROMISES ARRANGED FOR DAILY USE (1893).
"A promise from God may very instructively be compared to a check payable to order. It is given to the believer with the view of bestowing upon him some good thing. It is not meant that he should read it over comfortably and then have done with it. No, he is to treat the promises as a reality, as a man treats a check. He is to take the promise and endorse it with his own name by personally receiving it as true." -- C.H. Spurgeon
"In the Preface of his devotional volume containing 365 brief, experimental comments on the promises which Spurgeon has chosen, the renowned preacher tells us that so many of these promises are true because they were fulfilled in his own experience during a time of 'wading in the surf of controversy,' and also when 'sharp bodily pain succeeded mental depression, accompanied both by bereavement, and affliction in the person of one dear as life. Never were the promises of Jehovah so precious to me as at this hour.' Thus it was to help other sufferers that Spurgeon prepared this comforting book." -- Publisher
Faith's Checkbook, a daily devotional by C.H. Spurgeon
http://archive.org/details/thechequebookoft00purguoft

*Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Jesus Christ Himself. (Ephesians 2:20) A sermon by C.H. Spurgeon delivered on Lord's-day morning, December 9, 1877, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon no. 1388.
"Beyond all argument or miracle, Jesus Christ Himself is the proof of His own Gospel. And as He is the proof of it, so, Beloved, He is the marrow and essence of it. When the Apostle Paul meant that the Gospel was preached, He said, Christ is preached, for the Gospel is Christ Himself! If you want to know what Jesus taught, know Him! He is the incarnation of that Truth of God which by Him and in Him is revealed to the sons of men. Did He not, Himself say, I am the way, the truth, and the life?
"You have not to take down innumerable books, nor to pore over mysterious sentences of double meaning in order to know what our great Teacher has revealed. You have but to turn and gaze upon His countenance, behold His actions and note His spirit and you know His teaching. He lived what He taught. If we wish to know Him, we may hear His gentle voice saying, Come and see. Study His wounds and you understand His innermost philosophy. To know Him and the power of His Resurrection is the highest degree of spiritual learning. He is the end of the Law and the soul of the Gospel -- and when we have preached His Word to the fullest, we may close by saying, Now, of the things which we have spoken, this is the sum -- we have an High Priest who is set on the right hand of the Throne of the Majesty in the heavens." -- C.H. Spurgeon
http://www.spurgeongems.org/vols22-24/chs1388.pdf

*Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Morning and Evening, ISBN: 0883684101. A Christian classic.
"For over a century, MORNING AND EVENING has been the classic daily devotional for thousands of Christians. Now it's available in an appealing contemporary format with a modern typeface! Each day's devotions -- a morning and an evening selection for every day of the year -- are complete on a two-page spread. Spurgeon's inspiring meditations are drawn on portions of Scripture from every book of the Bible, and a concise index of texts lets you find what he had to say on nearly any Biblical topic . . ." -- CBD
Spurgeon is considered by many to have been the greatest English preacher.
Morning and Evening by C.H. Spurgeon
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/spurgeon/morneve.i.html
Morning and Evening by C.H. Spurgeon
http://archive.org/details/MorningAndEvening

*Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Spurgeon's Devotional Bible: Selected Passages From the Word of God With Running Comments, ISBN: 0852343434 0852340583. Alternate title: Originally published under the title, THE INTERPRETER: SPURGEON'S MORNING AND EVENING DEVOTIONS FROM THE BIBLE.
"For anyone who wants to restore daily devotions on an individual or family basis, SPURGEON'S DEVOTIONAL BIBLE is the perfect answer. One can read through this book in a year when morning and evening devotions are maintained. . . .
"The gist of the entire Bible is found between the covers of this book. . . . some verses [and chapters], were omitted in whole or in part, but they are always summarized in such a way that the narrative or teaching remains clear. The emphasis is always on Scripture . . ." -- Publisher
Commenting on typology is a way to convince piers of the reality and immediacy of the Gospel. The concise, succinct, erudite comments point again and again to parallels in Scripture to the life and work of Christ. For example, see the comments on the life of Joseph, on the first Passover, and on God's provision of manna for Israel in the wilderness.
This work, by a modern Puritan, is preeminently practical. Spurgeon emphasizes application of Scripture to everyday life. Key verses appear at the top of each page.
Spurgeon's discerning mind has captured essential and profound lessons. He brings together Old and New Testament passages with similar lessons. Here is little known insight that should not be ignored or overlooked.
The Bible is full of wisdom on human behavior, real psychology, and Spurgeon points out these lessons everywhere.
The text is the Authorized King James Version.
A footnote at the bottom of page 643 (Baker Book House edition), states "In this reading the first five notes are from Lange's Commentary. All through the work we have gathered from every available source." Looking at other works by Spurgeon, for example, THE TREASURY OF DAVID, and knowing that he had a huge library, it could be expected he selected freely from the works of other authors. Poetry has been added after the Bible selection and notes. It would appear the notes and poetry have not been documented for practical purposes, to make the book seamless and uncluttered. It is a drawback, however, to not know which notes and poetry was from Spurgeon's pen and which he selected from other authors.
The Interpreter: Spurgeon's Devotional Bible. Alternate title: SPURGEON'S DEVOTIONAL BIBLE: SELECTED PASSAGES FROM THE WORD OF GOD WITH RUNNING COMMENTS.
"THE INTERPRETER: SPURGEON DEVOTIONAL BIBLE contains the text of the entire Bible, along with Spurgeon's reflections on nearly every verse. This Bible, arranged topically instead of canonically, allows readers to experience the text of Scripture along with Charles Spurgeon himself. His commentary illuminates the texts, and provides notes on interpretation and application of the Bible. The Logos Bible Software edition of THE INTERPRETER: SPURGEON'S DEVOTIONAL BIBLE was originally published in London by Passmore and Alabaster from 1869-1887." -- Publisher
https://www.logos.com/product/6798/the-interpreter-spurgeons-devotional-bible
Pilgrim Publications
Sells new copies of SPURGEON'S DEVOTIONAL BIBLE.
http://pilgrimpublications.auctivacommerce.com/
Power BibleCD
Includes SPURGEON'S DEVOTIONAL BIBLE.
http://www.powerbible.com/
C.H. Spurgeon wrote, among other things:

• THE TREASURY OF DAVID, "the most important and practical work of the ages on the Psalter." -- Dr. Philip Schaff
• A TREASURY OF SPURGEON ON THE LIFE AND WORK OF OUR LORD, 6 volumes, a compilation of sermons, and
• FAITH'S CHECKBOOK, commenting on the promises of Scripture.

Spurstowe, William (1605?-1666), The Spiritual Chymist, or, Six Decades of Divine Meditations on Several Subjects by William Spurstow.

Stone, Nathan, Names of God in the Old Testament.

Tholuck, Friedrich August Gottgetreu, William Pringle (preface), and Leonard Woods (translator), The Merits of Calvin as an Interpreter of the Holy Scriptures; Translated From the German by L. Woods: to Which are Added Opinions and Testimonies of Foreign and British Divines and Scholars as to the Value and Importance of the Writings of John Calvin, 1845.

*Thomas, I.D.E., A Puritan Golden Treasury, ISBN: 0851512496 9780851512495. Alternate title: THE GOLDEN TREASURY OF PURITAN QUOTATIONS. Includes about 1500 quotations and author index.
"One of the purposes of this book is to . . . acquaint the Christian believer with the great Puritan authors. . . . Just as it has been said of modern democracy that it is the child of the Reformation rather than of the Reformers, the same could be said of the political revolution of the 1650's -- it was more the child of Puritanism than of the Puritans." -- I.D.E. Thomas

Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), and Patti M. Hummel, Glorifying God: Inspirational Messages of Thomas Watson, ISBN: 1418580139 9781418580131.
"A compelling, deep and heart wrenching devotional based on the book BODY OF DIVINITY by Thomas Watson. This book focuses in on specific themes, and throughout the year I found it challenging on a daily basis as it lifted my gaze unto Christ. Watson's precious love for Christ is so contagious." -- Reader's Comment

*Westminster Assembly (1643-1652), The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646), [completed and first printed in 1646, approved by the Assembly, August 27, 1647, Session 23 -- compiler] (Glasgow, Scotland: Free Presbyterian Publication [133 Woodlands Road, Glasgow G3 6LE], 1994), ISBN: 0902506080 (case-bound), and ISBN: 0902506358 (paperback). Among the ten greatest works in the English language. Available (THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646) with all its subordinate documents in searchable format) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Also available (THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646) with all its subordinate documents in searchable format) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) With Scripture Proofs
http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/
The Confession of Faith, the Larger and Shorter Catechisms, With the Scripture Proofs at Large: Together With The sum of Saving Knowledge (contained in the Holy Scriptures, and held forth in the said Confession and Catechisms), and Practical use Thereof, Covenants National and Solemn League, Acknowledgment of Sins and Engagement to Duties, Directories, Form of Church-government, &c. of Public Authority in the Church of Scotland, With Acts of Assembly and Parliament, Relative to, and Approbative of the Same (1757) [the original version of 1646, prior to the changes of the "American Version" of 1789 -- compiler]
http://archive.org/details/confessionofscot00chur
" 'The product of Puritan conflict,' stated Shedd, reaching 'a perfection of statement never elsewhere achieved.' All that learning the most profound and extensive, intellect the most acute and searching, and piety the most sincere and earnest, could accomplish, was thus concentrated in the Westminster Assembly's Confession of Faith, which may be safely termed the most perfect statement of Systematic Theology ever framed by the Christian Church,' writes Hetherington (1803-1865), (The History of the Westminster Assembly of Divines, p. 345).
"Concerning The Shorter Catechism, which is one of the items also included in this book, Mitchell notes: 'it is a thoroughly Calvinistic and Puritan catechism, the ripest fruit of the Assembly's thought and experience, maturing and finally fixing the definitions of theological terms to which Puritanism for half a century had been leading up and gradually coming closer and closer to in its legion of catechisms.' (Westminster Assembly: Its History and Standards, p. 431).
"THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646) is the greatest of all the creeds of the Christian church. The church of Christ cannot be creedless and live. Especially in an age of doubt and confusion, it is her duty to define and proclaim the one true faith. Nowhere has the Reformed church done this so effectively as in the WESTMINSTER CONFESSION, and family of documents. This book represents Reformed thinking at its purest and best. It was intended, as part of the Covenanted Reformation taking place during its compilation, to be adopted as the binding confessional standard for every individual, family, court, church, and legislature in the British Isles." -- Publisher
This is considered to be the definitive publication of the Westminster family of documents. It includes the following:

1. "To the Christian Reader, Especially Heads of Families"
   http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_standards/index.html?mainframe=/documents/wcf_standards/p005-to_head_of_families.html
2. "Mr. Thomas Manton's Epistle to the Reader"
   https://reformed.org/documents/wcf_standards/index.html
3. THE CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646), the full and original edition with Scripture proofs written out
   http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/
4. THE LARGER CATECHISM with Scripture proofs written out
   http://www.reformed.org/documents/wlc_w_proofs/index.html
5. THE SHORTER CATECHISM with Scripture proofs written out
   http://www.reformed.org/documents/WSC_frames.html
6. THE SUM OF SAVING KNOWLEDGE
   http://www.reformed.org/master/index.html?mainframe=/documents/sum/sum.html
7. "The National Covenant"
   http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_standards/index.html?mainframe=/documents/wcf_standards/p345-nat_covenant.html
   
8. "The Solemn League and Covenant"
   http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_standards/index.html?mainframe=/documents/wcf_standards/p355-solemn_league.html
   
9. "A Solemn Acknowledgement of Publick Sins and Breaches of the Covenant; and a Solemn Engagement to all the Duties Contained Therein"
   http://www.truecovenanter.com/covenants/scotland_covenant_renewal_1648.html
   
10. THE DIRECTORY FOR PUBLIC WORSHIP
    http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_standards/index.html?mainframe=/documents/wcf_standards/p369-direct_pub_worship.html
    
11. THE FORM OF PRESBYTERIAL CHURCH GOVERNMENT
    http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_standards/index.html?mainframe=/documents/wcf_standards/p395-form_presby_gov.html
    
12. "The Directory for Family-Worship, Approved by the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, for Piety and Uniformity in Secret and Private Worship, and Mutual Edification"
    http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_standards/index.html

1. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE WESTMINSTER STANDARDS AS A CREED
   http://www.fpcr.org/blue_banner_articles/signific.htm
   
2. "The Complete Scripture Index to the Westminster Confession (1646), Larger and Shorter Catechisms." Alternate title: SCRIPTURE INDEX TO THE WESTMINSTER STANDARDS. Available on Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications [and] Protestant Heritage Press CD. Also available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
   
3. Bordwine, James, A GUIDE TO THE WESTMINSTER STANDARDS: CONFESSION OF FAITH AND LARGER CATECHISM, ISBN: 0940931303 9780940931305.
   Includes a unique, 100-page topical index to both the CONFESSION and the LARGER CATECHISM.
   
4. WESTMINSTER LARGER CATECHISM WITH PROOF TEXTS
   http://www.reformed.org/documents/wlc_w_proofs/index.html
   
5. THE SHORTER CATECHISM WITH SCRIPTURE PROOFS
   Arguably the greatest tract ever created, all factors considered.
   http://www.reformed.org/documents/WSC_frames.html
   THE SHORTER CATECHISM
   Free downloadable PDF file.
   http://www.greenvillepresbyterian.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/shorter-catechism.pdf
   
6. Westminster Shorter Catechism Project
   "Click on any of the individual questions below to get the answer and Biblical references, as well as links to works by John Flavel, Thomas Watson, Thomas Boston, James Fisher, and John Whitecross, and others."
   http://www.shortercatechism.com/
   
7. Commentaries on the Westminster Standards Including the Westminster Confession of Faith, The Larger Catechism, and The Shorter Catechism
   http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr3ch.html#cwswcsc
   
8. The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646), (The Westminster Standards), and Related Works: A Study Guide
   http://www.lettermen2.com/suggest.html
   
9. The Scottish Covenanted Reformation continued the work of The Westminster Assembly. David Steel (1803-1887), is considered to be one of the most faithful Covenanter ministers in America. Notice that the citation following is an authorized, complete edition of their final TESTIMONY.
   Reformed Presbytery of North America "Steelite," David Steele (1803-1887), John Thorburn (1730?-1788), John Courtass (d. 1795), et al., ACT, DECLARATION, AND TESTIMONY, FOR THE WHOLE OF THE COVENANTED REFORMATION, AS ATTAINED TO, AND ESTABLISHED IN, BRITAIN AND IRELAND; PARTICULARLY BETWIXT THE YEARS 1638 AND 1649, INCLUSIVE. AS, ALSO, AGAINST ALL THE STEPS OF DEFECTION FROM SAID REFORMATION, WHETHER IN FORMER OR LATER TIMES, SINCE THE OVERTHROW OF THAT GLORIOUS WORK, DOWN TO THIS PRESENT DAY (1876), (Philadelphia, PA: Printed by Rue and Jones, 1876).
   This is a new edition of the Ploughlandhead Testimony of 1761. It was the subordinate standard of the original "Steelite" Reformed Presbytery that was constitutes in 1840.
   https://archive.org/details/actdeclarationte00refo
   
10. Church and State
    Works listed here discuss the decline of the influence of Calvinism and the Covenanted Reformation in Great Britain and the United States. The various alterations to the Westminster Standards are also discussed.
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chc.html#churchstate
    
11. Heresies Defined and the Necessity of Heresies Explained, by George Gillespie, Scottish Commissioner to the Assembly of Divines at Westminster
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/gillespie/ggilles09.html

*Williamson, G.I. (Gerald Irvin), The Westminster Confession of Faith [1646] for Study Classes, ISBN: 0875525385. A Christian classic.
"The most thorough work on the Confession since A.A. Hodge." -- William Grier
"Describes the Christian faith. You will also find this treatment excellent in coverage and application to contemporary living. Examples of divergent doctrine, problems with other philosophy and cultural standards are presented. The arguments and Q&A after each section makes it practical for knowing and living a Christian life. This is not feel-good theology, but how intelligent and responsible people can seek to understand the breadth of scripture in a concise book." -- Publisher
The Complete Scripture Index to the Westminster Confession (1646), Larger and Shorter Catechisms. Alternate title: SCRIPTURE INDEX TO THE WESTMINSTER STANDARDS. Available on Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
The Complete Scripture Index to the Westminster Confession
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/index01.htm
Bordwine, James, A Guide to the Westminster Standards: Confession of Faith and Larger Catechism, ISBN: 0940931303 9780940931305.
Includes a unique, 100-page topical index to both the Confession and the Catechism.

Zacharias, Ravi K. (1946-2020), The Logic of God: 52 Christian Essentials for the Heart and Mind, ISBN: 9780310454038 0310454034.
"Jesus Christ alone answers our deepest questions. We all have doubts that challenge our faith. We wonder whether the Bible still matters, or whether God is truly as loving and personal as we hope. In his first ever devotional, THE LOGIC OF GOD, apologist Ravi Zacharias offers 52 readings that explain how and why Christianity, the Bible, and God are still relevant, vital, and life-changing for us today. To all our dilemmas Ravi says, 'I am convinced that Jesus Christ alone uniquely answers the deepest questions of our hearts and minds.' With a remarkable grasp of biblical facts and a deep understanding of the questions that trouble our hearts, Ravi tackles the most difficult topics with ease and understanding. But THE LOGIC OF GOD is more than intellectual; it is also personal, offering thoughtful wisdom on: -- when Jesus draws especially near you. -- the deep ray of hope found in God's Word. -- how God transforms disappointments. -- why prayer matters. -- how genuine peace is possible. -- making sense of suffering. Ravi makes profound biblical truth easy to understand. And if your life is busy, this book is designed for you! It addresses 52 topics that you can read over the course of one year or slowly digest at your own pace. Each entry includes a Scripture, questions for reflection, and some practical application steps. When you're struggling with questions and doubts, confused, curious, or just want a clearer way to express your faith THE LOGIC OF GOD has answers that satisfy the heart and the mind." -- Publisher

See also: Bible reading and devotions, Commentaries on the westminster standards including the westminster confession of faith, the larger catechism, and the shorter catechism, Books considered to be among the ten greatest in the english language, Christian classics, The best books in this bibliography, Expository bible commentaries, Commentaries, General works, Commentaries on the whole bible, Christian fellowship, Prayer, and so forth, and so on.

Related Weblinks

Commentaries on the Westminster Standards Including the Westminster Confession of Faith, The Larger Catechism, and The Shorter Catechism
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr3ch.html#cwswcsc

Meditation (FGB)
A Very Profitable Exercise | Chewing the Bread of Life | A Meditation on Love for Christ | Matter for Meditation | What Meditation is | Helps for Meditating on God | The Duty of Meditation | The Nature of Meditation | Solemn and set Meditation | Dangers of Neglecting Meditation | Occasional Meditation
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/medifg/meditation

Westminster Daily
Read the Westminster Standards in a year.
http://www.reformedconfessions.com/about/

Westminster Shorter Catechism With Proof Texts
http://www.reformed.org/documents/WSC_frames.html

Prayer

---

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
John Calvin commenting on 1 Timothy 2:1-4 and context

See the Theological Notes: "Prayer," at Luke 11:2 in The Reformation Study Bible.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
The Golden Sceptre Held Forth to the Humble, a commentary on 2 Chronicles 7:14
http://www.archive.org/details/TheGoldenSceptreHeldForthToTheHumble

Let us strive to make the Lord's Prayer our model and pattern in all our approaches to God. Let it suggest to us the sort of things which we should pray for and pray against.
Let it teach us the relative place and proportion which we should give to each subject in our prayers. The more we ponder and examine the Lord's Prayer, the more instructive and suggestive shall we find it to be. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us. (1 John 5:14)

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16)

Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 17:21)

The Treasury of David, Psalm 126, C.H. Spurgeon
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps126.php

If one is in need of prayer, then one strategy is to pray for other saints who have the same needs.

And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before. (Job 42:10)

"The tide thus turned, his troubles began to ebb as fast as they had flowed, just then when he was praying for his friends . . . . Mercy did not return when he was disputing with his friends, no, not though he had right on his side, but when he was praying for them . . . . When Job completed his repentance by this instance of his forgiving men their trespasses, then God completed his remission by turning his captivity. Note, We are really doing our business when we are praying for our friends, if we pray in a right manner, for in those prayers there is not only faith, but love. Christ has taught us to pray with and for others in teaching us to say, Our Father; and, in seeking mercy for others, we may find mercy ourselves. Our Lord Jesus has his exaltation and dominion there, where he ever lives making intercession." -- Matthew Henry commenting on Job 42:10

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16)

See the Theological Notes: " 'This is My Name:' God's Self-disclosure," at Exodus 3:15 in The Reformation Study Bible.

This Psalm [Psalm 145] is with much propriety entitled "Praise of David;" for it is throughout a continued celebration of the perfections and doings of God. It is certainly one of the most interesting and beautiful of the compositions of the sweet singer of Israel; and so high an opinion did the ancient Hebrews form of it that they were wont to say -- "Whoever utters this Psalm thrice each day with the heart and tongue is a happy man, and shall infallibly enjoy the blessings of the world to come." -- Calvin's Commentary, footnote 1 to Psalm 145:1
They cannot be employed better than in celebrating his mercies. What is added -- they shall speak the glory of thy kingdom -- I consider to have reference only to believers. If any incline to think that these words rather apply to God's creatures universally, I would not object to that view. -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 145:10
But in nothing is wisdom shown more than in holding fast the truth, that God is just in all his ways, so as to retain in our hearts an unabated sense of it amidst all troubles and confusions. -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 145:17

If any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth His will, him he heareth. (John 9:31b)

Heart-work is hard work indeed. To shuffle over religious duties with a loose and careless spirit, will cost no great difficulties; but to set yourself before the Lord, and to tie up your loose and vain thoughts to a constant and serious attendance upon him: this will cost you something. To attain ease and dexterity of language in prayer and to be able to put your meaning into appropriate and fitting expressions is easy; but to get your heart broken for sin while you are actually confessing it; melted with free grace even while you are blessing God for it; to be really ashamed and humbled through the awareness of God's infinite holiness, and to keep your heart in this state not only in, but after these duties, will surely cost you some groans and travailing pain of soul. -- John Flavel (1627-1691)

Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. -- (Mark 9:24b)

It is of such continual prayer that Christ says in Luke 11, Pray without ceasing, because one must unceasingly guard against sin and wrongdoing, something one cannot do unless one fears God and keeps his commandment in mind, as Psalm 1:2 says, Blessed is he who meditates upon his law day and night.
Yet we must be careful not to break the habit of true prayer and imagine other works to be necessary which, after all, are nothing of the kind. Thus at the end we become lax and lazy, cool and listless toward prayer. The devil who besets us is not lazy or careless, and our flesh is too ready and eager to sin and is disinclined to the spirit of prayer. -- Martin Luther (1483-1546)

Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16,17,18)

That they all may be one; as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 17:21-23)

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:13)

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:15,16)

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6,7)

And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Mark 11:25, 26)

God be merciful unto us, and bless us: and cause his face to shine upon us: That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations. (Psalm 67:1,2)

There is a humbling act of faith put forth in prayer. Others style it praying in humility; give me leave to style it praying in faith. In faith which sets the soul in the presence of that mighty God, and by the sight of him, which faith gives us, it is that we see our own vileness, sinfulness, and abhor ourselves, and profess ourselves unworthy of any, much less of those mercies we are to seek for. Thus the sight of God had wrought in the prophet (Isaiah 6:5), Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts. And holy Job speaks thus (Job 42:5, Job 42:6), Now mine eye seeth thee: wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. This is as great a requisite to prayer as any other act; I may say of it alone, as the apostle (James 1:7), that without it we shall receive nothing at the hands of God! God loves to fill empty vessels, he looks to broken hearts. In the Psalms how often do we read that God hears the prayers of the humble; which always involves and includes faith in it. Psalm 9:12, He forgetteth not the cry of the humble, and Psalm 10:17, Lord thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear. To be deeply humbled is to have the heart prepared and fitted for God to hear the prayer; and therefore you find the Psalmist pleading sub forma pauperis, often repeating, "I am poor and needy." And this prevents our thinking much if God do not grant the particular thing we do desire. Thus also Christ himself in his great distress (Psalm 22), doth treat God (Psalm 22:2), O my God, I cry in the day-time, but thou hearest not; and in the night season am not silent. Our fathers trusted in thee. They cried unto thee, and were delivered. But I am a worm, and no man; reproached of men, and despised of the people; (Psalm 22:6) and he was "heard" in the end "in what he feared." And these deep humblings of ourselves, being joined with vehement implorations upon the mercy of God to obtain, is reckoned into the account of praying by faith, both by God and Christ. (Matthew 8) -- Thomas Goodwin (1600-1679)

Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you. (1 Samuel 12:23a)

All Christians employ themselves in David's Psalms more frequently than in any other part of the Old or New Testament. The grace of the Holy Ghost hath so ordered it that they should be sung every night and day . . . Many who know not a letter can say David's Psalms by heart. . . . where men converse with God, David is the first, the midst, and the last. -- Chrysostom

Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 18:19,20)

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 26:41)

But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 4:4)

Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. (Psalm 55:22)

One blessed way of casting our burden upon the Lord (Psalm 55:22) is to tell the Lord all about it. It is a high privilege to get away, alone, and talk to God as a man talks with his friend. But I know what you often do, my Brothers and Sisters, when you get into a predicament and cannot tell what to do -- then you begin to pray. Why do you not, every morning, tell the Lord about all your difficulties before they come? What? Will you only run to Him when you get into trouble? No, go to Him before you get into trouble. Half our burdens come from what we have not prayed over! If a man would take the ordinary concerns of life distinctly to God, one by one, it is marvelous how easily the chariot of life would roll along! Things over which we have not prayed are like undigested food that breeds mischief in the body -- they breed mischief in the soul. Digest your daily bread by first praying, "God give it to me and then God bless me in the use of it. And then God bless me afterwards in the spending of the strength derived from it to Your praise and Glory." Salt all your life with prayer, lest corruption should come to that part of your life which you have not thus salted. Tell the Lord, then, your griefs, just as, when a child, you told your troubles to your mother!
"I cannot find words," says one. Oh, they will come! They come fast enough when you complain to man and they will sweetly come if you get into the blessed habit of talking to God about everything. A friend said to me, not long ago, "I was on the Exchange and I saw that I had made a mistake in a certain transaction. I had lost money by it and if I had gone on dealing in the same fashion, I would have been ruined. I just stepped aside for a minute or two into a quiet corner of my office. I stood still and breathed a prayer to God for guidance. Then I went back, and felt, 'Now I am ready for anyone of you.' "So I was," he said, "I was not confused and worried, as I would otherwise have been, and so liable to make mistakes, but I had waited upon God and I was therefore calm and collected." There is much wisdom in thus praying about everything, although, possibly, some of you may think it trivial. I believe that the very soul of Christianity lies in the sanctifying of what is called secular -- the bringing of all things under the cognizance of our God by intense, constant, importunate, believing prayer.
When you have told the Lord everything, the next thing for you to do, in order to cast your burden upon Him, is to believe that all will work together for your good. Swallow the bitter as readily as you do the sweet and believe that, somehow, the strange mixture will do you great good. Do not look out your window, judging this, and that, and the other, in detail, but, if God sent it to you, open the door and take it all in, for all that has come from Him will be to His Glory and to your profit. Believe that if you shall lose certain things, you will really be a gainer by your losses. Even if your dearest one is taken from you, all shall be well if you have but faith to trust God in it all. If you are stricken with mortal sickness, it will still be well with you and if you do steadfastly trust in the Lord, you shall know that it is so. We know, says the Apostle Paul -- he does not say, "We think, we suppose, we judge," but -- We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) If you know this, my Brother, or my Sister, it shall help you to cast your burden upon the Lord. (Psalm 55:22)
When you have done this, then leave your burden with the Lord. In the process of trusting God with your burden, get to the point that you have done with it. If I cast my burden upon the Lord, what business have I to carry it myself? How can I truthfully say that I have cast it upon Him if I am still burdened with it? Throughout my life, which has not been free from many grave cares, there have been many things which I have been able to see my own way through and, using my best judgment, they have passed off well. But in so large a church as this, there sometimes occur things that altogether stagger me. I do not know what to do in such a case as that, and I have been in the habit, after doing all I can, of putting such things up on the shelf and saying, "There, I will never take them down again, come what may. I have done with them, for I have left them wholly with God." And I wish to bear my testimony that somehow or other the thing which I could not unravel, has unraveled itself! When Peter and the angel came unto the iron gate, it opened to them of its own accord. (Acts 12:10) And the same thing has happened to me many a time. Who shall roll away the stone for us from the door of the sepulcher? (Mark 16:3) asked the holy women when they came to the tomb of their Lord? And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away. (Mark 16:4) Learn to say, "My God has made this difficulty and there is some good result to come of it. I have done the little I can do, so now I will leave it all with Him." -- C.H. Spurgeon, from the sermon Fear not, no. 2830, at The Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, on Thursday Evening, August 19, 1886.

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:7)

And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give [it] you.
Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 16:22,24)

I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 17:9)

Calvin was very much a man of prayer. He called prayer 'the principle exercise which the children of God have;' it is a 'true proof' of saving faith. -- Gary Crampton

To make intercession for men is the most powerful and practical way in which we can express our love for them. -- John Calvin

Personally I find it helpful to begin each day by silently committing that day into God's hands [Matthew 6:5-13; Psalm 37:5,6; Proverbs 16:3; Romans 12:1,2; 1 Peter 2:23b; 1 Peter 4:19; ]. I thank Him that I belong to Him [Galatians 3:26; Galatians 4:4,5; Ephesians 1:5; Romans 8:14,16,17,38,39; John 1:12], and I thank Him that He knows what the day holds for me [Providence, omniscience]. I ask Him to take my life that day and use it for His glory [John 15:16,8; Philippians 2:13; Philippians 1:6; John 15:7,8; John 15:10; John 15:4]. I ask Him to cleanse me from anything which would hinder His work [sanctification] in my life. And then I step out in faith [trust Matthew 6:25-34], knowing that His Holy Spirit is filling me continually as I trust in Him and obey [John 14:15-21; John 14:23; John 15:10; Matthew 16:24; Romans 8:37-39] His Word [Isaiah 11:2; John 15:26-27; John 14:15-17; 2 Timothy 1:7; Romans 8:11] -- Billy Graham, from The Holy Spirit: Activating God's Power in Your Life

Humbling Praying for the Illumination of the Spirit
The corruption of human nature is a universal disease. It affects not only a man's heart, will, and conscience, but his mind, memory, and understanding. The very same person who is quick and clever in worldly things, will often utterly fail to comprehend the simplest truths of Christianity.
He will often be unable to grasp the plainest reasonings of the Gospel. He will see no meaning in the clearest statements of evangelical doctrine. They will sound to him either foolish or mysterious. He will listen to them like one listening to a foreign language, catching a word here and there, but not seeing the drift of the whole. The world by wisdom knows not God. (1 Corinthians 1:21) It hears, but does not understand.
We must pray daily for the teaching of the Holy Spirit, if we would make progress in the knowledge of divine things. Without Him, the mightiest intellect and the strongest reasoning powers will carry us but a little way. In reading the Bible and hearing sermons, everything depends on the spirit in which we read and hear. A humble, teachable, child-like frame of mind is the grand secret of success. Happy is he who often says with David, Teach me Your statutes. (Psalm 119:64) Such an one will understand as well as hear. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

Let us pray more, and let us pray more earnestly. Let those who never prayed begin to pray. Let those who have prayed pray better. Pray for yourselves, that you may know the Lord Jesus, and cleave to Him, that you may be kept from falling, that you may serve your generation, that you may be sober in prosperity, patient in trial, and humble at all times. Pray for the congregation to which you belong, that the word of the Lord may have free course in it, and be glorified, that the household of faith may become stronger and stronger, and the household of unbelief weaker and weaker. Pray for your country, that her ministers may preach the Gospel, and be sound in the faith, that her rulers may value the Bible, and govern according to it, and that so her candlestick may not be taken away. And pray not least for your minister, that he may be strong to work, and willing to labor for your good, that all his sicknesses may be sanctified, and all his health given to the Lord, that he may be ever taught of the Spirit, and thus be able to teach others, that he may be kept faithful unto death, and so be ready to depart when he is called. Let us all pray, one for the other, I for you, and you for me, and we shall be blessed in our deed! -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900), from the sermon Consider Your Ways

Psalm 115 a "formulary of prayer" They openly disclaim all merit, and all hope of obtaining deliverance otherwise than God's doing it from a sole regard to his own glory, for these things are inseparably connected . . . finding nothing in themselves meritorious of God's favor, they call upon him to grant their requests, that his glory may be maintained . . . Suffused with shame by reason of their calamity, which, in itself, amounts to a kind of rejection, they durst not openly crave, at God's hand, what they wished, but made their appeal indirectly, that, from a regard to his own glory, he would prove a father to sinners, who had no claim upon him whatever . . . Not for your sake, but for mine own sake will I do this, Isaiah 48:11 . . . . This is the ground on which they remind him of his favor and faithfulness, both of which were liable to mischievous calumnies, should he disappoint the hopes of his people, to whom he was bound by an everlasting covenant; and upon whom, in the exercise of his gratuitous mercy, he had bestowed the privilege of adoption. And as God, in making us also partakers of his Gospel, has condescended to graft us into the body of his Son, we ought to make a public acknowledgement of the same. -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 115:1,2 and context

I sin against the Lord by labouring more than I pray. -- Andrew Bonar

Still further, the believer will have need to overcome the enemy in the heavenly places in reference to access to God. It may happen that when we are most intent upon communing with God, the adversary hinders us. Our heart and our flesh cry out for God, the living God; but from one cause or another we are unable to draw nigh unto the throne. The heart is heavy, sin is rampant, care is harassing, and Satanic insinuation is busy. You seem shut out from God, and the enemy triumphs over you. You feel very near the world, very near the flesh, and very near the devil: but you mourn your miserable distance from God. You are like a child who cannot reach his father's door because a black dog barks at him from the door. What is the way of access? If the foul fiend will not move out of the way, can we force our passage? By what weapon can we drive away the adversary so as to come to God? Is it not written that we are made nigh by the blood? Is there not a new and living way consecrated for us? Have we not boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus? We are sure of God's love when we see that Christ died for us; we are sure of God's favour when we see how that atonement has removed our transgressions far from us. We perceive our liberty to come to the Father, and therefore we each one say-
"I will approach thee -- I will force
My way through obstacles to thee;
To thee for strength will have recourse,
To thee for consolation flee!"
Pleading the propitiation made by the blood of the Lamb, we dare draw nigh to God. Behold, the evil spirit makes way before us. The sacred name of Jesus is one before which he flees. This will drive away his blasphemous suggestions and foul insinuations better than anything that you can invent. The dog of hell knows the dread name which makes him lie down: we must confront him with the authority, and specially with the atonement of the Lamb of God. He will rage and rave all the more if we send Moses to him; for he derives his power from our breaches of the law, and we cannot silence him unless we bring to him the great Lord who has kept the law, and made it honourable. -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon

In all times of danger from men our wisest course is to fly to the Lord our helper. He has ways and means for delivering us which we know not of. He can either turn our enemies into friends, or else so check all their efforts that they shall do us no real injury. Blessed are those men whose trust in the Lord never wavers. -- C.H. Spurgeon, commenting on Psalm 124 and Genesis 31:36-44 in Spurgeon's Devotional Bible, p. 45

By fasting, the body learns to obey the soul; by praying, the soul learns to command the body. -- William Secker

Pray often; for prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge for Satan. -- John Bunyan

What is the cause of most backslidings? I believe, as a general rule, one of the chief causes is neglect of private prayer. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

Fear is often a sign of prayerlessness, fatigue, and loneliness.

Three things that strengthen the spiritual life are Bible study, fellowship, and prayer.

This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me. (Psalm 119:50)

And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing (1 Kings 18:43). Even Elijah was not always answered immediately, and who are we to demand a prompt answer to our first asking? . . . He was convinced that sooner or later God would grant his request, yet he was persuaded he should give Him no rest (Isaiah 62:7). Six times the servant returned with his report that there was no portent of rain, yet the prophet relaxed not his supplication. And let us not be faint-hearted when no immediate success attends our praying, but be importunate, exercising faith and patience until the blessing comes . . . Therefore will the Lord wait, that He may be gracious unto you (Isaiah 30:18). Why? To teach us that we are not heard for our fervour or urgency, or because of the justness of our cause: we can claim nothing from God -- all is of grace, and we must wait His time. The Lord waits, not because He is tyrannical, but that He may be gracious. It is for our good that He waits: that our graces may be developed, that submission to His holy will may be wrought in us; then He lovingly turns to us and says, Great is thy faith, be it unto thee as thou wilt (Matthew 15:28). This is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him (John 5:14,15). God cannot break His own Word, but we must abide His time and, refusing to be discouraged, continue supplicating Him until He appears on our behalf. -- Arthur Pink (1886-1952), The Life of Elijah

The time we are more particularly to expect the influences of God's Spirit, is, when we are engaged in prayer. -- George Whitefield (1714-1770)

Adams, James E., War Psalms. Alternate title: Alternate title: WAR PSALMS OF THE PRINCE OF PEACE: LESSONS FROM THE IMPRECATORY PSALMS. ISBN: 0875520936 9780875520933.
Foreword by Jay Edward Adams (of Westminster Theological Seminary), not to be confused with the author, James E. Adams.
"As to the number of imprecatory Psalms, there are differing opinions. Some scholars see as few as three, others as many as twenty. The reason for this difference is that there are a number of Psalms that contain elements of malediction. It seems to this writer that there are at least ten such Psalms: 7, 35, 55, 58, 69, 79, 83, 109, 137, and 139." -- W. Gary Crampton in What About the Imprecatory Psalms?
Other Psalms that might be considered imprecatory: 3 [Psalm 3], 6, 17, 28, 56, 64, 73, 83, 86, 90, 94, 102, 105, 140, and 142.
A personal listing of Psalms that have imprecatory content or undertones: Psalm 3, 5, 6, 7, 17, 27, 28, 35, 37, 52, 54, 55, 56, 58, 59, 62, 63, 64, 69, 70, 73, 78, 79, 83, 86, 90, 91, 94, 102, 105, 109, 137, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, and 144.

Arrowsmith, John (1602-1659), England's Ebenezer; or, Stone of Help. Set up in Thankfull Acknowledgment of the Lord's Having Helped us Hitherto . . . In a Sermon Preached to Both . . . Houses of Parliament . . . 1 Sam. vii. 12, March 12, 1645

Barton, David, America: To Pray or not to Pray. A Statistical Look at What Happened When Religious Principles Were Separated From Public Affairs, ISBN: 0925279420 9780925279422.
"Correlates the decline of American society with the ban on prayer in public schools. The statistics point to the fact that as God has been banished from the public arena American society has spiralled downward." -- Publisher

Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), The Christian's Converse With God: or, The Insufficiency and Uncertainty of Human Friendship; and the Improvement of Solitude in Converse With God. In THE PRACTICAL WORKS OF RICHARD BAXTER: WITH A PREFACE, GIVING SOME ACCOUNT OF THE AUTHOR, AND OF THIS EDITION OF HIS PRACTICAL WORKS (3:852-78).

Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), Devotions and Prayers.

Beeke, Joel, Apostolic Prayer for Spiritual Health (MP3). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

Beeke, Joel R., and Brian G. Najapfour, Taking Hold of God: Reformed and Puritan Perspectives on Prayer, ISBN: 9781601781208, 1601781202.
"Six contemporary scholars explore the writings and prayer lives of several Reformers and Puritans." -- Publisher
"Contents:
Martin Luther on Prayer and Reformation -- Brian G. Najapfour
John Calvin on Prayer as Communion with God -- Joel R. Beeke
John Knox: A Theologian of Prayer -- Brian G. Najapfour
William Perkins on the Lord's Prayer -- J. Stephen Yuille
Anthony Burgess on Christ's Prayer for us -- Joel R. Beeke
John Bunyan on Praying with the Holy Spirit -- Michael A.G. Haykin
The Puritans on the Help of the Holy Spirit in Prayer -- Johnny C. Serafini
Matthew Henry on a Practical Method of Daily Prayer -- Joel R. Beeke
Thomas Boston on Praying to our Father -- Joel R. Beeke
Jonathan Edwards on Prayer and the Triune God -- Peter Beck
Puritan Prayers for World Missions -- Joel R. Beeke
Prayerful Praying Today -- Joel R. Beeke"

*Bennett, Arthur (editor), The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions, ISBN: 0851518214 9780851518213.
"The prayers are taken from the works of Thomas Shepard, Thomas Watson, Richard Baxter, John Bunyan, Isaac Watts, William Williams, Philip Doddridge, William Romaine, David Brainerd, Augustus Toplady, Christmas Evans, William Jay, Henry Law, and Charles Haddon Spurgeon" -- Arthur Bennett
"Contains a wealth of insight into the practical application of Puritan theology to the Christian life. Challenging." -- Cyril J. Barber

Binnie, William, The Imprecations: God's Forgotten Prayers of Power, ISBN: 0921148402 9780921148401. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.
"This booklet addresses one of the most misunderstood and maligned aspects of God's Word, the prayers and passages cursing his enemies. Binnie notes that the imprecations 'are a wholesome antidote to the religious sentimentality of our time, which shuts its eye to the truth that God's wrath against impenitent despisers of his grace is at once necessary and salutary.' Both Old Testament and New Testament references." -- GCB

Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), Personal and Family Fasting and Humiliation. Alternate title: A MEMORIAL CONCERNING PERSONAL AND FAMILY-FASTING AND HUMILIATION, PRESENTED TO SAINTS AND SINNERS. Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS BOSTON, VOL. 11), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS BOSTON, VOL. 11), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #6.

Bounds, E.M. (1835-1913), Bible Men of Prayer. Available in THE COMPLETE WORKS OF E.M. BOUNDS ON PRAYER, PRAYER AND PRAYING MEN.

Bounds, E.M. (1835-1913), The Complete Works of E.M. Bounds on Prayer, ISBN: 0801009855 9780801009853.
"Eight classics in one volume using modern language." -- GCB

1. Possibilities of Prayer
   http://www.ccel.org/b/bounds/possibilities/possibilities.html
   
2. Power Through Prayer
   http://www.ccel.org/bounds/power/power.html
   
3. Prayer and Praying Men
   
4. Purpose of Prayer
   
5. Reality of Prayer
   
6. Weapon of Prayer
   
7. Essentials of Prayer
   
8. Necessity of Prayer
   http://www.ccel.org/bounds/necessity/necessity.html

Bounds, E.M. (1835-1913), Essentials of Prayer, ISBN: 0801007569. A Christian classic.
"This one is my personal favorite, of the E.M. Bounds classics on prayer. If you want a deeper relationship in prayer then this book will inspire you. If you need a clearer understanding of how to pray, this is the book for you. I highly recommend everything written by this Classic Prayer Author." -- Reader's Comment

Bounds, E.M. (1835-1913), Possibilities of Prayer, ISBN: 0585035970 9780585035970.
Possibilities of Prayer by E.M. Bounds
http://www.ccel.org/b/bounds/possibilities/possibilities.html

*Bounds, Edward M., Power Through Prayer; Purpose in Prayer, ISBN: 0916441032 9780916441036. A Christian classic.
Bounds, E.M., Power Through Prayer
http://archive.org/details/PowerThroughPrayer
Bounds, E.M., Power Through Prayer
http://www.ccel.org/bounds/power/power.html

*Bounds, E.M. (1835-1913), Purpose in Prayer. A Christian classic.
"Praying with purpose means making definite, direct requests of God, taking it for granted that the requests are heard and will be answered. Bounds explains the attitude, characteristics, and hindrances behind such prayer." -- Publisher

*Brown, John (of Edinburgh, 1784-1858), Discourses and Sayings of our Lord Jesus Christ, 3 volumes, ISBN: 0851515819 (one ISBN for the set of 3 volumes). A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Spurgeon says of this great commentary: 'Of the noblest order of exposition. Procure it.' Elsewhere in COMMENTING AND COMMENTARIES, he wrote, 'Dr. Brown's work must be placed among the first of the first-class. He is a great expositor.' Again, 'Brown is a modern Puritan. All his expositions are of the utmost value.'
"These volumes cover much of the Gospel of John, plus many portions of the other three Gospels. In them he reveals his encyclopedic mind, and a profound regard for the Bible and the very Word of God. In addition, it is seen why it was said that he had the best clerical library in the whole nation of Scotland.
"There is little doubt in the mind of this reviewer that any reader of these volumes will become possessor of myriads of new insights into the Scriptures, and what they reveal of our God and Saviour, Jesus Christ. It is indispensable to the student of the Gospels." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
"Based upon the revised and enlarged edition of 1852. Rich in thought. Pastors will appreciate the writer's application of spiritual truths to the needs of men and women." -- Cyril J. Barber
Recommended for daily devotions, as are all the books in the listing of "Books Considered to be Among the ten Greatest in the English Language."
Discourses and Sayings of our Lord Jesus Christ: Illustrated in a Series of Expositions, 1854, vol. 1 of 2.
http://archive.org/details/discoursessaying01brow
Discourses and Sayings of our Lord Jesus Christ, vol. 2 of 2.
http://archive.org/details/discoursessaying02brow
Discourses and Sayings of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Illustrated in a Series of Expositions. . . . by John Brown, published 1856 [complete in 2 volumes. New York: Robert Carter and Brothers], original from the University of Michigan, digitized Feb. 17, 2006.
http://books.google.com/books?id=SZl9u8v0Yi8C&dq=Discourses+and+Sayings+of+Our+Lord+Jesus+Christ&ie=ISO-8859-1&source=gbs_summary_s&cad=0
This University of Michigan digitized edition, that appears in Google Books, is available in paper from two publishers: (Gardners Books, 2006), and (Hard Press, November 26, 2007).
Both volume are "produced from digital images created through the University of Michigan University Library's preservation reformatting program." -- Publisher

*Brown, John (of Edinburgh, 1784-1858), An Exposition of our Lord's Intercessory Prayer. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"The concluding prayer of our Lord's in the garden here receives sensitive treatment. Brown was a pastor as well as an exegete. His handling of the text is excellent. His exposition serves as a model." -- Cyril J. Barber
Includes an Appendix 1, "Connection Between the Visible Union of Christians, and the Conversion of the World," by Hugh Heugh, D.D.
An Exposition of our Lord's Intercessory Prayer: With a Discourse on the Relation of our Lord's Intercession to the Conversion of the World (1866)
http://archive.org/details/expositionofourl00brow
Nave's Topical Bible -- Christ, Prayers of
http://www.biblestudytools.com/Concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T2807

*Brown, John (of Wamphray, 1610-1679), A Pious and Elaborate Treatise Concerning Prayer; and The Answer of Prayer. Written by . . . John Brown . . . Glasgow, 1745. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #8, #21.

*Bunyan, John (1628-1688), The Desire of the Righteous Granted. A Christian classic.
Available (THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"This 75-page treatise is based vpon Proverbs 10:24." -- GCB
Pilgrim's Page: A John Bunyan Archive
This is the complete set of THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN, George Offor edition, reprinted by The Banner of Truth. It is free online, and is downloadable in the following formats: HTML, RTF, TEXT, and PDF.
http://www.chapellibrary.org/literature/bunyan/
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN is also available at Project Gutenberg.
*Bunyan, John (1628-1688), Prayer. A Christian classic. Available (THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Pilgrim's Page: A John Bunyan Archive
This is the complete set of THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN, George Offor edition, reprinted by The Banner of Truth. It is free online, and is downloadable in the following formats: HTML, RTF, TEXT, and PDF.
http://www.chapellibrary.org/literature/bunyan/
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN is also available at Project Gutenberg.
"First published in 1965 by Banner of Truth, this work is once again available. It combines two of Bunyan's writings on prayer, PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT and THE THRONE OF GRACE. These brief expositions provide a classic study of prayer." -- GCB

Bunyan, John (1628-1688), Thomas Goodwin (1600-1680), Thomas Shepard (1605-1649), Prayer, The Return of Prayers, and The Saint's Jewel, ISBN: 1589603737. Alternate title: PRAYER.
"Prayer is an ordinance of God, and that to be used both in public and private; yea, such an ordinance will bring those that have the spirit of supplication into great familiarity with God; and is also so prevalent an action, that it gets of God, both for the person that prays, and for them that are prayed for, great things. It is the opener of the heart of God, and a means by which the soul, though empty, is filled. By prayer the Christian can open his heart to God, as to a friend and obtain fresh testimony of God's friendship to him -- I might spend many words in distinguishing between public and private prayer as also between that in the heart, and that with the vocal voice. Something also might be spoken to distinguish between the gifts and graces of prayer; but as eschewing this method my business shall be at this time only to show you the very heart of prayer, without which, all your lifting up both of hands, and eyes, and voices, will be to no purpose at all. Prayer is a sincere, sensible, affectionate pouring out of the heart or soul to God, through Christ, in the strength and assistance of the Holy Spirit, for such things as God has promised, or according to the Word for the good of the Church, with submission, in faith, to the will of God. 1. For the first of these: it is a sincere pouring out of the soul to God. Sincerity is such a grace as runs through all the graces of God in us, and through all the actings of a Christian, and has the sway in them too, or else their actings are not anything regarded of God, and so of and in prayer, of which particularly David speaks, when he mentions prayer: I cried unto the him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue. If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. (Psa. 66:17,18 [Psalm 66:17,18]). Part of the exercise of prayer is sincerity, without which God looks not upon it as prayer in a good sense. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. (Jer. 29:13 [Jeremiah 29:13]). The want of this made the Lord reject their prayers in Hos. 7:14 [Hosea 7:14], where He says, And they have not cried to me with their hearts [that is, in sincerity], when they howled upon their beds. But for a pretense, for a show, in hypocrisy, to be seen of men, and applauded for the same, they pray. Sincerity was that which Christ commended in Nathaniel when he was under the fig-tree: Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! (John 1:47). Probably this good man was pouring out of his soul to God in prayer under the fig-tree, and that in a sincere and unfeigned spirit before the Lord. The prayer that has this in it as one of the principal ingredients is the prayer that God looks at: The prayer of the upright is his delight'. (Prov. 15:8 [Proverbs 15:8])
"Bunyan (1628-1688), rose from an humble beginning to being a preacher to a little house church, to 12 years in jail because he would not agree to quit preaching to a huge church in London. He wrote 66 books, nearly all while in jail.
"Goodwin (1600-1679), was rightly described as 'one of the twin pillars of the Puritan movement.' His 12 volumes are filled with information not to be found in any other works.
"Thomas Shepard (1605-1649), was an early New England Puritan. His work was praised at once by eminent divines, four of them being Westminster Confession participants. Jonathan Edwards quoted from Shepard more than any other." -- Publisher

Carson, Donald A., A Call to Spiritual Reformation: Priorities From Paul and his Prayers, ISBN: 0801025699 9780801025693.
"Using the letters of Paul, Carson makes a very important point: God doesn't require more frenetic programs or emotional stimulation; God wants his people to know him more intimately. Prayer and the Word are the answer." -- GCB

Chambers, Humphrey, and Samuel Man, A Divine Ballance to Weigh Religious Fasts in: Applyed to Present vse, in a Sermon Preached Before the Honourable House of Commons, in S. Margarets Westminster at their Publique Fast, Sept. 27. 1643, James 3:18.

Christenson, Evelyn, What Happens When we Pray for our Families, ISBN: 0896935418 9780896935419.
LEADER'S GUIDE available.
"When women pray, wonderful things happen -- and Evelyn Christenson knows it from experience! Now she looks back over her 50 years of marriage to reveal prayer secrets that will help you pray effectively for your family. When illness or tragedy strikes, when family relationships are fractured, when children stray -- prayer can make a difference! "Christenson shows you how to hang on in faith and wait for what God will do . . ." -- CBD

Crampton, W. Gary, What About the Imprecatory Psalms?
"As to the number of imprecatory Psalms, there are differing opinions. Some scholars see as few as three, others as many as twenty. The reason for this difference is that there are a number of Psalms that contain elements of malediction. It seems to this writer that there are at least ten such Psalms: 7, 35, 55, 58, 69, 79, 83, 109, 137, and 139. . . .
"To pray the imprecatory prayers is to pray for the overthrow of Satan and his minions. If God's kingdom is to advance, in accordance with the Lord's Prayer (which believers are enjoined to pray): Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven (Matthew 6:10), then the kingdom of the evil one must be destroyed. God's glory necessitates the destruction of the wicked. Imprecatory prayers aim at just this. The Lord's Prayer is itself a prayer for the overthrow of evil. . . .
"A Biblical view of the imprecatory Psalms does not recognize them as problematic. To invoke divine retribution on the enemies of God and His people is to pray in accordance with the revealed will of God. After all, these Psalms are a part of the infallible and inerrant 'collection of songs and prayers covering a variety of themes.' And they, being as fully inspired as the rest of Scripture, are 'profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work' (2 Timothy 3:16-17)." -- W. Gary Crampton in What About the Imprecatory Psalms?
A personal listing of Psalms that have imprecatory content or undertones: Psalm 3, 5, 6, 7, 17, 27, 28, 35, 37, 52, 54, 55, 56, 58, 59, 62, 63, 64, 69, 70, 73, 78, 79, 83, 86, 90, 91, 94, 102, 105, 109, 137, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, and 144.
http://www.trinityfoundation.org/PDF/282-CramptonImprecatoryPsalms.pdf

Donne, John, On Prayer, Repentance, and the Mercy of God: A Lenten Sermon. A Christian classic. Available in the THE WORKS (OF JOHN DONNE).

*Edwards, Charles E. (editor), Devotions and Prayers of John Calvin. Alternate title: SCRIPTURE TEXTS, WITH EXPOSITIONS AND SENTENCE PRAYERS FROM CALVIN'S COMMENTARIES ON THE MINOR PROPHETS. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.

Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), A Humble Attempt to Promote the Agreement and Union of God's People Throughout the World in Extraordinary Prayer for a Revival of Religion and the Advancement of God's Kingdom on Earth, According to Scriptural Promises and Prophecies of the Last Time.
http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/ipb-e/epl-10/web/edwards-humble-attempt.html

Ellul, Jacques (1912-1994), Prayer and Modern Man.

Fisher, Fred L., Prayer in the New Testament.

Gee, Edward (1613-1660), A Treatise of Prayer: and Of Divine Providence as Relating to it. With an application of the general doctrine thereof unto the present time, and state of things in the land, so far as prayer is concerned in them. Written for the instruction, admonition, and comfort of those that give themselves unto prayer, and stand in need of it in the said respects. By Edvvard Gee, minister of the gospel at Eccleston in Lancashire

*Goodwin, Thomas (1600-1680), The Return of Prayers, ISBN: 9780548039441 0548039445. A Christian classic. Available in THE WORKS OF THOMAS GOODWIN.

*Gurnall, William (1617-1679), and John Charles Ryle (contributor), The Christian in Complete Armor: A Treatise of the Saint's war Against the Devil, complete and unabridged, ISBN: 0851511961 9780851511962. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Peerless and priceless; every line full of wisdom." -- C.H. Spurgeon
"If I might read only one book beside the Bible, I would choose THE CHRISTIAN IN COMPLETE ARMOUR." -- John Newton
Also praised by John Flavel and Richard Baxter.
Said to be among the 10 greatest Christian books.
"A beautiful feature in Gurnall's book is its richness in pithy, pointed, and epigrammatical sayings. You will often find in a line and a half some great truth, put so concisely, and yet so fully, that you really marvel how so much thought could be got into so few words.
"Solid scriptural theology, like that contained in these pages, should be valued and studied in the church. Books in which Scripture is reverently regarded as the only rule of faith and practice -- books in which Christ and the Holy Ghost have their rightful office -- books in which justification, and sanctification, and regeneration, and faith, and grace, and holiness are clearly, distinctly, and accurately delineated and exhibited -- these are the only books which do real good. Few things need reviving more than a taste for such books as these among readers." -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)
The Christian in Complete Armour, William Gurnall
http://www.ccel.org/g/gurnall/armour/home.htm
The Christian in Complete Armour
http://archive.org/details/christianincomp00unkngoog
Quotes From The Christian in Complete Armour by William Gurnall
http://www.puritansermons.com/reformed/gurnquot.htm

Henry, Matthew (1662-1714), A Method for Prayer With Scripture Expressions and Directions for Daily Communion With God, ISBN: 188441608X 9781884416088. A Christian classic.
"This is a reprint of two of Henry's works. In the first he deals with the different aspects of prayer (adoration, confession, petition and requests, thanksgiving for mercy, intercession), and has a brief exposition of the Lord's Prayer. The second is comprised of three expositions on how to start, spend, and end the day with God." -- GCB

*Henry, Matthew (1662-1714), The Secret of Communion With God, ISBN: 0825428378. A Christian classic.
"The famous commentator proves again in this book how sweet and sound he is in the thoughts and ways of the Lord God Almighty. . . . It is doubtful than any true Christian can read this book without making many changes in his devotional life. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
Daily Communion With God; Christianity No Sect; The Sabbath; The Promises of God; The Worth of the Soul; A Church in the House
http://books.google.com/books?id=XGo3AAAAMAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html

Heywood, Oliver, Closet-prayer: A Christian Duty, or A Treatise Upon Matt 6:6, tending to prove that the worship of God in secret is the indispensable duty of all Christians, both by sundry examples and arguments, together with a severe rebuke of Christians for their neglect of, or negligence in the duty of closet prayer. And many directions for the managing thereof, exhortations to it, objections answered, cases of conscience cleared. 1687. [Matthew 6:6] Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

Hooker, Thomas (1586-1647), A Comment Upon Christ's Last Prayer in the Seventeenth of John [John 17] Wherein is Opened the Union Beleevers Have With God and Christ, and the Glorious Privileges Thereof . . . / by that faithful and known servant of Christ, Mr. Thomas Hooker . . . printed from the authors own papers written with his own hand, and attested to be such in an epistle by Thomas Goodwin and Philip Nye, 1656.

Jay, William, Prayers for the use of Families, or, The Domestic Minister's Assistant. With an appendix containing a number of select and original prayers for particular occasions.

Jenkins, David L., Great Prayers of the Bible: A Guide for Individual or Group Study, ISBN: 0805415432 9780805415438.

Johnston, J.B., The Prayer Meeting, and its History as Identified With the Life and Power of Godliness and the Revival of Religion, 1870.

Knox, John (1505-1572), A Treatise on Prayer, or, A Confession, and Declaration of Prayers Added Thereto. Available (WORKS OF JOHN KNOX) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #15, #26. Available in SELECTED WRITINGS OF JOHN KNOX.
A Treatise on Prayer, or, a Confession, and Declaration of Prayers Added Thereto
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/PrayerTr.htm

Leuenberger, Samuel, Archbishop Cranmer's Immortal Bequest: The Book of Common Prayer of the Church of England: An Evangelistic Liturgy, ISBN: 0802804748 9780802804747.
Foreword by J.I. Packer.

Lockyer, Herbert, All the Prayers of the Bible, ISBN: 0310281210 9780310281214.

Love, Christopher (1618-1651), Wrath and Mercy. Alternate title: A CHRISTIAN'S DIRECTORY. Contains: THE ZEALOUS CHRISTIAN TAKING HEAVEN BY HOLY VIOLENCE: TENDING TO DIRECT MEN HOW TO HEAR WITH ZEAL, TO PRAY WITH IMPORTUNITY. TO WHICH IS ADDED, THE CHRISTIAN'S DIRECTORY . . . BEING IN ALL, THE SUMME AND SUBSTANCE OF XXXII SERMONS. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Sixty pages of Puritan exposition on 1 Thessalonians 5:9, For God hath not appointed us unto wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ. Love was a member of the Westminster Assembly and an English Covenanter." -- Publisher

Love, Christopher (1618-1651), and Don Kistler, The Zealous Christian: Taking Heaven by Holy Violence in Wrestling and Holding Communion With God in Importunate Prayer in Several Sermons, tending to direct men how to hear with zeal and to pray with importunity, 1653 ISBN: 1573581283 9781573581288. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Taking Heaven by Storm, Christopher Love (1 of 4), [audio file]
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=21201231916

Mack, Wayne, How to Pray Effectively, ISBN: 1930133022 9781930133020.

*Manton, Thomas (1620-1677), A Practical Exposition of the Lord's Prayer by . . . Thomas Manton, 1684. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #4 and #5.
"Notes: Contains engraved portrait frontispiece."

Miller, C. John (1928-1996), Isaiah and a Theology of Prayer, (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).

Miller, Samuel (1769-1850), Thoughts on Public Prayer. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Deals with an important element of Reformed worship and was originally written because of the lack of material to be found on this specific subject. The history, liturgies, faults and characteristics of attaining excellence in public prayer are all covered." -- Publisher
"Excellent book which covers the whole subject rather well. A Presbyterian minister and Princeton professor of 150 years ago sheds light on the needs of our day concerning prayers and public prayer in particular." -- GCB

Murray, Andrew (1828-1917), With Christ in the School of Prayer: Thoughts on our Training for the Ministry of Intercession, 1885, ISBN: 1331485231 9781331485230.
With Christ in the School of Prayer
http://archive.org/details/cihm_11325

Neal, John W., The Prayer for Help: A Biblical Theological Critique and Reconstruction of the Healing Memories Methodology (Philadelphia, PA: Westminster Theological Seminary, D.Min. thesis, 1986).
Includes bibliography.

*Owen, John (1616-1683), The Work of the Holy Spirit in Prayer, as a Comforter and as the Author of Spiritual Gifts. A Christian classic. See: THE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN.

Palmer, B.M., National Responsibility Before God: A Discourse, Delivered on the day of Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer, Appointed by the President of the Confederate States of America, June 13, 1861.

Palmer, Samuel (1741-1813), A Collection of Family-prayers From the Devotional Writings of Baxter: Henry, Willison, Bennett, Watts, Doddridge, and others. With Various Occasional Forms, 1783.

*Perkins, William (1558-1602), An Exposition of the Lord's Prayer, in the way of Catechising Seruing for Ignorant People. By W. Perkins, 1592. Available (THE FOUNDATION OF CHRISTIAN RELIGION GATHERED INTO FIXED PRINCIPLES, 1608), on the Puritan Hard Drive.

*Pink, Arthur W. (1886-1952), Gleanings From Paul: Studies in the Prayers of the Apostle, ISBN: 0851519237.
"Concentrates on the prayers and notes of praise of the Apostle Paul. Expounds the Scripture so as to give a better understanding of Paul himself." -- Cyril J. Barber

*Pink, Arthur W. (1886-1952), A Guide to Fervent Prayer, ISBN: 0801070953 9780801070952.
Edited by Donald R. White. "Pink expounds on the apostolic prayers as found in the New Testament. Book was originally published under the title EFFECTUAL FERVENT PRAYER." -- GCB

*Preston, John (1587-1628), The Saints Daily Exercise. A Treatise, Vnfolding the Whole Dutie of Prayer. Delivered in Five Sermons, Upon I Thes. 5. 17 [1 Thessalonians 5:17]. By the late faithfull and worthy minister of Jesus Christ, Iohn Preston, D. in Divinity, chaplaine in ordinary to his Majestie, master of Emmanuel College in Cambridge, and sometimes preacher of Lincolns Inne, 1631, ISBN: 9022108244 9789022108246.

Protheroe, Rowland E., The Psalms in Human Life. A Christian classic.
Includes bibliography and index.

*Rainsford, Marcus, Our Lord Prays for His own: Thoughts on John 17, ISBN: 0825436176.
"Griffith Thomas describes this book as 'the greatest classic ever written on Christ's high priestly prayer.' We believe it is the best one in print, since Thomas Manton's excellent book on John 17, and also John Brown's are out of print [see citations -- both are now available in e-text -- compiler], at this time. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)

Reformed Presbyterian Church, Scotland, Guide to Private Social Worship, Recommended by the Reformed Presbyterian Synod of Scotland in 1823, as a Directory in Conducting Prayer Meetings, 1854.

Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), The Power of Faith and Prayer, ISBN: 1872556027 9781872556024. Alternate title: THE POWER AND PREVALENCY OF FAITH AND PRAYER EVIDENCED, IN A PRACTICAL DISCOURSE UPON MATTH. 9.27,31 [MATTHEW 9:27,31]. BY MR. SAMUEL RUTHERFORD.

Schaeffer, Edith (1914-2013), The Life of Prayer, ISBN: 0891076492 9780891076490.
"Here is a distillation of Mrs. Schaeffer's lifelong experience as a prayer warrior. Filled with examples from her own life and the lives of hundreds of friends throughout the world, this heartwarming book brings the reader face to face with the life-changing power of prayer. She speaks on such difficult subjects as: Why pray if God is sovereign? and What is the relationship between prayer and suffering?" -- GCB

*Scudder, Henry (d. 1659?), and Richard Sibbes (1577-1635), A key of Heaven the Lord's Prayer Opened, and so Applied, That a Christian may Learne how to Pray, and to Procure all Things Which may Make for the Glorie of God, and the good of himselfe, and of his neighbour: containing likewise such doctrines of faith and godlines, as may be very usefull to all that desire to live godly in Christ Jesus.

Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), C.H. Spurgeon's Prayers. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
C.H. Spurgeon's Prayers
http://archive.org/details/chspurgeonspraye00spur

*Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Effective Prayer.

Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), The Pastor in Prayer: A Collection of the Sunday Morning Prayers of C.H. Spurgeon, ISBN: 0851518508 9780851518503.

*Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), The Treasury of David, 3 volumes, ISBN: 0917006259 9780917006258. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. A Christian classic.
"The most important and practical work of the ages on the Psalter." -- Dr. Philip Schaff
"Spurgeon's own exposition appears under each verse; after that you'll find 'explanatory notes and quaint sayings' (illuminating quotes from Spurgeon's contemporaries as well as from the great Puritan expositors of the 17th and 18th centuries). Each Psalm closes with a short section of 'Hints to Preachers'." -- CBD
Recommended for daily devotions.
The Treasury of David
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/treasury.php
The Treasury of David (1881)
http://archive.org/details/thetreasuryofdav00spuruoft

*Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Twelve Sermons on Prayer, ISBN: 0801079233 9780801079238.
"The great Baptist preacher of the late 1800's directs us, through his sermons, to a fuller understanding of prayer. Using 12 Bible texts this book is an excellent guide to prayer." -- GCB

*Thomas, William H.G. (W.H. Griffith, 1861-1924), Grace and Power, ISBN: 0840759347. A Christian classic.
"This is one of the great books of Christendom. It deals concisely with the problems Christians face in every age: how to make time for prayer, why we often hinder our spiritual growth, the manner in which we may develop our inner resources so as to be able to meet the contingencies of life, and the means God has provided for the development of the spiritual life. . . ." -- Cyril J. Barber
Thomas, Grace and Power: Some Aspects of the Spiritual Life (1916)
http://archive.org/details/cihm_65773

Todd, Isaac, The Posture of Prayer, or God to be Worshipped With the Body as Well as the Mind.
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/19/isaac-todds-the-posture-of-prayer-or-god-to-be-worshipped-with-the-body-as-well-as-the-mind

Traill, Robert (1642-1716), The Throne of Grace Discoursed of From Heb. IV, 16 / by Robert Trail [Hebrews 4:16], ISBN: 085151393X. Available (THE WORKS OF ROBERT TRAILL), on Puritan Hard Drive. Available (SELECT PRACTICAL WRITINGS OF ROBERT TRAILL), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.

Traill, Robert (1642-1716), Twenty Nine Sermons, viz. XIII. On the Throne of Grace, . . . and XVI. On the Lord's Prayer, . . . Together with the Protestant Doctrine of Justification Vindicated. All by the Late Revd. and Learned Mr. Robert Trail . . . 1731. Available (THE WORKS OF ROBERT TRAILL), on the Puritan Hard Drive.

Vines, Richard (1600?-1656), The Posture of David's Spirit When he was in a Doubtfull Condition. Opened in a Sermon preached before the honourable House of Commons at Margarets Westminster, upon October 22. 1644. Being a day especially set apart for a publicke humiliation. By Richard Vines, minister of the Gospel at Weddington in the County of Warwick, and one of the Assembly of Divines. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

Waltke, Bruce, The Book of Psalms (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
An extension study course for credit. Available on audio cassettes [audio file].

*Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), The Lord's Prayer, ISBN: 0851511457. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Watson's three works on the Westminster Shorter Catechism is concluded by his exposition of the Lord's Prayer. In this book he analyses in detail the Preface to the prayer and the six petitions. His treatment of the second petition ('thy Kingdom come'), is exceptionally full and illuminating. This book affords instruction and practical help to praying Christians." -- Publisher
"A full and powerful Puritan exposition of the Lord's Prayer. So excellent that it may be without equal." -- GCB
"A part of the writer's famous BODY OF DIVINITY. An excellent exposition combining sound doctrine with practical application." -- Cyril J. Barber
The Lord's Prayer, Thomas Watson
http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/ipb-e/epl-watson-lprayer.html
Westminster Shorter Catechism Project
"Click on any of the individual questions below to get the answer and Biblical references, as well as links to works by John Flavel, Thomas Watson, Thomas Boston, James Fisher, and John Whitecross, and others."
http://www.shortercatechism.com/

*Wenhe, Mary, How to Pray for Healing, ISBN: 0800707419 9780800707415.

Wishart, William (parson of Restalrigg), An Exposition of the Lord's Prayer. Delivered in two and twenty lectures, at the church of Lieth in Scotland; by Mr. William Wischart parson of Restalrigg.

Wooden, Keith, Teaching Children to Pray, ISBN: 0310544815 9780310544814.
"Here is a book for all parents. Children don't just know how to pray, you have to show them. This book is a good place to start." -- GCB

See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Psalms, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Jesus on prayer, the lord's prayer, Bible promises, Intercessory prayer, Ready reference: immediate counsel on many subjects, Evangelistic praying, Intercessory prayer, Prayer groups, Bible reading and devotional guides, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Family worship, The larger catechism, The shorter catechism, Knowledge of god and virtue, Words of Christ appearing in the web edition of biblical counsel: resources for renewal, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 13, 38, 439, 1003-1005, 1071, 1072, 1089, 1671, 2197, 2517, 2816-2841, 3607, 3841, 4082, 4193
MGTP: Prayer (extensive listing)

Related Weblinks

The Commandments of Jesus, J.S. McConnell (1925)
http://www.wowzone.com/commandm.htm

Nave's Topical Bible -- Christ, Prayers of
http://www.biblestudytools.com/Concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T2807

Nave's Topical Bible -- Prayer
http://www.biblestudytools.com/Concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T3962

Of Prayer, John Calvin
http://www.ccel.org/calvin/prayer/prayer.html

Prayers of John Calvin From his Commentary on Hosea
http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/prayers_hosea.html

Prayers of Jesus
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prayers_of_Jesus

Vital Prayer (FGB #153)
The Vital Role of the Prayer Meeting | Prayerless or Prayful? | The Most Important Subject | Continue in Prayer | Hindrances to Prayer | The Prayers of Christ's Saints | What True Prayer is | Prayerless Pastors | Intercession: The Pastor's Task | God's Power for God's People
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/vprafg/vital-prayer

Call Upon the Name of the Lord

---

The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. (Psalm 145:18)

And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. (Psalm 50:15)

The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. (Psalm 9:9,10)

See the Theological Notes: " 'This is My Name:' God's Self-disclosure," at Exodus 3:15 in The Reformation Study Bible.

See the Theological Notes: "Prayer," at Luke 11:2 in The Reformation Study Bible.

Call upon me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. (Jeremiah 33:3)

I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. (Psalm 18:1-3)

The Treasury of David, Psalm 55, C.H. Spurgeon
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps55.php

The Treasury of David, Psalm 107, C.H. Spurgeon
Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! (Psalm 107:8)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps107.php

The Treasury of David, Psalm 116, C.H. Spurgeon
The Lord preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me. (Psalm 116:6)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps116.php

The Treasury of David, Psalm 120, C.H. Spurgeon
Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue. (Psalm 120:2)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps120.php

It has been customary in all ages for heathens, who look upon religion as a fable, when compelled by stern necessity, to call upon God for help. Did they do so in jest? By no means; it was by a secret natural instinct that they were led to reverence God's name, which formerly they held in derision. The Spirit of God, therefore, in my opinion, here narrates what frequently takes place, namely, that persons destitute of piety and faith, and who have no desire to have any thing to do with God, if placed in perilous circumstances, are constrained by natural instinct, and without any proper conception of what they are doing, to call on the name of God. Since it is only in dubious and desperate cases that they betake themselves to God, this acknowledgement which they make of their helplessness is a palpable proof of their stupidity, that in the season of peace and tranquillity they neglect him, so much are they then under the intoxicating influence of their own prosperity; and notwithstanding that the germ of piety is planted in their hearts, they nevertheless never dream of learning wisdom, unless when driven by the dint of adversity; I mean, to learn the wisdom of acknowledging that there is a God in heaven who directs every event." -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 107:6 and context

The Treasury of David, Psalm 14, C.H. Spurgeon
The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. (Psalm 14:1)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps014.php

Rise up, LORD, and let thine enemies be scattered; and let them that hate thee flee before thee. (Numbers 10:35b)

Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), Revive us Again: Psalm 85:6. [Psalm 85:6]

Power, Philip Bennett (1822-1899), The "I Wills" of the Psalms, ISBN: 0851514456 9780851514451.
"Author examines the Psalms to bring home an important aspect of the Christian experience, that of acting. He discusses I will trust, I will speak, I will call upon God, I will go in the strength of the Lord, and I will praise God. Power lived from 1822-1899." -- GCB

Shelton, L.R., Jr., Call on Me and I will Answer, and Show Thee Things you Know not. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Call on Me and I will Answer, and Show Thee Things you Know not
http://www.chapellibrary.org/

See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Prayer, Bible promises, Intercessory prayer, Individual responsibility for corporate faithfulness and sanctification, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Will and recalcitrance, God's deliverance of nations, Waiting on god, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 38, 1003, 1004, 1071, 2819, 2840, 3191

Jesus on Prayer, The Lord's Prayer

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See the Theological Notes: "Prayer," at Luke 11:2 in The Reformation Study Bible.

See the Theological Notes: "One and Three: The Trinity," at Isaiah 44:6 in The Reformation Study Bible.

After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done
in earth, as [it is] in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:9-13)

Let us strive to make the Lord's Prayer our model and pattern in all our approaches to God. Let it suggest to us the sort of things which we should pray for and pray against.
Let it teach us the relative place and proportion which we should give to each subject in our prayers. The more we ponder and examine the Lord's Prayer, the more instructive and suggestive shall we find it to be. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

See the Theological Notes: " 'This is My Name:' God's Self-disclosure," at Exodus 3:15 in The Reformation Study Bible.

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 26:41)

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
If ye love me, keep my commandments. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:12-15)

These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.
I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received [them], and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them.
And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we [are]. While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare [it]: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 17)

Bunyan, John (1628-1688), Intercession of Christ. Available (THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
Pilgrim's Page: A John Bunyan Archive
This is the complete set of THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN, George Offor edition, reprinted by The Banner of Truth. It is free online, and is downloadable in the following formats: HTML, RTF, TEXT, and PDF.
http://www.chapellibrary.org/literature/bunyan/
THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN is also available at Project Gutenberg.
Nave's Topical Bible -- Christ, Prayers of
http://www.biblestudytools.com/Concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T2807

Flavel, John (1628-1691), The Intercession of Christ our High-Priest, Being the Second act or Part of his Priestly Office. In THE WORKS OF JOHN FLAVEL,3 (1:165-76). In THE FOUNTAIN OF LIFE, (1:17-561).

Henry, Matthew (1662-1714), A Method for Prayer With Scripture Expressions and Directions for Daily Communion With God, ISBN: 188441608X 9781884416088. A Christian classic.
"This is a reprint of two of Henry's works. In the first he deals with the different aspects of prayer (adoration, confession, petition and requests, thanksgiving for mercy, intercession), and has a brief exposition of the Lord's Prayer. The second is comprised of three expositions on how to start, spend, and end the day with God." -- GCB

*Manton, Thomas (1620-1677), An Exposition of John 17. Available (THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THOMAS MANTON), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THOMAS MANTON), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #4 and #5.
"A deep, rich, and full exposition by a Puritan divine." -- Cyril J. Barber

Newton, John (1725-1807), The Intercession of Christ. In The Works of John Newton (4:527-38). In MESSIAH: FIFTY EXPOSITORY DISCOURSES ON THE SERIES OF SCRIPTURAL PASSAGES WHICH FORM THE SUBJECT OF THE CELEBRATED ORATORIO OF HANDEL (4:1-583).

*Perkins, William (1558-1602), An Exposition of the Lord's Prayer, in the way of Catechising Seruing for Ignorant People. By W. Perkins, 1592. Available (THE FOUNDATION OF CHRISTIAN RELIGION GATHERED INTO FIXED PRINCIPLES, 1608), on the Puritan Hard Drive.

*Rainsford, Marcus, Our Lord Prays for His own: Thoughts on John 17, ISBN: 0825436176.
"Griffith Thomas describes this book as 'the greatest classic ever written on Christ's high priestly prayer.' We believe it is the best one in print, since Thomas Manton's excellent book on John 17, and also John Brown's are out of print [see citations -- both are now available in e-text -- compiler], at this time. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)

Ryle, J.C. (1816-1900), Christ and the two Thieves; or, Christ's Power and Willingness to Save Sinners.

Ryle, J.C. (1816-1900), Christ's Power to Save. In OLD PATHS: BEING PLAIN STATEMENTS ON SOME OF THE WEIGHTIER MATTERS OF CHRISTIANITY, (436-57), ISBN: 0851517609.

*Saphir, Adolph (1831-1891), Our Lord's Pattern for Prayer, ISBN: 0825437482 9780825437489.
"An outstanding work that is worthy of repeated consultation. Scholarly, devotional, a must for every believer. Recommended." -- Cyril J. Barber

*Scudder, Henry (d. 1659?), and Richard Sibbes (1577-1635), A key of Heaven the Lord's Prayer Opened, and so Applied, That a Christian may Learne how to Pray, and to Procure all Things Which may Make for the Glorie of God, and the good of himselfe, and of his neighbour: containing likewise such doctrines of faith and godlines, as may be very usefull to all that desire to live godly in Christ Jesus.

Thomson, James G.S.S., The Praying Christ: A Study of Jesus Doctrine and Practice of Prayer. Includes bibliography.
Nave's Topical Bible -- Christ, Prayers of
http://www.biblestudytools.com/Concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T2807

Traill, Robert (1642-1716), Twenty Nine Sermons, viz. XIII. On the Throne of Grace, . . . and XVI. On the Lord's Prayer, . . . Together with the Protestant Doctrine of Justification Vindicated. All by the Late Revd. and Learned Mr. Robert Trail . . . 1731. Available (THE WORKS OF ROBERT TRAILL), on the Puritan Hard Drive.

*Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), The Lord's Prayer, ISBN: 0851511457. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"Watson's three works on the Westminster Shorter Catechism is concluded by his exposition of the Lord's Prayer. In this book he analyses in detail the Preface to the prayer and the six petitions. His treatment of the second petition ('thy Kingdom come'), is exceptionally full and illuminating. This book affords instruction and practical help to praying Christians." -- Publisher
"A full and powerful Puritan exposition of the Lord's Prayer. So excellent that it may be without equal." -- GCB
"A part of the writer's famous BODY OF DIVINITY. An excellent exposition combining sound doctrine with practical application." -- Cyril J. Barber
The Lord's Prayer, Thomas Watson
http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/ipb-e/epl-watson-lprayer.html
Westminster Shorter Catechism Project
"Click on any of the individual questions below to get the answer and Biblical references, as well as links to works by John Flavel, Thomas Watson, Thomas Boston, James Fisher, and John Whitecross, and others."
http://www.shortercatechism.com/

Wishart, William (parson of Restalrigg), An Exposition of the Lord's Prayer. Delivered in two and twenty lectures, at the church of Lieth in Scotland; by Mr. William Wischart parson of Restalrigg, 1633.

See also: Prayer, Words of christ appearing in the web edition of biblical counsel: resources for renewal, The shorter catechism, Prayer, Intercessory prayer, Jesus on prayer, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, and so forth, and so on.
MGTP: Christ -- Intercession of (for his People)

Related Weblinks

Nave's Topical Bible -- Christ, Prayers of
http://www.biblestudytools.com/Concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T2807

Intercessory Prayer

---

See the Theological Notes: "Prayer," at Luke 11:2 in The Reformation Study Bible.

God be merciful unto us, and bless us: and cause his face to shine upon us: That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations. (Psalm 67:1,2)

To make intercession for men is the most powerful and practical way in which we can express our love for them. -- John Calvin

If one is in need of prayer, then one strategy is to pray for other saints who have the same needs.

And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before. (Job 42:10)

"The tide thus turned, his troubles began to ebb as fast as they had flowed, just then when he was praying for his friends . . . . Mercy did not return when he was disputing with his friends, no, not though he had right on his side, but when he was praying for them . . . . When Job completed his repentance by this instance of his forgiving men their trespasses, then God completed his remission by turning his captivity. Note, We are really doing our business when we are praying for our friends, if we pray in a right manner, for in those prayers there is not only faith, but love. Christ has taught us to pray with and for others in teaching us to say, Our Father; and, in seeking mercy for others, we may find mercy ourselves. Our Lord Jesus has his exaltation and dominion there, where he ever lives making intercession." -- Matthew Henry commenting on Job 42:10

The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:
The LORD make his face shine upon thee,
and be gracious unto thee:
The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee,
and give thee peace. (Numbers 6:24-26)

Stir up thy strength, and come and save us. Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved. (Psalm 80:2b,3)

The Treasury of David, Psalm 103, C.H. Spurgeon
See Psalm 103:1-6 for intercessory petitions.
But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. (Psalm 103:17,18)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps103.php

Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 17:20,21)
Jesus prays for those we evangelize.

Beloved fellow-Christians, God needs, greatly needs, priests who can draw near to Him, who live in His presence, and by their intercession draw down the blessings of His grace on others. And the world needs, greatly needs, priests who will bear the burden of the perishing ones, and intercede on their behalf. . . . Let nothing keep you back from giving yourselves to be wholly and only priests -- nothing else, nothing less than the priests of the Most High God. . . . This is the true blessedness of conformity to the image of God's Son. -- Andrew Murray, With Christ in the School of Prayer

See the Theological Notes: "Prophets" at Deuteronomy 18:18 in The Reformation Study Bible.

See the Theological Notes: "Christians and Civil Government," at Romans 13:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
John Calvin commenting on 1 Timothy 2:1-4 and context

Here we see a lovely exemplification of His own teaching.
In the Sermon on the Mount our Lord taught His disciples Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you. (Matthew 5:44) Above all others, Christ practiced what He preached. Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. He not only taught the truth but was Himself the truth incarnate. Said He, I am the way, the truth, and the life. (John 14:6) So here on the Cross He perfectly exemplified His teaching of the mount.
In all things He has left us an example.
Notice Christ did not personally forgive His enemies. So in Matthew 5:44 He did not exhort His disciples to forgive their enemies, but He does exhort them to pray for them. But are we not to forgive those who wrong us? This leads us to a point concerning which there is much need for instruction today. Does Scripture teach that under all circumstances we must always forgive? I answer emphatically, it does not. The Word of God says, If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him. (Luke 17:3-4). Here we are plainly taught that a condition must be met by the offender before we may pronounce forgiveness. The one who has wronged us must first repent, that is, judge himself for his wrong and give evidence of his sorrow over it. But suppose the offender does not repent? Then I am not to forgive him. But let there be no misunderstanding of our meaning here. Even though the one who has wronged me does not repent, nevertheless, I must not harbor ill-feelings against him. There must be no hatred or malice cherished in the heart.
Yet, on the other hand, I must not treat the offender as if he had done no wrong. That would be to condone the offense, and therefore I should fail to uphold the requirements of righteousness, and this the believer is ever to do. Does God ever forgive where there is no repentance? No, for Scripture declares, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9).
One thing more. If one has injured me and repented not, while I cannot forgive him and treat him as though he had not offended, nevertheless, not only must I hold no malice in my heart against him, but I must also pray for him. Here is the value of Christ's perfect example. If we cannot forgive, we can pray for God to forgive him."
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. (Luke 23:34) -- A.W. Pink (1886-1952) from "The Word of Forgiveness," in The Seven Sayings of the Saviour on the Cross

Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said:

Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.
Thine, O LORD, is the greatness,
and the power, and the glory,
and the victory, and the majesty;
for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine;
thine is the kingdom, O LORD,
and thou art exalted as head above all.
Both riches and honour come of thee,
and thou reignest over all.
And in thine hand is power and might;
and in thine hand it is to make great,
and to give strength unto all.
Now therefore, our God,
we thank thee
and praise thy glorious name.
But who am I, and what is my people,
that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort?
For all things come of thee,
and of thine own have we given thee.
For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners,
as were all our fathers;
our days on the earth are as a shadow,
and there is none abiding. . . .

I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee. O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee. (1 Chronicles 29:10-15,17,18)

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)
The Golden Sceptre Held Forth to the Humble, a commentary on 2 Chronicles 7:14
http://www.archive.org/details/TheGoldenSceptreHeldForthToTheHumble

And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. (Isaiah 11:2)

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16)

And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (2 Timothy 4:18)

The Treasury of David, Psalm 20, C.H. Spurgeon
Now know I that the Lord saveth his anointed, he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand. (Psalm 20:6)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps020.php

The Treasury of David, Psalm 21, C.H. Spurgeon
For the king trusteth in the LORD, and through the mercy of the most High he shall not be moved. (Psalm 21:7)
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps021.php
http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/psalms-21-7.html
http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/psalms/21.html
http://www.biblestudyguide.org/comment/calvin/comm_vol08/htm/xxvii.htm

The Treasury of David, Psalm 85, C.H. Spurgeon
Wilt thou be angry with us for ever? wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations?
Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?
Shew us thy mercy, O LORD, and grant us thy salvation.
I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land.
Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps085.php

That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. (Ephesians 3:16-21)

And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power. (Colossians 2:2-10)

See the Theological Notes: "The Authentication of Scripture," at 2 Corinthians 4:6 in The Reformation Study Bible.
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6)

It argues more grace to grieve for the sins of others than for our own. We may grieve for our own sins out of fear of hell, but to grieve for the sins of others is from a principle of love to God. -- Thomas Watson (1620-1686)

A personal listing of Psalms that have imprecatory content or undertones: Psalm 3, 5, 6, 7, 17, 27, 28, 35, 37, 52, 54, 55, 56, 58, 59, 62, 63, 64, 69, 70, 73, 78, 79, 83, 86, 90, 91, 94, 102, 105, 109, 137, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, and 144.

Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Prayers for Troubled Times, ISBN: 0875520677 9780875520674.
" 'In simple, everyday English, yet with reverence, I have tried to express many of the heartfelt and inner cries of God's people.' Contains 33 prayers on concerns from 'Age' and 'Anger' to 'Work' and 'Worry' (with a dozen blank pages at the end to pen your own). 'Every prayer grew out of actual experience'." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

*Brown, John (of Edinburgh, 1784-1858), An Exposition of our Lord's Intercessory Prayer. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
"The concluding prayer of our Lord's in the garden here receives sensitive treatment. Brown was a pastor as well as an exegete. His handling of the text is excellent. His exposition serves as a model. . . ." -- Cyril J. Barber
Includes an Appendix 1, "Connection Between the Visible Union of Christians, and the Conversion of the World," by Hugh Heugh, D.D.
An Exposition of our Lord's Intercessory Prayer: With a Discourse on the Relation of our Lord's Intercession to the Conversion of the World (1866)
http://archive.org/details/expositionofourl00brow
Nave's Topical Bible -- Christ, Prayers of
http://www.biblestudytools.com/Concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T2807

Caryl, Joseph (1602-1673), David's Prayer for Solomon: Containing the Proper Endowments and Duty Royall of a King, With the Consequent Blessings Upon a Kingdome: Delivered in a Sermon at Christ-Church London, before the Right Honourable the Lord Major, the . . . aldermen his bretheren, together with the . . . companies of the said city, upon the 27th of March, 1643. Being the commemoration of His Majesties inauguration. A sermon.

*Manton, Thomas (1620-1677), An Exposition of John 17. Available (THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THOMAS MANTON), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THOMAS MANTON), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #4 and #5.
"A deep, rich, and full exposition by a Puritan divine." -- Cyril J. Barber

Murray, Andrew (1828-1917), With Christ in the School of Prayer: Thoughts on our Training for the Ministry of Intercession, 1885, ISBN: 1331485231 9781331485230.
With Christ in the School of Prayer
http://archive.org/details/cihm_11325

Omartian, Stormie, The Power of a Praying Nation, ISBN: 0736910212 9780736910217.
"In THE POWER OF A PRAYING NATION, Stormie encourages you to intercede in practical ways for our political leaders, our military, our teachers, and others who have influence. We also should pray for protection, spiritual awakening, and unity. We need to invite the God of all comfort to comfort those who have been hurt by tragedy and ask God to open the eyes of the evildoers and bring them to repentance. We must remember that the only indestructible things in this world are God and His Word." -- Publisher

*Preston, John (1587-1628), The Golden Sceptre Held Forth to the Humble, ISBN: 1877611174 9781877611179. A Christian classic.
This book is comprised of six sermons on 2 Chronicles 7:14: If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land, just one verse that succinctly gives the Biblical solution to terrorism. Sermons are on Affliction, Humiliation, Seeking god's face, Turning from evil, Forgiveness to those who forsake sin, and Sin as the cause of all calamities.
The Golden Sceptre Held Forth to the Humble
http://www.archive.org/details/TheGoldenSceptreHeldForthToTheHumble
The Golden Sceptre Held Forth to the Humble
http://www.lettermen2.com/goldensceptre.pdf

*Rainsford, Marcus, Our Lord Prays for His own: Thoughts on John 17, ISBN: 0825436176.
"Griffith Thomas describes this book as 'the greatest classic ever written on Christ's high priestly prayer.' We believe it is the best one in print, since Thomas Manton's excellent book on John 17, and also John Brown's are out of print [see citations -- both are now available in e-text -- compiler], at this time. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)

Wiles, Gordon P., Paul's Intercessory Prayers: The Significance of the Intercessory Prayer Passages in the Letters of St. Paul, ISBN: 9780521048354 0521048354.

*Williams, Daniel (1643?-1716), What Repentance of National Sins God Doth Require, as Ever we Expect National Mercies? [Sermon on Hosea x. 12. (Hosea 10:12)], 1690. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Evangelism, Small group evangelism, Priesthood of believers, Believer's position in christ and sonship, Small groups, Christian fellowship, Spiritual warfare, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 13, 38, 439, 1003-1005, 1071, 1072, 1089, 1671, 1783-1785, 2197, 2517, 2816-2841, 3607, 3841, 4082, 4193
MGTP: Prayer (extensive listing)

Related Weblinks

Jesus Net
Internet Evangelism.
https://jesus.net/

Nave's Topical Bible -- Christ, Prayers of
http://www.biblestudytools.com/Concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T2807

Pray for "Search for Jesus" contacts
Internet Evangelism.
https://pray.searchforjesus.net/

Senator Mark O. Hatfield, remarks offered on the floor of the U.S. Senate, December 20, 1973, as he introduced a Resolution calling for the observance of April 30, 1974, as a "National Day of Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer"
https://www.facebook.com/lettermen2/posts/3699761366716933

Vital Prayer (FGB #153)
The Vital Role of the Prayer Meeting | Prayerless or Prayful? | The Most Important Subject | Continue in Prayer | Hindrances to Prayer | The Prayers of Christ's Saints | What True Prayer is | Prayerless Pastors | Intercession: The Pastor's Task | God's Power for God's People
https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/vprafg/vital-prayer

Evangelistic Praying

---

Stir up thy strength, and come and save us. Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved. (Psalm 80:2b,3)

And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart. (Jeremiah 24:7)

Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old. (Lamentations 5:21)

See the Theological Notes: "Prayer," at Luke 11:2 in The Reformation Study Bible.

See the Theological Notes: "The Holy Spirit," at John 14:26 in The Reformation Study Bible.

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20)

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Mark 16:15)

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (John 1:29)

Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 20:21)

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:16)

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:6)

Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:10-12)

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 17:3)
This is Christ's definition of salvation.

Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 17:20,21)
Jesus prays for those we evangelize.

But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. (John 20:31)

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:17)

And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 12:47,48)
Just find persons whom the Holy Spirit has prepared to respond to the Gospel, then move on to find the next person.

He must increase, but I must decrease. (John 3:30)

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (John 3:36)

All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 6:37)

Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 21:42)
We must always be careful to give God the Glory.
This is a quotation of Psalm 118:26. It was also cried out by the multitude during Jesus triumphal entry to Jerusalem. It is said that Psalm 118:22,23 was a favorite in the early church. Psalm 118:16-29 was a favorite of Richard Cameron, the Covenanter.

No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 6:44)

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 6:47)

Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 8:28)

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, [then] are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 8:31,32)

And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. (2 Chronicles 20:15)

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion. . . . The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. (Isaiah 52:7-8,10)

For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 23:39)
Said to be a favorite of the early church. A verse that has special meaning at Crusades and brought a profound response at the Washington Billy Graham Crusade in 1986.

For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:20)

Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 15:10)

And [if] thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness [be] as the noonday. (Isaiah 58:10)

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:6)

Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. (Isaiah 55:3)

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:7,8)

I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, [that] I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live. (Deuteronomy 30:19)

If ye forsake the LORD, and serve strange gods, then he will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that he hath done you good. (Joshua 24:20)

Now therefore, O LORD our God, I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the LORD God, even thou only. (2 Kings 19:19)

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16)

But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream. (Amos 5:24)

The sacrifices of God [are] a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. (Psalm 51:17)

Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 18:4)

And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth. (Exodus 9:16)

Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them. (Deuteronomy 11:16)

He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
God has "set eternity in the heart of man."

I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him. (Ecclesiastes 3:14)
Whatever we do within the will of God lasts throughout eternity.

You only have one life, it will soon be past. Only what is done for Christ will last. -- C.T. Studd
Make your life count for eternity.
Give up your small ambitions and follow Christ! -- Peter Hammond

I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. (Isaiah 42:8)
God demands that we give all the glory to Him. See also the book of Ezekiel.

I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. (Isaiah 43:11)

Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. (Isaiah 55:6,7)

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:1)

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8,9)

Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened,
that it cannot save;
neither his ear heavy,
that it cannot hear:
But your iniquities have separated between you and your God,
and your sins have hid his face from you,
that he will not hear.
For your hands are defiled with blood,
and your fingers with iniquity;
your lips have spoken lies,
your tongue hath muttered perverseness.
None calleth for justice,
nor any pleadeth for truth:
they trust in vanity, and speak lies;
they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.
They hatch cockatrice' eggs,
and weave the spider's web:
he that eateth of their eggs dieth,
and that which is crushed breaketh out into a viper.
Their webs shall not become garments,
neither shall they cover themselves with their works:
their works are works of iniquity,
and the act of violence is in their hands.
Their feet run to evil,
and they make haste to shed innocent blood:
their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity;
wasting and destruction are in their paths.
The way of peace they know not;
and there is no judgment in their goings:
they have made them crooked paths:
whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace.
Therefore is judgment far from us,
neither doth justice overtake us:
we wait for light, but behold obscurity;
for brightness, but we walk in darkness.
We grope for the wall like the blind,
and we grope as if we had no eyes:
we stumble at noonday as in the night;
we are in desolate places as dead men.
We roar all like bears,
and mourn sore like doves:
we look for judgment, but there is none;
for salvation, but it is far off from us.
For our transgressions are multiplied before thee,
and our sins testify against us:
for our transgressions are with us;
and as for our iniquities, we know them;
In transgressing and lying against the LORD,
and departing away from our God,
speaking oppression and revolt,
conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood.
And judgment is turned away backward,
and justice standeth afar off:
for truth is fallen in the street,
and equity cannot enter.
Yea, truth faileth;
and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey:
and the LORD saw it, and it displeased him
that there was no judgment.
And he saw that there was no man,
and wondered that there was no intercessor:
therefore his arm brought salvation unto him;
and his righteousness, it sustained him.
For he put on righteousness as a breastplate,
and an helmet of salvation upon his head;
and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing,
and was clad with zeal as a cloke.
According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay,
fury to his adversaries,
recompence to his enemies;
to the islands he will repay recompence.
So shall they fear
the name of the LORD from the west,
and his glory from the rising of the sun.
When the enemy shall come in like a flood,
the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.
And the Redeemer shall come to Zion,
and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob,
saith the LORD.
As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever. (Isaiah 59:1-21)
"The Gospel According to Isaiah."

Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. (Jeremiah 9:23,24)

They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy. (Jonah 2:8)

Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:32)

Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke [is] easy, and my burden is light. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 11:28-30)

But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 12:28)

For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 12:50)

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 13:45,46)

And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 19:29)

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Mark 8:36)

Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 8:12)

Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 9:48b)

For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.
And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 12:49,50)

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 13:20)

If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:15-18)

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:23)

But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:26)

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:7,8)

If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:10)

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
Of sin, because they believe not on me;
Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 16:7-11)

Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 16:24)

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 1:8), Martin Luther's life verse.

And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. (Acts 5:38,39)

And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. (Acts 11:21)

And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region. (Acts 13:49)

That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us. (Acts 17:27)

To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 26:18)

And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him. (Acts 28:30)

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16)

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. (Romans 1:17)

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. (1 Corinthians 2:12)

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse. (Romans 1:20)

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one. (Romans 3:10)

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. (Romans 3:23-25)

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. (Romans 5:12)

Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? (Romans 6:16)

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (Romans 10:9)
Scientists come to Christ by this verse.

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:9-13)

But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand. (Romans 15:21)

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18)

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. (1 Corinthians 1:30)

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14)

For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:11)

Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
But if any man love God, the same is known of him. (1 Corinthians 8:1-3)
We gain knowledge of that which we love.

To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. (1 Corinthians 9:22)

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures. (1 Corinthians 15:3)

But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen. (1 Corinthians 15:13)

For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. (2 Corinthians 5:14,15)

And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;
To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:18,19)

(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) (2 Corinthians 6:2)

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption, but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. (Galatians 6:7,8)

That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; [even] in him. (Ephesians 1:10)

For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:18-22)

Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart. (Ephesians 4:18)

And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:11)

And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. (Colossians 1:20)

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power. (Colossians 2:8-10)

(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)

For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:9)

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. (1 Timothy 1:15)

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 2:5)

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.
I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. (1 Timothy 2:1-8)

But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. (2 Thessalonians 3:13)

But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. (2 Timothy 4:5)

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 2:11-14)

Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. (Hebrews 1:3)

How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him. (Hebrews 2:3)

And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. (Hebrews 2:15)

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people. (Hebrews 8:10)

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. (Hebrews 9:27,28)

And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. (Hebrews 10:17)

Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (Hebrews 11:3)
"Ideas have consequences."

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. (James 3:17,18)

Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. (James 4:17)

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit. (1 Peter 3:18)

If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:11)

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:8,9)

Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (1 John 2:15-17)

And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us. (1 John 3:24)
Obedience fills us with the Holy Spirit.

He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. (1 John 4:8)

In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
We love him, because he first loved us. (1 John 4:9,10,14,19)

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith.
Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? (1 John 5:4,5)

And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. (1 John 5:11)

He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (1 John 5:12,13)

And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. (1 John 2:25)

Thou movest us to delight in praising Thee, for Thou has formed us for Thyself, and our hearts are restless until they find rest in Thee. -- Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD)

Calvin was very much a man of prayer. He called prayer "the principle exercise which the children of God have;" it is a "true proof" of saving faith. -- Gary Crampton

The past three years [April 2006] have been a time of unprecedented harvest for the ministry. We have seen more souls come to faith in Jesus Christ than in the entire preceding 60 years of ministry, and I can hardly wait to see the mighty plans God has in store for us in the coming years. We give Him all the glory. -- Billy Graham

God pierces hearts by the power of the Gospel, and so far this year [October 2017 -- compiler], more than 1.6 million people from 211 different countries have indicated making a life-changing decision for Christ as a result of what God is doing through the ministries of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. -- Franklin Graham

What should be the doctrinally correct biblical attitude of the Reformed community toward My Hope America with Billy Graham, which climaxed the first week of November 2013? It was the largest evangelistic outreach in the history of our country. It was reported that over 25,000 local churches participated. "The Cross" was viewed by approximately 2.5 million over the Fox News network alone. As of December 18 BGEA reports having received over 100,000 written records of professions of faith as a result of My Hope America, 2013. The actual number of individuals affected is unknown, and undoubtably was much larger.
Yet many individuals and local churches "sat on their hands" throughout the year long event. This, of course, hinders evangelism and the cause of Christ.
So I have raises this same question before, because there seems to be something to be learned from my "enigmatic" experience with BGEA for the last 35 years. Much of the criticism of BGEA seems to be contradicted by my experience, by the facts, and by the model of evangelism given by the Apostle Paul.
Billy Graham has drawn criticism from all directions during his entire ministry. I myself have been seriously conflicted by this criticism. Some Reformed critics of BGEA can be most dogmatic and stubborn. And I am still conflicted by the criticism.
It appears that part of this criticism and conflict has to do with the difference between the infinite nature of God and the limited mind of man. The conflict exposes our tendency to ambition, envy, and arrogance. And a blindness to this arrogance and dogmatism of the limited finite mind can sometimes be just as likely to appear among the gifted and capable.
Please be reminded that Billy Graham has preached the Gospel face-to-face with an estimated 215 million individuals around the world in the last 70 years. A study of his life makes it apparent that he has, in many ways, modeled his ministry after the example of Paul. His name is synonymous with the Gospel around the world. And remember that the Protestant faith is in the minority worldwide, and that many Protestant denominations are liberal, and do not preach the Gospel.
Consequently, some of what Billy Graham has said and done, as one thrust into the position of a "political leader" for Christianity, he has said and done for the sake of the Gospel. It seems very probable to me, and others have stated, that some of the things he has said and done, which have drawn criticism, have been a result of his striving to follow Paul's example,
"I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker therof with you." (1 Corinthians 9:22b,23)
The Reformed attitude toward BGEA is a huge issue, and much has been left unsaid, and can not be settled here. But I can testify to the fact that EVERY TIME I have participated as a volunteer with a BGEA event there has been substantial spiritual warfare. This poses the question, if the presentation of the Gospel by Billy Graham and BGEA is ineffective, then why would the Principalities and Powers rear their ugly heads in opposition EVERY TIME I have participated in an event?
"Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand?" -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 11:17b,18a)
I take the position of Paul, "Is Christ divided?" (1 Corinthians 1:13)
Some reader may still be conflicted, and may feel that they can not cooperate with BGEA. Well, at least they can pray for upcoming events. And they can pray for the untold number of individuals who have been influenced by BGEA over the last 70 years. This seems to be the charitable thing to do.
Notice that My Hope America climaxed the first week of November, 2013. The strongest storm ever recorded, Typhoon Haiyan, struck the Philippines on November 8, 2013, the day after Billy Graham's 95th birthday.
"Natural disasters are a megaphone from God and they teach us various lessons. First of all, natural disasters show us the uncertainty of life. Thousands of people wake up in the morning not knowing what is going to happen that day, such as the terrible devastation in Haiti [or Typhoon Haiyan, November 8, 2013 -- compiler], and elsewhere. There was a couple that left California because they were afraid of earthquakes. Then when they came to Missouri, they were killed in a tornado. We can't get away from the reality that life is very, very short and it's possible for us to delude ourselves. . . .
"When we look at the news and see these disasters, its like a preview of the natural disasters that will someday come upon the earth. When you look at the second coming of Christ, you find many different natural disasters connected with it." -- Irwin Lutzer in an interview October 31, 2012
Erwin W. Lutzer's book is Where was GOD? Answers to Tough Questions About God and Natural Disasters

*Chafer, Lewis S., True Evangelism: Winning Souls by Prayer, ISBN: 0825423457 9780825423451.

Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), An Humble Attempt to Promote Explicit Agreement and Visible Union of God's People in Extraordinary Prayer for the Revival of Religion and the Advancement of Christ's Kingdom on Earth, pursuant to Scripture-promises and prophecies concerning the last time. By Jonathan Edwards, A.M. Minister of the Gospel at Northampton. With a preface by several ministers. Available (THE WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS), on the Puritan Hard Drive.

Miller, C. John (1928-1996), Prayer and Evangelism (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette LECM1 [audio file].

Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), God in our Midst: Seeking and Receiving Ongoing Revival, ISBN: 0850091357 9780850091359 1862580332 9781862580336.
"This 46-page booklet describes the elements of authentic revival and urges Christians to seek renewal by means of humble, penitent, prayerful, and faith-full exploration before the Lord." -- GCB

Ravenhill, Leonard, Revival Praying, ISBN: 0764200313 9780764200311.
"A challenge to all who are deeply concerned about a full-scale spiritual awakening in America."

See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The inspiration and infallibility of scripture (the doctrine of revelation, the doctrine of plenary inspiration, the doctrine of divine inspiration, the doctrine of verbal inspiration, theopneustia, sufficiency of scripture), The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Prayer, Intercessory prayer, The free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, the covenant of eternal salvation, Sharing christ with your children, Book-length presentations of the gospel message of salvation, Knowing Christ, Evangelism, Other works on evangelism, Revivals, Repentance, Small group evangelism, Apologetics, Follow-up, Gospel tracts and witnessing tools, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, Hard-case witnessing, Testimonies, Reconciliation of relationships, Justification and sanctification, Small group evangelism, Spiritual warfare, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 3908
MGTP: Prayer, Evangelism, Christ -- Intercession of (for his People), Christ -- Mediator

Related Weblinks

The Treasury of David, Psalm 90, C.H. Spurgeon
Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. (Psalm 90:1)
This is, of course, a prayer of Moses, who is considered the greatest of the prophets. He wrote the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament, and Deuteronomy is the book most referred to by Christ in the New Testament.
"The 90th Psalm might be cited as perhaps the most sublime of human compositions -- the deepest in feeling -- the loftiest in theologic conception -- the most magnificent in its imagery." -- Isaac Taylor
"Verse 17 [Psalm 90:17]. And establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it. Let what we do be done in truth, and last when we are in the grave; may the work of the present generation minister permanently to the building tip of the nation. Good men are anxious not to work in vain. They know that without the Lord they can do nothing, and therefore they cry to him for help in the work, for acceptance of their efforts, and for the establishment of their designs. The church as a whole earnestly desires that the hand of the Lord may so work with the hand of his people, that a substantial, yea, an eternal edifice to the praise and glory of God may be the result. We come and go, but the Lord's work abides. We are content to die so long as Jesus lives and his kingdom grows. Since the Lord abides for ever the same, we trust our work in his hands, and feel that since it is far more his work than ours he will secure it immortality. When we have withered like grass our holy service, like gold, silver, and precious stones, will survive the fire." -- C.H. Spurgeon
http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps090.php

Prayer Groups

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Chambers, Talbot W., New York City Noon Prayer Meeting: A Simple Prayer Gathering That Changed the World, ISBN: 0982265379 9780982265376.

Houston, Thomas (1803-1882), The Fellowship Prayer-meeting: The Institution, Nature, History, and Advantages of Select Christian Fellowship, With Directions for Conducting Social Religious Exercises. Also available in WORKS [of Thomas Houston], DOCTRINAL AND PRACTICAL, volume 2. Available (THE FELLOWSHIP PRAYER-MEETING), on the Puritan Hard Drive.

Johnston, J.B., The Prayer Meeting, and its History as Identified With the Life and Power of Godliness and the Revival of Religion, 1870.

Mains, David, and Steve Bell, Two are Better Than one: A Guide to Prayer Partnerships That Work, ISBN: 0880704772 9780880704779.
Explains choosing a prayer partner and learning to pray with one another. Steve and David are with Chapel of the Air, Wheaton, Illinois.
"A step-by-step guide for setting up a prayer partnership that will endure and work." -- GCB

Reformed Presbyterian Church, Scotland, Guide to Private Social Worship, Recommended by the Reformed Presbyterian Synod of Scotland in 1823, as a Directory in Conducting Prayer Meetings, 1854.

Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Only a Prayer Meeting: Forty Addresses at Metropolitan Tabernacle and Other Prayer-meetings, ISBN: 185792505X 9781857925050.

See also: Prayer, Intercessory prayer, Jesus on prayer, Small groups, House churches, The church and small groups, Small group resources, Small groups as healing agents, Small group leadership helps, Bible reading and devotions, Christian fellowship, Prayer, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Covenant theology and covenanting, Corporate faithfulness, The teachings of Christ, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 13, 38, 439, 1003-1005, 1071, 1072, 1089, 1671, 1783-1785, 2197, 2517, 2816-2841, 3607, 3841, 4082, 4193
MGTP: Prayer (extensive listing)

Related Weblinks

Nave's Topical Bible -- Prayer
http://www.biblestudytools.com/Concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T3962

Of Prayer, John Calvin
http://www.ccel.org/calvin/prayer/prayer.html

Prayers of John Calvin From his Commentary on Hosea
http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/prayers_hosea.html

Christian Fellowship

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By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 13:35)

For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. (Romans 12:4,5)

That they all may be one; as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 17:21-23)

See the Theological Notes: "The Kingdom of God," at Luke 17:20 in The Reformation Study Bible.

See the Theological Notes: "Adoption," at Galatians 4:5 in The Reformation Study Bible.

See the Theological Notes: "The Church," at Ephesians 2:19 in The Reformation Study Bible.

See the Theological Notes: "The Local Church," at Revelation 2:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.

It was John Calvin's case for church attendance, found in Institutes of the Christian Religion, (Battle's translation), Book IV, Chapter 1, 1-19 (and context), that finally helped the compiler over the hurdle of erroneously forsaking the assembly of ourselves together ostensibly because of hypocracy, faults, impurities, and minor scandals within the church.
Book Four. The External Means or Aids by Which God Invites us Into the Society of Christ and Holds us Therein Chapter I. The True Church With Which as Mother of all the Godly we Must Keep Unity
(The Holy Catholic Church, our mother, 1-4)
1. The necessity of the church
We need outward helps to beget and increase faith within us, and advance it to its goal.
2. What is the relationship of church and creed?
But because a small and contemptible number are hidden in a huge multitude and a few grains of wheat are covered by a pile of chaff, we must leave to God alone the knowledge of his church, whose foundation is his secret election.
3. The communion of saints
Finally, we feel that these promises apply to us: There will be salvation in Zion [Joel 2:32; Obadiah 17, cf. Vg.]; God will abide in the midst of Jerusalem forever, that it may never be moved. [Psalm 46:5]. So powerful is participation in the church that it keeps us in the society of God. In the very word "communion" there is a wealth of comfort because, while it is determined that whatever the Lord bestows upon his members and ours belongs to us, our hope is strengthened by all the benefits they receive.
4. The visible church as mother of believers
On the other hand, those who turn to the cultivation of true godliness are said to inscribe their names among the citizens of Jerusalem [cf. Isaiah 56:5; Psalm 87:6]. For this reason, it is said in another psalm: Remember me, O Jehovah, with favor toward thy people; visit me with salvation: that I may see the well-doing of thy chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the joy of thy nation, that I may be glad with thine inheritance. [Psalm 106:4-5; cf. Psalm 105:4, Vg., etc.]. By these words God's fatherly favor and the especial witness of spiritual life are limited to his flock, so that it is always disastrous to leave the church.
(Her ministers, speaking for God, not to be despised, 5-6)
5. Education through the church, its value and its obligation
We must observe that God always revealed himself thus to the holy patriarchs in the mirror of his teaching in order to be known spiritually. Accordingly, the Temple is called not only the face of God [cf. Psalm 42:2] but (to remove all cause for superstition) his footstool. [Psalm 132:7; Psalm 99:5; 1 Chronicles 28:2]. Happy indeed is that attainment of unity of faith [cf. Ephesians 4:13] when all -- from the highest to the lowest -- aspire toward the Head!
6. Meaning and limits of the ministry
Moreover, it is clear from other passages how he leaves nothing to ministers by themselves. Neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but it is God alone who gives the growth. [1 Corinthians 3:7]. Likewise: I worked more than all; not I, but the grace of God which was with me. [1 Corinthians 15:10]. Surely we ought to remember those statements in which God, ascribing to himself illumination of mind and renewal of heart, warns that it is sacrilege for man to claim any part of either for himself.
(The visible church: its membership and the marks by which it is recognized, 7-9)
7. Invisible and visible church
In this church are mingled many hypocrites who have nothing of Christ but the name and outward appearance. There are very many ambitious, greedy, envious persons, evil speakers, and some of quite unclean life. Such are tolerated for a time either because they cannot be convicted by a competent tribunal or because a vigorous discipline does not always nourish as it ought.
Just as we must believe, therefore, that the former church, invisible to us, is visible to the eyes of God alone, so we are commanded to revere and keep communion with the latter, which is called "church" in respect to men.
8. The limitation of our judgment
Therefore, according to God's secret predestination (as Augustine says), "many sheep are without, and many wolves are within." For he knows and has marked those who know neither him nor themselves. Of those who openly wear his badge, his eyes alone see the ones who are unfeignedly holy and will persevere to the very end [Matthew 24:13] -- the ultimate point of salvation.
9. The marks of the church and our application of them to judgment
Wherever we see the Word of God purely preached and heard, and the sacraments administered according to Christ's institution, there, it is not to be doubted, a church of God exists [cf. Ephesians 2:20]. For his promise cannot fail: Wherever two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of them. [Matthew 18:20].
(A church with these marks, however defective, is not to be forsaken: the sin of schism, 10-16)
10. Marks and authority of the church
For the Lord esteems the communion of his church so highly that he counts as a traitor and apostate from Christianity anyone who arrogantly leaves any Christian society, provided it cherishes the true ministry of Word and sacraments. He so esteems the authority of the church that when it is violated he believes his own diminished.
11. The inviolable validity of the marks
If in Word and sacraments it has the order approved by the Lord, it will not deceive; let us, then, confidently pay to it the honor due to churches. But again, if, devoid of Word and sacraments, it advertises the name of church, we must just as scrupulously beware such deceits, as we must avoid rashness and pride on the other side.
12. Heeding the marks guards against capricious separation
The pure ministry of the Word and pure mode of celebrating the sacraments are, as we say, sufficient pledge and guarantee that we may safely embrace as church any society in which both these marks exist. The principle extends to the point that we must not reject it so long as it retains them, even if it otherwise swarms with many faults.
13. Scandal in the church no occasion for leaving it
In bearing with imperfections of life we ought to be far more considerate. . . . For there have always been those who, imbued with a false conviction of their own perfect sanctity, as if they had already become a sort of airy spirits, spurned association with all men in whom they discern any remnant of human nature. . . .
There are others who sin more out of ill-advised zeal for righteousness than out of that insane pride. When they do not see a quality of life corresponding to the doctrine of the gospel among those to whom it is announced, they immediately judge that no church exists in that place. . . . But on their part those of whom we have spoken sin in that they do not know how to restrain their disfavor. For where the Lord requires kindness, they neglect it and give themselves over completely to immoderate severity. Indeed, because they think no church exists where there are not perfect purity and integrity of life, they depart out of hatred of wickedness from the lawful church, while they fancy themselves turning aside from the faction of the wicked.
14. Paul and the needs of his congregations
Yet the church abides among them [the Corinthians and Galatians] because the ministry of Word and sacraments remains unrepudiated there.
15. Fellowship with wicked persons
Indeed, I do not deny that it is the godly man's duty to abstain from all familiarity with the wicked, and not to enmesh himself with them in any voluntary relationship. But it is one thing to flee the boon companionship of the wicked; another, in hating them, to renounce the communion of the church.
For when Paul urges us to a holy and pure partaking of it [Communion], he does not require that one examine another, or every one the whole church, but that each individual prove himself [1 Corinthians 11:28]. If it were unlawful to partake of communion with an unworthy person, surely Paul would bid us investigate whether there is anyone in the multitude whose uncleanliness pollutes us.
16. The false claim of perfection comes from distorted opinion
Puffed up with pride, mad with obstinacy, deceitful in their slanders, troublesome in their seditions, these evil persons feign a rigid severity so they cannot be shown to lack the light of truth. Holy Scripture bids us correct our brothers' vices with more moderate care, while preserving sincerity of love and unity of peace.
Finally, let them realize that, in estimating the true church, divine judgment is of more weight than human.
(The imperfect holiness of the church does not justify schism, but affords occasion for the exercise within it of the forgiveness of sins, 17-22)
17. The holiness of the church
And although there are oftentimes few evidences of this sort of sanctification among men, still we must hold that from the creation of the world there was no time when the Lord did not have his church; and even until the consummation of the age, there will be no time when he will not have it. For even though the whole human race has from the very beginning been corrupted and vitiated by Adam's sin, from this polluted mass, as it were, He ever sanctifies certain vessels unto honor [cf. Romans 9:23 ff.] that there may be no age that does not experience his mercy.
18. The example of the prophets
But if the holy prophets had scruples against separating themselves from the church because of many great misdeeds, not of one man or another but of almost all the people, we claim too much for ourselves if we dare withdraw at once from the communion of the church just because the morals of all do not meet our standard or even square with the profession of Christian faith.
19. The example of Christ and of the apostles
Let the following two points, then, stand firm. First, he who voluntarily deserts the outward communion of the church (where the Word of God is preached and the sacraments are administered) is without excuse. Secondly, neither the vices of the few nor the vices of the many in any way prevent us from duly professing our faith there in ceremonies ordained by God. For a godly conscience is not wounded by the unworthiness of another, whether pastor or layman; nor are the sacraments less pure and salutary for a holy and upright man because they are handled by unclean persons. -- John Calvin's case for church attendance, found in Institutes of the Christian Religion, Battle's translation, Book IV, Chapter 1, 1-19 and context

He [David] mentions also as another qualification, that he shunned the wicked in such a manner as not on that account to forsake the congregation of God, or withdraw himself from the company of those with whom he was commanded by divine appointment to associate. Many err in this way grievously; imagining when they see the evil mingled with the good, that they will be infected with pollution, unless they immediately withdraw themselves from the whole congregation. . . . David, therefore, prudently moderates his zeal, and while separating himself from the ungodly, ceases not to frequent the temple, as the divine commandment and the order prescribed in the law required. When he denominates them the assembly of the ungodly, we may unquestionably conclude, that their number was not few; nay, it is probable that they flaunted about at that time, as if they alone were exalted above the people of God, and were lords over them: yet this did not prevent David from coming as usual to the sacrifices. Public care, indeed, is to be used that the Church be not defiled by such wickedness, and every man ought privately to endeavor, in his own place, that his remissness and forbearance do not cherish the disorders which these vices occasion. Although, however, this strictness should not be exercised with that care which is necessary, there is nothing in this to hinder any of the faithful from piously and holily remaining in the fellowship of the Church. It is to be observed, in the meantime, that what retained David, was his communion with God and with sacred things. -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 26:5

See the Theological Notes: "Pleasing God," at 1 Thessalonians 2:6 in The Reformation Study Bible.

See the Theological Notes: "Heaven," at Revelation 21:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:42)
The things which make us spiritual are Bible study, fellowship, and prayer.

And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him. (Acts 28:30-31)

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:1,2)

True worship is due only to One who by reason of His infinite perfections deserves our supreme love, honor, and trust. Angels are the highest order of creatures, yet we are forbidden to worship them. (Deut. 17:3 [Deuteronomy 17:3]). It is the lack of this knowledge that has caused unbelievers to idolize creatures. For wherever they found any virtue or excellency in the creature, presently they adored and worshipped it. -- William Gurnall (1617-1679)

Three things that strengthen the spiritual life are Bible study, Christian fellowship, and prayer.

*Amundsen, Darrel W., The Anguish and Agonies of Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
"Spurgeon's last years of physical suffering must be seen through the grid of the Down-Grade Controversy Down-Grade Controversy (begun in 1887). Early in this controversy he commented that he had
" . . . suffered the loss of friendships and reputation, and the infliction of pecuniary withdrawments and bitter reproach. . . . But the pain it has cost me none can measure."
To a friend in May 1891 he said, "Goodbye; you will never see me again. This fight is killing me."
The Anguish and Agonies of Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Free PDF file.
http://ebookbrowse.com/the-anguish-and-agonies-of-charles-spurgeon-pdf-d56778188

Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), The Christian's Converse With God: or, The Insufficiency and Uncertainty of Human Friendship; and the Improvement of Solitude in Converse With God. In THE PRACTICAL WORKS OF RICHARD BAXTER: WITH A PREFACE, GIVING SOME ACCOUNT OF THE AUTHOR, AND OF THIS EDITION OF HIS PRACTICAL WORKS (3:852-78).

*Bernard of Clairvaux, and J.M. Houston (editor, abridger), The Love of God and Spiritual Friendship, ISBN: 0880700173 9780880700177. A Christian classic.
"Houston provides his readers with a careful introduction to the times of Bernard and his importance in the history of the Christian church. He then furnishes a carefully edited version of this greatest devotional treatise on the love of God . . ." -- Cyril J. Barber
Bernard, of Clairvaux (Saint, 1090(1)-1153), Saint Bernard on the Love of God (1884)
http://archive.org/details/saintbernardlove00bernuoft
On Loving God, Saint Bernard of Clairvaux
http://www.ccel.org/bernard/loving_God/loving_God.html

Binning, Hugh (1627-1653), Fellowship With God, or Twenty-Eight Sermons on the First Epistle of John, Ch 1 and 2 [1 John 1; 1 John 2], Wherein the True Ground and Foundation of Attaining the Spiritual way of Entertaining Fellowship With the Father and the Son, and the blessed condition of such as attain to it, are more succinctly and lucidly explained, 1671, ISBN: 0921148631 9780921148630.

Binning, Hugh (1627-1653), Several Sermons Upon the Most Important Subjects of Practical Religion. By Hugh Binning, Carefully copied and revised from his own manuscript, never before printed. To which is subjoined, An essay upon Christian love: To which is prefixed, some account of the life and writings of the author.

Bridges, Jerry, True Community: The Biblical Practice of Koinonia, a revised edition of TRUE FELLOWSHIP, ISBN: 9781617471759 1617471755. Alternate title: THE CRISIS OF CARING: RECOVERING THE MEANING OF TRUE FELLOWSHIP.
"The word 'fellowship' has become so watered down in our Christian culture, it no longer carries anything near the weight of intimate meaning it conveyed to the 1st-century Christian. But there is no reason that, 2000 years after the book of Acts, the depth of relationship meant by koinonia can't be realized in our relationships. It is the inheritance of the body of Christ, from our Savior's work. When fellowship is understood as a ministry of caring shared between all of us, it can make your church a life-changing blessing. Jerry Bridges is author of many books, including THE PURSUIT OF HOLINESS, TRANSFORMING GRACE, TRUSTING GOD, and THE JOY OF FEARING GOD." -- Publisher

Bridges, Jerry, True Fellowship: A Bible Study on (Leader's Guide).
"First published in 1983, this book was written to help Christians not only accept the fact that God is in charge, but also to see and apply the implications of that fact. An honest book which gives straight, Biblical answers to the tough question we all ask." -- GCB

Brown, John (of Haddington, 1722-1787), Of the Nature, Formation, and Fellowship of the Christian Church, 1796. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #7.

Houston, Thomas (1803-1882), The Fellowship Prayer-meeting: The Institution, Nature, History, and Advantages of Select Christian Fellowship, With Directions for Conducting Social Religious Exercises. Also available in WORKS [of Thomas Houston], DOCTRINAL AND PRACTICAL, volume 2. Available (THE FELLOWSHIP PRAYER-MEETING), on the Puritan Hard Drive.

*Knox, John (1505-1572), and Kevin Reed, True and False Ministries: Selections From the Writings. Available in THE WORKS OF JOHN KNOX, 6 volumes, David Laing (editor). THE WORKS OF JOHN KNOX available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
"Notes: Based upon selections from volume 6 of the definitive ed. of 'The works of John Knox', edited by David Laing (Edinburgh, 1895)."

*Owen, John (1616-1683), Discourses Conserning Evangelical Love, Church-peace and Unity: In Five Chapters. Chap. I. Complaints of want of love and unity among Christians; how to be managed; and where is the fault. Chap II. Commendations of love and unity; their proper objects, with general rules and measures of love towards all mankind in general: allows not salvation unto any without faith in Jesus Christ: of the differences in religion as to outward worship. Chap. III. The nature of the Catholick Church, the first and principal object of Christians love; differences among the members of this church, of what nature and how to be managed. Chap. IV. Want of love and unity among Christians justly complained of; causes of divisions and schisms, 1. misapprehensions of evangelical unity. 2. Neglect in churches to attend upon known gospel duties. 3. Trusting in worldly grandeir, remainders of corruptions, weakness and ignorance. 4. Remedies thereof. Chap. V. The grounds and reasons of nonconformity, &c. By the late Reverend John Owen, D.D., 1696. Available in various editions of THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN

Owen, John (1616-1683), A Guide to Church-fellowship and Order According to the Gospel-institution: Wherein These Following Particulars are Distinctly Handled, I. The Necessity of Believers to Joyn Themselves in Church-order, II. The Subject Matter of the Church, III. The Continuation of a Church-state, and of the Administration of Evangelical Ordinances of Worship, Briefly Vindicated, IV. What Sort of Churches the Disciples of Christ may and Ought to Joyn Themselves Unto as Unto Entire Communion.

Wilder-Smith, A.E., The Basis of True Fellowship, an audio file [audio file].

See also: Friendship, The love and justice of god, Filial love (love toward parents), Family worship, The local church, Small groups, House churches, The church and small groups, Small group resources, Small groups as healing agents, Small group leadership helps, Bible reading and devotions, Christian fellowship, Prayer, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Covenant theology and covenanting, Corporate faithfulness, The teachings of Christ, Bad relationships a cause of disease and death, and so forth, and so on.

Small Groups

---

But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:13-22)

The four "Servant Songs" of Isaiah are Isaiah 42:1-9; Isaiah 49:1-7; Isaiah 50:4-11; and Isaiah 52:13 -- Isaiah 53:12. See the annotations in The Reformation Study Bible.

Our Triune God has ordained that the preeminent leader of the Church is the Lord Jesus Christ, the God Man, Our Righteousness. (John 1:1-18; Matthew 19:30; Matthew 28:18-20; Isaiah 49:7; Colossians 1:16-19; Colossians 2:9,10; Hebrews 12:1,2; Revelation 5:1-14; Revelation 19:11-15; Revelation 20:11-15; Revelation 22:12, and so forth, and so on). Human leadership is also divinely ordained and tends to devolve to those who are most perfectly at one with Christ, and to those who also know the most Truth (the Apostle Paul, Saint Augustine, Martin Luther, John Calvin, Puritan leaders, The Scots Worthies, and so forth, and so on).
And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 19:28). See: (Matthew 19:28, 1599 Geneva Bible)
Then his master said unto him, It is well done good servant and faithful, Thou hast been faithful in little, I will make thee ruler over much: enter into thy master's joy. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:21) (Matthew 25:21 1599 Geneva Bible)
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:34). See: (Matthew 25:34, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And he said unto him, Well, good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little thing, take thou authority over ten cities. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 19:17) (Luke 19:17, 1599 Geneva Bible)
Therefore I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 22:29) (Luke 22:29, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:17). See: (Romans 8:17, 1599 Geneva Bible)
Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? (1 Corinthians 6:3). See: (1 Corinthians 6:3, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:6). See: (Ephesians 2:6, 1599 Geneva Bible)
To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and corrections among the people:
To bind their kings in chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron,
That they may execute upon them the judgment that is written: this honor shall be to all his Saints. Praise ye the Lord. (Psalm 149:7-9) (Psalm 149:7-9, 1599 Geneva Bible)
But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. (1 Timothy 2:12), (1 Timothy 2:12, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 2:26). See: (Revelation 2:26, 1599 Geneva Bible)
To serve God is to reign. -- Seneca (4 BC -- 65 AD)

But yet man is a sociable creature; and we are made to be helpful to each other: we are like the wheels of a watch, that can none of them do their work alone, without the concurrence of the rest. And therefore a proud man that would live wholly on himself, and scorneth to be beholden, would break himself off from the place that God hath set him in, and separate himself from human society, and be either a world of himself, or a god to others. But God hath caused all the members purposely to stand in need of one another, that none might be despised, and that all might still exercise love in communicating, and humility in accepting of each other's help. -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)

The Christ is the only One truly called. . . . The flesh has always struggled against Him, as we see when we survey the history of God's people. The struggle was especially acute at Golgotha. -- S.G. De Graaf in Promise and Deliverance

Three things that strengthen the spiritual life are Bible study, Christian fellowship, and prayer.

Bridges, Jerry, True Community: The Biblical Practice of Koinonia, a revised edition of TRUE FELLOWSHIP, ISBN: 9781617471759 1617471755. Alternate title: THE CRISIS OF CARING: RECOVERING THE MEANING OF TRUE FELLOWSHIP.
"The word 'fellowship' has become so watered down in our Christian culture, it no longer carries anything near the weight of intimate meaning it conveyed to the 1st-century Christian. But there is no reason that, 2000 years after the book of Acts, the depth of relationship meant by koinonia can't be realized in our relationships. It is the inheritance of the body of Christ, from our Savior's work. When fellowship is understood as a ministry of caring shared between all of us, it can make your church a life-changing blessing. Jerry Bridges is author of many books, including THE PURSUIT OF HOLINESS, TRANSFORMING GRACE, TRUSTING GOD, and THE JOY OF FEARING GOD." -- Publisher

Bridges, Jerry, True Fellowship: A Bible Study on (Leader's Guide).
"First published in 1983, this book was written to help Christians not only accept the fact that God is in charge, but also to see and apply the implications of that fact. An honest book which gives straight, Biblical answers to the tough question we all ask." -- GCB

Bruce, Michael (1559-1631), The Duty of Christians to Live Together in Religious-communion, Recommended. In a sermon preached at Belfast, January 5th. 1724-5 before the sub-synod. . . . By Michael Bruce, Belfast, 1725.

Bubna, Donald L., and Sarah Ricketts, Building People Through a Caring, Sharing Fellowship, ISBN: 0842301852 9780842301855.
"The book reflects efforts both successful and not so successful in developing koinonia groups. Friendship evangelism is explored, as well as stories based on experiences in several churches."

Clowney, Edmund P., Living in Christ's Church, ISBN: 0934688222 9780934688222.
"A 13-chapter study of the church, what it is or should be, and what you can do to make a difference. The Bible constantly points us to the Lord of the church and to the heavenly nature of God's earthly people." -- GCB
LIVING IN CHRIST'S CHURCH: A TEACHING MANUAL FOR USE IN ADULT STUDY GROUP (LEADER'S GUIDE), is available.

Clowney, Edmund P., Living in Christ's Church: A Teaching Manual for use in Adult Study Groups (Leader's Guide), ISBN: 0934688249 9780934688246.

Conley, Thomas H. and Samuel Southard, Pastoral Care for Personal Growth: Enabling the Laity to Share in Pastoral Ministry, ISBN: 0817007547 9780817007546.

*Dallimore, Arnold, George Whitefield: The Life and Times of the Great Evangelist of the 18th Century Revival, 2 volumes, ISBN: 0851510264 9780851510262 085151300X 9780851513003. A Christian classic.
"One of the great monumental literary achievements of the 20th century." -- Sherwood E. Wirt
"Justice has at last been done to the greatest preacher that England has ever produced." -- D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Contains accounts of the conversion experiences of Whitefield, the Wesleys, and many others. Includes bibliographic footnotes.

Houston, Thomas (1803-1882), The Fellowship Prayer-meeting: The Institution, Nature, History, and Advantages of Select Christian Fellowship, With Directions for Conducting Social Religious Exercises. Also available in WORKS [of Thomas Houston], Doctrinal and Practical, volume 2. Available (THE FELLOWSHIP PRAYER-MEETING), on the Puritan Hard Drive.

*Johnson, David, and Jeff VanVonderen, The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse: Recognizing and Escaping Spiritual Manipulation and False Spiritual Authority Within the Church, ISBN: 0764201379 9780764201370.
"Manipulation, shaming, 'using' other people -- that's in the church, too. Spiritual abuse happens when authority figures use spiritual means to gratify their desires for importance, power, or intimacy. Because abusers use spiritual-sounding language, their followers are trapped in legalism, guilt performance, and begrudging service. Johnson and VanVonderen explain how to identify spiritual abuse, break the cycle of abusive spiritual dynamics, and encourage both abusers and victims to repent and recover." -- CBD
"In a breakthrough book first published in 1991, the authors address the dynamics in churches that can ensnare people in legalism, guilt, and begrudging service, keeping them from the grace and joy of God's kingdom. Written for both those who feel abused and those who may be causing it, THE SUBTLE POWER OF SPIRITUAL ABUSE shows how people get hooked into abusive systems, the impact of controlling leadership on a congregation, and how the abused believer can find rest and recovery.
"David Johnson has been the senior pastor at Church of the Open Door in Maple Grove, Minnesota, since 1980. During this time, the church has grown from a congregation of 160 to 3,000 people. A much sought-after speaker, he is a graduate of Bethel College and received his theological training at Bethel Seminary and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. His "Growing in Grace" radio broadcast is syndicated internationally. David and his family live in Minnesota.
"Jeff VanVonderen is an internationally known speaker on addictions and church and family wellness. He has worked as a counselor in both residential and outpatient treatment settings, as well as in the religious community, taught at the college level, and is the author of several books. He makes his home in California." -- Publisher
"The difference between churches that use manipulation and those that practice grace is like night and day. . . .
"VanVonderen and Johnson warn people who read the book not to use what they have learned as a weapon, but to take action only in the proper spirit. Of course, any time someone takes action in a church, real problems will become visible. My question in every case is: are those problems caused by those speaking out, or have they been there all along and are only now being exposed. . . ?
"It is fair, it is doctrinally solid, and it gives effective counsel. There is something beneficial for everyone. . . leader, wounded Christian, or loved ones of people in either group." -- Reader's Comment

Kasemann, Ernst, Ministers and Community in the New Testament, in his ESSAYS ON NEW TESTAMENT THEMES, ISBN: 0800616294 9780800616298.

Kraemer, H., Theology of the Laity.
"A very significant, seminal study on the true meaning of laity."

Lloyd-Jones, David Martyn (1899-1981), The Basis of Christian Unity: An Exposition of John 17 and Ephesians 4.

Maillefer, M., Small Groups: How to use Them in a big way (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette TT108 [audio file].

Mains, David, and Steve Bell, Two are Better Than one: A Guide to Prayer Partnerships That Work, ISBN: 0880704772 9780880704779.
Explains choosing a prayer partner and learning to pray with one another. Steve and David are with Chapel of the Air, Wheaton, Illinois.
"A step-by-step guide for setting up a prayer partnership that will endure and work." -- GCB

Olson, Richard P., and Carole Della Pia-Terry, Ministry With Remarried Persons, ISBN: 0817009906 9780817009908.
"An in-depth discussion of the church's ministry to the widowed and divorced who desire to remarry. Lays a Biblical foundation before discussing the process of remarriage counseling, the wedding, and integrating the new couple into the life of the church." -- Cyril J. Barber

Pryor, John W., John: Evangelist of the Covenant People: A Narrative and Themes of the Fourth Gospel, ISBN: 083081762X 9780830817627.

Trotter, D., Bearing one Another's Burdens (Galatians 6:1-10) (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette BL04 [audio file].

Wells, William W., Welcome to the Family: An Introduction to Evangelical Christianity, ISBN: 0877846243: 9780877846246.

Womack, Charles R., Ministry to Single Parents Through a Small Growth Group Setting.

See also: Bible reading and devotions, Prayer, Prayer groups, Jesus on prayer, Intercessory prayer, Immanuel, christ's presence, christ in you, The love and justice of god, oneness, Evangelistic praying, Christian fellowship, Unity and uniformity in the visible church: unity in the truth, Pride, ambition, self-aggrandizement, arrogance, ego, Humility, Authority, Power, Power religion, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Idolatry, syncretism, Small groups, House churches, Small group evangelism, Small groups as healing agents, Small group resources, Small group leadership helps, Bad relationships a cause of disease and death, Separation, Christian scholarship, Christian classics, Reform of the church, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, An introduction to the covenanted reformation, and so forth, and so on.
TCRB5: 414, 421, 726, 739-741, 1325, 1442, 3116-3132, 3523, 3908, 3927

Related Weblinks

Nave's Topical Bible -- Prayer
http://www.biblestudytools.com/Concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T3962

Of Prayer, John Calvin
http://www.ccel.org/calvin/prayer/prayer.html

Prayers of John Calvin From his Commentary on Hosea
http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/prayers_hosea.html

Small Groups as Healing Agents
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1chb.html#sgaha

House Churches

---

And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him. (Acts 28:30,31)

And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. (Acts 28:23-24)

See the Theological Notes: "The Church," at Ephesians 2:19 in The Reformation Study Bible.

See the Theological Notes: "The Local Church," at Revelation 2:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! (Psalm 133:1)

Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 18:19,20)

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:42)
The things which make us spiritual are Bible study, fellowship, and prayer.

Christian fellowship should show spontaneity and freedom.

Banks, Robert J., Going to Church in the First Century: An Eyewitness Account, ISBN: 0940232375 9780940232372.
"Banks does his research. He is not merely writing what he thinks the Church looked like in the first century but he dives into Church History itself to show you historically what it looked like. The book takes 1 Corinthians 14:26 and applies it to the house churches listed in the New Testament. In the end, Banks does a wonderful job of showing the reader how radically different our church 'services' are today compared to the first century. Banks then tells us how to apply the apostolic traditions (1 Corinthians 11:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:15; 3:6), to our current churches whether traditional or house churches." -- Reader's Comment

*Banks, Robert J., Paul's Idea of Community: The Early House Churches in Their Cultural Setting, revised edition, ISBN: 1565630505 9781565630505.
"Robert Bank's widely read PAUL'S IDEA OF COMMUNITY: THE EARLY HOUSE CHURCHES IN THEIR CULTURAL SETTING is once again available to laypeople, pastors and scholars alike. In this extensively revised edition Banks has rewritten chapters for clarity, taken into account recent scholarship on Paul's writings, updated and expanded the bibliography, and added an index. This new edition retains, however, all the freshness and vitality of the original.
"The book draws fully upon the wealth of recent scholarly analysis of the New Testament churches, but in such a skilled way that the picture is not buried in learning, but brought to life for present-day readers. . . . People will be startled to find how much of modern church life has departed form the New Testament spirit. And yet the modern communities still possess in the New Testament, as illuminated through a book like this, the sources from which church life can be reawakened to the community consequences of accepting the Pauline gospel." -- Edwin A. Judge, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
"It is good news that Robert Banks's PAUL'S IDEA OF COMMUNITY is once more available, now in a thoroughly revised, expanded edition. Convinced that Paul's distinctive contribution to Christianity is his idea of community, Banks demonstrates how this notion informs Paul's instruction to his churches. . . . It is striking how naturally discussions of such topics as Paul's teaching on freedom and on eschatology fall within the purview of this stimulating book." -- Abraham J. Malherbe, Yale University
"Robert Banks is Professor of the Ministry of the Laity and Chair of the Ministry Division at Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California." -- Publisher

Banks, Robert J., and Julia Banks, The Church Comes Home, ISBN: 156563179X 9781565631793.
"In our modern dislocated society many are searching for a church experience that offers true Christian sharing, nurturing, and discipleship, in addition to teaching and worship. For many such people the answer is found in the home church: a small, committed group of often diverse people who meet together in homes to pray, eat, sing, study, and share their lives.
"THE CHURCH COMES HOME is a handbook for those interested in home churches. It is both visionary and practical. It describes how home churches can be formed, how they should grow, and how networks of home churches can develop. It examines issues-for example, how to make decisions; how to determine doctrine; how to include children, singles, elders; and how to reach out to the community at large-and offers practical suggestions for their resolution.
"Robert Banks is Professor of the Ministry of the Laity and Chair of the Ministry Division at Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California.
"Julia Banks and her husband Robert have been involved with home churches for over twenty-five years. Together they have led seminars and assisted congregations in developing this style of gather in many parts of the world. Julia coordinates the community house in which she and Rob live with a group of students. She is also active as a church planter and in building networks among house churches." -- Publisher

Decker, Frank Harmanest, Truths That Save: Church House Texts and Talks.

Flavel, John (1628-1691), A Warning Against Backsliding, False Worship and False Teachers. Available (THE WORKS OF JOHN FLAVEL), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
"Exposes the subtlety of false worship and false teachers and counsels all Christians to remove themselves from under ministries that practice such things. Promotes family religion and house gatherings in times of great declension and apostasy (such as ours)." -- Publisher

*Henry, Matthew (1662-1714), A Church in the House: A Sermon Concerning Family Religion, 1704. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #22.
"Family worship is presently one of the most powerful weapons in a Christian parents arsenal of truth. Read this Puritan sermon and see why! In time past, when the churches saw the family as 'little churches' within the church, elders saw to it that family worship was practiced daily and that offenders against this Godly order were censured. Daily family worship is a monumental blessing on the one hand and a serious sin of omission, when not practiced, on the other. Though Kevin Reed was speaking of public worship in the following quotation, the directive can easily be applied to family worship also. Reed notes, 'heads of households you husbands and fathers -- it is incumbent on you to lead your family in the narrow path which leads to life. Compromise in worship is a form of apostasy, which teaches children that we love family approval more than obedience to Christ . . . You have no right to set aside biblical principles of worship.' (John Knox the Forgotten Reformer, p. 99). Furthermore, Ptacek has written that, 'the role of the head of the family was given the highest possible status by Matthew Henry. In a 1704 sermon on family religion, Henry followed Cawdrey in arguing that the head of the family holds all of the offices of Christ with respect to his household: prophet, priest and king. Henry's design for family religion is based on the exercise of these three offices. As a prophet the head of the family teaches doctrine through the reading of Scripture and catechizing. The head's priestly office is expressed in praying for his family. His exercise of discipline reflects the office of king, both in encouraging godly behaviour and discouraging sinful practices. Although Matthew Henry was the best known Puritan preacher of his time, he asserted without fear of controversy that his view of the role of the head of the family was one in which all agree.' (Family Worship, pp. 52-53). For parents, and especially fathers, this may be one of the most important works you will ever read. When family worship is practiced faithfully (and the responsibility for this rests with the head of the house primarily, and the elders of the church secondarily -- through encouragement, help and discipline of the unfaithful), nations and generations to come will be greatly influenced to bow humbly before the Lord Jesus Christ and serve Him alone!" -- Publisher

Kreider, Larry, and Floyd McClung, Starting a House Church, ISBN: 0830743650 9780830743650.
"As someone who has studied and written on house churches throughout history, I was pleased and intrigued to see this book on actually starting a house church today. And it's a great book! It gives an overview of the different forms of church today, of which house church is one. It also provides a good biblical basis for what is a growing phenomenon around the world. Although it does give very practical help in how actually to start or lead a house church, the book, however, does not major on structure but emphasizes that it is all about the heart and spirit of the church -- that is a place to provide spiritual community and family so that Christians can grow in their walk with God. The book, furthermore, gives some helpful tips on mistakes which can be avoided. It provides vision, biblical backing and practical help -- a very good combination and a worthwhile read indeed!" -- Reader's Comment

*Ptacek, Kerry, Family Worship: Biblical Basis, Historical Reality, Current Need.
"The practice of family worship has done more for the comprehensive Reformation than any other means available to man. A revival of this Biblically ordained practice should be studied, prayed for, and implemented throughout all lands, at the earliest possible date. If you are serious about your faith and you would love to see the Earth full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea (Isaiah 11:9), then this is as good a place to start as any. . . .
"A splendid contemporary examination, full of encouragement and help in regard to this sacred duty of daily family worship. Covers God's covenants with families, looks at house churches in history, the Reformation period, American history, causes for decline in family worship, etc. Notes that 'family worship continued in the early centuries of the history of Christ's church and was revived in the Reformation, especially among Puritans and Scottish Presbyterians. The early settlers of the thirteen colonies brought family worship with them from Scotland, England, France and other countries of the Reformation. Family worship was the norm among American Presbyterians until the middle of the 19th century.' Chapters 1-6 treat Old Testament and New Testament passages relevant to family worship. Chapters 7-8 cover family worship in church history. Chapters 9-10 survey the rise and decline of family worship in America and the last two chapters argue for a revival of this practice. Explains, in easy to understand terms, not only the great spiritual benefits of family worship, but how to begin, how often it should be done, and what you should do -- according to Scripture. Regarding the sacred stewardship parents have been given by God, over their childrens lives, family worship and Christian education are basic to covenantal faithfulness to Christ. This is one of the most important books published on the family in some time. Priced as low as possible, with the hope of widest possible distribution; it is well laid out, easy to read and suitable for group or individual study. Parents, teachers and Pastors please don't miss this one!" -- Publisher

Simson, Wolfgang, Houses That Change the World, ISBN: 185078356X 9781850783565.
"Millions of Christians around the world are becoming aware of an imminent reformation of global proportions within the Church. God is changing this revered institution and is making a new collective awareness of an age-old revelation, a corporate spiritual echo that reflects God's desire for the Church.
"In this book, Wolfgang Simson brings to light what God is saying to Christians everywhere. Researched across the globe, he presents the case for the reformation of the Church's existence. In a world where the Church is being ignored, it is time to bring the Church to the people, and not the people to the Church. Whether it is what we know as 'Church' from the last five years or last five hundred year, no one has truly been able to break free from the structures of the past. Many may see this book as radical, many may see it as a reforming of old ideals, but all who read it will be challenged in their Churching and have their priorities refocused in a life-changing way.
"Wolfgang Simson works as a strategy consultant, researcher and journalist within the DAWN International Network. After working as a social worker and taxi driver in Stuttgart, Germany, he studied theology and missions in Switzerland, Belgium and the USA, and travelled extensively to research growing churches and church-planting movements. He is a board member of both the British and German Church Growth Associations and editor of the DAWN Fridayfax. He is of Hungarian, German and Jewish descent, and has an Indian wife, Mercy. They have three sons and have recently moved from Madras, South India, to live in Germany." -- Publisher
"The author repeatedly states, 'I'm not here to provide a model for the house church. That's not the point of this book. I simply want to present the theology and value of the house church as a model for true community'." -- Reader's Comment

Willson, James Renwick (1780-1853), A Sermon on the Glory and Security of the Church of God.. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.
A Sermon on the Glory and Security of the Church of God
http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/4/24/a-sermon-on-the-glory-and-security-of-the-church-of-god

See also: Family worship, Small groups, House churches, The church and small groups, Small group resources, Small groups as healing agents, Small group leadership helps, Bible reading and devotions, Christian fellowship, The local church, Prayer, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Covenant theology and covenanting, Corporate faithfulness, The teachings of Christ, Pride, ambition, self-aggrandizement, arrogance, ego, Power, Power religion, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Idolatry, syncretism, and so forth, and so on.

Related Weblinks

Nave's Topical Bible -- Christ, Prayers of
http://www.biblestudytools.com/Concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T2807

SermonAudio.com
"SermonAudio.com is the largest library of audio sermons on the web from conservative Christian churches and ministries with over 438,500 FREE MP3 sermons which can be streamed online for immediate listening or downloaded to your computer or MP3 player for listening at a later time. You can easily search through the entire sermon library by broadcaster, Bible reference, topic, speaker, date preached, language, or any keyword.
"The mission of SermonAudio.com is to help faithful, local churches broadcast their audio sermons to the maximum amount of people with the least amount of cost. Our chief purpose is for the preservation and propagation of great Bible preaching and teaching in its audio form for this generation and the next.
"Additionally, through our Transcription and Translation service, any sermon that is available on SermonAudio.com can be professionally and accurately transcribed by a real human and then machine-translated into 20 plus foreign languages."
http://www.sermonaudio.com/

The Small Group Network
http://smallgroups.com/

Works of C. Gregg Singer
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr3ch.html#cgsinger

Small Group Evangelism

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See the Theological Notes: "Prayer," at Luke 11:2 in The Reformation Study Bible.

Again later, in the middle of the 19th century "a small student prayer fellowship at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia set in motion forces that eventuated in the Second Great Awakening of the 19th century; the 'haystack prayer meeting' in Williamstown, Massachusetts, in 1806 spawned the modern missionary movement; times of heart-searching and confession among groups in Wales, Korea, and Africa ushered in great revivals at the beginning of this century; and perhaps the greatest spiritual movement of our generation is occurring in the house churches of China. Though the details vary in each situation, at the heart is the principle of small groups of disciples united in Christ." -- Robert E. Coleman

*Calvin, John (1509-1564), The Necessity of Reforming the Church (1544). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Also found in CALVIN'S SELECTED WORKS, TRACTS AND LETTERS. Available in Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press CD-ROM Library. Available in THE CHURCH EFFEMINATE AND OTHER ESSAYS.
"It [THE NECESSITY OF REFORMING THE CHURCH (1544) -- compiler], has still been correctly acknowledged as one of the most important documents of the Reformation.
"C.H. Spurgeon once said, 'the longer I live the clearer does it appear that John Calvin's system is the nearest to perfection.' (cited in Christian History, Vol. 5, No. 4). . . . Like Calvin, some few believers today see 'the present condition of the Church . . . to be very miserable, and almost desperate.' Our context is different in one key respect however. The church needing reformation in Calvin's day was the tradition-encrusted church of Rome. Shortly after the Reformation, for those leaving Rome behind, two streams became apparent. One was the stream of classical Protestant orthodoxy, represented today by a handful of Gideons in their desktop publishing wine vats. The other was the left wing of the Reformation -- the anabaptist movement. In the early years, the anabaptists were suffering outsiders. But today the anabaptist church is the Establishment -- an establishment governed by a chaos of traditions instead of biblical worship. Everywhere we look we see Christians approaching God with observances in worship which Calvin calls 'the random offspring of their own brain.' Though this work is not an elaborate systematic presentation of the foundations of Christianity, such as CALVIN'S INSTITUTES, it has still been correctly acknowledged as one of the most important documents of the Reformation. Calvin here pleads the cause dearest to his heart before an assembly perhaps the most august that Europe could have furnished in that day. It has been said that the animated style used by Calvin in this work would not lose by comparison with any thing in the celebrated 'Dedication' prefixed to his INSTITUTES. To this day, THE NECESSITY OF REFORMING THE CHURCH remains a powerful weapon, both defensive and offensive, to fight the contemporary battle for Protestantism -- the everlasting gospel of truth. Here, in our modern setting, we find the answers to many of the vexing questions which continue to agitate the Church." -- Publisher
The Necessity of Reforming the Church (1543), by John Calvin
http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/NRC_ch00.htm

Jacks, Bob, Betty Jacks, and Ron Wormser, Fill Your House With Newborns, a video, ISBN: 8900730282 9788900730289. Alternate title: YOUR HOME A LIGHTHOUSE: HOW TO HOST AN EVANGELISTIC BIBLE STUDY.
"In this three-part video seminar Bob Jacks tells why they've done it (hosted evangelistic Bible studies in their home for 22 years), how they've done it, and what they've learned. His sage advice and enthusiasm will motivate and equip your group to open your homes for evangelistic home Bible studies -- the one place where your unchurched friends and neighbors will feel comfortable and 'at home' enough to hear the Good News." -- Publisher
This video package includes a book, viewer's guide, and three video cassettes. Also issued under the title "Our Home a Lighthouse (Video)."
Contents: Part 1. Why evangelistic home Bible studies work so well. -- Part 2. How to plan and prepare for your evangelistic home Bible study. -- Part 3. How to host and lead an evangelistic home Bible study.

Jacks, Bob, Betty Jacks, and Ron Wormser, Your Home a Lighthouse, ISBN: 0891091270 9780891091271.
"A practical guide on how you can impact your community by hosting a weekly evangelistic Bible study." -- Publisher

*Peace, Richard, Small Group Evangelism: A Training Program for Reaching out With the Gospel, ISBN: 0877843295 9780877843290.
"Peace says that we don't need to choose between mass or personal evangelism. He says that for our day the best way is that of small group evangelism. In this book he combines theory and practice. He also provides guidelines, plans, training and discussion of the ins and out of group dynamics." -- GCB

Welch, Ed, Using the Gospel in Your Home (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette HFTF07 [audio file].

See also: Evangelistic praying, Bible reading and devotions, Small groups, House churches, The church and small groups, Small group resources, Small groups as healing agents, Small group leadership helps, Bible reading and devotions, Christian fellowship, Prayer, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Covenant theology and covenanting, Corporate faithfulness, The teachings of Christ, Family worship, Regulative Principle of Worship, Praise, Psalms in worship, Rejoicing, Thanksgiving, gratitude, Music, Small groups, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Idolatry, syncretism, Sexual wholeness, Small Group Evangelism, Small Groups as Healing Agents, Small Group Resources, and so forth, and so on.

Related Weblinks

Nave's Topical Bible -- Christ, Prayers of
http://www.biblestudytools.com/Concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T2807

Nave's Topical Bible -- Prayer
http://www.biblestudytools.com/Concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T3962

Of Prayer, John Calvin
http://www.ccel.org/calvin/prayer/prayer.html

Prayers of John Calvin From his Commentary on Hosea
http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/prayers_hosea.html

The Small Group Network
http://smallgroups.com/

The Trinity Foundation Church Registry and Clearinghouse
"By publishing this church registry we hope to offer some modest help to both individual Christians looking for an acceptable place to worship, and to congregations seeking Christians for mutual edification and to evangelize their communities. We do not guarantee that everyone will be satisfied with every church in this Registry; the user is always under the obligation to compare what is taught by these churches with Scripture."
http://www.trinityfoundation.org/churchregmain.php

The Church and Small Groups

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And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:42)
The things which make us spiritual are Bible study, fellowship, and prayer.

The Christ is the only One truly called. . . . The flesh has always struggled against Him, as we see when we survey the history of God's people. The struggle was especially acute at Golgotha. -- S.G. De Graaf in Promise and Deliverance

The four "Servant Songs" of Isaiah are Isaiah 42:1-9; Isaiah 49:1-7; Isaiah 50:4-11; and Isaiah 52:13 -- Isaiah 53:12. See the annotations in The Reformation Study Bible.

Our Triune God has ordained that the preeminent leader of the Church is the Lord Jesus Christ, the God Man, Our Righteousness. (John 1:1-18; Matthew 19:30; Matthew 28:18-20; Isaiah 49:7; Colossians 1:16-19; Colossians 2:9,10; Hebrews 12:1,2; Revelation 5:1-14; Revelation 19:11-15; Revelation 20:11-15; Revelation 22:12, and so forth, and so on). Human leadership is also divinely ordained and tends to devolve to those who are most perfectly at one with Christ, and to those who also know the most Truth (the Apostle Paul, Saint Augustine, Martin Luther, John Calvin, Puritan leaders, The Scots Worthies, and so forth, and so on).
And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 19:28). See: (Matthew 19:28, 1599 Geneva Bible)
Then his master said unto him, It is well done good servant and faithful, Thou hast been faithful in little, I will make thee ruler over much: enter into thy master's joy. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:21) (Matthew 25:21 1599 Geneva Bible)
Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:34). See: (Matthew 25:34, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And he said unto him, Well, good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little thing, take thou authority over ten cities. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 19:17) (Luke 19:17, 1599 Geneva Bible)
Therefore I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 22:29) (Luke 22:29, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:17). See: (Romans 8:17, 1599 Geneva Bible)
Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? (1 Corinthians 6:3). See: (1 Corinthians 6:3, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:6). See: (Ephesians 2:6, 1599 Geneva Bible)
To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and corrections among the people:
To bind their kings in chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron,
That they may execute upon them the judgment that is written: this honor shall be to all his Saints. Praise ye the Lord. (Psalm 149:7-9) (Psalm 149:7-9, 1599 Geneva Bible)
But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. (1 Timothy 2:12), (1 Timothy 2:12, 1599 Geneva Bible)
And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 2:26). See: (Revelation 2:26, 1599 Geneva Bible)
To serve God is to reign. -- Seneca (4 BC -- 65 AD)