Chapter 2 (part 2)

Biblical Counsel


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The authority of the Holy Scripture, for which it ought to be believed, and obeyed, depends not upon the testimony of any man, or Church; but wholly upon God (who is truth itself), the author thereof: and therefore it is to be received, because it is the Word of God. . . .
The Whole counsel of God concerning all things necessary for His own glory, man's salvation, faith and life, is either expressly set down in Scripture, or by good and necessary consequence, may be deduced from Scripture: unto which nothing at any time is to be added, whether by new revelations of Spirit, or traditions of men. -- The Westminster Confession (1646), Chapter 1, Articles IV and VI

O ye saints, how you should love the Word, for by this you have been converted. . . . Tie it about your neck, write it upon your hand, lay it in your bosom. When you go let it lead you, when you sleep let it keep you, when you wake let it talk with you. (Proverbs 6:21-22). You that are unconverted, read the Word with diligence; flock to where it is powerfully preached. Pray for the coming of the Spirit in the Word. Come from your knees to the sermon, and come from the sermon to your knees. -- Joseph Alleine (1634-1668)


Contents: Chapter 2, "Biblical Counsel" (part 2)

For all Counselors
Peer Counseling, Peer Evangelism, One-on-one Evangelism
Questions and Answers
Audio Files (CDs and MP3s) on Counseling Subjects
Legal Aspects of Counseling
Biblical Counsel by Subject
Homework for Counselees
Biblical Counseling Tracts
Case Studies
Correspondence Containing Biblical Counsel

Contents: Chapter 2, "Biblical Counsel" (parts 1 and 2), interactive
http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2cha.html#index2

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



Chapter 2 (part 2)
Biblical Counsel



For all Counselors

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalm 119:105)

This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: hear ye him. -- God The Father (Matthew 17:5)

Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 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 3:13-18)

And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. (2 Timothy 2:24-26)

His [Calvin's] "readiness in bringing Scripture passages to bear upon each point of argument is astonishing, and has perhaps never been surpassed." -- Introduction to The Institutes of the Christian Religion, p. liv

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)
The life verse of David Powlison (1949-2019).

But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. (1 Corinthians 11:28)
Put on: Examine yourself and restructure your life.

Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors. (Psalm 119:24)

And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. (1 John 1:4)

All the problems we face in life as individuals or in society prove the same thing -- they prove the Lordship of Jesus Christ. He is indeed all-sufficient. -- Edward Hindson

There is documented research proving the thesis that child abuse (emotional, physical, sexual, or spiritual, etc.) results in disturbances in learning, and disturbances in adjusting emotionally and socially, regardless of "differences in age, sex, race, gender, IQ, or socioeconomic status."
In other words, the implications are that abuse has the effect of making it difficult for a child to learn (grow in knowledge of the truth and understanding, have an open mind, be teachable), and of making it difficult to relate to the world (relationships, spouses, family, church, workplace, government), regardless of the child's innate capabilities and gifts. So, even the gifted child, if abused, will in later life suffer, however subtle, learning disabilities, blocks, blind spots, or abnormal behaviour. "If a parent and child love each other, then the parent can teach the child anything." But emotional scars can be as hard to heal as chronic disease.
"Physically abused and nonabused children were compared on child-completed measures of depression, hopelessness, self-esteem, and locus of control. Results indicated that, in comparison with nonabused controls, abused children evidenced more depressive symptoms, heightened externality, lower self-esteem, and greater hopelessness about the future. Group differences in depressive symptomatology were not accounted for on the basis of differences in age, sex, race, gender, IQ, or socioeconomic status."
Depressive Characteristics of Physically Abused Children, Denise M. Allen and Kenneth J. Tarnowski
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2926018
The Effects of Violence in the Home on Children's Emotional, Behavioral, and Social Functioning. A Review of the Literature
http://ebx.sagepub.com/content/6/2/94.abstract

O what efforts Satan puts forth to keep people from this vitally important and all-necessary work of self-examination. He knows full well that if many of his deceived victims set about the task in earnest, they would soon discover that no miracle of Divine grace has been wrought in them, and that this would cause them to seek the Lord with all their hearts. -- Arthur Pink (1886-1952), Studies on Saving Faith

Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. (Matthew 18:15-17)

He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? (Micah 6:8)

Nothing perhaps affects man's character more than the company he keeps. We catch the ways and tone of those we live and talk with, and unhappily get harm far more easily than good. Disease is infectious, but health is not.
Now if a professing Christian deliberately chooses to be intimate with those who are not friends of God and who cling to the world, his soul is sure to take harm. It is hard enough to serve Christ under any circumstances in such a world as this. But it is doubly hard to do it if we are friends of the thoughtless and ungodly. Mistakes in friendship or marriage engagements are the whole reason why some have entirely ceased to grow. Evil communications corrupt good manners. . . . The friendship of the world is enmity with God. (1 Corinthians 15:33; James 4:4) -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

All three flawed expressions of spirituality [Traditionalism, Legalism, and Superstition -- compiler], have similar results: they enslave people to an unproductive and unsatisfying way of living; they cause them to live in fear a great deal of the time; and they focus attention on their own ability to provide for their safety and well-being rather than nurturing trust in the living God, in whom alone human beings can find life. -- Ravi Zacharias, from The Grand Weaver: How God Shapes us Through the Events of our Lives, p. 190

See the Theological Notes: "The Fall" at Genesis 3:6 in The Reformation Study Bible.
But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. (Genesis 3:3-7)
Matthew Henry commenting on Genesis 3:6-13
https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/genesis/3.html
John Gill commenting on Genesis 3:7
https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/genesis-3-7.html

See the Theological Notes: "God's Covenant of Grace" at Genesis 12:1 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: "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: "The Law of God," at Exodus 20:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.

See the Theological Notes: "Legalism," at Matthew 23:4 in The Reformation Study Bible.

See the Theological Notes: "Satan," at Job 1:6 in The Reformation Study Bible.

See the Theological Notes: "Demons" at Deuteronomy 32:17 in The Reformation Study Bible.

See the Theological Notes: "God is Love: Divine Goodness and Faithfulness," at Psalm 136:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.

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)

Someone has found 684 commands in the New Testament. Accurate or not, the number must be somewhere nearly so.
And, yet, there are those who believe that any command given to another believer is merely law or works, or something equally as reprehensible to them.
It is neither wrong for God to command us (as Christ in the Great Commission did), nor preachers today to do so. God doesn't wrong us by doing so; He commands His children as any good Father would -- for our benefit. Why is it, then, that this strange idea is abroad today that all commands are wrong?
Is the problem, then, that we ought not need commands, and that the idea of issuing commands indicates those who need them are living at a lower level than they should? Or is it simply that the objectors just don't like to be told what to so?
Whatever the reason, commands there are in the Bible -- and we'd better heed all of those directed to us. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise!" -- Jay Adams, in a blog at nouthetic.org, August 3, 2012

It is the duty of God's servants to warn men of their danger, to point out that the way of rebellion against God leads to certain destruction and to call upon them to throw down the weapons of their revolt and flee from the wrath to come.
It is their duty to teach men that they must turn from their idols and serve the living God, otherwise they will eternally perish.
It is their duty to rebuke wickedness wherever it be found and to declare that the wages of sin is death.
This will not make for their popularity, for it will condemn and irritate the wicked, and such plain speaking will seriously annoy them. Those who expose hypocrites, resist tyrants, oppose the wicked, are ever viewed by them as troublemakers. But as Christ declared, Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. (Matthew 5:11,12) -- Arthur Pink (1886-1952), The Life of Elijah

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)

These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee. (Titus 2:15)

The Christian has a distinct advantage over the non-Christian when it comes to studying the soul (psychology) because he has God's inspired Word -- the psychology book. Any person who spends their life studying the soul book can grow in their understanding and practice of the purest psychology known to humanity.
Non-Christians grope in the dark when it comes to understanding psychology because the Bible is a mystery to them, if not downright foolish (Deuteronomy 29:29; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, 2:14).
The Christian has the illuminating power of the Spirit of God to guide him into all the truth contained in the Word of God (John 16:13; John 17:17). The Christian also has the providential guidance of a sovereign Lord, who orchestrates life events on behalf of His children (Genesis 50:20).
Additionally, the Christian has a community of psychologists (God's children) who are constantly pursuing a better understanding of the psychology book while seeking to make practical applications for God's glory and each other's mutual benefit. (Hebrews 10:24-25) -- Rick Thomas, The Perfect Self-Help Book That Will Change Your Life, rickthomas.net/

Counseling is a theological matter
Why is this so? Because everything about people is actually happening in reference to God. The troubles of life. Health or financial problems. Inner struggles. The conscious, willful sins. The unconscious lights-out experiences of forgetfulness, drift and unbelief. Life and death. The meaning of it all. Counseling always expresses theological commitments.
Hold onto this core principle. Your integrity as a Christian who counsels hangs on grasping this. Counseling programs may or may not arise from or live up to this core principle. You have to keep your head no matter where you train. God is always involved when you counsel. Consider several key questions. . . .
Every counselor brings a message: an interpretation of problems, a theory that weighs causalities and context, a proposal for cure, a goal that defines thriving humanness. How does the message of biblical counseling compare with their messages? Simply consider what our culture's other counselors do not say.

In other words, other messengers always counsel true to their core convictions. They counsel the same message that they live. Christians can't help but mention these things, and long to live within these realities. Even more, a Christian is never content merely to mention such realities to another, as if a troubled person simply needs the bare bones of didactic instruction. Like a skilled musician, you develop a trained ear. In every detail of every person's story, you learn to hear the music of these often unmentioned realities. You help others hear what is actually playing. A relevant, honest pastoral conversation teaches another person how to listen, and then how to join the song. Need I say more? No one else is listening to what you hear. No one else is saying what you have to say. No one else is singing what you believe. No one else is giving to others what you have been given that you might freely give. Every person who needs counseling actually needs Christ's unique message.
May God make all our words (and the thoughts within our silences), ring true to our convictions. Do get training that helps your convictions come to life. Whether you are a pastor or a mom, a friend or a teacher, a small group leader or someone with counselor in your job title, CCEF training can help you. CCEF exists to come alongside you in hands-on ministry, to equip you to help people through the struggles of life." -- David Powlison, from "CCEF Training: Counsel True to Your Convictions," in CCEF NOW, vol. 2, July 2012, p. 4

Read the Gospel of John, chapters 14 through 16, [John 14; John 15; John 16] for comfort in time of crisis or distress.

A wealth of information about Biblical Counseling is found on audio files (CDs and MP3s). Sources for audio files are as follows:

Draw forth the treasure of wisdom and experience, which you have been so long in laying up, to instruct the ignorant, and warn the inexperienced and ungodly that are about you. Job 32:7, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom. Titus 2:3-5, The aged women must teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands and children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. It is supposed that time and experience hath taught you more than is known to raw and ignorant youth. Tell them what you have suffered by the deceits of sin: tell them the method and danger of temptations: tell them what you lost by delaying your repentance: and how God recovered you: and how the Spirit wrought upon your souls: tell them what comforts you have found in God; what safety and sweetness in a holy life; how sweet the holy Scriptures have been to you; how prayers have prevailed, how the promises of God have been fulfilled; and what mercies and great deliverances you have had. Tell them how good you have found God; and how bad you have found sin; and how vain you have found the world. Warn them to resist their fleshly lusts, and to take heed of the ensnaring flatteries of sin: acquaint them truly with the history of public sins, and judgments, and mercies in the times which you have lived in. God hath made this the duty of the aged, that the fathers should tell the wonders of his works and mercies to their children, that the ages to come may praise the Lord, Deuteronomy 4:10; Psalm 78:4-6. -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)

The Fourfold Treasure, a sermon by C.H. Spurgeon delivered on Thursday Evening, April 27th, 1871, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon No. 991.
Sermon topic: 1 Corinthians 1:30,31, Christ is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.
This is to be wise, to have Christ's teaching, Christ's example, and above all, Christ's presence; so may the poorest find the Lord Jesus made of God unto them wisdom.
Pause just a minute. Let none of us ever be so foolish as to suppose that when we have received Jesus and his gospel, we have occasion to blush when we are in the company of the very wisest of the present day. Carry a bold face when you confront the brazen faced philosophy which insults your Lord. The man who does not believe the Bible does not know so much as thou dost. Blush not, though with mimic wisdom the unbeliever tries to laugh or argue thee down. He who knows not Christ, though he propounds wonderful theories as to the creation of mankind and the formation of the world, and though he has a glib tongue, is only an educated fool, a learned idiot, who thinks his own rushlight brighter than God's own sun. "Ah! but he has been to college, and he has a degree, and he is esteemed by men; for he has written books that nobody can comprehend." The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God; and I do not care even if he be a Solon, if he has said that there is no God, he is a fool. Do not blush, then, if you find yourself in his company, do not make yourself the blushing one because the fool is there. Self-conceit were to be avoided and loathed; but this is not self-conceit, but a holy courage in a case which demands of you to be courageous. To know Christ is the best of all philosophy, the highest of all sciences. [emphasis added -- compiler]. Angels desire to look into this; but I do not know that they care a fig for half the sciences so valued among men. If you know Christ you never need be afraid of being ashamed and confounded whatever company you may be in. If you stood in a senate of emperors, or amidst a parliament of philosophers, and only told them of the God that came in human flesh, and loved, and lived, and died to redeem mankind, you would have told them a greater mystery and a profounder secret than reason could discover. Be not ashamed, then, amid the intellectual pride of this boastful age. -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Fourfold Treasure

Word: "disease"; Meaning; "disturb"; Sample location: "Luke 8:49" -- from the "Glossary," 1599 Geneva Bible, Tolle Lege edition

DISEASE, n. Dizeze. [dis and ease].
1. In its primary sense, pain, uneasiness, distress, and so used by Spenser; but in this sense, obsolete.
2. The cause of pain or uneasiness . . . disorder; any state of a living body in which the natural functions of the organs are interrupted or disturbed . . . The first effect of disease is uneasiness or pain, and the ultimate effect is death. . . .
3. A disordered state of the mind or intellect, by which the reason is impaired.
4. In society, vice; corrupt state of morals. Vices are called moral diseases. A wise man converses with the wicked, as a physician with the sick, not to catch the disease, but to cure it.
5. Political or civil disorder, or vices in a state; any practice which tends to disturb the peace of society, or impede or prevent the regular administration of government.
The instability, injustice and confusion introduced into the public councils have, in truth, been the mortal diseases under which popular governments have every where perished. -- 1846 edition of An American Dictionary of the English Language
DISEASE, v.t. dizeze.
1. To interrupt or impair any or all the natural and regular functions of the several organs of a living body [i.e. robbing a neighbor of sleep -- compiler]; to afflict with pain or sickness to make morbid . . .
2. To interrupt or render imperfect the regular functions of the brain, or of the intellect; to disorder; to derange.
3. To infect; to communicate disease to, by contagion.
4. To pain; to make uneasy. -- 1828 edition of Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language

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

The depravity of man is at once the most empirically verifiable reality, but at the same time the most intellectually resisted fact. (Genesis 6:5; Genesis 8:21b; Ecclesiastes 9:3b; Jeremiah 17:9; Mark 7:21-23; Ephesians 2:1-3; Titus 3:3-5) -- Malcolm Muggeridge (1903-1990). See John Calvin's Commentary on Isaiah Chapter 33 [Isaiah 33:1-66].

So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. (Romans 14:12)
http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/romans-14-12.html
http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/romans/14.html

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

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)

*Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Big Umbrella and Other Essays and Addresses on Christian Counseling, 265 pages, ISBN: 0801000580 9780801000584. Alternate title: ESSAYS ON COUNSELING.
"A dozen lectures meant to orient people to the basic ideas of Christian counseling. The 'Big Umbrella' is the notion that mental illness explains any and every difficulty in life. Organic mental malfunction is a much smaller -- and legitimate -- umbrella, but it must not be confused with the vast turf of problems in living. Psychiatrists and others who illegitimately counsel are squatters on the pastor's turf. 'What I wrote [in COMPETENT TO COUNSEL], is only a frail beginning. It is going to take dozens and dozens of us years and years to develop counseling that is fully Christian, clearly defined and articulated.' Treats evangelism in counseling, grief counseling, demon possession, marital and familial communication, abuses of small groups, drugs, masturbation, and homosexuality. 'The kind of counseling that we have been discussing may be structured, but it also is an informal pervasive force among the people of God'." -- David Powlison

Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Change Them? . . . Into What?: Counseling in America Today, 18 pages.
"Reprint of an address at the University Psychiatric Clinic in Vienna, Austria. 'You are planning to help people; fine. But that means changing them. The question is not only how, but (most basically) -- into what? The Christian replies, "Into the likeness of Jesus Christ".' Discusses the 'general failure of the psychotherapeutic community to succeed in doing anything significant for people and their problems.' Pastors in the 1950s either referred to psychotherapists or sought to incorporate psychotherapy into their practice. Since the mid-60s, however, distinctively biblical counseling has developed. 'This counseling draws upon the wisdom of God in the Scriptures and the power of God in the Holy Spirit.' This is what such counseling looks like: speak the truth in love to responsible people who need to change in order to grow up into the image of Christ." -- David Powlison

*Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Christian Counselor's Casebook, ISBN: 0310511615 9780310511618.
"This is 'a workbook designed for individual or class use in conjunction with COMPETENT TO COUNSEL and THE CHRISTIAN COUNSELOR'S MANUAL.' Contains snapshots of 60 opening sessions and 45 cases in process. There are three major purposes: [1] to learn how to identify various sorts of problems according to biblical norms; [2] to lay out biblical plans of action for dealing with problems; [3] to provide familiarity with a wide variety of representative types of problems that counselors encounter." -- David Powlison

*Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Christian Counselor's Manual: The Practice of Nouthetic Counseling. Includes bibliographical references and indexes. ISBN: 031051150X 9780310511502.
An in-depth study of counseling problems and their Biblical solutions. The sequel and companion volume to COMPETENT TO COUNSEL.

Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Christian Counselor's New Testament: A New Translation in Everyday English, With Notations, Marginal References, and Supplemental Helps, revised and amplified.
"Adams has added numerous counseling-oriented footnotes to his translation of the New Testament, and has made many minor revisions to the text itself in order to enhance readability. The last 70 pages contain the original 'supplemental helps,' a primer on counseling. . . . Marginal notations and footnotes address dozens of topics of practical use to counselors. The Supplemental Helps provide a 60 page summary of nouthetic counseling -- both methodological and conceptual -- and a ready reference. 'Supplemental Helps' reprinted as HELPS FOR COUNSELORS." -- David Powlison

Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Christian Counselors Wordbook: A Primer in Nouthetic Counseling, ISBN: 0875520693 9780875520698.
"A glossary of frequently encountered counseling terms, defined and discussed in harmony with Biblical directives."

*Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Christian Living in the Home, ISBN: 0801000513 9780801000515.
"His [Adam's], approach to family life is conditioned completely by the Bible. He writes, 'A truly Christian home is a place where sinners live; but it is also a place where the members of that home admit the fact and understand the problem, know what to do about it, and as a result grow by grace'." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
"This bestselling title will challenge, encourage, and aid the reader in the development of a truly Christian home. Christians will find this volume full of practical, biblical advice on Christ-centered family living, communication with family members, family guidance and discipline, living with an unbelieving spouse, and many other areas. Pastors and Christian counselors will value this work for its insight and faithfulness to God's Word." -- Publisher
"Written to check the erosion of the family as the basic foundation of society. Practical applications of Scripture to family living are given." -- GCB
A study guide is available.
Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Christian Living in the Home: Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic.
Barker, Dorothy Anderson, and
Jay Adams, Leader's Guide for Jay E. Adams's CHRISTIAN LIVING IN THE HOME. Alternate title: CHRISTIAN LIVING IN THE HOME (STUDY GUIDE).
"Thirteen week guide for the leader of a Sunday school or Bible study class that utilizes Adams's book on marriage and family." -- David Powlison

Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), A Counseling Seminar: A 12-tape [audio file], Album for Laymen and Pastors Covering the Basic Reasons, Methods and Purpose of Nouthetic Counseling as Based on the Scriptures.
Contents: Hope and counseling (3 tapes), [audio file] -- Christian forgiveness (2 tapes), [audio file] -- Change (2 tapes), [audio file] -- The husband (2 tapes), [audio file] -- The wife (2 tapes), [audio file] -- Questions and answers.
Search the series "Jay Adams Tape Library" in WorldCat (OCLC) for a listing of 21 audio tapes [audio file].

*Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Counseling and the Sovereignty of God, 14 pages. Reprint of a chapter from WHAT ABOUT NOUTHETIC COUNSELING? Reprinted in LECTURES ON COUNSELING.
"For people in tough life circumstances there is only one hope: 'Knowing that God knows, that God cares, that God hears their prayers, and that God can and will act in His time and way to work even in this for good to His own. . . a confident assurance that God is sovereign.' Addresses the 'question on the lips of nearly every counselee -- Why? Why did this have to happen? Why did it have to happen to me? Why did it have to happen now?' Lucid summary of Adams's attitudes toward psychology and psychiatry." -- David Powlison

Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Counseling Workshop: Approaches to Discipleship; Women in Biblical Counseling (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
Audio cassette JA502 [audio file].

Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Critical Issues #1: A 12-tape Album Briefly Covering Critical Issues Faced in Counseling (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
"This series is not meant to be an exhaustive study of each issue but to define it. Problems of worry and depression -- Group therapy and transactional analysis -- Masturbation, talking about problems -- Nervous breakdowns and marriage problems -- Conscience and self approval -- Drunkenness and suicide -- The disabled and the retarded child -- Inferiority and handling problems -- Devil made me do it/God pleasing work -- Communicating and fear of death -- Too old to change/Restoring brother -- Breaking old habits, why me?"

Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Effective Communication; Disabled people; Inferiority complex; Unsaved wife; Be prepared! (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).

Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Essays on Counseling, ISBN: 0310511712 9780310511717. Includes bibliographical references.
"Collected essays on various counseling topics including: 'Is Society Sick?' 'Grief as a Counseling Opportunity,' 'Drugs and Your Child,' and many more." Previously published as THE BIG UMBRELLA AND OTHER ESSAYS ON CHRISTIAN COUNSELING. . . .
"A dozen lectures meant to orient people to the basic ideas of Christian counseling. The 'Big Umbrella' is the notion that mental illness explains any and every difficulty in life. Organic mental malfunction is a much smaller -- and legitimate -- umbrella, but it must not be confused with the vast turf of problems in living. Psychiatrists and others who illegitimately counsel are squatters on the pastor's turf. 'What I wrote [in Competent to Counsel], is only a frail beginning. It is going to take dozens and dozens of us years and years to develop counseling that is fully Christian, clearly defined and articulated.' Treats evangelism in counseling, grief counseling, demon possession, marital and familial communication, abuses of small groups, drugs, masturbation and homosexuality. 'The kind of counseling that we have been discussing may be structured, but it also is an informal pervasive force among the people of God'." -- David Powlison

Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Giving Hope in Counseling: And Preaching Workshop

Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), God's Standard and Program for Change; God's Methodology for Change (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).

Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Grist From Adams Mill, ISBN: 0875520790 9780875520797.
"Contains 27 two to four page essays on a wide range of topics: 'tracts for the times.' How does God guide? Where do you get peace? How do you handle interruptions? Dealing with church hoppers? Think: does God hate the sin but love the sinner? Are you clear about the Gospel? How do you handle the influence -- for bad or good -- that people have on one another? How do you deal with differences on biblically debatable matters? What is good music? How can you be professional in your ministry, in the best sense of the word? How do you judge success and failure?" -- David Powlison

Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Helps for Counselors: A Mini-Manual for Christian Counseling, 63 pages. Reprint of the helps from the back of THE CHRISTIAN COUNSELOR'S NEW TESTAMENT.
Contains: Counselor's quick check list, Fifty failure factors, Remarks and responses, Counseling outlines (for various problems), The counselor's topical worklist, and so forth.

Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Jay Adams Counseling Series at Sound Word Associates, 23 audio files.
http://www.soundword.com/jay-adams-library-.html

Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Jay Adams Tape Library at Sound Word Associates
http://www.soundword.com/jay-adams-library-.html
Adams, Jay, Jay Adams Tape Library at Sound Word Associates.
http://www.worldcat.org/search?q=se%3A%22Jay+Adams+Tape+Library.%22&fq=&dblist=638&start=1&qt=page_number_link

*Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Jay Adams Set of Commentaries, a series of 10 volumes (Timeless Texts). Alternate title: THE CHRISTIAN COUNSELOR'S COMMENTARY SERIES and TEN VOLUME CHRISTIAN COUNSELOR'S COMMENTARY SERIES.
"This 10-volume series of commentaries is written in everyday English -- a must for laymen as well as the Pastor/Counselor. Jay Adams explains and applies biblical truths in the clear, understandable way that typifies his writing. He does not try to duplicate the standard technical commentaries, but supplements them with the implications of the text for God-honoring counseling and Christian living." -- Publisher

Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Lectures on Counseling. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN: 0801001226 9780801001222.
"This volume brings together three previous title: YOUR PLACE IN THE COUNSELING REVOLUTION, THE USE OF SCRIPTURES IN COUNSELING, and COPING WITH COUNSELING CRISIS. New lectures are: THE STUDENT-PASTOR COUNSELOR TODAY, and COUNSELING AND THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD."

Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Ministering Series.
Contents: The ministry of the church | God is!! Stability we can count on | The environment of God | The balanced Christian | The disciplined life | Setting priorities | Making plans Biblically | Am I a winner? Its joys and responsibilities | The pastor's wife and depression | Christian forgiveness | Pain, does it belong? | Decisions, make them or they make you | Worry, trouble, how to combat it | The Biblical view of divorce | Homosexuality, how to deal with it | Overcoming depression | Grading and degrading, Christian education | Poles apart, who's a Christian? | Baptism for infants.

*Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling, 202 pages, ISBN: 1889032468 9781889032467.
"THE PRACTICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CHRISTIAN COUNSELING is designed to afford Christian counselors quick reference as well as comprehensive access to the chief principles and practices of biblical counseling. It is called an 'encyclopedia' because a counselor interested in surveying the gamut of those principles and practices will find in this volume a wider variety of subjects than may be located in any other book of biblical counseling. The counseling described here is truly 'Christian' with method and content firmly rooted in careful biblical exegesis. At the same time it is 'practical' because articles consist not merely of definitions and descriptions, but also of application of the material useful to Christian counselors. Although not necessarily the only way these biblical principles can be applied, they are the fruit of years of study and experience in biblical counseling. In short, the book is designed as an aid to the working counselor who needs a quick reference guide. We trust that God will use it to His glory and to the blessing of His people." -- Preface
Some subject include: Abortion | Abuse | Admonition | Adultery | Adversity | Affliction | Aggravation | Anger | Answers | Apology | Assurance | Attitude | Authority | Balance | Behavior | Bizarre behaviour | Breakdown | Christ | Church | Commandments | Confession | Confidentiality | Contentment | Correction | Corruption | Counseling | Crises | Data gathering | Deceit | Dependence | Discipling | Divorce | Doctrine | Drugs | Education | Empathy | Evangelism | Example | Foolishness | Forgetfulness | Forgiveness | Godliness | Gospel | Gossip | Habit | Heresy | Hope | Hostility | How-to | Idolatry | Jesus | Joy | Justification | Legal matters | Legalism | Lying | Marriage | Promises of god | Put on/put off dynamic | Quickening | Radical amputation | Rage | Reconciliation | Referral | Rejuvenation | Repentance | Sanctification | Scripture | Sex | Sin | Teaching | Temptation | Testing | Think list | Thought | Training.

*Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Shepherding God's Flock: A Handbook on Pastoral Ministry, Counseling and Leadership. Includes bibliographical references and indexes, ISBN: 0310510716 9780310510710.
"The book is divided into three parts: Pastoral Life deals with the pastor, his calling, and the general care he provides the flock. Pastoral Counseling provides an overview of the task and general approach for pastoral counselors. Pastoral Leadership offers a perspective on the ways the pastor can lead the church in its many tasks and responsibilities." -- Publisher
"An 'unparalleled handbook' on ministry for teaching and ruling elders." -- Publisher
"A handbook on pastoral ministry, counseling, and leadership. This book is one of the finest you can get and will help you in the real world. The contents come out of years of working directly with ministers, counselors, and work as a seminary professor." -- GCB

Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Solving Marriage Problems: Biblical Solutions for Christian Counselors. Includes bibliographical references.
"Marriage and family problems are the number one counseling problem. Too many times Christian counselors combine worldly ideas, from purely secular sources, with the Bible. Adams tries a purely Biblical approach which assumes that God speaks authoritatively on marriage." -- GCB
"Practical training for counselors in how to understand and solve marriage problems. What are the basics of the biblical view of marriage? What sorts of problems destroy marriages?: [1] unbiblical concepts ('problems of error'); [2] sinful living patterns ('problems of practice']; [3] relationships with others (e.g., companions, in-laws, children, former spouse); [4] general influences in society. Gives methods for discovering and solving problems." -- David Powlison

*Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Sovereignty of God in Counseling (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
"Dr. Adams' lecture upon his inauguration as full professor at Westminster Theological Seminary."

*Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Update on Christian Counseling, volumes 1 and 2, includes MATTERS OF CONCERN TO CHRISTIAN COUNSELORS, ISBN: 0801001536 9780801001536.
"Volume I surveys Biblical teaching on current counseling concerns, e.g. Failure in Counseling, Drugs and Counseling, Getting Organized, etc. . . . Volume II . . . is an evaluation of the latest developments, problems, ideas, and concerns in the field of Christian counseling. This book contains a reviewing of an old article 'Does the Behaviorist Have a Mind?' This series is a must for those who want to be ready. MATTERS OF CONCERN TO CHRISTIAN COUNSELORS is a 'potpourri of principles and practices of Biblical counseling'." Includes bibliographical references.
Essays, on: how counseling affects the counselor; counseling failure; a biblical approach to stress; prescription medications; the Sermon on the Mount as an example of how-to given along with what-to; the problem with apologies; 25 key presuppositions of biblical counseling; structuring counseling; using a Personal Data Inventory; the flexibility of nouthetic counseling; the adaptability of a nouthetic counselor; reminding counselees; definitions of about 115 terms of basic Christian vocabulary, from "Adoption" and "Advent" to "Worship" and "Wrath," do people really get their idea of God from their own fathers?; Christian liberty and questionable practices; counseling disabled people; evaluating transactional analysis; winning an unsaved wife to Christ; using I Corinthians 13 [1 Corinthians 13], in counseling; guidance through "checks" and "promptings"; "Does the Behaviorist Have a Mind?" (reprint of a 1927 article by William Hallock Johnson); eclecticism in counseling; "complicating problems" of various sorts (difficulties growing out of a counselee's primary problem that must be addressed in order to solve the primary problem).

Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), What About Nouthetic Counseling? A Question and Answer Book With History, Help and Hope for the Christian Counselor, ISBN: 0801001145 9780801001147.
" 'A question and answer book with history, help and hope for the Christian counselor.' Discusses the first ten years of the movement, both the gains that have occurred and the opposition and misunderstandings that have arisen. 25 questions and answers engage common misunderstandings and criticisms. For example, Q: 'Do you think that feelings are unimportant?' A: 'Of course not! They play a vital role in the human makeup.' For example, Q: 'Don't you think that we can learn something from psychologists?' A: 'Yes, we can learn a lot; I certainly have. That answer surprised you, didn't it? If it did, you have been led to believe, no doubt that nouthetic counselors are obscurantists who see no good in psychology.' For example, Q: 'Why can't you use the methods of other counseling systems?' A: 'Well-thought-through systems are self-contained packages. . . . Distinguish between methods and means.' Also contains COUNSELING AND THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD." -- David Powlison

Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), What do You do When Series.
A pamphlets series including the follow:

  • Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), What do You do When Anger Gets the Upper Hand? Alternate title: YOU CAN DEFEAT ANGER, 8 pages.
    " 'Anger, like a good horse, must be bridled.' Uncontrolled temper is a sin. You can learn to release the energies of anger productively and under control to solve problems." -- David Powlison
  • Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), What do You do When You Become Depressed? Alternate title: YOU CAN CONQUER DEPRESSION.
    "You must know God personally before you can expect Him to give you the help that you need. You must not put the alleviation of depression first as your goal, but rather the desire to please God by doing what He says. You must do exactly as He says regardless of how you feel." -- David Powlison
  • Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), What do You do When Fear Overcomes You? ISBN: 0875520464 9780875520469. Alternate title: YOU CAN OVERCOME FEAR.
    "You must learn to commit yourself prayerfully to doing what God requires of you whether or not you will have a fear experience by doing so. That is the key that will unlock your prison."
  • Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), What do You do When Your Marriage Goes Sour? ISBN: 0875520480 9780875520483. Alternate title: YOU CAN SWEETEN A SOUR MARRIAGE.
    "Love is not first a feeling, because God commands love: to wife, to neighbor, even to enemy. You must learn how to give. You must forgive: a promise not to use it against the person, not to talk to others, not to dwell on it yourself. The husband is responsible to take initiative in love." -- David Powlison
  • Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), What do You do When You Worry all the Time? ISBN: 0875520499 9780875520490. Alternate title: YOU CAN STOP WORRYING.
    A tract by Jay Adams. "Worry is concern about something that one can do nothing about. That is why it tears us apart. 'Christ does not ask you to cease being concerned; instead He tells you to redirect your concern.' Asks three questions: What is my problem?; What does God want me to do about it?; When, where and how should I begin?
  • Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), What to do About Worry, ISBN: 0801000483 9780801000485.
    "Worry is a sin that Christians can learn to overcome. Pray with thanksgiving; find God's solutions; then work on the problem God's way. When you find yourself worrying rather than working, sit down and answer the following three questions: [1] What is my problem?; [2] What does God want me to do about it?; [3] When, where and how should I begin?" -- David Powlison
  • 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
  • Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), You can Kick the Drug Habit, a tract.
    "If you are hooked on alcohol or other drugs you must learn to put off the old behavior and attitudes and put on the new. Repent of your sin. List ways you are failing God and others. Work with someone who practices biblical counseling to restructure your entire life. Cut off all connections with people who are negative influences. Restructure your life concretely." -- David Powlison
  • Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), What do You do When You Know That You're Hooked?
    • Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Your Place in the Counseling Revolution, ISBN: 0801001005 9780801001000.
    "The confusion in the counseling world exists because 'they have rejected the one and only perfect and lasting textbook on counseling': the Bible. Christians have all too often accommodated the faith wrongly to secular psychology. God refuses to be brought in as an additive to a pagan system or to be 'discovered' in a pagan theory. Christians have unresolved personal problems; Bible-believers largely neglected matters of practical Christian living during the battles with liberalism. What is your place in the counseling revolution?: [1] the ministry of everyday Christians is described where 'many of the 'one another' verses refer to exhortation, encouragement, restoration, admonition, rebuke and the giving of other sorts of counsel'; [2] if God has called you to full-time counseling, go to seminary to get training in the Bible and go into the pastorate. Reprinted in Lectures on Counseling." -- David Powlison

    Aden, LeRoy (editor), and David G. Benner (editor), Counseling and the Human Predicament: A Study of Sin, Guilt and Forgiveness, ISBN: 0801002184 9780801002182.

    Alchin, R., Randall Patten, Steve Viars, David A. Powlison, John Bettler, et al., Biblical Counseling Workshops, 43 audio files.

  • Dealing with mysticism / J. Adams
  • Handling evangelistic opportunities in counseling / S. Viars
  • On to maturity / John Bettler
  • Executive director's address / Wm. Goode
  • Guidance in counseling / J. Adams
  • Evaluating Christian [sic] in hospital programs / S. Galloway
  • From Freud to Jesus / Richard Ganz
  • Q and A Biblical counseling / Adams, Viars
  • ADHD and Christian parent / Rita Jamison
  • What to know about AIDS / Ed Payne
  • Counseling and nature of righteousness #1 / David Powlison
  • Counseling and nature of righteousness #2 / David Powlison
  • Counseling those who lust for approval / L. Priolo
  • "All truth," a critique / G. Scipione
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome / R. Smith
  • Helping men overcome life dominating lust / John Street
  • Basic track #1 / L. Quinn
  • Basic track #2 / L. Jonas
  • Basic track #3 / John Street
  • Basic track #4 / W. Mack
  • Sexual intimacy in marriage / S. Galloway
  • Ministering to divorced parents / A. Knicely
  • Church discipline for positive benefit / Bill Hill
  • Today's women's problems / M. Peace
  • Counseling in a local church / L. Quinn
  • Biblical answers, psychological explanations / R. Smith
  • Counseling "victims" / R. Somerville
  • Questions of medical ethics / Hilton Terrell
  • Male/female differences / J. McConaughy
  • Premarital counseling for the church /Wm (sic) Mack
  • Dealing with deception / L. Priolo
  • How to become a NANC member / Goode, Scipione
  • Issues in marriage counseling / Bill Slattery
  • Counseling those who are depressed / Dan Wickert
  • Being who God called you to be / Richard Ganz
  • Counseling teens from Proverbs / R. Allchin
  • Marks of male maturity / John Bettler
  • Parents, get to their minds / Tim Turner
  • Ministering to children of divorced / A. Knicely
  • Session one, getting started / R. Patten
  • Psychotropic drugs in laymen's terms / W. Wendling
  • Contemporary medical issues / Dan Wickert
  • Biblical response to suffering / Wilkerson."
    • Alexander, Archibald (1772-1851), Counsels of the Aged to the Young.

    Alexander, Archibald (1772-1851), Difficulty of Knowing our Faults. In EVANGELICAL TRUTH: PRACTICAL SERMONS FOR THE CHRISTIAN HOME.

    *Alexander, Archibald (1772-1851), Practical Truths, 1857.
    "This 400-page reprint by one of the Old Princeton 'greats' will be welcome indeed. The book is in three sections: short articles on practical Christian living subjects; a series of longer articles on doctrinal and theological subjects; and finally a series of dialogues in defense of the faith, etc." -- GCB

    Alleine, Richard, Samuel Annesley (preface), and Don Kistler (editor), Instructions About Heartwork, ISBN: 1573581348 9781573581349.

    Almy, Gary, and Carol Tharp Almy, with Jerry Jenkins, Addicted to Recovery: Exposing the False Gospel of Psychotherapy: Escaping the Trap of Victim Mentality, ISBN: 1565071859 9781565071858, 251 pages.
    "The Almys are medical doctors who have written a polemic against the pop psychologies that have recently swept into the church. Through a series of detailed case studies, they portray the dynamics operative in therapeutically-induced false memories, the healing of memories, multiple personality disorder, unmet love needs, and codependency." -- David Powlison

    Baker, Don, Beyond Forgiveness: The Healing Touch of Church Discipline, ISBN: 0880700548 9780880700542.

    Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), The Certainty of the Worlds of Spirits. Fully Evinced by the Unquestionable Histories of Apparitions, Operations, Witchcrafts, Voices, etc. Proving the Immortality of Souls, the Malice and Misery of the Devils and the Damned, and the Blessedness of the Justified. Written for the conviction of Sadduces and Infidels. By Richard Baxter, 1691, ISBN: 9781150756948 1150756942.
    "This, as it is among the quaintest and most curious, is also the rarest of Baxter's writings." -- Alexander B. Grosart
    Baxter, The Certainty of the Worlds of Spirits, and Consequently, of the Immortality of Souls . . . of the Malice and Misery of the Devils, and the Damned. And of the Blessedness of the Justified: Fully Evinced by Unquestionable Histories of Apparitions, Operations, Witchcrafts, Voices, &c., 1691
    http://archive.org/details/certaintyofworld00baxt
    See also: Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), and Cotton Mather (1663-1728), The Certainty of the World of Spirits Fully Evinced, 3rd edition, to which was added Cotton Mather, THE WONDERS OF THE INVISIBLE WORLD.
    Mather, Cotton (1663-1728), The Wonders of the Invisible World, (singly).
    Mather, Cotton, and Increase Mather, The Wonders of the Invisible World: Being an Account of the Tryals of Several Witches Lately (1862)
    http://archive.org/details/wondersinvisibl01mathgoog

    *Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), The Practical Works of Richard Baxter: With a Preface, Giving Some Account of the Author, and of This Edition of his Practical Works, 4 volumes (Soli Deo Gloria Publications, 2000), originally published: London: G. Virtue, 1846, ISBN: 1877611379 9781877611377 (4 vol. set), ISBN: 1877611131 9781877611131 (A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, vol. 1). A Christian classic.
    "THE PRACTICAL WORKS OF RICHARD BAXTER (4 large volumes), are a rare find indeed. This set includes the unabridged edition of A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY: BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS (VOLUME 1), A CALL TO THE UNCONVERTED (VOLUME 2), THE SAINT'S EVERLASTING REST: BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS (VOLUME 3), THE REFORMED PASTOR: BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS (VOLUME 4), TREATISE OF SELF-DENIAL, AND THE ONE THING NECESSARY, and much, much more." -- Publisher

    *Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), A Christian Directory: Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 1. Full title: A Christian Directory: or A Sum of Practical Theology, and Cases of Conscience. Directing Christians how to use Their Knowledge and Faith; How to Improve all Helps and Means, and to Perform all Duties; How to Overcome Temptations, and to Escape or Mortify Every Sin. In Four Parts.
    I. Christian Ethics (or Private Duties)
    II. Christian Economics (or Family Duties)
    III. Christian Ecclesiastics (or Church Duties)
    IV. Christian Politics (or Duties to Our Rulers and Neighbours)     (Morgan, PA: Soli Deo Gloria Publications, 1997, 1990, 1838, 1707, 1678, 1673), ISBN: 1877611131 9781877611131. Foreword by J.I. Packer (Soli Deo Gloria edition only). The Soli Deo Gloria publication is a facsimile reprint of the 19th century reprint by George Virtue, London, 1846. The original 1673 edition and the 1678 edition, both printed by Robert White for Nevill Simmons. Bibliographic and scriptural footnotes. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available (less the J.I. Packer's Foreword, but searchable with an OCR-based index), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    This work is available in many editions, and in many formats.
    Reformation Heritage Books has new copies of the Soli Deo Gloria edition (including the J.I. Packer Introduction), as of March 2008, even though it is generally thought to be out of print. They acquired Soli Deo Gloria from Ligonier Ministries in late 2007.
    The best digital format of the reprint by George Virtue is included on the Puritan Hard Drive. It has an OCR scan in the background, meaning one can search the entire volume and copy text into another document. It also has a computer generated indexed from the OCR scan which is, of course, in Baxter's vocabulary.
    A PDF image scan only of the same edition is available on the Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.
    The reprint by George Virtue is available online and may be downloaded in PDF format at Christian Classics Ethereal Library.
    The reprint by George Virtue appears in full preview in Google Books but may not be downloaded. So it is useful if the reader wants to become acquainted with the book. Text can be searched, but can not be copied into another document. This particular Google Books scan includes the contents in detail on pages iii-xix which is not included in the Christian Classics Ethereal Library PDF files. About five other editions from libraries are available in Google Books, and may be downloaded (August 2008).
    Notice that the e-text in Google Books has the advantage of being searchable. Searching an image-based PDF file (without an OCR scan in the background), is not possible, unless the user owns software such as Abode Acrobat Pro or Kirtas BookScan Editor. They both have an OCR (optical character recognition), feature that will search an image-based PDFs (bit-map scans). Searches appear to be perfect in this work, although one must know Baxter's vocabulary. Text can be cut and pasted from image-based PDF format to OCR (character) format. This particular Google Books scan can not be cut and pasted or downloaded.
    One of the older, multi-volume editions of THE WORKS OF RICHARD BAXTER is available at Monergism.com in the "Puritan Library," "Richard Baxter." A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, volume 23. It can be downloaded.
    http://www.puritanlibrary.com/
    Another older edition is available on microfilm (Ann Arbor, MI: University Microfilms, 1970), 1 microfilm reel, 35 mm (Early English books, 1641-1700; 343:11).
    "The complete practical works of Richard Baxter are in print in four volumes entitled BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS. This volume (about 1 1/4 million words, 1028 pages), is volume one of the set. The editor's preface (1707), p. xiii, stated that the works of Richard Baxter are 'perhaps the best body of practical divinity that is extent in our own or any other tongue.' Richard Baxter lived from 1615-1691. The DIRECTORY was completed in 1665. Its scope was intended to cover all of practical theology, a summa of casuistry . . ." -- Don Kistler
    "Baxter's series, which grew in range and scope as it proceeded . . . is a peak point in Puritan devotional writing, and remains a precious resource for all, in this or any age, who want to know what is involved in Biblical godliness. . . . A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY may justly be described as a landmark. It is the fullest, most thorough, and in this writer's judgment, most profound treatment of Christian spirituality and standards that has ever been attempted by an English-speaking Evangelical author. The fact that it embraces both spirituality and standards (the principles of communion with God plus the specifics of obedience to God), merits approving comment in itself; nowadays spirituality and ethics have become two distinct disciplines in the schools, and books written on either say virtually nothing about the other . . ." -- J.I. Packer (1926-2020)
    Timothy Keller calls it the greatest manual on Biblical counseling ever produced.
    "There are many Puritan classics on this subject. Thomas Brooks' PRECIOUS REMEDIES FOR SATAN'S DEVICES, Thomas Goodwin's A CHILD OF LIGHT WALKING IN DARKNESS, William Bridge's A LIFTING UP FOR THE DOWNCAST, and many other similar works give evidence that the Puritans were. . . . masters at applying Biblical answers and principles to problems that can only be solved by spiritual means. No Puritan work, however, has ever approached the popularity, the scope, or the depth of Baxter's classic treatise. With the widespread interest in counseling in today's church, this reprint of Baxter's work should be a welcome addition to every pastor's library, or to anyone else who wishes to give solid Biblical answers to man's questions." -- Don Kistler
    "We have long waited for a purely Biblical treatment of the spiritual ills and cures of men which is untainted by the views of psychology. Since Baxter lived about 200 years before psychology arrived, his deep work is completely void of its encroachment -- thankfully!" -- John MacArthur
    "The kings men sought to arrest Richard Baxter, but he traveled ceaselessly from place to place, writing his sermons and his books even on horseback (he had an inkwell in his saddle), and preached over a wide area." -- Brian H. Edwards
    "Baxter was a wonder of his age. His writings total 72 large volumes, much of it written on horseback as he traveled in his widespread preaching efforts. He seldom, if ever, edited anything he wrote. Knowing this any reader will be amazed at how well he communicated his deep love for his Savior. For 26 years he was public enemy No. 1 to the king, yet he lived to see the flight of the king in 1688." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    POOR MAN'S FAMILY BOOK (1674) and THE CATECHIZING OF FAMILIES (1683), are less detailed works and are found in THE REFORMED PASTOR: BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 4. They are more suitable for family instruction than are the detailed presentation in A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY.
    "Ptacek in FAMILY WORSHIP: BIBLICAL BASIS, HISTORICAL REALITY, CURRENT NEED (pp. 51-52), supplies the following information in regard to Baxter and this book. He notes that after the Episcopalians ejected numerous 'nonconformists,' in what is know as the 'great ejection,' in 1662, 'Baxter pastored from house to house, visiting families of his parish in their homes. These visits contributed to Baxter's A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, a large and still very relevant manual of pastoral care.' Focusing on just one area of great importance, Ptacek demonstrates how this book's relevance is not limited by time or culture, though sometimes the use of specific words are. 'Published in 1673, but written 1664-65, a large book-length part of Baxter's CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY is devoted to the family. It is entitled 'Christian Economics' based on the archaic usage of the word, which reflects the proper sense of the Greek root oikonomos as the manager of a household, in the Christian case, the spiritual leader of the family. The family head is essential to Baxter's view of family worship and instruction. Baxter asserts that it is God's will that this instruction be carried out by the rulers of the families.' For a male head of the household to fail to do so, or to have another instruct in the family, is contrary to his position of authority.' This is the kind of book that can be passed on from generation to generation and still find much use in the service of the kingdom of God.
    "Though relatively weak on corporate sanctification, corporate faithfulness and some important areas of doctrine (such as justification), Baxter's work on subjects related to personal piety can be of good practical use to the Christian -- if one is careful to separate out his aberrant doctrinal views and any practical errors they may lead to." -- Publisher
    The following three excerpts are included as bonus free books on Reformation Bookshelf CD #28.
    1. "The Duties of Parents for Their Children" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. X., pp. 449-454.
    2. "The Special Duties of Children Towards Their Parents" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. XI., pp. 454-457.
    3. "The Special Duties of Children and Youth Towards God" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. XII., pp. 457-458).
    A summary of currently (2012) available publications.
    http://www.lettermen2.com/pwrbcd.html
    Richard Baxter, from Wikipedia
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Baxter

    *Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), A Call to the Unconverted: Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 2, ISBN: 1877611158 9781877611155. A Christian classic.
    "This is the second of four volumes constituting the complete works of this giant of the faith. This huge volume, over 1000 pages, gathers together such penetrating topics as THE UNPARDONABLE SIN, THE SPIRIT'S WITNESS TO THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY, THE ARROGANCY OF REASON AGAINST DIVINE REVELATION, A CALL TO THE UNCONVERTED, NOW OR NEVER, A SAINT OR A BRUTE, GOD'S GOODNESS VINDICATED, THE CHARACTER OF A SOUND, CONFIRMED CHRISTIAN, and others." -- GCB
    This volume also contains A CALL TO THE UNCONVERTED, THE REASONABLENESS OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION, THE UNREASONABLENESS OF INFIDELITY, A TREATISE OF CONVERSION, AND CHARACTER OF A SOUND CONFIRMED CHRISTIANS.
    Translations: A Call to the Unconverted (singly), Dutch; French; Danish; Polish.

    *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

    *Baxter, Richard, The Reformed Pastor: Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 4, ISBN: 1877611360. A Christian classic.
    "This is the fourth and final volume in this great set. Includes, 'Compassionate Counsel to all Young men,' 'The Reformed Pastor,' 'Poor Man's Family Book,' 'The Catechizing of Families,' and 'The Mother's Catechism,' in all 25 sermons, treatises, and catechisms. Dr. J.I. Packer says, 'For me, the great joy of this year is that it see the completion of Soli Deo Gloria's reprint of Baxter's incomparable PRACTICAL WORKS'." -- GCB
    Richard Baxter, from Wikipedia
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Baxter
    Compassionate Counsel to all Young men (1681), by Richard Baxter
    http://www.lettermen2.com/ccaym.html

    *Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), A Treatise of Knowledge and Love Compared in THE REFORMED PASTOR: BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 4, ISBN: 1877611360. A Christian classic.
    Long title: A Treatise of Knowledge and Love Compared. In two Parts: 1. Of Falsely Pretended Knowledge. II. Of True Saving Knowledge and Love. I. Against Hasty Judging, and False Conceits of Knowledge; and for Necessary Suspension. II. The Excellency of Divine Love, and the Happiness of Being Known and Loved of God. Written as greatly necessary to the safety and peace of every Christian, and of the Church: the only certain way to escape false religions, heresies, sects, and malignant prejudices, persecutions, and sinful wars; all caused by falsely pretended knowledge, and hasty judging, by proud, ignorant men, who know not their ignorance.

    Beechick, Ruth, A Biblical Psychology of Learning: How Your Mind Works, ISBN: 0896360830.
    "May be the finest book on the contemporary scene that explains the learning process, while allowing the Scriptures to judge the vast array of learning theories. The mode of learning the author presents and her discussion of creativity, higher thinking, and the spiritual developmental tasks are provocative. But her use of the Biblical concept of the heart marks the book with its uniqueness. It pries open a variety of areas with a new touch." -- Warren S. Benson

    Beeke, Joel R., and Randall J. Pederson, Meet the Puritans: With a Guide to Modern Reprints, ISBN: 1601780001.
    "It's endorsed by Packer, Piper, MacArthur, Sproul, Duncan, Mohler, Ferguson -- and the recommendations go on and on.
    "It's packed with terse information, illustrations, great biographies on more than 140 individual Puritan authors, overviews of over 700 individual Puritan volumes, a list of all the known reprints published between 1956 and 2005, excellent articles, and a glossary of terms used. At 900 pages, its a deep well of information. As cloth bound, it's made to endure years of use.
    "Important helps include chapters on who the Puritans are, why we should read them, and short histories of the English, Scottish and Dutch Puritans. I found the short history of the resurgence of Puritan literature in the 20th century especially interesting.
    "Here is just one quote, taken from the section explaining why we should read the Puritans today:

    With the Spirit's blessing, Puritan writings can enrich your life as a Christian in many ways as they open the Scriptures and apply them practically, probing your conscience, indicting your sins, leading you to repentance, shaping your faith, guiding your conduct, comforting you in Christ and conforming you to Him, and bringing you into full assurance of salvation and a lifestyle of gratitude to the triune God for His great salvation (xix).
    "Perfect for the beginner and the more advanced reader, MEET THE PURITANS will help guide and direct your way through the forest of Puritan authors.
    "In summary, I cannot say it better than our friend, Dr. Ligon Duncan:
    Joel Beeke and Randall Pederson have produced a tremendous gift to and resource for all who want an entryway into the study of the Puritans. They not only provide accurate biographical and theological introduction to every Puritan whose works have been reprinted in the last fifty years, but also combine with their helpful summaries an insightful analysis. If this were not enough, they've added major appendices that include the so-called Scottish Puritans (that is, the great Scottish theologians who were contemporaries of and like-minded brethren in doctrine and piety with the English Puritans), as well as the Dutch Further Reformation divines. MEET THE PURITANS, WITH A GUIDE TO MODERN REPRINTS is a must have. I know of nothing like it. If you are looking for a reliable window into the life, theology, piety and ministry of the Puritans -- this is it.
    The format of the book is simple. After a Preface explaining how to profit from reading the Puritans, a brief word about where to begin and a brief history of English Puritanism, there comes a long list of authors. Each author has his own chapter containing a short biography and a list of his books that have been reprinted. There is a review of each book along with publishing information and the number of pages. And that is the heart of the book and continues for some 800 pages. Five appendices deal with collections of Puritan writings, Scottish divines, Dutch further Reformation divines, secondary sources on the Puritans and a final word on Puritanism courtesy of J.I. Packer. In short, this is a one-stop-shop for all you could want to know as a beginner to the Puritans. And if you are already a fan of their writing, this book will lead you further and deeper, guiding you to the best books available." -- Reader's Comment

    Belgum, David Rudolph, When it's Your Turn to Decide: A Hospital Chaplain Helps you Make Medical Decisions, ISBN: 0806616164 9780806616162.

    *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

    *[Bible, The Reformation Study Bible], The Reformation Study Bible: The Word That Changes Lives -- the Faith That Changed The World, New King James Version, ISBN: 0785258523 9780785258520. Previously published under the title New Geneva Study Bible: Bringing the Light of the Reformation to Scripture, ISBN: 0840710917 9780840710918.
    "The NEW GENEVA STUDY BIBLE offers a restatement of Reformation truth for Christians today. The first Geneva Bible was a pivotal force in the Reformation. Using the everyday language of its time, it opened the pages of Scripture to readers and provided helpful notes to assist them in understanding its message. It became the family Bible of the English people, and was the Bible that the Pilgrims brought to the New World. Since that time a multitude of English translations and study Bibles have appeared, but none of these has incorporated a summary of Reformed theology." -- Thomas Nelson Publishers
    Also available in digital format from Logos Bible Software.
    Geneva Bible Notes: Reviews of the 1599 and the 1672 editions of the Notes, and of the Reformation Study Bible
    http://www.lettermen2.com/geneva.html
    Readers of THE REFORMATION STUDY BIBLE should also be familiar with the Geneva Bible Notes, The Westminster Family of Documents, the doctrine of the Mediatorial Dominion of Jesus Christ, and the literature of the Covenanted Reformation.
    The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646, The Westminster Standards), and Related Works: A Study Guide
    http://www.lettermen2.com/suggest.html
    The Covenanted Reformation of Scotland Author/Title Listing
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chb.html#crsstl
    Reformed Presbyterian Catechism, William L. Roberts D.D.
    http://archive.org/details/ReformedPresbyterianCatechism

    *Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), The Everlasting Righteousness, or How Shall man be Just With God? 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?
    http://books.google.com/books?id=nQMDAAAAQAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html

    *Bridges, Charles (1794-1869), The Christian Ministry, With an Inquiry Into the Causes of its Inefficiency, ISBN: 1428610979. A Christian classic.
    "Bridges was a minister in England into the nineteenth century. . . . This book has been considered a classic book for ministers almost since it was written in 1829. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)


    Broger, John C., Self-confrontation Course Series

    Two sets of material are listed alphabetically below, the original Self-confrontation Course Series, and the new course material updated by John Broger in retirement after The Biblical Counseling Foundation moved to Palm Desert, California (c. 1991). During this time the courses were being taught at Vanguard University of Southern California, a non-profit Christian university of liberal arts and professional studies in Costa Mesa, California. It seems that the original material was updated in following years and given new titles.

    Broger, John C. (1915-2002), Biblical Principles for Discipleship/counseling, 1998, 47 pages.
    John Broger compiled and edited this for Vanguard University of Southern California alumnus.
    Biblical Counseling Foundation
    http://bcfministries.org

    Broger, John C. (1915-2002), Course I: Instructor's Guide for the 24-week Self-confrontation Course, 2000, 233 pages.
    This his appears to be an update of the COURSE I: INSTRUCTOR'S GUIDE.

    Broger, John C. (1915-2002), Course I: Self-confrontation Course. Handbook for the Ministry of Discipleship/Counseling, 2001, 264 pages.
    This seems to be an update of the SELF-CONFRONTATION SYLLABUS (COURSE I)

    *Broger, John C. (developer/editor, 1915-2002), Course I: The Self-Confrontation Syllabus for Biblical Counseling Training, 1994 (reprint of 1978 edition, various paging), and Course I: Self-Confrontation Tapes (10 cassette tapes), [audio file], (Rancho Mirage, CA: Biblical Counseling Foundation).
    "Contains 24 weekly lessons intended to move a person through the change process personally as the foundation for working on becoming a counselor (Matthew 7:1-5). Intended for Sunday school and other classes or personal study. The first eight lessons lay the biblical foundation for change. The grace of the God in the gospel of Jesus Christ is spring of all true change, and it prompts a self-confrontation: 'Man's way is oriented to self: to please self, to comfort self, to rely on self, to fulfill self, to forgive self, to exalt self, and to love self. . . . [God's way], emphasizes that you are to live for Him.' The next thirteen lessons treat particular problem areas: selfishness, anger, interpersonal conflict, marriage and family, depression, fear, life-dominating sins. The final three lessons summarize and set the foundation for Course II, Biblical Counseling Training." -- David Powlison
    "Helps Christians solve their personal problems Biblically and equips laymen and women to counsel others Biblically within the church." Particularly valuable for its system of identifying root problems in counseling cases. Some of the material presented is from various writings by Jay E. Adams. The audio cassette tape [audio file], series by John Broger is designed to accompany the course and includes practical examples."

    Broger, John C. (1915-2002), Course II, Instructor's Guide for Training in Biblical Discipleship/Counseling, 2001, 184 pages.
    Biblical Counseling Foundation
    http://bcfministries.org

    *Broger, John C. (developer/editor, 1915-2002), Course II: Nouthetic Counseling Study Guide, 2001, 120 pages.
    Also available: Course II: Self-confrontation Tapes (8 audio files), (Rancho Mirage, CA: Biblical Counseling Foundation).

    Broger, John C. (1915-2002), Course III: Instructor's Guide for Training in Biblical Discipleship/Counseling, 2001, 138 pages.
    This seems to be new course material in Biblical Counseling.

    Broger, John C. (1915-2002), Course III: Syllabus for Training in Biblical Discipleship/Counseling, 2001, 166 pages.

    Broger, John C. (1915-2002), Instructor's Guide for the Self-confrontation Course [Course I -- compiler]: Based on the Old and New Testaments as the Only Authoritative Rule of Faith and Conduct, 1992, 119 pages, ISBN: 1878114026 9781878114020.

    Broger, John C. (1915-2002), Man's way vs. God's way, 1991, 22 pages.

    Broger, John C. (1915-2002), Your Resources in Christ, 1991, 26 pages.

    Broger, John C. (compiler and developer, 1915-2002), and Jay Edward Adams, Competent to Counsel: Study Guide for Christian Counseling Training Course, 2001, 1 volume (various pagings) in loose-leaf binder: illustrations; 28 cm. Alternate title: STUDY GUIDE FOR CHRISTIAN COUNSELING TRAINING COURSE.
    Not to be confused with COMPETENT TO COUNSEL, 1998, 320 pages, by Jay Adams.

    Bobgan, Martin, and Deidre Bobgan, CONFRONTING the Biblical Counseling Foundation's Self-Confrontation Manual. A PsychoHeresy Awareness Position Paper (PsychoHeresy Awareness Ministries, 4137 Primavera Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93110).
    "While we no longer recommend any manuals or training programs for biblical counseling, we would issue the following recommendations for changing the manual and for restraints if the BCF manual is to be used at all."
    http://www.psychoheresy-aware.org/images/bcfpaper.pdf

    *Brooks, Thomas (1608-1680), Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices, ISBN: 0851510027 9780851510026. A Christian classic.
    "The best Christian authors of former times treated the seductive influence and terrible power of Satan in a way 'greatly more full and suggestive than in the literature of the present day'." -- William Grimshaw
    " 'The strange opposition that I met with from Satan, in the study of the following discourse, hath put an edge upon my spirit, knowing that Satan strives mightily to keep these things from seeing the light that tend eminently to shake and break his kingdom of darkness, and to lift up the kingdom and glory of the Lord Jesus Christ, in the souls and lives of the children of men . . .' This is one of the seven reasons for writing his book which the author, Thomas Brooks, gives in his preface." -- 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 Haddington, 1722-1787), The Christian Journal: or, Common Incidents, Spiritual Instructors: Being a Series of Meditations on a Spring, Summer, Harvest, Winter, and Sabbath-day, 1795. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #7.

    *Brown, John (of Wamphray, 1610-1679), The Life of Justification Opened, or, A Treatise Grounded Upon Gal. 3.11 [Galatians 3:11]: Wherein the Orthodox Doctrine of Justification by Faith, and Imputation of Christ's Righteousness, is clearly expounded, solidly confirmed, and learnedly vindicated from the various Objections of its Adversaries. Whereunto are subjoined some Arguments against Universal Redemption, 1695. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive (a single copy may be downloaded). Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #20.
    "In 1828 Dr. Burns wrote, 'Mr. John Brown was unquestionably one of the most eminent divines Scotland has yet produced, as his numerous writings, still carefully sought after by solid and judicious Christians, fully evince.' (Johnston, Treasury of the Scottish Covenant, p. 339). Regarding this book Dr. Walker noted, 'By far our most thorough exposition and discussion of the doctrine it handles; and all the more to be prized because of the particular bearing it has on the new views which Baxter and others had begun to propagate, and which in some shape are ever returning upon ourselves.' (Ibid., p. 341). Interestingly, Brown, in the preface, after warning against Arminianism 'as the immediate way to introduce Popery' states, 'Yea even those who were purer in appearance, pressing the moral duties and practical doctrine of piety (I mean the followers of that famous Minister Mr. Richard Baxter), did corrupt the true doctrine of justification, because they adopted universal grace and redemption.' One of the best, if not the best, books ever written on the topic of justification!" -- Publisher
    The Life of Justification Opened, John Brown (of Wamphray, 1610-1679)
    http://reformedlayman.com/LifeofJustification_by_Brown/Cover.htm

    Bufford, Rodger, K., Counseling and the Demonic, ISBN: 0849905990 9780849905995. Includes bibliography.
    "This work reflects careful thought, detailed examination of the Scriptures, a familiarity with the increasing professional literature in the field, and personal counseling experience." -- GCB
    "Throughout human history, the question of demonic influence has been a controversial one. It continues to be so now, when there are two widely held views. According to the first view, demons are everywhere. Those who believe this are preoccupied with demons and with efforts to appease, avoid, or escape them. The second view discounts demons, looking on them as irrelevant, at best, or even nonexistent. Both these views are mistaken. Unfortunately, reality is both less comfortable and more complex than either outlook permits." -- Reader's Comment
    "This book on counseling and the demonic by Dr. Rodger Bufford is part of the notable Resources for Christian Counseling series, a series which seeks to combine the best insights from psychology with strict adherence to biblical truth." -- Publisher

    *Bunyan, John (1628-1688), and Robert Philip (1791-1858), The Greatness of the Soul: and The Unspeakableness of the Loss Thereof; No way to Heaven but by Jesus Christ; The Strait Gate. Alternate title: THE GREATNESS OF THE SOUL, AND UNSPEAKABLENESS OF THE LOSS THEREOF: WITH THE CAUSES OF THE LOSING IT: FIRST PREACHED AT PINNERS HALL, AND NOW ENLARGED, AND PUBLISHED FOR GOOD. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "In the 1660s, Charles II, King of England, asked John Owen (1616-1683), why he went to hear the preaching of an uneducated tinker. [John Bunyan -- compiler]. Looking the King in the eye, Owen answered, 'May it please your Majesty, could I possess the tinker's ability for preaching, I would willingly relinquish all my learning'." -- Andrew Thomson, John Owen, Prince of Puritans
    Owen would not have been surprised to learn that Bunyan's most influential work, PILGRIM'S PROGRESS, would be translated into more languages over the next 400 years than any book except the Bible.
    The Greatness of the Soul: and The Unspeakableness of the Loss Thereof; No way to Heaven but by Jesus Christ; The Strait Gate
    http://archive.org/details/greatnessofsoulu00bunyuoft
    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.

    *Calvin, John (1509-1564), Calvin's Ecclesiastical Advice.
    "Forty-six (46) letters and writings of Calvin newly translated into English from CORPUS REFORMATORUM (volume 38, part I). Focusing on doctrine, the Reformation, worship, discipline, judicial questions, and marriage, this books clearly exhibits Calvin's pastoral style. It also shows the great influence which Calvin exerted over Second Reformation thought, because of his focus on doctrine, worship and church government." -- Publisher

    *Calvin, John (1509-1564), and John Graham Miller (contributor), Calvin's Wisdom: An Anthology Arranged Alphabetically by a Grateful Reader, ISBN: 0851516246 9780851516240.
    "This anthology (arranged alphabetically by topic), also becomes a dictionary of his thought and almost an encyclopedia of his theology." -- GCB
    Calvin's Wisdom: An Anthology Arranged Alphabetically by a Grateful Reader, Jean Calvin, John Graham Miller
    http://books.google.com/books?id=_VsuAAAACAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html

    *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, Jean (John, 1509-1564), and John Owen (Vicar of Thrussington, Leicestershire, translator and editor), Commentaries on the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Romans. Alternate title: COMMENTARY ON ROMANS, BY JOHN CALVIN, and THE EPISTLE OF THE APOSTLE PAUL TO THE ROMANS.
    Romans is Paul's most comprehensive statement of the Gospel. It unites the various themes of the Bible, and therefore is the key to understanding all Scripture.
    Commentary on Romans, by John Calvin (1509-1564)
    http://www.biblestudyguide.org/comment/calvin/comm_vol38/htm/TOC.htm

    *Calvin, John (1509-1564), Letters of John Calvin, 2 volumes, ISBN: 9780548138700 0548138702. Available [CALVIN'S SELECTED WORKS, TRACTS AND LETTERS, 7 volumes], on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Case, Thomas (1598-1682), The Excellent Woman, a Sermon Preached at the Funeral of Mrs. Elizabeth Scott, Dec. 16, 1658. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "THE EXCELLENT WOMAN examines the book of Proverbs to teach of the value and character of the virtuous woman. In the forward Dr. William Sprague writes, 'This is a work that will bear to be read more than once, and each successive reading will be likely to reveal some new gem of thought, which, in the general mass of excellence, had been overlooked before. It is a book suitable for the husband to present to his wife, the mother to her daughter, and the brother to his sister; and the more widely it is circulated, the better for the country and the world'." -- Publisher

    Christian Legal Society, and the Christian Conciliation Services, Peacemaker's Handbook (Annandale, VA: Christian Legal Society, 1978).
    C. Ken Sande, editor.

    Cook, Earl, Counseling Children (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).

    Curro, Ellen, Caring Enough to Help: Counseling at a Crisis Pregnancy Center, ISBN: 0801025516 9780801025518.
    "Much valuable information for training volunteers to serve at a crisis pregnancy center is included here. The entire Christian community will see how it can make a difference by touching hurting lives." -- GCB

    Davis, D. Clair, Resolving Conflict (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).

    *Delitzsch, Franz, A System of Biblical Psychology, 2nd edition (Edinburg, Scotland: 1869).
    "The greatest single work on Biblical psychology ever written."

    Dineen, Tana, Manufacturing Victims, ISBN: 189585458X 9781895854589.
    "Dr. Tana Dineen clearly demonstrates that providers of psychological therapy do manufacture victims.
    "Dineen knows the profession from her experience of twenty years on the inside. Contrary to most practicing therapists, Dineen knows the research regarding the efficacy of psychotherapy. Through the years she saw more and more problems with the profession and finally closed her practice. In her book she provides enough scientific research to discourage anyone from ever wanting to combine psychology with Christianity. She also reveals the many ways in which therapists do create victims. We believe every Christian leader should read MANUFACTURING VICTIMS.
    "Another eye-opening book is HOUSE OF CARDS: PSYCHOLOGY AND PSYCHOTHERAPY BUILT ON MYTH by Dr. Robyn M. Dawes, who is a widely recognized researcher and a professor at Carnegie-Mellon University. His book demolishes all pretensions of psychological counseling theories and therapies and relegates clinical psychology to the realm of pseudoscience.
    "In his book THE CRISIS IN PSYCHIATRY AND RELIGION, O. Hobart Mowrer poses this question: 'Has evangelical religion sold its birthright for a mess of psychological pottage?' Yes, that is exactly what evangelical Christianity has done! Isn't it time to confess that horrible sin, throw out the psychological stew and cleave to the Lord and all He has given through the New Birth?" -- Reader's Comment

    *Dowdy, Augustus W., Jr., Phone Power, ISBN: 0817006524 9780817006525.
    "Brief but very helpful, with practical ideas on communication by phone and many practical ways to use the phone within the local ministry of the church. Has a helpful appendix on where to go for information on hotlines and telephone ministries." -- Robert B. Somerville

    Durham, James, The Scandal of Stumbling Blocks: Avoiding Spiritual Harm, ISBN: 1601788010 9781601788016.
    "Christians are runners in the race to glory. The last thing a believer wants to do is cause another runner to trip and fall. Yet, as James Durham powerfully proves, Christians can become stumbling blocks -- often without considering how their words or actions impact others. Carefully edited for modern consumption, this much-needed classic work helps us to be encouragers rather than obstacles. Every Christian should read this book!" -- Joel R. Beeke
    "A new book helps you avoid causing spiritual harm through the application of biblical counsel. In THE SCANDAL OF STUMBLING BLOCKS, James Durham helps us to consider the matter deeply by defining the nature of stumbling as well as showing its serious consequences. He looks in considerable detail at different kinds of stumbling and identifies the ways that people can stumble and be stumbled. Durham provides practical advice for avoiding and preventing offense.
    "Now edited in modern English, Durham's classic treatment on considerate Christianity can be used to edify a new generation." -- Publisher

    *Enroth, Ronald M., Churches That Abuse: Help for Those Hurt by Legalism, Authoritarian Leadership, Manipulation, Excessive Discipline, ISBN: 0804220328 9780804220323.
    Includes bibliographical references.

    Falkowski, Carol, Dangerous Drugs: An Easy to use Reference for Parents and Professionals, ISBN: 1568389817 9781568389813.
    "In a world where the drug abuse scene is more confusing and dangerous than ever, the second edition of DANGEROUS DRUGS: AN EASY TO USE REFERENCE FOR PARENTS AND PROFESSIONALS is the answer. Now with color photos of drugs and paraphernalia, DANGEROUS DRUGS is a concise, comprehensive, clear, and handy reference that answers your questions at a glance, with: -- Up-to-date information on drugs of abuse -- Demographics of users. -- Explanations of how a drug is used; where it's found and how it affects the mind and body -- The names and forms under which drugs are sold -- Their addictive, lethal, and overdose potential -- Signs of drug abuse and where/how to seek help, and more. Written in clear language, Dangerous Drugs provides straightforward, authoritative, comprehensive, and up-to-the-minute information. It covers the full range of drugs of abuse, whether illegal (marijuana, heroin, cocaine, LSD, methamphetamine, etc.), or legal (alcohol, prescription, tobacco, or Internet-marketed, herbal remedies). Dangerous Drugs is written for professionals and non-professionals alike, and is a book that no one concerned about drug use can afford to be without.
    "Carol Falkowski, Director of Research Communications at the Hazelden Foundation, is author of the new reference book, DANGEROUS DRUGS: AN EASY-TO-USE REFERENCE FOR PARENTS AND PROFESSIONALS. For nearly 20 years she has monitored drug abuse trends at the national level, as one of 20 researchers in the country who participates in a drug abuse monitoring network of the National Institute of Drug Abuse. Falkowski advised the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (1995-1999), regarding the safety, efficacy, and abuse potential of certain drugs, and has provided consultation to the National Institute of Justice, the National Drug Intelligence Center, Join Together, and numerous states. Before coming to Hazelden in 1997, she was research coordinator at the Minnesota state alcohol and drug abuse authority for 15 years. Falkowski was featured in the 1999 Showtime documentary by Robert Zemeckis, "Smoking, Drinking, and Drugging in the Twentieth Century." -- Publisher

    *Finley, Martha (1828-1909), Book 2: Elsie's Holidays at Roselands, ISBN: 9781888306323 1888306327.
    "When Elsie's father becomes ill, she takes on the job of nurse-companion, and all goes well until Elsie, because it is the Sabbath, as a matter of conscience refuses to read to him from a secular book. The battle of wills that ensues nearly causes first her father's death, and then Elsie's. Lonely Elsie -- punished, ostracized, and then abandoned by her father -- turns to her heavenly Father for comfort and assurance. Will her father realize that Elsie's obedience to God must be paramount, and submit himself to the same Divine Authority?" -- Publisher
    On an even more serious note, one moral of this story is the broader life and death struggle between Truth and Falsehood (See: Absolute truth and relativism [duality and non-duality], Epistemology of theology, the theory of knowledge, and Christian scholarship.) The consequence of conflict of will is death of the "One," or war of the "Many" (see Rushdoony, THE ONE AND THE MANY: STUDIES IN THE PHILOSOPHY OF ORDER AND ULTIMACY. Conflict of will (see Will and recalcitrance, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation,) may begin when one individual (see The doctrine of man [human nature, total depravity],) or the corporate body (see Corporate faithfulness and sanctification), tries to usurping authority over others (see Power, Authority) -- tries to control and possess the other (see Tyranny, Slavery, our systems of enslavement, economic enslavement.) The means of control may be either outward or occult (see The occult, spiritism, witchcraft), deceit, repression or suppression of the truth, replacing moral and ethical absolutes with relativism (see Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Medical ethics, Absolute truth and relativism [duality and non-duality], unfaithfulness to the highest ethical standards (see The ten commandments: the moral law, The holy bible), Heresy and apostasy (apostacy, old english), Spiritual adultery [spiritual whoredom/harlotry,] (see Idolatry, syncretism, Jeremiah and lamentations,) invocation of the demonic, Oaths, ensnaring vows, promises, and covenants, bonds with the ungodly Carnality and flesh pleasing: desires, pleasure, Justice, judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord,) attempts to take authority over another politically or by mental malpractice (see Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, making up their own rules (see Absolute truth and relativism [duality and non-duality],) ignoring or changing constitutional or creedal documents, unjust laws for the accumulation of wealth and power, indebtedness, disenfranchisement, (see denial of freedom,) Priestcraft, pharisaism, soul-stealing, possessiveness, physical seduction and whoredom, political economic or sexual enslavement (see Sexual relationship,) and so forth, and so on.
    This abuse, this soul-violence, quenches the Holy Spirit (see Owen, God's Presence With a People the Spring of Their Prosperity; With Their Special Interest in Abiding in Him.) If either side is immovable, then death is the consequence (see Soteriology, atonement, The blood of christ, Hell, and Heaven.)
    How are conflicts of will resolved? By submission to the Absolute Truths of God's word, the great common denominator, 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)
    All this bears a strain of the Gospel (see Book-length presentations of the free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, The westminster confession of faith.)
    Book 2: Holidays at Roselands
    http://archive.org/details/holidaysatrosel00finlgoog
    Holidays at Roselands (Gutenberg text)
    http://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/webbin/gutbook/lookup?num=14280
    Mantle Ministries (Elsie Dinsmore Series and Mildred Series)
    http://www.mantlemin.com

    *Foster, Timothy, Called to Counsel.
    "Designed for the training of laypersons in our churches, this book is practical and specific and focuses on 'what to do,' and 'what to say' in different situations. Foster gives easily accessible answers on how to handle uncomfortable situations and when to refer those beings counseled to professional therapists. Most importantly, he discusses what is appropriate to do (and not to do), in hundreds of cases readers can easily relate to in their own counseling. Recommended." -- Cyril J. Barber

    *Foster, Timothy, The Handbook of Christian Counseling, ISBN: 0785279393 9780785279396.
    A revised edition of CALLED TO COUNSEL, 1986. Includes index.

    Ganz, Richard, How I Became a Christian Counselor (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Also includes "Dr. Adams, Questions and Answers: Is Masturbation for Christians?"

    *Ganz, Richard, You Shall be Free Indeed! The Statutes of Liberty for Godly Living, 150 pages, ISBN: 1895019001 9781895019001.
    "Shows how to have the freedom Christ gives. Rings the changes on 'freedom:' true vs. false, internal and external, from the expectations of others, to fail or succeed, to change, from self-love, to love, from legalistic holiness, for gospel holiness." -- David Powlison
    "Drawing from his experience as a nouthetic counselor and pastor, Ganz shows how Christians can have the freedom that Christ gives his people. Jay Adams says: 'This is one of the most encouraging and helpful books I have read in a long time'." -- GCB

    *Geneva Bible Notes
    The GENEVA BIBLE NOTES are featured on the Online Bible CD-ROM. One keystroke brings the notes up in the second window alongside THE 1769 AUTHORIZED VERSION KING JAMES BIBLE, Cambridge: Printed by John Archdeacon; and sold by John Beecroft, John Rivington, Benjamin White, and Edward Dilly, in London; and T. & J. Merrill, in Cambridge, 1769. A Christian classic.
    Therefore, the user can view both THE 1769 AUTHORIZED VERSION KING JAMES BIBLE and the GENEVA BIBLE NOTES at the same time in separate windows, possibly with a split screen.
    THE ONLINE BIBLE CD-ROM is available from Larry Pierce and the Woodside Bible Fellowship, Winterbourne, Ontario, CANADA, 11 Holmwood Street, Ontario N0B 2V0, 1997. [Apparently is no longer compatible with current operating systems as of December 2016 -- compiler].
    THE 1769 AUTHORIZED VERSION KING JAMES BIBLE (New York, NY: Cambridge University Press), was available at one time on CD-ROM from Thomas Nelson.

    *Gordon, Burgess L., Understanding and Promoting the Resources of Aging People: A Guide to Care, Proper Environment, and Well Being.
    "Describes the conditions that affect the health of the aged. Written more for those who work extensively with senior citizens, this work nevertheless brings into sharp focus the unique needs of the elderly." -- Cyril J. Barber
    The Caregiver's Handbook
    http://www.seniormag.com/caregiver-handbook.pdf

    Grunlan, Stephen A., and Daniel H. Lambrides, Healing Relationships: A Christian's Manual for Lay Counseling, ISBN: 087509354X 9780875093543.

    Harris, Thomas Allen, Counseling the Serviceman and his Family.
    "Provides the minister with the knowledge and techniques to prepare you to face the realities of military life." -- Cyril J. Barber

    *Harrison, Roland Kenneth (editor), Encyclopedia of Biblical and Christian Ethics, revised and updated (Testament, March 4, 2003), 480 pages, ISBN: 0517222280.
    "A comprehensive reference work for everyone concerned with the complicated moral issues of this world, this unique volume clearly communicates what Scripture teaches about the ethical dilemmas facing our society. Biological warfare, corporate responsibility, human rights, computer ethics, and much more are discussed by over fifty scholars who explain the moral guidelines in the Bible and historic Christian teachings.
    "R.K. Harrison, author and editor of over thirty books on biblical studies, has brought together a valuable A to B treasury of thought for every believer searching for guidance." -- Publisher
    "A compendium of reliable information. Arranged in dictionary format, 550 entries and 61 contributors. Goes beyond descriptive data to the practical application of truth to a variety of situations . . . . The book is well-indexed. . . . Treats ethical areas like apartheid and surrogate motherhood. Probably the best available evangelical treatment of this type." -- GCB

    Hexham, Irving, Karla Poewe, and J.I. Packer, Understanding Cults and New Religions.
    "This book is designed to help Christian laymen, pastors, youth workers, and students understand cults from a social, psychological, and religious perspective. . . ." -- GCB

    Hindson, Ed (author, 1948-2002), Howard Eyrich (author), Totally Sufficient, ISBN: 1857929608 9781857929607.
    "Contributors Gary L. Almy, W. Wilson Benton Jr., Edward G. Dobson, Howard Eyrich, Ronald E. Hawkins, Ed Hindson, Arnold Hyndman, Wayne A. Mack, Paul Madtes Jr., David Powlison, C. Dwayne Shafer, Chris Thurman, Edward T. Welch. Christian counselors agree that the Bible's message of salvation can radically change lives. Scripture can lead even the most unlikely people to faith but when it comes to everyday problems is the Bible really enough? Here we have more than a dozen highly trained counselors, medical experts and pastors who are highly respected in their fields. Every one has at least one doctorate relevant to the area they examine in this book. Their answers to the question stated above are enlightening, thought provoking and surprising." -- Publisher

    Hughes, Selwyn, The Christian Counselor's Pocket Guide.

    *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

    Kandle, George C., and Henry H. Cassler, Ministering to Prisoners and Their Families.
    Includes bibliography.

    *Kantzer, Kenneth S. (editor), Applying the Scriptures: Papers From ICBI Summit III.
    "This book includes 17 papers and the responses given at the International Council on Biblical Inerrancy [infallibility], in December 1986. The debate is heated at times and offers a good representation from the evangelical community. The thrust of the book is the application of God's Word to all of life." -- GCB

    Kemp, Charles F., Counseling With College Students.

    *Knox, John (1505-1572), and Kevin Reed (editor), The First Blast of the Trumpet Against the Monstrous Regiment [Government], of Women, with the "Summary of the Second Blast" appended (Dallas, TX [Presbyterian Heritage Publications, P.O. Box 180922, 75218-0922]: Presbyterian Heritage Publications, 1993), trade paperback, 96 pages, marginal notes, scripture index, and subject index. This edition appears in three additional formats: SELECTED WRITINGS OF JOHN KNOX: PUBLIC EPISTLES, TREATISES, AND EXPOSITIONS TO THE YEAR 1559, pp. 370-436, the LIBRARY OF PRESBYTERIAN HERITAGE PUBLICATIONS AND PROTESTANT HERITAGE PRESS CD-ROM LIBRARY, and e-text that includes the marginal notes as endnotes, but does not include the scripture index, and subject index. Citations for these three additional formats are listed below.
    "The text of this edition is based on the definitive edition of THE WORKS OF JOHN KNOX, edited by David Laing (Edinburgh, 1895).
    "In this controversial work, John Knox contends that 'to promote a woman to bear rule, superiority, dominion, or empire above any realm, nation, or city, is repugnant to nature, contumely [insult], to God, a thing most contrary to his revealed will and approved ordinance; and finally, it is the subversion of good order, of all equity and justice'." -- Publisher
    Subheading used in this edition:

    "The SUMMARY OF THE SECOND BLAST was originally appended to the APPELLATION FROM THE SENTENCE PRONOUNCED BY THE BISHOPS AND CLERGY: ADDRESSED TO THE NOBILITY AND ESTATES OF SCOTLAND (1558), published in KNOX'S WORKS, VOL. IV, pp. 539-40." (see citation below) -- Publisher
    Knox, The First Blast of the Trumpet
    http://archive.org/details/firstblasttrump00knoxgoog
    The First Blast of the Trumpet. Available (in KNOX'S WORKS, VOL. 4) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    http://archive.org/stream/worksjohnknox07laingoog#page/n4/mode/2up
    Other publications of THE FIRST BLAST OF THE TRUMPET follow: Gunn Productions, The Monstrous Regiment of Women, DVD (Gunn Productions, October 31, 2007), 54 minutes.
    "Who is the monstrous regiment? Today, the feminists are our monstrous regiment!
    To promote a woman to bear rule, superiority, dominion, or empire above any realm, nation, or city, is repugnant to nature . . . A thing most contrary to His revealed will and approved ordinance. -- John Knox
    "The 16th century reformer John Knox wrote his famous tract THE FIRST BLAST OF THE TRUMPET AGAINST THE MONSTROUS REGIMENT OF WOMEN to oppose a notorious European female tyrant who sought to stamp out biblical Christianity in his beloved Scotland.
    "When we approach the issues of our day we wish to borrow his biblical perspective to apply his blast against those who rule in the wake of his monstrous queen. This group, we shall see, far surpasses the queen's iniquities in both kind and degree.
    "Feminists tell women not to submit to a husband, to avoid having children, and that they should listen to their inner voice and chase a career to find true fulfillment. This twisted and irrational teaching has led to disaster for American women, leading many into a frustrating, isolated existence. With this film, we call women back to a life filled with joy and beauty that can only be found by following God's Word.
    "Due to the subject matter this film is not suitable for children.
    "Subjects Covered: | Who was John Knox? | What did he think of women? | What is Feminism? | Feminism and Socialism | Daycare | Modesty | Women in the Military | Women in the Workplace | Margaret Sanger | Planned Parenthood | Abortion | Hillary | Birth Control | Betty Friedan | Rock for Choice | Plus 26 minutes of unique interview footage
    "Featuring: | Sharon Adams -- Historian, Edinburgh University | Jennie Chancey -- Ladies Against Feminism | Jane Doe -- Military Cadet | Carol Everett -- Former Abortion Provider | Dana Feliciano -- Homemaker | Carmon Friedrich -- Writer, Buried Treasure Books | F. Carolyn Graglia -- Author, Domestic Tranquility | Rosalind Marshall -- Knox Biographer | Stacey McDonald -- Author, Raising Maidens of Virtue | Phyllis Schlafly -- Eagle Forum | Denise Sproul -- Homemaker | Kathleen Smith -- Homemaker" -- Publisher

    *Knox, John (1505-1572), Select Practical Writings of John Knox. Alternate title: SELECTED WRITINGS OF JOHN KNOX: PUBLIC EPISTLES, TREATISES AND EXPOSITIONS TO THE YEAR 1559. Available (WORKS OF JOHN KNOX) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (WORKS OF JOHN KNOX) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
    "In this 1845 edition, we find some of Knox's writings addressed to individuals. Deep, experimental dealing with souls and consciences, high toned, manly and practical, all describe this work." -- Publisher
    See also the following political writings of John Knox single on both the Puritan Hard Drive and in The Reformation Bookshelf: CD #1, John Knox Debates God's Law, Idolatry and Civil Resistance in the General Assembly of 1564 | CD #1, Select Practical Writings of John Knox | CD #15, Against Romish Rites and Political and Ecclesiastical Tyranny (1554) | CD #26, Against Romish Rites and Political and Ecclesiastical Tyranny (1554) | CD #17, An Admonition to Flee Idolatry, Romanism and All False Worship (1554) | CD #25, The First Blast of the Trumpet Against the Monstrous Regiment of Women (This book is on the first CD in this set). | CD #26, Reformation, Revolution and Romanism: An Appeal to the Scottish Nobility (1558).

    Kopp, Ruth L., and Stephen Sorenson, When Someone you Love is Dying: A Handbook for Counselors and Those who Care.
    "This remarkable book was first published in 1980 under the title ENCOUNTER WITH TERMINAL ILLNESS. As Haddon W. Robinson pointed out, 'All life is terminal. Some arrive at the terminal before they know it. Others hear an announcement and anticipate death's coming. For such men and women going to death themselves, or traveling with others, Dr. Kopp provides practical counsel about how to make the journey'." -- Cyril J. Barber

    *Kuhne, Gary W., The Dynamics of Personal Follow-up, ISBN: 0310269512 9780310269519.
    A scholarly work that is one of the foundational books for the nouthetic method of counseling.
    Includes bibliography.

    Lane, Timothy S., and Paul David Tripp, How People Change, ISBN: 0977080722 9780977080724.
    "A changed heart is the bright promise of the Gospel. When the Bible talks about the gift of a new heart, it doesn't mean a heart that is immediately perfected, but a heart that is capable of being changed. Jesus' work on the cross targets our hearts -- our core desires and motivations -- and when our hearts change, our behavior changes. It's amazing to watch people who once seemed stuck in a pattern of words, choices, and behaviors start living in a new way as Christ changes their hearts." -- Publisher

    Lehmann, Joseph P., Paul David Tripp, David Powlison, Michael R. Emlet, and Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation, On Suffering: Must Reads From the Journal of Biblical Counseling.

    Lester, Andrew D., Hope in Pastoral Care and Counseling, ISBN: 0664255884 9780664255886.

    Lester, Andrew D., When Children Suffer: A Sourcebook for Ministry With Children in Crisis, ISBN: 0664213278 9780664213275.
    "Focuses on the significant crises in childhood. Treats issues like unresolved grief, unnecessary fear, lack of trust, a low sense of worth, distorted ideas about the person of God and the world in which they live. Well-done; makes a valuable contribution." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Levicoff, Steve, Christian Counseling and the Law. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN: 0802412394 9780802412393.

    Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), Healing and the Scriptures, ISBN: 0840790112 9780840790118.
    "The ten chapters in this book are excerpts from messages given by the Doctor to medical students and practicing M.D.'s. The subjects covered are many, among which are: The Supernatural in medicine, On treating the whole man, The doctor as counselor, Fullest care, Medicine in modern society, Body, mind, and spirit, How to combat the demonic, Identifying psychosomatic illnesses, and The moral law. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)

    Logos Bible Software, Biblical Counseling Library (29 Volumes), on CD-ROM, Libronix Digital Library System
    "This 29 volume collection of Biblical Counseling titles is an amazing compilation of Christian counseling resources. THE BIBLICAL COUNSELING LIBRARY features some of Jay E. Adams' outstanding counseling titles, including THE CHRISTIAN COUNSELOR'S MANUAL, COMPETENT TO COUNSEL, and A THEOLOGY OF CHRISTIAN COUNSELING. It includes works from 20 different authors, including Steve Farrar, Elizabeth George, Jerry Bridges, and Lou Priolo.
    "This collection includes informative studies on general Christian counseling, as well as very focused works on Women's and Men's counseling needs, counseling victims of sexual abuse, eating and diet issues, dating, working through struggles with sexual sin and anger, and developing a deeper walk with God. A fantastic resource for the library of a pastor or Christian counselor, the BIBLICAL COUNSELING LIBRARY adds a new dimension to your Logos Bible Software. These expert resources are combined with the tools of the Logos Bible Software system, including topical searching for studying specific areas of Biblical counseling, and linked references to other titles in your Libronix library." -- Publisher
    http://www.logos.com/products/prepub/details/2482

    Logos Bible Software Bundles That Include Works on Biblical Counseling
    There are 15 bundles in all.
    http://www.logos.com/products/search?q=counseling+bundles

    *Luther, Martin (1483-1546), Tischreden (Aurifaber), [English Selections], The Table Talk or Familiar Discourse of Martin Luther. Alternate title: DR. MARTIN LUTHER'S DIVINE DISCOURSES AT HIS TABLE, &C. WHICH IN HIS LIFE TIME HE HELD WITH DIVERS LEARNED MEN (SUCH AS WERE PHILIP MELANCHTHON, CASPARUS CRUCIGER, JUSTUS JONAS, PAULUS EBERUS, VITUS DIETERICUS, JOANNES BUGONHAGEN, JOANNES FORSTERUS, AND OTHERS), CONTAINING QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS TOUCHING RELIGION, AND OTHER MAIN POINTS OF DOCTRINE, ALSO MANY NOTABLE HISTORIES, AND ALL SORTS OF LEARNING, COMFORTS, ADVISES, PROPHESIES, ADMONITIONS, DIRECTIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS. COLLECTED FIRST TOGETHER BY DR. ANTONIUS LAUTHERBACH, AND AFTERWARD DISPOSED INTO CERTAIN COMMON PLACES BY JOHN AURIFABER DR. IN DIVINITY. TRANSLATED OUT OF THE HIGH GERMAN INTO THE ENGLISH TONGUE BY CAPT. HENRY BELL, 1848.
    "In 1525 Luther married and settled down to family life in Wittenberg. Among his visitors were many poor students, and these fervent disciples wrote down all they remembered of their master's conversation. This TABLE TALK has always enjoyed great popularity for its refreshing unreserve and frequent brilliance. It shows Luther to have been a true child of his age. He must be judged by the mind of his times. We give some of his strong opinions that have not borne the wear and tear of later ages; but they are more than balanced by teaching that is beautiful as well as true." -- J.A. Hammerton, Outline of Great Books
    Luther, Hazlitt, Chalmers, The Table Talk of Martin Luther (1872)
    http://archive.org/details/tabletalkofmarti1872luth
    The Table-talk of Martin Luther translated by William Hazlitt, Esq.
    This is e-text of The Lutheran Publication Society printing.
    http://www.reformed.org/documents/
    The Table-talk of Martin Luther translated by William Hazlitt, Esq.
    http://www.ccel.org/ccel/luther/tabletalk.i.html

    *Luther, Martin (1483-1546), Watchwords for the Warfare of Life, ISBN: 9781432547387 1432547380. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "Classic quotes on a wide variety of subjects from the pen of Martin Luther. Some of the many subjects which Luther touches upon in this book include: the Lord Jesus Christ, the creation, the law and the gospel, the weapons of our warfare, prayer, the Word of God, preaching, patience, the Church, the holy angels, the devil, sin, temptation and depression of spirit, love, joy, peace, fear, humility, forbearance, hope, forgiveness, thankfulness, giving, nature, wine, music, people in the Scriptures, books of the Bible, eminent men, women, children, spiritual miracles perpetual, printing, trials, good works, hermeneutics, sorrow, sickness, bereavement, death, martyrdom, employments in heaven, immortality, the second coming, the resurrection, the joys of heaven and much more!" -- Publisher

    Mack, Wayne, Biblical Solutions to Life's Problems (Westminster Media).
    This book is accompanied by an audio cassette series of 24 tapes [audio file].

    Mack, Wayne A., and Joshua Mack, God's Solutions to Life's Problems, ISBN: 1563220792 9781563220791.

    Mac, Wayne A., and Deborah Howard, "It's not Fair!" Finding Hope When Times are Tough, ISBN: 9781596381124 1596381124.
    "With wonderful insight and clarity, Wayne Mac explores the difficult issue of how to reconcile God's justice with His sovereignty. He shines the bright light of Scripture on some of the toughest questions of all, and then carefully explores the answers in a way that is easy to follow and truly helpful." -- Publisher

    Mack, Wayne A., and the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation, Introduction to Pastoral Counseling.

    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

    Martin, Grant, Counseling in Cases of Family Violence and Abuse, ISBN: 0849905877 9780849905872.

    *Martin, Robert P., A Guide to the Puritans: A Topical and Textual Index to the Writings of the Puritans and Some of Their Successors Recently in Print, ISBN: 0851517137 9780851517131.
    "I owe an enormous debt to the Puritans, the most prolific and accurate expounders of the biblical principles upon which the Reformation was built. Their concern for vital godliness in every area of the Christian's experience has rightly earned for them the title 'theologians of the Christian life.' Their writings are a rich banquet table loaded with solid nourishment for God's people. . . .
    "There are many more qualified to index the Puritans than I. Had someone more acquainted with the Puritans' works and more schooled in their history and theology undertaken this project, the end product would have been vastly superior. My primary qualification is that I have been willing to undertake the task. I will not be surprised if those who use this volume find many things which could be done better, especially in the topical index. My hope, however, is that those who find flaws will favor me with their suggestions for improvement, so that if future editions come from the press, the people of God will be served better than at present.
    "In determining which writers and works to index, I have been guided and restrained by several principles. First, I have deliberately chosen a broad definition of the term Puritan. Instead of the narrow ecclesiastical sense, i.e., of referring only to those in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries who desired reformation in the national church of England, I am using the term Puritan in the broader religious sense of those advocating the experimental, Calvinistic religion which the Puritans exemplified. Moreover, I have cast my net even farther to take in those who have looked to the Puritans as their nearest theological kin; thus including such men as Archibald Alexander, Charles Hodge, B.B. Warfield, W.G.T. Shedd, John Murray, and many other modern Puritans.
    "Second, with reference to older writers, I have limited my efforts to recently republished works. Many valuable works, of course, have not reappeared in our day, but are available only in libraries and private collections. I have not tried to include any such items. A comprehensive index of the entire body of Puritan writings would be a wonderful resource, but it is quite beyond my ability to undertake such a project.
    "Third, though I have tried to include all the older works currently available, I have indexed only a sampling of works from living writers. Some may question my choices or judge that I have overlooked important new works and authors in the Puritan mold. I sincerely regret overlooking any volume worthy of notice. My only defense is that my knowledge of living authors is much less than my awareness of the proven guides of the past. For the most part I have limited new works to those published by the Banner of Truth Trust, confident that these works have passed through a fine grid of review, and would not bear the Banner label if they were not clearly in the Puritan tradition.
    "Fourth, doubtless some users of this index will be disappointed that several important precursors to the Puritans are missing. For example, except for the notice of a few well-known works, Calvin and Luther are not indexed. The same is true of Augustine. The contribution of these men to reformed and Puritan thinking cannot be overestimated. Including their works, however, was not possible, given my present constraints. I regret this greatly.
    "Among nineteenth-century figures, the most prominent absence is that of C.H. Spurgeon. Spurgeon certainly is worthy of a place in this work; however, since a textual and topical index of his sermons already exists, I chose not to duplicate that work here.
    "In our own century, the ministry of D.M. Lloyd-Jones has produced a large body of useful material in the Puritan tradition; however, unlike his contemporary, John Murray, no collection of Dr. Lloyd-Jones's writings is yet available. Much that Dr. Lloyd-Jones preached is now published in commentary form (e.g., his expositions of the Sermon on the Mount, Romans, Ephesians, etc.), and is not included in this index because of my decision not to index commentaries. I have indexed the Doctor's topical works that were available to me. Those wanting more information on Dr. Lloyd-Jones's writings should consult the bibliography found at the end of volume two of Iain Murray's biography [LLOYD-JONES, D. MARTYN: THE FIGHT OF FAITH, 1939-1981 -- compiler].
    "The Scripture Index was easy to produce. Where a specific text (or texts), of scripture served as the basis for a sermon or treatise, it is included in the Scripture Index at the appropriate place. This does not mean, however, that every work listed in the Scripture Index contains a detailed exegesis of the text to which it is attached. Often the Puritans used texts as the starting points for topical sermons or series. What follows is not so much an exposition of the text but an exposition of a theme which the text epitomizes. Such sermons do not always answer to the needs of the technical exegete, but they often serve as catalysts for doctrinal and practical observations on the text.
    "A few whole commentaries are found in the Scripture Index. These are present only because they are included in an author's collected writings. Many more commentaries could have been included; however, those appearing before 1870 are catalogued already in Spurgeon's COMMENTING AND COMMENTARIES. Many fine commentaries in the Puritan tradition also have appeared since 1870; but I have made no effort to produce what would in fact have been an update of Spurgeon's work.
    "The Topical Index was extremely difficult to construct. Two problems constantly intruded themselves into the process. First, when I began, no list of topics was ready at hand. My method therefore was to compile the list of topics as I went along. The end product doubtless is less accurate than if the topics had been set from the beginning. Second, Puritan sermons are not always capable of being reduced to one or two key ideas. Frequently the Puritans ranged across a wide field of related themes in a single sermon. Where this occurred, properly placing the sermon in the Topical Index was difficult. In most cases I was guided by either the author's title or his doctrine summary, i.e., a statement expressing the theme of the sermon. I have tried to exercise as much care as possible in indexing topically; however, those more familiar with individual sermons or treatises perhaps will question my decisions. Again, I hope that observations which may improve this work will be communicated to me. . . . I have included comments with some entries. It was not possible to do this for every entry. For the most part, I did this where I felt that a word was needed to clarify the emphasis of a given work. . . ." -- Robert P. Martin in the Preface, August 1996, Seattle, Washington

    McElhinney, Glenn R., A Nouthetic Approach to Counseling Elementary School-age Children (Philadelphia, PA: Westminster Theological Seminary, D.Min. thesis, 1986).
    Includes bibliography.

    McKnight, William John (1865-1951), The Scriptures the Supreme Guide in the Affairs of Men.

    Miller, C. John (1928-1996), A Faith Worth Sharing: A Lifetime of Conversations About Christ, ISBN: 0875523919 9780875523910.
    "This is not a book about clever techniques, or methodologies; it is a book of snapshots from one life given to impact others. If you too are someone who has been changed by the power of the gospel, then you need to pray for the opportunities to pass it on to others. This book will encourage you to do just that." -- Stephen Smallman
    "C. John Miller taught practical theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, was Director of World Harvest Mission, and led mission trips to several countries. He was founding pastor of New Life Presbyterian Church, outside Philadelphia, from which grew several other congregations in the Philadelphia area. His other books include POWERFUL EVANGELISM FOR THE POWERLESS, and OUTGROWING THE INGROWN CHURCH." -- Publisher

    *Miller, C. John "Jack" (1928-1996), Finding Healthy Self-esteem Through Being Completely Forgiven (Quality Living Series. Jenkintown, PA [World Harvest, Box 2175, Jenkintown, 19046]: World Harvest, 1987).
    "Do you feel inadequate? That you need to do more or be better in order to be happy and fulfilled? You may not realize it, but your biggest problem is . . . you don't feel completely forgiven."
    World Harvest Mission
    http://www.whm.org/home.htm

    *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, [audio file].
    World Harvest Mission
    http://www.whm.org/home.htm

    Miller, David R., Breaking Free: Rescuing Families From the Clutches of Legalism.

    Mitchell, A.W., Letters to Church Members, 1855. Alternate title: MONITORY LETTERS TO CHURCH MEMBERS.
    Letter to one who travels on the Sabbath
    Letter to one of a censorious spirit
    Letter to one of a self-confident and unyielding spirit
    Letter to one of a managing and disingenuous spirit
    Letter to one of an impatient and complaining spirit
    Letter to one who is lacking in reverence for the truth as a moral virtue,
    and so forth, and so on.
    Letters to Church Members, 1855.
    http://www.westminsterconfession.org/literature/godly-living.php
    Monitory Letters to Church Members
    http://archive.org/details/monitoryletterst00phil

    Mitton, C. Leslie (editor), First Aid in Counseling.
    Includes bibliography.

    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

    *Nelson (Thomas Nelson editors), Nelson's Topical Bible Index, ISBN: 0785211241 9780785211242.
    "Offers pastors, Bible scholars, and laypeople ready-to-use information and quick answers to Bible questions. It organizes key Scripture references with context summaries under 8,000 topics and sub-topics, including names, places, things, concepts, events and doctrines. Includes brief definitions that are useful for personal study or lesson preparation." -- Publisher

    *Nichols, James, Samuel Annesley, Thomas Case, and Nathanael Vincent, et al., Puritan Sermons, 1659-1689: Being the Morning Exercises at Cripplegate, St. Giles in the Fields, and in Southwark, 6 volumes. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "On cover: THE MORNING EXERCISES. Reprint. Originally published under title: THE MORNING EXERCISES AT CRIPPLEGATE, ST. GILES IN THE FIELDS, AND IN SOUTHWARK: BEING DIVERS SERMONS PREACHED A.D. MDCLIX-MDCLXXXIX BY SEVERAL MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL IN OR NEAR LONDON. 5TH ED. / CAREFULLY COLLATED AND CORRECTED, WITH NOTES AND TRANSLATIONS, BY JAMES NICHOLS. London: T. Tegg, 1844-1845. Vol. 1, editions one (London: J. Kirton & N. Webb, 1661), to four (London: A. Maxwell and R. Roberts for T. Cockerell, 1677), published under title: THE MORNING EXERCISE AT CRIPPLEGATE, OR, SEVERAL CASES OF CONSCIENCE PRACTICALLY RESOLVED / BY SUNDRY MINISTERS, September MDCLXI. Vols. 2-6 (divided differently), published separately under different titles by various publishers, 1660-1690. v. 5-6. THE MORNING EXERCISE METHODIZED, OR, THE CHIEF HEADS AND POINTS OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION OPENED AND IMPROVED IN DIVERS SERMONS / BY SEVERAL MINISTERS OF THE CITY OF LONDON, IN THE MONTHLY COURSE OF THE MORNING EXERCISE AT GILES IN THE FIELDS, May, MDCLIX; [edited by Thomas Case]. THE MORNING EXERCISE AGAINST POPERY, OR, THE PRINCIPAL ERRORS OF THE CHURCH OF ROME DETECTED AND CONFUTED, IN A MORNING LECTURE, PREACHED LATELY IN SOUTHWARK / BY SEVERAL MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL, IN OR NEAR LONDON, MDCLXXV; [edited by Nathaniel Vincent].
    "By 75 Ministers of the Gospel in or near London with notes and translations by James Nichol." -- Publisher
    "Volume five 'is the best compilation of Puritan systematic theology ever written, but unfortunately is often overlooked in Puritan studies.' This six volume set represents Puritan preaching at its best 'Puritan pastors treasured the full scope of God's counsel.' They strove for excellence. They also made their sermons practical enough to answer the questions of listeners in a thoroughly scriptural manner." -- Dr. Joel Beeke and Randall Pederson, Meet the Puritans: With a Guide To Modern Reprints, pp. 637-639

    *Owen, John (1616-1683), Sin and Temptation: The Challenge to Personal Godliness. ISBN: 1556618301 9781556618307. A Christian classic.
    "The concept of sin and personal responsibility has all but disappeared from our world. John Owen deals with the nature of sinful humanity as no writer since has done as keenly or thoroughly, arguing that sin is always a self-deceiving, blinding folly. Owen was a leading English statesman in the late 17th century and is considered 'the John Calvin of England'." -- Publisher

    *Owen, John (1616-1683), Kelly M. Kapic (editor), Justin Taylor (editor), Overcoming Sin and Temptation, ISBN: 1581346492 9781581346497.
    "The writings of John Owen are a challenge to any reader, to say the least. His intricacy and complexity are intimidating and his language is downright befuddling at times. However, the depth of thought and the immense value of Owen's works cannot be quantified. His three classic works on sin and temptation are profoundly helpful to any believer who seeks to become more like Jesus Christ.
    "In this volume, the editors have made updates to the language, translated the Latin, Greek, and Hebrew and footnoted difficult or unknown phrases, all without sacrificing any of the wonderful content of Owen's work. It is a uniquely accessible edition of John Owen's previously daunting work." -- Publisher
    "The editors of this volume have worked hard to make Owen's unrivalled insight into the Christian's inner war with sin accessible to all, and the result is truly a godsend." -- J.I. Packer (1926-2020), Professor of Theology, Regent College
    "John Owen understood how the gospel makes us well. Three cheers for Kapic and Taylor for introducing a new generation to Owen's peerless works." -- Sinclair B. Ferguson, Senior Minister, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, S.C.
    The Works of John Owen at Archive.org
    https://archive.org/search.php?query=the+works+of+john+owen&page=2

    Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), Lecture on the Practical Writings of the English Puritans, 28 pages.

    Paul, James L. (editor), The Exceptional Child: A Guidebook for Churches and Community Agencies

    *Perkins, William (1558-1602), The Foundation of Christian Religion Gathered Into Fixed Principles (1608). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "Interestingly, just below the title on the front cover of this 756-page book we find the words: 'And it is to be learned of ignorant people, that they may be fit to hear sermons with profit, and to receive the Lord's Supper with comfort.' Called 'the principal architect of Elizabethan Puritanism' and 'the most important Puritan writer, Perkins was the first theologian of the reformed English church to gain an international reputation,' writes McKim. (Encyclopaedia of the Reformed Faith, p. 274)
    "This hefty tome contains the following works by Perkins: 'A Golden Chain: or, The Description of Theology, Containing the order of the causes of Salvation and Damnation . . . Hereunto is adjoined the order which M. Theodore Beza used in comforting afflicted consciences;' 'An Exposition of the Symbol or Creed of the Apostles;' 'An Exposition of the Lord's Prayer, In the Way of Catechizing Serving for Ignorant People;' 'A Treatise Tending Unto a Declaration Whether a Man Be in the Estate of Damnation, or in the Estate of Grace: And if He Be in the First, How He May in Time Come Out of it: If in the Second, How He May Discern It, and Persevere in the Same to the End;' 'A Case of Conscience, the Greatest that Ever Was: How a Man May Know Whether He Be the Child of God, or No (Whereunto is added a brief discourse taken out of H. Zanchius);' 'A Direction for the Government of the Tongue According to God's Word;' 'Two Treatises: 1. On the Nature and Practice of Repentance; 2. Of the Combat of the Flesh and the Spirit;' 'A Treatise How To Live Well, In All Estates and Times, Specially When Helps and Comforts Fail;' 'The Treatise of Dying Well;' 'A Discourse of Conscience Wherein is Set Down the Nature, Properties, and Differences Thereof: as Also the Way to Get and Keep a Good Conscience;' 'A Reformed Catholic: Or, A Declaration Showing How Near We May Come to the Present Church of Rome in Sundry Points of Religion; and Wherein We Must For Ever Depart From Them -- With an Advertisement to all Favourers of the Roman Religion, Showing How the Said Religion is Against the Catholic Principles and Grounds of the Catechism;' 'A Declaration of the True Manner of Knowing Christ Crucified;' 'A Grain of Mustard Seed: Or, The Least Measure of Grace that is or Can Be Effectual to Salvation;' 'The True Gain, More in Worth then All the Goods of the World;' 'A Warning Against Idolatry of the Last Times and an Instruction Touching Religious Divine Worship;' 'A Treatise of God's Free Grace and Man's Free Will;' 'A Treatise of the Vocations, Or Callings of Men, With the Sorts and Kinds of Them, and the Right Use Thereof.'
    "Several of Perkins' works have been translated into Latin, French, Dutch, and Spanish." (Darling, Cyclopaedia Bibliographica, p. 2337) -- Publisher

    *Playfair, William L., The Useful lie: How the Recovery Industry has Entrapped America in a Disease Model of Addiction, ISBN: 1889032379 9780891076377.
    "Challenges the disease concept of alcoholism, the 'useful lie' of the recovery movement. This lie underlies the widespread mistreatment of alcoholism and of other fundamentally moral problems, e.g., 'codependency.' Posits biblically based intervention that treats such problems as sins to be repented of. Opposes sending a person to the recovery industry because 'He will be told his sin is a sickness; he will never be confronted with his real and most basic moral and spiritual problem. And he will more than likely be introduced to the any god of Twelve Stepdom, who is, by Biblical criteria, a false god'." -- David Powlison
    "Dr. Playfair is a medical consultant to the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation/West in San Diego. He also is a board member of Family Research Institute. The theme and purpose of this book is to debunk the claims that alcoholism is a disease. This claim, says the doctor, contradicts science and medicine; it contradicts the Bible, which is more important; and it simply does not work in breaking the addiction of alcohol. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    "This book provided all the necessary evidence to blow the whistle on the recovery industry and also points toward genuine freedom from addiction." -- GCB

    Porter, Jack Nusan, Conflict and Conflict Resolution: A Historical Bibliography, ISBN: 0824092872 9780824092870.
    "As an introduction to the field of social conflict, this bibliography uses classical and contemporary sources to trace conflict theories from ancient times to the present. Though selective in its inclusion of more recent works, this book is comprehensive in its historical dimension, making it unique among sociological studies. With its categorizing of books, articles, and dissertations, it is a valuable handbook or text for research. It should prove invaluable to D.Min. students doing dissertation research in the area of interpersonal communication." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Powell, Paul W., Basic Bible Sermons on Handling Conflict.

    Powlison, David (1949-2019), Demons and Deliverance in the Evangelical Church, 5 audio files.

    *Powlison, David (1949-2019), Competent to Counsel? The History of Biblical Counseling, new edition. Alternate title: COMPETENT TO COUNSEL? THE HISTORY OF A CONSERVATIVE PROTESTANT ANTI-PSYCHIATRY MOVEMENT, ISBN: 0978556763 9780978556761 (College Park, PA: University of Pennsylvania, Ph.D. thesis, 1996).
    David Powlison is editor of Journal of Biblical Counseling, a staff member of the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation, Glenside, Pennsylvania, and a graduate of Harvard University in 1972.
    Through the years I have often asked our students and alumni about the pivotal moments of their studies at Westminster Theological Seminary. High on the list of frequent answers was Dr. Powlison's class on "The Dynamics of Biblical Change." Students have told me repeatedly, "That course changed my life." We thank God for the gift of Dr. Powlison (1949-2019) who has left such a permanent impact on so many, including Westminster Theological Seminary. -- Peter Lillback

    Powlison, David (1949-2019), Seeing With new Eyes: Counseling and the Human Condition Through the Lens of Scripture, ISBN: 087552608X 9780875526089.
    "This book consists of essays by a highly regarded biblical counselor written over almost twenty years. Some of these pieces exegete Scripture with a counseling perspective, while others recast specific psychological problems. This book explores two main topics. Scripture: Gods voice speaks into real life to reveal the gaze and intentions of the Christ who pursues us. How do we embrace, probe, and unravel Scripture? Understanding people amid their real life struggles: How do we embrace, probe, and unravel the problems of daily life?" -- Publisher

    *Powlison, David (1949-2019), Speaking Truth in Love: Counsel in Community, ISBN: 0977080714 9780977080717.
    "SPEAKING TRUTH IN LOVE is the latest book by David Powlison, a faculty member at Westminster Theological Seminary and The Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation. In his own words, it is, 'a book on how we are to live together.' Although primarily directed at pastors and counselors, there is much here to be savored by every child of God. Indeed, an emphasis of the book is that speaking truth in love, wisdom, and grace into another person's life is both the privilege and responsibility for every Christian, not just the 'professionals' or the 'trained.'
    "There are seventeen chapters, which are really separate essays all looking at differing facets of counseling, or 'loving another person well' as Powlison puts it.
    "Chapter 1 is an extended reflection of Psalm 119, beautifully portraying it as the cry of a faithful heart toward God. It is worth the price of the book for anyone struggling through a trial or helping another.
    "Chapter 2 talks about the need to face the truth of our rebellious flesh, while chapter 3 talks of hearing the music of the gospel. Chapter 4-8 deal with various practical steps of preparation, listening, and questioning, while chapter 9 specifically deals with gently handling people who have already been immersed in the false psychologies of the world.
    "Chapter 10 starts looking at a more global emphasis, challenging pastors (and all) to consider that most of the 'ministry of the Word' that Christ actually did was what we would now term private and small-group counseling, and not preaching sermons. Chapter 11 looks at how counseling should fit into the ministry of the church, and chapter 12 looks specifically at how the nature of prayer fits into counseling in the church.
    "The last chapters look at pastoral counseling, women in counseling, when to refer, where to train, and lastly a guiding doctrinal statement for Biblical counseling.
    "This is a rewarding book written by a wise servant of God, giving insight and direction on both the nature and the challenges the church faces in fulfilling our mandate on speaking truth in love to each other." -- Reader's Comment

    Powlison, David (1949-2019), William P. Smith, and The Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation, Counsel the Word: A Selection of Readings,

    Powlison, David (1949-2019), Mike Bobick, John Bettler, Ed Welch, and Bill Smith, Theology and Secular Psychology, 20 sound cassettes [audio file].

    Powlison, David (1949-2019), Paul David Tripp, and Edward T. Welch, Domestic Abuse: How to Help, ISBN: 087552687X 9780875526874.

    *Powlison, David (1949-2019, compiler and annotator), Contemporary Biblical Counseling: With 1995 Additions, an annotated bibliography.
    David Powlison is editor of the Journal of Biblical Counseling, current director of the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation, Glenside, Pennsylvania, and a graduate of Harvard University in 1972.
    http://www.lettermen2.com/powlison.html

    Preston, John (1587-1628), Thomas Goodwin, and Thomas Ball, The Doctrine of the Saints Infirmities.

    Pulaski, Adam, Biblical Counseling Manual: A Self Help Counseling Program Guide, ISBN: 1412038790 9781412038799.
    Biblical Counseling Manual: A Self Help Counseling Program
    http://ntslibrary.com/PDF%20Books/Biblical%20Counseling%20Manual.pdf

    Rassieur, Charles L., The Problem Clergymen Don't Talk About, ISBN: 0664247903 9780664247904.
    The problem is the danger of sexual involvement with female counselees. Includes bibliographical references.

    Rushdoony, Rousas John (1916-2001), The Necessity for Systematic Theology.

    *Ryle, J.C. (John Charles, 1816-1900), Home Truths, Volume 1. A Christian classic.
    "This reprint of a classic is much needed in our day." -- CVBBS
    Home Truths, Miscellaneous Addresses and Tracts, 1854
    http://archive.org/details/hometruthsmisce01rylegoog

    *Ryle, J.C. (John Charles, 1816-1900), Home Truths, Volume 2, ISBN: 1583391738. Alternate title: HOME TRUTHS: SECOND SERIES.
    There is some confusion over the various editions of HOME TRUTHS. Apparently one edition included 8 volumes.
    Home Truths, Miscellaneous Addresses and Tracts (1857)
    http://archive.org/details/hometruthsmisce02rylegoog

    *Ryle, J.C. (1816-1900), and J.I. Packer (foreword), Practical Religion: Being Plain Papers on the Daily Duties, Experience, Dangers and Privileges of Professing Christians, ISBN: 085234449X 9780852344491. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. A Christian classic.
    "PRACTICAL RELIGION is classic as a manual on the practice of Christianity -- a concise guide to the daily duties, experiences, dangers, privileges, and responsibilities faced by professing Christians. It is an excellent companion volume to J.C. Ryle's other classic, HOLINESS.
    "In PRACTICAL RELIGION, Ryle expounds the great central themes of the Christian life with realism, power, and depth. This volume, along with his other works such as EXPOSITORY THOUGHTS ON THE GOSPELS, has been treasured by generations of evangelical Christians all over the world." -- Publisher
    "Discusses: self-iniquity, self-exertion, reality, prayer, Bible reading, charity, zeal, happiness, formality, the world, riches and poverty, sickness, family of God, heirs of God, eternity, and others." -- GCB
    Practical Religion: Being Plain Papers on the Daily Duties, Experience, Dangers, and Privileges of Professing Christians (1883)
    http://archive.org/details/practicalreligio00ryle

    *Ryle, J.C. (1816-1900), The Upper Room: Being a few Truths for the Times, ISBN: 0851510175 9780851510170.
    "This work is a treasure chest of insights and teaching on a wide variety of subjects and passages." -- GCB

    *Sande, Ken, The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict, ISBN: 0801064856 9780801064852. Five appendixes, indexes of topics and authors.
    The indexes of topics and authors makes the book a good reference tool.
    "Lays out four phases of the reconciliation process: [1] glorify God; [2] get the log out of your own eye; [3] go and show your brother his fault; [4] go and be reconciled. The motivation and foundation for peacemaking lies in who God is, not in pragmatic self-interest. Self-examination and repentance lay the foundation for dealing well with the sins of others. Constructive confrontation involves both speaking the truth in love and listening in order to pursue understanding of the situation. Reconciliation and forgiveness are the culminating phase of peace making." -- David Powlison
    "Treats conflict almost entirely from the context of believer against believer. Not much help surfaces for conflicts between believers and unbelievers. . . . In general the book rates as one of the best on the thorny subject of conflict. Professional church staff members and volunteer layperson can benefit immensely from this book." -- Samuel L. Canine

    *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

    Scott, Stuart, Heath Lambert, John MacArthur (foreword), Counseling the Hard Cases: True Stories Illustrating the Sufficiency of God's Resources in Scripture, ISBN: 9781433672224 1433672227.
    "This book illustrates the effectiveness of Biblical Counseling. In chapter one Stuart gives us a short history of the Biblical Counseling movement and explains the differences between secular, Christian and Biblical Counseling. The following chapters are examples of extremely difficult counseling cases that were resolved through the caring, compassionate, effective application of God's Word and Biblical counseling technique.
    "As a Biblical Counselor myself, I found it refreshing and encouraging. I highly recommend this book if you are thinking about entering the field of counseling or are already involved in counseling. In my opinion it ranks among the top 'must read' books for Biblical Counselors. It should be on the shelf of every Biblical Counselor along with COMPETENT TO COUNSEL by Jay Adams and INSTRUMENTS IN THE REDEEMER'S HANDS By Paul Tripp.
    "I have found that Biblical counseling is more effective and provides more hope and healing than any other form of counseling, period. This book explains the reasons I can make such an audacious claim." -- Reader's Comment

    Second Opinion, Dangerous Drugs (Atlanta, GA [Second Opinion, P.O. Box 467939, Atlanta 30346-9989]: Second Opinion, 1992).
    "If you or anyone you love is taking medications, of any kind . . . even over-the-counter remedies . . . you must read this report!" -- William Campbell Douglass, MD
    "Vital facts on 215 drugs in 15 different categories . . . many are household names, Harmful side effects -- headaches, heart spasms, senility, even sudden death, Important drug interaction information, Questions to ask your doctor about any new drug, Extra bonus: 12 safeguards you can use to protect against heart attack."
    Subscriptions to Second Opinion, a ground-breaking alternative-medicine newsletter, are also available.

    *Sell, Charles M., Family Ministry: The Enrichment of Family Life Through the Church, ISBN: 0310429102 9780310429104.

    *Shedd, W.G.T., Sermons to the Natural man, ISBN: 0851512607 9780851512600. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "Dr. Shedd's SERMONS TO THE NATURAL MAN are, if not absolutely the best, yet of the very best doctrinal and spiritual sermons produced in this generation. We have known much of their power in convincing sinners, and in deepening and widening and exalting the experiences of true Christians. Doctrinal preaching, though not in fashion, is the preaching that we need, and the preaching which always best vindicates itself when put to the test of practice . . ." -- A.A. Hodge
    Contents: Religious meditation (Psalm 104:34) -- Christian moderation (Proverbs 16:32) -- The supreme excellence of God (Matthew 19:16-17) -- The fatherhood of God (Luke 16:25) -- The future vision of God (2nd Corinthians 4:18) -- God the strength of man (Psalm 84:5) -- The glorification of God (Isaiah 42:8) -- The duty of reference to the divine will (James 4:13-15) -- The creature has no absolute merit (Luke 17:10) -- Faith with and without sight (John 20:29) -- The reality of heaven (John 14:2) -- Pure motives the light of the soul (Matthew 6:22) -- The law is light (Proverbs 6:23) -- The law is the strength of sin ( 1st Corinthians 15:56) -- The sense of sin leads to holiness, and the conceit of holiness leads to sin (John 9:41) -- The impression made by Christ's holiness (Luke 5:8) -- Christian humility (1st Peter 5:5) -- Pride vitiates religious knowledge (1st Corinthians 8:2) -- Connection between faith and works (James 2:24) -- The Christian imperfect, yet a saint (Colossians 3:12) -- Sanctification completed at death (1st Corinthians 2:9) -- Watchfulness and prayerfulness (1st Peter 4:7) -- Unceasing prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17) -- The folly of ambition (Jeremiah 45:5) -- Every Christian a debtor to the pagan (Romans 1:14) -- The certain success of evangelistic labor (Isaiah 55:10-11).

    Shelly, Judith A., Caring in Crisis: Bible Studies for Helping People, ISBN: 0877845638: 9780877845638.

    Shelley, Marshall, Helping Those who Don't Want Help.
    Includes bibliography.

    Smick, Timothy S., et al., Eldercare for the Christian Family: What to do When a Loved one Becomes Dependent, ISBN: 0849907195 9780849907197.
    "This book explores all the dynamics of caregiving -- planning, financing, burnout, and blessing -- and enables grown children to select the most comprehensive care plan for their loved ones. It is full of practical advice and spiritual insights." -- GCB

    Smith, Robert D., The Christian Counselor's Medical Desk Reference, ISBN: 1889032263 9781889032269.

    *Spotts, Dwight, and David Veerman, Reaching out to Troubled Youth, ISBN: 0896932966 9780896932968.
    "A very important book that those who work with children and youth will find extremely helpful. The material is arranged topically, shows evidence of extensive research, and provides helpful quotations of relevant material. A valuable resource." -- Cyril J. Barber
    "This double-column book is a resource tool offering facts, figures, case studies, and practical advice for reaching out to young people who hurt. Advice is offered on how to: communicate, discipline, share the hope of the Gospel, and how to deal with special problems like substance abuse, child abuse, and homosexuality." -- GCB

    *Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Lectures to my Students, ISBN: 0310329116 9780310329114. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "One contemporary scholar and authority on Spurgeon says of this work: 'Next to Mr. Spurgeon's great literary work, THE TREASURY OF DAVID, we consider these LECTURES TO MY STUDENTS his greatest single contribution to the Christian world. There is more practical wisdom, common sense and sage advice packed within these pages than with any other book of similar size or content.' This complete and unabridged edition of Spurgeon's great work will make it possible for today's generation to appreciate Spurgeon's combination of discerning wit and refreshingly practical advice. Included in the 28 chapters of this classic volume on homiletics are such lectures as: -- The Call to Ministry -- The Preacher's Private Prayer -- On the Choice of a Text -- On the Voice -- The Holy Spirit in Connection with Our Ministry -- Posture, Action, Gesture, etc. -- The Blind Eye and the Deaf Ear -- On Conversion as Our Aim -- Illustrations in Preaching -- As were all of Spurgeon's' messages to his people, each of these lectures is Scripture-saturated and Christ-honoring. They move swiftly and are fascinating in their content and sage counsel. . . .
    "Spurgeon realized that he could influence the church beyond his own lifetime if he could encourage future pastors to trust the Bible, love people, and preach the truth fearlessly. To achieve this he collected his lectures to his college students and published this book. It has been a classic of pastoral theology ever since and is still used to train ministers to this day (back cover)." -- Publisher
    Lectures to my Students: Being Addresses Delivered to the Students of the Pastors' College, Metropolitan Tabernacle (1877)
    http://archive.org/details/lecturestomystud1877spur

    *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:

    Teellinck, William (1579-1629), The Resting Place of the Mind, That is a Propounding of the Wonderful Providence of God Whereupon a Christian man Ought to Rest and Repose Himself Even When all our Outward Means of Helps are cut off From him, 1622, 48 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "According to Joel Beeke in THE QUEST FOR FULL ASSURANCE: THE LEGACY OF CALVIN AND HIS SUCCESSORS, 'What William Perkins was to English Puritanism, William Teellinck was to the Dutch Second Reformation.' (p. 98)
    "Furthermore, Beeke notes that 'Teellinck's lifelong goal was to bring English-style, pietistic Puritanism to the Dutch. He succeeded in doing that. More than any other divine of his day, he contributed to the Dutch Second Reformation. That movement was so like English Puritanism that it is often called Dutch Puritanism.' (p. 99)
    "This little book was written to encourage Christians to trust in the Lord in the midst of their trials. Even when the ordinary outward means that we need to solve our problems are unavailable, God can still easily rescue us from our predicament. Indeed, sometimes He removes those means so that He will receive all the glory:
    The means which commonly God doth use, in giving us His blessing, are indeed but as curtains, and drawing clothes, after, or under the which, God so doth hide Himself, that His working cannot be seen, but by the eye of faith: wherefore also the Lord God, when he hath been pleased sometimes to manifest Himself, in some work which he intended to do, hath taken express order, that the ordinary means should be removed, that so all the world might see the finger of God therein, and acknowledge that it was He that had done it. (p. 18)
    Loe [Scottish for love], thus doth the Lord strip His people often times of all outward means, when His purpose is to help them, to the end that His finger might the better be seen in giving them victory. . . . (p. 19)
    No child of God then ought to be faint-hearted, though he be stripped of all outward means, for the Lord who is with him, is not bound to any means, His hand is not shortened that He should not be able to help, though the means be shortened, yea quite cut off. (p. 24)
    "Too often people trust in the outward means rather than God. But this is foolish because 'tis most certain, that all our well-being is not shut up in the outward means, it lieth not wound up in the bread we eat, but in the hand of God, and the word of His blessing'." (p. 29) -- Publisher

    Terkelsen, Helen E., Counseling the Unwed Mother.

    Terkelsen, Helen E., I'm Going to Have a Baby and I'm not Married, ISBN: 0800619943.

    Terrell, Hilton P. (editor), and Franklin E. Payne (editor), Journal of Biblical Ethics in Medicine, Volumes 1-4: 1987-1990 (Augusta, GA: Covenant Books), 350 pages, ISSN: 1050-3404. Available from Covenant Enterprises, P.O. Box 14488, Augusta, GA 30919-0488.
    "The JBEM was founded to bring biblical thinking to bear on medical issues. This book collects the first four years worth of articles, and includes a general index and an index of Scripture references. (A second volume, containing the next 4 years, is forthcoming). Many articles are relevant to matters that come up in counseling ministry, matters about which counselors will want to offer informed advice." -- David Powlison
    Journal of Biblical Ethics in Medicine
    http://capo.org/jbem/intro_pa.htm

    *Thompson, Frank Charles (editor), and Kirkbride Bible and Technology (other contributor), Thompson Chain Reference Bible, KJV, (KJV, Adult, Regular Size, Bonded Leather, Black, Indexed, Kirkbride Bible Company Item Number: 978-0-88707-527-8), 5th improved edition, leather bound (Kirkbride Bible Company, December 2005), some editions include a CD-ROM, language: English, French, and Spanish. Many editions and bindings are available. WorldCat Record for 5th Improved Edition, ISBN: 0887071228 9780887071225 9780887076091 0887076092.
    "Dr. Frank C. Thompson, D.D., Ph.D., invested more than forty years in compiling and developing the remarkable Chain-Reference system that is the heart of the Bible that now bears his name." -- Publisher
    This is a huge body of work: the fully cross-referenced Bible, 1619 pages, plus Bible helps, 788 pages, for a total of 2417 pages. It may be used profitably in combination with THE NEW TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE (1680 pages), THE NEW GENEVA STUDY BIBLE (THE REFORMATION STUDY BIBLE), (2220 pages), THE GENEVA BIBLE (648 pages), THE THOMPSON EXHAUSTIVE TOPICAL BIBLE: KING JAMES VERSION (1631 pages), and THE NEW NAVE'S TOPICAL BIBLE (1114 pages).
    "The topics from the TOPICAL BIBLE can easily be found in the General Index of the THOMPSON CHAIN-REFERENCE BIBLE. In the General Index are found the chain-reference numbers that will guide the user into the biblical context for many of the topics. The many additional resources in the THOMPSON CHAIN-REFERENCE BIBLE . . . will greatly supplement any topical study." -- Introduction to the TOPICAL BIBLE
    We feel that both THE THOMPSON CHAIN-REFERENCE BIBLE, KING JAMES VERSION, 5TH EDITION, and the THOMPSON EXHAUSTIVE TOPICAL BIBLE: KING JAMES VERSION has a part in every reference library, particularly the libraries of Biblical Counselors.
    Remember the Thompson Chain-Reference System was developed for the Authorized King James Version. It is also available in New American Standard, New King James, and the New International versions.
    "A THOMPSON STUDY BIBLE will help you in ways other Bibles can't. It's the unique Chain-Reference System that allows you to follow any subject, person, place or idea, from the front of your Bible to the end. THOMPSON users say it's the best way to study your Bible. No other Bible has this superb, patented, Thompson Chain Reference System developed by Dr. Frank C. Thompson in 1890. Since that time, thousands of additional topics and links have been added. The AKJV 4th edition has been out of print since 1988. The 5th edition began printing in 1988. The only way to find a 4th edition would be in the secondary market . . .' -- Publisher
    "Some Thompson Bible Features [from among 75 additional study features]:

    "The text is set in two columns for ease of reading. Cross references are to the left and right of the respective columns immediately adjacent to the related verse. TCR cross references are by subject. Each cross reference contains a TCR Index number, the TCR subject, and the next Bible verse in the 'chain' for that subject. For example, if you were studying the gospel of 'John' at John 1:9 the TCR cross reference reads '2168 Christ the Light, 8:12.' Thus the TCR index number is '2168,' the subject is 'Christ the Light,' and the next verse in the 'chain' is John 8:12. Going to John 8:12 you would find '2168 Christ the Light, 12:35' and so on to the end of the 'chain'. What makes this different than most other study Bibles is the 'TCR Numeric Index.' Looking up TCR Index number 2168 we find ALL references to subject 'Christ the Light' in order from Genesis to Revelation. You can also do a lookup using the subject. For example, say you are asked a question by an unbeliever, 'Why was Jesus Christ called 'the Light of the world' and what does it mean?' First you would look up the subject 'Christ' or 'Jesus' in the 'TCR Alphabetic Index.' For example, in section 'C,' we find 'Christ,' under the 'Christ' entry we find 'Light, the . . . 2168.' Now we can look in the 'TCR Numeric Index' for the '2168' entry. Here we find the 'chain' of all relevant verses for further study. Why is this better than a 'Strong's' search? Using the latest 'Strongest Strong's . . .' under word 'light' we find 288 entries. The 'Strong's' search is less efficient because many of the 288 entries are not relevant to the subject in question. The full compliment of TCR Bible helps consists of the cross references (100,000 entries), 'Alphabetic Index (8,000 entries)', 'Numerical Index (4,200 entries),' 'Outline Studies,' 'Bible Character Studies,' 'Bible Harmonies,' 'Archaeological Supplement,' 'Hebrew Calendar,' 'Concordance,' and 'Bible Maps.' At $36 you can not go wrong. If I could have only one study Bible, this would be it." -- Reader's Comment
    Warning: Many editions and bindings are available, including CD-ROM software Bible research packages, and Palm or PocketPC devices. The website for Thompson Bibles is the best source of complete descriptions of the various editions.
    "The 5th edition is the 4th edition expanded, and has everything the 4th had, plus more. While Kirkbride is always in production printing the Bibles with the current year's date, it is still the 1988 5th edition." [This 5th edition was the last edition of THE THOMPSON CHAIN-REFERENCE BIBLE. Anything published in 1988 or later is the 5th edition. -- compiler] -- Publisher
    Both the buyer and the seller can become confused about various editions because Kirkbride Bible Company apparently has never printed the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) in the various editions and printings. Buyers will want to confirm the edition, version, and publisher with the seller.
    There are numerous reader's comments about poor quality of paper, binding, and typography of TCR Bibles not printed by Kirkbride, so be sure to carefully inspect any non-Kirkbride edition before purchasing it.
    Thompson apparently was a Methodist pastor. The first edition of 1908 was "published by Methodists Book Concern of Dobbs Ferry, New York." -- Publisher

    *Thompson, Frank Charles (author), Paul M. Hillman (editor), John Stephen Jauchen (editor) The Thompson Exhaustive Topical Bible: King James Version (Indianapolis, IN: Kirkbride Bible Company, Inc., 1997). Hardcover, 1631 pages.
    This is a topical Bible compiled from the Thompson Chain-Reference System.
    "NAVE'S TOPICAL BIBLE was edited into a Study Bible format shortly after the appearance of the original THOMPSON CHAIN-REFERENCE BIBLE. It is fitting for Thompson's Study Bible to be reformatted into a reference book. And where there is room in the marketplace and on every serious student's bookshelf for more than one Bible translation, so there is room for more than one Topical Bible -- and great value in the use of both Nave's and Thompson's work. . . ." -- John R. Kohlenberger III, from the Foreword
    "Now, the detailed and comprehensive topical and subject data that forms the heart of the unparalleled Thompson Chain-Reference system is offered in this -- the most exhaustive topical Bible currently available! Combining to make THE THOMPSON EXHAUSTIVE TOPICAL BIBLE unique are features which include:

    "No other topical Bible can offer you the comprehensive collection of features or the exhaustive topical thoroughness of this exceptional Bible reference tool -- because there can only be one . . . THE THOMPSON EXHAUSTIVE TOPICAL BIBLE." -- Publisher
    It may be used profitably in combination with THE NEW TREASURY OF SCRIPTURE KNOWLEDGE (1680 pages), THE NEW GENEVA STUDY BIBLE (THE REFORMATION STUDY BIBLE), (2220 pages), THE GENEVA BIBLE (648 pages), THE THOMPSON EXHAUSTIVE TOPICAL BIBLE: KING JAMES VERSION (1631 pages), and THE NEW NAVE'S TOPICAL BIBLE (1114 pages).
    "The topics from the TOPICAL BIBLE can easily be found in the General Index of the THOMPSON CHAIN-REFERENCE BIBLE. In the General Index are found the chain-reference numbers that will guide the user into the biblical context for many of the topics. The many additional resources in the THOMPSON CHAIN-REFERENCE BIBLE . . . will greatly supplement any topical study." -- Introduction to the Topical Bible

    Thompson, Murray Stewart, Grace and Forgiveness in Ministry, ISBN: 0687156807 9780687156801.
    Includes bibliography and references.

    *Thornwell, James Henley (1812-1862), Whatsoever Things are True: Classic Discourses on Truth. Alternate title: CLASSIC DISCOURSES ON TRUTH; DISCOURSES ON TRUTH, 166 pages, ISBN: 1932474781 9781932474787. Available (COLLECTED WRITINGS OF JAMES HENLEY THORNWELL) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "These seven DISCOURSES ON TRUTH were written and preached in the Spring of 1851 from the text, Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, think on these things. Philippians 4:8. They were delivered at the Chapel of the College at Columbia, South Carolina, by James Henley Thornwell, who was serving as both President and Chaplain." -- Publisher
    "First published 1855 by Messrs. Carter, New York, NY."
    Contents: Discourse 1: The ethical system of the Bible -- Discourse 2: The love of truth -- Discourse 3: The love of truth -- Discourse 4: Sincerity -- Discourse 5: Faithfulness -- Discourse 6: Vows -- Discourse 7: Consistency.

    *Tripp, Paul David, Contextualization of the Gospel in Counseling: A Biblical Rational for Person-Centered Ministry (Philadelphia, PA: Westminster Theological Seminary, D.Min. thesis, 1988).
    Available on microfiche from University Microfilms International, Ann Arbor, MI.
    Includes bibliography.

    *Tripp, Theodore A., and David Powlison (introduction), Shepherding a Child's Heart, ISBN: 0966378601 9780966378603.
    "Written for parents with children of any age, this insightful book provides perspectives and procedures for shepherding your child's heart into the paths of life. SHEPHERDING A CHILD'S HEART gives fresh biblical approaches to child rearing." -- Publisher
    "This is a masterful book." -- David Powlison
    "Solid, trustworthy, biblical help for parents." -- John MacArthur.

    Umbreit, Mark, Crime and Reconciliation: Creative Options for Victims and Offenders, ISBN: 0687098858 9780687098859.

    Usdin, Earl, and Irene S. Forrest, Psychotherapeutic Drugs.

    Vandeusen, Dayton, Redemptive Counseling: Relating Psychotherapy to the Personal Meanings in Redemption.
    Includes bibliography.

    Vila, Samuel, Handbook for Christian Counseling: Manual de Visitacion Pastoral, ISBN: 8472286002 9788472286009.

    Wakefield, Norman, Solving Problems Before They Become Conflicts, ISBN: 0310390915 9780310390916.
    "This is a self-help book on problem solving. The author takes us from conflict, a destructive process, to problem solving, a constructive process, and he seeks to do so in a Biblical way." -- GCB

    *Weeks, Noel, The Sufficiency of Scripture.
    "Weeks is currently a Lecturer in History at the University of Sydney. He has a B.S. (Zoology), B.D., Th.M., and Ph.D. To be guilty of understatement, the man is highly and broadly educated.
    "Weeks believes firmly that Scripture is sufficient for faith and practice. And he affirms that all disciplines of life are governed by the Lord Jesus Christ, and that His providential actions impact on every individual, and every area of knowledge. This rule is not only declared by the Scripture, but the Scriptures themselves enunciate the response due from each person. Whether it may be culture, or science, or nation, all are subject to the Scripture; that is, all will be judged by the Scriptures in the end. Therefore, it follows that we are daily to judge all things by the Scriptures.
    "Weeks makes application of all this. And in doing so he again and again points out that the more we dilute the influence of the Scriptures, the further we go into doubt and confusion. The many apostasies which are today in evidence are the result of the diluting of, or the abandoning of, the authority of the Scriptures. . . .
    "In the matter of translations, Weeks shows that there is no solid scriptural reason for the dynamic equivalence form of translation. Rather there is a great disservice to believers. He also shows that making the 'receptor language' the governing language in translation is to subvert the original God-breathed words.
    "His conclusion is excellent, in which he notes that we are acquiescing in a limitation of inspiration throughout our Christian practice. And this leaves a Christian without power; yea, and also without excuse before God. God's words are absolute, just as His power is absolute. To seek to accommodate the Christian message to what the world is willing to hear, is to doom it to failure, even ridicule. Paul and Barnabas confronted the Greeks with God's commands. And they turned the world upside down. We must return to this practice of announcing to the world what God has said, and present it as authoritative. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)

    Welch, Ed, Philosophy of Counseling (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).

    Wood, Stephen D., Christ and Civil Government: An Exposition of Psalm 2, an article.
    "The author answers questions concerning authority. Rather than go to the Constitution, The Declaration of Independence, rulings of the Supreme Court, the laws of the land, or the President he goes to the second Psalm [Psalm 2]. Here is where true authority resides; in the Word of God and the Christ He has placed on His throne!" -- GCB

    Yarbrough, Tom, Call to Comfort: A Counseling Manual for Every Christian, ISBN: 0893901199 9780893901196.
    Includes bibliography.

    See also: Christ and counseling, Appendix a: words of Christ, Christ our example, The teaching of our lord jesus christ, Sermon on the mount, Parables of christ, Topical bible indexes, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The covenant faithfulness of god, Believer's position in christ and sonship, Affliction, adversity, trials, suffering, chastisement, Puritanism: works by and about puritans, The priesthood of believers, Holiness, Holy spirit and counseling, Institute for nouthetic counseling, The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Spiritual discernment, Prayer, Peer counseling, peer evangelism, one-on-one evangelism, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Justice, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Church discipline, Counseling and the local church, The free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, 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 gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, Submission, surrender, Sharing christ with your children,
    Christian counseling and educational foundation, Westminster media, The national association of nouthetic counselors, Appendix c: psychology and psychiatry, For all counselors, Ready reference: immediate counsel on many subjects, Topical listings of scripture useful in counseling, Training in biblical counseling, Biblical counseling, General works on biblical counseling, Pastoral counseling, Preaching and pastoral counseling, Medical aspects of pastoral counseling, Referral in pastoral counseling, Audio files (cds and mp3s) on counseling subjects, Legal aspects of counseling, Biblical counsel by subject, Post-abortion counseling, Crisis counseling, The military, Love and counseling problems, charitableness, Homework for counselees, Biblical counseling tracts, Case studies, Correspondence containing biblical counsel, Follow-up, Discipleship, 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 ten commandments: the moral law, The commandments of christ, Idolatry, Trusting god, Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, Theft, fraud, stealing: property rights and freedom,
    Finding the perfect parent in god, Counseling the family, Training children, Home schooling, Incest, Sex ethics, sex education, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Child abuse (pedophilia), Problem solving with children, Counseling children, The difficult child, Protecting children from dangers, Preparing children for the world, Teens and parents, Counseling teens, Teens coping with the world, Public schools, public education,
    The westminster confession of faith (1646, the westminster standards) and related works: a study guide, Manuals and handbooks, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Sex ethics, sex education, Bible study, Bible magistracy turns back the wrath of god, The doctrine of the lesser magistrates, Christ's kingdom, Lordship of jesus christ, The all-sufficiency of christ, Love and counseling problems, Preaching and pastoral counseling, Healing of the mind, Biblical counseling reference works, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Counseling for Sex Related Problems, Illegitimacy, Justifying faith, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Hope, Wisdom, Proverbs, topical listings, Questions and answers, Compiled quotations, Pastoral counseling, Referral in pastoral counseling, Works by jay adams, Contemporary biblical counseling: an annotated bibliography compiled and annotated by david powlison, Biblical counseling reference works, Resources in christian counseling series, Biblical counsel by subject, Topical listings of Scripture, Commentaries containing biblical counsel, Practical expository sermons, General works on biblical counseling, Biblical counsel for women, Premarital counsel, Marital counseling, Counseling the family, Counseling the sick, Crisis counseling,
    Medical aspects of pastoral counseling, Physiological problems, Parenting, Counseling children, Counseling teens, Sound word associates, Audio cassettes of ccef speakers, The national association of nouthetic counselors tape library, General audio files (cds and mp3s) from ccef speakers, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, Toleration, liberty of conscience, pluralism, "religious freedom," and neutrality, Will and recalcitrance, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation,
    Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justification, Justifying faith, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 791-799, 844, 845, 847, 848, 2356, 2482

    Related Weblinks

    Biblical Counseling Library (29 Volumes), on CD-ROM, Libronix Digital Library System
    "This 29 volume collection of Biblical Counseling titles is an amazing compilation of Christian counseling resources. THE BIBLICAL COUNSELING LIBRARY features some of Jay E. Adams' outstanding counseling titles, including THE CHRISTIAN COUNSELOR'S MANUAL, COMPETENT TO COUNSEL, and A THEOLOGY OF CHRISTIAN COUNSELING. It includes works from 20 different authors, including Steve Farrar, Elizabeth George, Jerry Bridges, and Lou Priolo.
    "This collection includes informative studies on general Christian counseling, as well as very focused works on Women's and Men's counseling needs, counseling victims of sexual abuse, eating and diet issues, dating, working through struggles with sexual sin and anger, and developing a deeper walk with God. A fantastic resource for the library of a pastor or Christian counselor, the BIBLICAL COUNSELING LIBRARY adds a new dimension to your Logos Bible Software. These expert resources are combined with the tools of the Logos Bible Software system, including topical searching for studying specific areas of Biblical counseling, and linked references to other titles in your Libronix library." -- Publisher
    http://www.logos.com/products/prepub/details/2482

    Book-length Presentations of the Free Offer of The Gospel Message of Salvation and the Life to Come: The Means of Grace
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1cha.html#blpoftf

    Brain, Mind and Body in Healing From Trauma, The People's Pharmacy Radio Program, show 980, February 7, 2015.
    "To help people heal from trauma, the best approaches find ways to reconnect brain and body with a feeling of safety. . . .
    "We often associate the term 'Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder' with military veterans. Indeed, war creates many traumatic experiences, but it is not the only source of reactions that may cause people to shut down or blow up. Car, train or plane crashes, a life-threatening illness episode, family violence, or other events can create a dysfunctional reaction that may be largely out of conscious awareness.
    "Treating PTSD
    "One of the world's leading experts on PTSD explains how such reactions are rooted in the body's response to threat, and how it can be successfully treated. . . .
    "Dr. van der Kolk is co-director of the Complex Trauma Treatment Network of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, established by Congress to raise the standard of care and improve access to services for traumatized children, their families and communities. His website is http://www.BesselvanderKolk.com
    "His book is THE BODY KEEPS THE SCORE: BRAIN, MIND AND BODY IN THE HEALING OF TRAUMA (2014)."
    http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2015/02/04/show-980-brain-mind-and-body-in-healing-from-trauma/

    Childhood Sexual Abuse, Gender, and Depression Among Incarcerated Youth, Angela R. Gover, University of Florida Center for Studies in Criminology and Law
    http://ijo.sagepub.com/content/48/6/683.abstract

    Contents and Chapter Sections for Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion, 1559 (Battles translation)
    http://www.lettermen2.com/icrcont.html

    Depressive Characteristics of Physically Abused Children, Denise M. Allen, Kenneth J. Tarnowski
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2926018

    Dr. David Powlison on Calvin's Influence for Biblical Counseling (part 1 of 2), an online video, DVD.
    "Dr. David Powlison, Adjunct Professor of Practical Theology and CCEF Counselor and Faculty Member, explains how Calvin and his insights have influenced biblical counseling."
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kgpqkX7IfI

    Dr. David Powlison on Calvin's Influence for Biblical Counseling, (part 2 of 2), an online video, DVD.
    "Dr. David Powlison, Adjunct Professor of Practical Theology and CCEF Counselor and Faculty Member, explains how Calvin and his insights have influenced biblical counseling."
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhgNEBmIadI

    The Effects of Violence in the Home on Children's Emotional, Behavioral, and Social Functioning: A Review of the Literature
    "I find this very interesting and think it has application to myself and most everyone I have known over the years. There is documented research proving the thesis that child abuse (emotional, physical, sexual, or spiritual, etc.) results in disturbances in learning, and disturbances in adjusting emotionally and socially, regardless of 'differences in age, sex, race, gender, IQ, or socioeconomic status.'
    "In other words, the implications are that child abuse has the effect of making it difficult for a child to learn (grow in knowledge of the truth and understanding, have an open mind, be teachable), and of making it difficult to relate to the world (relationships, spouses, family, church, workplace, government), regardless of the child's innate capabilities and gifts. So, even the gifted child, if abused, will in later life suffer, however subtle, learning disabilities/blocks/blind spots or abnormal behavior. 'If a parent and child love each other, then the parent can teach the child anything.' But emotional scars can be as hard to heal as chronic disease.
    " 'Physically abused and non-abused children were compared on child-completed measures of depression, hopelessness, self-esteem, and locus of control. Results indicated that, in comparison with non-abused controls, abused children evidenced more depressive symptoms, heightened externality, lower self-esteem, and greater hopelessness about the future. Group differences in depressive symptomatology were not accounted for on the basis of differences in age, sex, race, gender, IQ, or socioeconomic status.'
    "This thesis certainly is connected with the question of who we associate with and the impact of good and evil on our lives.
    "So, it could be of interest, directly or indirectly, to practically every person I know, or have known."
    http://ebx.sagepub.com/content/6/2/94.abstract

    A few Integrationists Affirm my Point About BC's Decline, Rick Thomas
    "Part of my critique of the BC [Biblical Counseling] movement was that there is little innovation within the BC movement and most books/resources are a rehash of the 'same old concepts,' lacking sophistication and complexity." -- Rick Thomas
    https://rickthomas.net/podcast/ep-424-a-few-integrationists-affirm-my-point-about-bcs-decline/3

    Four Reasons the BC (Biblical Counseling) Movement has Passed its Prime
    "1. The ascendancy of the BC movement began circa 1970 with Jay Adams and his book, COMPETENT TO COUNSEL.
    "2. The movement continued to ascend through the establishment of CCEF, mainly David Powlison, the de facto most extraordinary mind from the BC movement era.
    "3. ACBC, formerly NANC, came out of CCEF, and the BC movement continued to spread (and ascend). By 2010 the movement had hit its peak and has been declining ever since in its relevancy.
    "4. Again, you want to distinguish between the movement and the practice of biblical counseling, or what the New Testament calls discipleship." -- Rick Thomas
    https://rickthomas.net/podcast/ep-423-four-reasons-the-bc-movement-has-passed-its-prime/

    The Gideons International, Bible Helps
    Includes: "Where to Find Help When," "Teachings About Some of Life's Problems," "Christian Virtues and Character," and so forth.
    http://www.gideons.org/

    He That Dwelleth in Love, John Love (1757-1825)
    http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/he-that-dwelleth-in-love.php

    How Abuse Changes a Child's Brain, Brandon Keim
    "The brains of children raised in violent families resemble the brains of soldiers exposed to combat, say psychologists."
    http://www.wired.com/2011/12/neurology-of-abuse/

    International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
    "The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) is the world's premier trauma organization dedicated to trauma treatment, education, research and prevention. Through this organization, professionals share information about the effects of trauma, seeking to reduce traumatic stressors and their immediate and long-term consequences."
    http://www.istss.org/

    The Journal of Biblical Counseling
    http://www.ccef.org/jbc

    *Love not the World (FGB #163)
    The World Passeth Away | The Scriptures and the World | The Christian and the World | Love not the World | What art Thou? | Which World am I a Citizen of? | The Saint and the World
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/lntwfg/love-not-the-world

    LibraryThing member "lettermen," tag "topical"
    http://www.librarything.com/catalog/lettermen&tag=topical&collection=-1

    Life Change Presents Dr. Henry Brandt Biblical Counseling Series
    http://www.aamedia.com/life/home2.htm

    Logos Bible Software Bundles That Include Works on Biblical Counseling
    There are 15 bundles in all.
    http://www.logos.com/products/search?q=counseling+bundles

    National Center for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
    "The National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was created within the Department of Veterans Affairs in 1989, in response to a Congressional mandate to address the needs of veterans with military-related PTSD. Its mission was, and remains: To advance the clinical care and social welfare of America's veterans through research, education, and training in the science, diagnosis, and treatment of PTSD and stress-related disorders. This website is provided as an educational resource concerning PTSD and other enduring consequences of traumatic stress."
    http://www.ptsd.va.gov/

    Point Man International Ministries
    P.O. Box 339
    Sheridan, MI 48884-0339
    (517) 831-5215, (517) 831-5216 -- FAX (800) 877-VETS - Hotline).
    Counsel for military veterans.
    Point Man International Ministries
    http://www.pointmanintl.org/

    Practical Expository Sermons
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr3ch.html#pexsrm

    The Practical Works of Richard Baxter, Vol. 1: A Christian Directory
    http://www.lettermen2.com/pwrbcd.html

    Psychoheresy: The Church Weds the World
    http://www.psychoheresy-aware.org/chweds52.html

    Psychology and Psychiatry
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappc.html

    Rick Thomas Podcasts
    "And other resources -- transcripts, videos, books."
    https://rickthomas.net/enjoy-awesome-podcasts/
    Topic Index, Rick Thomas Articles
    https://rickthomas.net/topic-index/

    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 à 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

    The Sum of Saving Knowledge, David Dickson and James Durham
    http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/the-sum-of-saving-knowledge

    A Table Illustrating God's Eternal Moral Law
    http://www.dr-fnlee.org/docs/toc/toc.html

    Testimony for all Counselors: Meet Rick Thomas
    https://rickthomas.net/meet-rick/

    Works of J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr3ch.html#wojcr



    Peer Counseling, Peer Evangelism, One-on-one Evangelism

    Now then my friends, I preach the gospel to sinners, not because I believe the sinner has any power at all in himself to respond to it: I do not believe that any sinner has any capacity in himself whatever. But Christ said, the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life, and by God's grace I go forth preaching this Word because it is a word of power, a word of spirit, a word of life. The power is not in the sinner, it is the Word when God the Holy Spirit is pleased to use it. -- Arthur Pink, Gospel Preaching Commanded

    And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. (Romans 15:14)

    Read the Gospel of John, chapters 14 through 16, [John 14; John 15; John 16] for comfort in time of crisis or distress.

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), How to Help People Change: The Four-step Biblical Process, 203 pages.
    "Unfolds the counseling process through an exposition of II Timothy 3:14-17 [2 Timothy 3:14-17]. Bases all on the centrality of God and the vertical dimension for counseling: The Holy Spirit and the Word work in concert. Change unfolds through teaching, conviction, correction and training. 'Learn both how to launder your mind of pagan psychological and psychiatric theories and how to use the Bible cogently and effectively in its full strength.' Contains reprint of Adams's 1982 journal article on 'Integration'." -- David Powlison

    *Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Ready to Restore: The Layman's Guide to Christian Counseling, 111 pages.
    "An introductory textbook in nouthetic counseling: accessible, compact, covering both conceptual and methodological matters. 'God calls every Christian to counsel some people, somewhere, at some time about something.' Galatians 6:1 provides the banner verse: the character of the counselor, the problems in view, the methods. Meant for individual study or for a class or Bible study group." -- David Powlison

    Adams Jay E., Should a Christian be Able to Counsel? Instilling Hope in the Counselee (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).

    Baldwin, Carol Lesser, Friendship Counseling: Biblical Foundations for Helping Others, ISBN: 0310390419 9780310390411.
    "This book is unique in that it derives practical counseling skills from a study of who God is and how He has dealt with his people." -- GCB

    Bryant, Marcus D., The Art of Christian Caring, ISBN: 0827200153 9780827200159.
    "Then Bryant turns to specific target groups for ministry, such as nursing home residents, the retarded, prisoners, and mental patients, examining guidelines and background information. The final chapter discusses how to gather one's own resources for the helping process through worship, meditation, and spirituality, stressing as a general guideline that Christian caring is sustained by God's love and by our personal responses to that love as we experience it in our own lives. Underscoring the importance of commitment and self-discipline in relations with others, this is a good introductory guide that should be helpful to general readers."

    Burchett, Harold E., People Helping People, ISBN: 0802464572 9780802464576.
    How every Christian can counsel.

    Durham, James, The Scandal of Stumbling Blocks: Avoiding Spiritual Harm, ISBN: 1601788010 9781601788016.
    "Christians are runners in the race to glory. The last thing a believer wants to do is cause another runner to trip and fall. Yet, as James Durham powerfully proves, Christians can become stumbling blocks -- often without considering how their words or actions impact others. Carefully edited for modern consumption, this much-needed classic work helps us to be encouragers rather than obstacles. Every Christian should read this book!" -- Joel R. Beeke
    "A new book helps you avoid causing spiritual harm through the application of biblical counsel. In THE SCANDAL OF STUMBLING BLOCKS, James Durham helps us to consider the matter deeply by defining the nature of stumbling as well as showing its serious consequences. He looks in considerable detail at different kinds of stumbling and identifies the ways that people can stumble and be stumbled. Durham provides practical advice for avoiding and preventing offense.
    "Now edited in modern English, Durham's classic treatment on considerate Christianity can be used to edify a new generation." -- Publisher

    Egan, Gerard, The Skilled Helper: A Model for Systematic Helping and Interpersonal Relating, 8th edition, ISBN: 0495127957 9780495127956.
    Also available, TRAINING THE SKILLED HELPER: AN INSTRUCTOR'S MANUAL TO ACCOMPANY THE SKILLED HELPER, A MODEL FOR SYSTEMATIC HELPING AND INTERPERSONAL RELATING by James W. Bryer. This training manual also has a companion book, EXERCISE MANUAL.

    Grantham, Rudolph E., Lay Shepherding: A Guide for Visiting the Sick, the Aged, the Troubled and the Bereaved.
    "Beginning with a look at authority issues and the context for lay ministry, Grantham explores ways the Biblical, humanistic, and broadly spiritual perspectives relate to each other and looks at specific ministries lay people can engage in: crisis intervention, bereavement counseling, hospital/nursing home visiting, etc. Considers, too, the dynamics of healing, how to be an effective listener and to pray with the sick and personal lay evangelism of beneficial and destructive kinds. Appendix includes discussion questions and additional study resources." -- Publisher

    Kuenning, Delores, Helping People Through Grief, ISBN: 0871239213 9780871239211.
    "A remarkable textbook to recommend for teaching caring people how to be helpful. It is an . . . encyclopedia of information on every conceivable form of grief. But more than that, it describes simply and directly how to respond to these griefs." -- Reader's Comment
    "Illness as well as misfortune or even tragedy are a part of life. At such times people turn to their families or friends. Sometimes the counsel given is helpful, sometimes not. Kuenning believes the lay person can develop skills to help people face these vicissitudes, and in this book she shows how." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Logos Bible Software, Biblical Counseling Library (29 Volumes), on CD-ROM, Libronix Digital Library System
    "This 29 volume collection of Biblical Counseling titles is an amazing compilation of Christian counseling resources. THE BIBLICAL COUNSELING LIBRARY features some of Jay E. Adams' outstanding counseling titles, including THE CHRISTIAN COUNSELOR'S MANUAL, COMPETENT TO COUNSEL, and A THEOLOGY OF CHRISTIAN COUNSELING. It includes works from 20 different authors, including Steve Farrar, Elizabeth George, Jerry Bridges, and Lou Priolo.
    "This collection includes informative studies on general Christian counseling, as well as very focused works on Women's and Men's counseling needs, counseling victims of sexual abuse, eating and diet issues, dating, working through struggles with sexual sin and anger, and developing a deeper walk with God. A fantastic resource for the library of a pastor or Christian counselor, the BIBLICAL COUNSELING LIBRARY adds a new dimension to your Logos Bible Software. These expert resources are combined with the tools of the Logos Bible Software system, including topical searching for studying specific areas of Biblical counseling, and linked references to other titles in your Libronix library." -- Publisher
    http://www.logos.com/products/prepub/details/2482

    Logos Bible Software, Logos Bible Software Bundles That Include Works on Biblical Counseling
    There are 15 bundles in all.
    http://www.logos.com/products/search?q=counseling+bundles

    Miller, C. John (1928-1996), A Faith Worth Sharing: A Lifetime of Conversations About Christ, ISBN: 0875523919 9780875523910.
    "This is not a book about clever techniques, or methodologies; it is a book of snapshots from one life given to impact others. If you too are someone who has been changed by the power of the gospel, then you need to pray for the opportunities to pass it on to others. This book will encourage you to do just that." -- Stephen Smallman
    "C. John Miller taught practical theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, was Director of World Harvest Mission, and led mission trips to several countries. He was founding pastor of New Life Presbyterian Church, outside Philadelphia, from which grew several other congregations in the Philadelphia area. His other books include POWERFUL EVANGELISM FOR THE POWERLESS, and OUTGROWING THE INGROWN CHURCH." -- Publisher

    *Powlison, David (1949-2019), Speaking Truth in Love: Counsel in Community, ISBN: 0977080714 9780977080717.
    "SPEAKING TRUTH IN LOVE is the latest book by David Powlison, a faculty member at Westminster Theological Seminary and The Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation. In his own words, it is, 'a book on how we are to live together.' Although primarily directed at pastors and counselors, there is much here to be savored by every child of God. Indeed, an emphasis of the book is that speaking truth in love, wisdom, and grace into another person's life is both the privilege and responsibility for every Christian, not just the 'professionals' or the 'trained.'
    "There are seventeen chapters, which are really separate essays all looking at differing facets of counseling, or 'loving another person well' as Powlison puts it.
    "Chapter 1 is an extended reflection of Psalm 119, beautifully portraying it as the cry of a faithful heart toward God. It is worth the price of the book for anyone struggling through a trial or helping another.
    "Chapter 2 talks about the need to face the truth of our rebellious flesh, while chapter 3 talks of hearing the music of the gospel. Chapter 4-8 deal with various practical steps of preparation, listening, and questioning, while chapter 9 specifically deals with gently handling people who have already been immersed in the false psychologies of the world.
    "Chapter 10 starts looking at a more global emphasis, challenging pastors (and all) to consider that most of the 'ministry of the Word' that Christ actually did was what we would now term private and small-group counseling, and not preaching sermons. Chapter 11 looks at how counseling should fit into the ministry of the church, and chapter 12 looks specifically at how the nature of prayer fits into counseling in the church.
    "The last chapters look at pastoral counseling, women in counseling, when to refer, where to train, and lastly a guiding doctrinal statement for Biblical counseling.
    "This is a rewarding book written by a wise servant of God, giving insight and direction on both the nature and the challenges the church faces in fulfilling our mandate on speaking truth in love to each other." -- Reader's Comment

    Sala, Harold J., Coffee cup Counseling.
    Includes bibliographical references.

    Shelley, Marshall, Helping Those who Don't Want Help.
    Includes bibliography.

    Southard, Samuel, Theology and Therapy: The Wisdom of God in the Context of Friendship.
    Includes bibliographical references and index.

    Sturkie, Joan, Listening With Love: True Stories From Peer Counseling, ISBN: 0893901512 9780893901516.
    "LWL's stories are true stories from Joan Sturkie's peer counseling classes. Topics covered are suicide, incest, pregnancy, consequences of using drugs, etc. The stories present wonderful discussion topics for your group or class. Read it for yourself and make your own assessment." -- Reader's Comment

    *Tripp, Theodore A., and David Powlison (introduction), Shepherding a Child's Heart, ISBN: 0966378601 9780966378603.
    "Written for parents with children of any age, this insightful book provides perspectives and procedures for shepherding your child's heart into the paths of life. SHEPHERDING A CHILD'S HEART gives fresh biblical approaches to child rearing." -- Publisher
    "This is a masterful book." -- David Powlison
    "Solid, trustworthy, biblical help for parents." -- John MacArthur.

    See also: For all counselors, The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Spiritual discernment, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, The ten commandments: the moral law, The commandments of christ, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Casuistry, cases of conscience, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, The teaching of our lord jesus christ, Appendix a: words of christ, For all counselors, Pastoral counseling, Mentoring (women), Manuals and handbooks, Topical listings of scripture useful in counseling, Trusting god, Christ our example, Affliction, adversity, trials, suffering, chastisement, Biblical counsel by subject, Counseling and the local church, Counseling children, Biblical counseling training, The westminster confession of faith (1646, the westminster standards) and related works: a study guide, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 1077, 2888, 3425, 3907, 3908

    Related Weblinks

    The Art and Care of Correction Among Friends, Rick Thomas
    https://rickthomas.net/the-art-and-care-of-correction/

    Jesus Net
    Internet Evangelism.
    https://jesus.net/

    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

    Peace With God
    "Approximately 10.5 million people worldwide experienced the Good News of Jesus Christ in 2013 by visiting the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association's (BGEA) PeaceWithGod.net website [Jan. 29, 2014]. Of those, more than 2 million indicated making a commitment to Christ after viewing the message."
    Peace With God
    "Every day, on average (based on October-December 2020) over 19,000 people explore the Gospel on PeaceWithGod.net. More than 4,000 people indicate making spiritual decisions for Christ.
    The Top 10 Countries for 2020 (PeaceWithGod.net): 1. United States, 2. Canada, 3. Syria, 4. Sudan, 5. Azerbaijan, 6. Libya, 7. Lebanon, 8. Tanzania, 9. Bolivia, and 10. Kyrgyzstan." -- Internet Evangelism Update letter, February, 2021
    http://www.PeaceWithGod.net
    Paz Con Dios
    http://www.PazConDios

    Pray for "Search for Jesus" contacts
    https://pray.searchforjesus.net/

    Responding to Friends who do Things That Make you Uncomfortable, Rick Thomas
    https://rickthomas.net/responding-to-friends-who-do-things-that-make-you-uncomfortable/

    Rick Thomas Podcasts
    "And other resources -- transcripts, videos, books."
    https://rickthomas.net/enjoy-awesome-podcasts/
    Topic Index, Rick Thomas Articles
    https://rickthomas.net/topic-index/

    Search for Jesus
    http://www.SearchforJesus.net

    Seven Tips to Help Your Friends who are Suffering, Rick Thomas
    https://rickthomas.net/seven-tips-to-help-your-friends-who-are-going-through-suffering/

    Stephen Ministries
    http://www.stephenministries.org/



    Questions and Answers

    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. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:7-11)

    Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Answers," and so forth, and so on.

    *Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), A Christian Directory: Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 1. Full title: A Christian Directory: or A Sum of Practical Theology, and Cases of Conscience. Directing Christians how to use Their Knowledge and Faith; How to Improve all Helps and Means, and to Perform all Duties; How to Overcome Temptations, and to Escape or Mortify Every Sin. In Four Parts.
    I. Christian Ethics (or Private Duties)
    II. Christian Economics (or Family Duties)
    III. Christian Ecclesiastics (or Church Duties)
    IV. Christian Politics (or Duties to Our Rulers and Neighbours)     (Morgan, PA: Soli Deo Gloria Publications, 1997, 1990, 1838, 1707, 1678, 1673), ISBN: 1877611131 9781877611131. Foreword by J.I. Packer (Soli Deo Gloria edition only). The Soli Deo Gloria publication is a facsimile reprint of the 19th century reprint by George Virtue, London, 1846. The original 1673 edition and the 1678 edition, both printed by Robert White for Nevill Simmons. Bibliographic and scriptural footnotes. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available (less the J.I. Packer's Foreword, but searchable with an OCR-based index), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    This work is available in many editions, and in many formats.
    Reformation Heritage Books has new copies of the Soli Deo Gloria edition (including the J.I. Packer Introduction), as of March 2008, even though it is generally thought to be out of print. They acquired Soli Deo Gloria from Ligonier Ministries in late 2007.
    The best digital format of the reprint by George Virtue is included on the Puritan Hard Drive. It has an OCR scan in the background, meaning one can search the entire volume and copy text into another document. It also has a computer generated indexed from the OCR scan which is, of course, in Baxter's vocabulary.
    A PDF image scan only of the same edition is available on the Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.
    The reprint by George Virtue is available online and may be downloaded in PDF format at Christian Classics Ethereal Library.
    The reprint by George Virtue appears in full preview in Google Books but may not be downloaded. So it is useful if the reader wants to become acquainted with the book. Text can be searched, but can not be copied into another document. This particular Google Books scan includes the contents in detail on pages iii-xix which is not included in the Christian Classics Ethereal Library PDF files. About five other editions from libraries are available in Google Books, and may be downloaded (August 2008).
    Notice that the e-text in Google Books has the advantage of being searchable. Searching an image-based PDF file (without an OCR scan in the background), is not possible, unless the user owns software such as Abode Acrobat Pro or Kirtas BookScan Editor. They both have an OCR (optical character recognition), feature that will search an image-based PDFs (bit-map scans). Searches appear to be perfect in this work, although one must know Baxter's vocabulary. Text can be cut and pasted from image-based PDF format to OCR (character) format. This particular Google Books scan can not be cut and pasted or downloaded.
    One of the older, multi-volume editions of THE WORKS OF RICHARD BAXTER is available at Monergism.com in the "Puritan Library," "Richard Baxter." A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, volume 23. It can be downloaded.
    http://www.puritanlibrary.com/
    Another older edition is available on microfilm (Ann Arbor, MI: University Microfilms, 1970), 1 microfilm reel, 35 mm (Early English books, 1641-1700; 343:11).
    "The complete practical works of Richard Baxter are in print in four volumes entitled BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS. This volume (about 1 1/4 million words, 1028 pages), is volume one of the set. The editor's preface (1707), p. xiii, stated that the works of Richard Baxter are 'perhaps the best body of practical divinity that is extent in our own or any other tongue.' Richard Baxter lived from 1615-1691. The DIRECTORY was completed in 1665. Its scope was intended to cover all of practical theology, a summa of casuistry . . ." -- Don Kistler
    "Baxter's series, which grew in range and scope as it proceeded . . . is a peak point in Puritan devotional writing, and remains a precious resource for all, in this or any age, who want to know what is involved in Biblical godliness. . . . A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY may justly be described as a landmark. It is the fullest, most thorough, and in this writer's judgment, most profound treatment of Christian spirituality and standards that has ever been attempted by an English-speaking Evangelical author. The fact that it embraces both spirituality and standards (the principles of communion with God plus the specifics of obedience to God), merits approving comment in itself; nowadays spirituality and ethics have become two distinct disciplines in the schools, and books written on either say virtually nothing about the other . . ." -- J.I. Packer (1926-2020)
    Timothy Keller calls it the greatest manual on Biblical counseling ever produced.
    "There are many Puritan classics on this subject. Thomas Brooks' PRECIOUS REMEDIES FOR SATAN'S DEVICES, Thomas Goodwin's A CHILD OF LIGHT WALKING IN DARKNESS, William Bridge's A LIFTING UP FOR THE DOWNCAST, and many other similar works give evidence that the Puritans were. . . . masters at applying Biblical answers and principles to problems that can only be solved by spiritual means. No Puritan work, however, has ever approached the popularity, the scope, or the depth of Baxter's classic treatise. With the widespread interest in counseling in today's church, this reprint of Baxter's work should be a welcome addition to every pastor's library, or to anyone else who wishes to give solid Biblical answers to man's questions." -- Don Kistler
    "We have long waited for a purely Biblical treatment of the spiritual ills and cures of men which is untainted by the views of psychology. Since Baxter lived about 200 years before psychology arrived, his deep work is completely void of its encroachment -- thankfully!" -- John MacArthur
    "The kings men sought to arrest Richard Baxter, but he traveled ceaselessly from place to place, writing his sermons and his books even on horseback (he had an inkwell in his saddle), and preached over a wide area." -- Brian H. Edwards
    "Baxter was a wonder of his age. His writings total 72 large volumes, much of it written on horseback as he traveled in his widespread preaching efforts. He seldom, if ever, edited anything he wrote. Knowing this any reader will be amazed at how well he communicated his deep love for his Savior. For 26 years he was public enemy No. 1 to the king, yet he lived to see the flight of the king in 1688." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    POOR MAN'S FAMILY BOOK (1674) and THE CATECHIZING OF FAMILIES (1683), are less detailed works and are found in THE REFORMED PASTOR: BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 4. They are more suitable for family instruction than are the detailed presentation in A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY.
    "Ptacek in FAMILY WORSHIP: BIBLICAL BASIS, HISTORICAL REALITY, CURRENT NEED (pp. 51-52), supplies the following information in regard to Baxter and this book. He notes that after the Episcopalians ejected numerous 'nonconformists,' in what is know as the 'great ejection,' in 1662, 'Baxter pastored from house to house, visiting families of his parish in their homes. These visits contributed to Baxter's A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, a large and still very relevant manual of pastoral care.' Focusing on just one area of great importance, Ptacek demonstrates how this book's relevance is not limited by time or culture, though sometimes the use of specific words are. 'Published in 1673, but written 1664-65, a large book-length part of Baxter's CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY is devoted to the family. It is entitled 'Christian Economics' based on the archaic usage of the word, which reflects the proper sense of the Greek root oikonomos as the manager of a household, in the Christian case, the spiritual leader of the family. The family head is essential to Baxter's view of family worship and instruction. Baxter asserts that it is God's will that this instruction be carried out by the rulers of the families.' For a male head of the household to fail to do so, or to have another instruct in the family, is contrary to his position of authority.' This is the kind of book that can be passed on from generation to generation and still find much use in the service of the kingdom of God.
    "Though relatively weak on corporate sanctification, corporate faithfulness and some important areas of doctrine (such as justification), Baxter's work on subjects related to personal piety can be of good practical use to the Christian -- if one is careful to separate out his aberrant doctrinal views and any practical errors they may lead to." -- Publisher
    The following three excerpts are included as bonus free books on Reformation Bookshelf CD #28.
    1. "The Duties of Parents for Their Children" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. X., pp. 449-454.
    2. "The Special Duties of Children Towards Their Parents" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. XI., pp. 454-457.
    3. "The Special Duties of Children and Youth Towards God" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. XII., pp. 457-458).
    A summary of currently (2012) available publications.
    http://www.lettermen2.com/pwrbcd.html
    Richard Baxter, from Wikipedia
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Baxter

    *Baxter, Richard, The Reformed Pastor: Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 4, ISBN: 1877611360. A Christian classic.
    "This is the fourth and final volume in this great set. Includes, 'Compassionate Counsel to all Young men,' 'The Reformed Pastor,' 'Poor Man's Family Book,' 'The Catechizing of Families,' and 'The Mother's Catechism,' in all 25 sermons, treatises, and catechisms. Dr. J.I. Packer says, 'For me, the great joy of this year is that it see the completion of Soli Deo Gloria's reprint of Baxter's incomparable PRACTICAL WORKS'." -- GCB
    Richard Baxter, from Wikipedia
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Baxter
    Compassionate Counsel to all Young men (1681), by Richard Baxter
    http://www.lettermen2.com/ccaym.html

    Beers, V. Gilbert, The Discovery Bible Handbook: Finding God's Answers to Life's Questions.

    Blanchard, John, Truth for Life.
    "A good-sized work of over 400 pages. A very practical commentary filled with just the kind of advice we all need for living the Christian life." -- GCB

    *Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), Commentary on the Shorter Catechism, 1853, 2 volumes. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    " 'Two large volumes of over 1300 pages! Boston's work is the most comprehensive reference set ever penned on The Westminster Shorter Catechism. Concerning The Shorter Catechism, A.F. Mitchell states' 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' (The Westminster Assembly). The Shorter Catechism is the 'king of the catechisms' for shear power of expression, combining logical cogency with succinctness. Boston's exposition is unrivalled; there is nothing else like it. Here you have the cream of Puritan catechisms married to the cream of clear Puritan exposition! This is likely Boston's most important work. A set that will meet numerous needs, ranging from use in family worship, Christian education and personal study, to sermon preparation -- and for help in settling debated questions on the Presbytery floor. A one-of-a-kind set of books that will serve your family for generations to come!" -- Publisher
    "It is worth while to be a Shorter Catechism boy. They grow to be men. And better than that, the are exceedingly apt to grow to be men of God." -- B.B. Warfield
    *Westminster Shorter Catechism
    "The Shorter Catechism, With the Assembly's Proof Texts."
    Free downloadable PDF file.
    http://www.greenvillepresbyterian.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/shorter-catechism.pdf
    Westminster Shorter Catechism With Proof Texts
    http://www.reformed.org/documents/WSC_frames.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/

    *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
    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

    *Dean, Hershel B., The Golden Treasury of Bible Wisdom (King James Version).

    Fitzgerald, Lawrence P., Questions That Bother me.

    Geisler, Norman L., Ravi K. Zacharias, and Zondervan Corporation, Who Made God?: And Answers to Over 100 Other Tough Questions of Faith, ISBN: 9780310305477 0310305470.
    "In the quest for the truth, you need to know what you believe and why you believe it. WHO MADE GOD? offers accessible answers to over 100 commonly asked apologetic questions. Bringing together the best in evangelical apologists, this guide is standard equipment for Christians who want to understand and talk about their faith intelligently." -- Publisher

    Grant, Dave, Heavy Questions.
    Answers for youth.

    Ham, Ken, The Answer Book: Over 25 Questions on Creation/evolution and the Bible, ISBN: 0890515093 9780890515099.

    Hill, Harold, Bible Answers for King's Kids.
    Compiled by Gretchen Zimmer Black with Irene Burk Harrell.

    Kennedy, Larry, God's Answers to Human Dilemmas.
    Includes bibliographical references.

    *Morris, Henry, and Martin E. Clark, The Bible has the Answer.
    "One of the best works of its kind. Discusses hundreds of problems asked by inquiring minds. Provides candid, factual answers. Highly recommended." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Myers, Bill, Hot Topics, Tough Questions.
    "This book on Biblical answers to teen questions breaks into a twelve-session study. It deals with such topics as God's will, sex and dating, the media, cults, and emotion. A leader's guide is available."

    Newport, John P., Life's Ultimate Questions.
    "This Baptist scholar answers the truly hard questions of life from the Bible with precision and competence. J.I. Packer wrote: 'Cool, clear, comprehensive, and full of thoughtful wisdom, this book is a rich resource for exploring the responses of Christian faith to the knowledge, ignorance, and confusions of the modern world'." -- GCB

    Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), and Wendy Murray, J.I. Packer Answers Questions for Today, ISBN: 084233615X 9780842336154.

    Palau, Luis, My Response.
    "Dr. Palau shares his clear, direct answers to a wide variety of questions on work, marriage, divorce, parenting, illness, alcoholism, suicide, dating, and morality." -- Publisher

    *Pink, Michael, Tough Questions, Straight Answers.
    "A great topical arrangement of Scriptures on modern subjects that our children bump up against everyday. Just Bible passages. Highly recommended." -- GCB

    Pruitt, Carl W., What the Bible Says About God's Answers to Personal Problems.
    "In thirteen chapters the author covers the teaching of the Bible on the major topics of interest to pastoral counselors. A valuable distillation of the Biblical teaching." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Shibley, David (compiler), Answers, Compiled by David Shibley.
    Bible selections that answer life's questions.

    *Torrey, R.A., One Hundred Eighty-two Bible Questions Answered: Scriptural Solutions to Practical and Perplexing Questions.

    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: The free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, the covenant of eternal salvation, How to become a Christian, Book-length presentations of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, Absolute truth and relativism, Epistemology of theology, the theory of knowledge, The teaching of our lord jesus christ, Christ our example, Topical listing of scripture helpful in counseling, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, An introduction to the covenanted reformation, Christian scholarship, Books considered to be among the ten greatest in the english language, The autodidact, Christian classics, A short title listing, Ready reference, Biblical counsel by subject, Works of jay adams, Chapter 5: reference works, Modern myths and fallacies, The combined contents for the web edition of biblical counsel: resources for renewal, For all counselors, Training in biblical counseling, and so forth, and so on.

    Related Weblinks

    ChristianAnswers.Net
    http://www.christiananswers.net/

    Contents and Chapter Sections for Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion, 1559 (McNeill/Battles)
    http://www.lettermen2.com/icrcont.html

    The Sum of Saving Knowledge, David Dickson and James Durham
    http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/the-sum-of-saving-knowledge

    Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM) Podcasts
    "Ravi Zacharias and the RZIM team provide a variety of podcasts online and on iTunes that challenge and answer your toughest questions on culture, faith, suffering, science, and more."
    https://www.rzim.org/listen



    Audio Files (CDs and MP3s) on Counseling Subjects

    A wealth of information about Biblical Counseling is found on audio files. Sources for audio files are as follows:

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Accepting Retarded Children; Handling Troubles; and etc. (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Am I too old to Change? (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Bible in Counseling (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette NP119 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Christian Forgiveness: Responsibility or Blameshifting? (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Conflict and Rivalry in the Church, a special set of eight audio files [audio file], (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    "Dr. Jay Adams teaches on how to be a peacemaker in the church and how to handle conflicts. Practical advice and examples are given as well as theological motivations." -- Westminster Media

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Counseling Workshop: An Alcoholic Partner; Long-Term Counseling; Suicide; Forgiveness; Larry Crabb's Approach (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Counseling Workshop: Approaches to Discipleship; Women in Biblical Counseling (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA502 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Counseling Workshop: Demon Possession; Divorce; Church Discipline (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Counseling Workshop: Introduction; Counseling Principles; Counseling Non-Christians (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA501 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Counseling Workshop: Multiple Persons; Unbeliever Doesn't Leave; Discipling Children; Obesity and Fatness, 6 audio cassettes or MP3s [audio file], (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA505 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Crisis Counseling: Aid (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Crisis Counseling: Analysis (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Crisis Counseling: Direction (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA204 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Crisis Counseling: Inventory (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA203 [audio file]

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Effective Communication; Disabled people; Inferiority complex; Unsaved wife; Be prepared! (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA406 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Fear of Death; Church Discipline; Being in the Hospital (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA408 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), God's Standard and Program for Change; God's Methodology for Change (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA102 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Managing the Time God Gives us; Schizophrenia; Role-Play Cases and Critiques (part 1), (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA106 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Marriage and Family Life (part 1): Purpose of Companionship, Cleaving (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA401 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Marriage and Family Life (part 2): Headship, Husband's Helper, Submission (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA402 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Marriage and Family Life (part 3): Discipline, Motivation, Good for Evil (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA403 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Ministering Series.
    Contents: The ministry of the church | God is!! Stability we can count on | The environment of God | The balanced Christian | The disciplined life | Setting priorities | Making plans Biblically | Am I a winner? Its joys and responsibilities | The pastor's wife and depression | Christian forgiveness | Pain, does it belong? | Decisions, make them or they make you | Worry, trouble, how to combat it | The Biblical view of divorce | Homosexuality, how to deal with it | Overcoming depression | Grading and degrading, Christian education | Poles apart, who's a Christian? | Baptism for infants.

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Proper Submission to the Proper Authorities (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA405 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Q&A: Counseling Woman Whose Husband Abuses her and Children (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    "How would you counsel a woman whose husband is physically abusive to his wife and children? How does inter-church discipline work?"
    Audio cassette JA209 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Q&A: What Certain Gifts are Required for Counseling? What if a Person Ignores his Problem? (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    "Are certain gifts specifically suited for counseling? What if a person has a problem and is not aware of it?"
    Audio cassette JA205 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Question-asking Techniques; The Need for Homework in Counseling (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA103 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Questions and Answers: How do you Counsel Deep Depression? (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Questions and Answers: What is Marriage? Marriage and Family Problems (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA104 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Role-play Cases and Critiques (part 2) (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA107 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Role-play and Critique (part 1); Wife Abandoned; Potential Suicide (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA210 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Role-Play and Critique (part 2); Wife Won't Speak; Homosexuality; Wife With Cancer (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA211 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Role-play and Critique (part 3), (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    "Wife's Husband Dies; Mother's Baby Born Deformed; Pregnant Unwed Daughter."
    Audio cassette JA212 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Role-play and Critique (part 4) (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    "Husband Wants Wife-Swapping."
    Audio cassette JA213 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Seminar on Counselor Training Sponsored by Pentagon Christian Fellowship Delivered at Fort Belvoir Chapel, Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
    Role playing cases and critiques. Cases based on those in the CHRISTIAN COUNSELOR'S CASEBOOK.

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Sex Change; Division in Eldership; Children; Suicide; Paranoia; Repression; Forgetting; Death (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA506 [audio file].

    Adams Jay E., Should a Christian be Able to Counsel? Instilling Hope in the Counselee (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA101 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Sovereignty of God in Counseling (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    "Dr. Adams' lecture upon his inauguration as full professor at Westminster Theological Seminary."
    Audio cassette JA301 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Role of Father in the Home (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JAR02 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Role of Husband in the Home (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JAR01 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The use of Talk in Counseling (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA207 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Winning Your Unsaved Husband (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA404 [audio file].

    Books-by-Ear, Books-by-Ear Catalog (Seattle, WA [Books-by-Ear, P.O. Box 75628, Seattle 98125]: Books-by-Ear).
    Features audio cassettes [audio file], of conservative, Reformed publications. "Discover the freedom of full-length and condensed books on audio cassettes [audio file]." Includes index.

    Brandt, Adams, et al., Howard Eyrich (editor), What to do When: Addresses, Workshops; Brandt, Adams, et al. Available from Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC, formerly NANC).
    Proceeding of the annual meeting, 1977.

    *Broger, John C. (developer/editor, 1915-2002), Self-Confrontation: A Manual for In-depth Discipleship: Based on the Old and New Testaments as the Only Authoritative Rule of Faith and Conduct, Alternate title: COURSE I: THE SELF-CONFRONTATION SYLLABUS FOR BIBLICAL COUNSELING TRAINING, ISBN: 0785282467 978-0785282464 and Course I: Self-Confrontation Tapes (10 cassette tapes [audio file]), (Rancho Mirage, CA: Biblical Counseling Foundation).
    "Contains 24 weekly lessons intended to move a person through the change process personally as the foundation for working on becoming a counselor (Matthew 7:1-5). Intended for Sunday school and other classes or personal study. The first eight lessons lay the biblical foundation for change. The grace of the God in the gospel of Jesus Christ is spring of all true change, and it prompts a self-confrontation: 'Man's way is oriented to self: to please self, to comfort self, to rely on self, to fulfill self, to forgive self, to exalt self, and to love self. . . . [God's way], emphasizes that you are to live for Him.' The next thirteen lessons treat particular problem areas: selfishness, anger, interpersonal conflict, marriage and family, depression, fear, life-dominating sins. The final three lessons summarize and set the foundation for Course II, Biblical Counseling Training." -- David Powlison
    "Helps Christians solve their personal problems Biblically and equips laymen and women to counsel others Biblically within the church." Particularly valuable for its system of identifying root problems in counseling cases. Some of the material presented is from various writings by Jay E. Adams. The audio cassette tape [audio file], series by John Broger is designed to accompany the course and includes practical examples."
    Biblical Counseling Foundation
    http://bcfministries.org

    Broger, John C. (1915-2002), Course II, Instructor's Guide for Training in Biblical Discipleship/Counseling, 184 pages.
    Series title: Self-confrontation Course.

    *Broger, John C. (developer/editor, 1915-2002), Course II: Nouthetic Counseling Study Guide. Alternate title: COURSE II: SYLLABUS FOR TRAINING IN BIBLICAL DISCIPLESHIP/COUNSELING. Series Title: Self-confrontation Course.
    Also available: Course II: Self-confrontation Tapes (8 audio files), (Rancho Mirage, CA: Biblical Counseling Foundation).
    Biblical Counseling Foundation
    http://bcfministries.org

    Carr, S. Wallace, The Bible and the Christian Home (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).

    Hurley, James B., Christ as the Husband, The Church as the Bride.

    Hurley, James B., Headship and Submission in Ephesians 5.

    Hurley, James B., Women's Role in the Church, MP3 [audio file], (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).

    Julien, John, Diane Langberg, C. John Miller, and Rosemarie Miller, Conference on the Pastor's Wife.

    Kesler, Jay, and Virginia R. Mollenkott, The Condition of the Family in America Today and our Priorities for the 90's, an audio file.

    Lutz, Ron, Marital Crisis and Church Discipline, audio file. Available on Earl Cook, Ronald E. Lutz, and the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation, 1987 Alumni Conference, 2 audio files (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    "Notes: Features the professional counseling staff of the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation."

    Mack, Wayne, Biblical Solutions to Life's Problems (Westminster Media).
    This book is accompanied by an audio cassette [audio file], series of 24 tapes.

    Mack, Wayne A., What do you do With Incest? audio file.

    Miller, C. John (1928-1996), Becoming a Full-time Woman: Prayer and Christian Womanhood (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).

    Miller, C. John (1928-1996), God's Plan of Faith vs. The American Confidence man (part 1 and 2) (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).

    Miller, C. John (1928-1996), Husband and Father as Spiritual Leader (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).

    Miller, C. John (1928-1996), Isaiah and a Theology of Prayer, (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).

    Miller, C. John (1928-1996), Jonathan Edward's View of the Greatness of God (parts 1 and 2), audio file (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).

    Miller, C. John (1928-1996), Meditation vs. Meditation in Early New England.

    Miller, C. John (1928-1996), The Puritan Style of Love and Marriage, (part 1 and 2), [audio file]. Available from the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation.

    Miller, C. John (1928-1996), The Role of Woman in the Home (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    World Harvest Mission
    http://www.whm.org/home.htm

    Miller, C. John (1928-1996), Root Causes of Depression and Suicide Among Young People; Communicating Effectively With the 'Suicidal' Person.

    Miller, C. John (1928-1996), Witnessing to Roman Catholics.

    Petty, Jim, Family Priorities for the 90s (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette HFTF20 [audio file].

    Petty, Jim, Focusing Love (part 1), (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette HFTF19 [audio file].

    Petty, Jim, Focusing Love (part 2), (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette HFTF21 [audio file].

    Petty, Jim, Helps for Family Leaders (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette HFTF05 [audio file].

    Petty, Jim, Money, Ambition and the Christian Family (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette HFTF10 [audio file].

    Scourby, Alexander (narrator), The Bible Complete Old and New Testaments; Authorized King James Version, 12 sound cassette [audio file].
    A recording of the Bible on audio cassette tapes [audio file]. Listen before sleep and in the car.

    Scourby, Alexander (narrator), The Bible Complete Old and New Testaments; Authorized King James Version CD-ROM, MP3 files, ISBN: 1930034598 9781930034594.
    A recording of the Bible on compact disc (CD). Listen before sleep and in the car.

    Tripp, Paul, Christ our Model (part 1) (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation, 1991).
    Audio cassette AC891.

    Tripp, Paul, Christ our Model (part 2) (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation, 1991).
    Audio cassette AC892.

    Tripp, Paul, Parenting (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette HFTF33 [audio file].

    Tripp, Paul, Shepherding a Child's Heart: Teenage Years, part: 13 of 15 [audio file], (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Lecture by Paul Tripp, pastor and author of SHEPHERDING A CHILD'S HEART.

    Tripp, Paul, Understanding Your Job Description as a Parent (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette HFTF16 [audio file].

    Tripp, Paul, War of Words: Getting to the Heart of Your Communication Struggles, 4 DVDs. Alternate title: "GETTING TO THE HEART OF COMMUNICATIONS." (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).

    Tripp, Paul, When Things go From bad to Worse (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette HFTF08 [audio file].

    Tripp, Paul, and Edward T. Welch, Grace Parenting in the 90's, 4 audio files.

    Various, Biblical Counseling Workshops, 10 sound cassettes [audio file].
    Speakers: William Henderson; David Powlison; Robert D Smith; John McConaughy; Robert Somerville; Randall Patten; and Lloyd Jonas.
    "Notes: Title from container, N8912, N8923-N8928, N8930-N8932."

    Various, Biblical Counseling Workshops, 33 sound cassettes [audio file].
    Speakers: Stuart W Scott; Randall Patten; Steve Viars; David Powlison; John Edward Babler; Kevin Backus; Dan Wickert; Marc Graham; Robert D Jones; John McConaughy; Cindy Patten; Ed Bulkey; Carolyn Carlson; Howard A Eyrich; Sid Galloway; Robert Somerville; Mary Somerville; David Edgington; Timothy A Pasma; Craig Richard Rowe; Robert D Smith; John D Street; Jay Edward Adams; and James Thomas.
    "Notes: Title from container. N9803-N9808, N9814-N9815, N9818, N9820-N9824, N9827-N9828, N9830-N9831, N9843-N9847, N9849, N9851, N9853, N9855. Description: 33 sound cassettes [audio file]."

    Welch, Ed, Parenting (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette HFTF29 [audio file].

    Welch, Ed, Using the Gospel in Your Home (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette HFTF07 [audio file].

    See also: The teaching of our lord jesus christ, Christ our example, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Christian counseling and educational foundation, sound word associates, General audio files (cds and mp3s), from ccef speakers, Audio cds and mp3s on counseling subjects, Christian counseling and educational foundation, Works of jay adams, Audio cassettes of CCEF speakers, Westminster media, Biblical counsel by subject, Training in Biblical counseling, and so forth, and so on.

    Related Weblinks

    Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC, formerly NANC)
    https://biblicalcounseling.com/

    Biblical Counseling Foundation
    http://bcfministries.org

    Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation (CCEF)
    1803 East Willow Grove Avenue
    Glenside, PA 19038
    Telephone: 215.884.7676
    http://www.ccef.org/

    Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation Resources Audio Archives
    http://www.wts.edu/resources/login.html/

    Institute of Biblical Counseling and Discipleship (formerly CCEF West)
    http://www.ibcd.org/

    Institute for Nouthetic Counseling
    "Study Biblical Counseling with Dr. Jay Adams.
    "Here is a list of the courses we have ready:

    Introduction to Biblical Counseling/Counseling Principles and Practices
    The Counselor Himself
    Critical Stages in Biblical Counseling
    Counseling Problems
    Premarital Counseling
    Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage
    Theology and Counseling
    Church Discipline
    Forgiveness
    Medical Issues in Counseling I and II
    Marriage and Family Counseling
    We are currently working on the following:
    Counseling Theories and Issues Abroad in the Church Today
    Legal Issues in Counseling
    Counseling Women
    The Christian Counselor's Casebook Studies"
    http://www.nouthetic.org

    Puritan Downloads, The Puritan Hard Drive
    http://www.puritandownloads.com/swrb-puritan-hard-drive.html

    Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary
    For the work of C. John Miller (1928-1996).
    http://71.182.134.18:82/

    Sound Word Associates Library of Biblical Counselors
    http://www.soundword.com/ccon.html

    Rick Thomas Podcasts
    "And other resources -- transcripts, videos, books."
    https://rickthomas.net/enjoy-awesome-podcasts/
    Topic Index, Rick Thomas Articles
    https://rickthomas.net/topic-index/

    Westminster Theological Seminary Bookstore
    http://www.wts.edu/bookstore/



    Legal Aspects of Counseling

    Modern civil law foresees only civil enforcement. Biblical law requires civil enforcement and declares the certainty of ultimate divine judgment in history for failure to enforce His Laws [Isaiah 17:14; Jeremiah 17:11]. Biblical criminal law is thus essentially religious law, and it has in mind two courts, the God-ordained courts of the social order, and the Supreme Court of Almighty God.
    Ehrlich's comment is to the point:
    It is difficult to compare Biblical sins with statutory crimes since in the former all are based on moral and spiritual values whereas in the latter only that is a crime which fits into the structure of the statute sought to be enforced. (J.W. Ehrlich, The Holy Bible and The Law, p. 92)
    Precisely. Biblical law is the word of God; it therefore represents an ultimate order which is written into the texture of all creation and into the heart of man. Hence, a jury system is valid in terms of Biblical law, since the decision is in terms of a fundamental law which all men know, whether they acknowledge it or not. Civil statutes represent only the will of the state, not an objective and absolute moral order. Statutory law creates lawlessness, because society is then no longer governed by an absolute standard of justice but rather by the fiat will of the state. Like fiat money, fiat law lacks substance, and it quickly destroys itself, and all who rely on it. It is a form of fraud, and a major form. -- R.J. Rushdoony (1916-2001), The Institutes of Biblical Law, pp. 498-499

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Legal Matters," and so forth, and so on.

    Clark, Homer H., Jr., The Law of Domestic Relations in the United States.
    "Focuses on marital problems and provides a comprehensive, nontechnical discussion of breach of promise suits, annulments, obligations to support the family, the legal status of women, tort liability, protection for rights of consortium, divorce, alimony, and custody, etc. Wherever the laws of a state differ from the general norm these variations appear in the footnotes. Pastors and counselors will find this an invaluable treatment." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Eidsmoe, John, The Christian Legal Advisor, ISBN: 0880621184 9780880621182.
    Includes bibliography.

    Farris, Michael P., Where do I Draw the Line? When Your Legal Rights are Ignored or Violated, ISBN: 155661229X 9781556612299.
    What do I do "when my boss wants me to attend a New Age seminar? When my teen is required to view explicit materials in class? When home schooling my children is denied? And other situations where Christians' rights are ignored.
    "Michael Farris is a constitutional lawyer who is on the cutting edge of what is happening to Christians in society today. He has represented Christians in many of the best-known religious freedom cases of the 1980's and early '90s.
    "Farris alerts readers as to what they can expect to face in our society and provides practical suggestions and solid spiritual guidance on how to respond effectively." -- Publisher

    Joslin, G. Stanley, The Minister's law Handbook.
    "Alerts the pastor or counselor about possible legal complications." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Levicoff, Steve, Christian Counseling and the Law. Includes bibliographical references and index.

    Malony, A. Newton, Thomas L. Needham, and Samuel Southard, Clergy Malpractice, ISBN: 0664245919 9780664245917.
    "Faces the dilemma of clergy malpractice suits realistically. Assesses the complexities arising from Nally vs. Grace Community Church of Sun Valley. Deals informatively with the law, offering encouragement as well as certain cautions to those involved in a counseling ministry." -- Cyril J. Barber



    Biblical Counsel by Subject

    Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalm 119:105)

    Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.
    For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.     (Romans 7:12-14)

    See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil. (Deuteronomy 30:15)

    All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16,17)

    It has been true from the beginning of the world, that obedience is better than any sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22), and is the parent of all virtues. -- John Calvin commenting on Genesis 4:2, Calvin's Commentary on Genesis, p. 118

    Therefore, behold, I add to do. He threatens that he will punish by blinding not only the ignorant or the ordinary ranks, but those wise men who were held in admiration by the people. From this vengeance we may easily learn how hateful a vice hypocrisy is, and how greatly it is abhorred by God, as the Prophet spoke a little before about human inventions; for what kind of punishment is more dreadful than blindness of mind and stupidity? This indeed is not commonly perceived by men, nor are they aware of the greatness of this evil; but it is the greatest and most wretched of all. -- Calvin commenting on Isaiah 29:1-24

    This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: hear ye him. -- God The Father (Matthew 17:5)

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 119, C.H. Spurgeon
    O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments. (Psalm 119:5-7)
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps119.php

    A wealth of information about Biblical Counseling is found on audio files (CDs and MP3s). Sources for audio files are as follows:

    Logos Bible Software Bundles That Include Works on Biblical Counseling
    There are 15 bundles in all.
    http://www.logos.com/products/search?q=counseling+bundles

    It is extremely important to our nation, in a political as well as a religious view, that all possible authority and influence should be given to the Scriptures. . . . -- Noah Webster

    None of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand. (Daniel 12:10)

    See also: Christ and counseling, Ready reference: immediate counsel on many subjects, Teachings of our lord jesus christ, The sermon on the mount, Parables of christ, Wisdom books, For all counselors, Holy spirit and counseling, Love and counseling problems, Manuals and handbooks, Premarital counseling, Marital counseling, Counseling the family, Pastoral counseling, Medical aspects of pastoral counseling, Parenting, Peer counseling, Proverbs, topical listings, Reconciliation of relationships, Absolute truth and relativism, Epistemology of theology, the theory of knowledge, Preaching and pastoral counseling, General works on biblical counseling, Biblical counsel by subject, Audio cds and mp3s on counseling subjects, DVD and multimedia, Westminster media, Training in biblical counseling, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Ethics, Works of jay adams, Church discipline, Women and counseling, Christian classics containing biblical counsel, Christian counseling and educational foundation, Questions and answers, Referral in pastoral counseling, Counseling and the local church, Counseling children, Counseling for sex related problems, Counseling teens, Counseling the family, Counseling the sick, Crisis counseling, Topical listings of Scripture, Will and recalcitrance, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Discipleship, Holiness, Believer's position in christ and sonship, The priesthood of believers, Bible reference works, Index to authors and titles, Legal aspects of counseling, Physiological problems, Commentaries containing biblical counsel, Resources in christian counseling series, Sermons containing Biblical counsel, Training in biblical counseling, Works by and about Puritans, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 844, 845, 847, 848, 1182, 1467, 1778, 2022, 3842

    Related Weblinks

    Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation (CCEF)
    1803 East Willow Grove Avenue
    Glenside, PA 19038
    Telephone: 215.884.7676
    http://www.ccef.org/

    Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation Resources Audio Archives
    http://www.wts.edu/resources/login.html/

    Sound Word Associates Library of Biblical Counselors
    http://www.soundword.com/ccon.html

    Westminster Theological Seminary Bookstore
    http://www.wts.edu/bookstore/



    Abstinence, Chastity

    There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? (Genesis 39:9)

    Ultimately the Seventh Commandment (Exodus 20:14), is about our fidelity to Christ. (Hosea 2:19-20; 1 Corinthians 6:15-20; James 4:4)
    To fracture the Seventh Commandment is to break covenant with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
    The sexual revolution is really a revolution against God. (Numbers 25:1-3, 29; Joshua 22:17; Psalm 106:30,31)
    See: Engelsma, Marriage, the Mystery of Christ and the Church.

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Sex," "Abortion," and so forth, and so on.

    Ankerberg, John, and John Weldon, The Myth of Safe sex: The Devastating Consequences of Violating God's Plan, ISBN: 0802456391 9780802456397. Alternate title: THE MYTH OF SAFE SEX: THE TRAGIC CONSEQUENCES OF VIOLATING GOD'S PLAN.

    Clark, Kristen, Girl Defined: God's Radical Design for Beauty, Femininity, and Identity, ISBN: 9780801008450 080100845X.
    "Presents a Christian perspective on femininity and female identity, maintaining that women should derive their feelings of self-worth and dignity from the teachings of Jesus Christ and a trust in God's love." -- Publisher
    "GIRL DEFINED answered questions such as, 'What does it mean to be a woman? How should a career fit into our lives? Is one gender more valuable than the other? Is my sole purpose just to grow up, get married, and have kids?' . . . .
    "It challenged the thinking of girls at any stage of life, and stood up to cultural norms to see what the Bible really says.
    "One of my favorite . . . . quotes, 'God designed us to function best when we're paddling together for a cause greater than ourselves.' . . .
    "And another favorite . . . quote that sums up one of the central themes of the entire book, 'Helping others is foundational in God's design for womanhood.' . . .
    I've been following Kristen and Bethany's blog, girldefined.com, for quite some time now, and have loved their posts about what biblical womanhood looks like. This book was a fantastic summarization of everything they blog about -- from gender roles, to beauty, to identity, to culture, and relationships." -- Reader's Comment

    Clark, Kristen, Love Defined: Embracing God's Vision for Lasting Love and Satisfying Relationships, ISBN: 9780801075568 0801075564.
    "In a culture obsessed with love and romance, why is it so hard for us to find satisfying love that lasts?
    "Maybe we've been looking at this thing called love all wrong.
    "In this insightful, encouraging and totally candid book, sisters Kristen Clark and Bethany Baird share a radically better and refreshingly biblical approach to navigating your love life. Covering topics such as true love, purposeful relationships, sex, boundaries, and singleness, LOVE DEFINED will take you on a journey to discovering God's good and original design for romance." -- Publisher

    *Engelsma, David, Marriage, the Mystery of Christ and the Church, ISBN: 0825425190 9780825425196.
    "Engelsma is a pastor in the Protestant Reformed Church, and also is editor of their paper, The Standard Bearer. The chapters in this book were preached as sermons in the author's church at Loveland, Colorado. Engelsma sees the corruption of the sacred institution of marriage as being a cause of myriads of the evils that abound in our day. He says, 'There is the bitter misery of soul that shatters those who have been unfaithful and that leads to drink, drugs, nervous breakdown, and even suicide. . . . The author does a good job of expounding Ephesians 5:31,32, This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. He explains that this 'mystery' has to do with the intimacy and oneness of a truly married couple. And this typifies the 'underlying reality of the union of Christ with His Church'." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)

    Jenks, Benjamin, The Glorious Victory of Chastity: In Joseph's Hard Conflict, and his Happy Escape [from Potiphar's Wife]. By B. Jenks, rector of Harley in Shropshire, and chaplain to the Right Honble the Earl of Bradford, Genesis 39:9. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against god? e-book.

    *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

    Price, Greg L., Christian Education in the Home: Help! My Daughter Wants to Date, 25 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #11.
    "Contrasts the non-covenantal pagan view of dating with the covenantal Christian view of Biblical courtship. Shows how the world has insidiously invaded the church (through music, TV, movies, godless public education, etc)., and how this has impacted the raising of our children. Includes a lengthy list of questions for interviewing prospective suitors and an appendix on the Biblical role of women. A very practical, unique item, laying the foundation for blessed biblical marriages." -- Publisher
    See also: Price, Greg L., Dating or Courtship: Which is Biblical? (1/2), an audio file. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    See also: Sexual relationship, Sexual wholeness, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Home schooling, Sex ethics, sex education, Evil, the problem of avoiding, eschewing, shunning, Sexually transmitted diseases, Counseling for sex related problems, Protecting children from dangers, The wisdom books, Singleness, Counsel for young men, Counsel for young women, Abuse, Child abuse and pedophilia, Gratuitous sex, a cause of violence, Abuse, Rape, Incest, Carnality and flesh pleasing: lust, desires, ambition, Adultery, Abortion, Homosexuality, lesbianism, gay, bisexual, transvestite, queer (lgbtq), Single parenting, Fatherlessness, Suffrage, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 3208, 3210, 3569, 3570

    Related Weblinks

    Girl Defined
    https://www.girldefined.com/

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

    Respect Incorporated (formerly Sex Respect)
    http://www.sexrespect.com/main.html

    True Love Waits
    http://www.truelovewaits.com/



    Abortion and the Sanctity of Life

    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)

    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:
    That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.     (Deuteronomy 30:19-20)

    Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils,
    And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood.
    Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions.
    Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance.
    And he gave them into the hand of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them.     (Psalm 106:37-41)

    For whoso findeth me findeth life,
    and shall obtain favour of the Lord.
    But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul:
    all they that hate me love death.     (Proverbs 8:35,36)

    He now says, God is eternal truth . . . Jehovah is God the truth; that is, God borrows nothing from anything else, but is satisfied with himself, and his power possesses of itself sufficient authority. God then is truth, and God, he says, is life. After having said that God has real and solid glory in himself, he adds another proof, taken from what is known to men, even that God is life; for though God is in himself incomprehensible, yet he not only sets before our eyes evidences of his glow, but he also renders himself in a manner the object of feeling, as Paul says in Acts 14:17 . . . There is no need, says Paul, for us to depart from ourselves; for whosoever will examine himself will find God within; for in him we live and move and have our being. (Acts 17:28) Were we then to object and say, that God is incomprehensible, and that we cannot ascend to the height of his glory, doubtless there is life in us, and as we have life, we have an evidence of his divinity; for who is so devoid of reason as to say that he lives through himself? Since then men live not of themselves, but obtain life as a favor from another, it follows that God dwells in them. . . .
    We exist not of ourselves, but in and through another, and that is, through the one true God. It hence follows that human life is a clear proof of one supreme God. God then is life and the King of ages. For as the world has also been made, as years succeed years, and as there is in this revolution variety and yet such perfect order, who does not see in all this the glory of God? Now, then, we also perceive why the Prophet calls God the King of ages. -- John Calvin commenting on Jeremiah 10:10 and context

    God curses whole countries for the suffering of murders . . . God sets great store by men's lives. He takes [murder] as an assault on Himself in His own Person, and in His own majesty. -- John Calvin

    Is there any moral catastrophe in history, that more loudly calls for a unilateral response by the people of God, than abortion on our watch? Is there any other crime of man and further of our nation, that represents so much the antithesis of the son of God's own rescue of the helpless, of His coming first in the womb of a woman? Is there any national sin, that so blatantly displays the works of darkness which we in Christ are called to destroy, and so demonstrates our own distraction and apathy to the pitiful plight of our neighbor, calls into question our Christian testimony, or so directly invites the judgment of God to destroy this nation and its people? If so, tell me what it is. -- A Social Media Comment

    At last estimate (2007), 50 million children have been aborted in American since Roe vs. Wade in 1973 [56 million American babies from 1973 to 2014, annual rate continues at 1.2 million babies a year. -- compiler]. This is approximately the population of Canada.
    Interestingly the number of illegal immigrants in this country has approximated the number of abortions, as if God's justice is at work right before our eyes -- we murder our children in the womb, and he gives our nation into the hands of foreigners.

    Abortion was the 20th century's biggest single killer of mankind worldwide, far surpassing any other cause: disease, war, governments, natural disasters, and so forth. See: "Biggest Killers of the 20th Century." Notice that abortion is not included in this diagram. The absence of information says something about the depravity of mankind (Jeremiah 17:9,10), and about the suppression and repression of truth. (Hosea 4:6,7)
    The number of abortions performed worldwide in the last 50 years is estimated to be 1 to 2 billion. But try to document this fact elsewhere online.
    The total abortions worldwide for the 20th century may be interpolation from available data. The calculation does not factor in incremental increases in world population since 1900. Worldwide there are an estimated 43.8 million abortions annually (2008 figures, Guttmacher Institute) X 100 years = 4.38 billion killings worldwide in the 20th century. This is compared to 1.97 billion estimated deaths worldwide for non-communicable diseases the reported biggest killer worldwide of the 20th century. Comparison may also be made with figures for genocide.
    Number of Abortions -- Abortion Counters
    "The most accurate set of abortion counters on the web. Number of abortions in U.S. and worldwide; Number of abortions since 1973; Number of abortions this year; U.S. abortion clock; Worldwide abortion clock; Number of abortions due to rape or incest; Planned Parenthood abortion count."
    http://www.numberofabortions.com/

    The death toll for legalized abortions in the U.S. since 1973 now [January 2015 -- compiler], stands at an estimated 57.2 million [56 million as of January 2014 plus an estimated 1.2 million in 2014 -- compiler]. But a biblical argument (Hosea 4:6,7; 2 Corinthians 10:4,5; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Joshua 1:8, and so forth, and so on), could be made that the education of the children of American citizens in secular public schools is an even more violent act than legalized abortion. Unless the Holy Spirit intervenes, the public education system is instrumental in suppressing the Gospel message of salvation, and of the life to come, the Means of Grace. It is ever incensing the child against the Gospel, therefore, dooming them to hopelessness, the wrath of God, and to the Second Death.

    It is shocking how often sexual immorality leads to death.

    But the midwives feared God. Moses does not mean that they were then first affected with the fear of God; but he assigns this reason why they did not obey his unjust command, viz., because reverence towards God had greater influence with them. And certainly, as all our affections are best directed by this rein, so also it is the surest shield for resisting all temptations, and a firm support to uphold our minds from wavering in seasons of danger. Now, they not only dreaded this crime as being cruel and inhuman; but because purer religion and piety flourished in their hearts; for they knew that the seed of Abraham was chosen of God, and had themselves experienced that it was blessed; and hence it was natural to feel, that it would be an act of very gross impiety to extinguish in it the grace of God. We must also observe the antithesis between the fear of God and the dread of punishment, which might have deterred them from doing right. Although tyrants do not easily allow their commands to be despised, and death was before their eyes, they still keep their hands pure from evil. Thus, sustained and supported by reverential fear of God, they boldly despised the command and the threatenings of Pharaoh. Wherefore those, whom the fear of men withdraws from the right course, betray by their cowardice an inexcusable contempt of God, in preferring the favor of men to his solemn commands. But this doctrine extends still more widely; for many would be more than preposterously wise, whilst, under pretext of due submission, they obey the wicked will of kings in opposition to justice and right, being in some cases the ministers of avarice and rapacity, in others of cruelty; yea, to gratify the transitory kings of earth, they take no account of God; and thus, which is worst of all, they designedly oppose pure religion with fire and sword. It only makes their effrontery more detestable, that whilst they knowingly and willingly crucify Christ in his members, they plead the frivolous excuse, that they obey their princes according to the word of God; as if he, in ordaining princes, had resigned his rights to them; and as if every earthly power, which exalts itself against heaven, ought not rather most justly to be made to give way. But since they only seek to escape the reprobation of men for their criminal obedience, let them not be argued with by long discussions, but rather referred to the judgment of women; for the example of these midwives is abundantly sufficient for their condemnation; especially when the Holy Spirit himself commends them, as not having obeyed the king, because they feared God. -- John Calvin commenting on Exodus 1:17

    For Thou -- Thou hast possessed my reins,
    Thou dost cover me in my mother's belly.
    I confess Thee, because that with wonders I have been distinguished.
    Wonderful are Thy works,
    And my soul is knowing it well.
    My substance was not hid from Thee,
    When I was made in secret,
    Curiously wrought in the lower part of earth.     (Psalm 139:13-15, YLTHB)

    A fetus was the first to rejoice at the news of Jesus. (Luke 1:41)

    For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)

    And we are aware that when the wicked perceive that we have no protection, they wax the more bold against us, as if God took no notice either of our life or death. In opposition to their erroneous doctrine, David introduces this sentiment, that God does not hold his servants in so little estimation as to expose them to death casually. We may indeed for a time be subjected to all the vicissitudes of fortune and of the world; we will nevertheless always have this consolation, that God will, eventually, openly manifest how dear our souls are to him. In these times, when innocent blood is shed, and the wicked contemners of God furiously exalt themselves, as if exulting over a vanquished God, let us hold fast by this doctrine, that the death of the faithful, which is so worthless, nay, even ignominious in the sight of men, is so valuable in God's sight, that, even after their death, he stretches out his hand towards them, and by dreadful examples demonstrates how he holds in abhorrence the cruelty of those who unjustly persecute the good and simple. . . . At his own time he will accomplish the prediction of Isaiah, that the earth shall disclose her blood, Isaiah 26:21." -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 116:15

    "Calvin seems to see the Seventh as interrelated to, as summing up, all Ten Commandments of the Law."*
    Although one kind of impurity is alone referred to, it is sufficiently plain, from the principle laid down, that believers are generally exhorted to chastity; for, if the Law be a perfect rule of holy living, it would be more than absurd to give a license for fornication, adultery alone being excepted. Furthermore, it is incontrovertible that God will by no means approve or excuse before this tribunal, what the common sense of mankind declares to be obscene; for, although lewdness has everywhere been rampant in every age, still the opinion could never be utterly extinguished, that fornication is a scandal and a sin. . . . [Titus 2:12; Isaiah 30:21; Matthew 19:17; Romans 13:8]
    Now, if Christ and the Apostles, who are the best interpreters of the Law, declare that God's Law is violated no less by fornication than by theft, we assuredly infer, *that in this Commandment the whole genus is comprehended under a single species. . . . [Hebrews 13:4; Leviticus 21:14; Deuteronomy 23:17; Hosea 4:11; Hosea 1:2; Numbers 25:9; 1 Corinthians 10:8; Acts 15:20; 1 Corinthians 6:18; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:4,5] -- John Calvin commenting on Exodus 20:14 and Deuteronomy 5:18 and context

    The depravity of man is at once the most empirically verifiable reality, but at the same time the most intellectually resisted fact. (Genesis 6:5; Genesis 8:21b; Ecclesiastes 9:3b; Jeremiah 17:9; Mark 7:21-23; Ephesians 2:1-3; Titus 3:3-5) -- Malcolm Muggeridge (1903-1990). See John Calvin's Commentary on Isaiah Chapter 33 [Isaiah 33:1-66].

    Sanctity of Life is the basis of Western Civilization. In the Abortion Holocaust we are witnessing the destruction of Western Civilization. -- D. James Kennedy

    According to the Guttmacher Institute, slightly less than half (45 percent) of U.S. pregnancies in 2011 were unintended, approximately 2.8 million pregnancies per year.[4]. . . .
    Over 92 percent of abortions are the result of unintended pregnancy,[13] and unintended pregnancies result in about 800,000 abortions/year.[14] -- Wikipedia, Unintended Pregnancy

    This life in us; however low it flickers or fiercely burns, is still a divine flame which no man dare presume to put out, be his motives never so humane and enlightened; To suppose otherwise is to countenance a death-wish; Either life is always and in all circumstances sacred, or intrinsically of no account; it is inconceivable that it should be in some cases the one, and in some the other. -- Malcolm Muggeridge (1903-1990)

    Everything Tolstoy wrote is precious, but I found this final statement of the truth about life as he had come to understand it particularly beautiful and moving. 'That is what I have wanted to say to you, my brothers. Before I died.' So he concludes, giving one a vivid sense of the old man, pen in hand and bent over the paper, his forehead wrinkled into a look of puzzlement very characteristic of him, as though he were perpetually wondering how others could fail to see what was to him so clear -- that the law of love explained all mysteries and invalidated all other laws. -- Malcolm Muggeridge (1903-1990)

    What will finally destroy us is not communism or fascism, but man acting like God. -- Malcolm Muggeridge (1903-1990)

    It is difficult to resist the conclusion that twentieth century man has decided to abolish himself. Tired of the struggle to be himself, he has created boredom out of his own affluence, impotence out of his own detromania, and vulnerability out of his own strength. He himself blows the trumpet that brings the walls of his own cities crashing down, until at last, having educated himself into imbecility, having drugged and polluted himself into stupefaction, he keels over, a weary, battered old brontosaurus, and becomes extinct. -- Malcolm Muggeridge (1903-1990)

    So the final conclusion would surely be that whereas other civilizations have been brought down by attacks of barbarians from without, ours had the unique distinction of training its own destroyers at its own educational institutions, and then providing them with facilities for propagating their destructive ideology far and wide, all at the public expense. Thus did Western Man decide to abolish himself, creating his own boredom out of his own affluence, his own vulnerability out of his own strength, his own impotence out of his own erotomania, himself blowing the trumpet that brought the walls of his own city tumbling down, and having convinced himself that he was too numerous, labored with pill and scalpel and syringe to make himself fewer. Until at last, having educated himself into imbecility, and polluted and drugged himself into stupefaction, he keeled over -- a weary, battered old brontosaurus -- and became extinct. -- Malcolm Muggeridge (1903-1990), in Vintage Muggeridge: Religion and Society

    Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us. (1 Samuel 8:19) Men have little integrity and will imitate peers, good or bad. Even more tragic is man's tendency to imitate leaders in power. Witness the dramatic change in opinion polls when an administration changes. For example, in the case of abortion, polls will indicate a majority of the population in favor of abortion when a pro-abortion president is in office. When the administration changes, and an anti-abortion president takes office, then the national opinion polls immediately shift.

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 106, commentary by C.H. Spurgeon
    Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt. (v. 7)
    Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known. (v. 8)
    And he saved them from the hand of them that hated them. (v. 10)
    They soon forgat his works. (v. 13)
    And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul. (v. 15)
    They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the molten image. (v. 19)
    Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass. (v. 20)
    They forgat God their saviour. (v. 21)
    Thus they provoked him to anger with their inventions: and the plague brake in upon them. (v. 29)
    Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and so the plague was stayed. (v. 30)
    And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore. (v. 31)
    They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them. (v. 34)
    But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works. (v. 35)
    Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils. (v. 37)
    Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions. (v. 39)
    Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, in so much that he abhorred his own inheritance. (v. 40)
    And he gave them into the hands of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them. (v. 41)
    Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand. (v. 42)
    Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity. (v. 43)
    Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry. (v. 44)
    And he remembered for them his covenant. (v. 45)
    Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, and to triumph in thy praise. (v. 47)
    Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the Lord. (v. 48)
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps106.php

    Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. (Psalm 127:3)

    If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life, Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe. (Exodus 21:22-25)

    For the fetus, though enclosed in the womb of its mother, is already a human being, and it is a monstrous crime to rob it of the life which it has not yet begun to enjoy. If it seems more horrible to kill a man in his own house than in a field, because a man's house is his place of most secure refuge, it ought surely to be deemed more atrocious to destroy a fetus in the womb before it has come to light. -- John Calvin commenting on Exodus 21:22, from the third volume of the Harmony of the Law, under the Sixth Commandment, Political Supplements, referencing Exodus 21:22, Baker edition of Calvin's Commentaries, Vol. III, pp. 41-42

    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 marvelous in our eyes? Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
    And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsovever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.     (Matthew 21:42-44)

    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)

    Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah. I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. (Psalm 32:1-5)

    For the Christian, the acknowledgment of God as the Creator of life, brings to bear one very significant life-transforming truth. The Bible makes it specific that God, in his love, created man. Thus, it is not life that precedes love, but love that precedes life. It is the love of God that gave us life in creation, just as it is the love of a mother that enables a child to live, in procreation. Any attempt to thwart the love of God, thwarts His design and brings discord in life because it rejects the very motivation in the creation of life.
    "One can readily see how the failure to implement the role of love has resulted in modern man becoming the most abortive of life in all of history. The opposite of love is selfishness, and the rights of the one bearing the baby have now eradicated the love needed to give life. From 'live and let live,' we have moved to 'live and let die.' Love is creation's first law, and if love has preceded life, then for life to succeed, it must live within the boundaries of this love. -- Ravi Zacharias, A Shattered Visage: The Real Face of Atheism

    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

    Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law. (Psalm 119:53)

    The Journal of the American Medical Association reported (early 2001), a study of 247 women who died in pregnancy in the state of Maryland. The leading cause of death during pregnancy was murder. Twenty-one percent of the women studied were murdered.

    Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. (Proverbs 31:8)

    A "modest proposal:" if the State would recognize abortion as murder, and those receiving, performing, or funding abortions be declared felons, without the right to vote, then the face of politics in American would be dramatically changed, and simplified.

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Abortion," and so forth, and so on.

    *American Portrait Films, Gregg Cunningham, Kemper Crabb, Center for Bio-Ethical Reform, and Reel to Real Ministries, Hard Truth: The Pro-life Tool of the Decade (Cleveland, OH [American Portrait Films, Inc., P.O. Box 19266, Cleveland 44119]: American Portrait Films, Inc., 1992), DVD.
    "I honestly have never seen anything quite so powerful -- or quite so anointed." -- George Grant
    "The 'Hard Truth' shatters the myth of choice." -- Carol Everett.
    Hard Truth: The Pro-life Tool of the Decade
    http://www.americanportraitfilms.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=308

    *American Portrait Films, For Life: A Catalog of Pro-life Video Titles (Cleveland, OH [American Portrait Films, Inc., P.O. Box 19266, Cleveland 44119]: American Portrait Films, Inc., 1992).
    "This catalog represents pro-life titles we believe worthy of owning and sharing with others. You will find timely, related subjects here, from teenage sexuality, to the treatment of pro-life activists, to the advent of 'mercy killing' in our hospitals and nursing homes.
    "In the near future American Portrait Films will be carrying a large number of instructional and wholesome entertainment videos. . . ." -- John A. Hocevar
    Select titles produced by American Portrait Films: "Hard Truth," "Parents' Rights Denied," "The Silent Scream," "The Brutal Truth," "Tell the Truth: Rally for Life '90," "America Speaks Up For Life," "No Alibis," "Your Crisis Pregnancy," "The Massacre of Innocence," "The Hidden Holocaust," and many more.
    American Portrait Films
    "We now (2002) offer over 30 Christian creation science videos, young earth creationism videos, creation science videos, and videos on other creationist topics as well as 100 other thought provoking pro life, pro family videos."
    http://www.americanportraitfilms.com/

    American Portrait Films, The Massacre of Innocence: The Occult Roots of Abortion, DVD.

    *Anderson, James N.D., Issues of Life and Death, ISBN: 0340231513 9780340231517.
    "In this work Sir Norman presents his 'Lectures on Contemporary Christianity,' University of London, 1975. He establishes his thesis for the development of ethical principles squarely on the sacredness of human life as presented in the Bible. While on the one hand this treatise is a valuable corrective for Ward's THE DIVINE IMAGE, on the other it is a bold attempt to provide a rational defense for a viable system of ethics. In this we believe Anderson has been most successful." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Baker, Don, Beyond Choice: The Abortion Story no one is Telling, ISBN: 0880701277 9780880701273.
    "True and heart-breaking story of a young woman, her three abortions, her failed marriage, her depression and despair, the loss of her only child through the courts to grandparents, and her present infertility." -- GCB

    *Beckwith, Francis J., Defending Life: A Moral and Legal Case Against Abortion Choice, ISBN: 9780521870849 0521870844.
    "DEFENDING LIFE is the most comprehensive defense of the prolife position on abortion ever published. It is sophisticated, but still accessible to the ordinary citizen. Without high-pitched rhetoric or appeals to religion, the author offers a careful and respectful case for why the prolife view of human life is correct. He responds to the strongest prochoice arguments found in law, science, philosophy, politics, and the media. He explains and critiques Roe v. Wade, and he explains why virtually all the popular prochoice arguments fail. There is simply nothing like this book.
    "Francis J. Beckwith is Associate Professor of Church-State Studies, Baylor University, where he teaches in the departments of philosophy and political science and the J.M. Dawson Institute of Church-State Studies. A 2002-2003 Madison Research Fellow in the Politics Department at Princeton University, he is a graduate of Fordham University (Ph.D., philosophy), and the Washington University School of Law, St. Louis (M.J.S.), where he won the CALI Award for academic excellence in the Reproductive Control Seminar. His more than a dozen books include IS STATECRAFT SOULCRAFT? CHRISTIANITY AND POLITICS; TO EVERYONE AN ANSWER: A CASE FOR THE CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW (2004); LAW, DARWINISM, AND PUBLIC EDUCATION: THE ESTABLISHMENT AND THE CHALLENGE OF INTELLIGENT DESIGN (2003); DO THE RIGHT THING: READINGS IN APPLIED ETHICS AND SOCIAL PHILOSOPHY, Second Edition (2002); and THE NEW MORMON CHALLENGE: RESPONDING TO THE LATEST DEFENSES OF A FAST-GROWING MOVEMENT (2002), which was a finalist for the Gold Medallion Award in theology and doctrine. With interests in jurisprudence, politics, philosophy of religion, and public policy, Professor Beckwith has published in a wide variety of academic journals including the Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy, Journal of Social Philosophy, International Philosophical Quarterly, Hastings Constitutional Law Quarterly, Journal of Medicine and Philosophy, American Journal of Jurisprudence, Journal of Medical Ethics, Public Affairs Quarterly, Notre Dame Journal of Law, Ethics and Public Policy, Social Theory and Practice, Southern Baptist Journal of Theology, Christian Bioethics, Nevada Law Journal, Journal of Law and Religion, and Philosophia Christi. His website is http://www.francisbeckwith.com." -- Publisher

    Beckwith, Francis, Politically Correct Death: Answering the Arguments for Abortion Rights, ISBN: 0801010500 9780801010507.

    *Brand, Paul, and Philip Yancey, Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, ISBN: 0802727654 9780802727657.
    "The human body is an endlessly fascinating repository of secrets. The miracle of the skin, the strength and structure of the bones, the dynamic balance of the muscles . . . your physical being is knit according to a pattern of incredible purpose. In Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, renowned surgeon Dr. Paul Brand and bestselling writer Philip Yancey explore the human body. Join them in a remarkable journey through inner space -- a spellbinding world of cells, systems, and chemistry that bears the impress of a still deeper, unseen reality. This Gold medallion Award-winning book uncovers eternal statements that God has made in the very structure of our bodies, presenting captivating insights into the Body of Christ."
    Dr. Paul Brand was a world-renowned hand surgeon and leprosy specialist. Co-author with Philip Yancey of THE GIFT OF PAIN and FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE. Philip Yancey serves as editor-at-large for Christianity Today magazine, has written twelve Gold Medallion Award-winning books, and two Kip Jordon ECPA Books of the Year, and lives with his wife in Colorado." -- Publisher

    *Bunyan, John (1628-1688), and Robert Philip (1791-1858), The Greatness of the Soul: and The Unspeakableness of the Loss Thereof; No way to Heaven but by Jesus Christ; The Strait Gate. Alternate title: THE GREATNESS OF THE SOUL, AND UNSPEAKABLENESS OF THE LOSS THEREOF: WITH THE CAUSES OF THE LOSING IT: FIRST PREACHED AT PINNERS HALL, AND NOW ENLARGED, AND PUBLISHED FOR GOOD. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "In the 1660s, Charles II, King of England, asked John Owen (1616-1683), why he went to hear the preaching of an uneducated tinker. [John Bunyan -- compiler]. Looking the King in the eye, Owen answered, 'May it please your Majesty, could I possess the tinker's ability for preaching, I would willingly relinquish all my learning'." -- Andrew Thomson, John Owen, Prince of Puritans
    Owen would not have been surprised to learn that Bunyan's most influential work, PILGRIM'S PROGRESS, would be translated into more languages over the next 400 years than any book except the Bible.
    The Greatness of the Soul: and The Unspeakableness of the Loss Thereof; No way to Heaven but by Jesus Christ; The Strait Gate
    http://archive.org/details/greatnessofsoulu00bunyuoft
    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.

    Burtchaell, James T., Rachel Weeping: The Case Against Abortion, ISBN: 0919225349 9780919225343.
    "Searing and impeccable documentation, five essays presenting a strong and consistent case against abortion. This book would not be classified as a Biblical presentation, but nevertheless his arguments are strong. What a storehouse of ammunition against abortionists." -- GCB

    Cali, C.R., The Doctrine of Balaam: A Polemic Against the Secular Pro-life Establishment, and an exhortation with encouragement to the persecuted bride of Christ to resist the temptation of fellowship with darkness; nor yoke themselves with the course of this world; nor whore themselves out to the prince of the power of the air, who is full of the accusation Did God really say?; and to flee seeking carnal goals and pragmatic means of compromise towards them rather than obedience to the word of God and trust in His sovereign control and care through providence, responding rightly with our Lord as He rebuked the enemy of God with, Thus, says the Lord, as it relates in particular to the Christian response to the murder of preborn children, ISBN: 9781732233225 1732233225.

    Carlson, Allan C., Godly Seed: American Evangelicals Confront Birth Control, 1873-1973, ISBN: 9781412842617 1412842611.
    "In an ironic twist, American evangelical leaders are joining mainstream acceptance of contraception. GODLY SEED: AMERICAN EVANGELICALS CONFRONT BIRTH CONTROL, 1873-1973, examines how mid-twentieth-century evangelical leaders eventually followed the mainstream into a quiet embrace of contraception, complemented by a brief acceptance of abortion. It places this change within the context of historic Christian teaching regarding birth control, including its origins in the early church and the shift in arguments made by the Reformers of the sixteenth century. The book explores the demographic effects of this transition and asks: did the delay by American evangelicals leaders in accepting birth control have consequences?
    At the same time, many American evangelicals are rethinking their acceptance of birth control even as a majority of the nation's Roman Catholics are rejecting their church's teaching on the practice. Raised within a religious movement that has almost uniformly condemned abortion, many young evangelicals have begun to ask whether abortion can be neatly isolated from the issue of contraception. A significant number of evangelical families have, over the last several decades, rejected the use of birth control and returned decisions regarding family size to God. Given the growth of the evangelical movement, this pioneering work will have a large-scale impact." -- Publisher

    *Chambers, Claire, The SIECUS Circle: A Humanist Revolution, ISBN: 0882791192 9780882791197.
    THE SIECUS CIRCLE: A HUMANIST REVOLUTION established a clear connection between the socialist agenda and sexual immorality of the general population.
    "THE SIECUS CIRCLE said, in the 1960s, that the population control crowd targeted the RCC [Roman Catholic Church], the LCMS [Lutheran Church Missouri Synod], and the SBC [Southern Baptist Church], as they all had leaders in charge of major publishing operations who could easily be 'bought off.' I remember as a child, my father coming home one day from Rotary Club livid that the local LCMS pastor had spoken on the need for classroom sex talk (sex ed) in the local schools. It worked. . . . setting up the foundations for abortion." -- Reader's Comment
    "This book was an eye opener, written years ago, and relevant and prophetic for today. I am glad I re-read it again. If you want to know where the culture is headed, read this . . ." -- Reader's Comment

    Curro, Ellen, Caring Enough to Help: Counseling at a Crisis Pregnancy Center, ISBN: 0801025516 9780801025518.
    "Much valuable information for training volunteers to serve at a crisis pregnancy center is included here. The entire Christian community will see how it can make a difference by touching hurting lives." -- GCB

    *Everett, Carol, with Jack Shaw, The Scarlet Lady: The Confessions of a Successful Abortionist, ISBN: 1561210730 9781561210732. Alternate title: BLOOD MONEY: GETTING RICH OFF A WOMAN'S RIGHT TO CHOOSE.
    "Carol Everett's SCARLET LADY: CONFESSIONS OF A SUCCESSFUL ABORTIONIST convicted my wife and I that the abortion industry is the immoral and money hungry, multi-million dollar monster that we always believed it to be. Mrs. Everett puts her own reputation on the line by showing what she did during her tenure as an abortionist. Yes, she calls herself this, even though she never picked up the knife or suction tube. She explains how low this profession can go by falsifying pregnancy reports, using pressure tactics like how much more money it will cost for an abortion the longer they wait, and even participates in the illegal transportation and the cover-up of an abortion patient's death. She even brought her daughter into this life she led. Anyone interested in how the abortion industry lies and winds its way into every ones lives should consider this a must read! " -- Reader's Comment
    Post-abortion syndrome affects abortion workers as well as mothers.

    *Foreman, Joseph L., Shattering the Darkness: The Crisis of the Cross in the Church Today, ISBN: 0935883037 9780935883039.
    "Don't read this book if you are not willing to be heart-wrenchingly challenged. Foreman effectively makes the distinction between committing to a social cause and picking up one's cross. They are not necessarily one and the same thing. It will not be rallies or political strategies or demonstrations alone that will deliver the death blow to abortion. The call is to the church to embrace the cross. It is the power of the cross that revolutionizes the culture and transforms every facet of life from marriage to business to politics and so on, rescuing those areas from darkness. . . ." -- Reader's Comment

    Fowler, Paul B., Abortion: Toward an Evangelical Consensus, ISBN: 0880701730 9780880701730.
    "It fills a critical gap by clarifying the scriptural, logical, and biological assumptions upon which the pro-life and pro-choice movements are based. Fowler insists that 'not one can be neutral on this issue' and concludes that Christians can reach a consensus against abortion." -- Charles Swindoll

    Ganz, Richard (editor), Thou Shalt not Kill: The Christian Case Against Abortion, ISBN: 0870004069 9780870004063.
    "Collected essays dealing with various facets of the struggle against abortion." -- David Powlison

    Garton, Jean, Who Broke the Baby, ISBN: 0764220500 9780764220500.
    "What you would want your daughter to know about abortion . . . intelligent, Biblical. . . . This is the book that Senator Hyde purchased and distributed to all the members of the legislature of the United States."

    Grant, George, Grand Illusions: The Legacy of Planned Parenthood, ISBN: 1581820577 9781581820577.
    Exposes the hidden agenda of Planned Parenthood.
    "In the course of my research, I have found that the abortion industry's very existence depends on secrecy, deception, and distortion of information. For this very reason, I strongly recommend George Grant's book, GRAND ILLUSIONS, because it provides much needed information that I'm sure Planned Parenthood would rather no one knew!" -- Frank E. Peretti

    *Grant, George, The Quick and the Dead: RU-486 and the New Chemical Warfare Against Your Family, ISBN: 0891076646 9780891076643.
    "Will Christians be asleep as the abortion pill RU-486 threatens human life as they were when Roe vs. Wade first appeared? We must become informed about the danger lurking before us as the pro-death forces spend millions to being the French abortion pill to America!" -- GCB
    "It is must reading for the concerned Christians who want to stay informed about RU-486, the abortion pill. RU-486 proponents claim it to be a 'safe and effective post-coital contraceptive method.' However, it is not safe, or effective; and it does not prevent conception. But it does destroy unborn babies." -- CRM

    *Grant, George, Third Time Around: A History of the Pro-Life Movement From the First Century to the Present, ISBN: 0943497655 9780943497655.
    "You will be enriched and enlightened as you read about the pro-life successes of people from the past like J. Hudson Taylor, Theodore Roosevelt, Mother Theresa, Alexander Solzhenitsyn, and others." -- Publisher

    Grant, George, with Gary North, Planned Parenthood: Your Tax Dollars at Work, a video, DVD. ISBN: 1888306521 9781888306521.
    "How and why are American taxpayers subsidizing genocide today through the insidious program of Planned Parenthood?" -- Publisher

    Hoffmeier, James K. (editor), Abortion: A Christian Understanding and Response, ISBN: 0801043174 9780801043178.
    "This book contains an extensive study of relevant Biblical teaching on the subject of abortion as well as an extended list of practical guidelines for Christians wrestling with this moral issue." -- GCB

    Jackson, Mark, Newborn Child Murder: Women, Illegitimacy and the Courts in Eighteenth-Century England. ISBN: 0719046076 9780719046070.
    Of course, abortion is not unprecedented. Furthermore it is not unprecedented for man's law to be lenient toward mothers who murder their own children.
    "Includes trials of eighteenth-century child murder cases."

    *Johnston, George F. (compiler), Abortion From the Religious and Moral Perspective: An Annotated Bibliography, ISBN: 0313314020 9780313314025.
    "Johnston begins by claiming this is not just another bibliography on the subject of abortion. What makes his different? It is narrow in scope, addressing only the religious and moral perspectives without attempting to cover legal, sociological, political, and medical aspects. It contains more entries and has greater depth, is ambitiously comprehensive and includes many important publications, and has citations from all points of view. . . .
    "George F. Johnston is Cataloger at the Langsam Library at the University of Cincinnati. He formerly served as Assistant Librarian at Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis." -- Publisher

    *Jones, E. Michael, Libido Dominandi: Sexual Liberation and Political Control, ISBN: 189031837X 9781890318376.
    "Thus, a good man, though a slave, is free; but a wicked man, though a king, is a slave. For he serves, not one man alone, but, what is worse, as many masters as he has vices." -- St. Augustine, City of God
    "Writing at the time of the collapse of the Roman Empire, St. Augustine both revolutionized and brought to a close antiquity's idea of freedom. A man was not a slave by nature or by law, as Aristotle claimed. His freedom was a function of his moral state. A man had as many masters as he had vices. This insight would provide the basis for the most sophisticated form of social control known to man.
    "Fourteen hundred years later, a decadent French aristocrat turned that tradition on its head when he wrote that 'the freest of people are they who are most friendly to murder.' Like St. Augustine, the Marquis de Sade would agree that freedom was a function of morals. Unlike St. Augustine, Sade proposed a revolution in sexual morals to accompany the political revolution then taking place in France. LIBIDO DOMINANDI -- the term is taken from Book I of Augustine's CITY OF GOD -- is the definitive history of that sexual revolution, from 1773 to the present.
    "Unlike the standard version of the sexual revolution, LIBIDO DOMINANDI shows how sexual liberation was from its inception a form of control. Those who wished to liberate man from the moral order needed to impose social controls as soon as they succeeded because liberated libido led inevitably to anarchy. Aldous Huxley wrote in his preface to the 1946 edition of BRAVE NEW WORLD that 'as political and economic freedom diminishes, sexual freedom tends compensatingly to increase.' This book is about the converse of that statement. It explains how the rhetoric of sexual freedom was used to engineer a system of covert political and social control. Over the course of the two-hundred-year span covered by this book, the development of technologies of communication, reproduction, and psychic control -- including psychotherapy, behaviorism, advertising, sensitivity training, pornography, and plain old blackmail -- allowed the Enlightenment and its heirs to turn Augustine's insight on its head and create masters out of men's vices. LIBIDO DOMINANDI is the story of how that happened." -- Publisher
    "E. Michael Jones ['a Roman Catholic polemicist of the old-fashioned type, for whom no Roman prelate (at least before Vatican II) ever did wrong, and no Protestant ever did right. He writes with the vehemence of a pamphleteer in the time of the sixteenth-century French wars of religion.' -- Reader's Comment], is editor of Culture Wars Magazine, and author of many books, including THE SLAUGHTER OF CITIES: URBAN RENEWAL AS ETHNIC CLEANSING." -- Publisher

    McAleer, Phelim, Gosnell: The Untold Story of America's Most Prolific Serial Killer, 2017, ISBN: 1621578585 9781621578581. Also available as an e-book. Currently showing as a movie (October, 2018). Forthcoming as a DVD.
    This is based upon a true story.
    "He is America's most prolific serial killer. And yet Kermit Gosnell was no obvious criminal. The abortion doctor was a pillar of his community, an advocate for women's 'reproductive health,' and a respected member of Philadelphia's professional elite. His Women's Medical Society Clinic looked like admirable community outreach by a brave doctor committed to upholding women's rights. Meanwhile, inside the filthy building, Gosnell was casually murdering born-alive infants, butchering women, and making a macabre collection of severed babies' feet. His accomplices in crime were a staff of dropouts, drug addicts, and unlicensed medical professionals posing as doctors. But even more important to his decades-long crime spree were his enablers in the outside world -- from the state bureaucrats who had copious evidence that Gosnell was breaking the law but did nothing, to the politicians whose fervent support for abortion rights kept health inspectors away. The 'pro-choice' political, bureaucratic, and media establishment smiled on Gosnell -- and gave him carte blanche to kill. Even law enforcement seemed to not care. Philadelphia Police Homicide Unit received a complaint about Gosnell years before he was caught, gave it a cursory look, and ignored the evidence. Two women and hundreds of babies died after they closed the case. Luckily, Detective Jim Wood -- a narcotics detective -- opened a drug case against Gosnell. What he found when he served his warrant left even the most grizzled members of the police force stunned. Now Ann McElhinney and Phelim McAleer, the veteran investigative journalists and filmmakers behind 'FrackNation,' dig into Gosnell's crimes. A record-breaking crowdfunding campaign financed their Gosnell movie starring young Superman Dean Cain, but in the research for the film, McElhinney and McAleer uncovered fascinating and previously unreported revelations that couldn't be included in the film. GOSNELL: THE UNTOLD STORY OF AMERICA'S MOST PROLIFIC SERIAL KILLER contains the full results of their investigation." -- Publisher
    "The pinnacle of the movie is not the verdict. It is when the defense attorney gets the expert-witness abortionist, who has done 30,000 'safe' abortions, to describe just how she insures that a pre-aborted baby is not born alive. This is one way: A long needle is inserted into the baby's back in order to access the beating heart, then the baby's heart is injected with potassium chloride which stops the heart.
    "She also admits that if, despite their attempts to end its life the baby is born alive, they provide it 'comfort care.' The defense attorney asks clarification. He says, 'You mean, you just let it die.' 'Yes,' she replied.
    "That's the important contribution of this movie, not the guilty verdict for murder of Gosnell which is a given. This small segment of this movie describes what has been happening since the Roe vs. Wade decision in 1973 for an estimated 60 million babies. . . .(Jeremiah 32:31-32,35)" -- Reader's Comment on the movie

    McDonagh, Josephine, Child Murder and British Culture, 1720-1900, ISBN: 0521781930 9780521781930.
    "Josephine McDonagh examines the concept of child murder in British culture in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries by analyzing texts drawn from economics, philosophy, law, and medicine, as well as literature. McDonagh highlights the ways in which child murder echoes and reverberates in a variety of cultural debates and social practices. She traces a trajectory from Swift's a MODEST PROPOSAL through the debates on the New Woman at the turn of the twentieth century by way of Burke, Wordsworth, Wollstonecraft, George Eliot, George Egerton, and Thomas Hardy, among others.
    "Josephine McDonagh is Reader in Romantic and Victorian Culture in the School of English and Humanities at Birkbeck College, University of London. She is the author of DE QUINCEY'S DISCIPLINES (1994) and GEORGE ELIOT (1997) and co-editor of TRANSACTIONS AND ENCOUNTERS: SCIENCE AND CULTURE IN NINETEENTH-CENTURY BRITAIN (2001)." -- Publisher

    Michels, Nancy, Helping Women Recover From Abortion, ISBN: 0871236214 9780871236210.
    "A poignant documentary of the pain-filled lives of many aborted women. It is essential reading for those who think that abortion is a solution to unplanned pregnancy and for those who would counsel the growing sisterhood of permanently scarred women -- reveals the hidden horror of abortion and the healing help that is available." -- Reader's Comment
    Includes bibliography.

    *Miller, C. John "Jack" (1928-1996), Finding Healthy Self-esteem Through Being Completely Forgiven (Quality Living Series. Jenkintown, PA [World Harvest, Box 2175, Jenkintown, 19046]: World Harvest, 1987).
    "Do you feel inadequate? That you need to do more or be better in order to be happy and fulfilled? You may not realize it, but your biggest problem is . . . you don't feel completely forgiven."
    World Harvest Mission
    http://www.whm.org/home.htm

    Morecraft III, Joe, With Liberty and Justice for All, 2nd edition.
    "Joe Morecraft III was the pastor of the late Senator Larry McDonald, who was killed when the Russians shot down his plane. This is Christian politics made simple. A very readable book that will help you to think through the place of the government in our lives, namely, the government's authority and limitations. All this is done with many passages quoted from Scripture. There is a chapter on the life of Larry McDonald. . . ." -- Footstool Publications
    "What are Christians to do when the civil government is evil? Must they always obey the authorities? What are the origins of civil government? Does the Bible authorize the government to execute criminals? Is abortion murder if it is legal? Shouldn't Christians stay out of politics? This book answers these questions and many more. Dr. Morecraft, pastor of Chalcedon Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, seeks Biblical answers to these questions. An instructive book for today." -- GCB

    *Nathansen, Bernard N., The Hand of God, ISBN: 0895264633 9780895264633.
    "Here is a man who was responsible for the legalization of abortion in the United States, coming to terms with the dreadful consequences of his actions, publicly sharing an obviously painful part of his life, and seeking forgiveness. . . .
    "Especially chilling are Nathanson's predictions for the future. He predicts that just as we now have abortuaries one day we will have 'death with dignity centers' -- legalized places where we can bring our elderly to have them put to death. . . .
    "Not long after the book was published, Dr. Nathanson [raised Jewish -- compiler], entered the Catholic Church." -- Reader's Comment

    *Nathansen, Bernard N., and Richard N. Ostling, Aborting America, ISBN: 0523415389 9780523415383.
    "Re-examines the abortion controversy, the abortion law, the theories behind the proabortionist lobby, and exposes the flagrant abuses being practiced in America today. Highlights the fact that socially this indicates a diminished respect for human life. Challenging." -- Cyril J. Barber

    *Piper, John, Justin Taylor, Ben Patterson, David Powlison (1949-2019), and Albert Mohler, et al., Sex and the Supremacy of Christ, ISBN: 9781433512278 1433512270.
    Amazon reviews are 79 percent five stars as of 4/27/2022.
    "Really impressed by the wealth of writers in this book. I have quoted from it and bought it both in Kindle and paperback versions. The five parts cover a wide range of subjects: 'God and Sex,' 'Sin and Sex,' 'Men and Sex,' 'Women and Sex,' and 'History and Sex.' That final part changed my thinking both on Luther and on the Puritans, as they really restored good biblical understanding on sex. The fact that God created sex is often lost in today's society, and this book helps focus on its positive view of a subject often spoiled by the world today." -- Reader's Comment
    "The second section deals with 'Sin and Sex.' The highlight of the entire book is David Powlison's chapter on 'Restoring Pure Joy to the Sexually Broken.' He provides biblical wisdom and encouragement for people who have abused sex, or who have been sexually abused. His counsel is loving and pastoral, and will surely bring a glimpse of light to many for whom sex has become darkness." -- Reader's Comment

    *Reagan, Ronald, Abortion and the Conscience of the Nation.
    "During the decade immediately following the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision in 1973, more than fifteen million unborn children were legally aborted. When one considers that this figure is ten times greater than the loss of all Americans in all of the nation's wars, some understanding of the enormity of the problem becomes apparent. In an unprecedented effort to make the public aware of the importance of the situation President Reagan addressed the volatile subject of abortion. 'Afterwords' were supplied by the Surgeon General, C. Everett Koop, and Malcolm Muggeridgge." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Scott, Douglas, Bad Choices: A Look Inside Planned Parenthood, ISBN: 1880692023 9781880692028.
    "Doug, who is a pro-life veteran from the Christian Action Council and the Free Congress Federation, has really done his homework and has thus made an indispensable contribution to this important area of sociopolitical scholarship. He covers vastly different material in a profoundly different fashion than I do in my book. There can be no competition when it comes to stopping the hideous juggernaut of Planned Parenthood." -- George Grant

    Sider, Ronald J., and Diane Knippers, Toward an Evangelical Public Policy: Political Strategies for the Health of the Nation, ISBN: 0801065380 9780801065385.
    "Contents: Foreword / Ted Haggard | Introduction / Ronald J. Sider and Diane Knippers
    Part I. Learning from the past. Seeking a place / John C. Green | A history of the public policy resolutions of the National Association of Evangelicals / Richard Cizik | Evangelical denominations at the foundations of modern American and British social-political structures and policies / Paul de Vries | The mainline protestant tradition in the twentieth century / Max L. Stackhouse and Raymond R. Roberts | Insights from Catholic social ethics and political participation / Kristen E. Heyer
    Part II. Toward an evangelical methodology. Toward an evangelical ethical methodology / David P. Gushee and Dennis P. Hollinger -- Foundations for an evangelical political philosophy / Nicholas Wolterstorff | Justice, human rights, and government / Ronald J. Sider | Citizenship, civil society, and the church / Joseph Loconte
    Part III. Central themes for an evangelical framework. The sanctity of life in the twenty-first century / Nigel M. de S. Cameron | Caring for the vulnerable / Clive Calver and Galen Carey | Family integrity / Tom Minnery and Glenn T. Stanton | Stewardship / R. Scott Rodin | The ethics of war and peacemaking / Glen H. Stassen | Human rights / Paul Marshall | pt. IV. Implementation. In the arena / Stephen Monsma and Mark Rodgers."

    Singer, C. Gregg (1910-1999), On the Doctrine of Human Rights, a series of messages [digital files].
    "Every futile attempt to create rights which do not exist results in the lose of rights which do exist. The modern theory of political rights has no philosophic or theological foundation. It rests upon human democratic assumptions concerning the nature of man, which conception has absolutely no foundation in the political, or the social, or the religious philosophy which produced it." -- C. Gregg Singer commenting on "human rights" in general, and the right to abortion in particular, in his lecture Apologetics: #01: Classical and Medieval Thought #1, the first in a series of 24 lectures entitled "Apologetics" delivered in November 1979 in Decatur, Georgia, which follow his book FROM RATIONALISM TO IRRATIONALITY: THE DECLINE OF THE WESTERN MIND FROM THE RENAISSANCE TO THE PRESENT (1979).
    For more from Singer on the doctrine of human rights see also:

  • Apologetics #06: Irrationalism and Theistic Rationalism #2
  • Apologetics #07: Irrationalism and Theistic Rationalism
  • Apologetics #12: The Impact of Darwin and Social Darwinism #1
  • Church History #05: The Early Church #4
  • Great Moments in Presbyterian History #8: What the Bible has to say About the Nature of Government
    "Human rights emerge from human duty and from no other place. And beginning with Locke and Jefferson they removed them from their Biblical foundation. . . .
    "What are our real rights? We have the right to life because God created us in his image. . . .
    "Our duties to God are the source of our rights. And any other concept of human rights will inevitably, by their very nature, destroy that which they seek to protect. Man was created to glorify God, and in his glorification of God he receives his rights because they are the product, they spring from his duty."
  • Decline of American Culture #06: Decline in the 1830's: Philosophical Revolution in Political Thought
    • Smith, F. Legard, When Choice Becomes God, ISBN: 0890818282 9780890818282.
    Exposes the falsehood in the arguments of the Pro-Choice movement.

    *Terry, Randall A., Accessory to Murder: The Enemies, Allies, and Accomplices to the Death of our Culture, ISBN: 0943497787 9780943497785.
    "Randall Terry exposes the purposes and tactics of the ACLU, NOW, and Planned Parenthood from a perfect vantage point -- prison . . . . It draws the battle lines between life and death more clearly than you have ever seen them drawn before."

    *Terry, Randall, Operation Rescue, ISBN: 0883682095 9780883682098.
    Randall Terry is the recognized leader in this expanding movement.
    "I consider Operation Rescue a legitimate front-line force in the pro-life movement. Please prayerfully consider joining with me in supporting this organization to save the lives of the unborn and to stop the killing permanently." -- D. James Kennedy

    Tobin, Kathleen A., The American Religious Debate Over Birth Control 1907-1937, ISBN: 9780786410811 0786410817.
    "The ongoing debates on the morality of artificial birth control sparked a heated public debate in the early twentieth century in an already religiously fragmented United States. Many denominations took part in the deliberations both publicly and privately. In examining the ideas about contraception and birth control at that time, this book considers the cultural environment, religion and its connection to the roots of birth control, the questioning of religious doctrine, the Protestants' view of birth control, the Lambeth Conferences of 1930, the influence of conservatives, and the influence of Catholics." -- Publisher

    *Trewhella, Matthew J., The Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrates: A Proper Resistance to Tyranny and a Repudiation of Unlimited Obedience to Civil Government, ISBN: 1482327686 9781482327687.
    "America has entered troubling times. The rule of law is crumbling. The massive expansion of Federal government power with its destructive laws and policies is of grave concern to many. But what can be done to quell the abuse of power by civil authority? Are unjust or immoral actions by the government simply to be accepted and their lawless commands obeyed? How do we know when the government has acted tyrannically? Which actions constitute proper and legitimate resistance? This book places in your hands a hopeful blueprint for freedom. Appealing to history and the Word of God, Pastor Matthew Trewhella answers these questions and shows how Americans can successfully resist the Federal government's attempts to trample our Constitution, assault our liberty, and impugn the law of God. The doctrine of the lesser magistrates declares that when the superior or higher civil authority makes an unjust/immoral law or decree, the lesser or lower ranking civil authority has both the right and duty to refuse obedience to that superior authority. If necessary, the lower authority may even actively resist the superior authority. Historically, this doctrine was practiced before the time of Christ and Christianity. It was Christian men, however, who formalized and embedded it into their political institutions throughout Western Civilization. The doctrine of the lesser magistrates is a historic tool that provides proven guidelines for proper and legitimate resistance to tyranny, often without causing any major upheaval in society. The doctrine teaches us how to rein in lawless acts by government and restore justice in our nation. 'Use this sword against my enemies, if I give righteous commands; but if I give unrighteous commands, use it against me.' -- Roman Emperor Trajan, speaking to one of his subordinates. This is the first book published solely addressing the doctrine of the lesser magistrates in over 400 years. Matthew Trewhella is the pastor of Mercy Seat Christian Church. He is a graduate of Valley Forge Christian College. He and his wife, Clara, have eleven children and nine grandchildren, and reside in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area. His research and teaching on the lesser magistrate doctrine is reshaping the thinking of Americans. He was instrumental in publishing The Magdeburg Confession: 13th of April 1550 AD, in 2012 -- the first English translation of the document since it was written in 1550." -- Publisher
    "Wow! Please get this book and read it. And then read it again! And then send it to your lesser magistrates (specifically your local sheriffs, county judges, and State governors).
    "The subtitle says it all: A PROPER RESISTANCE TO TYRANNY AND A REPUDIATION OF UNLIMITED OBEDIENCE TO CIVIL GOVERNMENT.
    "Romans 13:1-7 has caused a great deal of confusion to modern Christian evangelicals. On the whole it tends to get interpreted as 'we must obey the government [with an implied unlimited obedience].' Of course that doesn't feel right, and we know of the passage that says 'we must obey God rather than men.' But how do we reconcile these?
    "THE DOCTRINE OF THE LESSER MAGISTRATES helps us figure that out. Government has been instituted by God as His instrument to do His work. But when government ceases to do God's work in carrying out just laws, there needs to be a way to hold back the tyranny. Will revolt and riot work, or is that what Christians are called to do? No.
    "Enter the lesser magistrate -- also known as the government office holder who is inferior to the one giving the orders but has a legitimate role in government nonetheless. He has the ability and the duty to resist carrying out unjust laws or orders. And he has the ability and duty to interpose on behalf of the citizens against whom the tyrannical governing authority is trying to carry out his power.
    "Trewhella shows historical examples of how the application of this doctrine has worked and provides compelling Biblical exegesis of how this doctrine is clearly taught in Scripture.
    "I highly recommend reading this book! It's short enough to be read in one sitting, but powerful enough to transform your understanding of how to properly resist tyranny -- in God's power and by God's prescription." -- Reader's Comment
    Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrate
    http://www.LesserMagistrate.com
    Defy Tyrants
    http://www.DefyTyrants.com

    Vredevelt, Pam W., Empty Arms: Emotional Support for Those who Have Suffered Miscarriage or Stillbirth, ISBN: 0880708107.
    "This book was a great help to my wife and myself after the stillbirth of our son. When we started our own ministry to help those suffering from the loss of a baby, we looked at dozens of potential books to use in the ministry, and we kept coming back to this book as the most complete, compassionate work on the subject. This book stands far above most others by helping grieving parents come to terms with their loss intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. I can't say enough about this book and the impact it has had on the lives of the people that we have given it to in our ministry." -- Reader's Comment

    White, Margaret, Two Million Silent Killings: The Truth About Abortion, ISBN: 0551014024 9780551014022.
    "An outspoken, moving and compelling work exposing the scandal of abortion and laying bare the ethical, scientific, and social impoverishment which abortion has brought in its train." -- GCB

    *Young, Curt, The Least of These: What Everyone Should Know About Abortion, ISBN: 0802446248 9780802446244.
    "This book is being called a battle hymn for the unborn. It may be the most comprehensive handbook on abortion currently available." -- GCB

    Young, Mary de, The Ritual Abuse Controversy: An Annotated Bibliography, ISBN: 0786412593 9780786412594, indexes.
    "The ritual abuse of children is the most controversial issue in the child maltreatment field, but much of what has been written about ritual abuse over the past twenty years is in the form of unpublished and endlessly reproduced 'stuff' -- curious mixture of conjecture, folkloric and pop-culture representations of satanism, devil worship, occultism and witchcraft, and Christian Fundamentalist images of premillennarian evil. What remains after this 'stuff' is excluded is an intriguing body of international literature that seriously examines the controversy.
    "This annotated bibliography dissects the literature, objectively and thoroughly annotates published articles, books and reports, legal opinions, and occasionally, thought-provoking newspaper and magazine articles.
    "Chapters deal with the definition of ritual abuse, ritual abuse cases in the United States, cases in American families and neighborhoods, cases in Canada, Europe and Australasia, clinical features of ritual abuse in children and adults, the controversy's impact on professionals and systems, the controversy and American law, ritual abuse reports and narratives, and anthropological, folkloric and sociological perspectives.
    "Mary de Young, a professor of sociology and chair of the Department of Sociology at Grand Valley State University, lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is the author of THE DAY CARE RITUAL ABUSE MORAL PANIC, published by McFarland and Company." -- Publisher
    There may be something of interest here. We have not seen this bibliography. However, we feel it is highly unlikely that a secular compiler could produce an unbiased bibliography on ritual child abuse considering: 1) the most dangerous place for a child in America today is in their mother's womb, 2) most parents have given up their children's education to the public education system, and in 1983 The National Commission on Excellence in Education, in their report, A NATION AT RISK: THE IMPERATIVE FOR EDUCATIONAL REFORM, concluded that had public education been carried out by enemies of the United States, it could not be more harmful to the country, 3) The court system refuses to acknowledge the Ten Commandments (the summation of which is to love God and neighbor) as an ethical basis for modern, relative, arbitrary law, and 4) "although heterosexuals outnumber homosexuals by a ratio of at least 20 to 1, homosexual pedophiles commit about one-third of the total number of child sex offenses," and the courts are recognizing homosexual marriages as of equal status as heterosexual marriages, and so forth, and so on. -- compiler

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The root cause of criminal acts of extreme depravity, Spiritual discernment, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justification, Justifying faith, Justice, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Human rights, Post-abortion counseling, Miscarriage and stillbirth (women), Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, The ten commandments: the moral law, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Gratuitous sex, a cause of violence, Abuse, Rape, Incest, Abuse, dysfunctional families. Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Suffrage and reproductive rights, Sexual wholeness, Abstinence, chastity, Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Sex ethics, sex education, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Medical ethics, Carnality and flesh pleasing: lust, desires, ambition, Decline of American society, Modern myths and fallacies, Self-denial, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Dvd and multimedia, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 2449, 2452

    Related Weblinks

    Abolish Human Abortion
    http://www.AbolishHumanAbortion.com

    Abortion (FGB #220)
    Answers to Abortion Arguments | Proclamations of God's Word | Great Forgiveness for Great Sin | The Silent Holocaust | Mankind and the Death Factor | Thou Shalt not Kill | Molech is Alive and Well | When Does Life Begin? | The Bible and Sanctity of Life
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/aborfg/abortion

    After Roe: What's our job now? George Grant, June 24, 2022
    "So after Roe, what's our job now? It is the same as always: we must be gospel advocates of all that is right and good and true. We must care for the poor, the hurting, and the marginalized. We must speak the truth in love. We must remind our magistrates of their responsibilities. We must disciple. We must be unflinching in the proclamation of the good news, which changes everything. Our intercessions and labors must be unceasing.
    "Our local crisis pregnancy centers need our support like never before. Our pulpits need to ring out with practical, pastoral, and prophetic urgency like never before. And we need to remember God's glorious promise like never before: 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)."
    https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/after-roe

    American Portrait Films
    We now offer (2002) over 30 Christian creation science videos, young earth creationism videos, creation science videos, and videos on other creationist topics as well as 100 other thought provoking pro life, pro family videos.
    http://www.americanportraitfilms.com/

    The Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrates
    https://lessermagistrate.com

    Earth Day: Abortion has Killed 1-2 Billion Worldwide in 50 Years, Colin Mason and Steven Mosher, Apr 21, 2011
    "Think about it. Over the past half-century, quietly and without fanfare, in ordinary towns and cities, in dozens of countries around the world, perhaps two billion children have been killed. They have died unknown, often unmourned, and acknowledged only from time to time.
    "The 20th century was violent by any measure. Thirty-seven million people were killed in World War I. Over 60 million perished in World War II. Six million Jews and another six million Catholics died in Hitler's death camps. Twenty million died at the hands of the Soviet authorities. Sixty-five million Chinese were killed by the Communist Party, while forty-two million more starved to death during Mao's Great Leap Forward. And so on.
    "But these numbers are dwarfed by the sheer volume of children who have been killed this past half-century."
    http://www.lifenews.com/2011/04/21/earth-day-abortion-has-killed-1-2-billion-worldwide-in-50-years/

    Facts on Induced Abortion in the United States (05/2006)
    Comprehensive documented statistics on legal abortions performed in the Unites States compiled by the Guttmacher Institute. [56 million American babies from 1973 to 2014, annual rate continues at 1.2 million babies a year].
    http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/fb_induced_abortion.html

    Feminism and the Abortion Holocast, a sermon by Brian Schwertley
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=4807163739

    The Influence of a Godly Mother, a sermon by D. James Kennedy
    "What is a mother's influence on society? Motherhood has been de-valued by our secular society. What you don't hear is how much influence mothers really have on the course of human events. James Kennedy brings light to the powerful influence of a Godly Mother on The Coral Ridge Hour."
    Children who do not bond with their mother often have difficulty bonding with others in society.
    http://www.truthinaction.org/sermon/INFLUENCE%20OF%20A%20GODLY%20MOTHER-1994-THE_110912.pdf

    Legitimacy (family law)
    "Births outside marriage represent the majority in many countries of Western Europe and in many former European colonies."
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legitimacy_(family_law)

    LifeDynamics.com
    Pro-life resource center
    http://www.ldi.org/

    Non-marital Birth Rates in the United States, 1940-2014
    https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nonmarital_Birth_Rates_in_the_United_States,_1940-2014.png

    Number of Abortions -- Abortion Counters
    "The most accurate set of abortion counters on the web. Number of abortions in U.S. and worldwide; Number of abortions since 1973; Number of abortions this year; U.S. abortion clock; Worldwide abortion clock; Number of abortions due to rape or incest; Planned Parenthood abortion count."
    http://www.numberofabortions.com/

    Pro-life.org
    http://www.prolife.org/

    Should Women be Punished for Murdering Their own son or Daughter by Abortion? [audio file], Matt Trewhella
    "This sermon responds to 'pro-life' statements, and makes the case that the assertion that the woman is a 'victim' is absurd."
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=67161959403

    Sighing and Crying for the Abominations in the Land, a sermon on Ezekiel 9:4 by William Greenhill
    https://www.sermonaudio.com/source_detail.asp?sourceid=soluschristus

    Suicide: Why Abortion and Teen Suicide are Inexorably Linked, Ardee Coolidge, July 13, 2017
    "Teen suicide has risen over 25 percent in the last six years. A study of depression among teenagers published in The Journal Pediatrics last November found that the number of teens reporting a Major Depressive Episode (MDE) increased 37 percent, from 8.7 percent in 2005 to 11.5 percent in 2014. (MDEs are defined as 'a period of at least two weeks of low mood that is present in most situations. Symptoms include low self-esteem, loss of interest in normally enjoyable activities, and problems with sleep, energy and concentration.'). "Time Magazine reported that the Los Angeles Unified school district had 5,000 reported incidents of suicidal behavior in students last year, compared to 235 incidents in the 2010-2011 school year."
    https://www.care-net.org/abundant-life-blog/why-abortion-and-teen-suicide-are-inexorably-linked

    U.S. Abortion Statistics
    "In 2011, approximately 1.06 million abortions took place in the U.S." [56 million American babies from 1973 to 2014, annual rate continues at 1.2 million babies a year].
    http://www.abort73.com/abortion_facts/us_abortion_statistics/

    Unintended Pregnancy
    "Worldwide, the unintended pregnancy rate is approximately 45 percent of all pregnancies, but rates of unintended pregnancy vary in different geographic areas and among different socio-demographic groups. [Bearak J., Popinchalk A., Alkema L., Sedgh G. (April 2018). "Global, regional, and subregional trends in unintended pregnancy and its outcomes from 1990 to 2014: estimates from a Bayesian hierarchical model". The Lancet. Global Health. 6 (4): e380, e389."
    "According to the Guttmacher Institute, slightly less than half (45 percent) of U.S. pregnancies in 2011 were unintended, approximately 2.8 million pregnancies per year.[4]. . . .
    "Over 92 percent of abortions are the result of unintended pregnancy,[13] and unintended pregnancies result in about 800,000 abortions/year.[14] In 2001, 44 percent of unintended pregnancies resulted in births, 42 percent resulted in induced abortion, and the rest in miscarriage.[15] It is estimated that more than half of US women have had an unintended pregnancy by age 45.[16] According to one study, over one-third of living people in the US under 31 years of age (born since 1982) were the result of unintended pregnancies, a rate that has remained largely unchanged to date.[17][18]" -- Wikipedia, "Unintended pregnancy"

    Unmarried Childbearing
    "Percent of all births to unmarried women: 40.7 percent. . . .
    "Data are for the U.S., 2012. Source: Births: Final Data for 2012, Table C."
    http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/unmarry.htm



    Abuse, Dysfunctional Families

    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)

    For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26)

    Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
    And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
    But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and [that] he were drowned in the depth of the sea.     -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 18:4-6)

    Woe to the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! . . . .
    Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.     -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 18:7,10)

    Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. (Psalm 127:3)

    Whosoever hateth [abuses -- compiler] his brother is a murderer, and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. (1 John 3:15)

    But he that hateth [abuses -- compiler] his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. (1 John 4:11) See also: John Calvin commenting on 1 John 4:11 and context

    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)

    The most tremendous judgment of God in this world is the hardening of the hearts of men. -- John Owen (1616-1683)

    Abuse of all types (emotional, psychological, educational, physical, sexual, spiritual, etc.) results in spiritual blindness, and the wicked are self-destructive. The victim of abuse is rendered, in many cases, unable to love his fellowman, socially awkward, emotionally maladjusted, unable to attain to his full potential -- out of touch with reality. Abuse is the "evangel" of the Adversary, the Liar and the Deceiver. The answer? The Gospel.

    Is this not one of the magnificent promises?
    As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.
    For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity.     (Psalm 125:3,4)
    "Their heavenly Father, it is true, loves them most tenderly, but he will have them awakened by the cross . . . . The reason is added why God will not suffer the wicked always to triumph over the righteous -- namely, lest the just, overcome by temptation, abandon themselves wholly to sinning, a reason which ought to be carefully marked. Hence we gather that God, from his willingness to bear with our weakness, moderates our adversities. Although, then, we may not possess in ourselves a sufficient amount of fortitude and constancy to enable us to persevere in our duty for a single moment, yet let this sentiment be present to our minds, That God will take care that, broken as we may be by afflictions, we shall not forsake his service. -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 125:3 and context

    I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed. (Psalm 34:4,5)

    Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. (Psalm 42:11)

    In David's family unresolved sins led suddenly to devastating consequences. David failed to have the courage to uncover and acknowledge the sins of his children. This shows us how passivity on the part of a father can lead to the destruction of his family.
    Extreme dysfunction often begins with a seemingly insignificant transgression or habit that remains unaddressed. On the surface, it's no big deal. Everything appears unaffected by the sin. But unresolved evil ultimately leads to consequences that fester, causing more and more complications. Let me give you three never-to-be-forgotten principles.
    The first principle is that passive, permissive parents produce angry, frustrated children. Absalom needed David to be the protector, but David wasn't. Instead, he was passive in response to Amnon's sin. So Absalom's anger grew to the point of driving him to plan the murder of Amnon. My friend, if you find yourself living with angry and frustrated children, I urge you to look at yourself first. You need to parent proactively rather than passively. I wish David had simply faced what went wrong and dealt with it. He could have done so with wisdom, justice, and even grace.
    Take a moment, parents, and be honest. Are you cultivating a home that honors God with joy? Or are you too busy? Are you losing yourself in your business, ministry, or social events? No success in the world makes up for failure at home. Refuse to let your children slip through your hands like quicksilver. Soon they'll be gone! The time to act is now. Passivity is your enemy.
    The second principle is that disconnected and damaged relationships at home result in dysfunctional family members. Let me speak to you who have adult children. They have left the nest, and they are on their own now. If you sense dysfunction in their lives, maybe some of it is due to a sense of disconnect with you. I simply urge you to talk with them about the roots of the relational disconnect. I know it takes work. It can be humiliating. But you may need to say some things you have never said before. You may also need to hear some things that will be hard for your son or daughter to tell you. But do it anyway. Don't just think more time will make it all right. Silence won't fix it. (separated quote within the sidebar: 'Don't just think more time will make it all right. Silence won't fix it.')
    The third principle is that unresolved conflicts and unreconciled relationships lead to wounds that never heal themselves. As long as you are still living, it's never too late to ask forgiveness for strained relationships with your children. It's never too late to do what's right. But unhealed wounds never heal themselves. It fact, they tend to spread the same disease to the next generation (see 2 Samuel 12:10).
    Maybe David's story has rung a bell in your heart and you're haunted by things of the past. Those unsettling feelings are from God. You'll keep returning to this place until you deal with those issues. The good news? You don't need to live the rest of your life haunted by thoughts of shame and failure! The way to truly deal with the past and get a clean slate is through the power of Jesus Christ. His blood cleanses us from all sin, and His Spirit can help you "do all that you can to live in peace with everyone." (Romans 12:18) -- Chuck Swindoll, edited from his radio broadcasts and writings and included as a sidebar in The Swindoll Study Bible: New Living Translation, page 393

    Word: "disease"; Meaning; "disturb"; Sample location: "Luke 8:49" -- from the "Glossary," 1599 Geneva Bible, Tolle Lege edition

    DISEASE, n. Dizeze. [dis and ease].
    1. In its primary sense, pain, uneasiness, distress, and so used by Spenser; but in this sense, obsolete.
    2. The cause of pain or uneasiness . . . disorder; any state of a living body in which the natural functions of the organs are interrupted or disturbed . . . The first effect of disease is uneasiness or pain, and the ultimate effect is death. . . .
    3. A disordered state of the mind or intellect, by which the reason is impaired.
    4. In society, vice; corrupt state of morals. Vices are called moral diseases. A wise man converses with the wicked, as a physician with the sick, not to catch the disease, but to cure it.
    5. Political or civil disorder, or vices in a state; any practice which tends to disturb the peace of society, or impede or prevent the regular administration of government.
    The instability, injustice and confusion introduced into the public councils have, in truth, been the mortal diseases under which popular governments have every where perished. -- 1846 edition of An American Dictionary of the English Language
    DISEASE, v.t. dizeze.
    1. To interrupt or impair any or all the natural and regular functions of the several organs of a living body [i.e. robbing a neighbor of sleep -- compiler]; to afflict with pain or sickness to make morbid . . .
    2. To interrupt or render imperfect the regular functions of the brain, or of the intellect; to disorder; to derange.
    3. To infect; to communicate disease to, by contagion.
    4. To pain; to make uneasy. -- 1828 edition of Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language

    When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up. (Psalm 27:10)

    Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide: keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom.
    For the son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter in law against her mother in law; a man's enemies are the men of his own house.
    Therefore I will look unto the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will hear me.     (Micah 7:5-7)

    Whatever we become familiar with (John 3:19), that we begin to love, even unholy spirits, whoredom, and abuse in a dysfunctional family (Proverbs 6:32), and the vicious cycle of repeated behavior in the next generation. (2 Peter 2:22),

    The U.S. Justice Department reports that women who live together with men are 76 times more likely to be physically abused, that is 7,600 percent more likely (2001 data).

    It is said that the best thing a husband and wife can do for their children is to set an example for them by modelling a loving relationship with their spouse.

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Abuse," "Sex," and so forth, and so on.

    Bailey-Rug, Cynthia, In Sheep's Clothing: All About Covert Narcissists, ISBN: 1387374230 9781387374236.
    "Do you know someone others think is very kind, caring and maybe even a bit naive, yet possesses a vicious side that only you have seen? You may be in the presence of a covert narcissist.
    "These evil people abuse in devious, sneaky ways while hiding behind a mask of kindness, martyrdom and innocence. They are among the most dangerous people in society, yet they often go unnoticed.
    "IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: ALL ABOUT COVERT NARCISSISTS will help you to learn to identify and cope with these dangerous people, as well as show you ways to heal from their abuse.
    "As a Christian author, Cynthia Bailey-Rug has published books in various genres with topics including surviving narcissistic abuse, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, Christian living, mystery/thrillers, and her greatest love, animals.
    "Her goal as a writer is to help people as God leads her to do so, either through educating them on understanding the results of surviving abuse and healing, educating people on true, Godly Christian living, creating a new appreciation and love of animals in them, or simply helping them to relax and enjoy a good read.
    "Cynthia Bailey-Rug enjoys animals, classic cars, some motorsports, knitting, crocheting, and spending time with her friends and family.
    "Visit her website at www.CynthiaBaileyRug.com for updates on her latest projects and inspiration." -- Publisher

    Bailey-Rug, Cynthia, Emerging From The Chrysalis, ISBN: 130035089X 9781300350897.
    "EMERGING FROM THE CHRYSALIS is a story of surviving abuse and how to conquer its pain.
    "In this inspiring book, the author describes her own painful experiences with the various forms of psychological abuse (verbal, mental, and emotional abuse), as well as how she moved from the role of victim to survivor." -- Publisher

    Bailey-Rug, Cynthia, It's all About me! The Facts About Maternal Narcissism, ISBN: 1312484624 9781312484627.
    "Narcissistic Personality Disorder is an unashamed disregard for other people, except for how they can be used. This entitled behavior is devastating, but especially for a narcissist's child. Drawing on her experiences with her narcissistic mother, the author explains Narcissistic Personality Disorder and the problems it causes, as well as ways to heal, and to manage a relationship with narcissistic parent or sever ties with them, all from a Christian perspective. Although this book is written from the perspective of a daughter with a narcissistic mother, the information is also pertinent to sons of narcissistic mothers or those with narcissistic fathers." -- Publisher

    Bailey-Rug, Cynthia, The Truth About Elderly Narcissists, ISBN: 1365722961 9781365722967.
    "Contrary to popular belief, narcissists often do change. As they age, they frequently become even more difficult and abusive. THE TRUTH ABOUT ELDERLY NARCISSISTS was created to help those who are faced with the unique challenges of dealing with or caring for elderly narcissists." -- Publisher

    Caouette, Jonathan, Tarnation, DVD.
    We recommend this documentary to mature individuals who are concerned about Mental Health Policy in his country, but who have never had the experience of caring for persons who are emotionally disturbed, having them as neighbors, or working with them. It will educate the viewer on the nature of the problem of "mental illness." Part of the problem is their characteristic appeal for respectability and sympathy. I sense this was a subliminal motivation for the documentary. Caouette turned out a homosexual, and seems to be accepting it as an alternative life style.
    Caouette videoed his life and edited his archives to tell the story of growing up with a schizophrenic mother. So this is a glimpse of the reality of growing up in an emotionally disturbed and dysfunctional family.
    It also dramatizes the failure of psychiatry.
    "A multitude of family snapshots, Super-8 home movies, old answering machine messages, video diaries, early short films, snippets of '80s pop culture, and dramatic reenactments are used to create an epic portrait of an American family travesty. Begins in 2003 when Jonathan learns that his schizophrenic mother, Renee, overdoses on her lithium medication. He is shot back into his real and horrifying family legacy of rape, abandonment, promiscuity, drug addiction, child abuse, and psychosis. He grows up on camera and finds his escape in musical theater and B-horror movies. A look into the future shows Jonathan as he confronts the almost unbearable love he shares with his tragically damaged mother." -- Publisher

    *Enroth, Ronald M., Churches That Abuse: Help for Those Hurt by Legalism, Authoritarian Leadership, Manipulation, Excessive Discipline.
    "What makes a church abusive? Usually it's not doctrinal deviation but intimidating behavior: legalism, authoritarian leadership, manipulation, and excessive discipline. Enroth names abusive groups, shows you how to recognize them, and lists 'red flags' that may indicate when a church is drifting into trouble. Most importantly, Enroth offers help to Christians who've been hurt by abusive churches." -- CBD
    "Aggressive Christianity Missions Training Corps; The Assembly; Body of Christ Fellowship (Peacemakers); Boston Church of Christ; Christian Growth Ministries; Church of Bible Understanding; Church of Jesus Christ Forever; Church of Our First Love; Church of the Great Shepherd; Christian Growth Ministries; Community of Jesus; Emmaus Christian Fellowship; Faith Assembly; Faith Tabernacle; Fellowship of Christian Churches and Ministries; Great Commission International; Maranatha Christian Ministries; No-Name Fellowship/C-U (Champaign-Urbana) Ministries; River of Life/Truth Station; Set Free; Two-by-Two's; University Bible Fellowship; Victory Chapel (Potter's House); Vineyard; Word of God Community."

    *Finley, Martha (1828-1909, aka Martha Farquharson, Galic for Finley), The Elsie Books, 4-book set (Holly Hall Publications, 1997), ISBN: 1888306351 9781888306354.
    "Originally written in the late 1800's for girls and young women, the Elsie Dinsmore books were bestsellers for over thirty years. When we are introduced to Elsie in the first book she is a sweet and humble eight-year-old whose great desire in life is to be reunited with her father, whom she has never met. Her faith and her obedience to God's commandments uphold her in the great troubles she often faces, and the drama to which we are spectators is as timely for today's girls as it was for the young ladies of the 19th century. A new edition of one of GCB's bestsellers, the series offers Christian values and character building examples through stories that are compelling, heartwarming, and enduring. Ages 10 and up." -- GCB
    "The Elsie Books -- 28 in all -- are some of the most widely read children's stories ever written. When they first came out more than a hundred years ago, the publisher could scarcely keep them in stock. . ." -- Publisher
    "Altogether Miss Finley's novels sold more than 28,000,000 copies in the last century. This made them among the bestselling novels of all time . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    *Book 1: Elsie Dinsmore, ISBN: 1888306319 9781888306316.
    "Set amid the sweet blossoms of a southern mansion, this timeless classic delves into the heart of Elsie -- by all counts, an extraordinary little girl. Share in Elsie's quest for love from her earthly father as it leads to a mature understanding of the love of her Father in Heaven. Join Elsie as she suffers through endless hours of scrutiny from Miss Day, her mean-spirited school teacher, taunting from her mischievous young Uncle Arthur, and scoldings from a cold-hearted father she so desires to please -- all with the peace and quiet countenance that comes from knowing she is God's child. This, the first of the heart-warming Elsie Books, will both challenge and inspire you." -- Publisher
    Elsie Dinsmore: Book 1, Martha Finley
    http://archive.org/details/elsiedinsmore00ferqgoog
    ClassicReader.com
    http://www.classicreader.com/
    *Book 2: Elsie's Holidays at Roselands, ISBN: 9781888306323 1888306327.
    "When Elsie's father becomes ill, she takes on the job of nurse-companion, and all goes well until Elsie, because it is the Sabbath, as a matter of conscience refuses to read to him from a secular book. The battle of wills that ensues nearly causes first her father's death, and then Elsie's. Lonely Elsie -- punished, ostracized, and then abandoned by her father -- turns to her heavenly Father for comfort and assurance. Will her father realize that Elsie's obedience to God must be paramount, and submit himself to the same Divine Authority?" -- Publisher
    On an even more serious note, one moral of this story is the broader life and death struggle between Truth and Falsehood (See: Absolute truth and relativism [duality and non-duality], Epistemology of theology, the theory of knowledge, and Christian scholarship.) The consequence of conflict of will is death of the "One," or war of the "Many" (see Rushdoony, THE ONE AND THE MANY: STUDIES IN THE PHILOSOPHY OF ORDER AND ULTIMACY. Conflict of will (see Will and recalcitrance, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation,) may begin when one individual (see The doctrine of man [human nature, total depravity],) or the corporate body (see Corporate faithfulness and sanctification), tries to usurping authority over others (see Power, Authority) -- tries to control and possess the other (see Tyranny, Slavery, our systems of enslavement, economic enslavement.) The means of control may be either outward or occult (see The occult, spiritism, witchcraft), deceit, repression or suppression of the truth, replacing moral and ethical absolutes with relativism (see Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Medical ethics, Absolute truth and relativism [duality and non-duality], unfaithfulness to the highest ethical standards (see The ten commandments: the moral law, The holy bible), Heresy and apostasy (apostacy, old english), Spiritual adultery [spiritual whoredom/harlotry,] (see Idolatry, syncretism, Jeremiah and lamentations,) invocation of the demonic, Oaths, ensnaring vows, promises, and covenants, bonds with the ungodly Carnality and flesh pleasing: desires, pleasure, Justice, judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord,) attempts to take authority over another politically or by mental malpractice (see Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, making up their own rules (see Absolute truth and relativism [duality and non-duality],) ignoring or changing constitutional or creedal documents, unjust laws for the accumulation of wealth and power, indebtedness, disenfranchisement, (see denial of freedom,) Priestcraft, pharisaism, soul-stealing, possessiveness, physical seduction and whoredom, political economic or sexual enslavement (see Sexual relationship,) and so forth, and so on.
    This abuse, this soul-violence, quenches the Holy Spirit (see Owen, God's Presence With a People the Spring of Their Prosperity; With Their Special Interest in Abiding in Him.) If either side is immovable, then death is the consequence (see Soteriology, atonement, The blood of christ, Hell, and Heaven.)
    How are conflicts of will resolved? By submission to the Absolute Truths of God's word, the great common denominator, 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)
    All this bears a strain of the Gospel (see Book-length presentations of the free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, The westminster confession of faith.)
    Book 2: Holidays at Roselands
    http://archive.org/details/holidaysatrosel00finlgoog
    Holidays at Roselands (Gutenberg text)
    http://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/webbin/gutbook/lookup?num=14280
    Mantle Ministries (Elsie Dinsmore Series and Mildred Series)
    http://www.mantlemin.com

    *Foster, David Kyle, Sexual Healing: God's Plan for the Sanctification of Broken Lives: A Reference Manual for Ministering to Those Trapped in Sexual sin and Brokenness, ISBN: 0830737154 9780830737154 0830737340 9780830737345.
    This is a unique work and the best resource known to the compiler offering biblical counsel for healing sexual brokenness. See: "Foundations" and "Divine Intent for Sexuality" for a biblical explanation of the spiritual significance of sexuality. These two chapters alone make the purchase of the book worthwhile. Includes chapters, study guides, and exercises for Root sources for improper sexual development, Sexual identity confusion, Child sex abuse, Sexual addition, Pornography, Masturbation, voyeurism and exhibitionism, Why people remain in sexual sin and bondage, Failure and self-condemnation, A comprehensive game plan for sexual healing, and so forth.
    Includes bibliography and index.
    Mastering Life Ministries
    http://www.MasteringLife.org

    Friesen, James G., Uncovering the Mysteries of MPD, ISBN: 1579100627 9781579100629, 300 pages.
    Includes bibliographical references.

    Gelet, James, Eric Holmberg, Jerry Johnson, and the Apologetics Group, The Marks of a Cult: A Biblical Analysis, DVD, ISBN: 1573411507 9781573411509.
    "Just why are Baptists properly considered Christians, but Mormons are not? Or why is the Jehovah's Witness religion classified as an anti-Christian cult, while Presbyterians, Wesleyans and Pentecostals are simply seen as denominations within the Christian faith? With the explosion of different sects that claim to honor and follow Jesus, how does one differentiate between true Biblical Christianity and an aberrant religious movement? Just what are the marks of a cult? . . . The video gives clear guidelines on how to distinguish truth from error in principle as well as carefully documented instructions on the particular errors of prominent cults." -- Publisher

    Gosson, Stephen, and John Payne Collier, The School of Abuse, Containing a Pleasant Invective Against Poets, 1579. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #22.

    Heitritter, Lynn, and Jeanette Vought, Helping Victims of Sexual Abuse, ISBN: 0764202286 9780764202285.
    "Sexual abuse is making headlines around America. . . . Many people secretly bear the scars of childhood abuse and desperately struggle with the hidden trauma that interferes with spiritual growth and normal human relationships. The church needs to understand genuine sexual abuse and what can be done about it under present civil constraints." -- Susan Alder
    "What women should know about sexual assault.
    "Heitritter and Vought have done an enormous service in demonstrating the extent of the problem in the local church. They give practical, tested advice about ministry to survivors of sexual abuse. Required reading for pastors, lay leaders and others who work everyday with victims of sexual abuse." -- Dale S. Ryan, Executive Director of The Recovery Partnership Foundation, Whittier, California

    Hudson, Pamela S., Ritual Child Abuse: Discovery, Diagnosis and Treatment, ISBN: 0882478672 9780882478678.
    Includes bibliographical references.
    "I am a psychotherapist who works with trauma. I used to believe that ritual abuse was an urban legend; now I know better. I've worked with enough survivors and specialists who treat Dissociative Identity Disorder, previously called Multiple Personality Disorder, that I know Satanic Ritual Abuse and many other forms of ritual abuse are very real. It is very real and survivors are typically afraid to seek out help from mental health professionals for it and are severely dis-served by the denial of mental health practitioners.
    "This book is a little simplistic but is a good introduction to working with Ritual Abuse Survivors. I recommend reading this to help wrap your mind around ritual abuse, then, if you are a professional read Dee Brown's book on SATANIC RITUAL ABUSE. That is an excellent resource." -- Reader's Comment

    *Hyde, Margaret O., Cry Softly! The Story of Child Abuse, ISBN: 0664327230 9780664327231.
    Includes bibliography and index.
    "The rising tide of child abuse makes this book a must. Deals with the reasons, as well as the treatment. Provides information on 'Hotlines,' 'Suggestions for Further Reading,' and 'National Organizations Concerned With Child Abuse'." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Hyde, Margaret O., Sexual Abuse: Let's Talk About it, ISBN: 0664327257 9780664327255.
    "Draws attention to what is becoming a 'national epidemic.' Points out how pastors may recognize the victims and deal with the trauma and anger of those who feel violated. Practical." -- Cyril J. Barber
    "Discusses the sexual abuse of children, how they can protect themselves, where they can seek help, the kinds of help available, and how to increase public awareness of this problem."

    *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

    Kennedy, William H., Lucifer's Lodge: Satanic Ritual Abuse in the Catholic Church, ISBN: 0900588063 9780900588068.

    "Malachi Martin was correct in his assertion that Lucifer's Lodge exists within the Church of Rome. Unfortunately, there are no quick answers as to how to deal with this horrible state of affairs. Lucifer's Lodge is an ongoing problem. It is still in operation and should be of major concern to people of goodwill everywhere."
    "With that statement, William H. Kennedy closes his investigation into the sexual abuse crisis in the Roman Catholic Church.
    "One searches for the words . . . 'shocking?' If only I were shocked. Things I was not prepared to believe of priests have turned out to be true. The time to be shocked passed with the reading of GOODBYE, GOOD MEN; AMCHURCH COMES OUT: THE U.S. BISHOPS, PEDOPHILE SCANDALS, AND THE HOMOSEXUAL AGENDA; LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION.
    " 'Inaccurate?' But I don't think that it is inaccurate. Some of the material in the book had already surfaced in research I had done over the last several years. Kennedy uses quotes from newspapers like the Boston Globe. The accounts of priestly sexual abuse that he uses to tell his story are familiar. Half way through reading the book I checked some of the unfamiliar sources and found them credible. He does use a few marginal sources which I would like to check further.
    " 'An exaggeration' then? I've read too many of the press releases to even think it for a moment. Much of this has already appeared in the Boston Globe and elsewhere. Kennedy merely connects the dots.
    "In trying to sum up Kennedy's book, only one word comes to mind . . . 'diabolical.' And just maybe that is the only word that needs to be said.
    "A trio of priests -- Fr. Malachi Martin, Fr. Al Kunz, and Fr. Charles Fiore -- became aware that something was seriously wrong in the Catholic priesthood and began collecting data. William Kennedy came a bit later to join in the investigation, making it a foursome. Today all but Kennedy are dead. Fr. Kunz's death in 1998 was sudden and bloody; and the crime has not been solved. Fr. Fiore's health as well as Fr. Martin's declined immediately after the murder. Within 16 months Fr. Martin was dead, and Fr. Fiore was not well enough to continue the investigation. He died in March 2003. Kennedy states that a mutilated calf also found the morning that Fr. Kunz's body was discovered is the calling card or signature of Satanists.
    "Kennedy discusses the OTO and Aleister Crowley, along with Jack Parsons, AMORC, Rose Croix. He also mentions a cult called The Process Church, Scientology, Charles Manson, and Fr. Paul Shanley, and so much more. The Processians were active in the Harvard Square area in the 1960's, which means they were active in Paul Shanley's stomping grounds. Later they moved to California near the headquarters of Charles Manson. There is some controversy over how much contact Manson and Shanley had with these cultists. What Kennedy does point out is similarities in rituals and some evidence of exchanges between them.
    "In fact similarities are the basis of what he presents. Essentially he offers information about which the reader is asked to draw his own conclusion. He shows, for example the similarity between the Alpha Omega House, a retreat house for wayward and displaced youth, and the Devil's Room at Loftus Hall. Both rooms, he believes, were used for ceremonies which included sex magick; and he explains how sexual rituals are intended to make the practitioner a god, and in some cases Jesus Christ come again.
    "He talks about the abuse of nuns which has not come out in the press, and a priest who concentrated on abusing young women who were studying to enter the religious life. He paints a rather different picture of Magdalene laundries than the one recently released in the press.
    "He speaks of ceremonies that took place in Catholic convents which are reminiscent of Rosicrucian ceremonies; and tells stories of prostitution within convents, lurking in the history of the Catholic Church. I have not yet had time to verify this.
    "He develops a very interesting line of reasoning centered on cults from the early days of the Church which preached a married Christ who had children, attempts to show how this heresy remained alive down through the centuries, and where it surfaces today, including in The Da Vinci Code.
    "There is a great deal in this book that will prompt further investigation. If he is correct in all of his assertions, it will explain a lot of what we are seeing develop in the culture. It will not exonerate the Vatican, however. Once again it appears that Rome knew. Rome did nothing.
    "I was surprised that he did not touch on Eugene Vintras and on the Mariavites. Perhaps he had to keep the book to a certain length and decided to leave them out. Neither did he discuss the Paris occult revival. Possibly for the same reason.
    "What he has done is link the details of news reports to historical information and in that way tells his story. The bulk of the book is quoted material from a great variety of sources. It's a hard book to put down.
    "I wonder if anyone who had not done some investigating into the occult would take Kennedy seriously. It helps to already know about Crowley and Parsons and their relationship with Scientology, and a little about Masonic obediences, and the Mormon Church before picking up the book. Otherwise this seems just too fantastic to be true. I would expect those bloggers who poke fun at conspiracy theories to poke fun at this book. They would be wrong. Had the abuse scandal not been broken by the Boston Globe there is little chance this story would have been told, because no one would believe it." -- Reader's Comment

    Klassen, Margreta, Soul Stealing, Abuse of Intimate Power: A Narrative Memoir, ISBN: 1439262365 9781439262368.
    "Dr. Margreta Klassen, a nationally known psychotherapist with expertise in sexual trauma, has written a vitally important book that is both informative and healing as well as soul stirring and thought provoking. Survivors of sexual, physical, or emotional abuse will find hope and a path to recovery in reading this comprehensive work. Highly recommended." -- Dr. Larry Lachman, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Monterey, California
    "The author has captured the child's point of view." -- Ralph Potter, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus, Harvard Divinity School

    Klempel, Richard, Lois Klempel, and Jay Adams (foreword), Abused? How you can Find God's Help.
    " 'Directs readers to biblical answers to questions and biblical solutions to problems' enabling people 'to avoid the all-too-frequently-encountered trap of building a lifestyle around the tragedy.' Workbook deals with reactions to abuse, God as Father, and practical steps to work through in order to change one's reactions to abuse." -- David Powlison

    Martin, Grant, Counseling in Cases of Family Violence and Abuse, ISBN: 0849905877 9780849905872.

    Martin, Grant L., Please Don't Hurt me: A Sensitive Look at the Growing Problem of Abuse in Christian Homes, ISBN: 0896937437 9780896937437.
    "This adult 'Bible study' elective focuses on the physical abuse of both children and adults. In each case Martin explores the origins of violence as well as how it may be stopped. This is a very commendable work for laypersons, and it is hoped that many will acquire it and read it carefully." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Massachusetts Attorney General, The Sexual Abuse of Children in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston, Thomas F. Reilly, Massachusetts Attorney General.
    "The mistreatment of children was so massive and so prolonged that it borders on the unbelievable," says the July 23 [2003] report of Massachusetts Attorney General Thomas F. Reilly. More than 1,000 minors were likely abused by priests over the past six decades."
    This is the 79-page report in its entirety.
    http://www.votf.org/ago/archdiocese.pdf

    Mawyer, Martin, Silent Shame: The Alarming Rise of Child Sexual Abuse and how to Protect Your Children From it, ISBN: 0891074198 9780891074199.
    "This informative study provides an in-depth profile of sexual abusers -- their methods, motivations, strategies, hangouts -- so that parents can understand what makes a child vulnerable to their overtures. This work provides practical steps to take to prevent children from becoming victims of sexual abuse." -- GCB

    *Miller, Wendell E. Forgiveness: The Power and the Puzzles, ISBN: 0964144115 9780964144118.
    "Defines God's forgiveness in four ways: (1) initial forgiveness releases us from the penalty of sin and (2) restores us to fellowship with God, and (3) repetitive forgiveness releases us from the day by day penalty for fresh sins, and (4) restores us day by day to fellowship. Defines our forgiveness of others in two ways: (1) vertical forgiveness between us and God (Mark 11:25) releases others from the penalty of our wrath, and (2) horizontal forgiveness (Luke 17:3) restores the relationship between us and others who repent. Discusses flaws in such ideas as 'forgiving God' and 'forgiving oneself'." -- David Powlison
    "It could have been called "The Anger Handbook" because it teaches how to overcome problems of hurt feelings, anger, and aggressive behavior. Overcoming problems of anger is crucial. Spouse abuse, failures in marriages, failures in child rearing, and even child abuse often erupt from anger. Parents who model angry behavior are likely to raise children with anger problems. And most importantly, God is not glorified by Christians who have anger problems.
    "It teaches the kind of forgiveness that is nearly always an absolute necessity to becoming really free from the trauma of sexual abuse. . . .
    "FORGIVENESS: THE POWER AND THE PUZZLES will add biblical power to the books that you already have on Christian living, discipleship, marriage, child rearing, anger, communications, forgiveness, and sexual abuse." -- Publisher

    Mirza, Debbie, The Covert Passive-Aggressive Narcissist: Recognizing the Traits and Finding Healing After Hidden Emotional and Psychological Abuse, ISBN: 9780998621340 099862134X.
    "THE COVERT PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE NARCISSIST: FINDING HEALING AFTER HIDDEN EMOTIONAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE is the most comprehensive and helpful book on the topic of covert narcissism. This type of narcissism is one of the most damaging forms because the abuse is so hidden and so insidious. You can be in a relationship that can last for decades and not realize you are being psychologically and emotionally controlled, manipulated, and abused. These people are well liked, they are often the pillars of the community. Parents, spouses, bosses, and friends who are covert narcissists come across as the nicest people. They can be spiritual leaders, they are moms who bring over casseroles to needy people, they are the bosses that everyone loves and feels so lucky to work for. These relationships are incredibly confusing and damaging. They leave you questioning your own sanity and reality. Even though they are treating you terribly, you wonder if you are the problem, if you are the one to blame. You are filled with constant self-doubt when it comes to these people in your life. When you are around them you feel confused and muddled inside. You have a hard time seeing clearly. These relationships can bring you to a state of deep depression and complete depletion of energy. You may wonder if you will ever see clearly and heal from these destructive and debilitating relationships. This book will give you hope that you can heal and feel alive again, or maybe for the first time. You will learn what the traits of a covert narcissist are as well as how they control and manipulate. Your eyes will open and your experience will be validated. You will also learn ways to heal and actually enjoy life again. Debbie Mirza uses decades of her own experience with covert narcissists as well as her years of practice as a life coach who specializes in helping people recover and heal from these types of relationships." -- Publisher
    "As a mental health professional, I have been looking for a book to offer my clients who have a narcissist in their life. Many of the books I have explored are essentially someone venting their own story and offering little depth and research. This book is different. It sheds light on one of the most complicated and misunderstood types of narcissistic personality disorder - covert narcissism. The author presents well-researched information in a readable and easy-to-understand format, while offering compassion and hope to those struggling to understand their own relationship with a narcissist. The many personal stories from people in different types of relationships with a covert narcissist provide insight into the confusion and pain that many of my clients have experienced. I highly recommend this book for those dealing with the aftermath of a relationship with a narcissist and for mental health professionals who wish to expand their knowledge of this personality disorder." -- Reader's Comment

    Palmer, B.M., Broken Home: Lessons in Sorrow.

    Pellauer, Mary D.(editor), Barbara Chester (editor), and Jane Boyajian (editor), Sexual Assault and Abuse: A Handbook for Clergy and Religious Professionals, ISBN: 0060665076 9780060665074.
    "Illustrated with case histories this book, primarily by women (only two chapters are by men), helps counselors and therapists recognize the patterns of sexual assault and sexual abuse. From this premise the gears are switched and the contributors discuss the reasons for violence in our milieu, and the threat this poses to children, teens, and adults." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Powlison, David (1949-2019), Why me? Comfort for the Victimized, ISBN: 0875526950 9780875526959.

    Powlison, David (1949-2019), Paul David Tripp, and Edward T. Welch, Domestic Abuse: How to Help, ISBN: 087552687X 9780875526874.

    Powlison, David (1949-2019), and Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation, What is a Dysfunctional Family? 5 MP3 files [audio file].

    Reisman, Judith A., Sexual Sabotage: How one mad Scientist Unleashed a Plague of Corruption and Contagion on America, ISBN: 9781935071853 1935071858.
    "Alfred Kinsey's statistics on American sexual behavior was greatly skewed towards unusual sexual practices. Subsequent researchers at the Kinsey Institute have claimed that they have cleaned up the data, and found the same incidence rates. It is not possible to clean up data that was drawn from a sample that was not representative of the American people as a whole. The psychologist Abraham Maslow pointed out that Kinsey's data suffered from volunteer bias. And eminent statisticians pointed out that his statistics were invalid.
    "Reisman points out that if sex outside of marriage had really been as common as Kinsey claimed, there would have been much more abortion, divorce, children born out of wedlock, and sexually transmitted diseases in the 1940s than there actually was.
    "Kinsey's books did much to weaken the laws against sex outside of marriage, because it did not seem reasonable to outlaw behavior that was commonplace. Reisman documents how the American Law Institute Model Penal Code was substantially changed by the Kinsey reports. The ALI MPC frequently quoted Kinsey as a reference when reducing or eliminating penalties for sex crimes. Kinsey's assertion that children desire sex has lead to efforts to lower the age of consent. Marriage was originally a contract designed to enforce sexual exclusivity, to provide for the care of children, and to prevent women from being abandoned. Kinsey's promotion of hedonism has weakened the institution of marriage, to the detriment of women and children.
    "Judith Reisman is a voice in the wilderness, repeatedly drawing attention to one of the biggest crimes of the 20th century. Alfred Kinsey lied about the sex lives of the American people, in particular, about the Greatest Generation, the people who carried America through the Great Depression and World War II. Kinsey claimed that sex outside of marriage was common, when, in fact, it was unusual. Kinsey caused the children of the greatest generation to believe that their parents were hypocrites, who preached traditional sexual morality, but practiced sexual immorality." -- Reader's Comment

    *Reisman, Judith A., Soft Porn Plays Hardball, ISBN: 091031165X 9780910311656.
    "Reisman demonstrates the tragic effects of 'soft porn' on women, children, and the family." -- GCB

    Rinck, Margaret (Josephson), Christian men who Hate Women: Healing Hurting Relationships, ISBN: 0310517516 9780310517511.

    Seabolt, Dorothy, Occult Abuse of Youth: A Guide to Protecting Children.

    Schlesinger, Benjamin, Sexual Abuse of Children: A Resource Guide and Annotated Bibliography, ISBN: 0802064817 9780802064813.
    "An informative guide to the literature covering all aspects of sexual molestation -- including profiles of parents and siblings." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Shogren, Gary, and Edward Welch, Running in Circles: How to Find Freedom From Addictive Behavior, ISBN: 0801083877 9780801083877, 96 pages.
    "Companion volume to Welch's and Shogren's ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOR. Intended as a practical guide to help those who struggle with 'addictive behavior:' drugs, alcohol, food, immorality, and so forth. Especially useful as a first introduction to biblical thinking for such people." -- David Powlison

    Stratford, Lauren, and Johanna Michaelsen (foreword), Satan's Underground: The Extraordinary Story of one Woman's Escape, ISBN: 0882898760 9780882898766.
    "Readers from coast to coast will be shocked and disturbed by the story told here. But most of all, they will come to care deeply for the many thousands of innocent children who are faced with unspeakable horrors at the hands of modern day satanists." -- Reader's Comment

    Strom, Kay Marshall, In the Name of Submission: A Painful Look at Wife Battering, ISBN: 0880701633 9780880701631.
    "A very sensitive book. The author confronts the harsh reality in the best possible way. She assesses the complex personal, ethical, and spiritual dilemmas facing the victim of abuse and offers sage suggestions to ensure her personal safety and that of any children. Practical. Recommended." -- Cyril J. Barber
    "This is the first book with a Christian perspective that I read which gave a basis for ending my abusive marriage. . . . A must for any woman who questions her husband's controlling, isolating or abusive behavior, especially if she is a Christian and believes in the sanctity of marriage." -- Reader's Comment

    Welch, Edward T., Living With an Angry Spouse: Help for Victims of Abuse, ISBN: 9781934885352 1934885355.

    Welch, Edward T., Self-injury: When Pain Feels Good, a booklet, ISBN: 0875526977 9780875526973.

    Welch, Edward, and Gary Shogren, Addictive Behavior, ISBN: 0801097371 9780801097379, 176 pages.
    "Guides pastors and other counselors in understanding 'addictions' biblically, and takes them through five typical sessions of counseling. The prominent case study focuses on alcohol abuse in a church context, but the principles apply to other enslaving behaviors." -- David Powlison

    Young, Mary de, The Ritual Abuse Controversy: An Annotated Bibliography, ISBN: 0786412593 9780786412594, indexes.
    "The ritual abuse of children is the most controversial issue in the child maltreatment field, but much of what has been written about ritual abuse over the past twenty years is in the form of unpublished and endlessly reproduced 'stuff' -- curious mixture of conjecture, folkloric and pop-culture representations of satanism, devil worship, occultism and witchcraft, and Christian Fundamentalist images of premillennarian evil. What remains after this 'stuff' is excluded is an intriguing body of international literature that seriously examines the controversy.
    "This annotated bibliography dissects the literature, objectively and thoroughly annotates published articles, books and reports, legal opinions, and occasionally, thought-provoking newspaper and magazine articles.
    "Chapters deal with the definition of ritual abuse, ritual abuse cases in the United States, cases in American families and neighborhoods, cases in Canada, Europe and Australasia, clinical features of ritual abuse in children and adults, the controversy's impact on professionals and systems, the controversy and American law, ritual abuse reports and narratives, and anthropological, folkloric and sociological perspectives.
    "Mary de Young, a professor of sociology and chair of the Department of Sociology at Grand Valley State University, lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is the author of THE DAY CARE RITUAL ABUSE MORAL PANIC, published by McFarland and Company." -- Publisher
    There may be something of interest here. We have not seen this bibliography. However, we feel it is highly unlikely that a secular compiler could produce an unbiased bibliography on ritual child abuse considering: 1) the most dangerous place for a child in America today is in their mother's womb, 2) most parents have given up their children's education to the public education system, and in 1983 The National Commission on Excellence in Education, in their report, A NATION AT RISK: THE IMPERATIVE FOR EDUCATIONAL REFORM, concluded that had public education been carried out by enemies of the United States, it could not be more harmful to the country, 3) The court system refuses to acknowledge the Ten Commandments (the summation of which is to love God and neighbor) as an ethical basis for modern, relative, arbitrary law, and 4) "although heterosexuals outnumber homosexuals by a ratio of at least 20 to 1, homosexual pedophiles commit about one-third of the total number of child sex offenses," and the courts are recognizing homosexual marriages as of equal status as heterosexual marriages, and so forth, and so on. -- compiler

    *Zacharias, Ravi K. (1946-2020), and Vince Vitale, Why Suffering?: Finding Meaning and Comfort When Life Doesn't Make Sense, ISBN: 9781455549702 1455549703.
    "Why would a loving and powerful God allow so much pain and suffering? In WHY SUFFERING? Ravi Zacharias and Vince Vitale carefully walk you through a variety of responses that considered together provide a clear, comprehensive, and convincing answer. Responses like: Where there is the possibility of love, there has to be the reality of freedom, and therefore the possibility of pain. Wishing God had made a different world is to wish yourself out of existence. The cross is the key to a compelling and rational explanation for trusting in God in the face of suffering. In comparison with other world religions, the Christian response is highly distinctive. The reality of evil only makes sense in light of the reality of divine goodness. Relational knowledge about God takes the argument beyond reason to the presence of God amidst suffering. God's decision to allow temporal suffering is understandable when viewed from an eternal perspective. Divine goodness shows how to conquer not in spite of, but even through suffering. Here is a book written with great respect for the complexity of the issue, recognizing that some who read it will be in the trenches of deep suffering themselves and others questioning the very existence of a loving God. WHY SUFFERING? provides an answer to the problem of pain and suffering with emotional sensitivity and intellectual integrity." -- Publisher
    Ravi Talks About his Book: Why Suffering?
    "The Captain of our Salvation, made perfect, made complete, through suffering -- if our Lord himself had to go through that, as he endured the cross, despising the shame, and is now set down at the right hand of God -- that's why I think there is a key word which James Stewart uses, which I expand upon here, 'He conquered not in spite of the Darkness, fear of evil, he conquered through it' and I believe it is the same in your life and mine. We may not like it, but we conquer through the pain and through the suffering." -- Ravi Zacharias
    http://www.rzim.org/let-my-people-think-broadcasts/ravi-talks-about-his-book-why-suffering/

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The root cause of criminal acts of extreme depravity, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Marital counseling, Biblical counsel by subject, Counseling the family, Justice, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Church discipline, The covenant faithfulness of god, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Sex ethics, sex education, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, Soul-violence, Churches that abuse, Divorce, Hostility, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Slavery, our systems of enslavement, economic enslavement,
    Finding the perfect parent in god, Counseling the family, Training children, Home schooling, Incest, Child abuse (pedophilia), Problem solving with children, Counseling children, The difficult child, Protecting children from dangers, Preparing children for the world, Teens and parents, Counseling teens, Teens coping with the world, Public schools, public education, Homosexuality, lesbianism, gay, bisexual, transvestite, queer (lgbtq), Child abuse and pedophilia, Incest, Prostitution, harlotry, Rape, Counseling for Sex Related Problems, Illegitimacy, Pornography, Addiction, alcoholism, substance abuse, drug abuse, Habits,
    The occult, Sorcery, Abuse (women), Gratuitous sex, a cause of violence, Hostility and violence, Handbooks on the cults, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Churches that abuse, Reform of the church, Justifying faith, Bitterness and resentment, Fatherlessness, Premarital counseling, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 385, 598, 599, 601, 1983, 2211, 2281, 2377, 3480

    Related Weblinks

    The Carefulness and Competence Needed When Helping the Abused
    https://rickthomas.net/listening-to-sexual-abuse-part-1/

    Domestic Violence: An Epidemic in American Society
    "National Statistics

    Elder Abuse, AgePage, National Institute of Aging
    "Learn about elder abuse, including physical, emotional, and financial abuse. Identify signs of abuse, neglect, and healthcare." Includes "For More Information About Elder Abuse and Where to Get Help."
    https://order.nia.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2018-09/elder-abuse.pdf

    The Elsie Books
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr11ch.html#cfiction
    The Elsie Books 28-book series, in its original unabridged text, probably models the Christian family better than any other fiction. Likewise, the example of Elsie's life is one of the best models for Christian girls.
    Notice the original text of this series is becoming available free in Project Gutenberg e-text. We have added links to the e-text as of May 2007.

    Family Watchdog
    This national website tracks sexual offenders in your area.
    "Enter an address below to view a map of registered sex offenders near you."
    While this is much needed data, and we commend efforts thus far, this map will not include the following sexual offenders who should (when known), be publicly identified until they repent of their sexual crimes:

    1. sexual offenders who have not been caught, tried, and convicted (the arrest/conviction ratio for all offenses was approximately 100/25 in the mid 90s);
    2. sexual offenders who have violated parole;
    3. sexual offenders who have failed to report their address or address change;
    4. sexual offenders using an alias (The FBI "believes 1 in 6 persons with a criminal record may be using alias names and identification." -- U.S. Congress, Office of Technology Assessment, OTA-TCT-497);
    5. sexual offenders who have been convicted on some other charge;
    6. ex-convicts and inmates who have committed sodomy in prison;
    7. offenders guilty of raping their spouse and the offense has gone unreported;
    8. wives who deliberately commit adultery as part of a "pre-planned divorce," that is, who married with plans to divorce for financial gain;
    9. offenders guilty of unreported incest;
    10. offenders guilty of unreported date rape;
    11. offenders who have committed unreported sexual offenses when drunk or under the influence of drugs;
    12. offenders who have committed unreported sexual offenses with mutual consent;
    13. individual members of Alcoholics Anonymous (who are frequently ex-convicts, mentally ill, and/or mentally retarded, and prefer to be identified as alcoholics to avoid the social stigma of the other categories), or other related 10-Step addiction treatment programs who have committed unreported sexual offenses with other members, or while being a sponsor of another member;
    14. individual members of Alcoholics Anonymous and related 10 Step codependent treatment programs who use the programs as vehicles to find new sexual partners;
    15. offenders who have committed unreported sexual offenses with other members of Alcoholics Anonymous or other related 10-Step addiction treatment programs while in a codependent relationship with another member;
    16. members of Sex Addicts Anonymous who have committed unreported sexual offenses;
    17. prostitutes still at-large in society;
    18. offenders who frequent prostitutes;
    19. men and women who are self-employed in the "sex industry" (professionals deliberately practicing prostitution within the business community);
    20. individuals employed in the pornography industry, including child pornography;
    21. individuals addicted to pornography or child pornography;
    22. individuals guilty of unreported sodomy and homosexuality;
    23. unreported homosexual pedophiles ("Homosexuals are over-represented in child sex offenses: Individuals from the 1 to 3 percent of the population that is sexually attracted to the same sex are committing up to one-third of the sex crimes against children." -- Timothy J. Dailey, Ph.D. in "Homosexuality and Child Sexual Abuse");
    24. offenders guilty of unreported rape;
    25. offenders guilty of unreported fornication;
    26. offenders guilty of unreported adultery;
    27. offenders living in licentious cohabitation;
    28. offenders who are mentally retarded and promiscuous;
    29. offenders who have sever mental illness and are promiscuous;
    30. offenders with AIDS disease;
    31. offenders with any of the 30 other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), in the United States;
    32. individuals who dabble in, or actively participate in satanic cults, or related destructive cults that practice sexual rituals;
    33. offenders who are licensed mental health care professionals (Psychiatrists, Clinical Psychologists, Psych Nurses, Medical Doctors, Counselors, Priests, Pastors, and Churchmen, and so forth), who become sexually involved with their patients, clients, counselees, or church members;
    34. individuals in the legal profession who judged in favor of legalized abortion or who aided in the legal process;
    35. individuals participating in organized crime who run and profit from most of the abortion clinics in the United States;
    36. medical professionals who perform abortions;
    37. men who have paid for abortions performed on their daughters;
    38. men who have paid for abortions performed on their sexual partners;
    39. mothers who have aborted children from their wombs (any of the 43 million abortions performed in the United States since Roe vs. Wade in 1973), [56 million American babies from 1973 to 2014, annual rate continues at 1.2 million babies a year.];
    40. individuals in the drug industry who developed "the morning after pill";
    41. druggists who sell "the morning after pill";
    42. women who have used "the morning after pill";
    43. and so forth, and so on.
    http://www12.familywatchdog.us/

    The Influence of a Godly Mother, a sermon by D. James Kennedy
    "What is a mother's influence on society? Motherhood has been de-valued by our secular society. What you don't hear is how much influence mothers really have on the course of human events. James Kennedy brings light to the powerful influence of a Godly Mother on The Coral Ridge Hour."
    Children who do not bond with their mother often have difficulty bonding with others in society.
    http://www.truthinaction.org/sermon/INFLUENCE%20OF%20A%20GODLY%20MOTHER-1994-THE_110912.pdf

    Mastering Life Ministries
    http://www.MasteringLife.org

    National Sexual Violence Resource Center: Info and Statistics for Journalists
    "Only 12 percent of child sexual abuse is reported to the authorities. (Hanson, R. F., Resnick, H. S., Saunders, B. E., Kilpatrick, D. G., & Best, C. (1999). Factors related to the reporting of childhood rape. Child Abuse and Neglect, 23, 559-569. doi:10.1016/S0145-2134(99)00028-9)"
    https://www.nsvrc.org/sites/default/files/publications_nsvrc_factsheet_media-packet_statistics-about-sexual-violence_0.pdf

    The Reason I Stopped Hating my dad was Life-changing
    https://rickthomas.net/the-reason-i-stopped-hating-my-dad-2/

    Spiritual Abuse
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiritual_abuse



    Affliction, Adversity, Trials, Suffering, Chastisement

    He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 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. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. (Isaiah 53:3-7)

    God had one Son on earth without sin -- but never one without affliction. -- St. Augustine (Bishop of Hippo, 354-430 AD)

    I now see that godliness is more than the outside and the ornaments and the deckings of this world. Who knoweth the truth of grace without a trial? Not one! O, how little Christ getteth of us but that which He winneth with much toil and pains! And how soon faith would freeze without a cross! -- 31 Days With Samuel Rutherford

    Trials, we must distinctly understand, are a part of the diet which all true Christians must expect. It is one of the means by which their grace is proved, and by which they find out what there is in themselves.
    Winter as well as summer -- cold as well as heat -- clouds as well as sunshine -- are all necessary to bring the fruit of the Spirit to ripeness and maturity. We do not naturally like this. We would rather cross the lake with calm weather and favorable winds, with Christ always by our side, and the sun shining down on our faces. But it may not be. It is not in this way that God's children are made partakers of His holiness. (Hebrews 12:10) Abraham, and Jacob, and Moses, and David, and Job were all men of many trials. Let us be content to walk in their footsteps, and to drink of their cup. In our darkest hours we may seem to be left -- but we are never really alone. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

    No faith is so precious as that which lives and triumphs through adversity. Tested faith brings experience. You would never have believed your own weakness had you not needed to pass through trials. And you would never have known God's strength had His strength not been needed to carry you through. -- Billy Graham (1918-2018)

    When the servant has been used by his Master he must expect to encounter the opposition of the enemy. The minister of Christ does well to take to heart if he would be in some measure prepared for and fortified against bitter disappointment. After a period of blessing and success, he must expect sore trials. After he has witnessed the power of God attending his efforts he may count upon experiencing something of the rage and power of Satan; for nothing infuriates the devil so much as beholding his victims delivered from spiritual death and set free. The servant of Christ is informed that the smile of heaven upon his labors will arouse the enmity of his great adversary, yet how often is he taken quite unaware when the storm of opposition bursts upon him! It ought not to be so. Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you. (1 Peter 4:12) -- Arthur Pink (1886-1952), Gleanings from Elisha

    For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God. (1 Peter 3:18a)

    And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. (1 Corinthians 12:26)

    My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
    Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
    But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.     (James 1:2-4)

    What does it cost to be a true Christian?
    Bold indeed must that man be who would dare to say that we may keep our self-righteousness, our sins, our laziness, and our love of the world, and yet be saved? I grant it costs much to be a true Christian.
    But who in his sound senses can doubt that it is worth any cost to have the soul saved? When the ship is in danger of sinking, the crew think nothing of casting overboard the precious cargo. When a limb is mortified, a man will submit to any severe operation, and even to amputation, to save life. Surely a Christian should be willing to give up anything which stands between him and heaven. A religion that costs nothing is worth nothing! A cheap Christianity, without a cross, will prove in the end a useless Christianity, without a crown. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

    It is true, then, that they are scarcely saved; even they who endeavor to walk uprightly in the ways of God, that is, the righteous, they are scarcely saved. This imports not any uncertainty or hazard in the thing itself as to the end, in respect of the purpose and performance of God, but only, the great difficulties and hard encounters in the way; that they go through so many temptations and tribulations, so many fightings without and fears within. The Christian is so simple and weak, and his enemies are so crafty and powerful, the oppositions of the wicked world, their hatreds, and scorns, and molestation, the slights and violence of Satan, and, worst of all, the strength of his own corruptions; and by reason of abounding; corruption, there is such frequent, almost continual, need of purifying by afflictions and trials, that he has need to be still under physic, and is of necessity at some times drained and brought so low, that there is scarcely strength or life remaining in him.
    And, truly, all outward difficulties would be but matter of ease, would be as nothing, were it not for the encumbrance of lusts, and corruption within. Were a man to meet disgraces and sufferings for Christ, how easily would he go through them, yea, and rejoice in them, were he rid of the fretting impatience, the pride, and self-love, of his own carnal heart! These clog and trouble him most, and he cannot shake them off, nor prevail against them without much pains, many prayers and tears; and many times, after much wrestling, he scarcely finds that he hath gained any ground: yea, sometimes he is foiled and cast down by them.
    And so, in all other duties, such a fighting and continual combat, with a revolting, backsliding heart, the flesh still pulling and dragging downwards! When he would mount up, he finds himself as a bird with a stone tied to its foot; he having wings that flutter to be upwards, but is pressed down with the weight fastened to him. What struggling with wanderings and deadness in hearing, and reading, and prayer! And what is most grievous is, that, by their unwary walking, and the prevailing of some corruption, they grieve the Spirit of God, and provoke Him to hide His face, and withdraw His comforts. How much pain to attain any thing, any particular grace of humility, or meekness, or self-denial; and if any thing be attained, how hard to keep and maintain it against the contrary party! How often are they driven back to their old point. If they do but cease from striving a little, they are carried back by the stream. And what returns of doubting and unbelief, after they thought they were got somewhat above them, in-so-much that sometimes they are at the point of giving over, and thinking it will never be for them. And yet through all these they are brought safe home. There is Another strength than theirs, which bears them up, and brings them through. But these things, and many more of this nature, argue the difficulty of their course, and that it is not so easy a thing to come to Heaven as most imagine it. -- Robert Leighton (1611-1684), commenting on 1 Peter 4:18 in A Practical Commentary Upon the two First Chapters of the First Epistle General of St. Peter

    We ought not to be staggered if we meet with sharp afflictions while we are treading the path of duty. Did not Joseph do so again and again? Did not Daniel? Above all, did not the Redeemer Himself? -- so too with His apostles. Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you (1 Pet. 4:12). . . . patience, hope, meekness and the other spiritual graces, can only be developed in the fire." -- Arthur Pink, The Life of Elijah

    Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. (1 Peter 4:12-14)

    We must through much tribulation enter the Kingdom of God. (Acts 14:22)

    If ye endure chastening, God dealth with you as with sons: for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? (Hebrews 12:7)

    We know that from the very first bloom of youth, during almost his whole life, he [David] was so tried by a multiplied accumulation of afflictions, that he might have been accounted miserable and wretched above all other men; yet in celebrating the goodness of God, he acknowledges that he had been lightly afflicted only for a short period, and as it were in passing. . . . For a small moment have I afflicted thee, but with everlasting mercies will I gather thee, (Isaiah 54:7). . . .
    2 Corinthians 4:17, For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. . . .
    The amount of David's instruction is, that were we not too headstrong, we would acknowledge that the Lord, even when he appears to overwhelm us for a time with the darkness of affliction, always seasonably ministers matter of joy, just as the morning arises after the night. -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 30:5 and context

    Through sufferings God teaches us to prize our outward mercies and comforts more, and yet to dote upon them less. We need to be more thankful for them, and yet less ensnared by them. We can undervalue our mercies even while we glut ourselves with them. Behold, while men fill themselves with the mercies of God, they can neglect the God who gave them. When God is most generous in remembering us, we are often most ungrateful in forgetting Him. To enable us to put a true value on the mercies that our foolish, unthankful hearts delight in, God often takes them away, that we may learn to prize them by having to do without them. . . . --Thomas Case (1598-1682)

    After Moses has threatened the despisers of God, and the apostates, who desire to be accounted members of His household the Church, he now turns to the strangers and denounces against them that the cruelty which they have exercised towards the Israelites shall not be unpunished, because God will at length be mindful of His covenant, and will pardon His elect people. . . . Doubtless the object of Moses is to encourage the hopes of the pious, who have profited by God's chastisement, by showing that He will mitigate His severity towards His elect people, and in His wrath will remember mercy. (Habakkuk 3:2.) Thus, then, Moses here teaches the same thing which God afterwards more clearly unfolded to David: If thy children forsake my law... I will visit their transgressions with the rod of man... nevertheless my loving-kindness will I not take away from them, etc. (Psalm 89:30, 33; 2 Samuel 7:14, 15.)
    "For nothing is more fitted to sustain us in afflictions than when God promises that there shall be some limit to them, so that He will not utterly destroy those whom He has chosen. Whenever, therefore, the ills which we suffer tempt us to despair, let this lesson recur to our minds, that the punishments, wherewith God chastises His children, are temporary, since His promise will never fail that his anger endureth but a moment, (Psalm 30:5,) whilst the flow of His mercy is continual. Hence, too, that lesson which is especially directed to the Church: For a moment I afflicted thee, but I will pursue my mercies towards thee for ever. (Isaiah 54:8.) . . . At the same time we must observe that, whenever God declares that He will be merciful to His servants, he only refers to those who heartily seek for reconciliation, and not to the reprobate, who are carried away to destruction by their desperate obstinacy. In short, to the end that God should repent of His severity, repentance is required on the part of sinners; as he teaches elsewhere: Turn ye unto me... and I will turn unto you. (Zechariah 1:3.) . . .
    This circumstance is well worthy of notice, so our hopes may not fail us even in the most severe afflictions of the Church; but that we may be assured that although all may be in the worst state possible, still the due season of reparation will come even yet. . . . -- John Calvin commenting on Deuteronomy 32:36 and context

    Let us count it no strange thing, if we have sufferings in this present time. It is a season of probation; we are yet at school.
    We are learning patience, gentleness, and meekness, which we could hardly learn if we had our good things now. But there is an eternal holiday yet to begin. For this let us wait quietly. It will make amends for all. Our light affliction which is for the moment, works for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory. (2 Corinthians 4:17) -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

    If your graces are weaker, your temptations also shall be fewer, and your afflictions lighter. This is evident in Scripture: the strongest in grace have been the most tempted, afflicted, and distressed. Abraham excelled in faith, and God tried the strength of his faith to the uttermost. Moses excelled others in meekness and had to deal with a murmuring generation. Job carried the day with patience, and he was exercised with great afflictions. So God, in much wisdom and love, will suit your burdens to your backs. He will fit all your afflictions to your strength. -- Thomas Brooks (1608-1680), Works, III:67-68

    I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

    For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. (2 Corinthians 1:5)

    Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
    For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
    For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?     (Matthew 16:24-26)
    Matthew Gill's Commentary
    http://www.biblestudytools.com/my-bible/#/left:passage/kjv/matthew/16:24/&right:reference/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/matthew-16-24.html

    I can say as to myself, that I have been assailed on all sides, and have scarcely been able to enjoy repose for a single moment, but have always had to sustain some conflict either from enemies without or within the church. -- John Calvin, Preface to his Commentary on the Psalms, 1557

    Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. (Job 13:15)

    It would be easy to lose heart and become cynical. But No! There is One who sees all things, knows all things, and will ultimately triumph over all things. There is only one message that addresses the truth as the truth. The Lord of glory, Jesus Christ, came to this earth and was also the victim of hate. Lies sent him to the cross. Power overruled reality, as politics and religious demagogues once again made the lie seem noble. But the Lord who sees the beginning from the end amazingly conquered not in spite of the dark mystery of evil, rather, "He conquered through it." James Stewart of Scotland, pointing to the cross, said it in the most powerful terms I have read. Commenting on the verse from Psalm 68:18, He led captivity captive, he said:

    It is a glorious phrase -- He led captivity captive. The very triumphs of his foes, it means, he used for their defeat. He compelled their dark achievements to subserve his ends not theirs. They nailed him to a tree, not knowing that by that very act they were bringing the world to his feet. They gave him a cross, not guessing that he would make it a throne. They flung him outside the city gates to die, not knowing that in that very moment they were lifting up the gates of the universe, to let the king come in. They thought to root out his doctrines, not understanding that they were implanting imperishably in the hearts of men the very name they intended to destroy. They thought they had God with his back to the wall, pinned helpless and defeated: they did not know that it was God himself who had tracked them down. "He did not conquer in spite of the dark mystery of evil. He conquered through it." -- James Stewart (1635-1713) in a message by Ravi Zacharias, Is Paris Burning? November 18, 2015
    The Captain of our Salvation, made perfect, made complete, through suffering -- if our Lord himself had to go through that, as he endured the cross, despising the shame, and is now set down at the right hand of God -- that's why I think there is a key word which James Stewart uses, which I expand upon here, "He conquered not in spite of the Darkness, fear of evil, he conquered through it" and I believe it is the same in your life and mine. We may not like it, but we conquer through the pain and through the suffering. -- Ravi Zacharias in "Ravi Talks About his Book Why Suffering"

    theodicy: the vindication of divine providence in view of the existence of evil. -- Oxford Dictionary of English

    Observe here: The faith of the apostles, when Christ was taken, gets a crack; the back of it is near broken, and they are at the point of giving up with Christ, taking Him not to be the Redeemer of the children of Israel. O, but God's children, in their way to heaven, get many sore backsets [thrusts back]! Many sore trials have the people of God to encounter with. They are many times at that of it, that they know not what to do. What might the disciples now think, but Christ and they were separated never to meet again? "Wherefore hidest thou thy face, and holdest me for thine enemy?" (Job 13:24). Christ, the true heir, was put to this, What shall I do? "Now is," says He, "My soul troubled, and what shall I say?" Howbeit He never doubted, though He was put to tears and strong cries. I think the saints, in their way to heaven, are like rash children, who get many a fall, and break their face twice a day. God will give them such a backset and fall under temptations, that their eyes will reel again, their hands grow weak, and their hearts faint; so that there is but as a hair-breadth, betwixt them and their giving up with God. Faith, as it were, goes through fire and water to heaven: or like a soldier going through an enemy's camp, this one runs at him with a spear, another discharges a musket at him, one runs him through the arm or thigh, with a sword; another has well nigh put him off his horse, and he is very near surrendering; yet he spurs through, and at last gets away with his life. So the Christian warrior, however many hazards he may meet with, shall come off victorious at last. This may be a comfort for all under temptations and down-castings for their grievous sins. Ye sometimes cry, "No, but God loves me not; I am often doubting if the dead rise, if there be a heaven," &c. These are backsets, but take ye no fear, give not over, all shall be well. Faith must not be like foolish people, to seek law-burrows [a pledge that no injury shall be done] of temptations. True faith is an herb that grows best in winter weather. -- Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661)

    I find it to be most true, that the greatest temptation out of hell is to live without temptations. If my waters should stand, they would rot. Faith is the better of the free air, and of the sharp winter storms in its face. Grace withereth without adversity. The devil is but God's master fencer, to teach us to handle our weapons. -- Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661), The Loveliness of Christ
    Martha Finley uses part of this quote in ELSIE'S WIDOWHOOD, Book 7, Chapter 4, p. 41. Elsie's father consoling her on the sudden, unexpected death of her husband whom had been his lifelong friend.

    Contrary to what might be expected, I look back on experiences that at the time seemed especially desolating and painful, with particular satisfaction. Indeed, I can say with complete truthfulness that everything I have learned in my seventy-five years in this world, everything that has truly enhanced and enlightened my existence, has been through affliction and not through happiness, whether pursued or attained. In other words, if it ever were to be possible to eliminate affliction from our earthly existence by means of some drug or other medical mumbo jumbo . . . the result would not be to make life delectable, but to make it too banal or trivial to be endurable. This of course is what the cross [of Christ] signifies, and it is the cross more than anything else, that has called me inexorably to Christ. -- Malcolm Muggeridge (1903-1990)

    Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
    But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
    But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
    In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
    For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
    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.
    But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
    We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
    Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
    Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.
    For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
    So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
    We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;
    Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
    For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
    For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
    For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
    While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.     (2 Corinthians 4:1-18). See the annotation in The Reformation Study Bible.

    Lest we forget the hardships of Paul.
    Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I [am] more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.
    Of the Jews five times received I forty [stripes] save one.
    Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
    [In] journeyings often, [in] perils of waters, [in] perils of robbers, [in] perils by [mine own] countrymen, [in] perils by the heathen, [in] perils in the city, [in] perils in the wilderness, [in] perils in the sea, [in] perils among false brethren;
    In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
    Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
    Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?
    If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.
    The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.
    In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me:
    And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.     (2 Corinthians 11:23-33)

    For as the sufferings of Christ abound. (2 Corinthians 1:5a) -- This statement may be explained in two ways -- actively and passively. If you take it actively, the meaning will be this: "The more I am tried with various afflictions, so much the more resources have I for comforting others." I am, however, more inclined to take it in a passive sense, as meaning that God multiplied his consolations according to the measure of his tribulations. David also acknowledges that it had been thus with him: According to the multitude, says he, of my anxieties within me, thy consolations have delighted my soul (Psalm 94:19).
    In Paul's words, however, there is a fuller statement of doctrine; for the afflictions of the pious he calls the sufferings of Christ, as he says elsewhere, that he fills up in his body what is wanting in the sufferings of Christ (Colossians 1:24).
    The miseries and vexations, it is true, of the present life are common to good and bad alike, but when they befall the wicked, they are tokens of the curse of God, because they arise from sin, and nothing appears in them except the anger of God and participation with Adam, which cannot but depress the mind. But in the mean time believers are conformed to Christ, and "bear about with them in their body his dying, that the life of Christ may one day be manifested in them" (2 Corinthians 4:10).
    I speak of the afflictions which they endure for the testimony of Christ, (Revelation 1:9), for although the Lord's chastisements, with which he chastises their sins, are beneficial to them, they are, nevertheless, not partakers, properly speaking, of Christ's sufferings, except in those cases in which they suffer on his account, as we find in 1 Peter 4:13. Paul's meaning then is, that God is always present with him in his tribulations, and that his infirmity is sustained by the consolations of Christ, so as to prevent him from being overwhelmed with calamities. -- John Calvin commenting on 2 Corinthians 1:5

    I am afflicted very much.
    According to the last verse he had been sworn in as a soldier of the Lord, and in this next verse he is called to suffer hardness in that capacity. Our service of the Lord does not screen us from trial, but rather secures it for us. The Psalmist was a consecrated man, and yet a chastened man; nor were his chastisements light; for it seemed as if the more he was obedient the more he was afflicted. He evidently felt the rod to be cutting deep, and this he pleads before the Lord. He speaks not by way of murmuring, but by way of pleading; from the very much affliction he argues for very much quickening.
    Quicken me, O Lord, according unto thy word.
    This is the best remedy for tribulation; the soul is raised above the thought of present distress, and is filled with that holy joy which attends all vigorous spiritual life, and so the affliction grows light. Jehovah alone can quicken: he has life in himself, and therefore can communicate it readily; he can give us life at any moment, yea, at this present instant; for it is of the nature of quickening to be quick in its operation. The Lord has promised, prepared, and provided this blessing of renewed life for all his waiting servants: it is a covenant blessing, and it is as obtainable as it is needful. Frequently the affliction is made the means of the quickening, even as the stirring of a fire promotes the heat of the flame. In their affliction some desire death, let us pray for life. Our foreboding under trial are often very gloomy, let us entreat the Lord to deal with us, not according to our fears, but according to his own word. David had but few promises to quote, and probably these were in his own psalms, yet he pleads the word of the Lord; how much more should we do so, since to us so many holy men have spoken by the Spirit of the Lord in that wonderful library which is now our Bible. Seeing we have more promises, let us offer more prayers. -- C.H. Spurgeon commenting on Psalm 119:107

    But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
    Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us.     (2 Corinthians 1:9,10)

    The devil desires to winnow Peter, not Judas. The more faithful servants of God we be, the more doth Satan bruise us with the flail, or grate us with the fan. The thief does not break into an empty cottage, but into some furnished house or full granary, where the fatness of the booty is a fitness to his desires. The unclean spirit finds no rest in an atheist, usurer, drunkard, swearer, etc. He knows a canker has overrun their consciences already; and that they are as sure as temptation can make them. What need he tempt them that tempt themselves? -- Thomas Adams

    Look, as our greatest good comes through the sufferings of Christ, so God's greatest glory that He hath from His saints comes through their sufferings. -- Thomas Brooks (1608-1680)

    Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
    It is a faithful saying:

    For if we be dead with him,
    we shall also live with him:
    If we suffer,
    we shall also reign with him:
    if we deny him,
    he also will deny us:
    If we believe not,
    yet he abideth faithful:
    he cannot deny himself.     (2 Timothy 2:8-13,19)

    Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
    Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.     (Hebrews 11:25-26)
    This clause ought to be carefully noticed; for we here learn that we ought to shun as a deadly poison whatever cannot be enjoyed without offending God; for the pleasures of sin he calls all the allurements of the world which draw us away from God and our calling. But the comforts of our earthly life, which we are allowed by pure conscience, and God's permission to enjoy, are not included here. Let us then ever remember that we ought to know and understand what God allows us. There are indeed some things in themselves lawful, but the use of which is prohibited to us, owing to circumstances as to time, place, or other things. Hence as to all the blessings connected with the present life, what is ever to be regarded is, that they should be to us helps and aids to follow God and not hindrances. And he calls these pleasures of sin temporary or for a time, because they soon vanish away together with life itself.
    "In opposition to these he sets the reproach of Christ, which all the godly ought willingly to undergo. For those whom God has chosen, he has also foreordained to be conformed to the image of his own son; not that he exercises them all by the same kind of reproaches or by the same cross, but that they are all to be so minded as not to decline to undertake the cross in common with Christ. Let every one then bear in mind, that as he is called to this fellowship he is to throw off all hindrances. Nor must we omit to say, that he reckons among the reproaches of Christ all the ignominious trials which the faithful have had to endure from the beginning of the world; for as they were the member of the same body, so they had nothing different from what we have. As all sorrows are indeed the rewards of sin, so they are also the fruits of the curse pronounced on the first man: but whatever wrongs we endure from the ungodly on account of Christ, these he regards as his own. Hence Paul gloried that he made up what was wanting as to the sufferings of Christ. Were we rightly to consider this, it would not be so grievous and bitter for us to suffer for Christ.
    "He also explains more fully what he means in this clause by the reproach of Christ, by what he has previously declared when he said, that Moses chose to suffer affliction with the people of God. He could not have otherwise avowed himself as one of God's people, except he had made himself a companion to his own nation in their miseries. Since, then, this is the end, let us not separate ourselves from the body of the Church: whatever we suffer, let us know that it is consecrated on account of the head. So on the other hand he calls those things the treasures of Egypt, which no one can otherwise possess than by renouncing and forsaking the Church. For he had respect unto the recompense of the reward, or for he looked to the remuneration. He proves by the description he gives, that the magnanimity of Moses' mind was owing to faith; for he had his eyes fixed on the promise of God. For he could not have hoped that it would be better for him to be with the people of Israel than with the Egyptians, had he not trusted in the promise and in nothing else.
    By faith he forsook Egypt, etc.
    This may be said of his first as well as of his second departure, that is, when he brought out the people with him. He then indeed left Egypt when he fled from the house of Pharaoh. Add to this, that his going out is recorded by the Apostle before he mentions the celebration of the Passover. He seems then to speak of the flight of Moses; nor is what he adds, that he feared not the wrath of the king, any objection to this, though Moses himself relates that he was constrained to do so by fear. For if we look at the beginning of his course he did not fear, that is, when he avowed himself to be the avenger of his people. However, when I consider all the circumstances, I am inclined to regard this as his second departure; for it was then that he bravely disregarded the fierce wrath of the king, being armed with such power by God's Spirit, that he often of his own accord defied the fury of that wild beast. It was doubtless an instance of the wonderful strength of faith, that he brought out a multitude untrained for war and burdened with many encumbrances, and yet hoped that a way would be opened to him by God's hand through innumerable difficulties. He saw a most powerful king in a furious rage, and he knew that he would not cease till he had tried his utmost. But as he knew that God had commanded him to depart, he committed the event to him, nor did he doubt but that he would in dug time restrain all the assaults of the Egyptians.
    As seeing him who is invisible. Nay, but he had seen God in the midst of the burning bush: this then seems to have been said improperly, and not very suitable to the present subject. I indeed allow, that Moses was strengthened in his faith by that vision, before he took in hand the glorious work of delivering the people; but I do not admit that it was such a view of God, as divested him of his bodily senses, and transferred him beyond the trials of this world. God at that time only showed him a certain symbol of his presence; but he was far from seeing God as he is. Now, the Apostle means, that Moses so endured, as though he was taken up to heaven, and had God only before his eyes; and as though he had nothing to do with men, was not exposed to the perils of this world and had no contests with Pharaoh. And yet, it is certain, that he was surrounded with so many difficulties, that he could not but think sometimes that God was far away from him, or at least, that the obstinacy of the king, furnished as it was with so many means of resistance, would at length overcome him. In short, God appeared to Moses in such a way, as still to leave room for faith; and Moses, when beset by terrors on every side, turned all his thoughts to God. He was indeed assisted to do this, by the vision which we have mentioned; but yet he saw more in God than what that symbol intimated: for he understood his power, and that absorbed all his fears and dangers. Relying on God's promise, he felt assured that the people, though then oppressed by the tyranny of the Egyptians, were already, as it were, the lords of the promised land.
    We hence learn, that the true character of faith is to set God always before our eyes; secondly, that faith beholds higher and more hidden things in God than what our senses can perceive; and thirdly, that a view of God alone is sufficient to strengthen our weakness, so that we may become firmer than rocks to withstand all the assaults of Satan. It hence follows, that the weaker and the less resolute any one is, the less faith he has. -- John Calvin commenting on Hebrew 11:25-27

    The LORD [is] my shepherd;
    I shall not want.
    He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
    he leadeth me beside the still waters.
    He restoreth my soul:
    he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
    Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
    I will fear no evil:
    for thou [art] with me;
    thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
    Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
    thou anointest my head with oil;
    my cup runneth over.
    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.     (Psalm 23)

    Suffering is the Diet of the Lord's Family (Psalm 46:1-3)
    All the sons of God take part in suffering with Christ. What says the Scripture? If children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if so be that we suffer with Him. (Romans 8:17.) All the children of God have a cross to carry.
    They have trials, troubles, and afflictions to go through for the Gospel's sake. They have trials from the world, -- trials from the flesh, -- and trials from the devil. They have trials of feeling from relations and friends, -- hard words, hard treatment, and hard judgment.
    They have trials in the matter of character; -- slander, misrepresentation, mockery, insinuation of false motives, -- all these often rain thick upon them. They have trials in the matter of worldly interests.
    They have often to choose whether they will please man and lose glory, or gain glory and offend man. They have trials from their own hearts. They have each generally their own thorn in the flesh, -- their own home-devil, who is their worst foe. This is the experience of the sons of God.
    Some of them suffer more, and some less. Some of them suffer in one way, and some in another. God measures out their portions like a wise physician, and cannot err. But never, I believe, was there one child of God who reached paradise without a cross.
    Suffering is the diet of the Lord's family. Whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth. If ye are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then ye are illegitimate children and not sons. Through much tribulation we must enter the kingdom of God. . . . All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. (Hebrews 12:6-8; Acts 14:22; 2 Timothy 3:12.)
    Suffering is a part of the process by which the sons of God are sanctified. They are chastened to wean them from the world, and make them partakers of God's holiness. The Captain of their salvation was made perfect through suffering, and so are they. (Hebrews 2:10; Hebrews 12:10.)
    Let us try to settle this down into our hearts also. The sons of God have all to bear a cross. A suffering Saviour generally has suffering disciples.
    The Bridegroom was a man of sorrows. The Bride must not be a woman of pleasures and unacquainted with grief. Blessed are they that mourn. Let us not murmur at the cross. This also is a sign of sonship. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900) Practical Religion: Being Plain Papers on the Daily Duties, Experience, Dangers, and Privileges of Professing Christians, "Suffering is the Diet of the Lord's Family" (Psalm 46:1-3), (London: Charles Murray, 1900), pp. 418-419.
    http://www.jcryle.info/2016/09/suffering-is-diet-of-lords-family.html

    By affliction God teaches us many precious lessons, which without it, we would never learn. By affliction He shows us our emptiness and weakness, draws us to the throne of grace, purifies our affections, weans us from the world, and makes us long for heaven. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)
    As one grows older it becomes more apparent that the worst affliction we have gone through has had the net effect of causing the Truth of the Gospel to shine forth even more brightly in our understanding, as a diamond shines more brightly on black velvet.

    Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. (Psalm 34:19)

    The just Lord is in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame. (Zephaniah 3:5)

    And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. (Romans 8:28,29)

    Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
    As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
    Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
    For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
    Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.     (Romans 8:35-39)

    But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lord shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him. (Psalm 37:39,40)

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 62
    From him cometh my salvation. The good man will, therefore, in patience possess his soul till deliverance comes: faith can hear the footsteps of coming salvation, because she has learned to be silent. Our salvation in no measure or degree comes to us from any inferior source; let us, therefore, look alone to the true fountain, and avoid the detestable crime of ascribing to the creature what belongs alone to the Creator. If to wait on God be worship, to wait on the creature is idolatry; if to wait on God alone be true faith, to associate an arm of the flesh with him is audacious unbelief." -- C.H. Spurgeon commenting on Psalm 62:1 in The Treasury of David
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps062.php

    Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. (Psalm 62:1)
    He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. (Psalm 62:6) http://www.biblestudytools.com/my-bible/#/left:passage/kjv/psalms/62:6/&right:reference/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/psalms-62-6.html
    Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. (Psalm 62:8)
    God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. (Psalm 62:11)
    C.S. Spurgeon Commenting on Psalm 62
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps062.php

    This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me. (Psalm 119:50)

    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

    Most of the grand truths of God have to be learned by trouble; they must be burned into us with the hot iron of affliction, otherwise we shall not truly receive them. No man is competent to judge in matters of the kingdom, until first he has been tried; since there are many things to be learned in the depths which we can never know in the heights. We discover many secrets in the caverns of the ocean, which, though we had soared to heaven, we never could have known. He shall best meet the wants of God's people as a preacher who has had those wants himself; he shall best comfort God's Israel who has needed comfort; and he shall best preach salvation who has felt his own need of it. -- C.H. Spurgeon (1834-1892), "Salvation of the Lord," sermon No. 131, delivered May 10, 1857, at the Music Hall, Royal Surrey Gardens

    God makes our adversity our University -- Thomas Watson (1620-1686)

    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)

    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)

    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.

    Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously. (1 Peter 2:19-23)

    Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:16)

    And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:16)

    And he said unto me, My Grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. [1]Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may [2]rest upon me.
    Therefore I take     [1]pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. -- Paul quoting The Lord Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 12:9,10)
    12:9 [1] He concludeth, that he will only see his miseries against the vain brags of the false apostles, and therewith also excuseth himself, for that by their importunity, he was constrained to speak so much of these things as he did: to wit, because that if his Apostleship were subverted his doctrine must needs fall.
    12:9 [2] That I might feel the virtue of Christ more and more: For the weaker that our tabernacles are, the more doth Christ's virtue appear in them.
    12:10 [1] I do not only take them patiently and with a good heart, but also I take great pleasure in them.-- 1599 Geneva Bible Notes

    When I am in the cellar of affliction, I look for the Lord's choicest wines. -- Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661)

    As the wicked are hurt by the best things, so the godly are bettered by the worst. -- William Jenkyn

    No hypocrite can bear the cross. -- Henry Smith (1550-1591)

    The godly may sometimes be so overclouded with calumnies and reproaches as not to be able to find a way to clear themselves before men, but must content and comfort themselves with the testimony of a good conscience and with God's approbation of their integrity. -- David Dickson

    They have the earth in their hands (Job 9:24), who have nothing of heaven in their hearts; they bear sway in the world who are slaves to the world; they govern and order others at their will who are led captive by Satan at his will. Be not offended and troubled to see the reins of government in their hands who know not how to govern themselves, or to see them rule in the world who are unworthy to live in the world. -- Joseph Caryl

    Lord, high and holy, meek and lowly,
    Thou hast brought me to the valley of vision,
    where I live in the depths but see thee in the heights;
    Hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold thy glory.
    Let me learn by paradox
    that the way down is the way up,
    that to be low is to be high,
    that the broken heart is the healed heart,
    that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit,
    that the repenting soul is the victorious soul,
    that to have nothing is to possess all,
    that to bear the cross is to wear the crown,
    that to give is to receive,
    that the valley is the place of vision.
    Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells,
    and the deeper the wells the brighter thy stars shine: Let me find thy light in my darkness, thy life in my death,
    thy joy in my sorrow,
    thy grace in my sin,
    thy riches in my poverty,
    thy glory in my valley. -- A Puritan Prayer

    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

    All affliction tends to make the individual more fit to serve the Lord.

    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 8:18)
    Said to be one of John Calin's favorite verses.

    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)

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Accepting Retarded Children; Handling Troubles; and etc. (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA409 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), How to Handle Trouble, ISBN: 0875520766 9780875520766.
    "Focuses on Philippians 1:12-26, where Paul views his hardships as opportunities to glorify Christ.
    " 'A practical handbook that gives biblical directions to follow in times of trouble.' Where The Grand Demonstration works out the implications of God's decretive will, this book works out the implications of God's directive will by which he pastorally guides His people. Based on Philippians 1, it lays out six steps for handling trouble: recognize God is in the problem; remember God is up to something; believe that He is up to something good; discover where and how God is at work; get involved in what He is doing; expect good effects." -- David Powlison

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Affliction," "Adversity," "Temptation," "Testing," and so forth, and so on.

    *Alexander, James W. (1804-1859), Consolation: Addresses to the Suffering People of God, ISBN: 1877611530 9781877611537.
    "Eighteen chapters and 448 pages on select topics by the eldest son of prominent theologian, Archibald Alexander. Charles Hodge said he was not the first of orators to hear on rare occasions, but the first of preachers to sit under, month after month, and year after year.
    "The author stresses that it is the attributes of God -- His mercy, His providence, His omnipotence, His power, His goodness, His compassion, and many others -- which give consolation to those saints in need of it. This is a book for the weary soul who has been fighting the good fight and feeling the bruises of the conflict." -- GCB

    *Bolton, Robert (1572-1631), A Treatise on Comforting Afflicted Consciences. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "I do not know of a single book published in the past twenty years that explains in depth how to respond Biblically to a grieved or wounded conscience. Here's an ideal volume to fill that gap. Few books in history have treated the subject as completely or as clearly as Robert Bolton's classic work. . . . The book remains a definitive study on the issue of dealing with guilt. Practical, Biblical, meticulously precise, carefully reasoned, it maintains a straightforward simplicity that cannot fail to touch the sensitive reader's heart." -- John MacArthur

    *Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), When God's Children Suffer, ISBN: 0879832452 9780879832452. Alternate title: NIGHT OF WEEPING: WHEN GOD'S CHILDREN SUFFER.
    "Horatius Bonar excels in his ability to communicate the teachings of God in Christ. His language is so simple, so plain and to the point, that some will say to themselves, 'he can't know much, if those are the biggest words he can use.' Be not deceived, for here is a brain energized by the Scriptures, and so he is able to communicate why God's children suffer, and what the suffering will bring, and where the suffering will lead them. It is a message of hope, a prayerful exploration of the reasons God brings suffering on His loved ones. If you do not know Bonar, be assured you will love him." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)

    *Bordwine, James E., A Guide to the Westminster Standards: Confession of Faith and Larger Catechism (Unicoi, TN: The Trinity Foundation, 1991), ISBN: 0940931303 9780940931305.
    One way to be strengthened and encouraged in times of trouble, discouragement, and depressions is to read pure doctrine to remind oneself of what is in fact true.
    "In this volume are the complete texts of the WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646), (both the original and American versions), and the LARGER CATECHISM, together with Scripture proofs and a unique topical index to both the Confession and the Catechism. A GUIDE TO THE WESTMINSTER STANDARDS will be a great help in understanding the Bible and its most complete summaries, the Westminster Standards." -- Publisher

    *Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), The Crook in the Lot: The Sovereignty of God in the Trials, Tribulations, and Troubles of This Life. Alternate title: THE SOVEREIGNTY AND WISDOM OF GOD DISPLAYED IN THE AFFLICTIONS OF MEN, TOGETHER WITH A CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT UNDER THEM. BEING THE SUBSTANCE OF SEVERAL SERMONS ON ECCLES. VII. 13. [Ecclesiastes 7:13], PROV. XVI. 19. [Proverbs 16:19], and I PET. V. 6 [1 Peter 5:6]. TO WHICH ARE ADDED SOME SERMONS ON THE NATURE OF CHURCH-COMMUNION, FROM I COR. X. 17 [1 Corinthians 10:17], 195 pages, ISBN: 1573581372. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "In this book, Thomas Boston explains how the sovereignty and wisdom of God is displayed in the afflictions of men. In his approach to this difficult subject, he is both theologically precise and pastorally tender. Boston does not commit the error of needlessly trying to protect God's reputation, nor does he go to the opposite extreme of making God a compassionate but helpless bystander. Rather, Boston brings God right into the mix of even the most disastrous events, and shows how He is actively involved in both the events and their resolution. Let the wisdom of the ages be a salve during this time of crisis and bewilderment. May the God of all comfort be your comfort in troubled times.
    "When calamity and disaster strike as it did on September 11th, many people begin to ask, "Where is God?" and "Why did God allow this to happen?" These are the very questions Thomas Boston addresses in this timeless book. This book includes an introduction and a study guide to maximize the impact of this classic work.
    "Thomas Boston (1676-1732), was a Scottish Presbyterian minister. He studied at the University of Edinburgh and was a recognized Hebrew scholar. His main pastorate was at Ettrick, Selkirkshire, where he was installed in 1707. His most noted works are THE CROOK IN THE LOT and HUMAN NATURE IN ITS FOURFOLD STATE." -- Publisher
    "At Monergism Books we view this as one of the top five Christian books ever written . . . What captures our attention first and foremost of this book is how it is so saturated in Scripture. After reading this, no one will be able to deny God meticulously ordaining everything that comes to pass nor fail to see the great comfort there is in this truth . . . THE CROOK IN THE LOT is introduced to us by J.I. Packer." -- Publisher, describing the Monergism edition
    Boston, The Crook in the Lot: or, The Sovereignty and Wisdom of God in the Afflictions of men
    http://archive.org/details/christiantreasur00memeuoft

    Bridges, Jerry, Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts, ISBN: 0891096175 9780891096177.
    "Do you find it easy to trust God -- until adversity strikes? When life clouds over, do you suddenly begin to second-guess your faith and suspect that you only imagined His care for you? Three truths we must believe if we are to trust Him in adversity: (1) God is completely sovereign (2) God is infinite in wisdom, and (3) God is perfect in love. This is sure to be another bestseller . . ." -- GCB
    A study guide is available.

    Bridges, Jerry, Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts (Study Guide), ISBN: 9781600063060 1600063063.

    *Brooks, Thomas (1608-1680), The Mute Christian Under the Smarting Rod. Alternate title: THE MUTE CHRISTIAN UNDER THE SMARTING ROD WITH SOVERAIGN ANTIDOTES AGAINST THE MOST MISERABLE EXIGENTS, OR, A CHRISTIAN WITH AN OLIVE LEAF IN HIS MOUTH. A Christian classic. Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS BROOKS), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #21. A Christian classic.
    The Mute Christian Under the Smarting Rod. by Thomas Brooks
    http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/ipb-e/epl-10/web/brooks-mute-christian-00.html

    *Bunyan, John (1628-1688), Advice to Sufferers. A Christian classic. Available (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.

    Brown, John (of Wamphray, 1610-1679), The Life of Faith in Time of Trial and Affliction: Cleared up and Explained, From Heb. X. xviii [Hebrews 10:18]. Now the just shall live by faith [Hebrews 10:38]. By Mr. John Brown, minister of the Gospel.

    *Burroughs, Jeremiah (1599-1646), Evil of Evils: The Exceeding Sinfulness of Sin, ISBN: 1877611484 9781877611483. A Christian classic.
    "This treatise has one recurring theme: it is better to choose affliction than sin. In expounding Scripture, Burroughs shows that nothing is to be more avoided than sin, and nothing is to be more hated than sin. . . . Classic work by Burroughs (1599-1646), is a collection of his sermons on the subject of sin. This is a very rare book bringing well over a hundred dollars." -- GCB

    Burroughs, Jeremiah (1599-1646), and Don Kistler (editor), Moses' Choice: With his eye Fixed Upon Heaven: Discovering the Happy Condition of a Self-denying Heart With his eye Fixed Upon Heaven: Delivered in a Treatise Upon Hebrews 11:25,26, ISBN: 9780982615591 0982615590.
    "This work by the English Puritan Jeremiah Burroughs is based on Hebrews 11:25: choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. It is a masterful treatise on suffering and self-denial. This is the first modern edition of this rare work since its initial printing in 1641." -- Publisher
    The companion volume, MOSES' SELF-DENIAL, edited by Don Kistler is also in print as of 2016.
    Moses his Choice, Burroughs
    https://archive.org/details/moseshischoicewi00burr

    *Calvin, John (1509-1564), Commentary on Hebrews, by John Calvin, Chapters 10 -- 13 [Hebrews 10 -- Hebrews 13]
    Hebrews chapters 10 through 13 contain encouragement for the Christian life: exhortation to persevere, to faith and patience, to encounter trials and afflictions, to peace and holiness, and various directions and cautions.
    http://www.biblestudyguide.org/comment/calvin/comm_vol44/htm/xvi.htm

    Conant, John, The Woe and Weale of God's People . . . Lament. 3:31,32 [Lamentations 3:31,32], 1643. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Davis, Ron Lee, Courage to Begin Again, ISBN: 0890816077 9780890816073.
    Includes bibliography.

    Edwards, Brian H., Not by Chance: Making Sense out of Suffering, ISBN: 0875529178 9780875529172.

    Erskine, Ebenezer (1680-1754), The Annals of Redeeming Love, With the Redeemer's Vengeance Upon the Grand Enemy of the Redeem'd. Being Several Sermons . . . by . . . Ebenezer Erskine, Edinburgh, 1738. In The Works of Ebenezer Erskine. Available (THE WORKS OF EBENEZER ERSKINE), on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    *Fitch, William, God and Evil: Studies in the Mystery of Suffering and Pain, ISBN: 0720800404.
    "A contemporary presentation of theodicy." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Goertzel, Victor, Mildred George Goertzel, Ted George Goertzel, and Ariel Hansen, Cradles of Eminence: Childhoods of More Than Seven Hundred Famous men and Women: The Complete Original Text, ISBN: 0910707561 9780910707565 091070757X 9780910707572 (OCoLC)690828797.
    This work shows how God uses adversity in life to draw out the best in individuals. Authors and subjects are, for the most part, secular.
    A "newly published, updated, and expanded second edition of Ted Goertzel and Ariel Hanzen's CRADLES OF EMINENCE: CHILDHOODS OF MORE THAN 700 FAMOUS MEN AND WOMEN features the childhood biographies of more than 700 outstanding personalities. These sketches of the formative years of distinguished individuals reveal amazing insights into factors that can contribute to greatness, particularly in todays demanding and ever-changing world. Fascinating to read in its own right, and a wealth of anecdotal information about the youthful struggles of truly remarkable people including Alfred Hitchcock, Oprah Winfrey, Helen Keller, The Dalai Lama, Pablo Picasso, and many more." -- Reader's Comment
    "This book is a fascinating look at the family patterns of eminent individuals across many generations. I couldn't put it down. If you like biographies, this is the ultimate collection of interesting stories." -- Reader's Comment "Do eminent adults have common childhood experiences? Did their parents help foster environments that could lead to eminence? Findings from [this book], reveal that eminent adults, in their childhoods, strongly disliked school but had families who valued education; had highly opinionated parents often with a dominating mother; grew up 'feeling different' from others. Readers are challenged to consider what factors will foster eminence in today's world of mass media and technological change." -- Publisher
    "Victor Goertzel, a psychologist specializing in psychotherapy, was past president of the National Association for Gifted Children. Mildred George Goertzel directed a school for emotionally disturbed children. Ted George Goertzel is a professor and former chairperson in the sociology department at Rutgers University in Camden, NJ. Ariel Hansen is a recent graduate from Haverford College and works in the field of science journalism." -- Publisher

    *Goodwin, Thomas (1600-1680), The Return of Prayers, ISBN: 9780548039441 0548039445. In THE WORKS OF THOMAS GOODWIN. A Christian classic.

    *Gouge, William (1578-1653), The Saints Sacrifice: or, A Commentarie on the CXVI Psalme. Which is, a Gratulatory Psalme, for Deliverance From Deadly Distresse, 1632, 144 pages [Psalm 116]. Available (THE WORKS OF WILLIAM GOUGE) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    " 'Sir, the last year, when the heavy hand of the righteous Lord lay upon this land and other parts of the Christian world, manifested by the three arrows of his anger, plague, famine, and sword, just cause was given to inquire after such means as might cure the wounds that were made by them, and move the Lord to withhold his hand from shooting abroad any more of them. Upon inquiry there was found in God's word (the treasury wherein all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hid), fit remedies for all those maladies,' writes Gouge in his preface to the Earl of Warwick. In this book Gouge opens the Lord's treasure house (of Psalm 116), for deliverance from deadly distress and spiritual dilapidation." -- Publisher

    Guthrie, James (1612?-1661), and Lyndon Dohms (narrator), Why God Sends Trials Upon His People, 1660, [audio file]. Available (SERMONS IN TIMES OF PERSECUTION and MP3) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (SERMONS IN TIMES OF PERSECUTION) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #12.

    Knox, John (1505-1572), and Abraham Fleming (1552?-1607), A Fort for the Afflicted. VVherin are Ministered Many Notable and Excellent Remedies Against the Stormes of Tribulation. Written chiefly for the comforte of Christes little flocke, which is the final number of the faithfull, by Iohn Knoxe, 1580. Available (THE WORKS OF JOHN KNOX), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (THE WORKS OF JOHN KNOX), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
    A commentary on Psalm VI [Psalm 6].

    Lehmann, Joseph P., Paul David Tripp, David Powlison, Michael R. Emlet, and Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation, On Suffering: Must Reads From the Journal of Biblical Counseling.

    Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), The Miracle of Grace and Other Messages, ISBN: 0801056365 9780801056369.
    "Fourteen (14) sermons published together for the first time as a book. These sermons originally appeared in the periodical The Christian World Pulpit. They cover a wide variety of topics such as hope, discipleship, suffering, sin, the Cross, the Resurrection, and more." -- GCB

    *Lockyer, Herbert, All the Promises of the Bible, ISBN: 0310281318.
    "A devotional expositional compilation of all the promises [about 3,300 of the approximate 8,810 promises -- compiler], that are found in Scripture." -- Publisher
    "Lockyer's in-depth look at the scope of God's promises arranges them in categories that cover the full array of human concerns, from the spiritual to the material and the corporate to the personal. As you come to understand God's promises and how they apply to every aspect of your life, you'll gain a trust in God that will sustain you through the worst of times and be your source of rejoicing in the best.
    "Dr. Herbert Lockyer was born in London in 1886, and held pastorates in Scotland and England for 25 years before coming to the United States in 1935. In 1937 he received the honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Northwestern Evangelical Seminary. In 1955 he returned to England where he lived for many years. He then returned to the United States where he continued to devote time to the writing ministry until his death in November of 1984." -- Publisher

    *Luther, Martin (1483-1546), Commentary on Galatians, English translation by Erasmus Middleton, B.D., edited by John Prince Fallowes, M.A., Pembroke College, Cambridge, ISBN: 0825431247. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "I prefer this book of Martin Luther's (except the Bible), before all the books I have ever seen, as most fit for a wounded soul." -- John Bunyan
    "This is a great, historic work, and is beyond criticism on account of its great usefulness. As a comment its accuracy might be questioned; but for emphatic utterances and clear statements of the great doctrine of the Epistle it remains altogether by itself, and must be judged per se." -- C.H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)
    "The reissue of a famous series of lectures delivered at Wittenberg University in 1553." -- Cyril J. Barber
    Commentary on Galatians, Martin Luther
    http://archive.org/details/cu31924029294133
    Luther's Commentary on Galatians, That He might deliver us from the present evil world. (Galatians 1:4 excerpt), English translation by Erasmus Middleton, B.D., edited by John Prince Fallowes, M.A., Pembroke College, Cambridge
    http://www.lettermen2.com/luther2.html
    Luther's Commentary on Galatians, Who hath bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth. (Galatians 3:1 excerpt), English translation by Erasmus Middleton, B.D., edited by John Prince Fallowes, M.A., Pembroke College, Cambridge
    http://www.lettermen2.com/luther1.html

    *Macartney, Clarence E.N., Trials of Great Men of the Bible, ISBN: 1430474920.
    "Covers material from Job to Paul. Shows the place and purpose of trials in the development of Christian character." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Mack, Wayne A., and Deborah Howard, "It's not Fair!" Finding Hope When Times are Tough, ISBN: 9781596381124 1596381124.
    "With wonderful insight and clarity, Wayne Mack explores the difficult issue of how to reconcile God's justice with His sovereignty. He shines the bright light of Scripture on some of the toughest questions of all, and then carefully explores the answers in a way that is easy to follow and truly helpful." -- Publisher

    Meyer, F.B., The Gift of Suffering, ISBN: 0825432758 9780825432750.
    "With deep spiritual insight, the author handles the subject of 'why Christians suffer'." -- GCB

    Peden, Alexander (1626-1686), The Fellowship of Christ's Sufferings. Available (PDF and MP3) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29. Available in SERMONS IN TIMES OF PERSECUTION. Available (SERMONS IN TIMES OF PERSECUTION) on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    *Perkins, William (1558-1602), How to Liue, and That Well in all Estates and Times, Specially When Helps and Comforts Faile.

    *Perkins, William (1558-1602), and Richard Rogers (1550?-1618), A Garden of Spirituall Flowers. Alternate title: TREATISE TENDING UNTO A DECLARATION. PART 7; CONSOLATIONS FOR THE TROUBLED CONSCIENCES, and CONSOLATIONS FOR THE TROUBLED CONSCIENCES, and HOW TO LIVE WELL, AND TO DIE WELL.
    An anthology. Perkins's "How to live well, and to die well," is part seven of his "A Treatise Tending Unto a Declaration," where it bears the title "Consolations for the Troubled Consciences."

    Powlison, David (1949-2019), Why me? Comfort for the Victimized, ISBN: 0875526950 9780875526959.

    *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.

    Ryle, J.C. (1816-1900), Suffering is the Diet of the Lord's Family (Psalm 46:1-3)
    "All the sons of God take part in suffering with Christ. What says the Scripture? If children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if so be that we suffer with Him. (Romans 8:17.) All the children of God have a cross to carry.
    "They have trials, troubles, and afflictions to go through for the Gospel's sake. They have trials from the world, -- trials from the flesh, -- and trials from the devil. They have trials of feeling from relations and friends, -- hard words, hard treatment, and hard judgment.
    "They have trials in the matter of character; -- slander, misrepresentation, mockery, insinuation of false motives, -- all these often rain thick upon them. They have trials in the matter of worldly interests.
    "They have often to choose whether they will please man and lose glory, or gain glory and offend man. They have trials from their own hearts. They have each generally their own thorn in the flesh, -- their own home-devil, who is their worst foe. This is the experience of the sons of God.
    "Some of them suffer more, and some less. Some of them suffer in one way, and some in another. God measures out their portions like a wise physician, and cannot err. But never, I believe, was there one child of God who reached paradise without a cross.
    "Suffering is the diet of the Lord's family. Whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth. If ye are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then ye are illegitimate children and not sons. Through much tribulation we must enter the kingdom of God. . . . All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. (Hebrews 12:6-8; Acts 14:22; 2 Timothy 3:12.)
    "Suffering is a part of the process by which the sons of God are sanctified. They are chastened to wean them from the world, and make them partakers of God's holiness. The Captain of their salvation was made perfect through suffering, and so are they. (Hebrews 2:10; Hebrews 12:10.)
    "Let us try to settle this down into our hearts also. The sons of God have all to bear a cross. A suffering Saviour generally has suffering disciples.
    "The Bridegroom was a man of sorrows. The Bride must not be a woman of pleasures and unacquainted with grief. Blessed are they that mourn. Let us not murmur at the cross. This also is a sign of sonship." -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900) Practical Religion: Being Plain Papers on the Daily Duties, Experience, Dangers, and Privileges of Professing Christians (London: Charles Murray, 1900), pp. 418-419.
    http://www.jcryle.info/2016/09/suffering-is-diet-of-lords-family.html

    Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635), The Soul's Conflict With Itself, and Victory Over Itself by Faith. Being a Treatise of the Inward Disquietments of Distressed Spirits . . . To Which is Subjoined, The Bruised Reed and Smoking Flax. By Richard Sibbs . . . The fifth edition. To which is prefixed, an account of the author's life. Alternate title: THE SOULES CONFLICT WITH IT SELFE, AND VICTORY OVER IT SELF BY FAITH A TREATISE OF THE INWARD DISQUIETMENTS OF DISTRESSED SPIRITS, WITH COMFORTABLE REMEDIES TO ESTABLISH THEM. Found in THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES. Available (THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES), on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    *Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635), Goodwin, Thomas (1600-1680), and Nye, Philip (1596-1672), Christs Exaltation Purchast by Humiliation. Wherein you may see Mercy and Misery Meete Together. Very vsefull I. For instructing the ignorant. II. For comforting the weake. III. For confirming the strong. By R. Sibbs D.D. and preacher of Grayes-Inne, London. Published by T.G. and P.N., 1639, Available (THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "Notes: T.G. and P.N. = Thomas Goodwin and Philip Nye.
    "Three sermons on Romans XIV, 9 [Romans 14:9]."

    Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635), Goodwin, Thomas (1600-1680), Nye, Philip (1596-1672), Tvvo Sermons Vpon the First Words of Christs Last Sermon Iohn XIIII [John 14]. I. Being also the last sermons of Richard Sibbs D.D. Preached to the honourable society of Grayes Inne, Iune the 21. and 28. 1635. Who the next Lords day following, died, and rested from all his labours, 1636. Available (THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES), on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    *Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Faith's Checkbook. Alternate title: THE CHEQUE BOOK OF THE BANK OF FAITH: BEING PRECIOUS PROMISES ARRANGED FOR DAILY USE (1893), ISBN: 0938453025.
    "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), Our Suffering Substitute
    For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God. (1 Peter 3:18) From C.H. Spurgeon's FORGOTTEN EARLY SERMONS: TWENTY-EIGHT SERMONS COMPILED FROM THE SWORD AND THE TROWEL
    https://www.monergism.com/our-suffering-substitute-c-h-spurgeon

    *Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), The Suffering of Man and the Sovereignty of God: 25 Selected Sermons on the Book of Job, ISBN: 0971143404 9780971143401.
    Twenty-five of Charles Spurgeon's best sermons from the book of Job "explaining how God's sovereignty and man's suffering intersect."

    Tada, Joni Eareckson, and Steve Estes, A Step Further: Growing Closer to God Through Hurt and Hardship, ISBN: 0310239710 9780310239710.
    "Joni has written candidly and simply about one of the knottiest questions of human existence, that of the meaning of suffering. Her own trust illuminates every page." -- Elisabeth Elliot

    Teellinck, William (1579-1629), The Resting Place of the Mind, That is a Propounding of the Wonderful Providence of God Whereupon a Christian man Ought to Rest and Repose Himself Even When all our Outward Means of Helps are cut off From him, 1622, 48 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "According to Joel Beeke in THE QUEST FOR FULL ASSURANCE: THE LEGACY OF CALVIN AND HIS SUCCESSORS, 'What William Perkins was to English Puritanism, William Teellinck was to the Dutch Second Reformation.' (p. 98)
    "Furthermore, Beeke notes that 'Teellinck's lifelong goal was to bring English-style, pietistic Puritanism to the Dutch. He succeeded in doing that. More than any other divine of his day, he contributed to the Dutch Second Reformation. That movement was so like English Puritanism that it is often called Dutch Puritanism.' (p. 99)
    "This little book was written to encourage Christians to trust in the Lord in the midst of their trials. Even when the ordinary outward means that we need to solve our problems are unavailable, God can still easily rescue us from our predicament. Indeed, sometimes He removes those means so that He will receive all the glory:

    The means which commonly God doth use, in giving us His blessing, are indeed but as curtains, and drawing clothes, after, or under the which, God so doth hide Himself, that His working cannot be seen, but by the eye of faith: wherefore also the Lord God, when he hath been pleased sometimes to manifest Himself, in some work which he intended to do, hath taken express order, that the ordinary means should be removed, that so all the world might see the finger of God therein, and acknowledge that it was He that had done it. (p. 18)
    Loe [Scottish for love], thus doth the Lord strip His people often times of all outward means, when His purpose is to help them, to the end that His finger might the better be seen in giving them victory. . . . (p. 19)
    No child of God then ought to be faint-hearted, though he be stripped of all outward means, for the Lord who is with him, is not bound to any means, His hand is not shortened that He should not be able to help, though the means be shortened, yea quite cut off. (p. 24)
    "Too often people trust in the outward means rather than God. But this is foolish because 'tis most certain, that all our well-being is not shut up in the outward means, it lieth not wound up in the bread we eat, but in the hand of God, and the word of His blessing'." (p. 29) -- Publisher

    Traill, Robert (1642-1716), The Throne of Grace Discoursed of From Heb. IV, 16 [Hebrews 4:16] / by Robert Trail, 1696, 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.

    *Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), All Things for Good: Romans 8:28, A Divine Cordial, ISBN: 0851514782 9780851514789. Alternate title, A DIVINE CORDIAL in 1663. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "I would prescribe them to take, now and then, a little of this Cordial: all things work together for good to them that love God. To know that nothing hurts the godly, is a matter of comfort; but to be assured that all things which fall out shall cooperate for their good, that their crosses shall be turned into blessings, that showers of affliction water the withering root of their grace and make it flourish more; this may fill their hearts with joy till they run over." -- Thomas Watson (1620-1686), from the Preface
    "Thomas Watson of St. Stephen's, Walbrook believed he faced two great difficulties in his pastoral ministry. The first was making the unbeliever sad, in the recognition of his need of God's grace. The second was making the believer joyful in response to God's grace. He believed the answer to the second difficulty could be found in Paul's teaching in Romans 8:28, God works all things together for good for his people.
    "Watson's exposition is always simple, illuminating and rich in practical application. He explains that both the best and the worst experiences work for the good of God's people. He carefully analyses what it means to be someone who 'loves God' and is 'called according to his purpose.' ALL THINGS FOR GOOD provides the biblical answer to the contemporary question: 'Why do bad things happen to good people'?" -- Publisher

    *Whitney, Donald S., Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life, ISBN: 0891096582 9780891096580.
    Foreword by J.I. Packer. "Far from being legalistic, restrictive or binding, as they are often perceived, the spiritual disciplines are actually the means to unparalleled spiritual liberty. Drawing from the rich heritage left to us by the early church fathers, the Puritans, and Jesus Christ Himself, this book will guide you through such disciplines as worship, prayer, Scripture reading, evangelism, serving, stewardship, fasting, silence and solitude, journaling, learning, and etc. A VERY, VERY GOOD BOOK!" -- CBD

    Wilde, Gary (editor), Bible Promises to Treasure for Tough Times: Inspiring Words for Every Occasion, ISBN: 155819715X 9781558197152.

    *Wilder-Smith, A.E., The Paradox of Pain, ISBN: 0877886679 9780877886679.
    "A detailed consideration of the problem of suffering, good and evil, and the Providence of God." -- Cyril J. Barber

    *Zacharias, Ravi K. (1946-2020), and Vince Vitale, Why Suffering?: Finding Meaning and Comfort When Life Doesn't Make Sense, ISBN: 9781455549702 1455549703.
    "Why would a loving and powerful God allow so much pain and suffering? In WHY SUFFERING? Ravi Zacharias and Vince Vitale carefully walk you through a variety of responses that considered together provide a clear, comprehensive, and convincing answer. Responses like: Where there is the possibility of love, there has to be the reality of freedom, and therefore the possibility of pain. Wishing God had made a different world is to wish yourself out of existence. The cross is the key to a compelling and rational explanation for trusting in God in the face of suffering. In comparison with other world religions, the Christian response is highly distinctive. The reality of evil only makes sense in light of the reality of divine goodness. Relational knowledge about God takes the argument beyond reason to the presence of God amidst suffering. God's decision to allow temporal suffering is understandable when viewed from an eternal perspective. Divine goodness shows how to conquer not in spite of, but even through suffering. Here is a book written with great respect for the complexity of the issue, recognizing that some who read it will be in the trenches of deep suffering themselves and others questioning the very existence of a loving God. WHY SUFFERING? provides an answer to the problem of pain and suffering with emotional sensitivity and intellectual integrity." -- Publisher
    Ravi Talks About his Book: Why Suffering?
    "The Captain of our Salvation, made perfect, made complete, through suffering -- if our Lord himself had to go through that, as he endured the cross, despising the shame, and is now set down at the right hand of God -- that's why I think there is a key word which James Stewart uses, which I expand upon here, 'He conquered not in spite of the Darkness, fear of evil, he conquered through it' and I believe it is the same in your life and mine. We may not like it, but we conquer through the pain and through the suffering." -- Ravi Zacharias
    http://www.rzim.org/let-my-people-think-broadcasts/ravi-talks-about-his-book-why-suffering/

    Zacharias, Ravi K. (1946-2020), William Lane Craig, Bernard Leikind, J.N. Mohanty; and The Faith and Science Lecture Forum, Is There Meaning in Evil and Suffering? A Christian Response to the Problem of Pain, a CD. Alternate title: MEANING IN EVIL AND SUFFERING.
    "The Faith and Science Lecture Forum hosted an engagement to discuss the question, 'Is There Meaning in Evil and Suffering?' Ravi Zacharias was the featured lecturer and he presented a 45-minute address offering the Christian perspective to this concern. His message was followed by rebuttals from three panelists: Dr. Bernard Leikind, a plasma physicist and senior editor of Skeptic magazine; Dr. Jitendra Mohanty, one of India's most distinguished Hindu philosophers and professor at Emory University; and William Lane Craig, a well-known Christian philosopher and apologist. Each of the forum's participants then posed questions to one another, and the interaction was a lively exchange of ideas and worldviews. The dialogue was direct and challenging, yet handled with respect, cordiality (and sometimes humor!). The panelists also responded to several questions from the audience -- attendees in the auditorium as well as listeners at universities and through the Internet. At the close of the evening, Dr. Zacharias tied everything together with a five-minute presentation of the gospel, the Cross and God's love and forgiveness. In addition to the 1800 attendees to the forum, a satellite link to 100 colleges and universities in the U.S. and Canada allowed approximately 30,000 students to view it along with thousands around the world via a live link over the Internet." -- Publisher

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The attributes of god, Soteriology, atonement, Job, Theodicy, The proximity of good and evil, The promises of Christ, Bible promises, Comfort, encouragement, Prayer, Persecution, Temptation, Bad relationships a cause of disease and death, Prayer, The covenant faithfulness of god, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Affliction (women), Justice, judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Temptation, Worry, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Christian history, Comfort, Death, 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 Gospel message of salvation and of the life to come, the means of grace, Grief, Hope, Persecution, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, Sickness, Aged, Affliction (women), Christian history, Comfort, Death, How to become a christian, Resentment and bitterness, Anger, Emotions and health, Forgiveness of sin, Marriage, Stress, Fear, anxiety, Reconciliation of relationships, Resentment, Worry, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 489-499, 669, 970, 787, 1071, 1934, 1938, 1948, 2149, 2714, 2879, 2902, 3506, 3872, 3873, 4179
    MGTP: Trials

    Related Weblinks

    Comfort for Afflicted (FGB)
    Beloved, and yet Afflicted | Cheer up, my Comrades! | The Great Giver | Tried by Fire | On Consolation and the Bible
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/cftafg/comfort-for-afflicted

    Comfort for Suffering Saints! Jerome Zanchius, (1516-1590)
    And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son! (Romans 8:28-29)
    "The sovereignty of God is a comfort for suffering saints, acting to remove anxiety. How sweet must the following considerations be to a distressed believer!

    1. There most certainly exists an almighty, all-wise and infinitely gracious God (Hebrews 11:6).
    2. His love for His elect people is immutable; He never repents of it nor withdraws it (Jeremiah 31:3).
    3. Whatever comes to pass in time, is the result of His sovereign will from everlasting (1 Corinthians 8:6).
    4. Consequently my afflictions are a part of His sovereign will, and are all ordered in number, weight, and measure (Psalm 22:24).
    5. The very hairs of my head (every one) are counted by Him; nor can a single hair fall to the ground but in consequence of His wise determination (Luke 12:7).
    6. Hence my afflictions and distresses are not the result of chance, accident, or a fortuitous combination of circumstances (Psalm 56:8).
    7. They are the providential accomplishment of God's eternal purpose (Romans 8:28), and are designed to answer some wise and gracious ends (James 5:10-11).
    8. Nor shall my affliction continue a moment longer than God sees fit (2 Corinthians 7:6-7).
    9. He who brought the affliction to me has promised to support me under it and to carry me through it (Psalm 34:15-17).
    10. All shall, most assuredly, work together for His glory and my good.
    11. Therefore, "Shall I not drink from the cup of suffering the Father has given me?" (John 18:11).
    "However keenly afflictions might wound us on their first access -- yet, under the impression of such animating views, we should quickly come to ourselves again, and the arrows of affliction, would, in great measure lose their sharpness.
    "Christians need nothing but absolute resignation to God's wise and gracious Providence, to render them perfectly happy in every possible circumstance. And absolute resignation can only flow from an absolute belief of, and an absolute acquiescence in, God's absolute Providence, founded on His absolute predestination (1 Thessalonians 1:2-4).
    https://www.monergism.com/comfort-suffering-saints

    Comfort in Affliction (FGB #217)
    Beloved, and yet Afflicted | Cheer up, my Dear Friends | The Great Giver | Tried by Fire | Good Comes Through Affliction | Christ, the Fountain of Comfort | Comfort for Suffering Saints | Thoughts on Affliction | The Bible and Consolation
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/ciaffg/comfort-in-affliction

    The Consolation of the Sick
    http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/ipb-e/epl-05/consolat.txt

    Eternal God is the Beginning and the end at Once
    "Did you know that, as you face struggles today, not only does God have a glorious outcome in mind, but He is currently present at what is to you the future resolution of your problems? Your life comes to you moment by moment, and it slips away from you similarly. But God's being is entirely different from ours so that He is immutably and entirely present everywhere and at every moment of human eternity at once."
    https://rickthomas.net/eternal-god-is-the-beginning-and-the-end-at-once/

    Is There Meaning in Evil and Suffering? Ravi Zacharias
    "Ravi debates the difficult question, 'Is There Meaning in Evil and Suffering' at the Faith and Science Lecture Forum. Ravi's address is followed by a rebuttal from three panelists: Dr. Bernard Leikind, a plasma physicist, senior editor at Skeptic Magazine and a renowned atheist; Dr. Jitendra Mohanty, one of India's most noted Hindu philosophers and a distinguished professor at Emory University in Atlanta; and William Lane Craig, a noted author, Christian philosopher and apologist. After the rebuttals and Ravi's response, the audience asks questions."
    https://www.christianbook.com/is-there-meaning-in-evil-suffering/ravi-zacharias/pd/DA20808-CP?event=ESRCG

    The Mirror of Evil, an essay by Eleonore Stump
    "Eleonore Stump is The Robert J. Henle Professor of Philosophy at Saint Louis University, where she has taught since 1992. She received a Ph.D. in medieval studies and medieval philosophy from Cornell University in 1975." Caveat: Saint Louis University is a Jesuit school. See her curriculum vitae.
    The essay comes from WANDERING IN DARKNESS: NARRATIVE AND THE PROBLEM OF SUFFERING.
    http://www2.sunysuffolk.edu/fellenm/Handouts_files/215/Stump.pdf

    Seven Tips to Help Your Friends who are Suffering, Rick Thomas
    https://rickthomas.net/seven-tips-to-help-your-friends-who-are-going-through-suffering/

    Suffering (FGB #158)
    Suffering and Consolation | The Sweet Uses of Adversity | Sufferings Compensated | The Problem of a Suffering Christian | Glorifying God in the Fire | The Road to True Health, Wealth and Prosperity | Affliction Sanctified | Sufferings Compensated, Pink, A.W. | Suffering Glorifying God in the Fire, Whitefield, George
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/sufffg/suffering



    Adultery

    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)

    Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. (Hebrews 13:4)

    Ultimately the Seventh Commandment (Exodus 20:14), is about our fidelity to Christ. (Hosea 2:19-20; 1 Corinthians 6:15-20; James 4:4)
    To fracture the Seventh Commandment is to break covenant with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
    The sexual revolution is really a revolution against God. (Numbers 25:1-3, 29; Joshua 22:17; Psalm 106:30,31)
    See: Engelsma, Marriage, the Mystery of Christ and the Church.

    For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 19:5-6)
    John Gill commenting on Matthew 19:6
    http://www.biblestudytools.com/my-bible/#/left:passage/kjv/matthew/19:6/&right:reference/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/matthew-19-6.html

    Q. 137. Which is the seventh commandment?
    A. The seventh commandment is, Thou shalt not commit adultery.[766]
    Q. 138. What are the duties required in the seventh commandment?
    A. The duties required in the seventh commandment are, chastity in body, mind, affections,[767] words,[768] and behavior;[769] and the preservation of it in ourselves and others;[770] watchfulness over the eyes and all the senses;[771] temperance,[772] keeping of chaste company,[773] modesty in apparel;[774] marriage by those that have not the gift of continency,[775] conjugal love,[776] and cohabitation;[777] diligent labor in our callings;[778] shunning all occasions of uncleanness, and resisting temptations thereunto.[779]
    Q. 139. What are the sins forbidden in the seventh commandment?
    A. The sins forbidden in the seventh commandment, besides the neglect of the duties required,[780] are, adultery, fornication,[781] rape, incest,[782] sodomy, and all unnatural lusts;[783] all unclean imaginations, thoughts, purposes, and affections;[784] all corrupt or filthy communications, or listening thereunto;[785] wanton looks,[786] impudent or light behaviour, immodest apparel;[787] prohibiting of lawful,[788] and dispensing with unlawful marriages;[789] allowing, tolerating, keeping of stews, and resorting to them;[790] entangling vows of single life,[791] undue delay of marriage,[792] having more wives or husbands than one at the same time;[793] unjust divorce,[794] or desertion;[795] idleness, gluttony, drunkenness,[796] unchaste company;[797] lascivious songs, books, pictures, dancings, stage plays;[798] and all other provocations to, or acts of uncleanness, either in ourselves or others.[799] -- The Larger Catechism

    Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. (1 Corinthians 6:15-20)

    The sexual revolution that began in earnest five decades ago with promises of new and liberating sexual freedoms has instead left behind a shattered moral landscape that has undermined the fabric and foundation of our nation. Casting off what was perceived as the puritanical restraints of previous generations, the '60s and '70s launched a new era of sexual experimentation. The revolution, publicly inaugurated by 1967's Summer of Love in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district, promised an enlightened age of sexual morality. . . .
    Fifty years later, we can see that the results have been catastrophic.
    In many respects the American family is completely unrecognizable, courtesy of a failed sexual revolution that has left a devastating wake of destruction.
    In certain segments of American culture, more than 70 percent of children are born to single parents and remain in single-parent households. Nationally, more than one in four children today live in households with only one parent. Demographers predict that by age 18, nearly 50 percent of all children will have lived with just a mom or dad.
    Nearly half of all marriages end in divorce, and couples who cohabitate before marriage are even more likely to split. . . .
    The freedoms promised by the sexual revolution have instead given way to ever-increasing slavery and captivity to sin. The attempt to cast off moral restraint has only opened wide the devil's destructive, deadly toolbox. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved (2 Peter 2:19). . . .
    The Scripture is clear: But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you. . . . For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous . . . has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God (Ephesians 5:3,5). . . .
    Our culture, like ancient cultures that ultimately were destroyed in large part due to their own moral depravity, has been severely weakened. A stable family unit committed to the truth and precepts of the Bible was once the foundation and backbone of our nation. That model is now the exception, not the rule. . . .
    The only answer I know for any society in any era is the strong word of the Lord to the church in Thyatira who, though faithful in some ways, apparently tolerated sexual permissiveness that spread through the church: I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality (Revelation 2:21).
    There is still time to repent. That is why Jesus is delaying His return, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance (2 Peter 3:9). . . . -- Franklin Graham in Franklin Graham on the Plague of Immorality

    I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid? (Job 31:1)

    All the great fundamentals of Christian truth centre in this of justification. The trinity of persons in the Godhead; the incarnation of the only begotten of the Father; the satisfaction aid to the law and justice of God, for the sins of the world, by his obedience and sacrifice of himself in that flesh he assumed; and the divine authority of the Scriptures which reveal all this: these are all straight lines of truth that centre in this doctrine of justification of a sinner by the imputation and application of that satisfaction. There can be no justification without a righteousness; no righteousness can suffice but that which answers fully and perfectly the holy law of God; no such righteousness can be performed, but by a divine person; no benefit can accrue to a sinner unless it is in some way his, and applied to him; no application can be made of this but by faith in Jesus Christ. -- Robert Traill, from Justification Vindicated, first quoted by Puritanical

    See the Theological Notes: "Justification and Merit," at Galatians 3:11 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    Westminster Confession of Faith (1646), With Scripture Proofs
    See specifically Chapter XI: Of Justification.
    http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/

    Fully understanding the Doctrine of Justification can redeem a relationship broken by sexual sin.
    It is a clear understanding of the Doctrine of Justification that enables us to repair broken relationships, both with God and with man. Repentance and forgiveness bridges the gap between man and God. It enables man and wife to reconcile their broken relationships, and to live together in harmony. It enables individuals to repair relationships broken by sin and to live and work together in unity in society.

    She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 8:11)

    There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? (Genesis 39:9)

    Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and so the plague was stayed.
    And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore.     (Psalm 106:30,31)

    Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, in so much that he abhorred his own inheritance.
    And he gave them into the hands of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them.
    Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand.     (Psalm 106:40-42)

    Saul, by casting an amorous eye upon Agag, lost his crown and kingdom; Samson, by dallying with his Delilah, lost his strength, sight, light, liberty, and life. But what are the losses of spiritual strength, to thy loss of communion with God, to the loss of the Spirit of light, life, liberty, and glory; to thy loss of joy unspeakable, and peace that passeth understanding? -- Thomas Brooks (1608-1680)

    Adultery is a sin against the human spirit and spiritual life which produces traumatic results. It is also a sin against the family, which is the basic unit of society. It is the breaking of our conjugal vows, "Forsaking all others, I choose thee." It is a sin against our children. One of the most flagrant causes of divorce, adultery has produced millions of children who have grown up without a father and a mother in the home, and has created enormous problems in the lives of these children. Adultery and its consequent evils are sins against the nation and society. . . . -- D. James Kennedy and Jerry Newcombe, What if Jesus had Never Been Born, p. 135

    It is shocking how often sexual immorality leads to death.

    "In the Mosaic Law, adultery is a capital offense; but, as Derek Kidner has reminded us, 'death' in Proverbs also means missing true life even before physical death catches up with us. It is a realm with many victims on both sides of the grave."

    Scripture associates whoredom with spiritual adultery, the entertaining of unholy spirits. Law enforcement often see a connection between drugs, the occult, and sexual sin. Cults often practice sexual sins.

    Redbook magazine conducted a survey concerning sex in modern "liberated" America [Susan Sadd and Carol Tavris, The Redbook Report on Female Sexuality (New York, NY: Delacorte, 1977), pp. 97-106]. . . .
    What did the survey reveal? Even more astounding than the number of women that replied [100,000] were the results. They discovered that women who were sexually liberated -- the feminists, the free modern women -- were the most dissatisfied kind of person sexually. The only person less satisfied was the nymphomaniac (who most men think is just the most sexual kind of woman), who is so sexually frustrated that she runs from here to there and back and forth everywhere trying to find some satisfaction, which, alas, she never finds.
    But the more religious women indicated that they had more sexual satisfaction in their lives. The most religious category (women were to judge how much a part religion played in their lives -- i.e., whether they were most religious, more religious, least religious), whom the average enlightened American male has been told by the devil are sexually repressed, were the most orgasmic women in the country. And that turns the whole lot right on its head. -- D. James Kennedy and Jerry Newcombe, What if Jesus had Never Been Born, p. 139

    See the Theological Notes: "Marriage and Divorce," at Malachi 2:16 in The Reformation Study Bible.
    For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously. (Malachi 2:16).

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 106, commentary by C.H. Spurgeon
    Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt. (v. 7)
    Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known. (v. 8)
    And he saved them from the hand of them that hated them. (v. 10)
    They soon forgat his works. (v. 13)
    And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul. (v. 15)
    They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the molten image. (v. 19)
    Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass. (v. 20)
    They forgat God their saviour. (v. 21)
    Thus they provoked him to anger with their inventions: and the plague brake in upon them. (v. 29)
    Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and so the plague was stayed. (v. 30)
    And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore. (v. 31)
    They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them. (v. 34)
    But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works. (v. 35)
    Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils. (v. 37)
    Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions. (v. 39)
    Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, in so much that he abhorred his own inheritance. (v. 40)
    And he gave them into the hands of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them. (v. 41)
    Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand. (v. 42)
    Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity. (v. 43)
    Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry. (v. 44)
    And he remembered for them his covenant. (v. 45)
    Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, and to triumph in thy praise. (v. 47)
    Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the Lord. (v. 48)
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps106.php

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Adultery," "Marriage," "Justification," "Forgiveness," "Reconciliation," "Divorce," and so forth, and so on.

    Ankerberg, John, and John Weldon, The Myth of Safe sex: The Devastating Consequences of Violating God's Plan, ISBN: 0802456391 9780802456397. Alternate title: THE MYTH OF SAFE SEX: THE TRAGIC CONSEQUENCES OF VIOLATING GOD'S PLAN.

    Bobgan, Martin, and Deidre Bobgan, 12 Steps to Destruction: Codependency Recovery Heresies, ISBN: 0941717054 9780941717052, 247 pages.
    "The people labeled 'codependent' have serious problems and need help. 'However, we question the diagnoses, answers, formulas and systems that are being offered in the name of help, in the name of love, and even in the name of Christ. Beneath many programs that purport to be Christian lurk ideas, philosophies, psychologies, and religious notions that are antithetical to biblical Christianity.' Extensive criticism of 12 Step programs." -- David Powlison

    *Engelsma, David, Marriage, the Mystery of Christ and the Church, ISBN: 0825425190 9780825425196.
    "Engelsma is a pastor in the Protestant Reformed Church, and also is editor of their paper, The Standard Bearer. The chapters in this book were preached as sermons in the author's church at Loveland, Colorado. Engelsma sees the corruption of the sacred institution of marriage as being a cause of myriads of the evils that abound in our day. He says, 'There is the bitter misery of soul that shatters those who have been unfaithful and that leads to drink, drugs, nervous breakdown, and even suicide. . . . The author does a good job of expounding Ephesians 5:31,32, This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. He explains that this 'mystery' has to do with the intimacy and oneness of a truly married couple. And this typifies the 'underlying reality of the union of Christ with His Church'." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)

    Johnson, Vernon E., I'll Quit Tomorrow: A Practical Guide to Alcoholism Treatment, ISBN: 0062504339 9780062504333.
    "Johnson has provided a manual for the understanding, intervention, and treatment of alcoholism and other mood-changing chemical dependencies in a clear, logical, and readable format; yet he has somehow managed to convey considerable psychological sophistication and scope. Accordingly, this is probably the best book of its kind for layman, paraprofessional, and professional alike." -- Addictions
    Johnson is founder and president emeritus of the Johnson Institute in Minneapolis that offers one of the country's most successful training programs for treatment of alcoholism.

    *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

    *Miller, C. John "Jack" (1928-1996), Finding Healthy Self-esteem Through Being Completely Forgiven (Quality Living Series. Jenkintown, PA [World Harvest, Box 2175, Jenkintown, 19046]: World Harvest, 1987).
    "Do you feel inadequate? That you need to do more or be better in order to be happy and fulfilled? You may not realize it, but your biggest problem is . . . you don't feel completely forgiven."
    World Harvest Mission
    http://www.whm.org/home.htm

    Petersen, J. Allan, The Myth of the Greener Grass, ISBN: 1565071859 9781565071858, 251 pages.
    "The Almys are medical doctors who have written a polemic against the pop psychologies that have recently swept into the church. Through a series of detailed case studies, they portray the dynamics operative in therapeutically-induced false memories, the healing of memories, multiple personality disorder, unmet love needs, and codependency." -- David Powlison

    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), Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Sexual relationship, Gratuitous sex, a cause of violence, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Physiological problems, Case studies, Abuse, Child abuse and pedophilia, Pornography, Gratuitous sex, a cause of violence, Hostility and violence, Prostitution, Adultery, Incest, Homosexuality, lesbianism, gay, bisexual, transvestite, queer (lgbtq), Rape, Crisis counseling, Pride, ambition, self-aggrandizement, arrogance, ego, Jealousy, Envy, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, Alcoholics Anonymous and Other 12 Step Recovery Programs, Appendix c: psychology and psychiatry, Case studies, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 3571-3573

    Related Weblinks

    Brain, Mind and Body in Healing From Trauma, The People's Pharmacy Radio Program, show 980, February 7, 2015.
    "To help people heal from trauma, the best approaches find ways to reconnect brain and body with a feeling of safety. . . .
    "We often associate the term 'Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder' with military veterans. Indeed, war creates many traumatic experiences, but it is not the only source of reactions that may cause people to shut down or blow up. Car, train or plane crashes, a life-threatening illness episode, family violence, or other events can create a dysfunctional reaction that may be largely out of conscious awareness.
    "Treating PTSD
    "One of the world's leading experts on PTSD explains how such reactions are rooted in the body's response to threat, and how it can be successfully treated. . . .
    "Dr. van der Kolk is co-director of the Complex Trauma Treatment Network of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, established by Congress to raise the standard of care and improve access to services for traumatized children, their families and communities. His website is http://www.BesselvanderKolk.com
    "His book is THE BODY KEEPS THE SCORE: BRAIN, MIND AND BODY IN THE HEALING OF TRAUMA (2014)."
    http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2015/02/04/show-980-brain-mind-and-body-in-healing-from-trauma/

    Reconciliation of Relationships
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2chb.html#reconorel
    The most important relationship is, of course, vertical, between the individual and God.
    The second most important relationship is horizontal, between the individual and society.
    How the individual handles these relationships determines the outcome of their life, both temporal and eternal, and is interrelated with all other spheres of life. Learn more about these interrelationships at the following website.
    Repentance the key to Salvation and Change
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2cha.html#rtktsac
    Justification
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr6ch.html#jstfctn
    The Shorter Catechism With Scripture Proofs (Carlisle, PA [P.O. Box 621, Carlisle 17013, USA]: The Banner of Truth Trust).
    Arguably the greatest tract ever created, all factors considered.
    http://www.reformed.org/documents/WSC_frames.html
    Westminster Shorter Catechism Project: Body of Divinity Contained in Sermons Upon the Assembly's Catechism by the Rev. Thomas Watson (1620-1686)
    http://www.shortercatechism.com/resources/vincent/wsc_vi_001.html?page_id=205
    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/
    See also: The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646), (The Westminster Standards), and Related Works: A Study Guide
    http://www.lettermen2.com/suggest.html



    Anger

    He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. (Proverbs 16:32)

    A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame. (Proverbs 12:16)

    A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife. (Proverbs 15:18)

    Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: neither give place to the devil. (Ephesians 4:26,37)

    Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. (James 1:19,20)

    Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, sayeth the Lord. (Romans 12:19)

    And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? (Zechariah 3:2)
    The correct response then, to those who provoke us to anger by their brazen, arrogant, impudent, wicked acts, is to immediately remember that the Lord will deal with them (Jude 9, Nahum [God governs all of history according to his covenant], Calvin's commentary on Isaiah 33 and 34, and so forth and so on -- compiler), and we must not be overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21)

    Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said The Lord rebuke thee. (Jude 9)

    Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:14-21)

    It is the great duty of all Christians to put off anger. It unfits for duty . . . a man cannot wrestle with God and wrangle with his neighbour at the same time. Short sins often cost us long and sad sorrows. -- Philip Henry

    When you are prompted to revenge, when hot anger starts, bridle the steed at once, and let it not dash forward with you headlong. Remember, anger is temporary insanity. Forgive as you hope to be forgiven. Heap coals of fire on the head of your foe by your kindness to him. Good for evil. -- C.H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)

    Let us never forget that our chief danger is from WITHIN. The world and the devil combined, cannot do as much harm as our OWN hearts can, if we do not watch and pray. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Handling Anger God's Way; Dealing With Depression (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA105 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subjects "Anger," "Rage," "Aggravation," and so forth, and so on.

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), What do You do When Anger Gets the Upper Hand? Alternate title: YOU CAN DEFEAT ANGER, 8 pages.
    " 'Anger, like a good horse, must be bridled.' Uncontrolled temper is a sin. You can learn to release the energies of anger productively and under control to solve problems." -- David Powlison

    *Lockyer, Herbert, All the Promises of the Bible, ISBN: 0310281318.
    "A devotional expositional compilation of all the promises [about 3,300 of the approximate 8,810 promises -- compiler], that are found in Scripture." -- Publisher
    "Lockyer's in-depth look at the scope of God's promises arranges them in categories that cover the full array of human concerns, from the spiritual to the material and the corporate to the personal. As you come to understand God's promises and how they apply to every aspect of your life, you'll gain a trust in God that will sustain you through the worst of times and be your source of rejoicing in the best.
    "Dr. Herbert Lockyer was born in London in 1886, and held pastorates in Scotland and England for 25 years before coming to the United States in 1935. In 1937 he received the honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Northwestern Evangelical Seminary. In 1955 he returned to England where he lived for many years. He then returned to the United States where he continued to devote time to the writing ministry until his death in November of 1984." -- Publisher

    Mack, Wayne A., Anger and Stress Management God's way: A Biblical Perspective on how to Overcome Anger and Stress Before They Destroy you and Others, ISBN: 1879737566 9781879737563.
    "Dr. Wayne Mack, one of the most well-known and trusted Christian counselors, puts his years of experience and Bible knowledge to work for you in this book. He tells you not just how to handle anger, but the root causes of anger. By doing this, Dr. Mack helps you to better understand why your reactions to stress, and its accompanying anger, are usually the result of not getting what we think we need. He then goes on to explain how to restructure your thinking to make your reaction more Christlike." -- Publisher

    *Miller, Wendell E. Forgiveness: The Power and the Puzzles, ISBN: 0964144115 9780964144118.
    "Defines God's forgiveness in four ways: (1) initial forgiveness releases us from the penalty of sin and (2) restores us to fellowship with God, and (3) repetitive forgiveness releases us from the day by day penalty for fresh sins, and (4) restores us day by day to fellowship. Defines our forgiveness of others in two ways: (1) vertical forgiveness between us and God (Mark 11:25) releases others from the penalty of our wrath, and (2) horizontal forgiveness (Luke 17:3), restores the relationship between us and others who repent. Discusses flaws in such ideas as 'forgiving God' and 'forgiving oneself'." -- David Powlison
    "It could have been called "The Anger Handbook" because it teaches how to overcome problems of hurt feelings, anger, and aggressive behavior. Overcoming problems of anger is crucial. Spouse abuse, failures in marriages, failures in child rearing, and even child abuse often erupt from anger. Parents who model angry behavior are likely to raise children with anger problems. And most importantly, God is not glorified by Christians who have anger problems.
    "It teaches the kind of forgiveness that is nearly always an absolute necessity to becoming really free from the trauma of sexual abuse. . . .
    "FORGIVENESS: THE POWER AND THE PUZZLES will add biblical power to the books that you already have on Christian living, discipleship, marriage, child rearing, anger, communications, forgiveness, and sexual abuse." -- Publisher

    Powlison, David (1949-2019), Anger: Escaping the Maze, ISBN: 0875526810 9780875526812, 28 pages.

    Webster, William, A Casuistical Essay on Anger and Forgiveness; Wherein the practice of duelling, and some defects in our laws, with regard to the punishment of crimes, are consider'd; . . . In three dialogues between a gentleman and a clergyman. London, 1750.

    See also: The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Bad relationships a cause of disease and death, Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, Prayer, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justice, judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, Bitterness and resentment, Hostility and violence, Forgiveness of sin, Reconciliation of relationships, Unforgiveness, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Jealousy, The promises of Christ, Bible promises, Emotions and health, Hypocrisy, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, Protecting children from dangers, Works by and for women, trials, Divorce, Emotions and health, Marriage, Parenting, Child abuse and pedophilia, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 2539, 2914, 3131, 3132, 3953, 3955-3959, 4133
    MGTP: Anger, Self-Control

    Related Weblinks

    12 Tips to Help a Person who is Angry With Someone, Rick Thomas
    "Anger is one of our most common temptations. You cannot put two imperfect people together for an extended period and expect them not to have conflict. Anger will always be a recurring feature of their relationship. Knowing how to navigate the conflict while removing the anger is essential. These twelve tips will help anyone work through their relational dust-up. Hopefully, these ideas will be part of their sin plan, assisting in anger removal."
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1A8-1NBF4no

    Angry Outbursts Harm the Heart, May 16, 2013
    "Research has suggested that hostility and anger increase the risk for heart disease. A new study published in the American Journal of Cardiology confirms that losing your temper could trigger a heart attack."
    http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2013/05/16/angry-outbursts-harm-the-heart/

    Angry People 'Risking Heart Attacks,' Michelle Roberts
    "In the two hours immediately after an angry outburst, risk of a heart attack increased nearly five-fold, and risk of stroke increased more than three-fold, the data from nine studies and involving thousands of people suggests."
    http://www.bbc.com/news/health-26416153

    Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation Resources Audio Archives
    http://www.wts.edu/resources/login.html/

    Institute for Nouthetic Counseling
    "Study Biblical Counseling with Dr. Jay Adams.
    "Here is a list of the courses we have ready:

    Introduction to Biblical Counseling/Counseling Principles and Practices
    The Counselor Himself
    Critical Stages in Biblical Counseling
    Counseling Problems
    Premarital Counseling
    Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage
    Theology and Counseling
    Church Discipline
    Forgiveness
    Medical Issues in Counseling I and II
    Marriage and Family Counseling
    We are currently working on the following:
    Counseling Theories and Issues Abroad in the Church Today
    Legal Issues in Counseling
    Counseling Women
    The Christian Counselor's Casebook Studies"
    http://www.nouthetic.org

    Self-pity a Window Into the Soul, Rick Thomas
    "Whenever the self-pitying person goes into 'self-pity mode,' where they do not experience joy and contentment, they are communicating a sense of entitlement. 'I deserve something; I am angry and will not be satisfied until I get the thing I crave.' It is not the trial that is robbing them of joy. Idolatry has chased their happiness away. They cannot be joy-filled and angry at the same time. Self-pity is a form of anger. The raw truth that their soul is expressing is, 'I am mad because I am not getting what I deserve'."
    https://rickthomas.net/self-pity-a-window-into-the-soul/

    Stressful Relationships may Raise Risk of Death, Shereen Jegtvig, May 26, 2014
    "Conflicts, especially, were associated with higher mortality risk regardless of whom was the source of the conflict," the authors write. 'Worries and demands were only associated with mortality risk if they were related to partner or children. . . .'
    "People who always or often experienced worries or demands because of their partners had double the risk of dying compared to those who seldom had those experiences."
    http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/26/us-relationships-stress-death-idUSKBN0E61PD20140526



    Apathy, Indifference

    First, you will arouse them out of apathy. This age is more indifferent to true religion than almost any other. It is alive enough to error, but to the old faith it turns a deaf ear. Yet I have noticed persons captivated by the truth of substitution who would not listen to anything else. If any discourse can hold men, as the ancient mariner detained the wedding guest, it is the story of divine love, incarnate in the person of Jesus, bleeding and dying for guilty men. Try that story when attention flags. It has a fascination about it. The marvellous history of the Son of God, who loved his enemies, and died for them-this will arrest them. The history of the Holy One who stood in the sinners' place, and was in consequence put to shame, and agony, and death-this will touch them. The sight of the bleeding Saviour overcomes obduracy and carelessness. -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon

    Before temporizers can justify themselves, in their silence, they must shew, that neither sin nor misery is concerned with civil things -- that those sacred instructions, tendered to nations and their rulers, belong not to them to expound -- that they may be erased, from the pages where they are inscribed -- that those pages which contain them, may be torn from the volume of God's book, and be consigned to oblivion, and finally -- that men in their national capacity are unconnected with the moral empire of Jehovah. Unless these things be established, the silence of those who occupy the place of ministers of Jesus, when they see his laws violated, and his authority despised, must be accounted a base shrinking from duty and a betraying of the Redeemer's cause." -- Gilbert McMaster (1778-1854), Duty of Nations

    This blood overcomes the natural lethargy of men towards obedience; it stimulates them to holiness. If anything can make a man holy, it is a firm faith in the atoning sacrifice. When a man knows that Jesus died for him, he feels that he is not his own, but bought with a price, and therefore he must live unto him that died for him and rose again. In the atonement I see a motive equal to the greatest heroism; yes, a motive which will stimulate to perfect holiness. What manner of persons ought we to be for whom such a sacrifice has been presented! Now are we quickened into intensity of zeal and devotion. See, dear brothers, how to use the blood of the Lamb in this lower sphere while contending with evil among men. -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon

    Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), Making Light of Christ and Salvation, Too oft the Issue of Gospel Invitations. In THE PRACTICAL WORKS OF RICHARD BAXTER: WITH A PREFACE, GIVING SOME ACCOUNT OF THE AUTHOR, AND OF THIS EDITION OF HIS PRACTICAL WORKS, 4 volumes (4:808-818). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Knox, John (1505-1572), Against Apostasy and Indifference. Alternate title: AN EPISTLE TO THE INHABITANTS OF NEW CASTLE AND BERWICK, 1558. In John Knox and David Laing, WORKS OF JOHN KNOX. Available (WORKS OF JOHN KNOX), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.
    "Formerly titled AN EPISTLE TO THE INHABITANTS OF NEW CASTLE AND BERWICK, 1558, one subheading reads; 'John Knox to the Inhabitants of Newcastle and Berwick, and Unto All Others, Who Sometime in the Realm of England Professed Christ Jesus, and Now Be Returned to the Bondage of Idolatry, Wishes True and Earnest Repentance By the Power and Operation of That Same Spirit Who Called From Death Jesus, the Only Pastor of Our Souls.' Written to stem the tide of backsliding and compromise during the dark days of Mary's reign in England, Knox sends a pastoral exhortation of repentance to those who had reverted to idolatrous worship. Grieving, he says that he was 'wounded almost to death' over these developments. Nevertheless he remained faithful to his readers, directing them to consider the great reward awaiting those who persevere and noting 'how horrible are the torments which the slaves of Satan (I mean idolaters, and such as for fear refuse the known truth), shall suffer with the Devil, and with his angels, without end.' Herein we see the serious nature of idolatry and of turning away from truth once attained." -- Publisher

    Payson, Edward, The Guilt of Indifference to Divine Threatenings. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF EDWARD PAYSON, 3 volumes (2:444-55).

    See also: The free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, the covenant of eternal salvation, How to become a christian, Book-length presentations of the free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, The covenant faithfulness of god, Laziness, slothfulness, idleness, indolence, slackness, sluggishness/sluggard, Justifying faith, Sanctification, Hope, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Soteriology, The Blood of Christ, The covenant faithfulness of god, Apologetics, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Fatalism, Deceit, self-deception, lying, false witness, Depression, A theological interpretation of american history, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 1083

    Related Weblinks

    The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646), (The Westminster Standards), and Related Works: A Study Guide
    http://www.lettermen2.com/suggest.html



    Assurance and Perseverance of the Saints

    Assurance and Perseverance of the Saints
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2cha.html#aapots



    Atheism

    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)

    See the Theological Notes: "Mankind's Guilty Knowledge of God" at Romans 1:29, and the note at Psalm 14:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 5:40)

    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)

    The atheist lacks identity, meaning, and purpose in life. (Ecclesiastes 2:14-26)

    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)

    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.

    The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence. (2 Samuel 22:3)

    The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. (2 Samuel 23:3)

    And they overcame by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (Revelation 12:11)

    The fool has said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good. (Psalm 53:11)
    Being a fool, he reflects his nature, saying, There is no God. Being a great fool, he meddles with a great subject and comes to wild conclusions. Morally, as well as mentally, the atheist is a fool. He is a fool in the heart as well as in the head, a fool in morals as well as in philosophy. With the denial of God as a starting point, we may conclude that the fool's progress is raid, riotous, raving, and ruinous. One beginning at impiety is ready for anything. No God properly interpreted means no law, no order, no restraint to lust, no limit to evil passion. Who but a fool would be of this mind? What would the world become if such lawless principles came to be universal? One who heartily entertains an irreligious spirit, and follows it out to its legitimate issues, is dangerous to the common welfare; he is not rational. By nature every man is more or less a denier of God. Practical atheism is the religion of humanity. It is idle to compliment them as sincere doubters and amiable thinkers; they are in fact rotten. There is too much dainty dealing nowadays with atheism. It is not a harmless error; it is an offensive, rotten sin. Righteous men should look on it in that light. All men being by nature atheistic, they are also in the same degree corrupt. Their heart is foul; their moral nature is decayed.
    Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity -- bad principles soon lead to bad lives. One does not find virtue promoted by your Voltaires and Tom Paines. Those who talk so abominable as to deny their Maker will act abominable when it serves their turn. It is the denial and forgetfulness of God abounding among men which is the source of the unrighteousness and crime which we see around us. It all men are not outwardly vicious, it is to be accounted for by the power of other and better principles. Left to itself, the No God spirit would produce nothing but evil acts. -- C.H. Spurgeon commenting on Psalm 53:11 in Devotional Classics of C.H. Spurgeon, p. 270

    The doctrine of the blood of the Lamb prevents or scatters error. I do not think that by reasoning we often confute error to any practical purpose. We may confute it rhetorically and doctrinally, but men still stick to it. But the doctrine of the precious blood, when it once gets into the heart, drives error out of it, and sets up the throne of truth. You cannot be clinging to an atoning sacrifice, and still delight in modern heresies. Those who deny inspiration are sure to get rid of the vicarious atonement, because it will not allow their errors. Let us go on proclaiming the doctrine of the great sacrifice, and this will kill the vipers of heresy. Let us uplift the cross, and never mind what other people say. Perhaps we have taken too much notice of them already. Let the dogs bark, it is their nature to. Go on preaching Christ crucified. God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ! -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon.

    Much zeal is shown for the freedom of man's will; little jealousy seems to be left for the freedom of God's will. Men insist that it is unjust and tyrannical in God to control their wills, yet see nothing unjust, nothing proud, nothing Satanic in attempting to fetter and direct the will of God. Man, it seems, cannot have his own foolish will gratified, unless the all-wise God will consent to relinquish His! Such are some of the steps in the march of Atheism. Such are the preparations making in these last days by the wily usurper for dethroning the Eternal Jehovah. -- Horatius Bonar (1808-1889), The Reign of Grace, Preface

    If God does not exist, everything is permitted. -- Fyodor Dostoevski (1821-1881)

    One of the peculiar sins of the twentieth century which we've developed to a very high level is the sin of credulity. It has been said that when human beings stop believing in God they believe in nothing. The truth is much worse: they believe in anything. -- Malcolm Muggeridge (1903-1990)

    Sin is a species of atheism, for it is the virtual repudiation of God -- to make of God no God, to set up our wills against His. Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice? (Exodus 5:2). It is a malignant spirit of independence. . . . it lies at the root of all evil and human depravity. -- Arthur Pink (1886-1952), The Doctrine of Human Depravity

    Selfishness and pride will blind even the gifted and learned to the truth. Lust for power and the will to play God will blind us to the truth. Intense nationalistic pride, political bent, alienation during secular schooling, or personal ambitions blind us to the "evident connection between Absolute Truth, sovereign authority, holiness, life, loving obedience, moral behavior, sanctification, justice, freedom (political, economic, and individual), social stability, and real progress. . . ." -- Preface to Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal

    Beisner, E. Calvin, Answers for Atheists: A Dialogue Between a Christian and a Skeptical Inquirer, revised edition, ISBN: 0891077006 9780891077008.
    "In this unusual book, frank dialogues between a non-Christian and his Christian friend move intriguingly from topic to topic, covering such pertinent questions as: Is there a God? How do we know? So, why does evil exist? Why should modern man believe in the Bible rather than evolution or in miracles rather than scientific law? What are the evidences for Christianity? If Christianity is true, why has so much evil been done in its name? Can God really forgive me for what I've done?
    "Calvin Beisner is associate professor of interdisciplinary studies at Covenant College, Lookout Mountain, Georgia, and a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church in America. -- Publisher

    Berlinski, David, The Devil's Delusion: Atheism and its Scientific Pretensions, ISBN: 9780307396266 0307396266.

    Downes, Stephen, Stephen Downes Guide to the Logical Fallacies.
    "Stephen Downes, an information architect with a background in philosophy, created this site with the aim of identifying, indexing, and describing 'all known logical fallacies.' A logical fallacy can be defined as an error in reasoning in which a conclusion appears to follow from a set of premises but in reality does not. Downes groups the fallacies into thirteen categories, such as Fallacies of Distraction, Inductive Fallacies, and Syllogistic Errors. Each fallacy (over 50 in all), is described with its name, definition, examples of how it might be used in an argument, and how the argument can be proven fallacious. The How to Use this Guide section of the site provides a helpful introduction, and a robust bibliography offers possibilities for further study of logic. In addition, users may register at the site (no fee), to gain access to discussion boards on the topic. The author notes that his Guide "is intended to help you in your own thinking, not to help you demolish someone else's argument." Regardless of how a reader uses the information, however, the site remains an interesting and fun investigation of how logical arguments are constructed." "Lists all known logical fallacies, with definitions, examples, and the steps needed to prove that the fallacy is committed. Site also includes links to logic references and resources."
    Stephen's Guide to Logical Fallacies
    http://www.fallacies.ca/welcome.htm

    Hart, David Bentley, Atheist Delusions: The Christian Revolution and its Fashionable Enemies, ISBN: 9780300111903 0300111908 9780300164299 0300164297.
    "Offers an antidote to the atheists' misrepresentations of the Christian past, bringing into focus the truth about the most radical revolution in Western history. This book outlines how Christianity transformed the ancient world in ways we may have forgotten: bringing liberation from fatalism, and conferring great dignity on human beings." -- Publisher
    "Not only is it a very entertaining and informative read, but a death blow struck against the 'New Atheists' like Richard Dawkins, Bart Ehrmann, Christopher Hitchens, Elaine Pagels, etc. Hart exposes the logical and historical errors pervasive to modern atheism and modernism in general, and reaffirms the heart of Christianity and the new humanity it created." -- Reader's Comment

    Koster, John P., Jr., The Atheist Syndrome, ISBN: 0943497337 9780943497334.
    "Many of the people who founded the modern faith of faithlessness all shared certain common experiences: Nietzsche, Darwin, Hitler, Stalin, Freud, Sartre, Rullell, et al. Koster defines this 'atheist syndrome' and then provides a means of recognizing it in our society today." -- GCB
    "This hard-to-find book is an excellent introduction to social etiology of clinical psychosis and nuerocognitive behavior as they relate to atheism. It is the first work I've seen which convincingly demonstrates a direct causative bridge between an absence of faith in God to recognized symptoms of mental illness such as paranoia, loss of appetite, and bed-wetting. . . .
    "The Atheist Syndrome" is definitely a useful first-year graduate text covering the inherent pitfalls of evolutionary theory and atheistic moral decomposition. Some of the more unique (and interesting), features of the book include a discussion of the impact of modern computer animation on atheism; a handy directory of atheists' homes and phone numbers; and a discussion of prominent modern atheists, ranging from Jacobi to Klismann and even De Llundum. . . ." -- Reader's Comment

    Martin, Walter, "Evil and Human Suffering" (San Juan Capistrano, CA: Christian Research Institute International).
    "Aimed at the atheist or agnostic, discusses the question of suffering and why God permits it."

    *Morey, Robert, The new Atheism and the Erosion of Freedom, ISBN: 0875523625 9780875523620.
    "Exposes the godless suppression of religious freedom today and presents effective ways to convert atheists to Christ. In case you have not noticed atheism/secular humanism is gaining ground. Are you grounded in what these philosophies teach? Can you refute them? Dr. Morey will show you how." -- GCB
    The American Atheist Union has said this is the most dangerous book ever written about religion.
    Includes bibliography.

    Nietzsche, Friedrich Wilhelm (1844-1900), Walter Kaufmann (translator), Beyond Good and Evil: Prelude to a Philosophy of the Future, ISBN: 0585110875 9780585110875.
    "Represents Nietzsche's attempt to sum up his philosophy. In nine parts the book is designed to give the reader a comprehensive idea of Nietzche's thought and style. With an inclusive index of subjects and persons." -- Publisher
    Non-dualism was a basic tenet of the philosophy of Nietzsche. See: The Non-duality of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother: A Profile.

    Rushdoony, R.J. (1916-2001), The Atheism of the Early Church, ISBN: 1879998181 9781879998186. Available through Exodus Books.
    "Early Christians were called 'heretics' and 'atheists' when they denied the gods of Rome, in particular the divinity of the emperor and the statism he embodied in his personality cult. These Christians knew that Jesus Christ, not the state, was their Lord and that this faith required a different kind of relationship to the state than it demanded. Because Jesus Christ was their acknowledged Sovereign, they consciously denied such esteem to all other claimants. Today the church must take a similar stand before the modern state." -- Publisher

    *Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon.
    A sermon by C.H. Spurgeon delivered on Lord's-day morning, September 9, 1888, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon no. 2043.
    "This is the way in which you should use this plea. Say, 'My God, I am utterly unworthy, and I own it; but, I beseech thee, hear me for the honour of thy dear Son. By his agony and bloody sweat, by his cross and passion, by his precious death and burial, I beseech thee hear me! O Lord, let the blood of thine Only-begotten prevail with thee! Canst thou put aside his groans, his tears, his death, when they speak on my behalf?' If you can thus come to pleading terms with God upon this ground, you must and will prevail. Jesus must be heard in heaven. The voice of his blood is eloquent with God. If you plead the atoning sacrifice, you must overcome through the blood of the Lamb." -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon

    Warfield, Benjamin B. (1851-1921), Calvin's Doctrine of the Knowledge of God. In THE WORKS OF B.B. WARFIELD (5:29-130). Also in CALVIN AND AUGUSTINE. (29-130)

    *Zacharias, Ravi K. (1946-2020), Can man Live Without God? ISBN: 0849911737 9780849911736.
    " 'Apart from God, chaos is the norm; with God, the hungers of the mind and heart find their fulfillment.' So writes Ravi Zacharias in this brilliant and compelling apologetic defense of the Christian faith -- the likes of which we haven't seen since C.S. Lewis. With forceful logic, insightful illustrations, and passionate conviction, he shows how affirming the reality of God' existence matters urgently in our everyday lives.
    "According to Zacharias, who has debated the issue of God's existence in such settings a Harvard and Princeton Universities, how you answer the question of God' existence will have a profound effect on the way you live your life. It can impact your relationship with others, your commitment to integrity, your attitude toward morality, your perception of truth, and your sense of meaning in life -- it can mean the difference between living a life filled with hope or despair. . . ." -- Publisher
    CAN MAN LIVE WITHOUT GOD has sold more copies than any other book by Ravi Zacharias. He has said that it is the book "which touched my life more than anything else." His other works include A SHATTERED VISAGE: THE REAL FACE OF ATHEISM, JESUS AMONG OTHER GODS: THE ABSOLUTE CLAIMS OF THE CHRISTIAN MESSAGE, Martin, Walter R. and Ravi K. Zacharias, THE KINGDOM OF THE CULTS: AN ANALYSIS OF THE MAJOR CULT SYSTEMS IN THE PRESENT CHRISTIAN ERA, CRIES OF THE HEART, and DELIVER US FROM EVIL.
    "In summary, this is a book to read, whether you are a Christian, Moslem, Jew, or atheist, or any other adherent to a belief system. Ravi is a masterful philosopher, an unmatched apologist, a sympathetic and easy-to-understand author, and a humble man. This is definitely one of the classics in its field." -- Reader's Comment

    Zacharias, Ravi K. (1946-2020), The end of Reason: A Response to the new Atheists, ISBN: 9780310295365 031029536X 9780310295372 0310295378 9780310295396 0310295394.
    "Taking on the challenge of the New Atheism head-on, Dr. Ravi Zacharias exposes the utter bankruptcy of the worldview of atheism's newest champion, author Sam Harris. Harris claims God is just an imaginary friend in his bestselling book, LETTER TO A CHRISTIAN NATION. THE END OF REASON is a powerful and passionate reply not only to those who have read the writings of Harris, but to all Christians who have had the foundations of their beliefs decimated. This book dismantles the main arguments by Harris for atheism and answers his call to denounce Christian values. The author focuses on the goodness of God, the real nature of evil, and the foundation of true morality." -- Publisher

    *Zacharias, Ravi (1946-2020), Has Christianity Failed you? ISBN: 9780310269557 0310269555.
    Ravi Zacharias considers this to be his most important book.
    "HAS CHRISTIANITY FAILED YOU? is for you, if you have struggled to understand what exactly it is you believe. Acclaimed apologist Ravi Zacharias explores the hard questions about what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. In his landmark new book, he addresses the struggle he hears from both skeptics and Christians: Has Christianity failed us? And can irrefutable charges be brought against it by skeptics and disappointed believers alike?
    "In 2006, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM) held an open forum at the Fox Theater in Atlanta to address the subject: 'Has Christianity Failed you?' Tickets were sold for the event and -- to the complete surprise of everyone -- the event was sold out with a capacity crowd of over 5,000. People lined up offering to buy tickets from folks in line for higher prices. Before the event, an RZIM cameraman walked the streets and asked people if they had rejected the faith they held at one time. One answered that, because of a Christian's rejection of his gay lifestyle he had done just that. Another answered that she had left her faith because she had fallen into adultery and could never live it down in the church. Others had their own reasons. Some said it was just intellectually untenable in an age of reason. They chose to come to the event to judge if there were adequate answers. It is estimated that for every one person who writes a letter or attends an event, there are one thousand who agree. If the Atlanta crowd was any indication, the question is real and troubling. Why is it that many live with silent doubt, many leaving the 'evangelical fold' for something else? Is there something wrong with the message, the communicator, the hearer . . . or is it all three? It's time to ask the hard questions of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ and why it seems as though God has made it so hard to continue believing. In fact, the son of a prominent U.S. Senator phoned me with that very question. 'Why has God made it so hard to believe in Him?' Such skepticism is not just representative of the hostile; it also represents many honest questioners. This book attempts to lay out the response to those within as well as those outside the Christian faith, so as to understand what it is we believe, and why it is so hard to do so. More to the point: Why it is actually so hard to deny God and still make sense out of life? In the end the answers should be both felt and real, with the added truth that God is nearer than you think. He desires that we sense Him very near to us, and not distant. But closeness comes at a cost just as any relationship of love and commitment does.
    "For over thirty-five years, Ravi Zacharias has spoken all over the world in great halls and universities, notably Harvard, Princeton, and numerous universities internationally. He is listed as a Senior Research Fellow at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University. He has appeared on CNN and other international broadcasts. The author of several books for adults and children, he powerfully mixes biblical teaching and Christian apologetics. His most recent works include WALKING FROM EAST TO WEST, A MEMOIR; THE GRAND WEAVER, AN EXPLORATION OF GOD'S INTENTION IN BOTH THE ORDINARY AND THE STARTLING ELEMENTS OF LIFE; AND THE END OF REASON, A REBUTTAL OF THE CLAIMS OF THE SO-CALLED NEW ATHEISTS. His weekly radio program, 'Let My People Think,' is broadcast on 1,692 stations worldwide, and his weekday program, 'Just Thinking,' is on 412. He is founder and chairman of the board of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with additional offices in Canada, Hong Kong, India, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. Dr. Zacharias and his wife, Margie, have three grown children and reside in Atlanta." -- Publisher
    Has Christianity Failed You? [audio file], Ravi Zacharias (2019/07/20)
    https://www.rzim.org/listen/let-my-people-think/has-christianity-failed-you-part-1
    *Has Christianity Failed You? an interview of Ravi Zacharias with Danielle DuRant
    "There are an awful lot of Christians walking around these days who are disappointed with their faith. They've been hurt by the church or other believers and it's affected their walk with God."
    Includes rare, frank, and wise commentary on the institution of marriage.
    https://www.rzim.org/read/just-thinking-magazine/has-christianity-failed-you

    *Zacharias, Ravi (1946-2020), The Real Face of Atheism. Alternate title: A SHATTERED VISAGE, THE REAL FACE OF ATHEISM, 0801099382 9780801099380.
    "The author presents a concise apologetic showing the glaring contradictions in this bankrupt worldview. He contrasts the emptiness of atheism with the hope and fulfillment of Christianity, illustrating that atheism is a house divided against itself, destined for collapse. He has lectured in over 40 countries." -- GCB
    "With a new introduction and revisions throughout, THE REAL FACE OF ATHEISM is the perfect text for pastors, students, and thinking laypeople who want to improve their apologetic skill and reach out to non-believers." -- Publisher

    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), Christian scholarship, The works of john w. robbins, The works of gordon haddon clark, The works of c. gregg singer, Logic based on god's truth, The works of Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Apologetics, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Christ's kingdom, Lordship of jesus christ, The all-sufficiency of christ, Trusting god, Idolatry, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The covenanted reformation of scotland background and history, The covenanted reformation, Covenanted reformation short title listing, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, The covenant faithfulness of god, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justifying faith, Evil, the problem of avoiding, eschewing, shunning, Secret societies, ungodly alliances, voluntary associations, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, Unfaithful reformed ministries, Politics, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, Individual responsibility for corporate faithfulness and sanctification, The foundation of biblical counsel, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 1225

    Related Weblinks

    *Is Atheism Dead? Is God Alive? a lecture by Ravi Zacharias at Harvard University (1 of 4)
    "On April 8th, 1966, Time Magazine bore a cover with the question 'Is God Dead?' in bold red text on a black background. Forty years later, many are asking that same question -- and a lot of those aren't just asking if God's dead, they're living like God's dead! Find out why as Ravi Zacharias examines the philosophy of Atheism in today's program.
    http://rzim.org/let-my-people-think-broadcasts/is-atheism-dead-is-god-alive-part-1-of-3/

    Is Atheism Dead? Is God Alive? a lecture by Ravi Zacharias at Harvard University (2 of 4)
    "Do you wonder whether God really exists? Atheists would say that God is dead, but is that true? What does the atheistic train of thought lead to? To answer these questions Ravi Zacharias looks at one of atheism's greatest evangelists: Friedrich Nietzsche as he examines the effects atheism has had on America."
    http://rzim.org/let-my-people-think-broadcasts/is-atheism-dead-is-god-alive-part-2-of-2/

    Is Atheism Dead? Is God Alive? a lecture by Ravi Zacharias at Harvard University (3 of 4)
    "Friedrich Nietzsche has been dead for a long time -- yet his philosophy is still with us. Yesterday Ravi pointed out the influence Nietzsche's work had on leaders such as Hitler, Mussolini, and Stalin. Unfortunately, his rabid atheism has also affected American culture as well. Find out how in part three of Ravi's message." http://rzim.org/let-my-people-think-broadcasts/is-atheism-dead-is-god-alive-part-3-of-4/

    Is Atheism Dead? Is God Alive? a lecture by Ravi Zacharias at Harvard University (4 of 4)
    "Throughout this week we've heard Ravi Zacharias share insights into the destruction and confusion caused by the philosophy of Atheism. Today he's going to wrap up his message with a look at what ultimately brings meaning to our lives."
    http://rzim.org/let-my-people-think-broadcasts/is-atheism-dead-is-god-alive-part-4-of-4/

    Is Christianity Arrogant? [audio file], Michael Ramsden
    "Christianity claims absolute truth. It claims that a relationship with Christ is the only way to God. Is it arrogant to proclaim your truth as real and all others as false?
    https://www.rzim.org/listen/let-my-people-think/is-christianity-arrogant

    *Is Faith Delusional? (part 2 of 2), an address by Ravi Zacharias
    "The attacks on Christianity from atheists have reached a new peak. In the past few months books have been written with titles like THE GOD DELUSION. Are Christians truly deluded? Ravi Zacharias answers the charge this week on "Let My People Think" (part 2 of 2). http://htod.cdncon.com/o2/rzimht/MP3/LMPT/LMP20100213.mp3

    *Living in Critical Times (part 1), Ravi Zacharias
    "We live in a society that wants nothing to do with God however once you do away with the existence of God, where do you turn for your absolutes? . . . Where do we find our moral framework?"
    https://www.rzim.org/listen/let-my-people-think/living-in-critical-times-part-1
    Living in Critical Times (part 2), Ravi Zacharias
    https://www.rzim.org/listen/let-my-people-think/living-in-critical-times-part-2

    Man vs. God, Ravi Zacharias
    "A recent article in the Wall Street Journal asked 'Where does evolution leave God?' The people the paper arranged to answer the question suggest God is an afterthought for the editors. Hear what Ravi Zacharias has to say about their thoughts."
    https://www.christianbook.com/man-vs-god-ravi-zacharias/pd/DA24348-CP?event=ESRCG

    The Non-duality of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother: A Profile
    http://www.lettermen2.com/syncret.html

    Pseudo-Christian Movements: A Selection of Works
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappd.html

    Questionable Answers, a message by Ravi Zacharias at the Ezekiel Forum
    "If someone asked you to define evil, what would you say? Where do you go to find an answer for a question like this? Ravi Zacharias looks at the answers skeptics provide to deny the existence of God at Ezekiel Forum, an outreach event of Way Truth Life Radio, a ministry of Central Pennsylvania Christian Institute, Inc.
    Some of Ravi Zacharias' messages are still available on Youtub.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_vr70r2pZs

    Ravi Answers Atheists
    "Today's new atheists are making a bigger push than ever before to win others over to their unbelief. Ravi Zacharias takes on their claims and answers their charges."
    https://www.rzim.org/listen/just-thinking/ravi-answers-atheists-part-1

    The Real Story of Demonic Possession and its Role in the Revolutionary Movement, Frontline Fellowship
    "The world has never before known a godlessness as organized, militarized and tenaciously malevolent as that preached by Marxism. Within the philosophical system of Marx and Lenin, and at the heart of their psychology, Hatred of God is the principle driving force, more fundamental than all their political and economic pretensions. Militant atheism is not merely incidental, or marginal, to Communist policy; it is not a side effect, but the central pivot. To achieve its diabolical ends, Communism needs to control a population devoid of religious and national feeling, and this entails a destruction of faith and nationhood. Communists proclaim both of these objectives openly, and just as openly put them into practice." -- Alexander Solzhenitsyn (1918-2008)
    https://soundcloud.com/user-779428885/the-real-story-of-demonic-possession-and-its-role-in-the-revolutionary-movement



    Betrayal

    A Holy man knows that all sin strikes at the holiness of God, the glory of God, the nature of God, the being of God, and the law of God: and therefore his heart rises against all; he looks upon every sin as the Scribes and Pharisees that accused Christ; and as the Judas that betrayed Christ; and as the Pilate that condemned Christ; and as those soldiers that scourged Christ; and as those spears that pierced Christ. -- Thomas Brooks (1608-1680)

    No reasonably informed person can now believe that Japan made a villainous unexpected attack on the United States. An attack was not only fully expected, but was actually desired. It is beyond doubt that President Roosevelt wanted to get his country into the war, but for political reasons, was most anxious to ensure that the first act of hostility came from the other side; for which reason he caused increasing pressure to be put on the Japanese, to a point that no self-respecting nation could endure without resort to arms. Japan was meant, by the American President, to attack the United States. As Mr Oliver Lyttelton, then British Minister of Production, said in 1944: "Japan was provoked into attacking America's Pearl Harbor. It is a travesty of history to say that America was forced into the war." -- British Historian, Captain Russell Grenfell, Main Fleet to Singapore, as quoted by President Herbert Hoover in Freedom Betrayed

    There is some danger of falling into a soft and effeminate Christianity, under the plea of a lofty and ethereal theology. Christianity was born for endurance; not an exotic, but hardy plant, braced by the keen wind; not languid, nor childish, nor cowardly. It walks with strong step and erect frame; it is kindly, but firm; it is gentle, but honest; it is calm, but not facile; obliging, but not imbecile; decided, but not churlish. It does not fear to speak the firm word of condemnation against error, nor to raise it's voice against surrounding evils, under the pretext it is not of this world; it does not shrink from giving honest reproof, lest it come under the charge of displaying an unchristian spirit. It calls sin sin, in whomsoever it is found, and would rather risk the accusation of being actuated by a bad spirit than not to discharge an explicit duty. Let us not misjudge strong words used in honest controversy. Out of the heat a viper may come forth; but we shake it off and feel no harm. The religion of both the Old and New Testaments is marked by fervent testimonies against evil. To speak smooth things in such a case may be sentimentalism, but it is not Christianity. . . . It is a betrayal of truth and righteousness. I know that charity covers a multitude of sins; but it does not call evil good, because a good man has done it; it does not excuse inconsistencies, because the inconsistent brother has a high name and a fervent spirit; crookedness and worldliness are still crookedness, though exhibited in one who seems to have reached no common height of attainment. -- Horatius Bonar (1818-1889

    Barnes, Harry Elmer, et al., Perpetual war for Perpetual Peace: A Critical Examination of the Foreign Policy of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and its Aftermath, 724 pages, ISBN: 0837121442 9780837121444.
    "Classic revisionist study of how FDR maneuvered America, against the wishes of most of its citizens, into war against Germany and Japan, and how FDR's war policy ended in betrayal, disillusion and endless conflict. Establishes convincingly that U.S. participation in World War II was neither necessary, nor desirable, nor just. Edited by one of this century's most influential American scholars, this is a work in the front rank of American historical scholarship. Eleven concise, scintillating essays on every aspect of FDR's secret diplomatic and military warpath, by eight giants of revisionist scholarship, including H.E. Barnes, Charles C. Tansill, F.R. Sanborn, W.L. Neumann, G. Morgenstern, Percy L. Graves, Wm.H. Chamberlin, and G.A. Lundberg. A measured and relentless exposé of the calculated deceit by which FDR overturned America's traditional neutrality policy, provoked Pearl Harbor, and waged a brutal, pointless war that culminated in mass slaughter at Dresden and Hiroshima, and betrayal -- of America and the West -- at Yalta and Potsdam. These are incisive, unmistakably American perspectives on how the U.S. made a mockery of its own professed ideals during the 'Good War.' A virtual encyclopedia -- authoritative and comprehensive -- on the real causes and the actual results of America's entry into the Second World War. Indispensable as a history and a reference. Highly relevant for an understanding of how the United States came to its present-day policy of "New World Order" global military adventurism." -- Publisher
    "If you complain about and want to know why GWB lied us into war, you'd better prepare yourself for the fact that this has been going on for 100 and perhaps over 140 years.
    "For the real story on WWII (and beyond), you can't do better than this classic revisionist tome. I would also recommend THE REAL LINCOLN, and WILSON'S WAR if you want to get a more balanced view of some of our 'great' presidents and the unnecessary wars they embroiled us in -- all of which caused millions of deaths, huge federal deficits, aggrandized the central government and brought us into the Orwellian police state." -- Reader's Comment
    "Harry Elmer Barnes was one of the most productive historians and social scientists of the 20th century. A bibliography of his books and monographs is about 50 pages and includes long tomes on various topics such as sociology, history, criminology, etc. His editing of PERPETUAL WAR FOR PERPETUAL PEACE shows Barnes' ability as both a historian and an editor of other men whose contributions to this book are well written and poignant.
    "Barnes begins this book with an essay on the background of World War II by giving the reader a good summary of World War I and its aftermath. Barnes is clear that events before World War I were radically different than events during and after this war. He traces American policy from the end of World War I to World War II and beyond.
    "Barnes' use of Percy Greaves' background to the attack on Pearl Harbor is effective. Greaves was an expert on what actually happened when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Greaves' account is no sanitized textbook report, but a carefully documented assessment that is basically unanswerable.
    "The same could be said of Morgenstern's work mentioned in PERPETUAL WAR FOR PERPETUAL PEACE. Morgenstern's book PEARL HARBOR:THE STORY OF THE SECRET WAR is by far the best book written on the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and when the 'experts' could not refute him, they resorted to smearing him.
    "Charles Tansill's essay is well worth reading. In fact, Tansill's contribution to this book should be followed by a careful reading of his BACK DOOR TO WAR. Tansill had to resort to trickery to get the documents and sources for his BACK DOOR TO WAR.
    "The essays in PERPETUAL WAR FOR PERPETUAL PEACE not only deal with the government's lying and manipulation to get Americans involved in a useless war, but the essays also indicate that the Americans got nothing out of the war. In fact, the only actual winners were the political leaders of Big Communism which expanded well into Eastern Europe and Asia. In fact, the phony "Cold War" was essentially the attempt to settle the accounts from World War II.
    "Of particular interest is the essay on Orwellian trends. The government's use of war as a means to absorb unemployment by going to war and employing large numbers of people in war materials industries is instructive and should be read carefully. This essay makes clear that domestic problems and unemployment issues can resolved by long protracted wars with no clear winners or losers except for those who hold political power on both sides. This essay also shows how enemies and allies can change almost overnight.
    "PERPETUAL WAR FOR PERPETUAL peace is a good start to learning a more comprehensive view on both the truth of the origins of World War II and the political and diplomatic trends thereafter. This book should be read by serious historians to correct the distortions in badly written textbooks and the phony presentations of politically correct teachers who are too timid to do any serious reading or thinking." -- Reader's Comment

    *Beard, Charles (1874-1948, author), and Campbell Craig (introduction), President Roosevelt and the Coming of the War, 1941: Appearances and Realities, new edition, ISBN: 0765809982 9780765809988, 614 pages.
    "This is a great and important book. It was not Beard's last book, but one that subjected him to a veritable witch hunt and his removal from his position in historical societies and organization. A progressive of the old LaFollette type, Beard simply sought to tell the truth about how Roosevelt plunged the USA into World War II before any declaration of war or attacks on the USA by Germany, Italy, or Japan.
    "Most of the material here comes from hearings in the U.S. Congress, some during World War II, and other shortly afterward.
    "It is unfortunate that Beard did not have access to the materials that have been available in the last 10 or 20 years as war time records has become declassified. His concentration is on Pearl Harbor and the naval war against Italy and Germany (most who write about submarine warfare in the Atlantic neglect the fact that there was a substantial force of Italian submarines as well as German submarines), that Roosevelt launched in 1940. Yet, this is but the tip of the iceberg in Roosevelt's illegal war against Germany and Italy and Japan in 1940 and in 1941.
    "Roosevelt ran the 1940 election under the slogan 'I hate war' and on his many pledges not to send Americans to fight in the Second World War. [the same scenario of Woodrow Wilson and the First World War -- compiler]. As soon as Roosevelt won the 1940 election he secretly began to send American sailors, marines, and soldiers into the war.
    "In November 1940, Roosevelt sent the U.S. Navy into the Atlantic to attack and sink German and Italian submarines in complete cooperation with the British. This was despite the fact that the German and Italian submariners were ordered to stay out of the Western Atlantic and to avoid American ports and ships so they would not provoke U.S. public opinion. What the Axis submariners could have done if they targeted American shipping was shown in 1941 and 1942 after Pearl Harbor. Hundreds of ships were sunk within sight of the East Coast. Britain was seriously threatened with strangulation.
    "The evidence that Beard prints in this book chiefly from Congressional hearings explains major incidents like the sinking of the Reuben James and the Kearny that were used to claim Germany was sinking American ships without provocation. Congressional hearings reported on in this book show both incidents were provoked by aggressive U.S. Navy attacks on German submarines either separate from or in direct cooperation with the British and Canadian navies.
    "Roosevelt had the U.S. in a worldwide naval war with Germany and Italy by 1941. American Navy pilots worked directly with the British. In fact it was an U.S. Navy pilot, not a British pilot who flew the plane that torpedoed the Bismark and left it unable to steer. The destroyer for bases deal not only supplied the British with destroyers, but sent U.S. troops to the bases that protected British colonies in the Americas and Africa so British troops there could be sent to the war in the Arab East.
    "The U.S. Navy began to build a major base in Northern Ireland. By 1941 U.S. Navy ships would attack, sink, or seize any German vessel they encountered on the high seas, not just in the Atlantic, but in the Pacific and Indian Ocean as well. The U.S. fleet and 'neutral' American shipping were used to convoy Australian, New Zealand, and British colonial troops from the Pacific to the U.S. and Canada to be shipped to the British war in North Africa.
    "American Marines relieved the British troops who had essentially invaded and occupied Iceland, an action not really favored by the Icelandic government which had tried to stay neutral. Those same Marines were originally to have invaded Vichy-controlled Martinique and Guadeloupe, but the Vichy governor of the islands agreed to allow U.S. Navy officers to control passage of naval vessels to those islands, keeping French warships in port on these islands until the end of the War.
    "In Asia, Roosevelt launched the Flying Tigers. Rather than being a mercenary program paid for by the Chaing Kai Shek government as the public was told until the relevant documents were released in the 1980s, the Flying Tigers were totally financed by the United States Army Air Force. All of the Tigers were serving Navy or Army pilots who were ordered to leave the Navy and the Army to accept positions with the Tigers. Generally, Army and Navy officers are not usually allowed to simply quit and take other positions before the end of their service, let alone in a period of coming war. Plans for the Tigers included building a huge American-staffed and paid for air force that would possess long range bombers to attack Japan. They barely had begun functioning in China before WWII began.
    "In late 1940 joint commissions of the U.S. military and naval general staffs and their British counterparts were set up in both Washington and London to plan a US-British war against both Germany and Japan. Similar arrangements were worked out with Britain, Canada, and the Dutch colonial government of what is now knows as Indonesia for naval and military action against Japan.
    "Those who do not know the information Beard provides and the rest that has come out since his times, wonder why Germany declared war on the USA. They picture the German declaration of war as an erroneous and gratuitous act of solidarity with Japan. They miss the real question. The real question is why did Germany wait so long to declare war on the USA when the USA had been carrying on what American and international law clearly defined as illegal warfare against Germany since the fall of 1940.
    "Beard's courage on this issue was symptomatic of his rigor and independence, his relentless desire to find the truth. Just as we are ignorant of the real origins of U.S. involvement in WWII without this pioneering work, we are ignorant of who the founders of the U.S. government were, and what they were afraid of unless we read his ECONOMIC INTERPRETATION OF THE CONSTITUTION. Beard was not just a learned man, a diligent scholar, and pretty good writer, he was a brave man who demanded to tell the truth no matter how unpopular it was. We should all be more like Beard!" -- Reader's Comment
    Apologetics #09: The Enlightenment in Western Thought #2
    Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Apologetics, 69 min.
    Dr. Singer on Roosevelt's maneuvering of the U.S. into World War II. An extraordinary lecture.
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=3105182230

    Bovard, James, The Bush Betrayal, ISBN: 140396727X 9781403967275.
    "In January 2001, George W. Bush assumed the Presidency of the United States promising peace, prosperity, and a renewed sense of integrity. In THE BUSH BETRAYAL, James Bovard vividly illustrates how Bush abandoned both his campaign promises an his oath to uphold the Constitution, leaving instead a nation at war, in massive debt, and in service to the special interests of big business. THE BUSH BETRAYAL is a seething indictment of a presidency far removed from the will of the people and is destined to be another classic from Washington's most outspoken critic." -- Publisher
    "Jim Bovard is a one-man policy think tank, or, rather, a one-man version of what a policy think tank ought to be. Instead of cozying up to the state, the Beltwayites ought to be trying to copy Bovard: doing meticulous and meticulously documented analysis of the crimes of government. Who ever looks, really looks, with the right attitude, at the budget and programs of a federal agency? Or records, with great wit, all the felonies against freedom of the Clinton and Bush administrations? Not that they could copy Bovard, but they ought to try. THE BUSH BETRAYAL is the handbook of our revolution." -- Lew Rockwell, www.lewrockwell.com
    Review of THE BUSH BETRAYAL by former Congressman Bob Barr (R-Ga., 1995-2003)
    http://www.amconmag.com/2004_09_13/review.html

    *Coral Ridge Ministries, Taking Liberties: The Betrayal of our Heritage (Fort Lauderdale, FL: Coral Ridge Ministries).
    A one-hour television special available in the form of a transcript, audio cassette [audio file], video cassette, or CD.
    "Perhaps there is no other concept more important than liberty in understanding America."
    A brilliant presentation of the concepts of liberty by a wide range of authorities.

    Fransway, Rebecca (compiler), 12-Step Horror Stories: True Tales of Misery, Betrayal and Abuse in AA, NA and 12-Step Treatment, ISBN: 1884365248 9781884365249.
    "I read 12-STEP HORROR STORIES because 12-Stepping is used by the co-dependent Shadow Priest to 'treat' the made-up co-dependent disorder. I was not prepared for the tales of misery that lie with in these pages. The mistreatment received by the unsuspecting victims of the 12-Steppers, as told by real people, who lived it, is unforgivable.
    "To think that our courts and employers are forcing people into this 12-Stepping cult scares the hell out of me, and should you as well. For as shown in these pages anyone, even a non-user, and yes even you can be mandated to this nightmare. This book can help to open your eyes so you will know that there are other options to the 12-Stepping cult.
    "This fine book talk mostly about AA and NA 12-Step groups where attendance is many times compulsory, nevertheless please understand that the made-up disorder they are calling co-dependency is, as well, under the control of the 12-Stepping cultist. No one is forced into the co-dependency 12-Step cult, thus I find it mind boggling that anyone would enthusiastically put on this coat of powerlessness, victimhood, and disease. Why would anyone willingly place their mind under a cult's mind control is beyond my ability to understand. All the same, they do by the millions.
    "Read this book and armor yourself, for the 12-Step cult is waiting to consume your humanity." -- Rick Goodner, author of Co-dependent . . . What a Bore and Other Clinical Observations
    "This book is going to cause a lot of controversy in AA and make a lot of AA members mad, because it's full of the truth about what really happens to a whole lot of people who unsuspectingly go to AA thinking they are going to get help. Yes, many do get help, but a lot of doctors who have lost their licenses have helped people too; that doesn't mean they can commit malpractice on some of them. The same rules we apply to other health care organizations need to be applied to AA and NA and the treatment centers that push AA and NA, as long as they call addiction a 'disease' they need to treat it like one and not like something hopeless that requires faith healing. This book points out the ridiculous stuff that goes on at treatment centers. People being forced to say they are powerless or they will lose their jobs. Verbal abuse, 13 stepping, suicides. None of these things are rare -- they happen in ever treatment center and group. Thank goodness someone is finally saying something about it. My father committed suicide after being harangued and harassed in a treatment center, then told by his employer since he did not cooperate with treatment (did not say he was powerless and work the steps), he lost his job. I wish he had been able to bring a book like this to his employer. I wish he had been able to read a book like this and get the help he really needed, not a bunch of people who can't even solve their own problems. As far as I'm concerned, his death is AA's fault. I'll bet there are thousands of stories just like his." -- Donna Ling
    "This review is not meant to denounce the 12-Step AA program, I have seen many helped by it. I am writing this review to applaud this book for exposing the kinds of absolute power that have emerged from the 12-Step program and have formed a kind of hidden, frightening dictatorship that operates freely within our democratic society. This book also exposes our society's tacit assumption that the 12-Step program is the only one that works for addictions (the recent film Traffic is just one more example of this assumption). And, this book exposes the absolute power given by many treatment programs to untrained laypeople to diagnose and control others. The stories in this book are frightening and dramatic. Everyone who has ever taken a drink of alcohol for any reason will should read it and anyone who works as any kind of counselor should read it. But then, every parent of a child old enough to drink alcohol should read it and every volunteer or paid worker for an organized religion should read it. It's clear from their urgent tone that the people whose stories are told in this book have been desperate for someone to tell their shocking experiences to. Fransway has clearly provided them and the readers a great service by listening to presenting those stories here." -- Reader's Comment
    "The official bedtime story book for 12-Step members. A collection of true tales of suffering endured by step group participants at the hands of sponsors, stepper gurus, fellow members and treatment providers. Makes a great gift for hardliners who insist: 'It works if you work it' by cleverly responding . . .' unless of course your program, group, sponsor or treatment provider is sicker than you are'!" -- AA Deprogramming

    *Garrett, Laurie, Betrayal of Trust: The Collapse of Global Public Health, ISBN: 0786884401 9780786884407.
    "This is a study of global public health. Plague, pollution and prostitution are all examined in turn. The author shows how basic trust in public health systems has collapsed and how our global public health system has been systematically destroyed." -- Publisher
    "This is the book that shifted my political views from anarchy into the recognition that centralized forms of governance are essential for such services as public health. This book is somewhat of a frightening read in that it suddenly makes you realize that mankind is not only being threatened environmentally and by terrorism and warfare, but much more imminently through disease and the surge of new antibiotic resistant microbes. An eye-opener, for sure, and definitely worth working through this giant tome." -- Reader's Comment

    *Greider, William, Who Will Tell the People? The Betrayal of American Democracy, ISBN: 0671867407 9780671867409.
    "WHO WILL TELL THE PEOPLE is a passionate, eye-opening challenge to American democracy. Here is a tough-minded exploration of why we're in trouble, starting with the basic issues of who gets heard, who gets ignored, and why. Greider shows us the realities of power in Washington today, uncovering the hidden relationships that link politicians with corporations and the rich, and that subvert the needs of ordinary citizens.
    "How do we put meaning back into public life? Greider shares the stories of some citizens who have managed to crack Washington's 'Grand Bazaar' of influence peddling as he reveals the structures designed to thwart them. Without naivete or cynicism, Greider shows us how the system can still be made to work for the people, and delineates the lines of battle in the struggle to save democracy. By showing us the reality of how the political decisions that shape our lives are made, William Greider explains how we can begin to take control once more." -- Publisher
    "Written in the era of Ross Perot and Jerry Brown and focused on the Savings and Loan scandal that cost taxpayers at least $200 billion dollars, this insightful book identifies many factors behind the growing power of transnational corporations to set the national agenda. Villains include an expanding executive branch, the collusion of both major parties with Wall Street interests, the increasing use of technical jargon in the halls of power, and a press that seems more focused on selling celebrities than examining policies.
    "Greider's prophetic book, written in 1992, anticipates how NAFTA, GATT, and the most favored trade status with China all passed - could be pushed through by a Democratic president (Clinton) and a Republican Congress in a bipartisan effort. Polls, by the way, showed the vast majority of Americans opposed to all three pieces of legislation. A populist political critic, Greider suspects what is good for Wall Street might not be good for Main Street. (Of course, many people living on Main Street owe some stock too.)
    "I first read this book in 1992, and wondered if Greider was exaggerating to make more compelling copy. Re-reading parts today and knowing the disaster caused by NAFTA, Greider emerges as one of the few political analysts aware of the significance of trade to Wall Street and the negative influence on corporate money on both parties.
    " 'We're perilously close to not having a democracy,' warms Greider, noting that while many elements are involved in disenfranchising the American public, none are buried secrets and all are familiar features. Campaign finance reform, of course, remains the preferred euphemism for legalized bribery used to win Congressional votes and manipulate regulatory decisions. Incumbents like the system (shock, shock) and reformers seem to lose in primaries (McCain, Bradley). Greider makes a few common sense suggestions: more press coverage of how government actually works, campaign finance reform, and elections on the weekends.
    "Unfortunately, this witty tirade, written with outrage and fury, seems more relevant today than ever. Both moderate Republicans and conservative Democrats support unrestricted trade leaving true outsiders like Nader and Buchanan to articulate the fair trade argument. Greider suggests that the possibilities for renewing American democracy are dwindling despite technological advances that could revitalize citizen activism.
    "A fascinating, sobering book for the 2000 election season." -- Reader's Comment

    Hammond, Peter, Judas the Apostle who Became an Apostate, a sermon
    https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=218191145284120

    Hoover, Herbert, and George H. Nash, Freedom Betrayed: Herbert Hoover's Secret History of the Second World War and its Aftermath, ISBN: 9780817912345 0817912347 9780817912369 0817912363.
    "The culmination of an extraordinary literary project that Herbert Hoover launched during World War II, his magnum opus -- at last published nearly fifty years after its completion -- offers a revisionist reexamination of the war and its cold war aftermath and a sweeping indictment of the 'lost statesmanship' of Franklin Roosevelt." -- Publisher
    "Historian George H. Nash, the dean of Herbert Hoover studies, has brought forth a very rare manuscript in FREEDOM BETRAYED. Here is Hoover unplugged, delineating on everything from the lost statesmanship of FDR to the Korean War. A truly invaluable work of presidential history. Highly recommended." -- Douglas Brinkley, professor of history at Rice University and editor of THE REAGAN DIARIES

    Newfield, Jack, and Wayne Barrett, City for Sale: Ed Koch and the Betrayal of New York, ISBN: 0060160608, ISBN: 0060160608 9780060160609.
    "Investigative reporters Newfield (NY Daily News) and Barrett (Village Voice) attempt to expose the Koch administration's descent into corruption and criminality. No bibliography.

    Peters, David B., A Betrayal of Innocence: What Everyone Should Know About Child Sexual Abuse, ISBN: 0849905028 9780849905025.
    "Covers what abuse is, the signs and effects it can have, what to do once abuse is discovered, how to question a child, precautionary measures every parent should take, whom to trust, whom not to trust, and how to overcome emotional trauma and live a happy life."

    *Stinnett, Robert B., Day of Deceit: The Truth About FDR and Pearl Harbor, ISBN: 0684853396 9780684853390.
    Contents: The biggest story of my life -- FDR's back door to war -- The White House decides -- We are alert for an attack on Hawaii -- The splendid arrangement -- The outside man -- All clear for a surprise attack -- An unmistakable pattern -- Watch the wide sea -- A night with a princess -- War may come quicker than anyone dreams -- The Japs are blasting away on the frequencies -- A pretty cheap price -- This means war -- The escape was north -- Epilogue: Destroy anything in writing.
    "Historians have long debated whether President Roosevelt had advance knowledge of Japan's December 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor. Using documents pried loose through the Freedom of Information Act during 17 years of research, Stinnett provides overwhelming evidence that FDR and his top advisers knew that Japanese warships were heading toward Hawaii. The heart of his argument is even more inflammatory: Stinnett argues that FDR, who desired to sway public opinion in support of U.S. entry into WWII, instigated a policy intended to provoke a Japanese attack. The plan was outlined in a U.S. Naval Intelligence secret strategy memo of October 1940; Roosevelt immediately began implementing its eight steps (which included deploying U.S. warships in Japanese territorial waters and imposing a total embargo intended to strangle Japan's economy), all of which, according to Stinnett, climaxed in the Japanese attack. Stinnett, a decorated naval veteran of WWII who served under then Lt. George Bush, substantiates his charges with a wealth of persuasive documents, including many government and military memos and transcripts. Demolishing the myth that the Japanese fleet maintained strict radio silence, he shows that several Japanese naval broadcasts, intercepted by American cryptographers in the 10 days before December 7, confirmed that Japan intended to start the war at Pearl Harbor. Stinnett convincingly demonstrates that the U.S. top brass in Hawaii -- Pacific Fleet commander Adm. Husband Kimmel and Lt. Gen. Walter Short -- were kept out of the intelligence loop on orders from Washington and were then scapegoated for allegedly failing to anticipate the Japanese attack (in May 1999, the U.S. Senate cleared their names). Kimmel moved his fleet into the North Pacific, actively searching for the suspected Japanese staging area, but naval headquarters ordered him to turn back. Stinnett's meticulously researched book raises deeply troubling ethical issues. While he believes the deceit built into FDR's strategy was heinous, he nevertheless writes: "I sympathize with the agonizing dilemma faced by President Roosevelt. He was forced to find circuitous means to persuade an isolationist America to join in a fight for freedom." This, however, is an expression of understanding, not of absolution. If Stinnett is right, FDR has a lot to answer for -- namely, the lives of those Americans who perished at Pearl Harbor. Stinnett establishes almost beyond question that the U.S. Navy could have at least anticipated the attack. The evidence that FDR himself deliberately provoked the attack is circumstantial, but convincing enough to make Stinnett's bombshell of a book the subject of impassioned debate in the months to come." -- Publishers Weekly, subject copyright

    Toland, John, Infamy: Pearl Harbor and its Aftermath, ISBN: 042509040X 9780425090404.
    "John Toland has been fearless in his pursuit of truth . . . INFAMY is not only readable and suspenseful; it is probably his most controversial book to date." -- John S.D. Eisenhower
    "Pearl Harbor and its cover-up ranks right up there with President Johnson's escalation in Vietnam and Nixon's Watergate. A fascinating account." -- Richmond Times-Dispatch
    "In meticulous detail, Toland shows that Navy and Army commanders were not adequately informed by Washington of the likelihood of a Pear Harbor attack." -- Booklist

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The root cause of criminal acts of extreme 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), Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Hypocrisy, Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, The covenant faithfulness of god, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The covenanted reformation of scotland background and history, The covenanted reformation, Covenanted reformation short title listing, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Toleration, liberty of conscience, pluralism, "religious freedom," and neutrality, Treason and impeachment, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Adultery, Incest, Child abuse and pedophilia, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justifying faith, Christ's kingdom, Lordship of jesus christ, The all-sufficiency of christ, Trusting god, Idolatry, Secret societies, ungodly alliances, voluntary associations, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, Unfaithful reformed ministries, Politics, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, Antichrist, Popery, The counter-reformation, Machiavellianism, Secret societies, ungodly alliances, voluntary associations, Individual responsibility for corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Divorce, Unfaithful reformed ministries, Bad relationships a cause of disease and death, Bible promises, False gospels, Modern myths, Deceit, self-deception, lying, false witness, Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Sex ethics, sex education, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Medical ethics, Foolishness, Security, Spiritual warfare, Vengeance and retaliation, The decline of american society, irrationality, the decline of western thought, Male role and responsibility, gender equality, suffrage, reproductive rights, and the decline of american society, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 412

    Related Weblinks

    Apologetics #09: The Enlightenment in Western Thought #2
    Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Apologetics, 69 min.
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=3105182230

    Was the Attack on Pearl Harbor Really an Unprecedented Surprise? Reformation Society
    http://reformationsa.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=416&catid=75



    Birth Control

    I will content myself with briefly mentioning this, as far as the sense of shame allows to discuss it. It is a horrible thing to pour out seed besides the intercourse of man and woman. Deliberately avoiding the intercourse, so that the seed drops on the ground, is doubly horrible. For this means that one quenches the hope of his family, and kills the son, which could be expected, before he is born. This wickedness is now as severely as is possible condemned by the Spirit, through Moses, that Onan, as it were, through a violent and untimely birth, tore away the seed of his brother out the womb, and as cruel as shamefully was thrown on the earth. Moreover he thus has, as much as was in his power, tried to destroy a part of the human race. When a woman in some way drives away the seed out the womb, through aids, then this is rightly seen as an unforgivable crime. Onan was guilty of a similar crime, by defiling the earth with his seed, so that Tamar would not receive a future inheritor. -- John Calvin commenting on Genesis 38:9 (You won't find this in the Victorian edition of Calvin, they refused to translate certain things offensive to the sensibilities of the people of that time. -- John Sinclair

    Onan must have been a malicious and incorrigible scoundrel. This is a most disgraceful sin. It is far more atrocious than incest and adultery. We call it unchastity, yes, a Sodomitic sin. For Onan goes in to her; that is, he lies with her and copulates, and when it comes to the point of insemination, spills the semen, lest the woman conceive. Surely at such a time the order of nature established by God in procreation should be followed. Accordingly, it was a most disgraceful crime to produce semen and excite the woman, and to frustrate her at that very moment. He was inflamed with the basest spite and hatred. Therefore he did not allow himself to be compelled to bear that intolerable slavery. Consequently, he deserved to be killed by God. He committed an evil deed. Therefore God punished him. -- Martin Luther, Lectures on Genesis Genesis 38:9

    *Anderson, James N.D., Issues of Life and Death, ISBN: 0340231513 9780340231517.
    "In this work Sir Norman presents his 'Lectures on Contemporary Christianity,' University of London, 1975. He establishes his thesis for the development of ethical principles squarely on the sacredness of human life as presented in the Bible. While on the one hand this treatise is a valuable corrective for Ward's THE DIVINE IMAGE, on the other it is a bold attempt to provide a rational defense for a viable system of ethics. In this we believe Anderson has been most successful." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Barrow, Reg, Birth Control, Christian Education and the Victory of Christ's Kingdom in two parts: 1. "Godless Public Education and Sin" and 2. "Why Satan Loves Birth Control." Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "The first section shows from Scripture how it is a mark of apostasy to send young children, especially during their formative years, to schools that do not make Christ the Lord of education. It also encourages family worship and outlines the elements of this sacred task; giving a helpful list of resources related to both family worship and Christian education. The second essay deals with the practical effects of the pagan practice of birth control upon the church and the growth of the kingdom of Christ." -- Publisher

    Critchlow, Donald T. (editor), The Politics of Abortion and Birth Control in Historical Perspective, ISBN: 0271015705 9780271015705.

    Heine, Max, Children: Blessing or Burden?
    "This author ably seeks to explore seven myths of the small family that Christians have swallowed from the culture of the world. Since the Bible says children are a blessing, why do we feel that they are such a burden? Here is a clarion call for Christians to rethink the current trends toward small families and childlessness and, instead, begin to gain a Biblical perspective. Heine raises some searching questions about birth control and whether such practices are truly honoring to God." -- GCB

    Hess, Rick, and Jan Hess, A Full Quiver: Family Planning and The Lordship of Christ, ISBN: 0943497833 9780943497839.
    "I promise you, this is NOT just another Christian book! 'Life-changing' and 'exciting' about sum it up -- as do 'Biblical,' 'refreshing,' and even 'entertaining.' I don't endorse this book lightly. For one thing, I have been living it for the past thirteen years, before Rick and Jan even wrote it. From our experience and the experience of thousands of families that have written to us, my husband Bill and I can confidently assert that the fruit of this teaching is GOOD. Those who don't try it may knock it, but those who are willing to work at being good stewards of those blessings know better! What an effect this book could have on our churches, communities, social institutions, and families!" -- Mary Pride

    Knudsen, Robert D., Ethics and Birth Control.
    Typescript (mimeographed) "The slightly revised form of a paper presented before the 16th annual convention of the American Scientific Affiliation in Houghton, New York, Aug. 22-25, 1961." Article published originally in The Journal of the American Scientific Affiliation; 14, no. 1. Description: 9 leaves; 28 cm."

    Montgomery, John Warwick, Slaughter of the Innocents: Abortion, Birth Control, and Divorce, ISBN: 0891072160 9780891072164.

    *Owen, Samuel A., Letting God Plan Your Family, ISBN: 0891075852 9780891075851.

    Payne, Franklin E., Biblical Healing for Modern Medicine: Choosing Life and Health or. . . Disease and Death, ISBN: 0962987611 9780962987618, 236 pp.
    "Seeks to offer a comprehensive biblical philosophy of medicine. 'Christians continue to consider that medicine and faith are separate moral categories. This book aims to correct that false conception.' Initial chapters lay out biblical perspectives on life, death, illness, and healing. Subsequent chapters discuss the modern medical profession, financing of medical care, psychology, death and dying, abortion, infertility, birth control, the role of the state and the church in medical issues, and self-help medicine. 'I am convinced that everything that physicians do must be subjected to close scrutiny'." -- David Powlison
    Contents: True wholistic medicine: a sound mind and a sound body -- The Bible and the practice of medicine -- Physician, heal thyself? (the goals of medicine) -- Why does medical care cost so much? -- The Trojan horse of Christianity: psychology and psychiatry -- "It is appointed for men to die once" -- Abortion: the killing fields -- Who are my mother and father? -- "World overpopulation" and birth control -- "No admittance, healing in progress" -- Medicine and the civil government -- The church and the practice of medicine -- Health starts with the individual and family -- A Bible study: health, healing, and medicine -- A special message to physicians and medical students.

    *Payne, Franklin E., Making Biblical Decisions, ISBN: 0962320404 9780962320408.
    "Dr. Payne's book should be found on the shelf of every Christian home . . . it is bound to become a practical classic." -- Jay Adams
    "Biblical perspective to inform a range of ethical decisions: birth control, artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, genetic engineering, and death. 'We frequently overlook the fact that we live in a universe where the primary reality is supernatural.' 'My intent is to help all Christians know what is darkness and what is light within the practice of medicine'." -- David Powlison

    Provan, Charles D., The Bible and Birth Control, ISBN: 9991799834. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "Martin Luther once proclaimed that 'the purpose of marriage is not pleasure and ease but the procreation and education of children and the support of a family. . . . People who do not like children are swine, dunces, and blockheads, not worthy to be called men and women, because they despise the blessing of God, the Creator and Author of marriage.' (Christian History, Issue 39, p. 24)
    "Luther also said that birth control was the equivalent of sodomy (probably because of the likeness between homosexual wickedness and impotent sex). John Calvin declared that birth control was the murder of future persons and the Synod of Dort [Dordt], issued a Bible commentary which stated that contraception was the same as abortion. If you are shocked, by the strong statements from these Godly men, that really is not too surprising, because Protestant opposition to birth control has largely been forgotten in our decadent 21th century. If you want to know about Biblical principles which oppose contraception, or wish to know what the Reformers and their heirs thought about this important subject, we certainly hope that you will get this book!" -- Publisher
    "Provan's task is to show that both the Scriptures and the Christian tradition are on the side of openness to children. . . .
    "Provan walks the reader through a careful re-examination of the traditional 'prooftexts' against contraception (Be fruitful and multiply, . . . Children are an heritage from the Lord, the example of Onan), and finds modern exegesis falling woefully short of the standards set by Luther, Calvin, Chemnitz, et al. As Melanchthon argued in the APOLOGY FOR THE AUGSBURG CONFESSION, a confessional document, that God's command, Be fruitful and multiply, applies only to Adam and Eve is akin to saying Let the land produce vegetation applies only to the plants in Paradise. The command holds for all who share the nature of Adam and Eve, i.e., all mankind.
    "And far from making the case for Roman Catholicism, Provan shows that Protestants have historically been more faithful to God's Word on the issue of openness to children than Roman Catholicism -- a point which the Roman Catholic historian and jurist John Noonan concedes in his monumental study, CONTRACEPTION. Indeed, as John Noonan argues, there is not a little to the conjecture that the pope would have gone the way of Margaret Sanger back in the sixteenth century had it not been for those stalwart Reformers (Jerome had already given the Church the argument that Be fruitful and multiply was no longer relevant)." -- Reader's Comment
    The Bible and Birth Control
    http://www.swrb.com/Puritan/bible-birth-control.htm
    The Bible and Birth Control, Charles Provan, five MP3 files at SermonAudio

    The Bible and Birth Control (1 of 5)
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonid=121303195832
    The Bible and Birth Control (2 of 5),
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonid=121303224152
    The Bible and Birth Control (3 of 5)
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonid=1214030509
    The Bible and Birth Control (4 of 5)
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonid=121403155426
    The Bible and Birth Control (5 of 5)
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonid=121403173550
    Sutherland, Halliday G., Birth Control a Statement of Christian Doctrine Against the Neo-Malthusians, ISBN: 1406935913.

    See also: Abstinence, chastity, Men, women, and god, Marriage, Individual responsibility for corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Suffrage and reproductive rights, A theological interpretation of american history (timeline), Gratuitous sex, a cause of violence, Abortion and the sanctity of life, Post-abortion counseling, Child abuse and pedophilia, Justice, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Authority, Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Sex ethics, sex education, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Medical ethics, Homosexuality, lesbianism, gay, bisexual, transvestite, queer (lgbtq), Repentance the key to salvation and change, and so forth, and so on.



    Blasphemy

    BLAS'PHEMY, n. An indignity offered to God by words or writing; reproachful, contemptuous or irreverent words uttered impiously against Jehovah.
    Blasphemy is an injury offered to God, by denying that which is due and belonging to him, or attributing to him that which is not agreeable to his nature.
    In the middle ages, blasphemy was used to denote simply the blaming or condemning of a person or thing. Among the Greeks, to blaspheme was to use words of ill omen, which they were careful to avoid.
    1. That which derogates from the prerogatives of God. Mark 2. -- Webster's 1828 Dictionary

    Blasphemy against the Almighty is denying his being or providence, or uttering contumelious reproaches on our Savior Christ. It is punished, at common law by fine and imprisonment, for Christianity is part of the laws of the land. -- William Blackstone

    See the Theological Notes: "The Unpardonable Sin," at Mark 3:29 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    Profanity continues to be one of the crying sins of the land. Not only the openly profane and irreligious, but even members of the church, are guilty of this heaven-daring sin, a sin to which God, that cannot he, has annexed the threatening, that He will not hold them guiltless that take his name in vain. Parents by example teach their children to use profane language. It is wonderful to see what progress even small children make in this unprofitable and heaven-daring sin. Every curse and oath shows how deeply the sense of a holy and righteous God is engraven on the hearts of men, and that there is a place to which he will consign the wicked. Men do not swear by anything that does not, in their own or others' conceptions, possess the attributes of Divinity: If there were no other sin to bring desolating judgments on the land, this would be sufficient. Jeremiah 23:10: Because of swearing the land mourneth. Zechariah 5:3,4: Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over all the earth; for everyone that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it; and everyone that sweareth shall be cut off as on that side according to it. And I will bring it forth, saith the Lord of hosts: and it shall enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of him that sweareth falsely by my name; and it shall remain in the midst of his house, and shall consume it with the timber thereof, and with the stones thereof. -- Reformed Presbyterian Church, General Meeting, Causes of Fasting (1898)

    Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (Isaiah 5:20)

    The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
    But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!     -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:22,23)

    Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy [against] the [Holy] Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.
    And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the [world] to come.
    Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by [his] fruit.
    O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
    A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
    But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
    For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.     -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 12:31-37)

    For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
    Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.     (Mark 7:21,22)

    What shall be said of that vast throng of profane swearers who pollute our language and wound our ears, by a vile mixture of blasphemies in their common conversation!
    Their throat is an open sepulcher -- the poison of asps is under their lips: whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness. (Romans 3:13, 14)
    It has become almost impossible to walk the streets or to enter mixed company without hearing the sacred Name of God treated with blasphemous contempt. The novels of the day, the stage, and even radio (and more lately television, the cinema, and the press) are terrible offenders, and without doubt this is one of the fearful sins against Himself for which God is now pouring out His judgments upon us. . . . And He is still the same: The Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh His Name in vain. Sore punishment shall be his portion, if not in this life, then most assuredly so, eternally so, in the life to come. -- Arthur Pink, The Ten Commandments

    And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
    For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
    But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.     -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:19-21)

    To forsake Christ for the world is to leave a treasure for a trifle. . . . eternity for a moment, reality for a shadow. -- William Jenkyn

    To make men or women our primary obligation (menpleasing) is worshipping man, a violation of the First Commandment, and breaks man's covenant relationship with God.

    *Brown, John (of Haddington, 1722-1787), The Absurdity and Perfidy of all Authoritative Toleration of Gross Heresy, Blasphemy, Idolatry, Popery, in Britain. In two letters to a friend in which the doctrine of the Westminster Confession of Faith [1646] relative to Toleration of a False Religion, and the power of the civil magistrate about sacred matters; and the nature, origin, ends and obligation of the National Covenant and Solemn League are candidly represented and defended, 1797. Alternate title: A COMPEND OF THE LETTERS OF THE REV. JOHN BROWN, LATE MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL IN HADDINGTON: ON AUTHORITATIVE TOLERATION OF GROSS HERESY, BLASPHEMY, IDOLATRY, POPERY IN BRITAIN, AND ON NATIONAL COVENANTING; IN WHICH THE DOCTRINE OF THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH . . . AND OF THE NATIONAL COVENANT AND SOLEMN LEAGUE ARE CANDIDLY REPRESENTED AND DEFENDED, 1797, and "REFORMATION ATTAINMENTS VERSUS BACKSLIDING RELIGIOUS PROFESSORS," appears to be an excerpt. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #7, #25, #26.
    The Absurdity and Perfidy of all Authoritative Toleration of Gross Heresy, Blasphemy, Idolatry, Popery, in Britain
    http://archive.org/details/absurdityperfidy00brow
    "Reformation Attainments Versus Backsliding Religious Professors (excerpt from THE ABSURDITY AND PERFIDY OF ALL AUTHORITATIVE TOLERATION . . .
    "Here Brown deals with three major Reformation attainments (anti-tolerationism, establishmentarianism and the obligations of lawful covenants as they biblically bind posterity), that Satan has always been especially concerned to overthrow -- in every major demonic move to open the floodgates of lawlessness, anarchy and misrule. Fletcher, in the preface to the 1797 edition, relates this truth as it comes to bear on various religious professors, stating, 'Papists were enemies to our covenants because they were a standard lifted up against their system of abominable idolatries. Episcopalians were enemies to them, because they were a standard lifted up against their anti-scriptural church-officers and inventions of men in the worship of God. Some Presbyterians are enemies to them in our day through ignorance of their nature and ends; and others through fear of being too strictly bound to their duty.' (cited in Johnston, Treasury of the Scottish Covenant, p. 486)
    "A History of Heresy
    "It is also interesting to note the long list of backsliders and heretics that often oppose one or more of these points. 'The ancient Donatists, a sect of Arian separatists, who appeared about the beginning of the 4th century, seem to have been among the first who held out these opinions to the Christian world. Feeling the weight of the arm of power for their schismatical practices, by way of reprisal, they stripped the magistrate of all power in religion; -- maintaining that he had no more power about religious matters than any private person, and refusing him the right of suppressing the propagators of doctrines different from those professed by the Church, or the observers of a different form of worship. From them the German Anabaptists adopted the same views. Then the Socinians (i.e. an early form of Scripture-denying liberals -- RB), and remonstrant Arminians, whenever the magistrate ceased to patronize their cause. The English Independents during the time of the Long Parliament were the zealous supporters of the same opinions. In their rage for liberty of conscience, they formed the strongest opposition in the Westminster Assembly which the Presbyterians had to encounter. Through their influence that venerable body was much embarrassed (hindered -- RB), in their proceeding; and by their means (in collusion with that "Judas of the Covenant," Cromwell -- RB), certain passages of the Confession of Faith never obtained the ratification of the English Parliament. The English Dissenters of the present age are generally in the same views, especially the Socinians, the Arians, and the Quakers, who have most to dread from the Laws of the Land against their blasphemies. And who knows not that the high reputation of Mr. Locke as a Philosopher . . . has given these opinions such an air of respectability, that many youth in the Universities have been thereby inclined to embrace them?' (Preface, pp. vi-vii).
    "The Covenantal Hammer Smashing the Idols of our day
    "In our day the tree of toleration (and the anti-Scriptural principles which logically grow out of it), has spread its branches in ways that could have never been envisioned by those that took the first steps away from biblical and covenanted uniformity. What Brown is fighting against here is an error so foundational that when left unchecked it permeates all of society, cutting out the foundational roots that are necessary for all national Reformations. And if the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? (Ps. 11:3 [Psalm 11:3]). Furthermore, as the preface notes 'liberty of conscience and of opinion' are 'the great idols of the day.' Here Brown takes out his covenantal hammer and smashes these idols with an inconoclastic zeal worthy of our earlier Reformed forefathers. This book is especially useful in answering the persistent fear and questions that always arise when these old Reformed views are discussed: that is, the questions dealing with religious persecution. Brown spends much time in clearing the Westminster Divines of such false charges, while also setting these controversial Reformed teachings on a thoroughly biblical foundation.
    "Westminster's View of the 'Everlasting' Solemn League and Covenant
    "Interestingly, in the section defending the continuing obligation of the National and Solemn League and Covenant, we also note that the Westminster Assembly considered the Solemn League and Covenant an 'everlasting covenant.' Brown cites the following as proof, 'That the body of the English nation also swore the Solemn League and Covenant, is manifest. The Westminster Assembly and English Parliament, affirm, 'The honourable house of Parliament, the Assembly of Divines, the renowned city of London, and multitudes of other persons of all ranks and quality in this nation, and the whole body of Scotland, have all sworn it, rejoicing at the oath so graciously seconded from heaven. God will, doubtless, stand by all those, who with singleness of heart shall now enter into an everlasting covenant with the Lord.' (p. 161, emphasis added). The footnote tells us that the words Brown was quoting were taken from 'Exhortation to take the Covenant, February, 1644.'
    "Our Modern Day Malignants
    "Brown also includes a helpful section on a point some modern day malignants are once again attempting to use to overthrow the biblical attainments of the Covenanted Reformation. This section shows that 'the intrinsic obligation of promises, oaths, vows, and covenants which constitutes their very essence or essential form, is totally and manifestly distinct from the obligation of the law of God in many respects.' (p. 120)
    "Brown's Dying Testimony to his Children
    "Finally, we cite a portion of Brown's dying testimony to his children given in the introduction (p. xix). Such testimonies, from notable Christian leaders, often contain singularly pertinent charges to their hearers. (For another notable example of this see James Renwick's dying testimony, as he was about to be martyred for his adherence to the Solemn League and Covenant, when he recounts what was later to become most of the terms of communion in Covenanted Presbyterian churches. This testimony can be found in Thompson's A CLOUD OF WITNESSES FOR THE ROYAL PREROGATIVES OF JESUS CHRIST BEING THE LAST SPEECHES AND TESTIMONIES OF THOSE WHO HAVE SUFFERED FOR THE TRUTH IN SCOTLAND SINCE . . . 1680. Here are Brown's dying words to his children: 'Adhere constantly, cordially and honestly to the Covenanted Principles of the Church of Scotland, and to that Testimony which hath been lifted up for them. I fear a generation is rising up which will endeavour silently,' (O how prophetic!), 'to let slip these matters, as if they were ashamed to hold them fast, or even to speak of them' (as with many "reformed" publishers and preachers today, who dare not touch the topics Brown deals with in this book -- eb). 'May the Lord forbid that any of you should ever enter into this confederacy against Jesus Christ and his cause! This from a dying father and minister, and a witness for Christ' (Signed) 'John Brown'."
    "Do you Have What it Takes?
    "If you have the courage to compare the original Reformed faith with that which is often promoted under its name today (and in many ways the old Reformed faith bears little resemblance to the 'new light' Reformers and innovators of our day), then this is an ideal book to obtain and study." -- Reg Barrow
    Following are three works related to THE ABSURDITY AND PERFIDY OF ALL AUTHORITATIVE TOLERATION OF GROSS HERESY, BLASPHEMY, IDOLATRY, POPERY, IN BRITAIN by John Brown of Wamphray.
    1. 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.
    "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
    2. Price, Greg L., Terms of Communion: Covenants and Covenanting, a series of 7 audio cassettes [audio file]. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "Explains and defends the fourth term of communion, which is 'That public, social covenanting is an ordinance of God, obligatory on churches and nations under the New Testament; that the National Covenant and the Solemn League are an exemplification of this divine institution; and that these Deeds are of continued obligation upon the moral person; and in consistency with this, that the Renovation of these Covenants at Auchensaugh, Scotland, 1712 was agreeable to the word of God.' Includes the studies offered separately on the National Covenant (2 tapes), the Solemn League and Covenant (1 tape), the Auchensaugh Renovation (2 tapes), as well as two introductory lectures (only available in this set), on the biblical principles related to the ordinance of covenanting, the descending obligation of lawful covenants, objections against covenanting, etc. Roberts, in his REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CATECHISM, catches the spirit of this tape set in the following question and answer:
    "Q. May we not indulge the hope, that, in the goodness of our covenant God, and by the promised outpouring of his Holy Spirit, 'the kingdoms of the world' at large, and the British empire in particular, will dedicate themselves to God in a covenant not to be forgotten -- animated by the example of our covenant fathers exhibited in these memorable deeds?
    "A. Yes. We have the most cheering grounds for this blessed hope; for it is written, that the nations at large in the spirit of devoted loyalty, shall cry -- 'Come and let us join ourselves to the Lord in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten': and it cannot be well doubted, that the death-cry of the martyred Guthrie has been heard on high, and shall be verified -- 'The covenants, the covenants, shall yet be Scotland's (and the world's -- RB), reviving.' (p. 151)
    "A thoroughly amazing set of tapes -- among our best!" -- Publisher
    3. Cunningham, John (1819-1893), The Ordinance of Covenanting, 1843. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #3, #27.
    "This book is considered by many as the classic work on covenanting. 'The theology of Covenanting is here unfolded with a richness of scriptural research and a maturity of intellectual strength which would have made the grey eye of Peden glisten with delight. The treatise is a valuable addition to that solid theological literature of which the Reformed Presbyterian Church has produced repeated and enduring specimens, and stamps Mr. Cunningham as a distinguished disciple of the thoughtful and scriptural school of Mason and the Symingtons' (Presbyterian Review (1844), as cited by Johnston, Treasury of the Scottish Covenant).
    "The author himself notes that 'prayer and the offering of praise are universally admitted to be duties of religion. The Scriptures announce a place among these for the exercise of solemn Covenanting . . . What the word of God unfolds concerning it, is addressed to the most resolute consideration of all, and is capable of engaging the most extensive and prolonged investigation. And yet, though none have found this subject, like all God's judgments, else than a great deep, still in meditating upon it, the ignorant have been brought to true knowledge, and the wise have increased in wisdom. The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. (Psalm 25:14). Mutual federal engagements, concerning things religious and civil, whether entered into merely by simple promise, or confirmed by the solemn oath, have been made from the highest antiquity to the present. The hostility to some such engagements, and also the proud disregard for their obligation, which have been evinced by some in all ages, demand a most careful examination into their nature and design . . . Furnished with the key of Scripture, approaching the subject, we are enabled to open the mysteries in which ignorance and prejudice had shut it up; and equipped with the armour of light shooting forth its heavenly radiance, in safety to ourselves we assail the darkness thrown around it, and behold the instant flight of the spirits of error which that darkness contains. Standing alone in beauteous attractions descended from heaven upon it, this service beckons us to approach it, and engages to connect extensive good with a proper attention to its claims. The observance, under various phases, is described in Scripture as an undisputed and indisputable reality.'
    "In this book Cunningham exhaustively covers the subject of covenanting in over 400 pages. He deals with the manner, duty and nature of covenanting (including personal and social covenanting), the obligation covenanting confers, how covenanting is provided for in the everlasting covenant, how it is adapted to the moral constitution of man and how it is according to the purposes of God. Numerous Divine examples are cited from Scripture and covenanting is shown to be one of the great privileges of the Christian life.
    "An interesting chapter covers 'Covenanting Enforced By the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals;' which touches on circumcision, baptism, the Sabbath, the Priesthood, the new heart and the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Furthermore, this book demonstrates how God's approbation rested upon Covenanters in former ages, how covenanting is predicted in prophecy, how it is recommended by the practice of the New Testament Church and at what seasons it is appropriate. The appendices touch on the relationship of covenanting to immoral and unscriptural civil governments, the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, the British constitution and the apostasy of the Revolution settlement.
    "Additionally, Cunningham acknowledges that the true church is 'bound by the obligations of the Church of God is past times' and is still obligated to pay what it has vowed to the Lord in those magnificent attainments of the Second Reformation (the epitome of these attainments being embodied in the Solemn League and Covenant and the Westminster Standards).
    "If you are interested in the ordinance of covenanting this is the most extensive treatment you will find in one book. It is a gold mine of Scriptural references and should be read at least once by everyone who calls upon the name of Christ." -- Publisher
    "David Steele dedicated this work [NOTES ON THE APOCALYPSE -- compiler], to John Cunningham (1819-1893), author of THE ORDINANCE OF COVENANTING." -- Publisher
    The Ordinance of Covenanting
    http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/6/29/ordinance-of-covenanting

    *Knox, John (1505-1572), Appellation From the Sentence Pronounced by the Bishops and Clergy: Addressed to the Nobility and Estates of Scotland. Alternate title: THE APPELLATION OF JOHN KNOX FROM THE CRUELL . . . SENTENCE PRONOUNCED AGAINST HIM BY THE FALSE BISHOPPES AND CLERGEY OF SCOTLAND, WITH HIS SUPPLICATION AND EXHORTATION TO THE NOBILITIE, ESTATES, AND COMMUNALTIE OF THE SAME REALME, and THE APPELLATION . . . TO THE SCOTTISH NOBILITY, and REFORMATION, REVOLUTION AND ROMANISM: AN APPEAL TO THE SCOTTISH NOBILITY, and THE APPELLATION FROM THE SENTENCE PRONOUNCED BY THE BISHOPS AND CLERGY: ADDRESSED TO THE NOBILITY AND ESTATES OF SCOTLAND, and THE APPELLATION. Cover title: REFORMATION, REVOLUTION AND ROMANISM: APPEAL TO THE SCOTTISH NOBILITY (1558). Available (singly as REFORMATION, REVOLUTION AND ROMANISM, in which key text have been underlined by a previous reader), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (REFORMATION, REVOLUTION AND ROMANISM), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1 (MP3), #26. Available (APPELLATION FROM THE SENTENCE PRONOUNCED BY THE BISHOPS AND CLERGY: ADDRESSED TO THE NOBILITY AND ESTATES OF SCOTLAND), on the Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press CD-ROM Library. Available (APPELLATION FROM THE SENTENCE PRONOUNCED BY THE BISHOPS AND CLERGY: ADDRESSED TO THE NOBILITY AND ESTATES OF SCOTLAND), in THE WORKS OF JOHN KNOX, Vol. 4. [John Knox; David Laing ((collector and editor)), THE WORKS OF JOHN KNOX, Vol. 4, reprint of the 1855 edition printed for Bannatyne Club, Edinburgh (New York: AMS Press, 1966)].
    "David Chilton notes, 'Of all the sixteenth-century Reformers, John Knox remains the most ardently loved and fiercely hated. No other leader of his day saw so clearly the political issues in the light of Scripture. Nor has any of his contemporaries had so much direct influence upon the subsequent history of the world. He transformed a land of barbarians into one of the most hard-headly Calvinistic cultures ever to exist, and his doctrines lie at the core of all Protestant revolutionary activity. While he is often considered merely one of Calvin's lieutenants, he was actually a Reformer in his own right. In some respects he was the greatest of them all.' ("John Knox," in The Journal of Christian Reconstruction: Symposium on Puritanism and Law [Vallecito, CA: Chalcedon], Vol. V, No. 2, Winter, 1978-79, p. 194).
    "Furthermore, R.L. Greaves has noted that 'it has even been suggested -- and not altogether without merit -- that Knox was a key link in the development of political ideology that culminated in the American Revolution.' (Theology and Revolution in the Scottish Reformation: Studies in the Thought of John Knox [Grand Rapids, MI: Christian University Press, 1980], p. 156).
    "Moreover, Mason [Roger A. Mason -- compiler], states that this APPEAL [APPELLATION FROM THE SENTENCE PRONOUNCED BY THE BISHOPS AND CLERGY: ADDRESSED TO THE NOBILITY AND ESTATES OF SCOTLAND -- compiler], 'is the most important . . . of Knox's political writings.' (in the Introduction to his compilation of Knox's political writings entitled KNOX: ON REBELLION). [see annotation for KNOX: ON REBELLION elsewhere in this bibliography -- compiler]. It shows in a conclusive manner that Knox wanted a Theonomic Establishment which was careful to 'disapprove, detest, oppose and remove all false worship and all monuments of idolatry' (cf. Westminster Larger Catechism, #108). It also clearly demonstrates that Knox believed in and promoted the continuing binding validity of the Old Testament case laws and the penal sanctions attached to them, including the death penalty.
    "Kevin Reed, in a editor's note, introducing this piece in his newly published SELECTED WRITING OF JOHN KNOX [available on the Puritan Hard Drive. -- compiler], also points out that 'the Westminster Confession provides a distinct echo of Knox, when it states that the magistrate ""hath authority, and it is his duty, to take order, that unity and peace be preserved in the church, that the truth of God be kept pure and entire, that all blasphemies and heresies be suppressed, all corruptions and abuses in worship and discipline prevented or reformed, and all the ordinances of God duly settled, administered, and observed"" (Ch. 23:3, original wording). One secular historian once described Knox as 'Calvin with a sword,' making one wonder if he had not just been reading this very book. For 'where Calvin merely permitted disobedience to an ungodly ruler or immoral law, Knox championed armed rebellion -- a type of Calvinism that made religious revolution in Scotland possible.' (Christian History, Issue 46, p. 35). This is the best of the best; don't miss it!" -- Publisher
    Knox, John, Appellation From the Sentence Pronounced by the Bishops and Clergy: Addressed to the Nobility and Estates of Scotland
    This is a character scan (OCR) of the modernized text published by Protestant Heritage Press. While text may be cut and pasted it is subject to copyright.
    http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualNLs/appellat.htm
    The Works of John Knox (1846), Vol. 4.
    http://archive.org/stream/worksjohnknox07laingoog#page/n4/mode/2up
    Reformation, Revolution and Romanism (1558), John Knox, MP3 file.
    "This has been called John Knox's most important political writing. It also deals with Romanism, God's law, and much more.
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?currSection=sermonssource&sermonID=1030075041
    See also:
    Goodman, Christopher (1520-1603), How Superior Powers ought to be Obeyed of Their Subjects: And Wherein They may Lawfully by God's Word be Disobeyed and Resisted, 1558. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #26. Available (HOW SUPERIOR POWERS OUGHT TO BE OBEYED), on the Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press CD-ROM Library.
    "From 1555 to 1558, Christopher Goodman served as co-pastor, with John Knox, of the congregation of English exiles in Geneva. During the course of his ministry, Goodman preached upon Acts 4:19 and 5:29: 'Whether it be right in the sight of God, to obey you rather than God, judge ye. We ought rather to obey God than men'. . . . In this book, Goodman contends against both ecclesiastical and political tyranny." -- Publisher
    How Superior Powers Ought to be Obeyed of Their Subjects
    http://www.constitution.org/cmt/goodman/obeyed.htm
    See also annotation for:
    Knox, John (1505-1572), 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, Glasgow, 1761. Alternate title: THE HISTORIE OF THE REFORMATION OF THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND CONTAINING FIVE BOOKS: TOGETHER WITH SOME TREATISES CONDUCING TO THE HISTORY. EDITED, WITH A LIFE OF KNOX AND A PREFACE, BY DAVID BUCHANAN. INCLUDES: "THE APPELLATION OF JOHN KNOX, FROM THE . . . SENTENCE PRONOUNCED AGAINST HIM (pp. 1-33); "THE ADMONITION OF JOHN KNOX TO HIS BELOVED BRETHREN THE COMMONALTY OF SCOTLAND" (pp. 34-42); "A FAITHFULL ADMONITION MADE BY JOHN KNOX TO THE TRUE PROFESSORS OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST WITHIN THE KINGDOM OF ENGLAND, 1554" (pp. 43-79); "THE COPIE OF A LETTER DELIVERED TO QUEEN MARY, REGENT OF SCOTLAND" (pp. 80-97); AND "A SERMON PREACHED BY JOHN KNOX [AUGUST 19, 1565]," ISBN: 0851513581 9780851513584. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.

    Knox, John (1505-1572), The Execution of Servetus for Blasphemy, Heresy, Obstinate Anabaptism, Defended. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1. Available in THE WORKS OF JOHN KNOX (1846), volume 5.
    http://archive.org/details/worksofjohnknox05knox

    Nash, David, Blasphemy in the Christian World: A History, ISBN: 9781435609976 1435609972, 280 pages.
    "Blasphemy -- the denial or denigration of God -- has a long history. Jesus was tried for blasphemy. Early Christians felt that the Jews in taking such action were themselves guilty of it. But it is not a story confined to the remote past. The publication in 2005 of 12 cartoons in a Danish newspaper linking the prophet Mohammed to terrorism sparked outrage in the global Islamic community. And that was not an instance of blasphemy intruding itself upon a Western society unused to such issues within Christianity. In many societies blasphemy remained an offence in law and the prosecution of artistic productions profaning the sacred was still a possibility.
    "David Nash's new study focuses on the development of blasphemy in the Christian world. Tracing the subject from the Middle Ages to the present, he outlines the history of blasphemy as a concept, from a species of heresy to modern understandings of it as a crime against the sacred and individual religious identity. Investigating its appearance in speech, literature, popular publishing and the cinema, he disinters the likely motives and agendas of blasphemers themselves, as well as offering a glimpse of blasphemy's victims. In particular, he seeks to understand why this seemingly medieval offence has reappeared to become a distinctly modern presence in the West.
    "David Nash is Reader in History at Oxford Brookes University. He has previously published on the secular and republican movements in England, specializing in the history of blasphemy, and appearing extensively in the media both Britain and America to speak on this subject. He has held visiting professorships in Utrecht and Buffalo, and is a permanent Visiting Research Fellow of the Center for Inquiry (Amherst, New York). In 2003 he was invited to give both verbal and written evidence to the House of Lords Select Committee on religious offences." -- Publisher

    North, Gary, Blasphemy and Civil Rights. Available in LEVITICUS: AN ECONOMIC COMMENTARY, Gary North.
    http://entrewave.com/freebooks/docs/html/gnbd/Chapter23.htm

    Parliament, England, Ordinances of Parliament in Second-reformation England Concerning Blasphemy and Heresy
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/official/1646_and_1648_acts_of_parliament_england_re_heresy.html?doc_banner_show=false

    Simpson, Rick, Blasphemy and the Law in a Plural Society, ISBN: 1851742417 9781851742417, 25 pages.

    Smith, F. LaGard, Blasphemy and the Battle for Faith, ISBN: 0340522798 9780340522790, 208 pages.

    See also: Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, atheism, Hypocrisy, Lying and deceit, Betrayal, profanity, Spiritual blindness, Absolute truth and relativism, Epistemology of theology, the theory of knowledge, Heresy, Secular humanism, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Treason and impeachment, Covenant faithfulness and sanctification, The counter-reformation, Secret societies, ungodly alliances, voluntary associations, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The root cause of criminal acts of extreme depravity, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justice, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 473-479, 1608 1682, 3494

    Related Weblinks

    Ordinances of Parliament in Second-reformation England Concerning Blasphemy and Heresy
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/official/1646_and_1648_acts_of_parliament_england_re_heresy.html?doc_banner_show=false



    Blindness, Spiritual

    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: "God is Light: Divine Holiness and Justice" at Leviticus 11:44 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalm 119:105)

    I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 8:12b)

    And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. (John 1:5)

    Therefore, behold, I add to do. He threatens that he will punish by blinding not only the ignorant or the ordinary ranks, but those wise men who were held in admiration by the people. From this vengeance we may easily learn how hateful a vice hypocrisy is, and how greatly it is abhorred by God, as the Prophet spoke a little before about human inventions; for what kind of punishment is more dreadful than blindness of mind and stupidity? This indeed is not commonly perceived by men, nor are they aware of the greatness of this evil; but it is the greatest and most wretched of all. -- Calvin commenting on Isaiah 29:1-24

    And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 15:14b)

    And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them. (Isaiah 42:16)

    And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. (John 9:39)

    But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. (Isaiah 59:2)

    And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Thessalonians 2:11,12)

    While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:18). See the annotation in The Reformation Study Bible.

    But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (1 Corinthians 2:9,10)

    Thence we learn that a clear and powerful understanding is a special gift of the Spirit, since men are ever blind even in the brightest light, until they have been enlightened by God. -- John Calvin commenting on Deuteronomy 29:4 and context

    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)

    A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. (John 3:27)
    Right views of God's truth are not an intellectual attainment, but a blessing bestowed on us by God.
    How little is that statement understood by the majority of professing Christians! How unpalatable it is to the self-sufficient Laodiceans of this age, ignorant as they are of their wretchedness, poverty and blindness (Revelation 3:17). Though the wisdom and power of the Creator manifestly appear in every part of His creation, yet when the first Gospel preacher was sent to the Gentiles he had to declare, the world by wisdom knew not God (1 Corinthians 1:21). Though the Jews had the Holy Scriptures in their hands and were thoroughly familiar with the letter of them, yet they knew neither the Father nor His Son when He appeared in their midst. Nor are things any better today. One may accept the Bible as God's Word and assent to all that it teaches, and still be in his sins. He may believe that sin is a transgressing of God's Law, that the Lord Jesus is alone the Savior of sinners, and even be intellectually convinced that without holiness no man shall see the Lord, and yet be entirely ignorant of God to any good purpose. Until a miracle of grace is wrought within them, the state and experience of all men "spiritually speaking" is, Hearing, ye shall hear, and not understand; seeing, ye shall see, and not perceive (Acts 28:26).
    They cannot do so until the veil of pride and prejudice, carnality and self-interest be removed from their hearts, by God's grace. -- Arthur Pink (1886-1952), The Doctrine of Revelation

    Cain and Abel stand as the representatives of two great classes of people. They typify respectively the lost and the saved; the self-righteous and the broken spirited; the formal professor and the genuine believer; those who rely upon their own works and those who rest upon the finished work of Christ; those who insist upon salvation by human merits, and those who are willing to be saved by Divine grace; those who are rejected and cursed by God and those who are accepted and blessed. Cain denied his ruined and fallen condition and refused to accept the remedy God provided; while Abel acknowledged his sinnership, believed the Divine testimony, put his faith in a sacrificial substitute, and was righteous before God. (Genesis 4:3-7) -- Arthur Pink (1886-1952), Gleanings in Genesis

    Where there is no religion, and no fear of God, whatever is said concerning the punishment of the wicked, vanishes as a vain and illusory thing. And hence we perceive how fatal an evil security is, which so inebriates, yea, fascinates, the minds of the wicked, that they no longer think God sits as Judge in heaven; and thus they stupidly sleep in sin, till, while they’re saying, Peace and safety, they are overwhelmed in sudden ruin. And especially, the nearer the vengeance of God approaches, the more does their obstinacy increase and become desperate. There is nothing more full of fear, and even of terror, than wicked men are, when the hand of God presses closely on them; but until, constrained by force, they perceive their destruction to be imminent, they either reject all threats with proud scorn, or contemptuously pass them by. But their indolence ought to awaken us to the fear of God, so that we may be always careful; but more especially when some token of the wrath of God presents itself before us. -- John Calvin (1509-1564), commenting on Genesis 19:14 and context

    We are born spiritually blind, and cannot be restored without a miracle of grace. This is your case, whoever you are that are not born again. . . . Cry earnestly to God for a new heart, for His regenerating Spirit, for the gift of saving faith. Prayer is a universal duty. -- Arthur Pink (1886-1952), Studies on Saving Faith

    But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (2 Corinthians 4:3,4)

    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)

    In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (2 Corinthians 4:4)

    Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 15:14)

    For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead. Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate. (Psalm 143:3,4)
    Sever abuse of all types can blind a victim spiritually.

    The Gospel according to Isaiah. (Isaiah 59:1-21 [Isaiah 40 -- Isaiah 56])

    See also: Hosea 4:6,7; Jeremiah 9:5; Revelation 20:1-3; Revelation 12:7; Revelation 112:9; 2 Corinthians:44; 2 Timothy 4:3,4; 2 Corinthians 11:3; Leviticus 19:11; Isaiah 59:14,15; Jeremian 7:28; 1 Kings 11:6-11; 2 Kings 22:13; 2 Kings 23:15; Leviticus 18:3; Psalm 106:36; Amos 5:21; Acts 7:43; Leviticus 20:6; Jeremian 7:9; Proverbs 12:22; Romans 1:18; Revelation 21:8 and James 4:4.

    Unbelief is not simply an infirmity of fallen human nature, it is a heinous crime. Scripture everywhere attributes it to love of sin, obstinacy of will, hardness of heart. Unbelief has its root in a depraved nature, in a mind which is enmity against God. Love of sin is the immediate cause of unbelief: And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. (John 3:19) -- A.W. Pink (1886-1952), Practical Christianity

    A humble and prayerful spirit will find a thousand things in the Bible, which the proud, self-conceited student will utterly fail to discern. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

    Men that are proud and self-conceited are ignorant of the excellencies of others; and this is a cause why they are ignorant of their own comparative meanness. For instance, they are ignorant of the glory and greatness and excellencies of God and so don't know the difference between him and them. And they are blind to others' excellencies, because they have no spirit of love to their neighbor. They are ignorant of their own mistakes, and that makes them think themselves wise. [They are] blind to their own faults and blemishes. They don't see the evil and hatefulness of many things in themselves; which if they did they would be sensible that they are vile and unworthy. If men saw what a sinful and vile heart they have, if they saw the evil of their sinful actions, they would be full of shame and confusion would cover them, instead of being lifted up in a high thought of themselves. -- Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758)

    The unregenerate do not really believe in the holiness of God. Their concept of His character is altogether one-sided. They fondly hope that His mercy will override everything else. You thought that I was just like you (Psalm 50:21), is God's charge against them. They think only of a god patterned after their own evil hearts, hence their continuance in a course of mad folly. -- Arthur Pink (1886-1952), Gleanings in the Godhead -- The Holiness of God

    Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), Man's Natural Blindness in the Things of Religion. In THE WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS (2:247-56).

    Flavel, John (1628-1691), The Blinding Policies of Satan as the Cause of Unbelief and Forerunner of Destruction in THE WORKS OF JOHN FLAVEL, (2:451-74)

    Flavel, John (1628-1691), The Method of Grace in the Gospel Redemption, ISBN: 0923309519. Available in THE WORKS OF JOHN FLAVEL, (2:3-474).
    "THE METHOD OF GRACE was first published by the Puritan John Flavel in the late 1600's, and has 'taught thousands how to commit the keeping of their souls to Christ.' The Publishers are happy to bring this Reformation classic back to print as an example of the transforming writings that brought us out of the dark ages.
    "The early Puritan preachers of England did not write and preach from ivory towers. The Act of Uniformity of 1662 declared the public ministry of all non-conformist preachers illegal, but hundreds continued faithfully, preaching under the pressure of persecution and possible arrest. One of this courageous band was John Flavel, who from the crucible of hardship, wrote for the heart as well as the mind.
    "In THE METHOD OF GRACE, Flavel thoroughly outlines the work of God's Spirit in applying the redemptive work of Christ to the believer. Readers will search their hearts and find their faith challenged and enriched. In the true puritan tradition, a clearly defined theology is delivered with evangelic fervor, by an author urgently concerned about the eternal destiny of the human soul." -- Publisher
    Flavel, John (1630-1691), The Method of Grace in the Holy Spirit's Applying to the Souls of Men the Eternal Redemption Contrived by the Father and Accomplished by the Son. A sequel to "The Fountain of Life, or Christ in his Essential and Mediatorial Glory."
    http://archive.org/details/methodofgraceinh00flavrich
    The Method of Grace in the Gospel Redemption
    http://www.ccel.org/flavel/grace/grace.txt

    Newton, John (1725-1807), On Blindness. In WORKS OF JOHN NEWTON (1:282-89). Also in THE LETTERS OF JOHN NEWTON (35-40).

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Blasphemy, Epistemology of theology, the theory of knowledge, Absolute truth and relativism (duality and non-duality), Spiritual discernment, Foolishness, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Will and recalcitrance, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Justice, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 500-501

    Related Weblinks

    Calvin's Commentaries: Jeremiah 14:15-16
    "It is certain that except the world willingly sought falsehoods, the power of the devil to deceive would not be so great. When men therefore are led astray by impostures, it happens through their own fault, inasmuch as they are more ready to embrace vanity than to submit to God and his word. [No one is ever deceived except by his own will. -- compiler] And we must remember that saying of Paul, that all the reprobate are blinded and given up to a reprobate mind, because they wilfully seek falsehood, and will not obey the truth. (Romans 1:28) And on this account God declares that he tries the hearts of men, whenever false prophets come abroad; for every one who really fears God shall by no means be led away by the deceits of Satan and of impostors. Hence, whenever men are too credulous and readily embrace deceptions, it is certain that their hypocrisy is thus justly punished by God. And it was well known to the Prophet, that the Jews ever wished for such prophets as soothed their ears and promised them an abundant harvest and a fruitful vintage. (Micah 2:11) As then they had itching ears, a liberty was justly given to Satan to deluge the whole land with falsehood; and so indeed it happened. There is then no wonder that the Lord was so severe in chastising the people; for they had not been deceived except through their own fault. The same thing happens at this day. Though we are touched with pity when we see the ministers of Satan prevail in deceiving the common people: yet we must remember that a reward is rendered by heaven for the impiety of men, who either extinguish or smother the light of God as much as they can, and seek to plunge into darkness." -- John Calvin commenting on Jeremiah 14:15-16



    Bribery

    The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it. (Proverbs 29:4)

    To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress. (Proverbs 28:21). See the annotation in The Reformation Study Bible.

    And thou shalt take no gift. This kind of theft is the worst of all, when judges are corrupted either by bribes, or by affection, and thus ruin the fortunes which they ought to protect: for, since their tribunal is as it were a sacred asylum, to which those who are unjustly oppressed may fly, nothing can be more unseemly than that they should there fall amongst robbers. Judges are appointed to repress all wrongs and offenses; if therefore they shew favour to the wicked, they are harbourers of thieves; than which there is no more deadly pest. And besides, since their authority excludes every other remedy, they are themselves like robbers with arms in their hands. The greater, therefore, their power of injury is, and the greater the damage committed by their unjust sentences, the more diligently are they to be beware of iniquity; and thus it was necessary to keep them in the path of duty by special instructions, lest they should conceal and encourage thievery by their patronage. Now, as avarice is the root al all evils, when it thus lays hold of the mind of judges, no integrity can continue to exist. -- John Calvin, commenting on Exodus 23:8 in Commentaries on the Four Last Books of Moses, p. 136

    When he [David] farther says, Their right hands are full of bribes, we may infer from this, that it was not the common people whom he pointed out for observation, but the nobility themselves, who were most guilty of practising this corruption. Although the common and baser sort of men may be hired for reward, and suborned as agents in wickedness, yet we know that bribes are offered chiefly to judges, and other great men who are in power; and we likewise know, that at the time referred to here the worst of men bore sway. It was no wonder, therefore, that David complained that justice was exposed to sale. We are farther admonished by this expression, that those who delight in gifts can scarcely do otherwise than sell themselves to iniquity. Nor is it in vain, unquestionably, that God declares that gifts blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the hearts of the righteous, (Deuteronomy 16:19.) . . . He saw many become suddenly rich by gifts, as we still see those who sit at the helm of affairs accumulating to themselves, in a very brief space, a great abundance of wealth, building sumptuous palaces, and extending their lands far and wide. -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 26:10,11

    Who justify the wicked for a reward. He censures a corruption which at that time abounded in judgment-seats, and points out the reason why there is no room for justice in these places, namely, that they are under the influence of gifts. For covetousness blindeth the eyes of the wise, and perverteth all regard to what is good and just, even among those who would otherwise be disposed to follow what is right. (Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 16:19) . . . .
    For where gifts are allowed, the regard to what is just and right must be corrupted, and it is impossible for your mind not to be favourably disposed towards him from whom you received them. In short, we should hear the Lord, who declares that the understanding of the wisest man is corrupted, and the disposition of the most upright man is perverted, unless we choose to be thought wiser than God. . . ." -- John Calvin commenting on Isaiah 5:23

    Moreover, He lays down this rule to these judges and officers: they are to judge justly, that is, according to the Law of God and not according to their own understanding. Then He forbids corrupt feelings; they are not to leave the Law behind and be led and motivated by the consideration of persons and bribes. These two things tend to distort and misdirect all justice, and therefore he here adds this aphorism: "Bribes blind the eyes of the wise and subvert the cause of the righteous" (v. 19). Partiality towards persons includes such things as these: fear of persons great, might, or wealthy; love of relatives; regard for friends; contempt for the lowly; sympathy toward those stricken by calamity; and fear of peril to one's own life, reputation, and property. "Bribes," however, include gain, advantage, ambition, and the insatiable and boundless gulf of greed. Therefore, in Exodus 18:21 Jethro advises Moses to choose men who are without greed, that is, birds that are as rare as a black swan. (Martin Luther, Deuteronomy, in Jeroslav Pelikan and Daniel Poellot, [editors], Luther's Works, [St. Louis: Concordia, 1960], p. 163)

    Roman tyrants provided the city wards with feasts to cajole the rabble. Tyrants would distribute largesse, a bushel of wheat, a gallon of wine, and a sesterce (a sliver Roman coin): and then everybody would shamelessly cry, "Long live the King!" The fools did not realize that they were merely recovering a portion of their own property, and that their ruler could not have given them what they were receiving without having first taken it from them. A man might one day be presented with a sesterce and gorge himself at the public feast, lauding Tiberius and Nero for handsome liberality, who on the morrow, would be forced to abandon his property to their avarice, his children to their lust, his very blood to the cruelty of these magnificent emperors, without offering any more resistance than a stone or a tree stump. The mob has always behaved in this way -- eagerly open to bribes. -- Etienne de La Boétie, (1530-1563), The Politics of Obedience: The Discourse of Voluntary Servitude, 1552

    "The business world is awash with money that makes good men do bad things."

    Borkin, Joseph, The Corrupt Judge: An Inquiry Into Bribery and Other High Crimes and Misdemeanors in the Federal Courts.

    Heftel, Cecil, End Legalized Bribery: An Ex-Congressman's Proposal to Clean up Congress, ISBN: 0929765591 9780929765594, 135 pages.
    "Only those who donate large sums of money to congressmen, senators and presidents get represented in our nation's capital. If you try to represent the American people you'll never get on a committee and you'll never receive any funds from your party for re-election. Large corporations and multi-million dollar lobbying groups rule this country. They write legislation, buy senators and congressmen, they destroy the careers of honest lawmakers, alter the tax-code to suit their own selfish needs and keep useful products off the market, so that their own inferior products wont have any competition. The American Automotive industry even got a law passed that exempted them from being prosecuted if they built an unsafe or dangerous product. Why are your taxes so high? Because large corporations with millions or even billions of dollars in profits pay little to no taxes on those profits! These and other corrupt practices are heavily documented in this book. Your government is for sale and YOU can't afford it! YOU are not represented in the nation's capital and your congressman doesn't care about you. He cares about the NRA, Lockheed Martin, McDonnell Douglass, General Motors, Northrop Grumman and General Electric." -- Reader's Comment

    Juettner, Bonnie, Blackmail and Bribery, ISBN: 9781420500684 1420500686.

    Malone, Samuel A., Greed, Fraud, Lies, Bribery and Corruption: A Guide to Organizational Ethics, ISBN: 9781852525774 1852525770, 250 pages.

    Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Bribery in Public Procurement: Methods, Actors and Counter-measures, ISBN: 9789264013940 9264013946, 104 pages.
    "Public works contracts mean big business. From road-building to high-tech communication infrastructure, public procurement averages 15 percent of GDP in OECD countries -- substantially more in non-OECD economies -- and it is a major factor in the world trade of goods and services. Given the growing complexity of bribe schemes in todays globalized markets, the problem is how to identify corruption in public procurement so governments can work toward effective prevention and apply sanctions if necessary. This report provides insights on all three fronts. Based on contributions from law enforcement and procurement specialists, the report describes how bribery is committed through the various stages of government purchasing; how bribery in public procurement is related to other crimes, such as fraud and money laundering; and how to prevent and sanction such crimes. The typical motivations and conduct of the various actors engaging in corruption are also highlighted, as well as ten case studies.
    Table of Content: Executive Summary, Introduction, Part I. Analysis of Corruption in Public Procurement, Chapter 1. Public Procurement Rules, Procedures and Practices, Chapter 2. Vulnerabilities Relating to Project Size, Sector, or Tendering Administration, Chapter 3. Links to Other Offenses, Part II. Analysis of the Actors Engaging in Bribery and Typical Corruption Agreements, Chapter 4. Parties Involved in Bribery, Chapter 5. Content of the Bribery Agreements, Part III. Preventing, Detecting, and Sanctioning Bribery in Public Procurement, Chapter 6. Preventive Measures, Chapter 7. Controls, Chapter 8. Detection Mechanisms, Chapter 9. Investigation and Sanctions, Part IV. Ten Anonymous Studies on Bribery in Public Procurement Template for the Description of the Cases of Bribery in Public Procurement, I. A senior civil servant and a subcontractor from another state, II. Bribery relating to public procurement within a local authority, III. Bribery related to procurements within an international aid organization, IV. Fraudulent bid evaluation by an independent consultant in international limited bidding, V. Award of a consultancy contract to fellow national in exchange for bridges, VI. Susceptibility of international bidders to influence bidding and coercion in bid tendering, VII. Collusive bidding and overpricing in international shopping/international price quotations, VIII. Preferential treatment in exchange for gratuities and family member employment, IX. Bribes in exchange for rewarding contracts, X. Bribes from contractor to increase quantity of work, Annex A. The OECD Anti-Bribery Instruments: How They Address Public Procurement.

    Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Implementing The OECD Anti-bribery Convention: The United States, ISBN: 9264017828 9789264017825, 116 pages.

    Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), No Longer Business as Usual: Fighting Bribery and Corruption, ISBN: 9264176608 9789264176607, 250 pages.
    "Corruption respects no borders, knows no economic distinctions, and infects all forms of government. Today, corruption has moved to the top of the global political agenda as its dramatic impact on economic development and its corrosive effect on political stability and democratic political institutions has become increasingly obvious. In the new millennium, the OECD and associated governments, which account for over 75 percent of trade and investment worldwide, will play by stricter rules. The Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions will outlaw the practice of bribing foreign officials, making competition for international business much more fair and open. Bribery in commercial transactions is only part of the problem. A whole arsenal of legal instruments to combat corruption have now been developed to improve ethical standards in the public sector, to end tax deductibility for bribes, to curtail money laundering, and to clean up public procurement practices. This book provides the key elements needed to build and preserve corruption-free institutions, systems, and private enterprises."

    Reisman, W. Michael, Folded Lies: Bribery, Crusades, and Reforms, ISBN: 0029262801 9780029262801.
    "A comprehensive analysis of the phenomenon of business bribery in all its manifestations. It goes beyond the recent wave of popular books that have simply dramatized the extent to which bribery has become institutionalized. The significance of FOLDED LIES is in its very credible -- and persuasive -- analysis and synthesis of the dynamics of the bribery phenomenon and the societal reactions it will inevitably precipitate. FOLDED LIES should be important reading for the business community, policy makers, lawyers, social scientists, and the general reader." -- John A. Gardiner, author of Theft of the City
    "This is a major contribution to the analysis of one type of white-collar crime. It lifts the veil on 'jurisprudence in the shadows' and analyzes a type of decision pathology. More than that -- the author places the timely topic of bribery in the context of timeless principles of myth systems and operational codes . . . . An incisive inquiry at a fundamental level of the policy alternatives for business and social order." -- Gerald M. Meier, Stanford University

    Wrage, Alexandra Addison, Bribery and Extortion: Undermining Business, Governments, and Security, ISBN: 9780275996499 0275996492.
    Bribery plays a significant role in international criminal activity. Terrorists pay bribes. Money-launderers pay bribes. Those who traffic in people, narcotics, and illegal arms pay bribes. People pay immigration officers not to ask, customs officials not to inspect, and police officers not to investigate. At corporate headquarters in the United States, it can be easy to dismiss modest bribes in distant countries as an unfortunate cost of doing business. Bribes follow patterns that are not at all mysterious to the officials, salesmen, and citizens who seek them and pay them. Using a series of international cases, Wrage examines bribery, peeling back the mystique and ambiguity and exposing the very simple transactions that lie beneath. She shows how these seemingly everyday transactions can affect security, democratization, and human aid around the globe. Bribery and Extortion presents a clear picture of the world of bribery and the havoc it can wreak on whole populations. Wrage covers commercial bribery, administrative and service-based bribery, and extortion. She considers bribery and extortion at both high levels of government and lower levels on "the street." Examples from around the world help to illustrate the nature of the problem and efforts at combating it. The book concludes with practical suggestions and an assessment of current efforts to stem the tide of bribery and restore transparency to everyday transactions in all realms.
    "Alexandra Addison Wrage is an international attorney and President of TRACE International, a nonprofit, anti-bribery business association with over 1,000 corporate members in more than 100 countries. She has worked as in-house counsel for both Northrop Grumman Corporation and MCI Communications. She has written numerous articles on practical anti-bribery strategies and speaks frequently on topics of international law and the hidden costs of corruption." -- Publisher

    See also: The ten commandments: the moral law, Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, Theft, fraud, stealing: property rights and freedom, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, The attributes of god, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justice, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, The teaching of our lord jesus christ, Trusting god, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Idolatry, Carnality and flesh pleasing: lust, desires, ambition, Lust, Selfishness, Fearfulness, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, Secret societies and ungodly alliance, The covenanted reformation, The counter-reformation, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 2548, 2549

    Related Weblinks

    Theft: Commentary and Cases of Conscience. A Listing Excerpted From The Institutes of Biblical Law by Rousas John Rushdoony, 1973 edition
    http://www.lettermen2.com/theft.html



    Call Upon the Name of the Lord

    Call Upon the Name of the Lord
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1chb.html#callnl



    Calling, Christian

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

    And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
    For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.     (1 Samuel 15:22,23)

    Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:16)

    It is only those who truly love Christ that are fitted to minister to His flock! The work is so laborious, the appreciation is often so small, the response so discouraging, the criticisms so harsh, the attacks of Satan so fierce, that only the love of Christ (Ephesians 3:19) -- His for us and ours for Him -- can constrain (2 Corinthians 5:14) to such work. -- Arthur Pink, Exposition of the Gospel of John

    Boice, James Montgomery, Ordinary Men Called by God: Abraham, Moses, and David, ISBN: 082542075X 9780825420757.

    Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), Of Effectual Calling and Of the Benefits of Effectual Calling, both in THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THE REVEREND THOMAS BOSTON.

    Coles, Elisha (1608?-1688), God's Sovereignty, a Practical Discourse, 1673. Alternate Title: A PRACTICAL DISCOURSE OF GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY: WITH OTHER MATERIAL POINTS DERIVED THENCE, NAMELY: OF THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD, OF ELECTION, OF REDEMPTION, OF EFFECTUAL CALLING, OF PERSEVERANCE. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #3.
    "A Puritan work recommended by Charles Spurgeon, John Owen, Thomas Goodwin, and William Romaine. Owen, in particular, marvels at Coles' singular reliance on Scripture alone to vindicate God's sovereignty, as it relates to election, redemption, effectual calling, and the perseverance of the saints. Originally published in 1673, this is the 1831 edition." -- Publisher

    Firmin, Giles, The Real Christian, or, A Treatise of Effectual Calling. . . . To Which is Added, . . . a few Words Concerning Socinianism . . . By Giles Firmin . . . 1744.

    Flavel, John (1628-1691), The Work of the Spirit as the Internal and Most Effectual Means of the Application of Christ (2:67-87). In THE METHOD OF GRACE IN THE GOSPEL REDEMPTION (2:3-474). Both found in THE WORKS OF JOHN FLAVEL.

    Hooker, Thomas (1586-1647), The Soules Vocation or Effectual Calling to Christ, 1638.

    Knox, John (1505-1572), Knox's Call to the Ministry and First Public Debate (1547) with an editor's note by Kevin Reed, 1547. Available (WORKS OF JOHN KNOX) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #15, #26. Available in SELECTED WRITINGS OF JOHN KNOX.
    Knox's Call to the Ministry and First Public Debate (1547)
    http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/KnoxCall.htm

    Love, Christopher (1618-1651), Simeon Ashe, Rev Boucher Jonathan, Archdeacon of Cleveland Churton Edward, Edmund Calamy, A Treatise of Effectual Calling and Election. In XVI. sermons, on 2 Pet. I. I0 [2 Peter 1:10]. Wherein a Christian may Discern, Whether yet he be Effectually Called and Elected. And what course he ought to take that he may attain the assurance thereof. Available (MP3 files) on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    *Murray, John (1898-1975), Principles of Conduct, ISBN: 0802811442 9780802811448.
    "This is a far-ranging book with a recurring emphasis on the majestic moral demands of Scripture and the relation of the Gospel to those demands. Scripture teaching is lucidly brought to bear on vital ethical issues such as marriage, work as a calling, capital punishment, the sanctity of truth, and the fear of God. Undoubtedly this is the foremost contemporary book in the field." -- William J. Grier

    Rollock, Robert (1555?-1599), Henry Holland, and Theodore de Beze, A Treatise of Gods Effectual Calling: Written First in the Latine Tongue, by the Reuerend and Faithfull Seruant of Christ, Maister Robert Rollock, Preacher of Gods Word in Edenburgh. And now faithfully translated for the benefite of the vnlearned, into the English tongue, by Henry Holland, preacher in London, 1603.

    Steele, Richard (1629-1692), The Religious Tradesman: Plain and Serious Hints of Advice for the Tradesman's Prudent and Pious Conduct From his Entrance Into Business to his Leaving it Off.
    "Work is considered as a calling of God." -- Publisher
    "For the modern-day businessman this is not an easy read. First the style is that of the late 1600's. Second he is deeper and more spiritually focused than writers of today on the same subject. However, the benefits are greater here. Following the principles and ideas he discusses would revolutionize most business practice in America." -- GCB

    *Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), All Things for Good: Romans 8:28, A Divine Cordial. Alternate title, A DIVINE CORDIAL in 1663, ISBN: 0851514782 9780851514789. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "I would prescribe them to take, now and then, a little of this Cordial: all things work together for good to them that love God. To know that nothing hurts the godly, is a matter of comfort; but to be assured that all things which fall out shall cooperate for their good, that their crosses shall be turned into blessings, that showers of affliction water the withering root of their grace and make it flourish more; this may fill their hearts with joy till they run over." -- Thomas Watson, from the Preface
    "Thomas Watson of St. Stephen's, Walbrook believed he faced two great difficulties in his pastoral ministry. The first was making the unbeliever sad, in the recognition of his need of God's grace. The second was making the believer joyful in response to God's grace. He believed the answer to the second difficulty could be found in Paul's teaching in Romans 8:28, God works all things together for good for his people.
    "Watson's exposition is always simple, illuminating and rich in practical application. He explains that both the best and the worst experiences work for the good of God's people. He carefully analyses what it means to be someone who 'loves God' and is 'called according to his purpose.' ALL THINGS FOR GOOD provides the biblical answer to the contemporary question: 'Why do bad things happen to good people'?" -- Publisher

    Witsius, Herman (1636-1708), Election and Effectual Calling.
    Of Election From Economy of the Covenants Between God and Man
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/gospel/witsius_election.html

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Spiritual discernment, The free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, the covenant of eternal salvation, How to become a christian, Book-length presentations of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, Predestination, election, efficatious grace, Trusting god, Loving and obeying god, Discipleship, Self-discipline, Discipleship, Deceit, self-deception, lying, false witness, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 622, 1789-1793, 2378, 3508, 3845, 3889, 3924
    MGTP: Calling, Vocation or Calling



    Carnality and Flesh Pleasing: Desires, Pleasure

    The enemies of the eternal souls of the elect are the flesh, Satan, and the world system. (James 4:4; Acts 26:18)

    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)

    For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (Romans 8:6)

    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)

    Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
    Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
    Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.     (Galatians 5:19-21)

    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)

    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. (Romans 8:12-13)
    A man may easier see without eyes, speak without a tongue, than truly mortify one sin without the Spirit. -- John Owen

    See the Theological Notes: "Christians in the World," at Colossians 2:20 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid? (Job 31:1)

    Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:27-30)

    Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul. (1 Peter 2:5)

    Ultimately the Seventh Commandment (Exodus 20:14), is about our fidelity to Christ. (Hosea 2:19-20; 1 Corinthians 6:15-20; James 4:4)
    To fracture the Seventh Commandment is to break covenant with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
    The sexual revolution is really a revolution against God. (Numbers 25:1-3, 29; Joshua 22:17; Psalm 106:30,31)
    See: Engelsma, Marriage, the Mystery of Christ and the Church.

    There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. (Proverbs 16:25)

    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)

    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)

    Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. (Romans 8:7)

    For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. (Galatians 5:17)

    That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. (Ephesians 4:22-24)

    If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
    Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
    But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.     (Colossians 3:1-11)

    Oh that our souls would so fall at odds with the love of this world, as to think of it as a traveller doth of a drink of water, which is not any part of his treasure, but goeth away with the using! For ten miles' journey maketh that drink to him as nothing. Oh that we had as soon done with this world, and could as quickly dispatch the love of it! But as a child cannot hold two apples in his little hand, but the one putteth the other out of its room, so neither can we be masters and lords of two loves. Blessed were we, if we could make ourselves master of the invaluable treasure, the love of Christ; or rather suffer ourselves to be mastered and subdued to Christ's love, so as Christ were our all things, and all other things our nothings, and the refuse of our delights. -- The Letters of Samuel Rutherford, Letter 195, p. 383

    Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
    Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.     (Hebrews 11:25-26)
    This clause ought to be carefully noticed; for we here learn that we ought to shun as a deadly poison whatever cannot be enjoyed without offending God; for the pleasures of sin he calls all the allurements of the world which draw us away from God and our calling. But the comforts of our earthly life, which we are allowed by pure conscience, and God's permission to enjoy, are not included here. Let us then ever remember that we ought to know and understand what God allows us. There are indeed some things in themselves lawful, but the use of which is prohibited to us, owing to circumstances as to time, place, or other things. Hence as to all the blessings connected with the present life, what is ever to be regarded is, that they should be to us helps and aids to follow God and not hindrances. And he calls these pleasures of sin temporary or for a time, because they soon vanish away together with life itself.
    "In opposition to these he sets the reproach of Christ, which all the godly ought willingly to undergo. For those whom God has chosen, he has also foreordained to be conformed to the image of his own son; not that he exercises them all by the same kind of reproaches or by the same cross, but that they are all to be so minded as not to decline to undertake the cross in common with Christ. Let every one then bear in mind, that as he is called to this fellowship he is to throw off all hindrances. Nor must we omit to say, that he reckons among the reproaches of Christ all the ignominious trials which the faithful have had to endure from the beginning of the world; for as they were the member of the same body, so they had nothing different from what we have. As all sorrows are indeed the rewards of sin, so they are also the fruits of the curse pronounced on the first man: but whatever wrongs we endure from the ungodly on account of Christ, these he regards as his own. Hence Paul gloried that he made up what was wanting as to the sufferings of Christ. Were we rightly to consider this, it would not be so grievous and bitter for us to suffer for Christ.
    "He also explains more fully what he means in this clause by the reproach of Christ, by what he has previously declared when he said, that Moses chose to suffer affliction with the people of God. He could not have otherwise avowed himself as one of God's people, except he had made himself a companion to his own nation in their miseries. Since, then, this is the end, let us not separate ourselves from the body of the Church: whatever we suffer, let us know that it is consecrated on account of the head. So on the other hand he calls those things the treasures of Egypt, which no one can otherwise possess than by renouncing and forsaking the Church. For he had respect unto the recompense of the reward, or for he looked to the remuneration. He proves by the description he gives, that the magnanimity of Moses' mind was owing to faith; for he had his eyes fixed on the promise of God. For he could not have hoped that it would be better for him to be with the people of Israel than with the Egyptians, had he not trusted in the promise and in nothing else.
    By faith he forsook Egypt, etc.
    This may be said of his first as well as of his second departure, that is, when he brought out the people with him. He then indeed left Egypt when he fled from the house of Pharaoh. Add to this, that his going out is recorded by the Apostle before he mentions the celebration of the Passover. He seems then to speak of the flight of Moses; nor is what he adds, that he feared not the wrath of the king, any objection to this, though Moses himself relates that he was constrained to do so by fear. For if we look at the beginning of his course he did not fear, that is, when he avowed himself to be the avenger of his people. However, when I consider all the circumstances, I am inclined to regard this as his second departure; for it was then that he bravely disregarded the fierce wrath of the king, being armed with such power by God's Spirit, that he often of his own accord defied the fury of that wild beast. It was doubtless an instance of the wonderful strength of faith, that he brought out a multitude untrained for war and burdened with many encumbrances, and yet hoped that a way would be opened to him by God's hand through innumerable difficulties. He saw a most powerful king in a furious rage, and he knew that he would not cease till he had tried his utmost. But as he knew that God had commanded him to depart, he committed the event to him, nor did he doubt but that he would in dug time restrain all the assaults of the Egyptians.
    As seeing him who is invisible. Nay, but he had seen God in the midst of the burning bush: this then seems to have been said improperly, and not very suitable to the present subject. I indeed allow, that Moses was strengthened in his faith by that vision, before he took in hand the glorious work of delivering the people; but I do not admit that it was such a view of God, as divested him of his bodily senses, and transferred him beyond the trials of this world. God at that time only showed him a certain symbol of his presence; but he was far from seeing God as he is. Now, the Apostle means, that Moses so endured, as though he was taken up to heaven, and had God only before his eyes; and as though he had nothing to do with men, was not exposed to the perils of this world and had no contests with Pharaoh. And yet, it is certain, that he was surrounded with so many difficulties, that he could not but think sometimes that God was far away from him, or at least, that the obstinacy of the king, furnished as it was with so many means of resistance, would at length overcome him. In short, God appeared to Moses in such a way, as still to leave room for faith; and Moses, when beset by terrors on every side, turned all his thoughts to God. He was indeed assisted to do this, by the vision which we have mentioned; but yet he saw more in God than what that symbol intimated: for he understood his power, and that absorbed all his fears and dangers. Relying on God's promise, he felt assured that the people, though then oppressed by the tyranny of the Egyptians, were already, as it were, the lords of the promised land.
    We hence learn, that the true character of faith is to set God always before our eyes; secondly, that faith beholds higher and more hidden things in God than what our senses can perceive; and thirdly, that a view of God alone is sufficient to strengthen our weakness, so that we may become firmer than rocks to withstand all the assaults of Satan. It hence follows, that the weaker and the less resolute any one is, the less faith he has. -- John Calvin commenting on Hebrew 11:25-27

    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)

    Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, in so much that he abhorred his own inheritance.
    And he gave them into the hands of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them.
    Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand.     (Psalm 106:40-42)

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 106, commentary by C.H. Spurgeon
    Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt. (v. 7)
    Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known. (v. 8)
    And he saved them from the hand of them that hated them. (v. 10)
    They soon forgat his works. (v. 13)
    And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul. (v. 15)
    They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the molten image. (v. 19)
    Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass. (v. 20)
    They forgat God their saviour. (v. 21)
    Thus they provoked him to anger with their inventions: and the plague brake in upon them. (v. 29)
    Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and so the plague was stayed. (v. 30)
    And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore. (v. 31)
    They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them. (v. 34)
    But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works. (v. 35)
    Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils. (v. 37)
    Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions. (v. 39)
    Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, in so much that he abhorred his own inheritance. (v. 40)
    And he gave them into the hands of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them. (v. 41)
    Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand. (v. 42)
    Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity. (v. 43)
    Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry. (v. 44)
    And he remembered for them his covenant. (v. 45)
    Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, and to triumph in thy praise. (v. 47)
    Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the Lord. (v. 48)
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps106.php

    Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.
    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 55:2,3)

    Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:21)

    For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well. (Acts 15:28,29) -- From a letter written by the Apostles after they had consulted together, and declared to the church at Antioch

    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)

    Keep a strict government and watch over your fleshly appetite and senses. (Romans 8:13; Romans 13:13,14). For the loosing of the reins to carnal lusts, and yielding to the importunity of sensual desires, is the most ordinary way of wasting grace, and falling off from God. -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)

    Son, whatever weakens your reasoning, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God, or takes away your relish for spiritual things; in short, if anything increases the authority and power of the flesh over the Spirit, then that to you becomes sin, however good it is in itself. -- Susanna Wesley's answer to her son, John Wesley, who asked her to define sin. -- cited in Sherwood Eliot Wirt (editor) and Kersten Beckstrom (editor), Topical Encyclopedia of Living Quotations

    Selfishness and pride will blind even the gifted and learned to the truth. Lust for power and the will to play God will blind us to the truth. Intense nationalistic pride, political bent, alienation during secular schooling, or personal ambitions blind us to the "evident connection between Absolute Truth, sovereign authority, holiness, life, loving obedience, moral behavior, sanctification, justice, freedom (political, economic, and individual), social stability, and real progress. . . ." -- Preface to Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal

    Trusting in men instead of trusting in God results in incompetence and corruption
    The unregenerate, the skeptic, regardless of their level in society, look to men for their livelihood and well-being, instead of trusting in God to prepare a table before me in the face of mine enemies, to care for them and to satisfy their needs throughout life, a lesson that King David learned and expressed in Psalm 23:5,6. They are blind to spiritual values and swallowed up by needs of the flesh.
    The skeptic, who can not trust God, is more worried about loosing his job than he is worried about job duties, responsibilities, and performance. This inevitably leads to incompetence and corruption in the workplace.
    This obsessive preoccupation with job security, whether conscious or sub-conscious, also applies to elected officials, from top to bottom, who make demands on subordinates to not "rock the boat," to not jeopardize their popularity with the electorate, leading to the observation that "all bureaucracies are incompetent and corrupt."
    The "savvy" Washington bureaucrat is "hog-tied" because he is more interested in "covering his butt," not jeopardizing his easy, secure, well-paying, lifetime "career" with retirement and benefits, than in carrying out his responsibilities, especially regulatory or enforcement duties (i.e. the Securities and Exchange Commission). The net effect is paralysis in the workplace. Friday evening rush hour in Washington, DC is said to be the most sluggish of any city in the country.
    Calvin unfolds Scripture on this fact of the incompetence and corruption of the unregenerate, the blind, in their fearful pursuit of fleshly needs. See his commentary on: Proverbs 1:7, Genesis 4:7, Genesis 25:29-34, Hebrews 2:14,15, and Matthew 16:26.

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Winning the war Within: A Biblical Strategy for Spiritual Warfare, ISBN: 188903200X 9781889032009. Alternate title: THE WAR WITHIN: A BIBLICAL STRATEGY FOR SPIRITUAL WARFARE.
    "The Christian life is war. The holy war between God and Satan gets played out within ourselves in the conflict between the Holy Spirit and the flesh. 'It is to the enemy within that Satan, the world, and the demons must make their appeal.' Describes Satan's tactics and power, and then the strategies for victory: the Spirit's sword, prayer, faith, the help of believers. 'The prime purpose of this book is to encourage faltering Christians'." -- David Powlison

    *Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), A Christian Directory: Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 1. Full title: A Christian Directory: or A Sum of Practical Theology, and Cases of Conscience. Directing Christians how to use Their Knowledge and Faith; How to Improve all Helps and Means, and to Perform all Duties; How to Overcome Temptations, and to Escape or Mortify Every Sin. In Four Parts.
    I. Christian Ethics (or Private Duties)
    II. Christian Economics (or Family Duties)
    III. Christian Ecclesiastics (or Church Duties)
    IV. Christian Politics (or Duties to Our Rulers and Neighbours)     (Morgan, PA: Soli Deo Gloria Publications, 1997, 1990, 1838, 1707, 1678, 1673), ISBN: 1877611131 9781877611131. Foreword by J.I. Packer (Soli Deo Gloria edition only). The Soli Deo Gloria publication is a facsimile reprint of the 19th century reprint by George Virtue, London, 1846. The original 1673 edition and the 1678 edition, both printed by Robert White for Nevill Simmons. Bibliographic and scriptural footnotes. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available (less the J.I. Packer's Foreword, but searchable with an OCR-based index), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    This work is available in many editions, and in many formats.
    Reformation Heritage Books has new copies of the Soli Deo Gloria edition (including the J.I. Packer Introduction), as of March 2008, even though it is generally thought to be out of print. They acquired Soli Deo Gloria from Ligonier Ministries in late 2007.
    The best digital format of the reprint by George Virtue is included on the Puritan Hard Drive. It has an OCR scan in the background, meaning one can search the entire volume and copy text into another document. It also has a computer generated indexed from the OCR scan which is, of course, in Baxter's vocabulary.
    A PDF image scan only of the same edition is available on the Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.
    The reprint by George Virtue is available online and may be downloaded in PDF format at Christian Classics Ethereal Library.
    The reprint by George Virtue appears in full preview in Google Books but may not be downloaded. So it is useful if the reader wants to become acquainted with the book. Text can be searched, but can not be copied into another document. This particular Google Books scan includes the contents in detail on pages iii-xix which is not included in the Christian Classics Ethereal Library PDF files. About five other editions from libraries are available in Google Books, and may be downloaded (August 2008).
    Notice that the e-text in Google Books has the advantage of being searchable. Searching an image-based PDF file (without an OCR scan in the background), is not possible, unless the user owns software such as Abode Acrobat Pro or Kirtas BookScan Editor. They both have an OCR (optical character recognition), feature that will search an image-based PDFs (bit-map scans). Searches appear to be perfect in this work, although one must know Baxter's vocabulary. Text can be cut and pasted from image-based PDF format to OCR (character) format. This particular Google Books scan can not be cut and pasted or downloaded.
    One of the older, multi-volume editions of THE WORKS OF RICHARD BAXTER is available at Monergism.com in the "Puritan Library," "Richard Baxter." A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, volume 23. It can be downloaded.
    http://www.puritanlibrary.com/
    Another older edition is available on microfilm (Ann Arbor, MI: University Microfilms, 1970), 1 microfilm reel, 35 mm (Early English books, 1641-1700; 343:11).
    "The complete practical works of Richard Baxter are in print in four volumes entitled BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS. This volume (about 1 1/4 million words, 1028 pages), is volume one of the set. The editor's preface (1707), p. xiii, stated that the works of Richard Baxter are 'perhaps the best body of practical divinity that is extent in our own or any other tongue.' Richard Baxter lived from 1615-1691. The DIRECTORY was completed in 1665. Its scope was intended to cover all of practical theology, a summa of casuistry . . ." -- Don Kistler
    "Baxter's series, which grew in range and scope as it proceeded . . . is a peak point in Puritan devotional writing, and remains a precious resource for all, in this or any age, who want to know what is involved in Biblical godliness. . . . A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY may justly be described as a landmark. It is the fullest, most thorough, and in this writer's judgment, most profound treatment of Christian spirituality and standards that has ever been attempted by an English-speaking Evangelical author. The fact that it embraces both spirituality and standards (the principles of communion with God plus the specifics of obedience to God), merits approving comment in itself; nowadays spirituality and ethics have become two distinct disciplines in the schools, and books written on either say virtually nothing about the other . . ." -- J.I. Packer (1926-2020)
    Timothy Keller calls it the greatest manual on Biblical counseling ever produced.
    "There are many Puritan classics on this subject. Thomas Brooks' PRECIOUS REMEDIES FOR SATAN'S DEVICES, Thomas Goodwin's A CHILD OF LIGHT WALKING IN DARKNESS, William Bridge's A LIFTING UP FOR THE DOWNCAST, and many other similar works give evidence that the Puritans were. . . . masters at applying Biblical answers and principles to problems that can only be solved by spiritual means. No Puritan work, however, has ever approached the popularity, the scope, or the depth of Baxter's classic treatise. With the widespread interest in counseling in today's church, this reprint of Baxter's work should be a welcome addition to every pastor's library, or to anyone else who wishes to give solid Biblical answers to man's questions." -- Don Kistler
    "We have long waited for a purely Biblical treatment of the spiritual ills and cures of men which is untainted by the views of psychology. Since Baxter lived about 200 years before psychology arrived, his deep work is completely void of its encroachment -- thankfully!" -- John MacArthur
    "The kings men sought to arrest Richard Baxter, but he traveled ceaselessly from place to place, writing his sermons and his books even on horseback (he had an inkwell in his saddle), and preached over a wide area." -- Brian H. Edwards
    "Baxter was a wonder of his age. His writings total 72 large volumes, much of it written on horseback as he traveled in his widespread preaching efforts. He seldom, if ever, edited anything he wrote. Knowing this any reader will be amazed at how well he communicated his deep love for his Savior. For 26 years he was public enemy No. 1 to the king, yet he lived to see the flight of the king in 1688." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    POOR MAN'S FAMILY BOOK (1674) and THE CATECHIZING OF FAMILIES (1683), are less detailed works and are found in THE REFORMED PASTOR: BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 4. They are more suitable for family instruction than are the detailed presentation in A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY.
    "Ptacek in FAMILY WORSHIP: BIBLICAL BASIS, HISTORICAL REALITY, CURRENT NEED (pp. 51-52), supplies the following information in regard to Baxter and this book. He notes that after the Episcopalians ejected numerous 'nonconformists,' in what is know as the 'great ejection,' in 1662, 'Baxter pastored from house to house, visiting families of his parish in their homes. These visits contributed to Baxter's A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, a large and still very relevant manual of pastoral care.' Focusing on just one area of great importance, Ptacek demonstrates how this book's relevance is not limited by time or culture, though sometimes the use of specific words are. 'Published in 1673, but written 1664-65, a large book-length part of Baxter's CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY is devoted to the family. It is entitled 'Christian Economics' based on the archaic usage of the word, which reflects the proper sense of the Greek root oikonomos as the manager of a household, in the Christian case, the spiritual leader of the family. The family head is essential to Baxter's view of family worship and instruction. Baxter asserts that it is God's will that this instruction be carried out by the rulers of the families.' For a male head of the household to fail to do so, or to have another instruct in the family, is contrary to his position of authority.' This is the kind of book that can be passed on from generation to generation and still find much use in the service of the kingdom of God.
    "Though relatively weak on corporate sanctification, corporate faithfulness and some important areas of doctrine (such as justification), Baxter's work on subjects related to personal piety can be of good practical use to the Christian -- if one is careful to separate out his aberrant doctrinal views and any practical errors they may lead to." -- Publisher
    The following three excerpts are included as bonus free books on Reformation Bookshelf CD #28.
    1. "The Duties of Parents for Their Children" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. X., pp. 449-454.
    2. "The Special Duties of Children Towards Their Parents" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. XI., pp. 454-457.
    3. "The Special Duties of Children and Youth Towards God" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. XII., pp. 457-458).
    A summary of currently (2012) available publications.
    http://www.lettermen2.com/pwrbcd.html
    Richard Baxter, from Wikipedia
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Baxter

    *Baxter, Richard, The Reformed Pastor: Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 4, ISBN: 1877611360. A Christian classic.
    "This is the fourth and final volume in this great set. Includes, 'Compassionate Counsel to all Young men,' 'The Reformed Pastor,' 'Poor Man's Family Book,' 'The Catechizing of Families,' and 'The Mother's Catechism,' in all 25 sermons, treatises, and catechisms. Dr. J.I. Packer says, 'For me, the great joy of this year is that it see the completion of Soli Deo Gloria's reprint of Baxter's incomparable PRACTICAL WORKS'." -- GCB
    Richard Baxter, from Wikipedia
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Baxter
    Compassionate Counsel to all Young men (1681), by Richard Baxter
    http://www.lettermen2.com/ccaym.html

    Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), Walking With God: The Description, Reasons and Reward of the Believer's Walking With God: On Genesis v. 24 [Genesis 5:24], ISBN: 1877611360.

    *Bolton, Robert (1572-1631), and Thomas Goodwin (1600-1680), Bolton, Robert, The Carnal Professor and Thomas Goodwin, Christ Set Forth, ISBN: 1877611468 9781877611469. Alternate title: CHRIST SET FORTH IN HIS DEATH, RESURRECTION, ASCENSION, SITTING AT GOD'S RIGHT HAND, AND INTERCESSION / BY THOMAS GOODWIN. Available (CHRIST SET FORTH), in THE WORKS OF THOMAS GOODWIN, VOL. 1.
    The Works of Thomas Goodwin
    http://archive.org/details/worksofthomasgoo01good
    "The first 156 pages is a heart-searching treatise directed at those who profess Christianity without necessarily possessing it. Goodwin's 384 pages is directed toward those who have embraced the principles of Christ, but have neglected Christ Himself in all of His glory. Both authors are Puritans of great renown." -- CBD

    Bridge, William, The Carnality of Professors. In WORKS OF WILLIAM BRIDGE (5:117-32).

    Burroughs, Jeremiah (1599-1646), and Don Kistler (editor), Moses' Choice: With his eye Fixed Upon Heaven: Discovering the Happy Condition of a Self-denying Heart With his eye Fixed Upon Heaven: Delivered in a Treatise Upon Hebrews 11:25,26, ISBN: 9780982615591 0982615590.
    "This work by the English Puritan Jeremiah Burroughs is based on Hebrews 11:25: choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. It is a masterful treatise on suffering and self-denial. This is the first modern edition of this rare work since its initial printing in 1641." -- Publisher
    The companion volume, MOSES' SELF-DENIAL, edited by Don Kistler is also in print as of 2016.
    Moses his Choice, Burroughs
    https://archive.org/details/moseshischoicewi00burr

    Burroughs, Jeremiah (1599-1646), A Treatise of Earthly-Mindedness and a Heavenly Conversation (Walking With God), ISBN: 1877611387.
    "A comprehensive treatment of the nature and enticements of worldliness. It reflects the keen insight of Puritan Christianity." -- GCB

    Calvin, John (1509-1564), A Sermon on the Duty of Civil Rulers to Enforce and Defend the True Religion and True Godliness in their Realms by drawing out the sword against all Heretics and others who trouble the Church, and by strictly punishing whoredom, drunkenness, dancing, stage plays, &c., John Calvin. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    A sermon on 1 Timothy 2:1-2.
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/calvin/calvin_12_on_Timothy.html

    *Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), The Law: Its Functions and Limits (Romans 7:1 -- 8:4),
    "This careful and detailed work is an example of expository preaching at its best. Lloyd-Jones' analysis of carnality and spirituality is designed to expose the reason for the former and the way to acquire the latter." -- Cyril J. Barber

    *Love, Christopher (1618-1651), The Combat Between the Flesh and Spirit. As also the wofull with-drawing of the Spirit of God, with the causes thereof: and walking in, and after the Spirit, together with the blessednesse thereof. Being the summe and substance of XXVII. sermons: preached a little before his death, by that faithfull servant of Christ, Mr. Christopher Love, late minister of the Gospel at Lawrence Jury London. To which is added the Christians directory tending to direct him in the various conditions that God may cast him into. In XV. sermons, 1654. Available (THE SELECT WORKS OF THE REV. CHRISTOPHER LOVE), on Puritan Hard Drive. Available [audio file], on Reformation Bookshelf CD #4.

    Lundgaard, Kris, The Enemy Within: Straight Talk About the Power and Defeat of Sin, ISBN: 0875522017 9780875522012.
    "This book, based on John Owen's masterpiece entitled THE NATURE, POWER, DECEIT, AND PREVALENCY OF THE REMAINDERS OF INDWELLING SIN IN BELIEVERS, unpacks the truth found in the Scriptures for readers to help them get just that: victory! But victory over what? Satan? Yeah. Sin? Yeah. But more specifically, the flesh -- something that is overlooked as the source of the sin by many evangelicals today, yet cited by almost all biblical authors as the part of us that hates God and therefore sins. Lundgaard himself claims to have 'kidnapped Owen'. (p. 14). This is not Lundgaard's wisdom, it is Owen's Bible-inspired wisdom converted into modern language with modern examples for modern readers." -- Reader's Comment

    Manton, Thomas (1620-1677), Sermon Upon Deuteronomy 32:51. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THOMAS MANTON (16:387-96).
    "The sins of God's children may cost them dear in this world."

    Perkins, William (1558-1602), Tvvo Treatises I. Of the Nature and Practise of Repentance. II. Of the Combat of the Flesh and Spirit, 1593.

    *Pike, Samuel (1717-1773), and Samuel Hayward (1718-1757), Distinguishing Faith and Feelings. In RELIGIOUS CASES OF CONSCIENCE ANSWERED IN AN EVANGELICAL MANNER . . . TO WHICH IS ADDED THE SPIRITUAL COMPANION; OR, THE PROFESSING CHRISTIAN TRIED AT THE BAR OF GOD'S WORD; AND CHARACTER OF THE HAPPY MAN, 1866.
    Distinguishing Faith and Feelings
    http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/distinguishing-faith-and-feelings.php

    *Pike, Samuel (1717-1773), and Samuel Hayward (1718-1757), Spiritual Injury From Undue Pursuit of the Affairs of This Life. In RELIGIOUS CASES OF CONSCIENCE ANSWERED IN AN EVANGELICAL MANNER . . . TO WHICH IS ADDED THE SPIRITUAL COMPANION; OR, THE PROFESSING CHRISTIAN TRIED AT THE BAR OF GOD'S WORD; AND CHARACTER OF THE HAPPY MAN, 1866.
    Spiritual Injury From Undue Pursuit of the Affairs of This Life
    http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/spiritual-injury-from-undue-pursuit-of-the-affairs-of-this-life.php

    Powlison, David (1949-2019), Pleasure, ISBN: 9780976230861 0976230860.

    Preston, John (1587-1628), Foure Godly and Learned Treatises. Intituled, I. A Remedy Against Covetousnesse. II. An Elegant and Lively Description of Spirituall Death and Life. III. The Doctrine of Selfe-deniall. IV. Vpon the Sacrament of the Lords Supper. Delivered in Sundry Sermons, by that late famous preacher, and worthy instrument of Gods glory, Iohn Preston, Doctor of Divinitie, chaplaine in ordinarie to his Majestie; master of Emanuel Colledge, and sometime preacher of Lincolnes Inne, 1633.

    Preston, John (1587-1628), Hovv to Mortifie Covetousnesse.

    Preston, John (1587-1628), Sinnes Overthrow: or, A Godly and Learned Treatise of Mortification: Wherein is excellently handled; First, the generall doctrine of mortification: and Then particularly, how to mortifie fornication. Uncleannesse. Evill concupiscence. Inordinate affection. And covetousnesse. All being the substance of severall sermons upon Colos. 3.5. Mortifie therefore your members, &c. Delivered by that late faithfull preacher, and worthie instrument of Gods glorie, John Preston, Dr. in Divinitie, chaplin in ordinarie to his Majestie, master of Emanuell Colledge in Cambridge, and sometimes preacher of Lincolns-Inne, 1635, ISSN: 00279358. [Colossians 3:5]
    Preston, Sinnes Overthrow: or, A Godly and Learned Treatise of Mortification . . . All Being the Substance of Severall Sermons Upon Colos. 3. 5 [Colossians 3:5]
    https://archive.org/details/siwo00pres/page/n1

    Reisinger, Ernest C., What Should we Think of the Carnal Christian? ISBN: 0851513891 9780851513898.

    Swinnock, George (1627-1673), The Fading of the Flesh and Flourishing of Faith, or, One Cast for Eternity With the Only way to Throw it VVell: as Also the Gracious Persons Incomparable Portion / by George Swinnock, 1662.
    Psalm LXXIII, 26 [Psalm 26].

    Welch, Edward T., When People are big and God is Small: Overcoming Peer Pressure, Codependency, and the Fear of Man, ISBN: 0875526004 9780875526003.
    "Overly concerned about what people think of you? Welch uncovers the spiritual dimension of people-pleasing and points the way through a true knowledge of God, ourselves, and others." -- Publisher

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Mortification of sin in the flesh, Pride, ambition, self-aggrandizement, arrogance, ego, Menpleasing, Theater, sports, and entertainment, Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, Glory in iniquity, the temptation of vainglory, 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), Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Hypocrisy, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Menpleasing, Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, Self, Theft, fraud, stealing: property rights and freedom, Menpleasing, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Bribery, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, The decline of western society, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 645, 2351-2359, 3187-3189, 3198, 3199, 3200-3204, 3208, 3914-3918, 4128
    MGTP: Carnality, Ambition (Carnal), Ambition (Spiritual)

    Related Weblinks

    *Love not the World (FGB #163)
    The World Passeth Away | The Scriptures and the World | The Christian and the World | Love not the World | What art Thou? | Which World am I a Citizen of? | The Saint and the World
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/lntwfg/love-not-the-world

    Modest Apparel (FGB #216)
    Our Royal Apparel | A Crying sin of our Age | Symptoms of Bodily Pride | A Return to Modest Apparel | Christian Modesty | Your Clothing Reveals Your Heart | Avoiding Immodest Fashions | Accessories to Adultery | Thinking Like a Christian About Modest Apparel | Too Much, too Little, too Tight
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/mappfg/modest-apparel

    The Temperate Life, Sherman Isbell
    http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/the-temperate-life.php

    The Things of This World
    http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/the-things-of-this-world.php

    The Westminster Confession Larger Catechism, Questions 103-106
    http://www.reformed.org/documents/wlc_w_proofs/index.html

    What is Worthwhile Under the Sun? (part 1 of 2), [audio file], Ravi Zacharias
    "Why does a life focused on pleasure leave you feeling empty, and how can you deal with it? Is there a way to tell what pleasures are good and which ones are bad? Are your pleasures getting in the way of your relationships with God, or with others? Ravi Zacharias explores the problem of pleasure and what you can do about it."
    http://rzim.org/let-my-people-think-broadcasts/what-is-worthwhile-under-the-sun-part-1-of-2/ What is Worthwhile Under the Sun? (part 2 of 2), [audio file], Ravi Zacharias
    "Why does a life focused on pleasure leave you feeling empty, and how can you deal with it? Is there a way to tell what pleasures are good and which ones are bad? Are your pleasures getting in the way of your relationships with God, or with others? Ravi Zacharias explores the problem of pleasure and what you can do about it. That's this week on Let My People Think."
    http://rzim.org/let-my-people-think-broadcasts/what-is-worthwhile-under-the-sun-part-2-of-2/



    Conscience, Casuistry, Cases of Conscience

    See the Theological Notes: "Conscience and the Law," at 1 Samuel 24:5 in The Reformation Study Bible.

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

    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)

    The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. (Malachi 3:6)

    Surely the conscience, which, discerning between good and evil, responds to God's judgment, is an undoubted sign of the immortal spirit. For how could a motion without essence penetrate to God's judgment seat, and inflict itself with dread at its own guilt? For the body is not affected by the fear of spiritual punishment, which falls upon the soul only; from this it follows that the soul is endowed with essence. Now the very knowledge of God sufficiently proves that souls, which transcend the world, are immortal, for no transient energy could penetrate to the fountain of life. -- John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, 1.15.2, "2. Diversity of body and soul"

    Hence it follows, that he not only raged in vain and to no profit; but was held guilty by his own inward conviction, even though no one should accuse him; for the expression, Sin lieth at the door, relates to the interior judgement of the conscience, which presses upon the man convinced of his sin, and besieges him on every side. Although the impious may imagine that God slumbers in heaven, and may strive, as far as possible, to repel the fear of his judgment; yet sin will be perpetually drawing them back, though reluctant and fugitives, to that tribunal from which they endeavor to retire. The declarations even of heathens testify that they were not ignorant of this truth; for it is not to be doubted that, when they say, 'Conscience is like a thousand witnesses,' they compare it to a most cruel executioner. There is no torment more grievous or severe than that which is hence perceived; moreover, God himself extorts confessions of this kind. Juvenal says: -- 'Heaven's high revenge on human crimes behold;
    Though earthly verdicts may be bought and sold,
    His judge the sinner in his bosom bears,
    And conscience racks him with tormenting cares.' -- John Calvin commenting on Genesis 4:7

    To be without Christ is to be without peace. Every man has a conscience within him, which must be satisfied before he can be truly happy. So long as this conscience is asleep or half dead, so long, no doubt, he gets along pretty well.
    But as soon as a man's conscience wakes up, and he begins to think of past sins, and present failings, and future judgment, at once he finds out that he needs something to give him inward rest.
    But what can do it? Repenting, and praying, and Bible-reading, and church-going, and sacrament-receiving, and self-mortification may be tried, and tried in vain.
    They never yet took off the burden from any one's conscience.
    And yet peace must be had! There is only one thing that can give peace to the conscience, and that is the blood of Jesus Christ sprinkled on it.
    A clear understanding that Christ's death was an actual payment of our debt to God, and that the merit of that death is made over to man when he believes, is the grand secret of inward peace.
    It meets every craving of conscience. It answers every accusation. It calms every fear. It is written, These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace.
    He is our peace. . . . Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (John 16:33; Ephesians 2:14; Romans 5:1.)
    We have peace through the blood of His cross: peace like a deep mine, -- peace like an ever flowing stream. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900), Holiness: Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties and Roots (London: William Hunt and Company, 1889), 364-365.

    True rest of conscience and inward peace of soul will never come from anything but direct faith in Christ Himself and His finished work. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

    Casuistry: a method of doctrine dealing with cases of conscience and the resolution of questions of right or wrong in conduct.

    Casuistic books, spelling out the standards of conduct set in God's law so that Christians might be able to live with a good conscience, knowing that they were doing God's will. The century that followed the Reformation was a great age of case-divinity among both Romans and Protestants, but whereas Jesuit casuistry was guidance for the priest in the confessional, that of the Puritans was for the ordinary Christian in everyday life. Perkins was the pioneer here, systematically reforming the medieval heritage on conscience and good works by the Bible; most of the contents of the three folio volumes of his works (1616-1618), prove on inspection to be case-divinity. Baxter's massive Directory sums up two generations of work in this field, and between Perkins and Baxter lie abundance of smaller books like the Plaine and Familiar Exposition of the Ten Commandments by John Dod and Thomas Cleaver (1603), (nineteen editions in thirty-two years), and many treatments of particular areas where problems of right conduct arose then, as they arise now (marriage and the family; work; the occult; the use of wealth; the stewardship of truth, etc.). All this material remains enormously impressive in the depth of its insight into both biblical teaching and the paralogisms of the human heart. -- J.I. Packer (1926-2020)

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

    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)

    And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
    For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.     (1 Samuel 15:22,23)

    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)
    See the Theological Notes: "Mankind's Guilty Knowledge of God" at Romans 1:29, and the note at Psalm 14:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience. . . (I Peter 3:15,16a [1 Peter 3:15,16a])
    Oh how highly we are to be concerned that our conscience be tender, and yet how little care is taken of it! What has become of the authority of conscience, when your thoughts and your passions, when your eyes and your ears and your appetite and your tongue are left unbridled and unconquered? When every servant is set up to be master, to bear rule in you, where is your conscience? When your soul is no better kept, what poverty and leanness is growing on it, what a starveling it is both in grace and peace, eaten out with lust, evaporated into vanity, sunk into sensuality, your spirit even transubstantiated into perishing flesh, ready to die away, because you have not had a tender conscience. If you have not better kept your covenant with God, when you have not performed the duties you have vowed, when your hours of prayer are so short, your sabbaths such wintry, cold days, where has your conscience been? When your God is so shamefully neglected, never hears from you even when you have nothing else to do; yea, when your corn, your cattle, your pleasures, your friends (even those you vowed to renounce), are invited into your heart to steal it away from Heaven, then where is your conscience? When you lie asleep and allow God's enemies to sow tares in your field; when you are being a busy-body in other men's affairs, while your own vineyard is not being kept; when both your heart and your house are so much out of order, where is your conscience? When you leave your wife and your children and your servants to do all that is right in their own eyes; when you take care more for your possessions than for your sons and daughters, ready to die for lack of instruction, where is your conscience? And if you have no conscience, then where is your covenant? And if you have no covenant, then where is your God and your peace? -- C.H. Spurgeon commenting on 1 Peter 3:15,16 as quoted in Morning and Evening II: A Second Year of Daily Devotions by C.H. Spurgeon, May 28, p. 149 found in Devotional Classics of C.H. Spurgeon

    Positive good is the real moderating influence, not compromise with evil. -- Roger Pooley

    *Abernetay, M.I., A Christian and Heavenly Treatise Containing Physicke for the Soule. Very Necessary, 1622.

    *Ames, William (d. 1633), Conscience With the Power and Cases Thereof, ISBN: 9022107086. Available (THE WORKS OF THE REVEREND AND FAITHFUL MINISTER OF CHRIST, WILLIAM AMES), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    William Ames was a student of William Perkins at Cambridge.
    "Translated out of the Latin into English, this extremely rare item is in excellent condition (i.e. the print is very good, making it easy to read). The work is divided into five books, expanding on the second part of his famous MARROW OF DIVINITY. Book one contains the definition of conscience. Book two deals with cases of conscience which concern the state of man. Book three expounds man's duty in general. Book four explains Ames' view concerning conscience and the duty of man towards God and book five treats of the duties of man towards his neighbor. For the Scottish Presbyterian view concerning these matters see Samuel Rutherford's amazing FREE DISPUTATION AGAINST PRETENDED LIBERTY OF CONSCIENCE." -- Publisher
    The Works of the Reverend and Faithful Minister of Christ William Ames . . .
    http://books.google.com/books?id=VhZSGwAACAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html

    *Barrow, Gregory, The Covenanted Reformation Defended Against Contemporary Schismatics, 318 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1, #19, #23, #27.
    "A primer for the Covenanted Reformation, this is the best starting point for the new reader. It organizes the hundreds of Covenanted Reformation reprints into a logical defense of the theological landmarks established by our forefathers, with copious bibliographic references, many to e-text. An extraordinary document.
    "Unsurpassed on points related to the Lord's supper and covenanting (as set forth by the best Reformers and best Reformed churches). Especially strong on citations from Calvin and the Westminster Assembly. Deals with many foundational aspects of the Covenanted Reformation (which gave us the Westminster Standards and the Solemn League and Covenant), from numerous original source documents (from the Westminster Assembly's advice to the English Parliament on the Lord's Supper to the official records of Calvin's Covenanting in Geneva). Comprehensive and compelling, this is a shocking (and sometimes advanced), look at what really took place during both the first and second Reformations -- with extensive quotations from the writings of the major Reformers (not just quotes from what others have written about them). It conclusively and irrefutably demonstrates that those churches which today call themselves Presbyterian (and even many which claim a more general Reformed heritage), have seriously departed from the Scriptural standards, principles and worship of these previous Spirit-led Reformations. It is written in an easy-to-read and easy-to-understand format and is an unsurpassed work that should not be missed by anyone interested in real Reformation in our day. This is without a doubt the best book to read if you want to understand what it means to be a Covenanter and to walk in the blood-stained footsteps of the witnessing church (Christ's Covenanted and Reformed flock), (Song of Solomon 1:8)!" -- Publisher
    Publisher's Preface to The Covenanted Reformation Defended Against Contemporary Schismatics
    http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/pub_pref.htm
    Eschewing Ecclesiastical Tyranny (Protestant Biblical Separation)
    "1 Corinthians 2:15. The classic Reformation position on biblical separation, Protestant private judgment, the visible church, etc. -- contra Antichrist (the Papacy), and wayward liberal Protestants. This is Appendix G from THE COVENANTED REFORMATION DEFENDED: 'A brief examination of Mr. Bacon's principles regarding the visible church and the use of private judgment. Also, some observations regarding his ignoble attack upon Mr. Kevin Reed in his book entitled The Visible Church in the Outer Darkness'." -- Publisher
    The Covenanted Reformation Defended, e-text
    http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/CovRefGB.htm
    The Covenanted Reformation Defended, audio files
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonID=7702201426
    The Covenanted Reformation Defended Against Contemporary Schismatics: A Response and Antidote Primarily to the Neopresbyterian Malignancy and Misrepresentations and the Manufactured 'Steelite' Controversy, Found in Richard Bacon's "A Defense Departed . . ."
    http://books.google.com/books?id=LG5EHQAACAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html

    *Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), A Christian Directory: Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 1. Full title: A Christian Directory: or A Sum of Practical Theology, and Cases of Conscience. Directing Christians how to use Their Knowledge and Faith; How to Improve all Helps and Means, and to Perform all Duties; How to Overcome Temptations, and to Escape or Mortify Every Sin. In Four Parts.
    I. Christian Ethics (or Private Duties)
    II. Christian Economics (or Family Duties)
    III. Christian Ecclesiastics (or Church Duties)
    IV. Christian Politics (or Duties to Our Rulers and Neighbours)     (Morgan, PA: Soli Deo Gloria Publications, 1997, 1990, 1838, 1707, 1678, 1673), ISBN: 1877611131 9781877611131. Foreword by J.I. Packer (Soli Deo Gloria edition only). The Soli Deo Gloria publication is a facsimile reprint of the 19th century reprint by George Virtue, London, 1846. The original 1673 edition and the 1678 edition, both printed by Robert White for Nevill Simmons. Bibliographic and scriptural footnotes. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available (less the J.I. Packer's Foreword, but searchable with an OCR-based index), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    This work is available in many editions, and in many formats.
    Reformation Heritage Books has new copies of the Soli Deo Gloria edition (including the J.I. Packer Introduction), as of March 2008, even though it is generally thought to be out of print. They acquired Soli Deo Gloria from Ligonier Ministries in late 2007.
    The best digital format of the reprint by George Virtue is included on the Puritan Hard Drive. It has an OCR scan in the background, meaning one can search the entire volume and copy text into another document. It also has a computer generated indexed from the OCR scan which is, of course, in Baxter's vocabulary.
    A PDF image scan only of the same edition is available on the Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.
    The reprint by George Virtue is available online and may be downloaded in PDF format at Christian Classics Ethereal Library.
    The reprint by George Virtue appears in full preview in Google Books but may not be downloaded. So it is useful if the reader wants to become acquainted with the book. Text can be searched, but can not be copied into another document. This particular Google Books scan includes the contents in detail on pages iii-xix which is not included in the Christian Classics Ethereal Library PDF files. About five other editions from libraries are available in Google Books, and may be downloaded (August 2008).
    Notice that the e-text in Google Books has the advantage of being searchable. Searching an image-based PDF file (without an OCR scan in the background), is not possible, unless the user owns software such as Abode Acrobat Pro or Kirtas BookScan Editor. They both have an OCR (optical character recognition), feature that will search an image-based PDFs (bit-map scans). Searches appear to be perfect in this work, although one must know Baxter's vocabulary. Text can be cut and pasted from image-based PDF format to OCR (character) format. This particular Google Books scan can not be cut and pasted or downloaded.
    One of the older, multi-volume editions of THE WORKS OF RICHARD BAXTER is available at Monergism.com in the "Puritan Library," "Richard Baxter." A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, volume 23. It can be downloaded.
    http://www.puritanlibrary.com/
    Another older edition is available on microfilm (Ann Arbor, MI: University Microfilms, 1970), 1 microfilm reel, 35 mm (Early English books, 1641-1700; 343:11).
    "The complete practical works of Richard Baxter are in print in four volumes entitled BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS. This volume (about 1 1/4 million words, 1028 pages), is volume one of the set. The editor's preface (1707), p. xiii, stated that the works of Richard Baxter are 'perhaps the best body of practical divinity that is extent in our own or any other tongue.' Richard Baxter lived from 1615-1691. The DIRECTORY was completed in 1665. Its scope was intended to cover all of practical theology, a summa of casuistry . . ." -- Don Kistler
    "Baxter's series, which grew in range and scope as it proceeded . . . is a peak point in Puritan devotional writing, and remains a precious resource for all, in this or any age, who want to know what is involved in Biblical godliness. . . . A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY may justly be described as a landmark. It is the fullest, most thorough, and in this writer's judgment, most profound treatment of Christian spirituality and standards that has ever been attempted by an English-speaking Evangelical author. The fact that it embraces both spirituality and standards (the principles of communion with God plus the specifics of obedience to God), merits approving comment in itself; nowadays spirituality and ethics have become two distinct disciplines in the schools, and books written on either say virtually nothing about the other . . ." -- J.I. Packer (1926-2020)
    Timothy Keller calls it the greatest manual on Biblical counseling ever produced.
    "There are many Puritan classics on this subject. Thomas Brooks' PRECIOUS REMEDIES FOR SATAN'S DEVICES, Thomas Goodwin's A CHILD OF LIGHT WALKING IN DARKNESS, William Bridge's A LIFTING UP FOR THE DOWNCAST, and many other similar works give evidence that the Puritans were. . . . masters at applying Biblical answers and principles to problems that can only be solved by spiritual means. No Puritan work, however, has ever approached the popularity, the scope, or the depth of Baxter's classic treatise. With the widespread interest in counseling in today's church, this reprint of Baxter's work should be a welcome addition to every pastor's library, or to anyone else who wishes to give solid Biblical answers to man's questions." -- Don Kistler
    "We have long waited for a purely Biblical treatment of the spiritual ills and cures of men which is untainted by the views of psychology. Since Baxter lived about 200 years before psychology arrived, his deep work is completely void of its encroachment -- thankfully!" -- John MacArthur
    "The kings men sought to arrest Richard Baxter, but he traveled ceaselessly from place to place, writing his sermons and his books even on horseback (he had an inkwell in his saddle), and preached over a wide area." -- Brian H. Edwards
    "Baxter was a wonder of his age. His writings total 72 large volumes, much of it written on horseback as he traveled in his widespread preaching efforts. He seldom, if ever, edited anything he wrote. Knowing this any reader will be amazed at how well he communicated his deep love for his Savior. For 26 years he was public enemy No. 1 to the king, yet he lived to see the flight of the king in 1688." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    POOR MAN'S FAMILY BOOK (1674) and THE CATECHIZING OF FAMILIES (1683), are less detailed works and are found in THE REFORMED PASTOR: BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 4. They are more suitable for family instruction than are the detailed presentation in A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY.
    "Ptacek in FAMILY WORSHIP: BIBLICAL BASIS, HISTORICAL REALITY, CURRENT NEED (pp. 51-52), supplies the following information in regard to Baxter and this book. He notes that after the Episcopalians ejected numerous 'nonconformists,' in what is know as the 'great ejection,' in 1662, 'Baxter pastored from house to house, visiting families of his parish in their homes. These visits contributed to Baxter's A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, a large and still very relevant manual of pastoral care.' Focusing on just one area of great importance, Ptacek demonstrates how this book's relevance is not limited by time or culture, though sometimes the use of specific words are. 'Published in 1673, but written 1664-65, a large book-length part of Baxter's CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY is devoted to the family. It is entitled 'Christian Economics' based on the archaic usage of the word, which reflects the proper sense of the Greek root oikonomos as the manager of a household, in the Christian case, the spiritual leader of the family. The family head is essential to Baxter's view of family worship and instruction. Baxter asserts that it is God's will that this instruction be carried out by the rulers of the families.' For a male head of the household to fail to do so, or to have another instruct in the family, is contrary to his position of authority.' This is the kind of book that can be passed on from generation to generation and still find much use in the service of the kingdom of God.
    "Though relatively weak on corporate sanctification, corporate faithfulness and some important areas of doctrine (such as justification), Baxter's work on subjects related to personal piety can be of good practical use to the Christian -- if one is careful to separate out his aberrant doctrinal views and any practical errors they may lead to." -- Publisher
    The following three excerpts are included as bonus free books on Reformation Bookshelf CD #28.
    1. "The Duties of Parents for Their Children" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. X., pp. 449-454.
    2. "The Special Duties of Children Towards Their Parents" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. XI., pp. 454-457.
    3. "The Special Duties of Children and Youth Towards God" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. XII., pp. 457-458).
    A summary of currently (2012) available publications.
    http://www.lettermen2.com/pwrbcd.html
    Richard Baxter, from Wikipedia
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Baxter

    *Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), William Lamont (editor), A Holy Commonwealth, ISBN: 0521405807.
    "A HOLY COMMONWEALTH is Richard Baxter's invisible masterpiece." -- William Lamont
    "Written in 1659 by the Puritan minister (1615-1691), who publicly repudiated the work in 1670, this modern edition of a controversial text represents a candid confession as to why a conservative Puritan fought for Parliament in the Civil War and gave his support to the Cromwells." -- Publisher
    Contains 380 theses on government with commentary when available. These 380 aphorisms are valuable casuistry in support of Christian magistracy.
    Baxter's repudiation of the work is also included. It is interesting to note that he never repudiated the first part of the book, which lays the foundation for Christian Magistracy. It was only the second part that was repudiated by, as Lamont says, his public persona which was Arminian.
    Apparently, in Richard Baxter we have an example of the Armenian being unable to stand publicly for Covenanted Reformation, yet his private persona wrote A HOLY COMMONWEALTH, and his unpublished papers show that he continued to recommend the work to associates after his public repudiation.
    A Holy Commonwealth: or, Political Aphorisms, Opening the True Principles of Government: For the Healing of the Mistakes, and Resolving the Doubts, That Most Endanger England at This Time (1659)
    http://archive.org/details/holywealth00baxt

    *Baxter, Richard, The Reformed Pastor: Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 4, ISBN: 1877611360. A Christian classic.
    "This is the fourth and final volume in this great set. Includes, 'Compassionate Counsel to all Young men,' 'The Reformed Pastor,' 'Poor Man's Family Book,' 'The Catechizing of Families,' and 'The Mother's Catechism,' in all 25 sermons, treatises, and catechisms. Dr. J.I. Packer says, 'For me, the great joy of this year is that it see the completion of Soli Deo Gloria's reprint of Baxter's incomparable PRACTICAL WORKS'." -- GCB
    Richard Baxter, from Wikipedia
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Baxter
    Compassionate Counsel to all Young men (1681), by Richard Baxter
    http://www.lettermen2.com/ccaym.html

    Binning, Hugh (1627-1653), An Useful Case of Conscience Learnedly and Accuratly Discussed and Resolved: Concerning Associations and Confederacies with Idolaters, Infidels, Heretics, Malignants, or any Other Known Enemies of Truth and Godliness, 1693. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #8.
    "Dr. McCrie said of Binning, 'few writers please me more.' Binning was appointed Regent and Professor of Moral Philosophy at the University of Glasgow in his nineteenth year. An extremely popular preacher, his works continue to be highly esteemed to this day. He died in 1654 at the age of 29. Here he warns against joining oneself with any known enemies of truth and upholds the Biblical injunction, concerning secondary separation, to abstain from even the appearance of evil. Specifically, 'written to expose and counteract the purpose and proceeding of the Resolutioners. Binning was one of the band of Covenanters (i.e. a Protester -- RB), who deemed they would not be justified in fighting for Charles, without additional security being provided for the maintenance of their religious privileges, and unless some adequate restraint were imposed upon the exercise of the royal authority.' (Johnston, Treasury of the Scottish Covenant, p. 328). Excerpted from the 1858 edition of BINNING'S WORKS." -- Publisher
    An Useful Case of Conscience, Learnedly and Accurately Discussed and Resolved, Concerning Associations and Confederacies with Idolaters, Infidels, Heretics, Malignants, or any Other Known Enemies of Truth and Godliness, by Hugh Binning
    http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/19/hugh-binnings-an-useful-case-of-conscience

    *Brooks, Thomas (1608-1680), The Crown and Glory of Christianity: or Holiness the Only way to Happiness. Discovered in 58 Sermons, From Heb. 12:14 [Hebrews 12:14]. Where you have the necessity, excellency, rarity, beauty and glory of holiness set forth: with the resolution of many weighty questions and cases. Also motives and means to perfect holiness: with many other things of very high and great importance to all the sons and daughters of men, that had rather be blessed than cursed, saved than damned. In THE WORKS OF THOMAS BROOKS, 1886 (4:1-446). Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS BROOKS), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    Brooks, Complete Works of Thomas Brooks (1866), vol. 1 of 6.
    http://archive.org/details/completeworksoft01broo

    *Brooks, Thomas (1608-1680), Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices, ISBN: 0851510027 9780851510026. A Christian classic.
    "The best Christian authors of former times treated the seductive influence and terrible power of Satan in a way 'greatly more full and suggestive than in the literature of the present day'." -- William Grimshaw
    " 'The strange opposition that I met with from Satan, in the study of the following discourse, hath put an edge upon my spirit, knowing that Satan strives mightily to keep these things from seeing the light that tend eminently to shake and break his kingdom of darkness, and to lift up the kingdom and glory of the Lord Jesus Christ, in the souls and lives of the children of men . . .' This is one of the seven reasons for writing his book which the author, Thomas Brooks, gives in his preface." -- Publisher

    *Brown, John (of Wamphray, 1610-1679), Christ, the Way, and the Truth, and the Life, or a Short Discourse pointing forth the way of making use of Christ for justification, and especially and more particularly, for sanctification in all its parts from John 14:6, wherein several cases of conscience are briefly answered, chiefly touching sanctification, 1677. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #8, #21.
    "John Brown of Wamphray (1610-1679), has been rightly called the most important Scottish theologian of his day. He was especially gifted at merging profound doctrinal truth with warm Christ-centered zeal and godly piety. Samuel Rutherford wrote of him, 'I always [had] . . . a great love to dear Mr. John Brown because I thought I saw Christ in him more than in his brethren.' Brown's blending of doctrinal truth and Christ-centered piety is most clearly displayed in his CHRIST: THE WAY THE TRUTH AND THE LIFE. This is biblical, Reformed, Puritan spirituality at its best. Would you learn the art of continually fleeing to Christ by faith for your justification and sanctification? Read and reread this precious volume, filled with experimental truth about how to go to Christ continually for every spiritual need. Use it as a devotional gem, and pray for the Holy Spirit to grant you a growing, daily 'making use' of Christ by faith." -- Joel Beeke
    "This book was written during Brown's time of banishment in Holland. Among its 29 chapters we find Brown dealing with justification, but especially focusing on sanctification. Chapters are given to 'crucifying the old man,' 'How to make use of Christ, as Truth, for comfort, when truth is oppressed and bornedown,' 'for steadfastness,' 'for encouragement,' and much more. A classic on practical godliness if there ever was one." -- Publisher

    Brown, John (of Wamphray, 1610-1679), Hugh Binning (1627-1653), John Howie (1735-1793), the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and Sundry Ministers of Perth and Fife, Faithful Witness-Bearing Exemplified: A Collection. Containing, I. An Useful Case of Conscience . . . by Mr. Hugh Binning. II. A Solemn Testimony Against Toleration . . . by the Commissioners of the General Assembly, and by Sundry Ministers in . . . Perth and Fife. III. The History of the Indulgence. By Mr. John Brown . . . To Which is Prefixed, a Preface, Concerning Association, Toleration, and . . . Liberty of Conscience. Kilmarnock, 1783. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #8, #26.

    *Burgess, Anthony (d. 1664?), Spiritual Refining, or, A Treatise of Grace and Assurance Part I: Wherein are handled, the doctrine of assurance, the use of signs in self-examination, how true graces may be distinguished from counterfeit, several true signs of grace, and many false ones, the nature of grace, under divers scripture-notions or titles, as regeneration, the new-creature, the heart of flesh, vocation, sanctification, &c.: many chief questions (occasionally) controverted between the orthodox and the Arminians: as also many cases of conscience, tending to comfort and confirm saints, [and] undeceive and convert sinners. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (SPIRITUAL REFINING, PART I AND PART II), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.
    "The first section is on the deceitfulness and guile of the natural heart (Jeremiah 17:9). . . . Next he contrasts thee natural tendencies toward deceitfulness in all of us to the uprightness of the heart; or, the heart without guile (Psalm 32:2) . . . Section three deals with practical cases of conscience which regularly test our sincerity in seeking to be guileless . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)

    *Burgess, Anthony (d. 1664?), Spiritual Refining, Part II. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (SPIRITUAL REFINING, PART I AND PART II), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.
    "The first section is on the deceitfulness and guile of the natural heart (Jeremiah 17:9). . . . Next he contrasts thee natural tendencies toward deceitfulness in all of us to the uprightness of the heart; or, the heart without guile (Psalm 32:2) . . . Section three deals with practical cases of conscience which regularly test our sincerity in seeking to be guileless . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)

    Burgess, Anthony, (d. 1664), and Samuel Clarke (1599-1682), Golden Apples, or Seasonable and Serious Counsel From the Sanctuary to the Rulers of the Earth: Held Forth in the Resolution of Sundry Questions and Cases of Conscience, 1659.

    Cartwright, Christopher, A Commentary, or Exposition on the Whole Fifteenth Psalm [Psalm 15], Wherein the Text is Learnedly and Fruitfully Explained, some controversies discussed, sundry cases of conscience are cleared, more especially the subject of usury. Many common places succinctly handled, and divers spiritual, holy, seasonable observations raised for the increase of Christian knowledge. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Cathcart, Dwight, Doubting Conscience: Donne and the Poetry of Moral Argument, ISBN: 0472081985 9780472081981.

    Clifford, N.K., Richard Baxter: A Study of Puritan Casuistical Divinity.

    Dabney, Robert L. (1820-1898), The Practical Philosophy: Being the Philosophy of the Feelings, of the Will, and of the Conscience, With the Ascertainment of Particular Rights and Duties.
    "Dabney . . . gives a thorough discussion of liberty, and the totalitarian corruption of freedom." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)

    Dickson, David (1583-1663), Select Practical Writings of David Dickson, 8 volumes. Available (volume 1) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (volume 1) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #20.

    *Dickson, David (1583-1663), Therapeutica Sacra, Shewing Briefly the Method of Healing the Diseases of the Conscience, Concerning Regeneration, 1656. Available (THE WORKS OF DAVID DICKSON), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #20.
    Dickson, David, Therapeutica Sacra: Chapter 4
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/dickson/dickson_therapeutica_sacra_04.html

    Dod, John (1549-1645), and Thomas Cleaver (born 1562), Plaine and Familiar Exposition of the Ten Commandments, 1603.
    This work went through nineteen editions in thirty-two years.

    Durham, James (1622-1658), Heaven Upon Earth, in the Serene Tranquility, and Calm Composure; in the Sweet Peace and Solid joy, of a Good Conscience; Sprinkled with the blood of Jesus, and exercised always to be void of offence toward God and toward men. Brought down and holden forth in 22 very searching sermons on several texts of Scripture to that purpose. Wherein many weighty and momentous cases of conscience greatly influencing a tender Christian walk, are soberly, solidly, succinctly and satisfyingly discussed; several of which are not readily to be met with in the writings of other divines on this subject, 1688. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Durham, James (1622-1658), and Chris Coldwell (editor), Collected Sermons of James Durham: Sixty-one Sermons, ISBN: 9781601785565, 9781601785572, 1601785569, 1601785577.
    "This volume contains sermon series titled 'The Blessedness of the Death of Those That Die in the Lord,' 'The Unsearchable Riches of Christ' (Communion sermons), 'Heaven upon Earth' (on conscience), 'The Great Gain of Contenting Godliness,' and 'The Great Corruption of Subtle Self,' as well as miscellaneous sermons that appeared in various publications. The last includes a recent transcription from manuscript of one of Durham's most important sermons preached at the beginning of the Protester-Resolutioner schism in Scotland. All have been uniformly edited and cross-referenced as needed. Also included is an introduction covering the life and works of Durham.
    "English Puritanism and Scottish Presbyterianism in the seventeenth century had many bright and shining lights. Of these, James Durham (1622-1658) ranks alongside the greatest for his theological depth, for his faithful preaching, and particularly for his moderate spirit at a time of great controversy. James Walker commented: 'No Scotchman of that age was more profoundly venerated.' Durham, whose father and grandfather served the king as Clerk of Exchequer, was seemingly destined to the life of a Scottish laird, yet through several remarkable providences he came to study for the ministry under David Dickson and did so well that he could have served as a professor of divinity in any university. Yet Durham's brief ministry was spent for the most part preaching in the Inner Kirk of Glasgow Cathedral. He came to excel in 'case divinity' or 'cases of conscience,' and it was thought that he poured so much of himself into his preparations that it brought about his early death.
    "Durham's sermons and expositions left an impression that lasted for centuries, and while he was mostly overlooked in the resurgence of interest in the Puritans in the nineteenth century, in the late twentieth century publishers brought renewed attention with various editions of some of his works. Most of his lectures (on the Ten Commandments, the Song of Solomon, Job, John's Revelation, and the Treatise on Scandal) have been published in new editions. The remaining works are sets of sermons, many of which have not seen new editions since the eighteenth century, and original editions are extremely rare. The publishers are pleased to offer for the first time all the sermons of James Durham in two uniform volumes." -- Publisher

    Durham, James (1622-1658), William Jenkyn (1613-1685), and John Owen (1616-1683), The law Unsealed; or, a Practical Exposition of the Ten Commandments. With a Resolution of Several Momentous Questions and Cases of Conscience, 422 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "Durham, a Scottish Covenanter, was known as a 'very candid and searching preacher,' who in an instant was 'in the inmost corners of your bosom,' though with the utmost 'caution and meekness, without giving any of his hearers the smallest ground to fret and repine at his freedom in dealing with them.' (Carstairs cited in the Dictionary of Scottish Church History and Theology, p. 266). John Owen, in his letter introducing the reader to this volume, writes, 'In the whole a full testimony is given, not only against the profligate lives of many, called Christians, but that barren careless profession also, which too many satisfy themselves withal, who pretend more unto the truth and power of religion. And as those who are sincere in their obedience may, in the examination of themselves, by the rules here laid down, discern the decays which possibly they have fallen under in this hour of temptation, which is come on the face of the earth, to try them that dwell therein, so also may they be directed in their Christian course unto the glory of God, and the comfort of their own souls.' Durham's lectures deal with each commandment in order and the volume contains 'An Alphabetical Table of the Principal Matters Handled in the Whole Book;' making it eminently practical, and a very useful aid to the study of God's holy, just, good and spiritual law (Rom. 7:12), [Romans 7:12]." -- Publisher

    Fraser, James (of Brea, 1639-1698), The Lawfulness and Duty of Separation From Corrupt Ministers and Churches Explained and Vindicated, 1744. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27. A Christian classic.
    "This is one of the most comprehensive treatises dealing with the lawfulness and duty of separation. It does not shy away from the hard biblical questions, but rather meets them head on. Fraser covers all the major biblical reasons for separation, both in general and in particular. Some of these Scriptural reasons for separation include (examples in parentheses are selected to fit our contemporary situation in accord with the general headings found in the book -- though a number of these specific errors are also dealt with in the book itself): 1. Heresy, or error in doctrine (e.g. Arminianism, Pelagianism, Romanism, the denial of the regulative principle of worship, antinomianism, legalism, etc.); 2. Idolatry in public worship (e.g. singing hymns of human composition, paedocommunion and open communion, the use of musical instruments, women speaking or preaching, anti-paedobaptism, Charismatic [or anabaptistic], folly and excesses, malignancy [anti-covenanting], etc.); 3. Tyranny in government (e.g. Popery, Prelacy, Independency, etc.); 4. Sinful terms of communion (e.g. any terms which deny or ignore the attainments of the Covenanted Reformation or in any way contravene Scripture); 5. Tolerationism (e.g. refusing to discipline the scandalous, open communion and countenancing false ministers or false governments or false doctrine, etc.). Many other areas are also dealt with, not the least of which include a strong testimony against the Prelatical Priest George Whitefield (who, as the preface notes, is 'a person leavened with gross errors, enthusiastic delusions, etc.'). In the publisher's original reasons for publication we read, 'In this book the case and nature of schism and separation is cleared, and the true scriptural terms of church-communion, and grounds of separation from corrupt churches and ministers, carrying on backsliding courses from the Covenanted Reformation principles . . . are clearly handled, and the same proven to be just and warrantable grounds of separation, and many useful cases of conscience concerning separation; and what are just and warrantable grounds of separation and what are not, are solidly, learnedly, and accurately discussed and resolved, and the case of separation clearly stated, handled and determined; and separation from corrupt ministers and churches is fully vindicated; and the true Scripture marks of time-servers and hirelings, who should be separated from, are given from the Word of God.' Calvin, Knox, Rutherford, Gillespie, Durham, Owen (who repented of his Independency and embraced Presbyterianism just before he died), and a host of other notable Reformers are cited throughout. Occasional hearing and occasional communion are also exposed and rebuked from Scripture. Appended to the book is, '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. Together with Mr. George Graham's Renunciation and Abjuration of Episcopacy.' This is an almost flawless photocopy of this exceedingly rare and valuable book (which was obtained at great expense from the Bodleian Library [Oxford University] in England). It is one of the major Reformed classics concerning the topics that it addresses and it answers many common questions which Christians raise today regarding church affiliation. It is also a much needed landmark of Reformation testimony against the white devils of Independency and sectarianism and the black devils of Popery and Prelacy -- which can be seen to be covering the land once again -- contrary to the teaching of the Word of God and the attainments fought (and died), for during the Second Reformation." -- Publisher

    French Reformed Church National Councils, Synodicon in Gallia Reformata: Or, The Acts, Decisions, Decrees, and Canons of Those Famous National Councils of the Reformed Churches in France. Being

    I. A Most Faithful and Impartial History of the Rise, Growth, Perfection, and Decay of the Reformation in that Kingdom, with its Fatal Catastrophe upon the Revocation of the Edict of Nants, in the Year 1685.
    II. The Confession of Faith and Discipline of Those Churches.
    III. A Collection of Speeches, Letters, Sacred Politicks, Cases of Conscience, and Controversies in Divinity, determined and resolved by those grave Assemblies.
    IV. Many excellent Expedients for preventing and healing Schisms in the Churches, and for re-uniting the dismembered Body of divided Protestants.
    V. The Laws, Government, and Maintenance of their Colleges, Universities and Ministers, together with their Exercise of Discipline upon delinquent Ministers and Church-members.
    VI. A Record of very many illustrious Events of Divine Providence relating to those Churches.
    The Whole Collected and Composed out of Original Manuscript Acts of those Renowned Synods.
    A Work Never Before Extant in any Language. In Two Volumes. By John Quick, Minister of the Gospel in London, London, Printed for T. Parkhurst and J. Robinson, at the Three Bibles and Crown in Cheapside, and the Golden Lion in St. Paul's Church-yard, 1692,     2 volumes. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Gataker, Thomas (1574-1654), Theophilus Timorcus, Richard Vines (1600?-1656), and Richard Baxter (1615-1691), The Covenanters Plea Against Absolvers: or, A Modest Discourse, shewing why those who in England and Scotland took the Solemn League and Covenant, cannot judge their consciences discharged from the obligation of it, by any thing heretofore said by the Oxford men; or lately by Dr. Featly, Dr. Gauden, or any others. In which also several cases relating to promissory oathes, and to the said Covenant in special, are spoken to, and determined by Scripture, reason, and the joynt suffrages of casuists. Contrary to the indigested notions of some late writers; yet much to the sense of the Reverend Dr. Sanderson. Written by Theophilus Timorcus a well-wisher to students in casuistical divinity, 1660.
    "Notes: Attributed to Richard Baxter, Thomas Gataker, and Richard Vines by John Brown in his "An apologeticall relation of the particular sufferings of the faithfull ministers and professours of the Church of Scotland, since August, 1660."

    *Gillespie, George (1613-1648), A Treatise of Miscellany Questions Wherein Many Useful Cases of Conscience are Discussed and Resolved, for the Satisfaction of Those who Desire Nothing More Than to Search and Find out Precious Truths in the Controversies of These Times, 1649. Available (THE WORKS OF GEORGE GILLESPIE), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    Gillespie, George, Miscellany Questions (partial)
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/gillespie/miscqs.html

    *Gillespie, George (1613-1648), Wholesome Severity Reconciled With Christian Liberty, or, The True Resolution of a Present Controversie Concerning Liberty of Conscience: here you have the question stated, the middle way betwixt popish tyrannie and schismatizing liberty approved and also confirmed from Scripture and the testimonies of divines, yea of whole churches: the chiefe arguments and exceptions used in the bloudy tenent, the compassionate samaritane, M.S. to A.S. &c., examined: eight distinctions added for qualifying and clearing the whole matter: and in conclusion a parænetick to the five apologists for choosing accommodation rather than toleration, 1645. Available (PDF and MP3 files [audio file]), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.
    "Gillespie was a major force at the Westminster Assembly. This rare item gives great insight into the original intent of the framers of the Westminster documents concerning matters of conscience, liberty, law, and government. Dr. Greg Bahnsen has noted how sections mirror modern theonomic thought. Read on cassette for the first time ever! This item can also be found in written form in volume four of Naphtali Press' Anthology of Presbyterian and Reformed Literature." -- Publisher
    Wholesome Severity Reconciled With Christian Liberty, or, The True Resolution of a Present Controversy Concerning Liberty of Conscience, 1645
    http://www.naphtali.com/severity.htm
    Wholesome Severity Reconciled With Christian Liberty
    http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/4/21/wholesome-severity-reconciled-with-christian-liberty

    Girardeau, John L., College of Charleston, Society of Graduates, Conscience and Civil Government: An Oration Delivered Before the Society of Alumni of the College of Charleston on Commencement day, March 27th, 1860.

    Gouge, Thomas, Christian Directions Shewing how to Walk With God all the day Long, 1688.

    *Gouge, William (1578-1653), Hebrews Commentary, 3 volumes. Alternate title: A LEARNED AND VERY USEFUL COMMENTARY ON THE WHOLE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS; WHEREIN EVERY WORD AND PARTICLE IN THE ORIGINAL IS EXPLAINED, AND THE EMPHASIS THEREOF FULLY SHEWED; THE SENSE AND MEANING OF EVERY VERSE LOGICALLY AND EXACTLY ANALYZED; GENUINE DOCTRINES NATURALLY RAISED; THE MANIFOLD TYPES OF CHRIST UNVEILED, ETC. BEING THE SUBSTANCE OF THIRTY YEARS' WEDNESDAY'S LECTURES AT BLACKFRIARS, LONDON, 1866 EDITION. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "Darling calls this 'a labourious and valuable work, of very rare occurrence.' (Cyclopaedia Bibliographica, p. 1295). 'We greatly prize Gouge,' writes Spurgeon of this commentary, 'upon any topic which he touches he gives outlines which may supply sermons for months.'-- Commenting on Commentaries
    "Gouge was a leader among the Covenanted English Presbyterians, a respected member of the Westminster Assembly and one of its most active members. Some of his enemies vilified him as an 'Arch Puritan.' 1162 pages of the cream of Puritan-style commentating." -- Publisher

    Hall, Thomas (1610-1665), A Practical and Polemical Commentary, or Exposition Upon the Third and Fourth Chapters of the Latter Epistle of St. Paul to Timothy [2 Timothy 3; 2 Timothy 4], Wherein the text is explained, some controversies discussed, sundry cases of conscience are cleared, many common places are succinctly handled, and divers useful, and seasonable observations raised, 1658. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Hall, Thomas (1610-1665), and Swinnock, George (1627-1673), The Beauty of Magistracy in an Exposition of the 82 Psalm, Where is set Forth the Necessity, Utility, Dignity, Duty, and Mortality of Magistrates: Here many other texts of Scripture occasionally are cleared, many quaeries and cases of conscience about the magistrates power, are resolved, many anabaptistical cavils are confuted, and many seasonable observations containing many other heads of divinity, are raised: together with references to such authors as clear any point more fully / by Thomas Hall . . . ; with an additional sermon on verse 6 [Psalm 82:6], by George Swinnock, 1660.
    "Notes: Added t.p. on p. [3] following p. 188: Men are gods, or, The dignity of magistracy . . . by George Swinnock."

    *Harrison, Roland Kenneth (editor), Encyclopedia of Biblical and Christian Ethics, revised and updated (Testament, March 4, 2003), 480 pages, ISBN: 0517222280.
    "A comprehensive reference work for everyone concerned with the complicated moral issues of this world, this unique volume clearly communicates what Scripture teaches about the ethical dilemmas facing our society. Biological warfare, corporate responsibility, human rights, computer ethics, and much more are discussed by over fifty scholars who explain the moral guidelines in the Bible and historic Christian teachings.
    "R.K. Harrison, author and editor of over thirty books on biblical studies, has brought together a valuable A to B treasury of thought for every believer searching for guidance." -- Publisher
    "A compendium of reliable information. Arranged in dictionary format, 550 entries and 61 contributors. Goes beyond descriptive data to the practical application of truth to a variety of situations . . . . The book is well-indexed. . . . Treats ethical areas like apartheid and surrogate motherhood. Probably the best available evangelical treatment of this type." -- GCB

    *Hayward, Samuel (1718-1757), and Samuel Pike (1717-1773), Religious Cases of Conscience Answered in an Evangelical Manner . . . to Which is Added The Spiritual Companion; or, The Professing Christian Tried at the Bar of God's Word; and Character of the Happy Man, 1866, ISBN: 0902506005 9780902506008. Alternate title: SOME IMPORTANT CASES OF CONSCIENCE ANSWERED. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    Excerpts From Cases of Conscience and the Spiritual Companion, Samuel Pike and Samuel Hayward
    "Renewal after a time of spiritual dullness, Living with the promises and threats of God's word, Distinguishing faith and feelings, Discerning providential guidance, Assurance of growth in grace, Discovering why the Spirit is grieved, How to perform serious meditation, Spiritual injury from undue pursuit of the affairs of this life, Self-examination, The character of an honest man."
    http://www.westminsterconfession.org/literature/godly-living.php
    Religious Cases of Conscience Answered, by S. Pike and S. Hayward. To which is added The spiritual companion. With The touchstone of saving faith
    Full view in Google Books.
    http://books.google.com/books?id=6toHAAAAQAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html

    Heywood, Oliver, Closet-prayer: A Christian Duty, or A Treatise upon Matt 6:6 [Matthew 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. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Leites, Edmund (editor), Conscience and Casuistry in Early Modern Europe, ISBN: 0521301130 9780521301138.
    "The eight contributors to this volume are philosophers, historians, and political theorists from six different countries, with a corresponding diversity of disciplines and national traditions. Yet their contributions show a remarkable convergence on three themes: changes in the modes of moral education in early modern Europe, the emergence of new relations between conscience and law (particularly the law of the state), and the shared continuities and discontinuities of both Roman Catholic and Protestant moral culture in relation to their medieval past." -- Publisher

    Lindsley, Arthur W., Jr., Conscience and Casuistry in the English Puritan Concept of Reformation (University of Pittsburgh, Ph.D. thesis, 1982).
    "This study also argues that it is in the Puritan view of conscience and casuistry that we have a key to the uniqueness of Puritanism. The passion of Puritans like Perkins and Ames was the application of theology to life. It is in their view of conscience and casuistry that theology and practice meet. . . . It is also argued that there has been a failure to recognize the centrality of conscience in Puritan preaching. Preaching was directed at the conscience. The Puritan 'plain' style was thought the most adequate method for penetrating the conscience. . . ." -- Dissertation Abstracts

    Long, Edward Le Roy, Conscience and Compromise: An Approach to Protestant Casuistry.

    Love, Christopher (1618-1651), Edmund Calamy, Jeremiah Whittaker, Simeon Ashe, and William Taylor, Sixteen Sermons: Wherein is Plainly Shewn True Grace, With its Different Degrees -- And Several Important Cases of Conscience Answered in the Course of the Work. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. May be available in Christopher Love (1618-1651), and Edmund Calamy, SERMONS.
    "Classic Puritan preaching showing why the Puritans were masters of encouragement, especially to young and weak Christians with the smallest measures of grace. Here Love points out from numerous Scriptures how God Himself encourages even the weakest of His children! Sermon #1 includes a preface by several Westminster divines.
    "There is also good material here to counter the errors of N.T. Wright, NEW PERSPECTIVE ON PAUL, see also: pp. 84-92 in the free PDF -- which also counters Wright's false ecumenism), Norman Shepherd, Doug Wilson (see also: http://www.swrb.com/newslett/FREEBOOK/DWilson.htm), Steve Schlissel (see also: http://www.swrb.com/Puritan/steve-schlissel.htm), Steven Wilkins, John Barach and others who have fallen for the false teaching from the Auburn Avenue Pastors Conference (AAPC), or what has now become known as 'Federal Vision theology'." -- Publisher

    May, William F., A Catalogue of Sins: A Contemporary Examination of Christian Conscience.

    *McMaster (M'Master), Gilbert (1778-1854), The Duty of Nations: A Sermon, Delivered on the First Thursday of November, 1809: Being a day of Public Thanks-giving, Appointed by the Reformed Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, 1809. Available from Covenanter Pamphlets.
    The pamphlet includes TESTIMONY TO THE COVENANTED WORK OF REFORMATION (FROM 1638 TO 1649), IN BRITAIN AND IRELAND by Samuel Rutherfurd [Rutherford].
    Covenanter Monthly Pamphlets
    http://covenanter.org/pamphlets/
    The Duty of the Nations, 1810, a sermon.
    http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/gilbert-mcmasters-sermon-on-the-duty-of-nations

    Miller, Richard B., Casuistry and Modern Ethics: A Poetics of Practical Reasoning, ISBN: 0226526364 9780226526362 0226526372 9780226526379.
    "Did the Gulf War defend moral principle or Western oil interests? Is violent pornography an act of free speech or an act of violence against women? In CASUISTRY AND MODERN ETHICS, Richard B. Miller sheds new light on the potential of casuistry -- case-based reasoning -- for resolving these and other questions of conscience raised by the practical quandaries of modern life." -- Publisher

    *Owen, John (1616-1683), The Complete Works of John Owen, 16 volumes, ISBN: 0851513921 9780851513928. Alternate title: THE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN. A Christian classic. See Volume 1 for annotation on all 16 volumes. Many separate works by Owen may be found in the Puritan Hard Drive and the Reformation Bookshelf 30 CD Set.
    John Owen "is by common consent not the most versatile, but the greatest among Puritan theologians. For solidity, profundity, massiveness and majesty in exhibiting from Scripture God's ways with sinful mankind there is no one to touch him. . . ." -- J.I. Packer in A Quest for Godliness, p. 81
    "To master his works is to be a profound theologian." -- C.H. Spurgeon
    "The Banner of Truth Trust completed in May, 1968, the re-issue of the complete English works of Owen, his seven volumes on the Epistle of Hebrews excepted. All of these volumes 'are of the greatest value' (Dr. Lloyd-Jones), but for newcomers to Owen we especially recommend the four volumes in the Practical Division (vols. 6-9)." -- William J. Grier
    "His works on communion, Christian life, and the person and glory of Christ, the work of the Holy Spirit, etc. are of the utmost value to any serious-minded Christian." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)

    *Indexes to The Complete Works of John Owen, Banner of Truth, volume 16
    Volumes 17-23 are the 7 volumes on Hebrews. Apparently they are not included in the "Indices."
    http://spurgeon.wordpress.com/2006/11/08/download-free-index-to-the-works-of-john-owen-16-volumes/

    Keep in mind that there are many other editions of Owen's books that have been published in modern times.
    Many single works by Owen may be found on the Puritan Hard Drive and on the Reformation Bookshelf 30 CD Set. Available (THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN including HEBREWS, OCR digital text, in the Amazing Christian Library, DVD One, CD #1.

    *Owen, John (1616-1683), Hebrews, 7 volume set, volumes 17-23 of Owen's WORKS. Alternate title: EXPOSITION OF HEBREWS and AN EXPOSITION OF THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS.

    This same Banner of Truth edition is available from (Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, Inc.).
    "To master his works is to be a profound theologian." -- C.H. Spurgeon
    "THE work on Hebrews is John Owen's massive 4000-page commentary." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    See also: Owen, John (1616-1683), J.I. Packer (introduction, series editor), Alister McGrath (series editor), HEBREWS, an abridgement of the 7 volume work, 272 pages, ISBN: 1581340265 9781581340266 1856841847 9781856841849.
    "The author of Hebrews wanted his audience to know and understand one truth: Christ is superior, and therefore, so is Christianity. He demonstrates this by comparing the imperfect old covenant with the perfect new covenant. The person of Christ is better than prophets and angels, His priesthood is greater than that of Melchizedek and the line of Aaron, and His power within the believer's life is incomparable. Between these contrasts he exhorts the readers to persevere in their faith, be obedient, grow in their understanding, and not miss the grace of God. The lessons and admonitions of Hebrews have intensely practical application for all readers -- then and now.
    "Know as the 'theologian's theologian' John Owen (1616-1683), was vice chancellor of Oxford University and served as advisor and chaplain to Oliver Cromwell. Among the most learned and active Puritans in seventeenth-century Europe, he was a erudite and accomplished theologian both in doctrine and practical theology." -- Publisher
    Owen, John (1616-1683), An Exposition of the Epistle to the Hebrews; With the Preliminary Exercitations. By John Owen, D.D. revised and abridged; . . . by Edward Williams, 3 vols.
    Owen, Hebrews, vol. 1 of 3
    http://archive.org/details/expositionofepis184001owen
    Owen, Hebrews, vol. 2 of 3
    http://archive.org/details/expositionofepis184002owen
    Owen, Hebrews, vol. 3 of 3
    http://archive.org/details/expositionofepis184003owen

    *Owen, John (1616-1683), The Mortification of sin in Believers: Containing the necessity, nature, and means of it. With a resolution of sundry cases of conscience thereunto belonging. By John Owen, D.D. . . . A new edition London, 1783.
    "I owe more to John Owen than to any other theologian, ancient or modern; and I owe more to [THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN] than to anything else he wrote." -- J.I. Packer
    "John Owen's treatises on INDWELLING SIN IN BELIEVERS [in TEMPTATION AND SIN, Vol. 6 of Works] and THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN are, in my opinion, the most helpful writings on personal holiness ever written." -- Jerry Bridges
    The Works of John Owen, Vol. 6 (including THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN, Goold edition, 1862)
    https://archive.org/details/theworksofowen06owenuoft
    The Mortification of sin, an e-book
    https://www.monergism.com/mortification-sin-believers-ebook-0
    The Mortification of sin
    https://faculty.gordon.edu/hu/bi/ted_hildebrandt/SpiritualFormation/Texts/Owen_MortificationOfSin.pdf
    On the Mortification of Sin in Believers, John Owen (1 of 6), an audio file reading
    Currently (February 2009), there are 63 readings of John Owen by SWRB and Reformed Baptist of Holland (Michigan), (Thomas Sullivan), at SermonAudio.com available for listening online, downloading as MP3 files, and listening on iPhone or Mobile Phones.
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=62906111628

    *Owen, John (1616-1683), The Nature, Power, Deceit, and Prevalency of the Remainders of Indwelling-sin in Believers. Together with the ways of its working, and means of its prevention. Opened, evinced and applyed, with a resolution of sundry cases of conscience thereunto appertaining. By J. Owen, D.D., 1732. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    *Owen, John (1616-1683), Sermons to the Church, ISBN: 0851510655 9780851510651. Alternate title: THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN VOLUME 9; THE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN, VOLUME 9. A Christian classic.
    "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."

    *Pascal, Blaise (1623-1662), The Provincial Letters, ISBN: 1579100961.
    "In 1654, Pascal, a man of the world and a noted mathematician. . . . issued the famous Lettres Ecrites par Louis de Montalte a un Provincial de ses Amis, eighteen tracts directed with the keenest irony against the casuistry of the Jesuits. These LETTERS appeared between January 23, 1656, and March 24, 1657. They were published without the author's real name, had a large circulation, and created an immense sensation throughout Europe."
    "Containing an exposure of the reasoning and morals of the Jesuits." -- Publisher
    The Provincial Letters, Blaise Pascal
    http://archive.org/details/theprovinciallet00pasciala

    *Perkins, William (1558-1602), Christian Oeconomie, or, A Short Survey of the Right Manner of Erecting and Ordering a Familie According to the Scriptures first written in Latine by the author M.W. Perkins; And now set forth in the vulgar tongue for more common vse and benefit by Tho. Pickering . . . 1609, ISBN: 0921148623. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    *Perkins, William (1558-1602), The Whole Treatise of the Cases of Conscience, 1632. Alternate title: THE WHOLE TREATISE OF THE CASES OF CONSCIENCE DISTINGUISHED INTO THREE BOOKES: THE FIRST WHEREOF IS REVISED AND CORRECTED IN SUNDRIE PLACES, AND THE OTHER TWO ANNEXED. TAUGHT AND DELIUERED BY M.W. PERKINS IN HIS HOLY-DAY LECTURES, CAREFULLY EXAMINED BY HIS OWNE BRIEFES, AND NOW PUBLISHED TOGETHER FOR THE COMMON GOOD, BY T. PICKERING BACHELOUR OF DIUINITIE. WHEREUNTO IS ADIOYNED A TWOFOLD TABLE: ONE OF THE HEADS AND NUMBER OF THE QUESTIONS PROPOUNDED AND RESOLUED; ANOTHER OF THE PRINCIPALL TEXTS OF SCRIPTURE VVHICH ARE EITHER EXPLANED, OR VINDICATED FROM CORRUPT INTERPRETATION, ISBN: 9022104826 68113020. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "Called 'the principal architect of Elizabethan Puritanism' and 'the most important Puritan writer,' Perkins was the first theologian of the Reformed English church to gain an international reputation. His preaching manual, THE ART OF PROPHESYING (recently reprinted by the Banner of Truth Trust -- RB is found on nearly every seventeenth century New England book list. . . . Perkin's theological legacy extended through his Cambridge students, most prominently William Ames . . . Perkins's Calvinist theology was presented according to the logic and method of Peter Ramus . . . Ramism helped Perkins maintain the unity of theology and ethics, provided an educational tool by streamlining logic, fostered plain-style preaching, enhanced the art of memory, provided a tool for biblical interpretation as well as supplying a secure philosophical base on which to build theology,' notes the ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THE REFORMED FAITH (p. 274). This book is no exception and beautifully illustrates the usefulness of the Ramist method. 'Several of Perkins' works have been translated into Latin, French, Dutch, and Spanish' (Cyclopaedia Bibliographica, p. 2337)." -- Publisher

    Perkins, William (1558-1602), and Thomas F. Merrill (editor), William Perkins 1558-1602, English Puritanist -- His Pioneer Works on Casuistry: Discourse on Conscience and the Whole Treatise of Cases of Conscience, ISBN: 68113020.
    Edited with an introduction by Thomas F. Merrill.
    Includes bibliography.

    Pierce, C.A., Conscience in the New Testament.

    Rogers, Richard, Seven Treatises: The Practice of Christianity, 1630. Alternate title: SEVEN TREATISES: CONTAINING SUCH DIRECTION AS IS GATHERED OUT OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES, LEADING AND GUIDING TO TRUE HAPPINESSE, BOTH IN THIS LIFE, AND IN THE LIFE TO COME: AND MAY BE CALLED THE PRACTICE OF CHRISTIANITY. PROFITABLE FOR ALL SUCH AS HEARTILY DESIRE THE SAME: IN THE WHICH, MORE PARTICULARLY TRUE CHRISTIANS MAY LEARNE HOW TO LEAD A GODLY AND COMFORTABLE LIFE EVERY DAY, NOTWITHSTANDING THEIR TRIBULATIONS. FIRST PENNED, AND NOW SET FORTH THE FIFTH TIME, CORRECTED AND ENLARGED BY RICHARD ROGERS, PREACHER OF THE WORD OF GOD AT WETHERSFIELD IN ESSEX.
    http://books.google.com/books?id=52HgIAAACAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html

    Ruddoch, John, A Serious Advice, how to Attain Assurance of Salvation, by Personal Covenanting With our Lord Jesus Christ: Together With a Resolution of the Most Weighty and Necessary Cases of Conscience, That Trouble Exercised Christians, Concerning Their State, and Case of Their Souls. Being a letter from Mr. John Ruddoch, to all the societie [sic] in the south and west of Scotland, who joined in communion with the Reverend Mr. John Taylor, minister of the Gospel, in renewing our covenants, national and solemn league, in Wamphray Muir in Anandale, on the 23d of August, and in celebrating the Lord's Supper, in that place, on the Sabbath next thereafter, being the 26th of August 1722.

    *Rushdoony, Rousas J. (1916-2001), Institutes of Biblical Law, 3 volumes, ISBN: 1879998130. Available through Exodus Books.

    Volume 1: Institutes of Biblical Law, ISBN: 0875524109.
    "A monumental volume . . . Deeply explores the meaning and application of the Ten Commandments for today in civil government, social ethics, and personal conduct." -- GCB
    "Many consider this to be the author's most important work. With indices." -- Publisher
    Volume 2: Law and Society, ISBN: 1879998238.
    "The relationship of Biblical Law to communion and community, the sociology of the Sabbath, the family and inheritance, and much more are covered in the second volume. Contains an appendix by Herbert Titus. With indices." -- Publisher
    Volume 3: The Intent of the Law, ISBN: 1879998130.
    " 'God's law is much more than a legal code; it is a covenantal law. It establishes a personal relationship between God and man.' The first section summarizes the case laws. The author tenderly illustrates how the law is for our good, and makes clear the difference between the sacrificial laws and those that apply today. The second section vividly shows the practical implications of the law. The examples catch the reader's attention; the author clearly has had much experience discussing God's law. The third section shows that would-be challengers to God's law produce only poison and death. Only God's law can claim to express God's 'covenant grace in helping us'. With indices." -- Publisher
    See also: Theft: Commentary and Cases of Conscience. A Listing Excerpted From The Institutes of Biblical Law by Rousas John Rushdoony, 1973 edition
    http://www.lettermen2.com/theft.html
    *Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), A Free Disputation Against Pretended Liberty of Conscience: Tending to Resolve Doubts Moved by Mr. John Goodwin, John Baptist, Dr. Jer. Taylor, the Belgick Arminians, Socinians, and Other Authors, 1649. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #9, #25, and #26.
    "Rutherford's FREE DISPUTATION, though scarce, is still one of his most important works with maybe only a few copies of the actual book left in existence. Though Rutherford is affectionately remembered in our day for his LETTERS, or for laying the foundations of constitutional government (against the divine right of kings), in his unsurpassed LEX, REX his FREE DISPUTATION should not be overlooked for it contains the same searing insights as LEX, REX. In fact, this book should probably be known as Rutherford's 'politically incorrect' companion volume to LEX, REX. A sort of sequel aimed at driving pluralists and antinomians insane. Written against 'the Belgick Arminians, Socinians, and other Authors contending for lawless liberty, or licentious Tolerations of Sects and Heresies,' Rutherford explains the undiluted Biblical solution to moral relativism, especially as it is expressed in ecclesiastical and civil pluralism! (Corporate pluralism being a violation of the first commandment and an affront to the holy God of Scripture). He also deals with conscience, toleration, penology (punishment), and the judicial laws, as related to both the civil and ecclesiastical realms. Excellent sections are also included which address questions related to determining the fundamentals of religion, how covenants bind us, the perpetual obligation of social covenants (with direct application to the Solemn League and Covenant and the covenant-breaking of Cromwell and his sectarian supporters), whether the punishing of seducing teachers be persecution of conscience, and much more. Walker adds these comments and context regarding Rutherford's FREE DISPUTATION, 'The principle of toleration was beginning to be broached in England, and in a modified shape to find acceptance there. Samuel Rutherford was alarmed, or rather, I should say, he was horrified, for he neither feared the face of man or argument. He rushed to the rescue of the good old view . . . It is not so easy to find a theoretical ground for toleration; and Rutherford has many plausible things to say against it. With the most perfect confidence, he argues that it is alike against Scripture and common sense that you should have two religions side by side. It is outrageous ecclesiastically, it is sinful civilly. He does not, however, take what I call the essentially persecuting ground. He does not hold that the magistrate is to punish religion as religion. Nay, he strongly maintains that the civil magistrate never aims at the conscience. The magistrate, he urges, does not send anyone, whether a heretic (who is a soul murderer -- eb), or a murderer, to the scaffold with the idea of producing conversion or other spiritual result, but to strengthen the foundations of civil order. But if he gives so much power to the king, he is no lover of despotism withal: the king himself must be under law. To vindicate this great doctrine is the object of another book, the celebrated LEX, REX; of which it has been said by one competent to judge, that it first clearly developed the constitutionalism which all men now accept.' (Theology and Theologians . . . pp. 11-12). In our day Francis Schaeffer, and numerous others, have critiqued many of the problems found in modern society, but most have spent little time developing explicitly Biblical solutions especially regarding the theoretical foundations that Rutherford addresses here. Rutherford's FREE DISPUTATION provides a detailed blueprint for laying the foundations that must be laid before any lasting, God-honoring solutions will be found. Furthermore, Rutherford and his writings were the enemies of all governments not covenanted with Christ. This book will give you a very clear picture as to why 'the beast' (civil and ecclesiastical), has reserved his special hatred for such teaching. As Samuel Wylie noted 'the dispute, then, will not turn upon the point whether religion should be civilly established . . . but it is concerning what religion ought to be civilly established and protected, -- whether the religion of Jesus alone should be countenanced by civil authority, or every blasphemous, heretical, and idolatrous abomination which the subtle malignity of the old serpent and a heart deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, can frame and devise, should be put on an equal footing therewith." -- The two Sons of oil; or, The Faithful Witness for Magistracy and Ministry Upon a Scriptural Basis. Can our generation swallow Rutherford's hard, anti-pluralistic, Covenanter medicine, poured forth from the bottle of the first commandment, without choking on their carnal dreams of a free and righteous society divorced from God (and His absolute claims upon everyone and everything)? Not without the enabling power of the Holy Spirit -- that is for sure! In summary, this book answers all the hardest questions theonomists (and their wisest and best opponents), have been asking for the last 20-30 years (and these answers are much more in depth than any we have seen in the last couple of millennia. [less about a century to account for the apostles]). As the reader will discover, Rutherford was a wealthy man when it came to wisdom (and much advanced theologically), and those who take the time to gaze into the King's treasure house, as exhibited in this book, will find that they are greatly rewarded. Furthermore, because of its uncompromising stand upon the Word of God, this book is sure to be unpopular among a wicked and adulterous generation. However, on the other hand, it is sure to be popular among the covenanted servants of King Jesus! This is one of the best books (in the top five anyway), for advanced study of the Christian faith. We have now obtained an easy-to-read, amazingly clear copy of this very rare, old treasure. Great price too, considering that a copy of the 1649 edition, containing this quality of print, would likely cost upwards of $1000 on the rare book market -- though it is unlikely you would ever see a copy for sale!" -- Publisher
    A Brotherly and Free Epistle to the Patrons and Friends of Pretended Liberty of Conscience, Samuel Rutherford
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/anti_toleration/rutherfurd_epistle_against_pretendedlibertyofconscience.html
    Chapter 21 From Samuel Rutherford's 1649 Edition of A Free Disputation Against Pretended Liberty of Conscience being Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), Of the Samaritans, and of the Non Compelling of Heathens; How the Covenant Bindeth us
    http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/FreeDis21.htm
    Brutus, Junius, The Covenant Between God and Kings, from A DEFENSE OF LIBERTY
    http://www.constitution.org/vct/vindiciae1a.htm

    *Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), Lex, Rex, or the Law and the Prince, ISBN: 0873779517. Alternate title: A TREATISE OF CIVIL POLICY: BEING A RESOLUTION OF FORTY THREE QUESTIONS CONCERNING PREROGATIVE, RIGHT AND PRIVILEGE, IN REFERENCE TO THE SUPREME PRINCE AND THE PEOPLE. / BY SAMUEL RUTHERFORD PROFESSOR OF DIVINITY OF ST ANDREWS IN SCOTLAND. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #10, #25.
    " 'Lex, rex' is Latin for 'law is king.'
    "LEX, REX is 'the great political text of the Covenanters.' (Johnston citing Innes in Treasury of the Scottish Covenant, p. 305). 'Rutherford was the first to formulate the great constitutional principle Lex est Rex -- the law is King . . . much of the doctrine has become the constitutional inheritance of all countries in modern times.'
    "Gilmour writes [in SAMUEL RUTHERFORD], 'that, as regards religious fervour, scholastic subtlety of intellect, and intensity of ecclesiastical conviction, Samuel Rutherford is the most distinctively representative Scotsman in the first half of the seventeenth century'." -- Publisher
    "Without a doubt one of the greatest books on political philosophy ever written. Rutherford here has penned a great Christian charter of liberty against all forms of civil tyranny -- vindicating the Scriptural duty to resist tyrants as an act of loyalty to God." -- Publisher
    "That resistance to lawful authority -- even when that authority so called has, in point of fact, set at nought 'all law' -- is in no instance to be vindicated, will be held by those only who are the devotees of arbitrary power and passive obedience. The principles of Mr. Rutherford's LEX, REX, however obnoxious they may be to such men, are substantially the principles on which all government is founded, and without which the civil magistrate would become a curse rather than a blessing to a country. They are the very principles which lie at the basis of the British Constitution, and by whose tenure the House of Brunswick does at this very moment hold possession of the throne of these realms." -- Rev. Robert Burns, D.D., in his "Preliminary Dissertation" to Wodrow's Church History
    Additional sources of text related to LEX REX are as follows:
    "Though Rutherford is affectionately remembered in our day for his LETTERS, or for laying the foundations of constitutional government (against the divine right of kings), in his unsurpassed LEX, REX, his FREE DISPUTATION should not be overlooked, for it contains the same searing insights as LEX, REX. In fact, this book [A FREE DISPUTATION AGAINST PRETENDED LIBERTY OF CONSCIENCE -- compiler] should probably be known as Rutherford's 'politically incorrect' companion volume to LEX, REX. It is a sort of sequel aimed at driving pluralists and antinomians insane. Written against 'the Belgick Arminians, Socinians, and other Authors contending for lawless liberty, or licentious Tolerations of Sects and Heresies,' Rutherford explains the undiluted Biblical solution to moral relativism, especially as it is expressed in ecclesiastical and civil pluralism! (Corporate pluralism being a violation of the first commandment, and an affront to the holy God of Scripture)." -- Publisher
    A HIND LET LOOSE by Alexander Shields is sometimes referred to as 'Lex, Rex, Volume Two.'
    A Hind let Loose; or An Historical Representation of the Testimonies of the Church of Scotland. . . . by Mr. Alexander Shields, Minister of the Gospel, in St. Andrews
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/shields/
    A Hind let Loose; or, An Historical Representation of the Testimonies of the Church of Scotland, for the Interest of Christ
    "This book sets forth the Crown rights of King Jesus, against all usurpers in both church and state, giving a history of some of faithful sufferings endured by the elect, in maintaining this truth." -- Publisher
    http://archive.org/details/hindletlooseorhi00shie
    "This [THE DUE RIGHT OF PRESBYTERIES OR A PEACEABLE PLEA FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND -- compiler], 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'." -- Publisher
    Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), Lex, rex: The law and the Prince, a Dispute for the Just Prerogative of King and People (1843)
    http://archive.org/details/lexrexlawandpri00ruthgoog
    Lex, Rex, or The Law and the Prince, Samuel Rutherford
    "Rutherford is to be praised for his teaching that the king is subject to the law of God. The Bible has nothing but condemnation for those who frame mischief by a law and declares rhetorically, Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee? (Psalm 94:20). Deuteronomy 17 is the classic passage in defense of Lex, Rex, wherein the king is charged to read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, to keep all the words of this law. (Deuteronomy 17:19)." -- Publisher
    http://www.constitution.org/sr/lexrex.htm
    Lex, rex: the law and the Prince, a Dispute for the Just Prerogative of King and People, containing the reasons and causes of the defensive wars of the kingdom of Scotland, and of their expedition for the ayd and help of their brethren of England. In which a full answer is given to a seditious pamphlet, intituled, Sacro-sancta regum majestas, penned by J. Maxwell. By S. Rutherford. [Followed by], De jure regni apud Scotos; a dialogue, tr. by R. Macfarlan (repr. from the ed. of 1799).
    http://books.google.com/books?id=jtYDAAAAQAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html
    Brutus, Junius, The Covenant Between God and Kings, from A DEFENSE OF LIBERTY
    http://www.constitution.org/vct/vindiciae1a.htm

    Shaw, Mark R., The Marrow of Practical Divinity: A Study in the Theology of William Perkins (Westminster Theological Seminary, Th.D. thesis, 1981).
    "Chapters four and five concern the first two books of Perkins' CASES OF CONSCIENCE and cover the issues of conversion, assurance, and worship. . . . Chapter six focuses on Perkins' social, economic, and political thought. His views on such questions as the structure of the family, the power of government, the rise of capitalism and the proper use of wealth, food, clothing, arts and recreation are considered. . . . The final chapter evaluates Perkins' PRACTICAL DIVINITY as a force for renewal in the church. . . . -- Dissertation Abstracts

    Shepard, Thomas (1605-1649), Theses Sabbaticae. Alternate title: THESES SABBATICAE, OR THE DOCTRINE OF THE SABBATH, WHEREIN THE SABBATH'S MORALITY, CHANGE, BEGINNING AND SANCTIFICATION, ARE CLEARLY DISCUSSED. WHICH WERE FIRST HANDLED MORE LARGELY IN SUNDRY SERMONS IN CAMBRIDGE IN NEW-ENGLAND IN OPENING OF THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT. IN UNFOLDING WHEREOF MANY SCRIPTURES ARE CLEARED, DIVERS CASES OF CONSCIENCE RESOLVED, AND THE MORAL LAW AS A RULE OF LIFE TO A BELIEVER OCCASIONALLY AND DISTINCTLY HANDLED, 1650. Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS SHEPARD, vol. 3 of 3 [THESES SABBATICAE], only), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "The author, who was founder of Harvard University and a Puritan minister at Cambridge in the early 1600s, has written four theses on the morality of the Sabbath, the change of the Sabbath from the seventh day to the first, the beginning of the Sabbath, and how the Sabbath is to be sanctified by God's people. This book should silence the cavils of those misguided souls who deny that the Fourth Commandment finds its New Testament fulfillment in the celebration of the Lord's Day." -- Publisher

    Stanislaus, Woywod, and John Ambrose McHugh, The Casuist: A Collection of Cases in Moral and Pastoral Theology.

    Starr, George A., Defoe and Casuistry, ISBN: 0691061920 9780691061924.

    *Steele, David (1803-1887), A Case of Conscience. Alternate title: THE U.S. CONSTITUTION, TAXATION, SLAVERY, ANTICHRIST, CHURCH DISCIPLINE AND THE COVENANTERS and CIRCULAR NO. 2. Available (THE U.S. CONSTITUTION, TAXATION, SLAVERY . . .) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (THE U.S. CONSTITUTION, TAXATION, SLAVERY . . .) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #18, #26.
    Circular No. 2, David Steele
    "On Covenanter identity, the American 'civil' war and matters of taxation." -- Publisher
    http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/4/25/circular-no-2
    Steele, David (1803-1887), A Case of Conscience
    "An short article on the question of covenanters and taxation." -- Publisher
    http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/4/26/a-case-of-conscience

    Strong, William (d. 1654), and Theophilus Gale (1628-1678), A Discourse of the two Covenants Wherein the Nature, Differences, and Effects of the Covenant of Works and of Grace are Distinctly, Rationally, Spiritually and Practically Discussed: Together With a Considerable Quantity of Practical Cases Dependent Thereon / by William Strong, 1678.

    Toon, Peter, Your Conscience as Your Guide, ISBN: 081921339X 9780819213396.
    "Meets a felt need for a reliable work that adheres to the Scriptures and at the same time interacts with non-Christian and anti-Christian systems of thought. . . ." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Trapp, John, A Clavis to the Bible, or a New Comment Upon the Pentateuch, or Five Books of Moses, Wherein are: 1. Difficult texts explained, 2. Controversies discussed, 3. Common places handled, 4. Cases of Conscience cleared, 5. Many remarkable matters hinted, that had by other interpreters been omitted, 6. Besides, divers texts of Scripture, which occasionally occur, are fully opened, 7. And the whole so intermixed with pertinent Histories, as will yield both pleasure, and profit to the judicious, pious reader, 1650 Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Trapp, John, Commentary on Hosea to Malachi, Volume 4 of 5, 1654, 1865-1868 edition. Alternate title: A COMMENTARY, OR EXPOSITION UPON THE 12 MINOR PROPHETS (HOSEA, JOEL, AMOS, OBADIAH, JONAH, MICAH, NAHUM, HABAKKUK, ZEPHANIAH, HAGGAI, ZECHARIAH, AND MALACHI), WHEREIN THE TEXT IS EXPLAINED, SOME CONTROVERSIES ARE DISCUSSED, SUNDRY CASES OF CONSCIENCE ARE CLEARED, AND MANY REMARKABLE MATTERS HINTED, THAT HAD BY FORMER INTERPRETERS BEEN PRETERMITTED. HEREUNTO IS ADDED A TREATISE CALLED, 'THE RIGHTEOUS MAN'S RECOMPENSE -- A TRUE CHRISTIAN CHARACTERIZED AND ENCOURAGED, OUT OF MALACHI 3:16-18,' AS WELL AS 'THEOLOGICIA THEOLOGIAE: THE TRUE TREASURE. A TREASURY OF THE HOLY TRUTHS TOUCHING GOD'S WORD, AND GOD THE WORD. DIGGED UP AND DRAWN OUT OF THAT INCOMPARABLE MINE OF UNSEARCHABLE MYSTERY, HEBREWS 1:1-3.' IN ALL WHICH DIVERSE TEXTS OF SCRIPTURE WHICH OCCASIONALLY OCCUR, ARE FULLY OPENED, AND THE WHOLE SO INTERMIXED WITH PERTINENT HISTORIES, AS WILL YIELD BOTH PLEASURE AND PROFIT TO THE JUDICIOUS READER. Indexed. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    *Tripp, Theodore A., and David Powlison (introduction), Shepherding a Child's Heart, ISBN: 0966378601 9780966378603.
    "Written for parents with children of any age, this insightful book provides perspectives and procedures for shepherding your child's heart into the paths of life. SHEPHERDING A CHILD'S HEART gives fresh biblical approaches to child rearing." -- Publisher
    "This is a masterful book." -- David Powlison
    "Solid, trustworthy, biblical help for parents." -- John MacArthur.

    *Turretin, Francis (1623-1687), Institutes of Elenctic Theology, Vols. 1, 2, and 3, ISBN: 0875524516 9780875524511 0875524524 9780875524528.
    Turretin was the renowned teacher of the Academy in Geneva and successor to Calvin, Beza, and Diodati.
    These three volumes "mark the arrival of the first complete edition of the INSTITUTES OF ELENCTIC THEOLOGY to be published in the English language. Heartily recommended by James Montgomery Boice, Sinclair B. Ferguson, John H. Gerstner, Leon Morris, and others. Theologians, pastors, and students will welcome this treatise, which first develops and then contrast Reformed doctrines with Roman Catholic, Arminian, and Socinian views. . . ." -- Publisher
    Francis Turretin, excerpts
    http://www.apuritansmind.com/FrancisTurretin/francisturretin.htm

    *Vincent, Thomas (1634-1678), Shorter Catechism Explained From Scripture. Alternate title: THE SHORTER CATECHISM OF THE WESTMINSTER ASSEMBLY EXPLAINED AND PROVED FROM SCRIPTURE, ISBN: 085151314X. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "Forty Puritans including John Owen, Thomas Manton, Thomas Brooks and Thomas Watson recommended this useful volume as a very worth aid for family instruction. This volume gives parents very simple explanations to take their children through the Westminster Shorter Catechism."
    Westminster Shorter Catechism With Proof Texts
    http://www.reformed.org/documents/WSC_frames.html
    Westminster Shorter Catechism Project: Body of Divinity Contained in Sermons Upon the Assembly's Catechism by the Rev. Thomas Watson (1620-1686)
    "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/

    Webster, W. (William), A Casuistical Essay on Anger and Forgiveness; Wherein the practice of duelling, and some defects in our laws, with regard to the punishment of crimes, are consider'd; . . . In three dialogues between a gentleman and a clergyman, London, 1750.

    Willard, Samuel (1639-1707), The Character of a Good Ruler as it was Recommended in a Sermon Preached Before His Excellency the Governour, and the Honourable Counsellors, and Assembly of the Representatives of the Province of Massachusetts Bay in New-England, May 30, 1694: which was the day for election of counsellors for that province, by Samuel Willard.
    Samuel Willard was pastor of a Church of Christ in Boston and Vice-President of Harvard College. See his other works.

    Willard, Samuel (1639-1707), The Duty of a People That Have Renewed Their Covenant With God: Opened and Urged in a Sermon preached to the Second Church in Boston in New-England, March 17, 1679[/]80, after that church had explicitly and most solemnly renewed the engagement of themselves to God and one to another.

    Willard, Samuel (1639-1707), Thomas Prince, and Joseph Sewall, A Compleat Body of Divinity in Two Hundred and Fifty Expository Lectures on the Assembly's Shorter Catechism Wherein the Doctrines of the Christian Religion are Unfolded, Their Truth Confirm'd, Their Excellence Display'd, Their Usefulness Improv'd; Contrary errors and vices refuted and expos'd, objections answer'd, controversies settled, cases of conscience resolv'd; and a great light thereby reflected on the present age. By the Reverend and learned Samuel Willard, M.A. late Pastor of the South Church in Boston, and vice-president of Harvard College in Cambridge, in New-England. Prefac'd by the pastors of the same church.
    Samuel Willard was pastor of a Church of Christ in Boston and Vice-President of Harvard College. See his other works.

    Woodward, Park, The Triumph of Faith: or, Anti-Christian policy Detected in the Field of High Places, as Represented on the Stage of Divine Revelation, Both in the Old and New Testament, Being Displayed in the Form of a Dialogue Between Christian and Calvin, in Which Twelve Doctrinal Heads are Contended For.

    Wylie, Samuel B. (1773-1852), The Obligation of Covenants: A Discourse, Delivered, Monday, June 27, 1803, After the Dispensation of the Lord's Supper, in the Reformed Presbyterian Congregation, Glasgow. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    The Obligation of Covenants
    http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/samuel-b-wylies-sermon-on-the-obligation-of-covenants

    *Wylie, Samuel B. (1773-1852), The two Sons of oil; or, The Faithful Witness for Magistracy and Ministry Upon a Scriptural Basis (1850 edition, reprinted 1995). A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #13, #26.
    "A Covenanter classic opening Revelation 11:3,4 and Zechariah 4:14. It has been hailed as the 'best presentation of the position of the Covenanter Church that has been written.' Noting that the 'time has been, when the whole body of Presbyterians, in Scotland, England, and Ireland, unanimously subscribed' to these principles, 'for civil and ecclesiastical reformation' and that thousands bled and died for the glorious covenanted cause of civil and ecclesiastical reformation; Wylie sets out to explain and defend 'that cause. Not because it is an ancient cause; not because many have sealed it with their blood; but, because,' as he says, 'I thought it the doctrine of the Bible, and the cause of Christ.' This book explains how to tell if a government (especially a civil government), is faithful to Christ and thus to be obeyed for conscience's sake. It also gives direction regarding when and how to resist (and disassociate), yourself from governments which get their power from 'the beast.' Moreover, this book gives clear testimony as to what the Bible requires of civil magistrates, noting 'that civil rulers should exercise their power in protecting and defending the religion of Jesus.' It also gives plain reasons why dissent from the government of the United States (and other covenant breaking nations), is the legitimate Scriptural pattern." -- Publisher
    The two Sons of oil; or, The Faithful Witness for Magistracy and Ministry Upon a Scriptural Basis, Samuel B. Wylie
    http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualNLs/two-sons-of-oil.htm
    The two Sons of oil, or, The Faithful Witness for Magistracy and Ministry Upon a Scriptural Basis (1850), Samuel Brown Wylie and James McLeod Willson
    http://archive.org/details/twosonsofoilorfa00wylirich

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Guilt, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justification, Justifying faith, Spiritual discernment, 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 ten commandments: the moral law, Systematic theology, ethics, Medical ethics, The westminster standards, Logic based on god's truth, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Epistemology, Resolutions, The right to petition, Referendum votes, Bible magistracy turns back the wrath of god, The doctrine of the lesser magistrates, The government role of punishing wrongdoers, Toleration, liberty of conscience, pluralism, "religious freedom," and neutrality, Unity and uniformity in the visible church: unity in the truth, National establishment of religion: establishmentarianism, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Expository bible commentaries, Biblical counsel by subject, Discipleship, Puritans, works by and about, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 824-826
    MGTP: Conscience (Cases of), Conscience

    Related Weblinks

    Cases of Conscience Concerning Evil Spirits, Personating Men, Witchcrafts. Infallible Proofs of Guilt in Such as Are Accused With That Crime. All Considered According to the Scriptures, History, Experience, and the Judgment of Many Learned men, by Increase Mather, President of Harvard Colledge at Cambridge, and Teacher of a Church at Boston in New-England.
    http://etext.virginia.edu/salem/witchcraft/speccol/

    Cases of Conscience Resolved, John Owen. Modernized by Richard J. Vincent
    http://www.theocentric.com/originalarticles/owenconscience.html

    Conscience and the Power Thereof
    http://www.gcpublications.com/Documents/Cases%20of%20Conscience%20and%20the%20Power%20Thereof/6_COMPLETE.pdf

    Theft: Commentary and Cases of Conscience. A Listing Excerpted From The Institutes of Biblical Law by Rousas John Rushdoony, 1973 edition
    http://www.lettermen2.com/theft.html



    Cheerfulness

    These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 16:33)

    Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
    Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.     (Colossians 1:11,12)

    God is a Spirit infinitely happy, therefore we must approach him with cheerfulness. -- Stephen Charnock

    *Scudder, Henry (d. 1659?), The Christian's Daily Walk in Holy Security and Peace. Alternate title: THE CHRISTIAN'S DAILY WALK, IN HOLY SECURITY AND PEACE, BEING AN ANSWER TO THESE QUESTIONS: 1. HOW A MAN MAY DO EACH PRESENT DAY'S WORK WITH CHRISTIAN CHEERFULNESS? 2. HOW TO BEAR EACH PRESENT DAY'S CROSS WITH CHRISTIAN PATIENCE? CONTAINING FAMILIAR DIRECTIONS 1. HOW TO WALK WITH GOD IN THE WHOLE COURSE OF A MAN'S LIFE 2. HOW TO BE UPRIGHT IN THE SAID WALKING 3. HOW TO LIVE WITHOUT TAKING CARE OR THOUGHT IN ANYTHING 4. HOW TO GET AND KEEP TRUE PEACE WITH GOD, WHEREIN ARE MANIFOLD HELPS TO PREVENT AND REMOVE DAMNABLE PRESUMPTION, ALSO TO QUIET AND EASE DISTRESSED CONSCIENCES, 1690. A Christian classic.
    "I remember not any book which is written to be the daily companion of Christians, to guide them in the practice of a holy life, which I prefer before this . . ." -- John Owen
    "We could say nothing more about this book than that it has been highly recommended by John Owen and Richard Baxter. Owen said it had been very effective for him in his youth and Baxter said there is no book better on the subject." -- GCB

    Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Cheer up my Comrades! Encouragement for all Christians, a sermon. Available as an MP3 [audio file] at SermonAudio.com. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Winslow, Octavius (1808-1878), Joel R. Beeke (foreword), Help Heavenward: Guidance and Strength for the Christian's Life-journey, ISBN: 0851517757. Alternate title: HELP HEAVENWARD, OR, WORDS OF STRENGTH AND HEART-CHEER TO ZION'S TRAVELLERS.

    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, The covenant faithfulness of god, The all-sufficiency of christ, Immanuel, christ's presence, christ in you, Eternal life, immortality, Heaven, Thanksgiving, gratitude, Worship, Joy, Happiness and holiness, Comfort, encouragement, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 668, 669
    MGTP: Blessedness, Joy, Salvation, Justifation faith, Worship



    Child Abuse and Pedophilia

    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)

    Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
    And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
    But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and [that] he were drowned in the depth of the sea.     -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 18:4-6)

    Woe to the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! . . . .
    Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.     -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 18:7,10)

    Even though a mother may forget her children, yet will I not forget you. (Isaiah 49:15)

    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)

    Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. (Psalm 127:3)

    Wicked parents are the most notable servants of the devil in all the world and the bloodiest enemies to their children's souls. More souls are damned by ungodly parents, and next [to them] ungodly ministers and magistrates, than by any instruments in the world besides. -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691) in Baxter's Practical Works, vol. 1, A Christian Directory, Part II, Christian Economics: or, The Family Directory . . , Chapter X, "The Duties of Parents for Their Children," the Soli Deo Gloria Publications reprint, 1990, of the 19th century reprint by George Virtue, London, p. 451

    For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26)

    There is documented research proving the thesis that child abuse (emotional, physical, sexual, or spiritual, etc.) results in disturbances in learning, and disturbances in adjusting emotionally and socially, regardless of "differences in age, sex, race, gender, IQ, or socioeconomic status."
    In other words, the implications are that abuse has the effect of making it difficult for a child to learn (grow in knowledge of the truth and understanding, have an open mind, be teachable), and of making it difficult to relate to the world (relationships, spouses, family, church, workplace, government), regardless of the child's innate capabilities and gifts. So, even the gifted child, if abused, will in later life suffer, however subtle, learning disabilities, blocks, blind spots, or abnormal behaviour. "If a parent and child love each other, then the parent can teach the child anything." But emotional scars can be as hard to heal as chronic disease.
    "Physically abused and nonabused children were compared on child-completed measures of depression, hopelessness, self-esteem, and locus of control. Results indicated that, in comparison with nonabused controls, abused children evidenced more depressive symptoms, heightened externality, lower self-esteem, and greater hopelessness about the future. Group differences in depressive symptomatology were not accounted for on the basis of differences in age, sex, race, gender, IQ, or socioeconomic status."
    Depressive Characteristics of Physically Abused Children, Denise M. Allen and Kenneth J. Tarnowski
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2926018
    The Effects of Violence in the Home on Children's Emotional, Behavioral, and Social Functioning. A Review of the Literature
    http://ebx.sagepub.com/content/6/2/94.abstract

    Abuse of all types (emotional, psychological, educational, physical, sexual, spiritual, etc.) results in spiritual blindness, and the wicked are self-destructive. The victim of abuse is rendered, in many cases, unable to love his fellowman, socially awkward, emotionally maladjusted, disturbances in learning, unable to attain to his full potential -- out of touch with reality. Abuse is the "evangel" of the Adversary, the Liar and the Deceiver. The answer? The Gospel.

    When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up. (Psalm 27:10)

    Is this not one of the magnificent promises?
    As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.
    For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity.     (Psalm 125:3,4)
    "Their heavenly Father, it is true, loves them most tenderly, but he will have them awakened by the cross . . . . The reason is added why God will not suffer the wicked always to triumph over the righteous -- namely, lest the just, overcome by temptation, abandon themselves wholly to sinning, a reason which ought to be carefully marked. Hence we gather that God, from his willingness to bear with our weakness, moderates our adversities. Although, then, we may not possess in ourselves a sufficient amount of fortitude and constancy to enable us to persevere in our duty for a single moment, yet let this sentiment be present to our minds, That God will take care that, broken as we may be by afflictions, we shall not forsake his service. -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 125:3 and context

    Whosoever hateth [abuses -- compiler] his brother is a murderer, and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. (1 John 3:15)

    But he that hateth [abuses -- compiler] his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. (1 John 4:11) See also: John Calvin commenting on 1 John 4:11 in context

    Ultimately the Seventh Commandment (Exodus 20:14), is about our fidelity to Christ. (Hosea 2:19-20; 1 Corinthians 6:15-20; James 4:4)
    To fracture the Seventh Commandment is to break covenant with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
    The sexual revolution is really a revolution against God. (Numbers 25:1-3, 29; Joshua 22:17; Psalm 106:30,31)
    See: Engelsma, Marriage, the Mystery of Christ and the Church.

    Trust unto Jehovah with all thy heart, And unto thine own understanding lean not. In all thy ways know thou Him, And He doth make straight thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5,6, YLTHB)

    Word: "disease"; Meaning; "disturb"; Sample location: "Luke 8:49" -- from the "Glossary," 1599 Geneva Bible, Tolle Lege edition

    DISEASE, n. Dizeze. [dis and ease].
    1. In its primary sense, pain, uneasiness, distress, and so used by Spenser; but in this sense, obsolete.
    2. The cause of pain or uneasiness . . . disorder; any state of a living body in which the natural functions of the organs are interrupted or disturbed . . . The first effect of disease is uneasiness or pain, and the ultimate effect is death. . . .
    3. A disordered state of the mind or intellect, by which the reason is impaired.
    4. In society, vice; corrupt state of morals. Vices are called moral diseases. A wise man converses with the wicked, as a physician with the sick, not to catch the disease, but to cure it.
    5. Political or civil disorder, or vices in a state; any practice which tends to disturb the peace of society, or impede or prevent the regular administration of government.
    The instability, injustice and confusion introduced into the public councils have, in truth, been the mortal diseases under which popular governments have every where perished. -- 1846 edition of An American Dictionary of the English Language
    DISEASE, v.t. dizeze.
    1. To interrupt or impair any or all the natural and regular functions of the several organs of a living body [i.e. robbing a neighbor of sleep -- compiler]; to afflict with pain or sickness to make morbid . . .
    2. To interrupt or render imperfect the regular functions of the brain, or of the intellect; to disorder; to derange.
    3. To infect; to communicate disease to, by contagion.
    4. To pain; to make uneasy. -- 1828 edition of Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language

    Sexual abuse is making headlines around America. . . . Many people secretly bear the scars of childhood abuse and desperately struggle with the hidden trauma that interferes with spiritual growth and normal human relationships. The church needs to understand genuine sexual abuse and what can be done about it under present civil constraints. -- Susan Alder

    It is said that the average age at which adults admit to being a victim of child abuse is 55-years.

    Can you ever justify torturing a baby for just your own delight and your thrill? No. Because the baby is vulnerable, the baby is weak, the baby is innocent of why all this is happening. . . .
    Where there is love there has to be freedom. If you don't have freedom, you can not really love, because love also has to have the choice of not loving. Where there is love, there has to be freedom. Where there is freedom there will always be the possibility of evil. Where there is the possibility of evil there will be the need of a saviour. Where there is the need of a saviour we must see the prospect of redemption. . . -- Ravi Zacharias

    Incest is "boot camp" for prostitution.
    There are those persons who are criminals by choice, then there are those, especially children, who have no choice.

    Social researcher Dr. Judith Reisman says that the incidence of homosexuals molesting children is 40 times greater than the number of heterosexuals who molest children. In her study, CRAFTING GAY CHILDREN, Reisman notes that heterosexuals outnumber homosexuals by 44 to 1 in our culture. She also points out that 17-24 percent of boys are being abused by age 18 and 25 percent of girls. -- Judith Reisman Crafting gay Children, a study.

    Homosexuals are over-represented in child sex offenses: Individuals from the 1 to 3 percent of the population that is sexually attracted to the same sex are committing up to one-third of the sex crimes against children. -- Timothy J. Dailey, Ph.D. in "Homosexuality and Child Sexual Abuse"

    Family Watchdog
    This national website tracks sexual offenders in your area.
    "Enter an address below to view a map of registered sex offenders near you."
    While this is much needed data, and we commend efforts thus far, this map will not include the following sexual offenders who should (when known), be publicly identified until they repent of their sexual crimes:

    1. sexual offenders who have not been caught, tried, and convicted (the arrest/conviction ratio for all offenses was approximately 100/25 in the mid 90s);
    2. sexual offenders who have violated parole;
    3. sexual offenders who have failed to report their address or address change;
    4. sexual offenders using an alias (The FBI "believes 1 in 6 persons with a criminal record may be using alias names and identification." -- U.S. Congress, Office of Technology Assessment, OTA-TCT-497);
    5. sexual offenders who have been convicted on some other charge;
    6. ex-convicts and inmates who have committed sodomy in prison;
    7. offenders guilty of raping their spouse and the offense has gone unreported;
    8. wives who deliberately commit adultery as part of a "pre-planned divorce," that is, who married with plans to divorce for financial gain;
    9. offenders guilty of unreported incest;
    10. offenders guilty of unreported date rape;
    11. offenders who have committed unreported sexual offenses when drunk or under the influence of drugs;
    12. offenders who have committed unreported sexual offenses with mutual consent;
    13. individual members of Alcoholics Anonymous (who are frequently ex-convicts, mentally ill, and/or mentally retarded, and prefer to be identified as alcoholics to avoid the social stigma of the other categories), or other related 10-Step addiction treatment programs who have committed unreported sexual offenses with other members, or while being a sponsor of another member;
    14. individual members of Alcoholics Anonymous and related 10 Step codependent treatment programs who use the programs as vehicles to find new sexual partners;
    15. offenders who have committed unreported sexual offenses with other members of Alcoholics Anonymous or other related 10-Step addiction treatment programs while in a codependent relationship with another member;
    16. members of Sex Addicts Anonymous who have committed unreported sexual offenses;
    17. prostitutes still at-large in society;
    18. offenders who frequent prostitutes;
    19. men and women who are self-employed in the "sex industry" (professionals deliberately practicing prostitution within the business community);
    20. individuals employed in the pornography industry, including child pornography;
    21. individuals addicted to pornography or child pornography;
    22. individuals guilty of unreported sodomy and homosexuality;
    23. unreported homosexual pedophiles ("Homosexuals are over-represented in child sex offenses: Individuals from the 1 to 3 percent of the population that is sexually attracted to the same sex are committing up to one-third of the sex crimes against children." -- Timothy J. Dailey, Ph.D. in "Homosexuality and Child Sexual Abuse");
    24. offenders guilty of unreported rape;
    25. offenders guilty of unreported fornication;
    26. offenders guilty of unreported adultery;
    27. offenders living in licentious cohabitation;
    28. offenders who are mentally retarded and promiscuous;
    29. offenders who have sever mental illness and are promiscuous;
    30. offenders with AIDS disease;
    31. offenders with any of the 30 other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the United States;
    32. individuals who dabble in, or actively participate in satanic cults, or related destructive cults that practice sexual rituals;
    33. offenders who are licensed mental health care professionals (Psychiatrists, Clinical Psychologists, Psych Nurses, Medical Doctors, Counselors, Priests, Pastors, and Churchmen, and so forth), who become sexually involved with their patients, clients, counselees, or church members;
    34. individuals in the legal profession who judged in favor of legalized abortion or who aided in the legal process;
    35. individuals participating in organized crime who run and profit from most of the abortion clinics in the United States;
    36. medical professionals who perform abortions;
    37. men who have paid for abortions performed on their daughters;
    38. men who have paid for abortions performed on their sexual partners;
    39. mothers who have aborted children from their wombs (any of the 43 million abortions performed in the United States since Roe vs. Wade in 1973), [56 million American babies from 1973 to 2014, annual rate continues at 1.2 million babies a year.];
    40. individuals in the drug industry who developed "the morning after pill";
    41. druggists who sell "the morning after pill";
    42. women who have used "the morning after pill";
    43. and so forth, and so on.
    http://www12.familywatchdog.us/

    Abortion was the 20th century's biggest single killer of mankind worldwide, far surpassing any other cause: disease, war, governments, natural disasters, and so forth. See: "Biggest Killers of the 20th Century." Notice that abortion is not included in this diagram. The absence of information says something about the depravity of mankind (Jeremiah 17:9,10), and about the suppression and repression of truth. (Hosea 4:6,7)
    The number of abortions performed worldwide in the last 50 years is estimated to be 1 to 2 billion. But try to document this fact elsewhere online.
    The total abortions worldwide for the 20th century may be interpolation from available data. The calculation does not factor in incremental increases in world population since 1900. Worldwide there are an estimated 43.8 million abortions annually (2008 figures, Guttmacher Institute) X 100 years = 4.38 billion killings worldwide in the 20th century. This is compared to 1.97 billion estimated deaths worldwide for non-communicable diseases the reported biggest killer worldwide of the 20th century. Comparison may also be made with figures for genocide.
    Number of Abortions -- Abortion Counters
    "The most accurate set of abortion counters on the web. Number of abortions in U.S. and worldwide; Number of abortions since 1973; Number of abortions this year; U.S. abortion clock; Worldwide abortion clock; Number of abortions due to rape or incest; Planned Parenthood abortion count."
    http://www.numberofabortions.com/

    The depravity of man is at once the most empirically verifiable reality, but at the same time the most intellectually resisted fact. (Genesis 6:5; Genesis 8:21b; Ecclesiastes 9:3b; Jeremiah 17:9; Mark 7:21-23; Ephesians 2:1-3; Titus 3:3-5) -- Malcolm Muggeridge (1903-1990). See John Calvin's Commentary on Isaiah Chapter 33 [Isaiah 33:1-66].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Q&A: Counseling Woman Whose Husband Abuses her and Children (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    "How would you counsel a woman whose husband is physically abusive to his wife and children? How does inter-church discipline work?"
    Audio cassette JA209 [audio file].

    Berger, Helen A., A Community of Witches: Contemporary Neo-paganism and Witchcraft in the United States, ISBN: 1570032467 9781570032462.
    "One of the finest sociological studies of American Wicca ever published. It is unlikely to be superseded. Its author is to be commended for maintaining a high degree of theoretical sophistication while remaining accessible to the average reader." -- Stephen D. Glazier (University of Nebraska), in Review of Religious Research, volume 40, number 4 (June 1999), p. 380
    "Helen Berger is probably one of the leading investigators in trying to get a sense of the numbers and ideological places Pagans and Witches in the U.S. are going. While her book VOICES FROM THE PAGAN CENSUS is designed to display mostly raw survey data with little interpretation, this work handles most of her interpretive analysis of this movement. A note of warning -- although the title includes 'Neo-Paganism,' there is very little here not of Witchen or Wiccan tradition. Those looking for cross-tradition discussion will be disappointed.
    "Her book, thankfully, is centered around questions of family and tradition continuity through children, and how the influence of multigenerational change will affect the communities at hand. . . . As globalization lifts and floats institutions above their historically grounded practices and origins, so Wicca, as a religion of its time, asserts a similar possible universality . . . .
    "Perhaps most fascinating and unique is Berger's attention to children and the routinization that accompanies multigenerational development. While some families affiliate themselves with institutions such as Unitarian Universalism for social cover, others question bringing in children at all. . . The controversial topic of how children learn and relate to sexuality in a Wiccan context is well covered. . . ." -- Reader's Comment
    "Helen Berger in the Columbia University Seminar on Contents and Methods, September 13, 1989 revealed that some prominent scientists are practicing witches. Berger also said the rise of neo-paganism in scientific circles, and the startling fact that 40-plus scientists and researchers at Harvard and MIT are witches, is indicative of a 'crisis of rationality' in modern science."

    *Foster, David Kyle, Sexual Healing: God's Plan for the Sanctification of Broken Lives: A Reference Manual for Ministering to Those Trapped in Sexual sin and Brokenness (Jacksonville, FL [Mastering Life Ministries, P.O. Box 351149, Jacksonville 32235]: Mastering Life Ministries, 1997), ISBN: 0830737154 9780830737154 0830737340 9780830737345.
    This is a unique work and the best resource known to the compiler offering biblical counsel for healing sexual brokenness. See: "Foundations" and "Divine Intent for Sexuality" for a biblical explanation of the spiritual significance of sexuality. These two chapters alone make the purchase of the book worthwhile. Includes chapters, study guides, and exercises for Root sources for improper sexual development, Sexual identity confusion, Child sex abuse, Sexual addition, Pornography, Masturbation, voyeurism and exhibitionism, Why people remain in sexual sin and bondage, Failure and self-condemnation, A comprehensive game plan for sexual healing, and so forth.
    Includes bibliography and index.
    Mastering Life Ministries
    http://www.MasteringLife.org

    Friesen, James G., Uncovering the Mysteries of MPD, ISBN: 1579100627 9781579100629, 300 pages.
    Deals with multiple personality development. Includes bibliographical references.

    Gelet, James, Eric Holmberg, Jerry Johnson, and the Apologetics Group, The Marks of a Cult: A Biblical Analysis, DVD (Draper, VA: The Apologetics Group, 2006), ISBN: 1573411507 9781573411509.
    "Just why are Baptists properly considered Christians, but Mormons are not? Or why is the Jehovah's Witness religion classified as an anti-Christian cult, while Presbyterians, Wesleyans and Pentecostals are simply seen as denominations within the Christian faith? With the explosion of different sects that claim to honor and follow Jesus, how does one differentiate between true Biblical Christianity and an aberrant religious movement? Just what are the marks of a cult? . . . The video gives clear guidelines on how to distinguish truth from error in principle as well as carefully documented instructions on the particular errors of prominent cults." -- Publisher

    Hancock, Maxine, and Karen Burton Mains, Child Sexual Abuse: A Hope for Healing, ISBN: 0877881626 9780877881629.
    "This book is not only designed for survivors of early child sexual abuse but also to be used by helpers who compassionately seek to understand. A well researched book that clearly presents Christ as the one who heals. It sounds the alarm for the church and offers hope and healing for victims of sexual abuse." -- GCB

    Heitritter, Lynn, and Jeanette Vought, Helping Victims of Sexual Abuse, ISBN: 0764202286 9780764202285.
    "Sexual abuse is making headlines around America. . . . Many people secretly bear the scars of childhood abuse and desperately struggle with the hidden trauma that interferes with spiritual growth and normal human relationships. The church needs to understand genuine sexual abuse and what can be done about it under present civil constraints." -- Susan Alder
    "What women should know about sexual assault.
    "Heitritter and Vought have done an enormous service in demonstrating the extent of the problem in the local church. They give practical, tested advice about ministry to survivors of sexual abuse. Required reading for pastors, lay leaders and others who work everyday with victims of sexual abuse." -- Dale S. Ryan, Executive Director of The Recovery Partnership Foundation, Whittier, California

    Hudson, Pamela S., Ritual Child Abuse: Discovery, Diagnosis and Treatment, ISBN: 0882478672 9780882478678.
    Includes bibliographical references.
    "I am a psychotherapist who works with trauma. I used to believe that ritual abuse was an urban legend; now I know better. I've worked with enough survivors and specialists who treat Dissociative Identity Disorder, previously called Multiple Personality Disorder, that I know Satanic Ritual Abuse and many other forms of ritual abuse are very real. It is very real and survivors are typically afraid to seek out help from mental health professionals for it and are severely dis-served by the denial of mental health practitioners.
    "This book is a little simplistic but is a good introduction to working with Ritual Abuse Survivors. I recommend reading this to help wrap your mind around ritual abuse, then, if you are a professional read Dee Brown's book on SATANIC RITUAL ABUSE. That is an excellent resource." -- Reader's Comment

    *Hyde, Margaret O., Cry Softly! The Story of Child Abuse, ISBN: 0664327230 9780664327231.
    Includes bibliography. Indexed.
    "The rising tide of child abuse makes this book a must. Deals with the reasons, as well as the treatment. Provides information on 'Hotlines,' 'Suggestions for Further Reading,' and 'National Organizations Concerned With Child Abuse'." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Hyde, Margaret O., Sexual Abuse: Let's Talk About it, ISBN: 0664327257 9780664327255.
    "Draws attention to what is becoming a 'national epidemic.' Points out how pastors may recognize the victims and deal with the trauma and anger of those who feel violated. Practical." -- Cyril J. Barber
    "Discusses the sexual abuse of children, how they can protect themselves, where they can seek help, the kinds of help available, and how to increase public awareness of this problem."

    Jackson, Mark, Newborn Child Murder: Women, Illegitimacy and the Courts in Eighteenth-Century England. ISBN: 0719046076 9780719046070.
    Of course, abortion is not unprecedented. Furthermore it is not unprecedented for man's law to be lenient toward mothers who murder their own children.
    "Includes trials of eighteenth-century child murder cases."

    Klassen, Margreta, Soul Stealing, Abuse of Intimate Power: A Narrative Memoir, ISBN: 1439262365 9781439262368.
    "Dr. Margreta Klassen, a nationally known psychotherapist with expertise in sexual trauma, has written a vitally important book that is both informative and healing as well as soul stirring and thought provoking. Survivors of sexual, physical, or emotional abuse will find hope and a path to recovery in reading this comprehensive work. Highly recommended." -- Dr. Larry Lachman, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Monterey, California
    "The author has captured the child's point of view." -- Ralph Potter, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus, Harvard Divinity School

    Klempel, Richard, Lois Klempel, and Jay Adams (foreword), Abused? How you can Find God's Help.
    " 'Directs readers to biblical answers to questions and biblical solutions to problems' enabling people 'to avoid the all-too-frequently-encountered trap of building a lifestyle around the tragedy.' Workbook deals with reactions to abuse, God as Father, and practical steps to work through in order to change one's reactions to abuse." -- David Powlison

    Love, Christopher (1618-1651), The Combat Between the Flesh and the Spirit. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive (MP3). Available on Reformation bookshelf CD #4, #21 (MPS), audio file.

    Massachusetts Attorney General, The Sexual Abuse of Children in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston, Thomas F. Reilly, Massachusetts Attorney General.
    "The mistreatment of children was so massive and so prolonged that it borders on the unbelievable," says the July 23 [2003] report of Massachusetts Attorney General Thomas F. Reilly. More than 1,000 minors were likely abused by priests over the past six decades."
    This is the 79-page report in its entirety.
    http://www.votf.org/ago/archdiocese.pdf

    Mawyer, Martin, Silent Shame: The Alarming Rise of Child Sexual Abuse and how to Protect Your Children From it, ISBN: 0891074198 9780891074199.
    "This informative study provides an in-depth profile of sexual abusers -- their methods, motivations, strategies, hangouts -- so that parents can understand what makes a child vulnerable to their overtures. This work provides practical steps to take to prevent children from becoming victims of sexual abuse." -- GCB

    Medved, Michael and Diane Medved, Saving Childhood: Protecting our Children From the National Assault on Innocence, ISBN: 0060932244 9780060932244.
    "SAVING CHILDHOOD offers parents and grandparents practical strategies to cope with a society that seems perversely determined to frighten and corrupt its young. Cultural critic and popular radio host Michael Medved and his wife, psychologist Diane Medved, argue that in a mistaken effort to curb problems plaguing its youth, our culture has changed from protecting childhood as a precious time of growth to hammering even the smallest youngsters with a grim, harsh, and menacing view of the world. The Medveds systematically present unassailable scientific evidence, moving anecdotes, and personal experiences of raising their three young children to explain the attack from four primary directions -- media, schools, peers, and even well-intentioned parents themselves.
    "In a unique analysis, the Medveds define innocence not as ignorance but as the result of three components -- security, a sense of wonder, and optimism. They empower parents and all who care about childhood with concrete, easily accomplished means to fend off the assault, as well as advice for handling hurdles such as the Internet, television, peer pressure, and the plague of pessimism. SAVING CHILDHOOD enables us to restore and maintain for our children imagination, confidence, and hope for the future." -- Publisher

    Miletski, Hani, Mother-son Incest: The Unthinkable Broken Taboo Persists: An Updated and Revised Overview of Findings, ISBN: 9780971691735 0971691738.

    Montgomery, John Warwick, Slaughter of the Innocents: Abortion, Birth Control, and Divorce, ISBN: 0891072160 9780891072164.

    Peters, David B., A Betrayal of Innocence: What Everyone Should Know About Child Sexual Abuse, ISBN: 0849905028 9780849905025.
    "Covers what abuse is, the signs and effects it can have, what to do once abuse is discovered, how to question a child, precautionary measures every parent should take, whom to trust, whom not to trust, and how to overcome emotional trauma and live a happy life."

    Powlison, David (1949-2019), Recovering From Child Abuse: Healing and Hope for Victims, ISBN: 9781934885475 1934885479.

    Powlison, David (1949-2019), Paul David Tripp, and Edward T. Welch, Domestic Abuse: How to Help, 18 pages, ISBN: 087552687X 9780875526874.

    Powlison, David (1949-2019), and Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation, What is a Dysfunctional Family? 5 MP3 files [audio file].

    *Pride, Mary, The Child Abuse Industry, ISBN: 0891074015 9780891074014.
    "Last year over one million North American families were falsely accused of child abuse. Some of the definitions of child abuse make everyone who spanks guilty of child abuse!
    You better read this book and then write your government representatives fast." -- GCB
    "Mary Pride has written an insightful and prophetic book on the agenda of many who work behind a cover of child advocate while breaking up families and making the state into surrogate parents, much the way Hitler did.
    "She made the strong point in her book that those who make themselves out to be self-styled 'child advocates' turn out to be the real child abusers.
    "She wrote this book long before Attorney General Janet Reno took it upon herself to rescue two dozen children from alleged child abuse at the Koresh Compound in Waco, resulting in their fiery and premature deaths. . . .
    "Mary Pride's book is still very up-to-date. All who claim to be 'child advocates' in today's climate of child abuse hysteria should be considered suspect since any well-adjusted person is by common sense interested in the nurture and admonition of children." -- Reader's Comment

    Reisman, Judith, Crafting gay Children, a study.
    "Social researcher Dr. Judith Reisman says that the incidence of homosexuals molesting children is 40 times greater than the number of heterosexuals who molest children. In her study, CRAFTING GAY CHILDREN, Reisman notes that heterosexuals outnumber homosexuals by 44 to 1 in our culture. She also points out that 17-24 percent of boys are being abused by age 18 and 25 percent of girls.
    "In a 1991 population study by the Department of Commerce, statistics showed that 8 million girls were abused by age 18 by heterosexual men -- a ratio of 1 victim to 11 adult men. However, 6-8 million boys were abused by age 18 by 1-2 million adult homosexuals -- a ratio of 3-5 victims for every homosexual adult male.
    "Dr. Reisman concludes that the Boy Scouts organization is correct to ban homosexuals from membership because of the high rate of molestations committed by homosexual males. To read more on this, go to: http://bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=11002

    *Reisman, Judith A., Eunice V. Ray (editor), and Alfred Moreschi (illustrator), Kinsey: Crimes and Consequences the Red Queen and the Grand Scheme, ISBN: 0966662415 9780966662412.
    "Dr. Judith Reisman's new book, KINSEY: CRIMES AND CONSEQUENCES THE RED QUEEN AND THE GRAND SCHEME, presents sinister material on the man who seduced America.
    "The 1960s' sexual revolution was based on the most elaborate and carefully crafted scientific fraud of this century, writes author Judith Reisman. Early sexologist Alfred C. Kinsey, with his two famous reports just 50 years ago, seemingly legitimized both profligacy and deviancy, and thus established 'the sexual license he [personally] espoused.' SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR IN THE HUMAN MALE (1948) and its female equivalent (1953) kicked off no-fault divorce, the wife-swapping era, the gay rights movement, classroom sex education, sex 'therapy' as a growth industry, explicit imagery in the media and entertainment industry, and an avalanche of pornography and obscenity.
    "Although Kinsey was a sexual revolutionary, Dr. Reisman contends, he was falsely portrayed by Indiana University where he worked, and the Rockefeller Foundation which funded him, 'as just a normal American guy/husband/family man who simply "discovered" the "really" that most American men commonly engaged in sexually aberrant and outlaw behaviour.' Kinsey's 'research' alleged that 10 percent of American males were homosexual, that all of us were bisexual, that children were sexual from birth, and could engage in sexual activity with adults without harm, plus a whole broad spectrum of things taught today in our schools and practiced today in courts of law as fact and as true . . . It was fraud then, it is fraud now, and it revolutionized this nation and turned us into Kinsey's [psychological] clones.
    "His 'Grand Scheme' was to eliminate normal families in favour of selective breeding predicated upon racial and sexual eugenics, she charges, and his 'scientific conclusions' were concocted to advance it. The reference is to the Red Queen in Alice in Wonderland who wanted the sentence (beheading) carried out first and the verdict pronounced afterwards.
    "Disturbing information about Kinsey's work and private life has been accumulating since his death in 1956 at age 62. (The official cause was pneumonia due to overwork, but his extensive homosexual and sadomasochistic activities were likely contributors). Dr. Reisman revealed much of it in 1990, for example, in KINSEY, SEX AND FRAUD. Even last year's resolutely non-condemnatory biography by fellow Indiana University scholar James H. Jones, ALFRED C. KINSEY: A PUBLIC/PRIVATE LIFE (Norton), is replete with gruesomely shocking details.
    "KINSEY: CRIME AND CONSEQUENCES cannot be described as non-condemnatory. Its central figure, Dr. Reisman asserts, 'fits the classic definition of a sexual psychopath.' Had the public known that he 'and his male population were sexually abnormal, the popular use of their data to change [our] law, education and public policy would have come to a screeching halt.' He was able, however, to blackmail into silence associates who knew about 'his extensive use of deviants, his large prison population or, worse, his active child molesters.'
    "Still, she thinks his 'findings' should have roused suspicion. 'When I first read Kinsey's research, I thought this man is not reporting on America -- he's reporting on himself and then projecting that onto the nation. Kinsey prostituted his own wife Clara . . . into acts of sodomy with fellow "researchers," which Kinsey filmed. He seduced his own students at Indiana University -- male, not female students. He devised sexual activities with his "co-workers," who then became his co-authors. He [personally] engaged in violent sadistic activity, in which he harmed himself terribly . . . and appears to have died, frankly, as a result of the trauma to his body.'
    "But his famed reports were carefully phrased to obscure the fact that words like 'contacts,' 'partners' and 'sex play' could signify grown men sodomizing children. He was also both racist and cautious about his colleagues, avoiding Jews, blacks and moral traditionalists. Dr. Reisman quotes Kinsey co-author Wardell Pomeroy (KINSEY AND THE INSTITUTE FOR SEX RESEARCH, Harper & Row, 1972), on his hiring technique: 'As usual . . . we took his sexual history first . . . [Then] Kinsey put down his pen and said, "I don't think you want to work for us." "But I do," the researcher insisted. "Well," Kinsey observed, "you have just said that premarital intercourse might lead to later difficulties in marriage, that extramarital relations would break up a marriage, that homosexuality is abnormal, and intercourse with animals is ludicrous. Apparently you have all the answers. . . . Why do you want to do research'?"
    "Biographer Jones describes Kinsey as 'one of the scholarly eugenicists of pre-WWII' who favoured mass sterilization for the lower classes and selective breeding for the 'better classes.' Moreover, Judith Reisman emphasizes, the Rockefeller Foundation was early interested in population control and in using the media to popularize it. The Reece Committee, investigating U.S. tax-exempt foundations in 1953-54, concluded that this 'plutocratic control' was accomplished by 'funding the "right" university research by the "right" researchers, then by funding mass media dissemination of the "right" science data to the public.' Kinsey's numbers made him a perfect fit for anyone eager to alter what he would call human 'breeding patterns.'
    "Dr. Reisman, a specialist in content analysis studies of written and visual media, lost many family members in the Holocaust. In that context she raises further sinister questions about Kinsey's data. For instance, who was the 'lone pedophile,' the 'elderly gentleman' cited by Kinsey for his sexual molestation of 800 children? Who were 'The Children of Table 34' and what became of them? How did Kinsey's 'technically trained' observers gain access to the claimed 1,800 American children for illegal genital experiments? 'To this day,' she observes, 'the Kinsey Institute and Indiana University have repeatedly . . . refused to reveal any names of the subjects or the experimenters.' Nor has any one of these children ever come forward, although the institute seems an excellent target for lawsuits.
    "Even in the destitute 1930s, at the cited rate of a dollar a day, she doubts that children as young as three months were obtainable in such numbers around Bloomington, Indiana. She suggests an ominous but credible alternative: a collaborative link between Kinsey and Nazi Germany, then a police state where such 'experimentation' could easily be conducted 'as part of an ongoing collegial, cross-cultural, multinational, "fact-finding" research project.' She cites significant links, such as one George Sylvester Viereck, who worked for the German embassy in Washington, D.C., in those years, setting up Nazi front groups, and who is known to have been a Kinsey correspondent. Furthermore, the Rockefeller Foundation was simultaneously funding eugenics projects in Berlin.
    "Kinsey consistently kept secret his hypotheses and the basic facts upon which his conclusions rested, Dr. Reisman charges. 'Neither Kinsey nor any of his team can rightly be termed "scientists." Their methodology was not scientific, for it was neither able to be replicated nor validated. Their data was anonymous, forced, secretly altered at will, and fraudulent. With the aid of the elite academic world and institutions and the support of public funds and the social planning foundations, Kinsey and his associates, who served as his own private male harem, conducted thousands of sexual interviews to present a false view of American sexual behaviours.'
    "Amazingly, however, use of Kinsey data as authoritative has never been seriously challenged -- until now. It must not continue, Dr. Reisman declares: 'There [must] be a full and open public investigation into Kinsey's fraudulent data and its impact upon lawmakers, the military, the church, the press, the academic world, the family and all our institutions'." -- Kevin E. Abrams, co-author of The Pink Swastika: Homosexuality In The Nazi Party

    Schlesinger, Benjamin, Sexual Abuse of Children: A Resource Guide and Annotated Bibliography, ISBN: 0802064817 9780802064813.
    "An informative guide to the literature covering all aspects of sexual molestation -- including profiles of parents and siblings." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Seabolt, Dorothy, Occult Abuse of Youth: A Guide to Protecting Children.

    Shane, Paul G., What About America's Homeless Children? Hide and Seek, ISBN: 0803949820 9780803949829.
    "Who are the homeless children in America and what do we know about them? How does their being homeless affect them and society in general? What's being done to help them? WHAT ABOUT AMERICA'S HOMELESS CHILDREN? takes a multifaceted look at the growing, disturbing problem of children (including infants), in homeless families and abandoned and runaway children in America. The author examines the social factors that create homeless situations of children and personal and educational problems that can result from it. The health risks to this population, including unsanitary living conditions, poor nutrition, physical assault, and lack of access to health care are also explored. Author Paul G. Shane brings the problems and effects of homelessness to a personal level by presenting ethnographic case studies of individual children in urban shelters, families in a shelter program, and people who "survived" a homeless youth experience. The history of programs, both governmental and nongovernmental, and government policies for homeless youth are also examined. The book concludes with recommendations for policies and programs that can prevent homelessness for children. Human service professionals and policymakers who deal with children and families as well as those in the fields of public health, policy studies, and clinical and counseling psychology will find this book a stimulating summary of research findings and implications about this vulnerable population." -- Publisher

    Skinner, E. Benjamin, A Crime so Monstrous: A Shocking Exposé of Modern-day Sex Slavery, Human Trafficking and Urban Child Markets, ISBN: 9781845963460 1845963466.
    "Today there are more slaves than at any time in history, according to journalist Skinner's report on current and former slaves and slave dealers." -- Publisher

    Stratford, Lauren, and Johanna Michaelsen (foreword), Satan's Underground: The Extraordinary Story of one Woman's Escape, ISBN: 0882898760 9780882898766.
    "Readers from coast to coast will be shocked and disturbed by the story told here. But most of all, they will come to care deeply for the many thousands of innocent children who are faced with unspeakable horrors at the hands of modern day satanists." -- Reader's Comment

    *Van der Kolk, Bessel A., The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma, ISBN: 9780670785933 0670785938 9780143127741 0143127748.
    "An astonishing amount of information on almost every aspect of trauma experience, research, interventions, and theories is brought together in this book, which . . . has a distinctly holistic feel to it. The title suggests that what will be explored is how the body retains the imprints of trauma. However, it delivers much more than this, delving into how the brain is impacted by overwhelming traumatic events, and is studded with sections on neuroscience which draw on the author's own numerous studies as well as that of his peers. In addition, it investigates the effects of adverse childhood attachment patterns, child abuse, and chronic and long-term abuse. . . . This book is a veritable gold mine of information." -- European Journal of Psychotraumatology
    "Dr. van der Kolk . . . has written a fascinating and empowering book about trauma and its effects. He uses modern neuroscience to demonstrate that trauma physically affects the brain and the body, causing anxiety, rage, and the inability to concentrate. Victims have problems remembering, trusting, and forming relationships. They have lost control. Although news reports and discussions tend to focus on war veterans, abused children, domestic violence victims, and victims of violent crime suffer as well. Using a combination of traditional therapy techniques and alternative treatments such as EMDR, yoga, neurofeedback, and theater, patients can regain control of their bodies and rewire their brains so that they can rebuild their lives. The author uses case histories to demonstrate the process. He includes a resource list, bibliography, and extensive notes. This accessible book offers hope and inspiration to those who suffer from trauma and those who care for them. It is an outstanding addition to all library collections." -- Medical Library Association, Consumer Connections

    Young, Mary de, The Ritual Abuse Controversy: An Annotated Bibliography, ISBN: 0786412593 9780786412594, indexes.
    "The ritual abuse of children is the most controversial issue in the child maltreatment field, but much of what has been written about ritual abuse over the past twenty years is in the form of unpublished and endlessly reproduced 'stuff' -- curious mixture of conjecture, folkloric and pop-culture representations of satanism, devil worship, occultism and witchcraft, and Christian Fundamentalist images of premillennarian evil. What remains after this 'stuff' is excluded is an intriguing body of international literature that seriously examines the controversy.
    "This annotated bibliography dissects the literature, objectively and thoroughly annotates published articles, books and reports, legal opinions, and occasionally, thought-provoking newspaper and magazine articles.
    "Chapters deal with the definition of ritual abuse, ritual abuse cases in the United States, cases in American families and neighborhoods, cases in Canada, Europe and Australasia, clinical features of ritual abuse in children and adults, the controversy's impact on professionals and systems, the controversy and American law, ritual abuse reports and narratives, and anthropological, folkloric and sociological perspectives.
    "Mary de Young, a professor of sociology and chair of the Department of Sociology at Grand Valley State University, lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is the author of THE DAY CARE RITUAL ABUSE MORAL PANIC, published by McFarland and Company." -- Publisher
    There may be something of interest here. We have not seen this bibliography. However, we feel it is highly unlikely that a secular compiler could produce an unbiased bibliography on ritual child abuse considering: 1) the most dangerous place for a child in America today is in their mother's womb, 2) most parents have given up their children's education to the public education system, and in 1983 The National Commission on Excellence in Education, in their report, A NATION AT RISK: THE IMPERATIVE FOR EDUCATIONAL REFORM, concluded that had public education been carried out by enemies of the United States, it could not be more harmful to the country, 3) The court system refuses to acknowledge the Ten Commandments (the summation of which is to love God and neighbor) as an ethical basis for modern, relative, arbitrary law, and 4) "although heterosexuals outnumber homosexuals by a ratio of at least 20 to 1, homosexual pedophiles commit about one-third of the total number of child sex offenses," and the courts are recognizing homosexual marriages as of equal status as heterosexual marriages, and so forth, and so on. -- compiler

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The root cause of criminal acts of extreme depravity, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Men and women, misogyny, misandry, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Homosexuality, lesbianism, gay, bisexual, transvestite, queer (lgbtq), Child abuse and pedophilia, Incest, Prostitution, harlotry, Rape, Sex ethics, sex education, Gratuitous sex, a cause of violence, Counseling for sex related problems, illegitimacy, Pornography, Dysfunctional families, abuse, Addiction, alcoholism, substance abuse, drug abuse, Habits, The occult, Sorcery, Abuse (women), Hostility and violence, Feminism, Effeminacy, the effeminate, Abuse (women), Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, Handbooks on the cults, The occult, spiritism, witchcraft, Hostility and violence, Sexually transmitted diseases, Pornography, Child abuse, pedophilia, Mind control, intimidation, and coercion, Childishness, Justifying faith, Abuse, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Antichrist, The counter-reformation, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal be havior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Adoptive parents, The fatherhood of God, Finding the perfect parent in God, Stepfamilies, Churches that abuse, The occult, Adultery, Divorce, Wife abuse, and so forth, and so on.

    Related Weblinks

    1992 FBI Report -- Satanic Ritual Abuse, Kenneth V. Lanning, Supervisory Special Agent Behavioral Science Unit National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime
    Pastoral Counselors state that the most frequent complaint they hear from counselees is mistreatment by parents.
    Lanning presents an articulate defense of the thesis that the frequency of satanic ritual abuse of children is exaggerated by media coverage that is often misleading and inaccurate. However, notice that the subjects of abortion of one's offsprings, parental child abuse (emotional, social, physical, sexual, etc.), increasing rates of childhood depression, and increasing suicide rates of youth, and the gray area between despising God, spouse, children, and society -- between behaving wrongly and actual affiliation with a satanic cult -- none of these subjects are mentioned.
    https://www.cultwatch.com/satanicabuse.html

    Brain, Mind and Body in Healing From Trauma, The People's Pharmacy Radio Program, show 980, February 7, 2015.
    "To help people heal from trauma, the best approaches find ways to reconnect brain and body with a feeling of safety. . . .
    "We often associate the term 'Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder' with military veterans. Indeed, war creates many traumatic experiences, but it is not the only source of reactions that may cause people to shut down or blow up. Car, train or plane crashes, a life-threatening illness episode, family violence, or other events can create a dysfunctional reaction that may be largely out of conscious awareness.
    "Treating PTSD
    "One of the world's leading experts on PTSD explains how such reactions are rooted in the body's response to threat, and how it can be successfully treated. . . .
    "Dr. van der Kolk is co-director of the Complex Trauma Treatment Network of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, established by Congress to raise the standard of care and improve access to services for traumatized children, their families and communities. His website is http://www.BesselvanderKolk.com
    "His book is THE BODY KEEPS THE SCORE: BRAIN, MIND AND BODY IN THE HEALING OF TRAUMA (2014)."
    http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2015/02/04/show-980-brain-mind-and-body-in-healing-from-trauma/

    California: Hundreds Arrested in Massive Child Sex Ring Including Entertainers, Politicians and Clergy, June 26, 2017
    "Conducted by the Los Angeles Regional Internet Crimes against Children task force, 'Operation Broken Heart III' targeted offenders wanted for the sexual exploitation of children, child prostitution, sex tourism and possessing and distributing child pornography, said Deputy Chief Matt Blake of the Los Angeles Police Department.
    "Among those arrested during sweeps in April and May were entertainers, community leaders, white-collar professionals and clergy members, said John Reynolds, acting special agent in charge for U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations."
    http://defiantamerica.com/california-hundreds-arrested-massive-child-sex-ring-including-entertainers-politicians-clergy/

    The Carefulness and Competence Needed When Helping the Abused
    https://rickthomas.net/listening-to-sexual-abuse-part-1/

    Childhood Sexual Abuse, Gender, and Depression Among Incarcerated Youth, Angela R. Gover, University of Florida Center for Studies in Criminology and Law
    http://ijo.sagepub.com/content/48/6/683.abstract

    Classic Christian Fiction by Martha Finley
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr11ch.html#cfbmf

    The Code of Virginia: Select Sexual Offenses

    1. Obscenity
      http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+18.2-372
    2. Adultery and fornication by persons forbidden to marry: Incest
      http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+18.2-366
    3. Sexually explicit items involving children
      http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+18.2-374.1
    4. Taking indecent liberties with a child by person in custodial or supervisory relationship
      http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+18.2-370.1
    5. Crimes against nature
      http://www.sodomy.org/laws/virginia/sodomy.html
    6. Conspiring to cause spouse to commit adultery
      http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+18.2-367
    7. Rape
      http://www.sodomy.org/laws/virginia/rape.html
    8. Forcible sodomy
      http://www.sodomy.org/laws/virginia/forcible_sodomy.html
    9. Fornication
      http://www.sodomy.org/laws/virginia/fornication.html
    10. Being a prostitute or prostitution
      http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+18.2-346
    11. Virginia State Law: Pandering, Taking, detaining, etc., person for prostitution, etc., or consenting thereto.
      http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+18.2-355
    12. Employment for compensation of persons convicted of certain offenses prohibited; criminal records check required; suspension or revocation of license.
      http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+32.1-126.01
    13. Lewd and lascivious cohabitation
      http://www.sodomy.org/laws/virginia/cohabitation.html
    Depressive Characteristics of Physically Abused Children, Denise M. Allen, Kenneth J. Tarnowski
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2926018

    The Effects of Violence in the Home on Children's Emotional, Behavioral, and Social Functioning: A Review of the Literature
    "I find this very interesting and think it has application to myself and most everyone I have known over the years. There is documented research proving the thesis that child abuse (emotional, physical, sexual, or spiritual, etc). results in disturbances in learning, and disturbances in adjusting emotionally and socially, regardless of 'differences in age, sex, race, gender, IQ, or socioeconomic status.'
    "In other words, the implications are that child abuse has the effect of making it difficult for a child to learn (grow in knowledge of the truth and understanding, have an open mind, be teachable), and of making it difficult to relate to the world (relationships, spouses, family, church, workplace, government), regardless of the child's innate capabilities and gifts. So, even the gifted child, if abused, will in later life suffer, however subtle, learning disabilities/blocks/blind spots or abnormal behavior. 'If a parent and child love each other, then the parent can teach the child anything.' But emotional scars can be as hard to heal as chronic disease.
    " 'Physically abused and non-abused children were compared on child-completed measures of depression, hopelessness, self-esteem, and locus of control. Results indicated that, in comparison with non-abused controls, abused children evidenced more depressive symptoms, heightened externality, lower self-esteem, and greater hopelessness about the future. Group differences in depressive symptomatology were not accounted for on the basis of differences in age, sex, race, gender, IQ, or socioeconomic status.'
    "This thesis certainly is connected with the question of who we associate with and the impact of good and evil on our lives.
    "So, it could be of interest, directly or indirectly, to practically every person I know, or have known." -- compilerBR> http://ebx.sagepub.com/content/6/2/94.abstract

    Family Watchdog
    This national website tracks sexual offenders in your area.
    "Enter an address below to view a map of registered sex offenders near you."
    While this is much needed data, and we commend efforts thus far, this map will not include the following sexual offenders who should (when known), be publicly identified until they repent of their sexual crimes:

    1. sexual offenders who have not been caught, tried, and convicted (the arrest/conviction ratio for all offenses was approximately 100/25 in the mid 90s);
    2. sexual offenders who have violated parole;
    3. sexual offenders who have failed to report their address or address change;
    4. sexual offenders using an alias (The FBI "believes 1 in 6 persons with a criminal record may be using alias names and identification." -- U.S. Congress, Office of Technology Assessment, OTA-TCT-497);
    5. sexual offenders who have been convicted on some other charge;
    6. ex-convicts and inmates who have committed sodomy in prison;
    7. offenders guilty of raping their spouse and the offense has gone unreported;
    8. wives who deliberately commit adultery as part of a "pre-planned divorce," that is, who married with plans to divorce for financial gain;
    9. offenders guilty of unreported incest;
    10. offenders guilty of unreported date rape;
    11. offenders who have committed unreported sexual offenses when drunk or under the influence of drugs;
    12. offenders who have committed unreported sexual offenses with mutual consent;
    13. individual members of Alcoholics Anonymous (who are frequently ex-convicts, mentally ill, and/or mentally retarded, and prefer to be identified as alcoholics to avoid the social stigma of the other categories), or other related 10-Step addiction treatment programs who have committed unreported sexual offenses with other members, or while being a sponsor of another member;
    14. individual members of Alcoholics Anonymous and related 10 Step codependent treatment programs who use the programs as vehicles to find new sexual partners;
    15. offenders who have committed unreported sexual offenses with other members of Alcoholics Anonymous or other related 10-Step addiction treatment programs while in a codependent relationship with another member;
    16. members of Sex Addicts Anonymous who have committed unreported sexual offenses;
    17. prostitutes still at-large in society;
    18. offenders who frequent prostitutes;
    19. men and women who are self-employed in the "sex industry" (professionals deliberately practicing prostitution within the business community);
    20. individuals employed in the pornography industry, including child pornography;
    21. individuals addicted to pornography or child pornography;
    22. individuals guilty of unreported sodomy and homosexuality;
    23. unreported homosexual pedophiles ("Homosexuals are over-represented in child sex offenses: Individuals from the 1 to 3 percent of the population that is sexually attracted to the same sex are committing up to one-third of the sex crimes against children." -- Timothy J. Dailey, Ph.D. in "Homosexuality and Child Sexual Abuse");
    24. offenders guilty of unreported rape;
    25. offenders guilty of unreported fornication;
    26. offenders guilty of unreported adultery;
    27. offenders living in licentious cohabitation;
    28. offenders who are mentally retarded and promiscuous;
    29. offenders who have sever mental illness and are promiscuous;
    30. offenders with AIDS disease;
    31. offenders with any of the 30 other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the United States;
    32. individuals who dabble in, or actively participate in satanic cults, or related destructive cults that practice sexual rituals;
    33. offenders who are licensed mental health care professionals (Psychiatrists, Clinical Psychologists, Psych Nurses, Medical Doctors, Counselors, Priests, Pastors, and Churchmen, and so forth), who become sexually involved with their patients, clients, counselees, or church members;
    34. individuals in the legal profession who judged in favor of legalized abortion or who aided in the legal process;
    35. individuals participating in organized crime who run and profit from most of the abortion clinics in the United States;
    36. medical professionals who perform abortions;
    37. men who have paid for abortions performed on their daughters;
    38. men who have paid for abortions performed on their sexual partners;
    39. mothers who have aborted children from their wombs (any of the 43 million abortions performed in the United States since Roe vs. Wade in 1973), [56 million American babies from 1973 to 2014, annual rate continues at 1.2 million babies a year.];
    40. individuals in the drug industry who developed "the morning after pill";
    41. druggists who sell "the morning after pill";
    42. women who have used "the morning after pill";
    43. and so forth, and so on.
    http://www12.familywatchdog.us/

    Homosexuality and Child Sexual Abuse, Timothy J. Dailey, Ph.D
    http://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=is02e3

    How Abuse Changes a Child's Brain, Brandon Keim
    "The brains of children raised in violent families resemble the brains of soldiers exposed to combat, say psychologists."
    http://www.wired.com/2011/12/neurology-of-abuse/

    International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
    "The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) is the world's premier trauma organization dedicated to trauma treatment, education, research and prevention. Through this organization, professionals share information about the effects of trauma, seeking to reduce traumatic stressors and their immediate and long-term consequences."
    http://www.istss.org/

    Mantle Ministries (Elsie Dinsmore Series and Mildred Series)
    http://www.mantlemin.com

    Mastering Life Ministries
    http://www.MasteringLife.org

    National Center for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
    "The National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was created within the Department of Veterans Affairs in 1989, in response to a Congressional mandate to address the needs of veterans with military-related PTSD. Its mission was, and remains: To advance the clinical care and social welfare of America's veterans through research, education, and training in the science, diagnosis, and treatment of PTSD and stress-related disorders. This website is provided as an educational resource concerning PTSD and other enduring consequences of traumatic stress."
    http://www.ptsd.va.gov/

    National Sexual Violence Resource Center: Info and Statistics for Journalists
    "Only 12 percent of child sexual abuse is reported to the authorities. (Hanson, R. F., Resnick, H. S., Saunders, B. E., Kilpatrick, D. G., & Best, C. (1999). Factors related to the reporting of childhood rape. Child Abuse and Neglect, 23, 559-569. doi:10.1016/S0145-2134(99)00028-9)"
    https://www.nsvrc.org/sites/default/files/publications_nsvrc_factsheet_media-packet_statistics-about-sexual-violence_0.pdf

    Psychology and Psychiatry
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappc.html

    A Redneck Resolution Against Self-destruction
    http://www.lettermen2.com/redneck.html

    Sexual Assault Information Page
    http://www.cs.utk.edu/~bartley/saInfoPage.html

    Sex Offenders.com
    http://www.sexualoffenders.com/

    Stefieangel's HomePage -- MPD/DID Resources
    http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/3885/DID_links.html

    Stockholm Syndrome
    "Stockholm syndrome has been defined as a condition in which hostages develop a psychological alliance with their captors during captivity." -- Wikipedia article
    This psychological term has been criticized in the academic world. However, we suggest that it offers a secular explanation for why children, youth in public education, college students, susceptible females, and young adults 'taken in by cults and non-Christian systems,' Jihadists, Antifa, Black Lives Matter, Radical "Progressives," Marxist front organizations, and socialist/communist Democrats, and so forth, and so on, are overcome by the evil worldview of those who control them (Psalm 125:3,4).
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stockholm_syndrome

    Virginia State Police Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry
    http://sex-offender.vsp.virginia.gov/sor/

    West Virginia State Police Sex Offender Registry
    http://www.statepolice.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx



    Childishness

    When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these [is] charity. (1 Corinthians 13:11-13)

    Those who set up a fictitious worship, merely worship and adore their own delirious fancies; indeed, they would never dare so to trifle with God, had they not previously fashioned him after their own childish conceits. -- John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion

    There is some danger of falling into a soft and effeminate Christianity, under the plea of a lofty and ethereal theology. Christianity was born for endurance; not an exotic, but hardy plant, braced by the keen wind; not languid, nor childish, nor cowardly. It walks with strong step and erect frame; it is kindly, but firm; it is gentle, but honest; it is calm, but not facile; obliging, but not imbecile; decided, but not churlish. It does not fear to speak the firm word of condemnation against error, nor to raise its voice against surrounding evils, under the pretext it is not of this world; it does not shrink from giving honest reproof, lest it come under the charge of displaying an unchristian spirit. It calls sin sin, in whomsoever it is found, and would rather risk the accusation of being actuated by a bad spirit than not to discharge an explicit duty. Let us not misjudge strong words used in honest controversy. Out of the heat a viper may come forth; but we shake it off and feel no harm. The religion of both the Old and New Testaments is marked by fervent testimonies against evil. To speak smooth things in such a case may be sentimentalism, but it is not Christianity. . . . It is a betrayal of truth and righteousness. I know that charity covers a multitude of sins; but it does not call evil good, because a good man has done it; it does not excuse inconsistencies, because the inconsistent brother has a high name and a fervent spirit; crookedness and worldliness are still crookedness, though exhibited in one who seems to have reached no common height of attainment. -- Horatius Bonar (1818-1889)

    Griffin, Edward D., and William Buell Sprague, When I was a Child I Thought as a Child. In THE LIFE AND SERMONS OF EDWARD D. GRIFFIN (2:307-317), ISBN: 0851515134.
    The Life and Sermons of Edward D. Griffin
    http://books.google.com/books?id=a89hAAAACAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html

    *Tripp, Theodore A., and David Powlison (introduction), Shepherding a Child's Heart, ISBN: 0966378601 9780966378603.
    "Written for parents with children of any age, this insightful book provides perspectives and procedures for shepherding your child's heart into the paths of life. SHEPHERDING A CHILD'S HEART gives fresh biblical approaches to child rearing." -- Publisher
    "This is a masterful book." -- David Powlison
    "Solid, trustworthy, biblical help for parents." -- John MacArthur.

    See also: Foolishness, Carnality and flesh pleasing: lust, desires, ambition, Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, Blindness, spiritual, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, The difficult child, Will and recalcitrance, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Christian character, Discipline, Self-denial, Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Sex ethics, sex education, Servant leadership, Self-discipline, Sibling rivalry, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 4006, 4135

    Related Weblinks

    A Redneck Resolution Against Self-destruction
    http://www.lettermen2.com/redneck.html



    Comfort, Encouragement

    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

    Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned; for she hath received of the Lord's hand double for all her sins. (Isaiah 40:1,2)

    Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? There is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31)
    Isaiah 40 "is perhaps the most famous passage in the Old Testament on God's work of creation." -- John Gill commenting on Isaiah 40:28-31

    There is no attribute more comforting to His children than that of God's sovereignty. Under the most adverse circumstances, in the most severe trials, they believe that sovereignty has ordained their afflictions, that sovereignty overrules them, and that sovereignty will sanctify them all. There is nothing for which the children ought to more earnestly contend to than the doctrine of their Master over all creation "the Kingship of God over all the works of His own hands" the Throne of God and His right to sit upon that throne -- for it is God upon the Throne whom we trust. -- Arthur Pink (1886-1952), The Sovereignty of God

    I will be a SHEPHERD to you (Psalm 23:1; Psalm 80:1). Do not be afraid of evil tidings, for I am with you. My rod and My staff shall comfort you. You shall not lack, for I will feed you; you shall not wander or be lost, for I will restore you. I will cause you to lie down in green pastures, and will lead you beside the still waters (Psalm 23). I will gather you with My arm, carry you in My bosom, and will lead on as softly as the flock and the children are able to endure (Isaiah 40:11; Genesis 33:13-14). If officers are careless, I will do the work Myself. I will judge between cattle and cattle. I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away. I will bind up that which was broken, and strengthen that which was sick; but I will destroy the fat and the strong, and will feed them with judgment (Ezekiel 34:16-17 compared with verses 2-4 [Ezekiel 34:2-4]). I will watch over My flock by night (Isaiah 27:3). Behold, I have appointed My ministers as your watchmen, as overseers who watch for your souls (Hebrews 13:17; Acts 20:28). Yes, My angels shall be your watchers, and shall keep a constant guard upon My flock (Daniel 3:17, 23; Psalm 34:7). And if the servants should sleep (Matthew 13:25, 27), My own eyes shall keep a perpetual watch by night and by day (Psalm 34:15; Psalm 33:18; 2 Chronicles 16:9). The Keeper of Israel never slumbers nor sleeps (Psalm 121:3-5), nor withdraws His eyes from the righteous (Job 36:7). I will guide you with My eye. I will never trust you out of My sight (Psalm 32:8). -- Joseph Alleine (1634-1668)

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 46, C.H. Spurgeon
    God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea. . . . Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. (Psalm 46:1-2,10-11)
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps046.php

    He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
    I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
    Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
    He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
    Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
    Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.    (Psalm 91:1-6)

    Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
    He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.     (Isaiah 40:28,29)

    Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
    As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
    Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
    For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
    Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.     (Romans 8:35-39)

    And he said unto me, My Grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. [1]Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may [2]rest upon me.
    Therefore I take     [1]pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. -- Paul quoting The Lord Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 12:9,10)
    12:9 [1] He concludeth, that he will only see his miseries against the vain brags of the false apostles, and therewith also excuseth himself, for that by their importunity, he was constrained to speak so much of these things as he did: to wit, because that if his Apostleship were subverted his doctrine must needs fall.
    12:9 [2] That I might feel the virtue of Christ more and more: For the weaker that our tabernacles are, the more doth Christ's virtue appear in them.
    12:10 [1] I do not only take them patiently and with a good heart, but also I take great pleasure in them.-- 1599 Geneva Bible Notes

    For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:26-31)

    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)

    And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. (Romans 8:28,29)

    Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)

    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. -- John Owen

    For this is the very glory of grace -- that man hates to be saved, that he is at enmity to him, yet God will have him redeemed -- that God's covenant is, "you shall," and man's intention is, "I will not," and God's "shall" conquers man's "I will not." Almighty grace rides victoriously over the neck of free-will, and leads it captive in glorious captivity to the all -- conquering power of irresistible grace and love. -- C.H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)

    In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength. (Isaiah 30:15a)

    Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors. (Psalm 119:24)

    But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 5:10,11)

    And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. (1 John 1:4)

    Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6)

    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.

    For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings. (As Ahaz had refused a sign, God appointed one far above anything he could have imagined. A son would be born of a virgin, a divine child, whose name should be God with us. Such a child would naturally reach years of discretion very early, but in even less space than it would take for this heaven-born son to arrive at a responsible age, the two enemies of Judah would both be dethroned. Blessed be the Lord for granting to his people so glorious a sign of grace; nothing can afford such comfort to the troubled as the fact that the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. (Isaiah 7:16) -- C.H. Spurgeon in Spurgeon's Devotional Bible, p. 394

    And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brasen wall: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the LORD.
    And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible.     (Jeremiah 15:20,21)

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

    See the Theological Notes: "The Ascension of Jesus," at Luke 24:51 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    See the Theological Notes: "Providence," at Proverbs 16:33 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    The Lord God omnipotent reigneth. His government is exercised over inanimate matter, over the brute beasts, over the children of men, over angels good and evil, and over Satan Himself. No revolving of a world, no shining of a star, no storm, no movement of a creature, no actions of men, no errands of angels, no deeds of the Devil -- nothing in all the vast universe can come to pass otherwise than God has eternally purposed.
    Here is a foundation for faith. Here is a resting place for the intellect. Here is an anchor for the soul, both sure and steadfast. It is not blind fate, unbridled evil, man or Devil, but the Lord Almighty who is ruling the world, ruling it according to His own good pleasure and for His own eternal glory. -- Arthur Pink (1886-1952), The Sovereignty of God

    Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
    But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.     (Hebrews 3:12,13)

    The Comforting Compassion of Christ for His Children, J.C. Ryle
    Christ is all. (Colossians 3:11)
    A saved soul has many sorrows. He has a body like other men, -- weak and frail. He has a heart like other men, -- and often a more sensitive one too. He has trials and losses to bear like others, -- and often more. He has his share of bereavements, deaths, disappointments, crosses. He has the world to oppose, -- a place in life to fill blamelessly, -- unconverted relatives to bear with patiently, -- persecutions to endure, -- and a death to die.
    And who is sufficient for these things? What shall enable a believer to bear all this? Nothing but the consolation in Christ. (Philippians 2:1)
    Jesus is indeed the brother born for adversity. He is the friend that sticketh closer than a brother, and He alone can comfort His people. He can be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, for He suffered Himself. (Hebrews 4:15) He knows what sorrow is, for He was a man of sorrows. He knows what an aching body is, for His body was racked with pain. He cried, All my bones are out of joint. (Psalm 22:14) He knows what poverty and weariness are, for He was often wearied and had not where to lay His head. He knows what family unkindness is, for even His brethren did not believe Him. He had no honour in His own house.
    And Jesus knows exactly how to comfort His afflicted people. He knows how to pour in oil and wine into the wounds of the spirit, -- how to fill up gaps in empty hearts, -- how to speak a word in season to the weary, -- how to heal the broken heart, -- how to make all our bed in sickness, -- how to draw nigh when we are faint, and say, Fear not: I am thy salvation. (Lamentations 3:57)
    We talk of sympathy being pleasant. There is no sympathy like that of Christ. In all our afflictions He is afflicted. He knows our sorrows. In all our pain He is pained, and like the good Physician, He will not measure out to us one drop of sorrow too much. David once said, In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul. (Psalm 94:19) Many a believer, I am sure, could say as much. If the Lord himself had not stood by me, the deep waters would have gone over my soul. (Psalm 124:5)
    How a believer gets through all his troubles appears wonderful. How he is carried through the fire and water he passes through seems past comprehension. But the true account of it is just this, -- that Christ is not only justification and sanctification, but consolation also.
    Oh, you who want unfailing comfort, I commend you to Christ! In Him alone there is no failure. Rich men are disappointed in their treasures. Learned men are disappointed in their books. Husbands are disappointed in their wives. Wives are disappointed in their husbands. Parents are disappointed in their children. Statesmen are disappointed when, after many a struggle, they attain place and power. They find out, to their cost, that it is more pain than pleasure, -- that it is disappointment, annoyance, incessant trouble, worry, vanity, and vexation of spirit. But no man was ever disappointed in Christ. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900) in a tract, Christ is All

    And he said unto me, My Grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. [1]Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may [2]rest upon me.
    Therefore I take     [1]pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. -- Paul quoting The Lord Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 12:9,10)
    12:9 [1] He concludeth, that he will only see his miseries against the vain brags of the false apostles, and therewith also excuseth himself, for that by their importunity, he was constrained to speak so much of these things as he did: to wit, because that if his Apostleship were subverted his doctrine must needs fall.
    12:9 [2] That I might feel the virtue of Christ more and more: For the weaker that our tabernacles are, the more doth Christ's virtue appear in them.
    12:10 [1] I do not only take them patiently and with a good heart, but also I take great pleasure in them.-- 1599 Geneva Bible Notes

    To know that nothing hurts the godly, is a matter of comfort; but to be assured that all things which fall out shall co-operate for their good, that their crosses shall be turned into blessings, that showers of affliction water the withering root of their grace and make it flourish more; this may fill their hearts with joy till they run over. -- Thomas Watson (1616-1688)

    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

    *Alexander, James W. (1804-1859), Consolation: Addresses to the Suffering People of God, ISBN: 1877611530 9781877611537.
    "Eighteen chapters and 448 pages on select topics by the eldest son of prominent theologian, Archibald Alexander. Charles Hodge said he was not the first of orators to hear on rare occasions, but the first of preachers to sit under, month after month, and year after year.
    "The author stresses that it is the attributes of God -- His mercy, His providence, His omnipotence, His power, His goodness, His compassion, and many others -- which give consolation to those saints in need of it. This is a book for the weary soul who has been fighting the good fight and feeling the bruises of the conflict." -- GCB

    *Ashe, Simeon (d. 1662), The Church Sinking, Saved by Christ: Set out in a Sermon Preached [Isaiah 63:5], Before the Right Honourable the House of Lords, in the Abby-Church at Westminster, on Wednesday, Febr. 26. 1644, Being the day of the Monthly Publike Fast [Isaiah 63:5]. Isaiah 63:5 at BibleGateway. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Ashe, Simeon (d. 1662), God's Incomparable Goodness Unto Israel Unfolded and Applied in a Sermon Preached From the Text Psalm 73:1, at Margaret's Westminster Before the Honorable House of Commons Assembled in Parliament, at the Last Solemn Fast, April 28, 1647. . . Deuteronomy 33:27; Deuteronomy 4:7; Isaiah 27:3. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Barker, Matthew, A Christian Standing and Moving Upon the True Foundation . . . Isa. 30:7 [Isaiah 30:7]; Cant. 3:6 [Song of Solomon 3:6], 1648. Available in FAST SERMONS TO PARLIAMENT [1641-1653]: REPRODUCTIONS IN FACSIMILE. VOL. 31, MAY-OCT 1648.
    Full title: A CHRISTIAN STANDING AND MOVING UPON THE TRUE FOUNDATION, OR, A WORD IN SEASON: PERSWADING TO STICKE CLOSE TO GOD, ACT EMINENTLY FOR GOD, IN HIS PRESENT DESIGN A-AGAINST ALL DISCOURAGE-MENTS, OPPOSITIONS, TEMPTATIONS: EXPRESSED IN A SERMON PREACHED BEFORE THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF COMMONS UPON THE DAY OF THEIR MONTHLY FAST, OCTOB. 25, 1648.

    Bergman, Nina Mason, Comfort From the Cross: Help for the Hurting From the Seven Last Words of Christ, ISBN: 0891092900 9780891092902.

    *Bolton, Robert (1572-1631), A Treatise on Comforting Afflicted Consciences. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "I do not know of a single book published in the past twenty years that explains in depth how to respond Biblically to a grieved or wounded conscience. Here's an ideal volume to fill that gap. Few books in history have treated the subject as completely or as clearly as Robert Bolton's classic work. . . . The book remains a definitive study on the issue of dealing with guilt. Practical, Biblical, meticulously precise, carefully reasoned, it maintains a straightforward simplicity that cannot fail to touch the sensitive reader's heart." -- John MacArthur

    *Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), The Everlasting Righteousness, or How Shall man be Just With God? 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?
    http://books.google.com/books?id=nQMDAAAAQAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html

    Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), Christians Strong in the Grace That is in Christ Jesus. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    *Brown, Stephen W., God, are You There? Hope in a Time of Crisis, ISBN: 0800787072 9780800787073. Alternate title: WHEN YOUR ROPE BREAKS.
    "This collection of gently supportive meditations on loss and pain has become a classic of counseling and assurance. The work promises healing and peace to those who need it most. It is not a glib, quick-fix manual. But there is hope for those who know where to look and listen for it." -- GCB

    Buchanan, James (1804-1870), Comfort in Affliction, ISBN: 9780548130926 0548130922.
    "This series of Scripture meditations, drawn from various Scripture passages, was first delivered in 1832. Believers today will be tempted by Satan and indwelling sin to fret, or complain, or doubt because of affliction. This book treats the subject expertly." -- GCB

    *Calvin, John (1509-1564), and John Owen (1788-1867, Vicar of Thrussington, Leicestershire, translator), Commentary on the Epistle of Paul to the Hebrews, ISBN: 0801024404 9780801024405.
    "No doubt the Epistle next in importance to that to the Romans is this to the Hebrews." -- the translator of Calvin's Commentary on Hebrews
    Themes of Hebrews: The sufficiency of christ, Christ's high priesthood, Christ the end of the law, Our greater accountability under christ, and Exhortation and encouragement.
    Hebrews chapters 10 through 13 contain encouragement for the Christian life: exhortation to persevere, to faith and patience, to encounter trials and afflictions, to peace and holiness, and various directions and cautions.
    Commentary on Hebrews, by John Calvin (1509-1564)
    http://www.biblestudyguide.org/comment/calvin/comm_vol44/htm/TOC.htm

    *Caryl, Joseph (1602-1673), Joel R. Beeke, and Randall J. Pederson, An Exposition With Practical Observations Upon the Book of Job, 12 volumes, ISBN: 1892777509 9781892777508 1892777541 9781892777546. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    Caryl preached on Job for 20 years. Some have said his work is the only satisfactory commentary on the book of Job.
    "The pinnacle of Puritan preaching and devotion, Joseph Caryl's 12 volume, 8600 plus page exposition of Job is now heading for a limited edition printing. . . . These are the full 12 volumes totally unabridged. . . .
    "C.H. Spurgeon said, 'Caryl will not exhaust the patience of a student who is a lover of every letter of the Word . . . it would be a mistake to suppose that he is at all prolix or redundant; he is only full. In the course of expounding he has illustrated a very large portion of Bible with great clearness and power. He is deeply devotional and spiritual. His work can scarcely be superseded or surpassed'." -- Publisher
    "Cotton Mather's assessment, that these sermons [Caryl on Job] belong alongside Greenhill on Ezekiel, Burroughs on Hosea, Owen on Hebrews, and Manton on James, can still be made." -- Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas, professor of Systematic and Practical Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary

    Coleman, Sarah Jepson (Sarah Ann Jepson), For the Love of Singles.

    Gouge, William (1578-1653), The Saint's Support, set out in a Sermon Preached Before the Honourable House of Commons Assembled in Parliament. At a publick fast, 29. Iune, 1642, Nehemiah V, 19. [Nehemiah 5:19] Running title reads: A SERMON PREACHED AT THE LATE FAST BEFORE THE COMMONS HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.

    Job, John B., Job Speaks to us Today, ISBN: 0804201323 9780804201322.

    Kuhatschek, Jack, Suffering, Receiving God's Comfort: 10 Studies for Individuals or Groups, ISBN: 0830810676 9780830810673.

    Mack, Wayne A., Down, but not out: How to get up When Life Knocks you Down, ISBN: 0875526721 9780875526720.
    "Mack offers help for those plagued by worry and suffering from spiritual burnout. He also addresses 'downers' such as self-pity, discouragement, hopelessness, and others." -- Publisher

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

    Perkins, William (1558-1602), A Cloud of Faithfull Witnesses, Leading to the Heauenly Canaan, or, A Commentarie Vpon the 11 Chapter to the Hebrewes, Preached in Cambridge by that Godly, and Iudicious Divine, M. William Perkins; Long expected and desired, and therefore published at the request of his executours, by Will. Crashawe and Tho. Pierson, preachers of Gods Word, who heard him preach it, and wrote it from his mouth, 1607. [Hebrews 11]

    Pike, Samuel (1717-1773), and Samuel Hayward (1718-1757), Assurance of Growth in Grace. In RELIGIOUS CASES OF CONSCIENCE ANSWERED IN AN EVANGELICAL MANNER . . . TO WHICH IS ADDED THE SPIRITUAL COMPANION; OR, THE PROFESSING CHRISTIAN TRIED AT THE BAR OF GOD'S WORD; AND CHARACTER OF THE HAPPY MAN, 1866.
    Assurance of Growth in Grace
    http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/assurance-of-growth-in-grace.php

    *Pink, Arthur W. (1886-1952), Comfort for Christians, ISBN: 0585074860 9780585074863.
    "A timely work full of consolation. A valuable addition to the other books treating suffering. . . ." -- Cyril J. Barber
    "Those shocked into wakefulness by Pink's book on THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD will be amazed at the different tone he displayed in this book. It is heart-warming." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    Comfort for Christians, by Arthur W. Pink
    http://www.ccel.org/p/pink/comfort/comfort.html

    Power, Philip Bennett, A Book of Comfort for Those in Sickness, ISBN: 0851512038 9780851512037.
    "When we are sick we are many times at our weakest. This book is perfect for those who are sick and suffering." -- GCB

    *Renwick, James (1662-1688), and Thomas Houston, Spiritual Support and Consolation in Difficult Times, 1865.

    *Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635), The Bruised Reed, ISBN: 0851517404 9780851517407. A Christian classic. Available (THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "Richard Sibbes, one of the most influential figures in the Puritan movement during the earlier years of the seventeenth century, was renowned for the rich quality of his ministry. THE BRUISED REED shows why he was known among his contemporaries as 'the sweet dropper.'
    "If you have ever been (or are), discouraged in any way this is a book that will bring great encouragement and joy!" -- Publisher
    "Sibbes never wastes the student's time, he scatters pearls and diamonds with both hands." -- C.H. Spurgeon
    "A poor peddler came to the door . . . and my father bought of him Sibb's BRUISED REED . . . It suited my state . . . and gave me a livelier apprehension of the mystery of redemption and how much I was beholden to Jesus Christ . . . Without any means but books was God pleased to resolve me to himself." -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)
    "Speaking of the preacher's need to suit his reading to the varying conditions he finds within, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says in his PREACHING AND PREACHERS:
    'You will find, I think, in general that the Puritans are almost invariably helpful . . . I shall never cease to be grateful to one of them called Richard Sibbes who was balm to my soul at a period in my life when I was overworked and badly overtired, and therefore subject in an unusual manner to the onslaughts of the devil. In that state and condition . . . what you need is some gently, tender treatment for your soul. I found at that time that Richard Sibbes, who was known in London in the early seventeenth century as 'the heavenly Doctor Sibbes', was an unfailing remedy. His books THE BRUISED REED and THE SOUL'S CONFLICT quieted, soothed, comforted, encouraged and healed me.'
    "This is one of the best Puritan books to read if you are feeling down or depressed or if you are facing struggles and trials. It is also very useful if you are struggling with assurance. Great encouragement for Christians here!" -- Publisher
    The Bruised Reed and Smoking Flax, A. Beith (introduction, 1878)
    http://archive.org/details/bruisedreedands00sibbgoog

    *Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635), Goodwin, Thomas (1600-1680), and Nye, Philip (1596-1672), Christs Exaltation Purchast by Humiliation. Wherein you may see Mercy and Misery Meete Together. Very vsefull I. For instructing the ignorant. II. For comforting the weake. III. For confirming the strong. By R. Sibbs D.D. and preacher of Grayes-Inne, London. Published by T.G. and P.N., 1639, Available (THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "Notes: T.G. and P.N. = Thomas Goodwin and Philip Nye.
    "Three sermons on Romans XIV, 9 [Romans 14:9]."

    Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Our Suffering Substitute
    For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God. (1 Peter 3:18) From C.H. Spurgeon's FORGOTTEN EARLY SERMONS: TWENTY-EIGHT SERMONS COMPILED FROM THE SWORD AND THE TROWE>
    https://www.monergism.com/our-suffering-substitute-c-h-spurgeon

    *Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon.
    A sermon by C.H. Spurgeon delivered on Lord's-day morning, September 9, 1888, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon no. 2043.
    "This is the way in which you should use this plea. Say, 'My God, I am utterly unworthy, and I own it; but, I beseech thee, hear me for the honour of thy dear Son. By his agony and bloody sweat, by his cross and passion, by his precious death and burial, I beseech thee hear me! O Lord, let the blood of thine Only-begotten prevail with thee! Canst thou put aside his groans, his tears, his death, when they speak on my behalf?' If you can thus come to pleading terms with God upon this ground, you must and will prevail. Jesus must be heard in heaven. The voice of his blood is eloquent with God. If you plead the atoning sacrifice, you must overcome through the blood of the Lamb." -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon

    *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

    Trotter, D., Bearing one Another's Burdens (Galatians 6:1-10) (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation, 1991).
    Audio cassette BL04 [audio file].

    Various, Personal Suffering: Sermons on Job (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    A special collection of six audio cassette [audio file]. Sermons given at 10th Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia by Dr. Fuller covering the entire book. Contains: Job 1 -- The Lord has Taken Away: Receiving Suffering From God's Hand | Job 2,3 -- I Wish I Were Dead | Job 4,5 -- Job you Must Have Sinned | Job 6,7 -- All I Want is a Little Kindness | Job 8-10 -- God, You're so far Away | Job 11-14 -- If Death is all There is | Job 15-17 -- God has Worn me out | Job 18-21 -- My Redeemer Lives | Job 22-24 -- If Only I Could Find God | Job 35-41 -- God, why? | Job 42 -- Thou Can't do all Things.

    *Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), All Things for Good: Romans 8:28, A Divine Cordial. Alternate title, A DIVINE CORDIAL in 1663, ISBN: 0851514782 9780851514789. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "I would prescribe them to take, now and then, a little of this Cordial: all things work together for good to them that love God. To know that nothing hurts the godly, is a matter of comfort; but to be assured that all things which fall out shall cooperate for their good, that their crosses shall be turned into blessings, that showers of affliction water the withering root of their grace and make it flourish more; this may fill their hearts with joy till they run over." -- Thomas Watson, from the Preface
    "Thomas Watson of St. Stephen's, Walbrook believed he faced two great difficulties in his pastoral ministry. The first was making the unbeliever sad, in the recognition of his need of God's grace. The second was making the believer joyful in response to God's grace. He believed the answer to the second difficulty could be found in Paul's teaching in Romans 8:28, God works all things together for good for his people.
    "Watson's exposition is always simple, illuminating and rich in practical application. He explains that both the best and the worst experiences work for the good of God's people. He carefully analyses what it means to be someone who 'loves God' and is 'called according to his purpose.' ALL THINGS FOR GOOD provides the biblical answer to the contemporary question: 'Why do bad things happen to good people'?" -- Publisher

    Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), Light in Darkness, or, Deliverance Proclaimed Unto the Church in the Midst of all her Despondencies and Discouragements in a Sermon / Preached by Thomas Watson, Novemb. 17, 1678.

    Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), Paramuthion, or, A Word of Comfort for the Church of God by Thomas Watson, 1662.

    Winslow, Octavius (1808-1878), Joel R. Beeke (foreword), Help Heavenward: Guidance and Strength for the Christian's Life-journey, ISBN: 0851517757. Alternate title: HELP HEAVENWARD, OR, WORDS OF STRENGTH AND HEART-CHEER TO ZION'S TRAVELLERS.

    Yarbrough, Tom, Call to Comfort: A Counseling Manual for Every Christian, ISBN: 0893901199 9780893901196.
    Includes bibliography.

    See also: The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The promises of christ, Bible promises, Prayer, Affliction, adversity, trials, suffering, The covenant faithfulness of god, Hope,
    Bible reading and devotions, Christian fellowship, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Bible magistracy turns back the wrath of god, The doctrine of the lesser magistrates, The all-sufficiency of christ, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 522, 523, 783-788, 849-859, 1614, 1696
    MGTP: Hope, Strength (Spiritual)

    Related Weblinks

    Come Unto Me, all ye That Labour, Thomas Boston
    http://members.wbs.net/homepages/j/o/h/johnowen/freeofer.htm

    Comfort for Suffering Saints! Jerome Zanchius, (1516-1590)
    And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son! (Romans 8:28-29)
    "The sovereignty of God is a comfort for suffering saints, acting to remove anxiety. How sweet must the following considerations be to a distressed believer!

    1. There most certainly exists an almighty, all-wise and infinitely gracious God (Hebrews 11:6).
    2. His love for His elect people is immutable; He never repents of it nor withdraws it (Jeremiah 31:3).
    3. Whatever comes to pass in time, is the result of His sovereign will from everlasting (1 Corinthians 8:6).
    4. Consequently my afflictions are a part of His sovereign will, and are all ordered in number, weight, and measure (Psalm 22:24).
    5. The very hairs of my head (every one) are counted by Him; nor can a single hair fall to the ground but in consequence of His wise determination (Luke 12:7).
    6. Hence my afflictions and distresses are not the result of chance, accident, or a fortuitous combination of circumstances (Psalm 56:8).
    7. They are the providential accomplishment of God's eternal purpose (Romans 8:28), and are designed to answer some wise and gracious ends (James 5:10-11).
    8. Nor shall my affliction continue a moment longer than God sees fit (2 Corinthians 7:6-7).
    9. He who brought the affliction to me has promised to support me under it and to carry me through it (Psalm 34:15-17).
    10. All shall, most assuredly, work together for His glory and my good.
    11. Therefore, "Shall I not drink from the cup of suffering the Father has given me?" (John 18:11).
    "However keenly afflictions might wound us on their first access -- yet, under the impression of such animating views, we should quickly come to ourselves again, and the arrows of affliction, would, in great measure lose their sharpness.
    "Christians need nothing but absolute resignation to God's wise and gracious Providence, to render them perfectly happy in every possible circumstance. And absolute resignation can only flow from an absolute belief of, and an absolute acquiescence in, God's absolute Providence, founded on His absolute predestination (1 Thessalonians 1:2-4).
    https://www.monergism.com/comfort-suffering-saints

    Comfort in Affliction (FGB #217)
    Beloved, and yet Afflicted | Cheer up, my Dear Friends | The Great Giver | Tried by Fire | Good Comes Through Affliction | Christ, the Fountain of Comfort | Comfort for Suffering Saints | Thoughts on Affliction | The Bible and Consolation
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/ciaffg/comfort-in-affliction

    Comfort for Afflicted (FGB)
    Beloved, and yet Afflicted | Cheer up, my Comrades! | The Great Giver | Tried by Fire | On Consolation and the Bible
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/cftafg/comfort-for-afflicted

    George Gillespie on of the True, Real, and Safe Grounds of Encouragement to Believe in Jesus Christ; Or, Upon What Warrants a Sinner may Adventure to Rest and Rely Upon Christ for Salvation
    http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/7/8/george-gillespie-on-of-the-true-real-and-safe-grounds-of-encouragement-to-believe-in-jesus-christ-or-upon-what-warrants-a-sinner-may-adventure-to-rest-and-rely-upon-christ-for-salvation

    God of all Comfort (FGB #194)
    O Blessed Hurricane! Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | Comfort in the Night of Weeping, Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889) | God and Natural Disasters, Bridges, Jerry | Earthly Sorrows and Following Christ, Ryle, J.C. (1816-1900) | The God of all Comfort, Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635) | Comfort in all Tribulation Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | Tried by Fire, Pink, A.W. (1889-1952) | The Comforts of the Holy Spirit, Owen, John (1616-1683) | How Does God Comfort? Winslow, Octavius (1808-1878)
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/goacfg/god-of-all-comfort-the



    Communication

    Let no corrupt word out of your mouth go forth, but what is good unto the needful building up, that it may give grace to the hearers. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil-speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: and become one to another kind, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, according as also God in Christ did forgive you. (Ephesians 4:29,31,32, YLTHB)

    Furnish yourselves beforehand with matter for the most edifying discourse, and never go abroad empty. And let the matter be usually, 1. Things of weight, and not small matters. 2. Things of certainty, and not uncertain things. Particularly the fittest subjects for your ordinary discourse are these: 1. God himself, with his attributes, relations, and works. 2. The great mystery of man's redemption by Christ; his person, office, sufferings, doctrine, example, and work; his resurrection, ascension, glory, intercession, and all the privileges of his saints. 3. The covenant of grace, the promises, the duties, the conditions, and the threatenings. 4. The working of the Spirit of Christ upon the soul, and every grace of the Spirit in us; with all the signs, and helps, and hinderances of it. 5. The ways and wiles of Satan, and all our spiritual enemies; the particular temptations which we are in danger of; what they are and how to avoid them, and what are the most powerful helps against them. 6. The corruption and deceitfulness of the heart; the nature and workings, effects, and signs of ignorance, unbelief, hypocrisy, pride, sensuality, worldliness, impiety, injustice, intemperance, uncharitableness, and every other sin; with all the helps against them. 7. The many duties of God and man which we have to perform, both internal and external, and how to do them, and what are the chiefest hinderances and helps. (As in reading, hearing, meditating, prayer, giving alms, etc.). And the duties of our relations, and several places, with the contrary sins. 8. The vanity of the world, and deceitfulness of all earthy things. 9. The powerful reasons used by Christ to draw us to holiness, and the unreasonable madness of all that is brought against it, by the devil or by wicked men. 10. Of the sufferings which we must expect and be prepared for. 11. Of death, and the preparations that will then be found necessary; and how to make ready for so great a change. 12. Of the day of judgment, and who will then be justified, and who condemned. 13. Of the joys of heaven, the employment, the company, the nature, and duration. 14. Of the miseries of the damned, and the thoughts that they then will have of their former life on earth. 15. Of the state of the church on earth, and what we ought to do i our places for its welfare. Is there not matter enough in all these great and weighty points, for your hourly meditation and conference? -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)

    *Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Christian Living in the Home, ISBN: 0801000513 9780801000515.
    "His [Adam's], approach to family life is conditioned completely by the Bible. He writes, 'A truly Christian home is a place where sinners live; but it is also a place where the members of that home admit the fact and understand the problem, know what to do about it, and as a result grow by grace'." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    "This bestselling title will challenge, encourage, and aid the reader in the development of a truly Christian home. Christians will find this volume full of practical, biblical advice on Christ-centered family living, communication with family members, family guidance and discipline, living with an unbelieving spouse, and many other areas. Pastors and Christian counselors will value this work for its insight and faithfulness to God's Word." -- Publisher
    "Written to check the erosion of the family as the basic foundation of society. Practical applications of Scripture to family living are given." -- GCB
    A study guide is available.
    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Christian Living in the Home: Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic.
    Barker, Dorothy Anderson, and
    Jay Adams, Leader's Guide for Jay E. Adams's CHRISTIAN LIVING IN THE HOME. Alternate title: CHRISTIAN LIVING IN THE HOME (STUDY GUIDE).
    "Thirteen week guide for the leader of a Sunday school or Bible study class that utilizes Adams's book on marriage and family." -- David Powlison

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Communicating With 20th Century man, 36 pages, ISBN: 0875520081 9780875520087.
    "God calls Christians to evangelistic and apologetic encounters. Modern man is disillusioned with himself, and the strong biblical notes of God's authority and control will find fertile soil. The message must be robust and biblical. The form must communicate well: using communication technologies, the debate format and sociological studies to engage audiences. 'Many evangelistic plans are superficial. People have questions, problems, difficulties, which it takes time, prayer, and patience to solve'." -- David Powlison

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Effective Communication; Disabled people; Inferiority complex; Unsaved wife; Be prepared! (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA406 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Listening in Counseling (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA206 [audio file].

    *Cedar, Paul A., Seven Keys to Maximum Communication, ISBN: 0842358757 9780842358750.
    "Treats in simple terms the negative and positive feelings we all share that either erect walls between us or build bridges toward one another. Most helpful." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Johnson, Rex, Communication: Key to Your Parents, ISBN: 0890811571 9780890811573.

    Miller, C. John (1928-1996), Root Causes of Depression and Suicide Among Young People; Communicating Effectively With the 'Suicidal' Person.

    *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

    Porter, Jack Nusan, Conflict and Conflict Resolution: A Historical Bibliography, ISBN: 0824092872 9780824092870.

    *Shepard, Thomas (1605-1649), and Jonathan Mitchel (1624-1668), Subjection to Christ in all his Ordinances and Appointments the Best Means to Preserve our Liberty: Together With a Treatise of Ineffectual Hearing the Word, how we may know whether we have heard the same effectually, and by what means it may become effectual unto us: with some remarkable passages of his life / by Tho. Shephard . . . now published by Mr. Jonathan Michel . . . Running title: A WHOLESOME CAVEAT FOR A TIME OF LIBERTY. "To the reader" signed: William Greenhill [and], Samuel Mather. "To the Christian reader" signed: Edm. Calamy, 1654.

    Soukup, Paul A. (compiler), Christian Communication, ISBN: 031325673X 9780313256738.
    "CHRISTIAN COMMUNICATION is the first wide-ranging annotated bibliography of available books, articles, theses, and dissertations in English, French, German, Spanish, and Italian that deals with all forms and aspects of Christian communication, even comic books and the computer. The bibliographies for this collection were drawn from several sources including the Library of Congress; several important computerized databases; manual searches of such institutions as the Billy Graham Center and the Graduate Theological Union, among others; and references in dissertations. Most importantly, only accessible items which could be checked and reviewed by Soukup and his research staff have been included here. The volume is arranged to maximize ease of access and use and is based on the general academic division of communication studies. The first chapter contains an introduction, cross-referenced to the bibliographies, that reviews the history of church communication, the major issues that characterize it, and suggests possibilities for future study. Next, a resource chapter lists periodicals which address specific areas of religious communication or frequently published articles of interest; cites bibliographic guides to the material and surveys directories of both personnel working in the field of Christian communication and of catalogs of relevant materials. The following seven chapters contain the major bibliographical sections that review communication theory, history, rhetoric, interpersonal communication, mass communication, intercultural communication, and other media. The volume closes with helpful name, title, and subject indexes that make this guide thoroughly user-friendly and an important research tool for church communicators, theological students, and communications scholars working in philosophical or qualitative areas.
    "Paul A. Soukup is Assistant Professor of Communication at Santa Clara University." -- Publisher "This annotated bibliography comprehensively indexes available books, articles, theses, and dissertations that deal with all forms and aspects of Christian Communication. . . .
    A resource section surveys periodicals, bibliographic guides, and various directories, seven major bibliographical sections that address Communication Theory, History, Rhetoric, Interpersonal Communication, Mass Communication, Intercultural Communications, and Other Media are included." Paul A. Soukup is Assistant Professor of Communication at Santa Clara University." -- Publisher

    Tripp, Paul, War of Words: Getting to the Heart of Your Communication Struggles, 4 DVDs. Alternate title: "GETTING TO THE HEART OF COMMUNICATIONS." (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).

    *Tripp, Theodore A., and David Powlison (introduction), Shepherding a Child's Heart, ISBN: 0966378601 9780966378603.
    "Written for parents with children of any age, this insightful book provides perspectives and procedures for shepherding your child's heart into the paths of life. SHEPHERDING A CHILD'S HEART gives fresh biblical approaches to child rearing." -- Publisher
    "This is a masterful book." -- David Powlison
    "Solid, trustworthy, biblical help for parents." -- John MacArthur.

    See also: For all counselors, The web edition of biblical counsel resources for renewal, The free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, the covenant of eternal salvation, How to become a christian, Book-length presentations of the free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, Prayer, Sharing christ with your children, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Teaching children, Training in biblical counseling, Preaching and pastoral counseling, Audio cds and mp3s on counseling subjects, General audio files (cds and mp3s) from ccef speakers, Gossip, Slander, Backbiting, The tongue, Evangelism, Revival, Dvd, multimedia, Christian biography, Home schooling, Reformed publishers online, Audio cds and mp3s on counseling subjects, Follow-up of inquirers, Testimonies, Gospel tracts and witnessing tools, Apologetics, Biblical counsel by subject, Ready reference immediate counsel on many subjects, and so forth, Translation of this website, and so forth, and so on.

    Related Weblinks

    Wycliffe Bible Translators
    Probably the premier source of foreign language translations of the English Bible.
    http://www.wycliffe.org/



    Contagion of Sin, Imitation, Conformity, Nonconformity

    See the Theological Notes: "The Fall" at Genesis 3:6 in The Reformation Study Bible.
    But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
    And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
    And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.     (Genesis 3:3-7)
    Matthew Henry commenting on Genesis 3:6-13
    https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/genesis/3.html
    John Gill commenting on Genesis 3:7
    https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/genesis-3-7.html

    See the Theological Notes: "Syncretism and Idolatry," at Hosea 2:13 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    See the Theological Notes: "Hell," at Mark 9:43 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment. (Exodus 23:2)

    Our attachment to godliness must be inwardly defective, if it do not generate an abhorrence of sin, such as David here speaks of. If that zeal for the house of the Lord, which he mentions elsewhere, (Psalm 69:9), burn in our hearts, it would be an unpardonable indifference silently to look on when his righteous law was violated, nay, when his holy name was trampled upon by the wicked. . . . We thus see that he stood forward strenuously in defense of the glory of God, regardless of the hatred of the whole world, and waged war with all the workers of iniquity. -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 139:21 and context

    Enslave not thy judgment to any person or party. There is a spiritual suretyship which hath undone many in their judgments and principles. Be not bound to, or for the judgment of any. Weigh truth, and tell gold thou mayest, after thy father; but thou must live by thy own faith, not another's. Labour to see truth with thine own eyes. That building stands weak which is held up by a shore, or some neighbour house it leans on, rather than on a foundation of its own. When these go, that will fall to the ground also. Let not authority from man, but evidence from the word, conclude thy judgment; that is but a shore, this is a foundation. Quote the Scripture rather than men for thy judgment. Not, so saith a learned man; but thus saith the holy Scripture. Yet, take heed of bending this direction too far the other way; which is done when we contemn the judgment of such whose piety and learning might command reverence. There is sure a mean to be found betwixt defying men, and deifying them. It is the admiring of persons that forms the traitor to truth, and makes many cry 'Hosanna' to error, and 'Crucify' to truth. Eusebius, out of Josephus, tells us of Herod's - that Herod whom we read of, Acts 12:23, as being eaten up of worms - coming upon the theatre gorgeously clad, and that while he was making an eloquent oration to the people, his silver robe, which he then wore, did, by the reflex of the sunbeams shining on it, so glister, as dazzled the eyes of the spectators; and this, saith he, occasioned some flatterers to cry out, 'The voice of God, and not of man.' And truly the glistering varnish which some men's parts and rhetoric put upon their discourses, does oft so blind the judgments of their admirers, that they are too prone to think all divine they speak, especially if they be such as God hath formerly used as instruments for any good to their souls. O it is hard then, as he said, amare hominem humaniter -- to love and esteem man as a man, to reverence him such so, as not to be in danger of loving their errors also. Augustine had been a means to convert Alypius from one error, and he confesseth this was an occasion why he was so easily by him led into another error -- no less than Manicheism. Alypius thought he could not pervert him here that had converted him. Call therefore none father on earth; despise none, adore none. -- William Gurnall (1617-1679), The Christian in Complete Armour

    It is not only a great sin, but an ill sign, to be carried away with the streams of the times. A sin, because directly opposite to the command, Romans 12:2. Be not conformed to this world, ... ..., to this age; the meaning is, Do not get into the garb of the times. And an ill sign, because the scripture makes it the character of a wicked man, Ephesians 2:2 They walk according to the course of this world. In the original ... ....., according to the age, as the manner of the times went. It is as dangerous living in ill company, as breathing in an infectious air; for as one observes well, "No pest doth sooner infect the air than sin infects and defiles the mind." It is as hard a matter to preserve yourselves from guilt among wicked men, as it is to keep yourselves clean, where many dirty dogs are leaping and fawning upon you: The diseases of the soul are very catching. How great a commendation was it to Noah, that he was upright, and walked with God, when all flesh had corrupted their ways! And how beautiful a sight is it to see Christians shine as lights in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation! Philippians 2:15 to continue a lily among thorns. The world is a sea, and every particular person in it a drop: Now to see a drop of water in the sea carried in a counter-motion to the tide, is marvelous. Christians are a distinct company of themselves, Acts 4:23. "You are of another world," John 17:14 and your converses should be in heaven, Colossians 3:1,2 and with heavenly spirits, Psalm 16:3. O how hard is it to escape partnership with them in sin, if we converse unnecessarily among them! If fine bread be in the same oven with coarse, the finer partakers of that which is coarse, but the coarse seldom partakes of the fine: If you lay bright and clear armour among that which is rusty, the rusty armour communicates its rust to the clean, but the bright communicates not its brightness to the rusty. There are more ways than one by which thou mayest be involved into guilt by them. Suppose thou consentest not with them, much less instigatest them to sin, yet mayest thou be defiled by their sin, if it be but by silence when thou oughtest to reprove them, Leviticus 5:1 or by not being so grieved, and tenderly affected with their sins as thou oughtest, 1 Corinthians 5:1,2. Thus did David, Psalm 119:136 and Lot, 2 Peter 2:7,8 that they might free their own souls. -- John Flavel (1627-1691)

    To turn away from the lifeless preachers and publishers of the day -- may involve a real cross. Your motives will be misconstrued, your words perverted, and your actions misinterpreted. The sharp arrows of false report will be directed against you. You will be called proud and self-righteous, because you refuse to fellowship empty professors. You will be termed censorious and bitter -- if you condemn in plain speech -- the subtle delusions of Satan. You will be dubbed narrow-minded and uncharitable, because you refuse to join in singing the praises of the 'great' and 'popular' men of the day. More and more, you will be made to painfully realize -- that the path which leads unto eternal life is narrow and that FEW there are who find it. May the Lord be pleased to grant unto each of us -- the hearing ear and obedient heart! "Take heed what you hear and read!"
    Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (1 Thessalonians 5:21) -- A.W. Pink (1886-1952), Take Heed What you Read

    Nothing darkens the eyes of the mind so much, and deadens the conscience so surely, as an allowed sin. It may be a little one, but it is not the less dangerous for all that. A small leak will sink a great ship, and a small spark will kindle a great fire, and a little allowed sin in like manner will ruin an immortal soul. Take my advice, and never spare a little sin. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

    Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us. (1 Samuel 8:19) Men have little integrity and will imitate peers, good or bad. Even more tragic is man's tendency to imitate leaders in power. Witness the dramatic change in opinion polls when an administration changes. For example, in the case of abortion, polls will indicate a majority of the population in favor of abortion when a pro-abortion president is in office. When the administration changes, and an anti-abortion president takes office, then the national opinion polls immediately shift.

    Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth. (Colossians 3:2)

    The end of all learning is to know God, and out of that knowledge to love and imitate Him. -- John Milton

    I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; [it] shall not cleave to me. (Psalm 101:3)
    Entertainment very often depicts immoral conduct, crime, and other sins. To view such entertainment (in movies, cable TV, on The Internet, in the theater, and etc.), is to participate in that sin.

    Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:48)

    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 Note at 1 Corinthians 13:13, "Love" in The Reformation Study Bible.
    But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13)

    We tend to become like those things we love.

    In 1550, Calvin proudly wrote to Melanchthon: "many, in order to avoid idolatry, are fleeing France and are coming to us in voluntary exile." (1)
    Calvin often refers to idolatry as if were a plague: Once an area becomes infected with this virus, the only way the residents can escape contagion is by fleeing. Those who remain behind, surrounded by the disease, risk infection every day as long as they come into contact with its victims.
    Calvin was aware that not everyone was free to emigrate, but he continually stressed that for those who found it possible, it was the wisest course to follow:

    Now, consider whether you can have peace with God and your own conscience while you persevere in your present state . . . We have no direct revelation commanding us to leave the country, but since we have the commandment to honor God in body and soul, wherever we may be, what else could we do? It is certainly to us, then, that these words are also addressed, 'Get thee out of thy country and from thy kindred' [Gen. 12:1 (Genesis 12:1)]; as long as we are there constrained to act against our conscience, and cannot live for the glory of God. (2)
    Calvin adds that one should regard as "filth and dung" everything which hinders one from being a good Christian; if anything separates one from God, who is the true life, then it can only lead to death. (3) -- Carlos Eire, in War Against the Idols: The Reformation of Worship from Erasmus to Calvin, 1990, pp. 260-261
    Footnotes:
    1. Corpus Reformatorum: Joannis Calvini Opera quae supersuntomnia (CR hereafter), edited by W. Baum, E. Cunitz, and E. Reuss (Brunswick, 1863-80), 6.576. Also CR 55.280, CR 45.770.
    2. CR 11.629-30
    3. "Quatrieme Sermon," CR 8.437.

    Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and so the plague was stayed.
    And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore.     (Psalm 106:30,31)
    They were guilty of a great sin in the matter of Peor; and this was the sin of the new generation, when they were within a step of Canaan (v. 28 [Psalm 106:28]): They joined themselves to Baal-peor, and so were entangled both in idolatry and in adultery, in corporeal and in spiritual whoredom, Num. 25:1-3 [Numbers 25:1-3]. Those that did often partake of the altar of the living God now ate the sacrifices of the dead, of the idols of Moab (that were dead images, or dead men canonized or deified), or sacrifices to the infernal deities on the behalf of their dead friends. Thus they provoked God to anger with their inventions (v. 29 [Psalm 106:29]), in contempt of him and his institutions, his commands, and his threatenings. The iniquity of Peor was so great that, long after, it is said, They were not cleansed from it, Jos. 22:17 [Joshua 22:17]. God testified his displeasure at this (1) By sending a plague among them, which in a little time swept away 24,000 of those impudent sinners. (2) By stirring up Phinehas to use his power as a magistrate for the suppressing of the sin and checking the contagion of it. He stood up in his zeal for the Lord of hosts, and executed judgment upon Zimri and Cozbi, sinners of the first rank, genteel sinners; he put the law in execution upon them, and this was a service so pleasing to God that upon it the plague was stayed, v. 30 [Psalm 106:30]. By this, and some other similar acts of public justice on that occasion (Num. 25:4,5 [Numbers 25:4,5]), the guilt ceased to be national, and the general controversy was let fall. When the proper officers did their duty God left it to them, and did not any longer keep the work in his own hands by the plague. Note, National justice prevents national judgments. But, Phinehas herein signalizing himself, a special mark of honour was put upon him, for what he did was counted to him for righteousness to all generations (v. 31 [Psalm 106:31]), and, in recompence of it, the priesthood was entailed on his family. He shall make an atonement by offering up the sacrifices, who had so bravely made an atonement (so some read it, v. 30 [Psalm 106:30]), by offering up the sinners. Note, It is the honour of saints to be zealous against sin. -- Matthew Henry in Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible (unabridged)

    The depravity of man is at once the most empirically verifiable reality, but at the same time the most intellectually resisted fact. (Genesis 6:5; Genesis 8:21b; Ecclesiastes 9:3b; Jeremiah 17:9; Mark 7:21-23; Ephesians 2:1-3; Titus 3:3-5) -- Malcolm Muggeridge (1903-1990). See John Calvin's Commentary on Isaiah Chapter 33 [Isaiah 33:1-66].

    Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), The Autobiography of Richard Baxter, ISBN: 0874714087 9780874714067.
    "Abridged with an introduction and notes by J.M. Lloyd Thomas. A clear, easy-to-read account of the life of one of the great nonconformists of the 17th century, replete with accounts of political and ecclesiastical intrigue and all that militates against the development of piety and the work of the Lord." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), The English Nonconformity, as Under King Charles II. and King James II. Truly Stated and Argued, by Richard Baxter. Who Earnestly Beseecheth Rulers, and Clergy, not to Divide, and Destroy the Land, and cast their own souls on the dreadful guilt and punishment of national perjury, lying, deliberate covenanting to sin against God, corrupt his Church, and not amend, nor by laws or blind malignity, to reproach faithful ministers of Christ, and judge them to scorn and beggery, and to lie and die in jails as rogues, and so to strengthen profaneness, popery and schism, and all for want of willingness and patience to read and hear their just defence; while they can spend much more time in sin and vanity. The author humbly begs that he and his books of unconfutable defence of a mistaken persecuted cause may not be witnesses against them for such great and wilful sin to their condemnation.

    Bolton, Samuel (1606-1654), Hamartolos Hamartia: or, The Sinfulnes of sin, 1646. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    *Calamy, Edmund (1678-1732), and Samuel Palmer (d. 1724, editor), The Nonconformist's Memorial, 3 volumes, ISBN: 0781206243. This seems to be the preferred edition. E-text available OCLC: 220202826. A Christian classic. See also: Benjamin Brook, LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
    "Edmund Calamy (1678-1732), a dissenting minister in London and a historian, was the son and grandson of puritan ministers inside the Church of England. Both of them, along with hundreds of others, were expelled from their church livings for their refusal to submit to the 1662 Act of Uniformity. This event, the so-called 'Great Ejection', was a crucial moment in the formation of religious dissent in England. This book, first published in 1775, is an extensively-revised version, by another dissenting minister Samuel Palmer, of materials originally collated and published by Edmund Calamy, commemorating the lives and works of these ejected ministers.
    "Editing the autobiography of one of the most eminent of these ejected ministers, Richard Baxter, Calamy included a long chapter listing the ejected ministers and such biographical data as he could find. This is the famous chapter 9 of AN ABRIDGMENT OF MR. BAXTER'S HISTORY OF HIS LIFE AND TIMES (1702). This chapter became a whole volume of a second edition of the ABRIDGEMENT published in 1713. And in 1727 Calamy produced a further two volumes of material under the title A CONTINUATION OF THE ACCOUNT OF THE MINISTERS, LECTURERS, MASTERS AND FELLOWS OF COLLEGES, AND SCHOOLMASTERS WHO WERE EJECTED AND SILENCED AFTER THE RESTORATION OF 1660 . . .
    "Samuel Palmer attempted to integrate this material into a more readable form, making extensive revisions and additions. He certainly succeeded in producing something more accessible to eighteenth-century readers and there were several reprints of the book and a second edition in 1802-3. However readability was sometimes at the cost of accuracy and of a reduction of the scholarly value of Calamy's material.
    "Nevertheless THE NONCONFORMIST'S MEMORIAL was an important work of collective memory by eighteenth-century dissenters." -- Publisher
    Calamy, The Nonconformist's Memorial: Being an Account of the Ministers, who Were Ejected or Silenced . . . (1775), volume 1 of 2
    http://archive.org/details/nonconformistsm00calagoog
    Calamy, Edmund (1671-1732), The Nonconformist's Memorial: Being an Account of the Ministers, who Were Ejected or Silenced . . . (1775), volume 2 of 2
    http://archive.org/details/nonconformistsme02cala
    The Nonconformist's Memorial: Being an Account of the Lives, Sufferings, and Printed Works, of the Two Thousand Ministers Ejected from the Church of England, Chiefly by the Act of Uniformity, Aug. 24, 1666. . . .
    http://books.google.com/books?id=b08UwRUmWL0C&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html

    Case, Thomas (1598-1682), The Imitation of the Saints, Opened in Some Practical Meditations Upon the Death of Mrs. Anne Brown, Late Wife of Mr. Peter Brown of Hammersmith. Alternate title: HAGIO-MIMESIS.

    *Neal, Daniel (1678-1743), and Joshua Toulmin, The History of the Puritans, or, Protestant Non-conformists: From the Reformation in 1517, to the Revolution in 1688; Comprising an Account of Their Principles; Their attempts for a farther reformation in the church, their sufferings, and the lives and characters of their most considerable divines, 3 volumes.
    "Reprinted from the latest edition and containing critical notes, this outstanding presentation of Protestant nonconformity (from 1517 to 1688), delineates the course of action taken by those dubbed Puritan, describes the seeds of liberty and democracy that they spread and that lie latent in their history and teachings, and presents a vivid picture of the effect of their stand for truth. This is an excellent work and is well-deserving of careful study. The benefits of reading these volumes is too great to be tabulated here. We can only hope that a new generation of men and women who are loyal to the Lord and His Word will peruse these pages to their own great profit." -- Cyril J. Barber
    The History of the Puritans, or, Protestant Non-conformists . . . (vol. 1 of 4)
    https://archive.org/details/historyofp01neal
    The History of the Puritans, or, Protestant Non-conformists . . . (vol. 2 of 4)
    https://archive.org/details/historyo02neal
    The History of the Puritans, or, Protestant Non-conformists . . . (vol. 3 of 4)
    https://archive.org/details/historyofpurit03neal
    The History of the Puritans, or, Protestant Non-conformists . . . (vol. 4 of 4)
    https://archive.org/details/historyofpurit04neal

    *Ness, Christopher (1621-1705), An Antidote Against Arminianism, or, A Succinct Discourse to Enervate and Confute all the Five Points Thereof to wit, Predestination Grounded Upon Man's Foreseen Works, Universal Redemption, Sufficient Grace is all, the Power of Man's Free-will in Conversion, and the possibility of true saints falling away totally and finally: all which are demonstrated here to be damnable errours, both by Scriptures and reason &c. . . . / published for the publick good by Christopher Ness, 1700, ISBN: 092114802X. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.
    "First printed in 1700 by Christopher Ness, an English nonconformist preacher and author, it comes with a recommendation by John Owen." -- GCB
    Includes a Scripture index.
    An Antidote Against Arminianism, Christopher Ness 1700
    http://members.wbs.net/homepages/j/o/h/johnowen/ness.htm

    *Owen, John (1616-1683), A Cluster of the Fruit of Canaan: Rules of Walking in Fellowship, With Reference to the Pastor or Minister That Watcheth for our Souls. Alternate title: ESHCOL: A CLUSTER OF THE FRUIT OF CANAAN; BROUGHT TO THE BORDERS, FOR THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE SAINTS, TRAVELLING THITHER-WARD, WITH THEIR FACES TOWARDS SYON. OR, RULES OF DIRECTION, FOR THE WALKING OF THE SAINTS IN FELLOWSHIP, ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF THE GOSPEL. COLLECTED AND EXPLAINED FOR THE USE OF THE CHURCH AT COGGESHALL, BY JOHN OWEN THEIR PASTOR, 1648. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN Vol. 13. (13:1-49).

    *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), William H. Goold (editor), The Duty of Pastors and People Distinguished; Eshcol: A Cluster of the Fruit of Canaan; Of Schism: In Three Books: Nonconformity Vindicated: Tracts on the Power of the Magistrate, Indulgence, Toleration, etc., ISBN: 0851510639 9780851510637. Available in THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN, Volume 13.
    The Works of John Owen at Archive.org
    https://archive.org/search.php?query=the+works+of+john+owen&page=2

    *Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), A Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life, ISBN: 0891078193.
    "Packer is a well-known author, lecturer, and theologian. He is currently Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at Regent College, Vancouver, B.C.
    "Packer writes of that golden age of Christian theology, when giants of the faith pursued holiness in life and practice like a hound follows a scent. Those Puritans of the 17th century (a little before and a little after), had as their aim to be fully conformed to the image of God, and to be seen at home and abroad as close imitators of Christ Jesus. . . .
    "There are lessons for us in their passion for effective action. They had no time for lazy or passive persons. They were men of action in the pure Reformed mold -- crusading activists without a jot of self-reliance; workers for God who depended utterly on God to work in and through them. . . . There are lessons for us in their program for family stability. It is hardly too much to say that the Puritans created the Christian family in the English-speaking world. The Puritan ethic of marriage was to look not for a partner whom you do love passionately at this moment, but rather one whom you can love steadily as your best friend for life, and then to proceed with God's help to do just that. . . .
    "In the introduction Packer gives his personal testimony as to how much he owes to the Puritans for his depth of knowledge, firmness of purpose, his dedication to fulfilling God's purposes in his life, and his love of the truth as revealed in the Scriptures. Because of his appreciation of this background of Puritan influence on his life, he has often written and lectured on the subject of the importance of the Puritans. Many of our freedoms and just laws can be traced to their influence on all our lives. This book contains the following themes: The Puritans in Profile; The Puritans and the Bible; The Puritans and the Gospel; the Puritans and the Holy Spirit; The Puritan Christian Life; The Puritans in Ministry. . . .
    "This reviewer would love to persuade every single reader of these words to read this book. You would get a view of Christians which would inspire you, which would perhaps lead you, which would perhaps lead you to repentance, but also to heights of spirituality you would not enjoy without them. What Packer has said about their influence on his life can be repeated almost word for word in a resume of this reviewer's life. If you want to grow in grace, and in usefulness to God's cause, read the writing of the Puritans.
    "We will repeat what we said in reviewing John Owen's THE DEATH OF DEATH IN THE DEATH OF CHRIST, that Packer's well balanced definition of Calvinism in the introduction to that volume is by far the best we have seen in 42 years of intensive reading. And that superb piece appears in this volume in full, which alone is worth the price of this book.
    "The book jacket has these words: 'Dr. Packer masterfully uncovers the hidden treasures of Puritan life and thought. With crystalline clarity he reveals the depth and breadth of Puritan spiritual life, contrasting it with the superficiality and deadness of modern Western Christianity. Drawing on a lifetime of study Dr. Packer takes the reader on a survey of the lives and teachings of great leaders such as John Owen, Richard Baxter, and Jonathan Edwards. He offers a close look at such subjects as the Puritan view of the Bible, spiritual gifts, the Sabbath, worship, social action, and the family. He concludes that a main difference between the Puritans and ourselves is spiritual maturity -- the Puritans had it; we do not. In a time of failing vision and decaying values, this powerful portrait of Puritans is a beacon of hope that calls us to radical commitment and action when both are desperately needed'." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    "Contrary to popular opinion, the Puritans were no dour lot of killjoys. In fact, Packer says, there's a lot we can learn from them about truly authentic and joyous spirituality. In this book Packer explores the Puritans' own writings on the Bible, the Gospel, the Holy Spirit, Christian life, and ministry. For each topic he beautifully demonstrates how the Puritans can help us press on toward godliness. If you're intrigued by the Puritans but don't know where to start reading them, this book will be a valuable guide!" -- CBD
    "In a resounding call to deepen our Christian life, Packer reveals the strength of the Puritan system of spiritual maturity." -- Publisher
    J.I. Packer's Introduction to The Death of Death in the Death of Christ by John Owen
    http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/packer_intro.html
    The Death of Death in the Death of Christ, by John Owen
    http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/packer_intro.html
    The Death of Death in the Death of Christ: Redemption and Reconciliation That is in the Blood of Christ (Limited Atonement), 1 of 33, [audio file]
    An audio file reading by Still Waters Revival Books from THE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN. Currently (October 2018), there are 77 readings of John Owen by SWRB and Reformed Baptist of Holland (Michigan), (Thomas Sullivan), at SermonAudio.com available for listening online, downloading as MP3 files, [audio file], and listening on iPhone, mobile phones, and MPE players.
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=47081639571

    Palmer, Samuel, The Protestant-dissenter's Catechism: Containing, I. A Brief History of the Nonconformists; II. The Reason of the Dissent From the National Church. Designed to Instruct and Establish Young Persons Among the Dissenters in the Principles of Nonconformity, the ninth edition, 1792.
    "The catechism was undertaken at the request of several ministers, who wanted a supplement to the Westminster Shorter Catechism giving the grounds of dissent. The manuscript was revised by Philip Furneaux and Job Orton, and published in 1772. Its two sections deal with the history and principles of nonconformity. It was successful, reaching a third edition in 1773, and saw additions and revisions by various editors; the 29th edition was published in 1890. A translation into Welsh was first published in 1775. An edition adapted for Irish Presbyterians was published at Belfast, 1824. It was too long for its original purpose, and Palmer issued THE PROTESTANT DISSENTERS' SHORTER CATECHISM -- a Supplement to the Assembly's, 1783." -- Publisher

    Price, Greg L., A Testimony Against the Unfounded Charges of Anabaptism. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #24.
    "This book teaches us that 'the heresy of Anabaptism lives today! It has infected the modern church with its cancerous errors and heresies: anti-creedalism, arminianism, dispensationalism, independency [sectarianism], anti-paedobaptism, will-worship [anti-regulativism], perfectionism, societal escapism, religious pluralism and tolerationism [anti-establishmentarianism], denial of the perpetual obligation of social covenanting, pacifism, pietism, socialism, premillennialism, and a refusal to recognize lawful civil government as the ordinance of God. These unbiblical positions of the Anabaptists were not tolerated by the Reformed Churches of the First and Second Reformations, and neither should they be tolerated by any Church today that claims to be Reformed or Presbyterian' [Greg Price]. Far to little contemporary Reformed writing has been directed against the Anabaptists, especially in light of the fact that many of their heresies have been generally adopted by professing Christians. Even the 'Reformed' community suffers from this contagion. Lord willing, this book with be an effective antidote to the 'AIDS' of Anabaptist thought and practice." -- Publisher
    A Testimony Against the Unfounded Charges of Anabaptism (1997), by Greg Price
    http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualNLs/anabapt.htm

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Sin and its consequences, Temptation, Contagion of sin, imitation, conformity, nonconformity, Christ our example, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The covenanted reformation of scotland background and history, The covenanted reformation, Covenanted reformation short title listing, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, The covenant faithfulness of god, Forgiveness of sin, Sin and its consequence: physical and spiritual death, Evil, the problem of avoiding, eschewing, shunning, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Foolishness, Childishness, Self-destruction, Self, selfishness, self-esteem, 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), Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Christ our example, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The covenanted reformation of scotland background and history, The covenanted reformation, Covenanted reformation short title listing, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, The covenant faithfulness of god, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Sex ethics, sex education, Medical ethics, Justifying faith, Christ's kingdom, Lordship of jesus christ, The all-sufficiency of christ, Trusting god, Idolatry, Secret societies, ungodly alliances, voluntary associations, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, Unfaithful reformed ministries, Politics, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, Individual responsibility for corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Sonship, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 3916, 3918
    MGTP: Imitation

    Related Weblinks

    Man's Most Shocking Trait: His Willingness to Conform, Romans 12:2; Matthew 7:13-14, Matthew Trewhella [audio file]
    "This sermon blasts hard at man's most shocking trait -- his willingness to conform -- even when it comes to unjust or immoral behavior or laws. This sermon examines this trait found amongst most men; and answers the questions 1.) why do men conform? and 2.) why do Christians conform? This is a no holds barred sermon which strategically assaults this despicable trait. Very thought-provoking."
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=123142148397

    *Secret Sins (FGB #209)
    An Examination of Secret Sins, Sedgwick, Obadiah (1600-1658) | Folly, Misery, Guilt, and Danger of Secret Sins, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | Secret Sins Hinder Secret Prayer, Brooks, Thomas (1608-1680) | Man's Ways and God's Way of Covering Sins, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | Our Secret Sins in God's Sight, Payson, Edward (1783-1827) | Final Judgment Upon Secret Sins, Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758) | A Plea for Those in Secret Sin, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | A Sight of sin and a Sight of Jesus, Winslow, Octavius (1808-1878)
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/ssinfg/secret-sins

    *Sin of Unbelief (FGB #174)
    The White Devil, Bunyan, John (1628-1688) | Departing From the Living God, Gurnall, William (1617-1679) | Doubting God, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | A Solemn Impeachment of Unbelievers, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | Thoughts of Unbelief, Erskine, Ebenezer (1685-1752) | Giant Despair, Whyte, Alexander (1836-1921) https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/sounfg/sin-of-unbelief

    Sinfulness of sin (FGB #240)
    Repentance, Faith, and sin | Unknown Depths of Human sin | What is sin? | Nothing so Vile as sin | Our Sins Viewed at the Cross | Innumerable, Monstrous Sins | Degrees of sin | A Heinous, Execrable Thing | Sin: An Infinite Evil | Sin: The Greatest Evil | Sin is Contrary to God
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/sosifg/the-sinfulness-of-sin



    Contentiousness

    As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife. (Proverbs 26:21)

    I wish there were more true conversions, and then there would not be so much backsliding, and, for fear of suffering, living at ease, when there are so few to contend for Christ and His cause. -- Donald Cargill (1619-1681)

    *Howie, John (1735-1793, collector and transcriber), Michael Shields, James Guthrie, John Kid, John King, et al., Faithful Contendings Displayed: Being an Historical Relation of the State and Actings of the Suffering Remnant in the Church of Scotland Subsisted in Select Societies, and Were United in General Correspondencies During the Hottest Time of the Late Persecution, viz. From the Year 1681 to 1691: Together with an account of the State of the land in general, and of the society people in particular, in the intervals betwixt each of their general meetings, with some pertinent remarks upon these historical occurrences, and many letters to and from the general correspondent meetings, 1780, ISBN: 1171237324 9781171237327 0548345945 9780548345948. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    The long title continues: "Collected and kept in record by Mr. Michael Shields, who was clerk unto these general societies, and personally present at most of their meetings. To which is added, ten considerations on the danger of apostacy and defection from a covenanted work of reformation. By Mr. James Guthrie, sometime minister of the Gospel at Stirling. As also, a collection of very valuable sermons, preached by these faithful and eminent servants of Jesus Christ, Messrs. John Kid, John King, John Welch, John Blackadder, John Dickson, and Gabriel Semple. Collected and transcribed by John Howie, and published at the desire of some of those who desire to own the same testimony that some of those authors owned and sealed with their blood." -- long title continued
    "Howie is famous for his BIOGRAPHIA SCOTICANA: OR, A BRIEF HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF THE LIVES, CHARACTERS, AND MEMORABLE TRANSACTIONS OF THE MOST EMINENT SCOTS WORTHIES (often just called SCOTS WORTHIES), but this work is just as valuable. A massive, rare classic, in which Howie aims at 'the gaining of friends unto, or confirming them in the covenanted interest, in a subserviency to God's glory and the good of His church' (preface, p. xxiv). Contains much information on the Reformation and the sufferings of the Covenanters which is found nowhere else (to our knowledge)." -- Publisher

    See also: The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Heresy and apostasy, Unfaithful reformed ministries, Feminism (women), Feminism, The attributes of god, Pride, ambition, self-aggrandizement, arrogance, ego, Childishness, Self, selfishness, self-esteem, Sin and its consequence: physical and spiritual death, Envy, Jealousy, Adultery, Anger, Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, The decline of american society, irrationality, the decline of western thought, Male role and responsibility, gender equality, suffrage, reproductive rights, and the decline of american society, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Forgiveness of sin, Reconciliation of relationships, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 830, 3731-3735, 3879

    Related Weblinks

    A Redneck Resolution Against Self-destruction
    http://www.lettermen2.com/redneck.html



    Contentment

    Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. (Philippians 4:11)

    *Burroughs, Jeremiah (1599-1646), The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment, ISBN: 0851510914 9780851510910. A Christian classic.
    "Well-known Puritan author of THE RARE JEWEL OF CHRISTIAN CONTENTMENT excels in deeply spiritual insights. Most authors writing today can't hold a candle to him!" -- CBD
    "I am still reading this book, but I've read enough to have it significantly change my outlook on life and afflictions. I have learned in abundance what it means to trust the Lord in troubles and to realize that God will bring me out of them in His time, and it is my duty to praise the Lord and devote my heart to Him. My cup runs over when I read Jeremiah Burroughs." -- Reader's Comment

    Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635), The Art of Contentment. In THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES, (5:175-93). Available (THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES), on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    *Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), and Don Kistler (editor), The art of Divine Contentment, 2nd edition, ISBN: 1573581135 9781573581134. Alternate title: AUTARKEIA. Available (MP3 files), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    This is an exposition of Philippians 4:11.
    "Like all the good Puritans he majored in the art of teaching humble hearts to live the Christ-like life. In this book it is the art of contentment that is pressed on all of us." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    "Watson, one of the most understandable and practical of the Puritans, gives us a much needed remedy for the discontent that is rampant in our society today, even among Christians. He gives a warm and God-centered view of how contentment as a Christian is not only possible, but should be normal. His thesis is: 'That a gracious spirit is a contented spirit. The doctrine of contentment is very superlative; and til we have learned this, we have not learned to be Christians.' (p. 19). He rightly focuses the source of contentment on God's promises and His sovereign keeping of them. 'There is one promise brings much sweet contentment into the soul, "They that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing," Ps. xxxiv. 10 [Psalm 34:10]. If the thing we desire be good for us, we shall have it; if it be not good, then the not having it is good for us. The resting satisfied with this promise gives contentment.' (p. 108)
    "All Christians can benefit from this kind of work, that we might be different, and not live in the same discontent that we see all around us. If you're looking for a treatment for your heart, Watson is a fine physician of the soul." -- Reader's Comment
    The Art of Divine Contentment, Thomas Watson
    http://www.ccel.org/w/watson/contentment/contentment.html
    The Art of Divine Contentment, 1 of 8, audio file
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=92007123630
    Watson, A Body of Practical Divinity Sermons on the Shorter Catechism of the Westminster Assembly, also Select Sermons on Various Subjects, Together with The Art of Divine Contentment, and Christ's Various Fulness (1859)
    http://archive.org/details/bodyofpracticald00watsuoft

    See also: The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, The providence of god, Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, The covenant faithfulness of god, Trusting god, Fear, Worry, Pride, ambition, self-aggrandizement, arrogance, ego, Carnality and flesh pleasing: desires, pleasure, Lust, Trusting god, The all-sufficiency of christ, The promises of christ, Bible promises, Heaven, Ecclesiastes, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 829
    MGTP: Contentment

    Related Weblinks

    Contentment (FGB #213)
    Contentment: A Rare Grace | I Will Never Leave Thee | Full Contentment in Christ | My Times in God's Hand | The Hellish sin of Discontent | The Quiet of the Heart | What is Contentment? | Consideration: A Great Help to Contentment
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/contfg/contentment



    Courage

    Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. (Isaiah 41:10)

    These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 16:33)

    Brethren, if we are to win great victories we must have greater courage. Some of you hardly dare speak about the blood of Christ in any but the most godly company; and scarcely there. You are very retiring. You love yourselves too much to get into trouble through your religion. Surely you cannot be of that noble band that love not their own lives unto the death! Many dare not hold the old doctrine nowadays because they would be thought narrow and bigoted, and this would be too galling. They call us old fools. It is very likely we are; but we are not ashamed to be fools for Christ's sake, and the truth's sake. We believe in the blood of the Lamb, despite the discoveries of science. We shall never give up the doctrine of atoning sacrifice to please modern culture. What little reputation we have is as dear to us as another man's character is to him; but we will cheerfully let it go in this struggle for the central truth of revelation. It will be sweet to be forgotten and lost sight of, or to be vilified and abused, if the old faith in the substitutionary sacrifice can be kept alive. This much we are resolved on, we will be true to our convictions concerning the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus; for if we give up this, what is there left?
    God will not do anything by us if we are false to the cross. He uses the men who spare not their reputations when these are called for in defence of truth. Oh to be at a white heat! Oh to flame with zeal for Jesus! O my brethren, hold you to the old faith, and say, "As for the respect of men, I can readily forfeit it; but as for the truth of God, that I can never give up." This is the day for men to be men; for, alas! the most are soft, molluscous creatures. Now we need backbones as well as heads. To believe the truth concerning the Lamb of God, and truly to believe it, this is the essential of an overcoming life. Oh for courage, constancy, fixedness, self-denial, willingness to be made nothing of for Christ! God give us to be faithful witnesses to the blood of the Lamb in the midst of this ungodly world! -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon

    I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

    It would be easy to lose heart and become cynical. But No! There is One who sees all things, knows all things, and will ultimately triumph over all things. There is only one message that addresses the truth as the truth. The Lord of glory, Jesus Christ, came to this earth and was also the victim of hate. Lies sent him to the cross. Power overruled reality, as politics and religious demagogues once again made the lie seem noble. But the Lord who sees the beginning from the end amazingly conquered not in spite of the dark mystery of evil, rather, He conquered through it. James Stewart of Scotland, pointing to the cross, said it in the most powerful terms I have read. Commenting on the verse from Psalm 68:18, He led captivity captive, he said:

    It is a glorious phrase -- He led captivity captive. The very triumphs of his foes, it means, he used for their defeat. He compelled their dark achievements to subserve his ends not theirs. They nailed him to a tree, not knowing that by that very act they were bringing the world to his feet. They gave him a cross, not guessing that he would make it a throne. They flung him outside the city gates to die, not knowing that in that very moment they were lifting up the gates of the universe, to let the king come in. They thought to root out his doctrines, not understanding that they were implanting imperishably in the hearts of men the very name they intended to destroy. They thought they had God with his back to the wall, pinned helpless and defeated: they did not know that it was God himself who had tracked them down. "He did not conquer in spite of the dark mystery of evil. He conquered through it." -- James Stewart (1635-1713)
    The lie has a shelf life. The truth abides forever. God can even conquer through our perversion.
    One more thing. I would be remiss if I left the guilt and darkness out there. That is the seduction of a fake righteousness. We all have to look at our own hearts and see the evil that is within each one of us. Only then can we find the answer from which all other answers flow. Some time ago, I was in Rumania. A sculptor had some of his works on display. One was a horrific, fierce-looking, long nail. When you picked it up, as rusty and jagged as the nail was, the head was polished and shiny. And when you looked at that polished head, you saw a reflection of yourself. It is sobering. Very sobering. . . . More than ever we need the Savior. Lord have mercy! -- Ravi Zacharias in a message, Is Paris Burning? November 18, 2015

    *Anderson, James, Ladies of the Covenant, 1851. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #10.
    "Memoirs of distinguished Scottish female characters, embracing the period of the covenant and the persecution. The introduction notes the importance of the lives of these courageous women, when it states: 'They have especially by the magnanimity with which they suffered in the cause of truth, emphatically taught us the important principle that we are in all things and at all times to do what is right; and as to the disapprobation, opposition, and persecution of men, in whatever way manifested, or to whatever extent, we are to let that take its chance, a principle, the importance of which it is difficult to over-estimate; which lies at the foundation of all that is great and good in character; which has enabled the greatest and the best men, by the blessing of God, to achieve the great purposes they have formed for advancing the highest interests of mankind, and upon which it is necessary for the good soldier of Christ to act in every age, in an age in which the church enjoys tranquility, as well as when she suffers persecution.' Samuel Rutherford's (and others), correspondence with these exceptional Christian women is noted throughout. 494 pages of soul-stirring history!" -- Publisher
    Ladies of the Covenant: Memoirs of Distinguished Scottish Female Characters, by Rev. James Anderson
    http://www.electricscotland.com/history/ladies/
    Ladies of the Covenant
    " 'Ladies of the Covenant' is dedicated to those women who weathered the storms of persecution during the killing times of the Scottish Reformation, and who by their example and glorious witness for Jesus Christ, still inspire hearts today.
    "There is no finer example of Biblical womanhood than 'The Ladies of the Covenant'." -- Angela Wittman, editor
    http://ladiesofthecovenant.blogspot.com/

    Burroughs, Jeremiah (1599-1646), The Excellency of Holy Courage in Evil Times, in Which (Besides Many Other Seasonable Truths), There is Shewed: 1. That Wicked Men in Power are Fierce in Their Wrath. 2. That Faith Will Keep a Gracious Heart From Immoderate Fear of men of Authority and Power. 3. Directions in our Fear of authority, etc., 1661. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    *Howie, John (1735-1793), The Scots Worthies. Biographia Scoticana: or, A Brief Historical Account of the Lives, Characters, and Memorable Transactions of the Most Eminent Scots Worthies . . . Also, an Appendix, Containing a Short Historical Hint of the Wicked Lives . . . of the . . . Apostates and . . . Persecutors in Scotland . . . 2nd edition, corrected and enlarged, 1781. A Christian classic. Available (PDF and MP3 audio files) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (PDF file) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1, #10. Available (22 MP3 audio files) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1-30 and at AudioSermons.com.
    "Most commonly known as SCOTS WORTHIES, this edition contains Howie's footnotes (defending the Covenanters), and Howie's appendix titled 'The Judgment and Justice of God' (which chronicles God's judgments upon Reformation apostates and those who persecuted the Covenanters). It is the only edition in print which contains both these sections intended for publication by the author (as later editors often removed either one or both of these parts of this book). BIOGRAPHIA SCOTICANA covers the history of 'noblemen, gentlemen, ministers and others from Mr. Patrick Hamilton, who was born about the year of our Lord 1503, and suffered martyrdom at St. Andrews, Feb., 1527, to Mr. James Renwick, who was executed in the Grass-market of Edinburgh, Feb. 17, 1688. Together with a succinct account of the lives of other seven eminent divines, and Sir Robert Hamilton of Preston, who died about, or shortly after the Revolution.' This is one of our best history books (over 700 pages), covering all of the major Scottish Reformers. Howie summarizes his book as follows: 'The design of the following was to collect, from the best authorities, a summary account of the lives, characters, and contendings, of a certain number of our most renowned SCOTS WORTHIES, who, for their faithful services, ardent zeal, constancy in sufferings, and other Christian graces and virtues, deserve honourable memorial in the Church of Christ; and for which their names have been, and will be savoury to all the true lovers of our Zion, while Reformation principles are regarded.' Furthermore, the momentous nature of the struggles chronicled in this book are succinctly noted when Howie writes: 'the primitive witnesses had the divinity of the Son of God, and an open confession of Him, for their testimony. Our reformers from Popery had Antichrist to struggle with, in asserting the doctrines of the Gospel, and the right way of salvation in and through Jesus Christ. Again, in the reigns of James VI. and Charles I., Christ's REGALIA, and the divine right of Presbytery, became the subject matter of their testimony. Then, in the beginning of the reign of Charles II. (until he got the whole of our ancient and laudable constitution effaced and overturned), our Worthies only saw it their duty to hold and contend for what they had already attained unto. But, in the end of this and the subsequent tyrant's reign, they found it their duty (a duty which they had too long neglected), to advance one step higher, by casting off their authority altogether, and that as well on account of their manifest usurpation of Christ's crown and dignity, as on account of their treachery, bloodshed, and tyranny . . . which may be summed up. The Primitive martyrs sealed the prophetic office of Christ in opposition to Pagan idolatry. The reforming martyrs sealed His priestly office with their blood, in opposition to Popish idolatry. And last of all, our late martyrs have sealed His kingly office with their best blood, in despite of supremacy and bold Erastianism. They indeed have cemented it upon His royal head, so that to the world's end it shall never drop off again.' Moreover, the importance of this book can be clearly seen when Johnston, in TREASURY OF THE SCOTTISH COVENANT, reports that, Walter Scott refers to Howie as 'the fine old chronicler of the Cameronians'. . . Howie's book has been for upwards of a century a household word, occupying a place on the shelf beside THE BIBLE and THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.' Written for God, country and the covenanted work of Reformation. Stirring history!" -- Publisher
    An alternative edition that also contains the appendix, Biographia Scoticana: or, A Brief Historical Account of the Lives, Characters, and Memorable Transactions of the Most Eminent Scots Worthies, Noblemen, Gentlemen, Ministers and Others . . . With an Appendix, Containing a Short Historical Account of the Wicked Lives and Miserable Deaths of Some of the Most Bloody Persecutors in Scotland, 1836.
    An Appendix, Containing a Short Historical Hint of the Wicked Lives and Miserable Deaths of Some of the Most Remarkable Apostates and Bloody Persecutors in Scotland From the Reformation to the Revolution
    This is the Appendix to THE SCOTS WORTHIES. BIOGRAPHIA SCOTICANA, 2nd edition, corrected and enlarged, 1781.
    http://archive.org/details/biographiascotic28272gut
    See also: A CLOUD OF WITNESSES FOR THE ROYAL PREROGATIVES OF JESUS CHRIST BEING THE LAST SPEECHES AND TESTIMONIES OF THOSE WHO HAVE SUFFERED FOR THE TRUTH IN SCOTLAND SINCE . . . 1680 and JOHN FOXE'S BOOK OF MARTYRS. ACTES AND MONUMENTS OF MATTERS MOST SPECIALL AND MEMORABLE. Available from: http://www.johnfoxe.org. Implemented by the Humanities Research Institute, University of Sheffield, England, and published by HRI Online Publications, Sheffield, 2011, Version 2.0, ISBN: 9780954260864.

    *Lucas, J.R., Parenting of Champions: Raising Godly Children in an Evil Age, ISBN: 094349785X 9780943497853.
    "The evils of our culture are attacking our families from every side -- with the biggest guns aimed straight at our children. . . . First step is for parents to set a championship example, to actually become what they want their children to become." -- GCB
    "This is one of the most honest, courageous parenting books you will ever read." -- CRM

    Potter, William, The Boy's Guide to the Historical Adventures of G.A. Henty (Vocabulary of a Warrior), ISBN: 1929241151 9781929241156.
    "This unique book charts Henty's works of historical fiction chronologically and provides both a plot summary and an historical overview of over 70 of his classic tales." -- Publisher
    "HOME EDUCATORS: If you are trying to put together a history-based curriculum, this volume is very helpful! You can gauge which time periods in your student's course of study need some bolstering up (or livening up), and search in this book for the proper Henty novel to introduce. For example, to bulk up our study on 'Ancient Times,' I needed a novel about Hannibal. This terrific reference book tells me to get Henty's 'The Young Carthaginian' to meet that requirement.
    "Another problem it solves is that sometimes a history-based curriculum can get predictable. Everyone seems to be covering the same things and the only variance is how deeply they're studied. This guide covers all of Henty's books and makes it easy to locate his books on obscure subjects and events which you can tantalize your children with. Children seem to love citing these forgotten tales and bedazzling their peers and family with them!
    "This volume will also prove invaluable to PEOPLE EDUCATING THEMSELVES. As an adult who is battling her 'learning gaps,' I just page through this reference until I find something that doesn't ring ANY bells! By reading a Henty, I enjoy a terrific adventure (which I can later discuss with my children), educate myself and, if I want to, pursue the subject more deeply later on." -- Reader's Comment
    "G.A. Henty wrote around 144 books. Many of the books revolve around a fictional character who interacts with real persons from that historical period. Heroism, honor, courage, and leadership are integral characteristics of the main protagonists. I have trouble putting down a Henty story. I highly recommend this resource." -- Reader's Comment

    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), Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Immanuel, christ with us, Bible promises, Justifying faith, Christ's kingdom, Lordship of jesus christ, The all-sufficiency of christ, Immanuel, christ in you, Trusting god, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The covenanted reformation of scotland background and history, The covenanted reformation, Covenanted reformation short title listing, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, The covenant faithfulness of god, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Christian Biography, Fear, Power, Cowardice, Worry, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 522, 523, 849-859
    MGTP: Courage

    Related Weblinks

    Courage, Martyrdom and the Triumph of Truth, a sermon on Matthew 10 by Greg Price
    A definition of Biblical courage and an exposure of the false courage of the faithless.
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?currSection=sermonsspeaker&sermonID=11501182424

    Godly Manhood (FGB #192)
    True Godliness Described, Keach, Benjamin (1640-1704) | Nature of an Upright man, Steele, Richard (1629-1692) | Signs and Character of a Godly man, Watson, Thomas (c. 1620-1686) | Husbands, Love Your Wives, Gouge, William (1578-1653) | The Conversion of Family Members, Lee, Samuel (1627-1691) | A Godly Father's Anger, Gill, John (1697-1771) | Threats to Godliness in Young Men, James, John Angell (1785-1859) | How True Manhood is Restored, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892)
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/gmanfg/godly-manhood



    The Covenant Faithfulness of God

    It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
    They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
    The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
    The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.
    It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.     (Lamentations 3:22-26)

    For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. (Psalm 100:5)

    I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant, Thy seed will I establish for ever, and build up thy throne to all generations. (Psalm 89:3,4)

    See the Theological Notes: "God's Covenant of Grace," at Genesis 12:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    See the Theological Note, "God is Love: Divine Goodness and Faithfulness" at Psalm 136:1 in The Reformation Study Bible (The New Geneva Study Bible).

    God is Immutable in his Counsel. His will never varies. Perhaps some are ready to object that we ought to read the following: And it repented the LORD that He had made man. (Genesis 6:6). Our first reply is, Then do the Scriptures contradict themselves? No, that cannot be. Numbers 23:19 is plain enough: God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent. So also in 1 Samuel 15:29, The Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for He is not a man, that He should repent. The explanation is very simple. When speaking of Himself, God frequently accommodates His language to our limited capacities. He describes Himself as clothed with bodily members, as eyes, ears, hands, etc. He speaks of Himself as "waking" (Psalm 78:65), as rising up early (Jeremiah 7:13); yet He neither slumbers nor sleeps. When He institutes a change in His dealings with men, He describes His course of conduct as "repenting." Yes, God is immutable in His counsel. The gifts and calling of God are without repentance. (Romans 11:29) It must be so, for He is in one mind, and who can turn from Him? and what His soul desireth, even that He doeth. (Job 23:13) -- A.W. Pink (1886-1952), from his book Attributes of God, Chapter 7: The Immutability of God

    Time and time again, God has proven that He is faithful and that His purpose will stand. -- Will Graham

    See the Theological Notes: "True Knowledge of God," at Jeremiah 9:24 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    In Scripture, religion means covenant. By His Word, God called into being an order of creation culminating in man. By that Word He also gave man His favor and brought him into a life of conscious covenantal fellowship with Himself. As De Graaf himself puts it: "Without covenant, there is no religion, no conscious fellowship between man and God, no exchange of love and faithfulness. Without the covenant, man would be just an instrument in God's hand. When God created man, He had more than an instrument in mind: He made a creature that could respond to Him . . . ." -- H. Evan Runner from Promise and Deliverance

    Ashe, Simeon (d. 1662), God's Incomparable Goodness Unto Israel Unfolded and Applied in a Sermon Preached From the Text Psalm 73:1, at Margaret's Westminster Before the Honorable House of Commons Assembled in Parliament, at the Last Solemn Fast, April 28, 1647. . . Deuteronomy 33:27; Deuteronomy 4:7; Isaiah 27:3. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

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

    *[Bible], The New Testament: King James Version, The Precious Promises Edition (Lake Wylie, SC: Christian Heritage Publishing Co. Inc., 1991).
    A pocket New Testament with the words of Christ in red and the promises screened in red. Convenient for purse, or travel bag.

    *De Graaf, Simon Gerrit, Promise and Deliverance, 4 volumes (Scarsdale, NY [Westminster Discount Book Service, P.O. Box 125H, Scarsdale 10583]: Westminster Discount Book Service, 1977). Translated from the Dutch by H. Evan Runner and Elisabeth Wichers Runner. A Christian classic.
    "A landmark in interpreting the simple stories of the Bible . . . an invaluable resource for teachers, ministers, and parents." -- Christianity Today
    "In Scripture, religion means covenant. By His Word, God called into being an order of creation culminating in man. By that Word He also gave man His favor and brought him into a life of conscious covenantal fellowship with Himself. As De Graaf himself puts it: 'Without covenant, there is no religion, no conscious fellowship between man and God, no exchange of love and faithfulness. Without the covenant, man would be just an instrument in God's hand. When God created man, He had more than an instrument in mind: He made a creature that could respond to Him. . . .'
    "This renewed insight into Biblical revelation is the perspective undergirding De Graaf's treatment of all Bible stories. It makes his book a unique presentation of God's revelation of Himself in the covenant and keeps his interpretations of the stories from degenerating into mere moralizing. Religion is not morality." -- H. Evan Runner
    "I highly recommend this book. One of the best books available." -- R.C. Sproul

    Fleming, Robert (1630-1694), The Faithfulness of God Considered and Cleared in the Great Events of His Word, or A Second Part of the Fulfilling of the Scripture, where its convincing and near approach before men's eyes, with some clear discovery thereof in the work and conduct of providence this day about the church, is shewed forth, 1674. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    *Owen, John (1616-1683), A Vision of Vnchangeable Free Mercy, in Sending the Means of Grace to Undeserved Sinners: Wherein God's Uncontrollable Eternall Purpose, in Sending, and Continuing the Gospel Unto This Nation, in the Middest of Oppositions and Contingencies, is Discovered: His Distinguishing Mercy, in This Great Work, Exalted, Asserted, Against Opposers, Repiners: In a Sermon Preached Before the Honourable House of Commons, April 29, Being the day of Publike Humiliation. Whereunto is annexed, a short defensative about church-government (with a country essay for the practice of church-government there), toleration and petitions about these things. By Iohn Owen, minister of the gospel at Coggeshall in Essex, 1646. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), Faithfulness and Holiness: The Witness of J.C. Ryle: An Appreciation by J.I. Packer, ISBN: 1581343582 9781581343588.
    "Including the full text of the first edition of Ryle's classic book, HOLINESS.
    "Read the first half of the book for a short biography on Ryle. It was a good synopsis of his life." -- Reader's Comment

    *Roberts, William Louis (1798-1864), The Duty of Nations, in Their National Capacity, to Acknowledge and Support the True Religion, 1853. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1, #27.
    "Excerpted from THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CATECHISM below, this book deals with the inescapable necessity, of the demand found in the Word of God, for the Civil establishment of Christ as King and Lawgiver over every nation on earth. If you are sick of the cease-fire with humanism, set forth by the syncretistic, Satanic and pragmatic pagan politicians of our day (those who bargain with votaries of Antichrist [the Pope], publicly tolerate all manner of false religions (e.g. Islam) and idolatry, and comprise their policy and draw their pretended authority from the beast [and not the Word of God], this book is for you! For all pagan politics is summed up in the words of the Cameronian (Covenanter) political philosopher Alexander Shields, as 'rotting away under the destructive distempers of detestable neutrality, loathsome lukewarmness, declining, and decaying in corruptions, defections, divisions, distractions, confusions; and so judicially infatuated with darkness and delusions, that they forget and forego the necessary testimony of the day.' (A Hind let Loose, 1797 edition, p. 20). Pick up this book and begin the political walk in the 'footsteps of the flock,' traveling the covenanting road of Reformation and Scripture (with the magisterial Reformers of the past)!" -- Publisher
    On the Duty of Covenanting and the Permanent Obligations of Religious Covenants
    Being Section 11 in THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CATECHISM by William L. Roberts
    http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/PresCatCov.htm
    A Hind let Loose; Or An Historical Representation of the Testimonies of the Church of Scotland. . . . by Mr. Alexander Shields, Minister of the Gospel, in St. Andrews
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/shields/
    A Hind let Loose: or, An Historical Representation of the Testimonies of the Church of Scotland, for the Interest of Christ: With the True State Thereof in all its Periods, Shields, Alexander
    http://archive.org/details/hindletlooseorhi00shie
    Reformed Presbyterian Catechism, William L. Roberts D.D.
    http://archive.org/details/ReformedPresbyterianCatechism

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Amos, 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, The all-sufficiency of christ, Trusting god, Christ's kingdom, Lordship of jesus christ, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The covenant of redemption, The covenant faithfulness of god, God's deliverance of nations, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Oaths, ensnaring vows, promises, and covenants, bonds with the ungodly, The covenanted reformation of scotland background and history, The solemn league and covenant, The covenanted reformation of scotland, The covenanted reformation of scotland author/title listing, Biography of covenanters, Acts of faithful assemblies, Covenanting in america, The scottish covenanting struggle, alexander craighead, and the mecklenburg declaration, Confession of national sin and covenant renewal, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Justifying faith, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 306, 307, 1228, 1229, 2297, 2300, 2911
    MGTP: God -- Faithfulness of

    Related Weblinks

    The Faithfulness of God (FGB #169)
    The Faithfulness of God, Pink, A.W. (1886-1952) | God is Faithful Because He is Unchangeable, Pearse, Edward (1633-1673) | God's Faithfulness in Afflicting His People, Bridges, Charles (1794-1869) | Righteous Man's Refuge: The Faithfulness of God, Flavel, John (1628-1691) | The Saints Hiding-Place in the Evil Day, Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635) | God's Faithfulness From Generation to Generation, Manton, Thomas (1620-1677) | God Will Fulfill His Word, Simeon, Charles
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/fogofg/faithfulness-of-god

    *God's Eternal Purpose (FGB #236)
    God's Covenant in Eternity | God's Purpose Consummated | The Mediator Chosen | Great Hope in God's Purpose | God's Great Plan of Redemption | Loving Jesus in His Eternal Work | Father and Son Agree | The Nature of God's Covenant | The Reality of God's Plan | God's Design in Jesus' Death
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/gepufg/gods-eternal-purpose



    Covenants

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

    See the Theological Notes: "God's Covenant of Grace" at Genesis 12:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. (Romans 6:13)

    Duncan, J. Ligon, The Covenant Idea in Ante-Nicene Theology.
    This thesis argues that the covenant idea was more significant in the writings of particular ante-Nicene theologians than has generally been admitted in patristic research or general surveys of the history of the covenant idea in the Christian tradition. Indeed, this survey of the covenant idea in the ante-Nicene period demonstrates a significant usage, development, and modification of the covenant concept as it is found in the OT and NT writings, and early Judaism. This investigation reveals that the covenant idea functions in several arenas of early Christian thought. It is employed (1) to stress moral obligations incumbent upon Christians; (2) to show God's grace in including the Gentiles in the Abrahamic blessings; (3) to deny the reception of these promises to the Israel of the flesh, that is, Israel considered merely as an ethnic entity; (4) to demonstrate continuity in the divine economy; and (5) to explain discontinuity in the divine economy. . . .
    "This study is significant for at least these following reasons. (1) It confirms current research on the Jewish matrix of early Christianity, from a vantage-point not yet exploited. (2) It reviews in greater detail the early Christian covenant thought which is now being acknowledged to have been influential on the sixteenth-century Reformers (such as Bullinger and Calvin). (3) As the first extensive patristic survey of the covenant idea, it fills a significant lacuna in the history of ideas. (4) It lays the groundwork for more detailed considerations of the covenant concept in the pre-Nicene and post-Nicene eras." -- J. Ligon Duncan
    The Covenant Idea in Ante-Nicene Theology
    http://ligonduncan.com/the-covenant-idea-in-ante-nicene-theology/
    The Covenant Idea in Ante-Nicene Theology (PDF file of thesis in full)
    https://www.era.lib.ed.ac.uk/handle/1842/10618

    Gauden, John, 1605-1662, Anti Baal-Berith: or The Binding of the Covenant and all Covenanters to Their Good Behaviours. By a Just Vindication of Dr. Gaudens Analysis (that is, his resolving of the Covenant to law and justice, to duty and conscience, to reason and religion: or his dissolving it), against the cacotomy of a nameless and shameless libeller the worthy hyperaspites of Dr. Burges. Also against the pittyful cavils and objections of Mr. Zach. Grafton [sic], a rigid presbyter. With an answer to that monstrous paradox, of no sacriledge no sin, to alienate Church lands, without and against all laws of God and man. Written by the author of the Analysis, 1661. Alternate title: ANALEPSIS: THE BINDING OF ALL COVENANTS AND COVENANTERS TO THEIR GOOD BEHAVIOUR.

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

    *Manton, Thomas (1620-1677), Covenanting With God Pressed. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #5.
    "Two sermons on Psalm 119:106 printed in vol. 8 of THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THOMAS MANTON."
    "Manton notes, 'remember the great quarrel that God hath against the Christian world and all the professors of his name is about his covenant and oath taken. What is the reason God doth visit Christendom with famines, pestilences, inundations, and wars? Because they do not stand to the oath of God that is upon them. Every professor of the name of Christ, he is supposed to be in covenant with God.' This book explains our duty to covenant with God and what that means. It also shows how the blessings and cursings of the covenant come upon individuals and nations." -- Publisher
    See also:
    Manton, Thomas (1620-1677), David's Covenanting our Duty Also. Available (THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THOMAS MANTON and singly as two MP3 files), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Also available at archive.org, THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THOMAS MANTON.
    "Read by Elder Lyndon Dohms. Manton was a covenanted English Presbyterian (he swore the Solemn League and Covenant). He was also chosen to write the 'Epistle to the Reader' in the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646), (which speaks volumes as to his credibility among the preachers and scholars of his day). Sermons like this show us the great depth of the knowledge that was prevalent during the covenanting period, not only in Scotland, but in England also." -- Publisher

    *Moore, Edwin Nisbet, Our Covenant Heritage: The Covenanters' Struggle for Unity in Truth as Revealed in the Memoir of James Nisbet (1667-1728), and Sermons of John Nevay (d. 1672), ISBN: 1857926188. Includes bibliographical references and index.
    "A new book, OUR COVENANT HERITAGE, examines the rise and fall of the Scottish Church. It rose when men placed the rights of God above the rights of man. It fell when men abandoned unity in truth. It is written by Ed Moore, who spent several years examining why the Covenanters, particularly those who lived near Loudoun Castle, were willing to die for their understanding of God's truth. The answer is found in the sermons of their minister John Nevay on God's Covenant of Grace and in the Memoirs of James Nisbet, one of their number who survived their epic battle for truth only to face the age-old struggle of Christ's church for unity in truth." -- Publisher
    Our Covenant Heritage, Edwin Nisbet Moore
    http://www.covenanters.com/

    *Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), George Gillespie (1613-1648), John Brown (of Wamphray, 1610-1679), Greg L. Price, The Session of the Puritan Reformed Church of Edmonton/Prince George (compiler), et al., The Duty and Perpetual Obligation of Social Covenanting. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #2, #27.
    "The material found in this bound photocopy addresses a forgotten and neglected ordinance of God: social covenanting. God's people in times of repentance and thanksgiving, trial and blessing have been a covenanting people. In the most pure times of ecclesiastical and civil reformation throughout history, both church and state under the mediatorial rule of Christ have by the grace of God bound themselves together by covenant to promote and defend the true Christian religion. The first document adopted by the Westminster Assembly was in fact, the Solemn League and Covenant (1644). It united the kingdoms of Scotland, England, and Ireland in a covenanted reformation of both church and state in order to preserve, promote and defend the true Christian religion (as summarized in the Westminster Confession of Faith [1646], Larger and Shorter Catechisms, Directory For Public Worship, and Form of Church Government), and in order to expose and uproot all false teaching contrary to the Scripture and these standards. Furthermore, it was not only the desire of the Westminster Assembly to unite in covenant the three British kingdoms, but rather to include in this covenanted reformation all of the Reformed Churches throughout Europe. Consider the goal of the Assembly as summarized by Hetherington: 'There was one great, and even sublime idea, brought somewhat indefinitely before the Westminster Assembly, which has not yet been realized, the idea of a Protestant union throughout Christendom, not merely for the purpose of counterbalancing Popery, but in order to purify, strengthen, and unite all true Christian churches, so that with combined energy and zeal they might go forth, in glad compliance with the Redeemer's commands, teaching all nations, and preaching the everlasting gospel to every creature under heaven. This truly magnificent, and also truly Christian idea, seems to have originated in the mind of that distinguished man, Alexander Henderson. It was suggested by him to the Scottish commissioners, and by them partially brought before the English Parliament, requesting them to direct the Assembly to write letters to the Protestant Churches in France, Holland, Switzerland, and other Reformed Churches. . . . and along with these letters were sent copies of the Solemn League and Covenant, a document which might itself form the basis of such a Protestant union. The deep thinking divines of the Netherlands apprehended the idea, and in their answer, not only expressed their approbation of the Covenant, but also desired to join in it with the British kingdoms. Nor did they content themselves with the mere expression of approval and willingness to join. A letter was soon afterwards sent to the Assembly from the Hague, written by Duraeus (the celebrated John Dury), offering to come to the Assembly, and containing a copy of a vow which he had prepared and tendered to the distinguished Oxenstiern, chancellor of Sweden, wherein he bound himself 'to prosecute a reconciliation between Protestants in point of religion'. . . . On one occasion Henderson procured a passport to go to Holland, most probably for the purpose of prosecuting this grand idea. But the intrigues of politicians, the delays caused by the conduct of the Independents, and the narrow-minded Erastianism of the English Parliament, all conspired to prevent the Assembly from entering farther into that truly glorious Christian enterprise. Days of trouble and darkness came; persecution wore out the great men of that remarkable period; pure and vital Christianity was stricken to the earth and trampled under foot. . .' (William Hetherington The History of the Westminster Assembly of Divines, pp. 337-339). The material presented herein is commended to the reader with the sincere prayer and confidence that God will again restore the Church of Jesus Christ to a glorious covenanted reformation -- one that will even surpass that one to which she had attained at the time of the Westminster Assembly. However, when the Lord brings that future covenanted reformation it will not be limited to only three kingdoms of the earth, but by the grace and power of Christ our King, it will be a covenanted reformation that will encompass all of the nations of the earth (Psalm 2:6-12; Isaiah 2:1-4; Matthew 28:1-20), and will bring to the church a visible unity and uniformity that (unlike pleas for unity today), is firmly grounded upon the truth." (Greg Price, Preface). The material contained in this compilation was gathered together by the session of the Puritan Reformed Church of Edmonton/Prince George. Its 210 pages contain the following items, as listed in this bibliography for social covenanting:

    1. Samuel Rutherford, Due Right of Presbyteries, pp. 130-139.
    2. George Gillespie, The Works of George Gillespie, Vol. 2, pp. 71-88.
    3. John Brown of Wamphray, An Apologetic Relation, pp. 167-175, 181-207.
    4. David Scott, Distinctive Principles of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, pp. 14-90.
    5. William Roberts, The Reformed Presbyterian Catechism, pp. 134-152.
    6. The Reformed Presbytery, An Explanation and Defence of the Terms of Communion, pp. 181-187.
    7. The Reformed Presbytery, Act, Declaration and Testimony, pp. 11-23.
    8. The Reformed Presbytery, The Auchensaugh Renovation, pp. 115-140.
    9. The Church of Scotland (1639), The National Covenant of Scotland, pp. 345-354, in the Westminster Confession of Faith [1646] published by Free Presbyterian Publications.
    10. The Westminster Assembly (1644), The Solemn League and Covenant, pp. 355-360, in the Westminster Confession of Faith [1646] published by Free Presbyterian Publications.
    11. The Church of Scotland (1648), A Solemn Acknowledgement of Publick Sins and Breaches of the Covenant, pp. 361-368 in the Westminster Confession of Faith [1646] published by Free Presbyterian Publications." -- Publisher
    Price, Greg L., The Preface and Bibliography to the Rare Bound Photocopy: The Duty and Perpetual Obligation of Social Covenanting. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available in THE DUTY AND PERPETUAL OBLIGATION OF SOCIAL COVENANTING.
    http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/Pref&Bib.htm
    The Duty and Perpetual Obligation of Social Covenanting
    http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/SocCov.htm

    *Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635), The Faithful Covenanter, 1639. Available (THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.
    "An amazing sermon opening the narrow road of faithful covenanting -- as seen first and foremost in the Lord Jesus Christ, our perfect covenant keeper! Expounds on the four periods of time relating to the renewing of the covenant of grace in history. Shows that 'whatsoever we give the supremacy of the inward man to, whatsoever we love most, whatsoever we trust most, whatsoever we fear most, whatsoever we joy and delight in most, whatsoever we obey most -- that is our God.' Applies this to the first commandment, as a part of the law of the covenant, and works out the implications (which involve numerous areas). Goes on to give Scriptural marks whereby covenant keepers can be distinguished from covenant breakers and connects the everlasting covenant with the sacraments and their meaning. A meaty meal, recommended for those who are willing to advance theologically and practically." -- Publisher

    Sutherland, Donald, An Essay on Covenanting: As it is a True, Scriptural, Important, and National Duty, Bound Upon all Ranks in These Lands: Wherein is Endeavoured to Show the Certain Sound of the Reformation Trumpet.

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The covenant faithfulness of god, Mortification of sin in the flesh, 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, Covenant theology, The covenanted reformation of scotland background and history, The solemn league and covenant, The covenanted reformation of scotland, The covenanted reformation of scotland author/title listing, Biography of covenanters, Acts of faithful assemblies, Covenanting in america, The scottish covenanting struggle, alexander craighead, and the mecklenburg declaration, Confession of national sin and covenant renewal, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, God's deliverance of nations, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The covenant of redemption, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Oaths, ensnaring vows, promises, and covenants, bonds with the ungodly, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 877-883, 1232, 1234
    MGTP: Covenant



    Covetousness, Greed, and Selfishness

    For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ. (Philippians 2:21)

    But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:33)

    Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
    But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.     -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:19,20)

    Q. 140. Which is the eighth commandment?
    A. The eighth commandment is, Thou shalt not steal.[800]
    Q. 141. What are the duties required in the eighth commandment?
    A. The duties required in the eighth commandment are, truth, faithfulness, and justice in contracts and commerce between man and man;[801] rendering to everyone his due; restitution of goods unlawfully detained from the right owners thereof;[802] giving and lending freely, according to our abilities, and the necessities of others;[803] moderation of our judgments, wills, and affections concerning worldly goods;[804] a provident care and study to get,[805] keep, use, and dispose these things which are necessary and convenient for the sustentation of our nature, and suitable to our condition;[806] a lawful calling,[807] and diligence in it;[808] frugality;[809] avoiding unnecessary lawsuits,[810] and suretyship, or other like engagements;[811] and an endeavor, by all just and lawful means, to procure, preserve, and further the wealth and outward estate of others, as well as our own.[812]
    Q. 142. What are the sins forbidden in the eighth commandment?
    A. The sins forbidden in the eighth commandment, besides the neglect of the duties required,[813] are, theft,[814] robbery,[815] man-stealing,[816] and receiving any thing that is stolen;[817] fraudulent dealing,[818] false weights and measures,[819] removing landmarks,[820] injustice and unfaithfulness in contracts between man and man,[821] or in matters of trust;[822] oppression,[823] extortion,[824] usury,[825] bribery,[826] vexatious lawsuits,[827] unjust inclosures and depopulations;[828] ingrossing commodities to enhance the price;[829] unlawful callings,[830] and all other unjust or sinful ways of taking or withholding from our neighbour what belongs to him, or of enriching ourselves;[831] covetousness;[832] inordinate prizing and affecting worldly goods;[833] distrustful and distracting cares and studies in getting, keeping, and using them;[834] envying at the prosperity of others;[835] as likewise idleness,[836] prodigality, wasteful gaming; and all other ways whereby we do unduly prejudice our own outward estate,[837] and defrauding ourselves of the due use and comfort of that estate which God hath given us. [838]
    Q. 146. Which is the tenth commandment?
    A. The tenth commandment is, Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shall not covet they neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.[910]
    Q. 147. What are the duties required in the tenth commandment?
    A. The duties required in the tenth commandment are, such a full contentment with our own condition,[911] and such a charitable frame of the whole soul toward our neighbour, as that all our inward motions and affections touching him, tend unto, and further all that good which is his.[912]
    Q. 148. What are the sins forbidden in the tenth commandment?
    A. The sins forbidden in the tenth commandment are, discontentment with our own estate;[913] envying[914] and grieving at the good of our neighbour,[915] together with all inordinate motions and affections to anything that is his.[916] -- The Larger Catechism

    And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:15)

    The powerful and wealthy conceal theft, of course, by economic and legal games, the game rules being of their own making.
    For example, (1) A ten percent capitalization rate on residential rental property results in a net profit of 100 percent over a ten year period, based on the current market price of the property. In other words, after ten years of renting the owner has recovered the entire cost of the property, and he still owns the property at an appreciated market value, making residential rental property one of the most lucrative investments possible. (2) The cost of building a new home is just a fraction of the market value of the property, the balance is a windfall profit to the developer. Some of the reasons for the inflated market value follow. (3) The Federal Government of the United States of America is the largest business enterprise in the world. It is run by politicians who, for the most part, are businessmen and lawyers, not scholars and statesmen. They can sit down at a table together for 20 minutes and write a multi-million dollar budget. They are accountable to practically no one. (4) The cost of living is high in big cities because, among other reasons, after the multi-million dollar budget is written by the politicians, then taxes and assessments are increased to pay for it. By raising property assessments to generate revenue, the cost of real estate simultaneously increases, and it follows that the cost of all goods go up. (5) All these changes, increasing taxes, assessments, market values of real estate, costs of goods, and the resulting inflation, all these changes profit the wealthy property owners and business owners who simply pass on tax increases and higher costs to the consumer. (6) The banking system, money, is controlled by The Federal Reserve System, which in turn is run by unelected officials, veteran leaders of corporate investment banks, who control the amount of money in the economy and interest costs. Generally speaking, this amounts to a complete monopoly over the economy and value of the dollar. (7) The principles of accounting being used today have generally remained essentially unchanged since the Feudal Age, 600 years ago, principles of accounting which allowed a few wealthy noblemen to live in luxury at the expense of the masses. (8) And so forth, and so on. This is just a very, very brief and general overview of some of the games being played, and how the powerful and wealthy game the system. For more details on things you may not have learned in the public education system see other book-length works in this topical listing.
    The middle and lower classes are, for the most part, uneducated and ignorant of the extent of the games, therefore, they do not fully understand how they are being fleeced by the "Aristocracy of Wealth."
    Meanwhile, many of the unregenerate members of society, who by their human nature are unable to trust in The Triune God to "place a table before them." That is to say, they are unable to trust in God to provide for all their needs, just, as recorded in Genesis and Exodus, he set his people free from bondage, fought against their enemies and gave them victory, guided them through the Wilderness, daily feed them with manna from heaven, and then gave them the Promised Land of Canaan.
    Regrettably, unregenerate men, not able to trust in the Faithfulness of a Covenant God, become "flesh-pleasers." They are all too willing to trust in man, all too ready to submit to the influence of the powerful and the wealthy, welcoming them and their "games" with open arms, and with great enthusiasm, in hopes of securing their fleshly desires.
    Regrettably, these unregenerate men, these "Cains," are all too often both incompetent and corrupt, are all too often in the majority, and all too often seize political and economic power.
    All to often unregenerate men are willing to submit to the influence of the powerful and the wealthy, as opposed to submitting to the influence of the Faithful, Triune God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who has covenanted to be their God, to redeem them from their rebellious, Fallen State, and to show them "The Way, the Truth, and the Life," both temporal and eternal.
    The Ten Commandments are, of course, the "constitution" of that covenant between God and man. Notice that all Ten Commandments speak to covetousness, and the tenth summarizes all that is not to be coveted in the second table, commandments four through ten.
    Consequently the world is subject to repeating economic depression and collapse caused by immoral rule, the covetousness, incompetence, and corruption of the Cains in political and economic power.

    Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (Hebrews 13:5)

    Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (James 1:15)

    For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
    But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
    Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.     (1 Timothy 6:10-12)

    Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3)
    Blessed [happy -- compiler] are the poor in spirit. . . . Not the poor in purse, or who are so with respect to things temporal: for though God has chosen and called many, who are in such a condition of life, yet not all; the kingdom of heaven cannot be said to belong to them all, or only; but such as are poor in a spiritual sense. All mankind are spiritually poor; they have nothing to eat that is fit and proper; nor any clothes to wear, but rags; nor are they able to purchase either; they have no money to buy with; they are in debt, owe ten thousand talents, and have nothing to pay; and in such a condition, that they are not able to help themselves. The greater part of mankind are insensible of this their condition; but think themselves rich, and increased with goods: there are some who are sensible of it, who see their poverty and want, freely acknowledge it, bewail it, and mourn over it; are humbled for it, and are broken under a sense of it; entertain low and mean thoughts of themselves; seek after the true riches, both of grace and glory; and frankly acknowledge, that all they have, or hope to have, is owing to the free grace of God. Now these are the persons intended in this place; who are not only "poor", but are poor "in spirit"; in their own spirits, in their own sense, apprehension, and judgment: and may even be called "beggars", as the word may be rendered; for being sensible of their poverty, they place themselves at the door of mercy, and knock there; their language is, "God be merciful"; their posture is standing, watching, and waiting, at wisdom's gates, and at the posts of her door; they are importunate, will have no denial, yet receive the least favour with thankfulness. Now these are pronounced "blessed", for this reason, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven; not only the Gospel, and the ministration of it, which belongs to them. "The poor have the Gospel preached:" it not only reaches their ears, but their hearts; it enters into them, is applied unto them, they receive and embrace it with the utmost joy and gladness; but eternal glory, this is prepared for them, and given to them; they are born heirs of it, have a right unto it, are making meet for it, and shall enjoy it. -- John Gill (1697-1771), John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

    Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 6:38)

    Let us watch and pray against the love of money. It is a subtle disease, and often far nearer to us than we suppose. A poor man is just as liable to it as a rich man. It is possible to love money without having it, and it is possible to have it without loving it. Let us be content with such things as we have. (Hebrews 13:5.)
    We never know what we might do if we became suddenly rich. It is a striking fact, that there is only one prayer in all the Book of Proverbs, and one of the three petitions in that prayer is the wise request -- Give me neither poverty nor riches. (Proverbs 30:8) -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

    Covetousness seems to be the besetting sin of mankind. Notice the first nine of the Ten Commandments have to do with taking something that is not ours. The first table has to do with taking from God what is His. The second table has to do with taking from man what is not ours. And the tenth commandment is a summation of the previous nine.

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 106
    And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul. (Psalm 106:15)
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps106.php

    But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (James 1:14,15)
    So it appears that "It is impossible for one to desire any thing which one already possess," a thought that seldom comes to mind amid the covetousness and crass commercialism of our culture.

    Gluttony, greed, sloth, envy, wrath, pride, and lust -- these are the seven deadly sins.

    Earthly things may satisfy for a while, but they soon pall, and men soon get bored with them. Earthly things are broken cisterns that can hold no water. [Jeremiah 2:13] But all spiritual things come from and lead to that which is infinite. Therefore, they alone can fully satisfy the deepest desires of our hearts and fill them with joy and peace in believing. Spiritual things lead the spiritual heart to the fountain of living waters, the eternal spring of goodness and blessedness. -- John Owen (1616-1683)

    The possession of the whole world, and all that it contains, will never make a person happy. Its pleasures are false and deceptive. Its riches, rank, and honors, have no power to satisfy the heart. So long as we do not have them, they glitter, sparkle, and seem desirable.
    The moment we have them we find that they are empty bubbles, and cannot make us feel content. And, worst of all, when we possess the world's good things, we cannot keep them. Death comes in and separates us from all our property forever. Naked we came upon earth, and naked we go forth, and of all our possessions we can carry nothing with us. Such is the world, which occupies the whole attention of thousands! Such is the world, for the sake of which millions are every year destroying their souls! -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

    He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor. (Proverbs 28:8)
    See the annotation in The Reformation Study Bible.

    Each year, some 30 million Americans are defrauded of more than $50 billion, according to a 2011 report by the Financial Fraud Research Center, a joint project of the Stanford Center on Longevity and the FINRA Investor Education Foundation. -- Mitch Lipka in "Devious by Design: Spotting the Telltale Signs of Shady Deals, Scams, and Fraudulent Investment Offers," in USAA Magazine, Spring 2014, volume 50, number 1.
    The "Devious by Design" article offers basic information and lists warning signs for uninformed investors.
    Not knowing the expected rate of return for an particular investment is one of the greatest weaknesses of the investor. This leaves them vulnerable to fraud by unscrupulous advisers who promise unrealistic high rates of return. These promises are often a sign of a typical Ponzi scheme. Such schemes have been extensively reported in the television series American Greed: Scams, Schemes, and Broken Dreams.
    Devious by Design: Spotting the Telltale Signs of Shady Deals, Scams, and Fraudulent Investment Offers
    http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/pace/usaa_2014spring/#/18

    According to the FBI, securities fraud includes false information on a company's financial statement and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings; lying to corporate auditors; insider trading; stock manipulation schemes, and embezzlement by stockbrokers.
    Securities regulators and other prominent groups estimate civil securities fraud totals approximately $40 billion per year. . . .
    Securities fraud is becoming more complex as the industry develops more complicated investment vehicles. In addition, white collar criminals are expanding the scope of their fraud and are looking outside the United States for new markets, new investors, and banking secrecy havens to hide unjust enrichment. . . .
    Any investor can become a victim, but persons aged fifty years or older are most often victimized, whether as direct purchasers in securities or indirect purchasers through pension funds. Not only do investors lose but so can creditors, taxing authorities, and employees.
    Potential perpetrators of securities fraud within a publicly-traded firm include any dishonest official within the company who has access to the payroll or financial reports that can be manipulated to: overstate assets, overstate revenues, understate costs, understate liabilities. -- Securities Fraud

    The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is now the only Self-Regulatory Organization in the United States for the financial industry. FINRA operates BrokerCheck where investors may view online the disciplinary record of their stock broker or prospective stock broker. However, see also: FINRA Criticism.

    Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 22:38-40)

    See the Theological Note at 1 Corinthians 13:13, "Love" in The Reformation Study Bible.
    But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13)
    We tend to become like those things we love.

    Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
    For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
    For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?     (Matthew 16:24-26)
    Matthew Gill's Commentary
    http://www.biblestudytools.com/my-bible/#/left:passage/kjv/matthew/16:24/&right:reference/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/matthew-16-24.html

    See the Theological Notes: "The Fall" at Genesis 3:6 in The Reformation Study Bible.
    But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
    And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
    And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.     (Genesis 3:3-7)
    Matthew Henry commenting on Genesis 3:6-13
    https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/genesis/3.html
    John Gill commenting on Genesis 3:7
    https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/genesis-3-7.html

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

    See the Theological Notes: "The Law of God," at Exodus 20:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. (1 Timothy 1:8-11)
    One of the besetting sins of mankind is to use the law to oppress and steal from his fellowman. Frederic Bastiat unfolds this sin in, The Law.

    Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. (1 Timothy 3:6)

    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)

    Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (James 1:13-15)

    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)
    See the Theological Notes: "Mankind's Guilty Knowledge of God" at Romans 1:29 and the note at Psalm 14:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    Consider, there are but two sorts of men in the world, and you are one of them. There is no neutral, no middle state; there are but two principles that men are influenced by, the flesh and the spirit; and there are but two ends men propound to themselves, either the pleasing of the flesh upon earth, or the enjoyment of God in heaven; and two places they issue into, heaven or hell. The Scripture is peremptory, and tells you who shall go to heaven, and who shall go to hell: Romans 8:13, 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; Galatians 6:8, He that soweth to the flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Or consider that, Proverbs 14:14, The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways, and a good man shall be satisfied from himself. There are two different persons commencing and setting forth in the pursuit of happiness, the backslider in heart and the good man. The backslider in heart is one that continues in the apostasy and defection of mankind, that indulgeth his lusts and vain pleasures, and for a seeming good leaves God, who is the chief good. But the good men are those who make it their business to keep their hearts chaste and loyal to God. They both desire to be filled and to be satisfied. The one takes his own way, and the other God's counsel; and in the event both are filled. The backslider in heart hath enough of his own ways when they have brought him to hell; and the good man hath enough when he comes to the enjoyment of the blessed God. And there is one truth more there, they are both filled from themselves, their own ways. The backslider shall have the fruit of his own choice, and a good man is satisfied with that course of godliness that he hath chosen, Proverbs 1:31. Those that turn away from God, it is said, They shall eat of their own ways, and be filled with the fruit of their own devices; and Isaiah 3:10, Say unto the righteous, it shall be well with him, for he shall eat of the fruit of his own doings. -- Thomas Manton (1620-1677)

    There are only two types of people in the world, those who say to God, Not my will, but thine be done, and those to whom God says "Not my will, but thine be done." -- Dr. Donald Ewing (1916-1997)

    Impiety and injustice -- the will that defies Christ -- is displayed by the lust for power, wealth, and sex.

    Soul-violence begins when one individual tries to usurping authority over another, to control and possess them. The means of control may be either outward or occult: possessiveness, deceit, repression or suppression of the truth, soul stealing, attempts to take authority over another politically or by mental malpractice, denial of freedom, indebtedness, whoredom, and so forth. Abuse of the soul quenches the Holy Spirit.
    If either side is immovable, then death is the result of the conflict of will. How are conflicts of will resolved? By submission to the absolute truth of God's word. These observations bear a strain of the Gospel.

    Ponder this. It is not possible to desire something that one already possess. Therefore it is desire that puts ones life in an endless spin. (James 4:1-3; Phillipians 2:13; Ezekiel 34:11; Luke 19:9,10; 2 Kings 6:17; Ephesians 1:18; Romans 10:1; John 14:6; Romas 15:13; Psalm 90:16; Isaiah 61:11; Romans 3:24; Ecclesiastes 3:14)

    There is great transforming power (the power of the Holy Spirit, the power to transform lives and societies) in the New Testament sacrificial love of Christ Jesus that says Not my will, but thine, be done. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 22:42b)

    Adams, Jay, Sibling Rivalry in the Household of God, ISBN: 0896362361 9780896362369.
    "About 'the causes and effects of rivalry among brothers and sisters in Christ and what can be done about it. . . .' 'Sibling rivalry in the household of faith -- just like at home -- is due entirely to sin.' Other supposed causes are not causes but occasions for our self-centered human nature to act. The Holy Spirit gives practical guidance in His Word for solving rivalry and conflict through repentance, faith and obedience." -- David Powlison

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), A Thirst for Wholeness: How to Gain Wisdom From the Book of James, ISBN: 0964355698 9780964355699, 143 pages.
    "A study of the inner dynamics of human life from the book of James. Meant to be used personally or in a study group or class. Works thematically, covering anger, desires, doubt, prayer, peacemaking, sickness, among other things. The section on the 'inner/outer aspects of sin' (Chapter 3), rebuts a host of misconceptions of nouthetic counseling as externalistic: 'The struggle for mastery over one's desires must be achieved. . . . Christian, resist sin at the start, as Jesus did. Abort inner sin before it is born. Augustine encourages us with these words: 'Pray that God may make you conqueror of yourself. . . not the enemy without, but of your own soul within. . . . Let no enemy from without be feared: conquer yourself, and the whole world is conquered'." -- David Powlison
    See: Schneider, Julie, and Jay E. Adams, LEADER'S GUIDE FOR GROUP STUDY OF A-THIRST-FOR-WHOLENESS.

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

    *Callahan, David, The Cheating Culture: Why More Americans are Doing Wrong to get Ahead, ISBN: 0156030055 9780156030052.
    "While there have always been those who cut corners, the author shows that cheating on every level -- from the highly publicized corporate scandals to Little League fraud -- has risen dramatically in the last two decades. Why all the cheating? Why now? Callahan pins the blame on the dog-eat-dog economic climate of the past two decades. An unfettered market and unprecedented economic inequality have corroded our values, he argues -- and ultimately threaten the level playing field so central to American democracy itself. Through revealing interviews and extensive data, he takes us on a gripping tour of cheating in America and offers a powerful argument for why it matters.
    "David Callahan is cofounder and director of research at the public policy center Demos. The author of five books, he has published articles in the New York Times, the Washington Post, and USA Today, and has been a frequent commentator on CNN, MSNBC, and NPR. He received a Ph.D. in politics from Princeton University and lives in New York City." -- Publisher
    "I recommend that this book be read together with John Perkins, CONFESSIONS OF AN ECONOMIC HIT MAN and William Greider's, THE SOUL OF CAPITALISM: OPENING PATHS TO A MORAL ECONOMY. As a pre-amble, I would note that a Nobel Prize was given in the late 1990's to a man that demonstrates that trust lowers the cost of doing business. Morality matters -- immorality imposes a pervasive sustained, insidious, long-term, and ultimately fatal cost on any community, any Republic, and that is the core message of this book that most reviewers seem to be missing.
    "Any student of national security can tell you that one of the most important sources of national power is the population, followed by the economy, natural resources, and then the more traditional sources of national power: diplomacy, military, law enforcement, and government policies generally.
    "What this author makes clear is that our population has become a cheating population, one that cheats in school, cheats their employer, and cheats their clients (lawyers, accountants, doctors, all cheating). Such a population is literally undermining national security by creating false values, and undermining true values. Some simple examples: an estimated $250 Billion a year in individual tax avoidance; an estimated $600 Billion a year in theft from employers; an estimated $250 Billion a year in legalized corporate tax avoidance and investor fraud; and an additional $250 Billion a year in legalized theft form the individual taxpayers through Congressional support for unnecessary and ill-advised 'subsidies' for agriculture, fishing, and forestry, as well as waivers of environmental standards that ultimately result in long-term external diseconomies . . .
    "At root, the author observes that pervasive cheating ensues from the perception by the majority that 'everyone does it' and that the rules are not being enforced -- that 'the system' lacks legitimacy. In other countries, illegitimacy might lead to revolution, a revolt of the masses. In the USA, still a very rich country, the poor are cheating on the margins while the rich are looting the country, and we are not yet at a 'tipping point' [this book was written before the Meltdown of 2008. -- compiler], such as a new Great Depression might inspire. . . .
    "Cheating diminishes trust and reduces value. America has become corrupt across all the professions, within Congress, within the media, within the political level of government (the civil service remains a bastion of propriety).
    "What price freedom? What price the Republic? You may or may not choose to agree with this author's diagnosis and prescription, but in my view, he gets to the heart of the matter. It's about integrity. We've lost it. [Callahan's solutions come from a liberal, humanistic position, nevertheless the bulk of the book is an extensive analysis of cheating in society that is well documented -- 32 pages of endnotes -- and should be valuable to most readers. -- compiler]
    "See also, with reviews: THE BATTLE FOR THE SOUL OF CAPITALISM: HOW THE FINANCIAL SYSTEM UNDERMINED SOCIAL IDEALS, DAMAGED TRUST IN THE MARKETS, ROBBED INVESTORS OF TRILLIONS -- AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT; THE FIFTY-YEAR WOUND: HOW AMERICA'S COLD WAR VICTORY HAS SHAPED OUR WORLD; THE GLOBAL CLASS WAR: HOW AMERICA'S BIPARTISAN ELITE LOST OUR FUTURE -- AND WHAT IT WILL TAKE TO WIN IT BACK; WAR ON THE MIDDLE CLASS: HOW THE GOVERNMENT, BIG BUSINESS, AND SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS ARE WAGING WAR ON THE AMERICAN DREAM AND HOW TO FIGHT BACK; THE WORKING POOR: INVISIBLE IN AMERICA; and OFF THE BOOKS: THE UNDERGROUND ECONOMY OF THE URBAN POOR." -- Reader's Comment

    Capel, Richard (1586-1656), and Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635), Tentations [Temptations]: Their Nature, Danger, Cure. By Richard Capel, sometimes fellow of Magdalen Colledge in Oxford. To which is added a briefe dispute, as touching restitution in the case of vsury, 1635.

    *Hightower, Jim, Thieves in High Places: They've Stolen our Country -- And its Time to Take it Back, ISBN: 0670031410 9780670031412.
    "Hightower defines 'Kleptocrat Nation' as 'a body of people ruled by thieves . . . a government characterized by the practice of transferring money and power from the many to the few . . . [and], a ruling class of moneyed elites that usurps liberty, justice, sovereignty, and other, democratic rights from the people.' His catalogue of corporate greed and governmental complicity is breathtaking in scope, and though he admits that the fusion of business and government is not new, he persuasively states that 'never have so few done so much for so few.' Unfortunately, Hightower's serious message is delivered in such a 'down home' style, it may lose its impact on the more brainy among us. Also, one wishes there were more documentation for the copious examples and facts in the book. Still, Hightower's call to action is sincere, and his descriptions of the triumphs of average people over corporate power might give some fledgling activists some hope. THIEVES IN HIGH PLACES urges Americans to reclaim control of our government -- Hightower thinks we can with community organization and grass-roots movements. However, judging from his description of the current power structure, we are going to need all the help we can get." -- Silvana Trop
    "While he covers much that is available in the public domain, he covers in a comprehensive way the whole set of misdeeds perpetrated by Walmart on its employees and those who make its products. You will come away wanting to do something about the behavior of the world's largest corporation after reading it. That alone is worth the price of the book." -- Reader's Comment

    Huffington, Arianna, Pigs at the Trough: How Corporate Greed and Political Corruption are Undermining America, ISBN: 1400047714 9781400047710.
    "Who filled the trough? Who set the table at the banquet of greed? How has it been possible for corporate pigs to gorge themselves on grossly inflated pay packages and heaping helpings of stock options while the average American struggles to make do with their leftovers?
    "Provocative political commentator Arianna Huffington yanks back the curtain on the unholy alliance of CEOs, politicians, lobbyists, and Wall Street bankers who have shown a brutal disregard for those in the office cubicles and on the factory floors. As she puts it: 'The economic game is not supposed to be rigged like some shady ring toss on a carnival midway.' Yet it has been, allowing corporate crooks to bilk the public out of trillions of dollars, magically making our pensions and 401(k)s disappear and walking away with astronomical payouts and absurdly lavish perks-for-life.
    "The media have put their fingers on pieces of the sordid puzzle, but Pigs at the Trough presents the whole ugly picture of what's really going on for the first time -- blistering, wickedly witty portrait of exactly how and why the worst and the greediest are running American business and government into the ground.
    "Tyco's Dennis Kozlowski, Adelphia's John Rigas, and the Three Horsemen of the Enron Apocalypse -- Ken Lay, Jeff Skilling, and Andrew Fastow -- are not just a few bad apples. They are manifestations of a megatrend in corporate leadership -- the rise of a callous and avaricious mind-set that is wildly out of whack with the core values of the average American. WorldCom, Enron, Adelphia, Tyco, AOL, Xerox, Merrill Lynch, and the other scandals are only the tip of the tip of the corruption iceberg.
    "Making the case that our public watchdogs have become little more than obedient lapdogs, unwilling to bite the corporate hand that feeds them, Arianna Huffington turns the spotlight on the tough reforms we must demand from Washington. We need, she argues, to go way beyond the lame Corporate Responsibility Act if we are to stop the voracious corporate predators from eating away at the very foundations of our democracy.
    "Devastatingly funny and powerfully indicting, PIGS AT THE TROUGH is a rousing call to arms and a must-read for all those who are outraged by the scandalous state of corporate America." -- Publisher
    "The gluttony continues! Every day brings another jaw-dropping new example of precisely the kind of political and corporate outrages that prompted me to write Pigs at the Trough. As I wrote in the book, our representatives in Washington have tried to fool us with a Madison Avenue version of reform, featuring glitzy bill signings and execs-in-chains photo-ops but pitifully little substance. The president's assertion in his State of the Union address that one of the greatest accomplishments of his presidency was reforming corporate America was outrageous. The ongoing march of corporate sleaze proves otherwise.
    "In just the last few weeks alone, as we prepare our own taxes, we've learned that the Wall Street firms who've agreed to pay $1.5 billion to settle conflict-of-interest charges will actually be able to claim the vast majority of those payments as tax deductions. Think of that: not only do these financial flimflam artists escape criminal indictment, they get a massive write-off to boot! Then there's the astounding story of how Sprint's top two executives paid no taxes on $288 million in stock-option profits thanks to highly imaginative tax shelters dreamed up by the accounting alchemists at Ernst and Young. And you were worried about whether you could deduct that $42 dollar business lunch you had with a friend?
    "PIGS AT THE TROUGH shows how and why such appalling abuses continue to happen -- and why Washington continues to turn a blind eye.
    "Normally, it's satisfying to be right. But in this case, it's just plain nauseating." -- Arianna Huffington

    Leach, William, Land of Desire: Merchants, Power, and the Rise of a New American Culture, ISBN: 0679754113 9780679754114.
    "An extraordinary work of history, imaginatively conceived, thoroughly researched and absorbingly written. William Leach allows us to see the production of mass consumer culture and to see it whole, in its richness and its poverty. It is a fascinating and troubling tale, and Leach tells it with exceptional skill and sensitivity." -- Jean-Christophe Agnew, Yale University

    *Mokhiber, Russell, and Robert Weissman, Corporate Predators: The Hunt for Mega-profits and the Attack on Democracy, ISBN: 1567511589 9781567511581.
    "For the past twenty years, after a decade and a half of populist resurgence against corporate abuses by consumer, environmental, women's rights and civil rights forces, big business has been on a rampage to control our society. Whether these business supremacies are called corporatization, commercialism, monopolies or the corporate state, the overall concentration of power and wealth in ever fewer multinational corporate centers is a matter of record.
    "In arena after arena -- government, workplace, marketplace, media, environment, education, science, technology -- the dominant players are large corporations. What countervailing forces that our society used to depend upon for some balance are not in retreat against the aggressive expansion of corporate influence far beyond its traditional mercantile boundaries?
    "The enlarged power that corporations deploy to further increase their revenues and socialize their costs comes from many sources -- old and new. Roughly eighty percent of the money contributed to federal candidates come from business interests. The mobility to export capital has given transnational companies major leverage against local, state and federal officials, not to mention against organized and unorganized labor. The swell of corporate welfare handouts has reached new depths. The contrived complexity of many financial and other services serves to confuse, deplete and daunt consumers who lose significant portions of their income in a manipulative marketplace. Alliances, joint ventures and other complex collaborations between should-be competitors have made a mockery of what is left of antitrust enforcement.
    "The opportunities to control or defeat governmental attempts for corporate accountability that flow from transcending national jurisdictions into globalized strategies to escape taxation and pit countries and their workers against one another appear to be endless. The autocratic systems of governance called GATT and NAFTA reflect to the smallest detail ways that giant corporations wish to control the world. These firms are on a collision course against democratic processes, and the merging of states and businesses, to the latter's advantage, weakens relentlessly both the restraints of the law and the willingness of legislators to do anything about it.
    "Taken together, the world is witnessing its subjugation to the large corporate model of economic development, the large corporate model of technology and the large corporate model of culture itself. These accelerating trend lines invite accelerating comprehension and response. History demonstrates that commercialism knows few boundaries that are not externally imposed. All the major religions have warned their adherents against the excesses of commercial value systems, albeit with different languages, images and metaphors.
    "Specific descriptions of corporate misbehavior do nourish proper generalizations that in turn lead to more just movements and practices. Here, columnists Russell Mokhiber and Robert Weissman provide a distinct service in CORPORATE PREDATORS. It is not just the versatility of their writings -- covering bribery, pollution, corporate crime, fraud and abuse, failure of law enforcement, union-busting, the mayhem inflicted by product defects and toxics, the deep gap between the rich and the rest of America, corporate front groups, the media censorship and self-censorship, the profiteering, the pillaging overseas and more -- but it is also the impact on the reader that comes from aggregating evidence. Our country does not collect statistics on corporate crime the way it does on street crime. For it to do so would begin to highlight a little-attended agenda for law enforcement and other corporate reforms. Neither Congress nor the White House and its Justice Department have made any moves over the years to assemble from around the country the abuses of corporations in quantifiable format so as to drive policy.
    "So, description -- accurate, representational description -- must now suffice. As the editor of the Corporate Crime Reporter (Mokhiber) and the editor of the Multinational Monitor (Weissman), the authors know well the difference between anecdotes that are illustrative and that are idiosyncratic. This volume of their weekly columns carries the evidence that illustrates patterns of continuing corporate derelictions, not lonely deviations from a more congenial norm.
    "The authors' experience over the years with the impact of disclosures has led them to the conclusion that the facts must be linked to civic engagement and democratic activity for change. If disclosure produced its own dynamic imperatives for change, the recurrent exposure of corporate abuses in such mainstream publications as the Wall Street Journal, Business Week and some national television programs like 'Sixty Minutes' would have caused these changes. Such, unfortunately has not been the case. The linkages between knowledge and action have not been sufficient. But readers of Common Courage Press published books tend towards citizen activism. They want to know because they want to do. Some may even agree with the ancient Chinese saying that 'To know and not to do is not to know.'
    "So, go forward readers who wish to be leaders in the advancement of justice -- what Daniel Webster once called 'the great work of men on Earth' -- and savor the writings that will motivate more and more women and men to band together in organizations that build a more just democracy." [Constitutional Republic -- compiler] -- Ralph Nader, 1999

    North, Gary, Treasure and Dominion: An Economic Commentary on Luke.
    "This judicial schizophrenia of modern Christians has led to their political and cultural paralysis. Their paralysis has led either to their persecution or their marginalization politically. In the case of marginalization, most of them have praised the result.
    "In Luke's Gospel, Jesus is most adamant about the dangers of riches. If long-term economic growth is the supreme evidence of God's common grace in modern history, as free market economists would insist that it is if they believed in either God or common grace, then why does the Gospel of Luke display such hostility to riches? I do my best to answer this question in this commentary. -- Preface
    http://www.garynorth.com/public/467.cfm

    Preston, John (1587-1628), Hovv to Mortifie Covetousnesse.

    Preston, John (1587-1628), Sinnes Overthrow: or, A Godly and Learned Treatise of Mortification: Wherein is excellently handled; First, the generall doctrine of mortification: and Then particularly, how to mortifie fornication. Uncleannesse. Evill concupiscence. Inordinate affection. And covetousnesse. All being the substance of severall sermons upon Colos. 3.5. Mortifie therefore your members, &c. Delivered by that late faithfull preacher, and worthie instrument of Gods glorie, John Preston, Dr. in Divinitie, chaplin in ordinarie to his Majestie, master of Emanuell Colledge in Cambridge, and sometimes preacher of Lincolns-Inne, 1635, ISSN: 00279358. [Colossians 3:5]
    Preston, Sinnes Overthrow: or, A Godly and Learned Treatise of Mortification . . . All Being the Substance of Severall Sermons Upon Colos. 3. 5 [Colossians 3:5]
    https://archive.org/details/siwo00pres/page/n1

    Perkins, William (1558-1602), The Reformation of Couetousnesse. Written Vpon the 6. Chapter of Mathew, From the 19. Verse to the Ende of the Said Chapter [Matthew 6:19-30]. By William Perkins, 1603.

    *Perkins, William (1558-1602), The True Gaine More in Worth Than all the Goods in the World, 1601. Alternate title: CHRIST THE TRUE AND PERFECT GAINE.

    Pike, Samuel (1717-1773), and Samuel Hayward (1718-1757), From Undue Pursuit of the Affairs of This Life. In RELIGIOUS CASES OF CONSCIENCE ANSWERED IN AN EVANGELICAL MANNER . . . TO WHICH IS ADDED THE SPIRITUAL COMPANION; OR, THE PROFESSING CHRISTIAN TRIED AT THE BAR OF GOD'S WORD; AND CHARACTER OF THE HAPPY MAN, 1866.
    Spiritual Injury From Undue Pursuit of the Affairs of This Life
    http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/spiritual-injury-from-undue-pursuit-of-the-affairs-of-this-life.php

    *Pike, Samuel (1717-1773), and Samuel Hayward (1718-1757), Self-examination. In RELIGIOUS CASES OF CONSCIENCE ANSWERED IN AN EVANGELICAL MANNER . . . TO WHICH IS ADDED THE SPIRITUAL COMPANION; OR, THE PROFESSING CHRISTIAN TRIED AT THE BAR OF GOD'S WORD; AND CHARACTER OF THE HAPPY MAN, 1866.
    Self-examination
    http://www.westm/insterconfession.org/godly-living/self-examination.php/

    Preston, John (1587-1628), Foure Godly and Learned Treatises. Intituled, I. A Remedy Against Covetousnesse. II. An Elegant and Lively Description of Spirituall Death and Life. III. The Doctrine of Selfe-deniall. IV. Vpon the Sacrament of the Lords Supper. Delivered in Sundry Sermons, by that late famous preacher, and worthy instrument of Gods glory, Iohn Preston, Doctor of Divinitie, chaplaine in ordinarie to his Majestie; master of Emanuel Colledge, and sometime preacher of Lincolnes Inne, 1633.

    Preston, John (1587-1628), Hovv to Mortifie Covetousnesse.

    Preston, John (1587-1628), Sinnes Overthrow: or, A Godly and Learned Treatise of Mortification: Wherein is excellently handled; First, the generall doctrine of mortification: and Then particularly, how to mortifie fornication. Uncleannesse. Evill concupiscence. Inordinate affection. And covetousnesse. All being the substance of severall sermons upon Colos. 3.5. Mortifie therefore your members, &c. Delivered by that late faithfull preacher, and worthie instrument of Gods glorie, John Preston, Dr. in Divinitie, chaplin in ordinarie to his Majestie, master of Emanuell Colledge in Cambridge, and sometimes preacher of Lincolns-Inne, 1635, ISSN: 00279358. [Colossians 3:5]
    Preston, Sinnes Overthrow: or, A Godly and Learned Treatise of Mortification . . . All Being the Substance of Severall Sermons Upon Colos. 3. 5 [Colossians 3:5]
    https://archive.org/details/siwo00pres/page/n1

    *Robbins, John W. (1949-2008), Ecclesiastical Megalomania: The Economic and Political Thought of the Roman Catholic Church (Unicoi, TN: The Trinity Foundation), ISBN: 0940931753 9780940931756.
    "This book is a detailed examination of the official statements of the Vatican on economic and political matters. It demonstrates the collectivism and totalitarianism of the Roman Catholic Church-State. It is the only such book written by a Christian in the twentieth century.
    "This book explores the conflict between Roman Catholic social thought and human freedom, relying on official pronouncements from the Vatican to show that the political and economic theory of the Roman Church-State justifies feudalism, corporativism [corporatism -- compiler], liberation theology, the welfare state, and fascism.
    "Dr. John W. Robbins attended Grove City College (A.B. 1969) and The Johns Hopkins University (M.A. 1970, Ph.D. 1973). He has served as chief of staff for a Member of Congress [Ron Paul of Texas], editor of The Freeman magazine, Economist for The Heritage Foundation, and Professor of Political Philosophy in The Freedom School." -- Publisher
    Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Knox, Samuel Rutherford, John Owen, Thomas Manton, The Westminster Assembly, James Renwick, Archibald Mason, Christopher Ness, Francis Turretin, The Reformed Presbytery, David Steel, James R. Willson, Alexander M'Leod, William L. Roberts, James Aiken Wylie, Andrew Wilet, Henry Wilkinson, James Wylie, Patrick Fairbairn, James Aiken, Andrew Wilet, Alexander Hislop, Francis Nigel Lee, Arthur W. Pink, and so forth, and so on, have all believed and argued in print that the seated Pope is the Antichrist of the Bible.
    The Roman Church-State is "the world's oldest, largest, most powerful and most influential politico-ecclesiastical institution" and it "may also be the world's wealthiest."

    Rushdoony, R.J., (1916-2001), Larceny in the Heart: The Economics of Satan and the Inflationary State, ISBN: 1879998327 9781879998322.

    *Tocqueville, Alexis de, Seymour Drescher (translator), Gertrude Himmelfarb (introduction), Memoir on Pauperism, ISBN: 156663167X 9781566631679.
    "In this neglected memoir, written just after the first volume of DEMOCRACY IN AMERICA, Tocqueville seeks to understand why the most impoverished countries of Europe in his time had the fewest paupers, while the most opulent nation -- England -- had the most." -- Publisher

    Walters, Richard P., Jealousy, Envy, Lust: The Weeds of Greed, ISBN: 0310425913 9780310425915.
    "Walters explains how to overcome the deadly trilogy of jealousy, envy, and lust. Allowed to grow and fester they will consume anyone involved with them." -- GCB

    *Wolterstorff, Nicholas, Justice: Rights and Wrongs, ISBN: 9780691129679 0691129673 9780691146300 0691146306.
    "This book is an attempt to speak up for the wronged of the world . . . . My speaking up for the wrong of the world takes the form, in this book, of doing what I can to undermine those frameworks of conviction that prevent us from acknowledging that the other comes before us bearing a claim on us, and of offering an alternative framework, one that opens up to such acknowledgements." -- the author, p. ix
    "Nicholas Wolterstorff discusses what it is to have a right, and he locates rights in the respect due the worth of the rights-holder. After contending that socially-conferred rights require the existence of natural rights, he argues that no secular account of natural human rights is successful; he offers instead a theistic account.
    "Wolterstorff prefaces his systematic account of justice as grounded in rights with an exploration of the common claim that rights-talk is inherently individualistic and possessive. He demonstrates that the idea of natural rights originated neither in the Enlightenment nor in the individualistic philosophy of the late Middle Ages, but was already employed by the canon lawyers of the twelfth century. He traces our intuitions about rights and justice back even further, to Hebrew and Christian scriptures. After extensively discussing justice in the Old Testament and the New, he goes on to show why ancient Greek and Roman philosophy could not serve as a framework for a theory of rights." -- Publisher

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The ten commandments: the moral law, Carnality and flesh pleasing: desires, pleasure, Prayer, Wealth and prosperity, the snare of, Self, selfishness, self-esteem, Pride, ambition, self-aggrandizement, arrogance, ego, Works by and for women, Carnality and flesh pleasing: lust, desires, ambition, Politics, Bribery, Theft, fraud, stealing: property rights and freedom, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, 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 doctrine of verbal inspiration, Repentance the key to salvation and change, 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, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Will and recalcitrance, Ethics, Medical ethics, State sovereignty and corporate immunity: reform of corporations, Theft, fraud, stealing: property rights and freedom, Prosperity and wealth, the snare of, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Self, Envy, Jealousy, Sin and its consequences, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 481, 1232, 2129-2133, 2806, 3198-3214, 3222-3227, 4070
    MGTP: Covetousness, God -- Law of [Ten Commandments]

    Related Weblinks

    The Commandments of Jesus, J.S. McConnell (1925)
    http://www.wowzone.com/commandm.htm

    Covetousness: Flee From the Wrath of God (FGB #167)
    A Common yet Subtle sin, Brengle, S.L. | Covetousness, Pink, A.W. (1886-1952) | The Parable of the Rich Fool, Dods, Marcus | A Caution Against Covetousness, Simeon, Charles | A Vile Weed and a Fair Flower, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | The Way of Balaam, Shelton, L.R. Jr. (1923-2003)
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/covefg/covetousness

    Devious by Design: Spotting the Telltale Signs of Shady Deals, Scams, and Fraudulent Investment Offers
    "Each year, some 30 million Americans are defrauded of more than $50 billion, according to a 2011 report by the Financial Fraud Research Center, a joint project of the Stanford Center on Longevity and the FINRA Investor Education Foundation." -- Mitch Lipka in "Devious by Design: Spotting the Telltale Signs of Shady Deals, Scams, and Fraudulent Investment Offers," in USAA Magazine, Spring 2014, volume 50, number 1.
    The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is now the only Self-Regulatory Organization in the United States for the financial industry. FINRA operates BrokerCheck where investors may view online the disciplinary record of their stock broker or prospective stock broker. However, see: FINRA Criticism.
    The "Devious by Design . . ." article offers basic information and lists warning signs for uninformed investors.
    Not knowing the expected rate of return for an particular investment is one of the greatest weaknesses of the investor. This leaves them vulnerable to fraud by unscrupulous advisers who promise unrealistic high rates of return. These promises are often a sign of a typical Ponzi scheme. Such schemes have been extensively reported in the television series American Greed: Scams, Schemes, and Broken Dreams.
    Devious by Design: Spotting the Telltale Signs of Shady Deals, Scams, and Fraudulent Investment Offers
    http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/pace/usaa_2014spring/#/18

    Psychology and Psychiatry
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappc.html

    Self-pity a Window Into the Soul, Rick Thomas
    "Whenever the self-pitying person goes into 'self-pity mode,' where they do not experience joy and contentment, they are communicating a sense of entitlement. 'I deserve something; I am angry and will not be satisfied until I get the thing I crave.' It is not the trial that is robbing them of joy. Idolatry has chased their happiness away. They cannot be joy-filled and angry at the same time. Self-pity is a form of anger. The raw truth that their soul is expressing is, 'I am mad because I am not getting what I deserve'."
    https://rickthomas.net/self-pity-a-window-into-the-soul/

    The Teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2cha.html#teachljc

    The Temperate Life, Sherman Isbell
    http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/the-temperate-life.php

    Theft: Commentary and Cases of Conscience. A Listing Excerpted From The Institutes of Biblical Law by Rousas John Rushdoony, 1973 edition
    http://www.lettermen2.com/theft.html



    Cowardice

    But for the cowardly, unbelieving, sinners, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their part is in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death. (Revelation 21:8)

    Cowards never won heaven. Do not claim that you are begotten of God and have His royal blood running in your veins unless you can prove your lineage by this heroic spirit; to dare to be holy in spite of men and devils. . . .
    The soldier is summoned to a life of active duty and so is the Christian. -- William Gurnall (1617-1679)

    No hypocrite can bear the cross. -- Henry Smith (1550-1591)

    The wicked is a very coward, and is afraid of everything; of God, because He is his enemy; of Satan, because he is his tormentor; of God's creatures, because they, joined with their Maker, fight against him: of himself, because he bears about with him his own accuser and executioner. The godly man contrarily is afraid of nothing; not of God, because he knows Him his best friend, and will not hurt him; not of Satan, because he cannot hurt him; not of afflictions, because he knows they come from a loving God, and end in his good; not of the creatures, since 'the very stones in the field are a league with Him;' not of himself, since his conscience is at peace. -- Joseph Hall (1574-1656)

    Behold, thy people in the midst of thee are women: the gates of thy land shall be set wide open unto thine enemies: the fire shall devour thy bars. (Nahum 3:13)
    Thy people in the midst of thee are women; they have no wisdom, no courage; they shall be fickle, feeble, and faint-hearted, as women commonly are in such times of danger and distress; they shall be at their wits' end, adding to their griefs and fears by the power of their own imagination, and utterly unable to do any thing for themselves; the valiant men shall become cowards. -- Matthew Henry Complete Commentary on the Whole Bible

    "Cowardice possesses the effeminate man."

    "One Protestant minister declared Adam an 'effeminated apple eater' because he was soft."

    It is a marvel that men will readily enough continue in vain and sinful courses, and yet to persevere in grace is so great a difficulty as to be an impossibility, were it not for divine assistance. The persistency of those who oppose the people of God is so strange that we may well expostulate with them and say, "How long will ye thus display your malice?" A hint is given in the text as to the cowardliness of so many pressing upon one man; but none are less likely to act a fair and manly part than those who are opposed to God's people for righteousness' sake. Satan could not enter into combat with Job in fair duel, but must needs call in the Sabeans and Chaldeans, and even then must borrow the lightning and the wind before his first attack was complete. If there were any shame in him, or in his children, they would be ashamed of the dastardly manner in which they have waged war against the seed of the woman. Ten thousand to one has not seemed to them too mean an advantage; there is not a drop of chivalrous blood in all their veins. -- C.H. Spurgeon commenting on verse 3 of Psalm 62 [Psalm 62:3], in The Treasury of David

    As we grow older and scriptural truths become more real, we are amazed at the cowardice of the wicked man. In many ways he is essentially a coward, incompetent in his manhood.

    The feminine characteristics are gentleness, abundance, generosity, love, nurture, tolerance, acceptance, encouragement, and so forth. If male leadership becomes effeminate, then they may gain political favor with women and effeminate men, but their enemies will destroy them and the society they lead (Isaiah 3:12; 19:16; Nahum 3.13; Jeremiah 50:37; 51:30). If too many effeminate individuals have the vote, then society becomes immoral, destabilizes, and goes into decline. (See the cross references at the end of this listing.)

    Omodeo, Adolfo, The Spiritual Cowardice of the Nazis.

    *Robbins, John W. (1949-2008, editor), The Church Effeminate and Other Essays (Unicoi, TN: The Trinity Foundation, 2002), ISBN: 0940931540 9780940931541.
    Contents: Robbins: The Church; Witherow: The Apostolic Church; Ryle: The True Church; Lloyd-Jones: The Primacy of Preaching; Adams: Preaching to the Heart; Ryle: The Fallibility of Ministers; Crampton: Exclusive Psalmody; The Geneva Service Book of 1556: Scripture and the Ordering of Worship; Miller: The Christian Education of the Children and Youth in the Presbyterian Church; Calvin: The Teachers of the Church; Clark: The Presbyterian Doctrine of Ordination; Warfield: Paul on Women Speaking in Church; Clark: The Ordination of Women; Robbins: The Church Effeminate; Luther: On the Councils and the Church; Hodge: The Relation of Church and State; Calvin: The Roman Church-State; Dostoyevsky: The Grand Inquisitor; Burroughs: Episcopacy; Witherspoon: Secrets of Church Polity; McFetridge: Calvinism and the Church; Chan: The New Babylonian Captivity of the Church; Robbins: The Reconstructionist Road to Rome; a Lasco: The Abolition of Vestments; Hanko: Ought the Church to Pray for Revival? Hodge: The Great Revival of Religion, 1740-1745; Luther: The Power of the Word; Clark: What Is Evangelism? Clark: Art and the Gospel; Calvin: The Necessity of Reforming the Church; Ryle: Idolatry; Ryle: Pharisees and Sadducees; Machen: The Good Fight of Faith; Ryle: Apostolic Fears; Machen: The Separateness of the Church; Robbins: The Sin of Signing Ecumenical Declarations; M'Crie: Fundamentalism and Ecumenism; Calvin: The Unity of the Church; Robbins: The Church Irrational; Index; Scripture Index.
    The Necessity of Reforming the Church (1543), by John Calvin
    http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/NRC_ch00.htm
    Calvin's Commentary on Hosea
    http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/m.sion/calvhose.htm

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The root cause of criminal acts of extreme depravity, Justice, judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Christ our example, Comfort, encouragement, Idolatry, Feminism, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Fear, Blasphemy, Foolishness, Menpleasing, Carnality and flesh pleasing: lust, desires, ambition, Manhood, Laziness, slothfulness, idleness, indolence, slackness, sluggishness/sluggard, Repentance the key to salvation and change, State sovereignty and corporate immunity: reform of corporations, Theft, fraud, stealing: property rights and freedom, Feminism, the effeminate, A theological interpretation of american history (timeline), Terrorism, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 853, 855, 859, 2675, 3802

    Related Weblinks

    The Curse of Cowardice, a sermon by Peter Hammond
    https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=82418846431

    The Imperial Judiciary, Rep. Ron Paul, MD.
    "The ultimate solution to the problem of unbridled judicial activism at the federal level is clear: Congress must reassert its constitutional authority to define and restrict the jurisdiction of federal courts. This power is plainly granted in Article III, and no constitutional amendments are required. On the contrary, any constitutional amendment addressing judicial activism would only grant legitimacy to the dangerous idea that social issues are federal matters. Remember, when social issues are federalized, conservatives always lose. Giving more authority over social matters to any branch of the federal government is a mistake, because a centralized government is unlikely to reflect local sentiment for long. If anything, the marriage amendment would have given the secular left an excuse to impose gay marriage on all of us in future years, as the issue would have been irrefutably federalized.
    "Congressional cowardice enables judicial activism. Just as Congress ceded far too much legislative authority to presidents throughout the 20th century, it similarly has allowed federal judges to operate wildly beyond their constitutional role. In fact, many current members of Congress apparently accept the false notion that federal court judgments are superior to congressional statutes. Unless and until Congress asserts itself by limiting federal court jurisdiction, judges will continue to act as de facto lawmakers."
    http://www.lewrockwell.com/paul/paul208.html

    Psychology and Psychiatry
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappc.html

    A Walk on the Dark Side, Butler Shaffer
    "Shakespeare expressed our dilemma as succinctly as any: 'The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, But in ourselves, that we are underlings.' The moral slugs who fabricated the excuses for this war, and who helped to mobilize weak-souled men and women into a mindless support for it, are certainly accountable for their wrongs. But instead of focusing our anger upon them -- which would be but another act of projection of our own "dark side" onto them -- we would be better advised to confront our own existential cowardice. Political leaders amass power only through our moral exhaustion; they are strong only because we have allowed ourselves to become weak. Perhaps in our willingness to get acquainted with our 'shadow,' we may discover the best defense against those who have mastered the art of manipulating men and women into the subservient but malignant herds that are destroying mankind."
    http://www.lewrockwell.com/shaffer/shaffer108.html



    Crisis Counseling

    Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. (Psalm 124:8)

    Read the Gospel of John, chapters 14 through 16, [John 14; John 15; John 16] for comfort in time of crisis or distress.

    Any time, day or night, persons in North America can talk to someone on the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) Prayer Line at 1-888-388-2683.
    Connect with BGEA online at PeaceWithGod.net. Look for the chat button in the lower right-hand corner.
    Peace With God
    http://www.PeaceWithGod.net
    Paz Con Dios
    http://www.PazConDios

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Coping With Counseling Crisis: First Aid for Christian Counselors, ISBN: 0801001129 9780801001123. Alternate title: LECTURES ON COUNSELING.
    " 'A good crisis counselor is one who has enough courageous concern to take a different and more biblical view of the crisis than the counselee, yet he will always reach his conclusions in the matter by examination of carefully collected data.' Here are three key elements of crisis counseling: [1] analyze the situation; [2] take an inventory of the state and resources of a counselee; [3] be able to give biblical direction about the proper response to a crisis. Closes with ten crisis case studies to help you think your way through potential problem situations." -- David Powlison

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Crisis Counseling: Aid (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA201 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Crisis Counseling: Analysis (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA202 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Crisis Counseling: Inventory (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA203 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Crisis Counseling: Direction (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA204 [audio file].

    Campbell, Donald K., Judges: Leaders in Crisis Times, ISBN: 0896937410 9780896937413.

    Davis, Billie, Teaching to Meet Crisis Needs, ISBN: 0882436090 9780882436098.
    Includes bibliographies.

    Davis, Creath, How to Win in a Crisis.
    "Our lives will encompass a series of changes, and if we want to remain vitally alive, we must discover how to survive courageously and creatively the crises that inevitably come. This book points the way toward discovery and growth by outlining workable ways to handle conflict and cope with tough circumstances." -- GCB

    *Dowdy, Augustus W., Jr., Phone Power, ISBN: 0817006524 9780817006525.
    "Brief but very helpful, with practical ideas on communication by phone and many practical ways to use the phone within the local ministry of the church. Has a helpful appendix on where to go for information on hotlines and telephone ministries." -- Robert B. Somerville

    *Hyde, Margaret O., Cry Softly! The Story of Child Abuse, ISBN: 0664327230 9780664327231.
    Includes bibliography. Indexed.
    "The rising tide of child abuse makes this book a must. Deals with the reasons, as well as the treatment. Provides information on 'Hotlines,' 'Suggestions for Further Reading,' and 'National Organizations Concerned With Child Abuse'." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Hyde, Margaret O., Hotline! ISBN: 0070315663 9780070315662.

    Hyde, Margaret O., Sexual Abuse: Let's Talk About it, ISBN: 0664327257 9780664327255.
    "Draws attention to what is becoming a 'national epidemic.' Points out how pastors may recognize the victims and deal with the trauma and anger of those who feel violated. Practical." -- Cyril J. Barber
    "Discusses the sexual abuse of children, how they can protect themselves, where they can seek help, the kinds of help available, and how to increase public awareness of this problem."

    Ishee, John A. (compiler), When Trouble Comes.
    Includes bibliographical references.

    Lester, Andrew D., When Children Suffer: A Sourcebook for Ministry With Children in Crisis, ISBN: 0664213278 9780664213275.
    "Focuses on the significant crises in childhood. Treats issues like unresolved grief, unnecessary fear, lack of trust, a low sense of worth, distorted ideas about the person of God and the world in which they live. Well-done; makes a valuable contribution." -- Cyril J. Barber

    McGee, Richard K., Crisis Intervention in the Community, ISBN: 0839107226 9780839107224.
    "Excellent overall treatment of crisis intervention counseling and practical instructions for setting up a program." -- Robert B. Somerville

    Rightor, Henry H., Pastoral Counseling in Work Crises: An Introduction for Both Lay and Ordained Ministers, ISBN: 0817008144 9780817008147.
    Includes bibliography and index.

    Scott, Latayne C., Crisis: Crucible of Praise, ISBN: 1878990225 9781878990228.

    Shelly, Judith A., Caring in Crisis: Bible Studies for Helping People, ISBN: 0877845638: 9780877845638.

    *Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon.
    A sermon by C.H. Spurgeon delivered on Lord's-day morning, September 9, 1888, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon no. 2043.
    "This is the way in which you should use this plea. Say, 'My God, I am utterly unworthy, and I own it; but, I beseech thee, hear me for the honour of thy dear Son. By his agony and bloody sweat, by his cross and passion, by his precious death and burial, I beseech thee hear me! O Lord, let the blood of thine Only-begotten prevail with thee! Canst thou put aside his groans, his tears, his death, when they speak on my behalf?' If you can thus come to pleading terms with God upon this ground, you must and will prevail. Jesus must be heard in heaven. The voice of his blood is eloquent with God. If you plead the atoning sacrifice, you must overcome through the blood of the Lamb." -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon

    Stone, Howard W., Crisis Counseling, ISBN: 0800627601 9780800627607.
    Includes bibliography.

    Strom, Kay M., Helping Women in Crisis: A Handbook for People Helpers, ISBN: 0310336414 9780310336419.
    "Covers all the bases -- alcohol and drug abuse, child abuse, sexual molestation, incest, infidelity, rape, suicide, teenage pregnancy, wife abuse. Each chapter summarizes the major issues involved. This is a very helpful book, and lay counselors will appreciate the author's candor and practical ideas. Here is a work pastors can use in their lay counseling program." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Swihart, Judson J., and Gerald C. Richardson, Counseling in Times of Crisis, ISBN: 0849905893 9780849905896.
    "Of much practical value. Lays a solid, scriptural foundation for understanding respective crises. This is followed by a description of the kinds of problems people face. Finally, the authors point out how others may help those facing the vicissitudes of life. Insightful." -- Cyril J. Barber
    "Crisis counseling is a unique ministry with particular goals and techniques. This book presents the dynamics of a crisis, a scriptural view of crises, and then an overview of various categories of crises. The book is written to help one better understand the issues confronting those going through a crisis." -- GCB

    Swinnock, George (1627-1673), The Fading of the Flesh and Flourishing of Faith, or, One Cast for Eternity With the Only way to Throw it VVell: as Also the Gracious Persons Incomparable Portion / by George Swinnock, 1662.
    Psalm LXXIII, 26 [Psalm 26].

    See also: Topical listing of scripture helpful in counseling, Ready reference: immediate counsel, Counseling teens, Crisis counseling, Phone counseling, Suicide, Depression, Teens, Teens coping with the world, Works of jay adams, Chapter 5: reference works, The combined contents for the web edition of biblical counsel: resources for renewal, For all counselors, Training in biblical counseling, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Gratuitous sex, a cause of violence, Ministering to the dying, For all counselors, and so forth, and so on.



    Deceit, Self-deception, Lying, False Witness

    See the Theological Notes: "Satan," at Job 1:6 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? (Numbers 23:19)

    Everything is a deceit which has not God himself as its author. -- John Calvin (1509-1564)

    Satan is a liar and a destroyer. (John 8:44; Genesis 3:5; Matthew 4:6; 2 Corinthians 2:11; 2 Corinthians 11:14)

    A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape. (Proverbs 19:5)

    Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous. (Psalm 31:18)

    And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:28)

    Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 8:43-45) "What he had twice said more obscurely, he now expresses more fully, that they are the devil's children. But we must supply the contrast, that they could not cherish such intense hatred to the Son of God, were it not that they had for their father the perpetual enemy of God. He calls them children of the devil, not only because they imitate him, but because they are led by his instigation to fight against Christ. For as we are called the children of God, not only because we resemble him, but because he governs us by his Spirit, because Christ lives and is vigorous in us, so as to conform us to the image of his Father; so, on the other hand, the devil is said to be the father of those whose understandings he blinds, whose hearts he moves to commit all unrighteousness, and on whom, in short, he acts powerfully and exercises his tyranny; as in 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2. -- John Calvin commenting on John 8:43-45
    Matthew Henry commenting on John 8:43-45
    https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/john/8.html
    John Gill commenting on John 8:43-45
    https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/john-8-43.html

    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)

    They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy. (Jonah 2:8)

    And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. (2 Thessalonians 2:11,12)

    But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (Revelation 21:8)

    See the Theological Notes: "Honest Speech, Oaths, and Vows," at Nehemiah 5:12 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    See the Theological Notes: "Hell," at Mark 9:43 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    Lying lips are abomination to the Lord, but they that deal truly are His delight. (Proverbs 12:22)

    A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips: and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue. (Proverbs 17:4)

    They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy. (Jonah 2:8)

    A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin. (Proverbs 26:28), (Proverbs 26:24-28). See the annotation in The Reformation Study Bible.

    King Solomon, who reigned from c. 970-931 BC, made the following observation.
    If a ruler hearkens to lies, all his servants are wicked. (Proverbs 29:12)
    "Corruption in society tends to start at the top. The dishonest ruler not only attracts evil officials, but encourages subordinates to become corrupt." -- Annotation in The Reformation Study Bible.
    John Gill commenting on the passage:
    http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/proverbs-29-12.html
    Matthew Henry commenting on the passage:
    http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/proverbs/29.html

    The simple truth of a courageous individual is not to take part in the lie. One word of truth outweighs the world. You can resolve to live your life with integrity. Let your Credo be this: let the lie come into the world, let it even triumph. But not through me. -- Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn (1918-2008)

    When the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the losers. -- Socrates
    Those who resort to ad hominem arguments reveal that they are unable to deal with the issue at hand without resorting to name-calling and character assassination against their opponent.

    The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
    I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.     (Jeremiah 17:9,10)
    Because the wicked have ever some excuse to defend their doings, he showeth that their own lewd imaginations deceive them, and bring them to these inconveniences: but God will examine their deeds by the malice of their hearts, 1 Samuel 16:7; 1 Chronicles 28:9; Psalm 7:10; Jeremiah 11:20 and Jeremiah 20:12; Revelation 2:13. -- 1599 Geneva Bible Notes

    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)

    Calvin's Commentaries: Jeremiah 14:15-16
    It is certain that except the world winningly sought falsehoods, the power of the devil to deceive would not be so great. When men therefore are led astray by impostures, it happens through their own fault, inasmuch as they are more ready to embrace vanity than to submit to God and his word. [no one is ever deceived except by his own will]. And we must remember that saying of Paul, that all the reprobate are blinded and given up to a reprobate mind, because they wailfully seek falsehood, and will not obey the truth. (Romans 1:28). And on this account God declares that he tries the hearts of men, whenever false prophets come abroad; for every one who really fears God shall by no means be led away by the deceits of Satan and of impostors. Hence, whenever men are too credulous and readily embrace deceptions, it is certain that their hypocrisy is thus justly punished by God. And it was well known to the Prophet, that the Jews ever wished for such prophets as soothed their ears and promised them an abundant harvest and a fruitful vintage. (Micah 2:11). As then they had itching ears, a liberty was justly given to Satan to deluge the whole land with falsehood; and so indeed it happened. There is then no wonder that the Lord was so severe in chastising the people; for they had not been deceived except through their own fault. The same thing happens at this day. Though we are touched with pity when we see the ministers of Satan prevail in deceiving the common people: yet we must remember that a reward is rendered by heaven for the impiety of men, who either extinguish or smother the light of God as much as they can, and seek to plunge into darkness. -- John Calvin commenting on Jeremiah 14:15-16
    http://www.ccel.org/c/calvin/comment3/comm_vol18/htm/vi.xi.htm

    Wherefore, putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor; for we are members one of another. (Ephesians 4:25)

    He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. (1 John 2:4)

    There are three kinds of lies: a lie told, a lie taught, a lie acted out. -- Joseph Caryl

    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 would be easy to lose heart and become cynical. But No! There is One who sees all things, knows all things, and will ultimately triumph over all things. There is only one message that addresses the truth as the truth. The Lord of glory, Jesus Christ, came to this earth and was also the victim of hate. Lies sent him to the cross. Power overruled reality, as politics and religious demagogues once again made the lie seem noble. But the Lord who sees the beginning from the end amazingly conquered not in spite of the dark mystery of evil, rather, He conquered through it. James Stewart of Scotland, pointing to the cross, said it in the most powerful terms I have read. Commenting on the verse from Psalm 68:18, He led captivity captive, he said:

    It is a glorious phrase -- He led captivity captive. The very triumphs of his foes, it means, he used for their defeat. He compelled their dark achievements to subserve his ends not theirs. They nailed him to a tree, not knowing that by that very act they were bringing the world to his feet. They gave him a cross, not guessing that he would make it a throne. They flung him outside the city gates to die, not knowing that in that very moment they were lifting up the gates of the universe, to let the king come in. They thought to root out his doctrines, not understanding that they were implanting imperishably in the hearts of men the very name they intended to destroy. They thought they had God with his back to the wall, pinned helpless and defeated: they did not know that it was God himself who had tracked them down. "He did not conquer in spite of the dark mystery of evil. He conquered through it." -- James Stewart (1635-1713)
    The lie has a shelf life. The truth abides forever. God can even conquer through our perversion.
    One more thing. I would be remiss if I left the guilt and darkness out there. That is the seduction of a fake righteousness. We all have to look at our own hearts and see the evil that is within each one of us. Only then can we find the answer from which all other answers flow. Some time ago, I was in Rumania. A sculptor had some of his works on display. One was a horrific, fierce-looking, long nail. When you picked it up, as rusty and jagged as the nail was, the head was polished and shiny. And when you looked at that polished head, you saw a reflection of yourself. It is sobering. Very sobering. . . . More than ever we need the Savior. Lord have mercy! -- Ravi Zacharias in a message, Is Paris Burning? November 18, 2015

    Alexander, Archibald (1772-1851), Difficulty of Knowing our Faults. In EVANGELICAL TRUTH: PRACTICAL SERMONS FOR THE CHRISTIAN HOME.

    Black, David (1762-1806), The Deceitfulness of the Heart. Available in SERMONS ON IMPORTANT SUBJECTS.
    "Black was pastor of Lady Yester's, Edinburgh, Scotland, from 1794 until his death. With regard to his sermon delivery, it was said that 'His manner was solemn and affectionate, earnest and persuasive. When expostulating with sinners, or unfolding to Christians the consolations of the gospel, there was often an animation in his address -- a sacred fervour -- a divine unction, which powerfully impressed the auditory. He evidently felt the truths he was delivering, and spake as one standing in the presence of God, animated with a pure zeal for the glory of the Redeemer, and the salvation of immortal souls.' The following piece is from his SERMONS ON IMPORTANT SUBJECTS (Edinburgh 1808)."
    http://www.westminsterconfession.org/the-doctrines-of-grace/the-deceitfulness-of-the-heart.php

    Chalmers, Thomas (1780-1847), Self-Examination
    http://www.westminsterconfession.org/the-doctrines-of-grace/essay-on-guthries-the-christians-great-interest.php

    Fingarette, Herbert, Self-Deception, ISBN: 0520220528 9780520220522.
    "Fingarette's book on the topic is so firmly and deservedly entrenched it is 'essential reading'." -- Roger Squires, editor, The Philosophical Quarterly
    "It was Herbert Fingarette, in his book SELF-DECEPTION, who made the theme of self-identity central in thinking about self-deception. . . . Quite simply, it is the most important single work on the topic. It is a classic that merits staying in print for many years to come." -- Mike W. Martin, author of Self-Deception and Self-Understanding
    "Since 1962 our writings on self-deception have been largely directed at the two philosophers who are to be thanked most justly and warmly for keeping interest in self-deception alive: Professor Herbert Fingarette of the University of California, Santa Barbara, and the late Jean-Paul Sartre." -- John King-Farlow and Richard Bosley
    "The best treatment of self-deception I know to date remains that of Herbert Fingarette in SELF-DECEPTION." -- Ronald B. deSousa, Professor of Philosophy, University of Toronto
    "A classic." -- Robert C. Solomon, author of THE PASSIONS
    See also:
    Fingarette, Herbert, THE MEANING OF CRIMINAL INSANITY, ISBN: 0520020820 9780520020825.
    Fingarette, Herbert, MENTAL DISABILITIES AND CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY, ISBN: 0520036301 9780520036307.
    Fingarette, Herbert, THE MEANING OF THE LAW IN THE BOOK OF JOB.

    *Levitt, Steven, and Stephen J. Dubner, Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything, ISBN: 9780062132345 0062132342 9788466645775 8466645772.
    "Nothing is more powerful than information, especially when its power is abused. . . .
    "Though extraordinarily diverse, these crimes all have a common trait: they were sins of information. Most of them involved an expert, or a gang of experts, promoting false information or hiding true information; in each case the experts were trying to keep the information asymmetry as asymmetrical as possible.
    "The practitioners of such acts, especially in the realm of high finance, inevitably offer this defense: 'Everybody else was doing it.' Which may be largely true. One characteristic of information crimes is that very few of them are detected." -- Levitt and Dubner
    "More than 4 million copies sold worldwide. Published in 35 languages. . . . Steven D. Levitt is not a typical economist. He studies the riddles of everyday life 'from cheating and crime to parenting and sports' and reaches conclusions that turn conventional wisdom on its head. FREAKONOMICS is a groundbreaking collaboration between Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner, an award-winning author and journalist. They set out to explore the inner workings of a crack gang, the truth about real estate agents, the secrets of the Ku Klux Klan, and much more." -- Publisher

    Malone, Samuel A., Greed, Fraud, Lies, Bribery and Corruption: A Guide to Organizational Ethics, ISBN: 9781852525774 1852525770, 250 pages.

    Napolitano, Andrew P., and Ron Paul (foreword), Lies the Government Told You: Myth, Power, and Deception in American History, ISBN: 9781595552662 1595552669.
    "Centuries of government deception have suspended our freedom and replaced it with a mythology rich in the ideals we are promised but do not actually experience.
    "The government's lies have become our country's heritage, passed down generationally and accepted over time as status quo. We allow our leaders to regulate, under false pretenses, every area of our supposedly free lives: What we eat, how our money is spent, how we protect ourselves. The basic tenets of living in a free society -- the primacy of the individual and limited government -- are violated routinely and with little objection from those most affected.
    "Judge Napolitano traces the deterioration of American freedom year by year, event by event, from the birth of the U.S. government to the economic and military crises of today. He illustrates how this distorted interpretation of government translates to loss for Americans -- loss of life, loss of property, loss of freedom. The cost is staggering.
    "Amid the bleak revelation is a call to action. Judge Napolitano offers a blueprint to salvage our freedom and restore the government to its intended role as an instrument to protect the freedoms of the people." -- Publisher

    Patterson, James, and Peter Kim, The day America Told the Truth: What People Really Believe About Everything That Really Matters, ISBN: 0452268087 9780452268081.
    In effect, we're all making up our own moral codes.
    "Contents: America's moral regions | Private lives, ethics, values, and dilemmas | The sex lives of Americans | Men and women in the 1990s | American violence | Work | Community lives | God and other heroes | America and the world.
    "This book is a brutal look at the fallen nature of humanity. I actually didn't finish it because it was so depressing." -- Reader's Comment

    Perkins, William (1558-1602), A Direction for the Governement of the Tongue, According to Gods VVorde, 1593. Alternate title: THE GOUERNEMENT OF THE TONGUE.

    Perkins, William (1558-1602), A Treatise of Mans Imaginations. Shewing his Naturall Euill Thoughts: His Want of Good Thoughts: The way to Reforme Them. Framed and preached by M. Wil. Perkins, 1607.

    *Pike, Samuel (1717-1773), and Samuel Hayward (1718-1757), The Character of an Honest Man. In RELIGIOUS CASES OF CONSCIENCE ANSWERED IN AN EVANGELICAL MANNER . . . TO WHICH IS ADDED THE SPIRITUAL COMPANION; OR, THE PROFESSING CHRISTIAN TRIED AT THE BAR OF GOD'S WORD; AND CHARACTER OF THE HAPPY MAN, 1866.
    The Character of an Honest Man
    http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/the-character-of-an-honest-man.php

    *Pike, Samuel (1717-1773), and Samuel Hayward (1718-1757), Discovering Why the Spirit is Grieved. In RELIGIOUS CASES OF CONSCIENCE ANSWERED IN AN EVANGELICAL MANNER . . . TO WHICH IS ADDED THE SPIRITUAL COMPANION; OR, THE PROFESSING CHRISTIAN TRIED AT THE BAR OF GOD'S WORD; AND CHARACTER OF THE HAPPY MAN, 1866.
    Discovering Why the Spirit is Grieved
    http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/discovering-why-the-spirit-is-grieved.php

    *Pike, Samuel (1717-1773), and Samuel Hayward (1718-1757), Self-examination. In RELIGIOUS CASES OF CONSCIENCE ANSWERED IN AN EVANGELICAL MANNER . . . TO WHICH IS ADDED THE SPIRITUAL COMPANION; OR, THE PROFESSING CHRISTIAN TRIED AT THE BAR OF GOD'S WORD; AND CHARACTER OF THE HAPPY MAN, 1866.
    Self-examination
    http://www.westm/insterconfession.org/godly-living/self-examination.php/

    Reisman, W. Michael, Folded Lies: Bribery, Crusades, and Reforms, ISBN: 0029262801 9780029262801.
    "A comprehensive analysis of the phenomenon of business bribery in all its manifestations. It goes beyond the recent wave of popular books that have simply dramatized the extent to which bribery has become institutionalized. The significance of FOLDED LIES is in its very credible -- and persuasive -- analysis and synthesis of the dynamics of the bribery phenomenon and the societal reactions it will inevitably precipitate. FOLDED LIES should be important reading for the business community, policy makers, lawyers, social scientists, and the general reader." -- John A. Gardiner, author of Theft of the City
    "This is a major contribution to the analysis of one type of white-collar crime. It lifts the veil on 'jurisprudence in the shadows' and analyzes a type of decision pathology. More than that -- the author places the timely topic of bribery in the context of timeless principles of myth systems and operational codes . . . . An incisive inquiry at a fundamental level of the policy alternatives for business and social order." -- Gerald M. Meier, Stanford University

    Vines, Richard (1600?-1656), Magnalia Dei ab Aquilone, set Forth in a Sermon on Isa. lxiii. 8 [Isaiah 63:8], Preached Before the . . . Lords and Commons . . . July 18, 1644, being the day of publike thanksgiving for the . . . Victory obtained against Prince Rupert . . . neere Yorke. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    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), Blindness, spiritual, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, The character and attributes of God, The teaching of our lord jesus christ, Textual criticism, Epistemology, Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Sex ethics, sex education, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Church and state, Politics, National repentance, corporate repentance, Heresy and apostasy, Medical ethics, Bribery, Secular humanism, Secret societies, ungodly alliances, voluntary associations, Modern myths and fallacies, Creation verses evolution, Abortion and the sanctity of life, Biblical magistracy, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Christian biography, Christian character, Trinitarian oath, Submission, surrender, The theology of freedom, Freedom: a gift of the grace of god, Political and economic freedom, Biblical economics, The covenant faithfulness of god, Background, foundation, and history of the covenanted reformation of scotland, Covenanted reformation, Idolatry, Spiritual discernment, Spiritual warfare, The religion of secular humanism: man as god, human autonomy, Evil, the problem of avoiding, eschewing, shunning, Machiavellianism, The media, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Idolatry, syncretism, Sexual wholeness, Unfaithful reformed ministries, Christian scholarship, The works of c. gregg singer, Lectures by dr. c. gregg singer at the mount olive tape library of reformed theology and sermonaudio.com, A theological interpretation of american history, The works of gordon haddon clark, Background, foundation, and history of the covenanted reformation of scotland, Power religion, , Churches that abuse, Priestcraft, Glory in iniquity, the temptation of vainglory, Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Sex ethics, sex education, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Medical ethics, War, Taxation and war, The Civil War of the United States, The war for southern independence, the war between the states: the war of northern aggression, Healthcare reform, Healthcare horror stories, Logic based on god's truth, Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, Theft, fraud, stealing: property rights and freedom, Bribery, Taxation, property and liberty, Tyranny, War, Taxation and war, Mind control, intimidation, and coercion, The media, Public schools, public education, Theater, sports, and entertainment, Modern myths and fallacies, Politics, Healing of the mind, Appendix c: psychology and psychiatry, Spiritual discernment, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Idolatry, syncretism, Sexual wholeness, Deceit, self-deception, lying, false witness, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, Blameshifting and scapegoating, Self-Justification, Self-righteousness, works righteousness, and so forth, and so on.
    The counter-reformation, Wisdom, Power, Authority, God's deliverance of nations, The application of scripture to the corporate bodies of church and state, Sermons preached before governing bodies, Servant leadership, Individual responsibility for corporate sanctification, The doctrine of the lesser magistrates, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, Secret societies, Ungodly alliances, voluntary associations, Oaths, ensnaring vows, promises, and covenants, bonds with the ungodly, Hypocrisy, The decline of american society, irrationality, the decline of western thought, Male role and responsibility, gender equality, suffrage, reproductive rights, and the decline of american society, Toleration, liberty of conscience, pluralism, "religious freedom," and neutrality, The courts, the law base, and the judicial system, Authority, Power, Bible magistracy, Leniency, Servant leadership, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Hypocrisy, Self-justification, self-righteousnessw, works righteousness, Carnality and flesh pleasing: lust, desires, ambition, Mind control, Spiritual warfare, The ten commandments: the moral law, The antichrist, Politics, Meltdown, 2008, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 1728, 1731, 1796, 2353, 2689, 3196, 3219, 3313, 3350, 3702, 3703, 3705-3707, 3855-3857
    MGTP: False Teachers and False Doctrine

    Related Weblinks

    Doctors Admit Lying to Patients, Pat Anson, February 11, 2012
    "There's an expectation that our doctors will be truthful, and most are but some are not," said Eric Campbell, the director of research at Massachusetts General Hospital, who co-authored one study of doctors that is being published in the journal Health Affairs.
    "Campbell and his colleagues surveyed nearly 1,900 doctors in 2009 and found that 11 percent had told their patients something untrue in the previous year. Over a third of the doctors believed it was not always necessary to disclose a serious medical error to a patient.
    "Other survey results: http://americannewsreport.com/doctors-admit-lying-to-patients-8813139.html

    Hypocrisy (FGB #193)
    Great Danger of Hypocrisy, Bromhall, Andrew (1608-1662) | The Hypocrite's Character, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | Hypocrites and Christ, Brooks, Thomas (1608-1680) | Hypocrites Deficient in Prayer, Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758) | How far may Hypocrites Go? Clarkson, David (1622-1686) | Surprised by God's Judgment, Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758) | Inside Religion, Boston, Thomas (1676-1732) | What if I Find Hypocrisy in me? Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892)
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/hypofg/hypocrisy

    Psychology and Psychiatry
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappc.html

    A Resolution to Combat Mind Control With Truth
    http://www.lettermen2.com/mindc.html

    On Secret Faults, Samuel Stanhope Smith (1750-1819)
    http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/on-secret-faults.php

    The Things of This World, John Owen
    http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/the-things-of-this-world.php

    Using Discernment to Deal With Deceit, [audio file] Frontline Fellowship
    "God is Truth. God's Word is Truth. Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (John 14:6)
    "And war broke out in Heaven -- that serpent of old, called the devil and satan who deceives the whole world." (Revelation 12:7)
    "Deceiving the Nations -- Satan is deceiving the nations.
    "Education teaches you how to think. Indoctrination teaches you what to think.
    "The ability to think critically is becoming less and less common. We are being subjected to the greatest flood of misinformation and disinformation in the history of mankind."
    https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=124191214501729



    Depression

    Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. (Psalm 42:5)

    Read the Gospel of John, chapters 14 through 16, [John 14; John 15; John 16] for comfort in time of crisis or distress.

    Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:4,5)

    I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. (Psalm 27:13)

    Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (Hebrews 13:5)

    How wonderfully this same blood of the Lamb overcomes despair. Have you never seen a man shut up in the iron cage? It has been my painful duty to talk with several of such prisoners. I have seen the captive shake the iron bars, but he could not break them, or break from them. He has implored us to set him free by some means; but we have been powerless. Glory be to God, the blood is a universal solvent, and it has dissolved the iron-bars of despair, until the poor captive conscience has been able to escape. How sweet for the desponding to sing --
    "I believe, That Jesus died for me"!
    Believing that, all doubts, and fears, and despairs, fly away, and the man is at ease. -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon

    When I am in the cellar of affliction, I look for the Lord's choicest wines. -- Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661)

    Psychological culture dubs depression as mental illness. Yet in the vast majority of cases it has physiological causes such as metabolic imbalance from illness, hypothyroidism (the cause in an estimated 80 percent of case), overeating, under eating, fatigue, sleep loss, financial problems, stress, abuse, and so forth, and so on. The facts cut into the "treatment merry-go-round" of Psychology.

    Soul-violence begins when one individual tries to usurping authority over another, to control and possess them. The means of control may be either outward or occult: possessiveness, deceit, repression or suppression of the truth, soul stealing, attempts to take authority over another politically or by mental malpractice, denial of freedom, indebtedness, whoredom, and so forth. Abuse of the soul quenches the Holy Spirit.
    If either side is immovable, then death is the result of the conflict of will. How are conflicts of will resolved? By submission to the absolute truth of God's word. These observations bear a strain of the Gospel.

    Child depression rates

    In total, even after accounting for overlap in a number of these statistics, about one-third of our children are now diagnosed with some significant mental or physical disorder." -- Michael Gurian in Nurture the Nature

    I am a psychiatrist in private practice and have had three patients in the last few months have problems with generic Prozac (fluoxetine). The reports are consistent -- lost efficacy and sedation where there had been none on the brand name. One patient experienced withdrawal symptoms after missing a dose, which should not happen with fluoxetine, given its long half-life.
    I went so far as to try both the generic and the Eli Lilly Prozac myself. I would agree, based on side effects, that they were not only different strengths but different drugs. The generic appears to be a short-acting, sedating weak-dose SSRI [selective/serotonin reuptake inhibitor], (perhaps paroxetine or fluvoxamine rather than fluoxetine).
    All three patients improved within two weeks on brand-name Prozac with resolution of all side effects." (October 15, 2007) -- Top Screwups Doctors Make and how to Avoid Them, page 123

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Handling Anger God's Way; Dealing With Depression (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA105 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), What do You do When you Become Depressed? Alternate title: YOU CAN CONQUER DEPRESSION.
    "You must know God personally before you can expect Him to give you the help that you need. You must not put the alleviation of depression first as your goal, but rather the desire to please God by doing what He says. You must do exactly as He says regardless of how you feel." -- David Powlison

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), You can Conquer Depression, ISBN: 0801000947 9780801000942.
    "You must know God personally before you can expect Him to give you the help that you need. You must not put the alleviation of depression first as your goal, but rather the desire to please God by doing what He says. You must do exactly as He says regardless of how you feel." -- David Powlison

    *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

    Barrett, Roger, Depression: What it is and What to do.

    Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), Preservatives Against Melancholy and Over-much Sorrow; or The Cure of Both. Written above thirty years ago, by the Reverend Mr. Richard Baxter, 1716. Alternate title: WHAT ARE THE BEST PRESERVATIVES AGAINST MELANCHOLY AND OVERMUCH SORROW? LEST PERHAPS SUCH AN ONE SHOULD BE SWALLOWED UP WITH OVERMUCH SORROW. -- 2 CORINTHISNS II. 7 [2 Corinthians 2:7]. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    *Bridge, William (1600?-1670), A Lifting up for the Downcast, ISBN: 0851512984 0851511298. A Christian classic. Available in THE WORKS OF THE REV. WILLIAM BRIDGE (1845), vol. 1 of 5. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "These thirteen sermons on Psalm 42:11, preached at Stepney, London, in the year 1648 are the work of a true physician of souls. In dealing with believers suffering from spiritual depression, Bridge manifests great insight into the causes of the saints' discouragements, such as, great sins, weak grace, failure in duties, want of assurance, temptation, desertion, and affliction. A correct diagnosis is more than half the cure but Bridge does not leave his readers there. He gives directions for applying the remedy. . . .
    "The general causes of spiritual depression are the same in every age. Downcast Christians of the twentieth century can find help here as surely as did past generations." -- Publisher
    "Here is true help for those suffering from spiritual depression. Better than a room filled with psychologists." -- GCB
    A Lifting Up for the Downcast
    http://archive.org/details/worksofrevwillia01bridiala

    Gurian, Michael, Nurture the Nature: Understanding and Supporting Your Child's Unique Core Personality, ISBN: 078798633X 9780787986339.
    "Negative stress, in contrast, is something we need to be very careful about, especially with our children. In the most general terms, as experts at the University of Maryland Medical School wrote recently, 'When these symptoms persist, you are at risk for serious health problems. This kind of stress can exhaust your immune system. Recent research demonstrates that 90 percent of illness is stress-related.' When stress goes beyond the stimulating (positive stress), and becomes debilitating (negative stress), symptoms fall into three categories: physical, emotional, and relational." -- Publisher
    Resist the Latest Parenting Fads, Says New Book NURTURE THE NATURE Encourages Parents to Determine Their Child's Core Personality
    "Increasingly, the minds of our children are growing up to be antisocial. Children diagnosed with Antisocial Personality Disorder now number in the millions. As the Carnegie-Mellon survey notes, our primary social response to the new antisocial nature of children has not been to rethink how we raise them, but rather to expand punishment and incarceration systems. A Department of Justice study reports that at our present rates of incarceration, one in twenty babies born in the United States today will spend some part of life incarcerated. As of 2004, 1 in every 138 U.S. residents was in prison."
    http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/NewYearNewYou/story?id=3119291&page=1

    Hidaka, Brandon H., Depression as a Disease of Modernity: Explanations for Increasing Prevalence
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3330161/

    Horwitz, Allan V., Jerome C. Wakefield, and Robert L. Spitzer (Foreword), The Loss of Sadness: How Psychiatry Transformed Normal Sorrow Into Depressive Disorder, ISBN: 9780195313048 0195313046.
    "Depression has become the single most commonly treated mental disorder, amid claims that one out of ten Americans suffer from this disorder every year and 25 percent succumb at some point in their lives. Warnings that depressive disorder is a leading cause of worldwide disability have been accompanied by a massive upsurge in the consumption of antidepressant medication, widespread screening for depression in clinics and schools, and a push to diagnose depression early, on the basis of just a few symptoms, in order to prevent more severe conditions from developing. In THE LOSS OF SADNESS, Allan V. Horwitz and Jerome C. Wakefield argue that, while depressive disorder certainly exists and can be a devastating condition warranting medical attention, the apparent epidemic in fact reflects the way the psychiatric profession has understood and reclassified normal human sadness as largely an abnormal experience. With the 1980 publication of the landmark third edition of the DIAGNOSTIC AND STATISTICAL MANUAL OF MENTAL DISORDERS (DSM-III), mental health professionals began diagnosing depression based on symptoms -- such as depressed mood, loss of appetite, and fatigue -- that lasted for at least two weeks. This system is fundamentally flawed, the authors maintain, because it fails to take into account the context in which the symptoms occur. They stress the importance of distinguishing between abnormal reactions due to internal dysfunction and normal sadness brought on by external circumstances. Under the current DSM classification system, however, this distinction is impossible to make, so the expected emotional distress caused by upsetting events -- for example, the loss of a job or the end of a relationship -- could lead to a mistaken diagnosis of depressive disorder. Indeed, it is this very mistake that lies at the root of the presumed epidemic of major depression in our midst. In telling the story behind this phenomenon, the authors draw on the 2,500-year history of writing about depression, including studies in both the medical and social sciences, to demonstrate why the DSM's diagnosis is so flawed. They also explore why it has achieved almost unshakable currency despite its limitations. Framed within an evolutionary account of human health and disease, THE LOSS OF SADNESS presents a fascinating dissection of depression as both a normal and disordered human emotion and a sweeping critique of current psychiatric diagnostic practices. The result is a potent challenge to the diagnostic revolution that began almost thirty years ago in psychiatry and a provocative analysis of one of the most significant mental health issues today.
    "Allan V. Horwitz is Professor of Sociology and Dean of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Rutgers University. He is the author of many articles and a number of books on various aspects on mental illness, including THE SOCIAL CONTROL OF MENTAL ILLNESS, THE LOGIC OF SOCIAL CONTROL, and CREATING MENTAL ILLNESS. Jerome C. Wakefield is University Professor and Professor of Social Work at New York University, and he has also taught at the University of Chicago, Columbia University, and Rutgers University. He is an authority on the intersection between philosophy and the mental health professions and the author of many articles on diagnosis of mental disorder." -- Publisher
    "Depression is the mental health problem of our generation. In this important and penetrating book, Horwitz and Wakefield show that psychiatry no longer clearly differentiates between normal sadness and depressive disorder. A must read for anyone who wants to understand how so much 'depression' has become medicalized." -- Peter Conrad, Ph.D., Professor of Sociology, Brandeis University, and author of The Medicalization of Society
    "With superb scholarship and crisp prose, Horwitz and Wakefield examine the fatal flaw at the core of depression diagnosis. This book describes, with devastating clarity, why the DSM went off track and how the resulting scientific train wreck slows research and distorts our experience of our own sadness. If the DSM was based on biology, this book would signal a new beginning." -- Randolph Nesse, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, and author of Why We Get Sick: The New Science of Darwinian Medicine
    "Not another hackneyed anti-psychiatry polemic, THE LOSS OF SADNESS is a brilliant analysis of how mental health professionals can avoid pathologizing normal, emotional responses to life's stressors while accurately identifying those suffering from genuine depressive disorders. Erudite and engagingly written, THE LOSS OF SADNESS is destined to have a major impact on our field." -- Richard J. McNally, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology, Harvard University, and author of Remembering Trauma

    Ilardi, Stephen, The Depression Cure: The 6-Step Program to Beat Depression Without Drugs, ISBN: 9780738213132 0738213136.
    "Depression is a debilitating disease that affects as many as 20 million Americans in a year. It can take a terrible toll on health as well as on family and work relationships. Many drugs are prescribed to treat depression, but the evidence is not impressive that they offer most patients great benefit.
    "Our guest, Dr. Stephen Ilardi, has come up with a number of non-drug approaches that may work at least as well as antidepressants for mild to moderate depression. These lifestyle modifications require effort, but they are inexpensive and don't have dangerous side effects. Could the cure to depression be within your grasp?
    "Guest: Stephen S. Ilardi, Ph.D., is associate professor of clinical psychology at the University of Kansas." -- The People's Pharmacy

    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, D. Martyn (1899-1981), Spiritual Depression, ISBN: 0551025492 9780551025493.
    "A physician turned preacher deals with the scriptural causes of spiritual depression and show how it may be cured. Aims at developing an effective, healthy Christian life." -- Cyril J. Barber
    "Believing that Christian joy was one of the most potent factors in the spread of Christianity in the early centuries, Lloyd-Jones not only lays bare the causes that have robbed many Christians of spiritual vitality, but also points the way to the cure." -- Publisher

    Love, Christopher (1618-1651), Don Kistler, The Dejected Soul's Cure: Tending to Support Poor, Drooping Sinners With Rules, Comforts, and Cautions in Several Cases, in seventeen sermons, and a treatise of angels Alternate title: THE DEJECTED SOULES CURE: TENDING TO SUPPORT POOR DROOPING SINNERS. WITH RULES, COMFORTS, AND CAUTIONS IN SEVERALL CASES. IN DIVERS SERMONS, BY MR. CHRISTOPHER LOVE, LATE MINISTER OF LAURENCE JURY. TO WHICH IS ADDED, I. THE MINISTRY OF THE ANGELS TO THE HEIRS OF SALVATION. II. GODS OMNIPRESENCE. III. THE SINNERS LEGACY TO THEIR POSTERITY, 1657, ISBN: 1573581127 9781573581127.

    Mack, Wayne A., Down, but not out: How to get up When Life Knocks you Down, ISBN: 0875526721 9780875526720.
    "Mack offers help for those plagued by worry and suffering from spiritual burnout. He also addresses 'downers' such as self-pity, discouragement, hopelessness, and others." -- Publisher

    Mack, Wayne A., Out of the Blues: Dealing With the Blues of Depression and Loneliness, ISBN: 1885904592 9781885904591.
    "This book addresses a problem that nearly everyone faces at some time in their lives. If you are not facing it now, you know someone who is. Since it is so common, it is important to know how to deal with it as God intended. Seeking God's wisdom for life's problems means searching for it in scripture. -- Publisher

    Mack, Wayne, You can Overcome Despondency, ISBN: 0801061024 9780801061028.
    "Describes many of the circumstantial causes of depression, but 'though our circumstances may be very severe, we don't need to be depressed!' God gives a way to handle problems. Joy and sorrow may coexist. Unfolds Philippians 4:4 as a key to learning how to overcome despondency. 'By God's power, we can conquer depression by consciously, continually, and deliberately making ourselves look at all of life from a God-centered point of view.' Includes study guide and suggested assignments." -- David Powlison

    Miller, C. John (1928-1996), Youth Evangelism: Dealing With Depression and Suicide (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette CM101 [audio file].

    Pike, Samuel (1717-1773), and Samuel Hayward (1718-1757), Renewal After a Time of Spiritual Dullness. In RELIGIOUS CASES OF CONSCIENCE ANSWERED IN AN EVANGELICAL MANNER . . . TO WHICH IS ADDED THE SPIRITUAL COMPANION; OR, THE PROFESSING CHRISTIAN TRIED AT THE BAR OF GOD'S WORD; AND CHARACTER OF THE HAPPY MAN, 1866.
    Renewal After a Time of Spiritual Dullness
    http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/renewal-after-a-time-of-spiritual-dullness.php

    Renwick, James (1662-1688), Thomas Houston, Spiritual Support and Consolation in Difficult Times.

    *Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635), The Bruised Reed, ISBN: 0851517404 9780851517407. A Christian classic. Available (THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "Richard Sibbes, one of the most influential figures in the Puritan movement during the earlier years of the seventeenth century, was renowned for the rich quality of his ministry. THE BRUISED REED shows why he was known among his contemporaries as 'the sweet dropper.'
    "If you have ever been (or are), discouraged in any way this is a book that will bring great encouragement and joy!" -- Publisher
    "Sibbes never wastes the student's time, he scatters pearls and diamonds with both hands." -- C.H. Spurgeon
    "A poor peddler came to the door . . . and my father bought of him Sibb's BRUISED REED . . . It suited my state . . . and gave me a livelier apprehension of the mystery of redemption and how much I was beholden to Jesus Christ . . . Without any means but books was God pleased to resolve me to himself." -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)
    "Speaking of the preacher's need to suit his reading to the varying conditions he finds within, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says in his PREACHING AND PREACHERS:
    'You will find, I think, in general that the Puritans are almost invariably helpful . . . I shall never cease to be grateful to one of them called Richard Sibbes who was balm to my soul at a period in my life when I was overworked and badly overtired, and therefore subject in an unusual manner to the onslaughts of the devil. In that state and condition . . . what you need is some gently, tender treatment for your soul. I found at that time that Richard Sibbes, who was known in London in the early seventeenth century as 'the heavenly Doctor Sibbes', was an unfailing remedy. His books THE BRUISED REED and THE SOUL'S CONFLICT quieted, soothed, comforted, encouraged and healed me.'
    "This is one of the best Puritan books to read if you are feeling down or depressed or if you are facing struggles and trials. It is also very useful if you are struggling with assurance. Great encouragement for Christians here!" -- Publisher
    The Bruised Reed and Smoking Flax, A. Beith (introduction, 1878)
    http://archive.org/details/bruisedreedands00sibbgoog

    Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635), The Soul's Conflict With Itself, and Victory Over Itself by Faith. Being a Treatise of the Inward Disquietments of Distressed Spirits . . . To Which is Subjoined, The Bruised Reed and Smoking Flax. By Richard Sibbs . . . The fifth edition. To which is prefixed, an account of the author's life. Alternate title: THE SOULES CONFLICT WITH IT SELFE, AND VICTORY OVER IT SELF BY FAITH A TREATISE OF THE INWARD DISQUIETMENTS OF DISTRESSED SPIRITS, WITH COMFORTABLE REMEDIES TO ESTABLISH THEM. Found in THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES. Available (THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES), on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Symonds, Joseph, The Case and Cure of a Deserted Soul, or, A Treatise Concerning the Nature, Kinds, Degrees, Symptoms, Causes, Cures of, and Mistakes About Spiritual Desertions, ISBN: 1573580252 9781573580250.

    *Whitefield, George (1714-1770), Soul Dejection Found in THE WORKS OF REVEREND G.W. (New York, NY: AMS Press, Incorporated).

    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, The all-sufficiency of christ, Trusting god, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Bad relationships as a cause of disease and death, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Bad relationships as a cause of disease, Depression, Prescription drugs with dangers, Toxic and harmful substances, cancer, Generic drugs, Hypothyroidism, Correct diagnosis, The limits of modern medicine, Medical ethics, Healthcare reform, Public health, The aged, Patient advocacy, What your doctor may not tell you, Suicide, Physical health, Summary and research index of key information in chapter 8: physical health and healthcare reform, Physiolocial problems, Stress, Worry, Homelessness, Psychopharmacology, Soul-violence, Pseudo-christian movements, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 493, 669, 1018, 1694, 1697-1699, 3284
    MGTP: Depression (Spiritual)

    Related Weblinks

    Antidepressants Linked to Dreadful Diarrhea, May 9, 2013
    "Some antidepressants may increase the risk for hard-to-treat gastrointestinal infections caused by bacteria called C. diff. Mirtazepine (Remeron), fluoxetine (Prozac), and nortriptyline (Pamelor), were all linked to a greater likelihood of Clostridium difficile diarrhea. People with depression are also more susceptible to this infection."
    http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2013/05/09/antidepressants-linked-to-dreadful-diarrhea/

    Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation Resources Audio Archives
    http://www.wts.edu/resources/login.html/

    Club Drug (Ketamine) Produces Exciting Benefits for Severe Depression, April 3, 2014
    "I received a ketamine infusion several months ago . . . . the effect was instantaneous and miraculous. All symptoms were completely relieved within two hours. The relief lasted about two weeks.
    "Your experience has just been confirmed by new research published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology (online, April 3, 2014). A small study from the UK demonstrated that infusions of ketamine produced dramatic responses in severely depressed patients. Like you, some of these individuals had been suffering for decades."
    http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2014/04/03/club-drug-ketamine-produces-exciting-benefits-for-severe-depression/

    Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation for Treatment of Anxiety, Depression, and Insomnia, Daniel L. Kirsch, Ph.D., Francine Nichols, RN, Ph.D.
    "Cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration -- approved, prescriptive, noninvasive electromedical treatment that has been shown to decrease anxiety, insomnia, and depression significantly.
    "A trial treatment in the office or clinic can identify those individuals who readily respond to CES treatment. CES can also be used during psychotherapy sessions and with medications, hypnosis, and biofeedback to decrease patient anxiety."
    http://www.stress.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Cranial-Electrotherapy-Stimulation-for-Treatment-of-Anxiety-Depression-and-Insomnia.pdf

    The Dangerous Downsides of Antidepressants, August 14, 2013
    "We do worry that antidepressants have been prescribed too casually. A study (Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, online, March 27, 2013), revealed that as many as two-thirds of the patients diagnosed with depression did not actually meet criteria for major depression. Older people (over 65), were especially vulnerable to overdiagnosis."
    Some of the subjects covered: hip fracture, post-surgical bleeding, withdrawal symptoms, atherosclerosis, diarrhea caused by bacterial infections, driving impairment, cataracts, nausea, stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, Dry mouth, Insomnia, anxiety, tremor, dizziness, fatigue, sleepiness, sweating, hot flashes, blurred vision, headache, sexual dysfunction, lowered libido, erection difficulties, lack of orgasm, Liver damage, serious skin reactions, rash, hives (requires immediate MD assistance!), glaucoma, irregular heart rhythms, bleeding problems, blood pressure problems, interaction with other drugs (leading to serotonin syndrome among other reactions), pneumonia, seizures, depressed mood, suicidal thoughts and behavior, and suicide.
    http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2013/08/14/the-dangerous-downsides-of-antidepressants/

    Fighting Depression with Vitamin D, Fighting Depression with Vitamin D
    "Correcting vitamin D deficiency can help alleviate depression in some patients (Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, June, 2013)."
    http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2013/05/13/fighting-depression-with-vitamin-d/

    High Cost of Spravato (Esketamine) For Depression! Joe Graedon, March 14, 2019
    "The first really new antidepressant in decades recently won FDA approval for treatment-resistant depression. Esketamine nasal spray will be sold under the brand name Spravato. Physicians and patients have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of this new type of antidepressant. That's largely because there has been a lot of hype around the new drug. Perhaps another reason is that traditional antidepressant take weeks to go to work. This nasal spray should start working within hours or days. . . . "The list price is roughly $600 to nearly $900 per dose. That means the initial month could cost as much as $6,800."
    https://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2019/03/14/high-cost-of-spravato-esketamine-for-depression/

    Hope and Practical Help for Those Struggling With Depression "Trusting in feelings is more substantive than the ambiguity of faith. What is easier for you to trust: that which you can feel or can't? Feelings are elusive, but they are real and feelable.
    "Faith is a different animal, and feelings carry a lot of weight when you're in the throes of confusion. Unfortunately, too many times, the weight of feelings takes you down to the depths of depression."
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StqnPUx9b1c

    Intriguing Approaches to Overcoming Depression, Feb. 28, 2015
    "Chronic depression is debilitating. While many people respond to antidepressant drug treatment, some do not. Others would prefer natural approaches to managing this ongoing condition.
    "An old drug, ketamine, is now being tested for use against suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Where it takes many weeks, even months, for an antidepressant to reach its potential effectiveness, ketamine kicks in within hours. This medication was originally developed as an anesthetic and is administered through an intravenous injection. Listen as researcher Elizabeth Ballard, Ph.D., describes the promise and possible pitfalls of using ketamine for treating life-threatening depression."
    http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2015/02/28/show-983-intriguing-approaches-to-overcoming-depression/

    Is Supplement Safe for Depression?
    "An analysis of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) in combination with folate (B vitamin), shows that this regimen reduces symptoms of depression without unpleasant side effects (Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, July, 2012).
    "Exercise, sun exposure and counseling are also helpful. You can learn more about them in THE DEPRESSION CURE by Stephen Ilardi, Ph.D. You will find our interview with Dr. Ilardi on depression at PeoplesPharmacy.com. We also offer a number of recommendations on non-drug approaches to depression in our GUIDE TO DEALING WITH DEPRESSION."
    http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2012/10/29/is-supplement-safe-for-depression/

    Mental Health Naturally, June 8, 2013
    "Antidepressant drugs like fluoxetine (Prozac) or citalopram (Celexa) are widely prescribed, but they do have side effects. When are they most appropriate? It is possible to take steps to combat stress and depression without relying on prescription medicines. Find out how to use exercise, diet and supplements to boost your mood."
    http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2013/06/08/788-mental-health-naturally/

    PTSD Resources for Veterans and First Responders
    "On average about 7-8 percent of the United States population will have a PTSD diagnosis. Roughly 8 percent of the US population has an SUD [substance use disorder] diagnosis at any given time. These figures jump significantly when correlated to veterans and first responders. Anywhere from 11-20 percent of veterans will be diagnosed with PTSD and 20 percent with PTSD will also have SUD. One in 10 veterans returning from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan who were seen in the VA were diagnosed with a problem with alcohol and/or other drugs. Substance use and mental health needs are often underreported by both the civilian population and the military/first responders. There are a variety of reasons that contribute to this, including shame, guilt, fear of job loss, etc. The reality is that our first responders and veterans are struggling at higher rates than others and need a safe space to receive appropriate treatment."
    https://definingwellness.com/resources/veterans-first-responders/

    Psych Drug use Skyrockets Beyond Belief, October 20, 2011
    "A report just released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that antidepressant use in the U.S. is soaring into the stratosphere. The investigators analyzed data from a survey of roughly 12,000 Americans between 2005 and 2008. Compared to an earlier survey (1988 to 1994), use of antidepressants 'increased nearly 400 percent.' The key finding: 'Eleven percent of Americans aged 12 years and over take antidepressant medication'."
    http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2011/10/20/psych-drug-use-skyrockets-beyond-belief/

    Psychopharmacology
    http://link.springer.de/link/service/journals/00213/index.htm

    St. John's Wort: Hypericum Perforatum
    http://209.41.60.2/sj/index.html
    A plant-based substitute for Prozac.

    Surviving Pharmageddon, October 26, 2013
    "More than 150 million prescriptions are dispensed each year for antidepressant medications. It seems counterintuitive that medicines designed to fight depression might trigger suicidal thoughts or actions. Perhaps that is why so many doctors seem not to have recognized the evidence of this potential side effect. It can also be extremely difficult to stop taking an antidepressant. Prescribers rarely mention that withdrawal symptoms can be disorienting and can take weeks or even months to disappear.
    "In the book PHARMAGEDDON, Dr. David Healy talks about the pharmaceuticalization of medicine. How did big Pharma seduce so many doctors?"
    http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2013/10/26/923-surviving-pharmageddon/



    The Difficult Child

    *Finley, Martha (1828-1909), Book 2: Elsie's Holidays at Roselands, ISBN: 9781888306323 1888306327.
    "When Elsie's father becomes ill, she takes on the job of nurse-companion, and all goes well until Elsie, because it is the Sabbath, as a matter of conscience refuses to read to him from a secular book. The battle of wills that ensues nearly causes first her father's death, and then Elsie's. Lonely Elsie -- punished, ostracized, and then abandoned by her father -- turns to her heavenly Father for comfort and assurance. Will her father realize that Elsie's obedience to God must be paramount, and submit himself to the same Divine Authority?" -- Publisher
    On an even more serious note, one moral of this story is the broader life and death struggle between Truth and Falsehood (See: Absolute truth and relativism [duality and non-duality], Epistemology of theology, the theory of knowledge, and Christian scholarship.) The consequence of conflict of will is death of the "One," or war of the "Many" (see Rushdoony, THE ONE AND THE MANY: STUDIES IN THE PHILOSOPHY OF ORDER AND ULTIMACY. Conflict of will (see Will and recalcitrance, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation,) may begin when one individual (see The doctrine of man [human nature, total depravity],) or the corporate body (see Corporate faithfulness and sanctification), tries to usurping authority over others (see Power, Authority) -- tries to control and possess the other (see Tyranny, Slavery, our systems of enslavement, economic enslavement.) The means of control may be either outward or occult (see The occult, spiritism, witchcraft), deceit, repression or suppression of the truth, replacing moral and ethical absolutes with relativism (see Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Medical ethics, Absolute truth and relativism [duality and non-duality], unfaithfulness to the highest ethical standards (see The ten commandments: the moral law, The holy bible), Heresy and apostasy (apostacy, old english), Spiritual adultery [spiritual whoredom/harlotry,] (see Idolatry, syncretism, Jeremiah and lamentations,) invocation of the demonic, Oaths, ensnaring vows, promises, and covenants, bonds with the ungodly Carnality and flesh pleasing: desires, pleasure, Justice, judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord,) attempts to take authority over another politically or by mental malpractice (see Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, making up their own rules (see Absolute truth and relativism [duality and non-duality],) ignoring or changing constitutional or creedal documents, unjust laws for the accumulation of wealth and power, indebtedness, disenfranchisement, (see denial of freedom,) Priestcraft, pharisaism, soul-stealing, possessiveness, physical seduction and whoredom, political economic or sexual enslavement (see Sexual relationship,) and so forth, and so on.
    This abuse, this soul-violence, quenches the Holy Spirit (see Owen, God's Presence With a People the Spring of Their Prosperity; With Their Special Interest in Abiding in Him.) If either side is immovable, then death is the consequence (see Soteriology, atonement, The blood of christ, Hell, and Heaven.)
    How are conflicts of will resolved? By submission to the Absolute Truths of God's word, the great common denominator, 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)
    All this bears a strain of the Gospel (see Book-length presentations of the free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, The westminster confession of faith.)
    Book 2: Holidays at Roselands
    http://archive.org/details/holidaysatrosel00finlgoog
    Holidays at Roselands (Gutenberg text)
    http://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/webbin/gutbook/lookup?num=14280
    Mantle Ministries (Elsie Dinsmore Series and Mildred Series)
    http://www.mantlemin.com

    Glasser, Howard, and Jennifer Easley, Transforming the Difficult Child: The Nurtured Heart Approach, ISBN: 0967050707 9780967050706.
    "After reading Howard Glasser and Jennifer Easley's excellent book, TRANSFORMING THE DIFFICULT CHILD, I felt a surge of hope for the more problematic children in our world. Finally, someone had discovered how to help parents manage difficult children in a positive, loving way and without medication!
    "Most of the children Glasser and Easley have worked with were taking medication when they arrived at the Nurtured Heart Approach center. These same children are no longer medicated into submission but living bright, successful lives. These children needed a little or a lot more attention than the average child but were being raised with traditional parenting skills that were rendered ineffective because of their ultra-sensitive natures. The parents of these children needed to learn to apply another set of rules to their kids to help them become the wonderful people they were destined to be.
    "The Nurtured Heart Approach is an easy, rational, beautiful and loving method of building on the successes of children while not giving energy to the negative aspects of their character. This is an approach that can be used on difficult or "normal" kids. I have begun applying these principles to my own methods of child rearing. They work quickly and magnificently! It's brilliant in its simplicity and effectiveness.
    "If you have a difficult child or even if you would like to learn a new positive, ingenious parenting approach, I urge you to read Glasser and Easley's book." -- Reader's Comment

    Thomas, Nancy L., When Love is not Enough: A Guide to Parenting Children with RAD -- Reactive Attachment Disorder, ISBN: 0970352549 9780970352545.
    "When we adopted our two youngest children, we thought our training had prepared us for just about anything that might surface. We had not considered Reactive Attachment Disorder. Nancy Thomas' booklet is a must read for any parent who hopes to bring a child back from the desolation of Attachment Disorder. Her methods have restored peace and sanity to our household. Her contagious 'attitude' for loving the children most people find unlovable has empowered us to reclaim our family. If you are dealing with RAD, you MUST have this book." -- Reader's Comment

    *Tripp, Theodore A., and David Powlison (introduction), Shepherding a Child's Heart, ISBN: 0966378601 9780966378603.
    "Written for parents with children of any age, this insightful book provides perspectives and procedures for shepherding your child's heart into the paths of life. SHEPHERDING A CHILD'S HEART gives fresh biblical approaches to child rearing." -- Publisher
    "This is a masterful book." -- David Powlison
    "Solid, trustworthy, biblical help for parents." -- John MacArthur.

    See also: Love and counseling problems, Counseling children, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Will and recalcitrance, Child abuse and pedophilia, Incest, Homosexuality, lesbianism, gay, bisexual, transvestite, queer (lgbtq), Gratuitous sex, a cause of violence, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Covetousness, self, selfishness, Counseling the family, Counseling teens, Case studies, Crisis counseling, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 993, 1234, 1236-1238, 1273, 2620, 2621, 2745, 2966, 3047, 3048, 3067-3074, 3231, 3356, 3618
    MGTP: Rebellion Against Authority

    Related Weblinks

    Psychology and Psychiatry
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappc.html



    Discipline

    Discipline
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr6ch.html#dscpln



    Addiction, Alcoholism, Substance Abuse, Drug Abuse

    Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

    And be not drunk with wine wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18)

    If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 8:36)

    According to law enforcement authorities drug addiction, sexual immorality, and the occult are often associated with each other.

    No sin that a person commits has more built-in pitfalls, problems, and destructiveness than sexual sin. It has broken more marriages, shattered more homes, caused more heartache and disease, and destroyed more lives than alcohol and drugs combined. It causes lying, stealing, cheating, and killing, as well as bitterness, hatred, slander, gossip, and unforgiveness.
    The dangers and harm of sexual sin are nowhere presented more vividly and forcefully than in Proverbs. The lips of an adulteress drip honey, and smoother than oil is her speech (Proverbs 5:3). The basic truth applies to a prostitute or to any other woman who tries to seduce a man. It also applies to a man who tries to seduce a woman. The point is that sexual allurement is extremely enticing and powerful. It seems nice, enjoyable, and good. It promises nothing but pleasure and satisfaction. But what it ends up giving is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two -- edged sword. Her feet go down to death, her steps lay hold of Sheol. She does not ponder the path of life; her ways are unstable, she does not know it (Proverbs 5:4-6). The first characteristic of sexual sin is deceit. It never delivers what it promises. It offers great satisfaction but gives great disappointment. It claims to be real living but is really the way to death. Illicit sexual relationships are always "unstable." Nothing binds those involved except the temporary and impersonal gratification of physical impulses. That is poor cement. Another tragedy of sexual sin is that often those involved do "not know it" is unstable, do not realize perhaps for a long time that their relationship cannot be lasting. Thus they fall deeper and deeper into the pit of their doomed relationship, which makes the dissolution all the more devastating and painful.
    Those who consider all sex to be basically evil, however, are as far from the truth as those who consider all sex to be basically good and permissible. God is not against sex. He created and blessed it. When used exclusively within marriage, as the Lord intends, sex is beautiful, satisfying, and stabilizing. Let your fountain be blessed, Scripture says, and rejoice in the wife of your youth. . . . Be exhilarated always with her love (Proverbs 5:18,19).
    The Bible's advice for avoiding sexual involvement outside marriage is simple: stay as far away as possible from the persons and places likely to get you in trouble. Keep your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house (Proverbs 5:8). When repeatedly enticed by Potiphar's wife, Joseph refused not only to lie beside her but even to be with her (Genesis 39:10). When she tried to force him into adultery and grabbed his coat, he left his garment in her hand and fled, and went outside (Genesis 39:12). It was not the time for argument or explanation but for flight. When we unavoidably get caught in such a situation, the only sensible thing to do is to get away from it as quickly as we can. Passion is not rational or sensible, and sexually dangerous situations should be avoided or fled, not debated. -- John MacArthur commenting on the destructiveness of sexual immorality, Christian Liberty, 1 Corinthians 6

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), You can Kick the Drug Habit, a tract.
    "If you are hooked on alcohol or other drugs you must learn to put off the old behavior and attitudes and put on the new. Repent of your sin. List ways you are failing God and others. Work with someone who practices biblical counseling to restructure your entire life. Cut off all connections with people who are negative influences. Restructure your life concretely." -- David Powlison
    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), What do You do When You Know That You're Hooked?

    Almy, Gary, and Carol Tharp Almy, with Jerry Jenkins, Addicted to Recovery: Exposing the False Gospel of Psychotherapy: Escaping the Trap of Victim Mentality, ISBN: 1565071859 9781565071858, 251 pages.
    "The Almys are medical doctors who have written a polemic against the pop psychologies that have recently swept into the church. Through a series of detailed case studies, they portray the dynamics operative in therapeutically-induced false memories, the healing of memories, multiple personality disorder, unmet love needs, and codependency." -- David Powlison

    Benavie, Arthur, Drugs: America's Holy War, 178 pages, ISBN: 0789038404 9780789038401.
    "Using the best scientific evidence, DRUGS: AMERICA'S HOLY WAR explores the impact and cost of America's 'War on Drugs' -- both in public spending and in human terms. Is it possible that U.S. drug policies are helping to proliferate, not prevent, a multitude of social ills including: homicide, property crime, the spread of AIDS, the contamination of drugs, the erosion of civil liberties, the punishment of thousands of non-violent people, the corruption of public officials, and the spending of billions of tax dollars in an attempt to prevent certain drugs from entering the country? Arthur Benavie analyzes the research findings and argues that an end to the 'War on Drugs,' much as we ended alcohol prohibition, would yield enormous international benefits, destroy dangerous and illegal drug cartels, and allow the American government to refocus its attention on public well-being." -- Publisher

    *Bobgan, Martin, and Deidre Bobgan, Twelve Steps to Destruction: Codependency Recovery Heresies, ISBN: 0941717054 9780941717052.
    "The people labeled 'codependent' have serious problems and need help. 'However, we question the diagnoses, answers, formulas and systems that are being offered in the name of help, in the name of love, and even in the name of Christ. Beneath many programs that purport to be Christian lurk ideas, philosophies, psychologies, and religious notions that are antithetical to biblical Christianity'." -- David Powlison
    Extensive criticism of 12-Step programs.

    Calvin, John (1509-1564), A Sermon on the Duty of Civil Rulers to Enforce and Defend the True Religion and True Godliness in their Realms by drawing out the sword against all Heretics and others who trouble the Church, and by strictly punishing whoredom, drunkenness, dancing, stage plays, &c., John Calvin. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    A sermon on 1 Timothy 2:1-2.
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/calvin/calvin_12_on_Timothy.html

    Dunn, Jerry, and Bernard Palmer, God is for the Alcoholic, ISBN: 0946515832 9780946515837.
    "This is a book written by someone who, through God's power, escaped the pit of alcoholism. Jerry Dunn helps you understand alcoholism, gives ways to help the alcoholic, and shows the alcoholic how he can help himself." -- Publisher
    "The principles outlined in this book which helped Jerry Dunn to escape the hold of alcohol on his life are applicable to ANY dependence or addiction a person may have. The book reads well and holds your attention. You see, I have known Jerry personally for the past 20 years. I was fortunate enough to marry into his family and have had the pleasure of knowing that he did not merely 'write' a book about what one should do, he lived it out in his own life. What a testimony! Thank you Jerry Dunn!" -- Michael L. Allen

    Falkowski, Carol, Dangerous Drugs: An Easy to use Reference for Parents and Professionals, ISBN: 1568389817 9781568389813.
    "In a world where the drug abuse scene is more confusing and dangerous than ever, the second edition of DANGEROUS DRUGS: AN EASY TO USE REFERENCE FOR PARENTS AND PROFESSIONALS is the answer. Now with color photos of drugs and paraphernalia, DANGEROUS DRUGS is a concise, comprehensive, clear, and handy reference that answers your questions at a glance, with: -- Up-to-date information on drugs of abuse -- Demographics of users. -- Explanations of how a drug is used; where it's found and how it affects the mind and body -- The names and forms under which drugs are sold -- Their addictive, lethal, and overdose potential -- Signs of drug abuse and where/how to seek help, and more. Written in clear language, Dangerous Drugs provides straightforward, authoritative, comprehensive, and up-to-the-minute information. It covers the full range of drugs of abuse, whether illegal (marijuana, heroin, cocaine, LSD, methamphetamine, etc.), or legal (alcohol, prescription, tobacco, or Internet-marketed, herbal remedies). Dangerous Drugs is written for professionals and non-professionals alike, and is a book that no one concerned about drug use can afford to be without.
    "Carol Falkowski, Director of Research Communications at the Hazelden Foundation, is author of the new reference book, DANGEROUS DRUGS: AN EASY-TO-USE REFERENCE FOR PARENTS AND PROFESSIONALS. For nearly 20 years she has monitored drug abuse trends at the national level, as one of 20 researchers in the country who participates in a drug abuse monitoring network of the National Institute of Drug Abuse. Falkowski advised the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (1995-1999), regarding the safety, efficacy, and abuse potential of certain drugs, and has provided consultation to the National Institute of Justice, the National Drug Intelligence Center, Join Together, and numerous states. Before coming to Hazelden in 1997, she was research coordinator at the Minnesota state alcohol and drug abuse authority for 15 years. Falkowski was featured in the 1999 Showtime documentary by Robert Zemeckis, "Smoking, Drinking, and Drugging in the Twentieth Century." -- Publisher

    Foote, Jeffrey, Carrie Wilkens, Nicole Kosanke, and Stephanie Higgs, Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change: A Guide for Families, ISBN: 9781476709475 1476709475 1476709483 9781476709482.
    "The most innovative leaders in progressive addiction treatment in the U.S. offer a groundbreaking, science-based guide to helping loved ones overcome addiction problems and compulsive behaviors. BEYOND ADDICTION eschews the theatrics of interventions and tough love to show family and friends how they can use kindness, positive reinforcement, and motivational and behavioral strategies to help their loved ones change. Drawing on forty collective years of research and decades of clinical experience, the authors present the best practical advice science has to offer. Delivered with warmth, optimism, and humor, BEYOND ADDICTION defines a new, empowered role for friends and family and a paradigm shift for the field. Learn how to tap the transformative power of relationships for positive change, guided by exercises and examples. Practice what really works in therapy and in everyday life and discover many different treatment options along with tips for navigating the system. And have hope: this guide is designed not only to help someone change, but to help someone want to change." -- Publisher
    Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change: A Guide for Families
    http://beyondaddictionbook.com
    Carrie Wilkens Website
    http://www.motivationandchange.com

    Johnson, Vernon E., I'll Quit Tomorrow: A Practical Guide to Alcoholism Treatment, ISBN: 0062504339 9780062504333.
    "Johnson has provided a manual for the understanding, intervention, and treatment of alcoholism and other mood-changing chemical dependencies in a clear, logical, and readable format; yet he has somehow managed to convey considerable psychological sophistication and scope. Accordingly, this is probably the best book of its kind for layman, paraprofessional, and professional alike." -- Addictions
    Johnson is founder and president emeritus of the Johnson Institute in Minneapolis that offers one of the country's most successful training programs for treatment of alcoholism.

    Kuhn, Cynthia, Scott Swartzwelder, Wilkie Wilson, Heather Leigh, and Jeremy Foster, Buzzed: The Straight Facts About the Most Used and Abused Drugs From Alcohol to Ecstasy, ISBN: 9781435298408 1435298403.
    "I am a health care professional who just started working with patients in a hospital detox setting. This book was exactly what I was looking for as a review and primer on the effects different drugs had on the brain and body. The book is in two parts. Part one is basically a quick reference to the different classes of addictive substances, how they affect the brain, how the body disposes of them, the type of withdrawal someone will experience, etc. Part two covers some basics of neuropharmacology which you will need to understand some of the technical info in part one, and also goes into things as varied as the addictive process and social and legal issues involved with drug use. There is a good bibliography and a great index with many of the common street names for a variety of drugs and drug related activities.
    "I would highly recommend this to anyone in health care, education, or any type of drug counseling or rehab. Great tool for patient/client/student education about drugs that is factual and easy to understand." -- Reader's Comment

    *Morey, Robert, How to Keep Your Kids Drug Free, ISBN: 092570301X 9780925703019.
    "We can highly recommend this title as the best book on the subject we offer." -- GCB

    Page, Penny B., Alcohol use and Alcoholism: A Guide to the Literature, ISBN: 0824090209 9780824090203.
    "This valuable compilation of material published from the 1960's to the present covers all facets of alcohol and its consumption, including alcohol use among youth, problems in the family, highway safety, education, effects on the body, and clinical treatment. Selected primary and secondary sources are organized under sixteen categories. An important resource." -- Cyril J. Barber

    *Playfair, William L., The Useful lie: How the Recovery Industry has Entrapped America in a Disease Model of Addiction, ISBN: 1889032379 9780891076377.
    "Challenges the disease concept of alcoholism, the 'useful lie' of the recovery movement. This lie underlies the widespread mistreatment of alcoholism and of other fundamentally moral problems, e.g., 'codependency.' Posits biblically based intervention that treats such problems as sins to be repented of. Opposes sending a person to the recovery industry because 'He will be told his sin is a sickness; he will never be confronted with his real and most basic moral and spiritual problem. And he will more than likely be introduced to the any god of Twelve Stepdom, who is, by Biblical criteria, a false god'." -- David Powlison
    "Dr. Playfair is a medical consultant to the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation/West in San Diego. He also is a board member of Family Research Institute. The theme and purpose of this book is to debunk the claims that alcoholism is a disease. This claim, says the doctor, contradicts science and medicine; it contradicts the Bible, which is more important; and it simply does not work in breaking the addiction of alcohol. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    "This book provided all the necessary evidence to blow the whistle on the recovery industry and also points toward genuine freedom from addiction." -- GCB

    Powlison, David (1949-2019), Breaking the Addictive Cycle: Deadly Obsessions or Simple Pleasures? ISBN: 9781935273196 1935273191.

    Price, Greg L., The Bible and Alcoholic Beverages, 14 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.

    Second Opinion, Dangerous Drugs (Atlanta, GA [Second Opinion, P.O. Box 467939, Atlanta 30346-9989]: Second Opinion, 1992).
    "If you or anyone you love is taking medications, of any kind . . . even over-the-counter remedies . . . you must read this report!" -- William Campbell Douglass, MD
    "Vital facts on 215 drugs in 15 different categories . . . many are household names, Harmful side effects -- headaches, heart spasms, senility, even sudden death, Important drug interaction information, Questions to ask your doctor about any new drug, Extra bonus: 12 safeguards you can use to protect against heart attack."
    Subscriptions to Second Opinion, a ground-breaking alternative-medicine newsletter, are also available.

    Sherouse, Deborah L., Adolescent Drug and Alcohol Abuse Handbook: For Parents and Professionals, ISBN: 0398051682 9780398051686.
    "A must for parents, teachers, and pastors. Describes the symptoms of substance abuse and its effects on communication and relationships. Explains the path to recovery. Comprehensive in its treatment, with information on resources and state referral agencies." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Sherouse, Deborah L. Professional's Handbook on Geriatric Alcoholism, ISBN: 0398048282 9780398048280.

    Shogren, Gary, and Edward Welch, Running in Circles: How to Find Freedom From Addictive Behavior, ISBN: 0801083877 9780801083877, 96 pages.
    "Companion volume to Welch's and Shogren's ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOR. Intended as a practical guide to help those who struggle with 'addictive behavior:' drugs, alcohol, food, immorality, and so forth. Especially useful as a first introduction to biblical thinking for such people." -- David Powlison

    Strydom, Jan, and Susan Du Plessis, The Creators of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) on Trial: and of Youth Violence, the Drug Culture, Teen-age Promiscuity, the Wave of Teen Suicides and Illiteracy, ISBN: 1919751076 9781919751078.
    "Contents: The number of children being diagnosed with behavior disorders such as ADHD, conduct disorder and Tourette syndrome is multiplying. | Youth violence, alcohol and drug abuse, teenage promiscuity and teen suicides have become commonplace. | Learning disabilities and illiteracy are increasing at an alarming rate. | This book reveals the true causes of youth-related problems. | Parents will find that this book explains what they can do to overcome ADHD and other emotional and behavioral problems. | Biochemical imbalances or neurological disorders in the brain. | Artificial colors and flavors. | Vaccinations. | Heredity. | TV. | Peer pressure. | A frog in a pot. | The myth of ADHD. | A new interpretation of an old problem. | In search of a biological cause. | Based on a logical flaw. | The restoration of status and riddance of guilt feelings. | The smart pill. | Discouraging results. | Man must learn to be human. | The bandwagon that went to a funeral. | Man is dependent on learning. | Questions most frequently asked. | The decomposition of society. | Youth violence and delinquency -- our social toxin. | The frightening drug scene. | The epidemic of teen-age promiscuity. | The horror statistics of suicide. | The erosion of education. | The soulless roots of psychology and psychiatry. | Members of the psychological guild on the stand. | The roots of modern psychology and psychiatry. | The rise of modern psychology. | The revolt against morals. | Psychiatry helps to free man from his crippling burden. | Morality goes to pot. | Creating a drug culture. | Chaos in the classroom. | Beginning of the rising tide of mediocrity. | Affective education replaces intellectual education. | Making our sick children well. | More of the same. | The Mental Hygiene Movement joins the educational scene. | The heart of psychology and psychiatry. | The proof of the pudding. | The hidden agendas of the experts. | Man is more than an animal. | Physical needs are not man's only needs. | Freedom without limits is no freedom at all. | Nobody can replace a parent. | The three cornerstones of discipline. | Training for self-discipline and self-restraint. | The illogicalities of the humanists. | The promise of an eternal life. | The other side of the coin. | A compass for his life. | What love is and what it is not. | The gold of which the coin is made. | The keys to the Kingdom. | An alternative approach. | A pyramid of repetition must be constructed. | The stratified nature of learning. | The foundational skills of reading. | The stratified nature of concentration. | The interruption of intellectual traditions. | The road that conquers death. | Man's search for meaning. | When man's spiritual need is denied. | The religion of modern man. | The New Age Movement finds its way to America. | Questions and answers on discipline. | From theories to practice. | A program of hope. | The deterioration of our children. | A case study." -- Publisher

    Strydom, Jan, and Susan Du Plessis, The Myth of ADHD and Other Learning Disabilities: Parenting Without Ritalin, ISBN: 1563841800 9781563841804.
    "If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD or some other behavior disorder, be careful. This diagnosis might be false. . . . The authors of this book explain how parents can teach their children the skills of concentration and self-control without drugging them into submission. Book jacket." -- Publisher

    Strydom, Jan, Susan du Plessis, and Benetta Strydom, The Bible's way to Victory Over ADHD and Other Childhood Challenges
    "A free online book, providing sound answers on preventing and overcoming behavioral, emotional and learning problems, including ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder), Conduct Disorder and Tourette's Syndrome."
    http://www.audiblox2000.com/onlinebook/index.htm
    E-mail: benetta@mweb.co.za

    Teitelbaum, Jacob, and Chrystle Fiedler, Beat Sugar Addiction Now: The Cutting-edge Program That Cures Your Type of Sugar Addiction and Puts you on the Road to Feeling Great -- and Losing Weight, ISBN: 9781592334155 1592334156.
    "With one-third of our calories coming from sugar and white flour added to processed foods, sugar addiction is a rapidly growing epidemic. Teitelbaum uncovers four types of sugar addiction and gives a step-by-step plan for resolving their underling causes, breaking sugar cravings forever, and achieving improved health and energy levels." -- Publisher

    Valdez, Jorge, and Ken Abraham, Coming Clean, ISBN: 1578562244 9781578562244.

    *Welch, Edward T., Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave: Finding Hope in the Power of the Gospel, ISBN: 0875526063 9780875526065.
    "A worship disorder: this is how Edward T. Welch views addictions. 'Will we worship ourselves and our own desires,' he writes, 'or will we worship the true God?'
    "With this lens the author discovers far more in Scripture on addictions than passages on drunkenness. There we learn the addict's true condition: like guests at a banquet thrown by the woman Folly, he is already in the grave (Prov. 9:13-18 [Proverbs 9:13-18]).
    "Can we not escape our addictions? If we're willing to follow Jesus, the author says we have 'immense hope: hope in God's forgiving grace, hope in God's love that is faithful even when we are not, and hope that God can give power so that we are no longer mastered by the addiction.' Each chapter concludes with 'Practical Theology,' guidance 'As You Face Your Own Addictions' and 'As You Help Someone Else'." -- Publisher
    "By emphasizing the role of the heart in the worship of self and substance, Welch forces the addict to face the grim reality that who or what he worships will control his life. When he idolizes his selfish desire for a substance, then there can only be bondage, but when he worships God more than himself, then the liberating truth of the Gospel will always set him free. As a pastor, biblical counselor, and a redeemed (not recovering), ex-heroin addict, I believe Dr. Welch has finally given every pastor, theologian, layman, and anyone caught in the bondage of idolatry/addition a biblical road map to true and lasting freedom." -- Peter Garich, Pastor of New Hope Christian Fellowship and Director of Dayspring Center for Biblical Counseling in San Diego, California

    Welch, Edward, and Gary Shogren, Addictive Behavior, ISBN: 0801097371 9780801097379, 176 pages.
    "Guides pastors and other counselors in understanding 'addictions' biblically, and takes them through five typical sessions of counseling. The prominent case study focuses on alcohol abuse in a church context, but the principles apply to other enslaving behaviors." -- David Powlison

    Wilde, Gary (editor), Bible Promises to Treasure for People in Recovery: Inspiring Words for Every Occasion: Green Leather, ISBN: 0805493905 9780805493900.

    Wilde, Gary (editor), Free From the Past: Bible Promises for Adult Children of Alcoholics, ISBN: 0840732449 9780840732446.

    Wilde, Gary (editor), Healing for Today Hope for Tomorrow/God's Promises for Overcoming Codependency, ISBN: 0840732457 9780840732453.

    Wilde, Gary (editor), Renewed Each Day: Bible Promises for Overcoming Chemical Dependencies, ISBN: 0840732465 9780840732460.

    Wilder-Smith, A.E., Causes and Cure of the Drug Epidemic, ISBN: 0936728531 9780936728537.

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Soul-violence, Child abuse and pedophilia, Priestcraft, pharisaism, soul-stealing, Divorce, Stepfamilies, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Gluttony, obesity, Nutrition and nutriceuticals, Bad relationships a cause of disease and death, Habits, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), The occult, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, Self-destruction, Homosexuality, lesbianism, gay, bisexual, transvestite, queer (lgbtq), Imprisonment, Alcoholics anonymous and other 12 step recovery programs, Repentance the key to salvation and change, 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, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 1473, 3571-3573

    Related Weblinks

    Beer, Booze, and Books: Resources for College Students
    http://www.beerboozebooks.com/resources.htm

    The GOD14 Program (Getting off Drugs in 14 Weeks)
    "GOD14 is a proven, 14-week, recovery program which specializes in:

    They report a 90 percent success rate (2007). Includes regular attendance in a support group such as a Christian AA or NA group, which can provide emotional support on a 24-hour basis.
    http://www.hisclinic.org/DrugAlcohol%20Recovery.htm

    The Naltrexone Page (brand names: ReVia, Depade)
    A new drug, approved by the FDA, that shows great promise for treatment of alcohol and opiate addiction, in combination with counseling for relationship problems, a major cause of stress leading to addiction.
    http://www.well.com/user/woa/revia/revhome.htm

    Overcoming Addiction With Science and Compassion, June 21, 2014
    "Tens of millions of Americans abuse alcohol, tobacco or drugs. When a person becomes addicted to such a substance, or to a behavior such as gambling or compulsive sex, family members may despair. It can seem as though it is difficult to reach the loved one struggling with addiction, and people are often told to back off, practice "tough love" or let the person "hit bottom" so that recovery can begin.
    "Scientific evidence does not support those disengaged approaches. Instead, there are ways to help a loved one. Family members can learn skills to reinforce positive changes and to engage in an emotionally supportive way.
    "There are also medications that can be useful in helping people overcome addictions. The experts describe the differences between the strategies and how these medicines can be used effectively."
    http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2014/06/21/950-overcoming-addiction-with-science-and-compassion/

    Psychology and Psychiatry
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappc.html

    Psychopharmacology
    http://link.springer.de/link/service/journals/00213/index.htm

    Temperance, excerpted from The Original Covenanter, Vol. II. June, 1880. No. 14.
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/magazine/orig_cov_temperance.html



    Effeminacy, the Effeminate

    Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9,10)

    As for my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they which lead thee cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths. (Isaiah 3:12)
    Because the wicked people were more addicted to their princes than to the commandments of God, he shows that he would give them such princes, by whom they would have no help, but that they would be manifest tokens of his wrath, because they would be fools and effeminate. -- Geneva Study Bible commentary

    Oppressors [from Isaiah 3:12] -- literally "exactors," that is, exacting princes (Isaiah 60:17). They who ought to be protectors are exactors; as unqualified for rule as "children," as effeminate as "women." Perhaps it is also implied that they were under the influence of their harem, the women of their court. -- Jamieson, Fausset, Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

    Behold, thy people in the midst of thee are women: the gates of thy land shall be set wide open unto thine enemies: the fire shall devour thy bars. (Nahum 3:13)
    "Thy people in the midst of thee are women; they have no wisdom, no courage; they shall be fickle, feeble, and faint-hearted, as women commonly are in such times of danger and distress; they shall be at their wits' end, adding to their griefs and fears by the power of their own imagination, and utterly unable to do any thing for themselves; the valiant men shall become cowards." -- Matthew Henry Complete Commentary on the Whole Bible

    "Cowardice possesses the effeminate man."

    "One Protestant minister declared Adam an 'effeminated apple eater' because he was soft."

    When men do not get their theology right, then they begin to worship women. The prime example of this is Romanism and their Maryology.

    Women's suffrage, among other things, has lead to a nation full of "girlie-men" to use Arnold Schwarzenegger's terminology.

    There is a tendency for men to leave churches pastored by a woman. The membership of many of these churches over time becomes all women.

    The feminine characteristics are gentleness, abundance, generosity, love, nurture, tolerance, acceptance, encouragement, and so forth. If men are effeminate, then they may gain political favor with women and with effeminate men, but their enemies will destroy them. (Isaiah 3:12; 19:16; Nahum 3.13; Jeremiah 50:37; 51:30)

    I am convinced that the Lord will not bless a church at peace with his enemies. -- Edwin Nisbet Moore from the conclusion to Our Covenant Heritage: The Covenanters' Struggle for Unity in Truth

    *Knox, John (1505-1572), and Kevin Reed (editor), The First Blast of the Trumpet Against the Monstrous Regiment [Government], of Women, with the "Summary of the Second Blast" appended (Dallas, TX [Presbyterian Heritage Publications, P.O. Box 180922, 75218-0922]: Presbyterian Heritage Publications, 1993), trade paperback, 96 pages, marginal notes, scripture index, and subject index. This edition appears in three additional formats: SELECTED WRITINGS OF JOHN KNOX: PUBLIC EPISTLES, TREATISES, AND EXPOSITIONS TO THE YEAR 1559, pp. 370-436, the LIBRARY OF PRESBYTERIAN HERITAGE PUBLICATIONS AND PROTESTANT HERITAGE PRESS CD-ROM LIBRARY, and e-text that includes the marginal notes as endnotes, but does not include the scripture index, and subject index. Citations for these three additional formats are listed below.
    "The text of this edition is based on the definitive edition of THE WORKS OF JOHN KNOX, edited by David Laing (Edinburgh, 1895).
    "In this controversial work, John Knox contends that 'to promote a woman to bear rule, superiority, dominion, or empire above any realm, nation, or city, is repugnant to nature, contumely [insult], to God, a thing most contrary to his revealed will and approved ordinance; and finally, it is the subversion of good order, of all equity and justice'." -- Publisher
    Subheading used in this edition:

    "The SUMMARY OF THE SECOND BLAST was originally appended to the APPELLATION FROM THE SENTENCE PRONOUNCED BY THE BISHOPS AND CLERGY: ADDRESSED TO THE NOBILITY AND ESTATES OF SCOTLAND (1558), published in KNOX'S WORKS, VOL. IV, pp. 539-40." (see citation below) -- Publisher
    Knox, The First Blast of the Trumpet
    http://archive.org/details/firstblasttrump00knoxgoog
    The First Blast of the Trumpet. Available (in KNOX'S WORKS, VOL. 4) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    http://archive.org/stream/worksjohnknox07laingoog#page/n4/mode/2up
    Other publications of THE FIRST BLAST OF THE TRUMPET follow: Gunn Productions, The Monstrous Regiment of Women, DVD (Gunn Productions, October 31, 2007), 54 minutes.
    "Who is the monstrous regiment? Today, the feminists are our monstrous regiment!
    To promote a woman to bear rule, superiority, dominion, or empire above any realm, nation, or city, is repugnant to nature . . . A thing most contrary to His revealed will and approved ordinance. -- John Knox
    "The 16th century reformer John Knox wrote his famous tract THE FIRST BLAST OF THE TRUMPET AGAINST THE MONSTROUS REGIMENT OF WOMEN to oppose a notorious European female tyrant who sought to stamp out biblical Christianity in his beloved Scotland.
    "When we approach the issues of our day we wish to borrow his biblical perspective to apply his blast against those who rule in the wake of his monstrous queen. This group, we shall see, far surpasses the queen's iniquities in both kind and degree.
    "Feminists tell women not to submit to a husband, to avoid having children, and that they should listen to their inner voice and chase a career to find true fulfillment. This twisted and irrational teaching has led to disaster for American women, leading many into a frustrating, isolated existence. With this film, we call women back to a life filled with joy and beauty that can only be found by following God's Word.
    "Due to the subject matter this film is not suitable for children.
    "Subjects Covered: | Who was John Knox? | What did he think of women? | What is Feminism? | Feminism and Socialism | Daycare | Modesty | Women in the Military | Women in the Workplace | Margaret Sanger | Planned Parenthood | Abortion | Hillary | Birth Control | Betty Friedan | Rock for Choice | Plus 26 minutes of unique interview footage
    "Featuring: | Sharon Adams -- Historian, Edinburgh University | Jennie Chancey -- Ladies Against Feminism | Jane Doe -- Military Cadet | Carol Everett -- Former Abortion Provider | Dana Feliciano -- Homemaker | Carmon Friedrich -- Writer, Buried Treasure Books | F. Carolyn Graglia -- Author, Domestic Tranquility | Rosalind Marshall -- Knox Biographer | Stacey McDonald -- Author, Raising Maidens of Virtue | Phyllis Schlafly -- Eagle Forum | Denise Sproul -- Homemaker | Kathleen Smith -- Homemaker" -- Publisher

    *Robbins, John W. (1949-2008, editor), The Church Effeminate and Other Essays (Unicoi, TN: The Trinity Foundation, 2002), ISBN: 0940931540 9780940931541.
    Contents: Robbins: The Church; Witherow: The Apostolic Church; Ryle: The True Church; Lloyd-Jones: The Primacy of Preaching; Adams: Preaching to the Heart; Ryle: The Fallibility of Ministers; Crampton: Exclusive Psalmody; The Geneva Service Book of 1556: Scripture and the Ordering of Worship; Miller: The Christian Education of the Children and Youth in the Presbyterian Church; Calvin: The Teachers of the Church; Clark: The Presbyterian Doctrine of Ordination; Warfield: Paul on Women Speaking in Church; Clark: The Ordination of Women; Robbins: The Church Effeminate; Luther: On the Councils and the Church; Hodge: The Relation of Church and State; Calvin: The Roman Church-State; Dostoyevsky: The Grand Inquisitor; Burroughs: Episcopacy; Witherspoon: Secrets of Church Polity; McFetridge: Calvinism and the Church; Chan: The New Babylonian Captivity of the Church; Robbins: The Reconstructionist Road to Rome; a Lasco: The Abolition of Vestments; Hanko: Ought the Church to Pray for Revival? Hodge: The Great Revival of Religion, 1740-1745; Luther: The Power of the Word; Clark: What Is Evangelism? Clark: Art and the Gospel; Calvin: The Necessity of Reforming the Church; Ryle: Idolatry; Ryle: Pharisees and Sadducees; Machen: The Good Fight of Faith; Ryle: Apostolic Fears; Machen: The Separateness of the Church; Robbins: The Sin of Signing Ecumenical Declarations; M'Crie: Fundamentalism and Ecumenism; Calvin: The Unity of the Church; Robbins: The Church Irrational; Index; Scripture Index.
    The Necessity of Reforming the Church (1543), by John Calvin
    http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/NRC_ch00.htm
    Calvin's Commentary on Hosea
    http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/m.sion/calvhose.htm

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Suffrage and reproductive rights, Abortion and the sanctity of life, Fear, Trusting god, Contentiousness, Covetousness, self, selfishness, Manhood, Bible magistracy turns back the wrath of god, The doctrine of the lesser magistrates, Liberalism and neo-liberalism, Sin and its consequence: physical and spiritual death, Menpleasing, Men and women, Carnality and flesh pleasing: lust, desires, ambition, Feminism, Gratuitous sex, a cause of violence, Homosexuality, lesbianism, gay, bisexual, transvestite, queer (lgbtq), Cowardice, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, Works by and for women, The new age and women, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 359, 852, 3802



    Envy, Jealousy

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

    Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and went to seek David and his men upon the rocks of the wild goats. (Though signally disappointed on former occasions [see 1 Samuel 18:8,9,16,28-30 -- compiler], the envious king must needs be at his cruel work again. No matter where David might conceal himself, or how quiet he might remain, Saul would not let him alone. Envy can never be quiet till it has glutted its revenge.) -- C.H. Spurgeon commenting on 1 Samuel 24:2 in Spurgeon's Devotional Bible

    Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy? (Adam and Satan both fell by envy of God, and it will surely blot our happiness if we indulge in it. Envy spits its venom on the best of men, and is a horrible and devilish passion, to be fought with and overcome by all who follow the loving Jesus.) -- C.H. Spurgeon commenting on Proverbs 27:4 in Spurgeon's Devotional Bible

    Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up. (1 Corinthians 13:4)

    Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (Hebrews 13:5)

    For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. (James 3:16). See the annotation in The Reformation Study Bible. See also: the annotation for James 4:1-3.

    Do you think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?
    But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.     (The testimony of Scripture concerning man's nature is manifestly true. We are by nature selfish and envious; but grace will enable us to conquer our inbred sins, if we humbly own them, and ask for help to overcome them.) -- C.H. Spurgeon commenting on James 4:5,6 in Spurgeon's Devotional Bible

    Q. 148. What are the sins forbidden in the tenth commandment?
    A. The sins forbidden in the tenth commandment are, discontentment with our own estate; envying and grieving at the good of our neighbour, together with all inordinate motions and affections to anything that is his. -- The Larger Catechism

    This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
    For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
    But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
    Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
    Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
    Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.     (Galatians 5:16-21)

    Gluttony, greed, sloth, envy, wrath, pride, and lust -- these are the seven deadly sins.

    Bernhard, Kathleen F., Jealousy: Its Nature and Treatment, ISBN: 0398052433 9780398052430.
    "A remarkably condensation of the available literature. Provides a valuable synthesis that counselors and pastors will find most helpful. Recommended." -- Cyril J. Barber

    McDonald, Forrest, and Russell Kirk, We the People: The Economic Origins of the Constitution, ISBN: 1560005742 9781560005742.
    "Few vices are easier to arouse than envy. Politicians and ideologues have had great success exploiting the resentment that arises when pitting rich against the poor.
    "From the time of its publication in 1913 until the 1960s, Charles Beard's thesis dominated discussion of the founders' motives. In the mode of the Marxist interpretation of history as class struggle, Beard argued that economic self-interest, rather than concern for the general good, determined the writing and outcome of the Constitution.
    "Interestingly, Beard asserted his system of alignment without actually proving it, admitting that his work was fragmentary because it failed to fill in the blanks. The real legwork of research wasn't done until over fifty years later, when historian Forrest McDonald put Beard's thesis to the test. McDonald dug through numerous public records to write economic biographies of the delegates (the 55 who attended the Constitutional Convention and the 1,750 members at the state conventions), analyzing their occupations, income, and assets. By comparing these to how the delegates voted, he found that Beard's thesis was incompatible with the facts.
    "In We the People McDonald analyzed the geographical and political factions represented by delegates, their property holdings and occupations, their voting patterns, if any, and whether they benefited directly from the proposed Constitution. For the state conventions he divided chapters into states favorable, divided, and opposed to the Constitution. At the end he re-evaluated Beard's thesis and discussed whether any economic interpretation could be applied to our founding given the complexity and variety of occupations and opinions that existed.
    "The result was a remarkable, though at times necessarily tedious, bit of historical detective work. Very likely it came as a great relief to many Americans to learn that the founders had something other than their own economic gain at heart. Probably few were surprised that the founders were a much more diverse group than Beard had realized.
    "We may find that independence difficult to believe today, when the forces of selfishness, materialism, and special interest seem so dominant, not merely among political and business leaders but among the general populace. Today propagandists still want to align people into absolutes, much like trial lawyers who portray their clients as angels and their opponents as devils. Our shallow political debates revolve around false dichotomies such as the Party of Business and the Party of the Common Man. But I imagine this adversarial, intellectually dishonest approach will continue to be used as an effective tool as long as there is envy to be harvested in the heart of man." -- Reader's Comment

    Melville, Herman, Billy Bud, ISBN: 1583960961.
    "Billy Budd is a novelette by the American seagoing author, Herman Melville, who also wrote MOBY DICK. BILLY BUDD was written just before his death in 1891, however, was not published until 1924.
    "Billy Budd is the typical Handsome Sailor of 18th century balladry and, because of his innocence and beauty, is hated by Claggart, a dark, demon-haunted petty officer. In his simplicity, Billy cannot understand why Claggart should hate him, why evil should desire to destroy good. Claggart concocts a fantastic story of mutiny, supposedly plotted by Billy, whom he accuses to the Captain. Billy, unable to speak, in his only act of rebellion, strikes Claggart a fatal blow. Captain Vere, who sympathizes with Billy and recognizes his essential innocence, is nevertheless forced to comdemn him, and though Billy is hanged he lives on as a legend among sailors." -- A table setting at the old Howard Johnston's Restaurant, Staunton, Virginia, 1973.

    Walters, Richard P., Jealousy, Envy, Lust: The Weeds of Greed, ISBN: 0310425913 9780310425915.
    "Walters explains how to overcome the deadly trilogy of jealousy, envy, and lust. Allowed to grow and fester they will consume anyone involved with them." -- GCB

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The covenant faithfulness of god, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Covetousness, self, selfishness, Bitterness and resentment, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Trusting god, The covenant faithfulness of god, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Anger, Envy, Pride, ambition, self-aggrandizement, arrogance, ego, The local church, Sibling rivalry, Self, Carnality and flesh pleasing: lust, desires, ambition, Lust, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 1137, 1138, 1850, 1851
    MGTP: Envy

    Related Weblinks

    Chapter 2 (part 1) Related Weblinks

    Joy Sabotaged by Envy
    A sermon by Greg Price on Ecclesiastes 4:4-6, delivered February 19, 2006.
    http://www.albanycrpc.org/sermons.php

    A Life That Lost its Focus: Saul, Part 1 of 2
    A sermon by Ravi Zacharias, on June 9, 2018. Subject: envy.
    https://rzim.org/let-my-people-think-broadcasts/a-life-that-lost-its-focus-saul-part-1/

    Naves Topical Bible -- Jealousy
    http://bible.crosswalk.com/Concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?word=jealousy&search=Lookup



    Ethics, Computer Ethics, Cyberethics

    Concerning the tree of knowledge of good and evil, we must hold, that it was prohibited to man, not because God would have him to stray like a sheep, without judgment and without choice; but that he might not seek to be wiser than became him, nor by trusting to his own understanding, cast off the yoke of God, and constitute himself an arbiter and judge of good and evil. His sin proceeded from an evil conscience; whence it follows, that a judgment had been given him, by which he might discriminate between virtues and vices. Nor could what Moses relates be otherwise true, namely, that he was created in the image of God; since the image of God comprises in itself the knowledge of him who is the chief good. Thoroughly insane, therefore, and monsters of men are the libertines, who pretend that we are restored to a state of innocence, when each is carried away by his own lust without judgment. We now understand what is meant by abstaining from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil; namely, that Adam might not, in attempting one thing or another, rely upon his own prudence; but that, cleaving to God alone, he might become wise only by his obedience. Knowledge is here, therefore, taken disparagingly, in a bad sense, for that wretched experience which man, when he departed from the only fountain of perfect wisdom, began to acquire for himself. And this is the origin of freewill, that Adam wished to be independent, and dared to try what he was able to do. -- John Calvin commenting on Genesis 2:9 and context

    See the Theological Notes: "The Teaching of Jesus," at Matthew 7:28 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    Christianity is the source of Absolute Truth and Life Everlasting, and it is the highest ethical standard known to mankind.

    Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach [disgrace] to any people. (Proverbs 14:34)
    Personal righteousness in the population (both citizens and leaders) is the single most important commodity that any country can possess!

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

    See the Theological Notes: "The Authority of Scripture," at 2 Timothy 3:16 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    See the Theological Notes: "The Law of God," at Exodus 20:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    See the Theological Notes: "The Three Purposes of the Law," at Deuteronomy 13:10 in The Reformation Study Bible.

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

    See the Theological Notes: "Conscience and the Law," at 1 Samuel 24:5 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    Strive greatly to have and to exercise a good conscience towards God, and men; to commit thy soul, life, and cause to the Lord; and then expect the worst of men, and the best of Christ. -- Vavasor Powell

    Even as he who is troubled with a buringin fever is hotter than he who is parched with the sun; so is that man more troubled who hath a guilty conscience than a good man by all outward afflictions. -- Daniel Cawdray

    The prophets brought instruction and rebuke to people at all levels of society, denouncing every kind of sin. Religiously, they are "ethical monotheists"; socially, they are the unquenchable conscience of the just, spiritually, they are the precursors of the kingdom of God, announcing Jesus Christ to the world. -- from "Introduction to the Prophets," page 1019, The Reformation Study Bible

    Psalm 15, the Decalogue of Conduct.

    1 Corinthians 2:11 [1]For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the [2]spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the [1]spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; [2]that we might [3]know the things that are freely given to us of God.[the highest ethical standard known to mankind -- compiler]
    13 [1]Which things also we speak, not in the [1 Corinthians 1:17; 2 Peter 1:16]words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; [2]comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 [1]But the [2]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 [3]spiritually discerned. 15 [1]But he that is spiritual [2]judgeth all things, ye [3]he himself is judged of [4]no man. (1 Corinthians 2:11-15, AKJV)
    2:11 1 He setteth that forth by a similitude, which he spake of the inspiration of the Spirit. As the force of man's wit searcheth out things pertaining to man, so doth our mind by that power of the holy Ghost, understand heavenly things.
    2 The mind of man, which is endued with ableness to understand and judge.
    2:12 1 The Spirit which we have received, doth not teach us things of this world, but lifteth us up to God, and this place teacheth us against the Papists, what faith is, from whence it cometh, and what force it is of.
    2 That which he spake generally, he restraineth now to those things which God hath opened unto us of our salvation in Christ: lest that any man should separate the Spirit from the preaching of the word and Christ: or should think that those fantastical men are governed by the Spirit of God, which wandering besides the word, thrust upon us their vain imaginations for the secrets of God.
    3 This word (know) is taken here in his proper sense, for true knowledge, which the Spirit of God worketh in us.
    2:13 1 Now he returneth to his purpose, and concludeth the argument which he began verse 6, and it is thus: the words must be applied to the matter, and the matter must be set forth with words which are meet and convenient for it: now this wisdom is spiritual and not of man, and therefore it must be delivered by a spiritual kind of teaching, and not by enticing words of man's eloquence, that the simple, and yet wonderful majesty of the holy Ghost may therein appear.
    2 Applying the words unto the matter, to wit, that as we teach spiritual things, so [must] our kind of teaching be spiritual.
    2:14 1 Again he preventeth an offence or stumbling block: how cometh it to pass that so few allow these things? This is not to be marveled at, sayeth the Apostle, seeing that men in their natural powers (as they termed them) are not endued with that faculty, whereby spiritual things are discerned (which faculty cometh another way) and therefore they accompt [account] spiritual wisdom as folly: and it is as if he should say, It is no marvel that blind men cannot judge of colors, seeing that they lack the light of their eyes, and therefore light is to them as darkness.
    2 The man that hath no further light of understanding than that which he brought with him, even from his mother's womb, as Jude defineth it, Jude 19.
    3 By the virtue of the holy Ghost.
    2:15 1 He amplifieth the matter by contraries.
    2 Understandeth and discerneth.
    3 The wisdom of the flesh, saith Paul, determined nothing certainly, no not in its own affairs, much less can it discern strange, that is, spiritual things. But the Spirit of God, wherewith spiritual men are endued, can be deceived by no means, and therefore be reproved of no man.
    4 Of no man: for when the Prophets are judged of the Prophets, it is the Spirit that judges, and not the man. -- Geneva Notes, 1599 Geneva Bible, Tolle Lege edition

    And only in Christian theism is love preexistent within the Trinity, which means that love precedes human life and becomes the absolute value for us. This absolute is ultimately found only in God, and in knowing and loving God we work our way through the struggles of pain, knowing of its ultimate connection to evil and its ultimate destruction by the One who is all-good and all-loving; who in fact has given us the very basis for the words good [God] and love [live] both in concept and in language. -- Ravi Zacharias

    If God does not exist, everything is permitted. -- Fyodor Dostoevski (1821-1881)

    Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith. (Titus 1:11-13)

    A republic once equally poised must either preserve its virtue or lose its liberty. . . . He is the best friend of American liberty who is most sincere and active in promoting pure and undefiled religion. -- John Witherspoon

    The danger already exists that mathematicians have made a covenant with the devil to darken the spirit and confine man in the bonds of Hell. -- Saint Augustine (354-430)

    Relativity applies to physics, not ethics. -- Albert Einstein

    Software is like entropy. It is difficult to grasp, weighs nothing, and obeys the second law of thermodynamics; i.e. it always increases. -- Norman Ralph Augustine

    Computer can be programmed to do tasks that are either honest or dishonest. Tasks can be completed in nanoseconds, undetected by human eyes. Software engineering has advanced to the point where most of us do not have a clue, are utterly "snowed," by unethical computer programming in elections, in government, in banking, on Wall Street, in commerce, in retailing, in identity theft, in healthcare, and so forth, and so on.
    It seems to be a top priority for leadership is to immediately study, understand, and take measures to detect and punish cybercrime of all types. (See EC-Council below in "Related Weblinks.)

    Positive good is the real moderating influence, not compromise with evil. -- Roger Pooley

    You can delegate authority, but you can never delegate responsibility for delegating a task to someone else. If you picked the right man, fine, but if you picked the wrong man, the responsibility is yours -- not his. -- Richard E. Krafve, Vice President, Ford Motor Company

    The State, considered in its corporate character, is A MORAL PERSON, with a moral standing and responsibility. It is not the creation of the so-called social compact or of the popular will, but a divine institution based on natural religion. It coheres by a moral and religious bond; and its rulers are the lieutenants of God. If the State is a moral person, capable of performing duty, of committing sin, and suffering punishment, which every one must own who traces the fate of nations according to the divine word, it follows that a nation, acting by its rulers, can accept Christianity and make a public profession of it as the national rule and guide. It had been held together previous to the recognition of Christianity by some form of religion however impure, without which it could not have existed. And the first duty of the civil ruler when brought in contact with Christianity and persuaded of its divine origin is to RECEIVE THE BIBLE AS A REVELATION in a national way. The immediate effect of this is that it constitutes the State a Christian State, and pledges it to purge out its previous religion in the same way as Pagan and Mahommedan nations constituted themselves, according to their false religions, or as the atheistic state was constituted, or rather attempted to be constituted, by the French Convention. A nation must have a religion, and the only question is, which it will adopt. And when Christianity comes to the nation, or to the family, it does not frown on either of these institutions, which also are divine in origin, but enters into them with an elevating purifying power, and sweetly coalesces with all that is purely human in both. These ordinances of God now became vessels by which Christianity is diffused. The national recognition of the Bible as a revelation subjecting the nation to its authority, though a great step gained, does not exhaust the nation's duty, as widely diverging views prevail upon the right interpretation of the Bible. The State must by the necessity of the case ADOPT A CREED which will commonly be prepared by the Church. The same duty that devolves upon an individual Christian confronts a Christian State, and it naturally appends the civil sanction to the Church's creed. It must distinguish between scripture truth and its perversion. The State, by the adoption of a creed, gives utterance to the self-consciousness of a Christian community. It confesses the Christianity it has adopted. . . . The nation, acting by its rulers, must needs adopt a creed, and so distinguish between truth and error in the confession which it makes. It must be Trinitarian or Unitarian, Protestant or Popish, Calvinistic or Arminian, by the necessity of the position. These diverging lines of profession cannot be ignored. More than that; the responsible rulers must proclaim a Christian constitution and adopt a legislation all through the nation's history upon the principles of revelation. A Christian State is competent to make the same confession of its faith that an individual makes. -- George Smeaton, The Scottish Theory of Ecclesiastical Establishments, pp. 4-6

    The current "lack of moral vigor" in our society has resulted in an unwritten "code red." If a colleague in an organization reports incompetency or error, regardless of how tactful and respectful they are, leadership tends to unite, and to brand the "whistle-blower" as a "troublemaker."
    "Code red," as practiced in the military, was dramatized in the movie A Few Good Men (1992).
    In healthcare the victim of a "code red" might be either a practitioner or a patient. If practitioner who reports medical error, malpractice, misconduct, or price gouging, then he becomes the victim, and may lose his job and have difficult finding another one.
    Likewise a patient who reports medical error, malpractice, misconduct, or price gouging, may find that suddenly they are dropped as a patient, or are "given a hard time" by their previous local healthcare support group. They may be denied medical care in the future.
    "Code red" may be thought of as a corollary to the "blue code of silence" that "has protected police officers from being reported for misconduct. This unwritten rule keeps fellow officers from revealing errors or criminal activity."
    The "code red" and "blue code of silence" in government, law enforcement, healthcare, and business are just several reasons why things have gone so horribly wrong, and at the same time leadership does not seem to care.
    Reader, what/who is your "primary obligation?"

    Each year, some 30 million Americans are defrauded of more than $50 billion, according to a 2011 report by the Financial Fraud Research Center, a joint project of the Stanford Center on Longevity and the FINRA Investor Education Foundation." -- Mitch Lipka in "Devious by Design: Spotting the Telltale Signs of Shady Deals, Scams, and Fraudulent Investment Offers," in USAA Magazine, Spring 2014, volume 50, number 1.
    The "Devious by Design" article offers basic information and lists warning signs for uninformed investors.
    According to the FBI, securities fraud includes false information on a company's financial statement and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings; lying to corporate auditors; insider trading; stock manipulation schemes, and embezzlement by stockbrokers.
    Securities regulators and other prominent groups estimate civil securities fraud totals approximately $40 billion per year. . . .
    Securities fraud is becoming more complex as the industry develops more complicated investment vehicles. In addition, white collar criminals are expanding the scope of their fraud and are looking outside the United States for new markets, new investors, and banking secrecy havens to hide unjust enrichment. . . .
    Any investor can become a victim, but persons aged fifty years or older are most often victimized, whether as direct purchasers in securities or indirect purchasers through pension funds. Not only do investors lose but so can creditors, taxing authorities, and employees.
    Potential perpetrators of securities fraud within a publicly-traded firm include any dishonest official within the company who has access to the payroll or financial reports that can be manipulated to: overstate assets, overstate revenues, understate costs, understate liabilities. -- Securities Fraud

    Not knowing the expected rate of return for an particular investment is one of the greatest weaknesses of the investor. This leaves them vulnerable to fraud by unscrupulous advisers who promise unrealistic high rates of return. These promises are often a sign of a typical Ponzi scheme. Such schemes have been extensively reported in the television series American Greed: Scams, Schemes, and Broken Dreams.
    Devious by Design: Spotting the Telltale Signs of Shady Deals, Scams, and Fraudulent Investment Offers
    http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/pace/usaa_2014spring/#/18

    According to the FBI, securities fraud includes false information on a company's financial statement and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings; lying to corporate auditors; insider trading; stock manipulation schemes, and embezzlement by stockbrokers.
    Securities regulators and other prominent groups estimate civil securities fraud totals approximately $40 billion per year. . . .
    Securities fraud is becoming more complex as the industry develops more complicated investment vehicles. In addition, white collar criminals are expanding the scope of their fraud and are looking outside the United States for new markets, new investors, and banking secrecy havens to hide unjust enrichment. . . .
    Any investor can become a victim, but persons aged fifty years or older are most often victimized, whether as direct purchasers in securities or indirect purchasers through pension funds. Not only do investors lose but so can creditors, taxing authorities, and employees.
    Potential perpetrators of securities fraud within a publicly-traded firm include any dishonest official within the company who has access to the payroll or financial reports that can be manipulated to: overstate assets, overstate revenues, understate costs, understate liabilities. -- Securities Fraud

    The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is now the only Self-Regulatory Organization in the United States for the financial industry. FINRA operates BrokerCheck where investors may view online the disciplinary record of their stock broker or prospective stock broker. However, see also: FINRA Criticism.

    The person and the work of Christ are tied together. You cannot have the one without the other. You cannot have Jesus as your ethical guide if you reject him as the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Neither can you have the salvation that Jesus wins if you reject the way in which he wins it. -- Todd Pruitt

    Abbot, Francis Ellingwood, The Scientific Basis of Ethics.

    Abramoff, Jack, Capitol Punishment: The Hard Truth About Washington Corruption From America's Most Notorious Lobbyist, ISBN: 9781936488445 1936488442.
    "Love him or hate him, Jack Abramoff has changed American politics (and politicians) unlike any other lobbyist Washington has ever seen. This post-prison memoir is an exquisite example of a man who may never understand why white-collar crimes are crimes at all, judging by the obvious lack of understanding in his misguided, but well-meaning, apologies. Perhaps unintentionally, Abramoff has created a user's guide to what goes on behind the scenes on Capitol Hill, much to the chagrin of old political cohorts like Tom DeLay. Rousing tales of Congressional mutiny against former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, along with a several-page diagnosis of Gingrich's weaknesses, lends a plethora of new dimensions to figures who often work tirelessly to show only one. Abramoff takes no prisoners (heh) while he details back-room deals with Microsoft, the Mariana Islands, and the infamous Indian casino deal which ultimately landed him behind bars. Jack may never quite understand why everyone was so mad at him that fateful day in the Senate, but none of that matters if you're looking for a full disclosure of what still goes on in Washington today. From business moguls to Occupy Wall Streeters, any American of voting age (or with hopes to someday be one) can benefit from learning the way the K Street crowd thinks, operates, rationalizes, and survives. In fact, I wouldn't even mind if he's not really sorry. Jack Abramoff has contributed to the solving the incessant plague of political quid-pro-quo whether he knows it or not, and for that, I can't thank him enough." -- Reader's Comment
    "CAPITOL PUNISHMENT. THE HARD TRUTH ABOUT WASHINGTON CORRUPTION FROM AMERICA'S MOST NOTORIOUS LOBBYIST is a non-fiction 300-page memoir by former American lobbyist Jack Abramoff, published by WNDbooks in November 2011. The book, described as an 'account of his political triumphs, serial lawbreaking and unethical conduct' by the Washington Post, details the author's life in Washington as a power broker and lobbyist. In its last chapter, titled 'Path to Reform,' Abramoff lists a number of proposals to eliminate bribery of government officials.
    "The book is meant to expose what Abramoff considers the real problem of the Washington lobby. This real problem, according to Abramoff, is not what is illegal in Washington, but rather what is legal.[4] In the last chapter of the book, Abramoff portrays himself as someone who supports genuine reform.[5] He suggests to shut the 'revolving door' between Capitol Hill and the K Street offices of Washington's biggest lobbying firms by banning legislators and their aides for life from becoming lobbyists. He also proposes barring lobbyists from giving gifts to lawmakers, and prohibiting lobbyists and special interest groups from making political donations. In addition to this, he advocates instituting term limits for representatives and senators." -- Wikipedia

    Abshire, Gary M., Ethics, Society and Computers: A Bibliography.

    Acheson, Thomas Houston, The Moral Personality of the Nation.

    Alexander, Archibald (Browning Drysdale, 1855-1931), Christianity and Ethics; A Handbook of Christian Ethics.

    Alexander, Archibald (Browning Drysdale, 1855-1931), The Ethics of St. Paul.

    American Medical Association (AMA) Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs, Code of Medical Ethics: Current Opinions With Annotations, 2004-2005, ISBN: 1579477771 9781579477776.
    "For more than 155 years, the AMA Code of Medical Ethics has been considered the most comprehensive ethics guide for physicians, covering a wide range of issues related to the patient-physician relationship, such as confidentiality and end-of-life care. It also addresses social policy issues that affect medical practice matters as well as medical records, fees and charges, professional rights and more. This edition features:

    1. More than 185 ethical opinions of the AMA's Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs
    2. Clarification of opinions on gifts to physicians from industry and sales of goods from physician's offices 12 new opinions including those on privacy, genomic research, electronic mail, errors, health-related Websites and cloning
    3. Includes the revised copy of the Principles of Medical Ethics
    4. Detailed annotations of case law and journal articles to speed and assist research
    "CODE OF MEDICAL ETHICS: CURRENT OPINIONS WITH ANNOTATIONS 2004-2005 is the definitive authority on medical professionalism and is especially valuable as the legal system is showing a greater willingness to look to the Principles and Opinions as a basis for health care law." -- Publisher
    https://www.ama-assn.org/search?search=Code+of+Medical+Ethics

    *Ames, William (d. 1633), Conscience With the Power and Cases Thereof, ISBN: 9022107086. Available (THE WORKS OF THE REVEREND AND FAITHFUL MINISTER OF CHRIST, WILLIAM AMES), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    William Ames was a student of William Perkins at Cambridge.
    "Translated out of the Latin into English, this extremely rare item is in excellent condition (i.e. the print is very good, making it easy to read). The work is divided into five books, expanding on the second part of his famous MARROW OF DIVINITY. Book one contains the definition of conscience. Book two deals with cases of conscience which concern the state of man. Book three expounds man's duty in general. Book four explains Ames' view concerning conscience and the duty of man towards God and book five treats of the duties of man towards his neighbor. For the Scottish Presbyterian view concerning these matters see Samuel Rutherford's amazing FREE DISPUTATION AGAINST PRETENDED LIBERTY OF CONSCIENCE." -- Publisher
    The Works of the Reverend and Faithful Minister of Christ William Ames . . .
    http://books.google.com/books?id=VhZSGwAACAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html

    Amstutz, Mark R., Christian Ethics and U.S. Foreign Policy, ISBN: 0310300312 9780310300311.
    "Contents: Morality and foreign policy | Christianity and foreign policy | Justice in the international system | Promoting peace and preventing annihilation | Promoting human rights | Reducing Third World poverty | The church and foreign policy."

    *Anderson, James N.D., Issues of Life and Death, ISBN: 0340231513 9780340231517.
    "In this work Sir Norman presents his 'Lectures on Contemporary Christianity,' University of London, 1975. He establishes his thesis for the development of ethical principles squarely on the sacredness of human life as presented in the Bible. While on the one hand this treatise is a valuable corrective for Ward's THE DIVINE IMAGE, on the other it is a bold attempt to provide a rational defense for a viable system of ethics. In this we believe Anderson has been most successful." -- Cyril J. Barber

    *Anderson, James N.D., Morality, Law and Grace, ISBN: 0877845468 9780877845461.
    "Faces the pressing problems of the present day and provides perceptive counsel and sane solutions to the moral confusion of our contemporary society. Also underscores the relevancy of the Christian message, the uniqueness of its ethic, and the richness of its liberty. An admirable blending of scientific logic, legal expertise, and Biblical knowledge." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Applebaum, Anne, Anne Applebaum: The Threat From Artificial Intelligence may Already be Here, ISSN: 1067-1994.

    Archer, Gleason L., Ethical Obligations of the Lawyer, ISBN: 0837702070 9780837702070.

    Armstrong, Sarah, Voter Fraud, ISBN: 9780737773705 0737773707 9780737773712 0737773715.
    A collection of essays.
    "These books provide a range of opinions on a social issue; each volume [of the series] focuses on a specific issue and offers a variety of perspectives, e.g., eyewitness accounts, governmental views, scientific analysis, newspaper accounts, to illuminate the issue. Greenhaven Press's At Issue series provides a wide range of opinions on individual social issues. Enhancing critical thinking skills, each At Issue volume is an excellent research tool to help readers understand current social issues and prepare reports." -- Publisher

    Barna, George, The Barna Report 1992-93: America Renews its Search for God.
    "Barna's WHAT AMERICANS BELIEVE captures a snapshot of American Christianity in 1991. This totally-new election-year edition updates the picture! . . . Vital information is easy to grasp with key charts and graphs (more detailed tables appear in the appendix), and easy to apply practical action steps." -- CBD

    *Barna, George, What Americans Believe: An Annual Survey of Values and Religious Views in the United States, ISBN: 0830715053 9780830715053.
    "Our society is changing in ways that have dramatic implications for the future of morality, ethics, and the Christian church. Three quarters of young adults in this country believe there is no absolute truth -- a major change from older generations which tend to believe in absolute truth. WHAT AMERICANS BELIEVE gives a clear, up-to-the-minute picture of the mores, beliefs, and religious attitudes of Americans. It is based on an annual survey conducted by the Barna Research Group and covers 65 questions about values, life-style, and religious beliefs." A tool to reshape ministerial strategies.

    Bauckham, Richard J. (editor), The Nuclear Weapons Debate: Theological and Ethical Issues, ISBN: 033401140X 9780334011408.

    Beachler, Donald W, and Thomas C. Shevory, When Good Companies go bad: 100 Corporate Miscalculations and Misdeeds, ISBN: 9781610694056 1610694058.
    "Covering the entire world of business from heavy industry to the financial houses of Wall Street, this book shines a spotlight on 100 of the most infamous cases of misconduct and malfeasance in corporate history." -- Publisher

    *Bell, Robert, Impure Science: Fraud, Compromise, and Political Influence in Scientific Research, ISBN: 0471529133 9780471529132, 320 pages.
    "The author lifts the veil of secrecy from scientific research conducted in this country. He presents a shattering indictment of the scientific community from the halls of government to the research centers at major universities and corporations. Documents case after case of influence peddling, doctored research and outright fraud, and reveals how the twin forces of money and status compromise and corrupt the pursuit of scientific truth." -- Publisher

    Berkowitz, Peter, Virtue and the Making of Modern Liberalism, ISBN: 9781400822904 1400822904.
    "Virtue has been rediscovered in the United States as a subject of public debate and of philosophical inquiry. Politicians from both parties, leading intellectuals, and concerned citizens from diverse backgrounds are addressing questions about the content of our character. Yet many continue to associate virtue with a prudish, Victorian morality or with crude attempts by government to legislate morals. Peter Berkowitz clarifies the fundamental issues, arguing that a certain ambivalence toward virtue reflects the liberal spirit at its best. Drawing on recent scholarship as well as classical political philosophy, he makes his case with penetrating analyses of four central figures in the making of modern liberalism: Hobbes, Locke, Kant, and Mill." -- Publisher

    Berlinski, David, The Advent of the Algorithm: The Idea That Rules the World, ISBN: 0151003386 9780151003389.
    "Here is the story of the search for and eventual discovery of the algorithm, the set of instructions that drives computers. An idea as simple as the first recipe and as elusive as the quark or the gluon, the algorithm was discovered by a succession of logicians and mathematicians working alone and in obscurity during the first half of the twentieth century." -- Publisher

    Black, William K., The Best way to rob a Bank is to own one: How Corporate Executives and Politicians Looted the S&L Industry, ISBN: 0292706383 9780292706385 9780292721395 0292721390.
    "The catastrophic collapse of companies such as Enron, WorldCom, ImClone, and Tyco left angry investors, employees, reporters, and government investigators demanding to know how the CEOs deceived everyone into believing their companies were spectacularly successful when in fact they were massively insolvent. Why did the nation's top accounting firms give such companies clean audit reports? Where were the regulators and whistle-blowers who should expose fraudulent CEOs before they loot their companies for hundreds of millions of dollars?
    "In this expert insider's account of the savings and loan debacle of the 1980s, William Black lays bare the strategies that corrupt CEOs and CFOs -- in collusion with those who have regulatory oversight of their industries -- use to defraud companies for their personal gain. Recounting the investigations he conducted as Director of Litigation for the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, Black fully reveals how Charles Keating and hundreds of other S&L owners took advantage of a weak regulatory environment to perpetrate accounting fraud on a massive scale. He also authoritatively links the S&L crash to the business failures of the early 2000s, showing how CEOs then and now are using the same tactics to defeat regulatory restraints and commit the same types of destructive fraud.
    "Black uses the latest advances in criminology and economics to develop a theory of why 'control fraud' -- looting a company for personal profit -- tends to occur in waves that make financial markets deeply inefficient. He also explains how to prevent such waves. Throughout the book, Black drives home the larger point that control fraud is a major, ongoing threat in business that requires active, independent regulators to contain it. His book is a wake-up call for everyone who believes that market forces alone will keep companies and their owners honest." -- Publisher
    "Take it from someone who was toiling down in the trenches chasing the bad guys, this book is a first-hand account of how the Reagan administration and Speaker Wright fiddled while the savings and loan crisis burned. It explains how, and why, the government for years did not try to stop the corporate criminals who went on one of the largest financial crime sprees in the history of the United States. This is an important work, not only for its historic value in explaining this particular outbreak of white collar crime in the savings and loan industry, but also because it carefully lays out the patterns of control fraud that will continue to recur in different corporate venues as long as people are willing to steal and lie to try and gain an economic advantage. This should be required reading for every financial regulator in the United States. Alan Greenspan, who recently argued that personal reputation in business practices should be more important than enforcing rules, should read it twice (or as many times as it takes until Mr. Greenspan can remember why he trusted Charles Keating)." -- Reader's Comment

    Bloesch, Donald George, Freedom of Obedience: Evangelical Ethics in Contemporary Times, ISBN: 1579109322 9781579109325.
    "Among my reasons for writing this book is the desire to present an evangelical alternative to the situationist and naturalist ethics that presently dominate the discussion in this field. While the primary focus of the book is on theological ethics, frequently references are made to current social issues; the last chapter is devoted to the intractable problem of war." -- Publisher

    Bologna, Jack, and Paul Shaw, Corporate Crime Investigations, ISBN: 0750696591 9780750696593.
    "CORPORATE CRIME INVESTIGATIONS is a reference tool for internal auditors, in-house counsel and corporate security professionals who handle crimes, torts, and breaches of contract.
    "The crimes involved may include employee fraud, theft, embezzlement, forgery, commercial bribery and property destruction. Breaches of ethical codes, fiduciary duties, and company policies incidental to these acts are also included. CORPORATE CRIME INVESTIGATIONS also includes important information on privacy rights of the suspected individuals.
    "Provides comprehensive information for internal auditors, in-house counselors and corporate security professionals.
    Contains valuable information on techniques like forensic accounting, polygraph and arrest.
    "Presents important discussions on rights to privacy.
    "Paul Shaw is editor and publisher of COMPUTING AND COMMUNICATIONS: LAW AND PROTECTION, FINANCIAL FRAUD, and 'Assets Protection.' 'Assets Protection' is a periodical covering organizational integrity compliance. He is also the co-author of CORPORATE CRIME INVESTIGATION, FRAUD AWARENESS MANUAL, and FORENSIC ACCOUNTING HANDBOOK." -- Publisher

    Bologna, G. Jack, and Robert J. Lindquist, Fraud Auditing and Forensic Accounting: New Tools and Techniques, 2nd edition (Wiley, January 15, 1995), 249 pages, ISBN: 0471106461 9780471106463.
    "Fraud, in the words of the authors, is no simple vice. Recent years have seen it grow both in size and complexity, to the point where some estimates place losses due to fraud at well over $100 billion a year. And, with the increasing complexity of financial structures and the intensity of business competition, fraud has become harder to detect and more tempting to commit.
    "Since much of the responsibility for detecting fraud has been assumed by the accounting profession, accountants need to learn how to recognize its signs and investigate it. FRAUD AUDITING AND FORENSIC ACCOUNTING, SECOND EDITION focuses on the investigation, detection, documentation, and prevention of accounting frauds, stock frauds, and employee theft and embezzlement. Written by recognized experts in the field of white-collar crime, this comprehensive book provides an incisive, in-depth analysis of how fraud occurs within an organization and explains the latest techniques for fighting it. The authors have brought together up-to-date material to show practicing professionals how to:

  • Recognize the characteristics of organizations in which fraud is likely to occur
  • Detect and deter accounting fraud, using the most recently developed techniques
  • Conduct an efficient, systematic fraud investigation
  • Use the latest methods for documenting fraud and preparing evidence -- and much more
  • In addition, this timely, authoritative book presents new case studies, drawn from a wide variety of actual incidents, that demonstrate industry-tested methods for dealing with fraud.
    • "G. Jack Bologna, BBA, JD, CFE, is President of Computer Protection Systems, Inc., and Associate Professor of Management at Siena Heights College. Among his numerous publications are THE ACCOUNTANT'S HANDBOOK OF FRAUD AND COMMERCIAL CRIME (Wiley), FORENSIC ACCOUNTING HANDBOOK, and HANDBOOK ON CORPORATE FRAUD. He is also editor of two newsletters, Forensic Accounting Review and Computer Security Digest. Mr. Bologna is a recipient of the Thomas J. Fitzgerald Award for significant contribution to the field of information security.
    "Robert J. Lindquist, BCOMM, CA, CFE, is CEO of Lindquist, Avey, Macdonald, Baskerville, Inc., a leading North American forensic and investigative accounting firm based in Washington, D.C. Previously, he was Partner and National Director of the forensic accounting services division of a 'Big Six' accounting firm. In addition to writing and lecturing on forensic accounting, he has served as the Chairman of the National Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (1993)." -- Publisher

    Bologna, Jack, and Paul Shaw, Corporate Crime Investigations, ISBN: 0750696591 9780750696593.
    "CORPORATE CRIME INVESTIGATIONS is a reference tool for internal auditors, in-house counsel and corporate security professionals who handle crimes, torts, and breaches of contract.
    "The crimes involved may include employee fraud, theft, embezzlement, forgery, commercial bribery and property destruction. Breaches of ethical codes, fiduciary duties, and company policies incidental to these acts are also included. CORPORATE CRIME INVESTIGATIONS also includes important information on privacy rights of the suspected individuals.
    "Provides comprehensive information for internal auditors, in-house counselors and corporate security professionals.
    Contains valuable information on techniques like forensic accounting, polygraph and arrest.
    "Presents important discussions on rights to privacy.
    "Paul Shaw is editor and publisher of COMPUTING AND COMMUNICATIONS: LAW AND PROTECTION, FINANCIAL FRAUD, and 'Assets Protection.' 'Assets Protection' is a periodical covering organizational integrity compliance. He is also the co-author of CORPORATE CRIME INVESTIGATION, FRAUD AWARENESS MANUAL, and FORENSIC ACCOUNTING HANDBOOK." -- Publisher

    *Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), The Everlasting Righteousness, or How Shall man be Just With God? 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? full view.
    http://books.google.com/books?id=nQMDAAAAQAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html

    Borkin, Joseph, The Corrupt Judge: An Inquiry Into Bribery and Other High Crimes and Misdemeanors in the Federal Courts, ISBN: 0805463569 9780805463569.
    "Bob Briner and Ray Pritchard bring an exciting and refreshing look at how the greatest leader in the world can provide the blueprint to become leaders in our own lives, our communities, our workplace, and especially in our own families. If you are a father, a brother, a coach, a teacher, or someone in a position of influencing another human being, this is a must read!" -- Reader's Comment
    "There are too many leaders in the church and not enough followers of the only Leader, Jesus Christ. Bob Briner puts leadership in the proper context. A Leader is supposed to lead others, not to himself, but to Jesus." -- Cal Thomas

    Bruce, William Straton, The Formation of Christian Character: A Contribution to Christian Ethics, ISBN: 0837060907 9780837060903.

    *Callahan, David, The Cheating Culture: Why More Americans are Doing Wrong to get Ahead, ISBN: 0156030055 9780156030052.
    "While there have always been those who cut corners, the author shows that cheating on every level -- from the highly publicized corporate scandals to Little League fraud -- has risen dramatically in the last two decades. Why all the cheating? Why now? Callahan pins the blame on the dog-eat-dog economic climate of the past two decades. An unfettered market and unprecedented economic inequality have corroded our values, he argues -- and ultimately threaten the level playing field so central to American democracy itself. Through revealing interviews and extensive data, he takes us on a gripping tour of cheating in America and offers a powerful argument for why it matters.
    "David Callahan is cofounder and director of research at the public policy center Demos. The author of five books, he has published articles in the New York Times, The Washington Post, and USA Today, and has been a frequent commentator on CNN, MSNBC, and NPR. He received a Ph.D. in politics from Princeton University and lives in New York City." -- Publisher
    "I recommend that this book be read together with John Perkins, CONFESSIONS OF AN ECONOMIC HIT MAN and William Greider's, THE SOUL OF CAPITALISM: OPENING PATHS TO A MORAL ECONOMY. As a pre-amble, I would note that a Nobel Prize was given in the late 1990's to a man that demonstrates that trust lowers the cost of doing business. Morality matters -- immorality imposes a pervasive sustained, insidious, long-term, and ultimately fatal cost on any community, any Republic, and that is the core message of this book that most reviewers seem to be missing.
    "Any student of national security can tell you that one of the most important sources of national power is the population, followed by the economy, natural resources, and then the more traditional sources of national power: diplomacy, military, law enforcement, and government policies generally.
    "What this author makes clear is that our population has become a cheating population, one that cheats in school, cheats their employer, and cheats their clients (lawyers, accountants, doctors, all cheating). Such a population is literally undermining national security by creating false values, and undermining true values. Some simple examples: an estimated $250 Billion a year in individual tax avoidance; an estimated $600 Billion a year in theft from employers; an estimated $250 Billion a year in legalized corporate tax avoidance and investor fraud; and an additional $250 Billion a year in legalized theft form the individual taxpayers through Congressional support for unnecessary and ill-advised 'subsidies' for agriculture, fishing, and forestry, as well as waivers of environmental standards that ultimately result in long-term external diseconomies . . .
    "At root, the author observes that pervasive cheating ensues from the perception by the majority that 'everyone does it' and that the rules are not being enforced -- that 'the system' lacks legitimacy. In other countries, illegitimacy might lead to revolution, a revolt of the masses. In the USA, still a very rich country, the poor are cheating on the margins while the rich are looting the country, and we are not yet at a 'tipping point' [this book was written before the Meltdown of 2008. -- compiler], such as a new Great Depression might inspire. . . .
    "Cheating diminishes trust and reduces value. America has become corrupt across all the professions, within Congress, within the media, within the political level of government (the civil service remains a bastion of propriety).
    "What price freedom? What price the Republic? You may or may not choose to agree with this author's diagnosis and prescription, but in my view, he gets to the heart of the matter. It's about integrity. We've lost it. [Callahan's solutions come from a liberal, humanistic position, nevertheless the bulk of the book is an extensive analysis of cheating in society that is well documented -- 32 pages of endnotes -- and should be enlightening to most readers. -- compiler]
    "See also, with reviews: THE BATTLE FOR THE SOUL OF CAPITALISM: HOW THE FINANCIAL SYSTEM UNDERMINED SOCIAL IDEALS, DAMAGED TRUST IN THE MARKETS, ROBBED INVESTORS OF TRILLIONS -- AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT; THE FIFTY-YEAR WOUND: HOW AMERICA'S COLD WAR VICTORY HAS SHAPED OUR WORLD; THE GLOBAL CLASS WAR: HOW AMERICA'S BIPARTISAN ELITE LOST OUR FUTURE -- AND WHAT IT WILL TAKE TO WIN IT BACK; WAR ON THE MIDDLE CLASS: HOW THE GOVERNMENT, BIG BUSINESS, AND SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS ARE WAGING WAR ON THE AMERICAN DREAM AND HOW TO FIGHT BACK; THE WORKING POOR: INVISIBLE IN AMERICA; and OFF THE BOOKS: THE UNDERGROUND ECONOMY OF THE URBAN POOR." -- Reader's Comment

    Campbell, Tracy, Deliver the Vote: A History of Election Fraud, an American Political Tradition, 1742-2004, ISBN: 9780786715916 078671591X 9780786718436 0786718439.
    "If elections are the lifeblood of a democracy, then we have an ailing body politic. From ballot stuffing and intimidating voters, to buying votes, suppressing turnout and manipulating returns, DELIVER THE VOTE is an intensive examination into the hidden interiors of American politics that casts a provocative new light on how power in America is often obtained. Drawing on hundreds of elections from the colonial era to the 2004 election, historian Tracy Campbell reveals how a long-standing culture of corruption is alive and well in local, state, and national elections. Among those whose stories are central to this book are Boss Tweed, William Randolph Hearst, Huey Long, Harry Truman, Lyndon Johnson, and Jimmy Carter, as well as countless local and state politicians of every stripe. Combining social and political history in a vivid narrative, DELIVER THE VOTE reveals how fraud has been a persistent and corrosive presence in American history, and is not confined to one party, location, or time period. Campbell explores every major reform to cleanse fraud and corruption -- paper ballots, the secret ballot, or voting machines -- and explains how they have only changed the way the game is played, sadly showing how American elections have never been in order." -- Publisher

    Carden, Allen, Puritan Christianity in America: Religion and Life in Seventeenth-Century Massachusetts, ISBN: 0801025435 9780801025433.
    "After exploring the Biblical basis of the Puritan movement, Carden's thematic study examines all aspects of Puritan theology as well as the Puritan's approach to the Christian life, social ethics, politics, family life, education, and culture. He concludes with an overview of the legacy bequeathed to American culture." -- GCB

    Cheney, Darwin, Ethical Issues in Research, ISBN: 9781555720162 1555720161.
    "Contents: Misrepresentation of data | US perspective | Distinguishing between error and fraud in science / Patricia K. Woolf | Misrepresentation of data and the integrity of research / Paul J. Friedman | Treatment of allegations of research misconduct by American universities / Allan Mazur | Office of scientific integrity: why, what and how / Jules V. Hallum and Suzanne W. Hadley | Authorship and illustrations: the challenge of computer manipulation / Paul J. Anderson | Credit and responsibility in scientific authorship / Addeane S. Caelleigh | Uses and abuses of scientific authorship: can and should they be controlled? / Edward J. Huth | Is being an author the key to success? / Sharon G. Boots | International perspective | Misrepresentation of data and other misconduct in science: the German view and experience / Albin Eser | Recombinant DNA revolution and the fading of the concept of pure science at the root of ethical issues in biological research / Vittorio Sgaramella | Fraud and misconduct in medical research: causes and control, a United Kingdom view / Raymond Hoffenberg. (cont) Conflict of interest | Science, scientific motivation and conflict of interest in research / Roger J. Porter | Conflict of interest: a university perspective / David Korn | Managing conflict of interest in faculty, federal government, and industrial relations / Barbara C. Hansen and Kenneth D. Hansen | Conflict-of-interest issues surrounding faculty participation in, and ownership of, technology and drug companies / William B. Neaves and Kern Wildenthal | Cooperation between academia and industry: opportunities and challenges / Barbara Mishkin | Role of conflict of interest in public advisory councils / Adil E. Shamoo | Scientific response to external pressures: research on human subjects | International ethical considerations for research on human subjects / Zbigniew Bankowski | Use of embryos and fetuses | Status and uses of early human developmental stages / Clifford Grobstein | Ethical limitations on the use of the human fetus in research / James Bopp, Jr. | Use of animals | Evolving ethical and legal norms in animal experimentation / T. David Marshall. (cont) Protests about animal research and the response from the scientific and medical communities / M.J. Matfield."

    Chewning, Richard C., Business Ethics in a Changing Culture, ISBN: 0835905667 9780835905664.

    *Childress, James F. and John Macquarrie, The Westminster Dictionary of Christian Ethics, ISBN: 0664227678 9780664227678.
    "With Childress as primary editor, this work revises Macquarrie's well-known DICTIONARY OF CHRISTIAN ETHICS (Westminster, 1967). The new edition has many additional entries, such as "Death, Determination of" and "Deprogramming." Where possible, the original contributors have updated their own articles, and entries are generally longer than before, with revised bibliographies and more cross references. The major omission is biographical entries, though movements associated with individuals remain. Recommended. -- Richard S. Watts, San Bernardino County Library, California in Library Journal

    Chilton, Bruce, Jesus and the Ethics of the Kingdom, ISBN: 0802803539 9780802803535.

    Christian Amendment Movement, Problems Related to Christian Civil Government, 1947.

    Clark, Gordon H. (1902-1985), Essays on Ethics and Politics, ISBN: 094093132X 9780940931329.
    "A collection of 43 essays. Clark is regarded by some as one of the greatest Christian theologians/philosophers ever produced in America." -- GCB

    Clark, Gordon H., (1902-1985), The Puritan and Situation Ethics, the Trinity Review, #65.

    Coleman, James M., Social Ethics: An Introduction to the Nature and Ethics of the State, 1903.

    Crocker, Caroline, Free to Think: Why Scientific Integrity Matters, ISBN: 9780981873442 0981873448.
    "FREE TO THINK is about one politically incorrect professor's foray into the academic world. Dr. Crocker, a widely published scientist with numerous peer reviewed publications, goes into detail about both what she taught at George Mason University and how she taught it. In the end, the University did not like her challenging dogmatic fundamentalist Darwinism. What is really upsetting, documented by pages of photocopies of University documents, is how they ended her career. To be blunt, they unethically connived to censor her by very underhanded and unethical tactics, to say the least. To detail what they did here would cause one to lose credibility. You must read the original documents to comprehend what the University did to this excellent professor and how. Reading this book will make your blood boil and, if it doesn't, you need to take a good look at yourself. No one should be treated the way she was in America, the land known for its freedom to think. The book also documents the failure of the American "justice" system. The introduction by Ben Stein was also very helpful in understanding what happened to this bright scholar." -- Reader's Comment

    *Culverwel, Nathanael, An Elegant and Learned Discourse of the Light of Nature With Severall Other Treatises: viz. The Schisme, The act of Oblivion, The Childes Returne, The Panting Soul, Mount Ebal, The White Stone, Spiritual Opticks, The Worth of Souls, 1654. Alternate title: OF THE LIGHT OF NATURE. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    " 'The work here reprinted is chiefly remarkable on three grounds, as a literary curiosity, as a monument of philosophical genius, and as a masterly discussion of the subject of which it treats, hardly surpassed in the course of British Ethics,' writes Cairns in his critical essay prefaced to this volume. Moreover, Cairns continues by calling this book a 'series of most important utterances upon all the fundamental questions of philosophy and theology . . . the theory of knowledge, the theory of conscience, and the theory of faith.'
    "John Brown, in his preface, notes that 'the design of the Discourse of the Light of Nature was, on the one hand to vindicate the use of reason, in matters of religion.'
    "Furthermore, Brown calls Culverwel 'a decided Parliament-man, and a friend of the Solemn League and Covenant,' and speaks of his 'Calvinism, Puritanism, and deep spiritual religion.' He also calls him 'a man of genius, learning, eloquence, and piety.' This is a classic Puritan resource for anyone interested in advanced ethics, epistemology or a myriad of other pressing questions related to God's law and philosophy." -- Publisher

    Davis, John Jefferson, Evangelical Ethics: Issues Facing the Church Today, ISBN: 087552222X 9780875522227.

    Dill, David, William Gazecki, G. Edward Griffin, Aviel D. Rubin, and American Media (firm), Invisible Ballots: A Temptation for Electronic Vote Fraud, ISBN: 0912986425 9780912986425.
    "Governments are installing computerized voting systems with no paper record to verify accuracy. Elections will be controlled by companies that do not allow voters to inspect their software. If vote counting becomes privatized, there may be no way to get it back." -- Publisher

    *Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), Dishonesty; or, The sin of Theft and of Injustice. In THE WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS (2:220-26). Available (THE WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    See the following:

    Section I. Why we should avoid what tends to sin
    Section I. The dishonesty of withholding what is our neighbour's
    Section II. The dishonesty of unjustly taking a neighbour's property
    Section II. What things lead and expose to sin
    Section III. The subject applied: OR THE SIN OF THEFT AND INJUSTICE
    Section III. Dishonest excuses
    Section III. A serious warning to all, and especially young people
    Section IV. The subject applied -- The dishonest warned
    Section V. An exhortation to honesty: TEMPTATION AND DELIVERANCE

    *Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), The Nature of True Virtue, ISBN: 9781846857591 1846857597. A Christian classic. Alternate title: AN ESSAY ON THE NATURE OF TRUE VIRTUE. Available (THE WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    The Works of President Edwards: With a Memoir of his Life (1829)
    http://archive.org/details/worksofpresident011829edwa

    *Ellul, Jacques (1912-1994), The Theological Foundation of Law.

    *Ellul, Jacques (1912-1994), Ethics of Freedom, ISBN: 0802834728 9780802834720.
    "Ellul examines political freedom, but also talks about working it out in all human relationships. In a kind of dialogue with the Bible, he relates the Christian concept of freedom as rooted in the liberating work of Christ . . ." -- Vernon Grounds

    Ellul, Jacques (1912-1994), Money and Power, ISBN: 0551013923 9780551013926.
    "Discusses the ethics of wealth and incidentally elucidates the Biblical teaching on money and its use. . . ." -- Cyril J. Barber
    "In this one of many brilliant books by Ellul, he exposes the folly of a purely collective, societal approach, such as that offered by communism, or capitalism. Instead, through a study of various Biblical references in the Old and New Testament, puts the responsibility on the individual. The new covenant of Jesus is compared to the Old Testament pattern of wealth as a sign of blessing. He examines the teaching of Jesus on God and Mammon. Contemporary models of stewardship are exposed as inadequate. Further, he clearly shows the underlying power money has over a person, despite any feelings of control we may think we have. The teachings of Jesus about giving and trusting provide the path to freedom -- every hair is numbered. Only by God's grace and transforming love are we able to overcome this subtle and insidious power. Highly recommended, especially at a time in our history when many have lost faith in the market." -- Reader's Comment

    Ermann, M. David (editor), Michele S. Shauf (editor), Computers, Ethics, and Society, 3rd edition, ISBN: 019505850X 9780195058505.
    "As computers have become increasingly important in our everyday lives, their potential to strip away our privacy and autonomy increases exponentially. This book offers a comprehensive, interdisciplinary set of readings on the ethical and social implications of computer technology. Taking into account technical, social, and philosophical issues, the contributors consider topics such as the work-related ramifications of automation, the ethical obligations of computer specialists, and the threats to privacy that come with increased computerization.
    "M. David Ermann is at University of Delaware. Michele S. Shauf is at Georgia Institute of Technology." -- Publisher
    "Very resourceful and insightful. This book should be cited frequently during discussions of: the legal and ethical parameters of computer use; society's perceptions of the proper use of computers; and the social and professional responsibilities of those individuals and organizations that employ computers in information-mediated environments." -- John O. Omachonu, Fort Valley State University

    Estes, Ralph W., Tyranny of the Bottom Line: Why Corporations Make Good People do bad Things, ISBN: 1881052753 9781881052753.
    "TYRANNY OF THE BOTTOM LINE tells how the corporate system, originally created to serve the public interest, has acquired immense power over the public. Largely unconstrained by a captive regulatory bureaucracy, corporations today exercise a silent dominance over much of our society. This dominion can produce substantial good, but can also bring injury and death to employees, financial and personal loss to customers, desolation to communities, poisonous pollution and hazardous waste to the nation.
    "In TYRANNY OF THE BOTTOM LINE, Ralph Estes tells the story of corporate power gone awry: permanent layoffs affecting millions of people while CEO salaries go through the roof; toxic waste poisoning the land, water, and air; unhealthy and dangerous products on the market; injury and death on the job; white-collar hustles in the S&Ls and on Wall Street that ultimately cost us all.
    "Emphasizing the notion that all of us are stakeholders in the large corporation-with an investment, an interest in its performance, and a right to accountability -- Ralph Estes offers proposals for creating more effective and humane companies, restoring the original public purpose of the corporate system, and allowing managers to make choices that effectively and ethically balance the interests of everyone. Estes lays out a practical, specific plan for the development of a new, fair score-keeping system that shows the effects of a corporation's actions on all its stakeholders, not merely its stockholders, and then tells managers that they will be responsible for these effects.
    "Based on the author's many years of research and experience, TYRANNY OF THE BOTTOM LINE lays out this prescription in an effective and workable program that can make corporations safer and more rewarding for all of us, and more enjoyable, more honorable, for the people who run them." -- Midwest Book Review

    *Fairbairn, Patrick (1805-1874), The Revelation of Law in Scripture, ISBN: 0875528686 9780875528687. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "Fairbairn expounds the biblical teaching dealing with the law of God in creation, throughout the Mosaic administration, in the teaching of our Lord, and in the life of the Christian believer. John Murray said of this book, 'THE REVELATION OF LAW IN SCRIPTURE places the law of God in its proper perspective. The careful perusal of this volume should correct the misconceptions which have afflicted the thought of many, and should promote the understanding of the sanctity of God's law without which the gospel of grace is meaningless'." -- Publisher
    "These lectures, first published in 1869, treat the moral law implanted in the heart of man and trace its use throughout the Bible. Complete with supplementary dissertations. Excellent. Reformed." -- Cyril J. Barber

    *Faria, Miguel A., Jr. (author), Controversies in Medicine and Neuroscience, ISBN: 9781527594173 1527594173.
    "This book explores some of the most fascinating medical and life science topics of the 20th and 21st centuries, viewed through the unique perspective of an experienced neurosurgeon and medical historian with a special interest in bioethics, neurobiology, and other aspects of the life sciences. It bridges multiple disciplines in the life sciences -- from historic advances in psychosurgery to fascinating advances in neurobiology, such as the neurophysiology of learning and memory, and the neuropharmacology of hallucinogenic drugs. It also discusses intriguing frontal and temporal lobe syndromes in neuropsychiatry, a new hypothesis solving the mystery of Neolithic trepanation, and traditional medical ethics in contradistinction to bioethics." -- Publisher

    *Finley, Martha (1828-1909, aka Martha Farquharson, Galic for Finley), The Elsie Books, 4-book set (Holly Hall Publications, 1997), ISBN: 1888306351 9781888306354.
    "Originally written in the late 1800's for girls and young women, the Elsie Dinsmore books were bestsellers for over thirty years. When we are introduced to Elsie in the first book she is a sweet and humble eight-year-old whose great desire in life is to be reunited with her father, whom she has never met. Her faith and her obedience to God's commandments uphold her in the great troubles she often faces, and the drama to which we are spectators is as timely for today's girls as it was for the young ladies of the 19th century. A new edition of one of GCB's bestsellers, the series offers Christian values and character building examples through stories that are compelling, heartwarming, and enduring. Ages 10 and up." -- GCB
    "The Elsie Books -- 28 in all -- are some of the most widely read children's stories ever written. When they first came out more than a hundred years ago, the publisher could scarcely keep them in stock. . ." -- Publisher
    "Altogether Miss Finley's novels sold more than 28,000,000 copies in the last century. This made them among the bestselling novels of all time . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    *Book 1: Elsie Dinsmore, ISBN: 1888306319 9781888306316.
    "Set amid the sweet blossoms of a southern mansion, this timeless classic delves into the heart of Elsie -- by all counts, an extraordinary little girl. Share in Elsie's quest for love from her earthly father as it leads to a mature understanding of the love of her Father in Heaven. Join Elsie as she suffers through endless hours of scrutiny from Miss Day, her mean-spirited school teacher, taunting from her mischievous young Uncle Arthur, and scoldings from a cold-hearted father she so desires to please -- all with the peace and quiet countenance that comes from knowing she is God's child. This, the first of the heart-warming Elsie Books, will both challenge and inspire you." -- Publisher
    Elsie Dinsmore: Book 1, Martha Finley
    http://archive.org/details/elsiedinsmore00ferqgoog
    ClassicReader.com
    http://www.classicreader.com/
    *Book 2: Elsie's Holidays at Roselands, ISBN: 9781888306323 1888306327.
    "When Elsie's father becomes ill, she takes on the job of nurse-companion, and all goes well until Elsie, because it is the Sabbath, as a matter of conscience refuses to read to him from a secular book. The battle of wills that ensues nearly causes first her father's death, and then Elsie's. Lonely Elsie -- punished, ostracized, and then abandoned by her father -- turns to her heavenly Father for comfort and assurance. Will her father realize that Elsie's obedience to God must be paramount, and submit himself to the same Divine Authority?" -- Publisher
    On an even more serious note, one moral of this story is the broader life and death struggle between Truth and Falsehood (See: Absolute truth and relativism [duality and non-duality], Epistemology of theology, the theory of knowledge, and Christian scholarship.) The consequence of conflict of will is death of the "One," or war of the "Many" (see Rushdoony, THE ONE AND THE MANY: STUDIES IN THE PHILOSOPHY OF ORDER AND ULTIMACY. Conflict of will (see Will and recalcitrance, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation,) may begin when one individual (see The doctrine of man [human nature, total depravity],) or the corporate body (see Corporate faithfulness and sanctification), tries to usurping authority over others (see Power, Authority) -- tries to control and possess the other (see Tyranny, Slavery, our systems of enslavement, economic enslavement.) The means of control may be either outward or occult (see The occult, spiritism, witchcraft), deceit, repression or suppression of the truth, replacing moral and ethical absolutes with relativism (see Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Medical ethics, Absolute truth and relativism [duality and non-duality], unfaithfulness to the highest ethical standards (see The ten commandments: the moral law, The holy bible), Heresy and apostasy (apostacy, old english), Spiritual adultery [spiritual whoredom/harlotry,] (see Idolatry, syncretism, Jeremiah and lamentations,) invocation of the demonic, Oaths, ensnaring vows, promises, and covenants, bonds with the ungodly (see Carnality and flesh pleasing: desires, pleasure, Justice, judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord,) attempts to take authority over another politically or by mental malpractice (see Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, making up their own rules (see Absolute truth and relativism [duality and non-duality],) ignoring or changing constitutional or creedal documents, unjust laws for the accumulation of wealth and power, indebtedness, disenfranchisement, (see denial of freedom,) Priestcraft, pharisaism, soul-stealing, possessiveness, physical seduction and whoredom, political economic or sexual enslavement (see Sexual relationship,) and so forth, and so on.
    This abuse, this soul-violence, quenches the Holy Spirit (see Owen, God's Presence With a People the Spring of Their Prosperity; With Their Special Interest in Abiding in Him.) If either side is immovable, then death is the consequence (see Soteriology, atonement, The blood of christ, Hell, and Heaven.)
    How are conflicts of will resolved? By submission to the Absolute Truths of God's word, the great common denominator, 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)
    All this bears a strain of the Gospel (see Book-length presentations of the free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, The westminster confession of faith.)
    Book 2: Holidays at Roselands
    http://archive.org/details/holidaysatrosel00finlgoog
    Holidays at Roselands (Gutenberg text)
    http://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/webbin/gutbook/lookup?num=14280
    Mantle Ministries (Elsie Dinsmore Series and Mildred Series)
    http://www.mantlemin.com

    Floridi, Luciano, The Cambridge Handbook of Information and Computer Ethics, ISBN: 9780521888981 0521888980.

    Forsyth, Peter Taylor, Christ on Parnassus: Lectures on Art, Ethic, and Theology, ISBN: 1579100147 9781579100148.

    Fund, John H., Stealing Elections: How Voter Fraud Threatens our Democracy, ISBN: 1594030715 9781594030710 1594030618 9781594030611.

    *Geisler, Norman L., The Christian Ethic of Love, ISBN: 031024921X 9780310249214. Alternative title: THE ETHIC OF CHRISTIAN LOVE, and THE CHRISTIAN LOVE ETHIC. Completely revised by Dr. Geisler in 2012, and forthcoming 2019.
    "Argues that love is an absolute which everything can be measured against. Found this a good response to the situational ethics . . . This book had a great influence on my thinking. . ." -- Reader's Comment
    "Jesus summarized our entire moral duty in two commands: Love God and love others (Matthew 22:37-40). Taking these words seriously, this book constructs the whole Christian Ethic on life-and-death issues in terms of these commands. This book was first published in 1973 as THE CHRISTIAN ETHIC OF LOVE." -- Publisher

    Geisler, Norman L., Christian Ethics: Contemporary Issues and Options, ISBN: 9780801038792 0801038790.
    "In this thorough update of a classic textbook, noted Christian thinker Norman Geisler evaluates contemporary ethical options (such as antinomianism, situation ethics, and legalism) and pressing issues of the day (such as euthanasia, homosexuality, and divorce) from a biblical perspective. The second edition is significantly expanded and updated, with new material and charts throughout the book. There are new chapters on animal rights, sexual ethics, and the biblical basis for ethical decisions, as well as four new appendixes addressing drugs, gambling, pornography, and birth control. The author has significantly updated his discussion of abortion, biomedical ethics, war, and ecology and has expanded the selected readings, bibliography, and glossary" -- Publisher

    Geisler, Norman L., Is man the Measure? An Evaluation of Contemporary Humanism, ISBN: 0801037875 9780801037870.

    Gill, David W., The Word of God in the Ethics of Jacques Ellul, ISBN: 0810816679 9780810816671.

    Grenz, Stanley, Sexual Ethics: A Biblical Perspective, ISBN: 0853648697 9780853648697.
    "Grenz probes theology, ethics, and medical research to present a thorough, contemporary discussion of human sexuality from a Biblical, Christian viewpoint." -- GCB

    Guinn, David E., Handbook of Bioethics and Religion, ISBN: 0195178734 9780195178739.

    *Hammon, T.C., Perfect Freedom: An Introduction to Christian Ethics.

    *Harrison, Roland Kenneth (editor), Encyclopedia of Biblical and Christian Ethics, revised and updated (Testament, March 4, 2003), 480 pages, ISBN: 0517222280.
    "A comprehensive reference work for everyone concerned with the complicated moral issues of this world, this unique volume clearly communicates what Scripture teaches about the ethical dilemmas facing our society. Biological warfare, corporate responsibility, human rights, computer ethics, and much more are discussed by over fifty scholars who explain the moral guidelines in the Bible and historic Christian teachings.
    "R.K. Harrison, author and editor of over thirty books on biblical studies, has brought together a valuable A to B treasury of thought for every believer searching for guidance." -- Publisher
    "A compendium of reliable information. Arranged in dictionary format, 550 entries and 61 contributors. Goes beyond descriptive data to the practical application of truth to a variety of situations . . . . The book is well-indexed. . . . Treats ethical areas like apartheid and surrogate motherhood. Probably the best available evangelical treatment of this type." -- GCB

    Haselden, Kyle, Morality and the Mass Media, ISBN: 0805461116.
    "An important, revealing study of the effect of radio, TV, newspapers, and novels on the moral climate." -- Cyril J. Barber

    *Hasen, Richard L., Voting Wars: From Florida 2000 to the Next Election Meltdown, ISBN: 9780300184211 0300184212.
    "Richard L. Hasen, THE VOTING WARS: FROM FLORIDA 2000 TO THE NEXT ELECTION MELTDOWN, looking at these questions: How did we get here? Why haven't things improved since 2000? How has the rise of the Internet and social media made the potential for a catastrophic electoral meltdown much worse? . . . . The public is hearing a lot of information and misinformation now about states adopting new, tough voter identification wars. THE FRAUDULENT FRAUD SQUAD: UNDERSTANDING THE BATTLE OVER VOTER ID presents an excerpt from THE VOTING WARS for readers who want to get an immediate handle on the partisan fight over these controversial new voting requirements. Are they really needed to prevent fraud? Will they suppress the votes of thousands of Democratic voters? The answers might surprise you." -- Publisher

    Hauerwas, Stanley, and Samuel Wells, The Blackwell Companion to Christian Ethics, ISBN: 063123506X 9780631235064.

    Henry, Carl F.H., Christian Personal Ethics, ISBN: 1565635604 9781565635609.

    Himma, Herman T. (editor), Herman T. Tavani (editor), The Handbook of Information and Computer Ethics, 704 pages, ISBN: 0471799599 9780471799597.
    "This handbook provides an accessible overview of the most important issues in information and computer ethics. It covers: foundational issues and methodological frameworks; theoretical issues affecting property, privacy, anonymity, and security; professional issues and the information-related professions; responsibility issues and risk assessment; regulatory issues and challenges; access and equity issues. Each chapter explains and evaluates the central positions and arguments on the respective issues, and ends with a bibliography that identifies the most important supplements available on the topic.
    "Discover how developments in information technology are raising new ethical debates
    "Information and computer ethics has emerged as an important area of philosophical and social theorizing, combining conceptual, meta-ethical, normative, and applied elements. As a result, academic interest in this area has increased dramatically, particularly in computer science, philosophy, and communications departments; business schools; information and library schools; and law schools.
    "THE HANDBOOK OF INFORMATION AND COMPUTER ETHICS responds to this growing interest with twenty-seven chapters that address both traditional and current issues in information and computer ethics research. It is organized into six parts:
    Foundational Issues and Methodological Frameworks
    Theoretical Issues Affecting Property, Privacy, Anonymity, and Security
    Professional Issues and the Information-Related Professions Responsibility Issues and Risk Assessment
    Regulatory Issues and Challenges
    Access and Equity Issues
    "Each chapter, written by one or more of the most influential ethicists in their fields of expertise, explains and evaluates the central positions and arguments on the respective issues. Chapters end with a bibliography that identifies the most important supplementary books and papers available on the topic.
    "This handbook provides an accessible, yet sophisticated, overview of the most important issues we face in information and computer ethics today. It is an ideal supplemental text for advanced undergraduate- and graduate-level courses in information and computer ethics, and is also of interest to readers who are involved in library science, computer science, or philosophy.
    "Kenneth Einar Himma, Ph.D., JD, is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Seattle Pacific University. His research interests include legal philosophy, applied ethics, information ethics, and computer ethics. Dr. Himma has authored more than 100 scholarly articles, encyclopedia entries, book reviews, and op-ed newspaper pieces, as well as a book, INTERNET SECURITY: HACKING, COUNTERHACKING, AND SOCIETY.
    Herman T. Tavani, Ph.D., is Professor of Philosophy at Rivier College (New Hampshire), and President of the International Society for Ethics and Information Technology (INSEIT). He also holds appointments as a visiting lecturer at Boston College and as a visiting scholar at the Harvard School of Public Health. Professor Tavani is the author, editor, or coeditor of five books, including ETHICS AND TECHNOLOGY (Wiley), now in its second edition." -- Publisher

    Holmes, Arthur Frank, Biblical Justice.
    "Wheaton College professor Arthur Holmes lectures on the concept of Biblical justice, urging the teaching of its principles to students to apply in the world of business." -- Publisher

    Holmes, Arthur Frank, Ethics, Approaching Moral Decisions, ISBN: 0877843422 9780877843429 0851107249 9780851107240.

    Holmes, Arthur Frank, Fact, Value, and God, ISBN: 0802843123 9780802843128.
    "This book began as an attempt to explore historical ways of grounding moral values objectively in the nature of reality. Unconvinced that we live in a value-free universe, that fact and value are ultimately interrelated, or that we have to create all our own values rather that discovering the good, I wanted to explore the fact-value connection in the larger context of metaphysical and theological views. What emerged is a more pervasive linkage than I had anticipated between religious and moral beliefs. . . . But the claim that values are somehow objective, 'out there,' is a legacy on which we still need to draw." -- Arthur Holmes

    *Holmes, Arthur (editor), War and Christian Ethics: Classic Readings on the Morality of War, ISBN: 0801041708 9780801041709.

    Hopkins, Mark, The Law of Love and Love as a Law: or, Christian Ethics, ISBN: 0404591973.

    Hopkins, Mark, The Law of Love and Love as a Law: or Moral Science, Theoretical and Practical, ISBN: 1330292324 9781330292327.

    *Hopkins, Rev. Mark, D.D., The Sabbath and Free Institutions. A Paper Read Before the National Sabbath Convention, Saratoga, Aug. 13, 1863. On Invitation of the New York Sabbath Committee.
    "Hopkins argues three points, 1. That a religious observance of the Sabbath, or, as it may be called by way of distinction, the religious Sabbath, would secure the permanence of free institutions [civil governments], 2. That without the Sabbath religiously observed, the permanence of free institutions cannot be secured, and 3. That the civil, as based on the religious Sabbath, is an institution to which society has a natural right, precisely as it has to property." -- Wurth Books
    "These propositions were demonstrated by a process of reasoning simple and irresistible, and, we may add, majestic. The third of these propositions, viz.: That society has a natural right to the civil Sabbath, is one of special interest and importance. It furnishes a firm foundation on which to rest rights and duty of the community to protect the Sabbath by civil legislation." -- Charles Hodge, D.D., of Princeton, reporting to The National Sabbath Convention, 1863, p. 19, "The Sabbath and Free Institutions." Charles Hodge and his son, A.A. Hodge, are considered to be two of the finest theologians produced by America.
    "Mark Hopkins, educator, b. in Stockbridge, Mass., 4 Feb., 1802; d. in Williamstown, Mass., 17 June, 1887. He was a grandson of Col. Mark, of the Revolutionary army, a graduate of Yale, and the first lawyer in Berkshire county, who was a younger brother of Dr. Samuel, the theologian, and married to a half-sister of Ephraim Williams, the founder of Williams College. He was graduated at Williams in 1824, with the valedictory, was a tutor in that college in 1825-7, studied medicine at the same time, and was graduated at the Berkshire medical school in 1829. He began practice in New York city, but in 1830 was called to the chair of moral philosophy and rhetoric at Williams. He was licensed to preach in 1832. In 1836 he succeeded Dr. Edward D. Griffin as president of the college, which post he held until 1872, when he resigned, though retaining the chair of moral and intellectual philosophy, which was established for him in 1836, and that of Christian theology, which he assumed in 1858. The pastorate of the college church, on which he entered in 1836, he retained till 1883. He became president of the American board of commissioners for foreign missions in 1857. He received the degree of D.D. from Dartmouth in 1837, and Harvard in 1841, and that of LL.D. from the University of the state of New York in 1857, and from Harvard at its 259th anniversary in 1886.
    "President Hopkins had a large influence for good, and was much beloved by his pupils, many of whom became eminent men, among them James A. Garfield. He was one of the most acute students of moral science that this country has produced since Jonathan Edwards. The last and fullest expression of his philosophical system is found the works entitled THE LAW OF LOVE AND LOVE AS THE LAW [CHRISTIAN ETHICS], ISBN: 9781429017824 1429017821, and AN OUTLINE STUDY OF MAN [AN OUTLINE STUDY OF MAN, or, THE BODY AND MIND IN ONE SYSTEM WITH ILLUSTRATIVE DIAGRAMS, AND A METHOD FOR BLACKBOARD TEACHING, New York: Scribner, 1887, c1886], both extensively used as textbooks, and the latter illustrating his methods in the classroom." -- Appleton's Cyclopedia of American Biography, 1888.
    The Sabbath and Free Institutions
    http://www.lettermen2.com/hopkins.html

    Imhoff, Dan, CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation): The Tragedy of Industrial Animal Factories, ISBN: 9781601090584 1601090587.
    "CAFO: THE TRAGEDY OF INDUSTRIAL ANIMAL FACTORIES provides an unprecedented view of concentrated animal feeding operations, where increasing amounts of the world's meat, milk, eggs, and seafood are produced. As the photos and essays in this powerful book demonstrate, the rise of the CAFO industry around the world has become one of the most pressing issues of our time. Industrial livestock production is now a leading source of climate-changing emissions, a source of both freshwater and ocean pollution, and a significant contributor to diet-related diseases such as obesity and the spread of food-borne illnesses. The intensive concentration of animals in such crammed and filthy conditions dependent on antibiotic medicines and steady streams of subsidized industrial feeds poses serious moral and ethical concerns for all of us." -- Publisher

    Kaiser, Jr., Walter C., Toward old Testament Ethics, ISBN: 0310371112 9780310371113.
    "Biblical ethics is a subject that has been almost totally neglected in this century. Only six men have written a major work on Old Testament ethics in the last hundred years, and only two of these works, both written before 1900, are in English. This lack of materials on Old Testament ethics serves to underscore the significance of Walter Kaiser's TOWARD OLD TESTAMENT ETHICS. Dr. Kaiser has no illusions about providing a simple solution to questions of Old Testament ethics. He is familiar with the complexities of this subject and begins his work in Part I by addressing such questions as: How can ethics be defined? Is there an overarching structure to ethics as presented in the Old Testament, or is there only an unrelated series of laws? Do ethics of the Old Testament have any relevance for us today? What are the exegetical principles to be used in a study of Old Testament ethics? Part II examines the moral texts of the Old Testament, in particular the Decalogue, the book of the covenant (Exodus 20:22 -- 23:33 [Exodus 23:33]), and the law of holiness (Leviticus 18 -- Exodus 20). Dr. Kaiser unfolds the intention of these various laws, showing how they relate to each other and form a framework for ethics. Part III explores the content of Old Testament ethics, namely, how holiness relates to worship, work, relationship, social justice, the sanctity of life, marriage and sex, wealth, use of the truth, and motives for action. Moral difficulties in the Old Testament present stumbling blocks to many who read these books. How are we to relate to a God who, at times, seems fickle, deceptive, and hateful? How are we to champion the offensive view of women and slaves, the particulars of God choosing Israel, and the imprecations that appear from time to time in the biblical texts? Responses to these and other difficulties from Part IV. The book concludes with a discussion of Old Testament law and New Testament believers. Dr. Kaiser shows how these laws, written thousands of years ago, still challenge God's people to live holy lives.
    "Walter C. Kaiser Jr. (Ph.D., Brandeis University), is distinguished professor emeritus of Old Testament and president emeritus of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, Massachusetts. Dr. Kaiser has written over 40 books, including TOWARD AN EXEGETICAL THEOLOGY: BIBLICAL EXEGESIS FOR PREACHING AND TEACHING; THE MESSIAH IN THE OLD TESTAMENT; and THE PROMISE-PLAN OF GOD; and co-authored AN INTRODUCTION TO BIBLICAL HERMENEUTICS: THE SEARCH FOR MEANING. Dr. Kaiser and his wife, Marge, currently reside at Kerith Farm in Cedar Grove, Wisconsin. Dr. Kaiser's website is www.walterckaiserjr.com." -- Publisher

    Kassirer, Jerome P., On the Take: How Medicine's Complicity With big Business can Endanger Your Health, ISBN: 1423746694 9781423746690.
    "We all know that doctors accept gifts from drug companies, ranging from pens and coffee mugs to free vacations at luxurious resorts. But as the former Editor-in-Chief of The New England Journal of Medicine reveals in this shocking exposé, these innocuous-seeming gifts are just the tip of an iceberg that is distorting the practice of medicine and jeopardizing the health of millions of Americans today. In ON THE TAKE, Dr. Jerome Kassirer offers an unsettling look at the pervasive payoffs that physicians take from big drug companies and other medical suppliers, arguing that the billion-dollar onslaught of industry money has deflected many physicians' moral compasses and directly impacted the everyday care we receive from the doctors and institutions we trust most. Underscored by countless chilling untold stories, the book illuminates the financial connections between the wealthy companies that make drugs and the doctors who prescribe them. Kassirer details the shocking extent of these financial enticements and explains how they encourage bias, promote dangerously misleading medical information, raise the cost of medical care, and breed distrust. A brilliant diagnosis of an epidemic of greed, ON THE TAKE offers insight into how we can cure the medical profession and restore our trust in doctors and hospitals." -- Publisher

    Keen, Michael, and Stephen Smith, VAT Fraud and Evasion: What do we Know, and What can be Done?

    *Kevan, Ernest F., The Grace of Law: A Study of Puritan Theology.
    "First published in 1963 this excellent study of the beliefs of the Puritans is again available. This detailed study of the Ten Commandments and how the Puritans understood them for their day does provide many answers to the moral weakness and indifference of our day." -- GCB

    *Kevan, Ernest F., Moral Law, ISBN: 0875522998 9780875522999.

    Kilpatrick, William, Why Johnny Can't Tell Right From Wrong, ISBN: 0671870734 9780671870737.

    Knudsen, Robert D., Ethics and Birth Control.

    Kohn, Bob, Journalistic Fraud: How the New York Times Distorts the News and why it can no Longer be Trusted, ISBN: 0785261044 9780785261049.
    "Demonstrates how The New York Times slants the presentation of straight news to fit its liberal editorial bias, discusses the influence of such manipulation on other news agencies, and reveals the methods used to disguise opinion as fact." -- Publisher

    Korsgaard, Christine M., Fellow Creatures: Our Obligations to the Other Animals, ISBN: 9780191815416 0191815411 9780191068379 0191068373 9780191068386 0191068381. Uehiro series in practical ethics.
    "Christine M. Korsgaard presents a compelling new view of our moral relationships to the other animals. She offers challenging answers to such questions as: Are people superior to animals, and does it matter morally if we are? Is it all right for us to eat animals, experiment on them, make them work for us, and keep them as pets?" -- Publisher

    *Kurtz, David R., Paul Kurtz, and David R Koepsell, Science and Ethics: Can Science Help us Make Wise Moral Judgments? ISBN: 9781591025375 1591025370.

    Larson, John L., The Market Revolution in America: Liberty, Ambition, and the Eclipse of the Common Good, ISBN: 9780521883658 0521883652 9780521709897 052170989X.

    *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

    Lewis, Paul, 40 Ways to Teach Your Child Values: Honesty, Managing Money, Making Good Choices, Controlling TV, Courage, ISBN: 0310216990 9780310216995.

    Lindsley, Arthur W., Jr., Conscience and Casuistry in the English Puritan Concept of Reformation (University of Pittsburgh, Ph.D. thesis, 1982).
    "This study also argues that it is in the Puritan view of conscience and casuistry that we have a key to the uniqueness of Puritanism. The passion of Puritans like Perkins and Ames was the application of theology to life. It is in their view of conscience and casuistry that theology and practice meet. . . . It is also argued that there has been a failure to recognize the centrality of conscience in Puritan preaching. Preaching was directed at the conscience. The Puritan 'plain' style was thought the most adequate method for penetrating the conscience. . . ." -- Dissertation Abstracts

    Long, Edward Le Roy, Conscience and Compromise: An Approach to Protestant Casuistry.

    Long, Edward Le Roy, A Survey of Recent Christian Ethics, ISBN: 0195031598 9780195031591.

    Long, Edward Le Roy, War and Conscience in America.

    Luther, Martin (1483-1546), Charles M. Jacobs, and Covenanted Reformed Presbyterian Church (York, PA), On Trading and Usury, 1524; And the Treatise on Usury, 1519 and 1520.

    MacPherson, Hector, The Covenanters Under Persecution: A Study of Their Religious and Ethical Thought, 1923.

    Makary, Marty, Unaccountable: What Hospitals Won't Tell you and how Transparency can Revolutionize Health Care, ISBN: 9781608198368 1608198367.
    "Dr. Marty Makary is co-developer of the life-saving checklist outlined in Atul Gawande's bestselling THE CHECKLIST MANIFESTO. As a busy surgeon who has worked in many of the best hospitals in the nation, he can testify to the amazing power of modern medicine to cure. But he's also been a witness to a medical culture that routinely leaves surgical sponges inside patients, amputates the wrong limbs, and overdoses children because of sloppy handwriting. Over the last ten years, neither error rates nor costs have come down, despite scientific progress and efforts to curb expenses. Why? To patients, the healthcare system is a black box. Doctors and hospitals are unaccountable, and the lack of transparency leaves both bad doctors and systemic flaws unchecked. Patients need to know more of what healthcare workers know, so they can make informed choices. Accountability in healthcare would expose dangerous doctors, reward good performance, and force positive change nationally, using the power of the free market. UNACCOUNTABLE is a powerful, no-nonsense, non-partisan diagnosis for healing our hospitals and reforming our broken healthcare system." -- Publisher

    Malone, Samuel A., Greed, Fraud, Lies, Bribery and Corruption: A Guide to Organizational Ethics, ISBN: 9781852525774 1852525770, 250 pages.

    Martin, Mike W., From Morality to Mental Health: Virtue and Vice in a Therapeutic Culture, ISBN: 0195304713 9780195304718.
    "In this wide-ranging, accessible book, Mike W. Martin asks: are we replacing morality with therapy, in potentially confused and dangerous ways, or are we creatively integrating morality and mental health? According to him, it's a little bit of both. He surveys the ways in which morality and mental health are related, touching on practical concerns like love and work, self-respect and self-fulfillment, guilt and depression, crime and violence, and addictions. Terming this integrative development "the therapeutic trend in ethics," Martin uses examples from popular culture, various moral controversies, and draws on a line of thought that includes Plato, the Stoics, Freud, Nietzsche, and contemporary psychotherapeutic theories. Martin develops some interesting conclusions, among them that sound morality is indeed healthy, and that moral values are inevitably embedded in our conceptions of mental health. In the end, he shows how both morality and mental health are inextricably intertwined in our pursuit of a meaningful life. This book will be of interest to philosophers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and sociologists, as well as the general reader." -- Publisher

    *Mason, Archibald (d. 1831), Observations on the Public Covenants Betwixt God and the Church: A Discourse (1799). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
    Contents: Observations on the public covenants betwixt God and the church / Archibald Mason -- Paleopresbyterianism vs. neopresbyterianism / Michael Wagner -- Permanence of covenant obligation -- The preface and bibliography to the rare bound photocopy: obligation of social covenanting -- The binding nature of national covenants with God -- The Solemn League and Covenant -- Guide for studying the Westminster Confession, in suggested order of reading -- Terms of ministerial and Christian communion in the Reformed Presbyterian Church -- Corporate sanctification: holding fast the attainments of Reformation / John Brown -- What is a moral person? How God views the church and the nations / David Scott, John Cunningham, and George Smeaton -- A hind let loose / Alexander Shields -- Of separation from corrupt churches -- Old landmarks -- confession and testimony.
    What is a Moral Person? How God Views the Church and the Nations, David Scott, John Cunningham, and George Smeaton
    http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/moral.htm
    Observations on the Public Covenants, Betwixt God and the Church, -- Archibald Mason (d. 1831)
    http://archive.org/details/spiritualillumin00maso

    Maston, Thomas B., Biblical Ethics, ISBN: 0865543127 9780865543126.
    "A thoughtful and comprehensive survey of Biblical ethics, with the major emphasis on the ethical unity of the Bible. The author is convinced that the dynamic and ethical unity of the Bible are derived from the nature of God, whose grace and truth are discoverable in the message and ministry of Christ." -- Cyril J. Barber

    McChesney, Fred S., Money for Nothing: Politicians, Rent Extraction, and Political Extortion, ISBN: 0674583302 9780674583306, 240 pages.
    "Surveys reveal that a majority of Americans believe government is run for special interests, not public interest. The increased presence and power of lobbyists in Washington and the excesses of PAC and campaign contributions, in-kind benefits, and other favors would seem to indicate a government of weak public servants corrupted by big private-interest groups.
    "But as Fred McChesney shows, this perspective affords only a partial understanding of why private interests are paying, and what they are paying for. Consider, for example, Citicorp, the nation's largest banking company, whose registered lobbyists spend most of their time blocking legislation that could hurt any one of the company's credit-card, loan, or financial-service operations. What this scenario suggests, the author argues, is that payments to politicians are often made not for political favors, but to avoid political disfavor, that is, as part of a system of political extortion or 'rent extraction.'
    "The basic notion of rent extraction is simple: because the state can legally take wealth from its citizens, politicians can extort from private parties payments not to expropriate private wealth. In that sense, rent (that is, wealth), extraction is 'money for nothing' -- money paid in exchange for politicians' inaction. After constructing this model of wealth extraction, McChesney tests it with many examples, including several involving routine proposals of tax legislation, followed by withdrawal for a price. He also shows how the model applies more generally to regulation. Finally, he examines how binding contracts are written between private interests and politicians not to extract wealth.
    "This book, standing squarely at the intersection of law, political science, and economics, vividly illustrates the patterns of legal extortion underlying the current fabric of interest-group politics.
    "Fred S. McChesney is Professor of Law at the Cornell Law School." -- Publisher
    "To support his view that rent extraction imposes enormous costs on the economy, McChesney provides a wealth of evidence from recent policy debates. For example, he cites the United States Federal Trade Commission's efforts -- at the request of Congress -- to impose warranty and defect disclosure requirements on used car dealers as an attempt by individual members of Congress to obtain campaign contributions in exchange for voiding the rules. In this instance, he provides statistics on contributions made by the National Auto Dealers' Association to members of Congress who voted to repeal the regulations. In discussing the Supreme Court's response to the wheeling and dealing, he points out that the dealers were essentially tricked into paying to repeal legislation that Congress never intended to enact anyway.
    "On the Clinton health care plan, he states that stock prices of pharmaceutical firms began to fall before the policy was formally proposed. He emphasizes that investors knew that once price controls became an issue, the firms involved would have to spend money fighting the legislation by making campaign contributions. Thus, the firms were expected to lose enormous sums of money whether or not the bill was actually passed. Most importantly, he points out that the firms were never able to recover any of the money they lost in the process.
    "In addition to legislative threats to impose price caps, he cites situations in which politicians threaten to repeal existing price caps to obtain contributions. For example, he states that proposals to raise admission fees at Yellowstone National Park have met with resistance from local merchants and users who benefit from lower prices. In other words, politicians can even threaten regulatory systems that they inherited from previous regimes in order to extract contributions from the firms that benefit from those systems. . . ." -- Reader's Comment

    McKinney, James, A View of the Rights of God and man in Some Sermons, Matthew 22:21, 1833.

    *McLeod (M'Leod), Alexander (1774-1833), A Scriptural View of the Character, Causes, and Ends of the Present War (1815), 224 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "Though having the war of 1812 (to 1815), between the United States and Britain, in view, the author notes that 'the principles which I have laid down, and enforced in these sermons, are not, however, of mere temporary interest. Whether in peace, or at war, they are of importance to a Christian community. There are the permanent principles of social order and public equity.'
    Chapter headings include: 'The Right Discussing of Public Affairs,' dealing with why 'Ministers have the right of discussing from the pulpit those political question which affect Christian morals' and 'The Moral Character of the U.S. Federal Constitution;' The Moral Character of the Two Belligerents' (i.e. the national character, as moral persons, of both the United States and Britain); 'The Lawfulness of Defensive War;' 'The Present War,' dealing with how 'War in Defence of Property, Liberty, and National Independence and Honour is Lawful: and (How) Defensive War May Be for Precaution, Resistance, or Redress;' and 'The Ends for Which God in His Providence Permits the Existence of this War.' M'Leod concludes this work with these stirring words, 'the most faithful of Reformers with patriotic ardour contended with the sword in defence of their civil and religious liberties. Ulric Zwingle, the morning-star of the reformation, fell in battle at Zurich, 1530, at the commencement of the strife against arbitrary power; and towards the close of the struggle which terminated in the overthrow of the purest of the churches (i.e. the covenanted Presbyterian Church of Scotland -- RB), Richard Cameron fell at Airsmoss, 1680, while defending, as a Christian hero, the religion and liberties of his country, against the tyranny of the bishops, and the royal house of Stuart . . . If I claim a place among consistent Protestants, I must testify against all the acts of anti-Christian power. If I follow the steps which are died by the blood of the Martyrs, I must raise my voice against the thrones which shed that blood. If the Bible is my system of religion, and of social order, I must disclaim attachment to those powers that are hostile to evangelical doctrine'." -- Publisher

    *McMaster (M'Master), Gilbert (1778-1854), The Duty of Nations: A Sermon, Delivered on the First Thursday of November, 1809: Being a day of Public Thanks-giving, Appointed by the Reformed Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, 1809. Available from Covenanter Pamphlets.
    The pamphlet includes TESTIMONY TO THE COVENANTED WORK OF REFORMATION (FROM 1638 TO 1649), IN BRITAIN AND IRELAND by Samuel Rutherfurd. [Rutherford]
    Covenanter Monthly Pamphlets
    http://covenanter.org/pamphlets/
    The Duty of the Nations, 1810, a sermon.
    http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/gilbert-mcmasters-sermon-on-the-duty-of-nations

    McMillan (M'Millan), II, John (1729-1808), Sermon on "Moral law Established by Faith in the Gospel." Available in John MacMillan (1729-1808), and James Renwick (1662-1688), A COLLECTION OF LETTERS, CONSISTING OF NINETY-THREE: SIXTY-ONE OF WHICH WROTE [SIC] BY THE REV. MR. JAMES RENWICK; THE REMAINDER, BY THE REV. MESSRS. JOHN LIVINGSTON, JOHN BROWN, JOHN KING, DONALD CARGIL, RICHARD CAMERON, ALEX. PEDEN, AND ALEX. SHIELDS. ALSO A FEW BY MR. MICHAEL SHIELDS, AT THE DIRECTION OF THE GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE: FROM THE YEARS 1663 TO 1689 INCLUSIVE. CONTAINING MANY REMARKABLE OCCURRENCES HITHERTO UNKNOWN IN THAT PERIOD. WHEREIN IS DISCOVERED THE TRUE STATE OF THE CAUSE AND TESTIMONY AT THAT TIME, 1764.
    http://archive.org/details/collectionoflett00macm

    *McMillan (M'Millan), II, John (1729-1808), and John Thorburn (Minister of the Gospel 1730?-1788), Vindiciae Magistratus: or, The Divine Institution and Right of the Civil Magistrate Vindicated: Wherein are Properly Stated and Ascertained The True Nature and Extent of the Moral Power of Civil Society and Magistracy, Legislative and Executive; The Just Instituted Authority of Magistrates; The Inviolableness of Just Human Laws and Constitutions in General, and Particularly Those of Scotland; The Natural and Unalienable Rights of Individuals in, or With Respect of Civil Society; And, the True Causes From Which a Moral Relation Flows, and Upon Which a Moral Obligation is Founded, &c. Against the truly factious and immoral doctrine of John Thomson (Burgher associate), minister of the Gospel at Donagbhclony in Ireland, now at Kirkintilloch near Glasgow, maintained in his pretended confutation of the principles of the reformed presbytery, in a pamphlet intituled (sic) The Presbyterian covenanter displayed in his political principles, and the impostor detected. By John Thorburn, minister of the Gospel at Pentland. To which is subjoined, by way of appendix, A vindication of the constitution of the reformed presbytery, and of the character, ministerial mission and authority of the Rev. Mr. John M'Millan Senior [McMillan, John I, 1669?-1753], deceased, from the groundless cavils of Mr. W.W. and Seceders, by his son. The whole being humbly offered as an apologetical representation and defence of the principles of said presbytery, and of their people, commonly known by the names of Old Dissenters, Cameronians, &c. Against the injurious charges and false imputations cast upon them, first by the established Church of Scotland, and then by the Secession. Alternate titles: DIVINE INSTITUTION AND RIGHT OF THE CIVIL MAGISTRATE VINDICATED PRESBYTERIAN-COVENANTER DISPLAYED IN HIS POLITICAL PRINCIPLES, AND THE IMPOSTER DETECTED VINDICATION OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REFORMED PRESBYTERY, and DEFENDING THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN POSITION ON THE CIVIL MAGISTRATE, 1781. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.
    MacMillan II, John, A Vindication of the Ministerial Authority of John MacMillan I, and of the Reformed Presbytery
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/mcmillan/mcmillan_vindication_mcmillan_1773.html

    McQuilkin, Robertson, An Introduction to Biblical Ethics, ISBN: 0842317317 9780842317313, 560 pages.
    "McQuilkin encourages Christians and non-Christians alike to avoid the trap of seeing the Bible as dry history or 'nice words.' God's Word should be the driving force behind morality." -- Publisher

    Meeks, Wayne, A., The Moral World of the First Christians, ISBN: 0664250149 9780664250140.
    "Anyone wishing to do constructive Christian ethics cannot help but be informed by this substantial contribution." -- GCB

    Michaels, David, Doubt is Their Product: How Industry's Assault on Science Threatens Your Health, ISBN: 9780195300673 019530067X.
    " 'Doubt is our product,' a cigarette executive once observed, 'since it is the best means of competing with the 'body of fact' that exists in the minds of the general public. It is also the means of establishing a controversy.'
    "In this eye-opening expose, David Michaels reveals how the tobacco industry's duplicitous tactics spawned a multimillion dollar industry that is dismantling public health safeguards. Product defense consultants, he argues, have increasingly skewed the scientific literature, manufactured and magnified scientific uncertainty, and influenced policy decisions to the advantage of polluters and the manufacturers of dangerous products. To keep the public confused about the hazards posed by global warming, second-hand smoke, asbestos, lead, plastics, and many other toxic materials, industry executives have hired unscrupulous scientists and lobbyists to dispute scientific evidence about health risks. In doing so, they have not only delayed action on specific hazards, but they have constructed barriers to make it harder for lawmakers, government agencies, and courts to respond to future threats. The Orwellian strategy of dismissing research conducted by the scientific community as 'junk science' and elevating science conducted by product defense specialists to 'sound science' status also creates confusion about the very nature of scientific inquiry and undermines the public's confidence in science's ability to address public health and environmental concerns Such reckless practices have long existed, but Michaels argues that the Bush administration deepened the dysfunction by virtually handing over regulatory agencies to the very corporate powers whose products and behavior they are charged with overseeing.
    "In DOUBT IS THEIR PRODUCT Michaels proves, beyond a doubt, that our regulatory system has been broken. He offers concrete, workable suggestions for how it can be restored by taking the politics out of science and ensuring that concern for public safety, rather than private profits, guides our regulatory policy.
    "David Michaels is a scientist and former government regulator. During the Clinton Administration, he served as Assistant Secretary of Energy for Environment, Safety and Health, responsible for protecting the health and safety of the workers, neighboring communities, and the environment surrounding the nation's nuclear weapons factories. He currently directs the Project on Scientific Knowledge and Public Policy at The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services. In 2006, he received the American Association for the Advancement of Science's Scientific Freedom and Responsibility Award for his work on behalf of nuclear weapons workers and for advocacy for scientific integrity." -- Publisher
    "Conflicts of interest among members of EPA review panels have weakened governmental safety standards on toxic chemicals in the environment and in everyday consumer products. Outrage over long-standing reliance on 'science for hire' by the chemical industry has prompted Congress to investigate EPA's procedures for reviewing toxic chemicals, including PBDE flame retardants and bisphenol A. These examples are just a small window into how great the tampering and influence of the chemical industry has been over EPA regulation of toxic chemicals. A new book by David Michaels, an epidemiologist and the director of the Project on Scientific Knowledge and Public Policy at The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, documents a seemingly endless list of examples of mercenary scientists misleading the general public and the regulatory community about the true dangers of chemical exposures, starting from lead, asbestos, and tobacco, and continuing to chromium, berillium, perchlorate, benzene, plastics chemicals, and various other environmental and occupational health hazards.
    "The book is a must-read for anyone who cares about the best application of science in the interests of promoting public health. For a great review, readers can also go to the article by Newsweek's Sharon Begley, 'Whitewashing Toxic Chemicals.'
    "One stunning quote from the book describes the tricks of the trade that industry lobby and product defense firms use to derail the regulatory process: 'They profit by helping corporations minimize public health and environmental protection and fight claims of injury and illness. In field after field, year after year, this same handful of individuals and companies comes up again and again . . . They have on their payrolls (or can bring in on a moment's notice), toxicologists, epidemiologists, biostatisticians, risk assessors, and any other professionally trained, media-savvy experts deemed necessary. They and the larger, wealthier industries for which they work go through the motions we expect of the scientific enterprise, salting the literature with their questionable reports and studies. Nevertheless, it is all a charade. The work has one overriding motivation: advocacy for the sponsor's position in civil court, the court of public opinion, and the regulatory arena [where these studies benefit their sponsors], not because they are good work that the regulatory agencies have to take seriously but because they clog the machinery and slow down the process. Public health interests are beside the point. Follow the science wherever it leads? Not quite. This is science for hire, period, and it is extremely lucrative.'
    "Only by discovering the facts behind the scene and by bringing to light the true motivation of profit-driven public relations campaigns can we promote and defend the health of the environment and the safety of consumer products. For a veteran in the subject who may have participated in some of the struggles described in DEFENDING SCIENCE, or for a new member of the environmental and occupational health community, this book is a great introduction to the state of the field -- and the battles ahead that still need to be fought." -- Reader's Comment

    Miller, Debra A., et al., US Government Corruption, ISBN: 9780737756227 0737756225 9780737756234 0737756233.
    "Contents: How serious is government corruption in the United States? America's democracy is now fundamentally corrupted / Lawrence Lessig | Political corruption played a large role in health care reform / Jonathan Weiler | Government corruption in America is on the rise / Joseph Schuman | Corporations are still prohibited from making direct contributions to political campaigns / Warren Richey, Linda Feldmann | Money did not buy votes in the 2010 midterm congressional elections / Robert Frank | Is corruption destroying the US financial system? There is rampant corruption on Wall Street / Michael Snyder | Financial deregulation by a corrupt congress and the executive branch led to the US financial meltdown / Essential Information and the Consumer Education Foundation | President Barack Obama is continuing to empower corrupt Wall Street insiders / Glenn Greenwald | Legislative reforms will control Wall Street excesses / Barack Obama | Financial reforms are under way to make the US financial system stronger / Timothy F. Geithner | Will the Citizens United decision lead to more government corruption? Overview: The Supreme Court, the First Amendment, and government corruption / Lela Gray | The US Supreme Court has upheld institutional government corruption / Aminu Gamawa | The Supreme Court weakened the definition of government corruption / Heather K. Gerken | The Citizens United ruling will increase corruption in the US government / David P. Hamilton | The Citizens United decision undermines US democracy by legitimizing corruption / Fred Wertheimer | The Supreme Court was correct not to restrict political speech / Glenn Greenwald | Corporate campaign spending gives corporations little influence over government / Sheldon Richman | The Citizens United decision involved issues of speech, not contributions to candidates / John Samples | What are the remedies for US government corruption? More extensive financial reform will be needed to fix Wall Street / Rob Weissman | The financial crisis creates an opportunity for fundamental economic reform / David Korten | The DISCLOSE Act provides transparency for corporate political advertising / Chris Van Hollen, Mike Castle | The DISCLOSE Act infringes on corporate free speech / Tom Donohue | The Fair Elections Now Act can help restore public confidence in congress / Lawrence Lessig | President Barack Obama should follow FDR's example and oppose corporate interests / Johann Hari | It is unlikely that the corruption of American politics can be reversed / Godfrey Hodgson." -- Publisher

    Moore, Gary D., The Thoughtful Christian's Guide to Investing, ISBN: 0310531314 9780310531319.
    "Moore, a senior vice-president of a major Wall Street investment firm, calls investors back to basic and fundamental Christian ethics. In great detail, he guides the investor through the myriad of options." -- GCB

    Morecraft, Joseph C., III, Authentic Christianity: An Exposition of the Theology and Ethics of the Westminster Larger Catechism, 5 volumes, ISBN: 9780984064137 0984064133.
    "Not since 1731 has the Reformed world seen a comprehensive commentary on . . . THE WESTMINSTER LARGER CATECHISM. Even that earlier two-volume masterpiece by Thomas Ridgeley does not rival the depth and breadth of this contribution to Reformed doctrine provided by Rev. Joseph C. Morecraft, III. Culminating a lifetime of learning, preaching, and pastoral care, this five-volume work incorporates the most stalwart of Reformed theology from recent centuries as well as past masters, and exegetes the teachings of the CATECHISM through potent insight, consistent application, and relentless recourse to God's Word. In a time when the church faces many doctrinal challenges, Morecraft's commentary calls her back to the foundations of the Reformed faith, directing her to the spiritual power of God's Word as taught in the LARGER CATECHISM. In a time when even the Reformed lose heart and begin to tinker and modify their understanding of their own standards, Morecraft's commentary directs us to a clear confession of faith. In these volumes, AUTHENTIC CHRISTIANITY: AN EXPOSITION OF THE THEOLOGY AND ETHICS OF THE WESTMINSTER LARGER CATECHISM, as he demonstrates, we find relevant solution to the challenges we face, and the power to transform individuals, families, and entire cultures today." -- Publisher

    Muirhead, John H., The Elements of Ethics: An Introduction to Moral Philosophy.

    *Murray, John (1898-1975), Principles of Conduct, ISBN: 0802811442 9780802811448.
    "This is a far-ranging book with a recurring emphasis on the majestic moral demands of Scripture and the relation of the Gospel to those demands. Scripture teaching is lucidly brought to bear on vital ethical issues such as marriage, work as a calling, capital punishment, the sanctity of truth, and the fear of God. Undoubtedly this is the foremost contemporary book in the field." -- William J. Grier

    *O'Neil, Cathy, Weapons of Math Destruction: How big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy, ISBN: 9780141985411 0141985410.
    "In today's world, if you want to change your fate you've got to pray at the altar of the algorithm . . . As math guru Cathy O'Neil argues in her newest book, these models are just the latest way America's institutions perpetuate bias and prejudice to reward the rich and keep the poor, well, poor. It's a nuanced reminder that big data is only as good as the people wielding it." -- Wired
    "Data is not going away. Nor are computers -- much less mathematics. Predictive models are, increasingly, the tools we will be relying on to run our institutions, deploy our resources, and manage our lives. But as I've tried to show throughout this book, these models are constructed not just from data, but from the choices we make about which data to pay attention to -- and which to leave out. Those choices are not just about logistics, profits, and efficiency. They are fundamentally moral." -- Cathy O'Neil
    "Cathy O'Neil has seen Big Data from the inside, and the picture isn't pretty. WEAPONS OF MATH DESTRUCTION opens the curtain on algorithms that exploit people and distort the truth while posing as neutral mathematical tools. This book is wise, fierce, and desperately necessary." -- Jordan Ellenberg, author of How not to be Wrong
    "Often we don't even know where to look for those important algorithms, because by definition the most dangerous ones are also the most secretive. That's why the catalogue of case studies in O'Neil's book are so important; she's telling us where to look." -- Guardian
    "O'Neil has become a whistle-blower for the world of Big Data . . . Her work makes particularly disturbing points about how being on the wrong side of an algorithmic decision can snowball in incredibly destructive ways." -- Time
    "O'Neil is an ideal person to write this book . . . She is one of the strongest voices speaking out for limiting the ways we allow algorithms to influence our lives and against the notion that an algorithm, because it is implemented by an unemotional machine, cannot perpetrate bias or injustice . . . While WEAPONS OF MATH DESTRUCTION is full of hard truths and grim statistics, it is also accessible and even entertaining." -- Evelyn Lamb, Scientific American

    Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Bribery in Public Procurement: Methods, Actors and Counter-measures, ISBN: 9789264013940 9264013946, 104 pages.
    "Public works contracts mean big business. From road-building to high-tech communication infrastructure, public procurement averages 15 percent of GDP in OECD countries -- substantially more in non-OECD economies -- and it is a major factor in the world trade of goods and services. Given the growing complexity of bribe schemes in todays globalized markets, the problem is how to identify corruption in public procurement so governments can work toward effective prevention and apply sanctions if necessary. This report provides insights on all three fronts. Based on contributions from law enforcement and procurement specialists, the report describes how bribery is committed through the various stages of government purchasing; how bribery in public procurement is related to other crimes, such as fraud and money laundering; and how to prevent and sanction such crimes. The typical motivations and conduct of the various actors engaging in corruption are also highlighted, as well as ten case studies.
    Table of Content: Executive Summary, Introduction, Part I. Analysis of Corruption in Public Procurement, Chapter 1. Public Procurement Rules, Procedures and Practices, Chapter 2. Vulnerabilities Relating to Project Size, Sector, or Tendering Administration, Chapter 3. Links to Other Offenses, Part II. Analysis of the Actors Engaging in Bribery and Typical Corruption Agreements, Chapter 4. Parties Involved in Bribery, Chapter 5. Content of the Bribery Agreements, Part III. Preventing, Detecting, and Sanctioning Bribery in Public Procurement, Chapter 6. Preventive Measures, Chapter 7. Controls, Chapter 8. Detection Mechanisms, Chapter 9. Investigation and Sanctions, Part IV. Ten Anonymous Studies on Bribery in Public Procurement Template for the Description of the Cases of Bribery in Public Procurement, I. A senior civil servant and a subcontractor from another state, II. Bribery relating to public procurement within a local authority, III. Bribery related to procurements within an international aid organization, IV. Fraudulent bid evaluation by an independent consultant in international limited bidding, V. Award of a consultancy contract to fellow national in exchange for bridges, VI. Susceptibility of international bidders to influence bidding and coercion in bid tendering, VII. Collusive bidding and overpricing in international shopping/international price quotations, VIII. Preferential treatment in exchange for gratuities and family member employment, IX. Bribes in exchange for rewarding contracts, X. Bribes from contractor to increase quantity of work, Annex A. The OECD Anti-Bribery Instruments: How They Address Public Procurement.

    Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Report on the United States (Implementing the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention), ISBN: 9264101144.

    *Owen, John (1616-1683), Hebrews, 7 volume set, volumes 17-23 of Owen's WORKS. Alternate title: EXPOSITION OF HEBREWS and AN EXPOSITION OF THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS.

    This same Banner of Truth edition is available from (Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, Inc.).
    "To master his works is to be a profound theologian." -- C.H. Spurgeon
    "THE work on Hebrews is John Owen's massive 4000-page commentary." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    See also: Owen, John (1616-1683), J.I. Packer (introduction, series editor), Alister McGrath (series editor), HEBREWS, an abridgement of the 7 volume work, 272 pages, ISBN: 1581340265 9781581340266 1856841847 9781856841849.
    "The author of Hebrews wanted his audience to know and understand one truth: Christ is superior, and therefore, so is Christianity. He demonstrates this by comparing the imperfect old covenant with the perfect new covenant. The person of Christ is better than prophets and angels, His priesthood is greater than that of Melchizedek and the line of Aaron, and His power within the believer's life is incomparable. Between these contrasts he exhorts the readers to persevere in their faith, be obedient, grow in their understanding, and not miss the grace of God. The lessons and admonitions of Hebrews have intensely practical application for all readers -- then and now.
    "Know as the 'theologian's theologian' John Owen (1616-1683), was vice chancellor of Oxford University and served as advisor and chaplain to Oliver Cromwell. Among the most learned and active Puritans in seventeenth-century Europe, he was a erudite and accomplished theologian both in doctrine and practical theology." -- Publisher
    Owen, John (1616-1683), An Exposition of the Epistle to the Hebrews; With the Preliminary Exercitations. By John Owen, D.D. revised and abridged; . . . by Edward Williams, 3 vols.
    Owen, Hebrews, vol. 1 of 3
    http://archive.org/details/expositionofepis184001owen
    Owen, Hebrews, vol. 2 of 3
    http://archive.org/details/expositionofepis184002owen
    Owen, Hebrews, vol. 3 of 3
    http://archive.org/details/expositionofepis184003owen

    Paley, William, The Principles of Moral and Political Philosophy.

    Palmer, B.M., Christianity and Law: or The Claims of Religion Upon the Legal Profession. A Discourse upon the occasion of the death of the late Alfred Hennen, the Patriarch of the New Orleans Bar, delivered in the First Presbyterian Church, New Orleans, February 27th, 1870.

    Palmer, B.M., The Pious Physician; or, The Claims of Religion Upon the Medical Profession.

    Panel, Recovering From Divorce; Biblical Ethics of Divorce and Remarriage (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette AC872 [audio file].

    *Perkins, William (1558-1602), The Whole Treatise of the Cases of Conscience, 1632. Alternate title: THE WHOLE TREATISE OF THE CASES OF CONSCIENCE DISTINGUISHED INTO THREE BOOKES: THE FIRST WHEREOF IS REVISED AND CORRECTED IN SUNDRIE PLACES, AND THE OTHER TWO ANNEXED. TAUGHT AND DELIUERED BY M.W. PERKINS IN HIS HOLY-DAY LECTURES, CAREFULLY EXAMINED BY HIS OWNE BRIEFES, AND NOW PUBLISHED TOGETHER FOR THE COMMON GOOD, BY T. PICKERING BACHELOUR OF DIUINITIE. WHEREUNTO IS ADIOYNED A TWOFOLD TABLE: ONE OF THE HEADS AND NUMBER OF THE QUESTIONS PROPOUNDED AND RESOLUED; ANOTHER OF THE PRINCIPALL TEXTS OF SCRIPTURE VVHICH ARE EITHER EXPLANED, OR VINDICATED FROM CORRUPT INTERPRETATION, ISBN: 9022104826 68113020. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "Called 'the principal architect of Elizabethan Puritanism' and 'the most important Puritan writer,' Perkins was the first theologian of the Reformed English church to gain an international reputation. His preaching manual, THE ART OF PROPHESYING (recently reprinted by the Banner of Truth Trust -- RB), is found on nearly every seventeenth century New England book list. . . . Perkin's theological legacy extended through his Cambridge students, most prominently William Ames . . . Perkins's Calvinist theology was presented according to the logic and method of Peter Ramus . . . Ramism helped Perkins maintain the unity of theology and ethics, provided an educational tool by streamlining logic, fostered plain-style preaching, enhanced the art of memory, provided a tool for biblical interpretation as well as supplying a secure philosophical base on which to build theology," notes the Encyclopedia of the Reformed Faith (p. 274). This book is no exception and beautifully illustrates the usefulness of the Ramist method. 'Several of Perkins' works have been translated into Latin, French, Dutch, and Spanish'." (Cyclopaedia Bibliographica, p. 2337) -- Publisher

    *Perkins, William (1558-1602), Works of William Perkins, ISBN: 0404050506. Available (THE WORKS OF THAT FAMOUS AND WORTHY MINISTER OF CHRIST, MR. W. PERKINS, PART 1 AND PART 2) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    The Works of that Famous and Worthy Minister of Christ in the Universitie of Cambridge: M. William Perkins. Newly Corrected According to his own Copies
    http://books.google.com/books?id=i84KHQAACAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html

    Pierce, C.A., Conscience in the New Testament.

    Piper, Otto A., Christian Ethics.

    Quigley, Marian, Encyclopedia of Information Ethics and Security, 661 pages, ISBN: 159140987X 9781591409878.
    "Rapid technological advancement has given rise to new ethical dilemmas and security threats, while the development of appropriate ethical codes and security measures fail to keep pace, which makes the education of computer users and professionals crucial. THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF INFORMATION ETHICS AND SECURITY is an original, comprehensive reference source on ethical and security issues relating to the latest technologies. Covering a wide range of themes, this valuable reference tool includes topics such as computer crime, information warfare, privacy, surveillance, intellectual property and education. This encyclopedia is a useful tool for students, academics, and professionals.
    "Marian Quigley, Ph.D. (Monash University); BA (Chisholm Institute of Technology); Higher Diploma of Teaching Secondary (Art and Craft), is a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Information Technology, Monash University. Her research interests include the social effects of technology and animation. Her recent publications include the books WOMEN DO ANIMATE: INTERVIEWS WITH 10 AUSTRALIAN ANIMATORS (Insight Publications, 2005), and INFORMATION SECURITY AND ETHICS: SOCIAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL ISSUES (IRM Press, 2004)." -- Publisher

    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.

    Richardson, Peter, Paul's Ethic of Freedom, ISBN: 0664242618 9780664242619.

    Richter, Robert, A Plague on our Children: Dioxins, PCBs and Public Health v. Profit, a DVD in two parts by Robert Richter.
    "Corporate defenders, scientists and victims appear, including U.S. veterans exposed to Agent Orange during the Vietnam war, factory workers exposed to PCBs, housewives exposed to toxic spray in logging areas, people exposed to the poisons at Love Canal and other waste disposal sites.
    "Part One focuses on dioxin. 57 minutes.
    "Part Two focuses on PCBs. 57 minutes.
    http://www.richtervideos.com/APlagueonOurChildren/

    *Ridgeley, Thomas, and John Wilson (editor), Commentary on the Larger Catechism, 1731, ISBN: 0921148305 9780921148302. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "Originally entitled: A BODY OF DIVINITY: WHEREIN THE DOCTRINES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION ARE EXPLAINED AND DEFENDED. BEING THE SUBSTANCE OF SEVERAL LECTURES ON THE ASSEMBLY'S LARGER CATECHISM, we have re-titled it to better reflect its contents for contemporary readers. Consisting of over 1300 pages, this massive and extensive two-volume commentary on the WESTMINSTER LARGER CATECHISM is unrivaled in scope or extensiveness. Ridgeley himself notes, in 'The Author's Preface' (p. ix), 'The work is large, but the vast variety of subjects will render it more tolerable. . . . especially since it is rather designed to be read in families than committed to memory . . .' The editor of this edition, John Wilson, pronounces Ridgeley's work as 'the best book of its class,' stating, 'no book in the English language, or, so far as I know, in any other, will serve so efficiently the purposes of a daily companion to a reflecting Christian in his inquiries into Divine truth, or a guide to a candidate for the Christian ministry in introducing him to his theological studies (p. xi). 'In 1731 appeared the first edition of Mr. Ridgeley's great work -- that in connection with which chiefly his name lives in history, and whose influence, as an instrument of good, will probably render him celebrated and useful for generations to come . . .(p. xxii).' Moreover he continues, 'a taste, however, for the racy and substantial theological writings of the days of Britain's moral giants has of late revived; and it will scarcely fail to adopt, as one of the richest dishes of its multifarious banquet for the intellect and the soul, Dr. Ridgeley's Body of Divinity (p. xxi).'
    "Additionally, Wilson concludes his 'Life of the Author' with these words, 'His method of reasoning he has adapted to the capacities of those who are unacquainted with the abstruse terms made use of by metaphysicians and schoolmen, and when introduced into subjects of theology, have a tendency rather to perplex than to improve the mind. His scheme of divinity is evidently Calvinistic; but; then, he has explained his subjects with so much moderation and latitude, as to obviate many of the objections raised against the system of doctrines that passes under that name. Upon the whole, it is probable that the English language does not furnish a work of this nature that, for perspicuity of language, extent of research, accuracy of judgment, and judicious description of the numerous subjects that fall under examination, any way equals this work of Dr. Ridgeley . . . he was accounted one of the most considerable divines of his age' (emphasis added, p. xxiii)." -- Publisher
    Ridgley, Thomas (1667?-1734), and John M. Wilson, A Body of Divinity: Wherein the Doctrines of the Christian Religion are Explained and Defended: Being the Substance of Several Lectures on the Assembly's Larger Catechism (1855), vol. 1 of 2.
    http://archive.org/details/bodyofdivinity01ridg
    Ridgley, A Body of Divinity: Wherein the Doctrines of the Christian Religion are Explained and Defended, vol. 2 of 2.
    http://archive.org/details/bodyofdivinitywh02ridgiala
    Westminster Larger Catechism With Proof Texts
    http://www.reformed.org/documents/wlc_w_proofs/index.html

    Roberts, Robert North, Ethics in U.S. Government: An Encyclopedia of Investigations, Scandals, Reforms, and Legislation, ISBN: 0313311986 9780313311987.
    "The most comprehensive and up-to-date encyclopedia of political ethics controversies, investigations, reforms, and the people involved in them from the beginning of the Republic through the year 2000. Annotation. From Abscam to Whitewater, this work offers 264 cross-referenced entries on controversies, personages, and reforms related to the issues of public ethics from 1775 and the resignation of Secretary of State Randolph due to allegations of bribery through to the year 2000. Also included are entries on organizations, concepts, and legislation related to the subject. A brief timeline precedes the main body of the work." -- Publisher

    Rush, Myron, Lord of the Marketplace, ISBN: 0896932788 9780896932784.
    "Drawing on his years of experience as a corporate leader, Rush presents a practical and scriptural analysis of crucial subjects Christians face in the business world." -- Publisher

    Rushdoony, Rousas John (1916-2001), The Trouble With Social Security, an article.
    "Economically, the system is cruelly unfair. Thus, if a man pays in $75,000 to social security between the ages of 18 and 65, the likelihood of getting his money back is poor. His life expectancy after 65 makes it unlikely that he will get back all or half the amount he paid in for 47 years. If he dies, his widow's benefits again are too small to add up to any significant return on his 'investment.' The combined amount paid in by the employer and employee adds up to a very considerable sum, and the returns on it are small. The only real gainer from social security is the federal government, In 1969, Edward J. Van Allen, in THE TROUBLE WITH SOCIAL SECURITY, pointed out that a young worker who began paying into social security at age 18 and retired at 65 would have to live to be 111 years old to break even. If any insurance company or pension plan gave as poor returns, or misused funds as does Social Security, the managers thereof would quickly find themselves in prison!" -- R.J. Rushdoony

    *Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), The Glory, Majesty, Dominion and Power of Jesus Christ, 1643. Alternate title: A SERMON PREACHED TO THE HONORABLE HOUSE OF COMMONS: AT THEIR LATE SOLEMNE FAST, WEDNESDAY, JANU. 31. 1643. BY SAMUEL RUTHERFURD (sic), PROFESSOR OF DIVINITIE IN THE UNIVERSITIE OF ST. ANDREWS. PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS. [Daniel 6:26], 1644. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available [THE GLORY, MAJESTY, DOMINION AND POWER OF JESUS CHRIST, 1643] on Reformation Bookshelf CD #9, #25, and #29.
    "Here Rutherford covers a wide range of topics including Christ's kingship and dominion over civil governments, what lawful power (civil and ecclesiastical), is, God's providence, suffering (especially among those covenanted to Him), the oppression and martyrdom of the saints, the wrath of God, apologetics, the fear of God, the visible church, assurance and the weak believer, the free offer of the Gospel, the sovereignty of God, antinomianism, Arminianism, and much more. However, whatever the subject, Rutherford can be found focusing on and exalting the Lord Jesus Christ and His truth in a way that few others have been granted the ability to do -- notwithstanding the fact that he himself wrote, 'I have neither tongue nor pen to express to you the happiness of such as are in Christ.' (Letters of Samuel Rutherford, p. 47). Classic Rutherford, preached before some of the most powerful civil leaders of his day!" -- Publisher
    "It hath been the sin of this Land, that when Episcopacy, Anti-Christian Ceremonies, Superstition, and Will-worship were enjoined by Law, to pleasure an earthly King, you willingly followed after the command, against the direction of the King of Kings: and now hath the Lord delivered the people of the Land into the hand of their KING. And for this the Sword of the Lord hath gone through the Land." -- Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661)

    *Schapiro, Mark, Exposed: The Toxic Chemistry of Everyday Products and What's at Stake for American Power, ISBN: 9781603580588 1603580581.
    "Winner of the 2008 Nautilus Silver Award in the category of Ecology/Environment/Sustainability and Conscious Media/Journalism. New evidence seems to arrive daily -- from stories about tainted pet food to toxic toys -- of the dangerous consequences that lax environmental policies are having on the consumer products that we, and our children, use every day thanks to lobbying efforts by the U.S. chemical industry.
    "Meanwhile, the European Union is forcing these global corporate giants to chart a new path that, by requiring safe products, is revamping how businesses can create safe products and make money.
    "In EXPOSED: THE TOXIC CHEMISTRY OF EVERYDAY PRODUCTS AND WHAT'S AT STAKE FOR AMERICAN POWER investigative journalist Mark Schapiro takes the reader inside the corridors of global power where tectonic battles are occurring that will impact the health of ourselves and the planet.
    "Schapiro's exposé shows how laws adopted by the European Union -- where stricter consumer-safety standards are in place -- have forced multinationals into manufacturing safer products. And, short of such strong government action the United States will lose its claim of economic and environmental supremacy.
    "Increasingly, products developed and sold in the United States are equated with serious health hazards, and many of those products are soon to be banned from Europe and other parts of the world.
    "Schapiro's revelations in this thought-provoking work will change the way American consumers think about everyday products -- from plastic softeners that can contribute to sexual malformations to lipstick additives that are potential toxins to the brain, liver, kidneys, and immune system. And it will stir them into forcing our government to take the lead of others, including the European Union, China, and countries in Central and South America.
    "Exposed is a revealing and fascinating look at global markets, everyday products, and the toxic chemicals that bind them. It will shock, inform, and warn American businesses and government leaders about the risks of being left behind in the international marketplace.
    "Schapiro's book shines a light on Europe's evolving search for higher standards that places Brussels, not Washington, at the center of global market innovation.
    "Mark Schapiro is editorial director of the Center for Investigative Reporting in San Francisco. He has written extensively on foreign affairs and his work has appeared in Harper's, The Atlantic Monthly, The New York Times Magazine and other publications, and has reported stories for Frontline, NOW with Bill Moyers, and public radio's Marketplace. Schapiro lives in San Francisco, California." -- Publisher
    "There probably isn't a single person in the United States whose health hasn't been affected by phthalates (pronounced tha-lates). These guys are plastic softeners. You'll find them in shower curtains, shampoo bottles, raincoats, perfumes, rubber duckies, teething rings, car dashboards -- you name it. They're linked with endocrine ailments. They make your hormones crazy. They lower sperm counts, may be linked to prostate and breast cancers, and sexual dysfunction. They can cause genetic mutations.
    "And they're entirely unnecessary. There are other nontoxic additives to make plastic pliable.
    "Oh, and one more thing: while perfectly legal in the U.S., phthalates are illegal in the European Union. In fact, as author Schapiro points out, a whole cesspool of toxic additives that are perfectly acceptable in the U.S. have been outlawed in the EU for a long time now. Chinese factories that try to sell phthalate-riddled plastic toys in Europe get their commodities rejected at the borders. Guess where they eventually wind up? Under your kid's Christmas tree. As Schapiro says (p. 189), the U.S. is becoming 'a dumping ground or goods not wanted elsewhere in the world.'
    "That the FDA and other governmental agencies are doing a crappy job protecting us from harmful and unnecessary toxins in everyday commodities probably doesn't come as much of a shock to anyone. But Schapiro's speculation about why the EU does such a better job watchdogging its citizens is worth heeding. Health care in the EU is nationalized. The government, using in part taxpayer monies, picks up the tab for taking care of sick and dying people. In this kind of health care environment, you better believe that preventive medicine is a high governmental priority, because neglect today costs more tomorrow. So it's in the interest of the individual EU states, as well as their tax-paying citizens, to make sure that toxins stay out of their countries.
    "Something to think long and hard about if you live in a country like the U.S. big on deregulation, privatized health care, and plastic stuff." -- Reader's Comment
    "I bought and read this book together with HOW EVERYDAY PRODUCTS MAKE PEOPLE SICK: TOXINS AT HOME AND IN THE WORKPLACE where my review has ten links to other books that I will not duplicate here.
    "I found the book sensible and compelling on three points:

    1) Weak U.S. environmental law are turning the U.S. into a dumping ground for unhealthy products that Europe and Asia will not accept
    2) The European Union is a bigger client of China's than the US
    3) The European Union is not just making very strong and sensible regulation about public safety, it is carrying those requirements all the way to the Chinese factory floor, and in the process, making both China and Europe superior to the U.S. on the manufacturing and sustainability fronts.
    "I was especially concerned to read about toys made of plastic whose vapor emissions harm children over time.
    "The author tells us that the U.S. is suffering from 'analysis paralysis' and that Europe is at least a decade ahead of us.
    "The 'dirty dozen' (I count eleven -- compiler), of the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are: "Digital component waste is mentioned throughout the book.
    "The book concludes with a look at genetically modified crops, and a French court finding that farmers were acting in self-defense when they destroyed such crops at research farms.
    "REACH is the EU's Registration, Evaluation, and Authorization of Chemicals program and it is becoming a global standard (except in the US).
    "Good notes and index.
    "See also:
  • NORMAL ACCIDENTS: LIVING WITH HIGH-RISK TECHNOLOGIES
  • THE SOUL OF CAPITALISM: OPENING PATHS TO A MORAL ECONOMY
  • THE CHEATING CULTURE: WHY MORE AMERICANS ARE DOING WRONG TO GET AHEAD
  • THE GLOBAL CLASS WAR: HOW AMERICA'S BIPARTISAN ELITE LOST OUR FUTURE -- AND WHAT IT WILL TAKE TO WIN IT BACK
  • CONFESSIONS OF AN ECONOMIC HIT MAN
  • VICE: DICK CHENEY AND THE HIJACKING OF THE AMERICAN PRESIDENCY
  • RUNNING ON EMPTY: HOW THE DEMOCRATIC AND REPUBLICAN PARTIES ARE BANKRUPTING OUR FUTURE AND WHAT AMERICANS CAN DO ABOUT IT." -- Reader's Comment

    • Scheer, Robert, The Great American Stickup: How Reagan Republicans and Clinton Democrats Enriched Wall Street While Mugging Main Street, ISBN: 9781568584348 1568584342.
    "In THE GREAT AMERICAN STICKUP, celebrated journalist Robert Scheer uncovers the hidden story behind one of the greatest financial crimes of our time: the Wall Street financial crash of 2008 and the consequent global recession. Instead of going where other journalists have gone in search of this story -- the board rooms and trading floors of the big Wall Street firms -- Scheer goes back to Washington, D.C., a veritable crime scene, beginning in the 1980s, where the captains of the finance industry, their lobbyists and allies among leading politicians destroyed an American regulatory system that had been functioning effectively since the era of the New Deal.
    "This is a story largely forgotten or overlooked by the mainstream media, who wasted more than two decades with their boosterish coverage of Wall Street. Scheer argues that the roots of the disaster go back to the free-market propaganda of the Reagan years and, most damagingly, to the bipartisan deregulation of the banking industry undertaken with the full support of "progressive" Bill Clinton.
    "In fact, if this debacle has a name, Scheer suggests, it is the "Clinton Bubble," that era when the administration let its friends on Wall Street write legislation that razed decades of robust financial regulation. It was Wall Street and Democratic Party darling Robert Rubin along with his clique of economist super-friends -- Alan Greenspan, Lawrence Summers, and a few others -- who inflated a giant real estate bubble by purposely not regulating the derivatives market, resulting in the pain and hardship millions are experiencing now.
    "THE GREAT AMERICAN STICKUP is both a brilliant telling of the story of the Clinton financial clique and the havoc it wrought -- informed by whistle-blowers such as Brooksley Born, who goes on the record for Scheer -- and an unsparing anatomy of the American business and political class. It is also a cautionary tale: those who form the nucleus of the Clinton clique are now advising the Obama administration." -- Publisher

    Schenck, Ferdinand S., Christian Evidences and Ethics.

    Scott, C. Anderson, New Testament Ethics: An Introduction by C. Anderson Scott.

    *Scott, David, John Cunningham, and George Smeaton, What is a Moral Person? How God Views the Church and the Nations. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available in OBSERVATIONS ON THE PUBLIC COVENANTS BETWIXT GOD AND THE CHURCH: A DISCOURSE.
    "A clear and concise summary of the biblical doctrine of the moral person (i.e. that God regards churches and nations as moral entities separate from the individual members of which they are comprised). No Christian can afford not to understand this vital teaching! In many ways this is a crux of the Covenanter position, underlying as it does the issues of separation from backslidden or anti-Christian civil and church governments, the binding nature of lawful Covenants on posterity, eschatology, etc." -- Publisher
    What is a Moral Person? How God Views the Church and the Nations, David Scott, John Cunningham, and George Smeaton
    http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/moral.htm

    Seibert, Donald V., and William Proctor, The Ethical Executive: A Top C.E.O.'s Program for Success With Integrity in the Corporate World, ISBN: 0346124506 9780346124509.

    Shaw, Mark R., The Marrow of Practical Divinity: A Study in the Theology of William Perkins (Westminster Theological Seminary, Th.D. thesis, 1981).
    "Chapters four and five concern the first two books of Perkins' CASES OF CONSCIENCE and cover the issues of conversion, assurance, and worship. . . . Chapter six focuses on Perkins' social, economic, and political thought. His views on such questions as the structure of the family, the power of government, the rise of capitalism and the proper use of wealth, food, clothing, arts and recreation are considered. . . . The final chapter evaluates Perkins' PRACTICAL DIVINITY as a force for renewal in the church. . . . -- Dissertation Abstracts

    Shaw, Paul, and Jack Bologna, Preventing Corporate Embezzlement (Butterworth-Heinemann, April 27, 2000), 224 pages, ISBN: 0750672544 9780750672542.
    "Internal loss is one of the most costly forms of loss. Embezzlement is one of the least detected and prosecuted forms of internal theft. PREVENTING CORPORATE EMBEZZLEMENT is a professional reference that offers solutions.
    "Practical tool for detecting and combatting embezzlement: checklists, forms and evaluations. Offers how-to advice on avoiding lawsuits by practicing preventive law. Lists further resources, publications and directories on embezzlement, internal controls and security, risk management, insurance, auditors, and security services and equipment.
    "Paul Shaw is editor and publisher of 'Computing and Communications: Law and Protection, Financial Fraud,' and 'Assets Protection,' the latter periodical covering organizational integrity compliance. He is the co-author of CORPORATE CRIME INVESTIGATION, FRAUD AWARENESS MANUAL, and FORENSIC ACCOUNTING HANDBOOK.
    "Jack Bologna is an Associate Professor of Management at Siena Heights College in Adrian, Michigan, and is the publisher of the monthly newsletters 'Forensic Accounting Review and Computer Security Digest.' Mr. Bologna has authored and co-authored a number of books including ACCOUNTANT'S HANDBOOK ON FRAUD and COMMERCIAL CRIME AND FORENSIC ACCOUNTING HANDBOOK, 2nd Edition." Publisher

    Sider, Ronald J., and Diane Knippers, Toward an Evangelical Public Policy: Political Strategies for the Health of the Nation, ISBN: 0801065380 9780801065385.
    "Contents: Foreword / Ted Haggard | Introduction / Ronald J. Sider and Diane Knippers
    Part I. Learning from the past. Seeking a place / John C. Green | A history of the public policy resolutions of the National Association of Evangelicals / Richard Cizik | Evangelical denominations at the foundations of modern American and British social-political structures and policies / Paul de Vries | The mainline protestant tradition in the twentieth century / Max L. Stackhouse and Raymond R. Roberts | Insights from Catholic social ethics and political participation / Kristen E. Heyer
    Part II. Toward an evangelical methodology. Toward an evangelical ethical methodology / David P. Gushee and Dennis P. Hollinger -- Foundations for an evangelical political philosophy / Nicholas Wolterstorff | Justice, human rights, and government / Ronald J. Sider | Citizenship, civil society, and the church / Joseph Loconte
    Part III. Central themes for an evangelical framework. The sanctity of life in the twenty-first century / Nigel M. de S. Cameron | Caring for the vulnerable / Clive Calver and Galen Carey | Family integrity / Tom Minnery and Glenn T. Stanton | Stewardship / R. Scott Rodin | The ethics of war and peacemaking / Glen H. Stassen | Human rights / Paul Marshall | pt. IV. Implementation. In the arena / Stephen Monsma and Mark Rodgers."

    Simpson, Rick, Blasphemy and the Law in a Plural Society, ISBN: 1851742417 9781851742417, 25 pages.

    Singer, C. Gregg (1910-1999), On the Doctrine of Human Rights, a series of messages [digital files].
    "Every futile attempt to create rights which do not exist results in the lose of rights which do exist. The modern theory of political rights has no philosophic or theological foundation. It rests upon human democratic assumptions concerning the nature of man, which conception has absolutely no foundation in the political, or the social, or the religious philosophy which produced it." -- C. Gregg Singer commenting on "human rights" in general, and the right to abortion in particular, in his lecture Apologetics: #01: Classical and Medieval Thought #1, the first in a series of 24 lectures entitled "Apologetics" delivered in November 1979 in Decatur, Georgia, which follow his book FROM RATIONALISM TO IRRATIONALITY: THE DECLINE OF THE WESTERN MIND FROM THE RENAISSANCE TO THE PRESENT (1979).
    For more from Singer on the doctrine of human rights see also:

  • Apologetics #06: Irrationalism and Theistic Rationalism #2
  • Apologetics #07: Irrationalism and Theistic Rationalism
  • Apologetics #12: The Impact of Darwin and Social Darwinism #1
  • Church History #05: The Early Church #4
  • Great Moments in Presbyterian History #8: What the Bible has to say About the Nature of Government
    "Human rights emerge from human duty and from no other place. And beginning with Locke and Jefferson they removed them from their Biblical foundation. . . .
    "What are our real rights? We have the right to life because God created us in his image. . . .
    "Our duties to God are the source of our rights. And any other concept of human rights will inevitably, by their very nature, destroy that which they seek to protect. Man was created to glorify God, and in his glorification of God he receives his rights because they are the product, they spring from his duty."
  • Decline of American Culture #06: Decline in the 1830's: Philosophical Revolution in Political Thought
    • Smith, Rick, Bruce Lourie, and Sarah Dopp, Slow Death by Rubber Duck: The Secret Danger of Everyday Things, ISBN: 9781582435671 1582435677 1582437025 9781582437026.
    "Pollution is no longer just about belching smokestacks and ugly sewer pipes -- now, it's personal. The most dangerous pollution, it turns out, comes from commonplace items in our homes and workplaces. To prove this point, for one week authors Rick Smith and Bruce Lourie ingested and inhaled a host of things that surround all of us. Using their own bodies as the reference point to tell the story of pollution in our modern world, they expose the miscreant corporate giants who manufacture the toxins, the weak-kneed government officials who let it happen, and the effects on people and families across the globe. This book -- the testimony of their experience -- exposes the extent to which we are poisoned every day of our lives, from the simple household dust that is polluting our blood to the toxins in our urine that are created by run-of-the-mill shampoos and toothpaste.
    "Ultimately hopeful, the book empowers readers with some simple ideas for protecting themselves and their families, and changing things for the better." -- Publisher
    "This book is an excellent compilation of adverse impacts caused by synthetic products in our environment. For those of us who have studied these problems for years, there is little new in the book. However, for the intended audience who is rarely exposed to the truth through the media, this book is a gold-mine.
    "Here's the larger problem. There are four major technologies that share a number of characteristics: electromagnetic field health impacts; global warming; mainstream healthcare technology; synthetic chemical-based products. They all have high-tech components, they all contribute a large amount of revenue to our economy, they all employ large numbers of people; they do/will all result in premature death and unnecessary suffering. Major elimination of the components of any one of the four could topple a number of economies. At their foundation, the truth about all four is heavily concealed by the media, by industry, and by the government, for the following reasons that I recently stated to someone about EMF.
    "Industry won't admit the truth about EMF; they both make big bucks off the technology, and use the technology in their own operations. Governments are essentially run by industry, so they have a lobbying component with which to contend. Many government types want a cushy job in industry, and they are not about to upset the apple cart. In addition, a lot of economies and governments are teetering on the economic brink. They have unemployment problems, debt problems, and growth problems. If the truth were revealed, they would have to contend potentially with mass panic, and with possible economic collapse if the use of this technology were severely restricted. Make no mistake about it; if the recommendations in the Bioinitiative Report/exposure limits are followed, this technology is as good as dead. At this stage, government and industry have strong incentives to mask the impacts for an indefinite period of time.
    "As a result, millions will die prematurely and suffer unnecessarily from business as usual with these four technologies.
    "Superimposed on these problems is the issue of demographics. In the advanced countries of Europe and North America, the ratio of workers to aging people is decreasing. At the same time, the amount of debt per person is increasing, and will undoubtedly be borne by the working population. Also, at the same time, the competition from the third world is becoming more intense, and the high-wage workers from the advanced countries are finding it difficult to compete with well-trained hard-working low-wage people from third-world countries. Jobs are leaving that will not return, and wage pressures from the competition will lead to stagnant or decreasing wages, further intensifying the burden on workers in the advanced countries. Safety nets for the non-workers will have to be reduced, but this will not be adequate to solve the problem for workers in the advanced countries.
    "Any major constraints on industry to alleviate the destruction caused by the above four problems would add further pressures on the workers and could destabilize a number of economies and governments. Thus, from a number of perspectives, there is no way that governments can impose the constraints on these four problem areas that would eliminate the present and future deaths and suffering. For those who have been raised and educated to respect truth and ethics, the unfolding trajectory of death and destruction due to these, and related, problem areas is indeed daunting and disturbing." -- Reader's Comment
    Slow Death by Rubber Duck book website
    http://slowdeathbyrubberduck.com/
    80,000 Chemicals
    There are an estimated 80,000 synthetic chemicals in the environment. Regulatory agencies have tested less than 200 for harmful affects on humans.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wJDDcLLmks
    Teflon Poisoning: Canaries in the Kitchen
    The Risks of Teflon in Your Kitchen
    "EWG (Environmental Working Group), finds heated Teflon pans can turn toxic faster than DuPont claims -- EWG tests of coated pans found that in two to five minutes on a typical household stove, heated pans reach temperatures that produce toxins that even DuPont acknowledges kill hundreds of pet birds each year and cause 'flu-like polymer fever in humans'."
    http://www.ewg.org/newsletter/20051215/dupont/

    Smith, Russell G., Peter Grabosky, Gregor Urbas, Cyber Criminals on Trial, ISBN: 0521840473 9780521840477.
    "This book comprises an international study of the manner in which cyber criminals are currently handled by the judicial system. As computer-related crime becomes more important globally, both scholarly and journalistic accounts tend to focus on the ways in which the crime has been committed and how it could have been prevented. Very little has been written about the capture, possible extradition, prosecution, sentencing and incarceration of the cyber criminal -- until now.
    "Russell G. Smith, BA (honors), LLM, DipCrim (Melborne), Ph.D. (London), Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales, Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria and the Federal Courts of Australia, is Deputy Director of Research at the Australian Institute of Criminology. He is co-author of the books ELECTRONIC THEFT: UNLAWFUL ACQUISITION IN CYBERSPACE and CRIME IN THE DIGITAL AGE.
    "Peter Grabosky, BA (Colby), MA, Ph.D. (Northwestern), FASSA, is a Professor in the Regulatory Institutions Network at the Australian National University, a former Deputy Director at the Australian Institute of Criminology, and current Deputy Secretary General of the International Society of Criminology. He is a co-author of ELECTRONIC THEFT: UNLAWFUL ACQUISITION IN CYBERSPACE and CRIME IN THE DIGITAL AGE, and co-editor of THE CAMBRIDGE HANDBOOK OF AUSTRALIAN CRIMINOLOGY.
    "Gregor Urbas, BA (Honors), LLB (Honors), Ph.D. (ANU), Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory and the Federal Courts of Australia, is a Lecturer in Law at the Australian National University and a former Research Analyst at the Australian Institute of Criminology. With Russell Smith, he is a co-author of CONTROLLING FRAUD ON THE INTERNET." -- Publisher
    "I am convinced that every prosecutor should read it, whether he or she is directly concerned by the issue or not, since even in cases where cybercrime is not directly involved, some techniques related to it may have been used or may have triggered off the commission of other offences." -- International Association of Prosecutors Newsletter
    "Definitely a reference book giving us a thorough analysis of cybercrime. I am convinced that every prosecutor should read it, whether he or she is directly concerned by the issue or not, since even in cases where cybercrime is not directly involved, some techniques related to it may have been used or may have triggered off the commission of other offences." -- International Association of Prosecutors

    Smith, Wesley J., Culture of Death: The Assault on Medical Ethics in America, ISBN: 1893554066 9781893554061 189355449X 9781893554498.
    "When his teenaged son Christopher, brain-damaged in an auto accident, developed a 106-degree fever following weeks of unconsciousness, John Campbell asked the attending physician for help. The doctor refused. Why bother? The boy's life was effectively over. Campbell refused to accept this verdict. He demanded treatment and threatened legal action. The doctor finally relented. With treatment, Christopher's temperature subsided almost immediately. Soon afterwards he regained consciousness and today he is learning to walk again. This story is one of many Wesley J. Smith recounts in his groundbreaking new book, CULTURE OF DEATH. Smith believes that American medicine 'is changing from a system based on the sanctity of human life into a starkly utilitarian model in which the medically defenseless are seen as having not just a 'right but a duty to die.' Going behind the current scenes of our health care system, he shows how doctors withdraw desired care based on Futile Care Theory rather than providing it as required by the Hippocratic Oath. And how 'bioethicists' influence policy by considering questions such as whether organs may be harvested from the terminally ill and disabled. This is a passionate, yet coolly reasoned book about the current crisis in medical ethics by an author who has made 'the new thanatology' his consuming interest." -- Reader's Comment -->

    Southard, Samuel, Ethics for the Executive, ISBN: 0840755880 9780840755889.

    Spinello, Richard, Cyberethics: Morality And Law in Cyberspace, 272 pages, ISBN: 0763737836 9780763737832.
    "CYBERETHICS: MORALITY AND LAW IN CYBERSPACE, third edition takes an in-depth look at the social costs and moral problems that have arisen by the expanded use of the Internet, and offers up-to-date legal and philosophical perspectives. The text focuses heavily on content control and free speech, intellectual property, privacy and security, and has added NEW coverage on Blogging. Case studies featured throughout the text offer real-life scenarios and include coverage of numerous hot topics, including the latest decisions on digital music and movie downloads, the latest legal developments on the Children's Internet Protection Act, and other Internet governance and regulation updates. In the process of examining these issues, the text identifies some of the legal disputes that will likely become paradigm cases for more complex situations yet to come. -- Publisher "The murky waters of online ethics are aptly navigated by Spinello in this brief work. The presentational format of providing background and then analyzing each side of an issue enhances the understanding of the material while provoking further thought for the reader. Case studies are also interlaced into the material, providing ample ground for discussion. This would serve well as a college supplemental reading for any truly in-depth analysis of morality and cyberspace. It also remains enjoyable and understandable for the pleasure reader who has little background in this field. A must-read for anyone hoping to understand where government and society stands on difficult ethical and legal dilemmas created by cyberspace. -- Reader's Comment

    Stamatellos, Giannis, Computer Ethics: A Global Perspective, 160 pages, ISBN: 0763740845 9780763740849.
    "The rapid advancement of information technology in modern societies affects the way we live, communicate, work, and entertain. Computers and computer networks formulate an information age in which traditional ethical questions are reexamined and new questions arise concerning moral standards for human behavior. COMPUTER ETHICS: A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE presents a clear and concise introduction to the ethical and social issues sparked by our ever-growing information society at the local and global level. Designed for use as a main text in undergraduate and graduate courses that focus on computer, business, and applied ethics, the text is also ideal for the Information Technology in a Global Society course for the International Baccalaureate diploma. The text considers the impact of digitized information on individuals and societies and includes discussions on privacy, reliability, security, intellectual property, control, equality of access, and authenticity, with insights from the scientists and philosophers who have attempted to evaluate, explain, and resolve these issues. The text also discusses the social impact of information technology in different areas of human life such as business, health, education, entertainment and politics." -- Publisher

    Tapscott, Don, and Anthony D. Williams, Wikinomics: How Mass Collaboration Changes Everything, ISBN: 1591841380 9781591841388.
    "Centralization accelerated by The Internet and by advances is computer science is increasing the concentration of power in all spheres of society. We do not agree with the author's conclusion that this will lead to advances in all spheres of society. Quite the contrary, the signs are that it will suppress 'life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness'." -- compiler

    Tavani, Herman T., Ethics and Technology: Ethical Issues in an age of Information and Communication Technology, 3rd edition, 432 pages, ISBN: 0470509503 9780470509500.
    Contents: Introduction To Cyberethics -- Concepts, Perspectives, and Methodological Frameworks; Ethical Concepts and Ethical Theories -- Establishing and Justifying a Moral System; Critical Thinking Skills and Logical Arguments -- Tools for Evaluating Cyberethics Issues; Professional Ethics, Codes of Conducts, and Moral Responsibility; Privacy and Cyberspace; Security in Cyberspace; Cybercrime and Cyberrelated Crimes; Intellectual Property Disputes in Cyberspace; Regulating Commerce and Speech in Cyberspace; Social Inclusion, The Digital Divide, and the Transformation of Work -- The Impact for Class, Race, and Gender; Community and Identity in Cyberspace -- Ethical Aspects of Virtual-Reality and Artificial-Intelligence Technologies; Pervasive Computing and Converging Technologies -- Ethical Aspects of Ambient Intelligence, Bioinformatics, and Nanocomputing; Glossary; Index
    "Information technology professionals must not only have a strong understanding of the latest technology, but they also need to be grounded in ethics. The third edition provides them with the information they need to succeed in the field. Each chapter is updated with new case studies and scenarios to provide the most current information. Review and discussion questions are included to reinforce key concepts. The in-text citations and references are revised to offer additional resources. Updated material is also presented on online communities and democracy, globalization and job outsourcing, security for wireless networking, and international cybercrime legislation. This enables information technology professionals to apply the concepts with a focus on ethics.
    "How is your on-line personal privacy threatened by computer technology?
    "Should sharing music on-line be illegal?
    "When is it permissible to blow the whistle on unreliable software?
    "Offering thought-provoking insights into these questions and more, Herman Tavanis ETHICS AND TECHNOLOGY: ETHICAL ISSUES IN AN AGE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY introduces readers to the most current issues in the field of cyberethics. The book then goes on to analyze the practical, moral, and legal implications associated with each issues. This book will be of interest to anyone concerned with how ethics plays a role in todays technologically dependent society.
    "Herman Tavani is Co-Executive Director of the International Society for Ethics and Information Technology (INSEIT) and Secretary/Treasurer of the ACM Special Interest Group on Computers and Society (SIGCAS). Before becoming a full-time professor at Rivier College in New Hampshire, Tavani worked in the computer industry as a software technical writer and writing supervisor. -- Publisher

    Terrill, John R., Notes: Vita. An Integrative Paper Submitted to the Faculty of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in Religion, 55 pages.
    "A critique of ethics training in the secular graduate business academy and a pedagogical approach for character formation in the lives of Christian MBA students."

    Thielicke, Helmut, Sex: Theological Ethics.
    "A scholarly examination of human sexuality in light of . . . doctrines of creation and redemption."

    Thomas, Cal, The Death of Ethics in America, ISBN: 0849906385 9780849906381.

    Thompson, Dennis F., Ethics in Congress: From Individual to Institutional Corruption, ISBN: 0585175675 9780585175676.
    "In this book, Dennis Thompson argues that the growing demand for accountability in an increasingly complicated political environment has rendered traditional codes of conduct inadequate. Shifting the focus from individual corruption to institutional corruption, the author shows how the institution itself is posing new ethical challenges and how the complexity of the environment in which members work creates new occasions for corruption and invites more calls for accountability. Thompson moves the discussion beyond bribery, extortion, and personal gain to the world of implicit understandings, ambiguous favors, and political advantage. He examines several major ethics cases of recent years, including the cases of David Durenberger, the Keating Five, and former House Speaker James Wright." -- Publisher

    Thornwell, James Henley (1812-1862), The Ethical System of the Bible. In COLLECTED WRITINGS OF JAMES HENLEY THORNWELL (2:453-75).

    *Thornwell, James Henley (1812-1862), Whatsoever Things are True: Classic Discourses on Truth. Alternate title: CLASSIC DISCOURSES ON TRUTH; DISCOURSES ON TRUTH, ISBN: 1932474781 9781932474787, 166 pages. Available COLLECTED WRITINGS OF JAMES HENLEY THORNWELL on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "These seven DISCOURSES ON TRUTH were written and preached in the Spring of 1851 from the text, Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, think on these things. Philippians 4:8. They were delivered at the Chapel of the College at Columbia, South Carolina, by James Henley Thornwell, who was serving as both President and Chaplain." -- Publisher
    "First published 1855 by Messrs. Carter, New York, NY."
    Contents: Discourse 1: The ethical system of the Bible -- Discourse 2: The love of truth -- Discourse 3: The love of truth -- Discourse 4: Sincerity -- Discourse 5: Faithfulness -- Discourse 6: Vows -- Discourse 7: Consistency.

    Thurston, Thomas, Homosexuality and Roman Catholic Ethics, ISBN: 1883255651 9781883255657 1883255643 9781883255640.

    Toon, Peter, Your Conscience as Your Guide, ISBN: 081921339X 9780819213396.
    "Meets a felt need for a reliable work that adheres to the Scriptures and at the same time interacts with non-Christian and anti-Christian systems of thought. . . ." -- Cyril J. Barber

    US Congress, Office of Technology Assessment, Multinationals and the National Interest: Playing by Different Rules (US Congress, Office of Technology Assessment, 1993), OTA-ITE-569, NTIS order #PB93-231314, ISBN: 0160419433 9780160419430.
    Multinationals and the National Interest: Playing by Different Rules
    http://www.wws.princeton.edu/~ota/ns20/alpha_f.html

    Various, Proceedings of the Fourth Calvinistic Congress: Held in Edinburgh 6th to 11th July, 1938.
    "Contents: Reformed faith and its ethical consequences: to the individual / E. Sebestyen; W. Childs Robinson | in the family / John Macleod | in the church / G.T. Thomson | in society / R.J.G. M'Knight | in the state / V.H. Rutgers | in economics / J.H.S. Burleigh | in art / Leon Wencelius, and P.R. Musculus | The interrelation of theology and secular knowledge / J. de Saussure | Significance of the Old Testament for the Christian life / W. Vischer | Speeches delivered at public meetings / G.D. Henderson, Auguste Lecerf, M.P. Ramsey, David Read, Dr. Kromsigt, Stewart M. Robinson, J.B. Soucek, and W.H. Hamilton."

    Verhey, Allen, Living the Heidelberg: The Heidelberg Catechism and the Moral Life, ISBN: 0930265211 9780930265212.
    "What does this 16th century document have to say to modern Calvinists about the social-ethical issues raised by our changing multiracial, multiform society? Dr. Verhey answers that question by contending it speaks unequivocally to many of the social issues of our day." -- GCB

    Wall, David, Crime and the Internet, ISBN: 0415244285 9780415244282.
    "We have seen the astounding potential of the Internet as an informational tool, but we are also beginning to encounter the infinite questions it unfurls about legal issues and crimes committed with its aid. David Wall and his stellar cast of contributors address the various criminological debates that are emerging over cybercrime. Essays examine the general problem of crime and the Internet, what is understood by the term 'cybercrime', the different types of cybercrimes, and the challenges they give rise to for both criminology and the criminal justice system.
    "David Wall is the Director of the Center of Criminal Justice Studies, Department of Law at the University of Leeds." -- Publisher
    "David Wall is the preeminent cybercriminologist and he has assembled many of the world's most prolific writers on cybercrime for this book. You could not have a better line up." -- Charles Davis, University of Missouri

    *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

    Walton, Rus, Biblical Solutions to Contemporary Problems: A Handbook, ISBN: 0943497159 9780943497150.
    See: "Gambling (and State Lotteries)," pp. 117-126.
    "The Organized Crime Section of the Department of Justice report that 'the rate of illegal gambling in those states which have some legalized form of gambling was three times as high as in those states where there was no legalized gambling'. . . .
    "Anti-gambling forces insist that it is immoral for the state to encourage or condone or profit from immorality. They cite statistics that show gambling brings with it crime (organized and unorganized), and vice (prostitution, assault, robbery, drugs). Rev. Timothy Kehl, chairman of the Wisconsin Conference of Churches' Gambling Issue Task Force, which opposed that state's lottery, said the issue is whether 'it's right or wrong for the government to be involved in a multi-million dollar numbers racket' that exploits its citizens by luring them into gambling. 'We believe the role of government . . . is to promote the general welfare, not to devise schemes to swindle people out of their hard-earned money'. . . ."
    World history and the Gallop Polls are repleat with evidence that, generally speaking, time and space do not allow the whole argument here, the populace follows the example of leaders of state and the actions of their government. There is no doubt in this writer's mind that after the federal government legalized state lotteries about 1976, that investment bankers and big business followed the example of the government, and began using strategies that amount to gambling, to maximize profits by risking capital assets. The financial 'house of cards' eventually lead to the meltdown of 2008, one of the greatest global economic depression in history. See:
    Meltdown: The Depression of 2008
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chd.html#gdprnh

    *Weber, Max, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism: The Relationship Between Religion and the Economic and Social Life of Modern Culture, ISBN: 0024248606 9780024248602.

    Wells, Joseph T., Encyclopedia of Fraud, 2005 Edition, 916 pages, ISBN: 1889277371 9781889277370.
    "A wealth of anti-fraud information exists today, but until now the material was scattered in thousands of sources and locales. Written for practitioners, academics and anyone with an interest in fraud, the ENCYCLOPEDIA OF FRAUD, 2005 EDITION provides the user with easy access to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners' vast body of fraud knowledge.
    "Organized by both topic and type of fraud scheme, users will find:

    "Available in print and on CD-ROM, THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF FRAUD, 2005 EDITION is an essential reference tool for every anti-fraud professional's library.
    "Joseph T. Wells, CFE, CPA, is the founder and Chairman of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), and a professor of fraud examination at the University of Texas at Austin. He writes, researches, and lectures to business and professional groups on fraud-related issues and is frequently quoted in the national and international media. He has won top writing awards from both Internal Auditor and the Journal of Accounting magazines, and he is a winner of the Innovation in Accounting Education Award presented by the American Accounting Association. Mr. Wells is a member of both the Journal Accountancy Hall of Fame and the AICPA Hall of Fame, and for the last seven years in a row, he has been named to Accounting Today's list of top 100 most influential people in accounting." -- Publisher

    *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. (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
    THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646) is said to be the finest summary of THE HOLY BIBLE available. It is recommended for daily devotions. See the following resources:
    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 in 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

    Williams, David (1643?-1716), Lectures on the Universal Principles and Duties of Religion and Morality. As They Have Been Read in Margaret-Street, Cavendish-Square, in the Years 1776, and 1777. By the Rev. David Williams. . . . 1779.

    Witherspoon, Jonathan, and Jack Scott, An Annotated Edition of Lectures on Moral Philosophy, ISBN: 0874131642 9780874131642.
    "Meet the father of the founding fathers. Rev. Witherspoon, Calvinist and President of Princeton, was the political mentor of the earliest American statesmen, including 13 state governors, 3 Supreme Court judges, 20 U.S. Senators, 33 U.S. congressman, 1 Vice-President, 1 President, and 9 or the 55 delegates to the Constitutional Convention. Most notable among these was James Madison, the Father of the Constitution. These are the class notes for the course on political philosophy Witherspoon personally taught every graduating class at Princeton. Judge for yourself if Witherspoon derived his political philosophy from the Bible or from natural law, social compact theory." -- Publisher

    Wolterstorff, Nicholas P., Educating for Responsible Action, ISBN: 0802818579 9780802818577.
    "Helpful theories and strategies for moral education." -- Mark Branson

    Wright, Christopher, J.H., An Eye for an Eye: The Place of Old Testament Ethics Today, ISBN: 0877848211 9780877848219.
    "Wright develops a comprehensive and systematic view of Old Testament Law. Some say only the moral is still valid, we can disregard the ceremonial and civil law. Others say we must build a New Testament ethic only. Neither approach, argues Wright, gives the Old Testament its due in Christian thinking." -- GCB

    Zagzebski, Linda Trinkaus, and Abrol Fairweather, Virtue Epistemology: Essays on Epistemic Virtue and Responsibility, ISBN: 019514077X 9780195140774.

    See also: The ten commandments: the moral law, Christianity in the workplace, Theft, stealing, and fraud: property rights and freedom, Treason and impeachment, Gambling, The courts, the law base, and the judicial system, Divine and human rights, Epistemology of theology, the theory of knowledge, Knowledge of god and virtue, Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Sex ethics, sex education, Glory in iniquity, the temptation of vainglory, The question of the one and the many, Bible magistracy turns back the wrath of god, The doctrine of the lesser magistrates, The government role of punishing wrongdoers, Leniency, Toleration, liberty of conscience, pluralism, "religious freedom," and neutrality, War, Medical ethics, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Systematic theology, Apologetics, The westminster confession of faith (1646, westminster standards) and related works, the westminster assembly, Commentaries on the westminster standards including the westminster confession of faith, the larger catechism, and the shorter catechism, Logic based on god's truth, The Banking System and Financial Markets, Reform of the church, Power religion, Secret societies, ungodly alliances, voluntary associations, Oaths, ensnaring vows, promises, covenants, and bonds with the ungodly, Churches that abuse, Priestcraft, pharisaism, soul-stealing, Power, Unity and uniformity in the visible church: unity in the truth, National establishment of religion: establishmentarianism, The covenant faithfulness of god, Covenant theology and covenanting, Church and state, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, organized crime, Monopoly and anti-trust law enforcement, Monetary policy, The banking system, The federal reserve, Reform, state sovereignty, and corporate immunity: reform of corporations, The words of christ, Words of christ appearing in the web edition of biblical counsel: resources for renewal, The westminster standards, The larger catechism (also commentaries on the larger catechism), Bribery, Lying and deceit, self-deceit, Bible magistracy, The destruction of american liberty, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Toxic and harmful substances, cancer, Sin and its consequences, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Epistemology, Resolutions, The right to petition, Referendum votes, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Healthcare reform, Christian character, Oaths, secret societies and ungodly alliance, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 481, 1337, 1338, 1975-1985, 2148, 2527, 2798, 3054, 3077-3080, 3737, 4127, 4177
    MGTP: Ethics

    Related Weblinks

    18 U.S. Code § 1030 -- Fraud and Related Activity in Connection With Computers
    https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1030

    American Academy of Medical Administrators Code of Ethics
    http://www.aameda.org/AboutAAMA/codeofethics.html

    American Accreditation HealthCare Commission, Inc. (formerly Utilization Review Accreditation Commission)
    "URAC, an independent, nonprofit organization, is well-known as a leader in promoting health care quality through its accreditation and certification programs. URAC offers a wide range of quality benchmarking programs and services that keep pace with the rapid changes in the health care system, and provide a symbol of excellence for organizations to validate their commitment to quality and accountability. Through its broad-based governance structure and an inclusive standards development process, URAC ensures that all stakeholders are represented in establishing meaningful quality measures for the entire health care industry.
    "For those unfamiliar with URAC, we are an independent, nonprofit organization committed to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and other quality improvement activities. Today, URAC's accreditations help protect 140 million Americans.
    "In recent years, URAC has become a nationally recognized quality improvement leader by reviewing and auditing a broad array of health care service functions and systems. Quality benchmarking activities cover health plans, preferred provider organizations, medical management systems, health technology services, health call centers, specialty care, workers' compensation, Websites, and HIPAA privacy and security compliance, among other areas."
    http://www.urac.org/

    American Institute for Technology and Science Education
    "We are a consortium of scientists, engineers, physicians, and professionals from other disciplines working together to improve science education and increase scientific integrity, thereby unleashing a new era of scientific discovery. We offer clear, reliable, and balanced education with the goal of liberating science and technology from ideology, politics and the illusion of consensus. Our programs advance honest, ethical, and beneficial scientific progress that is responsive to the real needs of present and future generations."
    http://www.americaninstitutetechnologyscienceeducation.com/

    American Medical Association (AMA) Code of Medical Ethics
    "The medical profession has long subscribed to a body of ethical statements developed primarily for the benefit of the patient. As a member of this profession, a physician must recognize responsibility to patients first and foremost, as well as to society, to other health professionals, and to self. The following Principles adopted by the American Medical Association are not laws, but standards of conduct which define the essentials of honorable behavior for the physician."
    https://www.ama-assn.org/search?search=Code+of+Medical+Ethics

    Anatomy of a Financial Fraud: A Forensic Examination of HealthSouth, Leonard G. Weld, Peter M. Bergevin, and Lorraine Magrath, August 2002
    "A forensic audit conducted by Pricewaterhouse Coopers concluded that HealthSouth Corporation's cumulative earnings were overstated by anywhere from $3.8 billion to $4.6 billion, according to a January 2004 report issued by the scandal-ridden healthcare concern. HealthSouth acknowledged that the forensic audit discovered at least another $1.3 billion dollars in suspect financial reporting in addition to the previously estimated $2.5 billion. The scandal's postmortem report found additional fraud of $500 million, and identified at least $800 million of improper accounting for reserves, executive bonuses, and related-party transactions. This billion-dollar-plus admission failed to garner financial media headlines, further evidence of the public's inurement to financial reporting scandals.
    "The referenced August 2002 CPA Journal article written by Professors Weld and Magrath won the 2002 Max Block Distinguished Article Award, which each year recognizes the most outstanding work published by The CPA Journal."
    http://www.nysscpa.org/cpajournal/2004/1004/essentials/p44.htm

    In Antitrust Battle Against Google, Smaller Rivals say web Giant is 'Trying to Kill Them'
    "As federal authorities ratchet up their scrutiny of Google's practices, accusing the company of antitrust violations, at the center of the action is the company's use of its dominant position as a search engine to steer users to Google-owned sites. A growing group of critics and competitors assert that Google now uses search to bring traffic to its new sites in travel, shopping and dining that are playing a significant role in Google's overall business.
    " 'Google is not just competing in these verticals, but cheating. They are manipulating the search results," said Gary Reback, a Silicon Valley antitrust lawyer who was an advocate for the antitrust suit against Microsoft in the 1990s. . . .
    "Kayak was initially reluctant ever to speak out against Google because we did not want retaliation by such a formidable company," Birge said. "They control the algorithm in terms of where we show up on the page and where we show up in paid search ads. They're very influential in the market."
    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/20/google-antitrust-battle-smaller-rivals_n_972062.html

    Atheism and Humanism: A Culture Without God (part 1)
    "Do you feel prepared to defend and share the claims of Christ with those who hold beliefs in humanism or atheism? This week on Let My People Think, Ravi Zacharias is examining the questions that all worldviews must answer. Join Ravi today as he takes a deeper look at this issue."
    https://www.rzim.org/listen/let-my-people-think/atheism-humanism-a-culture-without-god-part-1
    Atheism and Humanism: A Culture Without God (part 2)
    "Do you feel prepared to defend and share the claims of Christ with those who hold beliefs in humanism or atheism? This week on Let My People Think, Ravi Zacharias is examining the questions that all worldviews must answer. Join Ravi today as he takes a deeper look at this issue."
    https://www.rzim.org/listen/let-my-people-think/atheism-humanism-a-culture-without-god-part-2

    Biblical Test of Character for Candidates for Public Office and all Civil Servants
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bibltest.html

    Business Ethics at Business.com
    http://www.business.com/directory/management/business_ethics/

    Business Ethics Magazine
    http://www.business-ethics.com/

    The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity (CBHD)
    http://www.bioethix.org

    CEO Pay: Healthy pay for Health Care CEOs, May 27, 2014
    "Health care tops other industries for highest median CEO pay, again.
    "Here's a look at median CEO pay by industry last year, as calculated by executive pay research firm Equilar and The Associated Press. For the fifth time in six years, health care CEOs got the most pay while CEOs at utility companies got the least.
    "Health care: $12.3 million, up 13 percent
    "Financial: $12 million, up 22 percent"
    http://news.yahoo.com/ceo-pay-healthy-pay-health-071116429.html

    Codes of Conduct
    http://www.iit.edu/departments/csep/PublicWWW/codes/codes.html

    Code of Ethics for United States Government Service
    "President George H.W. Bush signed Executive Order 12674 on April 12, 1989, setting out the following fourteen basic principles of ethical conduct for executive branch personnel: . . ."
    "11. Employees shall disclose waste, fraud, abuse, and corruption to appropriate authorities. . . ."
    The Overarching Rules of Ethical Conduct
    "In addition to the above 14 rules of conduct for executive branch employees, Congress, on June 27, 1980, unanimously passed a law establishing the following general Code of Ethics for Government Service. Signed by President Jimmy Carter on July 3, 1980, Public Law 96-303 requires that, 'Any person in Government service should:'
    "Put loyalty to the highest moral principles and to country above loyalty to persons, party, or Government department.
    "Uphold the Constitution, laws, and regulations of the United States and of all governments therein and never be a party to their evasion. . . .
    "Expose corruption wherever discovered.
    "Uphold these principles, ever conscious that public office is a public trust."
    https://www.thoughtco.com/code-of-ethics-for-us-government-service-4052443

    Computer Crime and Corporate Crime
    http://www.lettermen2.com/ccrime.html

    Computer Ethics
    "Computers can be programmed to do anything -- honest or dishonest."
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_ethics

    Corporate Faithfulness and Sanctification (part 2)
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chb.html

    Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrate
    http://www.LesserMagistrate.com

    Defending the Faith we Live, [audio file] Ravi Zacharias
    "God himself provided the narrative of how he defined life, and how we would, therefore, redefine life.
    "Christianity is being hit from almost every side it seems. On the one hand you have the new spiritualists, who believe we have a narrow view of religion. On the other you have the new atheists, who believe we have too broad a view of life. How do we defend the Gospel in today's cultural atmosphere?
    "All these decades in our Ivy League schools we trained our MBA graduates and our philosophers to believe morality was relative, that there are no absolutes, that there's really no ultimate right and wrong, you have to determine what is right and wrong. Now when they become heads of Enron, and banks, and insurance companies, and believed what they were taught, and practiced their relativistic ethic, we put them behind bars. Why are we imprisoning them for believing their professors? Don't you think we really ought to be trying their professors as well?"
    https://www.rzim.org/listen/let-my-people-think/defending-the-faith-we-live-part-1

    Defy Tyrants
    http://www.DefyTyrants.com

    *EC-Council
    Resources for training in computer forensics.
    https://www.eccouncil.org/

    *EC-Council Press at WorlCat.org
    Approximately 30 titles on penetration testing, computer forensics, ethical hacking, and so forth, and so on.
    https://www.worldcat.org/search?q=au=%22EC-Council%20Press%22

    *Election Fraud in the United States
    http://www.lettermen2.com/vfraud.html

    *Ethical Algorithm Design Should Guide Technology Regulation, Michael Kearns and Aaron Roth, January 13, 2020
    "We propose that more systematic, ongoing, and legal ways of auditing algorithms are needed. Regulating algorithms is different and more complicated than regulating human decision-making. It should be based on what we have come to call ethical algorithm design,[3] which is now being conducted by a community of hundreds of researchers. Ethical algorithm design begins with a precise understanding of what kinds of behaviors we want algorithms to avoid (so that we know what to audit for), and proceeds to design and deploy algorithms that avoid those behaviors (so that auditing does not simply become a game of whack-a-mole)."
    https://www.brookings.edu/research/ethical-algorithm-design-should-guide-technology-regulation/

    Ethics Codes and Practice Guidelines for Assessment, Therapy, Counseling, and Forensic Practice
    "This page presents links to therapy, counseling, forensic, and related ethics (and practice) codes developed by professional organizations (e.g., of psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, marriage and family counselors). Codes are listed only if they appear online.
    "Links to related resources are listed at the end."
    http://kspope.com/ethcodes/index.php

    Gaming the System
    "Henry Paulson, considering that 'the late crisis demonstrated that our financial markets had outgrown the ability of our current system to regulate them,' saw as one necessity 'a better framework that featured less duplication and that restricted the ability of financial firms to pick and choose their own, generally less-strict regulators -- a practice known as regulatory arbitrage'[4] that enabled widespread gaming of the regulatory system.
    "A similar, contributing effect has been identified within corporate rating systems, where 'gaming the system becomes virulent when formalization is combined with transparency.'[5] (M. Lounsbury/P.M. Hirsch, Markets on Trial, p. 147)
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaming_the_system

    Google Algorithm Change History
    http://www.seomoz.org/google-algorithm-change

    Hackers Demand $70 Million to Restore Data in Cyberattack, July 5, 2021
    "Hackers suspected to be behind a mass extortion attack that affected hundreds of companies worldwide late on Sunday demanded $70 million to restore the data they are holding ransom, according to a posting on a dark website."
    https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/cyberattack/2021/07/05/id/1027481/

    High Crimes and Misdemeanors Explained
    https://www.thoughtco.com/high-crimes-and-misdemeanors-definition-4140196

    High-frequency Trading
    "For example, high-frequency trading exceeds the capability of the government to regulate. There is such a thing as invisible computer programming code, which represents a formidable challenge to forensic accounting."
    Forensic Accounting http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forensic_accounting

    Hippocratic Oath
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippocratic_Oath

    How Facebook's Master Algorithm Powers the Social Network
    "The algorithm behind Facebook's News Feed, a 'modular layered cake,' extracts meaning from every post and photo.
    " 'Artificial intelligence permeates everything at Facebook Inc.,' the social network's head of applied machine learning says -- 'and humans are bound to understand Facebook less than ever'."
    https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-facebooks-master-algorithm-powers-the-social-network-1508673600

    The Impeachment Process in US Government
    https://www.thoughtco.com/impeachment-the-unthinkable-process-3322171

    Managing the Ethics of Algorithms
    https://www.forbes.com/sites/insights-intelai/2019/03/27/managing-the-ethics-of-algorithms/

    The Moral Foundation of Love
    http://talkingethics.50megs.com/index.html

    The Non-duality of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother: A Profile
    http://www.lettermen2.com/syncret.html

    Psychology and Psychiatry
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappc.html

    Religious Test Clauses in Colonial and State Constitutions and Other Documents and Statements Supporting the Original Consensus That There Should be a Religious Test for Positions of Authority and Trust
    http://www.lettermen2.com/agc001.html

    Skyrocketing Health Insurer CEOs' Paychecks are "Crazy," Says Executive Comp Expert, 06/09/2014
    "If health insurance companies announce big premium increases on policies for 2015, I hope regulators, lawmakers and the media will look closely at whether they are justified, especially in light of recent disclosures of better-than-expected profits in 2013, rosy outlooks for the rest of this year and soaring CEO compensation.
    "Almost all of the publicly traded health insurers reported big increases in revenue and profits last year. The big winners have been the top executives of those companies, led by Mark Bertolini, CEO of Aetna, the nation's third largest health insurer. Bertolini's total compensation of $30.7 million in 2013 was 131 percent higher than in 2012.
    "If the stock prices of these firms keep growing at the current pace, Bertolini and his peers can expect to be rewarded even more handsomely this year, especially if they can hike premiums high enough to satisfy shareholders. . . .
    "Of those 11 companies (Aetna, Centene, Cigna, Health Net, Humana, Molina, Triple-S Management Corp., UnitedHealth Group, Universal American, Wellcare, and WellPoint) nine saw their stocks close near 52-week highs this past Friday.
    "The biggest gainer has been Humana, one of the largest operators of Medicare Advantage plans, whose share price has increased more than 53 percent over the past year.
    "The increases have been equally impressive at most of the other big companies. Aetna's share price is up 31 percent, Cigna's 32 percent. United's is up 28 percent. And WellPoint's is up 39 percent.
    "But it is the CEO compensation that has been the most eye-popping, especially at two of the publicly traded companies that specialize in managing Medicaid enrollees in several states: Centene and Molina.
    "Centene's CEO Micheal Neidorff saw his compensation increase 71 percent last year, from $8.5 million to $14.5 million. Even more impressive was the 140 percent raise Molina's J. Mario Molina got. His compensation jumped from $4.95 million in 2012 to $11.9 million in 2013.
    "All of those totals were disclosed in the proxy statements those companies filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission earlier this spring."
    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/wendell-potter/skyrocketing-health-insur_b_5473618.html?utm_hp_ref=politics&ir=Politics

    Statements Supporting the Original Consensus That Christianity is the Highest Ethical Standard Known to Mankind and, Therefore, Should be the Basis of Law and Government
    http://www.lettermen2.com/agc002.html

    *Techno-Authoritarianism is Here to Stay: China and the Deep State Have Joined Forces, John Whitehead, President at The Rutherford Institute, November 16, 2022

    If this government ever became a tyranny, if a dictator ever took charge in this country, the technological capacity that the intelligence community has given the government could enable it to impose total tyranny, and there would be no way to fight back. -- Senator Frank Church
    "The votes are in.
    "No matter who runs for office, no matter who controls the White House, Senate, or the House of Representatives, now or in the future, 'we the people' have already lost.
    "We have lost because the future of this nation is being forged beyond the reach of our laws, elections, and borders by techno-authoritarian powers with no regard for individuality, privacy or freedom.
    "The fate of America is being made in China, our role model for all things dysphoria.
    "An economic and political powerhouse that owns more of America's debt than any other country and is buying up American businesses across the spectrum, China is a vicious totalitarian regime that routinely employs censorship, surveillance, and brutal police state tactics to intimidate its populace, maintain its power, and expand the largess of its corporate elite.
    "Where China goes, the United States eventually follows. This way lies outright tyranny."
    https://www.rutherford.org/publications_resources/john_whiteheads_commentary/techno_authoritarianism_is_here_to_stay_china_and_the_deep_state_have_joined_forces

    Techno-authoritarianism, Totalitarian Paranoia
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappd.html#tchnoau

    Theft: Commentary and Cases of Conscience. A Listing Excerpted From The Institutes of Biblical Law by Rousas John Rushdoony, 1973 edition
    http://www.lettermen2.com/theft.html

    Trinitarianism Verses Polytheism: Unresolved Questions of Article VI, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution
    http://www.lettermen2.com/trinpoly.html

    Unplugging Truth in a Morally Suicidal Culture (parts 1-3), Ravi Zacharias
    " 'We are living today not in the delicious intoxication of the early successors of science, rather in the grisly morning after,' wrote Aldous Huxley. The process of secularization, pluralization, and privatization have contributed to a morally falling society, yet Ravi counters this reality with the truth of the Scriptures: We are not orphaned in this world, for God has created us with dignity and invites us to worship and serve Him. Ravi's message was the opening presentation at a bioethics conference held at the Center for Bioethics in Human Dignity."
    https://www.rzim.org/listen/just-thinking/unplugging-truth-in-a-morally-suicidal-culture-part-1
    https://www.rzim.org/listen/just-thinking/unplugging-truth-in-a-morally-suicidal-culture-part-2
    https://www.rzim.org/listen/just-thinking/unplugging-truth-in-a-morally-suicidal-culture-part-3

    Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) With Scripture Proofs
    http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/

    *Where do our Values Come From? An Evening With Ravi Zacharias
    "Jesus did not come to make us more moral. He did not come to make bad people good. He came to make dead people live." -- Ravi Zacharias
    https://connect.rzim.org/t/livestream-where-do-our-values-come-from-an-evening-with-ravi-zacharias/16354



    Sex Ethics, Sex Education

    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)

    See the Theological Notes: "Body and Soul, Male and Female" at Genesis 2:7 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 19:5-6)
    John Gill commenting on Matthew 19:6
    http://www.biblestudytools.com/my-bible/#/left:passage/kjv/matthew/19:6/&right:reference/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/matthew-19-6.html

    All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.
    Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
    Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.     (1 Corinthians 6:12-20)

    Ultimately the Seventh Commandment (Exodus 20:14), is about our fidelity to Christ. (Hosea 2:19-20; 1 Corinthians 6:15-20; James 4:4)
    To fracture the Seventh Commandment is to break covenant with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
    The sexual revolution is really a revolution against God. (Numbers 25:1-3, 29; Joshua 22:17; Psalm 106:30,31)
    See: Engelsma, Marriage, the Mystery of Christ and the Church.

    Calvin seems to see the Seventh as interrelated to, as summing up, all Ten Commandments of the Law.*
    Although one kind of impurity is alone referred to, it is sufficiently plain, from the principle laid down, that believers are generally exhorted to chastity; for, if the Law be a perfect rule of holy living, it would be more than absurd to give a license for fornication, adultery alone being excepted. Furthermore, it is incontrovertible that God will by no means approve or excuse before this tribunal, what the common sense of mankind declares to be obscene; for, although lewdness has everywhere been rampant in every age, still the opinion could never be utterly extinguished, that fornication is a scandal and a sin. . . . [Titus 2:12; Isaiah 30:21; Matthew 19:17; Romans 13:8]
    Now, if Christ and the Apostles, who are the best interpreters of the Law, declare that God's Law is violated no less by fornication than by theft, we assuredly infer, *that in this Commandment the whole genus is comprehended under a single species. . . . [Hebrews 13:4; Leviticus 21:14; Deuteronomy 23:17; Hosea 4:11; Hosea 1:2; Numbers 25:9; 1 Corinthians 10:8; Acts 15:20; 1 Corinthians 6:18; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:4,5] -- John Calvin commenting on Exodus 20:14 and Deuteronomy 5:18 and context

    We are an illiterate nation incapable of understanding great truth. -- C. Gregg Singer (1910-1999)

    This, however, has happened, not once only, and not with the men of Sodom alone; but is daily fulfilled in the reprobate, whom Satan fascinates with such madness, that when stricken by the mighty hand of God, they proceed with stupid obstinacy to advance against him. And we need not seek far, for an instance of such conduct; we see with what tremendous punishments God visits wandering lusts; and yet the world ceases not, with desperate audacity, to rush into the certain destruction which is set before their eyes. -- John Calvin (1509-1564), commenting on Genesis 19:10 and context

    "Why Fidelity is Important:" We are clearly sexual creatures: God created humans as male and female. Sexual intercourse creates a mysterious, unique one flesh bond between partners. We become somehow tied spiritually to a person with whom we have had sexual intercourse: the union is not only physical, but also spiritual. In Genesis 2:24 it says that they become one flesh. Sex somehow ushers us into the depths of each others being. The physical coupling is also a deeper spiritual coupling. Therefore, when the participants bear no intent to unite, the act becomes, as Foster says: 'a hollow diabolical parody against sacred union.' To engage in a life uniting act without life uniting intent wounds the inner spirit and these wounds can become infected and fester until they scar and poison the spiritual life. -- Reader's Comment on Money, Sex and Power: The Challenge of the Disciplined Life, by Richard J. Foster

    The bond between our creator God and his creation is implicit in the Bible -- God and man -- Saviour of fallen man. A type of this bond is seen in microcosm in the bond between man and woman -- the two become one flesh. When bonds are broken, then society breaks down, destabilizes. God, sex, and social stability appear to be inextricable.

    Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. (Psalm 127:3)

    Abortion was the 20th century's biggest single killer of mankind worldwide, far surpassing any other cause: disease, war, governments, natural disasters, and so forth, and so on. See: "Biggest Killers of the 20th Century." Notice that abortion is not included in this diagram. The absence of information says something about the depravity of mankind (Jeremiah 17:9,10), and about the suppression and repression of truth. (Hosea 4:6,7)
    The number of abortions performed worldwide in the last 50 years is estimated to be 1 to 2 billion. But try to document this fact elsewhere online.
    The total abortions worldwide for the 20th century may be interpolation from available data. The calculation does not factor in incremental increases in world population since 1900. Worldwide there are an estimated 43.8 million abortions annually (2008 figures, Guttmacher Institute) X 100 years = 4.38 billion killings worldwide in the 20th century. This is compared to 1.97 billion estimated deaths worldwide for non-communicable diseases the reported biggest killer worldwide of the 20th century. Comparison may also be made with figures for genocide.
    Number of Abortions -- Abortion Counters
    "The most accurate set of abortion counters on the web. Number of abortions in U.S. and worldwide; Number of abortions since 1973; Number of abortions this year; U.S. abortion clock; Worldwide abortion clock; Number of abortions due to rape or incest; Planned Parenthood abortion count."
    http://www.numberofabortions.com/

    It is shocking how often sexual immorality leads to death.

    The depravity of man is at once the most empirically verifiable reality, but at the same time the most intellectually resisted fact. (Genesis 6:5; Genesis 8:21b; Ecclesiastes 9:3b; Jeremiah 17:9; Mark 7:21-23; Ephesians 2:1-3; Titus 3:3-5) -- Malcolm Muggeridge (1903-1990). See John Calvin's Commentary on Isaiah Chapter 33 [Isaiah 33:1-66].

    *Anderson, James N.D., Issues of Life and Death, ISBN: 0340231513 9780340231517.
    "In this work Sir Norman presents his 'Lectures on Contemporary Christianity,' University of London, 1975. He establishes his thesis for the development of ethical principles squarely on the sacredness of human life as presented in the Bible. While on the one hand this treatise is a valuable corrective for Ward's THE DIVINE IMAGE, on the other it is a bold attempt to provide a rational defense for a viable system of ethics. In this we believe Anderson has been most successful." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Anderson, Wayne J., How to Understand Sex: Guidelines for Students.

    Arnold, Johann Christoph, and Mother Teresa, Sex, God, and Marriage, ISBN: 9780874866506 0874866502.
    "There's hope for childhood. Despite a perfect storm of hostile forces that are robbing children of a healthy childhood, courageous parents and teachers who know what's best for children are turning the tide. Johann Christoph Arnold, whose books on education, parenting, and relationships have helped more than a million readers through life's challenges, draws on the stories and voices of parents and educators on the ground, and a wealth of personal experience. He surveys the drastic changes in the lives of children, but also the groundswell of grassroots advocacy and action that he believes will lead to the triumph of common sense and time-tested wisdom. Arnold takes on technology, standardized testing, overstimulation, academic pressure, marketing to children, over-diagnosis and much more, calling on everyone who loves children to combat these threats to childhood and find creative ways to help children flourish. Every parent, teacher, and childcare provider has the power to make a difference, by giving children time to play, access to nature, and personal attention, and most of all, by defending their right to remain children." -- Publisher
    "Simple and short, but deep, this is one of the best books on handling sexuality in a way that honors God." -- J.I. Packer (1926-2020), Regent College
    "To advocate an ideal of sexual purity is perhaps the last American taboo. . . . This book provides a wise spiritual guide on how, and why, to lead such a life." -- Paul C. Vitz, New York University

    *Chambers, Claire, The SIECUS Circle: A Humanist Revolution, ISBN: 0882791192 9780882791197.
    THE SIECUS CIRCLE: A HUMANIST REVOLUTION established a clear connection between the socialist agenda and sexual immorality of the general population.
    "THE SIECUS CIRCLE said, in the 1960s, that the population control crowd targeted the RCC [Roman Catholic Church], the LCMS [Lutheran Church Missouri Synod], and the SBC [Southern Baptist Church], as they all had leaders in charge of major publishing operations who could easily be 'bought off.' I remember as a child, my father coming home one day from Rotary Club livid that the local LCMS pastor had spoken on the need for classroom sex talk (sex ed) in the local schools. It worked. . . . setting up the foundations for abortion." -- Reader's Comment
    "This book was an eye opener, written years ago, and relevant and prophetic for today. I am glad I re-read it again. If you want to know where the culture is headed, read this . . ." -- Reader's Comment

    Cole, William Graham, Chaplain at Williams College, Sex and Love in the Bible.

    Countryman, L. William, Dirt, Greed and Sex: Sexual Ethics in the New Testament and Their Implications for Today, ISBN: 0334028574 9780334028574.

    D'Antonio, Michael, Mortal Sins: Sex, Crime, and the era of Catholic Scandal, ISBN: 9780312594893 0312594895 9781250049803 1250049806.
    "An explosive, sweeping account of the scandal that has sent the Catholic Church into a tailspin -- and the brave few who fought for justice in the mid-1980s a dynamic young Monsignor assigned to the Vatican's embassy in Washington set out to investigate the problem of sexually abusive priests. He found a scandal in the making, confirmed by secret files revealing complaints that had been hidden from police and covered up by the Church hierarchy. He also understood that the United States judicial system was eager to punish offenders and those who aided them. He presented all of this to the American bishops, warning that the Church could be devastated by negative publicity and bankrupted by its legal liability. They ignored him. Meanwhile, a young lawyer listened to a new client describe an abusive sexual history with a priest that began when he was ten years old. His parents' complaints were downplayed by Church officials who offered them money to go away. The lawyer saw a claim that any defendant would want to settle. Then he began to suspect he was onto something bigger, involving thousands of priests who had abused countless children while the Church had done almost nothing about it. The lawsuit he filed would touch off a legal war of historic and global proportions. Part history, part journalism, and part true-crime thriller, Michael D'Antonio's MORTAL SINS brings to mind landmark books such as ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN, AND THE BAND PLAYED ON, and THE INFORMANT, as it reveals a long and ferocious battle for the soul of the largest and oldest organization in the world." -- Publisher

    De Conick, April D., Holy Misogyny: Why the sex and Gender Conflicts in the Early Church Still Matter, ISBN: 9781623565565 1623565561.
    "This book is a superbly researched 200-page compendium by the author presenting the origins of such Christian doctrinal issues as why God is male, the association of women with sin, the denial of priesthood to females, and more. Informed and informative, thoughtful and thought-provoking this book is a strongly recommended read for anyone concerned with the origin of gender equality issues within the contemporary Christian community." -- The Midwest Book Review

    deParrie, Paul, Romanced to Death: Sexual Seduction of American Culture, ISBN: 0943497906 9780943497907.
    "The author exposes what he calls the 'skin trade,' the commercial sexuality that has seduced America. He traces the misconception of love that has resulted in high divorce rates, promiscuity, infidelity, and abortion." -- GCB

    *Elliot, Elisabeth, Passion and Purity: Learning to Bring Your Love Life Under Christ's Control, ISBN: 080075137X 9780800751371.
    "Perhaps the best and most readable book on this subject. Using her own past with Jim Elliot, she writes a book that clearly sets the teaching of the Bible in easy to understand terms. Warmly personal, strongly Biblical." -- GCB
    "Popular seminar speaker Elisabeth Elliot has written a book about bringing one's love life under the authority of Jesus Christ. She gives direction in such areas as singleness or marriage, putting God's desires ahead of personal desires, what men look for in a woman, virginity and chastity, and the man's and woman's role in relationships." -- Publisher

    Ells, Alfred, Restoring Innocence, ISBN: 0840774532 9780840774538.

    *Engelsma, David, Marriage, the Mystery of Christ and the Church, ISBN: 0825425190 9780825425196.
    "Engelsma is a pastor in the Protestant Reformed Church, and also is editor of their paper, The Standard Bearer. The chapters in this book were preached as sermons in the author's church at Loveland, Colorado. Engelsma sees the corruption of the sacred institution of marriage as being a cause of myriads of the evils that abound in our day. He says, 'There is the bitter misery of soul that shatters those who have been unfaithful and that leads to drink, drugs, nervous breakdown, and even suicide. . . . The author does a good job of expounding Ephesians 5:31,32, This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. He explains that this 'mystery' has to do with the intimacy and oneness of a truly married couple. And this typifies the 'underlying reality of the union of Christ with His Church'." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)

    *Foster, Richard J., Money, Sex and Power: The Challenge of the Disciplined Life, ISBN: 9780340979280 0340979283.
    " 'No issues touch us more profoundly or universally,' writes Richard Foster. 'No topics cause more controversy. No human realities have greater power to bless or curse. No three things have been more sought after or are more in need of a Christian response.' MONEY, SEX AND POWER discerns the biblical principles that enable us to live out a relevant and authentic response to the three greatest temptations of our age." -- Publisher
    " 'Why Fidelity is Important:' We are clearly sexual creatures: God created humans as male and female. Sexual intercourse creates a mysterious, unique one flesh bond between partners. We become somehow tied spiritually to a person with whom we have had sexual intercourse: the union is not only physical, but also spiritual. In Genesis 2:24 it says that they become one flesh. Sex somehow ushers us into the depths of each others being. The physical coupling is also a deeper spiritual coupling. Therefore, when the participants bear no intent to unite, the act becomes, as Foster says: 'a hollow diabolical parody against sacred union.' To engage in a life uniting act without life uniting intent wounds the inner spirit and these wounds can become infected and fester until they scar and poison the spiritual life." -- Reader's Comment

    *Geisler, Norman L., The Christian Ethic of Love, ISBN: 031024921X 9780310249214. Alternative title: THE ETHIC OF CHRISTIAN LOVE, and THE CHRISTIAN LOVE ETHIC. Completely revised by Dr. Geisler in 2012, and forthcoming 2019.
    "Argues that love is an absolute which everything can be measured against. Found this a good response to the situational ethics . . . This book had a great influence on my thinking. . ." -- Reader's Comment
    "Jesus summarized our entire moral duty in two commands: Love God and love others (Matthew 22:37-40). Taking these words seriously, this book constructs the whole Christian Ethic on life-and-death issues in terms of these commands. This book was first published in 1973 as THE CHRISTIAN ETHIC OF LOVE." -- Publisher

    *Gill, John (1697-1771), Exposition of the Book of Solomon's Song: Commonly Called Canticles: Wherein the Authority of it is Established and Vindicated, Against Objections Both Ancient and Modern.
    "A full, devotional, typological exposition in which the writer stresses the relationship of Christ to the believer. Originally published in 1776." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Grenz, Stanley, Sexual Ethics: A Biblical Perspective, ISBN: 0853648697 9780853648697.
    "Grenz probes theology, ethics, and medical research to present a thorough, contemporary discussion of human sexuality from a Biblical, Christian viewpoint." -- GCB

    Griffith, R. Marie, Moral Combat: How sex Divided American Christians and Fractured American Politics, ISBN: 9780465094752 0465094759.
    "Why are religious conflicts over sex and sexuality so inescapable in American politics today? The answer, argues R. Marie Griffith in MORAL COMBAT, lies in sharp disagreements that emerged among American Christians almost a century ago. In the 1920s, after women gained the right to vote nationwide, a longstanding religious consensus about sexual morality began to fray irreparably. The slow but steady unraveling of that consensus in the decades that followed has transformed America's broader culture and public life, dividing our politics and pushing sex to the center of our public debate." -- Publisher
    "Marie Griffith is the Director of the John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics at Washington University in St. Louis, where she also serves as the John C. Danfoth Professor of Humanities. She has written extensively about religion in U.S. history and in the present. She focuses particularly on issues of gender and sexuality, matters that have grown ever more divisive in American society and politics in recent years. She has taught at Northwestern, Princeton, and Harvard, Universities and has published in both scholarly and popular venues. She is committed to civil discourse across political and religious lines, and she intends her writing to be accessible to a wide array of readers (not simply scholars). Her latest book, MORAL COMBAT, explores debates over sex in American Christianity over the past century and their profound impact on U.S. law and politics." -- Publisher
    "What she documents in incredible detail, without being dry, is a division among both Christians and Americans at large, which is beyond profoundly deep. It is a division that is almost inexplicable in any rational scientific or theological terms. While I can't imagine any historian giving it a better effort, I'm not convinced Griffith herself believes that she has been entirely successful, in the end, in unraveling the full breadth and depth of the forces behind the facts. The history is just that bizarre." -- Reader's Comment

    *Jones, E. Michael, Libido Dominandi: Sexual Liberation and Political Control, ISBN: 189031837X 9781890318376.
    "Thus, a good man, though a slave, is free; but a wicked man, though a king, is a slave. For he serves, not one man alone, but, what is worse, as many masters as he has vices." -- St. Augustine, City of God
    "Writing at the time of the collapse of the Roman Empire, St. Augustine both revolutionized and brought to a close antiquity's idea of freedom. A man was not a slave by nature or by law, as Aristotle claimed. His freedom was a function of his moral state. A man had as many masters as he had vices. This insight would provide the basis for the most sophisticated form of social control known to man.
    "Fourteen hundred years later, a decadent French aristocrat turned that tradition on its head when he wrote that 'the freest of people are they who are most friendly to murder.' Like St. Augustine, the Marquis de Sade would agree that freedom was a function of morals. Unlike St. Augustine, Sade proposed a revolution in sexual morals to accompany the political revolution then taking place in France. LIBIDO DOMINANDI -- the term is taken from Book I of Augustine's CITY OF GOD -- is the definitive history of that sexual revolution, from 1773 to the present.
    "Unlike the standard version of the sexual revolution, LIBIDO DOMINANDI shows how sexual liberation was from its inception a form of control. Those who wished to liberate man from the moral order needed to impose social controls as soon as they succeeded because liberated libido led inevitably to anarchy. Aldous Huxley wrote in his preface to the 1946 edition of BRAVE NEW WORLD that 'as political and economic freedom diminishes, sexual freedom tends compensatingly to increase.' This book is about the converse of that statement. It explains how the rhetoric of sexual freedom was used to engineer a system of covert political and social control. Over the course of the two-hundred-year span covered by this book, the development of technologies of communication, reproduction, and psychic control -- including psychotherapy, behaviorism, advertising, sensitivity training, pornography, and plain old blackmail -- allowed the Enlightenment and its heirs to turn Augustine's insight on its head and create masters out of men's vices. LIBIDO DOMINANDI is the story of how that happened." -- Publisher
    "E. Michael Jones ['a Roman Catholic polemicist of the old-fashioned type, for whom no Roman prelate (at least before Vatican II) ever did wrong, and no Protestant ever did right. He writes with the vehemence of a pamphleteer in the time of the sixteenth-century French wars of religion.' -- Reader's Comment], is editor of Culture Wars Magazine, and author of many books, including THE SLAUGHTER OF CITIES: URBAN RENEWAL AS ETHNIC CLEANSING." -- Publisher

    Lord, Alexandra M., Condom Nation: The U.S. Government's sex Education Campaign From World War I to the Internet, ISBN: 9780801893803 0801893801 1745448209 9781745448203.
    "This history of the U.S. Public Health Service's efforts to educate Americans about sex makes clear why federally funded sex education has been haphazard, ad hoc, and often ineffectual."
    "Since launching its first sex ed program during World War I, the Public Health Service has dominated federal sex education efforts. Alexandra M. Lord draws on medical research, news reports, the expansive records of the Public Health Service, and interviews with former surgeons general to examine these efforts, from early initiatives through the administration of George W. Bush."
    "Giving equal voice to many groups in America -- middle class, working class, black, white, urban, rural, Christian and non-Christian, scientist and theologian -- Lord explores how federal officials struggled to create sex education programs that balanced cultural and public health concerns. She details how the Public Health Service left an indelible mark on federally and privately funded sex education programs through partnerships and initiatives with community organizations, public schools, foundations, corporations, and religious groups. In the process, Lord explains how tensions among these organizations and local, state, and federal officials often exacerbated existing controversies about sexual behavior. She also discusses why the Public Health Service's promotional tactics sometimes inadvertently fueled public fears about the federal government's goals in promoting, or not promoting, sex education."
    "This thoroughly documented and compelling history of the U.S. Public Health Service's involvement in sex education provides new insights into one of the most contested subjects in America." -- Publisher

    Mayo, Mary Ann, Parent's Guide to sex Education, ISBN: 0310445817 9780310445814.
    "Traces the growth of a child's sexual identity. Explains in wholesome terms how parents may keep pace with their child's growing sexual awareness. Provides a competent and complete guide that should be 'must' reading in every home. Recommended." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Miller, C. John (1928-1996), A Christian View of Sexuality (parts 1 and 2) (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassettes CM108 and CM108A.

    Miller, C. John (1928-1996), The Puritan Style of Love and Marriage, (part 1 and 2), [audio file]. Available from the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation.

    Ott, Kate M., Sex + Faith: Talking With Your Child From Birth to Adolescence, ISBN: 9781611643466 1611643465.
    "Talking with your child about sex can be scary! SEX + FAITH helps parents incorporate their faith values with sexual information so they can answer questions, discuss sexuality at each stage of childhood, and show support of sexual differences. Section one explains how faith relates to sexuality and the essential role parents play in forming healthy, faithful, sexual children. The second section designates a chapter for four age groupings of children from infancy through high school. Each chapter explains the biological and developmental issues of the age, answers questions children tend to have, provides relevant Biblical and faith stories helpful to discuss with children of that age, and lists five to ten key educational issues for parents to keep in mind. Shaded text boxes are interspersed throughout the book with real life, practical questions that parents and children ask." -- Publisher

    *Owen, John (1616-1683), The Mortification of sin in Believers: Containing the necessity, nature, and means of it. With a resolution of sundry cases of conscience thereunto belonging. By John Owen, D.D. . . . A new edition London, 1783.
    "I owe more to John Owen than to any other theologian, ancient or modern; and I owe more to [THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN] than to anything else he wrote." -- J.I. Packer
    "John Owen's treatises on INDWELLING SIN IN BELIEVERS [in TEMPTATION AND SIN, Vol. 6 of Works] and THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN are, in my opinion, the most helpful writings on personal holiness ever written." -- Jerry Bridges
    The Works of John Owen, Vol. 6 (including THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN, Goold edition, 1862)
    https://archive.org/details/theworksofowen06owenuoft
    The Mortification of sin, an e-book
    https://www.monergism.com/mortification-sin-believers-ebook-0
    The Mortification of sin
    https://faculty.gordon.edu/hu/bi/ted_hildebrandt/SpiritualFormation/Texts/Owen_MortificationOfSin.pdf
    On the Mortification of Sin in Believers, John Owen (1 of 6), an audio file reading
    Currently (February 2009), there are 63 readings of John Owen by SWRB and Reformed Baptist of Holland (Michigan), (Thomas Sullivan), at SermonAudio.com available for listening online, downloading as MP3 files, and listening on iPhone or Mobile Phones.
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=62906111628

    Phipps, William E., The Sexuality of Jesus: Theological and Literary Perspectives, ISBN: 0060665610 9780060665616.
    "Contents: Jesus, religion, and sexuality | Jesus' dual paternity | The maturing of Rabbi Jesus | Jesus the philogynist | Ascetic philosophers on sexuality | The Reformers on sexuality | William Blake on Joseph's dilemma | D.H. Lawrence's appraisal of Jesus | Kazantzakis on Jesus' sexuality."

    *Piper, John, Justin Taylor, Ben Patterson, David Powlison (1949-2019), and Albert Mohler, et al., Sex and the Supremacy of Christ, ISBN: 9781433512278 1433512270.
    Amazon reviews are 79 percent five stars as of 4/27/2022.
    "Really impressed by the wealth of writers in this book. I have quoted from it and bought it both in Kindle and paperback versions. The five parts cover a wide range of subjects: 'God and Sex,' 'Sin and Sex,' 'Men and Sex,' 'Women and Sex,' and 'History and Sex.' That final part changed my thinking both on Luther and on the Puritans, as they really restored good biblical understanding on sex. The fact that God created sex is often lost in today's society, and this book helps focus on its positive view of a subject often spoiled by the world today." -- Reader's Comment
    "The second section deals with 'Sin and Sex.' The highlight of the entire book is David Powlison's chapter on 'Restoring Pure Joy to the Sexually Broken.' He provides biblical wisdom and encouragement for people who have abused sex, or who have been sexually abused. His counsel is loving and pastoral, and will surely bring a glimpse of light to many for whom sex has become darkness." -- Reader's Comment

    *Reisman, Judith A., Eunice V. Ray (editor), and Alfred Moreschi (illustrator), Kinsey: Crimes and Consequences the Red Queen and the Grand Scheme, ISBN: 0966662415 9780966662412.
    "Dr. Judith Reisman's new book, KINSEY: CRIMES AND CONSEQUENCES THE RED QUEEN AND THE GRAND SCHEME, presents sinister material on the man who seduced America.
    "The 1960s' sexual revolution was based on the most elaborate and carefully crafted scientific fraud of this century, writes author Judith Reisman. Early sexologist Alfred C. Kinsey, with his two famous reports just 50 years ago, seemingly legitimized both profligacy and deviancy, and thus established 'the sexual license he [personally] espoused.' SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR IN THE HUMAN MALE (1948) and its female equivalent (1953) kicked off no-fault divorce, the wife-swapping era, the gay rights movement, classroom sex education, sex 'therapy' as a growth industry, explicit imagery in the media and entertainment industry, and an avalanche of pornography and obscenity.
    "Although Kinsey was a sexual revolutionary, Dr. Reisman contends, he was falsely portrayed by Indiana University where he worked, and the Rockefeller Foundation which funded him, 'as just a normal American guy/husband/family man who simply "discovered" the "really" that most American men commonly engaged in sexually aberrant and outlaw behaviour.' Kinsey's 'research' alleged that 10 percent of American males were homosexual, that all of us were bisexual, that children were sexual from birth, and could engage in sexual activity with adults without harm, plus a whole broad spectrum of things taught today in our schools and practiced today in courts of law as fact and as true . . . It was fraud then, it is fraud now, and it revolutionized this nation and turned us into Kinsey's [psychological] clones.
    "His 'Grand Scheme' was to eliminate normal families in favour of selective breeding predicated upon racial and sexual eugenics, she charges, and his 'scientific conclusions' were concocted to advance it. The reference is to the Red Queen in Alice in Wonderland who wanted the sentence (beheading) carried out first and the verdict pronounced afterwards.
    "Disturbing information about Kinsey's work and private life has been accumulating since his death in 1956 at age 62. (The official cause was pneumonia due to overwork, but his extensive homosexual and sadomasochistic activities were likely contributors). Dr. Reisman revealed much of it in 1990, for example, in KINSEY, SEX AND FRAUD. Even last year's resolutely non-condemnatory biography by fellow Indiana University scholar James H. Jones, ALFRED C. KINSEY: A PUBLIC/PRIVATE LIFE (Norton), is replete with gruesomely shocking details.
    "KINSEY: CRIME AND CONSEQUENCES cannot be described as non-condemnatory. Its central figure, Dr. Reisman asserts, 'fits the classic definition of a sexual psychopath.' Had the public known that he 'and his male population were sexually abnormal, the popular use of their data to change [our] law, education and public policy would have come to a screeching halt.' He was able, however, to blackmail into silence associates who knew about 'his extensive use of deviants, his large prison population or, worse, his active child molesters.'
    "Still, she thinks his 'findings' should have roused suspicion. 'When I first read Kinsey's research, I thought this man is not reporting on America -- he's reporting on himself and then projecting that onto the nation. Kinsey prostituted his own wife Clara . . . into acts of sodomy with fellow "researchers," which Kinsey filmed. He seduced his own students at Indiana University -- male, not female students. He devised sexual activities with his "co-workers," who then became his co-authors. He [personally] engaged in violent sadistic activity, in which he harmed himself terribly . . . and appears to have died, frankly, as a result of the trauma to his body.'
    "But his famed reports were carefully phrased to obscure the fact that words like 'contacts,' 'partners' and 'sex play' could signify grown men sodomizing children. He was also both racist and cautious about his colleagues, avoiding Jews, blacks and moral traditionalists. Dr. Reisman quotes Kinsey co-author Wardell Pomeroy (KINSEY AND THE INSTITUTE FOR SEX RESEARCH, Harper & Row, 1972), on his hiring technique: 'As usual . . . we took his sexual history first . . . [Then] Kinsey put down his pen and said, "I don't think you want to work for us." "But I do," the researcher insisted. "Well," Kinsey observed, "you have just said that premarital intercourse might lead to later difficulties in marriage, that extramarital relations would break up a marriage, that homosexuality is abnormal, and intercourse with animals is ludicrous. Apparently you have all the answers. . . . Why do you want to do research'?"
    "Biographer Jones describes Kinsey as 'one of the scholarly eugenicists of pre-WWII' who favoured mass sterilization for the lower classes and selective breeding for the 'better classes.' Moreover, Judith Reisman emphasizes, the Rockefeller Foundation was early interested in population control and in using the media to popularize it. The Reece Committee, investigating U.S. tax-exempt foundations in 1953-54, concluded that this 'plutocratic control' was accomplished by 'funding the "right" university research by the "right" researchers, then by funding mass media dissemination of the "right" science data to the public.' Kinsey's numbers made him a perfect fit for anyone eager to alter what he would call human 'breeding patterns.'
    "Dr. Reisman, a specialist in content analysis studies of written and visual media, lost many family members in the Holocaust. In that context she raises further sinister questions about Kinsey's data. For instance, who was the 'lone pedophile,' the 'elderly gentleman' cited by Kinsey for his sexual molestation of 800 children? Who were 'The Children of Table 34' and what became of them? How did Kinsey's 'technically trained' observers gain access to the claimed 1,800 American children for illegal genital experiments? 'To this day,' she observes, 'the Kinsey Institute and Indiana University have repeatedly . . . refused to reveal any names of the subjects or the experimenters.' Nor has any one of these children ever come forward, although the institute seems an excellent target for lawsuits.
    "Even in the destitute 1930s, at the cited rate of a dollar a day, she doubts that children as young as three months were obtainable in such numbers around Bloomington, Indiana. She suggests an ominous but credible alternative: a collaborative link between Kinsey and Nazi Germany, then a police state where such 'experimentation' could easily be conducted 'as part of an ongoing collegial, cross-cultural, multinational, "fact-finding" research project.' She cites significant links, such as one George Sylvester Viereck, who worked for the German embassy in Washington, D.C., in those years, setting up Nazi front groups, and who is known to have been a Kinsey correspondent. Furthermore, the Rockefeller Foundation was simultaneously funding eugenics projects in Berlin.
    "Kinsey consistently kept secret his hypotheses and the basic facts upon which his conclusions rested, Dr. Reisman charges. 'Neither Kinsey nor any of his team can rightly be termed "scientists." Their methodology was not scientific, for it was neither able to be replicated nor validated. Their data was anonymous, forced, secretly altered at will, and fraudulent. With the aid of the elite academic world and institutions and the support of public funds and the social planning foundations, Kinsey and his associates, who served as his own private male harem, conducted thousands of sexual interviews to present a false view of American sexual behaviours.'
    "Amazingly, however, use of Kinsey data as authoritative has never been seriously challenged -- until now. It must not continue, Dr. Reisman declares: 'There [must] be a full and open public investigation into Kinsey's fraudulent data and its impact upon lawmakers, the military, the church, the press, the academic world, the family and all our institutions'." -- Kevin E. Abrams, co-author of The Pink Swastika: Homosexuality In The Nazi Party

    *Reisman, Judith A. (editor), Edward W. Eichel (editor), John H. Court (editor), and J. Gordon Muir (editor), Kinsey, Sex, and Fraud: The Indoctrination of a People: An Investigation Into the Human Sexuality Research of Alfred C. Kinsey, Wardell B. Pomeroy, Clyde E. Martin, and Paul H. Gebhard, ISBN: 091031120X 9780910311205 156384057X 9781563840579.
    "Alfred Kinsey is the father of the sexual revolution. He has almost single-handedly redefined for Western civilization the terms 'normal' and 'abnormal' in regard to sexual behavior. The authors of this book demonstrate that Kinsey's research was the most egregious example of scientific deception in this century. He openly promoted sex between children and adults, sex between humans and animals, and homosexuality. Kinsey's philosophy is being taught in sex and AIDS education classes across the nation. This book could put an end to that." -- GCB

    Reisman, Judith A., Sexual Sabotage: How one mad Scientist Unleashed a Plague of Corruption and Contagion on America, ISBN: 9781935071853 1935071858.
    "Alfred Kinsey's statistics on American sexual behavior was greatly skewed towards unusual sexual practices. Subsequent researchers at the Kinsey Institute have claimed that they have cleaned up the data, and found the same incidence rates. It is not possible to clean up data that was drawn from a sample that was not representative of the American people as a whole. The psychologist Abraham Maslow pointed out that Kinsey's data suffered from volunteer bias. And eminent statisticians pointed out that his statistics were invalid.
    "Reisman points out that if sex outside of marriage had really been as common as Kinsey claimed, there would have been much more abortion, divorce, children born out of wedlock, and sexually transmitted diseases in the 1940s than there actually was.
    "Kinsey's books did much to weaken the laws against sex outside of marriage, because it did not seem reasonable to outlaw behavior that was commonplace. Reisman documents how the American Law Institute Model Penal Code was substantially changed by the Kinsey reports. The ALI MPC frequently quoted Kinsey as a reference when reducing or eliminating penalties for sex crimes. Kinsey's assertion that children desire sex has lead to efforts to lower the age of consent. Marriage was originally a contract designed to enforce sexual exclusivity, to provide for the care of children, and to prevent women from being abandoned. Kinsey's promotion of hedonism has weakened the institution of marriage, to the detriment of women and children.
    "Judith Reisman is a voice in the wilderness, repeatedly drawing attention to one of the biggest crimes of the 20th century. Alfred Kinsey lied about the sex lives of the American people, in particular, about the Greatest Generation, the people who carried America through the Great Depression and World War II. Kinsey claimed that sex outside of marriage was common, when, in fact, it was unusual. Kinsey caused the children of the greatest generation to believe that their parents were hypocrites, who preached traditional sexual morality, but practiced sexual immorality." -- Reader's Comment

    Stuart, Friend, What the Bible Says About Sex, ISBN: 0912132175 9780912132174.
    "An abridgment and translation from THEOLOGISCHE ETHIK."
    The Eerdman edition reprinted from 1975 Baker Book House edition under title: THE ETHICS OF SEX.

    Thielicke, Helmut, Sex: Theological Ethics.
    "A scholarly examination of human sexuality in light of . . . doctrines of creation and redemption."

    Unwin, J.D., Sex and Culture.
    "Both Unwin and Eberstadt provide substantial evidence that a sexual revolution has long-term, devastating consequences for culture and civilization. As Unwin states, 'The history of these societies consists of a series of monotonous repetitions,' and it appears that our civilization is following the same, well-travelled road to collapse." -- Publisher

    Watson, Francis, Agape, Eros, Gender: Towards a Pauline Sexual Ethic, ISBN: 0521604591 9780521604598.
    "This is a highly original project. Francis Watson has succeeded in carving out a very distinctive niche for himself in biblical studies and has established himself as an important voice in contemporary theological and hermeneutical debate." -- Stephen Moore, University of Sheffield
    "I know of nothing that does what this book sets out to do, nor at the level of sophistication which Francis Watson achieves. The book will be of great interest to biblical interpreters, Christian ethicists, feminist scholars, and hopefully a wider academic audience interested in the interpretation of sexuality in the western tradition." -- Stephen Barton, University of Durham

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, 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), Systematic theology, Christ's kingdom, The person and work of jesus christ the Lord (christology), The cross of christ, The blood of christ, The words of christ, The all-sufficiency of christ, The lordship of jesus christ,
    Premarital counsel, MarriageMarriage (women), Sexual relationship, Counseling for sex related problems, illegitimacy, Sexual relationship (women), Birth control, Abortion and the sanctity of life, Post-abortion counseling,
    Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Sex ethics, sex education, Sexual wholeness, Men and women, misogyny, misandry, Adultery, Teens and sex, Abstinence, chastity, Sexually transmitted diseases,
    Male role and responsibility, gender equality, suffrage, reproductive rights, and the decline of american society, Family, Fatherlessness, Carnality and flesh pleasing: desires, pleasure, Pornography, Infatuation, Gratuitous sex, a cause of violence, Abuse, dysfunctional families, Child abuse and pedophilia, Incest, Incest (Women), Rape, Prostitution and harlotry, Homosexuality, lesbianism, gay, bisexual, transvestite, queer (lgbtq), Socialism, communism, marxism,
    Unity and uniformity in the visible church: unity in the truth, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, An introduction to the covenanted reformation, The covenanted reformation of scotland background and history, The ten commandments: the moral law, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Divorce, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 629, 663, 667, 3881, 3882
    MGTP: Sexual Immorality, Carnality

    Related Weblinks

    Franklin Graham on the Plague of Immorality, February 2, 2015
    "The sexual revolution that began in earnest five decades ago with promises of new and liberating sexual freedoms has instead left behind a shattered moral landscape that has undermined the fabric and foundation of our nation. Casting off what was perceived as the puritanical restraints of previous generations, the '60s and '70s launched a new era of sexual experimentation. The revolution, publicly inaugurated by 1967's Summer of Love in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district, promised an enlightened age of sexual morality. . . .
    "Fifty years later, we can see that the results have been catastrophic.
    "In many respects the American family is completely unrecognizable, courtesy of a failed sexual revolution that has left a devastating wake of destruction.
    "In certain segments of American culture, more than 70 percent of children are born to single parents and remain in single-parent households. Nationally, more than one in four children today live in households with only one parent. Demographers predict that by age 18, nearly 50 percent of all children will have lived with just a mom or dad.
    "Nearly half of all marriages end in divorce, and couples who cohabitate before marriage are even more likely to split. . . .
    "The freedoms promised by the sexual revolution have instead given way to ever-increasing slavery and captivity to sin. The attempt to cast off moral restraint has only opened wide the devil's destructive, deadly toolbox. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved (2 Peter 2:19). . . .
    "The Scripture is clear: But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you. . . . For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous . . . has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God (Ephesians 5:3,5). . . .
    "Our culture, like ancient cultures that ultimately were destroyed in large part due to their own moral depravity, has been severely weakened. A stable family unit committed to the truth and precepts of the Bible was once the foundation and backbone of our nation. That model is now the exception, not the rule. . . .
    "The only answer I know for any society in any era is the strong word of the Lord to the church in Thyatira who, though faithful in some ways, apparently tolerated sexual permissiveness that spread through the church: I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality (Revelation 2:21).
    "There is still time to repent. That is why Jesus is delaying His return, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance (2 Peter 3:9). . . ."
    http://billygraham.org/decision-magazine/february-2015/franklin-graham-on-the-plague-of-immorality/

    The Moral Foundation of Love
    http://talkingethics.50megs.com/index.html

    *Wisdom Guards the Heart, a sermon by Phil Johnson
    "Mortify your evil thoughts -- Mortify, therefore, your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry (Colossians 3:5) -- this is a recurring theme in the Apostle Paul's writings, this idea of putting to death sin in your body, mortifying the sin. 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. (Romans 8:13) What he's saying is this: put your evil thoughts to death. Deal with them ruthlessly. Don't allow them any breathing room. Choke the life out of them. Mortify them. Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof. (Romans 13:14)
    By the way, this is one of the marks of the true Christian. Galatians 5:24 says, And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. We haven't done it perfectly. It's a process of crucifixion, and that's a slow death, so those affections and lusts continually come back to plague us; but if you are truly a believer, then at some point and in some way, you have begun the process of crucifying these lusts and affections. . . ." -- Phil Johnson
    Wisdom Guards the Heart
    https://www.gracechurch.org/sermons/10356 Wisdom Guards the Heart
    https://archive.org/details/podcast_biblical-counseling-institute_wisdom-guards-the-heart_1000393915063



    Excellence

    Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
    And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.     (Philippians 3:8,9)

    And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23,24)

    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

    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)

    Another rule is, that the difficulty of obtaining shows the excellency: and, surely, if you consider but what it cost Christ to purchase it; what it costs the Spirit to bring men's hearts to it; what it costs ministers to persuade to it; what it costs christians, after all this, to obtain it; and what it costs many a half-christian, that, after all, goes without it; you will say, that here is difficulty, and therefore excellency. -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)

    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

    God loves adverbs better than nouns; not praying only but praying well; not doing good but doing it well. -- Thomas Brooks (1608-1680)

    *Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), A Treatise of Knowledge and Love Compared in THE REFORMED PASTOR: BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 4, ISBN: 1877611360. A Christian classic.
    Long title: A Treatise of Knowledge and Love Compared. In two Parts: 1. Of Falsely Pretended Knowledge. II. Of True Saving Knowledge and Love. I. Against Hasty Judging, and False Conceits of Knowledge; and for Necessary Suspension. II. The Excellency of Divine Love, and the Happiness of Being Known and Loved of God. Written as greatly necessary to the safety and peace of every Christian, and of the Church: the only certain way to escape false religions, heresies, sects, and malignant prejudices, persecutions, and sinful wars; all caused by falsely pretended knowledge, and hasty judging, by proud, ignorant men, who know not their ignorance.

    Bunyan, John (1628-1688), Barren Fig Tree, ISBN: 0198127332 9780198127338. Alternate title: THE BARREN FIG TREE, OR, THE DOOM AND DOWNFALL OF THE FRUITLESS PROFESSOR: SHEWING THAT THE DAY OF GRACE MAY BE PAST WITH HIM LONG BEFORE HIS LIFE IS ENDED: THE SIGNS ALSO BY WHICH SUCH MISERABLE MORTALS MAY BE KNOWN.
    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.

    Case, Thomas (1598-1682), The Excellent Woman, a Sermon Preached at the Funeral of Mrs. Elizabeth Scott, Dec. 16, 1658. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "THE EXCELLENT WOMAN examines the book of Proverbs to teach of the value and character of the virtuous woman. In the forward Dr. William Sprague writes, 'This is a work that will bear to be read more than once, and each successive reading will be likely to reveal some new gem of thought, which, in the general mass of excellence, had been overlooked before. It is a book suitable for the husband to present to his wife, the mother to her daughter, and the brother to his sister; and the more widely it is circulated, the better for the country and the world'." -- Publisher

    Clarkson, David (1622-1686), The Excellent Knowledge of Christ. In THE WORKS OF DAVID CLARKSON (1:247-72). Available (WORKS) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.

    Davies, Samuel (1723-1761), The Necessity and Excellence of Family Religion. Available in THE GODLY FAMILY: A SERIES OF ESSAYS ON THE DUTIES OF PARENTS AND CHILDREN. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #22.
    "Promotes daily family worship based on an indirect application of 1 Tim. 5:8 [1 Timothy 5:8 ], 'But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel'." -- Publisher

    Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), and Don Kistler, Altogether Lovely: Jonathan Edwards on the Glory and Excellency of Jesus Christ, ISBN: 1573580716.

    *Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), The Religious Affections. Alternate title: A TREATISE CONCERNING RELIGIOUS AFFECTIONS, IN THREE PARTS; PART I. CONCERNING THE NATURE OF THE AFFECTIONS, AND THEIR IMPORTANCE IN RELIGION. PART II. SHEWING WHAT ARE NO CERTAIN SIGNS THAT RELIGIOUS AFFECTIONS ARE GRACIOUS, OR THAT THEY ARE NOT. PART III. SHEWING WHAT ARE DISTINGUISHING SIGNS OF TRULY GRACIOUS AND HOLY AFFECTIONS. BY JONATHAN EDWARDS, A.M. AND PASTOR OF THE FIRST CHURCH IN NORTHAMPTON, ISBN: 0851514855 9780851514857. A Christian classic. RELIGIOUS AFFECTIONS is volume two of THE WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS, 26 volumes ISBN: 0300022824 9780300022827 0300060599 9780300060591. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.
    Edwards "sets forth 12 distinguishing signs of truly gracious and holy affections: (1) [those] truly spiritual affections which arise from spiritual, supernatural, Divine influences on the heart; (2) those affections grounded in the intrinsic excellence of Divine things, without relating to our self-interest; (3) those primarily founded on the loveliness of the moral excellency of Divine things. . . ." -- William Young
    "This treatise soberly, thoroughly, and scripturally covers hypocrisy within the Christian church. We recommend it to everyone in full-time Christian service, and to anyone who may be discouraged by hypocrisy among professing Christians.
    "It is by the mixture of counterfeit religion with true, not discerned and distinguished, that the devil has had his greatest advantage against the cause and kingdom of Christ. [for Edward's work on the positive side of the revival in New England see 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 -- compiler]. It is by this means, principally, that he has prevailed against all revivings of religion, since the first founding of the Christian church. . . . By this, Satan prevailed against the reformation, began by Luther. Zwinglius, etc., to put a stop to its progress, and bring it into disgrace, ten times more than by all those bloody and cruel persecutions of the church of Rome. By this, principally, has he prevailed against revivals of religion in our nation. By this he prevailed against New England, to quench the love and spoil the joy of her espousals, about a hundred years ago. And I think, I have had opportunity enough to see plainly, that by this the devil has prevailed against the late great revival of religion in New England, so happy and promising in its beginning." -- Jonathan Edwards, in the Preface to The Religious Affections
    A Treatise Concerning the Religious Affections, Edwards
    http://archive.org/details/treatiseconcern00edwa
    Religious Affections, Jonathan Edwards
    http://www.ccel.org/ccel/edwards/affections.i.html?highlight=religious,affections#highlight
    This work also appears full view in Google Books.

    Flavel, John (1630-1691), The Touchstone of Sincerity; or, Trial of True and False Religion (1840)
    http://archive.org/details/touchstoneofsinc00flav

    Greenhill, William (1591-1671), and Jeremiah Burroughs (1599-1646), The Excellency of a Gracious Spirit Delivered in a Treatise Vpon the 14. of Numbers, Vers. 24.: Together With Moses his Self-deniall / by Jer. Burroughes . . . ISBN: 1573580244 9781573580243.

    Inrig, Gary, The Call to Excellence, ISBN: 089693523X 9780896935235.
    "The author issues a call for all Christians to take up the cause of Biblical excellence. This is a calling which shapes character and gives every area of life new significance." -- GCB

    USA Research (editors/publishers), Meeting the Challenge of a Nation at Risk: The National Commission on Excellence in Education, ISBN: 0917191048 9780917191046 091719103X 9780917191039.

    USA Research (editors/publishers), A Nation at Risk: The Full Account: The National Commission on Excellence in Education, ISBN: 0917191021 9780917191022.

    *United States. National Commission on Excellence in Education, A Nation at Risk: The Imperative for Educational Reform: A Report to the Nation and the Secretary of Education, United States Department of Education by the National Commission on Excellence in Education, 1983.

    Webster, Noah, Noah Webster's Value of the Bible and Excellence of the Christian Religion: For the use of Families and Schools, 1834.

    Wilberforce, William (1759-1833), A Practical View of the Prevailing Religious System of Professed Christians, in the Higher and Middle Classes, Contrasted With Real Christianity (1820), and Flavel, John (1630-1691), Touchstone of Sincerity, or Trial of True and False Religion
     http://archive.org/details/practicalviewofp00wil

    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), 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, The covenant faithfulness of god, Words of christ appearing in the web edition of biblical counsel: resources for renewal, The words of christ, Christ our example, Calvinism, Christian scholarship, Discipline, Holiness, Self-denial, Discipleship, Knowledge of god and virtue, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Immanuel, christ in you, Reform of the church, The covenanted reformation (considered to the highest attainment of christianity), Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, The courts, the law base, and the judicial system, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 1083, 1084, 2728-2734
    MGTP: Vocation or Calling

    Related Weblinks

    American Accreditation HealthCare Commission, Inc. (formerly Utilization Review Accreditation Commission)
    "URAC, an independent, nonprofit organization, is well-known as a leader in promoting health care quality through its accreditation and certification programs. URAC offers a wide range of quality benchmarking programs and services that keep pace with the rapid changes in the health care system, and provide a symbol of excellence for organizations to validate their commitment to quality and accountability. Through its broad-based governance structure and an inclusive standards development process, URAC ensures that all stakeholders are represented in establishing meaningful quality measures for the entire health care industry.
    "For those unfamiliar with URAC, we are an independent, nonprofit organization committed to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and other quality improvement activities. Today, URAC's accreditations help protect 140 million Americans.
    "In recent years, URAC has become a nationally recognized quality improvement leader by reviewing and auditing a broad array of health care service functions and systems. Quality benchmarking activities cover health plans, preferred provider organizations, medical management systems, health technology services, health call centers, specialty care, workers' compensation, Websites, and HIPAA privacy and security compliance, among other areas."
    http://www.urac.org/

    Institute for Nouthetic Counseling
    "Study Biblical Counseling with Dr. Jay Adams.'
    "Here is a list of the courses we have ready:

    Introduction to Biblical Counseling/Counseling Principles and Practices
    The Counselor Himself
    Critical Stages in Biblical Counseling
    Counseling Problems
    Premarital Counseling
    Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage
    Theology and Counseling
    Church Discipline
    Forgiveness
    Medical Issues in Counseling I and II
    Marriage and Family Counseling
    We are currently working on the following:
    Counseling Theories and Issues Abroad in the Church Today
    Legal Issues in Counseling
    Counseling Women
    The Christian Counselor's Casebook Studies"
    http://www.nouthetic.org

    Nouthetic Counseling
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nouthetic_Counseling



    Extortion

    Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate;
    For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them.     (Proverbs 22:22,23)

    Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9,10)

    The Israelites not being commercial people, money was not often loaned for the purpose of business, but rather to aid the struggling poor. This last is the only kind of interest forbidden in the law, and the avoiding of this is sometimes given among the characteristics of the godly man (Psalm 15:5; Jeremiah 15:10).
    The practice of mortgaging lands, sometimes at exorbitant interest, grew up among the Jews during the captivity, in direct violation of the law (Leviticus 25:36; Ezekiel 18:8,13,17); and Nehemiah exacted an oath to insure its discontinuance (Nehemiah 5:3-13). Jesus denounced all extortion, and promulgated a new law of love and forbearance (Luke 6:30,35). The taking of usury in the sense of a reasonable rate of interest for the use of money employed in trade is different, and is nowhere forbidden; and is referred to in the New Testament as a perfectly understood and allowable practice. (Matthew 25:27; Luke 19:23), (Unger's Bible Dictionary, p. 1129)

    The inability of the unregenerate to trust the Lord to set a table before them (Psalm 23, see the topical listings "Trusting and obeying god," "Faith," "God's deliverance of nations," and so forth), results in untold evil committed by leaders through hapless proxy subordinates (Matthew 16:24-27).
    Centralization of power in government and other spheres of society, power that controls the means of production, in the absence of constitutional law and strict justice, forces subordinates to submit for fear of losing their livelihood and life. This is a type of extortion. (See Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, Theft, fraud, stealing: property rights and freedom, Liberalism, Tyranny, Treason, Impeachment, The utter failure of the u.s. constitution as a social deed of covenant, and so forth, and so on.)
    Abusive leaders that break covenant with God unseat themselves and should be further punished.

    Management demanding that employees carry out ungodly policy is a type of extortion and bribery. It bears a resemblance to the abuses of absentee management and corporate immunity. If a leader has a proxy do what he himself would be unwilling to do, then extortion is involved.

    Anastasia, George Blood and Honor: Inside the Scarfo Mob -- The Mafia's Most Violent Family, ISBN: 0688092608 9780688092603.
    "Up-close and personal perspectives on a consequential Mafia family that law-enforcement agencies and turncoats have all but put out of business. Drawing mainly on interviews with Nick Caramandi (a confessed killer, loan shark, and extortionist now in the Federal Witness Protection Program), Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Anastasia offers a tellingly detailed rundown on a fiefdom encompassing not only his hometown but also Atlantic City from the late 1970's through the mid-1980's. . . ." -- From Kirkus Reviews

    Confederate States of America, Presbyterian Church in the, Extortion.

    Jacoby, Neil H., Peter Raymond Nehemkis, and Richard Sedric Fox Eells, Bribery and Extortion in World Business: A Study of Corporate Political Payments Abroad, ISBN: 0029160006 9780029160008.

    Kitchen, John, How Must we Reprove, That we May not Partake of Other Men's Sins, 1661. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "Deals with the question in the title as it pertains to the church, the nation, and especially the family. An important sermon dealing with an almost forgotten duty for all Christians that seek to remain faithful to Christ. Shows how 'by delightful society and company with wicked men to countenance them, so we become partakers of their sins: But now I have written unto you, not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. (1 Corinthians 5:11,13). Also demonstrates that 'if we would not partake of the sins of others, we must reprove the sins of others' (Leviticus 19; Ezekiel 33:7-9). So the apostle is expressly (Ephesians 5:11), intimating that you do certainly approve them, if you do not reprove them. Contains an interesting aside that provides an answer to the philosophical questions raised by the existence of evil. Strong teaching." -- Publisher

    McChesney, Fred S., Money for Nothing: Politicians, Rent Extraction, and Political Extortion, ISBN: 0674583302 9780674583306, 240 pages.
    "Surveys reveal that a majority of Americans believe government is run for special interests, not public interest. The increased presence and power of lobbyists in Washington and the excesses of PAC and campaign contributions, in-kind benefits, and other favors would seem to indicate a government of weak public servants corrupted by big private-interest groups.
    "But as Fred McChesney shows, this perspective affords only a partial understanding of why private interests are paying, and what they are paying for. Consider, for example, Citicorp, the nation's largest banking company, whose registered lobbyists spend most of their time blocking legislation that could hurt any one of the company's credit-card, loan, or financial-service operations. What this scenario suggests, the author argues, is that payments to politicians are often made not for political favors, but to avoid political disfavor, that is, as part of a system of political extortion or 'rent extraction.'
    "The basic notion of rent extraction is simple: because the state can legally take wealth from its citizens, politicians can extort from private parties payments not to expropriate private wealth. In that sense, rent (that is, wealth), extraction is 'money for nothing' -- money paid in exchange for politicians' inaction. After constructing this model of wealth extraction, McChesney tests it with many examples, including several involving routine proposals of tax legislation, followed by withdrawal for a price. He also shows how the model applies more generally to regulation. Finally, he examines how binding contracts are written between private interests and politicians not to extract wealth.
    "This book, standing squarely at the intersection of law, political science, and economics, vividly illustrates the patterns of legal extortion underlying the current fabric of interest-group politics.
    "Fred S. McChesney is Professor of Law at the Cornell Law School." -- Publisher
    "To support his view that rent extraction imposes enormous costs on the economy, McChesney provides a wealth of evidence from recent policy debates. For example, he cites the United States Federal Trade Commission's efforts -- at the request of Congress -- to impose warranty and defect disclosure requirements on used car dealers as an attempt by individual members of Congress to obtain campaign contributions in exchange for voiding the rules. In this instance, he provides statistics on contributions made by the National Auto Dealers' Association to members of Congress who voted to repeal the regulations. In discussing the Supreme Court's response to the wheeling and dealing, he points out that the dealers were essentially tricked into paying to repeal legislation that Congress never intended to enact anyway.
    "On the Clinton health care plan, he states that stock prices of pharmaceutical firms began to fall before the policy was formally proposed. He emphasizes that investors knew that once price controls became an issue, the firms involved would have to spend money fighting the legislation by making campaign contributions. Thus, the firms were expected to lose enormous sums of money whether or not the bill was actually passed. Most importantly, he points out that the firms were never able to recover any of the money they lost in the process.
    "In addition to legislative threats to impose price caps, he cites situations in which politicians threaten to repeal existing price caps to obtain contributions. For example, he states that proposals to raise admission fees at Yellowstone National Park have met with resistance from local merchants and users who benefit from lower prices. In other words, politicians can even threaten regulatory systems that they inherited from previous regimes in order to extract contributions from the firms that benefit from those systems. . . ." -- Reader's Comment

    Wrage, Alexandra Addison, Bribery and Extortion: Undermining Business, Governments, and Security, ISBN: 9780275996499 0275996492.
    "Bribery plays a significant role in international criminal activity. Terrorists pay bribes. Money-launderers pay bribes. Those who traffic in people, narcotics, and illegal arms pay bribes. People pay immigration officers not to ask, customs officials not to inspect, and police officers not to investigate. At corporate headquarters in the United States, it can be easy to dismiss modest bribes in distant countries as an unfortunate cost of doing business. Bribes follow patterns that are not at all mysterious to the officials, salesmen, and citizens who seek them and pay them. Using a series of international cases, Wrage examines bribery, peeling back the mystique and ambiguity and exposing the very simple transactions that lie beneath. She shows how these seemingly everyday transactions can affect security, democratization, and human aid around the globe. Bribery and Extortion presents a clear picture of the world of bribery and the havoc it can wreak on whole populations. Wrage covers commercial bribery, administrative and service-based bribery, and extortion. She considers bribery and extortion at both high levels of government and lower levels on 'the street.' Examples from around the world help to illustrate the nature of the problem and efforts at combating it. The book concludes with practical suggestions and an assessment of current efforts to stem the tide of bribery and restore transparency to everyday transactions in all realms.
    "Alexandra Addison Wrage is an international attorney and President of TRACE International, a nonprofit, anti-bribery business association with over 1,000 corporate members in more than 100 countries. She has worked as in-house counsel for both Northrop Grumman Corporation and MCI Communications. She has written numerous articles on practical anti-bribery strategies and speaks frequently on topics of international law and the hidden costs of corruption." -- Publisher

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The ten commandments: the moral law, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The covenanted reformation of scotland background and history, The covenanted reformation, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), The covenant faithfulness of god, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Lordship of jesus christ, The all-sufficiency of christ, Theft, fraud, stealing: property rights and freedom, Bribery, Taxation, property and liberty, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, Pseudo-christian movements, Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 578

    Related Weblinks

    Theft: Commentary and Cases of Conscience. A Listing Excerpted From The Institutes of Biblical Law by Rousas John Rushdoony, 1973 edition
    http://www.lettermen2.com/theft.html



    Evil, The Problem of, Avoiding, Eschewing, Shunning

    Christianity is the only religion that provides a solution to the problem of evil.

    Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (John 1:29b)

    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)

    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. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 3:21)

    The Captain of our Salvation, made perfect, made complete, through suffering -- if our Lord himself had to go through that, as he endured the cross, despising the shame, and is now set down at the right hand of God -- that's why I think there is a key word which James Stewart uses, which I expand upon here, "He conquered not in spite of the Darkness, fear of evil, he conquered through it" and I believe it is the same in your life and mine. We may not like it, but we conquer through the pain and through the suffering. -- Ravi Zacharias in "Ravi Talks About his Book Why Suffering"

    These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. (Proverbs 6:16-19)

    For when he teaches that we know in part and prophesy in part [1 Corinthians 13:9,12], and see in a mirror dimly [1 Corinthians 13:12], he indicates what a tiny portion of that truly divine wisdom is given us in the present life. These words do not simply indicate that faith is imperfect so long as we groan under the burden of the flesh, but that, because of our own imperfection, we must constantly keep at learning. Nevertheless, he implies that the immeasurable cannot be comprehended by our inadequate measure and with our narrow capacities. Paul declares this also of the whole church: to each one of us his own ignorance is an obstacle and a hindrance, preventing him from coming as near as was to be desired. -- John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion (McNeill/Battles edition), 3.2.20, p. 565

    As for you, ye devised against me evil -- God devised it for good, in order to do as at this day, to keep alive a numerous people. (Genesis 50:20, YLTHB)

    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. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
    For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.     (Isaiah 55:7-9). See the annotation in The Reformation Study Bible.

    The just Lord is in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame. (Zephaniah 3:5)

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 37, C.H. Spurgeon
    Fret not thyself because of evildoers,
    neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
    For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
    and wither as the green herb.
    Trust in the LORD, and do good;
    so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
    Delight thyself also in the LORD;
    and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.     (Psalm 37:1-4)
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps037.php

    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 6:13)

    Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. (2 Timothy 2:19)

    Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
    But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.     (Psalm 1:1,2)

    The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves. (Isaiah 3:9)

    For lust is the fear of corruption, and hath his fear even in our very bowels and inmost parts. -- The Reformers commenting on 2 Peter 1:4 in the 1599 Geneva Bible

    For as the sufferings of Christ abound. (2 Corinthians 1:5a) -- This statement may be explained in two ways -- actively and passively. If you take it actively, the meaning will be this: "The more I am tried with various afflictions, so much the more resources have I for comforting others." I am, however, more inclined to take it in a passive sense, as meaning that God multiplied his consolations according to the measure of his tribulations. David also acknowledges that it had been thus with him: According to the multitude, says he, of my anxieties within me, thy consolations have delighted my soul (Psalm 94:19).
    In Paul's words, however, there is a fuller statement of doctrine; for the afflictions of the pious he calls the sufferings of Christ, as he says elsewhere, that he fills up in his body what is wanting in the sufferings of Christ (Colossians 1:24).
    The miseries and vexations, it is true, of the present life are common to good and bad alike, but when they befall the wicked, they are tokens of the curse of God, because they arise from sin, and nothing appears in them except the anger of God and participation with Adam, which cannot but depress the mind. But in the mean time believers are conformed to Christ, and "bear about with them in their body his dying, that the life of Christ may one day be manifested in them" (2 Corinthians 4:10).
    I speak of the afflictions which they endure for the testimony of Christ, (Revelation 1:9), for although the Lord's chastisements, with which he chastises their sins, are beneficial to them, they are, nevertheless, not partakers, properly speaking, of Christ's sufferings, except in those cases in which they suffer on his account, as we find in 1 Peter 4:13. Paul's meaning then is, that God is always present with him in his tribulations, and that his infirmity is sustained by the consolations of Christ, so as to prevent him from being overwhelmed with calamities. -- John Calvin commenting on 2 Corinthians 1:5

    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.

    See the Theological Notes: "Salvation," at Acts 4:12 in The Reformation Study Bible.

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

    See the Theological Notes: "Church Discipline and Excommunication," at Matthew 18:15 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    See the Theological Notes: "Providence," at Proverbs 16:33 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, sayeth the Lord. (Romans 12:19)

    But we must remember what He says in Psalm 90:4, that a thousand years in His sight are but as a single day; and consequently, when we think that He delays, He is, in His infinite wisdom, hastening as much as is necessary. He seems, indeed, to take no notice for a time, that He may thus invite men to repent; but still He declares that He will not delay, but that He will come suddenly, like a whirlwind, to hasten His judgments, lest the ungodly should grow drowsy from their security. Let us, therefore, learn quietly and patiently to wait for the fit season of His vengeance. -- John Calvin commenting on Deuteronomy 7:10

    And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? (Zechariah 3:2)
    The correct response then, to those who provoke us to anger by their brazen, arrogant, impudent, wicked acts, is to immediately remember that the Lord will deal with them (Jude 9, Nahum [God governs all of history according to his covenant], Calvin's commentary on Isaiah 33 and 34, and so forth and so on), and we must not be overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21)

    Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said The Lord rebuke thee. (Jude 9)

    Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:14-21)

    Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (1 Peter 5:6,7)

    If God does not exist, everything is permitted. -- Fyodor Dostoevski (1821-1881)

    Word: "disease"; Meaning; "disturb"; Sample location: "Luke 8:49" -- from the "Glossary," 1599 Geneva Bible, Tolle Lege edition

    DISEASE, n. Dizeze. [dis and ease].
    1. In its primary sense, pain, uneasiness, distress, and so used by Spenser; but in this sense, obsolete.
    2. The cause of pain or uneasiness . . . disorder; any state of a living body in which the natural functions of the organs are interrupted or disturbed . . . The first effect of disease is uneasiness or pain, and the ultimate effect is death. . . .
    3. A disordered state of the mind or intellect, by which the reason is impaired.
    4. In society, vice; corrupt state of morals. Vices are called moral diseases. A wise man converses with the wicked, as a physician with the sick, not to catch the disease, but to cure it.
    5. Political or civil disorder, or vices in a state; any practice which tends to disturb the peace of society, or impede or prevent the regular administration of government.
    The instability, injustice and confusion introduced into the public councils have, in truth, been the mortal diseases under which popular governments have every where perished. -- 1846 edition of An American Dictionary of the English Language
    DISEASE, v.t. dizeze.
    1. To interrupt or impair any or all the natural and regular functions of the several organs of a living body [i.e. robbing a neighbor of sleep -- compiler]; to afflict with pain or sickness to make morbid . . .
    2. To interrupt or render imperfect the regular functions of the brain, or of the intellect; to disorder; to derange.
    3. To infect; to communicate disease to, by contagion.
    4. To pain; to make uneasy. -- 1828 edition of Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language

    In imagination, evil is more attractive than good, but in reality, good is more attractive than evil. -- Ravi Zacharias

    In the mid-70's (probably about April 6, 1976), I viewed a unforgettable Merv Griffin show. The studio audience was emptied, and a panel of experts in criminal science, psychiatry, clinical psychology, theology, and so forth, interviewed a contract killer, a Mafia hit-man, named "Joey," Max Kurschner, with 38 kills. He was later convicted on minor charges including tax fraud. See: KILLER: AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A MAFIA HIT MAN (1973), a New York Times bestseller. (On November 2013 Reelin'In The Years Productions said the program was among the two thirds that did not survive in official archives. "Joey" was interviewed on other programs at the time.)
    Near the end of the show one panel member asked "Joey" why he had killed 38 men, and why he had continued to kill. He answered, without hesitation, that it was because taking another man's life gave him a personal sense of great glory.
    Lesson learned: A personal sense of great glory is not exclusively a sign of goodness, but, instead can be a sign of horrible wrongdoing. Some individuals associate glory with God alone. And they associate personal glory exclusively with acts of goodness. But, in fact, a sense of glory may be a most dangerous temptation to any of us. There is glory in righteousness, and then there is glory in iniquity.
    Therefore, unregenerate leadership (churchmen, politicians, lawyers, educators, physicians, business leaders, etc.), "working the crowd" will blindly lead the crowd [our nation], directly into the jaws of Hell. For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord. But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death. (Proverbs 8:35,36)
    "Diversity and inclusion," along with injustice, IS toleration, and toleration has been the death knell of ANY and ALL societies, present and past.
    The highest ethical standard known to mankind is historic, orthodox, reformed Christianity. What have you been standing for?
    Glory in Iniquity, the Temptation of Vainglory
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappd.html#glryinqty

    A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

    The depravity of man is at once the most empirically verifiable reality, but at the same time the most intellectually resisted fact. (Genesis 6:5; Genesis 8:21b; Ecclesiastes 9:3b; Jeremiah 17:9; Mark 7:21-23; Ephesians 2:1-3; Titus 3:3-5) -- Malcolm Muggeridge (1903-1990). See John Calvin's Commentary on Isaiah Chapter 33 [Isaiah 33:1-66].

    When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach. (Proverbs 18:3)
    What is needed is for lesser magistrates to stand in the gap and to interposing against wicked magistrates above them.
    The Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrates
    http://www.LesserMagistrate.com

    *Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Grand Demonstration: A Biblical Study of the So-called Problem of Evil, ISBN: 0941717062 9780941717069.
    "Answers the large and primary question of why human beings have become objects of divine wrath. Why does a good God plan evil, and, having planned it, why does He complain when men sin, and consign those who fail to repent to an eternity in hell? Romans 9:22 describes the 'grand demonstration' of God's grandeur and glory in revealing His holy wrath and power. 'To accept the teaching of Romans 9 requires a radical reorientation of one's perspective on the ways of God and man. . . . . The thrust of this book runs counter to almost everything you have ever heard, not only outside, but also inside of the church.' Grasping it should humble, thrill and motivate you." -- David Powlison (1949-2019) "Penetrates deeply into the scriptural teaching about the nature of God and the existence of evil."

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), How to Handle Trouble God's Way, ISBN: 0875520766 9780875520766.
    "Focuses on Philippians 1:12-26, where Paul views his hardships as opportunities to glorify Christ.
    " 'A practical handbook that gives biblical directions to follow in times of trouble.' Where THE GRAND DEMONSTRATION works out the implications of God's decretive will, this book works out the implications of God's directive will by which he pastorally guides His people. Based on Philippians 1, it lays out six steps for handling trouble: recognize God is in the problem; remember God is up to something; believe that He is up to something good; discover where and how God is at work; get involved in what He is doing; expect good effects." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), How to Overcome Evil, ISBN: 0801001269 9780801001260.
    "Learn to assess yourself and the situation accurately in the light of who God is, in order that you might repent and trust Christ. Make plans for how you will obey Christ in tough situations. Pray to God for the Holy Spirit. Act to Christ's glory." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
    "A series of lectures which shows how to 'put off' evil and 'put on' good. For counselors and counselees." A practical exposition of Romans 12:14-21.

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Marriage and Family Life (part 3): Discipline, Motivation, Good for Evil (part 3), (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA403 [audio file].

    Barrow, Gregory, Eschewing Ecclesiastical Tyranny (Protestant Biblical Separation), (debate with Richard Bacon), 1 Corinthians 2:15, narrated by Larry Burger. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #24.
    "The classic Reformation position on biblical separation, Protestant private judgment, the visible church, etc. -- contra Antichrist (the Papacy), and wayward liberal Protestants. This is Appendix G from THE COVENANTED REFORMATION DEFENDED: 'A brief examination of Mr. Bacon's principles regarding the visible church and the use of private judgment. Also, some observations regarding his ignoble attack upon Mr. Kevin Reed in his book entitled THE VISIBLE CHURCH IN THE OUTER DARKNESS'." -- Publisher
    The Covenanted Reformation Defended, e-text
    http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/CovRefGB.htm
    The Covenanted Reformation Defended, audio files
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonID=7702201426

    *Berkouwer, G.C., The Providence of God.

    *Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), The Everlasting Righteousness, or How Shall man be Just With God? 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?
    http://books.google.com/books?id=nQMDAAAAQAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html

    Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), Departing From Iniquity the Duty of all who Name the Name of Jesus. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THE REVEREND THOMAS BOSTON (10:9-55). Available (THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THE REVEREND THOMAS BOSTON), on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Clark, Gordon H. (1902-1985), God and Evil: The Problem Solved, ISBN: 094093146X 9780940931466.
    "For centuries those who have opposed the Christian faith have gleefully argued that if God is good, he cannot be all-powerful, since there is evil in the world; and if God is all-powerful he cannot be good since there is evil in the world. Either God is good or he is all-powerful, but he cannot be both. Either way, the God of the Bible is disproved. For centuries Christian theologians have attempted to refute this argument, and they have failed. Now, one American Christian philosopher has succeeded -- brilliantly. God and Evil is a masterful solution to the problem of evil." -- Publisher

    Conrad, Joseph, Heart of Darkness, ISBN: 9780521197991 0521197996, didactic fiction.
    Conrad was not a Christian author to our knowledge, but he offers the reader evidence of the Total and Utter Depravity of Mankind.
    The basis of value in society is the evil in the heart of man. (Romans 3:10-11, and so forth.)
    "The most authoritative scholarly edition of Conrad's most important narratives, this edition includes detailed explanatory and contextual notes, a glossary of nautical terms, maps and illustrations. This volume will allow scholars to see these familiar stories in a fresh light, by returning to Conrad's original texts." -- Publisher
    " 'Restoring HEART OF DARKNESS to the more traditional context of Conrad's works as a whole . . . the Cambridge Edition becomes controversial since it now offers us a version of HEART OF DARKNESS that readers have never before encountered.'-- John Lyon, University of Bristol Review
    " 'The Cambridge edition of THE WORKS OF JOSEPH CONRAD aims to be definitive, and [the books] have both scholarly and physical weight . . . The explanatory notes are compendious and thoughtfully arranged . . . invaluable to scholars of Conrad, modernist literary composition and late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century literary practices and processes . . . These elegant and comprehensive volumes are a must for university libraries . . . [the series] is without question a definitive piece of scholarship'." -- Andrew Frayn, Variants: The Journal of the European Society for Textual Scholarship Review" -- Publisher
    "The story tells of Charles Marlow, an Englishman who took a foreign assignment from a Belgian trading company as a ferry-boat captain in Africa. HEART OF DARKNESS exposes the myth behind colonization while exploring the three levels of darkness that the protagonist, Marlow, encounters -- the darkness of the Congo wilderness, the darkness of the European's cruel treatment of the natives, and the unfathomable darkness within every human being for committing heinous acts of evil. . . ." -- Publisher

    Desbois, Patrick, and Paul A. Shapiro (foreword), The Holocaust by Bullets: A Priest's Journey to Uncover the Truth Behind the Murder of 1.5 Million Jews, ISBN: 0230617573 9780230617575.
    "In this very personal and affecting account of his gradual discovery of the events of the Holocaust in the Ukraine Patrick Desbois, a French priest, gives us a widened perspective of the extraordinarily complex manipulation of the local population by the Nazis, who forcibly requisitioned Ukrainian citizens of all ages to assist in the killings. In village after village, more than 60 years after the horrific events, the inhabitants, many of whom had been children at the time, came forward to bear witness. From the many interviews in the text, it is clear that the personal trauma of forced involvement in the mass executions has never diminished. And indeed, the stories of what they saw takes one's breath away. This is a significant addition to the history of the Holocaust that sheds new light on events in the Nazi occupied areas of the former USSR." -- Lynn H. Nicholas, author of Cruel World: The Children of Europe in the Nazi Web and The Rape of Europa: Europe's Treasures in the Third Reich and the Second World War

    Hackett, David A., Allied Forces. Supreme Headquarters. Psychological Warfare Division. Intelligence Team., The Buchenwald Report, ISBN: 0813317770 9780813317779 0813333636 9780813333632 0827604998 9780827604995.
    Extreme evil may be an excellent negative guide to correct theology, the righteousness which is of God, redemption, and immortality.
    "After their liberation in April 1945, the inmates of Buchenwald told their stories to a special team of U.S. Army intelligence officers. One of the most important and unique documents of the Holocaust, this priceless eyewitness account was nearly lost forever and appears here in published form and in English for the first time." -- Publisher

    Ishee, John A. (compiler), When Trouble Comes.
    Includes bibliographical references.

    Johnston, Olaf R., Christianity in a Collapsing Culture, ISBN: 0853642001 9780853642008.
    "Faces squarely the disintegration of Western civilization, and advocates a cultural renewal based on a clear differentiation between good and evil, and a strong infusion of the Spirit's power into the life of every believer. Persuasive and Biblical." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Kupelian, David, The Marketing of Evil: How Radicals, Elitists, and Pseudo-experts Sell us Corruption Disguised as Freedom, ISBN: 1581824599 9781581824599.
    "Americans have come to tolerate, embrace and even champion many things that would have horrified their parents' generation -- from easy divorce and unrestricted abortion-on-demand to extreme body piercing and teaching homosexuality to grade-schoolers. Does that mean today's Americans are inherently more morally confused and depraved than previous generations? Of course not, says veteran journalist David Kupelian. But they have fallen victim to some of the most stunningly brilliant and compelling marketing campaigns in modern history. THE MARKETING OF EVIL reveals how much of what Americans once almost universally abhorred has been packaged, perfumed, gift-wrapped and sold to them as though it had great value. Highly skilled marketers, playing on our deeply felt national values of fairness, generosity, and tolerance, have persuaded us to embrace as enlightened and noble that which all previous generations since America's founding regarded as grossly self-destructive -- in a word, evil." -- Publisher

    *Macartney, Clarence E.N., Trials of Great Men of the Bible, ISBN: 1430474920.
    "Covers material from Job to Paul. Shows the place and purpose of trials in the development of Christian character." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Martin, Walter, Evil and Human Suffering (San Juan Capistrano, CA: Christian Research Institute International).
    "Aimed at the atheist or agnostic, discusses the question of suffering and why God permits it."

    Morecraft III, Joe, With Liberty and Justice for All.
    "Joe Morecraft III was the pastor of the late Senator Larry McDonald, who was killed when the Russians shot down his plane. This is Christian politics made simple. A very readable book that will help you to think through the place of the government in our lives, namely, the government's authority and limitations. All this is done with many passages quoted from Scripture. There is a chapter on the life of Larry McDonald. . . ." -- Footstool Publications
    "What are Christians to do when the civil government is evil? Must they always obey the authorities? What are the origins of civil government? Does the Bible authorize the government to execute criminals? Is abortion murder if it is legal? Shouldn't Christians stay out of politics? This book answers these questions and many more. Dr. Morecraft, pastor of Chalcedon Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, seeks Biblical answers to these questions. An instructive book for today." -- GCB

    Nietzsche, Friedrich Wilhelm (1844-1900), Walter Kaufmann (translator), Beyond Good and Evil: Prelude to a Philosophy of the Future, ISBN: 0585110875 9780585110875.
    "Represents Nietzsche's attempt to sum up his philosophy. In nine parts the book is designed to give the reader a comprehensive idea of Nietzche's thought and style. With an inclusive index of subjects and persons." -- Publisher
    Non-dualism was a basic tenet of the philosophy of Nietzsche. See: The Non-duality of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother: A Profile.

    Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), Doctrine of God: Providence (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JP414 [audio file].

    Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), Doctrine of God: Providence (cont.); Problem of Evil (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JP415 [audio file].

    *Russell, Jeffrey Burton, The Prince of Darkness: Radical Evil and the Power of Good in History, ISBN: 0801480566 9780801480560.
    "An amazing, fascinating, intellectually stimulating book on a subject too often the province of cranks, fanatics, or frauds -- the Devil himself. Russell, a California history professor, has written several volumes on Lucifer, and this is the most far-ranging. An in-depth study that traces the history of the Devil from his shadowy origins in the desert wastes of the Middle East and of course even further back, in Africa; follows him through Judaism and early Christianity to the Middle Ages, up through the Reformation and Age of Enlightenment, right through to the Holocaust and the post-modern world. Russell explores theology, folklore, literature, and history to piece together this ultimate symbol of evil. From early church writers such as Origen and Tertullian to Milton and Dante, to Baudelaire, de Sade, Dostoevski and Flannery O'Connor, Russell looks at the ways in which the Devil has been personified for different ages. Highly readable, packed with accurate and well-researched information, this should appeal to anyone with an interest in comparative religions, mythology, or history. This really is perhaps the definitive book on the figure of the Devil, although I would also recommend Paul Carus' THE DEVIL AND THE IDEA OF EVIL, Alice Turner's THE HISTORY OF HELL, and Homer Smith's MAN AND HIS GODS." -- Reader's Comment

    *Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon.
    A sermon by C.H. Spurgeon delivered on Lord's-day morning, September 9, 1888, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon no. 2043.
    "This is the way in which you should use this plea. Say, 'My God, I am utterly unworthy, and I own it; but, I beseech thee, hear me for the honour of thy dear Son. By his agony and bloody sweat, by his cross and passion, by his precious death and burial, I beseech thee hear me! O Lord, let the blood of thine Only-begotten prevail with thee! Canst thou put aside his groans, his tears, his death, when they speak on my behalf?' If you can thus come to pleading terms with God upon this ground, you must and will prevail. Jesus must be heard in heaven. The voice of his blood is eloquent with God. If you plead the atoning sacrifice, you must overcome through the blood of the Lamb." -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon

    Wilder-Smith, A.E., Is This a God of Love? ISBN: 0936728396 9780936728391.
    "This is a tremendous response to the problem of suffering. A.E. Wilder-Smith uses the example of a cathedral he had visited in Germany before World War II. It was a beautiful work of art, but after the war it had been bombed so bad it was barely left standing. Dr. Wilder-Smith visited the cathedral after the war in its battered condition and realized that he was able to appreciate some of the architecture in ways that he hadn't before. He could see inside the walls and ceiling because of the holes the bombs had made. In a similar way our world has been battered by our sin, but because of the damage done, and the great solution, Christ' death for sin and resurrection defeating death, we can appreciate God much more than we could have if everything had remained innocent." -- Reader's Comment

    *Wilder-Smith, A.E., The Paradox of Pain, ISBN: 0877886679 9780877886679.
    "A detailed consideration of the problem of suffering, good and evil, and the Providence of God." -- Cyril J. Barber

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Theodicy, The proximity of good and evil, Theft, fraud, stealing: property rights and freedom, The root cause of criminal acts of extreme depravity, The overruling providence of god, Affliction, adversity, trials, suffering, chastisement, Idolatry, Separation, Spiritual warfare, Covetousness, self, self-righteousness, Deceit, self-deception, lying, false witness, Sorcery, The occult, spiritism, witchcraft, Satan, the adversary, satanism, Soul-violence, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Idolatry, syncretism, Sexual wholeness, Glory in iniquity, the temptation of vainglory, Temptation, Abuse, Child abuse and pedophilia, The counter-reformation, Gratuitous sex, a cause of violence, Theft, fraud, stealing: property rights and freedom, Bribery, Extortion, Anger, Unfaithful reformed ministries, Laziness, slothfulness, idleness, indolence, slackness, sluggishness/sluggard, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Hostility, violence, 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), Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, The ten commandments: the moral law, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, The covenant faithfulness of god, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Blindness, spiritual, Spiritual discernment, Terrorism, Secret societies, ungodly alliances, voluntary associations, Toleration, liberty of conscience, pluralism, "religious freedom," and neutrality, Holiness and happiness, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 17, 276-397, 1183, 1797, 1798, 3350, 4452

    Related Weblinks

    Glory in Iniquity, the Temptation of Vainglory
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappd.html#glryinqty

    Hypocrisy (FGB #193)
    Great Danger of Hypocrisy, Bromhall, Andrew (1608-1662) | The Hypocrite's Character, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | Hypocrites and Christ, Brooks, Thomas (1608-1680) | Hypocrites Deficient in Prayer, Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758) | How far may Hypocrites Go? Clarkson, David (1622-1686) | Surprised by God's Judgment, Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758) | Inside Religion, Boston, Thomas (1676-1732) | What if I Find Hypocrisy in me? Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892)
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/hypofg/hypocrisy

    Is There Meaning in Evil and Suffering? Ravi Zacharias
    "Ravi debates the difficult question, 'Is There Meaning in Evil and Suffering' at the Faith and Science Lecture Forum. Ravi's address is followed by a rebuttal from three panelists: Dr. Bernard Leikind, a plasma physicist, senior editor at Skeptic Magazine and a renowned atheist; Dr. Jitendra Mohanty, one of India's most noted Hindu philosophers and a distinguished professor at Emory University in Atlanta; and William Lane Craig, a noted author, Christian philosopher and apologist. After the rebuttals and Ravi's response, the audience asks questions."
    https://www.christianbook.com/is-there-meaning-in-evil-suffering/ravi-zacharias/pd/DA20808-CP?event=ESRCG

    The Mirror of Evil, an essay by Eleonore Stump
    "Eleonore Stump is The Robert J. Henle Professor of Philosophy at Saint Louis University, where she has taught since 1992. She received a Ph.D. in Medieval Studies and Medieval Philosophy from Cornell University in 1975." Caveat: Saint Louis University is a Jesuit school. See her curriculum vitae.
    The essay comes from WANDERING IN DARKNESS: NARRATIVE AND THE PROBLEM OF SUFFERING.
    http://www2.sunysuffolk.edu/fellenm/Handouts_files/215/Stump.pdf

    The Mystery of Evil and the Miracle of Life (part 1 of 2), [audio file], Ravi Zacharias
    "Do you ever feel like all you hear about in the news is violence? Why there is there evil in the world and what provokes people to commit acts of murder and violence? How did we get to a point where evil is so widespread? Ravi Zacharias examines these questions as he explores the four struggles secularism cannot deal with. Find out how these two things are connect this week on Let My People Think." -- Publisher
    http://rzim.org/let-my-people-think-broadcasts/the-mystery-of-evil-and-the-miracle-of-life-part-1-of-2/
    The Mystery of Evil and the Miracle of Life (part 2 of 2), [audio file], Ravi Zacharias
    http://rzim.org/let-my-people-think-broadcasts/the-mystery-of-evil-and-the-miracle-of-life-part-2-of-2/

    Psychology and Psychiatry
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappc.html

    Theft: Commentary and Cases of Conscience. A Listing Excerpted From The Institutes of Biblical Law by Rousas John Rushdoony, 1973 edition
    http://www.lettermen2.com/theft.html

    *Where do our Values Come From? An Evening With Ravi Zacharias
    "Jesus did not come to make us more moral. He did not come to make bad people good. He came to make dead people live." -- Ravi Zacharias
    https://connect.rzim.org/t/livestream-where-do-our-values-come-from-an-evening-with-ravi-zacharias/16354

    Wilder-Smith, A.E., Is This a God of Love? ISBN: 0936728396 9780936728391.
    "This is a tremendous response to the problem of suffering. A.E. Wilder-Smith uses the example of a cathedral he had visited in Germany before World War II. It was a beautiful work of art, but after the war it had been bombed so bad it was barely left standing. Dr. Wilder-Smith visited the cathedral after the war in its battered condition and realized that he was able to appreciate some of the architecture in ways that he hadn't before. He could see inside the walls and ceiling because of the holes the bombs had made. In a similar way our world has been battered by our sin, but because of the damage done, and the great solution, Christ' death for sin and resurrection defeating death, we can appreciate God much more than we could have if everything had remained innocent." -- Reader's Comment



    Fatalism

    Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you. For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men. As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich. They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge. Shall I not visit for these things? saith the LORD: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this? A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land; The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof? (Jeremiah 5:25-31). See the annotation in The Reformation Study Bible.

    First, you will arouse them out of apathy. This age is more indifferent to true religion than almost any other. It is alive enough to error, but to the old faith it turns a deaf ear. Yet I have noticed persons captivated by the truth of substitution who would not listen to anything else. If any discourse can hold men, as the ancient mariner detained the wedding guest, it is the story of divine love, incarnate in the person of Jesus, bleeding and dying for guilty men. Try that story when attention flags. It has a fascination about it. The marvellous history of the Son of God, who loved his enemies, and died for them-this will arrest them. The history of the Holy One who stood in the sinners' place, and was in consequence put to shame, and agony, and death-this will touch them. The sight of the bleeding Saviour overcomes obduracy and carelessness. -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon

    Reformed theologians consider Islam to be the quintessence of fatalism. God's decrees and predestination refut both Arminianism and fatalism.

    Warfield, Benjamin B. (1851-1921), and John E. Meeter (editor), Selected Shorter Writings of Benjamin B. Warfield, ISBN: 087552530X 9780875525303 0875525318 9780875525310.
    Includes "What Fatalism is," an article originally appearing in The Presbyterian, Mar. 16, 1904, pp. 7-8.
    Benjamin B. Warfield
    http://reformedperspectives.org/newfiles/bb_warfield/Warfield.Fatalism.html

    *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

    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), Atheism, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, The ten commandments: the moral law, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, The attributes of god, The covenant faithfulness of god, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Deceit, self-deception, lying, false witness, Self-destruction, Self-justification, self-righteousness, works righteousness, The free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, the covenant of eternal salvation, How to become a christian, Book-length presentations of the gospel message of salvation, Justifying faith, Hope, The counter-reformation, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Apathy, indifference, Predestination, election, efficatious grace, Islam (muslim/moslim), muhammadanism/mohammadanism, The new age, hinduism, and sikhism, Laziness, slothfulness, idleness, indolence, slackness, sluggishness/sluggard, Suicide, Hope, Ready reference: immediate counsel, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 432, 1694, 2037-2040, 3070, 3357, 4168

    Related Weblinks

    Rebellion and Lawlessness: Wickedness, Demonic Possession, Abnormal Behavior, Insanity, Mental Illness, Mental Retardation
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappd.html#rlinsane

    A Redneck Resolution Against Self-destruction
    http://www.lettermen2.com/redneck.html

    Psychology and Psychiatry
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappc.html



    Fatherlessness

    I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (2 Corinthians 6:18)

    He that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:9b)

    Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. (Psalm 103:13)

    Your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:32b)

    When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up. (Psalm 27:10)

    Ultimately the Seventh Commandment (Exodus 20:14), is about our fidelity to Christ. (Hosea 2:19-20; 1 Corinthians 6:15-20; James 4:4)
    To fracture the Seventh Commandment is to break covenant with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
    The sexual revolution is really a revolution against God. (Numbers 25:1-3, 29; Joshua 22:17; Psalm 106:30,31)
    See: Engelsma, Marriage, the Mystery of Christ and the Church.

    *Finley, Martha (aka Martha Farquharson, a pen name, 1828-1909), Book 1: Elsie Dinsmore, ISBN: 158182064X 9781581820645. (Bulverde, TX: Mantle Ministries), ISBN: 1888306319.
    "Set amid the sweet blossoms of a southern mansion, this timeless classic delves into the heart of Elsie -- by all counts, an extraordinary little girl. Share in Elsie's quest for love from her earthly father as it leads to a mature understanding of the love of her Father in Heaven. Join Elsie as she suffers through endless hours of scrutiny from Miss Day, her mean-spirited school teacher, taunting from her mischievous young Uncle Arthur, and scoldings from a cold-hearted father she so desires to please -- all with the peace and quiet countenance that comes from knowing she is God's child. This, the first of the heart-warming Elsie Books, will both challenge and inspire you." -- Publisher

    Lidgett, J.S., The Fatherhood of God, condensed edition, ISBN: 0871239884 9780871239884.
    "Lidgett's book, appearing here in an edited and condensed edition (first published in 1902), addresses the Fatherhood of God Biblically, historically, and philosophically. It deals with God's relationship to mankind as seen in Jesus' relationship to His Father." -- GCB

    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), Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), The fatherhood of god, The lord jesus christ, The all-sufficiency of christ, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justifying Faith, Justification, How to become a christian, 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: the means of grace, Adoption into god's family, Christian fiction -- martha finley, Manhood, Womenhood, Men and women, Men, women, and god, misogyny, misandry, misanthropy, Fatherhood, Gratuitous Sex, a Cause of Violence, Abuse, dysfunctional families Adultery, Incest, Child abuse and pedophilia, Homosexuality, lesbianism, gay, bisexual, transvestite, queer (lgbtq), Feminism, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 3829, 3830

    Related Weblinks

    The Consequences of Fatherlessness
    http://www.fathers.com/statistics-and-research/the-consequences-of-fatherlessness/

    National Fatherhood Initiative
    http://fatherhood.org/



    Fear, Anxiety

    Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. (Joshua 1:9)

    The LORD is my light and my salvation -- whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)

    I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:4)

    The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. (Proverbs 29:25)

    Scripture reminds us that God controls the hearts of our enemies.
    And I will give this people favor. By this extreme exercise of His bounty He encourages the Israelites to contend and strive more heartily; since otherwise it would be hard for them to struggle with the great cruelty of the king. . . . God reminds them that it is in His power to turn the hearts of men whithersoever He will. . . . This passage contains rich and extensive doctrine; that whenever men cruelly rage against us, it does not happen contrary to the design of God, because He can in a moment quiet them; and that He grants this license to their cruelty, because it is expedient thus to humble and chasten us. Again, we gather from hence, that we have no enemies so fierce and barbarous, as that it is not easy for Him readily to tame them. If we were surely persuaded of this, that men’s hearts are controlled, and guided by the secret inspiration of God, we should not so greatly dread their hatred, and threatenings, and terrors, nor should we be so easily turned from the path of duty through fear of them. This alarm is the just reward of our unbelief, when we repose not on God's providence; and although we ought to take pains to conciliate the kindness of all by courtesy, yet should we remember that our efforts will not gain their favor, unless God should so incline their hearts. -- John Calvin commenting on Exodus 3:21 and context

    Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.
    Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.     (Isaiah 35:3,4)

    But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. (Isaiah 43:1)

    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 14:27)

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 46, C.H. Spurgeon
    God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea. . . . Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. (Psalm 46:1-2,10-11)
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps046.php

    Yet when Jesus said, Be not afraid, their fears vanished. All the comfort, then, that any troubled heart wants, it can find in Christ. -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon entitled Jesus Only, p. 646

    Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. (Isaiah 41:10)

    What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. (Psalm 56:3)

    The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 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. (Psalm 23)

    For lust is the fear of corruption, and hath his fear even in our very bowels and inmost parts. -- The Reformers commenting on 2 Peter 1:4 in the 1599 Geneva Bible

    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)

    See the Theological Notes: "Salvation," at Acts 4:12 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    Let nothing be done through strife or vain-glory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. (Philippians 2:3)

    But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled. (1 Peter 3:14)

    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.

    Fear is often a sign of prayerlessness, fatigue, and loneliness.

    Word: "disease"; Meaning; "disturb"; Sample location: "Luke 8:49" -- from the "Glossary," 1599 Geneva Bible, Tolle Lege edition

    DISEASE, n. Dizeze. [dis and ease].
    1. In its primary sense, pain, uneasiness, distress, and so used by Spenser; but in this sense, obsolete.
    2. The cause of pain or uneasiness . . . disorder; any state of a living body in which the natural functions of the organs are interrupted or disturbed . . . The first effect of disease is uneasiness or pain, and the ultimate effect is death. . . .
    3. A disordered state of the mind or intellect, by which the reason is impaired.
    4. In society, vice; corrupt state of morals. Vices are called moral diseases. A wise man converses with the wicked, as a physician with the sick, not to catch the disease, but to cure it.
    5. Political or civil disorder, or vices in a state; any practice which tends to disturb the peace of society, or impede or prevent the regular administration of government.
    The instability, injustice and confusion introduced into the public councils have, in truth, been the mortal diseases under which popular governments have every where perished. -- 1846 edition of An American Dictionary of the English Language
    DISEASE, v.t. dizeze.
    1. To interrupt or impair any or all the natural and regular functions of the several organs of a living body [i.e. robbing a neighbor of sleep -- compiler]; to afflict with pain or sickness to make morbid . . .
    2. To interrupt or render imperfect the regular functions of the brain, or of the intellect; to disorder; to derange.
    3. To infect; to communicate disease to, by contagion.
    4. To pain; to make uneasy. -- 1828 edition of Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language

    For lust is the fear of corruption, and hath his fear even in our very bowels and inmost parts. -- The Reformers commenting on 2 Peter 1:4 in the 1599 Geneva Bible

    The wicked is a very coward, and is afraid of everything; of God, because He is his enemy; of Satan, because he is his tormentor; of God's creatures, because they, joined with their Maker, fight against him: of himself, because he bears about with him his own accuser and executioner. The godly man contrarily is afraid of nothing; not of God, because he knows Him his best friend, and will not hurt him; not of Satan, because he cannot hurt him; not of afflictions, because he knows they come from a loving God, and end in his good; not of the creatures, since 'the very stones in the field are a league with Him;' not of himself, since his conscience is at peace. -- Joseph Hall

    I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
    I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.     -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:8,18)

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), What do You do When Fear Overcomes You? ISBN: 0875520464 9780875520469. Alternate title: YOU CAN OVERCOME FEAR.
    "You must learn to commit yourself prayerfully to doing what God requires of you whether or not you will have a fear experience by doing so. That is the key that will unlock your prison."

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), You can Overcome Fear, ISBN: 0801000939 9780801000935. Alternate title: WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN FEAR OVERCOMES YOU?

    *Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), God's way of Peace: A Book for the Anxious, ISBN: 0585036004 9780585036007. Available (MP3 only), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "Horatius Bonar was a pastor in Scotland for over fifty years. He was one of the brightest lights in the 19th century, with not only many books to his credit, but also the editing of the excellent IMPERIAL BIBLE DICTIONARY, and a delightful and useful monthly magazine. . . . This book is another evidence that Bonar is able to write the deepest truths in the clearest and most understandable way. . . . Simplicity is his style, but declaring the whole counsel of God is his aim. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    God's way of Peace: A Book for the Anxious, Horatius Bonar
    http://www.ccel.org/b/bonar/way_of_peace/way_of_peace.htm

    Burroughs, Jeremiah (1599-1646), The Excellency of Holy Courage in Evil Times, in Which (Besides Many Other Seasonable Truths), There is Shewed: 1. That Wicked Men in Power are Fierce in Their Wrath. 2. That Faith Will Keep a Gracious Heart From Immoderate Fear of men of Authority and Power. 3. Directions in our Fear of authority, etc., 1661. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation, Running Scared: Fear, Worry, and the God of Rest.

    DeBardeleben, Martha Graves, and Jay Adams (foreword), Fear's Answers: Case History in Nouthetic Counseling, 159 pages, ISBN: 087552236X 9780875522364.
    " 'It was the summer of 1970. I had already discarded my faith in psychology as the source of truth and remedy for the human dilemma. I was more and more finding in God's Word the answers. I was introduced to Jay Adams and his systematizing of Scripture as it applies to the problems of everyday living. I was thrilled to find that Dr. Adams' discoveries both paralleled and went far beyond my own.' Then in 1978 a 78 year old woman with pain, fear, depression, manipulation, hallucinations comes to live with the author. They speak biblically about pride, anger, fear, self-centeredness and lack of trust in God, instead of saying she needs her delusions and is too old for truth. 'What was most crucial in her recovery was that because she had a loving Savior, she could dare face the truth about herself'." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    *Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), Faith Tried and Triumphant, ISBN: 0801056497 9780801056499.
    "This book is a combined edition of two previously published works of Lloyd-Jones, FROM FEAR TO FAITH (sermons on the book of Habakkuk), and FAITH ON TRIAL (sermons on Psalm 73)." -- GCB
    "Expounds most helpfully the message of the prophet Habakkuk for our time." -- William J. Grier

    *Lockyer, Herbert, All the Promises of the Bible, ISBN: 0310281318 9780310281313.
    "A devotional expositional compilation of all the promises [about 3,300 of the approximate 8,810 promises -- compiler], that are found in Scripture." -- Publisher
    "Lockyer's in-depth look at the scope of God's promises arranges them in categories that cover the full array of human concerns, from the spiritual to the material and the corporate to the personal. As you come to understand God's promises and how they apply to every aspect of your life, you'll gain a trust in God that will sustain you through the worst of times and be your source of rejoicing in the best.
    "Dr. Herbert Lockyer was born in London in 1886, and held pastorates in Scotland and England for 25 years before coming to the United States in 1935. In 1937 he received the honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Northwestern Evangelical Seminary. In 1955 he returned to England where he lived for many years. He then returned to the United States where he continued to devote time to the writing ministry until his death in November of 1984." -- Publisher

    MacArthur, John, Anxious for Nothing: God's Cure for the Care of Your Soul, 2nd edition (a revised edition of ANXIETY ATTACKED), ISBN: 0781443385 9780781443388.
    "Practical helps for anxious people. A series of applied Bible studies from Matthew 6, Philippians, I Peter 5 [1 Peter 5], Hebrews 11-12 attack anxiety to solve it, focusing especially on who God is, on prayer, and on transforming thinking and actions. Includes a twenty page appendix that excerpts Psalms relevant to anxiety. The last 35 pages contain a study guide for individual or group use." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    Mack, Wayne A, and Joshua Mack, The Fear Factor: What Satan Doesn't Want you to Know, ISBN: 1563220822 9781563220821.

    *Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon.
    A sermon by C.H. Spurgeon delivered on Lord's-day morning, September 9, 1888, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon no. 2043.
    "This is the way in which you should use this plea. Say, 'My God, I am utterly unworthy, and I own it; but, I beseech thee, hear me for the honour of thy dear Son. By his agony and bloody sweat, by his cross and passion, by his precious death and burial, I beseech thee hear me! O Lord, let the blood of thine Only-begotten prevail with thee! Canst thou put aside his groans, his tears, his death, when they speak on my behalf?' If you can thus come to pleading terms with God upon this ground, you must and will prevail. Jesus must be heard in heaven. The voice of his blood is eloquent with God. If you plead the atoning sacrifice, you must overcome through the blood of the Lamb." -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon

    Tripp, Paul, Anxiety (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette HFTF30 [audio file].

    Welch, Edward T., When People are big and God is Small: Overcoming Peer Pressure, Codependency, and the Fear of Man, ISBN: 0875526004 9780875526003.
    "Overly concerned about what people think of you? Welch uncovers the spiritual dimension of people-pleasing and points the way through a true knowledge of God, ourselves, and others." -- Publisher

    See also: The attributes of god, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Carnality and flesh pleasing: lust, desires, pleasure, Pride, ambition, self-aggrandizement, arrogance, ego, Worry, Fear, 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 doctrine of verbal inspiration, The promises of Christ, Bible promises, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, The ten commandments: the moral law, Trusting god, Courage, Persecution, The covenant faithfulness of god, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Loneliness, Christian fellowship, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Ready reference: immediate counsel on many subjects, Depression, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 851, 859, 1020, 3020, 3034, 3036
    MGTP: Fear(s), Worry, Fear (of men)

    Related Weblinks

    Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation Resources Audio Archives
    http://www.wts.edu/resources/login.html/

    *The Greatness of Jesus Christ (part 1 of 2), by Ravi Zacharias
    "When there are so many options claiming to provide ultimate fulfillment in life, why choose Jesus Christ? Why is He unique?"
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYJqVf4H1lU

    PTSD Resources for Veterans and First Responders
    "On average about 7-8 percent of the United States population will have a PTSD diagnosis. Roughly 8 percent of the US population has an SUD [substance use disorder] diagnosis at any given time. These figures jump significantly when correlated to veterans and first responders. Anywhere from 11-20 percent of veterans will be diagnosed with PTSD and 20 percent with PTSD will also have SUD. One in 10 veterans returning from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan who were seen in the VA were diagnosed with a problem with alcohol and/or other drugs. Substance use and mental health needs are often underreported by both the civilian population and the military/first responders. There are a variety of reasons that contribute to this, including shame, guilt, fear of job loss, etc. The reality is that our first responders and veterans are struggling at higher rates than others and need a safe space to receive appropriate treatment."
    https://definingwellness.com/resources/veterans-first-responders/



    Fellowship

    Christian Fellowship
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1chb.html#cfellow



    Filial Love (Love Toward Parents)

    Filial Love (Love Toward Parents)
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr7ch.html#filial



    Foolishness

    The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7)

    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). See the annotation in The Reformation Study Bible.
    See the Theological Notes: "Mankind's Guilty Knowledge of God" at Romans 1:29 and the note at Psalm 14:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    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 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)

    The fool has said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good. (Psalm 53:11)
    Being a fool, he reflects his nature, saying, There is no God. Being a great fool, he meddles with a great subject and comes to wild conclusions. Morally, as well as mentally, the atheist is a fool. He is a fool in the heart as well as in the head, a fool in morals as well as in philosophy. With the denial of God as a starting point, we may conclude that the fool's progress is raid, riotous, raving, and ruinous. One beginning at impiety is ready for anything. No God properly interpreted means no law, no order, no restraint to lust, no limit to evil passion. Who but a fool would be of this mind? What would the world become if such lawless principles came to be universal? One who heartily entertains an irreligious spirit, and follows it out to its legitimate issues, is dangerous to the common welfare; he is not rational. By nature every man is more or less a denier of God. Practical atheism is the religion of humanity. It is idle to compliment them as sincere doubters and amiable thinkers; they are in fact rotten. There is too much dainty dealing nowadays with atheism. It is not a harmless error; it is an offensive, rotten sin. Righteous men should look on it in that light. All men being by nature atheistic, they are also in the same degree corrupt. Their heart is foul; their moral nature is decayed.
    Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity -- bad principles soon lead to bad lives. One does not find virtue promoted by your Voltaires and Tom Paines. Those who talk so abominable as to deny their Maker will act abominable when it serves their turn. It is the denial and forgetfulness of God abounding among men which is the source of the unrighteousness and crime which we see around us. It all men are not outwardly vicious, it is to be accounted for by the power of other and better principles. Left to itself, the No God spirit would produce nothing but evil acts. -- C.H. Spurgeon commenting on Psalm 53:11 in Devotional Classics of C.H. Spurgeon, p. 270

    Through thy precepts I get understanding.
    God's direction is our instruction. Obedience to the divine will begets wisdom of mind and action. As God's way is always best, those who follow it are sure to be justified by the result. If the Lawgiver were foolish his law would be the same, and obedience to such a law would involve us in a thousand mistakes; but as the reverse is the case, we may count ourselves happy to have such a wise, prudent, and beneficial law to be the rule of our lives. We are wise if we obey and we grow wise by obeying! -- C.H. Spurgeon commenting on Psalm 119:104

    The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7)

    The words of wise [men are] heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools. (Ecclesiastes 9:17)

    For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
    Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.     (Mark 7:21,22)

    In the words of St. Paul, Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools (Rom. 1:22 [Romans 1:22]). Professing themselves to be lovers of life and mankind, they revealed themselves as haters and murderers of men. 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) -- R.J. Rushdoony (1916-2001), in The Institutes of Biblical Law, 1973 edition, pp. 649,650

    For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. (1 Corinthians 3:19)

    See also: Proverbs 1:10-19; Proverbs 5; 6:24-7:27; Proverbs 6:6-11; Proverbs 10:19; Proverbs 17:12; 26:1-11; Proverbs 17:4-9 Proverbs 23:9; 26:4-5; 29:9; Romans 1:18-23; Proverbs 10:19; Proverbs 26; 2 Timothy 2; Psalm 14; Romans 1; Matthew 25:1-13; Luke 12:13-34; 1 Corinthians 1:10-25; 1 Corinthians 1:10-25; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; 1 Corinthians 3:18-23; Proverbs 27:22; Proverbs 3:1-10; Proverbs 3:11-20; Proverbs 3:11-20, and so forth, and so on.

    O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? (Galatians 3:1)

    For as he observed above, that those were given over to captivity who refused to yield obedience to God, so now he teaches that others have been visited by God with disease, as the fruit of their transgressions. And when the transgressor shall find that it is God who is administering correction to him, this will pave the way for his arriving at the knowledge of his grace.
    He denominates those fools, who, thoughtlessly giving themselves up to sensuality, bring destruction upon themselves. The sin which they commit is not the result of ignorance and error only, but of their carnal affections, which depriving them of proper understanding, cause them to devise things detrimental to themselves. The maxim, that the fear of God is wisdom, must never be lost sight of. Hence it plainly follows, that they who shake off the yoke of God, and surrender themselves to Satan and sin, are the victims of their own folly and fury. And as constituting a principal ingredient of this madness, the prophet employs the term deletion or transgression; and subsequently he adds iniquities; because it happens that when once a man departs from God, from that moment he loses all self-control, and falls from one sin into another. -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 107:17 and context

    Pride setteth up the wisdom of a foolish man against the infinite wisdom of God; it makes men presume to judge their Judge, and judge his laws, before they understand them; and to quarrel with all that they find unsuitable to their own conceits; and say, How improbable is this or that! and how can these things be? . . . Proud men think they could mend God's word, and they could better have ordered matters in the world, and for the church, and for themselves, and for their friends, than the providence of God hath done. -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)

    To me it is enough to say that black is not white, and man's tyranny and foolishness is not God's perfect ordinance. -- John Knox

    The basic problem of the Christians in this country in the last eighty years or so, in regard to society and in regard to government, is that they have seen things in bits and pieces instead of totals.
    They have very gradually become disturbed over permissiveness, pornography, the public schools, the breakdown of the family, and finally abortion. But they have not seen this as a totality -- each thing being a part, a symptom, of a much larger problem. They have failed to see that all of this has come about due to a shift in worldview -- that is, through a fundamental change in the overall way people think and view the world and life as a whole. . . .
    We have been utterly foolish in our concentration on bits and pieces, and in our complete failure to face the total worldview that is rooted in a false view of reality. And we have not understood that this view of reality inevitably brings forth totally different and wrong and inhuman results in all of life. This is nowhere more certain than in law and government -- where law and government are used by this false view of reality as a tool to force this false view and its results on everyone.
    It is time we consciously realize that when an office commands what is contrary to God's Law, it abrogates its authority. And our loyalty to the God who gave this law then requires that we make the appropriate response in that situation to such a tyrannical usurping of power. . . . -- Francis Schaeffer (1912-1984)

    Of course, intelligent, well-educated professionals, and leaders in Church and State, and in all spheres of society can also be morally depraved, have wicked hearts. Moral depravity is a function of blindness not intelligence. "Lack of moral vigor" inevitably shows forth in an society as corruption and incompetence. Leaders are positioned society so that their corruption and incompetence has a greater impact, destabilizing or stabilizing.

    There is no imagination wherewith man is besotted, more foolish, none so pernicious, as this -- that persons not purified, not sanctified, not made holy in their life, should afterwards be taken into that state of blessedness which consists in the enjoyment of God. Neither can such person enjoy God, nor would God be a reward to them. Holiness indeed is perfected in heaven: but the beginning of it is invariably confined to this world. -- John Owen

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Foolishness," and so forth, and so on.

    Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), The Fool's Prosperity. Available in THE REFORMED PASTOR: BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS (VOL. 4), (4:516-23). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    See also: 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), Textual criticism, Epistemology, The westminster confession of faith (1646), The holy bible, Absolute truth and relativism, Apologetics, Trusting god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Laziness, slothfulness, idleness, indolence, slackness, sluggishness/sluggard, Self-destruction, Suicide, The religion of secular humanism: man as god, human autonomy, The wisdom books, Will and recalcitrance, Pride, ambition, self-aggrandizement, arrogance, ego, Atheism, Unfaithful reformed ministries, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Deceit, self-deception, lying, false witness, Gossip, slander, backbiting, the tongue, Wealth and prosperity, the snare of, Gratuitous sex, Adultery, Repentance the key to salvation and change, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 3852, 3853, 3855

    Related Weblinks

    Covetousness Parable of the Rich Fool, Free Gospel Broadcaster #167,
    Marcus Dods
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/covefg/covetousness

    The Fourfold Treasure, a sermon by C.H. Spurgeon delivered on Thursday Evening, April 27th, 1871, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon No. 991.
    Sermon topic: 1 Corinthians 1:30,31, Christ is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.
    This is to be wise, to have Christ's teaching, Christ's example, and above all, Christ's presence; so may the poorest find the Lord Jesus made of God unto them wisdom.
    Pause just a minute. Let none of us ever be so foolish as to suppose that when we have received Jesus and his gospel, we have occasion to blush when we are in the company of the very wisest of the present day. Carry a bold face when you confront the brazen faced philosophy which insults your Lord. The man who does not believe the Bible does not know so much as thou dost. Blush not, though with mimic wisdom the unbeliever tries to laugh or argue thee down. He who knows not Christ, though he propounds wonderful theories as to the creation of mankind and the formation of the world, and though he has a glib tongue, is only an educated fool, a learned idiot, who thinks his own rushlight brighter than God's own sun. "Ah! but he has been to college, and he has a degree, and he is esteemed by men; for he has written books that nobody can comprehend." The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God; and I do not care even if he be a Solon, if he has said that there is no God, he is a fool. Do not blush, then, if you find yourself in his company, do not make yourself the blushing one because the fool is there. Self-conceit were to be avoided and loathed; but this is not self-conceit, but a holy courage in a case which demands of you to be courageous. To know Christ is the best of all philosophy, the highest of all sciences. [emphasis added -- compiler]. Angels desire to look into this; but I do not know that they care a fig for half the sciences so valued among men. If you know Christ you never need be afraid of being ashamed and confounded whatever company you may be in. If you stood in a senate of emperors, or amidst a parliament of philosophers, and only told them of the God that came in human flesh, and loved, and lived, and died to redeem mankind, you would have told them a greater mystery and a profounder secret than reason could discover. Be not ashamed, then, amid the intellectual pride of this boastful age. -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Fourfold Treasure

    Horror Files
    "The Horror Files consist of quotations from famous and semi-famous (usually religious), personalities taken from our files [The Trinity Foundation -- compiler] -- quotations that are sometimes humorous, sometimes outrageous, sometimes surprising, sometimes entertaining, but always foolish, and always revealing."
    http://www.trinityfoundation.org/horror_file.php

    Luther's Commentary on Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth. (Galatians 3:1 excerpt), English translation by Erasmus Middleton, B.D., edited by John Prince Fallowes, M.A., Pembroke College, Cambridge
    http://www.lettermen2.com/luther1.html
    Luther's Commentary on Galatians, That He might deliver us from the present evil world. (Galatians 1:4 excerpt), English translation by Erasmus Middleton, B.D., edited by John Prince Fallowes, M.A., Pembroke College, Cambridge
    http://www.lettermen2.com/luther2.html

    Psychology and Psychiatry
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappc.html



    Our Forgetfulness of God

    Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. (Revelation 2:4,5)

    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)

    And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth.
    But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.
    And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish.
    As the nations which the LORD destroyeth before your face, so shall ye perish; because ye would not be obedient unto the voice of the LORD your God.     (Deuteronomy 8:17-20)

    As people become more prosperous, they tend to forget God as their source for wealth. (Deuteronomy 6:10-12)

    The authority of monarchs and governments is derived from God. (Romans 13:1). "Proud" is the most frequent description in the Old Testament of the sins of kings and nations. Upon first settlement of their Promised Land, the Israelites were forcefully reminded that it was all God's doing. Forever afterwards, the prophets found it regularly necessary to remind king and nation that their achievements were primarily God's achievements. (Amos 2:10; Micah 6:4). To forget this is to deny God. Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God. . . . Lest, . . . when . . . thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and that thou hast is multiplied; Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the Lord thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. (Deuteronomy 8:11-14) -- John Harris

    Q. Are not the nations threatened with destruction if they do not render this national homage?
    A. Yes. Ps. ix. 17 [Psalm 9:17], The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. Men are contemplated in this passage individually, and in their associated capacity, as moral persons compacted by civil bonds, or organized national bodies; God is to be remembered by man both in his individual and national capacity. To remember God is plainly to recognise his being and authority, and to be obedient to his will. To forget God is not to recognise his being and authority, and to refuse obedience to his will. Every wicked individual that does so shall be literally turned into hell. Every nation that does so shall meet the like most terrible retribution -- shall be cut off from the living, and covered in the grave." -- William L. Roberts in The Reformed Presbyterian Catechism, Section VI, p. 76

    The fool has said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good. (Psalm 53:11)
    Being a fool, he reflects his nature, saying, There is no God. Being a great fool, he meddles with a great subject and comes to wild conclusions. Morally, as well as mentally, the atheist is a fool. He is a fool in the heart as well as in the head, a fool in morals as well as in philosophy. With the denial of God as a starting point, we may conclude that the fool's progress is raid, riotous, raving, and ruinous. One beginning at impiety is ready for anything. No God properly interpreted means no law, no order, no restraint to lust, no limit to evil passion. Who but a fool would be of this mind? What would the world become if such lawless principles came to be universal? One who heartily entertains an irreligious spirit, and follows it out to its legitimate issues, is dangerous to the common welfare; he is not rational. By nature every man is more or less a denier of God. Practical atheism is the religion of humanity. It is idle to compliment them as sincere doubters and amiable thinkers; they are in fact rotten. There is too much dainty dealing nowadays with atheism. It is not a harmless error; it is an offensive, rotten sin. Righteous men should look on it in that light. All men being by nature atheistic, they are also in the same degree corrupt. Their heart is foul; their moral nature is decayed.
    Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity -- bad principles soon lead to bad lives. One does not find virtue promoted by your Voltaires and Tom Paines. Those who talk so abominable as to deny their Maker will act abominable when it serves their turn. It is the denial and forgetfulness of God abounding among men which is the source of the unrighteousness and crime which we see around us. It all men are not outwardly vicious, it is to be accounted for by the power of other and better principles. Left to itself, the No God spirit would produce nothing but evil acts. -- C.H. Spurgeon commenting on Psalm 53:11 in Devotional Classics of C.H. Spurgeon, p. 270

    More than half a century ago, while I was still a child, I recall hearing a number of older people [a peasant he heard as a boy -- compiler] offer the following explanation for the great disasters that had befallen Russia: Men have forgotten God; that's why all this has happened.
    Since then I have spent well-nigh fifty years working on the history of our Revolution; in the process I have read hundreds of books, collected hundreds of personal testimonies, and have already contributed eight volumes of my own toward the effort of clearing away the rubble left by that upheaval. But if I were asked today to formulate as concisely as possible the main cause of the ruinous Revolution that swallowed up some sixty million of our people, I could not put it more accurately than to repeat: Men have forgotten God; that's why all this has happened.
    What is more, the events of the Russian Revolution can only be understood now, at the end of the century, against the background of what has since occurred in the rest of the world. What emerges here is a process of universal significance. And if I were called upon to identify briefly the principal trait of the entire twentieth century, here too, I would be unable to find anything more precise and pithy than to repeat once again: Men have forgotten God. -- Alexander Solzhenitsyn (1918-2008), from Men Have Forgotten God, his speech upon receiving the Templeton Award, May 10, 1983

    My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
    As they were increased, so they sinned against me: therefore will I change their glory into shame. They eat up the sin of my people, and they set their heart on their iniquity. And there shall be, like people, like priest: and I will punish them for their ways, and reward them their doings. For they shall eat, and not have enough: they shall commit whoredom, and shall not increase: because they have left off to take heed to the LORD. Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart.     (Hosea 4:6-11)

    Q. Is not this principle of the continuously transmissible obligation of covenants highly advantageous in its tendency?
    A. Yes. 1. It strengthens that sense of gratitude to God by which men are stimulated to obedience, by leading the children to reflect on his goodness, in having regard to their welfare in the covenant made with their fathers, and comprehending them in the same federal transaction. Thus Peter reminds the Jews, Acts iii. 28, Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers. 2. It inspires confidence in the promised mercies of God, and affords ground to hope that he who has been gracious, in times that are past, to the fathers, will be gracious still to their children. Thus Moses encouraged the people of Israel. Deut. iv. 32 [Deuteronomy 4:32]: He will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers, which he sware unto them. 3. It furnishes a powerful argument in pleading with God at a throne of grace, as we find exemplified and confirmed in Jeremiah's expostulation with God concerning the state of his nation; xiv. 22, Do not abhor us for thy name's sake; do not disgrace the throne of thy glory; remember, break not thy covenant with us. 4. It throws a shield over a people by which the wrath of God is averted. Lev. xxvi. 44,45 [Leviticus 26:44,45]: Yet for all that, says the Lord, when they lie in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, neither will I abhor them to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them, for I am the Lord their God. But I will, for their sakes, remember the covenant of their ancestors, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt. 5. It is not less fitted to keep up a remembrance of the wonderful things done by God on behalf of a people, by forming a record of them, and furnishing a medium for their transmission from generation to generation. Accordingly we find the command, 1 Chron. xvi. 12-l5 [1 Chronicles 1;6:12-15], Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders and the judgments of his mouth, connected with the injunction, Be ye mindful always of his covenant, the word which he commended to a thousand generations. 6. Above all, it is eminently fitted, by begetting a delightful mutual interest between fathers and children, to promote and display the UNITY of the church. The fathers, by being required to transact for the children, and the children, by being required to recognise the deeds of the fathers, must be inspired with a double and most salutary interest in each other. All selfish and exclusive feeling is in this way rebuked. The present generation are taught to look back to the past, as the past are supposed to have looked forward to the future. Distant periods are united, and the interests of different generations concentrated.' Jno. xvii. 11: Holy Father, keep through thine own name, those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one as we are. -- William L. Roberts in The Reformed Presbyterian Catechism, Section XI, p. 142

    Prosperity is no friend to a sanctified memory, and therefore we are cautioned, when we are full, lest we forget God. Noah, who had seen the whole world drowned in water, was no sooner safe on shore, and in the enjoyment of plenty, than he forgot God, and drowned himself in wine. -- William Gurnall (1617-1679)

    Bad men cannot make good citizens. It is impossible that a nation of infidels or idolaters should be a nation of freemen. It is when a people forget God that tyrants forge their chains. A vitiated [defective] state of morals, a corrupted public conscience, are incompatible with freedom. -- Patrick Henry

    In fact, most Christians awaken to the realization that they have re-lived in their own lives the experience of Israel in the Old Testament. Our tendency is to forget God when he blesses us -- when times are good.

    Truth is very beautiful; more so, as I consider, than justice -- today's pursuit -- which easily puts on a false face. In the nearly seven decades I have lived through, the world has overflowed with bloodshed and explosions whose dust has never had time to settle before others have erupted; all in purportedly just causes. The quest for justice continues, and the weapons and hatred pile up; but truth was an early casualty. The lies on behalf of which our wars have been fought and our peace treaties concludes! The lies of revolution and of counter-revolution! The lies of advertising, of news, of salesmanship, of politics! The lies of the priest in his pulpit, the professor at his podium, the journalist at his typewriter! The lie stuck like a fish-bone in the throat of the microphone, the hand-held lies of the prowling cameraman! Ignazio Silone told me once how, when he was a member of the old Comintern, some strategem was under discussion, and the delegate, a newcomer who had never attended before, made the extraordinary observation that if such and such statement were to be put out, it wouldn't be true. There was a moment of dazed silence, and then everyone began to laugh. They laughed and laughed until tears ran down their cheeks and the Kremlin walls seemed to shake. The same laughter echoes in every council chamber and cabinet room, wherever two or more are gathered together to exercise authority. It is truth that has died, not God. -- Malcolm Muggeridge (1903-1990), Chronicles of Wasted Time, (Vancouver: Regent College Publishing, 2006), 19-20.

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 93, C.H. Spurgeon
    Thy throne is established of old: thou art from everlasting. (Psalm 93:2)
    "It is the Psalm of Omnipotent Sovereignty: Jehovah, despite all opposition, reigns supreme. Possibly at the time this sacred ode was written, the nation was in danger from its enemies, and the hopes of the people of God were encouraged by remembering that the Lord was still King. What sweeter and surer consolation could they desire?" -- C.H. Spurgeon
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps093.php

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Forgetfulness," "Idolatry," and so forth, and so on.

    *Foxe, John (1516-1587), and Thomas Freeman (prefatory material), John Foxe's Book of Martyrs. Actes and Monuments of Matters Most Speciall and Memorable (unabridged). Alternate title: THE UNABRIDGED ACTS AND MONUMENTS ONLINE or TAMO (HRI Online Publications, Sheffield, 2011). Available from: http://www.johnfoxe.org. Implemented by the Humanities Research Institute, University of Sheffield, England, and published by HRI Online Publications, Sheffield, 2011, Version 2.0, ISBN: 9780954260864.
    "You can browse and compare the unabridged texts of the four editions of this massive work published in John Foxe's lifetime (1563, 1570, 1576, 1583). Each edition changed significantly as Foxe sought to incorporate new material, answer his critics, and adjust its polemical force to the needs of the moment. . . .
    "TAMO is both an instrument of scholarship and a tool for anyone who wants to explore this remarkable work, a milestone in the history of the English printed book and a signal achievement of its printer, John Day."
    John Foxe's Book of Martyrs. Actes and Monuments of Matters Most Speciall and Memorable, ISBN: 0197262252 9780197262252.
    "This CD-ROM combines readable and printable images of 2,200 pages of text and woodcut engravings from the 1583 edition, the last for which Foxe was personally responsible."
    Other editions: Acts and Monuments or Foxe's Book of Martyrs, 1554, 1843-49 edition, 8 volumes. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    " 'No book ever inflicted a wound so deep and incurable on the Romish system of superstition and bloody persecution . . . it was placed in . . . all churches and chapels throughout the kingdom, by order of Queen Elizabeth.' (Smith, Select Memoirs, p. 245). Contains much information not found in any of the liberally edited and severely shortened editions of this classic work which are in print today. Covering martyrs from the early church through to Foxe's day, it was one of the most influential books of the sixteenth century! It overflows with faith building testimony of the power of God to overcome the most cruel and barbarous acts of human depravity and demonic cruelty. 6890 pages. A very rare set, now back in print after 150 years!" -- Publisher
    "After the Bible itself, no book so profoundly influenced early Protestant sentiment as the BOOK OF MARTYRS. Even in our time it is still a living force. It is more than a record of persecution. It is an arsenal of controversy, a storehouse of romance, as well as a source of edification." -- James Miller Dodds, English Prose
    "When one recollects that until the appearance of the PILGRIM'S PROGRESS the common people had almost no other reading matter except the BIBLE and FOX'S BOOK OF MARTYRS, we can understand the deep impression that this book produced; and how it served to mold the national character. Those who could read for themselves learned the full details of all the atrocities performed on the Protestant reformers; the illiterate could see the rude illustrations of the various instruments of torture, the rack, the gridiron, the boiling oil, and then the holy ones breathing out their souls amid the flames. Take a people just awakening to a new intellectual and religious life; let several generations of them, from childhood to old age, pore over such a book, and its stories become traditions as individual and almost as potent as songs and customs on a nation's life." -- Douglas Campbell, The Puritan in Holland, England, and America
    "If we divest the book of its accidental character of feud between churches, it yet stands, in the first years of Elizabeth's reign, a monument that marks the growing strength of a desire for spiritual freedom, defiance of those forms that seek to stifle conscience and fetter thought." -- Henry Morley, English Writers
    "John Foxe was a prince among believers. He had his printing press on a cart, and had often to print at night, moving his press before dawn to escape capture and burning at the stake. He never faltered in his purpose to leave a voluminous written witness to the power of the Lord Jesus Christ to keep His saints in love and peace." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    Text Encoding Initiative (TEI), John Foxe's Book of Martyrs Variorum Edition Online
    http://www.tei-c.org/Activities/Projects/jo01.xml

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Idolatry, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Pride, ambition, self-aggrandizement, arrogance, ego, Self-righteousness, Self-deception, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Self, selfishness, covetousness, 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), Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The covenanted reformation of scotland background and history, The covenanted reformation short title listing, The covenanted reformation, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, The covenant faithfulness of god, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Justifying faith, Christ's kingdom, Lordship of jesus christ, The all-sufficiency of christ, Deuteronomy, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Pride, ambition, self-aggrandizement, arrogance, ego, The westminster confession of faith (1646, westminster standards) and related works, The decline of american society, irrationality, the decline of western thought, Male role and responsibility, gender equality, suffrage, reproductive rights, and the decline of american society, Meltdown 2008, the greatest depression in history, The lose of american liberty, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 2999, 3002, 3003



    Forgiveness of Sin

    Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (John 1:29b)

    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)

    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 5:19)

    Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree. (Galatians 3:13)

    That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 5:21)

    For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:14)

    And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32)

    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

    Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:23,24)

    Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. (Galatians 6:1)

    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)

    Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 23:34)

    And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:60)

    To err is human, to forgive divine. -- Alexander Pope (1688-1744)

    Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah. I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. (Psalm 32:1-5)
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps032.php

    He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. (Proverbs 28:13)

    Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.
    He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.
    Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, and the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old.     (Micah 7:18-20)

    The Christian lives through forgiveness. -- J.I. Packer (1926-2020)

    We all struggle to remember God's forgiveness sometimes. Romans 8:1 and Psalm 103:12 are great truths to memorize.

    No man is so regenerate, but that continually he has need of the means of grace which Christ Jesus has appointed to be used in His Kirk. -- John Knox (1505-1572)

    Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you. (Acts 3:19,20)

    See the Theological Notes: "Repentance," at Acts 26:20 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    I also saw, moreover, that it was not my good frame of heart that made my righteousness better, nor yet was my bad frame that made my righteousness worse, for my righteousness was Jesus Christ himself, The same yesterday, today, and forever. Now did my chains fall off my legs indeed. I was loosed from my afflictions and irons; my temptations also fled away; so that from that time those dreadful scriptures of God [about the unforgivable sin] left off to trouble me; now went I also home rejoicing for the grace and love of God. -- John Bunyan in Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners

    See the Theological Notes: "Atonement," at Romans 3:25 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    See the Theological Notes: "The Resurrection of Jesus," at Luke 24:2 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    See the Theological Notes: "Justification and Merit," at Galatians 3:11 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    All the great fundamentals of Christian truth centre in this of justification. The trinity of persons in the Godhead; the incarnation of the only begotten of the Father; the satisfaction aid to the law and justice of God, for the sins of the world, by his obedience and sacrifice of himself in that flesh he assumed; and the divine authority of the Scriptures which reveal all this: these are all straight lines of truth that centre in this doctrine of justification of a sinner by the imputation and application of that satisfaction. There can be no justification without a righteousness; no righteousness can suffice but that which answers fully and perfectly the holy law of God; no such righteousness can be performed, but by a divine person; no benefit can accrue to a sinner unless it is in some way his, and applied to him; no application can be made of this but by faith in Jesus Christ. -- Robert Traill, from Justification Vindicated, first quoted by Puritanical

    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)

    But I say unto you, 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;
    That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.     -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:44,45)

    This would, they say, be a burden too heavy for Christians! As if we could think of anything more difficult than to love God with all our heart, all our soul, and all our strength! Compared with this law, everything ought to be considered easy -- whether the requirement to love our enemy or to banish all desire for revenge from our hearts. All these are indeed hard and difficult for our feebleness, even to the least detail of the law [cf. Matthew 5:28; Luke 26:17]. It is the Lord in whom we act virtuously. 'Let him give what he commands, and command what he will.' -- John Calvin, The Institutes of the Christian Religion, 2.2.57, "The Commandment to Love our Enemy is a Genuine Commandment," (Battles translation)

    If the son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 8:36)

    Our forgiving of others will not procure forgiveness for ourselves; but our not forgiving others proves that we ourselves are not forgiven. -- John Owen

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Christian Forgiveness: Responsibility or Blameshifting? (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA407 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), A Counseling Seminar: A 12-tape [audio file], Album for Laymen and Pastors Covering the Basic Reasons, Methods and Purpose of Nouthetic Counseling as Based on the Scriptures.
    Contents: Hope and counseling (3 tapes), [audio file] -- Christian forgiveness (2 tapes), [audio file] -- Change (2 tapes), [audio file] -- The husband (2 tapes), [audio file] -- The wife (2 tapes), [audio file] -- Questions and answers.
    Search the series "Jay Adams Tape Library" in WorldCat (OCLC) for a listing of 21 audio tapes [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Counseling Workshop: An Alcoholic Partner; Long-Term Counseling; Suicide; Forgiveness; Larry Crabb's Approach (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA504 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Effective Communication; Disabled people; Inferiority complex; Unsaved wife; Be prepared! (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA406 [audio file].

    *Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), From Forgiven to Forgiving: Discover the Path to Biblical Forgiveness, ISBN: 1879737124 9781879737129.
    "For the 'average Christian,' to shed light on all aspects of forgiveness seeking and granting, and to counter erroneous views. How do forgiven persons -- God's children -- become forgiving persons? Defines, illustrates, motivates and challenges people to deal with forgiveness issues biblically. Clear thinking is essential: 'Labels are important not only as signs of the thing they signify but also as signposts that point to solutions to the problems they categorize.' Tackles unbiblical concepts such as forgiving self, forgiving God, apologizing, 'forgive and forget'." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
    "A detailed look at forgiveness from the Bible. He finds that much of what passes for Biblical teaching on this subject just plain misses the mark." -- GCB

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Forgiveness," "Repentance," "Confession," "Reconciliation," "Justification," "Santification," "Apology," and so forth, and so on.

    *Bolton, Robert (1572-1631), A Treatise on Comforting Afflicted Consciences. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "I do not know of a single book published in the past twenty years that explains in depth how to respond Biblically to a grieved or wounded conscience. Here's an ideal volume to fill that gap. Few books in history have treated the subject as completely or as clearly as Robert Bolton's classic work. . . . The book remains a definitive study on the issue of dealing with guilt. Practical, Biblical, meticulously precise, carefully reasoned, it maintains a straightforward simplicity that cannot fail to touch the sensitive reader's heart." -- John MacArthur

    Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), The Fifth Petition. (2:612-19). In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THE REVEREND THOMAS BOSTON, VOLUMES 1-12.

    Buchanan, James (1804-1870), Not Guilty, ISBN: 0946462224 9780946462223.

    Charnock, Stephen (1628-1680), The Sinfulness and Cure of Thoughts. In PURITAN SERMONS 1659-1689: BEING THE MORNING EXERCISES AT CRIPPLEGATE, ST. GILES IN THE FIELDS, AND IN SOUTHWARK BY SEVENTY-FIVE MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL IN OR NEAR LONDON WITH NOTES AND TRANSLATIONS BY JAMES NICHOLS. (2:386-420)
    The Sinfulness and Cure of Thought, Biblical Sanctification, a sermon by Stephen Charnock. Available in Charnock and M'Cosh, THE COMPLETE WORKS OF STEPHEN CHARNOCK (1865),
    The Sinfulness and Cure of Thought, Biblical Sanctification
    http://digitalpuritan.net/stephen-charnock/

    Clowney, E., The Stairway of God; God Among us; Getting Even; Bitterness (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette EC201 [audio file].

    Davis, D. Clair, Resolving Conflict (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).

    Horner, Bob, and Jan Horner, Resolving Conflict in Your Marriage, ISBN: 9781602003279 1602003270.

    Horner, Bob, and Jan Horner, Resolving Conflict in Marriage (Study Guide), ISBN: 084998338X 9780849983382.
    "Six lessons covering: areas of potential conflict, develop transparency, listening skills, confront, forgiveness, blessing, and grow together." -- GCB

    *Howe, John (1630-1705), Of Charity in Reference to Other Men's Sins, 1 Corinthians 13:5, 1681. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "According to James Darling's CYCLOPAEDIA BIBLIOGRAPHICA, John Howe was one of the faithful English Puritan ministers who was ejected from his church in 1662. Darling adds that 'The late Robert Hall said that he had learned more from John Howe than from any other author he had ever read, and that there is an astonishing magnificence in his conceptions.' (p. 1560)
    "This book is about Christians' attitudes towards the sins of other people. For example, Howe notes that some people are happy to see others sin because it makes them feel superior to those people. But it is itself sinful for a Christian to feel this way. 'What is it now to rejoice in another man's sin? Think what it is, and how impossible it is to be where the love of God hath any place. What to be glad that such a one is turning a man into a devil! A reasonable immortal soul, capable of Heaven, into a fiend of Hell! To be glad that such a soul is tearing itself off from God, is blasting its own eternal hopes, and destroying all its possibilities of a future well-being! Blessed God! How repugnant is this to Charity?' (p. 18)
    " 'One would think them indeed but half men, and scarce any Christians, that can allow themselves so inhumane, and unhallowed a pleasure, as rejoicing in another's sin!
    " 'Tis very unworthy of a man to take pleasure in seeing his fellowman turning beast. There is little in it of the ingenuity that belongs to humane nature, to delight in the harms of others; much less of the prudence, to make sport of a common mischief.' (p. 54)
    "Rather than rejoicing over the sins of others, Christians should mourn over the sin and pray for the repentance of the offender.
    "In some cases, however, charity and duty will require separation from the offender. 'We are to decline their society: i.e. when their heinous guilt appears, and while their repentance appears not. Scripture is so plain, and copious to this purpose, that it would suppose them very ignorant of the Bible, for whom it should be needful to quote texts. We must avoid them for our own sake, that we be not infected, nor be partakers in their sin, and guilt. For theirs (and so charity requires it), that they may be ashamed, which may be the means of their reduction and salvation: And (which is most considerable), for the honour of the Christian religion, that it may be vindicated, and rescued from reproach, as much as in us lies.' (pp. 41-42)
    "In this respect Christians have an infallible example. 'The great God is our example, who refuses the fellowship of apostate persons, yea and churches: Departs, and withdraws his affronted Glory. It is pure, and declines all taint'." (p. 42) -- Publisher
    The Whole Works of the Rev. John Howe, M.A., With a Memoir of the Author (1822), vol. 1 of 8.
    http://archive.org/details/wholeworksofrevj01howeuoft

    Langberg, Diane, How to Deal With Hurts (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette WW402 [audio file].

    Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), The Life of Peace: Exposition of Philippians 3 and 4, [Philippians 4] ISBN: 0801056780 9780801056789.
    "This volume follows THE LIFE OF JOY which is on Philippians 1 and 2, thus completing the study on the Book of Philippians. Examples of expository excellence!" -- GCB

    Lotter, George A., Counseling Divorcees on Forgiveness (Philadelphia, PA: Westminster Theological Seminary, D.Min. thesis, 1987).
    Includes bibliography.

    Love, Christopher (1618-1651), The Penitent Pardoned a Treatise Wherein is Handled the Duty of Confession of sin and the Privilege of the Pardon of Sin: Together With a Discourse of Christs Ascension Into Heaven and of his Coming Again From Heaven: Wherein the opinion of the Chiliasts is considered and solidly confuted / being the sum and substance of several sermons preached by that faithful servant of Christ, Mr. Christopher Love, 1657.

    Manton, Thomas (1620-1677), A Sermon on Micah 7:18. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THOMAS MANTON (15:438-49).
    "God's chief glory consists in the pardon of sins."

    *Miller, C. John "Jack" (1928-1996), Finding Healthy Self-Esteem Through Being Completely Forgiven, a tract (Quality Living Series. Jenkintown, PA [World Harvest, Box 2175, Jenkintown, 19046]: World Harvest, 1987).
    "Do you feel inadequate? That you need to do more or be better in order to be happy and fulfilled? You may not realize it, but your biggest problem is . . . you don't feel completely forgiven."
    World Harvest Mission
    http://www.whm.org/home.htm

    *Miller, Wendell E. Forgiveness: The Power and the Puzzles, ISBN: 0964144115 9780964144118.
    "Defines God's forgiveness in four ways: (1) initial forgiveness releases us from the penalty of sin and (2) restores us to fellowship with God, and (3) repetitive forgiveness releases us from the day by day penalty for fresh sins, and (4) restores us day by day to fellowship. Defines our forgiveness of others in two ways: (1) vertical forgiveness between us and God (Mark 11:25) releases others from the penalty of our wrath, and (2) horizontal forgiveness (Luke 17:3), restores the relationship between us and others who repent. Discusses flaws in such ideas as 'forgiving God' and 'forgiving oneself'." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
    "It could have been called "The Anger Handbook" because it teaches how to overcome problems of hurt feelings, anger, and aggressive behavior. Overcoming problems of anger is crucial. Spouse abuse, failures in marriages, failures in child rearing, and even child abuse often erupt from anger. Parents who model angry behavior are likely to raise children with anger problems. And most importantly, God is not glorified by Christians who have anger problems.
    "It teaches the kind of forgiveness that is nearly always an absolute necessity to becoming really free from the trauma of sexual abuse. . . .
    "FORGIVENESS: THE POWER AND THE PUZZLES will add biblical power to the books that you already have on Christian living, discipleship, marriage, childrearing, anger, communications, forgiveness, and sexual abuse." -- Publisher

    Morison, Patrick H., Forgive! As the Lord Forgave You, ISBN: 0875522939 9780875522937.
    "By shedding light on six aspects of the forgiving process, this 30-page pamphlet shows what forgiveness involves and how crucial a forgiving spirit is to our walk with God and our relationships with others." -- GCB

    Owen, John (1616-1683), A Practical Exposition Upon Psalm 130; Wherein the nature of the forgiveness of sin is declared; the truth and reality of it asserted; and the case of a soul distressed with the guilt of sin, and relieved by a discovery of forgiveness with God, is at large discovered. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN, (6:323-648)

    Owen, John (1616-1683), A Treatise of the Dominion of Sin and Grace. . . . By the Late Pious and Learned Minister of the Gospel, John Owen, D.D. Edinburgh, 1739.

    *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

    *Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635), The Bruised Reed, ISBN: 0851517404 9780851517407. A Christian classic. Available (THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "Richard Sibbes, one of the most influential figures in the Puritan movement during the earlier years of the seventeenth century, was renowned for the rich quality of his ministry. THE BRUISED REED shows why he was known among his contemporaries as 'the sweet dropper.'
    "If you have ever been (or are), discouraged in any way this is a book that will bring great encouragement and joy!" -- Publisher
    "Sibbes never wastes the student's time, he scatters pearls and diamonds with both hands." -- C.H. Spurgeon
    "A poor peddler came to the door . . . and my father bought of him Sibb's BRUISED REED . . . It suited my state . . . and gave me a livelier apprehension of the mystery of redemption and how much I was beholden to Jesus Christ . . . Without any means but books was God pleased to resolve me to himself." -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)
    "Speaking of the preacher's need to suit his reading to the varying conditions he finds within, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says in his PREACHING AND PREACHERS:
    'You will find, I think, in general that the Puritans are almost invariably helpful . . . I shall never cease to be grateful to one of them called Richard Sibbes who was balm to my soul at a period in my life when I was overworked and badly overtired, and therefore subject in an unusual manner to the onslaughts of the devil. In that state and condition . . . what you need is some gently, tender treatment for your soul. I found at that time that Richard Sibbes, who was known in London in the early seventeenth century as 'the heavenly Doctor Sibbes', was an unfailing remedy. His books THE BRUISED REED and THE SOUL'S CONFLICT quieted, soothed, comforted, encouraged and healed me.'
    "This is one of the best Puritan books to read if you are feeling down or depressed or if you are facing struggles and trials. It is also very useful if you are struggling with assurance. Great encouragement for Christians here!" -- Publisher
    The Bruised Reed and Smoking Flax, A. Beith (introduction, 1878)
    http://archive.org/details/bruisedreedands00sibbgoog

    Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635), The Matchless Mercy. (7:151-64). The Saint's Comforts: An Exposition Upon Psalm 130. (6:159-80) Sin's Antidote. (7:261-79) In THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES. Available (THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES), on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    *Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon.
    A sermon by C.H. Spurgeon delivered on Lord's-day morning, September 9, 1888, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon no. 2043.
    "This is the way in which you should use this plea. Say, 'My God, I am utterly unworthy, and I own it; but, I beseech thee, hear me for the honour of thy dear Son. By his agony and bloody sweat, by his cross and passion, by his precious death and burial, I beseech thee hear me! O Lord, let the blood of thine Only-begotten prevail with thee! Canst thou put aside his groans, his tears, his death, when they speak on my behalf?' If you can thus come to pleading terms with God upon this ground, you must and will prevail. Jesus must be heard in heaven. The voice of his blood is eloquent with God. If you plead the atoning sacrifice, you must overcome through the blood of the Lamb." -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon

    Thompson, Murray Stewart, Grace and Forgiveness in Ministry, ISBN: 0687156807 9780687156801.
    Includes bibliography and references.

    Walter, Richard P., Forgive and be Free: Healing the Wounds of Past and Present, ISBN: 0310426111 9780310426110.

    See also: The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Repentance the key to salvation and change, Soteriology, The covenant faithfulness of god, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Gossip, slander, backbiting, the tongue, Works by and for women, Reconciliation of relationships, Marriage, Reconciliation of marriage partners, Unforgiveness, Justifying faith, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 1314-1316, 2300, 3345
    MGTP: Forgiveness

    Related Weblinks

    Forgiveness (FGB #184)
    What is Forgiveness? Adams, Jay | Forgiveness, Ryle, J.C. (1816-1900) | Divine Forgiveness Admired and Imitated, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | Conditional or Unconditional Forgiveness? MacArthur Jr., John | How to be Free From Bitterness, Wilson, Jim | Father, Forgive Them, Flavel, John (1630-1691)
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/forgfg/forgiveness

    *Finding Healing Through Forgiveness, Matthew 5:23,24 and Matthew 18:21-35, Chuck Swindoll [audio file]
    "Offers key strategies from Matthew 5 and 18 for asking and offering forgiveness. As a moving illustration, Chuck's wife, Cynthia, shares the scriptural principles of forgiveness that helped her find relief from her years of battling depression and anger. That healing stream of forgiveness awaits you too."
    http://store.insight.org/p-1568-recent-series-finding-healing-through-forgiveness.aspx

    Psychology and Psychiatry
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappc.html



    Friendship

    The Lord Jesus is "a friend who never changes." There is no fickleness about Him: those whom He loves, He loves to the end. Husbands have been known to forsake their wives; parents have been known to cast off their children; human vows and promises of faithfulness have often been forgotten.
    Thousands have been neglected in their poverty and old age, who were honored by all when they were rich and young. But Christ never changed his feelings towards one of His friends. He is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

    The true Christian regards all Christ's friends as his friends, members of the same body, children of the same family, soldiers in the same army, travelers to the same home. When he meets them, he feels as if he had long known them. He is more at home with them in a few minutes, than he is with many worldly people after an acquaintance of several years. And what is the secret of all this? It is simply affection to the same Savior and love to the same Lord. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

    Does a man really and sincerely boast in the cross of Christ? That is the grand question. If he does, he is my brother -- we are traveling on the same road; we are journeying towards a home where Christ is all, and everything outward in religion will be forgotten.
    But if he does not boast in the cross of Christ, I cannot feel comfort about him. Union on outward points only, is union only for a time -- union about the cross is union for eternity. Error on outward points is only a skin deep disease -- error about the cross is disease at the heart. Union about outward points is a mere man-made union -- union about the cross of Christ can only be produced by the Holy Spirit. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

    God is the true medium of true friendship. -- Montaigne

    Thine own friend, and thy father's friend, forsake not. (Proverbs 27:10a), See the annotation in The Reformation Study Bible.

    Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. (Proverbs 27:17). See the annotation in The Reformation Study Bible.

    Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. (James 4:4)

    A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24)

    The Christian may, and ought to, look forward with certain assurance to meeting again with those beloved relatives and friends who departed hence in Christ. Their spirits are not dead, not even sleeping as some erroneously assert, but have returned to God who gave them (Eccl. 12:7 [Ecclesiastes 12:7]), and are now in a state that is far better (Phil. 1:23 [Philippians 1:23]), which could not be were they deprived of all conscious communion with their Beloved. Being absent from the body they are present with the Lord (2 Cor. 5:8 [2 Corinthians 5:8]), and in His presence is fulness of joy (Ps. 16:11 [Psalm 16:11]). As to their bodies they await that great Day when they shall be fashioned like unto Christ's glorious body. -- Arthur Pink (1886-1952) in The Life of Elijah

    Too much friendship makes way for hatred. Yea, in truth there is no enmity so dangerous as that which has its foundations upon the ruins of love. And as in nature, the purest substance is turned into the most loathsome corruption; so the hottest love, which has no other ground but carnal respect, degenerates oftentimes into the most deadly and hurtful enmity. For being privy to all their friends' secrets, counsels, and conditions, they are the more enabled thereby to do them the greater mischief when their love is turned to malice. Even as a traitor is much more dangerous than a professed enemy. -- George Downame

    All company with unbelievers or misbelievers is not condemned. We find a Lot in Sodom, Israel with the Egyptians, Abraham and Isaac with their Abimelechs; roses among thorns, and pearls in mud; and Jesus Christ among publicans and sinners. So neither we be infected, nor the name of the Lord wronged, to converse with them, that we may convince them, is a holy course. But still we must be among as strangers: to pass through an infected place is one thing, to dwell in it another. -- Thomas Adams

    Whom we associate with is highly important.

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Friendship," "Fellowship," "Associations," and so forth, and so on.

    Bailey-Rug, Cynthia, Lessons From the Heart: What Animals Have Taught me About Life and Love, ISBN: 1300991097 9781300991090.
    "There is much more to our animal companions than meets the eye. They are far wiser than the casual observer realizes, and can teach humans a great deal about life. In this book, the author details some valuable life lessons she learned from her own pets over the years that have helped her to live a happier, more fulfilling life." -- Publisher

    Bailey-Rug, Cynthia, Pawprints on our Hearts, ISBN: 1300987995 9781300987994.
    "Animals are God's special gift to humanity. This book will show you the many things that the Bible has to say about animals, such as their purpose on Earth, what they need from human beings, whether or not they go to heaven and more. Personal experiences by the author and pictures of her own pets are included as well. PAWPRINTS ON OUR HEARTS is designed to give you an entirely new perspective on our animal friends -- to help you view them as God does -- and to improve your experiences with our animal companions. May this book bless you and yours!" -- Publisher

    Barnes, Emilie, and Donna Otto, Friends of the Heart, ISBN: 1565079906 9781565079908.
    "My best friend gave this to me on my birthday -- it has become one of my favorite books, not only because it is about 'Best Friends' but also because the message within the book carried so much meaning. I recommend this beautifully written book for anyone who shares a special friendship, a soul-mate, kindred spirits. As you read the book you can't resist picking up the phone to share the information with your best friend, and agree whole heartedly that it hit home!" -- Reader's Comment

    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

    *Black, Hugh, Friendship, ISBN: 0890815135 9780890815137.
    "A magnificent blend of wise counsel with mature understanding of the human condition. Admonishes and encourages his readers to cultivate good friendships, while at the same time benefiting from the fruits of growing relationships. First published in 1898. Recommended." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Brestin, Dee, The Friendship of Women, ISBN: 1564764079 9781564764072.
    "You will grow as she opens God's Word to reveal a pattern for friendship that can unleash and channel your gift for intimacy and help you be the redemptive agent God planned you to be." -- GCB

    *Bunyan, John (1628-1688), All Loves Excelling, ISBN: 0851517390 9780851517391. 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.

    Grant, George, and Karen B. Grant, Best Friends: The Ordinary Relationships of Extraordinary People, ISBN: 1888952717 9781888952711.

    M'Crie, Thomas (the elder, 1772-1835), Christian Friendship. Available (THE SERMONS OF THOMAS M'CRIE) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    Christian Friendship
    http://www.naphtali.com/christian_friendship.htm

    Newton, John (1725-1807), On the Comforts and Snares of Social and Relative Affections. In WORKS OF JOHN NEWTON (6:480-89).

    *Nicholson, William R., Popular Studies in Colossians: Oneness With Christ. Alternate title: ONENESS IN CHRIST.
    "Formerly published under the title ONENESS IN CHRIST, this study combines outstanding scholarship with a deeply devotional spirit." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Shaw, Jean, Greater Love: A Woman's Workshop on Friendship (with Leader's Guide), ISBN: 0310435315 9780310435310.
    "Many times we have lots of acquaintances but no special friend. Or perhaps our friendship is stagnating. Maybe we have a friendship in which we feel exploited and we want out. Shaw looks at God's Word so we can learn what the Bible says about friendship." -- GCB

    Tripp, Paul, How to be a Friend who can Make a Difference (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette HFTF14 [audio file].

    Wilder-Smith, A.E., The Basis of True Fellowship, an audio file.

    See also: Friendship (women), Loneliness, The teaching of our lord jesus christ, Christ our example, The love and justice of god, oneness, Christian fellowship, The local church, Small groups, Neighbors, Family, Child abuse and pedophilia, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Sonship, The priesthood of believers, Christian biography, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Love and counseling problems, The love and justice of God, Reconciliation of relationships, Bad relationships a cause of disease and death, Fellowship, Small groups, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 551, 1322-1331, 1998, 1999, 2200-2202, 3393
    MGTP: Friendship

    Related Weblinks

    The Influence of a Godly Mother, a sermon by D. James Kennedy
    "What is a mother's influence on society? Motherhood has been de-valued by our secular society. What you don't hear is how much influence mothers really have on the course of human events. James Kennedy brings light to the powerful influence of a Godly Mother on The Coral Ridge Hour."
    Children who do not bond with their mother often have difficulty bonding with others in society.
    http://www.truthinaction.org/sermon/INFLUENCE%20OF%20A%20GODLY%20MOTHER-1994-THE_110912.pdf



    Gambling

    Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

    There is a fool born every day. -- P.T. Barnum

    Yes, AIG (American International Group), should be left to fail.
    In the eyes of the educated citizen, the Federal Government's bailout of AIG is outrageous, as is the incredible lack of prior regulation. Outrageous! Trillions of dollars are changing hands, and we see nothing but incompetence and corruption on all sides -- the greatest theft in human history.
    The use of "financial innovation," namely "derivatives" and "hedge funds" by AIG, an international corporation, amounts to "Casino Economics" and "Gaming the System." The practice has brought the world to a global financial crisis.
    We see the Federal Government as culpable for both the AIG debauchle and the broader Global Depression, in which AIG is a kingpin.
    Arguing that there is no connection between the "Casino Economics" of AIG, the syndicate's control of the gambling industry, organized crime "following the money," the legalization of gambling in the United States to augment tax revenues, and the foolishness of "the powers that be" in dealing with this global economic crisis by "pouring good money after bad," -- arguing that there is no connection between all this -- would be very difficult.
    Considering the power of leadership by example, we respectfully recommend that the Federal Government immediately repeal all laws that legalized gambling of any type in the past, especially government sponsored gambling. This would go a long way toward ending our "culture of gambling." We hold that repealing these laws is prerequisite to Federal Government attempts to remedy the banking crisis by rewriting regulations for investment institutions and banks of the future.
    The startling irony is that America's OUTRAGE at the incompetence and corruption, on all sides, is probably akin to the outrage of terrorist extremist who targeted the Twin Towers.

    *Bookstaber, Richard, A Demon of our own Design: Markets, Hedge Funds, and the Perils of Financial Innovation, ISBN: 9780470393758 0470393750.
    "Why do markets keep crashing and why are financial crises greater than ever before? As the risk manager to some of the leading firms on Wall Street -- from Morgan Stanley to Salomon and Citigroup -- and a member of some of the world's largest hedge funds, from Moore Capital to Ziff Brothers and FrontPoint Partners, Rick Bookstaber has seen the ghost inside the machine and vividly shows us a world that is even riskier than we think. The very things done to make markets safer, have, in fact, created a world that is far more dangerous. From the 1987 crash to Citigroup closing the Salomon Arb unit, from staggering losses at UBS to the demise of Long-Term Capital Management, Bookstaber gives readers a front row seat to the management decisions made by some of the most powerful financial figures in the world that led to catastrophe, and describes the impact of his own activities on markets and market crashes. Much of the innovation of the last 30 years has wreaked havoc on the markets and cost trillions of dollars. A Demon of Our Own Design tells the story of man's attempt to manage market risk and what it has wrought. In the process of showing what we have done, Bookstaber shines a light on what the future holds for a world where capital and power have moved from Wall Street institutions to elite and highly leveraged hedge funds.
    "Richard Bookstaber runs an equity hedge fund in Greenwich, Connecticut. He was the director of risk management at Ziff Brothers Investments and at Moore Capital Management, one of the largest hedge funds in the world. He served as the managing director in charge of firm-wide risk management at Salomon Brothers and was a member of Salomon's powerful Risk Management Committee. Mr. Bookstaber also spent ten years at Morgan Stanley in quantitative research and as a proprietary trader, concluding his tenure there as Morgan Stanley's first market risk manager. He is the author of three books and scores of articles on finance topics ranging from options theory to risk management. Bookstaber received a Ph.D. in economics from MIT.
    "In recounting his time as risk manager at a number of prominent houses (Morgan Stanley, Salomon Brothers, Citigroup etc.), Bookstaber completes the i-banking trifecta. First there was the Michael Lewis classic, Liar's Poker, detailing the juvenile bravado and macho antics of the trading floor. Then Jonathan Knee gave an intimate portrait of the i-banker deal making culture with The Accidental Investment Banker." -- Publisher
    "Bright sparks like Mr. Bookstaber ushered in a revolution that fuelled the boom in financial derivatives and Byzantine 'structured products.' The problem, he argues, is that this wizardry has made markets more crisis-prone, not less so. It has done this in two ways: by increasing complexity, and by forging tighter links between various markets and securities, making them dangerously interdependent." -- The Economist
    "Like many pessimistic observers, Richard Bookstaber thinks financial derivatives, Wall Street innovation and hedge funds will lead to a financial meltdown. What sets Mr. Bookstaber apart is that he has spent his career designing derivatives, working on Wall Street and running a hedge fund." -- The Wall Street Journal
    "Exactly WHY do markets misbehave? Rick Bookstaber draws on his extensive knowledge of today's complex financial markets to set forth many of the reasons endogenous risk is so large AND so ominous. He understands one of the most sobering aspects of this risk: its sources are far too complex to be meaningfully assessed. This gives lie to current regulatory bromides that 'everything will be OK provided that we better assess and manage risk,' for the risks that matter most are non-assessable!" -- "Woody" Brock, President, Strategic Economic Decisions, Inc.

    *Durbin, Michael, All About Derivatives, ISBN: 0071451471 9780071451475.
    "The answer to trading profit growth lies in derivatives. ALL ABOUT DERIVATIVES explains the major derivatives and their key features of each; vital mechanical issues such as storage, settlement, valuation, and payoff; and common types of risk and how to effectively hedge against them. Michael Durbin is known as a derivatives trader and manager for one of the world's largest, most high-profile hedge funds.
    "Everything you need to know about derivatives -- what they are, how they work, and how they can enhance profits and control market risk. Financial derivatives, from standard put and call options to more complex strategies and combinations, are among the most versatile, powerful, and valuable tools available to investors. ALL ABOUT DERIVATIVES introduces you to the many different types of derivatives, providing simple explanations and easy-to-follow methods for using each. . . .
    "Whatever your level of investing expertise, from beginner to veteran, ALL ABOUT DERIVATIVES will give you the information you need to know:
    Contracts -- forwards, futures, swaps, options, and credit derivatives
    Terms -- volatility, arbitrage, the greeks, and many more
    Key mechanics -- storage, settlement, valuation, and payoff
    Pricing methods and mathematics for determining fair value
    Hedging strategies for managing different types of risk
    Leverage -- why it can be your best friend or worst enemy
    And more
    "Michael Durbin is a veteran business systems analyst and project manager specializing in financial derivative trading systems. His projects include high-performance systems for Bank of America, Bank One, and a leading global hedge fund." -- Publisher

    Eidsmoe, John, Legalized Gambling: America's bad bet, ISBN: 1579105688 9781579105686.
    "Gambling has been a hot issue in nearly every state today. Gambling interests tell your state legislature that legalized gambling will bring jobs, revenue, and prosperity for all. John Eidsmoe does an outstanding job destroying all the flimsy claims of gambling advocates by pointing out such factors as gambling addiction, bankruptcy, cruelty to animals in pari-mutuel betting, how gambling preys upon the lower class as a regressive form of taxation. The book also tells about how gambling at the least does nothing for a state economy, at the worst it hurts businesses. Most importantly is the fact that gambling is linked to organized crime and the mob's insidious tactics to subterfuge legal gambling operations. This book is well written and detailed, yet an easy read for anyone who wonders what as to how gambling would do to their community. It should be required reading for all state legislators who are struggling with the gambling issue in their state." -- Reader's Comment

    Evans, Tony, Tony Evans Speaks out on Gambling, ISBN: 0802425623 9780802425621.
    "What a great resource for a study group on this issue. I used this book as a source for presenting Biblical guidance on gambling and the lottery. The material was very straight-forward and easy to understand. The Bible is very clear on the issue and Dr. Evans brought what the Bible has to say to us on this in a way that any layperson could understand. There should be no question as to what our Father expects from us after reading this book and following up with the Biblical references that were cited in the book." -- Reader's Comment

    Gataker, Thomas (1574-1654), A Just Defence of Certaine Passages in a Former Treatise Concerning the Nature and Use of Lots: Against such exceptions and oppositions as haue beene made thereunto by Mr. I.B.: wherein the insufficiencie of his answers giuen to the arguments brought in defence of a lusorious lot is manifested: the imbecillitie of his arguments produced against the same further discouered: and the point it selfe in controversie more fully cleared.

    Goodman, Robert, The Luck Business: The Devastating Consequences and Broken Promises of America's Gambling Explosion, ISBN: 0684831821 9780684831824.

    Grinols, Earl L., Gambling in America: Costs and Benefits, ISBN: 0521830133 9780521830133.
    "The public decision-making process governing the issue of casino gambling tends to lead to wrong outcomes, and the studies typically provided to justify the phenomenon are conceptually flawed. Seeking to describe what true economic development is, this study establishes the framework for a valid cost-benefit analysis to assess whether it actually occurs and its methods can be applied to the casino industry in America. Accounting for a wide range of economic and social factors, Earl Grinols concludes that the social costs of casino gambling considerably outweigh their social benefits." -- Publisher

    Haugen, David M., Legalized Gambling, ISBN: 0816060541 9780816060542.
    "LEGALIZED GAMBLING by David M. Haugen is an excellent reference to the diverse issues surrounding the legal aspects of gambling. Providing a complete chronology of important events, a glossary of terms, bibliographical listings [fully annotated bibliography], and a comprehensive index. LEGALIZED GAMBLING offers readers a compendium of the essential information relevant to the complex workings of gaming casinos, the legal premises of gambling, ethical questions and analysis of gambling, and a great deal more useful, critically important information. With the increasing popularity and availability of gambling in America today, LEGALIZED GAMBLING is very strongly recommended for all readers as a thorough guide to the manifold issues of gambling and its history in America." -- Midwest Book Review

    Hyde, Margaret O., Gambling: Winners and Losers, grades 6-9, ISBN: 1562945327 9781562945329.
    "In her latest book, Hyde focuses on gambling as a sociopolitical issue. The information is clearly laid out, with Hyde providing some basic historical perspective before exploring contemporary aspects of the subject. She looks briefly at gambling in both its legal and illegal forms, does some speculating on its rise among teens, and takes a look at the characteristics of a pathological gambler. Personal histories are concrete but too few and rather dry, and although Hyde does attempt to present both sides of the issue, her negative arguments are more fully developed. Turn to Edward Dolan's TEENAGERS AND COMPULSIVE GAMBLING (1994) for a much better, more detailed discussion of gambling among YAs; use this book as a general overview and a consciousness raiser. Unfortunately, the further readings are mostly adult." -- Stephanie Zvirin

    LeSourd, Sandra Simpson, The Compulsive Woman, ISBN: 0884199452 9780884199458.
    "Mrs. LeSourd avoids psychologizing and instead gets down to specifics: obsessions with work, religion, sex, alcohol, and/or drugs, eating, gambling, and so forth. . . ." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Livingstone, Charles Henry, An Imaginary Economy: Gambling, Commodity, Meaning (Ph.D. Thesis, University of Melbourne, Ashworth Program in Social Theory, Dept. of History and Philosophy of Science, 2006).

    MacDougall, Ernest David, Speculation and Gambling, 1936.

    Partnoy, Frank, FIASCO: Blood in the Water on Wall Street, 272 pages, ISBN: 9780393336818 0393336816.
    " 'Applies an intelligent, clinical eye to [an] excruciatingly complex corner of the financial world.' -- New York Times
    "A classic of its kind, Frank Partnoy's bestselling FIASCO takes readers inside the rollicking world of derivatives on Wall Street during the mid-1990s. The book tracks Partnoy's success as a young Morgan Stanley employee who quickly becomes steeped in a culture that treats client as targets to be 'blown up' or have their faces 'ripped off.' A decade later FIASCO remains one of the most damning and prescient pictures of the speculative frenzies that grip Wall Street and the victims they can leave in their wake. In Partnoy's case they include well-publicized losses at Orange County, Barings, and Procter and Gamble, among others. A new epilogue written for this edition brings Partnoy's story -- as well as the story of derivatives -- up to the present.
    "Frank Partnoy is the author of INFECTIOUS GREED and THE MATCH KING. He has written for the Financial Times, the New York Times, and Portfolio. He teaches law at the University of San Diego, where he lives." -- Publisher
    "There are several very interesting parts of this book, the most notable being the chapters (4,7-10), in which Mr. Partnoy gives a high level description of some of the transactions that he was involved in. Some of his anecdotes, particularly those in which he discusses the atmosphere in an investment bank around bonus time (pg. 40-42, 202-205), are pretty amusing and dead on accurate. The author's descriptions of some of his deals are clearly told from a junior banker's perspective, but they do a good job of putting forth what was being done, how it was being done, what everyone's perceived incentives for the transaction were, the work required to get the deal done, what kind of money, and importantly what kind of fees were involved. In this regard, the book offers more than both LIAR'S POKER by Lewis and WHEN GENIUS FAILED by Lowenstein.
    "Like all books written by former investment bankers the book contains liberally sprinkled anecdotes regarding job interviews from hell, the ridiculous daily escapades that can occur on a trading floor, strip clubs, the lack of personal lives, gambling trips and other stories which could easily have been pulled from the pages of Mr. Lewis's book or MONKEY BUSINESS by Rolfe and Troob. All of these shenanigans culminate around the bank's (in this case Morgan Stanley), or more specifically, his group's annual sporting clay outing, FIASCO. The book also suffers from a somewhat poorly defined timeline and the lack of a defining event which drives the story. Due to these faults, it is at times little more than a book about the evils of investment bankers, the ignorance of their customers, all put forward to enforce Mr. Partnoy's somewhat guarded thesis; Derivatives are used by organizations that are legally prevented from investing in certain areas in order to skirt those laws." -- Reader's Comment

    Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ireland. Committee on Public Morals and National Righteousness, The Christian and Gambling.

    Rogers, Rex M., Gambling: Don't bet on it, ISBN: 082543646X 9780825436468.
    "Now in a newly revised and updated edition, GAMBLING: DON'T BET ON IT is Cornerstone University President Rex Rogers' response to the shifts in modern American culture that celebrate legalized gambling more than ever. GAMBLING: DON'T BET ON IT examines the history of gambling in America and observes its present-day impact, including the money it siphons from individuals and households, moral and economic arguments against it, 'harmless' forms of gambling such as the office pool, gambling demographics, negative impacts it has on modern culture, and more. Though the religious dimension of gambling as a sin is examined, GAMBLING: DON'T BET ON IT is not primarily a Christian book, but rather a social issues book sounding a crucial wake-up call to gambling's harmful effects. Extensively researched and persuasively argued in terms accessible to lay readers, GAMBLING: DON'T BET ON IT makes a singularly powerful and compelling argument." Midwest Book Review
    "Rex M. Rogers (Ph.D., University of Cincinnati), is president of Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Mich. He is the author and voice of the daily radio program Making a Difference. Rex writes and speaks on Christian higher education, conservative politics, free enterprise economics, and sociocultural trends." -- Publisher

    Time Magazine, Gambling Goes Legit, December 6, 1976, an article.

    Walton, Rus, Biblical Solutions to Contemporary Problems: A Handbook, ISBN: 0943497159 9780943497150.
    See: "Gambling (and State Lotteries)," pp. 117-126
    "The Organized Crime Section of the Department of Justice report that 'the rate of illegal gambling in those states which have some legalized form of gambling was three times as high as in those states where there was no legalized gambling.'
    "Anti-gambling forces insist that it is immoral for the state to encourage or condone or profit from immorality. They cite statistics that show gambling brings with it crime (organized and unorganized), and vice (prostitution, assault, robbery, drugs). Rev. Timothy Kehl, chairman of the Wisconsin Conference of Churches' Gambling Issue Task Force, which opposed that state's lottery, said the issue is whether 'it's right or wrong for the government to be involved in a multi-million dollar numbers racket' that exploits its citizens by luring them into gambling. 'We believe the role of government . . . is to promote the general welfare, not to devise schemes to swindle people out of their hard-earned money'. . . ."
    World history and the Gallop Polls are repleat with evidence that, generally speaking, time and space do not allow the whole argument here, the populace follows the example of leaders of state and the actions of their government. There is no doubt in this writer's mind that after the federal government legalized state lotteries about 1976, that investment bankers and big business followed the example of the government, and began using strategies that amount to gambling, to maximize profits by risking capital assets. The financial 'house of cards' eventually lead to the meltdown of 2008, one of the greatest global economic depression in history. See also: Meltdown: The Depression of 2008
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chd.html#gdprnh

    Watson, Tom, Jr., Don't bet on it, ISBN: 0830710132: 9780830710133.
    "This book is about gambling. It is an exposé of a plot that exploits human weakness in a transfer of wealth from those who cannot afford the loss to those who purpose to have it all. It shows the often irreversible and debilitating effects on the society we share and the faith that binds us to God." -- GCB

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Covetousness, self, selfishness, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, The ten commandments: the moral law, Foolishness, Self-destruction, Trusting god, Laziness, slothfulness, idleness, indolence, slackness, sluggishness/sluggard, Self-destruction, Suicide, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Meltdown 2008, the greatest depression in history, The federal reserve, The banking system, Taxation, property and liberty, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Prostitution, Drug abuse and addiction, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 648, 1423, 2199, 2985, 4181

    Related Weblinks

    Card-playing, Dicing and the use of Lots in Gaming
    http://www.covenanter.org/subjects-1/2015/6/29/card-playing-dicing-and-the-use-of-lots-in-gaming

    Gamblers Anonymous Official Homepage
    http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/

    Gambling in the United States
    "Gambling is legally restricted in the United States, but its availability and participation is increasing. In 2007, gambling activities generated gross revenues (the difference between the total amounts wagered minus the funds or 'winnings' returned to the players) of $92.27 billion in the United States.[1]
    "Commercial casinos provided 354,000 jobs,[2] and state and local tax revenues of $5.2 billion as of 2006.[3] Critics of gambling[who?] claim it leads to increased political corruption, compulsive gambling and higher crime rates. Others claim that gambling is a type of regressive tax on the individuals in local economies where gambling venues are located."
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gambling_in_the_united_states

    Gambling on a new Life
    http://www.midtod.com/highlights/gambling.html

    Lotteries in the United States
    "In the United States, lotteries are run by 47 jurisdictions: 44 states plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. . . .
    "In the US, lotteries are subject to the laws of each jurisdiction; there is no national lottery. . . .
    "Lotteries in the United States did not always have a sterling reputation. . . .
    "In 1868, after years of illegal operation, the Louisiana Lottery Company obtained a 25 year charter for its state lottery system.[1] The charter was passed by the Legislature due to the immense bribing from a criminal syndicate in New York.[1] The Louisiana Lottery Company was a huge money maker and 90 percent of its revenue came from tickets sold across state borders.[1] These continued issues of corruption led to the complete prohibition of lotteries in the United States by 1895.[1] It was discovered that the promoters of the Louisiana Lottery Company had accrued immense sums of money from illegitimate sources and that the Legislature was riddled with bribery.[1]"
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lotteries_in_the_United_States

    National Commission Against Legalized Gambling (NCALG) Homepage
    "Since 1978, gambling casinos, Indian gambling, lotteries, slot machines and Internet gambling have attacked American families. The average American adult now spends more on gambling than on television, movies, theatre, sporting events and all other entertainment combined. Each year the gambling industry does more damage to the American economy than did Hurricane Andrew. This damage is in the form of crime, corruption, addiction and their attending social impacts. As children follow their parents, gambling is now the fastest growing addiction among American teenagers and college students."
    http://www.ncalg.org

    You bet Your Life
    "You bet Your Life" explores the social costs and real risks of legalized gambling's current unprecedented popularity in our nation. You'll learn the magnitude of America's gambling addiction and why it destroys families, increases crime and entraps youth and minorities.
    http://www.family.org/resources/itempg.cfm?itemid=453&refcd=1CEECZL&tvar=no



    Gossip, Slander, Backbiting, The Tongue

    Thou shalt not bear false witness against they neighbor. (Exodus 20:16)

    Let the lying lips be put to silence; which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous. (Psalm 31:18)

    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)

    These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. (Proverbs 6:16-19)

    Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. (Proverbs 18:21)
    "By the using the tongue well or evil, comes the fruit of it either good or bad." -- Geneva Bible Notes

    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)

    Sin may be committed in two ways: either when the wicked invent false accusations, or when other overcredulous persons eagerly associate themselves with them . . . . A lie would soon come to nothing from its own emptiness, and fall to the ground, if it were not taken up and supported by the unrighteous consent of others . . . the false witness kills with his tongue just as the executioner kills with his sword . . . . Therefore we must close our ears against false and evil speaking; since he is just as injurious to his brother who eagerly listens to sinister reports respecting him, as he who exercises his tongue in maligning him . . . . The volubility of the tongue causes us to think it a light transgression to inflict a deadly and disgraceful wound on our brother, to whom, nevertheless, his good name is of more importance than his life." -- John Calvin (1509-1564), Commentaries on the Last Four Books of Moses

    For truly, Christians ought to be the kind of men born to bear slanders and injuries, open to the malice, deceits, and mockeries of wicked men. And not that only, but that they ought to bear patiently with all of these evils. . . . Meanwhile, let them also do good to those who do them harm, and bless those who curse them, and (this is their only victory) strive to conquer evil with good. -- John Calvin (1509-1564), Institutes, Book 4, chapter 20:20

    Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people. . . . Thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him. (Leviticus 19:16a,17a)
    Tale-bearing emits a threefold poison; for it injures the teller, the hearer, and the person concerning whom the tale is told. Whether the report be true or false, we are by this precept of God's Word forbidden to spread it. The reputations of the Lord's people should be very precious in our sight, and we should count it shame to help the devil to dishonour the Church and the name of the Lord. Some tongues need a bridle rather than a spur. Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! [James 3:3-5] Many glory in pulling down their brethren, as if thereby they raised themselves. Noah's wise sons cast a mantle over their father, and he who exposed him earned a fearful curse. We may ourselves one of these dark days need forbearance and silence from our brethren, let us render it cheerfully to those who require it now. Be this our family rule, and our personal bond -- SPEAK EVIL OF NO MAN.
    The Holy Spirit, however, permits us to censure sin, and prescribes the way in which we are to do it. It must be done by rebuking our brother to his face, not by railing behind his back. This course is manly, brotherly, Christlike, and under God's blessing will be useful. Does the flesh shrink from it? Then we must lay the greater stress upon our conscience, and keep ourselves to the work, lest by suffering sin upon our friend we become ourselves partakers of it. Hundreds have been saved from gross sins by the timely, wise, affectionate warnings of faithful ministers and brethren. Our Lord Jesus has set us a gracious example of how to deal with erring friends in His warning given to Peter, the prayer with which He preceded it, and the gentle way in which He bore with Peter's boastful denial that he needed such a caution. -- C.H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)

    Let it never surprise true Christians if they are slandered and misrepresented in this world. They must not expect to fare better than their Lord. Let them rather look forward to it, as a matter of course, and see in it a part of the cross which everyone must bear after conversion. Lies and false reports are among Satan's choicest weapons. When he cannot deter people from serving Christ, he labors to harass them and make Christ's service uncomfortable. Let us bear it patiently, and not count it a strange thing. The words of the Lord Jesus should often come to our minds: Woe to you when all men speak well of you. (Luke 6:26) Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kind of evil against you because of me." (Matthew 5:11) -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900), Expository Thoughts on the Gospels: Mark

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Gossip," "Lying," and so forth, and so on.

    Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), The Distinguishing Characteristics of True Believers. Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS BOSTON, VOLUME 5), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #5.
    "Seventeen sermons (254 pages), relating to nine major areas pinpointing the marks of salvation. Includes loving your enemies, conduct in times of general declension, keeping Christ's commandments, the use of the tongue, friendship with Christ, meekness, etc." -- Publisher

    Manton, Thomas (1620-1677), Sermon Upon Romans 1:29-30. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THOMAS MANTON (2:275-84).
    "Wisperers, backbiters."

    Vincent, Thomas (1634-1678), Godlinesse in Principle and Conversation a Necessary Preparative to the Worlds Dissolution and the Escaping of Future Burnings / by Thomas Vincent, 1670.

    Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), The Tongue a World of Iniquity. In A PLEA FOR THE GODLY AND OTHER SERMONS (195-215).

    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), Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, The ten commandments: the moral law, (especially the 9th), Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Deceit, self-deception, lying, false witness, The shorter catechism, Envy, jealousy, Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, Spiritual warfare, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 3303-3313
    MGTP: Tongue

    Related Weblinks

    The Evil Tongue (FGB #152)
    Gossips | The Distinguishing Marks of False Teachers | The Conditions of the Heart of man and the Cure | The Evil Tongue | Redeeming the Tongue | Depth and Consequences of sin | The Evil of Backbiting and Evil-Speaking
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/etonfg/evil-tongue-the



    Glory in Iniquity, the Temptation of Vainglory

    See: Glory in Iniquity, the Temptation of Vainglory
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappd.html#glryinqty



    Gratuitous Sex, a Cause of Violence

    The sexual revolution is a revolution against God.

    Ultimately the Seventh Commandment (Exodus 20:14), is about our fidelity to Christ. (Hosea 2:19-20; 1 Corinthians 6:15-20; James 4:4)
    To fracture the Seventh Commandment is to break covenant with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
    The sexual revolution is really a revolution against God. (Numbers 25:1-3, 29; Joshua 22:17; Psalm 106:30,31)
    See: Engelsma, Marriage, the Mystery of Christ and the Church.

    Calvin seems to see the Seventh as interrelated to, as summing up, all Ten Commandments of the Law.*
    Although one kind of impurity is alone referred to, it is sufficiently plain, from the principle laid down, that believers are generally exhorted to chastity; for, if the Law be a perfect rule of holy living, it would be more than absurd to give a license for fornication, adultery alone being excepted. Furthermore, it is incontrovertible that God will by no means approve or excuse before this tribunal, what the common sense of mankind declares to be obscene; for, although lewdness has everywhere been rampant in every age, still the opinion could never be utterly extinguished, that fornication is a scandal and a sin. . . . [Titus 2:12; Isaiah 30:21; Matthew 19:17; Romans 13:8]
    Now, if Christ and the Apostles, who are the best interpreters of the Law, declare that God's Law is violated no less by fornication than by theft, we assuredly infer, *that in this Commandment the whole genus is comprehended under a single species. . . . [Hebrews 13:4; Leviticus 21:14; Deuteronomy 23:17; Hosea 4:11; Hosea 1:2; Numbers 25:9; 1 Corinthians 10:8; Acts 15:20; 1 Corinthians 6:18; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:4,5] -- John Calvin commenting on Exodus 20:14 and Deuteronomy 5:18 and context

    For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 19:5-6)
    John Gill commenting on Matthew 19:6
    http://www.biblestudytools.com/my-bible/#/left:passage/kjv/matthew/19:6/&right:reference/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/matthew-19-6.html

    All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.
    Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
    Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.     (1 Corinthians 6:12-20)

    Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. (Hebrews 13:4)

    Civilization Itself is at Stake
    At its heart, the battle to re-define marriage, to incorporate what God in the Bible condemns as perversion and an abomination, is a war against the family. It is not only a battle for the family, but it is a battle for civilization itself.
    Of the 26 civilizations that are recorded in history, none have survived the pubic tolerance of homosexual perversion. The great Roman and Greek civilizations collapsed when sexual morality was subverted. Homosexual perversion represented the terminal stage of the collapse of these civilizations. Similarly, one can see in the collapse of the Aztec, Mayan and Inca civilizations, the role of sexual perversion in fuelling the collapse of those societies. (Romans 1:24-32) -- Peter Hammond

    No sin that a person commits has more built-in pitfalls, problems, and destructiveness than sexual sin. It has broken more marriages, shattered more homes, caused more heartache and disease, and destroyed more lives than alcohol and drugs combined. It causes lying, stealing, cheating, and killing, as well as bitterness, hatred, slander, gossip, and unforgiveness.
    The dangers and harm of sexual sin are nowhere presented more vividly and forcefully than in Proverbs. The lips of an adulteress drip honey, and smoother than oil is her speech (Proverbs 5:3). The basic truth applies to a prostitute or to any other woman who tries to seduce a man. It also applies to a man who tries to seduce a woman. The point is that sexual allurement is extremely enticing and powerful. It seems nice, enjoyable, and good. It promises nothing but pleasure and satisfaction. But what it ends up giving is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two -- edged sword. Her feet go down to death, her steps lay hold of Sheol. She does not ponder the path of life; her ways are unstable, she does not know it (Proverbs 5:4-6). The first characteristic of sexual sin is deceit. It never delivers what it promises. It offers great satisfaction but gives great disappointment. It claims to be real living but is really the way to death. Illicit sexual relationships are always "unstable." Nothing binds those involved except the temporary and impersonal gratification of physical impulses. That is poor cement. Another tragedy of sexual sin is that often those involved do "not know it" is unstable, do not realize perhaps for a long time that their relationship cannot be lasting. Thus they fall deeper and deeper into the pit of their doomed relationship, which makes the dissolution all the more devastating and painful.
    Those who consider all sex to be basically evil, however, are as far from the truth as those who consider all sex to be basically good and permissible. God is not against sex. He created and blessed it. When used exclusively within marriage, as the Lord intends, sex is beautiful, satisfying, and stabilizing. Let your fountain be blessed, Scripture says, and rejoice in the wife of your youth. . . . Be exhilarated always with her love (Proverbs 5:18,19).
    The Bible's advice for avoiding sexual involvement outside marriage is simple: stay as far away as possible from the persons and places likely to get you in trouble. Keep your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house (Proverbs 5:8). When repeatedly enticed by Potiphar's wife, Joseph refused not only to lie beside her but even to be with her (Genesis 39:10). When she tried to force him into adultery and grabbed his coat, he left his garment in her hand and fled, and went outside (Genesis 39:12). It was not the time for argument or explanation but for flight. When we unavoidably get caught in such a situation, the only sensible thing to do is to get away from it as quickly as we can. Passion is not rational or sensible, and sexually dangerous situations should be avoided or fled, not debated. -- John MacArthur commenting on the destructiveness of sexual immorality, Christian Liberty, 1 Corinthians 6

    It appears that about one in three teen aged suicides is by a gay or lesbian. Since homosexuals represent only about 5 percent of the population, gays and lesbians are greatly over-represented. -- Facts About Suicide

    Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9,10)

    Thou dost not pollute thy daughter to cause her to go a-whoring, that the land go not a-whoring, and the land hath been full of wickedness. (Leviticus 19:29, YLTHB)

    Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (2 Timothy 2:22)

    But, according to a common mode of expression in the Hebrew language, by the use of the term foolishness, he [David] acknowledges that he had been out of his right mind, when he obeyed the lusts of the flesh in opposition to God. The Spirit, by employing this term in so many places to designate crimes the most atrocious, does not certainly mean to extenuate the criminality of men, as if they were guilty merely of some slight offenses, but rather charges them with maniacal fury, because, blinded by unhallowed desires, they willfully fly in the face of their Maker. Accordingly, sin is always conjoined with folly or, madness. It is in this sense that David speaks of his own foolishness; as if he had said, that he was void of reason and transported with madness, like the infatuated rage of wild beasts, when he neglected God and followed his own lusts. --
    John Calvin commenting on Psalm 38:5

    Nothing exceeds the satisfaction of the presence of the Holy Spirit.

    I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid? (Job 31:1)

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 106
    And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul. (Psalm 106:15)
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps106.php

    There are only two types of people in the world, those who say to God, Not my will, but thine be done, and those to whom God says "Not my will, but thine be done." -- Dr. Donald Ewing (1916-1997)

    A little known but telling fact. The "f" word is an acronym used by the courts during Cromwell's Protectorate in the 17th Century for the charge of "For Uncondoned Carnal Knowledge." The courts recognized, at that time, the devastating social consequences of fornication and adultery.

    It is shocking how often sexual immorality leads to death.

    For a listing of forbidden sexual relationships see Leviticus 18:6-23 and Leviticus 20:10-21.

    But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.
    A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.
    For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.
    He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.     (Proverbs 6:32-35)

    Adultery is a sin against the human spirit and spiritual life which produces traumatic results. It is also a sin against the family, which is the basic unit of society. It is the breaking of our conjugal vows, "Forsaking all others, I choose thee." It is a sin against our children. One of the most flagrant causes of divorce, adultery has produced millions of children who have grown up without a father and a mother in the home, and has created enormous problems in the lives of these children. Adultery and its consequent evils are sins against the nation and society. . . . -- D. James Kennedy (1930-2007), and Jerry Newcombe, What if Jesus had Never Been Born, p. 135

    My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
    As they were increased, so they sinned against me: therefore will I change their glory into shame. They eat up the sin of my people, and they set their heart on their iniquity. And there shall be, like people, like priest: and I will punish them for their ways, and reward them their doings. For they shall eat, and not have enough: they shall commit whoredom, and shall not increase: because they have left off to take heed to the LORD. Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart.     (Hosea 4:6-11)

    For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well. (Acts 15:28,29) -- From a letter written by the Apostles after they had consulted together, and declared to the church at Antioch

    For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.
    But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.     (Romans 7:5,23)

    From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? (James 4:1)

    Fully understanding the Doctrine of Justification can redeem a relationship broken by sexual sin.
    It is a clear understanding of the Doctrine of Justification that enables us to repair broken relationships, both with God and with man. Repentance and forgiveness bridges the gap between man and God. It enables man and wife to reconcile their broken relationships, and to live together in harmony. It enables individuals to repair relationships broken by sin and to live and work together in unity in society.

    When the Supreme Court of the United States ruled against prayer in public schools in 1963 the statistics for social indicators including teenage suicide began to climb dramatically. And the climb continues.
    Since 1963 [1990 data]:

    1. Violent crime has increased 500 percent.
    2. Illegitimate births have increased 400 percent.
    3. Divorces have increased 400 percent.
    4. Children living in single parent homes has increased 300 percent.
    5. Child abuse has increased 340 percent (since 1976).
    6. Teenage suicide has increased 200 percent.
    7. SAT scores have dropped almost 80 points. -- William Bennett, in The Index of Leading Cultural Indicators
    Do you Know What Happened When Religious Principles Were Separated From Public Affairs?
    http://www.whatyouknowmightnotbeso.com/graphs.html

    Redbook magazine conducted a survey concerning sex in modern "liberated" America [Susan Sadd and Carol Tavris, The Redbook Report on Female Sexuality (New York, NY: Delacorte, 1977), pp. 97-106)].
    What did the survey reveal? Even more astounding than the number of women that replied [100,000] were the results. They discovered that women who were sexually liberated -- the feminists, the free modern women -- were the most dissatisfied kind of person sexually. The only person less satisfied was the nymphomaniac (who most men think is just the most sexual kind of woman), who is so sexually frustrated that she runs from here to there and back and forth everywhere trying to find some satisfaction, which, alas, she never finds.
    But the more religious women indicated that they had more sexual satisfaction in their lives. The most religious category (women were to judge how much a part religion played in their lives -- i.e., whether they were most religious, more religious, least religious), whom the average enlightened American male has been told by the devil are sexually repressed, were the most orgasmic women in the country. And that turns the whole lot right on its head. -- D. James Kennedy (1930-2007), and Jerry Newcombe, What if Jesus had Never Been Born, p. 139

    It is distressing how often death does follow adultery, -- abortion, murder of a lover, murder of a spouse, a fatal accident, and suicide.

    The U.S. Justice Department reports that women who live together with men are 76 times more likely to be physically abused, that is 7,600 percent more likely (2001 data).

    The Journal of the American Medical Association reported (early 2001), a study of 247 women who died in pregnancy in the state of Maryland. The leading cause of death during pregnancy was murder. Twenty-one percent of the women studied were murdered.

    The vulgar word is an acronym for "For Uncondoned Carnal Knowledge," a legal term used during The Protectorate of Cromwell in 17th century England. In those days society recognized the destabilizing effect of fornication, adultery, incest, rape, sodomy, and pedophilia. Offenders were arrested "For uncondoned carnal knowledge" tried in court, and punished.
    Uncondoned carnal knowledge blasts lives and destoys souls.

    See the chart, Israel's Apostasy and Hosea's Marriage at Hosea 3:1, page 1364 in The Reformation Study Bible.
    "The stages of Israel's relationship with God are depicted in the prophecies of Jeremiah and Ezekiel, as well as in Hosea's relationship with Gomer."

    Information from the Barna Research Group showing that one out of four people identifying as a born-again Christian reports having cohabited. (2001)

    Authorities report that drugs (including alcohol), whoredom, and crime are frequently found together with the occult -- that drugs, sex, and crime are often associated with the occult.

    The Destructiveness of Sexual Immorality
    Marx and Freud are the two great destroyers of Christian civilization, the first replacing the gospel of love by the gospel of hate, the other undermining the essential concept of human responsibility. -- Malcolm Muggeridge in My Life in Pictures

    Anderson, Wayne J., How to Understand Sex: Guidelines for Students.

    Ankerberg, John, and John Weldon, The Myth of Safe sex: The Devastating Consequences of Violating God's Plan, ISBN: 0802456391 9780802456397. Alternate title: THE MYTH OF SAFE SEX: THE TRAGIC CONSEQUENCES OF VIOLATING GOD'S PLAN.

    *Bennett, William, The Index of Leading Cultural Indicators, ISBN: 0671883267 9780671883263.
    "Bennett's index strives to quantify the nation's cultural health.
    "To illustrate what some people might consider a nebulous concept, Bennett turns to 19 tangible trends, grouped under crime, poverty, natality, family, education, drugs, and television. In most of the categories, Bennett traces changes from 1960 -- just before the dawn of the counterculture -- to 1990."
    Caveat: William Bennett is a Roman Catholic. A 26-page book published jointly by Empower America, The Heritage Foundation, and The Free Congress Foundation.

    Botkin-Maher, Jennifer, Nice Girls Don't get Raped, ISBN: 0898401577: 9780898401578.
    "A sensitive account of physical, emotional, social, and spiritual effects of rape on a woman and her family. NICE GIRLS DON'T GET RAPED also shares Jennifer's personal walk from trauma to triumph. She guides you through the healing process to a life free from the bondage of fear." -- GCB

    *Chambers, Claire, The SIECUS Circle: A Humanist Revolution, ISBN: 0882791192 9780882791197.
    THE SIECUS CIRCLE: A HUMANIST REVOLUTION established a clear connection between the socialist agenda and sexual immorality of the general population.
    "THE SIECUS CIRCLE said, in the 1960s, that the population control crowd targeted the RCC [Roman Catholic Church], the LCMS [Lutheran Church Missouri Synod], and the SBC [Southern Baptist Church], as they all had leaders in charge of major publishing operations who could easily be 'bought off.' I remember as a child, my father coming home one day from Rotary Club livid that the local LCMS pastor had spoken on the need for classroom sex talk (sex ed) in the local schools. It worked. . . . setting up the foundations for abortion." -- Reader's Comment
    "This book was an eye opener, written years ago, and relevant and prophetic for today. I am glad I re-read it again. If you want to know where the culture is headed, read this . . ." -- Reader's Comment

    Du Plessis, Susan, and Jan Strydom, The Creators of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), on Trial: And of Youth Violence, the Drug Culture, Teen-age Promiscuity, the Wave of Teen Suicides and Illiteracy, ISBN: 1919751076 9781919751078.

    Empower.org, and William J. Bennett (introduction), The Index of Leading Cultural Indicators, 2001.
    Contents: Crime -- Family -- Education -- Youth behavior -- Popular culture and religion -- Civic participation.

    *Engelsma, David, Marriage, the Mystery of Christ and the Church, ISBN: 0825425190 9780825425196.
    "Engelsma is a pastor in the Protestant Reformed Church, and also is editor of their paper, The Standard Bearer. The chapters in this book were preached as sermons in the author's church at Loveland, Colorado. Engelsma sees the corruption of the sacred institution of marriage as being a cause of myriads of the evils that abound in our day. He says, 'There is the bitter misery of soul that shatters those who have been unfaithful and that leads to drink, drugs, nervous breakdown, and even suicide. . . . The author does a good job of expounding Ephesians 5:31,32, This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. He explains that this 'mystery' has to do with the intimacy and oneness of a truly married couple. And this typifies the 'underlying reality of the union of Christ with His Church'." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)

    *Foster, David Kyle, Sexual Healing: God's Plan for the Sanctification of Broken Lives: A Reference Manual for Ministering to Those Trapped in Sexual sin and Brokenness, ISBN: 0830737154 9780830737154 0830737340 9780830737345.
    This is a unique work and the best resource known to the compiler offering biblical counsel for healing sexual brokenness. See: "Foundations" and "Divine Intent for Sexuality" for a biblical explanation of the spiritual significance of sexuality. These two chapters alone make the purchase of the book worthwhile. Includes chapters, study guides, and exercises for Root sources for improper sexual development, Sexual identity confusion, Child sex abuse, Sexual addition, Pornography, Masturbation, voyeurism and exhibitionism, Why people remain in sexual sin and bondage, Failure and self-condemnation, A comprehensive game plan for sexual healing, and so forth.
    Includes bibliography and index.
    Mastering Life Ministries
    http://www.MasteringLife.org

    Graham, Franklin, Franklin Graham on the Plague of Immorality, February 2, 2015
    "The sexual revolution that began in earnest five decades ago with promises of new and liberating sexual freedoms has instead left behind a shattered moral landscape that has undermined the fabric and foundation of our nation. Casting off what was perceived as the puritanical restraints of previous generations, the '60s and '70s launched a new era of sexual experimentation. The revolution, publicly inaugurated by 1967's Summer of Love in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district, promised an enlightened age of sexual morality. . . .
    "Fifty years later, we can see that the results have been catastrophic.
    "In many respects the American family is completely unrecognizable, courtesy of a failed sexual revolution that has left a devastating wake of destruction.
    "In certain segments of American culture, more than 70 percent of children are born to single parents and remain in single-parent households. Nationally, more than one in four children today live in households with only one parent. Demographers predict that by age 18, nearly 50 percent of all children will have lived with just a mom or dad.
    "Nearly half of all marriages end in divorce, and couples who cohabitate before marriage are even more likely to split. . . .
    "The freedoms promised by the sexual revolution have instead given way to ever-increasing slavery and captivity to sin. The attempt to cast off moral restraint has only opened wide the devil's destructive, deadly toolbox. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved (2 Peter 2:19). . . .
    "The Scripture is clear: But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you. . . . For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous . . . has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God (Ephesians 5:3,5). . . .
    "Our culture, like ancient cultures that ultimately were destroyed in large part due to their own moral depravity, has been severely weakened. A stable family unit committed to the truth and precepts of the Bible was once the foundation and backbone of our nation. That model is now the exception, not the rule. . . .
    "The only answer I know for any society in any era is the strong word of the Lord to the church in Thyatira who, though faithful in some ways, apparently tolerated sexual permissiveness that spread through the church: I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality (Revelation 2:21).
    "There is still time to repent. That is why Jesus is delaying His return, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance (2 Peter 3:9). . . ."
    http://billygraham.org/decision-magazine/february-2015/franklin-graham-on-the-plague-of-immorality/

    Jenks, Benjamin, The Glorious Victory of Chastity: In Joseph's Hard Conflict, and his Happy Escape [from Potiphar's Wife]. By B. Jenks, rector of Harley in Shropshire, and chaplain to the Right Honble the Earl of Bradford, Genesis 39:9. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against god? e-book.

    Pollard, Jeff, Christian Modesty and the Public Undressing of America, (1 of 12), [audio file].
    " 'Unaffected modesty is the sweetest charm of female excellence, the richest gem in the diadem of her honor'." -- Noah Webster
    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. (1 John 2:16)
    This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16) And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (1 John 2:17)
    Christian Modesty, a series of 12 MP3 files [audio file]
    http://www.puritandownloads.com/christian-modesty-and-the-public-undressing-of-america-by-pastor-jeff-pollard/

    *Jones, E. Michael, Libido Dominandi: Sexual Liberation and Political Control, ISBN: 189031837X 9781890318376.
    "Thus, a good man, though a slave, is free; but a wicked man, though a king, is a slave. For he serves, not one man alone, but, what is worse, as many masters as he has vices." -- St. Augustine, City of God
    "Writing at the time of the collapse of the Roman Empire, St. Augustine both revolutionized and brought to a close antiquity's idea of freedom. A man was not a slave by nature or by law, as Aristotle claimed. His freedom was a function of his moral state. A man had as many masters as he had vices. This insight would provide the basis for the most sophisticated form of social control known to man.
    "Fourteen hundred years later, a decadent French aristocrat turned that tradition on its head when he wrote that 'the freest of people are they who are most friendly to murder.' Like St. Augustine, the Marquis de Sade would agree that freedom was a function of morals. Unlike St. Augustine, Sade proposed a revolution in sexual morals to accompany the political revolution then taking place in France. LIBIDO DOMINANDI -- the term is taken from Book I of Augustine's CITY OF GOD -- is the definitive history of that sexual revolution, from 1773 to the present.
    "Unlike the standard version of the sexual revolution, LIBIDO DOMINANDI shows how sexual liberation was from its inception a form of control. Those who wished to liberate man from the moral order needed to impose social controls as soon as they succeeded because liberated libido led inevitably to anarchy. Aldous Huxley wrote in his preface to the 1946 edition of BRAVE NEW WORLD that 'as political and economic freedom diminishes, sexual freedom tends compensatingly to increase.' This book is about the converse of that statement. It explains how the rhetoric of sexual freedom was used to engineer a system of covert political and social control. Over the course of the two-hundred-year span covered by this book, the development of technologies of communication, reproduction, and psychic control -- including psychotherapy, behaviorism, advertising, sensitivity training, pornography, and plain old blackmail -- allowed the Enlightenment and its heirs to turn Augustine's insight on its head and create masters out of men's vices. LIBIDO DOMINANDI is the story of how that happened." -- Publisher
    "E. Michael Jones ['a Roman Catholic polemicist of the old-fashioned type, for whom no Roman prelate (at least before Vatican II) ever did wrong, and no Protestant ever did right. He writes with the vehemence of a pamphleteer in the time of the sixteenth-century French wars of religion.' -- Reader's Comment], is editor of Culture Wars Magazine, and author of many books, including THE SLAUGHTER OF CITIES: URBAN RENEWAL AS ETHNIC CLEANSING." -- Publisher

    Love, Christopher (1618-1651), The Combat Between the Flesh and the Spirit. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive (MP3). Available on Reformation bookshelf CD #4, #21 (MPS), audio file.

    Manton, Thomas (1620-1677), Sermon Upon Deuteronomy 32:51. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THOMAS MANTON (16:387-96).
    "The sins of God's children may cost them dear in this world."

    Martin, Grant, Counseling in Cases of Family Violence and Abuse, ISBN: 0849905877 9780849905872.

    Martin, Grant L., Please Don't Hurt me: A Sensitive Look at the Growing Problem of Abuse in Christian Homes, ISBN: 0896937437 9780896937437.
    "This adult 'Bible study' elective focuses on the physical abuse of both children and adults. In each case Martin explores the origins of violence as well as how it may be stopped. This is a very commendable work for laypersons, and it is hoped that many will acquire it and read it carefully." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Minnery, Tom (editor), Pornography: A Human Tragedy, ISBN: 0842349472 9780842349475.
    "Demonstrates conclusively the harm of pornography, shows how Christians may reverse the trend of the times, and concludes with a summary of the Attorney General's Commission on Pornography. Also cites relevant court cases as evidence of the positions taken, and places in the hands of readers a most important apologetic." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Mowday Rabey, Lois, The Snare: Avoiding Emotional and Sexual Entanglements, ISBN: 0891091556 9780891091554.

    Mowrer, Orval Hobart, Morality and Mental Health, 669 pages.

    *Piper, John, Justin Taylor, Ben Patterson, David Powlison (1949-2019), and Albert Mohler, et al., Sex and the Supremacy of Christ, ISBN: 9781433512278 1433512270.
    Amazon reviews are 79 percent five stars as of 4/27/2022.
    "Really impressed by the wealth of writers in this book. I have quoted from it and bought it both in Kindle and paperback versions. The five parts cover a wide range of subjects: 'God and Sex,' 'Sin and Sex,' 'Men and Sex,' 'Women and Sex,' and 'History and Sex.' That final part changed my thinking both on Luther and on the Puritans, as they really restored good biblical understanding on sex. The fact that God created sex is often lost in today's society, and this book helps focus on its positive view of a subject often spoiled by the world today." -- Reader's Comment
    "The second section deals with 'Sin and Sex.' The highlight of the entire book is David Powlison's chapter on 'Restoring Pure Joy to the Sexually Broken.' He provides biblical wisdom and encouragement for people who have abused sex, or who have been sexually abused. His counsel is loving and pastoral, and will surely bring a glimpse of light to many for whom sex has become darkness." -- Reader's Comment

    Preston, John (1587-1628), Sinnes Overthrow: or, A Godly and Learned Treatise of Mortification: Wherein is excellently handled; First, the generall doctrine of mortification: and Then particularly, how to mortifie fornication. Uncleannesse. Evill concupiscence. Inordinate affection. And covetousnesse. All being the substance of severall sermons upon Colos. 3.5. Mortifie therefore your members, &c. Delivered by that late faithfull preacher, and worthie instrument of Gods glorie, John Preston, Dr. in Divinitie, chaplin in ordinarie to his Majestie, master of Emanuell Colledge in Cambridge, and sometimes preacher of Lincolns-Inne, 1635, ISSN: 00279358. [Colossians 3:5]
    Preston, Sinnes Overthrow: or, A Godly and Learned Treatise of Mortification . . . All Being the Substance of Severall Sermons Upon Colos. 3. 5 [Colossians 3:5]
    https://archive.org/details/siwo00pres/page/n1

    *Reisman, Judith A. (editor), Edward W. Eichel (editor), John H. Court (editor), and J. Gordon Muir (editor), Kinsey, Sex, and Fraud: The Indoctrination of a People: An Investigation Into the Human Sexuality Research of Alfred C. Kinsey, Wardell B. Pomeroy, Clyde E. Martin, and Paul H. Gebhard, ISBN: 091031120X 9780910311205 156384057X 9781563840579.
    "Alfred Kinsey is the father of the sexual revolution. He has almost single-handedly redefined for Western civilization the terms 'normal' and 'abnormal' in regard to sexual behavior. The authors of this book demonstrate that Kinsey's research was the most egregious example of scientific deception in this century. He openly promoted sex between children and adults, sex between humans and animals, and homosexuality. Kinsey's philosophy is being taught in sex and AIDS education classes across the nation. This book could put an end to that." -- GCB

    *Reisman, Judith A., Soft Porn Plays Hardball, ISBN: 091031165X 9780910311656.
    "Reisman demonstrates the tragic effects of 'soft porn' on women, children, and the family." -- GCB

    *Rushdoony, Rousas J. (1916-2001), The Politics of Pornography, ISBN: 0868840025 9780868840024. Available through Exodus Books.
    "A detailed exposé of pornography with important chapters on such matters as its history and legal battles. . . . He includes in his discussion an examination of the underlying philosophical presuppositions, the pagan origin of the movement, and the violence that it fosters. . . ." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Schlesinger, Benjamin, Sexual Abuse of Children: A Resource Guide and Annotated Bibliography, ISBN: 0802064817 9780802064813.
    "An informative guide to the literature covering all aspects of sexual molestation -- including profiles of parents and siblings." -- Cyril J. Barber

    *Schlink, Bernhard, and Carol Brown Janeway (translator), The Reader -- A Novel, 218 pages, ISBN: 0307454894 9780307454898.
    This is primarily a study of the guilt of the German society over the holocaust. Interwoven with that theme it shows the long-term consequences in a man's life of youthful sexual sin.
    Weinstein Company Home Entertainment, The, Stephen Daldry (director), David Hare, Anthony Minghella, Sydney Pollack, Donna Gigliotti, The Reader, 124 min., DVD.
    "Based on the book DER VORLESER by Bernhard Schlink. Originally released as a motion picture in 2008. Special features: deleted scenes; Adapting a timeless masterpiece: making The reader; A conversation with David Kross and Stephen Daldry; Kate Winslet on the art of aging Hanna Schmitz; A new voice: a look at composer Nico Muhly; Coming to grips with the past: production designer Brigitte Broch; theatrical trailer." -- Publisher

    Shogren, Gary, and Edward Welch, Running in Circles: How to Find Freedom From Addictive Behavior, ISBN: 0801083877 9780801083877, 96 pages.
    "Companion volume to Welch's and Shogren's ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOR. Intended as a practical guide to help those who struggle with 'addictive behavior:' drugs, alcohol, food, immorality, and so forth. Especially useful as a first introduction to biblical thinking for such people." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    Sorokin, Pitirim Aleksandrovich, The American sex Revolution.

    *Welch, Edward T., Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave: Finding Hope in the Power of the Gospel, ISBN: 0875526063 9780875526065.
    "A worship disorder: this is how Edward T. Welch views addictions. 'Will we worship ourselves and our own desires,' he writes, 'or will we worship the true God?'
    "With this lens the author discovers far more in Scripture on addictions than passages on drunkenness. There we learn the addict's true condition: like guests at a banquet thrown by the woman Folly, he is already in the grave (Prov. 9:13-18 [Proverbs 9:13-18]).
    "Can we not escape our addictions? If we're willing to follow Jesus, the author says we have 'immense hope: hope in God's forgiving grace, hope in God's love that is faithful even when we are not, and hope that God can give power so that we are no longer mastered by the addiction.' Each chapter concludes with 'Practical Theology,' guidance 'As You Face Your Own Addictions' and 'As You Help Someone Else'." -- Publisher
    "By emphasizing the role of the heart in the worship of self and substance, Welch forces the addict to face the grim reality that who or what he worships will control his life. When he idolizes his selfish desire for a substance, then there can only be bondage, but when he worships God more than himself, then the liberating truth of the Gospel will always set him free. As a pastor, biblical counselor, and a redeemed (not recovering), ex-heroin addict, I believe Dr. Welch has finally given every pastor, theologian, layman, and anyone caught in the bondage of idolatry/addition a biblical road map to true and lasting freedom." -- Peter Garich, Pastor of New Hope Christian Fellowship and Director of Dayspring Center for Biblical Counseling in San Diego, California

    Welch, Edward, and Gary Shogren, Addictive Behavior, ISBN: 0801097371 9780801097379, 176 pages.
    "Guides pastors and other counselors in understanding 'addictions' biblically, and takes them through five typical sessions of counseling. The prominent case study focuses on alcohol abuse in a church context, but the principles apply to other enslaving behaviors." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    See also: The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Idolatry, Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, Men, women, and God, Love and counseling problems, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justification, Justifying faith, Sanctification, Reconciliation of relationships, Counseling for sex related problems, Justifying faith, The ten commandments: the moral law, Proverbs, Sex ethics, sex education, Sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS, Courtship verses dating, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Slavery, our systems of enslavement, economic enslavement, Sexual wholeness, Abstinence, Teens and sex, Prodigals, Counsel for young men, Counsel for young women, Singleness, Sexual relationship (women), Idolatry, syncretism, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Family, Fatherhood, Fatherlessness, Child abuse, Incest, Incest (Women), Rape, Prostitution and harlotry, Sexual healing, Soul-violence, Suffrage and reproductive rights, Carnality and flesh pleasing: desires, pleasure, Infatuation, Premarital counseling, Counseling for sex related problems, illegitimacy, Birth control, Infertility, Adultery, Reconciliation of relationships, Divorce, Gratuitous sex, a cause of violence, Abortion and the sanctity of life, Post-abortion counseling, Pornography, Homosexuality, lesbianism, gay, bisexual, transvestite, queer (LGBTQ), Child abuse and pedophilia, Suicide, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Problem solving in marriage, Hostility and violence, Abuse, Child abuse and pedophilia, Prostitution, Avoiding divorce, Single parenting, Fatherlessness, Stepfamilies, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, The wisdom books, Suffrage and reproductive rights, Case studies, Protecting children against the dangers of the world, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 629, 663, 665, 667, 1662, 1814, 3881, 3882
    MGTP: Sexual Immorality, Carnality

    Related Weblinks

    110 Million Americans Have an S.T.D., Nicholas Bakalar, September 29, 2017
    "The incidence of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis is increasing, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An estimated 110 million Americans now are infected with a sexually transmitted disease."
    https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/29/health/chlamydia-syphilis-gonorrhea.html

    The Code of Virginia: Select Sexual Offenses

    1. Obscenity
      http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+18.2-372
    2. Adultery and fornication by persons forbidden to marry: Incest
      http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+18.2-366
    3. Sexually explicit items involving children
      http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+18.2-374.1
    4. Taking indecent liberties with a child by person in custodial or supervisory relationship
      http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+18.2-370.1
    5. Crimes against nature
      http://www.sodomy.org/laws/virginia/sodomy.html
    6. Conspiring to cause spouse to commit adultery
      http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+18.2-367
    7. Rape
      http://www.sodomy.org/laws/virginia/rape.html
    8. Forcible sodomy
      http://www.sodomy.org/laws/virginia/forcible_sodomy.html
    9. Fornication
      http://www.sodomy.org/laws/virginia/fornication.html
    10. Being a prostitute or prostitution
      http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+18.2-346
    11. Virginia State Law: Pandering, Taking, detaining, etc., person for prostitution, etc., or consenting thereto.
      http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+18.2-355
    12. Employment for compensation of persons convicted of certain offenses prohibited; criminal records check required; suspension or revocation of license.
      http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+32.1-126.01
    13. Lewd and lascivious cohabitation
      http://www.sodomy.org/laws/virginia/cohabitation.html
    The Consequences of Fatherlessness
    http://www.fathers.com/statistics-and-research/the-consequences-of-fatherlessness/

    Crime in the United States
    http://www2.fbi.gov/ucr/cius2009/about/table_title.html

    The Dark Secret in America That Threatens Kids, Meg Meeker, MD, July 2017
    Twenty million Americans contract a new sexually transmitted infection (STI) each year, according to the CDC.
    http://www.lifezette.com/momzette/dark-secret-america-threatens-our-teens/

    Domestic Violence: An Epidemic in American Society
    "National Statistics

    Family Watchdog
    This national website tracks sexual offenders in your area.
    "Enter an address below to view a map of registered sex offenders near you."
    While this is much needed data, and we commend efforts thus far, this map will not include the following sexual offenders who should (when known), be publicly identified until they repent of their sexual crimes:

    1. sexual offenders who have not been caught, tried, and convicted (the arrest/conviction ratio for all offenses was approximately 100/25 in the mid 90s);
    2. sexual offenders who have violated parole;
    3. sexual offenders who have failed to report their address or address change;
    4. sexual offenders using an alias (The FBI "believes 1 in 6 persons with a criminal record may be using alias names and identification." -- U.S. Congress, Office of Technology Assessment, OTA-TCT-497);
    5. sexual offenders who have been convicted on some other charge;
    6. ex-convicts and inmates who have committed sodomy in prison;
    7. offenders guilty of raping their spouse and the offense has gone unreported;
    8. wives who deliberately commit adultery as part of a "pre-planned divorce," that is, who married with plans to divorce for financial gain;
    9. offenders guilty of unreported incest;
    10. offenders guilty of unreported date rape;
    11. offenders who have committed unreported sexual offenses when drunk or under the influence of drugs;
    12. offenders who have committed unreported sexual offenses with mutual consent;
    13. individual members of Alcoholics Anonymous (who are frequently ex-convicts, mentally ill, and/or mentally retarded, and prefer to be identified as alcoholics to avoid the social stigma of the other categories), or other related 10-Step addiction treatment programs who have committed unreported sexual offenses with other members, or while being a sponsor of another member;
    14. individual members of Alcoholics Anonymous and related 10 Step codependent treatment programs who use the programs as vehicles to find new sexual partners;
    15. offenders who have committed unreported sexual offenses with other members of Alcoholics Anonymous or other related 10-Step addiction treatment programs while in a codependent relationship with another member;
    16. members of Sex Addicts Anonymous who have committed unreported sexual offenses;
    17. prostitutes still at-large in society;
    18. offenders who frequent prostitutes;
    19. men and women who are self-employed in the "sex industry" (professionals deliberately practicing prostitution within the business community);
    20. individuals employed in the pornography industry, including child pornography;
    21. individuals addicted to pornography or child pornography;
    22. individuals guilty of unreported sodomy and homosexuality;
    23. unreported homosexual pedophiles ("Homosexuals are over-represented in child sex offenses: Individuals from the 1 to 3 percent of the population that is sexually attracted to the same sex are committing up to one-third of the sex crimes against children." -- Timothy J. Dailey, Ph.D. in "Homosexuality and Child Sexual Abuse");
    24. offenders guilty of unreported rape;
    25. offenders guilty of unreported fornication;
    26. offenders guilty of unreported adultery;
    27. offenders living in licentious cohabitation;
    28. offenders who are mentally retarded and promiscuous;
    29. offenders who have sever mental illness and are promiscuous;
    30. offenders with AIDS disease;
    31. offenders with any of the 30 other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the United States;
    32. individuals who dabble in, or actively participate in satanic cults, or related destructive cults that practice sexual rituals;
    33. offenders who are licensed mental health care professionals (Psychiatrists, Clinical Psychologists, Psych Nurses, Medical Doctors, Counselors, Priests, Pastors, and Churchmen, and so forth), who become sexually involved with their patients, clients, counselees, or church members;
    34. individuals in the legal profession who judged in favor of legalized abortion or who aided in the legal process;
    35. individuals participating in organized crime who run and profit from most of the abortion clinics in the United States;
    36. medical professionals who perform abortions;
    37. men who have paid for abortions performed on their daughters;
    38. men who have paid for abortions performed on their sexual partners;
    39. mothers who have aborted children from their wombs (any of the 43 million abortions performed in the United States since Roe vs. Wade in 1973), [56 million American babies from 1973 to 2014, annual rate continues at 1.2 million babies a year.];
    40. individuals in the drug industry who developed "the morning after pill";
    41. druggists who sell "the morning after pill";
    42. women who have used "the morning after pill";
    43. and so forth, and so on.
    http://www12.familywatchdog.us/

    Five-Year Arrest Trends, All Women, 1995-1999 (6,622 agencies)
    Percentage increases in arrests of all women, select crimes. (Women under 18 only indicated by "under 18")

    1. Aggravated assault, +6.0
    2. Violent crime, +2.3
    3. Other assaults, +12.0
    4. Fraud Embezzlement, +39.7, +74.6 (under 18)
    5. Prostitution and commercialized vice, +8.4 (under 18)
    6. Sex offenses (except forcible rape and prostitution), +34.7 (under 18)
    7. Drug abuse violations, +11.4, +12.3 (under 18)
    8. Gambling, +20.1
    9. Offenses against the family and children, +7.9, +16.6 (under 18)
    10. Driving under the influence, +11.3, +48.1 (under 18)
    11. Liquor laws, +44.4, +42.3 (under 18)
    12. Drunkenness, +14.6 (under 18)
    13. Disorderly conduct, +17.0 (under 18)
    14. All other offenses (except traffic), +19.4, +20.2 (under 18)
    15. Suspicion, +18.8
    16. Curfew and loitering law violations, +13.6, +13.6 (under 18)
    http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/crime-in-the-u.s/1999/99sec4.pdf

    Five-Year Arrest Trends by Sex, 2015-2019
    "9,656 agencies; 2019 estimated population 201,599,471; 2015 estimated population 197,695,401"
    https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2019/crime-in-the-u.s.-2019/topic-pages/tables/table-35#

    Functional Illiteracy
    "Functional illiteracy is a term used to describe reading and writing skills that are inadequate 'to manage daily living and employment tasks that require reading skills beyond a basic level.'[1] Functional illiteracy is contrasted with illiteracy in the strict sense, meaning the inability to read or write simple sentences in any language. . . .
    "Links with poverty and crime
    "In developed countries, the level of functional literacy of an individual is proportional to his/her income level and risk of committing crime. For example, according to the National Center for Educational Statistics in the United States:

  • Over 60 percent of adults in the U.S. Prison System read at or below the fourth grade level
  • 85 percent of U.S. juvenile inmates are functionally illiterate.
  • Adult inmates who received educational services while in prison had a 16 percent chance of returning to prison, as opposed to 70 percent for those who received no instruction. [this statistic not in citation given -- compiler]
  • 43 percent of adults at the lowest level of literacy lived below the poverty line, as opposed to 4 percent of those with the highest levels of literacy.
    • "According to BeginToRead.com:
  • Two thirds of students who cannot read proficiently by the fourth grade will end up in jail or on welfare.
  • Three out of four individuals who receive food stamps read on the two lowest levels of literacy.
  • 16 to 19 year old girls at the poverty level and below, with below average skills, are 6 times more likely to have out-of-wedlock children than their reading counterparts. . . .
    • "The National Center for Education Statistics provides more detail. Literacy is broken down into three parameters: prose, document, and quantitative literacy. Each parameter has four levels: below basic, basic, intermediate, and proficient. For prose literacy, for example, a below basic level of literacy means that a person can look at a short piece of text to get a small piece of uncomplicated information, while a person who is below basic in quantitative literacy would be able to do simple addition. In the US, 14 percent of the adult population is at the 'below basic' level for prose literacy; 12 percent are at the 'below basic' level for document literacy; and 22 percent are at that level for quantitative literacy. Only 13 percent of the population is proficient in these three areas -- able to compare viewpoints in two editorials; interpret a table about blood pressure, age, and physical activity; or compute and compare the cost per ounce of food items."
    In other words, in 2011, 87 percent of Americans were "below basic" levels of literacy in one or more of the following: prose literacy, document literacy, and/or quantitative literacy. See: "Data Files for the 2003 National Assessment of Adult Literacy."
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Functional_literacy

    Incarcerated Women and Girls (1980-2020)
    "Between 1980 and 2020, the number of incarcerated women increased by more than 475 percent, rising from a total of 26,326 in 1980 to 152,854 in 2020. . . .
    "The number of incarcerated women was nearly five times higher in 2020 than in 1980.
    " 'Incarcerated Women and Girls' examines female incarceration trends and finds areas of both concern and hope. While the imprisonment rate for African American women was nearly twice that of white women in 2020, this disparity represents a sharp decline from 2000 when Black women were six times as likely to be imprisoned. Since then Black women's imprisonment rate has decreased by 68 percent while white women's rate has increased by 12 percent."
    https://www.sentencingproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Incarcerated-Women-and-Girls.pdf

    Legitimacy (family law)
    "Births outside marriage represent the majority in many countries of Western Europe and in many former European colonies."
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legitimacy_(family_law)

    Mastering Life Ministries
    http://www.MasteringLife.org

    National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence
    http://www.ncdsv.org/publications_statistics.html

    Non-marital Birth Rates in the United States, 1940-2014
    https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nonmarital_Birth_Rates_in_the_United_States,_1940-2014.png

    Psychology and Psychiatry
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappc.html

    A Redneck Resolution Against Self-destruction
    http://www.lettermen2.com/redneck.html

    Respect Incorporated (formerly Sex Respect)
    http://www.sexrespect.com/main.html

    Sex Offenders.com
    http://www.sexualoffenders.com/

    Statistics on Fatherless Children in America
    By Wayne Parker, About.com Guide
    http://fatherhood.about.com/od/fathersrights/a/fatherless_children.htm

    Temptation (FGB #160)
    Mortification of sin, Erroll Hulse -- A Necessity | Abstain From Fleshly Lusts, Martin Luther (1483-1546) | Helps Against Temptation, Thomas Brooks (1608-1680) | The Christian's Warfare, Robert M. McCheyne (1813-1843) | Temptation of Believers, John Owen (1616-1683) | Benefits of Temptation, G.A.W.
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/tempfg/temptation

    True Love Waits
    http://www.truelovewaits.com/

    Unintended Pregnancy
    "Worldwide, the unintended pregnancy rate is approximately 45 percent of all pregnancies, but rates of unintended pregnancy vary in different geographic areas and among different socio-demographic groups. [Bearak J., Popinchalk A., Alkema L., Sedgh G. (April 2018). "Global, regional, and subregional trends in unintended pregnancy and its outcomes from 1990 to 2014: estimates from a Bayesian hierarchical model". The Lancet. Global Health. 6 (4): e380, e389."
    "According to the Guttmacher Institute, slightly less than half (45 percent) of U.S. pregnancies in 2011 were unintended, approximately 2.8 million pregnancies per year.[4]. . . .
    "Over 92 percent of abortions are the result of unintended pregnancy,[13] and unintended pregnancies result in about 800,000 abortions/year.[14] In 2001, 44 percent of unintended pregnancies resulted in births, 42 percent resulted in induced abortion, and the rest in miscarriage.[15] It is estimated that more than half of US women have had an unintended pregnancy by age 45.[16] According to one study, over one-third of living people in the US under 31 years of age (born since 1982) were the result of unintended pregnancies, a rate that has remained largely unchanged to date.[17][18]" -- Wikipedia, "Unintended pregnancy"

    Unmarried Childbearing
    "Percent of all births to unmarried women: 40.7 percent. . . .
    "Data are for the U.S., 2012. Source: Births: Final Data for 2012, Table C."
    http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/unmarry.htm

    Ussearch.com
    Sex offender search, State criminal search, Department of Corrections search.
    http://www.ussearch.com/

    Virginia State Police Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry
    http://sex-offender.vsp.virginia.gov/sor/

    West Virginia State Police Sex Offender Registry
    http://www.statepolice.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx



    Grief

    Grief
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr8ch.html#grief



    Guilt

    For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:26)

    See the Theological Notes: "Mankind's Guilty Knowledge of God" at Romans 1:29 and the note at Psalm 14:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.
    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)

    See the Theological Notes: "Conscience and the Law," at 1 Samuel 24:5 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    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)

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Guilt," and so forth, and so on.

    Aden, LeRoy (editor), and David G. Benner (editor), Counseling and the Human Predicament: A Study of Sin, Guilt and Forgiveness, ISBN: 0801002184 9780801002182.

    *Bolton, Robert (1572-1631), A Treatise on Comforting Afflicted Consciences. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "I do not know of a single book published in the past twenty years that explains in depth how to respond Biblically to a grieved or wounded conscience. Here's an ideal volume to fill that gap. Few books in history have treated the subject as completely or as clearly as Robert Bolton's classic work. . . . The book remains a definitive study on the issue of dealing with guilt. Practical, Biblical, meticulously precise, carefully reasoned, it maintains a straightforward simplicity that cannot fail to touch the sensitive reader's heart." -- John MacArthur

    *Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), The Everlasting Righteousness, or How Shall man be Just With God? 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?
    http://books.google.com/books?id=nQMDAAAAQAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html

    Buchanan, James (1804-1870), Not Guilty, ISBN: 0946462224 9780946462223.

    *Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), Total Depravity, Obtaining Salvation and Miscellaneous Discourses. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.
    "Includes a warning to professors concerning the great guilt of those who take part in the ordinances of divine worship and yet allow themselves to be snared in any known wickedness. A work on temptation and deliverance and numerous other topics of great value." -- Publisher

    *Goodwin, Thomas (1600-1680), Man's Guiltiness Before God. In THE WORKS OF THOMAS GOODWIN. A Christian classic.

    *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

    Love, Christopher (1618-1651), The Soul's Cordial, 1653. Alternate title: THE SOULS CORDIALL IN TWO TREATISES. I. TEACHING HOW TO BE EASED OF THE GUILT OF SIN. II. DISCOVERING ADVANTAGES BY CHRISTS ASCENSION. BY THAT FAITHFULL LABOURER IN THE LORDS VINEYARD MR. CHRISTOPHER LOVE, PASTOR OF LAWRENCE JURY, LONDON. THE THIRD VOLUME. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "Part one is titled "Teaching How To Be Eased of the Guilt of Sin" and consists of 191 pages. Part two, "The Saints Advantage, By Christ's Ascension," deals (in 194 pages), with our Lord's words comforting 'his disciples both against their fears of persecution in the world, as also against their sorrows.' (p. 1). Many subjects are touched upon, including numerous very helpful practical applications following from the assurance of the believer's freedom from the guilt of sin, the truth of Christ's ascension, and the comfort and joy that both these topics bring to the followers of the Lamb. Indexed." -- Publisher

    Payson, Edward, The Guilt of Indifference to Divine Threatenings. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF EDWARD PAYSON, 3 volumes (2:444-55).

    *Perkins, William (1558-1602), and Richard Rogers (1550?-1618), A Garden of Spirituall Flowers. Alternate title: TREATISE TENDING UNTO A DECLARATION. PART 7; CONSOLATIONS FOR THE TROUBLED CONSCIENCES, and CONSOLATIONS FOR THE TROUBLED CONSCIENCES, and HOW TO LIVE WELL, AND TO DIE WELL.
    An anthology. Perkins's "How to live well, and to die well," is part seven of his "A Treatise Tending Unto a Declaration," where it bears the title "Consolations for the Troubled Consciences."

    Pierce, C.A., Conscience in the New Testament.

    Wilson, Earl, Counseling and Guilt, ISBN: 0849905915 9780849905919.

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Blameshifting and scapegoating, Self-righteousness, self-justification, works righteousness, Unforgiveness, Bad relationships a cause of disease and death, Contentiousness, Abortion and the sanctity of life, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, The ten commandments: the moral law, The free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Forgiveness of sin, Justifying Faith, Sanctification, Comfort, encouragement, Discipline, The Holy Spirit, Reconciliation of relationships, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Self-destruction, Pride, ambition, self-aggrandizement, arrogance, ego, Self, Selfishness, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 826, 856, 1762, 1763
    MGTP: Guilt

    Related Weblinks

    The Doctrine of man (Human Nature, Total Depravity)
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2cha.html#domhntd

    The Haunting Spectre of Guilt (part 1 of 2), Ravi Zacharias
    "Are you struggling with the weight of guilt? Is guilt controlling your life? What is your guilt telling you and how should you be dealing with it? Ravi Zacharias looks at the powerful hold guilt can have you and how addressing that guilt can help you find freedom. That's this week [February 28, 2016] on Let My People Think."
    http://rzim.org/let-my-people-think-broadcasts/the-haunting-spectre-of-guilt-part-1-of-3
    The Haunting Spectre of Guilt (part 2 of 2), Ravi Zacharias
    http://rzim.org/let-my-people-think-broadcasts/the-haunting-spectre-of-guilt-part-2-of-2

    Psychology and Psychiatry
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappc.html



    Habits

    Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. (James 4:7,8)

    See the Theological Notes: "Salvation," at Acts 4:12 in The Reformation Study Bible.

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

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Habit," "Put on/Put off Dynamic," "Radical Amputation," and so forth, and so on.

    *Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), A Christian Directory: Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 1. Full title: A Christian Directory: or A Sum of Practical Theology, and Cases of Conscience. Directing Christians how to use Their Knowledge and Faith; How to Improve all Helps and Means, and to Perform all Duties; How to Overcome Temptations, and to Escape or Mortify Every Sin. In Four Parts.
    I. Christian Ethics (or Private Duties)
    II. Christian Economics (or Family Duties)
    III. Christian Ecclesiastics (or Church Duties)
    IV. Christian Politics (or Duties to Our Rulers and Neighbours)     (Morgan, PA: Soli Deo Gloria Publications, 1997, 1990, 1838, 1707, 1678, 1673), ISBN: 1877611131 9781877611131. Foreword by J.I. Packer (Soli Deo Gloria edition only). The Soli Deo Gloria publication is a facsimile reprint of the 19th century reprint by George Virtue, London, 1846. The original 1673 edition and the 1678 edition, both printed by Robert White for Nevill Simmons. Bibliographic and scriptural footnotes. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available (less the J.I. Packer's Foreword, but searchable with an OCR-based index), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    This work is available in many editions, and in many formats.
    Reformation Heritage Books has new copies of the Soli Deo Gloria edition (including the J.I. Packer Introduction), as of March 2008, even though it is generally thought to be out of print. They acquired Soli Deo Gloria from Ligonier Ministries in late 2007.
    The best digital format of the reprint by George Virtue is included on the Puritan Hard Drive. It has an OCR scan in the background, meaning one can search the entire volume and copy text into another document. It also has a computer generated indexed from the OCR scan which is, of course, in Baxter's vocabulary.
    A PDF image scan only of the same edition is available on the Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.
    The reprint by George Virtue is available online and may be downloaded in PDF format at Christian Classics Ethereal Library.
    The reprint by George Virtue appears in full preview in Google Books but may not be downloaded. So it is useful if the reader wants to become acquainted with the book. Text can be searched, but can not be copied into another document. This particular Google Books scan includes the contents in detail on pages iii-xix which is not included in the Christian Classics Ethereal Library PDF files. About five other editions from libraries are available in Google Books, and may be downloaded (August 2008).
    Notice that the e-text in Google Books has the advantage of being searchable. Searching an image-based PDF file (without an OCR scan in the background), is not possible, unless the user owns software such as Abode Acrobat Pro or Kirtas BookScan Editor. They both have an OCR (optical character recognition), feature that will search an image-based PDFs (bit-map scans). Searches appear to be perfect in this work, although one must know Baxter's vocabulary. Text can be cut and pasted from image-based PDF format to OCR (character) format. This particular Google Books scan can not be cut and pasted or downloaded.
    One of the older, multi-volume editions of THE WORKS OF RICHARD BAXTER is available at Monergism.com in the "Puritan Library," "Richard Baxter." A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, volume 23. It can be downloaded.
    http://www.puritanlibrary.com/
    Another older edition is available on microfilm (Ann Arbor, MI: University Microfilms, 1970), 1 microfilm reel, 35 mm (Early English books, 1641-1700; 343:11).
    "The complete practical works of Richard Baxter are in print in four volumes entitled BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS. This volume (about 1 1/4 million words, 1028 pages), is volume one of the set. The editor's preface (1707), p. xiii, stated that the works of Richard Baxter are 'perhaps the best body of practical divinity that is extent in our own or any other tongue.' Richard Baxter lived from 1615-1691. The DIRECTORY was completed in 1665. Its scope was intended to cover all of practical theology, a summa of casuistry . . ." -- Don Kistler
    "Baxter's series, which grew in range and scope as it proceeded . . . is a peak point in Puritan devotional writing, and remains a precious resource for all, in this or any age, who want to know what is involved in Biblical godliness. . . . A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY may justly be described as a landmark. It is the fullest, most thorough, and in this writer's judgment, most profound treatment of Christian spirituality and standards that has ever been attempted by an English-speaking Evangelical author. The fact that it embraces both spirituality and standards (the principles of communion with God plus the specifics of obedience to God), merits approving comment in itself; nowadays spirituality and ethics have become two distinct disciplines in the schools, and books written on either say virtually nothing about the other . . ." -- J.I. Packer (1926-2020)
    Timothy Keller calls it the greatest manual on Biblical counseling ever produced.
    "There are many Puritan classics on this subject. Thomas Brooks' PRECIOUS REMEDIES FOR SATAN'S DEVICES, Thomas Goodwin's A CHILD OF LIGHT WALKING IN DARKNESS, William Bridge's A LIFTING UP FOR THE DOWNCAST, and many other similar works give evidence that the Puritans were. . . . masters at applying Biblical answers and principles to problems that can only be solved by spiritual means. No Puritan work, however, has ever approached the popularity, the scope, or the depth of Baxter's classic treatise. With the widespread interest in counseling in today's church, this reprint of Baxter's work should be a welcome addition to every pastor's library, or to anyone else who wishes to give solid Biblical answers to man's questions." -- Don Kistler
    "We have long waited for a purely Biblical treatment of the spiritual ills and cures of men which is untainted by the views of psychology. Since Baxter lived about 200 years before psychology arrived, his deep work is completely void of its encroachment -- thankfully!" -- John MacArthur
    "The kings men sought to arrest Richard Baxter, but he traveled ceaselessly from place to place, writing his sermons and his books even on horseback (he had an inkwell in his saddle), and preached over a wide area." -- Brian H. Edwards
    "Baxter was a wonder of his age. His writings total 72 large volumes, much of it written on horseback as he traveled in his widespread preaching efforts. He seldom, if ever, edited anything he wrote. Knowing this any reader will be amazed at how well he communicated his deep love for his Savior. For 26 years he was public enemy No. 1 to the king, yet he lived to see the flight of the king in 1688." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    POOR MAN'S FAMILY BOOK (1674) and THE CATECHIZING OF FAMILIES (1683), are less detailed works and are found in THE REFORMED PASTOR: BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 4. They are more suitable for family instruction than are the detailed presentation in A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY.
    "Ptacek in FAMILY WORSHIP: BIBLICAL BASIS, HISTORICAL REALITY, CURRENT NEED (pp. 51-52), supplies the following information in regard to Baxter and this book. He notes that after the Episcopalians ejected numerous 'nonconformists,' in what is know as the 'great ejection,' in 1662, 'Baxter pastored from house to house, visiting families of his parish in their homes. These visits contributed to Baxter's A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, a large and still very relevant manual of pastoral care.' Focusing on just one area of great importance, Ptacek demonstrates how this book's relevance is not limited by time or culture, though sometimes the use of specific words are. 'Published in 1673, but written 1664-65, a large book-length part of Baxter's CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY is devoted to the family. It is entitled 'Christian Economics' based on the archaic usage of the word, which reflects the proper sense of the Greek root oikonomos as the manager of a household, in the Christian case, the spiritual leader of the family. The family head is essential to Baxter's view of family worship and instruction. Baxter asserts that it is God's will that this instruction be carried out by the rulers of the families.' For a male head of the household to fail to do so, or to have another instruct in the family, is contrary to his position of authority.' This is the kind of book that can be passed on from generation to generation and still find much use in the service of the kingdom of God.
    "Though relatively weak on corporate sanctification, corporate faithfulness and some important areas of doctrine (such as justification), Baxter's work on subjects related to personal piety can be of good practical use to the Christian -- if one is careful to separate out his aberrant doctrinal views and any practical errors they may lead to." -- Publisher
    The following three excerpts are included as bonus free books on Reformation Bookshelf CD #28.
    1. "The Duties of Parents for Their Children" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. X., pp. 449-454.
    2. "The Special Duties of Children Towards Their Parents" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. XI., pp. 454-457.
    3. "The Special Duties of Children and Youth Towards God" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. XII., pp. 457-458).
    A summary of currently (2012) available publications.
    http://www.lettermen2.com/pwrbcd.html
    Richard Baxter, from Wikipedia
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Baxter

    *Baxter, Richard, The Reformed Pastor: Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 4, ISBN: 1877611360. A Christian classic.
    "This is the fourth and final volume in this great set. Includes, 'Compassionate Counsel to all Young men,' 'The Reformed Pastor,' 'Poor Man's Family Book,' 'The Catechizing of Families,' and 'The Mother's Catechism,' in all 25 sermons, treatises, and catechisms. Dr. J.I. Packer says, 'For me, the great joy of this year is that it see the completion of Soli Deo Gloria's reprint of Baxter's incomparable PRACTICAL WORKS'." -- GCB
    Richard Baxter, from Wikipedia
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Baxter
    Compassionate Counsel to all Young men (1681), by Richard Baxter
    http://www.lettermen2.com/ccaym.html

    *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
    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

    *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

    *Foster, David Kyle, Sexual Healing: God's Plan for the Sanctification of Broken Lives: A Reference Manual for Ministering to Those Trapped in Sexual sin and Brokenness, ISBN: 0830737154 9780830737154 0830737340 9780830737345.
    This is a unique work and the best resource known to the compiler offering biblical counsel for healing sexual brokenness. See: "Foundations" and "Divine Intent for Sexuality" for a biblical explanation of the spiritual significance of sexuality. These two chapters alone make the purchase of the book worthwhile. Includes chapters, study guides, and exercises for Root sources for improper sexual development, Sexual identity confusion, Child sex abuse, Sexual addition, Pornography, Masturbation, voyeurism and exhibitionism, Why people remain in sexual sin and bondage, Failure and self-condemnation, A comprehensive game plan for sexual healing, and so forth.
    Includes bibliography and index.
    Mastering Life Ministries
    http://www.MasteringLife.org

    *Playfair, William L., The Useful lie: How the Recovery Industry has Entrapped America in a Disease Model of Addiction, ISBN: 1889032379 9780891076377.
    "Challenges the disease concept of alcoholism, the 'useful lie' of the recovery movement. This lie underlies the widespread mistreatment of alcoholism and of other fundamentally moral problems, e.g., 'codependency.' Posits biblically based intervention that treats such problems as sins to be repented of. Opposes sending a person to the recovery industry because 'He will be told his sin is a sickness; he will never be confronted with his real and most basic moral and spiritual problem. And he will more than likely be introduced to the any god of Twelve Stepdom, who is, by Biblical criteria, a false god'." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
    "Dr. Playfair is a medical consultant to the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation/West in San Diego. He also is a board member of Family Research Institute. The theme and purpose of this book is to debunk the claims that alcoholism is a disease. This claim, says the doctor, contradicts science and medicine; it contradicts the Bible, which is more important; and it simply does not work in breaking the addiction of alcohol. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    "This book provided all the necessary evidence to blow the whistle on the recovery industry and also points toward genuine freedom from addiction." -- GCB

    Shogren, Gary, and Edward Welch, Running in Circles: How to Find Freedom From Addictive Behavior, ISBN: 0801083877 9780801083877, 96 pages.
    "Companion volume to Welch's and Shogren's ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOR. Intended as a practical guide to help those who struggle with 'addictive behavior:' drugs, alcohol, food, immorality, and so forth. Especially useful as a first introduction to biblical thinking for such people." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    Welch, Edward, and Gary Shogren, Addictive Behavior, ISBN: 0801097371 9780801097379, 176 pages.
    "Guides pastors and other counselors in understanding 'addictions' biblically, and takes them through five typical sessions of counseling. The prominent case study focuses on alcohol abuse in a church context, but the principles apply to other enslaving behaviors." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    See also: Addiction, alcoholism, substance abuse, drug abuse, Workaholics, Will and recalcitrance, Healing of the mind, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Homosexuality, lesbianism, gay, bisexual, transvestite, queer (lgbtq), The occult, Discipleship, Self-destruction, Self-denial, Self-discipline, Christian fellowship, Friendship, Loneliness, Fear, Small groups, Alcoholics anonymous and other 12 step recovery programs, Repentance the key to salvation and change, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 1473

    Related Weblinks

    The Temperate Life, Sherman Isbell
    http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/the-temperate-life.php



    Happiness, Holiness

    Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God:
    Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever.     (Psalm 146:5,6)

    But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. (Proverbs 4:18)

    The entrance of Your Words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. (Psalm 119:130)
    "I know of no part of the Holy Scriptures," remarks that eminent man, Jonathan Edwards, "where the nature and evidences of true and sincere godliness are so fully and largely insisted on and delineated as in Psalm 119. The Psalmist declares his design in the first verses of the Psalm, keeps his eye on it all along, and pursues it to the end. The excellency of holiness is represented as the immediate object of a spiritual taste and delight. God's law -- that grand expression and emanation of the holiness of God's nature and prescription of holiness to the creature -- is all along represented as the great object of the love, the complacence, and the rejoicing of the gracious nature, which prizes God's commands above gold, yea, the finest gold, [Psalm 19:10] and to which they are sweeter than honey and the honey-comb. [Psalm 19:10]" -- Jonathan Edwards on the Religious Affections, part 3 section 3, found in Jonathan Edwards commenting on Psalm 119 in the footnote to Calvin's Commentary on Psalms, Psalm 119:176

    God, the author of happiness, can alone certainly inform us what true happiness is, and how true happiness is to be obtained.
    In the passage before us [John 7:37,38], God in Christ, God manifest in flesh, appears unfolding to us the true nature of happiness -- informing us that it is in him, in him alone -- explaining to use the means by which it may be secured -- inviting us to come to him that we may obtain it, and assuring us that if we do come to him for this purpose, we shall not come in vain: -- In the last days, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. What subject can be more truly, more universally, interesting than this? Oh, let us incline our ears and come to HIM; let us hear that our souls may live! -- Brown, John (of Edinburgh, 1784-1858)

    Holiness is nothing but the implanting, writing, and living out the Gospel in our souls. -- John Owen (1616-1683)

    Trials, we must distinctly understand, are a part of the diet which all true Christians must expect. It is one of the means by which their grace is proved, and by which they find out what there is in themselves.
    Winter as well as summer -- cold as well as heat -- clouds as well as sunshine -- are all necessary to bring the fruit of the Spirit to ripeness and maturity. We do not naturally like this. We would rather cross the lake with calm weather and favorable winds, with Christ always by our side, and the sun shining down on our faces. But it may not be. It is not in this way that God's children are made partakers of His holiness. (Hebrews 12:10) Abraham, and Jacob, and Moses, and David, and Job were all men of many trials. Let us be content to walk in their footsteps, and to drink of their cup. In our darkest hours we may seem to be left -- but we are never really alone. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

    Happiness is the inward blessing of a good conscience . . . it as a general truth, that the ungodly are devoted to misery; for their own consciences condemn them for their wickedness . . . the grand principle, [is] that God is the Judge of the world . . .
    And from this we may also conclude that, as he is the certain avenger of wickedness, although, for a time, he may seem to take no notice of the ungodly, yet at length he will visit them with destruction. Instead, therefore, of allowing ourselves to be deceived with their imaginary felicity, let us, in circumstances of distress, have ever before our eyes the providence of God, to whom it belongs to settle the affairs of the world, and to bring order out of confusion. -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 1:5,6 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)

    While all men seek after happiness, scarcely one in a hundred looks for it from God. -- John Calvin

    Those that look to be happy, must first look to be holy. -- Richard Sibbes (1577-1635)

    The Psalmist, no doubt, indirectly contrasts the doctrine of the law with all the human precepts which were ever delivered, that he may bring all the faithful in subjection to it, since it is the school of perfect wisdom. There may be more of plausibility in the refined and subtle disquisition's of men; but there is in them nothing firm or solid at bottom, as there is in God's law. This firmness of the divine law he proves in the following verse from one instance -- the continual comfort he found in it when grievously harassed with temptations. And the true test of the profit we have reaped from it is, when we oppose to all the distresses of whatever kind which may straiten us, the consolation derived from the word of God, that thereby all sadness may be effaced from our minds. . . . but now when distressed and tormented, he affirms that he finds in the law of God the most soothing delight, which mitigates all grief's, and not only tempers their bitterness, but also seasons them with a certain sweetness. . . . there is no doubt that under the word commandments there is comprehended by the figure synecdoche, the whole doctrine of the law, in which God not only requires what is right, but in which also calling his elect ones to the hope of eternal salvation, he opens the gate of perfect happiness. Yea, under the term law are comprehended both free adoption, and also the promises which flow from it." -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 119:142 and context

    There is no imagination wherewith man is besotted, more foolish, none so pernicious, as this -- that persons not purified, not sanctified, not made holy in their life, should afterwards be taken into that state of blessedness which consists in the enjoyment of God. Neither can such person enjoy God, nor would God be a reward to them. Holiness indeed is perfected in heaven: but the beginning of it is invariably confined to this world. -- John Owen

    God hath in Himself all power to defend you, all wisdom to direct you, all mercy to pardon you, all grace to enrich you, all righteousness to cloth you, all goodness to supply you, and all happiness to crown you. -- Thomas Brooks (1608-1680)

    It may be you have been more earnest and vehement for assurance, and the effects of it, viz., joy, comfort, and peace, than you have been for grace and holiness, for communion with God, and conformity to God. It may be your requests for assurance have been full of life and spirits, when your requests for grace and holiness, for communion with God, and conformity to God, have been lifeless and spiritless. If so, no wonder that assurance is denied you. Assurance makes most of your comfort, but holiness makes most for God's honour. Man's holiness is now his greatest happiness, and in heaven man's greatest happiness will be his perfect holiness. -- Thomas Brooks (1608-1680)

    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)

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

    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)

    Blessed [are] the pure in heart: for they shall see God. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:8)

    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)

    The happiest people in this world are those who make the Bible the rule of their lives. They read their Bibles often. They believe what the Bible says. They love that Savior, Jesus Christ, of whom the Bible speaks.
    They try to obey what the Bible commands. None are so happy as these people. They cannot prevent sickness and trouble from coming to them at times. But they learn from the Bible to bear them patiently. Children, if you would get through this world happily, make the Bible your best friend. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

    For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth. (Romans 10:4)

    According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love. (Ephesians 1:4)

    Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
    And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.     (Philippians 3:8,9)

    Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go. O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea: Thy seed also had been as the sand, and the offspring of thy bowels like the gravel thereof; his name should not have been cut off nor destroyed from before me. (Isaiah 48:17-19). See the annotation in The Reformation Study Bible.

    Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion, shout O daughter of Jerusalem, behold thy king cometh unto thee. He is the righteous Saviour and he shall speak peace unto the heathen. (Zechariah 9:9,10)

    Blessed [are] they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:6)

    And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (1 John 2:17)

    If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. (1 John 2:29)

    The whole frame of a believer's life should be so holy, and heavenly, and mortified, and above the world, as may amount to a serious profession that he liveth in confident hope of the life to come, and may show the world the difference between a worldling and an heir of heaven; between corrupted nature and true grace. The professors of godliness must be a peculiar people, zealous of good works, and adorned with them. -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)

    Nothing else but the habitual and predominant devotion and dedication of soul, and body, and life, and all that we have to God; and esteeming, and loving, and serving, and seeking Him, before all the pleasures and prosperity of the flesh. -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)

    A man must first love that he would be, before he can be that which he loveth. -- Andrew Willet

    Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. (1 Peter 4:12-14)

    In a word, there is a divine knowledge, which is part of man's felicity, as it promoteth love and union; and there is a solid knowledge of God's word and works, a valuable grammatical knowledge, and a true philosophy, which none but ignorant person will despise. But the vain philosophy, and pretended wisdom or learning of the world, hath been, and is, the cheat of souls, and the hinderer of wisdom, and a troubler of the church and world. -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691, 4:557)

    The last day will prove that some of the holiest men that ever lived are hardly known. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

    Pray against the power of your lusts by calling on the gospel covenant. God was not bound by the first covenant to stir a foot for man's help. Man by his own accord went over into the Devil's camp. He deserted God, and chose a new lord. And God may have left him there, without offering any help for his rescue from his rebellion, as he did in leaving the fallen angels without a Savior. It was only by free grace that God undertook the recovery of men through the gospel covenant. So then, if you are a covenanter with God by accepting the terms on which God offers to save us in the gospel covenant -- that is by faith and repentance -- then call upon God to remember His covenant, and to cause you to renounce your sins, those armies of lusts which war against your soul. Then you shall find that those with you are greater than those that are against you, that sin shall no more have dominion over you. Why? Because you are not under law, but under grace, -- Romans 6:14. That is, you are not under the law covenant which God made with Adam, but are under the gospel covenant that God made with the Second Adam, Christ, and through Him to all believers. Oh, how many lose their prayers against sin because they do not have the gospel covenant to plead against them! They do not stand in federal relation to God, and they do not take care to get into it. -- William Gurnall (1617-1679)

    To solve the problems of life we must determine to live a more Godly life. Godliness means right relationship: allegiance, loyalty to the true and living God, a personal relationship with God through Christ Jesus, the imputed righteousness of Christ in every believer's life, the enablement of the Holy Spirit that delivers the upright from temptation. Christ overcame the world and he can overcomes the world through us, if we lead holy lives. And a righteous nation is a moral and stable society in which leaders are covenant heads.

    Prior to the Fall in the Garden of Eden man was in perfect relationship with God and with woman, a heavenly existence. After the Fall man's relationships with God and men were broken. The only way for man and wife, and family, and society to live together happily is to pursue holiness through Christ Jesus. See: The Everlasting Righteousness, or How Shall man be Just With God? Horatius Bonar.

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Joy," "Contentment," "Godliness," and so forth, and so on.

    *Anselm, Saint, Archbishop of Canterbury (1033-1109), On Truth, in ANSELM OF CANTERBURY: THE MAJOR WORKS, pages 151-174.
    In his definition of Truth Anselm includes rectitude, that is, righteousness. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. (John 14:6)

    Baxter, James Sidlow, Christian Holiness: Restudied and Restated.

    *Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), A Christian Directory: Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 1. Full title: A Christian Directory: or A Sum of Practical Theology, and Cases of Conscience. Directing Christians how to use Their Knowledge and Faith; How to Improve all Helps and Means, and to Perform all Duties; How to Overcome Temptations, and to Escape or Mortify Every Sin. In Four Parts.
    I. Christian Ethics (or Private Duties)
    II. Christian Economics (or Family Duties)
    III. Christian Ecclesiastics (or Church Duties)
    IV. Christian Politics (or Duties to Our Rulers and Neighbours)     (Morgan, PA: Soli Deo Gloria Publications, 1997, 1990, 1838, 1707, 1678, 1673), ISBN: 1877611131 9781877611131. Foreword by J.I. Packer (Soli Deo Gloria edition only). The Soli Deo Gloria publication is a facsimile reprint of the 19th century reprint by George Virtue, London, 1846. The original 1673 edition and the 1678 edition, both printed by Robert White for Nevill Simmons. Bibliographic and scriptural footnotes. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available (less the J.I. Packer's Foreword, but searchable with an OCR-based index), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    This work is available in many editions, and in many formats.
    Reformation Heritage Books has new copies of the Soli Deo Gloria edition (including the J.I. Packer Introduction), as of March 2008, even though it is generally thought to be out of print. They acquired Soli Deo Gloria from Ligonier Ministries in late 2007.
    The best digital format of the reprint by George Virtue is included on the Puritan Hard Drive. It has an OCR scan in the background, meaning one can search the entire volume and copy text into another document. It also has a computer generated indexed from the OCR scan which is, of course, in Baxter's vocabulary.
    A PDF image scan only of the same edition is available on the Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.
    The reprint by George Virtue is available online and may be downloaded in PDF format at Christian Classics Ethereal Library.
    The reprint by George Virtue appears in full preview in Google Books but may not be downloaded. So it is useful if the reader wants to become acquainted with the book. Text can be searched, but can not be copied into another document. This particular Google Books scan includes the contents in detail on pages iii-xix which is not included in the Christian Classics Ethereal Library PDF files. About five other editions from libraries are available in Google Books, and may be downloaded (August 2008).
    Notice that the e-text in Google Books has the advantage of being searchable. Searching an image-based PDF file (without an OCR scan in the background), is not possible, unless the user owns software such as Abode Acrobat Pro or Kirtas BookScan Editor. They both have an OCR (optical character recognition), feature that will search an image-based PDFs (bit-map scans). Searches appear to be perfect in this work, although one must know Baxter's vocabulary. Text can be cut and pasted from image-based PDF format to OCR (character) format. This particular Google Books scan can not be cut and pasted or downloaded.
    One of the older, multi-volume editions of THE WORKS OF RICHARD BAXTER is available at Monergism.com in the "Puritan Library," "Richard Baxter." A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, volume 23. It can be downloaded.
    http://www.puritanlibrary.com/
    Another older edition is available on microfilm (Ann Arbor, MI: University Microfilms, 1970), 1 microfilm reel, 35 mm (Early English books, 1641-1700; 343:11).
    "The complete practical works of Richard Baxter are in print in four volumes entitled BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS. This volume (about 1 1/4 million words, 1028 pages), is volume one of the set. The editor's preface (1707), p. xiii, stated that the works of Richard Baxter are 'perhaps the best body of practical divinity that is extent in our own or any other tongue.' Richard Baxter lived from 1615-1691. The DIRECTORY was completed in 1665. Its scope was intended to cover all of practical theology, a summa of casuistry . . ." -- Don Kistler
    "Baxter's series, which grew in range and scope as it proceeded . . . is a peak point in Puritan devotional writing, and remains a precious resource for all, in this or any age, who want to know what is involved in Biblical godliness. . . . A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY may justly be described as a landmark. It is the fullest, most thorough, and in this writer's judgment, most profound treatment of Christian spirituality and standards that has ever been attempted by an English-speaking Evangelical author. The fact that it embraces both spirituality and standards (the principles of communion with God plus the specifics of obedience to God), merits approving comment in itself; nowadays spirituality and ethics have become two distinct disciplines in the schools, and books written on either say virtually nothing about the other . . ." -- J.I. Packer (1926-2020)
    Timothy Keller calls it the greatest manual on Biblical counseling ever produced.
    "There are many Puritan classics on this subject. Thomas Brooks' PRECIOUS REMEDIES FOR SATAN'S DEVICES, Thomas Goodwin's A CHILD OF LIGHT WALKING IN DARKNESS, William Bridge's A LIFTING UP FOR THE DOWNCAST, and many other similar works give evidence that the Puritans were. . . . masters at applying Biblical answers and principles to problems that can only be solved by spiritual means. No Puritan work, however, has ever approached the popularity, the scope, or the depth of Baxter's classic treatise. With the widespread interest in counseling in today's church, this reprint of Baxter's work should be a welcome addition to every pastor's library, or to anyone else who wishes to give solid Biblical answers to man's questions." -- Don Kistler
    "We have long waited for a purely Biblical treatment of the spiritual ills and cures of men which is untainted by the views of psychology. Since Baxter lived about 200 years before psychology arrived, his deep work is completely void of its encroachment -- thankfully!" -- John MacArthur
    "The kings men sought to arrest Richard Baxter, but he traveled ceaselessly from place to place, writing his sermons and his books even on horseback (he had an inkwell in his saddle), and preached over a wide area." -- Brian H. Edwards
    "Baxter was a wonder of his age. His writings total 72 large volumes, much of it written on horseback as he traveled in his widespread preaching efforts. He seldom, if ever, edited anything he wrote. Knowing this any reader will be amazed at how well he communicated his deep love for his Savior. For 26 years he was public enemy No. 1 to the king, yet he lived to see the flight of the king in 1688." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    POOR MAN'S FAMILY BOOK (1674) and THE CATECHIZING OF FAMILIES (1683), are less detailed works and are found in THE REFORMED PASTOR: BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 4. They are more suitable for family instruction than are the detailed presentation in A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY.
    "Ptacek in FAMILY WORSHIP: BIBLICAL BASIS, HISTORICAL REALITY, CURRENT NEED (pp. 51-52), supplies the following information in regard to Baxter and this book. He notes that after the Episcopalians ejected numerous 'nonconformists,' in what is know as the 'great ejection,' in 1662, 'Baxter pastored from house to house, visiting families of his parish in their homes. These visits contributed to Baxter's A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, a large and still very relevant manual of pastoral care.' Focusing on just one area of great importance, Ptacek demonstrates how this book's relevance is not limited by time or culture, though sometimes the use of specific words are. 'Published in 1673, but written 1664-65, a large book-length part of Baxter's CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY is devoted to the family. It is entitled 'Christian Economics' based on the archaic usage of the word, which reflects the proper sense of the Greek root oikonomos as the manager of a household, in the Christian case, the spiritual leader of the family. The family head is essential to Baxter's view of family worship and instruction. Baxter asserts that it is God's will that this instruction be carried out by the rulers of the families.' For a male head of the household to fail to do so, or to have another instruct in the family, is contrary to his position of authority.' This is the kind of book that can be passed on from generation to generation and still find much use in the service of the kingdom of God.
    "Though relatively weak on corporate sanctification, corporate faithfulness and some important areas of doctrine (such as justification), Baxter's work on subjects related to personal piety can be of good practical use to the Christian -- if one is careful to separate out his aberrant doctrinal views and any practical errors they may lead to." -- Publisher
    The following three excerpts are included as bonus free books on Reformation Bookshelf CD #28.
    1. "The Duties of Parents for Their Children" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. X., pp. 449-454.
    2. "The Special Duties of Children Towards Their Parents" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. XI., pp. 454-457.
    3. "The Special Duties of Children and Youth Towards God" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. XII., pp. 457-458).
    A summary of currently (2012) available publications.
    http://www.lettermen2.com/pwrbcd.html
    Richard Baxter, from Wikipedia
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Baxter

    *Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), Dying Thoughts: Christian Hope for the Life Hereafter, ISBN: 0801006015: 9780801006012. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "It deals with the Christian life, and it intends to encourage the believer to live a holy life with eternity constantly in view. It presents a challenge, developing the Scriptures that promise the joy, peace, and delight for those who go to be with Christ. It will be a help to those who are facing bereavement. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    The Saints' Everlasting Rest, Richard Baxter, edited by Benjamin Fawcett
    http://www.ccel.org/b/baxter/everlasting_rest/saints_rest.html

    *Baxter, Richard, The Reformed Pastor: Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 4, ISBN: 1877611360. A Christian classic.
    "This is the fourth and final volume in this great set. Includes, 'Compassionate Counsel to all Young men,' 'The Reformed Pastor,' 'Poor Man's Family Book,' 'The Catechizing of Families,' and 'The Mother's Catechism,' in all 25 sermons, treatises, and catechisms. Dr. J.I. Packer says, 'For me, the great joy of this year is that it see the completion of Soli Deo Gloria's reprint of Baxter's incomparable PRACTICAL WORKS'." -- GCB
    Richard Baxter, from Wikipedia
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Baxter
    Compassionate Counsel to all Young men (1681), by Richard Baxter
    http://www.lettermen2.com/ccaym.html

    Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), A Saint or a Brute: The Certain Necessity and Excellency of Holiness. ISBN: 1877611158 9781877611155. Available in A CALL TO THE UNCONVERTED: BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 2.
    Baxter, Richard, A Saint Or a Brute: The Certain Necessity and Excellency of Holiness, &c . . . (1662)
    http://archive.org/details/asaintorabrutec00baxtgoog

    *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

    *Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), A Treatise of Knowledge and Love Compared in THE REFORMED PASTOR: BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 4, ISBN: 1877611360. A Christian classic.
    Long title: A Treatise of Knowledge and Love Compared. In two Parts: 1. Of Falsely Pretended Knowledge. II. Of True Saving Knowledge and Love. I. Against Hasty Judging, and False Conceits of Knowledge; and for Necessary Suspension. II. The Excellency of Divine Love, and the Happiness of Being Known and Loved of God. Written as greatly necessary to the safety and peace of every Christian, and of the Church: the only certain way to escape false religions, heresies, sects, and malignant prejudices, persecutions, and sinful wars; all caused by falsely pretended knowledge, and hasty judging, by proud, ignorant men, who know not their ignorance.

    Beeke, Joel R., Holiness: God's Call to Sanctification, ISBN: 0851516718 9780851516714.

    *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

    Blair, Hugh, The Importance of Religious Knowledge to the Happiness of Mankind. A Sermon preached before the Society for propagating Christian Knowledge: at their anniversary meeting in the High Church of Edinburgh, on Monday, January 1. 1750. . . . By Hugh Blair . . . To which is subjoin'd a short account of the present state of the society. Edinburgh, 1750.

    *Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), The Everlasting Righteousness, or How Shall man be Just With God? 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?
    http://books.google.com/books?id=nQMDAAAAQAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html

    *Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), Free-will. A Christian classic.

    *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

    Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), Departing From Iniquity the Duty of all who Name the Name of Jesus. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THE REVEREND THOMAS BOSTON (10:9-55). Available (THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THE REVEREND THOMAS BOSTON), on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), Serving the Lord in Holiness. Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS BOSTON), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS BOSTON), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #6.

    *Bridges, Jerry, The Pursuit of Holiness; The Pursuit of Holiness Bible Study; The Practice of Godliness. Alternate title: PRACTICE OF GODLINESS., PURSUIT OF HOLINESS BIBLE STUDY, ISBN: 1576833275 9781576833278.
    "Notes: Reprint of three books which were originally published separately."
    "The best modern book on the subject of holiness. It also happens to be our bestseller on the subject. Looking for a book for your next Bible study? Go no further. This author is similar in his theology to such men as Ryle, Bonar, Charnock, Pink, Brown, et al." -- GCB
    "Bridges says that godliness is not a spiritual luxury enjoyed only by saints of the past and superstars of today. It is rather the privilege and duty of every Christian. Godliness is devotion to God which results in a life that is pleasing to Him." -- GCB
    Contents: The pursuit of holiness -- The pursuit of holiness Bible study -- The practice of godliness.

    *Brooks, Thomas (1608-1680), The Crown and Glory of Christianity: or Holiness the Only way to Happiness. Discovered in 58 Sermons, From Heb. 12:14 [Hebrews 12:14]. Where you have the necessity, excellency, rarity, beauty and glory of holiness set forth: with the resolution of many weighty questions and cases. Also motives and means to perfect holiness: with many other things of very high and great importance to all the sons and daughters of men, that had rather be blessed than cursed, saved than damned. In THE WORKS OF THOMAS BROOKS, 1886 (4:1-446). Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS BROOKS), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    Brooks, Complete Works of Thomas Brooks (1866), vol. 1 of 6.
    http://archive.org/details/completeworksoft01broo

    Bunyan, John (1628-1688), The Acceptable Sacrifice: The Excellency of a Broken Heart. Available (THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    Based on Psalm 51:17.
    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.
    The Excellency of a Broken Heart, Psalm 51:17, John Bunyan (1628-1688)
    http://www.wwd.net/user/ront/155.htm

    Bunyan, John (1628-1688), Holy Life: The Beauty of Christianity, ISBN: 9992345179. 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.

    *Burgess, Anthony (d. 1664?), Spiritual Refining, or, A Treatise of Grace and Assurance Part I: Wherein are handled, the doctrine of assurance, the use of signs in self-examination, how true graces may be distinguished from counterfeit, several true signs of grace, and many false ones, the nature of grace, under divers scripture-notions or titles, as regeneration, the new-creature, the heart of flesh, vocation, sanctification, &c.: many chief questions (occasionally) controverted between the orthodox and the Arminians: as also many cases of conscience, tending to comfort and confirm saints, [and] undeceive and convert sinners. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (SPIRITUAL REFINING, PART I AND PART II), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.
    "The first section is on the deceitfulness and guile of the natural heart (Jeremiah 17:9). . . . Next he contrasts thee natural tendencies toward deceitfulness in all of us to the uprightness of the heart; or, the heart without guile (Psalm 32:2) . . . Section three deals with practical cases of conscience which regularly test our sincerity in seeking to be guileless . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)

    *Burgess, Anthony (d. 1664?), Spiritual Refining, Part II. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (SPIRITUAL REFINING, PART I AND PART II), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.
    "The first section is on the deceitfulness and guile of the natural heart (Jeremiah 17:9). . . . Next he contrasts thee natural tendencies toward deceitfulness in all of us to the uprightness of the heart; or, the heart without guile (Psalm 32:2) . . . Section three deals with practical cases of conscience which regularly test our sincerity in seeking to be guileless . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)

    *Burroughs, Jeremiah (1599-1646), The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment. A Christian classic.
    "Well-known Puritan author of THE RARE JEWEL OF CHRISTIAN CONTENTMENT excels in deeply spiritual insights. Most authors writing today can't hold a candle to him!" -- CBD
    "I am still reading this book, but I've read enough to have it significantly change my outlook on life and afflictions. I have learned in abundance what it means to trust the Lord in troubles and to realize that God will bring me out of them in His time, and it is my duty to praise the Lord and devote my heart to Him. My cup runs over when I read Jeremiah Burroughs." -- Reader's Comment

    *Burroughs, Jeremiah (1599-1646), The Saint's Happiness: Together With the Several Steps Leading Thereunto Delivered in Divers Lectures on the Beatitudes; Being Part of Christ's Sermon on the Mount, Contained in the Fifth of Matthew, ISBN: 187761100X. Alternate title: BURROUGHS ON THE BEATITUDES.
    Forty-one sermons on The Beatitudes.
    "Well-known Puritan author of THE RARE JEWEL OF CHRISTIAN CONTENTMENT excels in deeply spiritual insights. Most authors writing today can't hold a candle to him!" -- CBD

    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.

    Burroughs, Jeremiah (1599-1646), A Sermon on Proverbs 14:34, 1646. Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. (Proverbs 14:34) Available in THE SAINTS TREASURY: BEING SUNDRY SERMONS PREACHED IN LONDON.

    Burroughs, Jeremiah (1599-1646), A Treatise of Earthly-Mindedness and A Heavenly Conversation (Walking With God), ISBN: 1877611387.
    "A comprehensive treatment of the nature and enticements of worldliness. It reflects the keen insight of Puritan Christianity." -- GCB

    *Calvin, John (1509-1564), Commentary on Hebrews, by John Calvin, Chapters 10 -- 13 [Hebrews 10 -- Hebrews 13]
    Hebrews chapters 10 through 13 contain encouragement for the Christian life: exhortation to persevere, to faith and patience, to encounter trials and afflictions, to peace and holiness, and various directions and cautions.
    http://www.biblestudyguide.org/comment/calvin/comm_vol44/htm/xvi.htm

    *Calvin, John (1509-1564), Epistle to the Faithful Showing That Christ is the end of the law. Alternate title: CHRIST IS THE END OF THE LAW; CALVIN'S PREFACE TO OLIVETAN'S NEW TESTAMENT; PREFACE TO THE GENEVA BIBLE OF 1550; or, informally, CALVIN ON THE GOSPEL. (Not to be confused with Calvin's "The Argument on the Gospel of Jesus Christ According to Matthew, Mark, and Luke," in the front matter of CALVIN'S COMMENTARIES: MATTHEW, MARK AND LUKE [volume 16 of the Baker edition], which is [THE ARGUMENT], also sometimes referred to as CALVIN ON THE GOSPEL).
    Calvin wrote "Christ is the end of the law," in 1534, "about the year of his conversion. . . . It is his first statement of faith as a Protestant, and an eloquent defense of it." -- Joseph Haroutunian
    Therefore, it is sometimes thought of as Calvin's testimony.
    Available in Desideius Erasmus, Robert Olivetan, and John Calvin (reviser and preface), OLIVETAN'S NEW TESTAMENT.
    "The New Testament in the Latin of Erasmus' version, and in the French of Olivetan, revised by Calvin."
    Also available in English and somewhat abridged in Jean Calvin (1509-1564), and T. Weedon (translator), Christ the end of the law: Being the Preface to the Geneva Bible of 1550.
    Calvin (1509-1564), Jean, and T. Weedon (translator), Christ the End of the Law: Being the Preface to the Geneva Bible of 1550 (1850)
    https://archive.org/details/christendlawbei00calvgoog
    Also available in another English translation in John Calvin (1509-1564), and Joseph Haroutunian (editor, translator), CALVIN: COMMENTARIES. This is a single volume in the Library of Christian Classics Series (Volume 23). It is composed of "Extracts from Calvin's commentaries topically arranged.
    "The present text, from the Opera, C.R. 9, pp. 791 f., contains additions Calvin made after 1534."
    John Calvin (1509-1564), and Joseph Haroutunian (translator), Epistle to the Faithful Showing that Christ is the end of the law
    http://books.google.com/books?id=NJ7UJGX8otkC&pg=PA58&dq=calvin+preface+Pierre+Robert+Oliv%C3%A9tan%E2%80%99s+French+translation+of+the+New+Testament#v=onepage&q=calvin%20preface%20Pierre%20Robert%20Oliv%C3%A9tan%E2%80%99s%20French%20translation%20of%20the%20New%20Testament&f=false

    *Chafer, Lewis S., He That is Spiritual, ISBN: 0310223415 9780310223412.
    "A definitive exposition of true Christian living based on a clear exposition of selected Biblical passages." -- Cyril J. Barber

    *Chafer, Lewis S., True Evangelism: Winning Souls by Prayer, ISBN: 0825423457 9780825423451.

    *Chantry, Walter J. (1938-present), God's Righteous Kingdom: The Law's Connection With the Gospel, ISBN: 0851513107 9780851513102.

    *Charnock, Stephen (1628-1680), Knowledge of the Holy, ISBN: 0851514480 9780851514482. A Christian classic. Available (WORKS OF STEPHEN CHARNOCK), on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Clowney, E., Personal Holiness: Fulfilling Your Ministry (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette PHC05 [audio file].

    *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

    Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), Images or Shadows of Divine Things, ISBN: 0837169526 9780837169521.

    *Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), The Nature of True Virtue, ISBN: 9781846857591 1846857597. A Christian classic. Alternate title: AN ESSAY ON THE NATURE OF TRUE VIRTUE. Available (THE WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    The Works of President Edwards: With a Memoir of his Life (1829)
    http://archive.org/details/worksofpresident011829edwa

    Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), The Portion of the Righteous. In SELECTED WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS, (2:888-905). Available (THE PORTION OF THE RIGHTEOUS), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    Contents: A narrative of surprising conversions -- The distinguishing marks of a work of the spirit of God -- An account of the revival of religion in Northampton 1740-1742 -- Sermons.
    "On the happiness which God gives to good men.

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

    *Flavel, John (1628-1691), The General use of the Whole, Pressing to Holiness, Which is the Main scope of the Doctrine of Redemption. (1:536-61). In THE FOUNTAIN OF LIFE OPENED UP, OR, A DISPLAY OF CHRIST IN HIS ESSENTIAL AND MEDIATORIAL GLORY. (1:17-561)

    James, John Angell (1785-1859), A Help to Domestic Happiness, ISBN: 1573580058 9781573580052.
    "This is James' book on how to rightly order the family, which originated from sermons preached on Ephesians. James emphasizes that the chief end of every Christian parent must be the spiritual interests, religious character, and eternal salvation of their children. Here is just one quote from the book that will give an idea of its content and depth: "The secret of happiness lies folded up in the leaves of the Bible, and is carried in the bosom of religion." -- Publisher

    Keller, Timothy J., Sinclair B. Ferguson, C. John Miller, Glenn Blossom, Benjamin Smith, Pastor of Deliverance Church, Ronald E. Lutz, Joseph F. Ryan, Rev., John F. Bettler, Albert N. Martin, and Edmund P. Clowney, Studies in Personal Holiness, 5 sound cassettes [audio file], (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).

    *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)

    *Law, William (1686-1761), A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life, ISBN: 0664248330.
    John Wesley said on reading it, "The light flowed so mightily upon my soul that everything appeared in a new view." This book was "the first impulse [to the evangelical revival of the eighteenth century], and came from the school of the Non-Jurors, and especially from Williams Law's SERIOUS CALL." -- Publisher
    Whitefield declared that through it "God worked powerfully on my soul, as He has since upon many others." Introduction by J.V. Moldenhawer.
    A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life William Law
    http://www.ccel.org/l/law/a_serious_call/a_serious_call.html

    Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), Enjoying the Presence of God, ISBN: 0892837578 9780892837571.
    "Do you want your faith to be a personal relationship instead of a dry duty? Lloyd-Jones uses the Psalms as a guide to help you surrender to God's enduring love and enter into an intimate, life-changing relationship with him. Christianity is not a set of cold absolutes but a passionate encounter with the living Christ. Wouldn't you like to overcome your barriers to intimacy and live each day certain of God's love? . . ." -- GCB

    *Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), Growing in the Spirit: Assurance of our Salvation (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, David Martyn (1899-1981), The Path to True Happiness: John 2, ISBN: 080105978X 9780801059780.

    *Luther, Martin (1483-1546), Letters of Spiritual Counsel, ISBN: 9780664230852 0664230857.
    Edited and translated by Theodore G. Tappert.
    Includes bibliography.

    *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

    *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

    Miller, C. John (1928-1996), Personal Holiness: No Cross, No Crown (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette PHC04 [audio file].

    Miller, C. John (1928-1996), Personal Holiness: Take Time to Be Holy (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette PHC02 [audio file].

    Ness, Christopher (1621-1705), A Divine Legacy Bequeathed Unto all Mankind of all Ranks, Ages, and Sexes directing how we may live holily in the fear of God and how we may die happily in the favour of God, both which duties are of universal concern . . . / by Christopher Ness . . . 1700,

    Owen, John (1616-1683), Holiness Urged From the Liability of all Things to Dissolution. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN (16:456-69). Many separate works by Owen may be found on the Puritan Hard Drive and the Reformation Bookshelf 30 CD Set.

    *Owen, John (1616-1683), Kelly M. Kapic (editor), Justin Taylor (editor), Overcoming Sin and Temptation, ISBN: 1581346492 9781581346497.
    "The writings of John Owen are a challenge to any reader, to say the least. His intricacy and complexity are intimidating and his language is downright befuddling at times. However, the depth of thought and the immense value of Owen's works cannot be quantified. His three classic works on sin and temptation are profoundly helpful to any believer who seeks to become more like Jesus Christ.
    "In this volume, the editors have made updates to the language, translated the Latin, Greek, and Hebrew and footnoted difficult or unknown phrases, all without sacrificing any of the wonderful content of Owen's work. It is a uniquely accessible edition of John Owen's previously daunting work." -- Publisher
    "The editors of this volume have worked hard to make Owen's unrivalled insight into the Christian's inner war with sin accessible to all, and the result is truly a godsend." -- J.I. Packer (1926-2020), Professor of Theology, Regent College
    "John Owen understood how the gospel makes us well. Three cheers for Kapic and Taylor for introducing a new generation to Owen's peerless works." -- Sinclair B. Ferguson, Senior Minister, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, S.C.
    The Works of John Owen at Archive.org
    https://archive.org/search.php?query=the+works+of+john+owen&page=2

    *Owen, John (1616-1683), Sin and Temptation: The Challenge to Personal Godliness. ISBN: 1556618301 9781556618307. A Christian classic.
    "The concept of sin and personal responsibility has all but disappeared from our world. John Owen deals with the nature of sinful humanity as no writer since has done as keenly or thoroughly, arguing that sin is always a self-deceiving, blinding folly. Owen was a leading English statesman in the late 17th century and is considered 'the John Calvin of England'." -- Publisher

    Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), Faithfulness and Holiness: The Witness of J.C. Ryle: An Appreciation by J.I. Packer, ISBN: 1581343582 9781581343588.
    "Including the full text of the first edition of Ryle's classic book, HOLINESS.
    "Read the first half of the book for a short biography on Ryle. It was a good synopsis of his life." -- Reader's Comment

    *Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), A Quest for Godliness: The Puritan Vision of the Christian Life, ISBN: 0891078193.
    "Packer writes of that golden age of Christian theology, when giants of the faith pursued holiness in life and practice like a hound follows a scent. Those Puritans of the 17th century (a little before and a little after), had as their aim to be fully conformed to the image of God, and to be seen at home and abroad as close imitators of Christ Jesus. . . .
    "There are lessons for us in their passion for effective action. They had no time for lazy or passive persons. They were men of action in the pure Reformed mold -- crusading activists without a jot of self-reliance; workers for God who depended utterly on God to work in and through them. . . . There are lessons for us in their program for family stability. It is hardly too much to say that the Puritans created the Christian family in the English-speaking world. The Puritan ethic of marriage was to look not for a partner whom you do love passionately at this moment, but rather one whom you can love steadily as your best friend for life, and then to proceed with God's help to do just that. . . .
    "In the introduction Packer gives his personal testimony as to how much he owes to the Puritans for his depth of knowledge, firmness of purpose, his dedication to fulfilling God's purposes in his life, and his love of the truth as revealed in the Scriptures. Because of his appreciation of this background of Puritan influence on his life, he has often written and lectured on the subject of the importance of the Puritans. Many of our freedoms and just laws can be traced to their influence on all our lives. This book contains the following themes: The Puritans in Profile; The Puritans and the Bible; The Puritans and the Gospel; the Puritans and the Holy Spirit; The Puritan Christian Life; The Puritans in Ministry. . . .
    "This reviewer would love to persuade every single reader of these words to read this book. You would get a view of Christians which would inspire you, which would perhaps lead you, which would perhaps lead you to repentance, but also to heights of spirituality you would not enjoy without them. What Packer has said about their influence on his life can be repeated almost word for word in a resume of this reviewer's life. If you want to grow in grace, and in usefulness to God's cause, read the writing of the Puritans.
    "We will repeat what we said in reviewing John Owen's THE DEATH OF DEATH IN THE DEATH OF CHRIST, that Packer's well balanced definition of Calvinism in the introduction to that volume is by far the best we have seen in 42 years of intensive reading. And that superb piece appears in this volume in full, which alone is worth the price of this book.
    "The book jacket has these words: 'Dr. Packer masterfully uncovers the hidden treasures of Puritan life and thought. With crystalline clarity he reveals the depth and breadth of Puritan spiritual life, contrasting it with the superficiality and deadness of modern Western Christianity. Drawing on a lifetime of study Dr. Packer takes the reader on a survey of the lives and teachings of great leaders such as John Owen, Richard Baxter, and Jonathan Edwards. He offers a close look at such subjects as the Puritan view of the Bible, spiritual gifts, the Sabbath, worship, social action, and the family. He concludes that a main difference between the Puritans and ourselves is spiritual maturity -- the Puritans had it; we do not. In a time of failing vision and decaying values, this powerful portrait of Puritans is a beacon of hope that calls us to radical commitment and action when both are desperately needed'." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    "Contrary to popular opinion, the Puritans were no dour lot of killjoys. In fact, Packer says, there's a lot we can learn from them about truly authentic and joyous spirituality. In this book Packer explores the Puritans' own writings on the Bible, the Gospel, the Holy Spirit, Christian life, and ministry. For each topic he beautifully demonstrates how the Puritans can help us press on toward godliness. If you're intrigued by the Puritans but don't know where to start reading them, this book will be a valuable guide!" -- CBD
    "Packer is a well-known author, lecturer, and theologian. He is currently Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at Regent College, Vancouver, B.C." -- Publisher
    J.I. Packer's Introduction to The Death of Death in the Death of Christ by John Owen
    http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/packer_intro.html
    The Death of Death in the Death of Christ, by John Owen
    http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/packer_intro.html
    The Death of Death in the Death of Christ: Redemption and Reconciliation That is in the Blood of Christ (Limited Atonement), 1 of 33, [audio file]
    An audio file reading by Still Waters Revival Books from THE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN. Currently (October 2018), there are 77 readings of John Owen by SWRB and Reformed Baptist of Holland (Michigan), (Thomas Sullivan), at SermonAudio.com available for listening online, downloading as MP3 files, [audio file], and listening on iPhone, mobile phones, and MPE players.
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=47081639571

    *Perkins, William (1558-1602), The True Gaine More in Worth Than all the Goods in the World, 1601. Alternate title: CHRIST THE TRUE AND PERFECT GAINE.

    Rogers, Richard, Seven Treatises: The Practice of Christianity, 1630. Alternate title: SEVEN TREATISES: CONTAINING SUCH DIRECTION AS IS GATHERED OUT OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES, LEADING AND GUIDING TO TRUE HAPPINESSE, BOTH IN THIS LIFE, AND IN THE LIFE TO COME: AND MAY BE CALLED THE PRACTICE OF CHRISTIANITY. PROFITABLE FOR ALL SUCH AS HEARTILY DESIRE THE SAME: IN THE WHICH, MORE PARTICULARLY TRUE CHRISTIANS MAY LEARNE HOW TO LEAD A GODLY AND COMFORTABLE LIFE EVERY DAY, NOTWITHSTANDING THEIR TRIBULATIONS. FIRST PENNED, AND NOW SET FORTH THE FIFTH TIME, CORRECTED AND ENLARGED BY RICHARD ROGERS, PREACHER OF THE WORD OF GOD AT WETHERSFIELD IN ESSEX.
    http://books.google.com/books?id=52HgIAAACAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html

    Ryle, J.C. (1816-1900), Examples of Holiness, ISBN: 0801076544 9780801076541.
    "Selected from his book HOLINESS, published in 1879."

    *Ryle, J.C. (1816-1900), Holiness: Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties, and Roots, ISBN: 0852341369. A Christian classic.
    "Ryle, like his great masters, has no easy way to holiness to offer us, and no 'patent' method by which it can be obtained; but he invariably produces that 'hunger and thirst after righteousness' which is the only indispensable condition to being 'filled'." -- D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
    "Newly typeset edition from Evangelical Press with preface done by J.I. Packer. Complete and unabridged." -- GCB
    Holiness, J.C. Ryle
    http://archive.org/details/HolinessJcRyle

    *Ryle, J.C. (1816-1900), and J.I. Packer (foreword), Practical Religion: Being Plain Papers on the Daily Duties, Experience, Dangers and Privileges of Professing Christians, ISBN: 085234449X 9780852344491. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. A Christian classic.
    "PRACTICAL RELIGION is classic as a manual on the practice of Christianity -- a concise guide to the daily duties, experiences, dangers, privileges, and responsibilities faced by professing Christians. It is an excellent companion volume to J.C. Ryle's other classic, HOLINESS.
    "In PRACTICAL RELIGION, Ryle expounds the great central themes of the Christian life with realism, power, and depth. This volume, along with his other works such as EXPOSITORY THOUGHTS ON THE GOSPELS, has been treasured by generations of evangelical Christians all over the world." -- Publisher
    "Discusses: self-iniquity, self-exertion, reality, prayer, Bible reading, charity, zeal, happiness, formality, the world, riches and poverty, sickness, family of God, heirs of God, eternity, and others." -- GCB
    Practical Religion: Being Plain Papers on the Daily Duties, Experience, Dangers, and Privileges of Professing Christians (1883)
    http://archive.org/details/practicalreligio00ryle

    *Scougal, Henry (1650-1678), The Life of God in the Soul of Man and Rules and Instructions for a Holy Life by Robert Leighton, ISBN: 1857921054. A Christian classic.
    "The young man who wrote this book died in his 28th year, 1678. He achieved more in those 28 years than many strong Christians do in 80. He was one of the brightest lights Scotland has ever seen." -- GCB
    "I never knew what true religion was till God sent me this excellent treatise." -- George Whitefield
    This was the book used of God in the conversion of George Whitefield.

    Shepard, Thomas (1605-1649), Parable of the ten Virgins, ISBN: 1877611166 9781877611162. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    *Storms, C. Samuel, Healing and Holiness: A Biblical Response to the Faith Healing Phenomenon, ISBN: 087552446X 9780875524467.
    "J.I. Packer says 'Sam Storms' book . . . impresses me as soundly Biblical in its perspective and pastorally wholesome in its thrust. Not everyone will love him for writing in these terms, but everyone will benefit from weighing his arguments. I commend HEALING AND HOLINESS most heartily.' Praised by Dr. Ed Payne, founder of the Journal of Biblical Ethics in Medicine. Dr. Storms sheds light on a topic clouded by controversy, and examines the Biblical teaching on suffering, divine healing, and holiness." -- 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

    Vincent, Thomas (1634-1678), Godlinesse in Principle and Conversation a Necessary Preparative to the Worlds Dissolution and the Escaping of Future Burnings / by Thomas Vincent, 1670.

    *Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), and Don Kistler (editor), The art of Divine Contentment, 2nd edition, ISBN: 1573581135 9781573581134. Alternate title: AUTARKEIA. Available (MP3 files), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    This is an exposition of Philippians 4:11.
    "Like all the good Puritans he majored in the art of teaching humble hearts to live the Christ-like life. In this book it is the art of contentment that is pressed on all of us." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    "Watson, one of the most understandable and practical of the Puritans, gives us a much needed remedy for the discontent that is rampant in our society today, even among Christians. He gives a warm and God-centered view of how contentment as a Christian is not only possible, but should be normal. His thesis is: 'That a gracious spirit is a contented spirit. The doctrine of contentment is very superlative; and til we have learned this, we have not learned to be Christians.' (p. 19). He rightly focuses the source of contentment on God's promises and His sovereign keeping of them. 'There is one promise brings much sweet contentment into the soul, "They that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing," Ps. xxxiv. 10 [Psalm 34:10]. If the thing we desire be good for us, we shall have it; if it be not good, then the not having it is good for us. The resting satisfied with this promise gives contentment.' (p. 108)
    "All Christians can benefit from this kind of work, that we might be different, and not live in the same discontent that we see all around us. If you're looking for a treatment for your heart, Watson is a fine physician of the soul." -- Reader's Comment
    The Art of Divine Contentment, Thomas Watson
    http://www.ccel.org/w/watson/contentment/contentment.html
    The Art of Divine Contentment, 1 of 8, audio file
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=92007123630
    Watson, A Body of Practical Divinity Sermons on the Shorter Catechism of the Westminster Assembly, also Select Sermons on Various Subjects, Together with The Art of Divine Contentment, and Christ's Various Fulness (1859)
    http://archive.org/details/bodyofpracticald00watsuoft

    *Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), and Joel R. Beeke, Heaven Taken by Storm: Showing the Holy Violence a Christian is to put Forth in the Pursuit After Glory. Alternate title: CHRISTIAN SOLDIER, HOLY VIOLENCE A CHRISTIAN IS TO PUT FORTH IN THE PURSUIT AFTER GLORY, HAPPINESS OF DRAWING NEAR TO GOD, HOW WE MAY READ THE SCRIPTURES WITH MOST SPIRITUAL PROFIT, ISBN: 1877611506 9781877611506. Available (CHRISTIAN SOLDIER) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.
    "The Christian life is a battle and this battle will only be won by those that avail themselves of all the weapons and strength that God gives. Watson, a master teacher concerning the practical aspects of the Christian's 'heart life,' explains how to vigorously pursue the high calling of the Christian life, and how to win the war with the world, the flesh and the devil." -- Publisher
    "Puritan Thomas Watson describes how the Christian is to take the Kingdom of Heaven by holy violence through the reading and exposition of Scripture, prayer, meditation, self-examination, conversation, and the sanctification of the Lord's Day. He is also to offer violence towards himself, Satan, and the world. Watson is always easy to read." -- GCB

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The ten commandments: the moral law, Sanctification, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Sex ethics, sex education, The holy spirit, Knowledge of god and virtue, Christian fellowship, Prayer, Justifying faith, The free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, the covenant of eternal salvation, How to become a christian, Book-length presentations of the free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, Prayer, Bible reading and devotional guides, Christian classics, Trusting god, Love and obedience, Discipleship, Christian character, Thanksgiving, gratitude, Security, Joy, Immanuel, christ's presence, christ in you, The love and justice of god, oneness, Loving and obeying god, Discipleship, Christ our example, 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, Christian life, Mind control, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Marriage, 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, Works by and about puritans, Physical health, Summary and research index of key information in chapter 8: physical health and healthcare, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Persecution, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 1081, 1596-1598, 1600, 1937, 1938, 1940
    MGTP: Holiness, Sanctification, Blessedness

    Related Weblinks

    Family Worship, The Christian Home, Family Alter, Family Devotion
    An online library of articles.
    http://www.graceonlinelibrary.org/

    Of Man's Chief End and Happiness, Rev. Thomas Boston
    http://www.shortercatechism.com/resources/boston/wsc_bo_001.html

    Psychology and Psychiatry
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappc.html

    A Table Illustrating God's Eternal Moral Law
    http://www.dr-fnlee.org/docs/toc/toc.html

    Vital Piety, Archibald Alexander
    http://www.westminsterconfession.org/the-doctrines-of-grace/vital-piety.php



    Healing of the Mind

    Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 17:17)

    Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. (Proverbs 16:3)

    If ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body ye shall live. (Romans 8:13)

    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)

    Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)

    (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)

    O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
    For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counseller?
    Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?
    For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
    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 11:33 -- Romans 12:2)

    In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
    The same was in the beginning with God.
    All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
    In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
    And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.     (John 1:1-5)

    Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 2:5)

    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)

    Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me do: and the God of peace shall be with you. (Philippians 4:8,9)

    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)

    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)

    For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:9)

    If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
    Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth.     (Colossians 3:1-2)

    Set your minds on things above!
    Many of God's children are ensnared by Satan today, by getting them unduly concerned with what is happening in the world. He persuades them that it is their duty to be well informed upon current events -- that it is necessary for them to "keep up with the times" and take an intelligent interest in what is occurring in different parts of the earth, and particularly with the political and social conditions in their own country. He would fix their minds on the sensational items recorded in the newspapers, devoting much time to reading and listening to the news of the day.
    And what good is accomplished thereby? Your concern over the doings of the Kremlin, and your dismay at the successes of the Vatican, will not affect either of them one iota! No, but it will injuriously affect you -- it will get you absorbed with carnal things, and take the edge off your appetite for spiritual things!
    Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Colossians 3:1-2) -- Arthur Pink (1886-1952), Look Upward

    God cannot be heard until we have put off our earthly thoughts. . . . The remedy of the first evil is to reflect on the nature of God. . . . For since the nature of God is spiritual, it is not allowable to imagine respecting him anything earthly or gross. -- John Calvin commenting on Exodus 3:4

    There is no imagination wherewith man is besotted, more foolish, none so pernicious, as this -- that persons not purified, not sanctified, not made holy in their life, should afterwards be taken into that state of blessedness which consists in the enjoyment of God. Neither can such person enjoy God, nor would God be a reward to them. Holiness indeed is perfected in heaven: but the beginning of it is invariably confined to this world. -- John Owen

    The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
    But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!     -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:22,23)

    Use sin -- as it will use you. Spare it not, for it will not spare you. It is your murderer, and the murderer of the world. Use it therefore as a murderer should be used. Kill it before it kills you; and then, though it kill your bodies, it shall not be able to kill your souls; and though it bring you to the grave, as it did your head, it shall not be able to keep you there.
    If the thoughts of death, and the grave, and rottenness, are not pleasant to you, do not let the thoughts of sin be pleasant.
    Listen to every temptation to sin as you would listen to a temptation to self-murder, and as you would do if the devil brought you a knife and tempted you to cut your throat with it; so do when he offers you the bait of sin.
    You love not death, love not the cause of death.
    Be ashamed to stand weeping over a buried friend, and never to weep over a sinning or ungodly friend, nor once to give them a compassionate, earnest exhortation to save their souls. -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)

    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 12:2)

    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)

    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."

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 119, C.H. Spurgeon
    O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments. (Psalm 119:5-7)
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps119.php

    But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:3)

    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. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
    For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.     (Isaiah 55:7-9). See the annotation in The Reformation Study Bible.

    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)

    Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
    But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.     (Psalm 1:1,2)

    Feelings come and feelings go, and feelings are deceiving . . . my warrant is the Word of God; naught else is worth believing; So, though my heart and flesh should fail, for want of some sweet token . . . I'll put my trust in Him alone, whose word cannot be broken. -- Martin Luther (1483-1546)

    My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. As they were increased, so they sinned against me: therefore will I change their glory into shame. (Hosea 4:6,7)

    We are an illiterate nation incapable of understanding great truth. -- C. Gregg Singer (1910-1999)

    On the contrary, he charges them with gross and voluntary ignorance, as if he had said that, by their madness, they brought down destruction on themselves. The meaning therefore is, that the people perished because they despised instruction . . . .
    Hence we draw a useful doctrine; namely, that the source of all our calamities is, that we do not allow ourselves to be taught by the word of God, and this is what the Prophet chiefly intended that we should observe. . . .
    So then it is a true statement, that the reason why the people endure such a variety of afflictions is, that they are ignorant of God, and will not allow themselves to be taught by him. -- John Calvin commenting on Isaiah 5:13

    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

    Love to God is armour of proof against error. For want of hearts full of love, men have heads full of error; unholy opinions are for want of holy affections. -- Thomas Watson (1620-1686)

    Let us, therefore, forsake the vanity of the crowd and their false teachings and turn back to the word delivered to us from the beginning, "watching unto prayer" and continuing steadfast in fasting, beseeching fervently the all-seeing God "to lead us not into temptation, even as the Lord said, 'The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak'." -- Polycarp (69-156)

    Bath your mind in the Word of God.

    Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. (Proverbs 4:23)
    The mind from vanity, the understanding from error, the will from perverseness, the conscience clear of guilt, the affections from being inordinate and set on evil objects, the thoughts from being employed on bad subjects; and the whole from falling into the hands of the enemy, or being the possession of Satan: great diligence had need be used in keeping it, since it is naturally so deceitful and treacherous; a strict eye is to be kept upon it; all the avenues to it to be watched, that nothing hurtful enters, or evil comes out; it is to be kept by all manner of means that can be thought of, by prayer, hearing, reading, meditation; and, above all, by applying to Christ for his grace and Spirit to sanctify, preserve, and keep it. Or, above all keeping, keep thine heart; though other things are to be kept, and care taken of them, as kingdoms and cities, and towns and families, and treasures and riches; yet the heart above all: for out of it [are] the issues of life; of natural life: it is the seat of it, from whence all actions of life are derived; it is, as philosophers say, the first that lives, and the last that dies; and it is the seat of spiritual life the principle of it is formed in it; from whence all spiritual and vital actions flow, and which lead unto and issue in eternal life: as is a man's heart, such is his state now, and will be hereafter; if the heart is quickened and sanctified by the grace of God, the man will live a life of faith and holiness here, and enjoy everlasting life hereafter: and if the heart is right, so will the actions of men be; they are regulated and denominated by it; they will then spring from right principles, and be directed to right ends, and performed with right views; great care therefore should be taken of the heart, since so much depends upon it, and it is so well known to God the searcher of it. -- John Gill (1697-1771), commenting on Proverbs 4:23

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Language of Counseling. Alternate title: THE LANGUAGE OF COUNSELING and THE CHRISTIAN COUNSELOR'S WORDBOOK: A PRIMER OF NOUTHETIC COUNSELING, ISBN: 0310510619 9780310510611.
    " 'One of the major unifying themes in my rather zigzag career has been the central place language holds in all the activities in which I have been involved.' Language and labels matter, because in the battle for men's minds language and ideas are the principal weapons: 'Ideological attack, rather than physical attack, has been Satan's most successful ploy.' The words counselors and counselees use matter, and this book pushes you to take stock of the words you say and hear. Counselors must 'deliberately adopt new words and constructions that more aptly express the biblical facts in each counseling situation'." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Thought," "Think List," "Godliness," and so forth, and so on.

    Almy, Gary, and Carol Tharp Almy, with Jerry Jenkins, Addicted to Recovery: Exposing the False Gospel of Psychotherapy: Escaping the Trap of Victim Mentality, ISBN: 1565071859 9781565071858, 251 pages.
    "The Almys are medical doctors who have written a polemic against the pop psychologies that have recently swept into the church. Through a series of detailed case studies, they portray the dynamics operative in therapeutically-induced false memories, the healing of memories, multiple personality disorder, unmet love needs, and codependency." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    Anderson, John, Against Occasional Hearing on Proverbs 19:27, a sermon. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.
    http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/john-andersons-sermon-against-occasional-hearing-on-proverbs-1927

    *Augustine, Aurelius, and Marcus Dods (translator), Lectures on the Gospel of John, 1873, 2 volumes. Alternate title: LECTURES OR TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. JOHN. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "One of the greatest church fathers, Darling writes that Augustine's works 'discover a vast extent of genius, great accuracy and penetration, accompanied with much force and energy.' (Cylopaedia Bibliographica, p. 134). This set on John covers a vast number of topics including comments on the sweetness of knowing Christ, Satan's judgement, the Father seen in Christ, sanctification in the truth, the joy of the Lord, Christ before Pilate, the Arian and Sabellian heresies, the cross of Christ, how men become sons of God, the sin of rebaptizing, standards for ministers, Christ clearing the temple, the Bride of Christ, Judas, Christ's equality with God the Father, the last judgment, the Christian's use of his mind, Christ rebuking unbelief, the Donatists, how Jesus baptized, faith, the will, service, the law, abiding in the Father's love, and much more. 1038 pages." -- Publisher

    Bobgan, Martin, The Psychological Way/The Spiritual Way, ISBN: 0871230267 9780871230263.
    "The cure of minds through psychotherapy ('psychological way'), has almost totally displaced the cure of souls through biblical counseling ('spiritual way'). 'Psychotherapy is questionable at best, detrimental at worst, and a spiritual counterfeit at least'." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    Boice, James Montgomery, Renewing Your Mind in a Mindless Age: Learning to Think and ACT Biblically, ISBN: 0825420717 9780825420719.

    *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

    Burges, Cornelius (1589?-1665), The Second Sermon Preached to the House of Commons, April 30, 1645, Discovering the Vanity and Mischief of the Thoughts of an Heart Unwashed. Alternate title: THE VANITY AND MISCHIEF OF THE THOUGHTS OF THE HEART UNWASHED.

    Charnock, Stephen (1628-1680), The Sinfulness and Cure of Thoughts. In PURITAN SERMONS 1659-1689: BEING THE MORNING EXERCISES AT CRIPPLEGATE, ST. GILES IN THE FIELDS, AND IN SOUTHWARK BY SEVENTY-FIVE MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL IN OR NEAR LONDON WITH NOTES AND TRANSLATIONS BY JAMES NICHOLS. (2:386-420)
    The Sinfulness and Cure of Thought, Biblical Sanctification, a sermon by Stephen Charnock. Available in Charnock and M'Cosh, THE COMPLETE WORKS OF STEPHEN CHARNOCK (1865),
    The Sinfulness and Cure of Thought, Biblical Sanctification
    http://digitalpuritan.net/stephen-charnock/

    Clarkson, David (1622-1686), What Must Christians do, That the Influence of the Ordinances may Abide Upon Them? a sermon found in London Ministers, James Nichols, editor, PURITAN SERMONS 1659-1689: BEING THE MORNING EXERCISES AT CRIPPLEGATE, ST. GILES IN THE FIELDS, AND IN SOUTHWARK BY SEVENTY-FIVE MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL IN OR NEAR LONDON WITH NOTES AND TRANSLATIONS BY JAMES NICHOLS (IN SIX VOLUMES). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    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 xxix. 18 [1 Chronicles 29:18]."

    *Dickson, David (1583-1663), Therapeutica Sacra, Shewing Briefly the Method of Healing the Diseases of the Conscience, Concerning Regeneration, 1656. Available (THE WORKS OF DAVID DICKSON), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #20.
    Dickson, David, Therapeutica Sacra: Chapter 4
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/dickson/dickson_therapeutica_sacra_04.html

    Fuller, Andrew (1754-1815), God's Approbation of our Labours Necessary to the Hope of Success. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF ANDREW FULLER, (1:183-96)

    Fuller, Andrew (1754-1815), On the Influence of Satan Upon the Human Mind. (3:610-15). In STRICTURES ON SOME OF THE LEADING SENTIMENTS OF MR. R. ROBINSON. (3:588-615). May also be in THE COMPLETE WORKS OF ANDREW FULLER.

    Fuller, Andrew (1754-1815), The Vanity of the Human Mind. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF ANDREW FULLER.

    *Fuller, Thomas (1608-1661), Good Thoughts in Bad Times, ISBN: 9780548089347 0548089345. A Christian classic.
    Good Thoughts in Bad Times, and Other Papers (1863)
    http://archive.org/details/goodthoughtsinba63full

    *Goodwin, Thomas (1600-1680), The Vanity of Thoughts: Let Patience Have its Perfect Work. Alternate title: LET PATIENCE HAVE ITS PERFECT WORK [WAY]. A Christian classic. Available in THE WORKS OF THOMAS GOODWIN. Available in CHRISTIAN LIFE CLASSICS, Jay P. Green, Sr. (editor, 1918-2008), (The Fifty Greatest Christian Classics, Vol. III. (Lafayette, IN [The Sovereign Grace Trust Fund, 1274 Meadowbrooke Drive, P.O. Box 4998, Lafayette 47905]: The Sovereign Grace Trust Fund, 1989).
    Goodwin, Thomas, The Works of Thomas Goodwin
    http://archive.org/details/worksofthomasgoo01good

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

    Jacobson, Steven, Mind Control in the United States, ISBN: 0911485007 9780911485004.

    *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)

    McDowell, Stephen, Loving God With all Your Mind: Books and Films to Encourage, Inspire, and Equip in a Biblical Worldview.
    "This booklet contains lists of books that will help you develop a Biblical worldview. Book lists are given for all ages including: picture books for the youngest children, literature, history, and biographies for students; resource books for adults or older children on many aspects of Biblical worldview and providential history.
    "A list of movies is also presented, many with Biblical themes and principles, with most simply good, wholesome movies enjoyed by young and old."
    These resources will implant Godly principles and character, teach good and great ideas, and inspire the student of any age to a life of learning and excellence." -- Publisher

    Murray, John (1898-1975), Let This Mind be in you (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation, 1991).
    Audio cassette JM201 [audio file].

    *Owen, John (1616-1683), The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded: Stated and Practically Improved. Alternate title: DUTY OF BEING SPIRITUALLY MINDED. ISBN: 1333271328 9781333271329. A Christian classic. Available in THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN, volume 7, SIN AND GRACE, ISBN: 9780851511276 0851511279. Alternate title: A TREATISE OF THE DOMINION OF SIN AND GRACE. . . . BY THE LATE PIOUS AND LEARNED MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL, JOHN OWEN, D.D.
    "You will find this an unforgettable spiritual experience in devotional reading, a challenge that will bring blessings upon blessings to you soul. A spiritual feast. Unabridged." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    Some will say, yea, on many occasions do say, that there is not any thing in all their duty towards God wherein they are more at a loss than they are in this one, of fixing or exercising their thoughts or meditations on things heavenly or spiritual. They acknowledge it a duty; they see an excellency in it, with inexpressible usefulness: but although they often try and attempt it, they cannot attain unto any thing but what makes them ashamed both of it and themselves. Their minds, they find, are unsteady, apt to rove and wander, or give entertainment unto other things, and not to abide on the object which they design their meditation towards. Their abilities are small, their invention barren, their memories frail, and their judgments, to dispose of things into right order, weak and unable. They know not what to think on, for the most part; and when they fix on any thing, they are immediately at a loss as unto any progress, and so give over." -- John Owen in The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded
    The Grace and Duty of Being Spiritually Minded, audio file, part 1 of 6
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=6230611815

    *Owen, John (1616-1683), Sin and Grace, ISBN: 9780851511276 0851511279. A Christian classic. Alternate title: A TREATISE OF THE DOMINION OF SIN AND GRACE. . . . BY THE LATE PIOUS AND LEARNED MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL, JOHN OWEN, D.D.
    "Contains: Nature and causes of apostasy from the Gospel, duty of being spiritually minded, treatise on the dominion of Sin, and Grace."

    Perkins, William (1558-1602), A Treatise of Mans Imaginations. Shewing his Naturall Euill Thoughts: His Want of Good Thoughts: The way to Reforme Them. Framed and preached by M. Wil. Perkins, 1607.

    Rockstad, Ernest B., The Healing of the Mind (Andover, KS: Faith and Life Publications). Available in The Mind: Satan's Base of Operations (2 Cor. 11:3), [2 Corinthians 11:3], 4 audio cassettes [audio file].
    A booklet explaining how to be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Romans 12:2). Filled with references to Scripture.

    *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

    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

    *Strauss, Richard L., Win the Battle for Your Mind, ISBN: 0896930033 9780896930032.
    "A Biblical and theological study of the place and importance of the mind in the life and spiritual growth of the Christian. Also exposes the social forces that, through appeals to the mind, seek to subvert the senses and conform believes to the world's standards and system of values." -- Cyril J. Barber
    Jantzen, Marjorie, and Richard L. Strauss, Leader's Guide for Group Study of Win the Battle for Your Mind by Richard L. Strauss, ISBN: 0896938034 9780896938038.

    Teellinck, William (1579-1629), The Resting Place of the Mind, That is a Propounding of the Wonderful Providence of God Whereupon a Christian man Ought to Rest and Repose Himself Even When all our Outward Means of Helps are cut off From him, 1622, 48 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "According to Joel Beeke in THE QUEST FOR FULL ASSURANCE: THE LEGACY OF CALVIN AND HIS SUCCESSORS, 'What William Perkins was to English Puritanism, William Teellinck was to the Dutch Second Reformation.' (p. 98)
    "Furthermore, Beeke notes that 'Teellinck's lifelong goal was to bring English-style, pietistic Puritanism to the Dutch. He succeeded in doing that. More than any other divine of his day, he contributed to the Dutch Second Reformation. That movement was so like English Puritanism that it is often called Dutch Puritanism.' (p. 99)
    "This little book was written to encourage Christians to trust in the Lord in the midst of their trials. Even when the ordinary outward means that we need to solve our problems are unavailable, God can still easily rescue us from our predicament. Indeed, sometimes He removes those means so that He will receive all the glory:

    The means which commonly God doth use, in giving us His blessing, are indeed but as curtains, and drawing clothes, after, or under the which, God so doth hide Himself, that His working cannot be seen, but by the eye of faith: wherefore also the Lord God, when he hath been pleased sometimes to manifest Himself, in some work which he intended to do, hath taken express order, that the ordinary means should be removed, that so all the world might see the finger of God therein, and acknowledge that it was He that had done it. (p. 18)
    Loe [Scottish for love], thus doth the Lord strip His people often times of all outward means, when His purpose is to help them, to the end that His finger might the better be seen in giving them victory. (p. 19)
    No child of God then ought to be faint-hearted, though he be stripped of all outward means, for the Lord who is with him, is not bound to any means, His hand is not shortened that He should not be able to help, though the means be shortened, yea quite cut off. (p. 24)
    "Too often people trust in the outward means rather than God. But this is foolish because 'tis most certain, that all our well-being is not shut up in the outward means, it lieth not wound up in the bread we eat, but in the hand of God, and the word of His blessing'." (p. 29) -- Publisher

    *Thornwell, James Henley (1812-1862), Whatsoever Things are True: Classic Discourses on Truth. Alternate title: CLASSIC DISCOURSES ON TRUTH; DISCOURSES ON TRUTH, ISBN: 1932474781 9781932474787, 166 pages. Available COLLECTED WRITINGS OF JAMES HENLEY THORNWELL on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "These seven DISCOURSES ON TRUTH were written and preached in the Spring of 1851 from the text, Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, think on these things. Philippians 4:8. They were delivered at the Chapel of the College at Columbia, South Carolina, by James Henley Thornwell, who was serving as both President and Chaplain." -- Publisher
    "First published 1855 by Messrs. Carter, New York, NY."
    Contents: Discourse 1: The ethical system of the Bible -- Discourse 2: The love of truth -- Discourse 3: The love of truth -- Discourse 4: Sincerity -- Discourse 5: Faithfulness -- Discourse 6: Vows -- Discourse 7: Consistency.

    Vandegriff, John, and Jay Adams (foreword), In the Arena of the Mind: Philippians 4:8, ISBN: 0963172506 9780963172501, 186 pages.
    "Identifies many areas of sinful thinking: hurtful thoughts about others, self-pity, fear, lust, pride. Lays out a model for turning thinking around: sorrow, choice, change. The second half of the book seeks to fill the mind with various Philippians 4:8 good things." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    Watson, David, The Hidden Battle, ISBN: 0877883432 9780877883432.
    "Your mind is a battleground. David Watson shows you how to identify the enemy's nature, disguises, tactics, and weapons -- including the earmarks of a cult. Packed with concise help and practical illustrations, this book is a must for all Christians." -- GCB

    *Woodbridge, John D. (editor), Renewing Your Mind in a Secular World, ISBN: 0802403840 9780802403841.
    "The subtle attacks against authority, and in particular Biblical authority, have taken a toll. This book assess the issues and summons Christians to return to a distinctive life-style in which the Word of God is known and its truth applied to all areas of life. . . ." -- Cyril J. Barber

    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, Justifying faith, Forgiveness of sin, Reconciliation of relationships, The heart and the mind, the mind/body relationship, Words of christ appearing in the web edition of biblical counsel: resources for renewal, The words of christ, The promises of christ, Bible promises, The regulative principle of worship, public worship, The psalms in worship, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Healing of the mind, Sanctification, Love and counseling problems, charitableness, Appendix c: the words of christ, Systematic theology, Scripture memory systems, Books considered to be among the ten greatest in the english language, Christian classics short title list, The best books in this bibliography, Christian fellowship, Small groups, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Theodicy, Child abuse and pedophilia, Abuse, dysfunctional families, Mind control, intimidation, and coercion, Bad relationships as a cause of disease and death, Affliction, adversity, trials, suffering, Loneliness, Fear, Depression, Comfort, encouragement, Summary and research index of key information in chapter 8: physical health and healthcare, The media, Theater, sports, and entertainment, Modern myths and fallacies, Politics, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Pornography, The environment, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, The counter-reformation, Spiritual warfare, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, Psychology and psychiatry, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 2351-2359, 3616, 4065, 4066, 4162
    MGTP: Thoughts

    Related Weblinks

    An Article From The Covenanter Magazine on Occasional Hearing
    http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/an-article-from-the-covenanter-magazine-on-occasional-hearing

    The Brain Fitness Program, DVD (Michael Merzenich)
    A PBS documentary.
    "This program presents a workout to help viewers get their brains in better shape. The Brain Fitness Program is based on neuro-plasticity, the ability of the brain to change and adapt -- even rewire itself. In the past two years, a team of scientists has developed computer-based stimulus sets that drive beneficial chemical, physical and functional changes in the brain. Dr. Michael Merzenich of the University of California San Francisco and his colleagues around the world have been leading this effort; he brings the research findings, along with a scientifically based set of brain exercises, to PBS viewers in this innovative and life-altering program. Peter Coyote narrates." -- Publisher
    http://www.shoppbs.org/product/index.jsp?productId=2966842&siteID=m4l4q2SmprQ-NDN5uceDVUeJkLbMXBtqIA

    Functional Illiteracy
    "Functional illiteracy is a term used to describe reading and writing skills that are inadequate 'to manage daily living and employment tasks that require reading skills beyond a basic level.'[1] Functional illiteracy is contrasted with illiteracy in the strict sense, meaning the inability to read or write simple sentences in any language. . . .
    "Links with poverty and crime
    "In developed countries, the level of functional literacy of an individual is proportional to his/her income level and risk of committing crime. For example, according to the National Center for Educational Statistics in the United States:

  • Over 60 percent of adults in the U.S. Prison System read at or below the fourth grade level
  • 85 percent of U.S. juvenile inmates are functionally illiterate.
  • Adult inmates who received educational services while in prison had a 16 percent chance of returning to prison, as opposed to 70 percent for those who received no instruction. [this statistic not in citation given -- compiler]
  • 43 percent of adults at the lowest level of literacy lived below the poverty line, as opposed to 4 percent of those with the highest levels of literacy.
    • "According to BeginToRead.com:
  • Two thirds of students who cannot read proficiently by the fourth grade will end up in jail or on welfare.
  • Three out of four individuals who receive food stamps read on the two lowest levels of literacy.
  • 16 to 19 year old girls at the poverty level and below, with below average skills, are 6 times more likely to have out-of-wedlock children than their reading counterparts. . . .
    • "The National Center for Education Statistics provides more detail. Literacy is broken down into three parameters: prose, document, and quantitative literacy. Each parameter has four levels: below basic, basic, intermediate, and proficient. For prose literacy, for example, a below basic level of literacy means that a person can look at a short piece of text to get a small piece of uncomplicated information, while a person who is below basic in quantitative literacy would be able to do simple addition. In the US, 14 percent of the adult population is at the 'below basic' level for prose literacy; 12 percent are at the 'below basic' level for document literacy; and 22 percent are at that level for quantitative literacy. Only 13 percent of the population is proficient in these three areas -- able to compare viewpoints in two editorials; interpret a table about blood pressure, age, and physical activity; or compute and compare the cost per ounce of food items."
    In other words, in 2011, 87 percent of Americans were "below basic" levels of literacy in one or more of the following: prose literacy, document literacy, and/or quantitative literacy. See: "Data Files for the 2003 National Assessment of Adult Literacy."
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Functional_literacy

    God and Remembrance (part 2 of 2), a sermon by Ravi Zacharias
    http://rzim.org/let-my-people-think-broadcasts/god-and-remembrance-part-2-of-2/

    The Law of a Sound Mind, Peter Masters
    "By discarding the law of a sound mind (the protection provided by the reasoning faculty), Charismatics have rendered themselves highly gullible in the face of false teaching, exaggeration, and lies. They have become notably vulnerable to religious charlatans and rogues, as the 1987 crisis in American religious television (which is predominantly Charismatic), has demonstrated. Emotionalism is rampant among them, and because all are free to do whatever seems right in their own eyes, serious spiritual lawlessness is widespread. These things are the inevitable result of laying aside the objective standard of God's Word, the faculty of judgment, and the power of self-control, all of which are brought into play by the sound mind." -- Peter Masters
    http://www.trinityfoundation.org/PDF/Review_272_masters.pdf

    Marks of a Right Heart Before God, J.C. Ryle
    "4) A right heart is a PURIFIED heart (Acts 15:9; Matthew 5:8). It loves holiness, and hates sin. It strives daily to cleanse itself from all filthiness of flesh and spirit (2 Corinthians 7:1). It abhors that which is evil, and cleaves to that which is good. It delights in the law of God, and has that law engraved on it, that it may not forget it (Psalm 119:11). It longs to keep the law more perfectly, and takes pleasure in those who love the law. It loves God and people. Its affections are set on things above. It never feels so light and happy as when it is most holy; and it looks forward to heaven with joy, as the place where perfect holiness will at length be attained."
    http://www.jcryle.info/2016/10/7-marks-of-right-heart-before-god.html

    Mind Control, Intimidation, and Coercion
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2chb.html#mindcic

    Pseudo-Christian Movements: A Selection of Works
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappd.html

    Psychology and Psychiatry
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappc.html

    A Resolution to Combat Mind Control With Truth
    http://www.lettermen2.com/mindc.html

    The Things of This World
    http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/the-things-of-this-world.php



    Heaven

    Heaven
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1cha.html#heaven



    Hell

    I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
    I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.     -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Revelations 1:8,18)

    See the Theological Notes: "The Final Judgment," at Matthew 25:41 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    See the Theological Notes: "Hell," at Mark 9:43 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell; for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 11:23)

    Therefore, behold, I add to do. He threatens that he will punish by blinding not only the ignorant or the ordinary ranks, but those wise men who were held in admiration by the people. From this vengeance we may easily learn how hateful a vice hypocrisy is, and how greatly it is abhorred by God, as the Prophet spoke a little before about human inventions; for what kind of punishment is more dreadful than blindness of mind and stupidity? This indeed is not commonly perceived by men, nor are they aware of the greatness of this evil; but it is the greatest and most wretched of all. -- Calvin commenting on Isaiah 29:1-24

    The Downward Spiral Into Hell
    No Holy Spirit in you -- no part in Christ! No part in Christ -- no forgiveness of sins! No forgiveness of sins -- no peace with God! No peace with God -- no title to heaven!
    No title to heaven -- no admission into heaven! No admission into heaven -- and what then? Yes -- what then? You may well ask. Where will you flee? Which way will you turn? To what refuge will you run? There is none at all. There remains nothing but hell. Not admitted into heaven -- you must sink at last into hell. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

    The loss of the soul is the heaviest loss that can befall a man. The worst and most painful of diseases -- the most distressing bankruptcy of fortune -- the most disastrous shipwrecks -- are a mere scratch of a pin compared to the loss of a soul.
    All other losses are bearable, or but for a short time, but the loss of the soul is for evermore. It is to lose God, and Christ, and heaven, and glory, and happiness, to all eternity. It is to be cast away forever, helpless and hopeless in hell! -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

    Men that believe not another world, are the ready actors of any imaginable mischiefs and tragedies in this. -- John Howe (1630-1705)

    We deny that all mankind are the object of that love of God which moved him to send his Son to die; God having made some for the day of evil (Proverbs 16:4); hated them before they were born (Romans 9:11,13); before of old ordained them to condemnation (Jude 4); being fitted to destruction (Romans 9:22); made to be taken and destroyed (2 Peter 2:12); appointed to wrath (1 Thessalonians 5:9); to go to their own place (Acts 1:25) . . . reprobation . . . [is] the issue of hatred, or a purpose of rejection (Romans 9:11-13). -- John Owen (1616-1683)

    The loss of the soul is the heaviest loss that can befall a man. The worst and most painful of diseases -- the most distressing bankruptcy of fortune -- the most disastrous shipwrecks -- are a mere scratch of a pin compared to the loss of a soul.
    All other losses are bearable, or but for a short time, but the loss of the soul is for evermore. It is to lose God, and Christ, and heaven, and glory, and happiness, to all eternity. It is to be cast away forever, helpless and hopeless in hell! -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

    Beware of manufacturing a God of your own: a God who is all mercy, but not just. Such a God is an idol of your own. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

    The Wrath of the Lamb, J.C. Ryle
    Let no person deceive us with vain words upon this dreadful subject. People have arisen in these latter days, who profess to deny the eternity of future punishment, and repeat the devil's old argument, that we shall not surely die. (Genesis 3:4)
    Let none of their reasonings move us, however plausible they may sound. Let us stand fast in the old paths. The God of love and mercy, is also a God of justice. He will surely requite. The flood in Noah's day, and the burning of Sodom, were meant to show us what He will one day do. No lips have ever spoken so clearly about hell as those of Christ Himself. Hardened sinners will find out, to their cost, that there is such a thing as the wrath of the Lamb. (Revelation 6:16-17).
    https://www.jcryle.info/2022/04/the-wrath-of-lamb-by-jc-ryle.html

    There are two different states of all mankind after this life, and no more. Many different states are there in this life as to our outward concernments of body, mind, or other interests; but the greatest of all is that which is the true emblem of this -- even the state of men's souls, in peace or enmity with God. This is commonly acknowledged, and the inference is plain in it, both in its predictions (Rom. ii. 5, 6, 7; 2 Thess. i. 8, 9) [Romans 2:5,6,7; 2 Thessalonians 1:8,9], and in the account of the form of the judgment to come, (Matt. xxiv. 34, 41, 46) [Matthew 24:34,41,46]. That there are but two is also evident, both from the scripture's silence of any others, and the peremptoriness of the grounds of men's being determined and sent to these, even as they are found in the first or second Adam. That they are different states, is commonly acknowledged, yea, the difference is vast, and greater than being and not being. -- Robert Traill (1642-1716)

    The state of things after the judgment is changeless and without end. The misery of the lost, and the blessedness of the saved, are both alike forever.
    Let no person deceive us on this point. It is clearly revealed in Scripture. The eternity of God, and heaven, and hell, all stand on the same foundation. As surely as God is eternal, so surely is heaven an endless day without night, and hell an endless night without day. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

    So then, let 'Deserved' be written on the door of hell, but on the door of Heaven and life, 'The Free gift.' -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)

    The damned shall live as long in hell as God Himself shall live in heaven. -- Thomas Brooks (1608-1680)

    God made not death, but Christ overcame it, when sin had introduced it. Death is from ourselves, but life from the Author and Lord of life. The devil had the power of death till he was overcome by death, Heb. ii. 14,15 [Hebrews 2:14,15]; but he that liveth and was dead, and is alive for evermore, hath now the keys of death and hell, Rev. i. 18 [Revelation 1:18]. That the very damned live, is to be ascribed to him; that they live in misery, is long of themselves. Not that it is more desirable to them to live miserably, as there they must do, than not to live; but as God's glory is his chief, if not only, end, in all his works, so was it the Mediator's chief end in the world's reparation. They shall, therefore, live, whether they will or no, for God's glory, though they live not to their own comfort, because they would not. -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)

    Our God is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29). How rarely is this text quoted, and more rarely still is it preached upon! The pulpit often declares that "God is love," [1 John 3:1] but maintains a guilty silence upon the equally true fact that He is a consuming fire. God is ineffably holy, and therefore does His pure nature burn against sin. God is inexorably righteous, and therefore He will visit upon every transgression and disobedience a just recompense of reward (Hebrews 2:2). Fools make a mock at sin (Proverbs 14:9), but they shall yet discover that they cannot mock God with impunity. They may defy His authority and trample upon His laws in this life, but in the next they shall curse themselves for their madness. In this world God deals mercifully and patiently with His enemies, but in the world to come they shall find out to their eternal undoing that He is a consuming fire. -- Arthur Pink, The Life of Elijah

    Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), The Certainty of the Worlds of Spirits. Fully Evinced by the Unquestionable Histories of Apparitions, Operations, Witchcrafts, Voices, etc. Proving the Immortality of Souls, the Malice and Misery of the Devils and the Damned, and the Blessedness of the Justified. Written for the conviction of Sadduces and Infidels. By Richard Baxter, 1691, ISBN: 9781150756948 1150756942.
    "This, as it is among the quaintest and most curious, is also the rarest of Baxter's writings." -- Alexander B. Grosart
    Baxter, The Certainty of the Worlds of Spirits, and Consequently, of the Immortality of Souls . . . of the Malice and Misery of the Devils, and the Damned. And of the Blessedness of the Justified: Fully Evinced by Unquestionable Histories of Apparitions, Operations, Witchcrafts, Voices, &c., 1691
    http://archive.org/details/certaintyofworld00baxt
    See also: Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), and Cotton Mather (1663-1728), The Certainty of the World of Spirits Fully Evinced, 3rd edition (London: S. Cornish & Co., 1841), to which was added Cotton Mather, THE WONDERS OF THE INVISIBLE WORLD.
    Mather, Cotton (1663-1728), The Wonders of the Invisible World, (singly).
    Mather, Cotton, and Increase Mather, The Wonders of the Invisible World: Being an Account of the Tryals of Several Witches Lately (1862)
    http://archive.org/details/wondersinvisibl01mathgoog

    Benton, John, How can a God of Love Send People to Hell? ISBN: 0852342160 9780852342169.

    Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), Of Hell. In HUMAN NATURE IN ITS FOURFOLD STATE (8:347-75). In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THE REVEREND THOMAS BOSTON (8:9-375)

    Brooks, Thomas (1608-1680), The Golden Key to Open Hidden Treasures. Or, several great points, that refer to the saints' present blessedness, and their future happiness, with the resolution of several important questions. In THE WORKS OF THOMAS BROOKS, 1886 (5:1-261). Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS BROOKS) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "On the existence, torments, and location of hell, see (5:113-145)."

    *Buis, Harry, The Doctrine of Eternal Punishment.
    "A candid, forthright witness to the reality of hell." -- John Murray

    Bunyan, John (1628-1688), and Don Kistler (editor), Sighs From Hell, or, The Groans of a Damned Soul, ISBN: 9780982615553 0982615558. Alternative title: A FEW SIGHS FROM HELL; OR, THE GROANS OF A DAMNED SOUL. Available in THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN. (3:666-724). Available (WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "An exposition of those words in Luke 16 concerning the rich man and the beggar wherein is discovered the lamentable state of the damned: their cries, their desires in their distresses, with the determination of God upon them; a good warning word to sinners, both old and young, to take into consideration quickly, and to see by faith in Jesus Christ to avoid, lest they come into the same place of torment." -- Publisher

    *Bunyan, John (1628-1688), and Robert Philip (1791-1858), The Greatness of the Soul: and The Unspeakableness of the Loss Thereof; No way to Heaven but by Jesus Christ; The Strait Gate. Alternate title: THE GREATNESS OF THE SOUL, AND UNSPEAKABLENESS OF THE LOSS THEREOF: WITH THE CAUSES OF THE LOSING IT: FIRST PREACHED AT PINNERS HALL, AND NOW ENLARGED, AND PUBLISHED FOR GOOD. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "In the 1660s, Charles II, King of England, asked John Owen (1616-1683), why he went to hear the preaching of an uneducated tinker. [John Bunyan -- compiler]. Looking the King in the eye, Owen answered, 'May it please your Majesty, could I possess the tinker's ability for preaching, I would willingly relinquish all my learning'." -- Andrew Thomson, John Owen, Prince of Puritans
    Owen would not have been surprised to learn that Bunyan's most influential work, PILGRIM'S PROGRESS, would be translated into more languages over the next 400 years than any book except the Bible.
    The Greatness of the Soul: and The Unspeakableness of the Loss Thereof; No way to Heaven but by Jesus Christ; The Strait Gate
    http://archive.org/details/greatnessofsoulu00bunyuoft
    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.

    *Dabney, Robert L. (1820-1898), Endless Punishment (Hell). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Dabney, Robert Lewis (1820-1898), The Popular Arguments Against Endless Punishment Unsatisfactory as a Sure Ground of Hope. In DISCUSSIONS: EVANGELICAL AND THEOLOGICAL, (1:654-69)

    Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), Concerning the Endless Punishment of Those Who Die Impenitent. In SELECTED WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS (2:515-25)

    *Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), The end of the Wicked Contemplated by the Righteous: or, The Torments of the Wicked in Hell, no Occasion of Grief to the Saints in Heaven. Alternate title: THE END OF THE WICKED. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    *Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), The Eternity of Hell's Torments. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available in SERMONS, ON THE FOLLOWING SUBJECTS, Jonathan Edwards.

    Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), The Justice of God Displayed in the Endless Punishment of the Wicked.

    *Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), Sermons, on the Following Subjects: The manner in which salvation is to be sought. The unreasonableness of indetermination in religion. Unbelievers contemn the glory of Christ. The folly of looking back in fleeing out of Sodom. The warnings of Scripture in the best manner adapted to the awakening and conversion of sinners. Hypocrites deficient in the duty of prayer. The future punishment of the wicked unavoidable and intolerable. The eternity of hell-torments. The peace which Christ gives his true followers. The perpetuity and change of the Sabbath. By the late Reverend Mr. Jonathan Edwards, president of the College of New-Jersey. Available THE WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS in two volumes on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    *Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God. A Christian classic. Available (THE WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "Delivered 250 years ago, this is the most famous sermon ever preached in the history of America. Far more than a depiction of the punishments of hell, it is a call to personal salvation through Christ and spiritual revival in our time." -- Publisher
    "First preached in 1741 this sermon had people in the congregation calling out for salvation." -- CBD.
    Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God by Jonathan Edwards
    http://www.reformed.org/documents/sinners.html

    Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), and Sereno Edwards Dwight (1786-1850), The Works of President Edwards: With a Memoir of his Life, 1829, volume 1 of 9. Available THE WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS in two volumes on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    The Works of President Edwards: With a Memoir of his Life, 1829, volume 1 of 9.
    http://archive.org/details/worksofpresident011829edwa

    Kennedy, D. James (1930-2007), and Jerry Newcombe, The Gates of Hell Shall not Prevail, ISBN: 0785276866 9780785276869.

    Love, Christopher (1618-1651), Heaven's Glory, Hell's Terror, ISBN: 9781171343257 1171343256.

    Love, Christopher (1618-1651), Heavens Glory, Hells Terror, or, Two Treatises: The one Concerning the Glory of the Saints With Jesus Christ as a Spur to Duty: The Other of the Torments of the Damned as a preservative against security / by that late faithfull servant of Jesus Christ, Mr. Christopher Love, 1665.
    Sermons on Matthew 10:38 and Colossians 3:4.

    Lutzer, Erwin W., One Minute After you die, ISBN: 9780802414113 0802414117.
    "Explains what the Bible teaches about death, and what heaven will be like, the justice of eternal punishment, the death of a child, trusting in God's providence, and preparing for your own final moment." -- Publisher

    Morey, Robert A., Death and the Afterlife, ISBN: 0871234335 9780871234339.
    "Coming with recommendations by Walter Martin, Vernon Grounds, and Roger Nicole, this is the most comprehensive modern treatment to be found. Since the beginning of time the doctrine of eternal punishment has been fiercely attacked. This study provides answers to just about every question on the subject." -- GCB

    Morris, Leon, The Biblical Doctrine of Judgment, ISBN: 159752817X 9781597528177.
    "An analysis of the teaching contained in the Old Testament and New Testament on the present reality and future certainty of judgment." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Pache, Ren‚, The Future Life.
    Translated by Helen I. Needham. "A companion volume to THE RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST, this extensive and thorough treatment covers the entire Biblical teaching on man and his destiny, death, the world of spirits, the resurrection, eternal perdition, and heaven. Excellent." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), The Problem of Eternal Punishment.
    "It [Hell] rudely disrupts the sort of peace of mind that we in the Western world cultivate today -- the peace of mind, that is, that is gained by constantly telling oneself that there is nothing to worry about, and everything will work out all right in the end. But since this complacency is part of our culture, and is sniffed like glue in the air we breathe, and does in fact operate as a deadening drug on the mind, it is a kind of knee-jerk reaction with us to resent having it disturbed, and hence to dismiss the doctrine of eternal punishment in all its forms as debased Christianity. We scoff at hell fire as a bad dream, the murky stamping-ground of redneck fundamentalists, backwoods preachers, and old-fashioned Roman Catholics. For ourselves, we write off the idea as a hangover from primitive ages now long past, and when we meet someone who still believes in eternal punishment we regard him as at least quaint, and perhaps weird; we certainly do not take him seriously." -- Reader's Comment

    Peterson, Robert A. Hell on Trial: The Case for Eternal Punishment, ISBN: 0875523722 9780875523729.
    "Peterson addresses four heresies: the non-existence of Hell, universalism, post-mortem evangelism (souls are won after death), and annihilationism (lost souls are exterminated at death). The bulk of the book consists of support for the orthodox view (eternal punishment for the rebellious), from Scripture and Church history. At the end he addresses a variety of subsidiary questions (like "What happens to babies that die?"), and ties everything together with the issue's significance both for saints and unbelievers. Throughout he maintains rigorous adherence to orthodox doctrine in the Reformed tradition.
    "HELL ON TRIAL is particularly timely. With popular Christian writers from the scholarly (Clark Pinnock), to the popular (John Stott 1921-2011), and postmodern (Rob Bell), writing books and delivering sermons and lectures calling the orthodox Christian doctrines of Hell, justice and punishment into question, the need for a rational response is great. While the emotional element of any doctrine cannot be ignored, the concept of Hell in particular is one which we cannot alter simply because it evokes feelings of resentment or anger -- as Peterson points out, the most we can do is seek to understand the doctrine and ask God to change our hearts while spreading His Gospel." -- Reader's Comment

    *Shedd, W.G.T., The Doctrine of Endless Punishment, ISBN: 0865240191 9780865240193.
    "Shedd carefully expounds the Biblical teaching on divine judgment, and sets it in the context of the history of Christian doctrine. He deals carefully and cogently with objections to it." -- GCB
    "This book will have a profoundly sobering effect on its readers; but its lasting impression will be to cause a new concern for men and women without Christ, and undying gratitude for Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come." -- Publisher

    Sproull, Thomas (1803-1892), Shall all be Saved? The Doctrine of Endless Punishment Proved, and Objections to it Answered in two Sermons, 1856. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Strong, William (d. 1654), The Worm That Dyeth not, or Hell Torments in the Certainty and Eternity of Them: Plainly Discovered in Several Sermons Preached on Mark, Chap. the 9th and the 48. v. [Mark 9:48], 1672.

    Swinnock, George (1627-1673), and Thomas Manton (1620-1677), The Sinners Last Sentence to Eternal Punishment, for sins of omission wherein is discovered, the nature, causes, and cure of those sins / by Geo. Swinnock, 1675.

    *Toon, Peter, Heaven and Hell: A Biblical and Theological Overview, ISBN: 0840759673 9780840759672.
    "Designed as a basic introductory text for theological students as well as a handbook for pastors, preachers, and teachers, this study explores exactly what is meant in Scripture by 'heaven' and 'hell'." -- Cyril J. Barber

    See also: The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Idolatry, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Blasphemy, The covenant faithfulness of god, The resurrection, Pseudo-christian movements, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 291, 1368-1375, 3650
    MGTP: Hell, World to Come

    Related Weblinks

    Doctrine of Hell (Everlasting Torment, Burning, Fire, Punishment, and Darkness for Unbelievers, Hypocrites, and the Lawless), 1/3, John Gerstner
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=1116071535342

    Hell (FGB #211)
    The Greatest Loss, Ryle, J.C. (1816-1900) | What is Hell? Donnelly, Edward | Eternal Torment for the Wicked: Unavoidable and Intolerable, Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758) | The Resurrection of Damnation, Davies, Samuel (1723-1761) | The Torments of Loss, Boston, Thomas (1676-1732) | The Torments of Soul, Payson, Edward (1783-1827) | The Torments of Sense, Boston, Thomas (1676-1732) | Exhortation to Escape Hell, Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758) | Christ has the Keys of hell and of Death, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892)
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/hellfg/hell

    How to Escape Hell (And the Everlasting Torment, Burning, Fire, Punishment, Hopelessness, Death, and Darkness, for Unbelievers), 3/3, John Gerstner
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=11160716454

    Psychology and Psychiatry
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappc.html

    *Series on Hell by Pastor Edward Donnelly, 4 MP3 files [audio file].
    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

    Who is in Danger of Hell? 2/3 (Everlasting Torment, Fire, Punishment, and Darkness for Unbelievers, Hypocrites and the Lawless), John Gerstner
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=1116071547470



    Homelessness

    Goozner, Merrill, Housing Cincinnati's Poor.

    Grant, George, The Dispossessed: Homelessness in America, ISBN: 0891074112: 9780891074113.
    "Grant has a solution to the problem of the homeless that really works. How does he know his ideas work; he practices them. He says that the Bible speaks directly to this problem. The answer is not more government control. His ideas on homelessness and social policy are really different." -- Publisher

    Hombs, Mary Ellen, American Homelessness: A Reference Handbook, ISBN: 1576072479 9781576072479.

    Hyde, Margaret O., The Homeless: Profiling the Problem, ISBN: 0894901591 9780894901591.

    *Isaac, Rael Jean, and Virginia C. Armat, Madness in the Streets: How Psychiatry and the law Abandoned the Mentally ill, ISBN: 0029153808 9780029153802 0029153816 9780029153819.
    "Examines the cultural and political issues surrounding the problem of America's homeless mentally ill." -- Publisher
    "I read this book and could not put it down. It really explains how our mental health policy in America became so distorted. The abandonment of our mentally ill in the name of freedom and self-determination was ill thought out. This book is thorough and riveting." -- Reader's Comment

    Shane, Paul G., What About America's Homeless Children?: Hide and Seek, ISBN: 0803949820 9780803949829.
    "Who are the homeless children in America and what do we know about them? How does their being homeless affect them and society in general? What's being done to help them? WHAT ABOUT AMERICA'S HOMELESS CHILDREN? takes a multifaceted look at the growing, disturbing problem of children (including infants), in homeless families and abandoned and runaway children in America. The author examines the social factors that create homeless situations of children and personal and educational problems that can result from it. The health risks to this population, including unsanitary living conditions, poor nutrition, physical assault, and lack of access to health care are also explored. Author Paul G. Shane brings the problems and effects of homelessness to a personal level by presenting ethnographic case studies of individual children in urban shelters, families in a shelter program, and people who "survived" a homeless youth experience. The history of programs, both governmental and nongovernmental, and government policies for homeless youth are also examined. The book concludes with recommendations for policies and programs that can prevent homelessness for children. Human service professionals and policy makers who deal with children and families as well as those in the fields of public health, policy studies, and clinical and counseling psychology will find this book a stimulating summary of research findings and implications about this vulnerable population." -- Publisher

    Snider, Noah, When There's no Place Like Home, ISBN: 0840733240 9780840733245.
    "Snider, once a homeless individual, writes of the plight of the homeless and presents some solutions." -- GCB
    The Homeless Handbook
    http://www.infoxchange.net.au/hhb/index.html

    Temple, Gary Jr., 52 Ways to Help Homeless People, ISBN: 0840795947 9780840795946.

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The fatherhood of god, The providence of god, Bible promises, The promises of christ, Trusting god, Contentment, Hope, Ready reference: immediate counsel on many subjects, Crisis counseling, Ready reference: immediate counsel, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, The ten commandments: the moral law, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Church and state, Covenanted reformation: the application of scripture to the corporate bodies of church and state, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, War, Christianity in the workplace, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 1673

    Related Weblinks

    Blue Ridge Yurts
    "Yurts are one of the oldest indigenous forms of shelter still in use today . . Fast, Affordable, Environmentally friendly."
    http://www.blueridgeyurts.com

    DuraKit Shelters
    2785 Hwy 27, Bond Head ON L0G 1B0
    Phone: +1 905-778-0053
    Pre-fabricated housing for $15/sq.ft. anywhere in the world.

    Habitat for Humanity International
    "If your family, or a family you know, is in need of decent, affordable housing, contact the Habitat affiliate nearest you. If you're not sure where a local Habitat affiliate might be, use our search engine to find the names and phone numbers of affiliates in your area, or contact the Habitat help line at (800) 422-4828, Ext. 2551 or 2552. Your local affiliate can give you information on the availability, size, costs and sweat-equity requirements for Habitat houses in your area, as well as information on the application process."
    http://www.habitat.org/how/default.aspx

    The Homeless Handbook
    http://www.infoxchange.net.au/hhb/index.html

    PFNC Global Communities
    "PFNC stands for 'Por Fin Nuestra Casa.' Translated in English this simply means 'Finally, a home of our own.' These words are the foundation of PFNC, whose goal is to provide housing to those who most desperately need it around the globe.
    "PFNC utilizes surplus shipping containers resulting from the United States' consistent trade deficit. These containers serve as the building block of PFNC housing, but go through an extensive conversion process to make them a home. PFNC offers an affordable housing solution that is scalable and fully portable. Each PFNC unit includes 1st world amenities for a price of less than $10,000 (US)."
    http://www.pfnc.net/

    PFNC Global Communities, Shipping Container Homes for the Homeless, Tina Kells
    "A company out of New Mexico, PFNC Global Communities, has come up with a novel solution to the growing homeless problem; turn shipping containers into social housing. Career homebuilder Brian McCarthy came up with the innovative solution while on vacation in Juaraez, Mexico. . . .
    "Appalled, but also inspired by the poor living conditions of families in Juarez, Mexico, Brian McCarthy has begun a housing project worth paying attention to. Despite its rapidly growing population, and the employment of large percentages of its residents by Fortune 1000 companies, McCarthy was shocked to see citizens living in homes made of wood palates, scrap building materials and cardboard. . .
    "PFNC's container homes are 320 square feet on average, and they company aims to keep them around $8,000 each, to remain affordable for the average worker in manufacturing plants along the U.S. border."
    http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/shipping-container-homes-by-pf-64351



    Homosexuality, Lesbianism, Gay, Bisexual, Transvestite, Queer (LGBTQ)

    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)

    See the Theological Notes: "Body and Soul, Male and Female" at Genesis 2:7 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 19:5-6)
    John Gill commenting on Matthew 19:6
    http://www.biblestudytools.com/my-bible/#/left:passage/kjv/matthew/19:6/&right:reference/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/matthew-19-6.html

    All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.
    Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
    Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.     (1 Corinthians 6:12-20)

    Ultimately the Seventh Commandment (Exodus 20:14), is about our fidelity to Christ. (Hosea 2:19-20; 1 Corinthians 6:15-20; James 4:4)
    To fracture the Seventh Commandment is to break covenant with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
    The sexual revolution is really a revolution against God. (Numbers 25:1-3, 29; Joshua 22:17; Psalm 106:30,31)
    See: Engelsma, Marriage, the Mystery of Christ and the Church.

    [Calvin seems to see the Seventh as interrelated to, as summing up, all Ten Commandments of the Law.* -- compiler]
    Although one kind of impurity is alone referred to, it is sufficiently plain, from the principle laid down, that believers are generally exhorted to chastity; for, if the Law be a perfect rule of holy living, it would be more than absurd to give a license for fornication, adultery alone being excepted. Furthermore, it is incontrovertible that God will by no means approve or excuse before this tribunal, what the common sense of mankind declares to be obscene; for, although lewdness has everywhere been rampant in every age, still the opinion could never be utterly extinguished, that fornication is a scandal and a sin. . . . [Titus 2:12; Isaiah 30:21; Matthew 19:17; Romans 13:8]
    Now, if Christ and the Apostles, who are the best interpreters of the Law, declare that God's Law is violated no less by fornication than by theft, we assuredly infer, *that in this Commandment the whole genus is comprehended under a single species. . . . [Hebrews 13:4; Leviticus 21:14; Deuteronomy 23:17; Hosea 4:11; Hosea 1:2; Numbers 25:9; 1 Corinthians 10:8; Acts 15:20; 1 Corinthians 6:18; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:4,5] -- John Calvin commenting on Exodus 20:14 and Deuteronomy 5:18 and context

    Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and so the plague was stayed.
    And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore.
    Were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works.
    Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils.
    Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions.
    Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, in so much that he abhorred his own inheritance.
    And he gave them into the hands of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them.     (Psalm 106:30,31,35,37,39,40,41)

    Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, in so much that he abhorred his own inheritance.
    And he gave them into the hands of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them.
    Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand.     (Psalm 106:40-42)

    And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; (Romans 1:28)

    Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. (Romans 8:7)

    See: Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:24; Romans 1:26; Romans 1:28; and Jude 7.

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 106, commentary by C.H. Spurgeon
    Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt. (v. 7)
    Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known. (v. 8)
    And he saved them from the hand of them that hated them. (v. 10)
    They soon forgat his works. (v. 13)
    And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul. (v. 15)
    They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the molten image. (v. 19)
    Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass. (v. 20)
    They forgat God their saviour. (v. 21)
    Thus they provoked him to anger with their inventions: and the plague brake in upon them. (v. 29)
    Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and so the plague was stayed. (v. 30)
    And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore. (v. 31)
    They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them. (v. 34)
    But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works. (v. 35)
    Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils. (v. 37)
    Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions. (v. 39)
    Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, in so much that he abhorred his own inheritance. (v. 40)
    And he gave them into the hands of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them. (v. 41)
    Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand. (v. 42)
    Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity. (v. 43)
    Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry. (v. 44)
    And he remembered for them his covenant. (v. 45)
    Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, and to triumph in thy praise. (v. 47)
    Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the Lord. (v. 48)
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps106.php

    Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet. (Romans 1:24-27)

    A random survey of high school seniors conducted by Zogby International for Hamilton College in New York indicates that these teens have far more liberal views on homosexuality than their parents. The poll found that 85 percent of those surveyed thought homosexuals should be accepted by society; two-thirds thought homosexual marriages should be legal; 88 percent supported hate crime legislation. Eighty-eight percent also said that the phrase, "That's so gay" is used to describe something that is not liked. Thirty percent of the students were characterized as "anti-homosexual." These were predominantly evangelical Christians. According to the professor conducting the survey, "Their views are firmly rooted, and unlikely to change real soon." He noted, however, that among the Christian students, 80 percent supported hate crime legislation and half said homosexuals should be accepted by society.

    It appears that about one in three teen aged suicides is by a gay or lesbian. Since homosexuals represent only about 5 percent of the population, gays and lesbians are greatly over-represented. -- Facts About Suicide

    Rates of domestic violence involving same-sex partners are high. The U.S. Justice Department reports that women who live together with men are 76 times more likely to be physically abused, that is 7,600 percent more likely (2001 data). The rates of violence are far higher than the alleged epidemic of "hate crimes" perpetrated by heterosexuals against homosexuals.

    Homosexuals are over-represented in child sex offenses: Individuals from the 1 to 3 percent of the population that is sexually attracted to the same sex are committing up to one-third of the sex crimes against children. -- Timothy J. Dailey, Ph.D. in "Homosexuality and Child Sexual Abuse"

    Social researcher Dr. Judith Reisman says that the incidence of homosexuals molesting children is 40 times greater than the number of heterosexuals who molest children. In her study, CRAFTING GAY CHILDREN, Reisman notes that heterosexuals outnumber homosexuals by 44 to 1 in our culture. She also points out that 17-24 percent of boys are being abused by age 18 and 25 percent of girls. -- Judith Reisman Crafting gay Children, a study.

    Marx and Freud are the two great destroyers of Christian civilization, the first replacing the gospel of love by the gospel of hate, the other undermining the essential concept of human responsibility. -- Malcolm Muggeridge in My Life in Pictures

    It is shocking how often sexual immorality leads to death.

    Ponder this. It is not possible to desire something that one already possess. Therefore it is desire that puts ones life in an endless spin. (James 4:1-3; Phillipians 2:13; Ezekiel 34:11; Luke 19:9,10; 2 Kings 6:17; Ephesians 1:18; Romans 10:1; John 14:6; Romas 15:13; Psalm 90:16; Isaiah 61:11; Romans 3:24; Ecclesiastes 3:14)

    No amount of surgery and hormones will ever change the gender of a human being, since it is their DNA that determines it, and DNA can never be changed. Sure, medical people with no integrity and a lust for money can surgically make one appear as the opposite gender from their biological one, but the results are nearly always limited to appearance, since 100 percent functional performance can never change. -- Reader's Comment on Social Media

    There is great transforming power (the power of the Holy Spirit, the power to transform lives and societies) in the New Testament sacrificial love of Christ Jesus that says Not my will, but thine, be done. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 22:42b)

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Abomination," "Associations," and so forth, and so on.

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Role-Play and Critique (part 2); Wife Won't Speak; Homosexuality; Wife With Cancer (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA211 [audio file].

    Baker, Don, Beyond Rejection: The Church, Homosexuality and Hope, ISBN: 0880701080 9780880701082.
    "The book is about a man who was a practicing homosexual most of his life. Even in seminary and marriage this practice continued. The sin is finally overcome, but not without heart rending struggle. This man has helped many hundreds turn from homosexuality since he himself gave it up." -- GCB

    Berger, Helen A., A Community of Witches: Contemporary Neo-paganism and Witchcraft in the United States, ISBN: 1570032467 9781570032462.
    "One of the finest sociological studies of American Wicca ever published. It is unlikely to be superseded. Its author is to be commended for maintaining a high degree of theoretical sophistication while remaining accessible to the average reader." -- Stephen D. Glazier (University of Nebraska), in Review of Religious Research, volume 40, number 4 (June 1999), p. 380
    "Helen Berger is probably one of the leading investigators in trying to get a sense of the numbers and ideological places Pagans and Witches in the U.S. are going. While her book VOICES FROM THE PAGAN CENSUS is designed to display mostly raw survey data with little interpretation, this work handles most of her interpretive analysis of this movement. A note of warning -- although the title includes 'Neo-Paganism,' there is very little here not of Witchen or Wiccan tradition. Those looking for cross-tradition discussion will be disappointed.
    "Her book, thankfully, is centered around questions of family and tradition continuity through children, and how the influence of multigenerational change will affect the communities at hand. . . . As globalization lifts and floats institutions above their historically grounded practices and origins, so Wicca, as a religion of its time, asserts a similar possible universality . . . .
    "Perhaps most fascinating and unique is Berger's attention to children and the routinization that accompanies multigenerational development. While some families affiliate themselves with institutions such as Unitarian Universalism for social cover, others question bringing in children at all. . . The controversial topic of how children learn and relate to sexuality in a Wiccan context is well covered. . . ." -- Reader's Comment
    "Helen Berger in the Columbia University Seminar on Contents and Methods, September 13, 1989 revealed that some prominent scientists are practicing witches. Berger also said the rise of neo-paganism in scientific circles, and the startling fact that 40-plus scientists and researchers at Harvard and MIT are witches, is indicative of a 'crisis of rationality' in modern science."

    Boswell, John, Christianity, Social Tolerance, and Homosexuality: Gay People in Western Europe From the Beginning of the Christian Era to the Fourteenth Century, ISBN: 0226067114 9780226067117.

    Bray, J., Christ and the Homosexual (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JB102 [audio file].

    *Bunyan, John (1628-1688), and Robert Philip (1791-1858), The Greatness of the Soul: and The Unspeakableness of the Loss Thereof; No way to Heaven but by Jesus Christ; The Strait Gate. Alternate title: THE GREATNESS OF THE SOUL, AND UNSPEAKABLENESS OF THE LOSS THEREOF: WITH THE CAUSES OF THE LOSING IT: FIRST PREACHED AT PINNERS HALL, AND NOW ENLARGED, AND PUBLISHED FOR GOOD. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "In the 1660s, Charles II, King of England, asked John Owen (1616-1683), why he went to hear the preaching of an uneducated tinker. [John Bunyan -- compiler]. Looking the King in the eye, Owen answered, 'May it please your Majesty, could I possess the tinker's ability for preaching, I would willingly relinquish all my learning'." -- Andrew Thomson, John Owen, Prince of Puritans
    Owen would not have been surprised to learn that Bunyan's most influential work, PILGRIM'S PROGRESS, would be translated into more languages over the next 400 years than any book except the Bible.
    The Greatness of the Soul: and The Unspeakableness of the Loss Thereof; No way to Heaven but by Jesus Christ; The Strait Gate
    http://archive.org/details/greatnessofsoulu00bunyuoft
    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.

    Butterfield, Rosaria Champagne, The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert: An English Professor's Journey Into Christian Faith, ISBN: 9781884527388 1884527388.
    "Dr. Butterfield's book detailing the love and compassion of Christ in her life is exceptional in so many ways. The book reminded me of what we as Christians confess together: 'I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life.' I am grateful for this honest and vulnerable testimony to the power of the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of all life as He makes Christ known to His people!
    "The book is also a testimony to the truth of Romans 5: 'Where sin abounds, grace superabounds!" There is much revealed in the book about what it means to have Christ's righteousness alone as one's hope before God, to know Christ and the power of His resurrection, His sufferings, and becoming like Jesus in His death, to truly understand the joy of living! (Philippians 3:9-12) Revealed in her book is the dear heart of a Christian that has been transformed by the grace of God, and knows the depths of her sin, and the heights of Christ's grace to all who call upon His name in faith (Romans 5:19-21). There is the affectionate mother who loves her children and seeks to raise them in a manner worthy of her calling in the truth of Jesus. There is the faithful wife who serves and honors husband and family as the church serves Christ (Ephesians 5:21-32). There is the concerned, compassionate, and caring friend who seeks to show the love and grace of Christ to those who don't believe, and who don't understand, and who quite frankly think Christians do better at hating, than loving. There is the learning disciple seeking to wisely know how to be Christ in a fallen and sinful world of misery. There is the confessional Christian who has committed herself to the objective truth of God's Word, who deeply holds these truths faithfully, and seeks the means of grace for Christ's Church that Jesus has graciously given us to grow. I read many parts of this book aloud to my wife in our kitchen while supper was being prepared.
    "My wife and I learned a great deal of wisdom, we rejoiced with tears with Dr. Butterfield as we were reading it, and we thanked God for her testimony to the grace of Jesus. May many more read, ponder, and digest this exceedingly wondrous testimony to God's amazing grace. I encourage you also to read the Rev. Dr. Carl Trueman's review at Reformation 21.
    "As a pastor of a loving and local congregation of God's people, I recommend this to you. I recommend the wisdom here with hopes that it will make you more compassionate, caring, and hopeful in the incomparably great power for us who believe! (Ephesians 1:19ff). In Christ's love, Pastor CRB." -- Reader's Comment
    Kindle edition and reviews (68 five star reviews)
    http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Thoughts-Unlikely-Convert-ebook/dp/B0097G05F8/ref=sr_1_2

    Caouette, Jonathan, Tarnation, 2004, DVD.
    We recommend this documentary to mature individuals who are concerned about Mental Health Policy in his country, but who have never had the experience of caring for persons who are emotionally disturbed, having them as neighbors, or working with them. It will educate the viewer on the nature of the problem of "mental illness." Part of the problem is their characteristic appeal for respectability and sympathy. I sense this was a subliminal motivation for the documentary. Caouette turned out a homosexual, and seems to be accepting it as an alternative life style.
    Caouette videoed his life and edited his archives to tell the story of growing up with a schizophrenic mother. So this is a glimpse of the reality of growing up in an emotionally disturbed and dysfunctional family.
    It also dramatizes the failure of psychiatry.
    "A multitude of family snapshots, Super-8 home movies, old answering machine messages, video diaries, early short films, snippets of '80s pop culture, and dramatic reenactments are used to create an epic portrait of an American family travesty. Begins in 2003 when Jonathan learns that his schizophrenic mother, Renee, overdoses on her lithium medication. He is shot back into his real and horrifying family legacy of rape, abandonment, promiscuity, drug addiction, child abuse and pedophilia, and psychosis. He grows up on camera and finds his escape in musical theater and B-horror movies. A look into the future shows Jonathan as he confronts the almost unbearable love he shares with his tragically damaged mother." -- Publisher

    *Chambers, Claire, The SIECUS Circle: A Humanist Revolution, ISBN: 0882791192 9780882791197.
    THE SIECUS CIRCLE: A HUMANIST REVOLUTION established a clear connection between the socialist agenda and sexual immorality of the general population.
    "THE SIECUS CIRCLE said, in the 1960s, that the population control crowd targeted the RCC [Roman Catholic Church], the LCMS [Lutheran Church Missouri Synod], and the SBC [Southern Baptist Church], as they all had leaders in charge of major publishing operations who could easily be 'bought off.' I remember as a child, my father coming home one day from Rotary Club livid that the local LCMS pastor had spoken on the need for classroom sex talk (sex ed) in the local schools. It worked. . . . setting up the foundations for abortion." -- Reader's Comment
    "This book was an eye opener, written years ago, and relevant and prophetic for today. I am glad I re-read it again. If you want to know where the culture is headed, read this . . ." -- Reader's Comment

    Dallas, Joe, Desires in Conflict: Answering the Struggle for Sexual Identity, ISBN: 0736912118 9780736912112.
    "This book offers a workable approach to sexual and emotional sanctification illuminating the power of God's Grace at work in the sincerely repentant soul." -- GCB
    Joe Dallas operates Genesis Counseling in Orange County, California, and is president of Exodus International, an organization that has helped countless thousands out of homosexuality. For more information write to the "Truths That Transform" radio program and ask for the "Joe Dallas Actions Sheet."

    DeYoung, Kevin, What Does the Bible Really Teach About Homosexuality? ISBN: 9781433549373 1433549379.
    "In this timely book, award-winning author Kevin DeYoung challenges each of us -- the skeptic and the seeker, the certain and the confused -- to take a humble look at God's Word regarding the issue of homosexuality. After examining key biblical passages in both the Old and New Testaments and the Bible's overarching teaching regarding sexuality, DeYoung responds to popular objections raised by Christians and non-Christians alike, making this an indispensable resource for thinking through one of the most pressing issues of our day." -- Publisher

    *Enroth, Ronald, The gay Church, ISBN: 080281543X 9780802815439.

    *Foster, David Kyle, Sexual Healing: God's Plan for the Sanctification of Broken Lives: A Reference Manual for Ministering to Those Trapped in Sexual sin and Brokenness, ISBN: 0830737154 9780830737154 0830737340 9780830737345. Includes bibliography and index.
    This is a unique work and the best resource known to the compiler offering biblical counsel for healing sexual brokenness. See: "Foundations" and "Divine Intent for Sexuality" for a biblical explanation of the spiritual significance of sexuality. These two chapters alone make the purchase of the book worthwhile. Includes chapters, study guides, and exercises for Root sources for improper sexual development, Sexual identity confusion, Child sex abuse, Sexual addition, Pornography, Masturbation, voyeurism and exhibitionism, Why people remain in sexual sin and bondage, Failure and self-condemnation, A comprehensive game plan for sexual healing, and so forth.
    Mastering Life Ministries
    http://www.MasteringLife.org

    Geneva College. Center for Law and Public Policy, The Homosexuality Debates: An Evangelical Perspective and Response, by Geneva College. Center for Law and Public Policy.
    "Contents: I. General and overview materials. Consultation schedule -- Consultation focus and assumptions -- Christian perspective on gay rights / Bradley P. Jacob -- Biography of speakers -- II. Homosexuality: a theological perspective. Content and context in Romans 1:26-27 / Thomas E. Schmidt -- Homosexuality in theological perspective / R. Albert Mohler -- III. Psychology, genetics and homosexuality. The loving opposition / Stanton L. Jones -- IV. Homosexuality, religion and the law. Law: the dominating, but fragile source of human obligation / Lynn R. Buzzard -- Gay rights and religious liberty / Richard F. Duncan -- Knowing rights from wrong / P. Jacob Bradley -- V. Homosexuality in government and military policy. The Bible in the moral war over the rejection of homosexuality by the military service / Daniel R. Heimbach -- NAE resolution concerning homosexuals in the military -- VI. Issues in public education -- VII. Issues in Christian higher education. The legal landscape / Timothy C. Klenk -- VIII. Issues in family law and policy -- IX. Pastoral ministry to the homosexual community. Harvest News -- X. Homosexuality in churches and denominations. Cultures wars 1993: a report from the Presbyterian front / Parker T. Williamson -- XI. Advocacy and public policy work. Homosexuality, civil rights and justice: a Christian dilemma / Case Hoogendoorn -- Homosexuality and the Christian advocate / Paul J. McNulty -- XII. Summaries and commentary. Suggested bibliography -- Homosexual rights issues: sources / Family Research Council -- The social significance of homosexuality: questions and answers / Lawrence F. Burtoft."

    *Grant, George, and Mark Horne, Unnatural Affections: The Impuritan Ethic of Homosexuality and the Modern Church, ISBN: 1880692007 9781880692004.
    "This is a historical overview and Biblical response to the crisis within the Christian Church in regard to sexual behavior. In this brief summary, it expounds the scriptural teaching on sexual ethics and the historic Christian position. UNNATURAL AFFECTIONS offers advice on how Christians can combat this crisis, based firmly on the Bible." -- GCB

    Hafer, Dick, Homosexuality: Legitimate, Alternate Deathstyle, ISBN: 0914981110 9780914981114.
    "This author takes the view that what consenting adults do in the privacy of their homes CAN hurt you! Want a light, easy to understand bombshell against homosexuality? This is it! Chapters are short, text is brief, and the method is cartoons. No one will get bored reading this book!" -- GCB

    Horner, Tom, Homosexuality and the Judeo-Christian Tradition: An Annotated Bibliography, ISBN: 0810814129 9780810814127.

    IMP, Homosexuality: Understanding Homosexuality and the Reality of Change, DVD, ISBN: 1882773004 9781882773008.

    *Jones, E. Michael, Libido Dominandi: Sexual Liberation and Political Control, ISBN: 189031837X 9781890318376.
    "Thus, a good man, though a slave, is free; but a wicked man, though a king, is a slave. For he serves, not one man alone, but, what is worse, as many masters as he has vices." -- St. Augustine, City of God
    "Writing at the time of the collapse of the Roman Empire, St. Augustine both revolutionized and brought to a close antiquity's idea of freedom. A man was not a slave by nature or by law, as Aristotle claimed. His freedom was a function of his moral state. A man had as many masters as he had vices. This insight would provide the basis for the most sophisticated form of social control known to man.
    "Fourteen hundred years later, a decadent French aristocrat turned that tradition on its head when he wrote that 'the freest of people are they who are most friendly to murder.' Like St. Augustine, the Marquis de Sade would agree that freedom was a function of morals. Unlike St. Augustine, Sade proposed a revolution in sexual morals to accompany the political revolution then taking place in France. LIBIDO DOMINANDI -- the term is taken from Book I of Augustine's CITY OF GOD -- is the definitive history of that sexual revolution, from 1773 to the present.
    "Unlike the standard version of the sexual revolution, LIBIDO DOMINANDI shows how sexual liberation was from its inception a form of control. Those who wished to liberate man from the moral order needed to impose social controls as soon as they succeeded because liberated libido led inevitably to anarchy. Aldous Huxley wrote in his preface to the 1946 edition of BRAVE NEW WORLD that 'as political and economic freedom diminishes, sexual freedom tends compensatingly to increase.' This book is about the converse of that statement. It explains how the rhetoric of sexual freedom was used to engineer a system of covert political and social control. Over the course of the two-hundred-year span covered by this book, the development of technologies of communication, reproduction, and psychic control -- including psychotherapy, behaviorism, advertising, sensitivity training, pornography, and plain old blackmail -- allowed the Enlightenment and its heirs to turn Augustine's insight on its head and create masters out of men's vices. LIBIDO DOMINANDI is the story of how that happened." -- Publisher
    "E. Michael Jones ['a Roman Catholic polemicist of the old-fashioned type, for whom no Roman prelate (at least before Vatican II) ever did wrong, and no Protestant ever did right. He writes with the vehemence of a pamphleteer in the time of the sixteenth-century French wars of religion.' -- Reader's Comment], is editor of Culture Wars Magazine, and author of many books, including THE SLAUGHTER OF CITIES: URBAN RENEWAL AS ETHNIC CLEANSING." -- Publisher

    Keysor, Charles (editor), What you Should Know About Homosexuality, ISBN: 0310382319 9780310382317.
    A thoughtful study from a Christian viewpoint.

    Lively, Scott and Kevin E. Abrams, Pink Swastika: Homosexuality in the Nazi Party, ISBN: 0964760975 9780964760974.
    "This book gives ample evidence that the sexual perversion of homosexuality easily lends itself to authoritarian impulses. Not only do the authors make a strong case that homosexuals played a critical role in the formation of the Nazi Party, but they also show how many Nazi leaders in Europe and the USA also came from the gay movement. The myth that all gays were persecuted by the Nazis is demolished in this book -- most of the camp guards were sadistic gays. The underlying theme is that when a society accepts a moral relativistic philosophy (leading to acceptance of homosexuality), it could very well lead to the eventual destruction of our constitutional rights. The authors show that the reason why the Nazis were so anti-Semitic had to with historical reasons. The Jewish culture -- with its old testament ethical system -- brought an end to the macho-gay/Warrior mentality that dominated so much of ancient Europe, especially ancient Rome and Greece. These ancient pagan cultures, which glorified sex between warriors, were worshiped by the Nazis who blamed the Jews for the introduction of biblical morality which, of course, condemned homosexuality and ended much of the pagan lifestyle in Europe." -- Steve Baldwin, California State Assemblyman

    Magnuson, Roger J., Are gay Rights Right? ISBN: 0880703369 9780880703369.
    "Magnuson is a trial lawyer in Minneapolis. He has authored a 3-volume legal treatise, SHAREHOLDER LITIGATION, that is used in law schools. He often is called on to debate homosexuals. It is to the shame of everyone of us that homosexuals have come to the point where they can flaunt their perversion, and call on the courts to protect their imaginary 'rights.' In God's law they have no rights, but instead are condemned to be executed.
    "In Maine and in Oregon this book was consulted by legislators before rejecting a so-called 'gay rights bill.' Now we have an updated edition, and it is hoped it will continue to be of use in defeating the aims of these vicious and abusive persons. For they are everywhere attempting to intimidate city councils, state and federal legislatures. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)

    *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

    McIhenny, Charles, and Donna McIhenny with Frank York, When the Wicked Seize a City, ISBN: 0595154328 9780595154326.
    "Pastor Chuck McIhenny is a San Francisco minister whose opposition to 'gay rights' has aroused the anger of homosexual activists. This account, both compassionate and uncompromising, will open your eyes to the threat posed by the militant advocates of 'gay rights' and what loving and courageous Christians can do."

    *Owen, John (1616-1683), The Mortification of sin in Believers: Containing the necessity, nature, and means of it. With a resolution of sundry cases of conscience thereunto belonging. By John Owen, D.D. . . . A new edition London, 1783.
    "I owe more to John Owen than to any other theologian, ancient or modern; and I owe more to [THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN] than to anything else he wrote." -- J.I. Packer
    "John Owen's treatises on INDWELLING SIN IN BELIEVERS [in TEMPTATION AND SIN, Vol. 6 of Works] and THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN are, in my opinion, the most helpful writings on personal holiness ever written." -- Jerry Bridges
    The Works of John Owen, Vol. 6 (including THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN, Goold edition, 1862)
    https://archive.org/details/theworksofowen06owenuoft
    The Mortification of sin, an e-book
    https://www.monergism.com/mortification-sin-believers-ebook-0
    The Mortification of sin
    https://faculty.gordon.edu/hu/bi/ted_hildebrandt/SpiritualFormation/Texts/Owen_MortificationOfSin.pdf
    On the Mortification of Sin in Believers, John Owen (1 of 6), an audio file reading
    Currently (February 2009), there are 63 readings of John Owen by SWRB and Reformed Baptist of Holland (Michigan), (Thomas Sullivan), at SermonAudio.com available for listening online, downloading as MP3 files, and listening on iPhone or Mobile Phones.
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=62906111628

    Parker, William, Homosexuality: A Selective Bibliography of Over 3,000 Items, ISBN: 0810804255 9780810804258.
    "3188 entries to English-language and translated foreign literature. Includes pamphlets, government documents, theses, dissertations, journal articles (religious, popular, medical, scientific, and legal), court cases, newspaper items, literary works, and audiovisuals. Arranged according to kind of publication. Entry gives bibliographical information. Appendix of American laws applicable to homosexuality. Subject, author indexes."

    Parker, William, Homosexuality Bibliography: Supplement, 1970-1975, ISBN: 0810810506 9780810810501.
    "Containing more than 3,000 [SUPPLEMENT, 1970-1975 -- compiler], entries respectively, these bibliographies arrange the material in twelve categories according to the kind of publication in which they appear. In addition, books, pamphlets, and dissertations are included, together with religious, legal, and medical information. This is a most comprehensive work and should serve will the needs of the person doing research in this area." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Parker, William, Homosexuality Bibliography: Second Supplement, 1976-1982, ISBN: 0810817535 9780810817531.
    "Listing of 3600 entries to publications from 1976-1982. Includes books, articles, court cases, dissertations, pamphlets, and documents, all in English or translated into English. Does not include literary works. Arranged according to format. Each entry contains bibliographical information. Miscellaneous appendixes. Subject, author indexes."

    *Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America. Synod., The Gospel and Gender Identity: A Testimony of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, ISBN: 9781943017126 1943017123.

    Reisman, Judith, Crafting gay Children, a study.
    "Social researcher Dr. Judith Reisman says that the incidence of homosexuals molesting children is 40 times greater than the number of heterosexuals who molest children. In her study, CRAFTING GAY CHILDREN, Reisman notes that heterosexuals outnumber homosexuals by 44 to 1 in our culture. She also points out that 17-24 percent of boys are being abused by age 18 and 25 percent of girls.
    "In a 1991 population study by the Department of Commerce, statistics showed that 8 million girls were abused by age 18 by heterosexual men -- a ratio of 1 victim to 11 adult men. However, 6-8 million boys were abused by age 18 by 1-2 million adult homosexuals -- a ratio of 3-5 victims for every homosexual adult male.
    "Dr. Reisman concludes that the Boy Scouts organization is correct to ban homosexuals from membership because of the high rate of molestations committed by homosexual males. To read more on this, go to: http://bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=11002

    Rueda, Enrique, The Homosexual Network: Private Lies and Public Policy, ISBN: 0815957149: 9780815957140.
    Explains the relationship between organized religion and homosexuals. Includes bibliographical references and index.

    Various, Consultation on Theology and the Homosexual: Bibliography on Theology and the Homosexual.

    Whitehead, Neil, and Blair Whitehead, My Genes Made me do it! A Scientific Look at Sexual Orientation, ISBN: 1563841657 9781563841651.
    "We believe the book is the most current, thorough, and clear account, of the extent to which homosexuality is inborn. It also explains how we become heterosexual. Subjects include incidence, brain studies, hormone studies, twin studies, and culture. It summarizes 8 years study on 1700 books, chapters and papers. The first author has 30 years research experience." -- Dr. Neil Whitehead
    "Co-author, Dr. Neil Whitehead (Ph.D. Biochemistry), has worked as a research scientist in New Zealand for 25 years. This book presents objective scientific findings into the debate about homosexual orientation and its true origins. It examines the widely-publicized "gay gene" and twin studies and shows why they don't prove what is often claimed.
    "The Whiteheads present the most detailed and current arguments available on this important topic. This would be a powerful book to hand anyone involved in gay behavior who thinks change is not possible." -- Reader's Comment
    My Genes Made me do it!
    http://www.mygenes.co.nz/

    Wilson, Earl, Counseling and Homosexuality, ISBN: 0849905907 9780849905902.

    Yarhouse, Mark A., Understanding Gender Dysphoria: Navigating Transgender Issues in a Changing Culture, ISBN: 9780830828593 0830828591.
    "Few topics are more contested today than gender identity. While the culture war rages over language, institutions and political allegiances, transgender individuals are often the ones who end up as casualties. Mark Yarhouse, an expert in sexual identity and therapy, challenges the church to rise above the political hostilities and listen to people's stories. In UNDERSTANDING GENDER DYSPHORIA, Yarhouse offers a Christian perspective on transgender issues that eschews simplistic answers and appreciates the psychological and theological complexity. The result is a book that engages the latest research while remaining pastorally sensitive to the experiences of each person. Yarhouse calls Christians to come alongside those on the margins and stand with them as they resolve their questions and concerns about gender identity. UNDERSTANDING GENDER DYSPHORIA is the book we need to navigate these stormy cultural waters." -- Publisher

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The ten commandments: the moral law, Proverbs, Will and recalcitrance, Abuse, dysfunctional families, Child abuse and pedophilia, Sexual relationship, Sex ethics, sex education, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Gratuitous sex, a cause of violence, Hostility and violence, Fatherlessness, Abuse, Abuse (women), Incest, Rape, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Idolatry, Pornography, The occult, spiritism, witchcraft, Drug abuse and addiction, Aids, Sexually transmitted diseases, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Manhood, Effeminacy, the effeminate, Feminism, Sexual wholeness, 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, God's deliverance of nations, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The covenant of redemption, The covenant faithfulness of god, Oaths, ensnaring vows, promises, and covenants, bonds with the ungodly, Confession of national sin and covenant renewal, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Modern myths, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 645, 665, 955, 1009, 1014, 1234, 1237, 2354, 2545, 2685, 3184, 3185, 3188, 3198, 3931
    MGTP: Sexual Immorality

    Related Weblinks

    Exodus International
    Exodus International is an umbrella organization of dozens of ministries that reach out with the love of Christ to those struggling with homosexual feelings and behaviors.
    http://exodusinternational.org/

    Homosexuality and Child Sexual Abuse, Timothy J. Dailey, Ph.D
    http://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=is02e3

    A Nation in Decay (Part 1 of 4), Ravi Zacharias
    "I don't care how powerful your economy could end up being. All I know is that if the moral fiber has collapsed, there is not a nation in this world that can stand." -- Ravi Zacharias
    "Have you neglected the inner core of Christianity? Do you feel like morality is disappearing in our nation? Ravi Zacharias explores the dangers of this gradual change and the similarities between ancient Israel and our society today."
    https://www.rzim.org/listen/just-thinking/a-nation-in-decay-part- 1-of-4
    https://www.rzim.org/listen/just-thinking/a-nation-in-decay-part- 2-of-4
    https://www.rzim.org/listen/just-thinking/a-nation-in-decay-part- 3-of-4
    https://www.rzim.org/listen/just-thinking/a-nation-in-decay-part- 4-of-4

    Psychology and Psychiatry
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappc.html

    Rise of the Gay, Gay Bisexual, and the Pink Inquisition
    "Civilization Itself is at Stake
    "At its heart, the battle to re-define marriage, to incorporate what God in the Bible condemns as perversion and an abomination, is a war against the family. It is not only a battle for the family, but it is a battle for civilization itself.
    "Of the 26 civilizations that are recorded in history, none have survived the pubic tolerance of homosexual perversion. The great Roman and Greek civilizations collapsed when sexual morality was subverted. Homosexual perversion represented the terminal stage of the collapse of these civilizations. Similarly, one can see in the collapse of the Aztec, Mayan and Inca civilizations, the role of sexual perversion in fuelling the collapse of those societies." (Romans 1:24-32)
    Rise of the Gay, Gay Bisexual, and the Pink Inquisition, digital file, Peter Hammond
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=71715793810
    Rise of the Gay, Gay Bisexual, and the Pink Inquisition, digital file
    https://www.slideshare.net/frontfel/rise-of-the-gay-gb-and-the-pink-inquisition

    *Wisdom Guards the Heart, a sermon by Phil Johnson
    "Mortify your evil thoughts -- Mortify, therefore, your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry (Colossians 3:5) -- this is a recurring theme in the Apostle Paul's writings, this idea of putting to death sin in your body, mortifying the sin. 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. (Romans 8:13) What he's saying is this: put your evil thoughts to death. Deal with them ruthlessly. Don't allow them any breathing room. Choke the life out of them. Mortify them. Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof. (Romans 13:14)
    By the way, this is one of the marks of the true Christian. Galatians 5:24 says, And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. We haven't done it perfectly. It's a process of crucifixion, and that's a slow death, so those affections and lusts continually come back to plague us; but if you are truly a believer, then at some point and in some way, you have begun the process of crucifying these lusts and affections. . . ." -- Phil Johnson
    Wisdom Guards the Heart
    https://www.gracechurch.org/sermons/10356 Wisdom Guards the Heart
    https://archive.org/details/podcast_biblical-counseling-institute_wisdom-guards-the-heart_1000393915063



    Honesty

    Christianity is the highest ethical standard known to mankind.

    Put-off lying (Ephesians 4:25; 2 Thessalonians 2:9), and put-on honesty (Romans 12:17).

    Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. (2 Corinthians 8:21)

    I know law, and custom, and education, and friends, when they side with godliness, are a great advantage to it, by affording helps, and removing those impediments that might stick much with carnal minds. But truth is not your own, till it be received in its proper evidence; nor your faith divine, till you believe what you believe, because God is true who doth reveal it; nor are you the children of God, till you love Him for Himself; nor are you truly religious, till the truth and goodness of religion itself be the principal thing that maketh you religious. It helpeth much to discover a man's sincerity, when he is not only religious among the religious, but among the profane, and the enemies, and scorners, and persecutors of religion; and when a man doth not pray only in a praying family, but among the prayerless. . . ; and when a man is heavenly among them that are earthly, and temperate among the intemperate and riotous, and holdeth the truth among those that reproach it and that hold the contrary; . . . and is godly where godliness is accounted singularity, hypocrisy, faction, humour, disobedience, or heresy; and will rather let go the reputation of his honesty, than his honesty itself. -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)

    Certainly when we take the world as a whole, we are obliged to see that the foundations of liberty and honesty are being destroyed, and the slow achievements of centuries are being thrown recklessly away.
    In such a time of kaleidoscopic changes, is there anything that remains unchanged? When so many things have proved to be untrustworthy, is there anything that we can trust?
    One point, at least, is clear -- we cannot trust the church. The visible church, the church as it now actually exists upon this earth, has fallen too often into error and sin.
    No, we cannot appeal from the world to the church.
    Well, then, is there anything at all to which we can appeal? Is there anything at all that remains constant when so many things change?
    I have a very definite answer to give to that question. It is contained in a verse taken from the prophecy of Isaiah [Isaiah 40:8]: The grass withers, the flower fades: but the Word of our God shall stand forever. There are many things that change, but there is one thing that does not change. It is the Word of the living and true God. The world is in decadence, the visible church is to a considerable extent apostate; but when God speaks we can trust Him, and His Word stands forever sure. -- J. Gresham Machen, The Christian View of Man, pp. 13-14

    The heart of fallen man is radically and essentially dishonest, feeding on lies, loving deceits, producing hypocricies; and he can no more effect any alteration in it than the Ethiopian can change his skin. Nor does he even desire to do so -- he is totally unconscious of its rottenness. . . . It is by the regenerative operations of the Holy Spirit that the heart is made honest. -- Arthur Pink, An Honest Heart

    God is Immutable in his Counsel. His will never varies. Perhaps some are ready to object that we ought to read the following: And it repented the LORD that He had made man. (Genesis 6:6). Our first reply is, Then do the Scriptures contradict themselves? No, that cannot be. Numbers 23:19 is plain enough: God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent. So also in 1 Samuel 15:29, The Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for He is not a man, that He should repent. The explanation is very simple. When speaking of Himself, God frequently accommodates His language to our limited capacities. He describes Himself as clothed with bodily members, as eyes, ears, hands, etc. He speaks of Himself as "waking" (Psalm 78:65), as rising up early (Jeremiah 7:13); yet He neither slumbers nor sleeps. When He institutes a change in His dealings with men, He describes His course of conduct as "repenting." Yes, God is immutable in His counsel. The gifts and calling of God are without repentance. (Romans 11:29) It must be so, for He is in one mind, and who can turn from Him? and what His soul desireth, even that He doeth. (Job 23:13) -- A.W. Pink (1886-1952), from his book Attributes of God, Chapter 7: The Immutability of God

    *Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), Dishonesty; or, The sin of Theft and of Injustice. In THE WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS (2:220-26). Available (THE WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    See the following:

    Section I. Why we should avoid what tends to sin
    Section I. The dishonesty of withholding what is our neighbour's
    Section II. The dishonesty of unjustly taking a neighbour's property
    Section II. What things lead and expose to sin
    Section III. The subject applied: OR THE SIN OF THEFT AND INJUSTICE
    Section III. Dishonest excuses
    Section III. A serious warning to all, and especially young people
    Section IV. The subject applied -- The dishonest warned
    Section V. An exhortation to honesty: TEMPTATION AND DELIVERANCE
    Graham, Bob, and Jeff Nussbaum, Intelligence Matters: The CIA, the FBI, Saudi Arabia, and the Failure of America's war on Terror, ISBN: 1400063523 9781400063529.
    "In this explosive, controversial, and profoundly alarming insider's report, Senator Bob Graham reveals faults in America's national security network severe enough to raise fundamental questions about the competence and honesty of public officials in the CIA, the FBI, and the White House.
    "For ten years, Senator Graham served on the Senate Intelligence Committee, where he had access to some of the nation's most closely guarded secrets. Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, Graham co-chaired a historic joint House-Senate inquiry into the intelligence community's failures. From that investigation and his own personal fact-finding, Graham discovered disturbing evidence of terrorist activity and a web of complicity: "As a result of his Senate work, Graham has become convinced that the attacks of September 11 could have been avoided, and that the Bush administration's war on terrorism has failed to address the immediate danger posed by al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, and Hamas in Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen, and Somalia. His book is a disturbing reminder that at the highest levels of national security, now more than ever, intelligence matters." -- Publisher
    "INTELLIGENCE MATTERS is a work of great patriotism, a searing insider's account of the government's ineptitude, and at times deceit, both on 9/11 and in the war in Iraq. Senator Graham is unflinching in a damning and persuasive indictment of President Bush, the FBI and the CIA. This is no liberal, conspiratorial, anti-war polemic, but rather a convincing argument by a hawk in the war on terror as to why the country is less safe today because of blunders made by President Bush. Intelligence Matters also makes a meticulous -- and at times startling -- case for official Saudi Arabian complicity in the 9/11 plot. This is an important book and a must read for anyone concerned with the war on terror and the future of America." -- Gerald Posner, New York Times bestselling author of Why America Slept
    "Bob Graham, a former two-term governor of Florida, is now in his third term in the United States Senate. While recognized for his leadership on issues ranging from health care to environmental preservation, Senator Graham is best known for his ten years of service on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence -- including eighteen months as chairman in 2001-2002, during which he co-chaired the House-Senate Joint Inquiry into the intelligence community's failures prior to 9/11. Following the release of a declassified version of the Joint Inquiry's final report in July 2003, Senator Graham advocated reform of the intelligence community and sponsored legislation to bring about needed changes.
    "Jeff Nussbaum has worked as a speech writer for Vice President Al Gore and Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle. He is the co-author, with Democratic strategist James Carville, of HAD ENOUGH? A HANDBOOK FOR FIGHTING BACK. A graduate of Brown University, he currently lives in Washington, DC." -- Publisher

    *McClellan, Scott, What Happened: Inside the Bush White House and Washington's Culture of Deception, ISBN: 9781586485566 1586485563.
    "Scott McClellan was one of a few Bush loyalists from Texas who became part of his inner circle of trusted advisers, and remained so during one of the most challenging and contentious periods of recent history. Drawn to Bush by his commitment to compassionate conservatism and strong bipartisan leadership, McClellan served the president for more than seven years, and witnessed day-to-day exactly how the presidency veered off course.
    "In this refreshingly clear-eyed book, written with no agenda other than to record his experiences and insights for the benefit of history, McClellan provides unique perspective on what happened and why it happened the way it did, including the Iraq war, Hurricane Katrina, Washington's bitter partisanship, and two hotly contested presidential campaigns. He gives readers a candid look into who George W. Bush is and what he believes, and into the personalities, strengths, and liabilities of his top aides. Finally, McClellan looks to the future, exploring the lessons this presidency offers the American people as we prepare to elect a new leader.
    "Scott McClellan served as White House press secretary from 2003 to 2006. Before that he served as the principal deputy White House press secretary and as traveling press secretary for the Bush-Cheney 2000 campaign. Earlier in his career, Mr. McClellan served as deputy communications director in the Texas governor's office and campaign manager for three successful statewide campaigns. He is now a senior adviser to a global technology firm and communications strategist. Born in Austin, Texas, he now lives near Washington, D.C." -- Publisher
    "It was as certain as heat in a Texas summer that Bush's chokehold on those who know the ugly truth about his administration would not last forever. We are finally realizing as a nation how badly Bush's criminally incompetent, arrogant, dishonest presidency has come to destroying our prosperity and our very way of life. The fact that gas will surely hit $6-$8 in the near future is only the tip of the iceberg. The price crunch was inevitable, but predictable, and Bush wasted 7 1/2 years on policies based on the assumption that oil would forever be cheap and plentiful. We've only begun to experience the consequences of this single major blunder. The biggest Bush legacies will be a trillion-dollar pointless and endless "war," and the crippling effects that two terms without a realistic energy policy has only begun to bring.
    "Those who continue to ignore reality and dismiss McClellan as an opportunist need to rethink the meaning of patriotism: Country and government are NOT the same. Opposing and exposing bad government is a DUTY of patriotism. If anything, McLellan should have written the book much sooner. Yes, he'll make millions, but so what? It's the American way.
    "I can't wait to see what General Colin Powell has to say about the Bush administration's inner workings. At least he had the decency to quit after one term, which is a big clue that he smelled rats all around. I bring up Powell because to those who would dismiss my comments as partisan, I can honestly say I would have loved to see Powell run for President. At this point, I'd settle for HIS version of the disaster that was the Bush administration." -- Reader's Comment
    "Here are a few of his observations:

  • Bush believes his own spin (better known as bulls**t), and demonstrates a remarkable lack of inquisitiveness.
  • Bush favored propaganda over honesty in selling the war, leading us down the primrose path.
  • Cheney steered war policy behind the scenes, leaving no fingerprints.
  • Bush and his team repeatedly shaded the truth, manipulated public opinion, and sold the Iraq situation in such a way that the use of force appeared to be the only feasible option.
  • Contradictory evidence was ignored or discarded, caveats or qualifications to arguments were downplayed or dropped, and a dubious al-Qaida connection to Iraq was played up.
  • The Bush administration didn't check their political maneuverings in at the door after the win -- instead, they maintained a permanent campaign mode, run largely by Rove.
  • Presidential initiatives from health care programs to foreign invasions were regularly devised, named, timed and launched with one eye (or both eyes), on the electoral calendar.
  • Operating in the campaign mode means never explaining, never apologizing, never retreating. Unfortunately, that strategy also means never reflecting, never reconsidering, never compromising.
  • Bush is out of touch, operates in a political bubble, and stubbornly refuses to admit mistakes.
  • The press is partially responsible for giving Bush soft questions and enabling the president." -- Reader's Comment
    • "Simply put -- Bush looted the community chest and killed thousands in the process. Convicting him of multiple felonies, rather than being a national shame, would be a first step in restoring our global credibility." -- Reader's Comment

    *Roberts, William Louis (1798-1864), The Reformed Presbyterian Catechism, ISBN: 0524065543 9780524065549. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available from ATLA 1991-2638.
    A magnificent catechism that sets forth the Crown Rights of The King of Glory and Lord of Lords. It also presents incontrovertible evidence that the United States Constitution is not a Christian document, and that it is, in fact, a slavery document.
    "A manual of instruction, drawing from such notable authors as William Symington and J.R. Willson, presenting arguments and facts confirming and illustrating the 'Distinctive Principles' of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. Chapters deal with: 'Christ's Mediatorial Dominion in General;' Christ's Exclusive Headship Over the Church;' 'The Supreme and Ultimate Authority of the Word of God in the Church;' Civil Government, the Moral Ordinance of God;' Christ's Headship Over the Nations;' 'The Subjection of the Nations to God and to Christ;' The Word, or Revealed Will of God, the Supreme Law in the State;' 'The Duty of Nations, in Their National Capacity, to Acknowledge and Support the True Religion:' 'The Spiritual Independence of the Church of Christ:' 'The Right and Duty of Dissent From an Immoral Constitution of Civil Government;' 'The Duty of Covenanting, and the Permanent Obligations of Religious Covenants;' 'The Application of These Principles to the Governments, Where Reformed Presbyterians Reside, in the Form of a Practical Testimony;' and finally 'Application of the Testimony to the British Empire. . . '." -- Publisher
    Reformed Presbyterian Catechism, William L. Roberts D.D.
    http://archive.org/details/ReformedPresbyterianCatechism
    On the Mediatorial Dominion of The Lord Jesus Christ, excerpted from THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CATECHISM.
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/roberts_rp_catechism_section_01_mediatorial_dominion.html
    The Exclusive Headship of The Lord Jesus Christ Over the Church of God, excerpted from THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CATECHISM.
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/roberts_rp_catechism_section_02_christs_headship_over_the_church.html
    Civil Government the Moral Ordinance of God, excerpted from THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CATECHISM.
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/roberts_rp_catechism_section_04_civil_government.html
    On Christ's Headship Over the Nations, excerpted from THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CATECHISM.
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/roberts_rp_catechism_section_05_christs_headship_over_nations.html
    The Subjection of the Nations to God and to Christ, excerpted from THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CATECHISM.
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/roberts_rp_catechism_section_06_subjection_of_nations_to_christ.html
    See also: The Scottish Covenanting Struggle, Alexander Craighead, and the Mecklenburg Declaration, SECRET PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION; CONSPIRACY IN PHILADELPHIA: THE ORIGINS OF THE U.S. CONSTITUTION, and A THEOLOGICAL INTERPRETATION OF AMERICAN HISTORY.

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Sex ethics, sex education, Christian scholarship, 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, 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), Christian character, Christian life, Absolute Truth and relativism, Deceit, self-deception, lying, false witness, Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Theft, fraud, stealing: property rights and freedom, Filial love (love of Parents), Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, Politics, Politics and economics, Christian liberty, Reform of the church, Reform, state sovereignty, and corporate immunity: reform of corporations, The utter failure of the u.s. constitution as a social deed of covenant, The decline of american society, irrationality, the decline of western thought, Male role and responsibility, gender equality, suffrage, reproductive rights, and the decline of american society, and so forth, and so on.

    Related Weblinks

    Intellectual Dishonesty and Roman Catholic Apologetics
    http://www.trinityfoundation.org/journal.php?id=131

    Pinocchio in College
    "This vignette points to a basic problem. Starting with the lower levels of education in high school, following through college, and finally in the professions, we are having a national crisis in integrity."
    http://www.americaninstitutetechnologyscienceeducation.com/educational-resources/articles-video/education-and-academic-dishonesty/pinocchio-in-college/

    Theft: Commentary and Cases of Conscience. A Listing Excerpted From The Institutes of Biblical Law by Rousas John Rushdoony, 1973 edition
    http://www.lettermen2.com/theft.html



    Hope

    I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 11:25b-26a)

    Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:19)

    See the Theological Notes: "Hope," at Hebrews 6:18 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    And 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)

    Our hope is in Almighty God. He is a living, triumphant, sovereign God who works all things together for good to those who love Him. His purposes will ultimately prevail. One day when Christ returns -- which I believe will be soon -- the Bible says that the entire earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. (Habakkuk 2:14) But until then, the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ must not sit idly by. We are to be "salt and light" in our schools, communities, businesses, and even our government. -- Franklin Graham (Matthew 5:13-16)

    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.
    Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.     (1 Peter 1:3-9)

    See the Theological Notes: "Resurrection and Glorification," at 1 Corinthians 15:21 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    The Lord Jesus Christ our hope. (1 Timothy 1:1b, YLTHB)

    And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. (1 John 2:25)

    For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. (Romans 15:4)

    Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. (Romans 15:13)

    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 1:3-5a)

    And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope. (Romans 8:3,4)

    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 8:18)

    Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
    As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
    Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
    For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
    Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.     (Romans 8:35-39)

    To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Colossians 1:27)

    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)

    I am the vine, ye [are] the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:5)

    Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:24)

    I did nothing; the Word did everything. -- Martin Luther (1483-1546)

    Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word. (Psalm 119:114)

    For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. (Psalm 119:89-90)

    The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. (Psalm 121:8)

    I am that bread of life. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 6:48)

    I am the good shepherd, and know my [sheep], and am known of mine.
    As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.     -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 10:14,15)

    My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 10:27-30)

    These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 16:33)

    Who shall deliver us from this body of death? Let us thank God that Jesus Christ can. He is that divine Physician, who can make old things pass away and all things become new. In Him is life.
    He can wash us thoroughly from all the defilement of sin in His own blood. He can quicken us, and revive us by His own Spirit. He can cleanse our hearts, open the eyes of our understandings, renew our wills, and make us whole. Let this sink down deeply into our hearts. There is medicine to heal our sickness. If we are lost it is not because we cannot be saved. However corrupt our hearts, and however wicked our past lives, there is hope for us in the Gospel. There is no case of spiritual leprosy too hard for Christ. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

    My hope lives not because I am not a sinner, but because I am a sinner for whom Christ died; my trust is not that I am holy, but that being unholy, HE is my righteousness. My faith rests not upon what I am or shall be or feel or know, but in what Christ is, in what He has done, and in what He is now doing for me. Hallelujah! -- Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892), Morning and Evening

    You need not be cast down by sickness. The eternal part of you is safe and provided for, whatever happens to your body. You may well look calmly on death. It opens a door between you and your inheritance.
    You may well not sorrow exclusively over the things of the world -- over partings and bereavements -- over losses and crosses. The day of gathering is before you. Your treasure is beyond reach of harm. Heaven is becoming every year more full of those you love, and earth more empty. Glory in your inheritance. It is all yours if you are a children of God. "If we are children, then we are heirs." (Romans 8:17a) -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

    There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

    See the Theological Notes: "God's Covenant of Grace" at Genesis 12:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    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)

    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.

    Question 4, Westminster Shorter Catechism With Proof Texts
    Q. 4. What is God?
    A. God is a Spirit,[7] infinite,[8] eternal,[9] and unchangeable,[10] in his being,[11] wisdom,[12] power,[13] holiness,[14] justice,[15] goodness,[16] and truth.[17]
    Scripture proofs:
    [7] Deuteronomy 4:15-19. Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the LORD spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire: Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female, The likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air, The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth: And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven. Luke 24:39. Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. John 1:18. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. John 4:24. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. Acts 17:29. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.
    [8] 1 Kings 8:27. But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded? Psalm 139:7-10. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. Psalm 145:3. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable. Psalm 147:5. Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite. Jeremiah 23:24. Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD. Romans 11:33-36. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
    [9] Deuteronomy 33:27. The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them. Psalm 90:2. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. Psalm 102:12,24-27. But thou, O LORD, shalt endure for ever; and thy remembrance unto all generations. . . . I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days: thy years are throughout all generations. Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end. Revelation 1:4,8. John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne. . . . I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
    [10] Psalm 33:11. The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. Malachi 3:6. For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. Hebrews 1:12. 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. Hebrews 6:17-18. Wherein God, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Hebrews 13:8. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. James 1:17. 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.
    [11] Exodus 3:14. And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. Psalm 115:2-3. Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God? But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. 1 Timothy 1:17. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 6:15-16. Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
    [12] Psalm 104:24. O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. Romans 11:33-34. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Hebrews 4:13. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. 1 John 3:20. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
    [13] Genesis 17:1. And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. Psalm 62:11. God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. Jeremiah 32:17. Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee: Matthew 19:26. But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. Revelation 1:8. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
    [14] Hebrews 1:13. But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? 1 Peter 1:15-16. But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 1 John 3:3,5. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. . . . And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Revelation 15:4. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.
    [15] Genesis 18:25. That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? Exodus 34:6-7. And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation. Deuteronomy 32:4. He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. Psalm 96:13. Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth. Romans 3:5,26. But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man). . . . To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
    [16] Psalm 103:5. Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. Psalm 107:8. Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Matthew 19:7. They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? Romans 2:4. Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
    [17] Exodus 34:6. And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Deuteronomy 32:4. He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. Psalm 86:15. But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. Psalm 117:2. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD. Hebrews 6:18. That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us. -- Westminster Shorter Catechism With Proof Texts

    Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. (Psalm 34:19)

    Read the Gospel of John, chapters 14 through 16, [John 14; John 15; John 16] for comfort in time of crisis or distress.

    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 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

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 130, C.H. Spurgeon
    I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. (Psalm 130:5)
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps130.php

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 131, C.H. Spurgeon
    Let Israel hope in the Lord from henceforth and for ever. (Psalm 131:3)
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps131.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

    Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock whence ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged.
    Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him.
    (Lest they should grow dejected at the low estate of the nation, they are bidden to remember whence it came. One man was chosen, and one woman, they were both old before a child was born to them, they were a lone family in the earth; yet out of them sprang a great nation; nothing could be more apparently hopeless, yet the covenant was fulfilled, and therefore the like could and would be done again, and poor, downtrodden Israel would yet arise.)
    For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody (Isaiah 51:1-4). -- Spurgeon's Devotional Bible

    See Isaiah 51:1-6 and annotation in The Reformation Study Bible.

    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.
    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.
    But many [that are] first shall be last; and the last [shall be] first.     -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 19:28-30)

    Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)

    Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: but as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. (1 Peter 1:13-16)

    And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (Revelation 12:11)

    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. -- John Owen

    This is the way in which you should use this plea. Say, "My God, I am utterly unworthy, and I own it; but, I beseech thee, hear me for the honour of thy dear Son. By his agony and bloody sweat, by his cross and passion, by his precious death and burial, I beseech thee hear me! O Lord, let the blood of thine Only-begotten prevail with thee! Canst thou put aside his groans, his tears, his death, when they speak on my behalf?" If you can thus come to pleading terms with God upon this ground, you must and will prevail. Jesus must be heard in heaven. The voice of his blood is eloquent with God. If you plead the atoning sacrifice, you must overcome through the blood of the Lamb. -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon

    The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon, a sermon by C.H. Spurgeon
    http://www.covenantofgrace.com/spurgeon_the_blood_of_the_lamb.htm

    The spiritual need is overwhelming, but -- praise God -- there is an answer in the person of Jesus Christ. He alone can meet any need man faces. The Gospel is 'Good News' for people to hear and understand. God's Word is Truth and it sets man free. -- Charles Riggs

    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)

    It would be easy to lose heart and become cynical. But No! There is One who sees all things, knows all things, and will ultimately triumph over all things. There is only one message that addresses the truth as the truth. The Lord of glory, Jesus Christ, came to this earth and was also the victim of hate. Lies sent him to the cross. Power overruled reality, as politics and religious demagogues once again made the lie seem noble. But the Lord who sees the beginning from the end amazingly conquered not in spite of the dark mystery of evil, rather, He conquered through it. James Stewart of Scotland, pointing to the cross, said it in the most powerful terms I have read. Commenting on the verse from Psalm 68:18, He led captivity captive, he said:

    It is a glorious phrase -- He led captivity captive. The very triumphs of his foes, it means, he used for their defeat. He compelled their dark achievements to subserve his ends not theirs. They nailed him to a tree, not knowing that by that very act they were bringing the world to his feet. They gave him a cross, not guessing that he would make it a throne. They flung him outside the city gates to die, not knowing that in that very moment they were lifting up the gates of the universe, to let the king come in. They thought to root out his doctrines, not understanding that they were implanting imperishably in the hearts of men the very name they intended to destroy. They thought they had God with his back to the wall, pinned helpless and defeated: they did not know that it was God himself who had tracked them down. "He did not conquer in spite of the dark mystery of evil. He conquered through it." -- James Stewart (1635-1713)
    The lie has a shelf life. The truth abides forever. God can even conquer through our perversion.
    One more thing. I would be remiss if I left the guilt and darkness out there. That is the seduction of a fake righteousness. We all have to look at our own hearts and see the evil that is within each one of us. Only then can we find the answer from which all other answers flow. Some time ago, I was in Rumania. A sculptor had some of his works on display. One was a horrific, fierce-looking, long nail. When you picked it up, as rusty and jagged as the nail was, the head was polished and shiny. And when you looked at that polished head, you saw a reflection of yourself. It is sobering. Very sobering. . . . More than ever we need the Savior. Lord have mercy! -- Ravi Zacharias in a message, Is Paris Burning? November 18, 2015

    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

    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)

    And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:30)

    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)

    Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

    *Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Christ and Your Problems, ISBN: 0875520111 9780875520117. A booklet.
    Exposits I Corinthians 10:13 [1 Corinthians 10:13], for the benefit of counselees. 'At bottom all men in all times face the same basic problems.' You are responsible. God is faithful, therefore you have hope. However difficult the pressures seem, you can make godly choices through Jesus Christ." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
    "A Biblical exegesis of I Corinthians 10:13 [1 Corinthians 10:13], showing that a Christian's problems are not unique, and that God will not allow a Christian to be tested beyond his strength, and will always make a way of escape. Should be given to all counselees who need hope." -- Robert B. Somerville

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Giving Hope in Counseling: And Preaching Workshop.

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Hope," and so forth, and so on.

    Adams Jay E., Should a Christian Be Able to Counsel? Instilling Hope in the Counselee (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA101 [audio file].

    Armey, Dick, The Freedom Revolution, ISBN: 0895264692 9780895264695.
    "The new Republican House Majority Leader tells why big government failed, why freedom works, and how we will rebuild America." -- Publisher

    *Ashe, Simeon (d. 1662), The Church Sinking, Saved by Christ: Set out in a Sermon Preached [Isaiah 63:5], Before the Right Honourable the House of Lords, in the Abby-Church at Westminster, on Wednesday, Febr. 26. 1644, Being the day of the Monthly Publike Fast [Isaiah 63:5]. Isaiah 63:5 at BibleGateway. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Bainton, Ronald H., Yesterday, Today, and What Next? Reflections on History and Hope, ISBN: 0806616709 9780806616704.
    "Important reflections on history, the discernible patterns that may be used to guide our decision today, and what we may expect in the future." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Baker, Don, Beyond Rejection: The Church, Homosexuality and Hope, ISBN: 0880701080 9780880701082.
    "The book is about a man who was a practicing homosexual most of his life. Even in seminary and marriage this practice continued. The sin is finally overcome, but not without heart rending struggle. This man has helped many hundreds turn from homosexuality since he himself gave it up." -- GCB

    *[Bible], The New Testament: King James Version, The Precious Promises Edition (Lake Wylie, SC: Christian Heritage Publishing Co. Inc., 1991).
    A pocket New Testament with the words of Christ in red and the promises screened in red. Convenient for purse, or travel bag.

    *[Bible], Precious Bible Promises, ISBN: 0840753543 9780840753540.
    Some of the 37,000 promises from the Word of God arranged by theme. Convenient for use in counseling. Good when you need help fast. Text is the New King James Version, pocket size.

    *Boettner, Loraine, Immortality, 7th edition, ISBN: 0875521274.
    "A clear-cut evangelical presentation of physical death, immortality, and the intermediate state. Includes a discussion of soul sleep, annihilation, purgatory, spiritism, prayers for the dead, cremation, and so on. A valuable work." -- Cyril J. Barber

    *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?
    http://books.google.com/books?id=nQMDAAAAQAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html

    *Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), Of Election to Everlasting Life. Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS BOSTON), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS BOSTON), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #5.
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/sermons/boston_election.html

    *Bridges, Jerry, Transforming Grace: Living Confidently in God's Unfailing Love, ISBN: 9781600063039 1600063039.
    "The fruit of over 10 years of Bible study, it's the kind of book that will make a profound difference in how you go about living your life -- and loving your Gracious Redeemer." -- Publisher

    *Brown, John (of Edinburgh, 1784-1858), Expository Discourses on 1 Peter, ISBN: 0851512046. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    *Brown, John (of Edinburgh, 1784-1858), Hints on Christian Hope.

    Bruce, Michael (1559-1631), Good News in Evil Times for Fainting Believers, or, The Summ of a Lecture Upon Jeremiah 45 Chapter [Jeremiah 45:1-52]: Together With Another Lecture on the 28 Chapter of Matthew [Matthew 28:1-28] Throughout, 1708. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.

    Burroughs, Jeremiah (1599-1646), Gospel Reconciliation, or, Christ's Trumpet of Peace to the World Wherein is Shewed (Besides Many Other Gospel Truth) . . . That There was a Breach Made Between God and man . . . to which is added two sermons, 1657, ISBN: 1567690661 9781567690668.
    "Notes: Published with a testimony by Thomas Goodwin, William Bridge, William Greenhil, Sydrach Sympson, Philip Nye, John Yates, William Adderley."
    "Gods present mercies to his people are arguments of future mercies, preached at Saviors Southward, May 2, 1641; Old age is a crown of glory. . . . preached before the Company of Mercers at their chappel, May 20, 1641."

    Campbell, Ross, How to Keep Going When the Storms Keep Coming, ISBN: 0842313761 9780842313766.
    "This is neither an autobiography nor a self-help manual, but rather, varied, intensely autobiographical episodes of how the author, after much stumbling found spiritual perspective in the midst of crisis. These real life episodes will refresh and recharge us for our own journey." -- GCB

    *Candlish, Robert S., Life in a Risen Saviour: Being Discourses on the Argument of the Fifteenth Chapter of First Corinthians, ISBN: 0825423317 9780825423314. Alternate title: STUDIES IN FIRST CORINTHIANS 15 [1 Corinthians 15]: LIFE IN A RISEN SAVIOUR.
    "Noteworthy for its clarity, careful exposition of the text, and balanced application of the truth of the passage to the life of the believer. Candlish boldly sets forth the Christian's hope, and his material is both helpful and enlightening." -- Cyril J. Barber

    *De Graaf, Simon Gerrit, Promise and Deliverance, 4 volumes (Scarsdale, NY [Westminster Discount Book Service, P.O. Box 125H, Scarsdale 10583]: Westminster Discount Book Service, 1977). Translated from the Dutch by H. Evan Runner and Elisabeth Wichers Runner. A Christian classic.
    "A landmark in interpreting the simple stories of the Bible . . . an invaluable resource for teachers, ministers, and parents." -- Christianity Today
    "In Scripture, religion means covenant. By His Word, God called into being an order of creation culminating in man. By that Word He also gave man His favor and brought him into a life of conscious covenantal fellowship with Himself. As De Graaf himself puts it: 'Without covenant, there is no religion, no conscious fellowship between man and God, no exchange of love and faithfulness. Without the covenant, man would be just an instrument in God's hand. When God created man, He had more than an instrument in mind: He made a creature that could respond to Him. . . .'
    "This renewed insight into Biblical revelation is the perspective undergirding De Graaf's treatment of all Bible stories. It makes his book a unique presentation of God's revelation of Himself in the covenant and keeps his interpretations of the stories from degenerating into mere moralizing. Religion is not morality." -- H. Evan Runner
    "I highly recommend this book. One of the best books available." -- R.C. Sproul

    De Witt, John Richard (John R. DeWitt), Amazing Love: The Parable of the Prodigal Son, ISBN: 085151328X 9780851513287.
    A professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Seminary in Jackson.

    Ellul, Jacques (1912-1994), Hope in Time of Abandonment, ISBN: 0816421382 9780816421381.
    "Written with conviction and insight, this book exposes a host of false hopes that are common to our age. It warns against a false optimism and urges readers to place their confidence solely in God's lovingkindness and providence. . . ." -- Cyril J. Barber

    *Flavel, John (1628-1691), Mystery of Providence, ISBN: 085151104X. A Christian classic. Available (THE WORKS OF JOHN FLAVEL), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "The Puritans were exceptionally good on this subject. They write with a warmth and depth rarely reached in our day. Flavel shines with insights and encouragements just not found in other books." -- GCB
    Flavel, John (1630-1691), Divine Conduct, or The Mystery of Providence, Wherein the Being and Efficacy of Providence are Asserted and Vindicated; The Methods of Providence, as it Passes Through the Several Stages of our Lives Opened; and The Proper Course of Improving all Providences Pointed out
    http://archive.org/details/divineconductorm00flavuoft

    *Fuller, Thomas (1608-1661), Good Thoughts in Bad Times, ISBN: 9780548089347 0548089345. A Christian classic.
    Good Thoughts in Bad Times, and Other Papers (1863)
    http://archive.org/details/goodthoughtsinba63full

    *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)

    *Graham, Billy (1918-2018), The Reason for my Hope: Salvation, ISBN: 9780849947612 0849947618 9780849922046 0849922046.
    This book was released October 15, 2013 to coincide with My Hope America with Billy Graham, November 7, 2013, the national campaign organized by the Billy Graham Evangelical Association.
    This is his 32nd book and "believers will appreciate Graham's profound maturity." This is not the young Billy Graham of the 1949 tent revival in Los Angeles, nor even the Billy Graham of 2005 preaching in public for one last time in Flushing Meadows, New York. This is a retired Billy Graham, just before his 95 birthday, after having preached the Gospel face-to-face with an estimated 215 million individuals, during over 70 years as an evangelist.
    "What is the most hopeful word in History?
    "For Billy Graham, that word is 'SALVATION.'
    "Salvation from what?
    "From our selfish and self-destructive selves.
    "From the messes we get ourselves into.
    "From the sin that has haunted humanity from the beginning of time and the evil that pulls us down every day.
    "From the cultural deceits that blind us to God's saving message.
    "From the Hell so many don't believe in.
    "If we don't think we need salvation, we're fooling ourselves.
    "If we think we are beyond salvation, we're underestimating God.
    "If we just don't want to think about salvation, we're putting ourselves in eternal peril.
    "At the age of 95 Billy Graham proclaims God's Gospel with resolve and deep compassion. It is a message he has been preaching for more than seventy years. And in this book you will sense its urgency, filled with hope for the future.
    "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved." (Acts 16:31)
    "From America's evangelistic elder statesman.
    "Salvation is what we all long for, when we are lost or in danger or have made a mess of our lives. And salvation belongs to us, when we reach out for the only One who can rescue us -- Jesus.
    "The saving message of the Gospel is the heartbeat of this preacher and evangelist. Millions around the world have heard Billy Graham proclaim this unchanging truth. He has never forgotten the transformation of his own life, when he first said yes to God's gift of salvation, and he has witnessed multitudes turn their hearts to the God of Hope.
    "THE REASON FOR MY HOPE: SALVATION 'presents the essence of that transformative message. It is biblical and timeless, and though simple and direct, it is far from easy. There are hard words, prophetic words, directed toward a culture that denies the reality of sin and distracts us from the veracity of Hell. But through its ominous warnings shines a light that cannot be extinguished -- a beacon of hope that Jesus came 'to seek and to save that which was lost.' (Luke 19:10)" -- Publisher
    "The truth is that every last one of us is born in sin, and while some may not think of themselves as sinners, God does. He hears every word we utter and knows the deepest secrets we lock away in the vaults of our hearts." -- Billy Graham
    Trendy religion "Many churches of all persuasions are hiring research agencies to poll neighborhoods, asking what kind of church they prefer; then the local churches design themselves to fit the desires of the people. True faith in God that demands selflessness is being replaced by trendy religion that serves the selfish." -- Billy Graham
    A simple gospel "I am afraid that many Christians, in their zeal to share their faith in Christ, have made the Gospel message of making disciples for Him too simple. Just to say 'believe in Christ' can produce a false assurance of the hope of Heaven. Jesus spoke often about the gift of eternal life. To make it clear, He said, 'Count the cost'." -- Billy Graham
    Earning salvation "Giving up something to follow Christ is not earning salvation; it is giving up what keeps you from salvation. When we hold on to something that is dearer to us than receiving the greater gift of salvation in Christ, we lose." -- Billy Graham
    When terror strikes "We see the world kicking God out of education, government, marriages, the home, and even church. Yet when terror strikes, people clasp their hands and bend their knees, calling on God to meet them in their time of distress, asking Him to lift their burden, begging for a different outcome." -- Billy Graham
    "Though the cross repels, it also attracts. It possesses a magnetic quality. Once you have been to the cross, you will never be the same. The greatest vision of sin is at the cross, where we also see the greatest vision of love.
    "Although it has been many years since Billy Graham has retired from the pulpit, the heartbeat of his years in ministry is sincerely described in his 2013 book release, THE REASON FOR MY HOPE.
    "Possibly the most highly regarded Christian leader of several generations, Billy Graham continues to meet us at the most personable level as he so vividly describes the reasons Christ died for us and what that means for those who choose to follow Him on Earth. Graham's humble heart is displayed in one of the first pages of the books where he states, 'One of the greatest privileges of my life has been the opportunity to associate with numerous men and women . . . and I thank God for the contribution these countless individuals have made to my life'.
    "In this extraordinary book, Billy Graham walks his readers through controversial and pondered topics of people of all walks of life such as: the battle between good and evil, the meaning of the cross, the teachings of Jesus while on the cross, the reality and myths of Heaven and Hell, the second coming of Christ, and most importantly, He outlines very clearly why salvation is truly the most important gift given to mankind.
    "THE REASON FOR MY HOPE is the best book I have read in years. I could not put it down, and I constantly found myself underlining passages that I wanted to reflect on. I plan on buying many copies of this book to give to friends. This book is the perfect read for persons of every generation, and it has become a favorite in my personal book collection. This is one of those rare books that you can discuss with both a teenager and a grandparent. Perhaps that's why people of all generations today are still able to identify with Billy Graham. He has the rare gift of meeting each person right where they are, to explain and plead for people, to proclaim Jesus as their Lord and Savior." -- Reader's Comment

    Harris, Murray J., Raised Immortal: Resurrection and Immortality in the New Testament, ISBN: 080280053X 9780802800534.
    "A detailed exploration of resurrection and immortality and the relationship of these two Biblical teachings to each other." -- GCB

    *Hebblethwaite, Brian, The Christian Hope, ISBN: 0802800548 9780802800541.
    "This is a definitive work. It looks at the background of Christian hope in the Old Testament and New Testament. Important facts are drawn from incidents beginning with the faith of Abraham all the way through to the teachings of Christ. . . ." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Johnson, Paul, Conquering Cancer: An Invitation to Hope, ISBN: 0310537819 9780310537816.
    "This book tells the person with cancer just what he or she can expect at each stage of diagnosis and treatment, explores medical discoveries that gives people real hope of recovery from cancer, and includes excerpts from Dr. Paul Johnson's cancer diary and selected readings on a dozen topics designed to build a cancer patient's confidence." -- Publisher
    "A doctor with 40 years service in medicine, a weekly medical radio program . . . now offers hope to those suffering with cancer. If you have cancer or know someone who does GET THIS BOOK." -- GCB

    Keller, Philip, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, ISBN: 9780310291428 0310291429.

    Kinnaird, William M., Promise of Hope: Coping When Life Caves in, ISBN: 0687343305 9780687343300.

    *Leighton, Robert (1611-1684), A Practical Commentary Upon the First Epistle General of Peter, 1831. [1 Peter]
    "Dr. Henry Mills thus wrote of Leighton's works: 'There is a spirit in them I have never met with in any other human writings, nor can I read many lines in them without being moved.' We need scarcely commend this truly heavenly work. It is a favorite with all spiritual men." -- C.H. Spurgeon in Commenting and Commentaries
    "One of the best expository works on I Peter. Leighton provides his reader with the results of his vast learning without ostentation; his theology is accurate and his eloquence unmatched. Devotional." -- Cyril J. Barber
    A Practical Commentary Upon the two First Chapters of the First Epistle General of St. Peter, Robert Leighton
    https://archive.org/details/comment00leig

    Lester, Andrew D., Hope in Pastoral Care and Counseling, ISBN: 0664255884 9780664255886.

    Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), The Miracle of Grace and Other Messages, ISBN: 0801056365 9780801056369.
    "Fourteen (14) sermons published together for the first time as a book. These sermons originally appeared in the periodical The Christian World Pulpit. They cover a wide variety of topics such as hope, discipleship, suffering, sin, the Cross, the Resurrection, and more." -- GCB

    *Lockyer, Herbert, All the Promises of the Bible, ISBN: 0310281318.
    "A devotional expositional compilation of all the promises [about 3,300 of the approximate 8,810 promises -- compiler], that are found in Scripture." -- Publisher
    "Lockyer's in-depth look at the scope of God's promises arranges them in categories that cover the full array of human concerns, from the spiritual to the material and the corporate to the personal. As you come to understand God's promises and how they apply to every aspect of your life, you'll gain a trust in God that will sustain you through the worst of times and be your source of rejoicing in the best.
    "Dr. Herbert Lockyer was born in London in 1886, and held pastorates in Scotland and England for 25 years before coming to the United States in 1935. In 1937 he received the honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Northwestern Evangelical Seminary. In 1955 he returned to England where he lived for many years. He then returned to the United States where he continued to devote time to the writing ministry until his death in November of 1984." -- Publisher

    *Luther, Martin (1483-1546), Commentary on Galatians, English translation by Erasmus Middleton, B.D., edited by John Prince Fallowes, M.A., Pembroke College, Cambridge, ISBN: 0825431247. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "I prefer this book of Martin Luther's (except the Bible), before all the books I have ever seen, as most fit for a wounded soul." -- John Bunyan
    "This is a great, historic work, and is beyond criticism on account of its great usefulness. As a comment its accuracy might be questioned; but for emphatic utterances and clear statements of the great doctrine of the Epistle it remains altogether by itself, and must be judged per se." -- C.H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)
    "The reissue of a famous series of lectures delivered at Wittenberg University in 1553." -- Cyril J. Barber
    Commentary on Galatians, Martin Luther
    http://archive.org/details/cu31924029294133
    Luther's Commentary on Galatians, That He might deliver us from the present evil world. (Galatians 1:4 excerpt), English translation by Erasmus Middleton, B.D., edited by John Prince Fallowes, M.A., Pembroke College, Cambridge
    http://www.lettermen2.com/luther2.html
    Luther's Commentary on Galatians, Who hath bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth. (Galatians 3:1 excerpt), English translation by Erasmus Middleton, B.D., edited by John Prince Fallowes, M.A., Pembroke College, Cambridge
    http://www.lettermen2.com/luther1.html

    Mack, Wayne A., and Deborah Howard, "It's not Fair!" Finding Hope When Times are Tough, ISBN: 9781596381124 1596381124.
    "With wonderful insight and clarity, Wayne Mack explores the difficult issue of how to reconcile God's justice with His sovereignty. He shines the bright light of Scripture on some of the toughest questions of all, and then carefully explores the answers in a way that is easy to follow and truly helpful." -- Publisher

    *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

    Milligan, James, The Prospects of a True Christian in a Sinful World, 1831.

    Morris, Leon, and Robert J. Banks (editor), Reconciliation and Hope: New Testament Essays on Atonement and Eschatology Presented to L.L. Morris on his 60th Birthday, ISBN: 9780802833495 0802833497.
    Banks was Chairman of the 1968 Melbourne Crusade of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, is principal of Ridley College, and has been a visiting professor at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, Trinity Divinity School, and Westminster Theological Seminary.
    Includes bibliography.

    Mostrom, Donald G., Spiritual Privileges You Didn't Know Were Yours, ISBN: 087784982X: 9780877849827.

    *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

    *Owen, John (1616-1683), The Death of Christ, volume 10 of WORKS, ISBN: 0851510647 9780851510644. Alternate title: SALUS ELECTORUM, SANGUIS JESU: OR THE DEATH OF DEATH IN THE DEATH OF CHRIST. BEING A TREATISE OF THE REDEMPTION AND RECONCILIATION THAT IS IN THE BLOOD OF CHRIST; WHEREIN THE WHOLE CONTROVERSY ABOUT UNIVERSAL REDEMPTION IS FULLY DISCUSSED: IN FOUR PARTS; . . . BY JOHN OWEN, D.D. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #20.
    "Greatest Biblical apologetic on the specific and limited nature of the atoning work of Christ in print. Contains discussions on Arminianism, the death of death in the death of Christ, Divine justice, and also discusses, in detail, many views of the atonement that certain men and groups held (and still hold)." -- Publisher
    "THE DEATH OF DEATH IN THE DEATH OF CHRIST is a polemical work, designed to show, among other things, that the doctrine of universal redemption is unscriptural and destructive of the gospel. . . . Those who see no need for doctrinal exactness and have no time for theological debates which show up divisions between so-called Evangelicals may well regret its reappearance. Some may find the very sound of Owen's thesis so shocking that they will refuse to read his book at all. . . . But . . . there are signs today of a new upsurge of interest in the theology of the Bible: a new readiness to test traditions, to search the Scriptures and to think through the faith. It is to those who share this readiness that Owen's treatise is now offered, in the belief that it will help us in one of the most urgent tasks facing evangelical Christendom today -- the recovery of the Gospel.
    "It is safe to say that no comparable exposition of the work of redemption as planned and executed by the Triune Jehovah has ever been done since Owen published his in 1684. None has been needed.
    "Owen's interpretation of the texts . . . is sure; his power of theological construction is superb; nothing that needs discussing is omitted, and . . . no arguments for or against his position have been used since his day which he has not himself noted and dealt with. . . . Owen's work is a constructive, broad-based biblical analysis of the heart of the gospel, and must be taken seriously as such. . . Nobody has a right to dismiss the doctrine of the limitedness . . . of the atonement as a monstrosity of Calvinistic logic until he has refuted Owen's proof that it is part of the uniform biblical presentation of redemption, clearly taught in plain text after plain text. And nobody has done that yet." -- J.I. Packer, from the Introduction
    "Packer's well balanced definition of Calvinism in the introduction to that volume [John Owen's THE DEATH OF DEATH IN THE DEATH OF CHRIST], is by far the best we have seen in 42 years of intensive reading." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    The Death of Death in the Death of Christ
    http://www.ccel.org/ccel/owen/deathofdeath
    The Death of Death in the Death of Christ: Being a Treatise of the Redemption and Reconciliation That is in the Blood of Christ; Wherein the whole controversy about universal redemption is fully discussed: In four parts (1792)
    http://archive.org/details/deathofdeathinde00owen
    The Death of Death in the Death of Christ, including J.I. Packer's Introduction by John Owen
    http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/packer_intro.html
    The Death of Death in the Death of Christ: Redemption and Reconciliation That is in the Blood of Christ (Limited Atonement), 1 of 33, [audio file]
    An audio file reading by Still Waters Revival Books from THE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN. Currently (October 2018), there are 77 readings of John Owen by SWRB and Reformed Baptist of Holland (Michigan), (Thomas Sullivan), at SermonAudio.com available for listening online, downloading as MP3 files, [audio file], and listening on iPhone, mobile phones, and MPE players.
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=47081639571

    *Owen, John (1616-1683), God's Presence With a People the Spring of Their Prosperity; With Their Special Interest in Abiding in Him. Alternate title: "GOD'S PRESENCE WITH A PEOPLE, THE SPRING OF THEIR PROSPERITY; WITH THEIR SPECIALL INTEREST IN ABIDING WITH HIM. A SERMON, PREACHED TO THE PARLIAMENT OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, AND IRELAND, AT WESTMINSTER, OCTOB. 30. 1656. A DAY OF SOLEMN HUMILIATION. BY JOHN OWEN, D.D. A SERVANT OF JESUS CHRIST, IN THE WORK OF THE GOSPEL. PRINTED BY ORDER OF PARLIAMENT, 1656. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25. Available in various editions of THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN. Available in THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN, VOL. 8, SERMONS TO THE NATION, sermon 11.
    http://johnowenquotes.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/johnowenvol-8.pdf
    Owen preaches at length, 21 pages, on God's presence with a people, both individually and corporately, in a sermon on the text And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you, 2 Chronicles 15:2, delivered to Parliament October 30, 1656.
    "The great concernment of any people or nation is, to know that all their prosperity is from the presence of God amongst them, and to attend to that which will give continuance thereunto. . . .
    "There is a presence of God in respect of providential dispensations. . . . -- attended with peculiar love, favor, good-will, special care towards them with whom he is so present. So Abimelech observed that he was with Abraham, Genesis 21:22, God is with thee in all that thou doest, -- with thee to guide thee, bless thee, preserve thee, as we shall see afterward. So he promised to be with Joshua, I will be with thee, Joshua 1:5; and so he was with Gideon, The Lord is with thee, Judges 6:12, -- to bless him in his great undertaking; and so with Jeremiah, I am with thee, Jeremiah 15:20. This is fully expressed, Isaiah 43:1,2, I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee. And this is the presence of God here intimated, -- his presence with the people as to special providential dispensations, as is manifest from the whole discourse of the prophet; and wherein this consists, shall be afterward at large declared. . . .
    "There is an abiding with God in national administrations; -- this is a fruit of the other, in those who are called to them. And that this is principally here intended is evident from that use that Asa made of this information and exhortation of the prophet. He did not only look to his personal walking thereupon, but also immediately set upon the work of ordering the whole affairs of the kingdom so as God might be glorified thereby. How this may be effected, shall at large afterward be declared. What hath already been spoken may suffice for a foundation of that proposition which I shall this day insist upon; and it is this, --
    "The presence of God with a people, in special providential dispensations for their good, depends on their obediential presence with him in national administrations to his glory: The Lord is with you, while ye be with him. . . .
    "What is the rule and measure of God's continuance with his people in the covenant of grace? Plainly this, -- that he will never forsake them; and, on that account, will take care that they shall never forsake him, but abide with him forever. It is not whilst they do so and so, he will abide with them; and when they cease so to do, he will forsake them, as to his federal and covenant presence; -- there is not such a sandy foundation left us of our abiding with God in Christ. See the tenor of the covenant, Jeremiah 31:33; 32:38-40 [Jeremiah 32:38-40]. The sum is, that God will be with them, and take care that they always abide with him; and therefore hath he provided for all interveniences imaginable, that nothing shall violate this union. God lays his unchangeableness as the foundation of the covenant, Malachi 3:6, and he therein makes us unchangeable; -- not absolutely so, for we change every moment; but with respect to the terms and bounds of the covenant, he hath undertaken that we shall never leave him. The law of God's presence in respect of providential dispensations, and all special privileges attending it, is quite of another importance: it is purely conditional, as you may see in my text. The tenor of it is expressed to the height, 1 Samuel 2:30, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me forever: but now the Lord saith, Be it far from me; for them that honor me I will honor, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed. Here is no alteration of counsel or purpose in God; but merely an explanation of the rule, law, and tenor of providential dispensations; -- no interpretation of the covenant of grace (Eli held not the priesthood by that covenant); but an explication of the tenor of a privilege given in special providence, Psalm 89:32,33. Hence is that variety of God's dealings with men mentioned in the Scripture; which yet are always righteous, according to one or other of these rules and laws. . . .
    "I suppose I need not go for proof beyond the observation of the constant tenor of God's proceedings with his people of old. When did he not deal thus with them? What instance can be given of transgressing this rule? Is the whole story of the nation of the Jews any thing but the illustration of this proposition? Some ruled well, and sought the Lord; and the Lord was with them, and prospered them in all their ways; -- some fell from him, and walked according to their own imaginations; and the Lord cut them short on that account; -- yea, sometimes the same man, as Solomon, Asa, Uzziah, experienced both these states and conditions. Hath not the state of all nations, since they came into the power of men professing the knowledge of him, been the same? Look on the Roman empire; did it not flourish under the hand of men who ruled with God, and were faithful with the saints? Is not the present distraction of it, under the fury and cruelty of Turk and Pope, the issue of the violence, unrighteousness, idolatry, luxury, and persecution of ill governors? Doth not the demonstration of all God's people in the world -- the consideration whereof, in particular, might be insisted on as the ground and reason of the truth insisted on -- require that it should be thus Leviticus 26:1, and almost the whole book of Deuteronomy, are sermons on this text; and every verse, almost, in them would afford a new confirmation of the truth in hand. . . .
    "The second use of this pillar was, to give them protection and defense in their ways; so Exodus 14:19,20,24. This protected them from the Egyptians; -- and from thence God troubled their enemies out of the pillar; that is, from his especial presence. This use of it is insisted on, Isaiah 4:5,6. The cloud, that was as smoke by day, and as fire by night, was also a shadow, a place of refuge, and a covert; in one word, a protection or a defense. And this is a second thing which is in God's special presence, -- he will protect or defend them with whom he is so present. He is their dwelling place, Psalm 90:1, then, when in this world they have none; their refuge in the time of trouble: so Isaiah 25:4, 26:1 [Isaiah 26:1], 31:4 [Isaiah 31:4]. Promises and instances to make this good abound; -- they are known to all; the time would fail me to insist upon them. I might go over all the causes, means, and ways of the fears, dangers, ruin of such a people, and show you how a defense is provided against them all. Are their fears from themselves, because of their folly, weakness, and division? or from pretended friends, because of their envy and desertion? or from open enemies, because of their power, cruelty, malice, and revenge? A defense is provided on every account. Heat, rain, tempests, storms, adversity, prosperity, -- all are provided against, where God is present, Isaiah 32:1,2.
    "And if any people in the world have experience of this truth, we have it this day. Had not the Lord been with us, who had not destroyed us? Enemies, friends, abroad, at home, our own follies, -- all, any of them, had done the work, had not the Lord himself been with us. . . .
    "That we may abide with God, this is indispensably required, -- that we may have peace with him in Jesus Christ. If we are never with him, we cannot abide with him; no man can abide where he never come. The acceptance of our persons lies at the bottom of the acceptance of our duties. As the special presence of God with any, is in and by Christ, and no otherwise, so is our abiding with God in and through him. God with us is the name of Christ: our being with God is in him who is our peace. Two cannot walk together, unless they be agreed, Amos 3:3.
    "Now, because this is not to be expected from all the individuals of a nation, yet this thing is to be endeavored, -- that the rulers of it be such as have this interest. I do not divest of a share in government, those who have no share in Christ, if lawfully called thereunto; but I say, when God gives governors whom he intends to make a blessing unto a people, they shall be such as are blessed of him in Christ. And if ever the government of this nation, in this present constitution, -- suppose it the most exactly framed and balanced, in the several parts of it, for the furtherance of public good, -- be devolved into the hands of men not interested in God by Christ, though the constitution may be absolutely good, yet the government will not be blessed, and the nation will be ruined; for God and his glory will depart, Micah 5:5,6. It is Christ that is our peace, even in outward troubles. . . .
    "This, then, I say, is pre-required, as a qualification of any person to the performance of this duty of abiding with God. It is the psalmist's advice, Psalm 2:11,12. Let this principle be always owned amongst you; by it honor Christ in the world. Give him the pre-eminence; it is the Father's will he should have it in all things. Expect not the presence of God, but upon this account. Bear testimony herein against the world of profane men, who despise these things. Seeing, then, it cannot be expected to have this qualification diffused universally, as yet, through the body of the people, let the rulers take care that they be not the cause of God's departure from us. . . ." -- John Owen

    *Pink, Arthur W. (1886-1952), Comfort for Christians, ISBN: 0585074860 9780585074863.
    "A timely work full of consolation. A valuable addition to the other books treating suffering. . . ." -- Cyril J. Barber
    "Those shocked into wakefulness by Pink's book on THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD will be amazed at the different tone he displayed in this book. It is heart-warming." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    Comfort for Christians, by Arthur W. Pink
    http://www.ccel.org/p/pink/comfort/comfort.html

    Pippert, Rebecca M., Hope has its Reason: Surprised by Faith in a Broken World, ISBN: 0891096523 9780891096528.
    "Part of evil's nature is to keep sin hidden. But it's not a sin to admit we're sinners. Rebecca Manley Pippert openly discusses our true condition. She also reminds us of the freedom and transparency available to the believer because of the cross." -- Publisher

    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

    *Ridderbos, Herman N., The Coming of the Kingdom, ISBN: 0875524087.
    "A thorough treatment of the teaching pertaining to the Kingdom. Amillennial." -- Cyril J. Barber

    *Salmond, Stewart D.F., The Biblical Doctrine of Immortality, ISBN: 0865241643 9780865241640.
    This "excellent study deserves an honored place in every Christian's library. What [Salmond], has written underscores the believer's hope. His work, therefore, should be studied by all who wish to be faithfully instructed in the Bible's teaching on this important subject." -- Publisher

    *Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635), The Bruised Reed, ISBN: 0851517404 9780851517407. A Christian classic. Available (THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "Richard Sibbes, one of the most influential figures in the Puritan movement during the earlier years of the seventeenth century, was renowned for the rich quality of his ministry. THE BRUISED REED shows why he was known among his contemporaries as 'the sweet dropper.'
    "If you have ever been (or are), discouraged in any way this is a book that will bring great encouragement and joy!" -- Publisher
    "Sibbes never wastes the student's time, he scatters pearls and diamonds with both hands." -- C.H. Spurgeon
    "A poor peddler came to the door . . . and my father bought of him Sibb's BRUISED REED . . . It suited my state . . . and gave me a livelier apprehension of the mystery of redemption and how much I was beholden to Jesus Christ . . . Without any means but books was God pleased to resolve me to himself." -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)
    "Speaking of the preacher's need to suit his reading to the varying conditions he finds within, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says in his PREACHING AND PREACHERS:
    'You will find, I think, in general that the Puritans are almost invariably helpful . . . I shall never cease to be grateful to one of them called Richard Sibbes who was balm to my soul at a period in my life when I was overworked and badly overtired, and therefore subject in an unusual manner to the onslaughts of the devil. In that state and condition . . . what you need is some gently, tender treatment for your soul. I found at that time that Richard Sibbes, who was known in London in the early seventeenth century as 'the heavenly Doctor Sibbes', was an unfailing remedy. His books THE BRUISED REED and THE SOUL'S CONFLICT quieted, soothed, comforted, encouraged and healed me.'
    "This is one of the best Puritan books to read if you are feeling down or depressed or if you are facing struggles and trials. It is also very useful if you are struggling with assurance. Great encouragement for Christians here!" -- Publisher
    The Bruised Reed and Smoking Flax, A. Beith (introduction, 1878)
    http://archive.org/details/bruisedreedands00sibbgoog

    *Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Exposition of the Doctrines of Grace. Alternate title: C.H. SPURGEON'S BIBLE CONFERENCE AT THE METROPOLITAN TABERNACLE ON THE THEME, EXPOSITION OF THE DOCTRINES OF GRACE.
    A booklet.

    *Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Jesus Only, a sermon. Delivered on Lord's Day morning, April 3, 1870, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon no. 924.
    Sermon text: And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man, save Jesus only. (Matthew 17:8)
    "We, on the other hand say, blessing the name of the Lord that we can say it, that there abides with us our Lord Jesus. At this day He is with us, and will be with us even to the end of the world! Christ's existence is not a fact confined to antiquity or to remote distance. By His Spirit He is actually in His Church. We have seen Him, though not with eyes. We have heard Him, though not with ears. We have grasped Him, though not with hands. And we feed upon His flesh, which is meat, indeed, and His blood, which is drink, indeed. We have with us at this very day Jesus our Friend, to Whom we make known our secrets, and who bears all our sorrows.
    "We have Jesus our interpreting Instructor, who still reveals His secrets to us, and leads us into the mind and name of God. We have Jesus still with us to supply us with strength, and in His power we are still mighty. We confess His reigning Sovereignty in the Church, and we receive His all-sufficient succor. The Church is not decapitated, her Head abides in vital union with her -- Jesus is no myth to us -- whatever He may be to others. He is no departed shade, He is no heroic personification -- in very deed there is a Christ, and though others see Him not, and even we with these eyes see Him not, yet in Him believing we rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.
    "Oh, I trust it will never be so with us, that as we go about our life work our religion shall melt into fiction and become nothing but mere sentiment, nothing but thought, and dream, and vision. But may our religion be a matter of FACT, a walking with the living and abiding Savior. Though Moses may be gone, and Elijah may be gone, yet Jesus Christ abides with us and in us, and we in Him, and so shall it be forever more." -- C.H. Spurgeon, p. 641
    http://www.spurgeongems.org/vols16-18/chs924.pdf

    *Spurstowe, William (1605?-1666), The Wells of Salvation Opened: or, A Treatise Discovering the Nature, Preciousness, Usefulness of Gospel Promises, and Rules for the Right Application of Them. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "THE WELLS OF SALVATION . . . may well we the best book ever written on God's promises. The book contains the main content of several sermons which are introduced by Spurstowe in a preface. He writes, 'The promises are a large field in which the wise Merchant may find more pearls hidden, than are yet espied: A rich mine in which the diligent laborer may dig forth more fine gold, than any yet have taken from them'." -- Joel Beeke, from the Foreword
    The Wells of Salvation Opened
    http://www.apuritansmind.com/puritan-favorites/william-spurstowe-1605-1666/

    Thomas, Derek, Help for Hurting Christians, ISBN: 0852342845 9780852342848.
    "Thomas examines nine Psalms and draws from them practical help and encouragement for many different aspects of the Christian's daily walk with God." -- GCB

    Van Buren, James G., and Don DeWelt, What the Bible Says About Praise and Promise, ISBN: 0899000789 9780899000787.

    *Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), All Things for Good: Romans 8:28, A Divine Cordial. Alternate title, A DIVINE CORDIAL in 1663, ISBN: 0851514782 9780851514789. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "I would prescribe them to take, now and then, a little of this Cordial: all things work together for good to them that love God. To know that nothing hurts the godly, is a matter of comfort; but to be assured that all things which fall out shall cooperate for their good, that their crosses shall be turned into blessings, that showers of affliction water the withering root of their grace and make it flourish more; this may fill their hearts with joy till they run over." -- Thomas Watson, from the Preface
    "Thomas Watson of St. Stephen's, Walbrook believed he faced two great difficulties in his pastoral ministry. The first was making the unbeliever sad, in the recognition of his need of God's grace. The second was making the believer joyful in response to God's grace. He believed the answer to the second difficulty could be found in Paul's teaching in Romans 8:28, God works all things together for good for his people.
    "Watson's exposition is always simple, illuminating and rich in practical application. He explains that both the best and the worst experiences work for the good of God's people. He carefully analyses what it means to be someone who 'loves God' and is 'called according to his purpose.' ALL THINGS FOR GOOD provides the biblical answer to the contemporary question: 'Why do bad things happen to good people'?" -- Publisher

    Winter, Richard, The Roots of Sorrow: Reflections on Depression and Hope.

    *Witsius, Herman (1636-1708), The Economy of the Covenants. Alternate title: THE OECONOMY OF THE COVENANTS BETWEEN GOD AND MAN, COMPREHENDING A COMPLETE BODY OF DIVINITY. BY HERMAN WITSIUS, . . . FAITHFULLY TRANSLATED FROM THE LATIN, AND CAREFULLY REVISED, BY WILLIAM CROOKSHANK, D.D. TO WHICH IS PREFIXED THE LIFE OF THE AUTHOR, VOL. 1, 1774, 3 VOLS., ISBN: 0875528708. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27. A Christian classic.
    Witsius is considered to be the father of Covenant Theology.
    "Witsius (1636-1708), was a Dutch theologian, professor of Divinity at the Universities of Frankes, Utrecht, and Leyden. . . . In the very full introduction by J.I. Packer, you can get a very good overview. And at the same time you will get a succinct but amazingly appropriate overview of the scriptural covenants. . . . Packer compares Witsius to John Owen as a thorough, meticulous scholar who thought through everything before he set his pen to paper. It was this reviewer's blessing to obtain a set of Witsius in his early Christian life, and can testify to much help from them." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    Witsius, Herman, The Economy of the Covenants Between God and Man: Comprehending a Complete Body of Divinity (1837)
    http://archive.org/details/MN41373ucmf_5
    Witsius, Herman, Of Election from ECONOMY OF THE COVENANTS BETWEEN GOD AND MAN
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/gospel/witsius_election.html
    Witsius, Herman, Of Justification, from ECONOMY OF THE COVENANTS BETWEEN GOD AND MAN.
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/gospel/witsius_justification.html
    Witsius, Herman, Of the Violation of the Covenant of Works on the Part of Man from ECONOMY OF THE COVENANTS BETWEEN GOD AND MAN
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/gospel/witsius_violation_of_the_Covenant_of_Works.html

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The love and justice of god, oneness, Immanuel, christ's presence, christ in you, Eternal Life, Immortality, Soteriology, atonement, Unity and uniformity in the visible church: unity in the truth, The lord's supper, communion, and close communion, Hope, Spiritual discernment, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justification, Justifying faith, 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, The all-sufficiency of christ, The promises of Christ, Bible promises, The second coming, parousia, and escatological coming of christ, and the preterist, futurist, and historical approaches to the apocalypse, Comfort, encouragement, Immanuel, christ with you, christ in you, The words of christ, Words of christ appearing in the web edition of biblical counsel: resources for renewal, Comfort, encouragement, Immortality, everlasting life, Soteriology, Angels, Ready reference, immediate counsel, The cross of christ, The blood of christ, Affliction, adversity, trials, suffering, chastisement, The resurrection, Heaven, The covenant faithfulness of god, Revelation, The love and justice of God, Forgiveness of sin, Justifying faith, Sanctification, Glorification, Attributes of God, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, The ten commandments: the moral law, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Comfort, encouragement, The teaching of our lord jesus christ, Christ our example, Corporate Faithfulness, Christ's influence on western civilization, A theological interpretation of american history, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, The free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, the covenant of eternal salvation, How to become a christian, Book-length presentations of the free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come, Bible magistracy turns back the wrath of god, The doctrine of the lesser magistrates, Affliction, adversity, trials, suffering, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 1191, 1691-1699, 3719, 4186
    MGTP: Hope

    Related Weblinks

    God of all Comfort (FGB #194)
    O Blessed Hurricane! Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | Comfort in the Night of Weeping, Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889) | God and Natural Disasters, Bridges, Jerry | Earthly Sorrows and Following Christ, Ryle, J.C. (1816-1900) | The God of all Comfort, Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635) | Comfort in all Tribulation Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | Tried by Fire, Pink, A.W. (1889-1952) | The Comforts of the Holy Spirit, Owen, John (1616-1683) | How Does God Comfort? Winslow, Octavius (1808-1878)
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/goacfg/god-of-all-comfort-the

    Hope (FGB #186)
    What Hope is, Watson, Thomas (c. 1620-1686) | Hope in God, A'Brakel, Wilhelmus (1635-1711) | Our Hope, Ryle, J.C. (1816-1900) | Hope is a Glorious Grace, Owen, John (1616-1683) | Of the Grace of Hope, Gill, John (1697-1771) | The Sacred Anchor, Watson, Thomas (c. 1620-1686) | The Hope Laid up in Heaven, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892)
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/hopefg/hope

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

    Psychology and Psychiatry
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappc.html

    A Resolution to Combat Mind Control With Truth
    http://www.lettermen2.com/mindc.html

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



    Hostility and Violence (Hatred)

    Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer, and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. (1 John 3:15)

    Let no corrupt word out of your mouth go forth, but what is good unto the needful building up, that it may give grace to the hearers. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil-speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: and become one to another kind, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, according as also God in Christ did forgive you. (Ephesians 4:29,31,32, YLTHB)

    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

    Anthropologists tell us that one-third of all human beings who have lived on this planet have died at the hands of their brothers -- that fully one-third of the human race have died through war, violence, crime, and sudden death at the hands of another human being. -- D. James Kennedy (1930-2007), and List of Wars and Anthropogenic Disasters by Death Toll, Wikipedia

    Abortion was the 20th century's biggest single killer of mankind worldwide, far surpassing any other cause: disease, war, governments, natural disasters, and so forth. See: "Biggest Killers of the 20th Century." Notice that abortion is not included in this diagram. The absence of information says something about the depravity of mankind (Jeremiah 17:9,10), and about the suppression and repression of truth. (Hosea 4:6,7)
    The number of abortions performed worldwide in the last 50 years is estimated to be 1 to 2 billion. But try to document this fact elsewhere online.
    The total abortions worldwide for the 20th century may be interpolation from available data. The calculation does not factor in incremental increases in world population since 1900. Worldwide there are an estimated 43.8 million abortions annually (2008 figures, Guttmacher Institute) X 100 years = 4.38 billion killings worldwide in the 20th century. This is compared to 1.97 billion estimated deaths worldwide for non-communicable diseases the reported biggest killer worldwide of the 20th century. Comparison may also be made with figures for genocide.
    Number of Abortions -- Abortion Counters
    "The most accurate set of abortion counters on the web. Number of abortions in U.S. and worldwide; Number of abortions since 1973; Number of abortions this year; U.S. abortion clock; Worldwide abortion clock; Number of abortions due to rape or incest; Planned Parenthood abortion count."
    http://www.numberofabortions.com/

    The depravity of man is at once the most empirically verifiable reality, but at the same time the most intellectually resisted fact. (Genesis 6:5; Genesis 8:21b; Ecclesiastes 9:3b; Jeremiah 17:9; Mark 7:21-23; Ephesians 2:1-3; Titus 3:3-5) -- Malcolm Muggeridge (1903-1990). See John Calvin's Commentary on Isaiah Chapter 33 [Isaiah 33:1-66].

    Word: "disease"; Meaning; "disturb"; Sample location: "Luke 8:49" -- from the "Glossary," 1599 Geneva Bible, Tolle Lege edition

    DISEASE, n. Dizeze. [dis and ease].
    1. In its primary sense, pain, uneasiness, distress, and so used by Spenser; but in this sense, obsolete.
    2. The cause of pain or uneasiness . . . disorder; any state of a living body in which the natural functions of the organs are interrupted or disturbed . . . The first effect of disease is uneasiness or pain, and the ultimate effect is death. . . .
    3. A disordered state of the mind or intellect, by which the reason is impaired.
    4. In society, vice; corrupt state of morals. Vices are called moral diseases. A wise man converses with the wicked, as a physician with the sick, not to catch the disease, but to cure it.
    5. Political or civil disorder, or vices in a state; any practice which tends to disturb the peace of society, or impede or prevent the regular administration of government.
    The instability, injustice and confusion introduced into the public councils have, in truth, been the mortal diseases under which popular governments have every where perished. -- 1846 edition of An American Dictionary of the English Language

    DISEASE, v.t. dizeze.
    1. To interrupt or impair any or all the natural and regular functions of the several organs of a living body [i.e. robbing a neighbor of sleep -- compiler]; to afflict with pain or sickness to make morbid . . .
    2. To interrupt or render imperfect the regular functions of the brain, or of the intellect; to disorder; to derange.
    3. To infect; to communicate disease to, by contagion.
    4. To pain; to make uneasy. -- 1828 edition of Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Hostility," "Testing," and so forth, and so on.

    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.

    Du Plessis, Susan, and Jan Strydom, The Creators of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) on Trial: and of Youth Violence, the Drug Culture, Teen-age Promiscuity, the Wave of Teen Suicides and Illiteracy, ISBN: 1919751076 9781919751078.
    "Contents: The number of children being diagnosed with behavior disorders such as ADHD, conduct disorder and Tourette syndrome is multiplying. | Youth violence, alcohol and drug abuse, teenage promiscuity and teen suicides have become commonplace. | Learning disabilities and illiteracy are increasing at an alarming rate. | This book reveals the true causes of youth-related problems. | Parents will find that this book explains what they can do to overcome ADHD and other emotional and behavioral problems. | Biochemical imbalances or neurological disorders in the brain. | Artificial colors and flavors. | Vaccinations. | Heredity. | TV. | Peer pressure. | A frog in a pot. | The myth of ADHD. | A new interpretation of an old problem. | In search of a biological cause. | Based on a logical flaw. | The restoration of status and riddance of guilt feelings. | The smart pill. | Discouraging results. | Man must learn to be human. | The bandwagon that went to a funeral. | Man is dependent on learning. | Questions most frequently asked. | The decomposition of society. | Youth violence and delinquency -- our social toxin. | The frightening drug scene. | The epidemic of teen-age promiscuity. | The horror statistics of suicide. | The erosion of education. | The soulless roots of psychology and psychiatry. | Members of the psychological guild on the stand. | The roots of modern psychology and psychiatry. | The rise of modern psychology. | The revolt against morals. | Psychiatry helps to free man from his crippling burden. | Morality goes to pot. | Creating a drug culture. | Chaos in the classroom. | Beginning of the rising tide of mediocrity. | Affective education replaces intellectual education. | Making our sick children well. | More of the same. | The Mental Hygiene Movement joins the educational scene. | The heart of psychology and psychiatry. | The proof of the pudding. | The hidden agendas of the experts. | Man is more than an animal. | Physical needs are not man's only needs. | Freedom without limits is no freedom at all. | Nobody can replace a parent. | The three cornerstones of discipline. | Training for self-discipline and self-restraint. | The illogicalities of the humanists. | The promise of an eternal life. | The other side of the coin. | A compass for his life. | What love is and what it is not. | The gold of which the coin is made. | The keys to the Kingdom. | An alternative approach. | A pyramid of repetition must be constructed. | The stratified nature of learning. | The foundational skills of reading. | The stratified nature of concentration. | The interruption of intellectual traditions. | The road that conquers death. | Man's search for meaning. | When man's spiritual need is denied. | The religion of modern man. | The New Age Movement finds its way to America. | Questions and answers on discipline. | From theories to practice. | A program of hope. | The deterioration of our children. | A case study." -- Publisher

    Du Plessis, Susan, and Jan Strydom, The Myth of ADHD and Other Learning Disabilities: Parenting Without Ritalin, ISBN: 1563841800 9781563841804.
    "If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD or some other behavior disorder, be careful. This diagnosis might be false. . . . The authors of this book explain how parents can teach their children the skills of concentration and self-control without drugging them into submission. Book jacket." -- Publisher

    *Foxe, John, and Thomas Freeman (prefatory material), John Foxe's Book of Martyrs. Actes and Monuments of Matters Most Speciall and Memorable (unabridged). Alternate title: THE UNABRIDGED ACTS AND MONUMENTS ONLINE or TAMO (HRI Online Publications, Sheffield, 2011). Available from: http://www.johnfoxe.org. Implemented by the Humanities Research Institute, University of Sheffield, England, and published by HRI Online Publications, Sheffield, 2011, Version 2.0, ISBN: 9780954260864.
    "You can browse and compare the unabridged texts of the four editions of this massive work published in John Foxe's lifetime (1563, 1570, 1576, 1583). Each edition changed significantly as Foxe sought to incorporate new material, answer his critics, and adjust its polemical force to the needs of the moment. . . .
    "TAMO is both an instrument of scholarship and a tool for anyone who wants to explore this remarkable work, a milestone in the history of the English printed book and a signal achievement of its printer, John Day."
    John Foxe's Book of Martyrs. Actes and Monuments of Matters Most Speciall and Memorable, ISBN: 0197262252 9780197262252.
    "This CD-ROM combines readable and printable images of 2,200 pages of text and woodcut engravings from the 1583 edition, the last for which Foxe was personally responsible."
    Other editions: Acts and Monuments or Foxe's Book of Martyrs, 1554, 1843-49 edition, 8 volumes. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    " 'No book ever inflicted a wound so deep and incurable on the Romish system of superstition and bloody persecution . . . it was placed in . . . all churches and chapels throughout the kingdom, by order of Queen Elizabeth.' (Smith, Select Memoirs, p. 245). Contains much information not found in any of the liberally edited and severely shortened editions of this classic work which are in print today. Covering martyrs from the early church through to Foxe's day, it was one of the most influential books of the sixteenth century! It overflows with faith building testimony of the power of God to overcome the most cruel and barbarous acts of human depravity and demonic cruelty. 6890 pages. A very rare set, now back in print after 150 years!" -- Publisher
    "After the Bible itself, no book so profoundly influenced early Protestant sentiment as the BOOK OF MARTYRS. Even in our time it is still a living force. It is more than a record of persecution. It is an arsenal of controversy, a storehouse of romance, as well as a source of edification." -- James Miller Dodds, English Prose
    "When one recollects that until the appearance of the PILGRIM'S PROGRESS the common people had almost no other reading matter except the BIBLE and FOX'S BOOK OF MARTYRS, we can understand the deep impression that this book produced; and how it served to mold the national character. Those who could read for themselves learned the full details of all the atrocities performed on the Protestant reformers; the illiterate could see the rude illustrations of the various instruments of torture, the rack, the gridiron, the boiling oil, and then the holy ones breathing out their souls amid the flames. Take a people just awakening to a new intellectual and religious life; let several generations of them, from childhood to old age, pore over such a book, and its stories become traditions as individual and almost as potent as songs and customs on a nation's life." -- Douglas Campbell, The Puritan in Holland, England, and America
    "If we divest the book of its accidental character of feud between churches, it yet stands, in the first years of Elizabeth's reign, a monument that marks the growing strength of a desire for spiritual freedom, defiance of those forms that seek to stifle conscience and fetter thought." -- Henry Morley, English Writers
    "John Foxe was a prince among believers. He had his printing press on a cart, and had often to print at night, moving his press before dawn to escape capture and burning at the stake. He never faltered in his purpose to leave a voluminous written witness to the power of the Lord Jesus Christ to keep His saints in love and peace." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    Text Encoding Initiative (TEI), John Foxe's Book of Martyrs Variorum Edition Online
    http://www.tei-c.org/Activities/Projects/jo01.xml

    Gelet, James, Eric Holmberg, Jerry Johnson, and the Apologetics Group, The Marks of a Cult: A Biblical Analysis, DVD, ISBN: 1573411507 9781573411509.
    "Just why are Baptists properly considered Christians, but Mormons are not? Or why is the Jehovah's Witness religion classified as an anti-Christian cult, while Presbyterians, Wesleyans and Pentecostals are simply seen as denominations within the Christian faith? With the explosion of different sects that claim to honor and follow Jesus, how does one differentiate between true Biblical Christianity and an aberrant religious movement? Just what are the marks of a cult? . . . The video gives clear guidelines on how to distinguish truth from error in principle as well as carefully documented instructions on the particular errors of prominent cults." -- Publisher

    *Hassan, Steven, Combating Cult Mind Control: The #1 Best-selling Guide to Protection, Rescue and Recovery From Destructive Cults, ISBN: 0892814225 9780892814220.
    A secular author apparently.
    Recognize the signs of destructive organizations and protect yourself from psychological manipulation.
    "Remarkably useful and important. I heartily recommend this book to anyone affected by the cult experience. Hassan's work will be valuable to health professionals, clergy, attorneys, and all those involved with cults, their members, and the families whose lives they touch." -- Louis Jolyon West, M.D., Chairman, Department of Psychiatry, UCLA School of Medicine.
    Chapter 4, "Understanding Mind Control," explains how to recognize mind control activities.
    Includes bibliography, bibliographical footnotes, index, and an appendix of resource organizations.
    Recommended as a valuable reference work.
    An Understanding of Cult Mind Control
    http://www.shassan.com/

    Hefley, James, and Marti Hefle, By Their Blood: Christian Martyrs of the 20th Century, ISBN: 0915134284 9780915134281.
    "Too often we forget that God's people are suffering and being martyred. Here in a vivid book we are awakened. What FOXE'S BOOK OF MARTYRS did for generations past this book does for our generation." -- GCB
    "The book begins with accounts of the martyrs during the Boxer Rebellion in China, continues with martyrs in Japan and Korea, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, Nazi Germany, and of the Soviet Union and its communist regimes. Then there are martyrs from the Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean, and from Latin America. . . .
    "The stories themselves are gruesome. There is no viciousness like the viciousness of those who worship humanly-conceived gods. Like the Roman Catholic inquisitors in the sixteenth century, men in all nations have at one time or another sought to physically torture Christians to make them recant their testimonies. It is said that for every Christian Stalin murdered in Russia, two or more were raised up by God, until Stalin ordered the killing stopped for fear the whole nation would become Christians. Despite the lurid details of the torture, we recommend that everyone read the books that tell of martyrs dying for the cause of God and truth. This goes for children. Before you cry out, remember what they are watching on television, and seeing in movies, yes, and reading in Stephen King books, and others of that kind. Horror stories are bestsellers in our times. Let the children learn what horrible things are being done to Christians merely because they believe and obey God's word, and because of it worship the Lord Jesus Christ. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)

    Hudson, Pamela S., Ritual Child Abuse: Discovery, Diagnosis and Treatment, ISBN: 0882478672 9780882478678.
    Includes bibliographical references.
    "I am a psychotherapist who works with trauma. I used to believe that ritual abuse was an urban legend; now I know better. I've worked with enough survivors and specialists who treat Dissociative Identity Disorder, previously called Multiple Personality Disorder, that I know Satanic Ritual Abuse and many other forms of ritual abuse are very real. It is very real and survivors are typically afraid to seek out help from mental health professionals for it and are severely dis-served by the denial of mental health practitioners.
    "This book is a little simplistic but is a good introduction to working with Ritual Abuse Survivors. I recommend reading this to help wrap your mind around ritual abuse, then, if you are a professional read Dee Brown's book on SATANIC RITUAL ABUSE. That is an excellent resource." -- Reader's Comment

    *Hyde, Margaret O., Cry Softly! The Story of Child Abuse, ISBN: 0664327230 9780664327231.
    Includes bibliography and index.
    "The rising tide of child abuse makes this book a must. Deals with the reasons, as well as the treatment. Provides information on 'Hotlines,' 'Suggestions for Further Reading,' and 'National Organizations Concerned With Child Abuse'." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Hyde, Margaret O., Sexual Abuse: Let's Talk About it, ISBN: 0664327257 9780664327255.
    "Draws attention to what is becoming a 'national epidemic.' Points out how pastors may recognize the victims and deal with the trauma and anger of those who feel violated. Practical." -- Cyril J. Barber
    "Discusses the sexual abuse of children, how they can protect themselves, where they can seek help, the kinds of help available, and how to increase public awareness of this problem."

    *Johnston, Jerry, with Bill Stern, The Edge of Evil: The Rise of Satanism in North America, ISBN: 0849906687 9780849906688.
    "Amid the hoopla and shock of occult mysteries and Jerry Johnston's trans-continental investigation he ferrets out the truth. The intoxication of satanic power, the mind-warping of Satan's new children isn't easy reading, but it is must reading for every parent, educator, and teenager desiring to be protected. . . . Jerry Johnston's profound impact on young people and their parents has been acclaimed by educators, clergy, mayors, media personalities, politicians, and President Reagan coast-to-coast. . . . Johnston is considered an expert on youth culture and trends. . . ." -- Publisher

    Mack, Wayne A., Where are you in Relation to God?
    "Shows the diverse ways people express their hostility and alienation from God. Then shows how God in Jesus Christ reconciles people to himself. Closes with a call and challenge: 'Are you looking to Jesus Christ alone for salvation? Have you been reconciled and are you enjoying fellowship and communion with God? Well, if not, I challenge you to consider your condition, for you are still in a state of alienation from God. You are alienated from God by your sinful attitudes and by your sinful activities, and God is angry with you. come to God. Confess your sins. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved'." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    Martin, Grant, Counseling in Cases of Family Violence and Abuse, ISBN: 0849905877 9780849905872.

    *Miller, Wendell E. Forgiveness: The Power and the Puzzles, ISBN: 0964144115 9780964144118.
    "Defines God's forgiveness in four ways: (1) initial forgiveness releases us from the penalty of sin and (2) restores us to fellowship with God, and (3) repetitive forgiveness releases us from the day by day penalty for fresh sins, and (4) restores us day by day to fellowship. Defines our forgiveness of others in two ways: (1) vertical forgiveness between us and God (Mark 11:25) releases others from the penalty of our wrath, and (2) horizontal forgiveness (Luke 17:3), restores the relationship between us and others who repent. Discusses flaws in such ideas as 'forgiving God' and 'forgiving oneself'." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
    "It could have been called "The Anger Handbook" because it teaches how to overcome problems of hurt feelings, anger, and aggressive behavior. Overcoming problems of anger is crucial. Spouse abuse, failures in marriages, failures in child rearing, and even child abuse often erupt from anger. Parents who model angry behavior are likely to raise children with anger problems. And most importantly, God is not glorified by Christians who have anger problems.
    "It teaches the kind of forgiveness that is nearly always an absolute necessity to becoming really free from the trauma of sexual abuse. . . .
    "FORGIVENESS: THE POWER AND THE PUZZLES will add biblical power to the books that you already have on Christian living, discipleship, marriage, child rearing, anger, communications, forgiveness, and sexual abuse." -- Publisher

    *Morey, Robert, The new Atheism and the Erosion of Freedom, ISBN: 0875523625 9780875523620.
    "Exposes the godless suppression of religious freedom today and presents effective ways to convert atheists to Christ. In case you have not noticed atheism/secular humanism is gaining ground. Are you grounded in what these philosophies teach? Can you refute them? Dr. Morey will show you how." -- GCB
    The American Atheist Union has said this is the most dangerous book ever written about religion.
    Includes bibliography.

    Nason-Clark, Nancy, and Catherine Clark Kroeger, No Place for Abuse: Biblical and Practical Resources to Counteract Violence, ISBN: 083082295X 9780830822959.

    Pellauer, Mary D. (editor), Barbara Chester (editor), and Jane Boyajian (editor), Sexual Assault and Abuse: A Handbook for Clergy and Religious Professionals, ISBN: 0060665076 9780060665074.
    "Illustrated with case histories this book, primarily by women (only two chapters are by men), helps counselors and therapists recognize the patterns of sexual assault and sexual abuse. From this premise the gears are switched and the contributors discuss the reasons for violence in our milieu, and the threat this poses to children, teens, and adults." -- Cyril J. Barber

    *Scheneman, Mark A., The Identification of Models of Ministry for Clergy and Congregations to Confront the Destructive Cults (The Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, D.Min. thesis, 1983).
    "This project undertook the task of identifying and suggesting models of ministry which clergy and congregations might find appropriate and helpful in dealing with destructive cults. . . . It was argued that destructive cults ought to be confronted on moral and procedural grounds, rather than for theological considerations." -- Dissertation Abstracts

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Repentance the key to salvation and change, 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, The ten commandments: the moral law, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Heaven, Hell, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), War, Anger, Gratuitous sex, a cause of violence, Abortion and the sanctity of life, Abuse, Adultery, Child Abuse, Divorce, Homosexuality, lesbianism, gay, bisexual, transvestite, queer (lgbtq), Incest, Rape, Sexually transmitted diseases, Pornography, Emotions and health, Hypocrisy, New Age, Persecution, Pseudo-Christian movements, The courts, the law base, and the judicial system, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Envy and jealousy, Vengeance and retaliation, Bad relationships a cause of disease and death, Psychology and psychiatry, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 2213, 3350

    Related Weblinks

    The Biblical Solution to Terrorism
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappd.html#terror

    The Doctrine of man (Human Nature, Total Depravity)
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2cha.html#domhntd

    List of Wars and Anthropogenic Disasters by Death Toll, Wikipedia
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_wars_and_anthropogenic_disasters_by_death_toll

    Pagan Resentment, [audio file], Peter Hammond
    "St. Augustine in THE CITY OF GOD observed that the Romans despised the Christians because of Christian opposition to their unrestrained immorality, perversions and depravities. The church father Tertullian noted the Romans were so incensed by Christian opposition to their immoralities that they hated the very name 'Christian.
    Professor Alvin Schmidt in his HOW CHRISTIANITY CHANGED THE WORLD observes:

    The hateful attitudes that were once directed against the early Christians seem to be returning, and for similar reasons, despite the current attention given to toleration. Increasingly, Christians are hated by many who advocate 'hate crime' laws. In large measure, they are hated because they seek to honour God and His laws rather than re-define god as our future selves. Feverish efforts are underway to bring back the sexual debauchery of ancient paganism.
    https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=8320937192483
    Pagan Resentment accompanying video
    https://vimeo.com/444175528

    Psychology and Psychiatry
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappc.html

    Rebellion and Lawlessness: Wickedness, Demonic Possession, Abnormal Behavior, Insanity, Mental Illness, Mental Retardation
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappd.html#rlinsane

    An Understanding of Cult Mind Control
    http://www.shassan.com/



    Divine and Human Rights

    Western society has given itself the organization best suited to its purposes, based, I would say, on the letter of the law. The limits of human rights and righteousness are determined by a system of laws; such limits are very broad. People in the West have acquired considerable skill in using, interpreting and manipulating law, even though laws tend to be too complicated for an average person to understand without the help of an expert. Any conflict is solved according to the letter of the law and this is considered to be the supreme solution. If one is right from a legal point of view, nothing more is required, nobody may mention that one could still not be entirely right, and urge self-restraint, a willingness to renounce such legal rights, sacrifice and selfless risk: it would sound simply absurd. One almost never sees voluntary self-restraint. Everybody operates at the extreme limit of those legal frames. An oil company is legally blameless when it purchases an invention of a new type of energy in order to prevent its use. A food product manufacturer is legally blameless when he poisons his produce to make it last longer: after all, people are free not to buy it.
    I have spent all my life under a communist regime and I will tell you that a society without any objective legal scale is a terrible one indeed. But a society with no other scale but the legal one is not quite worthy of man either. A society which is based on the letter of the law and never reaches any higher is taking very scarce advantage of the high level of human possibilities. The letter of the law is too cold and formal to have a beneficial influence on society. Whenever the tissue of life is woven of legalistic relations, there is an atmosphere of moral mediocrity, paralyzing man's noblest impulses. And it will be simply impossible to stand through the trials of this threatening century with only the support of a legalistic structure. -- Alexander Solzhenitsyn (1918-2008), from A World Split Apart, a commencement speech given at Harvard University, June 8, 1978

    A fundamental tenet of Western civilization is that government is supposed to protect the weakest among us -- not just the healthy, the strong and the rich. It is the job of the President to use the bully pulpit and the power of his office to reinforce this principle time and time again. -- Steve Forbes in "The Moral Basis of a Free Society," an address to The Heritage Foundation, Washington, D.C., October 21, 1997

    How can God be sovereign and man still be free?
    Responsibility and voluntary choice are not the same thing as free will. We affirm that man is indeed responsible for the choices he makes, yet we deny that the Bible teaches that man has a free will since it is no where taught in the pages of Scripture. The Bible teaches, rather, that God ordains all things that come to pass (Ephesians 1:11) and it also teaches that man is culpable for his choices (Ezekiel 18:20, Matthew 12:37, John 9:41). Since the Scripture is our ultimate authority and highest presupposition, the multitude of clear scriptural declarations on this matter outweigh all unaided human logic. We find that almost always the objections to God's meticulous providence over all things are moral and philosophical rather than exegetical. This means we must strive to consciously affirm what the Scripture declares over all our finite understanding and sinful inner drive for independence. -- Brian Osisek

    "In God we Trust"
    If the state gives rights, it can and inevitably will take away those rights. Without God, there could be no American form of government, nor an American way of life. -- Dwight D. Eisenhower

    Persecution of Christians is the leading human rights problem in the world today, and militant Islamics are at the forefront of the bloody persecution worldwide. The Islamic Jehad is currently responsible for some of the most horrible persecution of Christians in the world in Sudan, Lebanon, and Indonesia.

    Christians continued to be the most persecuted group across the globe in 2016. It is estimated that 90,000 Christians were killed worldwide for their faith in 2016. "And hundreds of millions more were not allowed to practice their faith." -- Christians the Most Persecuted Group in World for Second Year

    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

    Black, John (1768-1849), and Chauncey Webster, Divine and Human Rights, or, The Westminster Confession and the Constitution of the United States Tested by the Holy Scripture. In MISCELLANEOUS, VOL. 6, 1819-1849.
    "The substance of a discourse delivered Nov. 14, 1844, at the First Associate Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia."

    Chomsky, Noam, and Edward S. Herman, The Washington Connection and Third World Fascism (Political Economy of Human Rights, Vol. 1), ISBN: 0896080919 9780896080911.
    "Chomsky and Herman present a brilliant, shattering, and convincing account of United States-backed suppression of political and human rights in the Third World. The 'best and brightest' pundits of the status quo emerge from this book thoroughly denuded of their credibility." -- Publisher

    Dabney, Robert L. (1820-1898), The Practical Philosophy: Being the Philosophy of the Feelings, of the Will, and of the Conscience, With the Ascertainment of Particular Rights and Duties.
    "Dabney . . . gives a thorough discussion of liberty, and the totalitarian corruption of freedom." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)

    Donohue, William A., The New Freedom: Individualism and Collectivism in the Social Lives of Americans, ISBN: 0887382983 9780887382987.
    "How liberals are unraveling our social fabric via loose morals, the 'rights industry,' and big government."

    *Harrison, Roland Kenneth (editor), Encyclopedia of Biblical and Christian Ethics, revised and updated (Testament, March 4, 2003), 480 pages, ISBN: 0517222280.
    "A comprehensive reference work for everyone concerned with the complicated moral issues of this world, this unique volume clearly communicates what Scripture teaches about the ethical dilemmas facing our society. Biological warfare, corporate responsibility, human rights, computer ethics, and much more are discussed by over fifty scholars who explain the moral guidelines in the Bible and historic Christian teachings.
    "R.K. Harrison, author and editor of over thirty books on biblical studies, has brought together a valuable A to B treasury of thought for every believer searching for guidance." -- Publisher
    "A compendium of reliable information. Arranged in dictionary format, 550 entries and 61 contributors. Goes beyond descriptive data to the practical application of truth to a variety of situations . . . . The book is well-indexed. . . . Treats ethical areas like apartheid and surrogate motherhood. Probably the best available evangelical treatment of this type." -- GCB

    *Hartmann, Thom, Unequal Protection: The Rise of Corporate Dominance and the Theft of Human Rights, ISBN: 1579546277 9781579546274.
    "This extraordinary book combines meticulous historical and legal research with a clear and compelling writing style to demonstrate beyond reasonable doubt the incompatibility of corporate personhood with democracy, the market economy, and the well-being of society. Complete with a practical program for essential reform to restore the rights of real persons -- including model legislation -- it is essential reading and an invaluable reference work for every citizen who cares about democracy, justice, and the human future." -- David C. Korten, author of When Corporations Rule the World
    "Beneath the success and rise of American enterprise is an untold history that is antithetical to every value Americans hold dear. This is a seminal work, a godsend really, a clear message to every citizen about the need to reform our country, laws, and companies." -- Paul Hawken, author of Natural Capitalism and The Ecology of Commerce
    "Unequal taxes, unequal accountability for crime, unequal influence, unequal privacy, and unequal access to natural resources and our commons -- these inequalities and more are the effects of corporations winning the rights of persons while simultaneously being given the legal protections to avoid the responsibilities that come with these rights. Hartmann tells the intriguing story of how it got this way -- from the colonists' rebellion against the commercial interests of the British elite to the distorted application of the Fourteenth Amendment -- and how to get back to a government of, by, and for the people.
    "Over the past two centuries, those playing the corporate game at the very highest levels seem to have won a victory for themselves -- a victory that is turning bitter in the mouths of many of the six billion humans on planet Earth. It's even turning bitter in unexpected ways for those who won it, as they find their own lives and families touched by an increasingly toxic environment, fragile and top-heavy economy, and hollow culture -- all traceable back to the frenetic systems of big business that resulted from the doctrine that corporations are persons."
    "Hartmann combines a remarkable piece of historical research with a brilliant literary style to tell the grand story of corporate corruption and its consequences for society with the force and readability of a great novel. I intended to take a first quick glance and then couldn't put it down." -- David C. Korten, author of When Corporations Rule the World
    "UNEQUAL PROTECTION should be in the hands of every thinking American. If we do not awaken soon, democracy will be replaced by a new 'Third Reich' of corporate tyranny. To be aware of the danger is the responsibility of each of us. No one has told us the truth better than Thom Hartmann. Read it!" -- Gerry Spence, author of Give Me Liberty
    "Essential reading for anyone concerned about the future of democracy, both here and abroad. With devastating precision and well-reasoned passion, Thom Hartmann shows the reader precisely how the corporate entity gained such a perilously dominant role in the life of a nation whose founders meant for its politics to respond to the concerns of people and communities, not return-seeking corporations." -- Jeff Gates, president, Shared Capitalism Institute, author, Democracy at Risk
    Thom Hartmann's, Unequal Protection: The Rise of Corporate Dominance and the Theft of Human Rights. A Review by Richard W. Behan
    "UNEQUAL PROTECTION may prove to be the most significant book in the history of corporate personhood, a doctrine which dates to 1886. For 116 years, corporate personhood has been scrutinized and criticized, but never seriously threatened. Now Thom Hartmann has discovered a fatal legal flaw in its origin: corporate personhood is doomed."
    http://www.main.nc.us/pace/18_corporate/

    *McClure, Alexander D., The First Amendment: A Master Piece of Satan Contra Anti-establishmentarianism. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "This article was sent to 278 members of the Canadian Parliament. It debunks the idea that it is right for majorities to determine law through their elected officials in opposition to God's holy law. It also opposes the false theories of human rights found in the first amendment to the Constitution of the United States. In short, and in agreement with both the Belgic and Westminster Confessions, it opposes 'the presumption that a government, ordained of God, can be neutral, and can make no law stating that Jesus Christ is King of the Nation, and that it can hold all religions, which are repugnant to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, equal before it'." -- Publisher

    McKinney, James, A View of the Rights of God and man in Some Sermons, Matthew 22:21, 1833.

    *McMillan (M'Millan), II, John (1729-1808), and John Thorburn (Minister of the Gospel 1730?-1788), Vindiciae Magistratus: or, The Divine Institution and Right of the Civil Magistrate Vindicated: Wherein are Properly Stated and Ascertained The True Nature and Extent of the Moral Power of Civil Society and Magistracy, Legislative and Executive; The Just Instituted Authority of Magistrates; The Inviolableness of Just Human Laws and Constitutions in General, and Particularly Those of Scotland; The Natural and Unalienable Rights of Individuals in, or With Respect of Civil Society; And, the True Causes From Which a Moral Relation Flows, and Upon Which a Moral Obligation is Founded, &c. Against the truly factious and immoral doctrine of John Thomson (Burgher associate), minister of the Gospel at Donagbhclony in Ireland, now at Kirkintilloch near Glasgow, maintained in his pretended confutation of the principles of the reformed presbytery, in a pamphlet intituled (sic) The Presbyterian covenanter displayed in his political principles, and the impostor detected. By John Thorburn, minister of the Gospel at Pentland. To which is subjoined, by way of appendix, A vindication of the constitution of the reformed presbytery, and of the character, ministerial mission and authority of the Rev. Mr. John M'Millan Senior [McMillan, John I, 1669?-1753], deceased, from the groundless cavils of Mr. W.W. and Seceders, by his son. The whole being humbly offered as an apologetical representation and defence of the principles of said presbytery, and of their people, commonly known by the names of Old Dissenters, Cameronians, &c. Against the injurious charges and false imputations cast upon them, first by the established Church of Scotland, and then by the Secession. Alternate titles: DIVINE INSTITUTION AND RIGHT OF THE CIVIL MAGISTRATE VINDICATED PRESBYTERIAN-COVENANTER DISPLAYED IN HIS POLITICAL PRINCIPLES, AND THE IMPOSTER DETECTED VINDICATION OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REFORMED PRESBYTERY, and DEFENDING THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN POSITION ON THE CIVIL MAGISTRATE, 1781. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.
    MacMillan II, John, A Vindication of the Ministerial Authority of John MacMillan I, and of the Reformed Presbytery
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/mcmillan/mcmillan_vindication_mcmillan_1773.html

    North, Gary, Blasphemy and Civil Rights. Available in LEVITICUS: AN ECONOMIC COMMENTARY, Gary North.
    http://entrewave.com/freebooks/docs/html/gnbd/Chapter23.htm

    Singer, C. Gregg (1910-1999), On the Doctrine of Human Rights, a series of messages [digital files].
    "Every futile attempt to create rights which do not exist results in the lose of rights which do exist. The modern theory of political rights has no philosophic or theological foundation. It rests upon human democratic assumptions concerning the nature of man, which conception has absolutely no foundation in the political, or the social, or the religious philosophy which produced it." -- C. Gregg Singer commenting on "human rights" in general, and the right to abortion in particular, in his lecture Apologetics: #01: Classical and Medieval Thought #1, the first in a series of 24 lectures entitled "Apologetics" delivered in November 1979 in Decatur, Georgia, which follow his book FROM RATIONALISM TO IRRATIONALITY: THE DECLINE OF THE WESTERN MIND FROM THE RENAISSANCE TO THE PRESENT (1979).
    For more from Singer on the doctrine of human rights see also:

  • Apologetics #06: Irrationalism and Theistic Rationalism #2
  • Apologetics #07: Irrationalism and Theistic Rationalism
  • Apologetics #12: The Impact of Darwin and Social Darwinism #1
  • Church History #05: The Early Church #4
  • Great Moments in Presbyterian History #8: What the Bible has to say About the Nature of Government
    "Human rights emerge from human duty and from no other place. And beginning with Locke and Jefferson they removed them from their Biblical foundation. . . .
    "What are our real rights? We have the right to life because God created us in his image. . . .
    "Our duties to God are the source of our rights. And any other concept of human rights will inevitably, by their very nature, destroy that which they seek to protect. Man was created to glorify God, and in his glorification of God he receives his rights because they are the product, they spring from his duty."
  • Decline of American Culture #06: Decline in the 1830's: Philosophical Revolution in Political Thought
    • Smith, F. LaGard, ACLU: The Devil's Advocate: The Seduction of Civil Liberties in America, ISBN: 1886547033 9781886547032.
    "Taking a close look at the wider liberal-Left agenda, Smith explores the moral context in which battles over issues like free speech, religious liberty, and sexual expression are being fought." -- Publisher

    *Webster, Chauncey, Divine and Human Rights, or, The Westminster Confession and the Constitution of the United States Tested by the Holy Scripture. Found in MISCELLANEOUS, VOL. 6.
    "The substance of a discourse delivered Nov. 14, 1844, at the First Associate Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia."

    *Wolterstorff, Nicholas, Justice: Rights and Wrongs, ISBN: 9780691129679 0691129673 9780691146300 0691146306.
    "This book is an attempt to speak up for the wronged of the world . . . . My speaking up for the wrong of the world takes the form, in this book, of doing what I can to undermine those frameworks of conviction that prevent us from acknowledging that the other comes before us bearing a claim on us, and of offering an alternative framework, one that opens up to such acknowledgements." -- the author, p. ix
    "Nicholas Wolterstorff discusses what it is to have a right, and he locates rights in the respect due the worth of the rights-holder. After contending that socially-conferred rights require the existence of natural rights, he argues that no secular account of natural human rights is successful; he offers instead a theistic account.
    "Wolterstorff prefaces his systematic account of justice as grounded in rights with an exploration of the common claim that rights-talk is inherently individualistic and possessive. He demonstrates that the idea of natural rights originated neither in the Enlightenment nor in the individualistic philosophy of the late Middle Ages, but was already employed by the canon lawyers of the twelfth century. He traces our intuitions about rights and justice back even further, to Hebrew and Christian scriptures. After extensively discussing justice in the Old Testament and the New, he goes on to show why ancient Greek and Roman philosophy could not serve as a framework for a theory of rights." -- Publisher

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The ten commandments: the moral law, Ethics, Medical ethics, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Persecution, Colossians, The all-sufficiency of christ, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Leniency, TThe 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), Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Idolatry, syncretism, Sexual wholeness, Blasphemy, The westminster confession of faith (1646), Holiness, Sanctification, Persecution, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Toleration, Suicide, The decline of american society, irrationality, the decline of western thought, Male role and responsibility, gender equality, suffrage, reproductive rights, and the decline of american society, and so forth, and so on.

    Related Weblinks

    CorpWatch's Resources on Human Rights
    http://www.corpwatch.org/trac/feature/humanrts/resources/index.html

    Magna Carta and the Fight for Freedom Today, an address by Peter Hammond
    But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. (James 1:25)
    "Magna Carta is one of the most important legal documents in history, a powerful symbol of liberty, a potent foundation for the protection of freedom of religion, freedom of conscience, freedom of speech, freedom of association, the right to private ownership of property, trial by jury by one's peers, the right to determine one's taxes, the right to a just and uniform standard of weights and measures for money transactions and goods, the right of having a voice in the running of government, municipal rights and all the other essential foundations for Christian civilization. 15 June [2020] marks the 804th anniversary of the proclamation of Magna Carta, the first statute, the first written restriction on the powers of government, the grandfather of all Bills of Rights.
    "At this time of lawlessness, corruption, gross abuse of government and threats to constitutional protections for private ownership of property, it is necessary to go back to Magna Carta, the great charter of liberties, to give hope for the future and direction for peace, productivity and justice." -- Reformation500
    https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=61419813532698&fbclid=IwAR3Nd0LUhkgLel6f0WdgkPM1dSQTviOwalz0xj4pj3k_R04UPLVNSb7lB
    Magna Carta and the Fight for Freedom Today in History
    https://vimeo.com/channels/1317537/342199070
    Blessing the Nations: 800 Years of the Magna Carta
    https://www.slideshare.net/frontfel/magna-carta-800-47560613



    Humility

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 51, C.H. Spurgeon
    The sacrifices of God, are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou will not despise. (Psalm 51:17)
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps051.php

    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.

    See the Theological Notes: "The Humble Obedience of Christ," at John 5:19 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    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)

    Humility like this is one of the strongest evidences of the indwelling of the Spirit of God. We know nothing of humility by nature, for we are all born proud. To convince us of sin, to show us our own vileness and corruption, to put us in our right place, to make us lowly and self-abased -- these are among the principal works which the Holy Spirit works in the soul of man.
    Few of our Lord's sayings are so often repeated as the one which closes the parable of the Pharisee and Tax-collector -- Every one that exalts himself shall be abased, and he that humbles himself shall be exalted. (Luke 18:14) To have great gifts, and do great works for God, is not given to all believers. But all believers ought to strive to be clothed with humility. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

    But by the grace of God I am what I am. (1 Corinthians 15:10)

    The more eminently that any one excels in holiness, the farther he feels himself from perfect righteousness, and the more clearly he perceives that he can trust in nothing but the mercy of God alone. Hence it appears, that those are grossly mistaken who conceive that the pardon of sin is necessary only to the beginning of righteousness. As believers are every day involved in many faults, it will profit them nothing that they have once entered the way of righteousness, unless the same grace which brought them into it accompany them to the last step of their life. Does any one object, that they are elsewhere said to be blessed "who fear the Lord," "who walk in his ways," "who are upright in heart," etc., the answer is easy, namely, that as the perfect fear of the Lord, the perfect observance of his law, and perfect uprightness of heart, are nowhere to be found, all that the Scripture anywhere says, concerning blessedness, is founded upon the free favor of God, by which he reconciles us to himself. -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 32:1

    LORD, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him!
    Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away.     (Psalm 144:3,4)

    And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. (2 Timothy 2:24-26)

    Self-denial gives us the right attitude toward our fellow men
    Now in these words we perceive that denial of self has regard partly to men, partly, and chiefly, to God.
    For when Scripture bids us act toward men so as to esteem them above ourselves [Phil. 2:3], [Philippians 2:3], and in good faith to apply ourselves wholly to doing them good [cf. Rom. 12:10], [Romans 12:10], it gives us commandments of which our mind is quite incapable unless our mind be previously emptied of its natural feeling. For, such is the blindness with which we all rush into self-love that each one of us seems to himself to have just cause to be proud of himself and to despise all others in comparison. If God has conferred upon us anything of which we need not repent, relying upon it we immediately lift up our minds, and are not only puffed up but almost burst with pride. The very vices that infest us we take pains to hide from others, while we flatter ourselves with the pretense that they are slight and insignificant, and even sometimes embrace them as virtues. If others manifest the same endowments we admire in ourselves, or even superior ones, we spitefully belittle and revile these gifts in order to avoid yielding place to such persons. If there are any faults in others, not content with noting them with severe and sharp reproach, we hatefully exaggerate them. Hence arises such insolence that each one of us, as if exempt from the common lot, wishes to tower above the rest, and loftily and savagely abuses every mortal man, or at least looks down upon him as an inferior. The poor yield to the rich; the common folk, to the nobles; the servants, to their masters; the unlearned, to the educated. But there is no one who does not cherish within himself some opinion of his own pre-eminence.
    Thus, each individual, by flattering himself, bears a kind of kingdom in his breast. (Cf. sec. a, above. Calvin adopts the traditional view that pride is the mother of the deadly sins. Cf. I.i.2: "ingenita est omnibus nobis superbia;" II.i.1. He here rebukes a superiority-conscious and self-sufficient intellectualism, and places under divine judgment such humanist gratification over intellectual gifts as we find in Sir Edward Dyer's well-loved verse (1588):

    My minde to me a kingdom is,
    Such perfect joy therein I finde
    As farre exceeds all earthly blisse
    That God or nature hath assignde.
    For claiming as his own what pleases him, he censures the character and morals of others. But if this comes to the point of conflict, his venom bursts forth. For many obviously display some gentleness so long as they find everything sweet and pleasant. But just how many are there who will preserve this even tenor of modesty when they are pricked and irritated? There is no other remedy than to tear out from our inward parts this most deadly pestilence of love of strife and love of self, even as it is plucked out by Scriptural teaching. For thus we are instructed- to remember that those talents which God has bestowed upon us are not our own goods but the free gifts of God; and any persons who become proud of them show their ungratefulness. Who causes you to excel? Paul asks. If you have received all things, why do you boast as if they were not given to you? [I Cor. 4:7], [1 Corinthians 4:7]
    Let us, then, unremittingly examining our faults, call ourselves back to humility. Thus nothing will remain in us to puff us up; but there will be much occasion to be cast down. On the other hand, we are bidden so to esteem and regard whatever gifts of God we see in other men that we may honor those men in whom they reside. For it would be great depravity on our part to deprive them of that honor which the Lord has bestowed upon them. But we are taught to overlook their faults, certainly not flatteringly to cherish them; but not on account of such faults to revile men whom we ought to cherish with good will and honor. Thus it will come about that, whatever man we deal with, we shall treat him not only moderately and modestly but also cordially and as a friend. You will never attain true gentleness except by one path: a heart imbued with lowliness and with reverence for others. -- John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, (McNeill/Battles edition), 3.7.4 and context

    For he says to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion. (Romans 9:15)
    In these words the Lord in the plainest manner claims the right to give or to withhold his mercy according to his own sovereign will. As the prerogative of life and death is vested in the monarch, so the Judge of all the earth has a right to spare or condemn the guilty, as may seem best in his sight. Men by their sins have forfeited all claim upon God; they deserve to perish for their sins -- and if they all do so, they have no ground for complaint. If the Lord steps in to save any, he may do so if the ends of justice are not thwarted; but if he judges it best to leave the condemned to suffer the righteous sentence, none may arraign him at their bar. Foolish and impudent are all those discourses about the rights of men to be all placed on the same footing; ignorant, if not worse, are those contentions against discriminating grace, which are but the rebellions of proud human nature against the crown and sceptre of Jehovah. When we are brought to see our own utter ruin and ill desert, and the justice of the divine verdict against sin, we no longer cavil at the truth that the Lord is not bound to save us; we do not murmur if he chooses to save others, as though he were doing us an injury, but feel that if he deigns to look upon us, it will be his own free act of undeserved goodness, for which we shall forever bless his name.
    How shall those who are the subjects of divine election sufficiently adore the grace of God? They have no room for boasting, for sovereignty most effectually excludes it. The Lord's will alone is glorified, and the very notion of human merit is cast out to everlasting contempt. There is no more humbling doctrine in Scripture than that of election, none more promotive of gratitude, and, consequently, none more sanctifying. Believers should not be afraid of it, but adoringly rejoice in it. -- Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892), Morning and Evening, Morning devotion for November 25

    It has been said by someone that "the proper study of mankind is man." I will not oppose the idea, but I believe it is equally true that the proper study of God's elect is God; the proper study of a Christian is the Godhead. The highest science, the loftiest speculation, the mightiest philosophy, which can ever engage the attention of a child of God, is the name, the nature, the person, the work, the doings, and the existence of the great God whom he calls his Father. There is something exceedingly improving to the mind in a contemplation of the Divinity. It is a subject so vast, that all our thoughts are lost in its immensity; so deep, that our pride is drowned in its infinity. Other subjects we can compass and grapple with; in them we feel a kind of self-content, and go our way with the thought, "Behold I am wise." But when we come to this master-science, finding that our plumb-line cannot sound its depth, and that our eagle eye cannot see its height, we turn away with the thought, that vain man would be wise, but he is like a wild ass's colt; and with the solemn exclamation, "I am but of yesterday, and know nothing." No subject of contemplation will tend more to humble the mind, than thoughts of God. -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon on Malachi 3:6

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 131, C.H. Spurgeon
    Let Israel hope in the Lord from henceforth and for ever. (Psalm 131:3)
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps131.php

    He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? (Micah 6:8)

    Thy God hath commanded thy strength Men are always disposed to arrogate to themselves the glory of what they may have done instead of tracing their success to God, and David reminds the people once more that they had not triumphed by their own strength, but by power communicated from above. If they had acquitted themselves with energy on the field, he would have them consider that it was God who inspired them with this valor, and would guard them against the pride which overlooks and disparages the Divine goodness. As a consideration which might farther tend to promote humility in their minds, he adverts to the dependence in which they stood of the future continuance of the same favor and protection; this being the great cause of presumptuous confidence, that we do not feel our own helplessness, and are not led under a sense of it to resort humbly to God for the supply of our wants. Another lesson which the passage teaches us is, that more is required than that God should visit us at first with his preventing grace; that we stand constantly in need of his assistance throughout our whole lives. If this be true in the literal warfare, where our conflict is with flesh and blood, it must be still more so in matters of the soul. It is impossible that we could stand one moment in the contest with such enemies as Satan, sin, and the world, did we not receive from God the grace which secures our perseverance. -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 68:28 and context

    Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:16)

    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.

    If we profess to have any real Christianity, let us strive to be of John the Baptist's spirit. Let us study humility. This is the grace with which all must begin, who would be saved.
    We have no true religion about us, until we cast away our high thoughts, and feel ourselves sinners. This is the grace which all saints may follow after, and which none have any excuse for neglecting. All God's children have not gifts, or money, or time to work, or a wide sphere of usefulness; but all may be humble. This is the grace, above all, which will appear most beautiful in our latter end. Never shall we feel the need of humility so deeply, as when we lie on our deathbeds, and stand before the judgment-seat of Christ. Our whole lives will then appear a long catalogue of imperfections, ourselves nothing, and Christ all. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

    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 Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 18:16)

    Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
    And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.
    But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and [that] he were drowned in the depth of the sea.     -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 18:4-6)

    Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 13:16)

    But I must close with this. It is not merely by testimony that we use this potent truth. We must support that testimony by our zeal and energy. We need concentrated, consecrated energy; for it is written, They loved not their lives unto the death. We shall not overcome Satan if we are fine gentlemen, fond of ease and honour. As long as Christian people must needs enjoy the world, the devil will suffer little at their hands. They that overcame the world in the old days were humble men and woman, generally poor, always despised, who were never ashamed of Christ, who only lived to tell of his love, and died by tens of thousands rather than cease to bear testimony to the blood of the Lamb. They overcame by their heroism; their intense devotion to the cause secured the victory. Their lives to them were as nothing when compared with the honour of their Lord. -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon

    Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 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 3:13-18)

    No grace is stronger than humility. No man is weaker than a proud man. For a proud man rests on nothing, and a humble man that empties himself, he stands upon the Rock. We should therefore make use of the strength of Christ, that hath not only abundance for himself, but an abundance for us, an overflowing for every Christian for his good. . . . let us as much as we can empty ourselves of ourselves, and stir up the spirit of faith. Go to Christ. So much faith as we carry, so much grace we bring from him. If we do but touch him by faith, the issue of our corruptions will be dried up in some measure, and we shall have a spring of graces in us answerable to the graces in him, Mat. ix. 20 [Matthew 9:20]. -- Richard Sibbes

    Nothing sets a person so much out of the Devil's reach as humility. -- George Whitefield

    A fourth property of an humble heart is this, An humble heart will submit to every truth of God, that is made known to it; even to those divine truths that are most cross to flesh and blood. 1 Samuel 3:17, Eli would fain know what God had discovered to Samuel concerning him; Samuel tells him that he must break his neck, that the priesthood must be taken away from him, and his sons must be slain in the war; why it is the Lord, saith he, let him do what seemeth him good. So in Leviticus 10:3, the Lord by fire from heaven destroys Aaron's two sons. Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is that the Lord spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified; and Aaron held his peace. If God miss of his honour one way, he will rain hell out of heaven, but he will have it another way. This Aaron knew, and therefore he held his peace, when God shewed himself to be a consuming fire. The Hebrew word that is here rendered peace, signifies the quietness and silence of his mind. He did not hold his tongue only, for many a man may hold his tongue, and yet his mind and heart may kick and swell against God, but his very mind was quiet and still; there was a heavenly calm in his spirit; he was dumb and silent, because the Lord had done it. So in Acts 10:33, We are all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God. We are not here to hear what may tickle our ears, or please our fancies, or satisfy our lusts. No; but we are here to hear what God will say. Our hearts stand ready pressed to subject themselves to whatever God shall declare to be his will. We are willing to hear what we may do, that we may obey sincerely and universally the good pleasure of our God, knowing that it is as well our dignity as our duty so to do. -- Thomas Brooks (1608-1680)

    A humble and prayerful person will find a thousand things in the Bible, which the proud student will utterly fail to discern. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

    The Lord Lowers Those Whom he Means to Raise
    Thy Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. (1 Samuel 2:7)
    "All my changes come from Him who never changes. If I had grown rich, I should have seen His hand in it, and I should have praised Him; let me equally see His hand if I am made poor, and let me as heartily praise Him. When we go down in the world, it is of the Lord, and so we may take it patiently: when we rise in the world, it is of the Lord, and we may accept it thankfully. In any case, the Lord hath done it, and it is well.
    "It seems that Jehovah's way is to lower those whom He means to raise and to strip those whom He intends to clothe. If it is His way, it is the wisest and best way. If I am now enduring the bringing low, I may well rejoice, because I see in it the preface to the lifting up. The more we are humbled by grace, the more we shall be exalted in glory. That impoverishment which will be overruled for our enrichment is to be welcomed.
    "O Lord, Thou has taken me down of late and made me feel my insignificance and sin. It is not a pleasant experience, but I pray Thee make it a profitable one to me. Oh, that Thou wouldst thus fit me to bear a greater weight of delight and of usefulness; and when I am ready for it, then grant it to me, for Christ's sake! Amen." -- Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892), from Faith's Checkbook, posted in the blog of Eric T. Young, February 16, 2012

    None but those who truly feel that they are paupers before God, with no good thing to their credit, absolutely destitute of any merits of their own, will appreciate the glad tidings that Christ Jesus came into this world to pay the debt of such. Only those who are smitten in their conscience, broken in heart, and sick of sin, will really respond to that blessed word of His, Come unto Me all ye that labour and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28). Only those who have lost all heart for this poor world, will truly turn unto the Lord of glory. -- Arthur Pink, The Life Of David

    The fault of expecting characteristics in others that we ourselves do not posess is a temptation, particularly for young Christians. Senior Christians tend to "mellow" as understanding of their own weaknesses deepens, and as they see that the most effective saints are eminent in their humility.

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Humility," and so forth, and so on.

    *Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), A Christian Directory: Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 1. Full title: A Christian Directory: or A Sum of Practical Theology, and Cases of Conscience. Directing Christians how to use Their Knowledge and Faith; How to Improve all Helps and Means, and to Perform all Duties; How to Overcome Temptations, and to Escape or Mortify Every Sin. In Four Parts.
    I. Christian Ethics (or Private Duties)
    II. Christian Economics (or Family Duties)
    III. Christian Ecclesiastics (or Church Duties)
    IV. Christian Politics (or Duties to Our Rulers and Neighbours)     (Morgan, PA: Soli Deo Gloria Publications, 1997, 1990, 1838, 1707, 1678, 1673), ISBN: 1877611131 9781877611131. Foreword by J.I. Packer (Soli Deo Gloria edition only). The Soli Deo Gloria publication is a facsimile reprint of the 19th century reprint by George Virtue, London, 1846. The original 1673 edition and the 1678 edition, both printed by Robert White for Nevill Simmons. Bibliographic and scriptural footnotes. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available (less the J.I. Packer's Foreword, but searchable with an OCR-based index), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    This work is available in many editions, and in many formats.
    Reformation Heritage Books has new copies of the Soli Deo Gloria edition (including the J.I. Packer Introduction), as of March 2008, even though it is generally thought to be out of print. They acquired Soli Deo Gloria from Ligonier Ministries in late 2007.
    The best digital format of the reprint by George Virtue is included on the Puritan Hard Drive. It has an OCR scan in the background, meaning one can search the entire volume and copy text into another document. It also has a computer generated indexed from the OCR scan which is, of course, in Baxter's vocabulary.
    A PDF image scan only of the same edition is available on the Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.
    The reprint by George Virtue is available online and may be downloaded in PDF format at Christian Classics Ethereal Library.
    The reprint by George Virtue appears in full preview in Google Books but may not be downloaded. So it is useful if the reader wants to become acquainted with the book. Text can be searched, but can not be copied into another document. This particular Google Books scan includes the contents in detail on pages iii-xix which is not included in the Christian Classics Ethereal Library PDF files. About five other editions from libraries are available in Google Books, and may be downloaded (August 2008).
    Notice that the e-text in Google Books has the advantage of being searchable. Searching an image-based PDF file (without an OCR scan in the background), is not possible, unless the user owns software such as Abode Acrobat Pro or Kirtas BookScan Editor. They both have an OCR (optical character recognition), feature that will search an image-based PDFs (bit-map scans). Searches appear to be perfect in this work, although one must know Baxter's vocabulary. Text can be cut and pasted from image-based PDF format to OCR (character) format. This particular Google Books scan can not be cut and pasted or downloaded.
    One of the older, multi-volume editions of THE WORKS OF RICHARD BAXTER is available at Monergism.com in the "Puritan Library," "Richard Baxter." A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, volume 23. It can be downloaded.
    http://www.puritanlibrary.com/
    Another older edition is available on microfilm (Ann Arbor, MI: University Microfilms, 1970), 1 microfilm reel, 35 mm (Early English books, 1641-1700; 343:11).
    "The complete practical works of Richard Baxter are in print in four volumes entitled BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS. This volume (about 1 1/4 million words, 1028 pages), is volume one of the set. The editor's preface (1707), p. xiii, stated that the works of Richard Baxter are 'perhaps the best body of practical divinity that is extent in our own or any other tongue.' Richard Baxter lived from 1615-1691. The DIRECTORY was completed in 1665. Its scope was intended to cover all of practical theology, a summa of casuistry . . ." -- Don Kistler
    "Baxter's series, which grew in range and scope as it proceeded . . . is a peak point in Puritan devotional writing, and remains a precious resource for all, in this or any age, who want to know what is involved in Biblical godliness. . . . A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY may justly be described as a landmark. It is the fullest, most thorough, and in this writer's judgment, most profound treatment of Christian spirituality and standards that has ever been attempted by an English-speaking Evangelical author. The fact that it embraces both spirituality and standards (the principles of communion with God plus the specifics of obedience to God), merits approving comment in itself; nowadays spirituality and ethics have become two distinct disciplines in the schools, and books written on either say virtually nothing about the other . . ." -- J.I. Packer (1926-2020)
    Timothy Keller calls it the greatest manual on Biblical counseling ever produced.
    "There are many Puritan classics on this subject. Thomas Brooks' PRECIOUS REMEDIES FOR SATAN'S DEVICES, Thomas Goodwin's A CHILD OF LIGHT WALKING IN DARKNESS, William Bridge's A LIFTING UP FOR THE DOWNCAST, and many other similar works give evidence that the Puritans were. . . . masters at applying Biblical answers and principles to problems that can only be solved by spiritual means. No Puritan work, however, has ever approached the popularity, the scope, or the depth of Baxter's classic treatise. With the widespread interest in counseling in today's church, this reprint of Baxter's work should be a welcome addition to every pastor's library, or to anyone else who wishes to give solid Biblical answers to man's questions." -- Don Kistler
    "We have long waited for a purely Biblical treatment of the spiritual ills and cures of men which is untainted by the views of psychology. Since Baxter lived about 200 years before psychology arrived, his deep work is completely void of its encroachment -- thankfully!" -- John MacArthur
    "The kings men sought to arrest Richard Baxter, but he traveled ceaselessly from place to place, writing his sermons and his books even on horseback (he had an inkwell in his saddle), and preached over a wide area." -- Brian H. Edwards
    "Baxter was a wonder of his age. His writings total 72 large volumes, much of it written on horseback as he traveled in his widespread preaching efforts. He seldom, if ever, edited anything he wrote. Knowing this any reader will be amazed at how well he communicated his deep love for his Savior. For 26 years he was public enemy No. 1 to the king, yet he lived to see the flight of the king in 1688." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    POOR MAN'S FAMILY BOOK (1674) and THE CATECHIZING OF FAMILIES (1683), are less detailed works and are found in THE REFORMED PASTOR: BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 4. They are more suitable for family instruction than are the detailed presentation in A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY.
    "Ptacek in FAMILY WORSHIP: BIBLICAL BASIS, HISTORICAL REALITY, CURRENT NEED (pp. 51-52), supplies the following information in regard to Baxter and this book. He notes that after the Episcopalians ejected numerous 'nonconformists,' in what is know as the 'great ejection,' in 1662, 'Baxter pastored from house to house, visiting families of his parish in their homes. These visits contributed to Baxter's A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, a large and still very relevant manual of pastoral care.' Focusing on just one area of great importance, Ptacek demonstrates how this book's relevance is not limited by time or culture, though sometimes the use of specific words are. 'Published in 1673, but written 1664-65, a large book-length part of Baxter's CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY is devoted to the family. It is entitled 'Christian Economics' based on the archaic usage of the word, which reflects the proper sense of the Greek root oikonomos as the manager of a household, in the Christian case, the spiritual leader of the family. The family head is essential to Baxter's view of family worship and instruction. Baxter asserts that it is God's will that this instruction be carried out by the rulers of the families.' For a male head of the household to fail to do so, or to have another instruct in the family, is contrary to his position of authority.' This is the kind of book that can be passed on from generation to generation and still find much use in the service of the kingdom of God.
    "Though relatively weak on corporate sanctification, corporate faithfulness and some important areas of doctrine (such as justification), Baxter's work on subjects related to personal piety can be of good practical use to the Christian -- if one is careful to separate out his aberrant doctrinal views and any practical errors they may lead to." -- Publisher
    The following three excerpts are included as bonus free books on Reformation Bookshelf CD #28.
    1. "The Duties of Parents for Their Children" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. X., pp. 449-454.
    2. "The Special Duties of Children Towards Their Parents" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. XI., pp. 454-457.
    3. "The Special Duties of Children and Youth Towards God" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. XII., pp. 457-458).
    A summary of currently (2012) available publications.
    http://www.lettermen2.com/pwrbcd.html
    Richard Baxter, from Wikipedia
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Baxter

    *Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), Compassionate Counsel to all Young men, The Mother's Catechism, The Catechizing of Families, and The Poor Man's Family Book. Available in Baxter, Richard, THE REFORMED PASTOR: BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 4, 1877611360 9781877611360.
    "This is the fourth and final volume in this great set. Includes, 'The Reformed Pastor' and 25 other sermons, treatises, and catechisms. Dr. J.I. Packer says, 'For me, the great joy of this year is that it see the completion of Soli Deo Gloria's reprint of Baxter's incomparable PRACTICAL WORKS'." -- GCB
    Baxter, Compassionate Counsel to all Young men, 1681.
    Compassionate Counsel to all Young men (1681), by Richard Baxter
    http://www.lettermen2.com/ccaym.html

    *Baxter, Richard, The Reformed Pastor: Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 4, ISBN: 1877611360. A Christian classic.
    "This is the fourth and final volume in this great set. Includes, 'Compassionate Counsel to all Young men,' 'The Reformed Pastor,' 'Poor Man's Family Book,' 'The Catechizing of Families,' and 'The Mother's Catechism,' in all 25 sermons, treatises, and catechisms. Dr. J.I. Packer says, 'For me, the great joy of this year is that it see the completion of Soli Deo Gloria's reprint of Baxter's incomparable PRACTICAL WORKS'." -- GCB
    Richard Baxter, from Wikipedia
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Baxter
    Compassionate Counsel to all Young men (1681), by Richard Baxter
    http://www.lettermen2.com/ccaym.html

    Binning, Hugh (1627-1653), Heart-humiliation: or, Miscellany Sermons Preached Upon Some Choice Texts, at Several Solemn Occasions: Never Before Printed. By . . . Mr. Hugh Binning, . . . Glasgow, 1725.

    *Calvin, John (1509-1564), Sermons on the Beatitudes, ISBN: 0851519342 9780851519340.

    Cawdrey, Daniel (1588-1664), Humilitie, the Saints Liuerie; or, The Habit of Humilitie, the Grace of Graces: Fetched out of the wardrobe of Saint Paul. As it was deliuered (for substance), in two sermons at Blacke-Fryers in London, the one, September 22. the other, October 6. 1624. By Daniel Cavvdrey minister of the Word of God, at little Ilford in Essex.

    Horton, Robert F., The Commandments of Jesus.

    Mack, Wayne A., and Joshua Mack, Humility: The Forgotten Virtue, ISBN: 087552639X 9780875526393.
    "Most sins turn us away from God, but pride is a direct attack upon God. It lifts our hearts above Him and against Him. Pride seeks to dethrone God and enthrone itself. How can Christians fight against this sin and develop genuine humility? In this helpful book, Wayne Mack guides readers through Scripture and shows us how we can take steps to develop humility and diminish the destructive pride in our lives." -- Publisher

    Palmer, Herbert (1601-1647), and Thomas Underhill, The Glasse of Gods Providence Towards his Faithfull Ones, Psal. xcix. 8 [Psalm 99:8], 1644: Held Forth in a Sermon Preached to the two Houses of Parliament, at Margarets Westminster, Aug. 13. 1644. Being an extraordinary day of humiliation.: Wherein is discovered the great failings that the best are liable unto; upon which God is provoked sometimes to take vengeance.: The whole is applyed specially to a more carefull observation of our late Covenant, and particularly against the ungodly toleration pleaded for under pretence of liberty of conscience. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Preston, John (1587-1628), A Liveles Life: or, Mans Spirituall Death in Sinne. Wherein is Both Learnedly and Profitably Handled These Foure Doctrines the Spirituall Death in Sinne. The Doctrine of Humiliation. Mercy to be Found in Christ. Continuance in Sinne, Dangerous. Being the Substance of Severall Sermons Upon Ephes. 2. 1,2,3 [Ephesians 2:1-3]. And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins, &c. Whereunto is annexed a profitable sermon at Lincolnes Inne, on Gen. XXII. XIV [Genesis 22:14]. Delivered by that late faithful preacher, and worthy instrument of Gods glory, Iohn Preston, Dr. in Divinity, chaplaine in ordinary to his Majesty, master of Emanuel Colledge in Cambridge, and sometimes preacher of Lincolnes Inne, 1633.

    *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 Colledge 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]."

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Christ our example, Repentance the key to salvation and change, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, The covenant faithfulness of god, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Pride, Self, Self-denial, Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 1714-1731

    Related Weblinks

    The Commandments of Jesus, J.S. McConnell (1925)
    http://www.wowzone.com/commandm.htm

    Pride and Humility (FGB #168)
    Thoughts on Pride, part 1, Bridges, Charles (1794-1869) | Pride the Destroyer, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | Thoughts on Pride, part 2, Bridges, Charles (1794-1869) | An Admonition to Humility, Simeon, Charles | Humble Faith, Fisher, Edward (d. 1655) | A Word About Pride, Baxter, Richard (1615-1691) | Thoughts on Pride, part 3, Bridges, Charles (1794-1869) | Pride and its Cure, Shelton, L.R., Jr. (1923-2003)
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/pahufg/pride-and-humility



    Hypocrisy

    Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:21)

    Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. (1 John 4:1-3)

    For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:26)

    He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. (1 John 2:4)

    Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. (James 2:19)

    Again, it is certain that man never achieves a clear knowledge of himself unless he has first looked upon God's face, and then descends from contemplating him to scrutinize himself. For we always seem to ourselves righteous and upright and wise and holy -- this pride is innate in all of us -- unless by clear proofs we stand convinced of our own unrighteousness, foulness, folly, and impurity. Moreover, we are not thus convinced if we look merely to ourselves and not also to the Lord, who is the sole standard by which this judgment must be measured. For, because all of us are inclined by nature to hypocrisy, a kind of empty image of righteousness in place of righteousness itself abundantly satisfies us. And because nothing appears within or around us that has not been contaminated by great immorality, what is a little less vile pleases us as a thing most pure -- so long as we confine our minds within the limits of human corruption. Just so, an eye to which nothing is shown but black objects judges something dirty white or even rather darkly mottled to be whiteness itself. Indeed, we can discern still more clearly from the bodily senses how much we are deluded in estimating the powers of the soul. For if in broad daylight we either look down upon the ground or survey whatever meets our view round about, we seem to ourselves endowed with the strongest and keenest sight; yet when we look up to the sun and gaze straight at it, that power of sight which was particularly strong on earth is at once blunted and confused by a great brilliance, and thus we are compelled to admit that our keenness in looking upon things earthly is sheer dullness when it comes to the sun. So it happens in estimating our spiritual goods. As long as we do not look beyond the earth, being quite content with our own righteousness, wisdom, and virtue, we flatter ourselves most sweetly, and fancy ourselves all but demigods. Suppose we but once begin to raise our thoughts to God, and to ponder his nature, and how completely perfect are his righteousness, wisdom, and power -- the straightedge to which we must be shaped. Then, what masquerading earlier as righteousness was pleasing in us will soon grow filthy in its consummate wickedness. What wonderfully impressed us under the name of wisdom will stink in its very foolishness. What wore the face of power will prove itself the most miserable weakness. That is, what in us seems perfection itself corresponds ill to the purity of God.-- John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion (Battles translation), 1.1.2 (and context), "Without Knowledge of God There is no Knowledge of Self"

    Knowledge without affection
    Men have notions of Christ, but are not warmed with love to Christ. Their knowledge is like the moon, it hath light in it, but no heat. The knowledge that hypocrites have of Christ, hath no saving influence upon them, it doth not make them more holy: it is one thing to have a notion of Christ, another thing to fetch virtue from Christ. The knowledge of hypocrites is a dead, barren knowledge: it is informing, but not transforming; it doth not make them a jot the better. . . . Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee (Isaiah 47:10); the knowledge of most makes them more cunning in sin; these have little cause to glory in their knowledge. Absalom might boast of the hair of his head, but that hanged him; so these may boast of the knowledge of their head, but it will destroy them. Many of the old world knew there was an ark, but were drowned, because they did not get into the ark; knowledge which is not applying, will but light a man to hell. -- Thomas Watson (1620-1686)

    The Christian life is not a matter of the tongue but of the inmost heart
    And this is the place to upbraid those who, having nothing but the name and badge of Christ, yet wish to call themselves "Christians." Yet, how shamelessly do they boast of his sacred name? Indeed, there is no intercourse with Christ save for those who have perceived the right understanding of Christ from the word of the gospel. Yet the apostle says that all those who were not taught that they must put on him have not rightly learned Christ, as they have not put off the old man, who is corrupt through deceptive desires [Eph. 4:22,24], [Ephesians 4:22,24]. Therefore, it is proved that they have falsely, and also unjustly, pretended the knowledge of Christ, whatever they meanwhile learnedly and volubly prate about the gospel. For it is a doctrine not of the tongue but of life. It is not apprehended by the understanding and memory alone, as other disciplines are, but it is received only when it possesses the whole soul, and finds a seat and resting place in the inmost affection of the heart (1 Cf. III. ii. 36, note 53). Accordingly, either let them cease to boast of what they are not, in contempt of God; or let them show themselves disciples not unworthy of Christ their teacher. We have given the first place to the doctrine in which our religion is contained, since our salvation begins with it. But it must enter our heart and pass into our daily living, and so transform us into itself that it may not be unfruitful for us. The philosophers rightly burn with anger against, and reproachfully drive from their flock, those who when they profess an art that ought to be the mistress of life, turn it into sophistical chatter (Seneca, Moral Epistles cviii. 23; xlviii. 4, 12 [LCL Seneca, III. 244; I. 316 i, 3S0 f.]). With how much better reason, then, shall we detest these trifling Sophists who are content to roll the gospel on the tips of their tongues when its efficacy ought to penetrate the inmost affections of the heart, take its seat in the soul, and affect the whole man a hundred times more deeply than the cold exhortations of the philosophers! -- John Calvin in Institutes of the Christian Religion, (McNeill/Battles edition), 3.6.4 and context

    The life lived by the believers in heaven is but the completion and consummation of that life which, after regeneration, they live here on earth. The difference between the two is not one of kind, but of degree. The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day (Proverbs 4:18). If there has been no walking with God down here, there will be no dwelling with God up there. If there has been no real communion with Him in time, there will be none with Him in eternity. Death effects no vital change to the heart. True, at death the reminders of sin are forever left behind by the believer, but no new nature is then imparted. If then he did not hate sin and love holiness before death, he certainly will not do so afterwards. -- Arthur Pink (1886-1952), Profiting from the Word

    Therefore, behold, I add to do. He threatens that he will punish by blinding not only the ignorant or the ordinary ranks, but those wise men who were held in admiration by the people. From this vengeance we may easily learn how hateful a vice hypocrisy is, and how greatly it is abhorred by God, as the Prophet spoke a little before about human inventions; for what kind of punishment is more dreadful than blindness of mind and stupidity? This indeed is not commonly perceived by men, nor are they aware of the greatness of this evil; but it is the greatest and most wretched of all. -- Calvin commenting on Isaiah 29:1-24

    It is by the mixture of counterfeit religion with true, not discerned and distinguished, that the devil has had his greatest advantage against the cause and kingdom of Christ. It is by this means, principally, that he has prevailed against all revivings of religion, since the first founding of the Christian church. . . . By this, Satan prevailed against the reformation, began by Luther, Zwinglius, etc., to put a stop to its progress, and bring it into disgrace, ten times more than by all those bloody and cruel persecutions of the church of Rome. By this, principally, has he prevailed against revivals of religion in our nation. By this he prevailed against New England, to quench the love and spoil the joy of her espousals, about a hundred years ago. And I think, I have had opportunity enough to see plainly, that by this the devil has prevailed against the late great revival of religion in New England, so happy and promising in its beginning. -- Jonathan Edwards, in the Preface to The Religious Affections

    I admit fully that the manner of the Spirit's working is invisible. It is like the wind. It is like the attractive power of the magnet. It is like the influence of the moon upon the tides. There is something about it far beyond the reach of a person's eyes or understanding.
    But while I admit this decidedly, I maintain no less decidedly that the effects of the Spirit's work in conversion will always be seen. Those effects may be weak and feeble at first; to the natural man they may hardly be visible, and not understood. But effects there always will be; some fruit will always be seen where there is true conversion. Where no effect can be seen, there you may be sure there is no grace. Where no visible fruit can be found, there you may be sure is no conversion. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

    A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it: and a flattering mouth worketh ruin. (Proverbs 26:28)
    If we listen closely to others, then we may get a warning that they may eventually harm us. The warning, of course, is any falsehood in their words.

    He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
    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 14:21, 23)

    So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 3:16)

    For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written. (Romans 2:24. See: Isaiah 52:5; Ezekiel 36:21-23)

    See the Theological Notes: "The Final Judgment," at Matthew 25:41 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    As nothing is more common in the world than falsely to assume the name of God, or to pretend to be his people, and as a great part of men allow themselves to do this without any apprehension of the danger it involves, David, without stopping to speak to men, addresses himself to God, which he considers the better course; and he intimates, that if men assume the title of the people of God, without being so in deed and in truth, they gain nothing by their self-delusion, for God continues always like himself, and as he is faithful himself, so will he have us to keep faith with him in return. -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 15:1

    True religion arises out of a true knowledge of God as He is revealed in the Scriptures. True religion arises out of a true knowledge of man as he is described in the Scriptures. True religion arises out of a sense and understanding of the great things God has done for sinners in the Lord Jesus Christ. True religion produces a well-grounded hope in the soul, based upon the word of God. True religion produces a spirit of love and surrender of one's self to Jesus Christ as Lord. True religion will make the goodness and grace of God to me to be the principle and model of my conduct to others. True religion presses upon men three goals not attainable in the flesh, but the seed of which is planted here and begins to grow: (1) Total commitment to Jesus Christ; (2) Total communion with Jesus Christ; and (3) Total conformity to Jesus Christ. -- John Newton (1725-1807)

    In order to discover the character of people, we have only to observe what they love. -- Augustine of Hippo (354-430)

    The writer has met many people who profess to be Christians, but whose daily lives differ in nothing from thousands of non-professors all around them. They are rarely, if ever, found at the prayer meeting, they have no Family Worship, they seldom read the Scriptures, they will not talk with you about the things of God, their walk is thoroughly worldly; and yet they are quite sure they are bound for heaven! Inquire into the ground of their confidence, and they will tell you that so many years ago they accepted Christ as their Savior, and "once saved always saved" is now their comfort. There are thousands of such people on earth today, who are nevertheless, on the Broad Road, that leadeth to destruction, treading it with a false peace in their hearts and a vain profession on their lips. -- Arthur Pink (1886-1952), Exposition of Hebrews

    Overall, the current research [2009] revealed that only 9 percent of all American adults have a biblical worldview. Among the sixty subgroups of respondents that the survey explored was one defined by those who said they have made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ that is important in their life today, and that they are certain that they will go to Heaven after they die only because they confessed their sins and accepted Christ as their savior. Labeled 'born again Christians,' the study discovered that they were twice as likely as the average adult to possess a biblical worldview. However, that meant that even among born again Christians, less than one out of every five (19 percent), had such an outlook on life.
    The same questions were asked of respondents in national surveys by Barna in 1995, 2000 and 2005. The results indicate that the percentage of adults with a biblical worldview, as defined above, has remained unchanged for more than a decade. The numbers show that 7 percent had such a worldview in 1995, compared to 10 percent in 2000, 11 percent in 2005, and 9 percent now [2009]. Even among born again adults, the statistics have remained flat: 18 percent in 1995, 22 percent in 2000, 21 percent in 2005, and 19 percent today. -- "Barna Survey Examines Changes in Worldview Among Christians Over the Past 13 Years," March 6, 2009.
    That means, hypothetically, applying this statistic for purposes of general illustration, that if a born again individual with a Biblical worldview sits down in the middle of an Evangelical congregation, then the four persons seated around him, left, right, front, back, statistically do not have a Biblical worldview, which raises doubts that they really have a changed life, and are really true to Christ.
    The truth hurts! But these facts need to be known, especially by the new believer, who can be so buffeted about initially by the Adversary, and who can be so susceptible to discouragement.
    See also:

  • "Barna Lists the 12 Most Significant Religious Findings"
  • "A Biblical Worldview has a Radical Effect on a Person's Life," December 1, 2003
  • "What People Experience in Church," and
  • Jonathan Edwards, Religious Affection.

    • All graces may be counterfeited, and perhaps none more so in our time than charity. This counterfeit is one of the manifold phrases of legalism: for love, when genuine, is the fulfilling of the law. (Romans 13:10.) It cannot be antagonistic to the truth of God. No, it rejoiceth in the truth, (1 Corinthians 13:6.) Its counterfeit may always be detected by its disregarding or speaking lightly of the truth, its confidence and self-assertion. It is independent, vaunteth itself, is puffed up; hates dogma, except its own, and peaks with contempt of hoary-headed opinions. Yet, as there is a tincture of legalism in the Christian till the last breath, even good men may be partially while unconsciously under the influence of this false charity; more especially when it becomes socially epidemic and chronic. Then those conditions of ecclesiastical fellowship which learning and piety have constructed, called terms of communion, are assailed; they are next contemned; and at length ridiculed. Thus when the landmarks which the fathers had set are removed, modern charity -- sporting itself with its own deceivings, -- quickly substitutes what is vaguely termed the unity of the spirit, visible discipleship, or some equivalent vacuity. Then the garden enclosed, the spring shut up, the fountain sealed, becomes the world's common. Not only the little foxes spoil the vines; but the boar out of the wood doth waste it, and the beast of the field doth devour it. -- David Steele (1803-1887)

    They say of the nightingale, that when she is solitary in the woods, she is careless of her note; but when she conceives that she hath any auditors, or is near houses, then she composes herself more quaintly and elegantly. Verily, this is the frame and temper of the best hypocrites. -- Thomas Brooks (1608-1680)

    No hypocrite can bear the cross. -- Henry Smith (1550-1591)

    Cold-heartedness toward Christ and stinginess toward His cause always go together. To whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. (Luke 7:47) Many "professing" Christians are quite unable to understand true zeal and devotedness to the Lord. They look upon it all as fanaticism. Let not Christians be moved from a patient continuance in well doing by harsh criticisms from those who understand not. We must not expect professors to do anything for Christ when they have no sense of indebtedness to Christ. -- Arthur Pink (1886-1952), Gospel of John

    Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed. (Isaiah 66:5)

    But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled. (1 Peter 3:14)

    And they overcame by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (Revelation 12:11)

    For several decades we psychologists looked upon the whole matter of sin and moral accountability as a great incubus [a cause of difficulty or anxiety -- compiler], and acclaimed our liberation from it as epoch making. But at length we have discovered that to be free in this sense, that is, to have the excuse of being sick rather than sinful, is to court the danger of also being lost. [this danger is, I believe, betokened by the widespread interest in existentialism, which we are presently witnessing. -- Ravi Zacharias, apparently]. In becoming amoral and ethically neutral and free, we have cut the very roots of our being, lost our deepest sense of self with an identity, and with neurotics themselves find ourselves asking, Who am I? What is my deepest destiny. What does my living mean?" -- Hobart Mowrer (1907-1982), one-time president of the American Psychological Association (1954), who ultimately ended up committing suicide at age 75, in The American Psychologist, 1960.
    The reality of human nature is best portrayed in the teaching of Christ. And even secular atheistic psychologists, such as Hobart Mowrer was, said something has been lost, when we lost the understanding of the dogma of sin. And he said that, when he wrote that article, he received more letters to him than any other thing he had ever written. He was trying to recover a concept of sin, the reality of human nature. -- Ravi Zacharias, in an address, "The Uniqueness of Christ in History and World Religion" (part 2 of 2), accessed October 20, 2014

    Simplicity is the ordinary attendant of sincerity. -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)

    Hypocrites are like pictures on canvas, they show fairest at farthest. -- Thomas Adams

    The Church has never been perfect. Far from it. But the total record should be examined. In doing so, the good far, far outweighs the bad. Besides, Christian belief is in Christ, not in Christians. . . .
    Genuine Christianity must be distinguished from nominal Christianity. Some people have called themselves "Christians" who have lived in total opposition to the principles and teachings of the Master from Nazareth. But when we distinguish between name and reality, we see that genuine Christianity has been an unmixed blessing on the world. . . .
    Christianity is comprised of those who have repented of their sins and truly believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior and their Lord. In times past Christendom was comprised of those people living in "Christian" territories. Today, Christendom is comprised of true Christians and those professing Christians who have never experienced the saving grace of Christ. Many members of Christendom have lived lives that were totally unworthy of the name Christian.
    When people are unregenerate -- that is, if their hearts are not changed by Christ -- they are prone to do all sorts of ungodly and inhuman things. It doesn't matter whether they're atheistic Communists or clerics in the Church. And in the case of unregenerate Church Leaders, their evil actions have brought the blame of history upon Christianity.
    There is a Church visible (Christendom) and there is a Church invisible (true Christianity). . . . The Bible points out that the visible Church is not the real Church of Christ. The real Church of Christ is invisible, and it consists of all who truly belong to God as His elect -- all those who will ever be regenerated by the Holy Spirit. Judas Iscariot was a member of the visible Church of Christ, but not the invisible. . . .
    The devil has been able to infiltrate the Church [Matthew 13:24-30,37-39]. Thus, as Jesus forewarned, the Church contains believers and nonbelievers alike. . . .
    While Jesus told us to love our neighbor and even our enemies, He did predict that Christianity would prove divisive per se [Luke 12:51-53]. . . .
    Now, the Scripture teaches we are to be at peace will all, inasmuch as it is up to us (Romans 12:18). But we are to put Christ first in our lives . . . True faith can elicit a hostile reaction, even when practiced with a gentle and humble spirit. The division that Christ talked about here is the natural outworking of unbelief reacting against godliness, or belief reacting against ungodliness. . . . -- D. James Kennedy (1930-2007), and Jerry Newcombe, What if Jesus had Never Been Born, pp. 205,206,209,210

    The depravity of man is at once the most empirically verifiable reality, but at the same time the most intellectually resisted fact. (Genesis 6:5; Genesis 8:21b; Ecclesiastes 9:3b; Jeremiah 17:9; Mark 7:21-23; Ephesians 2:1-3; Titus 3:3-5) -- Malcolm Muggeridge (1903-1990). See John Calvin's Commentary on Isaiah Chapter 33 [Isaiah 33:1-66].

    Abrahams, Israel, Studies in Pharisaism and the Gospels, ISBN: 1592448240 9781592448241.
    "First published in two volumes in 1917 and 1924. Now available in one volume. Long regarded as a pioneer work that revolutionized an understanding of the character and development of Pharisaism." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Hypocricy," and so forth, and so on.

    Alleine, Joseph (1634-1668), A Sure Guide to Heaven or An Alarm to the Unconverted, ISBN: 0851510817 9780851510811. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "The book that is a must read by all people who claim themselves to be genuinely converted or born again. Read this book and you'll be benefited from detail exhortation given in this book with regards to the subject of true conversion and the unconverted." -- Reader's Comment

    *Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), A Christian Directory: Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 1. Full title: A Christian Directory: or A Sum of Practical Theology, and Cases of Conscience. Directing Christians how to use Their Knowledge and Faith; How to Improve all Helps and Means, and to Perform all Duties; How to Overcome Temptations, and to Escape or Mortify Every Sin. In Four Parts.
    I. Christian Ethics (or Private Duties)
    II. Christian Economics (or Family Duties)
    III. Christian Ecclesiastics (or Church Duties)
    IV. Christian Politics (or Duties to Our Rulers and Neighbours)     (Morgan, PA: Soli Deo Gloria Publications, 1997, 1990, 1838, 1707, 1678, 1673), ISBN: 1877611131 9781877611131. Foreword by J.I. Packer (Soli Deo Gloria edition only). The Soli Deo Gloria publication is a facsimile reprint of the 19th century reprint by George Virtue, London, 1846. The original 1673 edition and the 1678 edition, both printed by Robert White for Nevill Simmons. Bibliographic and scriptural footnotes. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available (less the J.I. Packer's Foreword, but searchable with an OCR-based index), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    This work is available in many editions, and in many formats.
    Reformation Heritage Books has new copies of the Soli Deo Gloria edition (including the J.I. Packer Introduction), as of March 2008, even though it is generally thought to be out of print. They acquired Soli Deo Gloria from Ligonier Ministries in late 2007.
    The best digital format of the reprint by George Virtue is included on the Puritan Hard Drive. It has an OCR scan in the background, meaning one can search the entire volume and copy text into another document. It also has a computer generated indexed from the OCR scan which is, of course, in Baxter's vocabulary.
    A PDF image scan only of the same edition is available on the Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.
    The reprint by George Virtue is available online and may be downloaded in PDF format at Christian Classics Ethereal Library.
    The reprint by George Virtue appears in full preview in Google Books but may not be downloaded. So it is useful if the reader wants to become acquainted with the book. Text can be searched, but can not be copied into another document. This particular Google Books scan includes the contents in detail on pages iii-xix which is not included in the Christian Classics Ethereal Library PDF files. About five other editions from libraries are available in Google Books, and may be downloaded (August 2008).
    Notice that the e-text in Google Books has the advantage of being searchable. Searching an image-based PDF file (without an OCR scan in the background), is not possible, unless the user owns software such as Abode Acrobat Pro or Kirtas BookScan Editor. They both have an OCR (optical character recognition), feature that will search an image-based PDFs (bit-map scans). Searches appear to be perfect in this work, although one must know Baxter's vocabulary. Text can be cut and pasted from image-based PDF format to OCR (character) format. This particular Google Books scan can not be cut and pasted or downloaded.
    One of the older, multi-volume editions of THE WORKS OF RICHARD BAXTER is available at Monergism.com in the "Puritan Library," "Richard Baxter." A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, volume 23. It can be downloaded.
    http://www.puritanlibrary.com/
    Another older edition is available on microfilm (Ann Arbor, MI: University Microfilms, 1970), 1 microfilm reel, 35 mm (Early English books, 1641-1700; 343:11).
    "The complete practical works of Richard Baxter are in print in four volumes entitled BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS. This volume (about 1 1/4 million words, 1028 pages), is volume one of the set. The editor's preface (1707), p. xiii, stated that the works of Richard Baxter are 'perhaps the best body of practical divinity that is extent in our own or any other tongue.' Richard Baxter lived from 1615-1691. The DIRECTORY was completed in 1665. Its scope was intended to cover all of practical theology, a summa of casuistry . . ." -- Don Kistler
    "Baxter's series, which grew in range and scope as it proceeded . . . is a peak point in Puritan devotional writing, and remains a precious resource for all, in this or any age, who want to know what is involved in Biblical godliness. . . . A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY may justly be described as a landmark. It is the fullest, most thorough, and in this writer's judgment, most profound treatment of Christian spirituality and standards that has ever been attempted by an English-speaking Evangelical author. The fact that it embraces both spirituality and standards (the principles of communion with God plus the specifics of obedience to God), merits approving comment in itself; nowadays spirituality and ethics have become two distinct disciplines in the schools, and books written on either say virtually nothing about the other . . ." -- J.I. Packer (1926-2020)
    Timothy Keller calls it the greatest manual on Biblical counseling ever produced.
    "There are many Puritan classics on this subject. Thomas Brooks' PRECIOUS REMEDIES FOR SATAN'S DEVICES, Thomas Goodwin's A CHILD OF LIGHT WALKING IN DARKNESS, William Bridge's A LIFTING UP FOR THE DOWNCAST, and many other similar works give evidence that the Puritans were. . . . masters at applying Biblical answers and principles to problems that can only be solved by spiritual means. No Puritan work, however, has ever approached the popularity, the scope, or the depth of Baxter's classic treatise. With the widespread interest in counseling in today's church, this reprint of Baxter's work should be a welcome addition to every pastor's library, or to anyone else who wishes to give solid Biblical answers to man's questions." -- Don Kistler
    "We have long waited for a purely Biblical treatment of the spiritual ills and cures of men which is untainted by the views of psychology. Since Baxter lived about 200 years before psychology arrived, his deep work is completely void of its encroachment -- thankfully!" -- John MacArthur
    "The kings men sought to arrest Richard Baxter, but he traveled ceaselessly from place to place, writing his sermons and his books even on horseback (he had an inkwell in his saddle), and preached over a wide area." -- Brian H. Edwards
    "Baxter was a wonder of his age. His writings total 72 large volumes, much of it written on horseback as he traveled in his widespread preaching efforts. He seldom, if ever, edited anything he wrote. Knowing this any reader will be amazed at how well he communicated his deep love for his Savior. For 26 years he was public enemy No. 1 to the king, yet he lived to see the flight of the king in 1688." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    POOR MAN'S FAMILY BOOK (1674) and THE CATECHIZING OF FAMILIES (1683), are less detailed works and are found in THE REFORMED PASTOR: BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 4. They are more suitable for family instruction than are the detailed presentation in A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY.
    "Ptacek in FAMILY WORSHIP: BIBLICAL BASIS, HISTORICAL REALITY, CURRENT NEED (pp. 51-52), supplies the following information in regard to Baxter and this book. He notes that after the Episcopalians ejected numerous 'nonconformists,' in what is know as the 'great ejection,' in 1662, 'Baxter pastored from house to house, visiting families of his parish in their homes. These visits contributed to Baxter's A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, a large and still very relevant manual of pastoral care.' Focusing on just one area of great importance, Ptacek demonstrates how this book's relevance is not limited by time or culture, though sometimes the use of specific words are. 'Published in 1673, but written 1664-65, a large book-length part of Baxter's CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY is devoted to the family. It is entitled 'Christian Economics' based on the archaic usage of the word, which reflects the proper sense of the Greek root oikonomos as the manager of a household, in the Christian case, the spiritual leader of the family. The family head is essential to Baxter's view of family worship and instruction. Baxter asserts that it is God's will that this instruction be carried out by the rulers of the families.' For a male head of the household to fail to do so, or to have another instruct in the family, is contrary to his position of authority.' This is the kind of book that can be passed on from generation to generation and still find much use in the service of the kingdom of God.
    "Though relatively weak on corporate sanctification, corporate faithfulness and some important areas of doctrine (such as justification), Baxter's work on subjects related to personal piety can be of good practical use to the Christian -- if one is careful to separate out his aberrant doctrinal views and any practical errors they may lead to." -- Publisher
    The following three excerpts are included as bonus free books on Reformation Bookshelf CD #28.
    1. "The Duties of Parents for Their Children" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. X., pp. 449-454.
    2. "The Special Duties of Children Towards Their Parents" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. XI., pp. 454-457.
    3. "The Special Duties of Children and Youth Towards God" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. XII., pp. 457-458).
    A summary of currently (2012) available publications.
    http://www.lettermen2.com/pwrbcd.html
    Richard Baxter, from Wikipedia
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Baxter

    *Baxter, Richard, The Reformed Pastor: Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 4, ISBN: 1877611360. A Christian classic.
    "This is the fourth and final volume in this great set. Includes, 'Compassionate Counsel to all Young men,' 'The Reformed Pastor,' 'Poor Man's Family Book,' 'The Catechizing of Families,' and 'The Mother's Catechism,' in all 25 sermons, treatises, and catechisms. Dr. J.I. Packer says, 'For me, the great joy of this year is that it see the completion of Soli Deo Gloria's reprint of Baxter's incomparable PRACTICAL WORKS'." -- GCB
    Richard Baxter, from Wikipedia
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Baxter
    Compassionate Counsel to all Young men (1681), by Richard Baxter
    http://www.lettermen2.com/ccaym.html

    Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), The Vain Religion of the Formal Hypocrite Detected, ISBN: 1877611360.

    Belgum, David Rudolph, Hypocrisy and Mental Health (1962). Available in MORALITY AND MENTAL HEALTH.

    Black, David (1762-1806), The Deceitfulness of the Heart.
    "Black was pastor of Lady Yester's, Edinburgh, Scotland, from 1794 until his death. With regard to his sermon delivery, it was said that 'His manner was solemn and affectionate, earnest and persuasive. When expostulating with sinners, or unfolding to Christians the consolations of the gospel, there was often an animation in his address -- a sacred fervour -- a divine unction, which powerfully impressed the auditory. He evidently felt the truths he was delivering, and spake as one standing in the presence of God, animated with a pure zeal for the glory of the Redeemer, and the salvation of immortal souls.' The following piece is from his SERMONS ON IMPORTANT SUBJECTS (Edinburgh 1808)."
    http://www.westminsterconfession.org/the-doctrines-of-grace/the-deceitfulness-of-the-heart.php

    *Bolton, Robert (1572-1631), and Thomas Goodwin (1600-1680), Bolton, Robert, The Carnal Professor and Thomas Goodwin, Christ Set Forth, ISBN: 1877611468 9781877611469. Alternate title: CHRIST SET FORTH IN HIS DEATH, RESURRECTION, ASCENSION, SITTING AT GOD'S RIGHT HAND, AND INTERCESSION / BY THOMAS GOODWIN. Available (CHRIST SET FORTH), in THE WORKS OF THOMAS GOODWIN, VOL. 1.
    The Works of Thomas Goodwin
    http://archive.org/details/worksofthomasgoo01good
    "The first 156 pages is a heart-searching treatise directed at those who profess Christianity without necessarily possessing it. Goodwin's 384 pages is directed toward those who have embraced the principles of Christ, but have neglected Christ Himself in all of His glory. Both authors are Puritans of great renown." -- CBD

    Brooks, Thomas (1608-1680), The Hypocrite Detected, Anatomized, Impeached, Arraigned, and Condemned Before the Parliament of England. Or, a Word in Season: Shewing Hypocrites to be the Prime Objects of Gods Wrath; And the Grounds of it: With Speciall Lessons That we are to Learn From it. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Brooks, Thomas (1608-1680), and Alexander Balloch Grosart, What a Hypocrite Cannot do. Alternate title: HOW FAR AN HYPOCRITE CANNOT GO. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #20.

    *Burgess, Anthony (d. 1664?), Spiritual Refining, or, A Treatise of Grace and Assurance Part I: Wherein are handled, the doctrine of assurance, the use of signs in self-examination, how true graces may be distinguished from counterfeit, several true signs of grace, and many false ones, the nature of grace, under divers scripture-notions or titles, as regeneration, the new-creature, the heart of flesh, vocation, sanctification, &c.: many chief questions (occasionally) controverted between the orthodox and the Arminians: as also many cases of conscience, tending to comfort and confirm saints, [and] undeceive and convert sinners. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (SPIRITUAL REFINING, PART I AND PART II), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.
    "The first section is on the deceitfulness and guile of the natural heart (Jeremiah 17:9). . . . Next he contrasts thee natural tendencies toward deceitfulness in all of us to the uprightness of the heart; or, the heart without guile (Psalm 32:2) . . . Section three deals with practical cases of conscience which regularly test our sincerity in seeking to be guileless . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)

    Dabney, Robert L. (1820-1898), Spurious Religious Excitements. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.

    Durham, James (1622-1658), Jenkyn, William (1613-1685), and John Owen (1616-1683), The law Unsealed; or, a Practical Exposition of the Ten Commandments. With a Resolution of Several Momentous Questions and Cases of Conscience, 422 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "Durham, a Scottish Covenanter, was known as a 'very candid and searching preacher,' who in an instant was 'in the inmost corners of your bosom,' though with the utmost 'caution and meekness, without giving any of his hearers the smallest ground to fret and repine at his freedom in dealing with them.' (Carstairs cited in the Dictionary of Scottish Church History and Theology, p. 266).
    "John Owen, in his letter introducing the reader to this volume, writes, 'In the whole a full testimony is given, not only against the profligate lives of many, called Christians, but that barren careless profession also, which too many satisfy themselves withal, who pretend more unto the truth and power of religion. And as those who are sincere in their obedience may, in the examination of themselves, by the rules here laid down, discern the decays which possibly they have fallen under in this hour of temptation, which is come on the face of the earth, to try them that dwell therein, so also may they be directed in their Christian course unto the glory of God, and the comfort of their own souls.' Durham's lectures deal with each commandment in order and the volume contains 'An Alphabetical Table of the Principal Matters Handled in the Whole Book;' making it eminently practical, and a very useful aid to the study of God's holy, just, good and spiritual law." (Rom. 7:12 [Romans 7:12]) -- Publisher

    *Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), The Religious Affections. Alternate title: A TREATISE CONCERNING RELIGIOUS AFFECTIONS, IN THREE PARTS; PART I. CONCERNING THE NATURE OF THE AFFECTIONS, AND THEIR IMPORTANCE IN RELIGION. PART II. SHEWING WHAT ARE NO CERTAIN SIGNS THAT RELIGIOUS AFFECTIONS ARE GRACIOUS, OR THAT THEY ARE NOT. PART III. SHEWING WHAT ARE DISTINGUISHING SIGNS OF TRULY GRACIOUS AND HOLY AFFECTIONS. BY JONATHAN EDWARDS, A.M. AND PASTOR OF THE FIRST CHURCH IN NORTHAMPTON. [TWELVE LINES OF SCRIPTURE TEXTS], ISBN: 0851514855 9780851514857. A Christian classic. RELIGIOUS AFFECTIONS is volume two of THE WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS, 26 volumes (New Haven: Yale University Press, 1957-2006), ISBN: 0300022824 9780300022827 0300060599 9780300060591. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.
    Edwards "sets forth 12 distinguishing signs of truly gracious and holy affections: (1) [those] truly spiritual affections which arise from spiritual, supernatural, Divine influences on the heart; (2) those affections grounded in the intrinsic excellence of Divine things, without relating to our self-interest; (3) those primarily founded on the loveliness of the moral excellency of Divine things. . . ." -- William Young
    "This treatise soberly, thoroughly, and scripturally covers hypocrisy within the Christian church. We recommend it to everyone in full-time Christian service, and to anyone who may be discouraged by hypocrisy among professing Christians.
    "It is by the mixture of counterfeit religion with true, not discerned and distinguished, that the devil has had his greatest advantage against the cause and kingdom of Christ. [For Edward's work on the positive side of the revival in New England see 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 -- compiler]. It is by this means, principally, that he has prevailed against all revivings of religion, since the first founding of the Christian church. . . . By this, Satan prevailed against the reformation, began by Luther. Zwinglius, etc., to put a stop to its progress, and bring it into disgrace, ten times more than by all those bloody and cruel persecutions of the church of Rome. By this, principally, has he prevailed against revivals of religion in our nation. By this he prevailed against New England, to quench the love and spoil the joy of her espousals, about a hundred years ago. And I think, I have had opportunity enough to see plainly, that by this the devil has prevailed against the late great revival of religion in New England, so happy and promising in its beginning." -- Jonathan Edwards, in the Preface to The Religious Affections
    A Treatise Concerning the Religious Affections, Edwards
    http://archive.org/details/treatiseconcern00edwa
    Religious Affections, Jonathan Edwards
    http://www.ccel.org/ccel/edwards/affections.i.html?highlight=religious,affections#highlight
    This work also appears full view in Google Books.

    *Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), Total Depravity, Obtaining Salvation and Miscellaneous Discourses. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.
    "Includes a warning to professors concerning the great guilt of those who take part in the ordinances of divine worship and yet allow themselves to be snared in any known wickedness. A work on temptation and deliverance and numerous other topics of great value." -- Publisher

    Flavel, John (1630-1691), The Touchstone of Sincerity; or, Trial of True and False Religion (1840)
    http://archive.org/details/touchstoneofsinc00flav

    *Goodwin, Thomas (1600-1680), Christ Set Forth. Alternate title: CHRIST SET FORTH IN HIS DEATH, RESURRECTION, ASCENSION, SITTING AT GODS RIGHT HAND, INTERCESSION, AS THE CAUSE OF JUSTIFICATION [&] OBJECT OF JUSTIFYING FAITH: UPON ROM. 8. VER. 34 [Romans 8:34]: TOGETHER WITH A TREATISE DISCOVERING THE AFFECTIONATE TENDERNESSE OF CHRISTS HEART NOW IN HEAVEN, UNTO SINNERS ON EARTH.
    "Goodwin's 384 pages is directed toward those who have embraced the principles of Christ but have neglected Christ Himself in all of His glory. Both authors are Puritans of great renown." -- CBD. Published in the same volume with THE CARNAL PROFESSOR by Robert Bolton.

    *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

    *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

    *Mead, Matthew (1621-1699), The Almost Christian Discovered, ISBN: 9781425522636 1425522637. A Christian classic.
    "This Puritan reprint is a classic study of true and false conversion. Dr. John MacArthur says, 'This is not balm for the emotions; it is food for the soul. Those looking for a tranquilizing devotional study will not be soothed by this book. People who have come to Christ only for what they can get out of Him will find no encouragement here. On the other hand, true believers who want to deepen their walk -- even struggling Christians who are open to reproof and instruction -- will find plenty of substance on these pages." -- Publisher
    "The author takes example after example of people who demonstrated great signs of spiritual life but were never truly converted to Christ or as he puts it be 'an almost Christian.' Each example is taken from Scripture. For example, Mead shows us that one can have great and eminent spiritual gifts such as healing, cleansing and casting out demons but not be a Christian. Certainly this describes Judas. Like the other apostles, Judas is sent out in Matthew 10:7-8 to preach the gospel, heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Yet, Judas was not saved. Mead other topics include great hatred for sin and be an almost Christian, or great signs of repentance and be an almost Christian." -- Reader's Comment

    *Owen, John (1616-1683), True and False Religion, ISBN: 0851510620 9780851510620. A Christian classic.
    "Contains many and detailed arguments against the Church of Rome during Owen's day, its teachings, and practices. Owen was answering those in his day who wanted to return to Rome. Still applicable for our day of ecumenism."

    Palmer, Samuel (d. 1724), Popery and Hypocrisy Detected and Opened From the Holy Scriptures: As it Respects Magistrates, Ministers, and People. In a sermon upon the occasion of a general fast, kept Decemb. 22. 1680. By the author of the Plotters doom, a true son of the Church of England, 1680.
    Caption title on p. 1 reads: A FAST-SERMON UPON JOEL II. 13. [Joel 2:13]

    Perkins, William (1558-1602), A Direction for the Governement of the Tongue, According to Gods VVorde, 1593. Alternate title: THE GOUERNEMENT OF THE TONGUE.

    Perkins, William (1558-1602), Satans Sophistrie Ansuuered by our Sauiour Christ and in Diuers Sermons Further Manifested, by That Worthy man Maister William Perkins; to Which is Added, a Comfort for the feeble minded, wherein is set downe the temptations of a Christian, 1604, Available (THE WORKS OF THAT FAMOUS AND WORTHY MINISTER OF CHRIST, MR. W. PERKINS), on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Pink, A.W. (1886-1952), Profession Tested. Available in THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT, Chapter 56.

    Reed, Kevin, Religious Dissemblers and Theological Liars. Available in LIBRARY OF PRESBYTERIAN HERITAGE PUBLICATIONS AND PROTESTANT HERITAGE PRESS CD-ROM LIBRARY.
    http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/relliars.htm

    Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), The Excellence and Worth of the Gospel, 1640, ISBN: 1573581011 9781573581011. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #10.
    "This sermon is read by elder Lyndon Dohms (1998) and taken from the book QUAINT SERMONS OF SAMUEL RUTHERFORD. It proclaims the power of the gospel for pulling down all strongholds raised against it. It exhibits God's sovereignty while blasting the Arminian heresy and toppling its vaunted idol of 'free will.' It demonstrates how the gospel is a love letter from God to His elect and how the Lord's arrows always hit their mark (particular redemption, irresistible grace, etc.). Rutherford also delineates the marks by which one can be assured that a work of grace has been begun in the heart by God. Hypocrisy is also exposed in the most pointed manner. The place of the law and the gospel in salvation are given. True repentance is contrasted with false repentance, as is true assurance with false assurance, plus much more. A very practical sermon from one of the greatest preachers and theologians of all time, exhibiting why Rutherford is considered a protesting Covenanter of the first rank.

    Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), Quaint Sermons of Samuel Rutherford Hitherto Unpublished. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #10, 29.
    "As Andrew Bonar notes in his preface to this book, 'Samuel Rutherford never fails to set Christ on high, for truly he had a thirst no earthly stream could satisfy -- A hunger that must feed on Christ, or die.' These sermons, in setting forth the splendor of Christ as revealed in His Word, will continue to offer much comfort and consolation to contemporary Christians. Of the sermons that make up this volume some titles include, 'The Spouse's Longing for Christ' (Song of Solomon 5:3-6), 'Fear not, Thou Worm Jacob' (Isa. 41:14-16 [Isaiah 41:14-16]), 'The Worth and Excellence of the Gospel' (2 Cor. 10:4-5 [2 Corinthians 10:4-5]), and 'The Forlorn Son -- The Fathers Expressed Welcome' (Luke 15:22-23) -- along with fourteen others." -- Publisher

    *Shepard, Thomas (1605-1649), The Sincere Convert and the Sound Believer, ISBN: 1877611328. Alternate title: THE SINCERE CONVERT: DISCOVERING THE SMALL NUMBER OF TRUE BELEEVERS AND THE GREAT DIFFICULTY OF SAVING-CONVERSION. A Christian classic. Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS SHEPARD, volume 3 only), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    The sub-title continues: "Wherein is excellently and plainly opened these choyce and divine principles: viz: 1. That there is a God, and this God is most glorious, 2. that God made man in a blessed estate, 3. mans misery by his fall, 4. Christ the onely redeemer by price, 5. that few are saved and that with difficulty, 6. that mans perdition is of himself."
    "Lovers of Puritan literature will welcome the reprinting of these two classics. Also includes about 200 pages on the life of Shepard." -- GCB
    "He scatters pearls and diamonds with both hands." -- C.H. Spurgeon
    The Sincere Convert, Discovering the Paucity of True Believers (1643)
    http://archive.org/details/sincereconvertd00shepgoog

    *Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon.
    A sermon by C.H. Spurgeon delivered on Lord's-day morning, September 9, 1888, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon no. 2043.
    "This is the way in which you should use this plea. Say, 'My God, I am utterly unworthy, and I own it; but, I beseech thee, hear me for the honour of thy dear Son. By his agony and bloody sweat, by his cross and passion, by his precious death and burial, I beseech thee hear me! O Lord, let the blood of thine Only-begotten prevail with thee! Canst thou put aside his groans, his tears, his death, when they speak on my behalf?' If you can thus come to pleading terms with God upon this ground, you must and will prevail. Jesus must be heard in heaven. The voice of his blood is eloquent with God. If you plead the atoning sacrifice, you must overcome through the blood of the Lamb." -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon

    *Wilberforce, William (1759-1833), Real Christianity. Alternate title: A PRACTICAL VIEW OF THE PREVAILING RELIGIOUS SYSTEM OF PROFESSED CHRISTIANS IN THE HIGHER AND MIDDLE CLASSES IN THIS COUNTRY, CONTRASTED WITH REAL CHRISTIANITY. PUBLISHED IN 1797 BY WILLIAM WILBERFORCE, ESQ. MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR THE COUNTY OF YORK, ISBN: 157748584X.
    "Wilberforce (1759-1833), was a member of the English Parliament for 45 years, a politician by calling, but a Christian in his faith and practice.
    "He was a prime mover in the abolition of slavery in England. This book was printed in 1797, and has gone through many printings since, in English and five other languages.
    "The book is highly abridged, being originally 450 pages. . . . The main thrust of the book is on practical Christianity. . . . Wilberforce teaches the importance of a God-centered life. Any life that is not centered on our Creator is not life at all, but such persons are dead while living (1 Timothy 5:6) . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    Wilberforce, William (1759-1833), A Practical View of the Prevailing Religious System of Professed Christians, in the Higher and Middle Classes, Contrasted With Real Christianity (1820), and Flavel, John (1630-1691), Touchstone of Sincerity, or Trial of True and False Religion
     http://archive.org/details/practicalviewofp00wil

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, Deceit, self-deception, lying, Absolute truth and relativism, Epistemology of theology, the theory of knowledge, Obedience, loving and obeying god, Pride, ambition, self-aggrandizement, arrogance, ego, Blindness, spiritual, Spiritual discernment, Blindness, spiritual, Glory in iniquity, the temptation of vainglory, Blasphemy, The proximity of good and evil, Unfaithful reformed ministries, Persecution, The all-sufficiency of christ, Manhood, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Treason and impeachment, Justice, judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, day of judgment, Carnality and flesh pleasing: lust, desires, ambition, Self-justification, self-righteousness, Anger, Evil, Excellence, Self, selfishness, self-esteem, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, The covenant faithfulness of god, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justification, Justifying faith, The love and justice of god, oneness, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Pseudo-christian movements, The counter-reformation, Antinomianism, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, Persecution, Mind, the battle for, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Modern myths and fallacies, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 2994, 2995
    MGTP: Hypocrisy

    Related Weblinks

    A Brotherly and Free Epistle to the Patrons and Friends of Pretended Liberty of Conscience, by Samuel Rutherfurd (sic) Professor of Divinity in the University of St. Andrews in Scotland
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/anti_toleration/rutherfurd_epistle_against_pretendedlibertyofconscience.html

    The Commandments of Jesus, J.S. McConnell (1925)
    http://www.wowzone.com/commandm.htm

    Four Essentials That Authenticate Your Christianity
    https://rickthomas.net/four-essentials-that-authenticate-your-christianity/

    Hypocrisy (FGB #193)
    Great Danger of Hypocrisy, Bromhall, Andrew (1608-1662) | The Hypocrite's Character, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | Hypocrites and Christ, Brooks, Thomas (1608-1680) | Hypocrites Deficient in Prayer, Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758) | How far may Hypocrites Go? Clarkson, David (1622-1686) | Surprised by God's Judgment, Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758) | Inside Religion, Boston, Thomas (1676-1732) | What if I Find Hypocrisy in me? Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892)
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/hypofg/hypocrisy

    Is There Meaning in Evil and Suffering? Ravi Zacharias
    "Ravi debates the difficult question, 'Is There Meaning in Evil and Suffering' at the Faith and Science Lecture Forum. Ravi's address is followed by a rebuttal from three panelists: Dr. Bernard Leikind, a plasma physicist, senior editor at Skeptic Magazine and a renowned atheist; Dr. Jitendra Mohanty, one of India's most noted Hindu philosophers and a distinguished professor at Emory University in Atlanta; and William Lane Craig, a noted author, Christian philosopher and apologist. After the rebuttals and Ravi's response, the audience asks questions."
    https://www.christianbook.com/is-there-meaning-in-evil-suffering/ravi-zacharias/pd/DA20808-CP?event=ESRCG

    The Mirror of Evil, an essay by Eleonore Stump
    "Eleonore Stump is The Robert J. Henle Professor of Philosophy at Saint Louis University, where she has taught since 1992. She received a Ph.D. in medieval studies and medieval philosophy from Cornell University in 1975." Caveat: Saint Louis University is a Jesuit school. See her curriculum vitae.
    The essay comes from WANDERING IN DARKNESS: NARRATIVE AND THE PROBLEM OF SUFFERING.
    http://www2.sunysuffolk.edu/fellenm/Handouts_files/215/Stump.pdf

    Self-deceived: Sermon Notes From Charles Spurgeon
    http://www.gospelweb.net/SpurgeonSermonNotes/SpurgeonNotes108.htm

    Self-delusion, a sermon by C.H. Spurgeon
    http://www.spurgeongems.org/vols7-9/chs475.pdf



    Idolatry, Syncretism

    GOD spake all these words, saying, I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
    I. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
    II. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. (Exodus 20:3-6) -- Lord God Almighty (Revelation 15:3), The Truth (John 14:6), The Word of Life (1 John 1:1), Governor (Matthew 2:6), The Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8)

    See the Theological Notes: "Syncretism and Idolatry," at Hosea 2:13 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    Deuteronomy 13 and Matthew Henry's Commentary.

    The reasons annexed to the second commandment, the more to enforce it . . . are besides God's sovereignty over us, and propriety in us, his fervent zeal for his own worship, and his revengeful indignation against all false worship, as being a spiritual whoredom; accounting the breakers of this commandment such as hate him, and threatening to punish them unto divers generations; and esteeming the observers of it such as love him and keep his commandments, and promising mercy to them unto many generations. -- Westminster Larger Catechism (1648), partial answer to Question 110

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

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

    Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit.
    Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid, be ye very desolate, saith the LORD.
    For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.     (Jeremiah 2:11-13)

    And now what hast thou to do in the way of Egypt, to drink the waters of Sihor? or what hast thou to do in the way of Assyria, to drink the waters of the river?
    Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.     (Jeremiah 2:18,19)

    How canst thou say, I am not polluted, I have not gone after Baalim? see thy way in the valley, know what thou hast done: thou art a swift dromedary traversing her ways;
    A wild ass used to the wilderness, that snuffeth up the wind at her pleasure; in her occasion who can turn her away? all they that seek her will not weary themselves; in her month they shall find her.
    Withhold thy foot from being unshod, and thy throat from thirst: but thou saidst, There is no hope: no; for I have loved strangers, and after them will I go.     (Jeremiah 2:23-25)

    Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 4:10)

    I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
    How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that [cometh] from God only?     -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 5:43,44)

    When I remember the fearful threatenings of God, pronounced against realms and nations to whom the light of God's word has been offered, and contemptuously refused by them (Lev. 26:14-39; Matt. 10:14-15) [Leviticus 26:14-39; Matthew 10:14-15]; as my heart unfeignedly mourns for your present estate, dearly beloved in our Saviour Jesus Christ, so do the whole powers of body and soul tremble and shake for the plagues that are to come. But that God's true word has been offered to the realm of England none can deny, except such as by the devil are held in bondage (God justly so punishing their proud disobedience, 1 Tim. 1:9 [1 Timothy 1:9]), and have neither eyes to see, nor understanding to discern good from bad, nor darkness from light. Against whom, at this present [time], no otherwise will I contend, nor [than] did the prophet Jeremiah against the stiff-necked and stubborn people of Judea, saying, "The wrath of the Lord shall not be turned away, till he has fulfilled the thoughts of his heart" (Jer. 23:20 [Jeremiah 23:20]). And thus I leave them (as of whose repentance there is small hope) to the hands of him who shall not forget their horrible blasphemies spoken in despite of Christ's truth, and of his true messengers. And with you that unfeignedly mourn for the great shipwreck of God's true religion, I purpose to communicate such counsel and admonition, now by my rude pen, as sometimes it pleased God I should proclaim in your ears. The end of which my admonition is, that even as you purpose and intend to avoid God's vengeance, both in this life and in the life to come; that so you avoid and flee, as well in body as in spirit, all fellowship and society with idolaters in their idolatry. -- John Knox (1505-1572)

    And albeit that abominable idolaters triumph for a moment, yet the hour approaches when God's vengeance shall strike not only their souls, but even their vile carcasses shall be plagued, as he has threatened before. Their cities shall be burned, their land shall be laid waste, their enemies shall dwell in their strongholds, their wives and their daughters shall be defiled, their children shall fall by the edge of the sword. Mercy shall they find none, because they have refused the God of all mercy, when lovingly and long he called upon them (Lev. 26:14-19; Jer. 6:11-12; Lev. 26:1-13 [Leviticus 26:14-19; Jeremiah 6:11-12; Leviticus 26:1-13]). You would know the time, and what certainty I have thereof. To God will I appoint no time, but these and more plagues shall fall upon the realm of England (and that ere it be long, except repentance prevent), I am so sure as that I am that my God lives. -- John Knox (1505-1572)

    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)

    There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death. (Proverbs 16:25)

    As the love of God and man are the comprehensive duties of the decalogue, expressed most in the first and last commandment, but yet extending themselves to all the rest; so selfishness and pride (which is a principal part of it), are the opposite sins, forbidden principally in the first and last commandment, as contrary to the love of God and man, but so as it is contrary to the rest. They are sins against the very relation itself, that God and man do stand in to us, and not only against a particular law: they are against the very constitution of the kingdom of God, and not only against the administration: it is treason or idolatry against God, and a setting up ourselves in some part of his prerogative: and it is a monstrous exuberancy in the body, and a rising of one member above and so against the rest, either superiors (and so against the fifth command), or equals (against the rest). -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 115, C.H. Spurgeon
    Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake. (Psalm 115:1)
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps115.php

    Idolatry and the First Commandment
    "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." (Exodus 20:3).
    I shall now shut up all with the consideration of these words, before me. These words before me, in the first commandment, teach us, that God who seeth all things, taketh special notice of, and is much displeased with the sin of having any other god.
    First, God taketh special notice of the sin of having any other god.
    1. He taketh special notice of the gross sin of idolatry. He has a jealous eye on it, and will not overlook it; for it is spiritual adultery; and the husband will overlook many faults in his wife, who will not overlook that.
    Idolaters have their fig-leaf covers for their idolatry. How do the Papists set their wits on the rack to frame such nice and subtle distinctions as may palliate their horrid idolatry! But though they may deceive the simple with these things, yet they cannot blind the eyes of the all-seeing God.
    Seeing God takes such notice of it, how lamentable is it that idolatry makes such vast progress in this covenanted land, and is not duly noticed! How sad is it, that the sin and dishonor against God is not noticed, so as to be mourned over, and to take notice of it to repress it! This is a sad sign of the danger of being over-run with it.
    2. God takes special notice of heart idolatry, of whatever possesseth his room in the heart. That is a subtle kind of idolatry, so hid that others cannot, nay men themselves do not always, perceive what it is that is their idol. But God sees it very well.
    (1) The idol may be of a spiritual nature, which the man cannot discern till the law be carried home on the soul in its spiritual extent. Thus Paul's duties and seeming holiness were his idol, Rom. 7:9 [Romans 7:9].
    (2) It may lie in lawful things. Things unlawful in themselves may quickly be seen with the snare in them. It is easy to discern the devil when he appears with his cloven foot, so to speak: but it is not so easy to see a man's ruin lying in houses and lands, husband, wife, and children, goods and gear: yet these may be the idols.
    (3) The idol may go under the name of an infirmity; Thus many deceive themselves with entertaining reigning sins, under the name of infirmities.
    (4) Self-love acts its part here, being ready to magnify men's good, and extenuate their evil. And so they nourish their disease, and hug the viper that is gnawing at their bowels.
    (5) There may be a judicial stroke in it. They will not entertain the discoveries which God makes them; and they shutting their eyes, the Lord strikes them blind.
    Secondly, God is specially displeased with our having any other god.
    1. He is displeased with gross idolatry. He shows his special wrath in this life against idolaters, as against the Israelites, for worshipping the golden calf; and against the ten tribes, for their idolatry at Dan and Bethel. So old Babylon was, and new Babylon will be destroyed. All idolaters will be punished in the other life, Rev. 21:8 [Revelation 21:8].
    Let us then show our displeasure against, and resolve in the Lord's strength, to oppose the spreading of idolatry, choosing rather to suffer than sin.
    2. He is displeased with the idols which men set up in their hearts. He shows his displeasure several ways.
    (1) Sometimes the Lord, in the fury of his jealousy, forces the idol out of the way, as he did, in the case of Micah's idol, Judg. 18:24 [Judges 18:24].
    (2) Sometimes he reduces the man to a necessity of parting either with his idol or his profession.
    (3) Oft-times the Lord makes the idol men's plague and punishment.
    (4) Lastly, Oft-times there is a rub by a torrent of temptations, that brings forth the idol in its own colors; as in the case of Judas' covetousness, and Dema's love of the world.
    Let us therefore cast away our idols, and let nothing keep God's room in our hearts, especially in such a day when God is rising up to plead against us.
    From the whole ye may see that the commandment is exceeding broad. Be humbled under the sense of your guilt in the breach of this command. And see what great need ye have to reform; and what need ye stand in of the blood of Christ for removing your guilt, and of his Spirit for cleansing your hearts, and subduing your iniquities.
    "Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen" (1 John 5:21). -- Thomas Boston in Commentary on the Shorter Catechism, pp. 125-127.

    Idolizing "Hearth and Home," that is, preferring the peace and prosperity of family and home (familialism, self, wife, children), above leading an obedient, sacrificial, transforming life -- bearing your own cross -- amounts to worship: submitting to the control and influence of the Flesh, the carnal life. For example, some black slaves improbably fought in the Confederate Army during the Civil War, and it is felt that some of them were motivated by their familiarity and love of their life of slavery on the Southern plantations. And today some church goers are fiercely loyal to their peculiar church or Christian denomination, their "church family," in spite of openly heretical doctrine and practice. Some of these are not willing to give up their peace and prosperity to stand in opposition to falsehood, something we are all admonished to do.

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Idolatry," and so forth, and so on.

    Armstrong, Lebbeus, et al., Sermons and Addresses on Secret Societies: Fourteen Pamphlets in one Volume, 1882.
    "Contents: Armstrong, L., Masonry a work of darkness | Dow, D., Sermon on secret societies | M'Nary, W.P., Sermon on masonry | Cross, R.T., Sermon on secretism | Williams, J., Sermon on masonry | Blanchard, J., Grand lodge masonry | Blanchard, J., Freemasonry a fourfold conspiracy | George, H.H., The relation of the christian church to secret societies | Carson, J.G., Address delivered at the ohio state anti-secrecy convention | Drury, M.S., Secrecy in its relations to the family, the state, and the Church | Armstrong, R., Thirteen reasons why a christian should not be a freemason | Spectator, Freemasonry contrary to the christian religion | Post, A.L., Are masonic oaths binding on the initiate."

    Barrow, Reg, Reformation Worship and Separation From Idolatry. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.
    "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

    Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), The Evil and Danger of Halting Betwixt two Opinions. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THE REVEREND THOMAS BOSTON, VOLUMES 1-12. (9:245-63). Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS BOSTON), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS BOSTON), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #5.

    *Brown, John (of Haddington, 1722-1787), The Absurdity and Perfidy of all Authoritative Toleration of Gross Heresy, Blasphemy, Idolatry, Popery, in Britain. In two letters to a friend in which the doctrine of the Westminster Confession of Faith [1646] relative to Toleration of a False Religion, and the power of the civil magistrate about sacred matters; and the nature, origin, ends and obligation of the National Covenant and Solemn League are candidly represented and defended, 1797. Alternate title: A COMPEND OF THE LETTERS OF THE REV. JOHN BROWN, LATE MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL IN HADDINGTON: ON AUTHORITATIVE TOLERATION OF GROSS HERESY, BLASPHEMY, IDOLATRY, POPERY IN BRITAIN, AND ON NATIONAL COVENANTING; IN WHICH THE DOCTRINE OF THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH . . . AND OF THE NATIONAL COVENANT AND SOLEMN LEAGUE ARE CANDIDLY REPRESENTED AND DEFENDED, 1797, and "REFORMATION ATTAINMENTS VERSUS BACKSLIDING RELIGIOUS PROFESSORS," appears to be an excerpt. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #7, #25, #26.
    The Absurdity and Perfidy of all Authoritative Toleration of Gross Heresy, Blasphemy, Idolatry, Popery, in Britain
    http://archive.org/details/absurdityperfidy00brow
    "Reformation Attainments Versus Backsliding Religious Professors (excerpt from THE ABSURDITY AND PERFIDY OF ALL AUTHORITATIVE TOLERATION . . .
    "Here Brown deals with three major Reformation attainments (anti-tolerationism, establishmentarianism and the obligations of lawful covenants as they biblically bind posterity), that Satan has always been especially concerned to overthrow -- in every major demonic move to open the floodgates of lawlessness, anarchy and misrule. Fletcher, in the preface to the 1797 edition, relates this truth as it comes to bear on various religious professors, stating, 'Papists were enemies to our covenants because they were a standard lifted up against their system of abominable idolatries. Episcopalians were enemies to them, because they were a standard lifted up against their anti-scriptural church-officers and inventions of men in the worship of God. Some Presbyterians are enemies to them in our day through ignorance of their nature and ends; and others through fear of being too strictly bound to their duty.' (cited in Johnston, Treasury of the Scottish Covenant, p. 486)
    "A History of Heresy
    "It is also interesting to note the long list of backsliders and heretics that often oppose one or more of these points. 'The ancient Donatists, a sect of Arian separatists, who appeared about the beginning of the 4th century, seem to have been among the first who held out these opinions to the Christian world. Feeling the weight of the arm of power for their schismatical practices, by way of reprisal, they stripped the magistrate of all power in religion; -- maintaining that he had no more power about religious matters than any private person, and refusing him the right of suppressing the propagators of doctrines different from those professed by the Church, or the observers of a different form of worship. From them the German Anabaptists adopted the same views. Then the Socinians (i.e. an early form of Scripture-denying liberals -- RB), and remonstrant Arminians, whenever the magistrate ceased to patronize their cause. The English Independents during the time of the Long Parliament were the zealous supporters of the same opinions. In their rage for liberty of conscience, they formed the strongest opposition in the Westminster Assembly which the Presbyterians had to encounter. Through their influence that venerable body was much embarrassed (hindered -- RB), in their proceeding; and by their means (in collusion with that "Judas of the Covenant," Cromwell -- RB), certain passages of the Confession of Faith never obtained the ratification of the English Parliament. The English Dissenters of the present age are generally in the same views, especially the Socinians, the Arians, and the Quakers, who have most to dread from the Laws of the Land against their blasphemies. And who knows not that the high reputation of Mr. Locke as a Philosopher . . . has given these opinions such an air of respectability, that many youth in the Universities have been thereby inclined to embrace them?' (Preface, pp. vi-vii).
    "The Covenantal Hammer Smashing the Idols of our day
    "In our day the tree of toleration (and the anti-Scriptural principles which logically grow out of it), has spread its branches in ways that could have never been envisioned by those that took the first steps away from biblical and covenanted uniformity. What Brown is fighting against here is an error so foundational that when left unchecked it permeates all of society, cutting out the foundational roots that are necessary for all national Reformations. And if the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? (Ps. 11:3 [Psalm 11:3]). Furthermore, as the preface notes 'liberty of conscience and of opinion' are 'the great idols of the day.' Here Brown takes out his covenantal hammer and smashes these idols with an inconoclastic zeal worthy of our earlier Reformed forefathers. This book is especially useful in answering the persistent fear and questions that always arise when these old Reformed views are discussed: that is, the questions dealing with religious persecution. Brown spends much time in clearing the Westminster Divines of such false charges, while also setting these controversial Reformed teachings on a thoroughly biblical foundation.
    "Westminster's View of the 'Everlasting' Solemn League and Covenant
    "Interestingly, in the section defending the continuing obligation of the National and Solemn League and Covenant, we also note that the Westminster Assembly considered the Solemn League and Covenant an 'everlasting covenant.' Brown cites the following as proof, 'That the body of the English nation also swore the Solemn League and Covenant, is manifest. The Westminster Assembly and English Parliament, affirm, 'The honourable house of Parliament, the Assembly of Divines, the renowned city of London, and multitudes of other persons of all ranks and quality in this nation, and the whole body of Scotland, have all sworn it, rejoicing at the oath so graciously seconded from heaven. God will, doubtless, stand by all those, who with singleness of heart shall now enter into an everlasting covenant with the Lord.' (p. 161, emphasis added). The footnote tells us that the words Brown was quoting were taken from 'Exhortation to take the Covenant, February, 1644.'
    "Our Modern Day Malignants
    "Brown also includes a helpful section on a point some modern day malignants are once again attempting to use to overthrow the biblical attainments of the Covenanted Reformation. This section shows that 'the intrinsic obligation of promises, oaths, vows, and covenants which constitutes their very essence or essential form, is totally and manifestly distinct from the obligation of the law of God in many respects.' (p. 120)
    "Brown's Dying Testimony to his Children
    "Finally, we cite a portion of Brown's dying testimony to his children given in the introduction (p. xix). Such testimonies, from notable Christian leaders, often contain singularly pertinent charges to their hearers. (For another notable example of this see James Renwick's dying testimony, as he was about to be martyred for his adherence to the Solemn League and Covenant, when he recounts what was later to become most of the terms of communion in Covenanted Presbyterian churches. This testimony can be found in Thompson's A CLOUD OF WITNESSES FOR THE ROYAL PREROGATIVES OF JESUS CHRIST BEING THE LAST SPEECHES AND TESTIMONIES OF THOSE WHO HAVE SUFFERED FOR THE TRUTH IN SCOTLAND SINCE . . . 1680. Here are Brown's dying words to his children: 'Adhere constantly, cordially and honestly to the Covenanted Principles of the Church of Scotland, and to that Testimony which hath been lifted up for them. I fear a generation is rising up which will endeavour silently,' (O how prophetic!), 'to let slip these matters, as if they were ashamed to hold them fast, or even to speak of them' (as with many "reformed" publishers and preachers today, who dare not touch the topics Brown deals with in this book -- RB). 'May the Lord forbid that any of you should ever enter into this confederacy against Jesus Christ and his cause! This from a dying father and minister, and a witness for Christ' (Signed) 'John Brown'."
    "Do you Have What it Takes?
    "If you have the courage to compare the original Reformed faith with that which is often promoted under its name today (and in many ways the old Reformed faith bears little resemblance to the 'new light' Reformers and innovators of our day), then this is an ideal book to obtain and study." -- Reg Barrow
    Following are three works related to THE ABSURDITY AND PERFIDY OF ALL AUTHORITATIVE TOLERATION OF GROSS HERESY, BLASPHEMY, IDOLATRY, POPERY, IN BRITAIN by John Brown of Wamphray.
    1. 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.
    "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
    2. Price, Greg L., Terms of Communion: Covenants and Covenanting, a series of 7 audio cassettes [audio file]. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "Explains and defends the fourth term of communion, which is 'That public, social covenanting is an ordinance of God, obligatory on churches and nations under the New Testament; that the National Covenant and the Solemn League are an exemplification of this divine institution; and that these Deeds are of continued obligation upon the moral person; and in consistency with this, that the Renovation of these Covenants at Auchensaugh, Scotland, 1712 was agreeable to the word of God.' Includes the studies offered separately on the National Covenant (2 tapes), the Solemn League and Covenant (1 tape), the Auchensaugh Renovation (2 tapes), as well as two introductory lectures (only available in this set), on the biblical principles related to the ordinance of covenanting, the descending obligation of lawful covenants, objections against covenanting, etc. Roberts, in his REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CATECHISM, catches the spirit of this tape set in the following question and answer:
    "Q. May we not indulge the hope, that, in the goodness of our covenant God, and by the promised outpouring of his Holy Spirit, 'the kingdoms of the world' at large, and the British empire in particular, will dedicate themselves to God in a covenant not to be forgotten -- animated by the example of our covenant fathers exhibited in these memorable deeds?
    "A. Yes. We have the most cheering grounds for this blessed hope; for it is written, that the nations at large in the spirit of devoted loyalty, shall cry -- 'Come and let us join ourselves to the Lord in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten': and it cannot be well doubted, that the death-cry of the martyred Guthrie has been heard on high, and shall be verified -- 'The covenants, the covenants, shall yet be Scotland's (and the world's -- RB), reviving.' (p. 151)
    "A thoroughly amazing set of tapes -- among our best!" -- Publisher
    3. Cunningham, John (1819-1893), The Ordinance of Covenanting, 1843. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #3, #27.
    "This book is considered by many as the classic work on covenanting. 'The theology of Covenanting is here unfolded with a richness of scriptural research and a maturity of intellectual strength which would have made the grey eye of Peden glisten with delight. The treatise is a valuable addition to that solid theological literature of which the Reformed Presbyterian Church has produced repeated and enduring specimens, and stamps Mr. Cunningham as a distinguished disciple of the thoughtful and scriptural school of Mason and the Symingtons' (Presbyterian Review (1844), as cited by Johnston, Treasury of the Scottish Covenant).
    "The author himself notes that 'prayer and the offering of praise are universally admitted to be duties of religion. The Scriptures announce a place among these for the exercise of solemn Covenanting . . . What the word of God unfolds concerning it, is addressed to the most resolute consideration of all, and is capable of engaging the most extensive and prolonged investigation. And yet, though none have found this subject, like all God's judgments, else than a great deep, still in meditating upon it, the ignorant have been brought to true knowledge, and the wise have increased in wisdom. The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. (Psalm 25:14). Mutual federal engagements, concerning things religious and civil, whether entered into merely by simple promise, or confirmed by the solemn oath, have been made from the highest antiquity to the present. The hostility to some such engagements, and also the proud disregard for their obligation, which have been evinced by some in all ages, demand a most careful examination into their nature and design . . . Furnished with the key of Scripture, approaching the subject, we are enabled to open the mysteries in which ignorance and prejudice had shut it up; and equipped with the armour of light shooting forth its heavenly radiance, in safety to ourselves we assail the darkness thrown around it, and behold the instant flight of the spirits of error which that darkness contains. Standing alone in beauteous attractions descended from heaven upon it, this service beckons us to approach it, and engages to connect extensive good with a proper attention to its claims. The observance, under various phases, is described in Scripture as an undisputed and indisputable reality.'
    "In this book Cunningham exhaustively covers the subject of covenanting in over 400 pages. He deals with the manner, duty and nature of covenanting (including personal and social covenanting), the obligation covenanting confers, how covenanting is provided for in the everlasting covenant, how it is adapted to the moral constitution of man and how it is according to the purposes of God. Numerous Divine examples are cited from Scripture and covenanting is shown to be one of the great privileges of the Christian life.
    "An interesting chapter covers 'Covenanting Enforced By the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals;' which touches on circumcision, baptism, the Sabbath, the Priesthood, the new heart and the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Furthermore, this book demonstrates how God's approbation rested upon Covenanters in former ages, how covenanting is predicted in prophecy, how it is recommended by the practice of the New Testament Church and at what seasons it is appropriate. The appendices touch on the relationship of covenanting to immoral and unscriptural civil governments, the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, the British constitution and the apostasy of the Revolution settlement.
    "Additionally, Cunningham acknowledges that the true church is 'bound by the obligations of the Church of God is past times' and is still obligated to pay what it has vowed to the Lord in those magnificent attainments of the Second Reformation (the epitome of these attainments being embodied in the Solemn League and Covenant and the Westminster Standards).
    "If you are interested in the ordinance of covenanting this is the most extensive treatment you will find in one book. It is a gold mine of Scriptural references and should be read at least once by everyone who calls upon the name of Christ." -- Publisher
    "David Steele dedicated this work [NOTES ON THE APOCALYPSE -- compiler], to John Cunningham (1819-1893), author of THE ORDINANCE OF COVENANTING." -- Publisher
    The Ordinance of Covenanting
    http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/6/29/ordinance-of-covenanting

    Case, Thomas (1598-1682), Spiritual Whoredom, Discovered in a Sermon Preached Before the Honorable House of Commons Assembled in Parliament Upon a Solemn day of Humiliation, May 26, 1647. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Clarkson, David (1622-1686), Soul Idolatry Excludes men out of Heaven. In THE WORKS OF DAVID CLAIRVAUX (2:299-333). Available (WORKS) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.

    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.

    *Foster, David Kyle, Sexual Healing: God's Plan for the Sanctification of Broken Lives: A Reference Manual for Ministering to Those Trapped in Sexual sin and Brokenness, ISBN: 0830737154 9780830737154 0830737340 9780830737345.
    This is a unique work and the best resource known to the compiler offering biblical counsel for healing sexual brokenness. See: "Foundations" and "Divine Intent for Sexuality" for a biblical explanation of the spiritual significance of sexuality. These two chapters alone make the purchase of the book worthwhile. Includes chapters, study guides, and exercises for Root sources for improper sexual development, Sexual identity confusion, Child sex abuse, Sexual addition, Pornography, Masturbation, voyeurism and exhibitionism, Why people remain in sexual sin and bondage, Failure and self-condemnation, A comprehensive game plan for sexual healing, and so forth.
    Includes bibliography and index.
    Mastering Life Ministries
    http://www.MasteringLife.org

    Fraser, James (of Brea, 1639-1698), Sermon on Prelacy an Idol and Prelates Idolaters: All Prelatists, Maintainers of, and Complyers With Prelacy, Charg'd With Idolatry, and Proven Guilty. A Sermon [on Hosea ii. 2-5 (Hosea 2:2-5)], 1738.
    http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/james-frasers-of-brae-sermon-on-prelacy-an-idol-and-prelates-idolaters

    George, Henry H., The Relation of the Christian Church to Secret Societies. Available in SERMONS AND ADDRESSES ON SECRET SOCIETIES: FOURTEEN PAMPHLETS IN ONE VOLUME.

    Gouldzwaard, B., Idols of our Time, ISBN: 0877849706 9780877849704.

    Knox, John (1505-1572), An Admonition to Flee Idolatry, Romanism, and all False Worship, 1554. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #17, #27.

    *Knox, John (1505-1572), Appellation From the Sentence Pronounced by the Bishops and Clergy: Addressed to the Nobility and Estates of Scotland. Alternate title: THE APPELLATION OF JOHN KNOX FROM THE CRUELL . . . SENTENCE PRONOUNCED AGAINST HIM BY THE FALSE BISHOPPES AND CLERGEY OF SCOTLAND, WITH HIS SUPPLICATION AND EXHORTATION TO THE NOBILITIE, ESTATES, AND COMMUNALTIE OF THE SAME REALME, and THE APPELLATION . . . TO THE SCOTTISH NOBILITY, and REFORMATION, REVOLUTION AND ROMANISM: AN APPEAL TO THE SCOTTISH NOBILITY, and THE APPELLATION FROM THE SENTENCE PRONOUNCED BY THE BISHOPS AND CLERGY: ADDRESSED TO THE NOBILITY AND ESTATES OF SCOTLAND, and THE APPELLATION. Cover title: REFORMATION, REVOLUTION AND ROMANISM: APPEAL TO THE SCOTTISH NOBILITY (1558). Available (singly as REFORMATION, REVOLUTION AND ROMANISM, in which key text have been underlined by a previous reader), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (REFORMATION, REVOLUTION AND ROMANISM), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1 (MP3), #26. Available (APPELLATION FROM THE SENTENCE PRONOUNCED BY THE BISHOPS AND CLERGY: ADDRESSED TO THE NOBILITY AND ESTATES OF SCOTLAND), on the Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press CD-ROM Library. Available (APPELLATION FROM THE SENTENCE PRONOUNCED BY THE BISHOPS AND CLERGY: ADDRESSED TO THE NOBILITY AND ESTATES OF SCOTLAND), in THE WORKS OF JOHN KNOX, Vol. 4. [John Knox; David Laing ((collector and editor)), THE WORKS OF JOHN KNOX, Vol. 4, reprint of the 1855 edition printed for Bannatyne Club, Edinburgh (New York: AMS Press, 1966)].
    "David Chilton notes, 'Of all the sixteenth-century Reformers, John Knox remains the most ardently loved and fiercely hated. No other leader of his day saw so clearly the political issues in the light of Scripture. Nor has any of his contemporaries had so much direct influence upon the subsequent history of the world. He transformed a land of barbarians into one of the most hard-headly Calvinistic cultures ever to exist, and his doctrines lie at the core of all Protestant revolutionary activity. While he is often considered merely one of Calvin's lieutenants, he was actually a Reformer in his own right. In some respects he was the greatest of them all.' ("John Knox," in The Journal of Christian Reconstruction: Symposium on Puritanism and Law [Vallecito, CA: Chalcedon], Vol. V, No. 2, Winter, 1978-79, p. 194).
    "Furthermore, R.L. Greaves has noted that 'it has even been suggested -- and not altogether without merit -- that Knox was a key link in the development of political ideology that culminated in the American Revolution.' (Theology and Revolution in the Scottish Reformation: Studies in the Thought of John Knox [Grand Rapids, MI: Christian University Press, 1980], p. 156).
    "Moreover, Mason [Roger A. Mason -- compiler], states that this APPEAL [APPELLATION FROM THE SENTENCE PRONOUNCED BY THE BISHOPS AND CLERGY: ADDRESSED TO THE NOBILITY AND ESTATES OF SCOTLAND -- compiler], 'is the most important . . . of Knox's political writings.' (in the Introduction to his compilation of Knox's political writings entitled KNOX: ON REBELLION). [see annotation for KNOX: ON REBELLION elsewhere in this bibliography -- compiler]. It shows in a conclusive manner that Knox wanted a Theonomic Establishment which was careful to 'disapprove, detest, oppose and remove all false worship and all monuments of idolatry' (cf. Westminster Larger Catechism, #108). It also clearly demonstrates that Knox believed in and promoted the continuing binding validity of the Old Testament case laws and the penal sanctions attached to them, including the death penalty.
    "Kevin Reed, in a editor's note, introducing this piece in his newly published SELECTED WRITING OF JOHN KNOX [available on the Puritan Hard Drive. -- compiler], also points out that 'the Westminster Confession provides a distinct echo of Knox, when it states that the magistrate ""hath authority, and it is his duty, to take order, that unity and peace be preserved in the church, that the truth of God be kept pure and entire, that all blasphemies and heresies be suppressed, all corruptions and abuses in worship and discipline prevented or reformed, and all the ordinances of God duly settled, administered, and observed"" (Ch. 23:3, original wording). One secular historian once described Knox as 'Calvin with a sword,' making one wonder if he had not just been reading this very book. For 'where Calvin merely permitted disobedience to an ungodly ruler or immoral law, Knox championed armed rebellion -- a type of Calvinism that made religious revolution in Scotland possible.' (Christian History, Issue 46, p. 35). This is the best of the best; don't miss it!" -- Publisher
    Knox, John, Appellation From the Sentence Pronounced by the Bishops and Clergy: Addressed to the Nobility and Estates of Scotland
    This is a character scan (OCR) of the modernized text published by Protestant Heritage Press. While text may be cut and pasted it is subject to copyright.
    http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualNLs/appellat.htm
    The Works of John Knox (1846), Vol. 4.
    http://archive.org/stream/worksjohnknox07laingoog#page/n4/mode/2up
    Reformation, Revolution and Romanism (1558), John Knox, MP3 file.
    "This has been called John Knox's most important political writing. It also deals with Romanism, God's law, and much more.
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?currSection=sermonssource&sermonID=1030075041
    See also:
    Goodman, Christopher (1520-1603), How Superior Powers ought to be Obeyed of Their Subjects: And Wherein They may Lawfully by God's Word be Disobeyed and Resisted, 1558. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #26. Available (HOW SUPERIOR POWERS OUGHT TO BE OBEYED), on the Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press CD-ROM Library.
    "From 1555 to 1558, Christopher Goodman served as co-pastor, with John Knox, of the congregation of English exiles in Geneva. During the course of his ministry, Goodman preached upon Acts 4:19 and 5:29: 'Whether it be right in the sight of God, to obey you rather than God, judge ye. We ought rather to obey God than men'. . . . In this book, Goodman contends against both ecclesiastical and political tyranny." -- Publisher
    How Superior Powers Ought to be Obeyed of Their Subjects
    http://www.constitution.org/cmt/goodman/obeyed.htm
    See also annotation for:
    Knox, John (1505-1572), 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, Glasgow, 1761. Alternate title: THE HISTORIE OF THE REFORMATION OF THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND CONTAINING FIVE BOOKS: TOGETHER WITH SOME TREATISES CONDUCING TO THE HISTORY. EDITED, WITH A LIFE OF KNOX AND A PREFACE, BY DAVID BUCHANAN. INCLUDES: "THE APPELLATION OF JOHN KNOX, FROM THE . . . SENTENCE PRONOUNCED AGAINST HIM (pp. 1-33); "THE ADMONITION OF JOHN KNOX TO HIS BELOVED BRETHREN THE COMMONALTY OF SCOTLAND" (pp. 34-42); "A FAITHFULL ADMONITION MADE BY JOHN KNOX TO THE TRUE PROFESSORS OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST WITHIN THE KINGDOM OF ENGLAND, 1554" (pp. 43-79); "THE COPIE OF A LETTER DELIVERED TO QUEEN MARY, REGENT OF SCOTLAND" (pp. 80-97); AND "A SERMON PREACHED BY JOHN KNOX [AUGUST 19, 1565]," ISBN: 0851513581 9780851513584. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.

    *Knox, John (1505-1572), Faithful Admonition to the Professors of God's Truth, 1554. Alternate title: A FAITHFUL ADMONITION TO THE PROFESSORS OF GOD'S TRUTH IN ENGLAND, and AGAINST ROMISH RITES AND POLITICAL AND ECCLESIASTICAL TYRANNY. Available (WORKS OF JOHN KNOX) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #15, #26. Available in SELECTED WRITINGS OF JOHN KNOX.
    "Formerly titled A FAITHFUL ADMONITION TO THE PROFESSORS OF GOD'S TRUTH IN ENGLAND, this letter is said to be 'undoubtedly the most important' of Knox's writings (up to that time), by W. Stanford Reid in TRUMPETER OF GOD (p. 114). Furthermore Reid notes that Knox's 'views on the magistrate expressed in the FAITHFUL ADMONITION, were to have an important influence upon much of his future conduct, and upon the development of the Reformation in both England and Scotland.' The editor of KNOX'S WORKS states, 'the object of the ADMONITION was twofold. The one was to animate those who had made a good profession to perseverance, and to avoid the sin of . . . appearing to conform to the 'abominable idolatry' re-established in England; the other, to point out the dangers to be apprehended in when the kingdom became subjected to the dominion of strangers.' Knox uses very strong language here, in the hopes of getting through to those who came to be termed Nicodemites (i.e. those who thought that they could 'keep faith secretly in the heart, and yet do as idolaters do,' in Knox's own words). Written at a time when the true church had been driven underground by Roman Catholic persecution, it was said concerning this letter that 'many other godly men besides have been exposed to the risk of their property, and even life itself, upon the sole ground of either having had this book in their possession, or having read it.' Kevin Reed gives an excellent summary of this letter in SELECTED WRITINGS OF JOHN KNOX, when, in part, he writes, 'while acknowledging the risk of persecution to the faithful, the reformer perceives a greater danger in compromising with idolatry. Government persecution may bring disfavour of men, loss of personal goods and, in some cases, physical death; but idolatry brings down the wrath of God, resulting in grievous punishments, now and through eternity. Idolatry also invites a curse upon the posterity of the nation. In an intense pastoral appeal, Knox strongly admonishes his readers to avoid conforming to the Romish rites of worship' (p. 220). For those who would rather read many of these Knox items with contemporary spelling, punctuation, and grammar we highly recommend the SELECTED WRITINGS OF JOHN KNOX. -- Publisher
    John Knox: Faithful Admonition (1554)
    http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/FaithAdm.htm

    *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

    *Morey, Robert A., Battle of the Gods: Exposing the Foundations of the New Age Movement, ISBN: 0925703001 9780925703002.
    "An earth shaking book! Dr. Morey probes into how well known authors, publishing houses, and mission boards view of the attributes of God. . . ."

    *Roberts, William Louis (1798-1864), The Duty of Nations, in Their National Capacity, to Acknowledge and Support the True Religion, 1853. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.
    "Excerpted from THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CATECHISM below, this book deals with the inescapable necessity, of the demand found in the Word of God, for the Civil establishment of Christ as King and Lawgiver over every nation on earth. If you are sick of the cease-fire with humanism, set forth by the syncretistic, Satanic and pragmatic pagan politicians of our day (those who bargain with votaries of Antichrist [the Pope], publicly tolerate all manner of false religions (e.g. Islam), and idolatry, and comprise their policy and draw their pretended authority from the beast [and not the Word of God], this book is for you! For all pagan politics is summed up in the words of the Cameronian (Covenanter) political philosopher Alexander Shields, as 'rotting away under the destructive distempers of detestable neutrality, loathsome lukewarmness, declining, and decaying in corruptions, defections, divisions, distractions, confusions; and so judicially infatuated with darkness and delusions, that they forget and forego the necessary testimony of the day' (A Hind let Loose, 1797 edition, p. 20). Pick up this book and begin the political walk in the 'footsteps of the flock,' traveling the covenanting road of Reformation and Scripture (with the magisterial Reformers of the past)!" -- Publisher
    On the Duty of Covenanting and the Permanent Obligations of Religious Covenants
    Being Section 11 in THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CATECHISM by William L. Roberts
    http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/PresCatCov.htm
    Reformed Presbyterian Catechism, William L. Roberts D.D.
    http://archive.org/details/ReformedPresbyterianCatechism
    A Hind let Loose; Or An Historical Representation of the Testimonies of the Church of Scotland. . . . by Mr. Alexander Shields, Minister of the Gospel, in St. Andrews
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/shields/
    A Hind let Loose: or, An Historical Representation of the Testimonies of the Church of Scotland, for the Interest of Christ: With the True State Thereof in all its Periods, Shields, Alexander
    http://archive.org/details/hindletlooseorhi00shie
    Reformed Presbyterian Catechism, William L. Roberts D.D.
    http://archive.org/details/ReformedPresbyterianCatechism

    *Roberts, William Louis (1798-1864), The Reformed Presbyterian Catechism, ISBN: 0524065543 9780524065549. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available from ATLA 1991-2638.
    A magnificent catechism that sets forth the Crown Rights of The King of Glory and Lord of Lords. It also presents incontrovertible evidence that the United States Constitution is not a Christian document, and that it is, in fact, a slavery document.
    "A manual of instruction, drawing from such notable authors as William Symington and J.R. Willson, presenting arguments and facts confirming and illustrating the 'Distinctive Principles' of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. Chapters deal with: 'Christ's Mediatorial Dominion in General;' Christ's Exclusive Headship Over the Church;' 'The Supreme and Ultimate Authority of the Word of God in the Church;' Civil Government, the Moral Ordinance of God;' Christ's Headship Over the Nations;' 'The Subjection of the Nations to God and to Christ;' The Word, or Revealed Will of God, the Supreme Law in the State;' 'The Duty of Nations, in Their National Capacity, to Acknowledge and Support the True Religion:' 'The Spiritual Independence of the Church of Christ:' 'The Right and Duty of Dissent From an Immoral Constitution of Civil Government;' 'The Duty of Covenanting, and the Permanent Obligations of Religious Covenants;' 'The Application of These Principles to the Governments, Where Reformed Presbyterians Reside, in the Form of a Practical Testimony;' and finally 'Application of the Testimony to the British Empire. . . '." -- Publisher
    Reformed Presbyterian Catechism, William L. Roberts D.D.
    http://archive.org/details/ReformedPresbyterianCatechism
    On the Mediatorial Dominion of The Lord Jesus Christ, excerpted from THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CATECHISM.
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/roberts_rp_catechism_section_01_mediatorial_dominion.html
    The Exclusive Headship of The Lord Jesus Christ Over the Church of God, excerpted from THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CATECHISM.
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/roberts_rp_catechism_section_02_christs_headship_over_the_church.html
    Civil Government the Moral Ordinance of God, excerpted from THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CATECHISM.
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/roberts_rp_catechism_section_04_civil_government.html
    On Christ's Headship Over the Nations, excerpted from THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CATECHISM.
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/roberts_rp_catechism_section_05_christs_headship_over_nations.html
    The Subjection of the Nations to God and to Christ, excerpted from THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CATECHISM.
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/roberts_rp_catechism_section_06_subjection_of_nations_to_christ.html
    See also: The Scottish Covenanting Struggle, Alexander Craighead, and the Mecklenburg Declaration, SECRET PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION; CONSPIRACY IN PHILADELPHIA: THE ORIGINS OF THE U.S. CONSTITUTION, and A THEOLOGICAL INTERPRETATION OF AMERICAN HISTORY.

    *Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), The due Right of Presbyteries or a Peaceable Plea for the Government of the Church of Scotland . . . 1644. 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

    *Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), The Glory, Majesty, Dominion and Power of Jesus Christ, 1643. Alternate title: A SERMON PREACHED TO THE HONORABLE HOUSE OF COMMONS: AT THEIR LATE SOLEMNE FAST, WEDNESDAY, JANU. 31. 1643. BY SAMUEL RUTHERFURD (sic), PROFESSOR OF DIVINITIE IN THE UNIVERSITIE OF ST. ANDREWS. PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS. [Daniel 6:26], 1644. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available [THE GLORY, MAJESTY, DOMINION AND POWER OF JESUS CHRIST, 1643] on Reformation Bookshelf CD #9, #25, and #29.
    "Rutherford's FREE DISPUTATION, though scarce, is still one of his most important works with maybe only a few copies of the actual book left in existence. Though Rutherford is affectionately remembered in our day for his LETTERS, or for laying the foundations of constitutional government (against the divine right of kings), in his unsurpassed LEX, REX his FREE DISPUTATION should not be overlooked for it contains the same searing insights as LEX, REX. In fact, this book should probably be known as Rutherford's 'politically incorrect' companion volume to LEX, REX. A sort of sequel aimed at driving pluralists and antinomians insane. Written against 'the Belgick Arminians, Socinians, and other Authors contending for lawless liberty, or licentious Tolerations of Sects and Heresies,' Rutherford explains the undiluted Biblical solution to moral relativism, especially as it is expressed in ecclesiastical and civil pluralism! (Corporate pluralism being a violation of the first commandment and an affront to the holy God of Scripture). He also deals with conscience, toleration, penology (punishment), and the judicial laws, as related to both the civil and ecclesiastical realms. Excellent sections are also included which address questions related to determining the fundamentals of religion, how covenants bind us, the perpetual obligation of social covenants (with direct application to the Solemn League and Covenant and the covenant-breaking of Cromwell and his sectarian supporters), whether the punishing of seducing teachers be persecution of conscience, and much more. Walker adds these comments and context regarding Rutherford's FREE DISPUTATION, 'The principle of toleration was beginning to be broached in England, and in a modified shape to find acceptance there. Samuel Rutherford was alarmed, or rather, I should say, he was horrified, for he neither feared the face of man or argument. He rushed to the rescue of the good old view . . . It is not so easy to find a theoretical ground for toleration; and Rutherford has many plausible things to say against it. With the most perfect confidence, he argues that it is alike against Scripture and common sense that you should have two religions side by side. It is outrageous ecclesiastically, it is sinful civilly. He does not, however, take what I call the essentially persecuting ground. He does not hold that the magistrate is to punish religion as religion. Nay, he strongly maintains that the civil magistrate never aims at the conscience. The magistrate, he urges, does not send anyone, whether a heretic (who is a soul murderer -- RB), or a murderer, to the scaffold with the idea of producing conversion or other spiritual result, but to strengthen the foundations of civil order. But if he gives so much power to the king, he is no lover of despotism withal: the king himself must be under law. To vindicate this great doctrine is the object of another book, the celebrated LEX, REX; of which it has been said by one competent to judge, that it first clearly developed the constitutionalism which all men now accept' (Theology and Theologians . . . pp. 11-12). In our day Francis Schaeffer, and numerous others, have critiqued many of the problems found in modern society, but most have spent little time developing explicitly Biblical solutions especially regarding the theoretical foundations that Rutherford addresses here. Rutherford's FREE DISPUTATION provides a detailed blueprint for laying the foundations that must be laid before any lasting, God-honoring solutions will be found. Furthermore, Rutherford and his writings were the enemies of all governments not covenanted with Christ. This book will give you a very clear picture as to why 'the beast' (civil and ecclesiastical), has reserved his special hatred for such teaching. As Samuel Wylie noted 'the dispute, then, will not turn upon the point whether religion should be civilly established . . . but it is concerning what religion ought to be civilly established and protected, -- whether the religion of Jesus alone should be countenanced by civil authority, or every blasphemous, heretical, and idolatrous abomination which the subtle malignity of the old serpent and a heart deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, can frame and devise, should be put on an equal footing therewith." -- The two Sons of oil; or, the Faithful Witness for Magistracy and Ministry Upon a Scriptural Basis. Can our generation swallow Rutherford's hard, anti-pluralistic, Covenanter medicine, poured forth from the bottle of the first commandment, without choking on their carnal dreams of a free and righteous society divorced from God (and His absolute claims upon everyone and everything)? Not without the enabling power of the Holy Spirit -- that is for sure! In summary, this book answers all the hardest questions theonomists (and their wisest and best opponents), have been asking for the last 20-30 years. (and these answers are much more in depth than any we have seen in the last couple of millennia [less about a century to account for the apostles]). As the reader will discover, Rutherford was a wealthy man when it came to wisdom (and much advanced theologically), and those who take the time to gaze into the King's treasure house, as exhibited in this book, will find that they are greatly rewarded. Furthermore, because of its uncompromising stand upon the Word of God, this book is sure to be unpopular among a wicked and adulterous generation. However, on the other hand, it is sure to be popular among the covenanted servants of King Jesus! This is one of the best books (in the top five anyway), for advanced study of the Christian faith. We have now obtained an easy-to-read, amazingly clear copy of this very rare, old treasure. Great price too, considering that a copy of the 1649 edition, containing this quality of print, would likely cost upwards of $1000 on the rare book market -- though it is unlikely you would ever see a copy for sale!" -- Publisher
    Brutus, Junius, The Covenant Between God and Kings, from A DEFENSE OF LIBERTY
    http://www.constitution.org/vct/vindiciae1a.htm

    Ryle, J.C. (1816-1900), Idolatry. Alternate title: WHAT IS IDOLATRY? WHERE IS IT?: QUESTIONS FOR THE TIMES. Available in THE CHURCH EFFEMINATE AND OTHER ESSAYS. Available (IDOLATRY) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (IDOLATRY) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.

    *Singer, C. Gregg (1910-1999), A Theological Interpretation of American History, 1994 edition, 354 pages, ISBN: 0875524265 9780875524269. A Christian classic.
    This book portrays "the influence of theology and the changing doctrines in the life of the church on the pattern of American political, constitutional, social and economic development.
    "The author shows that the decline of constitutional government in this country is the result of the departure from historical Christian faith and the resulting rise of alien political philosophies. Particularly does he emphasize the intimate relationship between theological liberalism on the one hand and political, social, and economic liberalism on the other. This theological liberalism has been a major agent in the decline of the Constitution in the political life of the people and in the appearance of a highly centralized government." -- Publisher
    "There is between the democratic philosophy and theological liberalism a basic affinity which has placed them in the same camp in many major political struggles.
    "This condition exists because theological liberalism shares the basic postulates of the democratic philosophy. . . .
    "Theological liberalism at heart has been a continuing protest against Calvinism, particularly against its insistence on the Sovereignty of God and the Total Depravity of the race. These two Biblical doctrines have often proved to be a stumbling block to theologians within the church as well as to the unbelieving world.
    "The result of theological liberalism has been the movement away from constitutionalism and away from liberty, and a movement toward collectivistic society and totalitarian regime." -- C. Gregg Singer, A Theological Interpretation of American History, p. 290
    See also: John Knox, the Scottish Covenanters, and the Westminster Assembly (tape 3 of 5), in a series of addresses, History Notes on Presbyterianism, Reformation, and Theology by Dr. C. Gregg Singer on SermonAudio.com
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=12607114250
    Dr. C. Gregg Singer at SermonAudio.com (161 messages)
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?SpeakerOnly=true&currSection=sermonsspeaker&Keyword=Dr.^C.^Gregg^Singer

    Strong, William (d. 1654), The Certainty of Heavenly and the Uncertainty of Earthly Treasures Together With a Discovery Where the Treasure and Heart is Placed / As it was Delivered in Severall Sermons by That Eminently Faithfull Servant of Christ, 1656.

    Swinnock, George (1627-1673), The Gods are Men: or The Mortality of Persons in Places of Magistracy. As it was explained and applied in a sermon preached at the assize holden at Hertford for that county on March 15. 1656/7. By George Swinnock M.A. last Fellow of Bailiol Colledge in Oxford, and now preacher of the gospel at Rickmersworth in Hertfordshire. Available (THE WORKS OF GEORGE SWINNOCK), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    Works of George Swinnock, M.A (1868)
    http://archive.org/details/worksofgeorgeswi01swin

    *Welch, Edward T., Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave: Finding Hope in the Power of the Gospel, ISBN: 0875526063 9780875526065.
    "A worship disorder: this is how Edward T. Welch views addictions. 'Will we worship ourselves and our own desires,' he writes, 'or will we worship the true God?'
    "With this lens the author discovers far more in Scripture on addictions than passages on drunkenness. There we learn the addict's true condition: like guests at a banquet thrown by the woman Folly, he is already in the grave (Prov. 9:13-18 [Proverb 9:13-18]).
    "Can we not escape our addictions? If we're willing to follow Jesus, the author says we have 'immense hope: hope in God's forgiving grace, hope in God's love that is faithful even when we are not, and hope that God can give power so that we are no longer mastered by the addiction.' Each chapter concludes with 'Practical Theology,' guidance 'As You Face Your Own Addictions' and 'As You Help Someone Else'." -- Publisher
    "By emphasizing the role of the heart in the worship of self and substance, Welch forces the addict to face the grim reality that who or what he worships will control his life. When he idolizes his selfish desire for a substance, then there can only be bondage, but when he worships God more than himself, then the liberating truth of the Gospel will always set him free. As a pastor, biblical counselor, and a redeemed (not recovering), ex-heroin addict, I believe Dr. Welch has finally given every pastor, theologian, layman, and anyone caught in the bondage of idolatry/addition a biblical road map to true and lasting freedom." -- Peter Garich, Pastor of New Hope Christian Fellowship and Director of Dayspring Center for Biblical Counseling in San Diego, California

    Yates, Robert, John Lansing, and Luther Martin, Secret Proceedings and Debates of the Constitutional Convention, 1787. Alternate title: SECRET PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE CONVENTION ASSEMBLED AT PHILADELPHIA, IN THE YEAR 1787, FOR THE PURPOSE OF FORMING THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ISBN: 1410203638 9781410203632.
    "One of the most important collections of documents pertaining to the formation of the Constitution of the United States. Notes on the convention taken by Robert Yates, Chief Justice of New York, and copied by John Lansing, Jun. Esquire, late chancellor of that state, members of that convention. Including 'The Genuine Information,' laid before the Legislature of Maryland, by Luther Martin, Esquire, then attorney-general of that state, and member of the same convention. James Madison thought that Yates and Martin 'appear to have reported in angry terms what they observed with jaundiced eyes.' It must be added that in many particulars Yates' notes were fuller than Madison's own. Luther Martin's GENUINE INFORMATION is a general summary of the course of the Debates, with a running criticism on the provisions of the Constitution. Also contains an appendix with documents by Edmund Randolf, and others." -- Publisher
    "The delegates, of the free states (in the national convention), in their extreme anxiety to conciliate the ascendancy of the Southern slaveholders, did listen to a compromise between right and wrong -- between FREEDOM and SLAVERY, of the ultimate fruits of which they had no conception, but which already, even now, is urging the Union to its inevitable ruin and depopulation, by a civil, servile, foreign, and Indian war, all combined in one; a war, the essential issue of which will be between freedom and slavery, and in which the unhallowed standard of slavery will be the desecrated banner of the North American Union -- that banner first unfurled to the breeze inscribed with the self-evident truths of the Declaration of Independence." -- John Quincy Adams, commenting on proceeding in the Constitutional Convention and prophetic of the War Between the States
    Secret Proceedings and Debates of the Constitutional Convention, Conspiracy in Philadelphia: The Origins of the U.S. Constitution
    http://garynorth.com/phildelphia.pdf

    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 ten commandments: the moral law, Commitment, surrender, The smaller catechism, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Hosea, Amos, Church and state, Absolute truth and relativism, Epistemology of theology, the theory of knowledge, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Secular humanism, Absolute truth and relativism, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, The non-duality of sri aurobindo: a profile, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Carnality and flesh-pleasing, Menpleasing, Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, Self, selfishness, self-esteem, Secular humanism, Secret societies and ungodly alliance, The teaching of our lord jesus christ, Pride, ambition, self-aggrandizement, arrogance, ego, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Pornography, Gratuitous sex, a cause of violence, Sex ethics, sex education, Rape, Incest, Child abuse and pedophilia, Homosexuality, lesbianism, gay, bisexual, transvestite, queer (lgbtq), The counter-reformation, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 317, 3184, 3185, 3188, 3928-3951
    MGTP: Idolatry

    Related Weblinks

    The Dangerous Dark Side of a Shared Belief System, Rick Thomas
    "The dangerous dark side of these communities is when the benefits, e.g., finding approval, become more crucial to you than whatever the group believes. The temptation is to compromise what you believe because the benefits of connecting with a relational community are more vital."
    https://rickthomas.net/the-dangerous-dark-side-of-a-shared-belief-system/

    *Idolatry (FGB #189)
    The Definition and Cause of Idolatry, Ryle, J.C. (1816-1900) | Soul Idolatry Excludes men out of Heaven, Clarkson, David (c. 1621-1686) | Idolatry Condemned, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | Keep Yourselves From Idols Lloyd-Jones, D.M. (1899-1981) | Idolatry Impiety of Attributing a Visible Form to God, Calvin, John (1509-1564) | A Treatise on Mental Images, Erskine, Ralph (c. 1685-1752) | Idolatrous Worship, Flavel, John (c. 1630-1691) | The Idol of Free-will, Owen, John (1616-1683) | Idols Abolished, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | Idolatry Today -- Where is it? Ryle, J.C. (1816-1900)
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/idolfg/idolatry

    Idolatry is the Most Condemned sin in the Bible, [audio file], Peter Hammond, 8/21/2016
    "When we start to worship anyone other than God, if we put anything as central in our lives, other than God, we are opening ourselves up to demonic influence, demonic deception and demonic possession, which explains why so many people today are so irrational, so immune to logic, so resistant to facts and logical explanations."
    https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=97161019341

    A Nation in Decay (Part 1 of 4), Ravi Zacharias
    "I don't care how powerful your economy could end up being. All I know is that if the moral fiber has collapsed, there is not a nation in this world that can stand." -- Ravi Zacharias
    "Have you neglected the inner core of Christianity? Do you feel like morality is disappearing in our nation? Ravi Zacharias explores the dangers of this gradual change and the similarities between ancient Israel and our society today."
    https://www.rzim.org/listen/just-thinking/a-nation-in-decay-part- 1-of-4
    https://www.rzim.org/listen/just-thinking/a-nation-in-decay-part- 2-of-4
    https://www.rzim.org/listen/just-thinking/a-nation-in-decay-part- 3-of-4
    https://www.rzim.org/listen/just-thinking/a-nation-in-decay-part- 4-of-4

    The Non-duality of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother: A Profile
    http://www.lettermen2.com/syncret.html

    Psychology and Psychiatry
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappc.html

    The Westminster Confession Larger Catechism, Questions 103-106
    http://www.reformed.org/documents/wlc_w_proofs/index.html



    Illegitimacy

    Counseling for Sex Related Problems, Illegitimacy
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr7ch.html#cfsrp



    Immanuel, Christ's Presence, Christ in You

    Immanuel, Christ's Presence, Christ in You
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1cha.html#impry



    Imprisonment, Incarceration

    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)

    To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and those who sit in darkness out of the prison house. (Isaiah 42:7)
    The work of the Messiah, according to the text, is to bring out the prisoners from the prison. I think this relates to the bondage under which a man lies to his sins. Habits of sin, like iron nets, surround the sinner, and he cannot escape their meshes. The man sins, and imagines that he cannot help sinning. How often do the ungodly tell us that they cannot renounce the world, cannot break off their sins by righteousness, and cannot believe in Jesus? Let all men know that the Savior has come on purpose to remove every bond of sin from the captive, and to set him free from every chain of evil. I have known men to strive against the habit of blasphemy, others against unchaste passions, and many more against a haughty spirit, or an angry temper. And when they have striven manfully, but unsuccessfully, in their own strength, they have been filled with bitter chagrin that they should have been so betrayed by themselves. When a man believes in Jesus his resolve to become a free man is to a great extent accomplished at once. Some sins die the moment we believe in Jesus, and these trouble us no more. Others hang on to us, and these die by slow degrees; but they are overcome so as never again to get the mastery over us. O struggler after mental, moral, spiritual liberty, if you would be free, your only possible freedom is in Christ. If you desire to shake off evil habits, or any other mental bondage, I shall prescribe no remedy to you but this, to commit yourself to Christ the Liberator. Love Him and you will hate sin. Trust Him, and you will no more trust yourself. Submit yourself to the sway of the incarnate God, and He will break the dragon's head within you, and hurl Satan beneath your feet. Nothing else can do it. Christ must have the glory." -- C.H. Spurgeon commenting on Isaiah in Devotional Classics of C.H. Spurgeon, p. 69

    Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. (Hebrews 13:3)
    "Over 400 million Christians live in the 67 countries of the world which severely restrict, or persecute, believers. Last year over 200,000 [2018] Christians died as martyrs for Christ. Christian brothers and sisters are being persecuted for their Faith in: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bhutan, Burma, Red China, Congo, Cuba, Egypt, Eritrea, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Lagos, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Palestine territories, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Philippines, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe." -- Peter Hammond

    The prison appears in Biblical law only as a place of custody, pending trial. There is no direct reference to prisons. The methods of dealing with criminals was basically threefold: First, capital punishment was required for capital offenses, and for incorrigible criminals. Second, for all other offenses, restitution was the law; where an order of law had been violated, restoration was the basic function of the courts. Emphatically, in Biblical law the goal is not punishment but restoration, not the infliction of certain penalties on criminals but the restoration of godly order. The center of attention is thus not the criminal but the righteous man and the total godly order. Third, where criminals were unable to make restitution, bond-service was mandatory in order to work out the required restitution.
    In Leviticus 18:24-30, there is a strong summons to righteousness coupled with a warning. Sin is a defilement of man and of the land: it destroys or upsets God's order, and its consequences is God's judgment. Man must therefore keep the law lest the land spue him out for his abominations and iniquities. Justice builds up and exalts a land; it is a restoration and a construction, whereas iniquity destroys a land and creates a moral vacuum that cries for judgment. -- R.J. Rushdoony (1916-2001), The Institutes of Biblical Law, page 515

    Western civilization began as an unhappy compromise between the Biblical standard of restitution and a Greco-Roman and pagan criminology which, while having elements of restitution, leaned heavily towards punishment. The prison thus had a place in Christendom, as an ugly, bastard compromise. It was not only a place of custody, but also a place for torture and punishment, a place to hold men for ransom or for elimination from a threatening position in the state. The prison was an accepted and illegitimate part of the social order. Thus, it could be stated that, into the 18th century,

    It must be borne in mind that all this time the prisons were primarily places of detention, not of punishment. The bulk of those committed to their safe keeping were accused persons awaiting trial in due process of law, or debtors; and of these again by far the most numerous class were the impecunious and the unfortunate, whom a mistaken system locked up and deprived of all means of paying their liabilities. Now and again an offender was sentenced to be imprisoned in default of payment of fine, or to pass the intervals between certain periods of disgraceful exposure on the pillory. Imprisonment has as yet no regular place in the code of penalties, and the jail was only the temporary lodging of culprits duly tried and sentenced according to law. The punishment most in favour in these ruthless times was death. (Major Arthur Griffiths, "Prison Discipline," in The Encyclopaedia Britannica, Ninth Edition, 1892) -- R.J. Rushdoony (1916-2001), Institutes of Biblical Law, pp. 515, 516

    Increasingly, the minds of our children are growing up to be antisocial. Children diagnosed with Antisocial Personality Disorder now number in the millions. As the Carnegie-Mellon survey notes, our primary social response to the new antisocial nature of children has not been to rethink how we raise them, but rather to expand punishment and incarceration systems. A Department of Justice study reports that at our present rates of incarceration, one in twenty babies born in the United States today will spend some part of life incarcerated. As of 2004, 1 in every 138 U.S. residents was in prison. -- Michael Gurian in Nurture the Nature

    "Many of the inmates are hardened and heartless," Caine told PBS. "They have never taken care of anyone else, but in caring for a dying fellow inmate they become like a family. Presbyterian chaplain Chuck Smith told PBS that he had seen people at the prison "become human beings. One does not think of a prison [as] a place where one comes to one's humanity, but that's certainly the case here," he said. "Somewhere in the process they open and change." -- Berle Caine

    Bryant, Marcus D., The Art of Christian Caring, ISBN: 0827200153 9780827200159.
    "Then Bryant turns to specific target groups for ministry, such as nursing home residents, the retarded, prisoners, and mental patients, examining guidelines and background information. The final chapter discusses how to gather one's own resources for the helping process through worship, meditation, and spirituality, stressing as a general guideline that Christian caring is sustained by God's love and by our personal responses to that love as we experience it in our own lives. Underscoring the importance of commitment and self-discipline in relations with others, this is a good introductory guide that should be helpful to general readers."

    Galaway, Burt, and Joe Hudson, Criminal Justice, Restitution, and Reconciliation, ISBN: 0960696067 9780960696062.

    Kandle, George C., and Henry H. Cassler, Ministering to Prisoners and Their Families.
    Includes bibliography.

    McKnight, W.J. (1865-1951), Insane Criminals: Remarks of Hon. W.J. McKnight, in the Senate, Harrisburg, Wednesday, April 13, 1881, the Senate having under consideration Senate Bill, no. 207, entitled An Act to Regulate the Commitment of Insane Criminals to the Insane Hospitals and the Management thereof in said Hospitals.

    Napolitano, Andrew P., Constitutional Chaos: What Happens When the Government Breaks its own Laws, ISBN: 0785260838 9780785260837.
    "In this alarming book, Judge Napolitano makes the solid case that there is a pernicious and ever-expanding pattern of government abuse in America's criminal justice system, leading him to establish his general creed: The government is not your friend. As an attorney, a law professor, a commentator, a judge, and now a successful television personality, Judge Napolitano has studied the system inside and out, and his unique voice has resonance and relevance. Whether in the big, headliner criminal cases or in the thousands of small-town trials no one ever hears about (but should), the police, the prosecutors, the politicians, the judges, and the machinery of government are inexorably grinding away at the individual liberties guaranteed to all Americans by the Constitution. But in this sensational new book, Napolitano sets the record straight, speaking frankly from his own experiences and careful, thorough investigation and revealing how government agencies will often arrest without warrant, spy without legal authority, imprison without charge, and kill without cause." -- Publisher

    Navasky, Miri, Karen O'Connor, Mead Street Films (firm), WGBH (television station: Boston, Mass.), and WGBH Educational Foundation, The Released, DVD, ISBN: 0793670713 9780793670710. Originally broadcast on the PBS program Frontline.
    Our Mental Health Policy has been a complete failure since the release of patients from mental institutions in the early 70's. Those released quickly ended up in prisons.
    "In this follow up to the groundbreaking film 'The New Asylums,' Frontline examines what happens to the mentally ill when they leave prison and why they return at such alarming rates. The intimate stories of the released-along with interviews with parole officers, social workers, and psychiatrists-provide a rare look at the lives of the mentally ill as they struggle to stay out of prison and reintegrate into society." -- Publisher
    http://www.shoppbs.org/sm-pbs-frontline-the-released-dvd--pi-3544620.html

    *Rushdoony, Rousas J. (1916-2001), Institutes of Biblical Law, 3 volumes, ISBN: 1879998130. Available through Exodus Books.

    Volume 1: Institutes of Biblical Law, ISBN: 0875524109.
    "A monumental volume . . . Deeply explores the meaning and application of the Ten Commandments for today in civil government, social ethics, and personal conduct." -- GCB
    "Many consider this to be the author's most important work. With indices." -- Publisher
    Volume 2: Law and Society, ISBN: 1879998238.
    "The relationship of Biblical Law to communion and community, the sociology of the Sabbath, the family and inheritance, and much more are covered in the second volume. Contains an appendix by Herbert Titus. With indices." -- Publisher
    Volume 3: The Intent of the Law, ISBN: 1879998130.
    " 'God's law is much more than a legal code; it is a covenantal law. It establishes a personal relationship between God and man.' The first section summarizes the case laws. The author tenderly illustrates how the law is for our good, and makes clear the difference between the sacrificial laws and those that apply today. The second section vividly shows the practical implications of the law. The examples catch the reader's attention; the author clearly has had much experience discussing God's law. The third section shows that would-be challengers to God's law produce only poison and death. Only God's law can claim to express God's 'covenant grace in helping us'. With indices." -- Publisher
    See also: Theft: Commentary and Cases of Conscience. A Listing Excerpted From The Institutes of Biblical Law by Rousas John Rushdoony, 1973 edition
    http://www.lettermen2.com/theft.html
    *Shere, Dennis, Cain's Redemption: A Story of Hope and Transformation in America's Bloodiest Prison, ISBN: 9781881273240 1881273245.
    "Formerly known as America's bloodiest prison, the 18,000 acres that comprise Louisiana's Angola State Penitentiary are now home to 5,000 inmates, a full range of seasonal crops, a 9-hole golf course, yearly rodeos, a Bible seminary, a museum, and much more. All of this came into being at the behest of Warden Burl Cain, who is now the longest-standing warden in the history of Angola prison. Under his leadership, the inmate population of 5,000 has gone from regular knife fights to Bible studies. Cain is a strong believer in the ability of the gospel to turn the most incorrigible of sinners into productive, moral citizens. Because eight out of ten prisoners are serving life sentences without parole at Angola, Cain has taken upon himself the task of making the lives of these prisoners productive and educational. Through a partnership with New Orleans Baptist Seminary, prisoners have the opportunity to get a bible degree and even be transferred to other prisons as a missionary. The Angola phenomenon has been covered by such media outlets as: Time Magazine, Christianity Today, and in the award-winning film documentary, The Farm: Angola, USA. Author Dennis Shere combines his background in journalism and law to bring readers this account of redemption and life change in the most unlikely of places: a maximum security prison." -- Publisher

    Shields, Alexander (1660?-1700), A True and Faithful Relation of the Sufferings of the Reverend and Learned, Mr. Alexander Shields, Minister of the Gospel. Written with his own hand. Containing an account of his examinations and imprisonment at London; his being sent down to Scotland; . . . Together with a large and elaborate defence of the doctrine of resistance, . . . Never before published. Alternate title: A TRUE AND FAITHFUL RELATION OF THE SUFFERINGS OF THE REVEREND AND LEARNED, MR. ALEXANDER SHIELDS, MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL. WRITTEN WITH HIS OWN HAND. CONTAINING AN ACCOUNT OF HIS EXAMINATIONS AND IMPRISONMENT AT LONDON; HIS BEING SENT DOWN TO SCOTLAND; . . . TOGETHER WITH A LARGE AND ELABORATE DEFENCE OF THE DOCTRINE OF RESISTANCE, . . . NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED, 1715. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Umbreit, Mark, Crime and Reconciliation: Creative Options for Victims and Offenders, ISBN: 0687098858 9780687098859.

    Van Ness, Daniel W., Crime and its Victims, ISBN: 0877845123 9780877845126.
    "Along with the high praise and commendation by Cal Thomas, Mark Hatfield, and Carl Henry, Charles Colson (Prison Fellowship Ministries), gives this book an important foreword. It is an excellent start. Implementing advice in this book would begin a revolution of our criminal justice system." -- GCB

    Zipporah Films, Titicut Follies, DVD, Frederick Wiseman (production), ISBN: 9781885918512 1885918518.
    This documentary is often listed among the 100 Top Documentaries. Released in the early 70s, reviewers have suggested that it was influential in bringing about the radical change in Metal Health Policy at that time, the practical closing down of mental institutions and the release of patients into society. This policy has been a complete failure as documented in The Released also listed here.
    The producer obviously plays on the emotions of the viewer. But this does not translate into artistic merit, as most reviewers seem to conclude. In fact it seems that the objective was to elicit sympathy from a naive public for the plight of the "criminally insane," the "mentally ill," the demoniac. Only someone who has never been a psych nurse or lived with "mentally ill" neighbors could interpret their treatment in this documentary as harsh or cruel. In fact, the patient's incompetence in human relationships makes them impossible to deal with.
    "The film is a stark and graphic portrayal of the conditions that existed at the State Prison for the Criminally Insane at Bridgewater, Massachusetts. TITICUT FOLLIES documents the various ways the inmates are treated by the guards, social workers and psychiatrists."

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Fatherlessness, Theft, fraud, stealing: property rights and freedom, Restitution, Guilt, Sin, contagion of sin, imitation, conformity, Temptation, Knowledge of god and virtue, Forgiveness, Justifying faith, Reconciliation of relationships, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Separation, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Sex ethics, sex education, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Trusting god, Repentance the key to salvation and change, 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 gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, Christian fellowship, Friendship, Loneliness, Immanuel, christ's presence, christ in you, Homelessness, Apologetics, Soteriology, The holy spirit, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Envy and jealousy, Hostility and violence, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Gratuitous sex, a cause of violence, Adultery, Abuse, Child abuse and pedophilia, Homosexuality, lesbianism, gay, bisexual, transvestite, queer (lgbtq), Pornography, The occult, Addiction, alcoholism, substance abuse, drug abuse, Vengeance and retaliation, Homelessness, Deceit, self-deception, lying, false witness, Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, Carnality and flesh pleasing: lust, desires, ambition, Menpleasing, Secret societies, ungodly alliances, voluntary associations, Pseudo-christian movements, Bribery, Extortion, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 3478, 3479

    Related Weblinks

    Bible Believers Fellowship -- Nationwide Christian Prison Ministry (broken link)
    http://www.baldwin.org/bbfi/HOMEPAGE.htm

    Functional Illiteracy
    "Functional illiteracy is a term used to describe reading and writing skills that are inadequate 'to manage daily living and employment tasks that require reading skills beyond a basic level.'[1] Functional illiteracy is contrasted with illiteracy in the strict sense, meaning the inability to read or write simple sentences in any language. . . .
    "Links with poverty and crime
    "In developed countries, the level of functional literacy of an individual is proportional to his/her income level and risk of committing crime. For example, according to the National Center for Educational Statistics in the United States:

  • Over 60 percent of adults in the U.S. Prison System read at or below the fourth grade level
  • 85 percent of U.S. juvenile inmates are functionally illiterate.
  • Adult inmates who received educational services while in prison had a 16 percent chance of returning to prison, as opposed to 70 percent for those who received no instruction. [this statistic not in citation given -- compiler]
  • 43 percent of adults at the lowest level of literacy lived below the poverty line, as opposed to 4 percent of those with the highest levels of literacy.
    • "According to BeginToRead.com:
  • Two thirds of students who cannot read proficiently by the fourth grade will end up in jail or on welfare.
  • Three out of four individuals who receive food stamps read on the two lowest levels of literacy.
  • 16 to 19 year old girls at the poverty level and below, with below average skills, are 6 times more likely to have out-of-wedlock children than their reading counterparts. . . .
    • "The National Center for Education Statistics provides more detail. Literacy is broken down into three parameters: prose, document, and quantitative literacy. Each parameter has four levels: below basic, basic, intermediate, and proficient. For prose literacy, for example, a below basic level of literacy means that a person can look at a short piece of text to get a small piece of uncomplicated information, while a person who is below basic in quantitative literacy would be able to do simple addition. In the US, 14 percent of the adult population is at the 'below basic' level for prose literacy; 12 percent are at the 'below basic' level for document literacy; and 22 percent are at that level for quantitative literacy. Only 13 percent of the population is proficient in these three areas -- able to compare viewpoints in two editorials; interpret a table about blood pressure, age, and physical activity; or compute and compare the cost per ounce of food items."
    In other words, in 2011, 87 percent of Americans were "below basic" levels of literacy in one or more of the following: prose literacy, document literacy, and/or quantitative literacy. See: "Data Files for the 2003 National Assessment of Adult Literacy."
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Functional_literacy

    Prison Congregations of America
    https://www.prisoncongregations.org/

    Prison Fellowship International
    http://www.pfi.org/

    Prison Fellowship Ministries
    http://www.pfm.org/home.htm

    PTSD Resources for Veterans and First Responders
    "On average about 7-8 percent of the United States population will have a PTSD diagnosis. Roughly 8 percent of the US population has an SUD [substance use disorder] diagnosis at any given time. These figures jump significantly when correlated to veterans and first responders. Anywhere from 11-20 percent of veterans will be diagnosed with PTSD and 20 percent with PTSD will also have SUD. One in 10 veterans returning from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan who were seen in the VA were diagnosed with a problem with alcohol and/or other drugs. Substance use and mental health needs are often underreported by both the civilian population and the military/first responders. There are a variety of reasons that contribute to this, including shame, guilt, fear of job loss, etc. The reality is that our first responders and veterans are struggling at higher rates than others and need a safe space to receive appropriate treatment."
    https://definingwellness.com/resources/veterans-first-responders/

    Rebellion and Lawlessness: Wickedness, Demonic Possession, Abnormal Behavior, Insanity, Mental Illness, Mental Retardation
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappd.html#rlinsane

    The Relationship Between Incarceration and Low Literacy, March 16, 2016
    "There is in fact a strong connection between early low literacy skills and our country's exploding incarceration rates. Compelling statistics underscore this connection:

    https://literacymidsouth.wordpress.com/2016/03/16/incarceration-and-low-literacy/



    Incest

    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)

    See the Theological Notes: "Body and Soul, Male and Female" at Genesis 2:7 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    For biblical law on incest and scriptural references see "Incest," The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, Volume 1, page 1034.

    Authorities report that drugs (including alcohol), whoredom, and crime are frequently found together with the occult -- that drugs, sex, and crime are often associated with the occult.

    Incest is "boot camp" for prostitution.
    There are those persons who are criminals by choice, then there are those, especially children, who have no choice.

    Word: "disease"; Meaning; "disturb"; Sample location: "Luke 8:49" -- from the "Glossary," 1599 Geneva Bible, Tolle Lege edition

    DISEASE, n. Dizeze. [dis and ease].
    1. In its primary sense, pain, uneasiness, distress, and so used by Spenser; but in this sense, obsolete.
    2. The cause of pain or uneasiness . . . disorder; any state of a living body in which the natural functions of the organs are interrupted or disturbed . . . The first effect of disease is uneasiness or pain, and the ultimate effect is death. . . .
    3. A disordered state of the mind or intellect, by which the reason is impaired.
    4. In society, vice; corrupt state of morals. Vices are called moral diseases. A wise man converses with the wicked, as a physician with the sick, not to catch the disease, but to cure it.
    5. Political or civil disorder, or vices in a state; any practice which tends to disturb the peace of society, or impede or prevent the regular administration of government.
    The instability, injustice and confusion introduced into the public councils have, in truth, been the mortal diseases under which popular governments have every where perished. -- 1846 edition of An American Dictionary of the English Language
    DISEASE, v.t. dizeze.
    1. To interrupt or impair any or all the natural and regular functions of the several organs of a living body [i.e. robbing a neighbor of sleep -- compiler]; to afflict with pain or sickness to make morbid . . .
    2. To interrupt or render imperfect the regular functions of the brain, or of the intellect; to disorder; to derange.
    3. To infect; to communicate disease to, by contagion.
    4. To pain; to make uneasy. -- 1828 edition of Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Q&A: Counseling Woman Whose Husband Abuses her and Children (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    "How would you counsel a woman whose husband is physically abusive to his wife and children? How does inter-church discipline work?"
    Audio cassette JA209 [audio file].

    *Elliott, Lynda, and Vicki Tanner, My Father's Child, ISBN: 1561210285 9781561210282.
    Help and healing for the victims of emotional, sexual, and physical abuse.

    *Foster, David Kyle, Sexual Healing: God's Plan for the Sanctification of Broken Lives: A Reference Manual for Ministering to Those Trapped in Sexual sin and Brokenness, ISBN: 0830737154 9780830737154 0830737340 9780830737345.
    This is a unique work and the best resource known to the compiler offering biblical counsel for healing sexual brokenness. See: "Foundations" and "Divine Intent for Sexuality" for a biblical explanation of the spiritual significance of sexuality. These two chapters alone make the purchase of the book worthwhile. Includes chapters, study guides, and exercises for Root sources for improper sexual development, Sexual identity confusion, Child sex abuse, Sexual addition, Pornography, Masturbation, voyeurism and exhibitionism, Why people remain in sexual sin and bondage, Failure and self-condemnation, A comprehensive game plan for sexual healing, and so forth.
    Includes bibliography and index.
    Mastering Life Ministries
    http://www.MasteringLife.org

    Heitritter, Lynn, and Jeanette Vought, Helping Victims of Sexual Abuse, ISBN: 0764202286 9780764202285.
    "Sexual abuse is making headlines around America. . . . Many people secretly bear the scars of childhood abuse and desperately struggle with the hidden trauma that interferes with spiritual growth and normal human relationships. The church needs to understand genuine sexual abuse and what can be done about it under present civil constraints." -- Susan Alder
    "What women should know about sexual assault.
    "Heitritter and Vought have done an enormous service in demonstrating the extent of the problem in the local church. They give practical, tested advice about ministry to survivors of sexual abuse. Required reading for pastors, lay leaders and others who work everyday with victims of sexual abuse." -- Dale S. Ryan, Executive Director of The Recovery Partnership Foundation, Whittier, California

    Hudson, Pamela S., Ritual Child Abuse: Discovery, Diagnosis and Treatment, ISBN: 0882478672 9780882478678.
    Includes bibliographical references.
    "I am a psychotherapist who works with trauma. I used to believe that ritual abuse was an urban legend; now I know better. I've worked with enough survivors and specialists who treat Dissociative Identity Disorder, previously called Multiple Personality Disorder, that I know Satanic Ritual Abuse and many other forms of ritual abuse are very real. It is very real and survivors are typically afraid to seek out help from mental health professionals for it and are severely dis-served by the denial of mental health practitioners.
    "This book is a little simplistic but is a good introduction to working with Ritual Abuse Survivors. I recommend reading this to help wrap your mind around ritual abuse, then, if you are a professional read Dee Brown's book on SATANIC RITUAL ABUSE. That is an excellent resource." -- Reader's Comment

    *Hyde, Margaret O., Cry Softly! The Story of Child Abuse, ISBN: 0664327230 9780664327231.
    Includes bibliography and index.
    "The rising tide of child abuse makes this book a must. Deals with the reasons, as well as the treatment. Provides information on 'Hotlines,' 'Suggestions for Further Reading,' and 'National Organizations Concerned With Child Abuse'." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Hyde, Margaret O., Sexual Abuse: Let's Talk About it, ISBN: 0664327257 9780664327255.
    "Draws attention to what is becoming a 'national epidemic.' Points out how pastors may recognize the victims and deal with the trauma and anger of those who feel violated. Practical." -- Cyril J. Barber
    "Discusses the sexual abuse of children, how they can protect themselves, where they can seek help, the kinds of help available, and how to increase public awareness of this problem."

    Imbens, Annie Fransen, Ineke De Putter Jonker, and P. McVay (translator), Christianity and Incest, ISBN: 0800625412 9780800625412.

    Justice, Blair, and Rita Justice, The Broken Taboo, ISBN: 0877053898 9780877053897.
    "Treats the problem of incest that, as most pastors and counselors know, is becoming more and more prevalent. Describes the causes and effect on offender and subject. A must for those on the pastoral staff." -- Cyril J. Barber
    "The most moving thing I read in the book was of our society's refusal to admit incest happens, especially of mothers refusing to believe when it was taking place in their homes. This refusal to acknowledge that there is even anything to acknowledge is almost as great a crime as the abuse of one's own children, and the Justices put the fact squarely in the reader's lap." -- Reader's Comment

    Mack, Wayne A., What do you do With Incest? audio file.

    Martin, Grant, Counseling in Cases of Family Violence and Abuse, ISBN: 0849905877 9780849905872.

    Mawyer, Martin, Silent Shame: The Alarming Rise of Child Sexual Abuse and how to Protect Your Children From it, ISBN: 0891074198 9780891074199.
    "This informative study provides an in-depth profile of sexual abusers -- their methods, motivations, strategies, hangouts -- so that parents can understand what makes a child vulnerable to their overtures. This work provides practical steps to take to prevent children from becoming victims of sexual abuse." -- GCB

    Miletski, Hani, Mother-son Incest: The Unthinkable Broken Taboo Persists: An Updated and Revised Overview of Findings, ISBN: 9780971691735 0971691738.

    Pellauer, Mary D. (editor), Barbara Chester (editor), and Jane Boyajian (editor), Sexual Assault and Abuse: A Handbook for Clergy and Religious Professionals, ISBN: 0060665076 9780060665074.
    "Illustrated with case histories this book, primarily by women (only two chapters are by men), helps counselors and therapists recognize the patterns of sexual assault and sexual abuse. From this premise the gears are switched and the contributors discuss the reasons for violence in our milieu, and the threat this poses to children, teens, and adults." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Powlison, David (1949-2019), Recovering From Child Abuse: Healing and Hope for Victims, ISBN: 9781934885475 1934885479.

    Powlison, David (1949-2019), Paul David Tripp, and Edward T. Welch, Domestic Abuse: How to Help, 18 pages, ISBN: 087552687X 9780875526874.

    Schlesinger, Benjamin, Sexual Abuse of Children: A Resource Guide and Annotated Bibliography, ISBN: 0802064817 9780802064813.
    "An informative guide to the literature covering all aspects of sexual molestation -- including profiles of parents and siblings." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Wilson, Earl D., A Silence to be Broken: Hope for Those Caught in the web of Incest, ISBN: 0851104975 9780851104973.
    "A difficult subject is handled in a sensitive way thus providing compassion and relief for those who have been gripped with this problem. Sources of help are offered as well as what the church can do. Wilson writes with a contagious confidence in God's redemptive power, and it give us hope." -- GCB

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Knowledge of god and virtue, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Fatherlessness, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Abuse, Child abuse and pedophilia, Pornography, Prostitution, Homosexuality, lesbianism, gay, bisexual, transvestite, queer (lgbtq), Gratuitous sex, a cause of violence, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Bible promises, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Forgiveness, Justifying faith, 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 gospel message of salvation and the live to come: the means of grace, The all-sufficiency of christ, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The covenant faithfulness of god, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Pseudo-christian movements, and so forth, and so on.

    Related Weblinks

    Mastering Life Ministries
    http://www.MasteringLife.org

    RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network)
    "RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network) is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE, online.rainn.org and rainn.org/es) in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country and operates the DoD Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice. Call 800.656.4673."
    https://www.rainn.org/programs-and-expertise

    Psychology and Psychiatry
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappc.html

    A Redneck Resolution Against Self-destruction
    http://www.lettermen2.com/redneck.html

    Sexual Assault Information Page (broken link)
    http://www.cs.utk.edu/~bartley/saInfoPage.html



    Individual Responsibility for Corporate Faithfulness and Sanctification

    Individual Responsibility for Corporate Faithfulness and Sanctification
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9cha.html#irespons



    Infatuation

    Scientists say that the brain chemistry of infatuation is akin to mental illness -- which gives new meaning to "madly in love." -- Lauren Slater

    It is impossible to desire something that one already possess.

    Preston, John (1587-1628), Hovv to Mortifie Covetousnesse.

    Preston, John (1587-1628), Sinnes Overthrow: or, A Godly and Learned Treatise of Mortification: Wherein is excellently handled; First, the generall doctrine of mortification: and Then particularly, how to mortifie fornication. Uncleannesse. Evill concupiscence. Inordinate affection. And covetousnesse. All being the substance of severall sermons upon Colos. 3.5. Mortifie therefore your members, &c. Delivered by that late faithfull preacher, and worthie instrument of Gods glorie, John Preston, Dr. in Divinitie, chaplin in ordinarie to his Majestie, master of Emanuell Colledge in Cambridge, and sometimes preacher of Lincolns-Inne, 1635, ISSN: 00279358. [Colossians 3:5]
    Preston, Sinnes Overthrow: or, A Godly and Learned Treatise of Mortification . . . All Being the Substance of Severall Sermons Upon Colos. 3. 5 [Colossians 3:5]
    https://archive.org/details/siwo00pres/page/n1

    Short, Ray E., Sex, Love, or Infatuation: How can I Really Know? ISBN: 0883911051 9780883911051. Alternate title: SEX, LOVE OR ROMANCE: YOU CAN'T REALLY TRUST YOUR HEART.
    "Are you in love or just infatuated? Is sexual attraction all that's holding your relationship together? Or have you found the kind of love that will last a lifetime? Dr. Ray Short provides 14 clues that will help you decide these questions yourself.
    "Ray E. Short is professor emeritus of sociology at the University of Wisconsin in Platteville, where he taught courses on marriage and the family. He is a popular speaker to college students, school assemblies, and youth and counselor conferences. A Methodist minister, Dr. Short is also the author of SEX, DATING, AND LOVE: THE QUESTIONS MOST OFTEN ASKED. He lives in Lafayette, Colorado." -- Publisher
    "A revised and expanded version of a longtime classic handbook for anyone working to help people with relationship problems on their way to marriage. Youth ministers, college campus ministers as well as couples and individuals will be most grateful for Short's expertise in this matter. Practical, accessible with ample actual stories for maximum clarity. This is a treasure for anyone who loves young people wanting to have a life-giving relationship. As a counselor I could not be without it." -- Reader's Comment

    Slater, Lauren, True Love -- Scientists say that the brain chemistry of infatuation is akin to mental illness -- Which gives new meaning to "madly in love," ISSN: 0027-9358.

    See also: The ten commandments: the moral law, Knowledge of god and virtue, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Adultery, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Pseudo-christian movements, Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, Carnality and flesh pleasing: lust, desires, ambition, Deceit, self-deception, lying, false witness, Gratuitous sex, a cause of violence, Abstinence, chastity, Self-denial, Repentance the key to salvation and change, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 2685, 4047

    Related Weblinks

    *Idolatry is the Most Condemned sin in the Bible, [audio file], Peter Hammond, 8/21/2016
    "When we start to worship anyone other than God, if we put anything as central in our lives, other than God, we are opening ourselves up to demonic influence, demonic deception and demonic possession, which explains why so many people today are so irrational, so immune to logic, so resistant to facts and logical explanations."
    https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=97161019341



    Infertility, Barrenness, Childlessness

    Infertility, Barrenness, Childlessness
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr7ch.html#infrtl



    Intercessory Prayer

    Intercessory Prayer
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1chb.html#intercp



    Justice, Judgment, God's Final Judgment, The Great White Throne Judgment, The Day of the Lord

    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)

    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)

    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)

    For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
    That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.     -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 5:22-23)

    For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:26)

    And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
    For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
    But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.     -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:19-21)

    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.
    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 16:7-15)

    Christianity is the highest ethical standard known to mankind. When heretical men depart from historic, orthodox, Protestant, Reformed, Covenanted Christianity, then society begins to destabilize. Without the presence of the Holy Spirit within a people there is a lack of restraint of evil.
    See: GOD'S PRESENCE WITH A PEOPLE THE SPRING OF THEIR PROSPERITY; WITH THEIR SPECIAL INTEREST IN ABIDING IN HIM.

    Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:9,10)

    But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. (Romans 14:10)

    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)

    "Of the Last Judgment," The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646), Chapter XXXIII
    I. God has appointed a day, wherein He will judge the world, in righteousness, by Jesus Christ,[1] to whom all power and judgment is given of the Father.[2] In which day, not only the apostate angels shall be judged,[3] but likewise all persons that have lived upon earth shall appear before the tribunal of Christ, to give an account of their thoughts, words, and deeds; and to receive according to what they have done in the body, whether good or evil.[4]
    [1] ACT 17:31 [Acts 17:31] Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
    [2] JOH 5:27 [John 5:27] And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
    [3] 1CO 6:3 [1 Corinthians 6:3] Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? JUD 6 [Jude 6] And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. 2PE 2:4 [2 Peter 2:4] For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment.
    [4] 2CO 5:10 [2 Corinthians 5:10] For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. ECC 12:14 [Ecclesiastes 12:14]For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. ROM 2:16 [Romans 2:16]In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. Romans 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Romans 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. MAT 12:36 [Matthew 12:36] But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. Matthew 12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
    http://www.reformed.org/documents/wcf_with_proofs/indexf.html

    See the Theological Notes: "God Reigns: Divine Sovereignty," at Daniel 4:34 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    I endeavoured to show you that "judgment" there [John 12:31], refers to the rule and government of the world, to be conferred on the Son by the Father, as the merited reward of his labours and sufferings in the cause of righteousness, and as the means of his carrying out, to entire accomplishment, his plans for promoting the glory of God and the happiness of mankind, [emphasis added] -- a sense in which the term is very often used in the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah, and in which our Lord uses it in reference to himself when, unfolding the character of the new economy, he says, The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment to the Son; (John 5:22), and in which the apostle Paul also employs it, when he says that Jesus Christ is appointed to judge the world [John 5:22. Acts 17:31]. -- John Brown (of Edinburgh, 1784-1858), Discourses and Sayings of Our Lord Jesus Christ, III:418

    He declares that everything will have an adverse and unfortunate issue to those who wickedly despise God. We have said upon the first Psalm, that by the way is meant the course of life in general. God will destroy the way of the wicked, inasmuch as he will curse all their counsels, acts, attempts, and enterprises, so that none of them shall have good success. However excellent they may be in planning, although they may be crafty and sharp-sighted, and abound in strength of resources of every kind, God will overturn all their expectations. While he extends his hand to those who are his people, and brings them through all obstacles, and even impassable ways, he on the contrary destroys the path of the wicked, when apparently most open and plain before them. -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 146:9

    The most tremendous judgment of God in this world is the hardening of the hearts of men. -- John Owen (1616-1683)

    And, behold, this day I [Joshua] am going the way of all the earth: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof. Therefore it shall come to pass, that as all good things are come upon you, which the LORD your God promised you; so shall the LORD bring upon you all evil things, until he have destroyed you from off this good land which the LORD your God hath given you. When ye have transgressed the covenant of the LORD your God, which he commanded you, and have gone and served other gods, and bowed yourselves to them; then shall the anger of the LORD be kindled against you, and ye shall perish quickly from off the good land which he hath given unto you. (Joshua 23:14-16)

    And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died, being an hundred and ten years old. And they buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnath-heres, in the mount of Ephraim, on the north side of the hill Gaash. And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.
    And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim: And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger. And they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth.
    And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies. Whithersoever they went out, the hand of the LORD was against them for evil, as the LORD had said, and as the LORD had sworn unto them: and they were greatly distressed.     (Judges 2:8-15)

    In righteousness He doth judge and make war. (Revelation 19:11) -- He rendereth to every man according to his works; but in battles amongst men, much blood is spilt, falsehood, and violence used, while those who may be strongest, whether it be right or not, keep the field. Nay in very deed, are not kingdoms often ruined by opposite parties, who rent them in pieces amongst them? As to Nebuchadnezzar's, the Medes, and Persians did. They draw it among them, and the thing they get is a fine web of linen, a bit of a kingdom with an ill conscience, which never does them good. They are like so many men striving about a leme [clay, or earthenware] vessel; he draws, and he draws, and the one pulls the side from the vessel, and breaks it in pieces: So conquerors, when they have subdued a kingdom, are like those who get the leme vessel, that seldom bides the second heir. Christ makes not war with the shedding of innocent blood; when He takes in a city, He plays not foul play as other captains do, where often the soldier's right to a country is by the point of the sword; for there is no difference betwixt his sword, his conscience, and his musket. But it is not so with Christ. How then? 1. When Christ takes in a city, nation or country, He has God's right to it, and His Father's promise of it (Psalm 2:8; Psalm 72:8). He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth. 2. When besieged men render and give up themselves to Christ, O! but they get good quarters from Him! They live and are not made captives, but kings and priests to God. Christ's captives have a king's life of it. 3. Christ makes not war in a passion, but sweetly to His people in the end, though seemingly bitter at the first. But when Christ's enemies who get the worse, are all driven to pieces with a rod of iron, they have no comfort; yet He hath done them no wrong, He hath made His war in righteousness. Then ye who are His enemies shall never be cured nor healed again, nor yet by Him pitied; nay, let Christ drive an enemy all to flinders, He doth it by laws God bade Him. Who will then gather them or mend them? Oh! there is no balm, no cure for the mending of Christ's wounds again. But there is sweetness, and comfort to those whom Christ takes in, and sets on to win them to the obedience of the gospel. He has good right to you, and has God's warrant to have you. Has Christ fought a battle with the devil and sin, and hath He won you? Then He hath better right to you than you have to the coat on your back. Be glad ye are His own; He won you with the sweat of His brow. It is true, ye deserve not Christ, but indeed He deserves you; therefore be glad and humble, for Christ will not want His own. Who can rob, spoil, and oppress Christ? I know well He is able to hold His own with the best of them. Then fear not that ye be lost, for Christ's right cannot be broken, God must give Him justice and law, and by law you are His; for open market-right is a good right, and Christ has that of you." -- Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661)

    For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come. (Isaiah 63:4)

    These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. (Proverbs 6:16-19)

    And he shall bring upon them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own wickedness; yea, the Lord our God shall cut them off. (Psalm 94:23)

    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)

    If ye will fear the LORD, and serve him, and obey his voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall both ye and also the king that reigneth over you continue following the LORD your God: But if ye will not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall the hand of the LORD be against you, as it was against your fathers. (1 Samuel 12:14,15)
    We get the kind of leadership we deserve.
    See the commentary in the Geneva Notes, and the commentary of John Gill, and Matthew Henry.

    Happiness is the inward blessing of a good conscience . . . it as a general truth, that the ungodly are devoted to misery; for their own consciences condemn them for their wickedness . . . the grand principle, [is] that God is the Judge of the world . . .
    And from this we may also conclude that, as he is the certain avenger of wickedness, although, for a time, he may seem to take no notice of the ungodly, yet at length he will visit them with destruction. Instead, therefore, of allowing ourselves to be deceived with their imaginary felicity, let us, in circumstances of distress, have ever before our eyes the providence of God, to whom it belongs to settle the affairs of the world, and to bring order out of confusion. -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 1:5,6 and context

    Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! to what end is it for you? the day of the LORD is darkness, and not light. (Amos 5:18)

    The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. (Nahum 1:3)

    And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:11-15). See the note for Revelation 20:11-15, page 2031, in The Reformation Study Bible.
    See also: David Steele, Notes on the Apocalypse which is also available in the Project Gutenberg, and James Durham, A Complete Commentary Upon the Book of Revelation, and Alexander M'Leod, Lectures Upon the Principal Prophecies of the Revelation.

    Let us remember this principle of retributive justice, which is often acted upon by the divine government, that those who prepare a pit for others are cast into it themselves. -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 7:15,16

    For he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity. (Psalm 98:9b)

    He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. (Psalm 33:5). See also: Psalm 45:7; Psalm 99:4; Jeremiah 9:24; Psalm 1:5; Psalm 7:6; Psalm 11:3; Psalm 119:142; Psalm 145:17; Psalm 36:6; Hebrews 1:9; Revelation 15:3,4; Genesis 18:25; 2 Chronicles 19:7; Job 8:3; Job 34:12; Job 37:23. Genuine love does not ignore injustice or evil, and particularly apostasy.

    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: "The Final Judgment," at Matthew 25:41 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    Chapter XII. We Must Lift up our Minds to God's Judgment Seat That we may be Firmly Convinced of His Free Justification
    [Section 3b] Now Bernard [Bernard de Clairvaux] says: "Where, in fact, are safe and firm rest and security for the weak but in the Savior's wounds? The mightier he is to save, the more securely I dwell there. The world menaces, the body weighs us down, the devil sets his snares. I fall not, for I am grounded upon firm rock. I have sinned a grave sin. My conscience is disturbed, but it will not be perturbed because I shall remember the Lord's wounds." From these thoughts he afterward concludes: "Accordingly, the Lord's compassion is my merit. Obviously, I am not devoid of merit so long as he is not devoid of compassion. But if the mercies of the Lord abound, then equally do I abound in merits. Shall I sing my own righteous acts? O Lord, I shall remember thy righteousness only, for it is also mine. Namely, he was made righteousness for me by God." Also, in another place, "This is man's whole merit if he put his whole hope in him who makes safe the whole man." Similarly, where keeping peace to himself, he leaves the glory to God. "To Thee," he says, "may glory remain undiminished. It will go well with me if I shall have peace. I utterly abjure glory, lest, if I usurp what is not mine, I shall also lose what has been offered to me." -- John Calvin, quoting Bernard de Clairvaux, On the Psalm, He That Dwelleth (Ps. 91 [Psalm 91]) xv. 5 (MPL 183. 246); Sermons on the Song of Songs lxi. 3; xiii. 4; lxviii. 6 (MPL 183. 1072, 836, 1111; tr. Eales, Life and Works of St. Bernard IV. 367, 69, 424 f.).] in Institutes of the Christian Religion (McNeill/Battles), 3.12.3 and context
    "One of the most awesome chapters in the INSTITUTES." -- Robert L. Reymond

    So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. (Romans 14:12)
    http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/romans-14-12.html
    http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/romans/14.html

    Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
    For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.     (2 Corinthians 5:9,10)

    And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward [is] with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 22:12)
    "It is not over until leaders meet their Maker."

    That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. (Deuteronomy 16:20)

    The Lord's judgments are made manifest. (Revelation 15:4b)
    The Lord will deal with all of us.

    If it be true, that by him kings reign and princes decree justice, princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth [Proverbs 8:15,16] -- that, all power in heaven and on earth is given to him, by the Father [Matthew 28:18] -- that God hath highly exalted him, and given him a name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, of things on earth, and of things under the earth [Philippians 2:9,10] -- that he is made head over all things to his body, the church -- that he alone (the Father) is excepted, who did put all things under him [1 Corinthians 15:27] -- that he hath set him far above all principality and power, and might and dominion, and every name that is named -- and that he is to rule in the midst of his enemies -- that kings and judges of the earth are commanded to kiss the Son, whom God hath anointed; [Psalm 2:12] then assuredly it is the duty of every civil commonwealth, of every potentate, to swear allegiance to him who possesses, as Mediator, such a title to absolute and universal lordship over the nations. King and subject are correlates. When the Father, as a reward of the sufferings of his Son, gave into his hand the government of all principalities and powers, of all magistrates and kingdoms, he imposed upon them an obligation to acknowledge him explicitly as their sovereign. Such explicit acknowledgment is what we call national covenanting. On the supposition that Jesus is indeed their king, who can offer any reason that they should not so recognize him? -- Covenanter Pastor James R. Willson (1780-1853), The Subjection of Kings and Nations to Messiah

    See the Theological Notes: "The Fall" at Genesis 3:6 in The Reformation Study Bible.
    But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
    And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
    And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.     (Genesis 3:3-7)
    Matthew Henry commenting on Genesis 3:6-13
    https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/genesis/3.html
    John Gill commenting on Genesis 3:7
    https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/genesis-3-7.html

    See the Theological Notes: "The Law of God," at Exodus 20:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    See the Theological Notes: "The Three Purposes of the Law," at Deuteronomy 13:10 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    See the Theological Notes: "God is Light: Divine Holiness and Justice" at Leviticus 11:44 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    Therefore, behold, I add to do. He threatens that he will punish by blinding not only the ignorant or the ordinary ranks, but those wise men who were held in admiration by the people. From this vengeance we may easily learn how hateful a vice hypocrisy is, and how greatly it is abhorred by God, as the Prophet spoke a little before about human inventions; for what kind of punishment is more dreadful than blindness of mind and stupidity? This indeed is not commonly perceived by men, nor are they aware of the greatness of this evil; but it is the greatest and most wretched of all. -- Calvin commenting on Isaiah 29:1-24

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

    See the Theological Notes: "The Kingdom of God," at Luke 17:20 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    See the Theological Notes: "The Ascension of Jesus," at Luke 24:51 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    See the Theological Notes: "Jesus' Heavenly Reign," at Acts 7:55 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    See the Theological Notes: "The Return of Jesus Christ," at 1 Thessalonians 4:16 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    See the Theological Notes: "Church Discipline and Excommunication," at Matthew 18:15 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    See the Theological Notes: "Hell," at Mark 9:43 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
    For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.     (1 Samuel 15:22,23)

    And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.
    And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim:
    And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger. And they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth.     (Gross infatuation, to leave the true God for idols, the work of men's hands.)
    And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies.
    Whithersoever they went out, the hand of the LORD was against them for evil, as the LORD had said, and as the LORD had sworn unto them: and they were greatly distressed.
    (Sin must be chastened in God's people. Even though others transgress with impunity, the Lord's chosen shall not. Alas! what misery comes of departing from the Lord.)
    Nevertheless the LORD raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them. (He was far more ready to deliver them than to smite them. He delighteth in mercy), (Judges 2:10-16). -- C.H. Spurgeon commenting in Spurgeon's Devotional Bible

    And an angel of the LORD came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you. (Was not this the great angel of the covenant, even the Lord Jesus? Who could use such language but one who is equal with God?)
    And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this? Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you. (Their sin was to be their punishment. If we will not smite our sins, our sins will smite us.) [Notice our faithfulness to God and our obedience to his word, and our faithful practice of magistracy turns back the wrath of God. -- compiler]
    And it came to pass, when the angel of the LORD spake these words unto all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voice, and wept. And they called the name of that place Bochim (or weepers): and they sacrificed there unto the LORD. (Tears will not serve, there must be sacrifice also. Blessed are they who with broken heart compass the altar of the Lord. May the Holy Spirit work in each of us a sacred sorrow for all sin. Amen), (Judges 2:1-5). -- C.H. Spurgeon commenting in Spurgeon's Devotional Bible

    It is not good to accept the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment. (Proverbs 18:5)

    Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (Isaiah 5:20)

    Beware of manufacturing a God of your own: a God who is all mercy, but not just. Such a God is an idol of your own. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

    So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 3:16)

    These that now have peace, it says they are not so [valiant], now, for the Covenants are not only broken and burnt, but Declared Criminal to be owned; and the Covenanted Reformation like to be Ruined and razed: And when there is so much peace with Antichrist, it is a Wrath-presaging thing, a Wrath procuring thing. And his Blood cries for Vengeance against all those who have been seeking to have peace with the Enemies of GOD, that have encroached on all his Prerogatives. -- Alexander Shields (1660?-1700)

    In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea. (Isaiah 27:1). See annotation in The Reformation Study Bible.

    See Isaiah 51:1-6 and annotation in The Reformation Study Bible.
    Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished. (Isaiah 51:6)

    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

    Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you. For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men. As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich. They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge. Shall I not visit for these things? saith the LORD: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this? A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land; The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof? (Jeremiah 5:25-31). See the annotation in The Reformation Study Bible.

    Then, when he had expatiated somewhat more fully, and had more copiously illustrated the benefits of its presence [harmony -- compiler], and the ruinous effects of its absence upon a state, Pilus, one of the company present at the discussion, struck in and demanded that the question should be more thoroughly sifted, and that the subject of justice should be freely discussed for the sake of ascertaining what truth there was in the maxim which was then becoming daily more current, that "the republic cannot be governed without injustice." Scipio expressed his willingness to have this maxim discussed and sifted, and gave it as his opinion that it was baseless, and that no progress could be made in discussing the republic unless it was established, not only that this maxim, that "the republic cannot be governed without injustice," was false, but also that the truth is, that it cannot be governed without the most absolute justice. And the discussion of this question, being deferred till the next day, is carried on in the third book with great animation. For Pilus himself undertook to defend the position that the republic cannot be governed without injustice, at the same time being at special pains to clear himself of any real participation in that opinion. He advocated with great keenness the cause of injustice against justice, and endeavored by plausible reasons and examples to demonstrate that the former is beneficial, the latter useless, to the republic. Then, at the request of the company, Lælius attempted to defend justice, and strained every nerve to prove that nothing is so hurtful to a state as injustice; and that without justice a republic can neither be governed, nor even continue to exist.
    When this question has been handled to the satisfaction of the company, Scipio reverts to the original thread of discourse, and repeats with commendation his own brief definition of a republic, that it is the weal of the people. "The people" he defines as being not every assemblage or mob, but an assemblage associated by a common acknowledgment of law, and by a community of interests. Then he shows the use of definition in debate; and from these definitions of his own he gathers that a republic, or "weal of the people," then exists only when it is well and justly governed, whether by a monarch, or an aristocracy, or by the whole people. But when the monarch is unjust, or, as the Greeks say, a tyrant; or the aristocrats are unjust, and form a faction; or the people themselves are unjust, and become, as Scipio for want of a better name calls them, themselves the tyrant, then the republic is not only blemished (as had been proved the day before), but by legitimate deduction from those definitions, it altogether ceases to be. . . .
    Tully [Cicero -- compiler], himself, too, speaking not in the person of Scipio or any one else, but uttering his own sentiments, uses the following language in the beginning of the fifth book, after quoting a line from the poet Ennius, in which he said, "Rome's severe morality and her citizens are her safeguard." "This verse," says Cicero, "seems to me to have all the sententious truthfulness of an oracle. For neither would the citizens have availed without the morality of the community, nor would the morality of the commons without outstanding men have availed either to establish or so long to maintain in vigor so grand a republic with so wide and just an empire. Accordingly, before our day, the hereditary usages formed our foremost men, and they on their part retained the usages and institutions of their fathers. But our age, receiving the republic as a chef-d'oeuvre of another age which has already begun to grow old, has not merely neglected to restore the colors of the original, but has not even been at the pains to preserve so much as the general outline and most outstanding features. For what survives of that primitive morality which the poet called Rome's safeguard? It is so obsolete and forgotten, that, far from practicing it, one does not even know it. And of the citizens what shall I say? Morality has perished through poverty of great men; a poverty for which we must not only assign a reason, but for the guilt of which we must answer as criminals charged with a capital crime. For it is through our vices, and not by any mishap, that we retain only the name of a republic, and have long since lost the reality. . . ."
    For I mean in its own place to show that -- according to the definitions in which Cicero himself, using Scipio as his mouthpiece, briefly propounded what a republic is, and what a people is, and according to many testimonies, both of his own lips and of those who took part in that same debate -- Rome never was a republic, because true justice had never a place in it. But accepting the more feasible definitions of a republic, I grant there was a republic of a certain kind, and certainly much better administered by the more ancient Romans than by their modern representatives. But the fact is, true justice has no existence save in that republic whose founder and ruler is Christ, if at least any choose to call this a republic; and indeed we cannot deny that it is the people's weal.
    But if perchance this name, which has become familiar in other connections, be considered alien to our common parlance, we may at all events say that in this city is true justice; the city of which Holy Scripture says, "Glorious things are said of thee, O city of God." -- Augustine in The City of God, Book 2, Chapter 21, Cicero's Opinion of the Roman Republic

    So many times people in the pew and the pulpit say, well how did all this get started? How did psychology descend to its present level? . . . How did political science produce our political thought, produce the dictatorships which are engulfing the modern world? Why are we in the economic mess in which we are today? Why is sociology such a jumble of immorality? Why is education as it is today? Why is art so meaningless? . . . Why is modern music an affront to the modern ears as well as to the mind and ear of God? . . . Why are all these things!? . . .
    I would suggest to you that if you will follow this course with thought and care, you will finally come to see the answer to the questions which haunt us today in Western society." -- Singer, C. Gregg (1910-1999), in the Apologetics series of 24 lectures using FROM RATIONALISM TO IRRATIONALITY: THE DECLINE OF THE WESTERN MIND FROM THE RENAISSANCE TO THE PRESENT as the text, and delivered in Decatur, Georgia, beginning November, 1979.
    Apologetics: #01: Classical and Medieval Thought #1
    Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Apologetics, 56 min.
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=2250511453

    And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
    The roll was full and written on both sides. The divine purposes are here intended.
    And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
    And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
    And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
    And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.     (He possesses fulness of power, fulness of wisdom, and fulness of the Holy Spirit.)
    And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
    No man knows the Father save the Son; the Son alone can reveal the decrees of Jehovah.
    And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
    The Lamb is, therefore, God, or he would not thus be adored. Jesus, our Saviour, is assuredly "God over all, blessed for ever. Amen."
    And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
    And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
    And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
    Do all things thus worship Jesus? then let us adore him. Oh for warm hearts, with which to extol his precious name. All hail, Lord Jesus! our very souls worship thee with lowliest and most loving reverence. (Revelation 5:1-14) -- Spurgeon's Devotional Bible.
    See also: David Steele, Notes on the Apocalypse which is also available in the Project Gutenberg, and James Durham, A Complete Commentary Upon the Book of Revelation, and Alexander M'Leod, Lectures Upon the Principal Prophecies of the Revelation.

    And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. (Revelation 19:11-15)

    And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:11-15). See the note for Revelation 20:11-15, page 2031, in The Reformation Study Bible.
    See also: David Steele, Notes on the Apocalypse which is also available in the Project Gutenberg, and James Durham, A Complete Commentary Upon the Book of Revelation, and Alexander M'Leod, Lectures Upon the Principal Prophecies of the Revelation.

    And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward [is] with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 22:12)

    With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness. (Isaiah 26:9)

    We see from experience, that most men are ignorant of what God is, and judge of him rather as one dead than alive. In words they all acknowledge him to be judge of the world, but the acknowledgment comes to nothing, as they straightway denude him of his office of judgment, which is to take God's name in vain, by tarnishing the glory of it, and, in a manner, deforming it. But as name is not in the original . . . means to lift Up, or on high, I think we are warranted rather to interpret the passage as meaning, that they carried themselves with an arrogant and false pride. This elation or haughtiness of spirit is almost always allied with that petulance of which he had previously taken notice. What other reason can be given for their vending such poisonous rancour against God, but pride, and forgetfulness, on the one hand, of their own insignificance as men, and on the other, of the power which belongeth unto the Lord? On this account he calls them God's adversaries, for all who exalt themselves above the place which they should occupy, act the part of the giants who warred against heaven. -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 139:20 and context

    The crime of one being despising and casting contempt on another, is proportionably more or less heinous, as he was under greater or less obligations to obey him. And therefore if there be any being that we are under infinite obligation to love, and honor, and obey, the contrary towards him must be infinitely faulty. Our obligation to love, honor and obey any being is in proportion to his loveliness, honorableness, and authority. . . . But God is a being infinitely lovely, because he hath infinite excellency and beauty. . . . So sin against God, being a violation of infinite obligations, must be a crime infinitely heinous, and so deserving infinite punishment. . . . The eternity of the punishment of ungodly men renders it infinite . . . and therefore renders it no more than proportionable to the heinousness of what they are guilty of. -- Jonathan Edwards, "The Justice of God in the Damnation of Sinners," from The Works of Jonathan Edwards
    The Justice of God in the Damnation of Sinners
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/go/298082

    Alexander, Archibald (1772-1851), Day of Judgment.

    Alexander, Archibald (1772-1851), Future Punishment; or, The Universalist Refuted.
    Unitarian Universalists.

    Baker, Matthew, Wherein, and Wherefore, the Damnation of Those That Perish Under the Gospel will be More Intolerable Than the Damnation of Sodom, or the Worst of the Heathens, at the Day of Judgment. In PURITAN SERMONS 1659-1689: BEING THE MORNING EXERCISES AT CRIPPLEGATE, ST. GILES IN THE FIELDS, AND IN SOUTHWARK BY SEVENTY-FIVE MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL IN OR NEAR LONDON WITH NOTES AND TRANSLATIONS BY JAMES NICHOLS (4:198-215).

    Beeke, Joel, Judgment Seat of Christ, an MP3. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Bolton, Samuel (1606-1654), Hamartolos Hamartia: or, The Sinfulnes of sin, 1646. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    *Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), The Everlasting Righteousness, or How Shall man be Just With God? 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? full view.
    http://books.google.com/books?id=nQMDAAAAQAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html

    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, 1764. 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), A Collection of Sermons Shewing the Grounds of the Lord's Controversy With This Church and Land, . . . by . . . Thomas Boston, . . . The second edition London, 1785. Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS BOSTON), on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), The Great Danger of Professors who Hold the Truth in Unrighteousness. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THE REVEREND THOMAS BOSTON (3:214-52).

    *Bridge, William (1600?-1670), The Saint's Hiding-Place in the Time of God's Anger. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Brooks, Thomas (1608-1680), Apples of Gold for Young men and Women, and, A Crown of Glory for old men and Women. Or, the happiness of being good betimes, and the honour of being an old disciple. Clearly and fully discovered, and closely and faithfully applied. Also, the young man's objections answered, and the old man's doubts resolved. In The Works of Thomas Brooks, 1886 (1:167-284). Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS BROOKS) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "On whether the sins of God's true people will be brought into judgment, see chapter 5 (1:220-24)."

    Brooks, Thomas (1608-1680), The Golden Key to Open Hidden Treasures, or, Several Great Points, that refer to the saints' present blessedness, and their future happiness, with the resolution of several important questions. In THE WORKS OF THOMAS BROOKS, 1886 (5:1-261). Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS BROOKS) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "On the justice of God in imputing the sins of his people to Christ, see 5:69-70."

    Brooks, Thomas (1608-1680), London's Lamentations: or, A Serious Discourse concerning the late fiery dispensation that turned our (once renowned), city into a ruinous heap. Also the several lessons that are incumbent upon those whose houses have escaped the consuming flames. In THE WORKS OF THOMAS BROOKS, 1886 (6:1-312). Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS BROOKS) on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Brooks, Thomas (1608-1680), Sins Which Bring God's Fiery Judgment Upon Cities and Nations. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25. Available in WORKS OF THOMAS BROOKS.

    *Buis, Harry, The Doctrine of Eternal Punishment.
    "A candid, forthright witness to the reality of hell." -- John Murray

    *Bunyan, John (1628-1688), and Robert Philip (1791-1858), The Greatness of the Soul: and The Unspeakableness of the Loss Thereof; No way to Heaven but by Jesus Christ; The Strait Gate. Alternate title: THE GREATNESS OF THE SOUL, AND UNSPEAKABLENESS OF THE LOSS THEREOF: WITH THE CAUSES OF THE LOSING IT: FIRST PREACHED AT PINNERS HALL, AND NOW ENLARGED, AND PUBLISHED FOR GOOD. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "In the 1660s, Charles II, King of England, asked John Owen (1616- 1683), why he went to hear the preaching of an uneducated tinker. [John Bunyan -- compiler]. Looking the King in the eye, Owen answered, 'May it please your Majesty, could I possess the tinker's ability for preaching, I would willingly relinquish all my learning'." -- Andrew Thomson, John Owen, Prince of Puritans
    Owen would not have been surprised to learn that Bunyan's most influential work, PILGRIM'S PROGRESS, would be translated into more languages over the next 400 years than any book except the Bible.
    The Greatness of the Soul: and The Unspeakableness of the Loss Thereof; No way to Heaven but by Jesus Christ; The Strait Gate
    http://archive.org/details/greatnessofsoulu00bunyuoft
    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.

    Cotton, John (1584-1652), God's Awful Determination Against a People, That Will not Obey his Voice, by his Word, and Judgments. A Sermon Preach'd at the Publick Lecture in Boston, Feb. 8. 1728. After Repeated Shocks of the Earthquake. By John Cotton, V.D.M.

    Cotton, John (1584-1652), The Pouring out of the Seven Vials, or An Exposition of the 16th Chapter of the Revelation, with an application of it to our times. Wherein is revealed God's pouring out the full vials of his fierce wrath: 1. Upon the lowest and basest sort of Catholics, 2. Their worship and religion, 3. Their priests and ministers, 4. The House of Austria, and Pope's Supremacy, 5. Episcopal government, 6. Their Euphrates, or the stream of their supportments, and 7. Their gross ignorance and blind superstitions. Very fit and necessary for this present age. 1642. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Dabney, Robert Lewis (1820-1898), Vindicatory Justice Essential to God. In DISCUSSIONS: EVANGELICAL AND THEOLOGICAL, (1:466-81). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Dent, Harry, and Betty Dent, Right vs. Wrong: Solutions to the American Nightmare, ISBN: 0840734387 9780840734389.

    *Dickson, David (1583-1663), Of God's Eternal Decree. Available in TRUTH'S VICTORY OVER ERROR: A COMMENTARY ON THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH, ISBN: 0851519490 9780851519494. Available (PDF and MP3 files), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "This book is not merely of historical interest; it is also of considerable value now because many of the errors refuted within its pages have surfaced again in the 21st century church under new guises. Christians today can learn a great deal from the faithful witness of former generations who experienced 'truth's victory over error.' TRUTH'S VICTORY OVER ERROR contains David Dickson's lectures on the WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH, delivered to the divinity students of Edinburgh University in the early 1650s. Here then is a commentary written just a few brief years after the Westminster Divines drew up their famous CONFESSION of 1647 [sic] by one of their senior contemporaries. Dickson's comments reveal the burning issues of the day and supply fascinating insight into the robust theology of the Scottish Puritans. In the Introduction to the book, Robert Wodrow writes that the author 'as it were, breaks the truths of our Confession small, and prepares them for the meanest capacities.' Here, then, is a useful aid for Christians who want to study and understand the doctrines of the Confession itself. Dickson was concerned to explain the truth and refute error. Not content merely to establish the Confession's articles from Scripture, he also 'guards against the gangrene and poison of contrary errors, with judgment and perspicuity' (Wodrow). Like all true evangelicals, Dickson saw the vital need of expressing the Bible's teaching in both negative and positive propositions." -- Publisher
    Truth's Victory Over Error, Chapter III, "Of God's Eternal Decrees"
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/dickson/truthsvictory03.html

    Downes, Stephen, Stephen Downes Guide to the Logical Fallacies.
    "Stephen Downes, an information architect with a background in philosophy, created this site with the aim of identifying, indexing, and describing 'all known logical fallacies.' A logical fallacy can be defined as an error in reasoning in which a conclusion appears to follow from a set of premises but in reality does not. Downes groups the fallacies into thirteen categories, such as Fallacies of Distraction, Inductive Fallacies, and Syllogistic Errors. Each fallacy (over 50 in all), is described with its name, definition, examples of how it might be used in an argument, and how the argument can be proven fallacious. The How to Use this Guide section of the site provides a helpful introduction, and a robust bibliography offers possibilities for further study of logic. In addition, users may register at the site (no fee), to gain access to discussion boards on the topic. The author notes that his Guide "is intended to help you in your own thinking, not to help you demolish someone else's argument." Regardless of how a reader uses the information, however, the site remains an interesting and fun investigation of how logical arguments are constructed." "Lists all known logical fallacies, with definitions, examples, and the steps needed to prove that the fallacy is committed. Site also includes links to logic references and resources."
    Stephen's Guide to Logical Fallacies
    http://www.fallacies.ca/welcome.htm

    Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), The Final Judgment: or, The World Judged Righteously by Jesus Christ. In THE WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS, (2:190-201)

    Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), The Justice of God in the Damnation of Sinners, Explained, Illustrated, and Proved, in a Sermon Upon Romans III. 19 [Romans 3:19]. By Jonathan Edwards. Discourse 4 in FIVE DISCOURSES ON IMPORTANT SUBJECTS, NEARLY CONCERNING THE GREAT AFFAIR OF THE SOUL'S ETERNAL SALVATION. Available in THE WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS, (1:668-79). Available (THE WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    The Justice of God in the Damnation of Sinners, a sermon by Jonathan Edwards narrated by T. Sullivan
    "Jonathan Edwards claimed that this sermon on Romans 3:19 bore the most fruit in hopeful conversions during the Great Awakening than all others. The words are very sobering: 'In the improvement of this doctrine, I would chiefly direct myself to sinners who are afraid of damnation, in a use of conviction'."
    https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=33004003

    Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), The Portion of the Wicked. In THE WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS, (2:878-88)

    Erskine, Ebenezer (1680-1754), Christ in the Clouds Coming to Judgment. A Sermon, From Matthew XVI. 27. . . . [Matthew 16:27] By the Rev. Mr. Ebenezer Erskine. Available (THE WORKS OF EBENEZER ERSKINE), on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    *Fairbairn, Patrick (1805-1874), An Exposition of Ezekiel, 504 pages. Alternate title: EZEKIEL AND THE BOOK OF HIS PROPHECY. Available (WORKS OF PATRICK FAIRBAIRN), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "This exposition . . . has gained for its author a high place among elucidators of difficult part of Scripture. Dr. Fairbairn has a cool judgment and a warm heart; he has cast much light on Ezekiel's wheels, and has evidently felt the touch of the live coal, which is better still." -- C.H. Spurgeon
    Ezekiel and the Book of his Prophecy: An Exposition (1855)
    http://archive.org/details/ezekielbookofhis00fairrich

    Flavel, John (1628-1691), An Appendix to the Foregoing Treatise [i.e., England's Duty Under the Present Gospel Liberty]. In THE WORKS OF JOHN FLAVEL (4:268-306).

    Fleming, Robert (1630-1694), A Discourse of Earthquakes as They are Supernatural and Premonitory Signs to a Nation, with a respect to what hath occurred in this year 1692, and some special reflections thereon, as also that security and assurance of mind which is attainable in the light and power of religion, under the greatest suprisals, and terror of sense, with some enquiry upon the grounds both of our fears and hopes, as to the public state of the church of Christ in this day, 1693.

    *Gillespie, Patrick (1617-1675), Rulers Sins: The Causes of National Judgments, or a Sermon Preached at the Fast, Upon the 26th Day of December, Prov. XIV. 34; 2 Kings XVII. 22,23; Ezek. XIX. 14, or a Sermon Preached at the Fast, Upon the 26th Day of December 1650. [Proverbs 14:34; 2 Kings 17:22,23; Ezekiel 19:14] Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    Notwithstanding the Lord turned not from the fierceness of his great wrath wherewith his anger was kindled against Judah, because of the provocations that Manasseh had provoked him withal. (2 Kings 23:26).
    "For these in public places of trust and power, that should bear down sin, are they not rather ringleaders in sin?" -- Patrick Gillespie
    Rulers Sins: The Causes of National Judgments
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/gillespie/gillespie_patrick_rulers_sins_causes_of_judgment.html

    Gouge, William (1578-1653), God's Three Arrows: Plague, Famine, Sword, 1631. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "Notes: 'Deaths death', 'The Churches conquest over the sword', 'The extent of Gods providence, set out in a sermon', and 'The dignitie of chivalry, set forth in a sermon' each have separate dated title page; pagination and register are continuous. 'The dignitie of chivalry' was first published separately in 1626."
    "Subject: Providence and government of God"

    Guthrie, James (1612?-1661), and Archibald Johnston (1793-1818), Causes of the Lords Wrath Against Scotland, Manifested in his sad Late Dispensations. Whereunto is Added a Paper, Particularly Holding Forth the Sins of the Ministery, 1653. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/guthrie/guthrie_james_causes_of_wrath.html

    Guthrie, John (1632-1669), Covenanting and God's Blessing and Wrath. Available (MP3) on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Guthrie, John (1632-1669), Sermon Preached Upon Breach of Covenant, in the Year 1663. By ... Mr. John Guthrie, ... and a... Letter From Paris, Anno 1662, ISBN: 1385679778 9781385679777.

    Guthrie, John (1632-1669), A Sermon Preach'd Upon Breach of Covenant by That Reverend and Worthy Servant of Jesus Christ, Mr. John Guthrie Sometime Minister of the Gospel at Tarboltoun, 1663.

    Henry, Matthew (1662-1714), A Memorial of the Fire of the Lord: In a Sermon, preached September 2nd, 1713, being the day of the commemoration of the burning of London, in 1666. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THE REV. MATTHEW HENRY (HIS UNFINISHED COMMENTARY EXCEPTED). BEING A COLLECTION OF ALL HIS TREATISES, SERMONS, AND TRACTS AS PUBLISHED BY HIMSELF AND A MEMOIR OF HIS LIFE, 2 vols. (2:427-41).

    *Howie, John (1735-1793), The Judgment and Justice of God Exemplified, 1782. Alternate title: BRIEF HISTORICAL HINT OF THE WICKED LIVES AND MISERABLE DEATHS OF SOME OF THE MOST REMARKABLE APOSTATES AND BLOODY PERSECUTORS IN SCOTLAND, FROM THE REFORMATION TILL AFTER THE REVOLUTION; COLLECTED FROM HISTORICAL RECORDS, AUTHENTICAL WRITINGS, AND OTHER WELL-VOUCHED RELATIONS. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available as an appendix to THE SCOTS WORTHIES. BIOGRAPHIA SCOTICANA.

    Howie, John (1735-1793), The Judgment and Justice of God Exemplified. Or, a Brief Historical Hint of the Wicked Lives and Miserable Deaths of Some of the Most Remarkable . . . From Historical Records, ISBN: 1385609036 9781385609033.

    *Howie, John (1735-1793), The Scots Worthies. Biographia Scoticana: or, A Brief Historical Account of the Lives, Characters, and Memorable Transactions of the Most Eminent Scots Worthies . . . Also, an Appendix, Containing a Short Historical Hint of the Wicked Lives . . . of the . . . Apostates and . . . Persecutors in Scotland . . . 2nd edition, corrected and enlarged, 1781. A Christian classic. Available (PDF and MP3 audio files) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (PDF file) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1, #10. Available (22 MP3 audio files) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1-30 and at AudioSermons.com.
    "Most commonly known as SCOTS WORTHIES, this edition contains Howie's footnotes (defending the Covenanters), and Howie's appendix titled 'The Judgment and Justice of God' (which chronicles God's judgments upon Reformation apostates and those who persecuted the Covenanters). It is the only edition in print which contains both these sections intended for publication by the author (as later editors often removed either one or both of these parts of this book). BIOGRAPHIA SCOTICANA covers the history of 'noblemen, gentlemen, ministers and others from Mr. Patrick Hamilton, who was born about the year of our Lord 1503, and suffered martyrdom at St. Andrews, Feb., 1527, to Mr. James Renwick, who was executed in the Grass-market of Edinburgh, Feb. 17, 1688. Together with a succinct account of the lives of other seven eminent divines, and Sir Robert Hamilton of Preston, who died about, or shortly after the Revolution.' This is one of our best history books (over 700 pages), covering all of the major Scottish Reformers. Howie summarizes his book as follows: 'The design of the following was to collect, from the best authorities, a summary account of the lives, characters, and contendings, of a certain number of our most renowned SCOTS WORTHIES, who, for their faithful services, ardent zeal, constancy in sufferings, and other Christian graces and virtues, deserve honourable memorial in the Church of Christ; and for which their names have been, and will be savoury to all the true lovers of our Zion, while Reformation principles are regarded.' Furthermore, the momentous nature of the struggles chronicled in this book are succinctly noted when Howie writes: 'the primitive witnesses had the divinity of the Son of God, and an open confession of Him, for their testimony. Our reformers from Popery had Antichrist to struggle with, in asserting the doctrines of the Gospel, and the right way of salvation in and through Jesus Christ. Again, in the reigns of James VI. and Charles I., Christ's REGALIA, and the divine right of Presbytery, became the subject matter of their testimony. Then, in the beginning of the reign of Charles II. (until he got the whole of our ancient and laudable constitution effaced and overturned), our Worthies only saw it their duty to hold and contend for what they had already attained unto. But, in the end of this and the subsequent tyrant's reign, they found it their duty (a duty which they had too long neglected), to advance one step higher, by casting off their authority altogether, and that as well on account of their manifest usurpation of Christ's crown and dignity, as on account of their treachery, bloodshed, and tyranny . . . which may be summed up. The Primitive martyrs sealed the prophetic office of Christ in opposition to Pagan idolatry. The reforming martyrs sealed His priestly office with their blood, in opposition to Popish idolatry. And last of all, our late martyrs have sealed His kingly office with their best blood, in despite of supremacy and bold Erastianism. They indeed have cemented it upon His royal head, so that to the world's end it shall never drop off again.' Moreover, the importance of this book can be clearly seen when Johnston, in TREASURY OF THE SCOTTISH COVENANT, reports that, Walter Scott refers to Howie as 'the fine old chronicler of the Cameronians'. . . Howie's book has been for upwards of a century a household word, occupying a place on the shelf beside THE BIBLE and THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.' Written for God, country and the covenanted work of Reformation. Stirring history!" -- Publisher
    An alternative edition that also contains the appendix, Biographia Scoticana: or, A Brief Historical Account of the Lives, Characters, and Memorable Transactions of the Most Eminent Scots Worthies, Noblemen, Gentlemen, Ministers and Others . . . With an Appendix, Containing a Short Historical Account of the Wicked Lives and Miserable Deaths of Some of the Most Bloody Persecutors in Scotland, 1836.
    An Appendix, Containing a Short Historical Hint of the Wicked Lives and Miserable Deaths of Some of the Most Remarkable Apostates and Bloody Persecutors in Scotland From the Reformation to the Revolution
    This is the Appendix to THE SCOTS WORTHIES. BIOGRAPHIA SCOTICANA, 2nd edition, corrected and enlarged, 1781.
    http://archive.org/details/biographiascotic28272gut
    See also: A CLOUD OF WITNESSES FOR THE ROYAL PREROGATIVES OF JESUS CHRIST BEING THE LAST SPEECHES AND TESTIMONIES OF THOSE WHO HAVE SUFFERED FOR THE TRUTH IN SCOTLAND SINCE . . . 1680 and JOHN FOXE'S BOOK OF MARTYRS. ACTES AND MONUMENTS OF MATTERS MOST SPECIALL AND MEMORABLE. Available from: http://www.johnfoxe.org. Implemented by the Humanities Research Institute, University of Sheffield, England, and published by HRI Online Publications, Sheffield, 2011, Version 2.0, ISBN: 9780954260864.

    Howie, John, William Guthrie, John Livingston, John Welch, and John Guthrie, A Collection of Lectures and Sermons, Preached Upon Several Subjects, Mostly in the Time of the Late Persecution ... by ... William Guthrie ... and ... [others]; to which are added, some sacramental discourses by Mr. John Livingston and Mr. John Welch, and a sermon the breach of covenant, by Mr. John Guthrie.

    Hoyt, Herman Arthur, The end Times.

    Lloyd-Jones, David Martyn (1899-1981), A Nation Under Wrath: Studies in Isaiah 5, ISBN: 0801057906 9780801057908.

    *Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), The Righteous Judgement of God (Romans 2:1 -- 3:20), ISBN: 0851515452 9780851515458.

    *Marshall, Stephen (1594?-1655), Reformation and Desolation, or, A Sermon Tending to the Discovery of the Symptomes of a People to Whom God Will by no Meanes be Reconciled. Preached to the Honourable House of Commons at their late solemne fast, Decemb. 22. 1641. By Stephen Marshall B.D. Minister of Finchingfield in Essex, 1642. Zephaniah 2:1,2. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    *Mason, Archibald (d. 1831), Observations on the Public Covenants Betwixt God and the Church: A Discourse (1799). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
    Contents: Observations on the public covenants betwixt God and the church / Archibald Mason -- Paleopresbyterianism vs. neopresbyterianism / Michael Wagner -- Permanence of covenant obligation -- The preface and bibliography to the rare bound photocopy: obligation of social covenanting -- The binding nature of national covenants with God -- The Solemn League and Covenant -- Guide for studying the Westminster Confession, in suggested order of reading -- Terms of ministerial and Christian communion in the Reformed Presbyterian Church -- Corporate sanctification: holding fast the attainments of Reformation / John Brown -- What is a moral person? How God views the church and the nations / David Scott, John Cunningham, and George Smeaton -- A hind let loose / Alexander Shields -- Of separation from corrupt churches -- Old landmarks -- confession and testimony.
    What is a Moral Person? How God Views the Church and the Nations, David Scott, John Cunningham, and George Smeaton
    http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/moral.htm
    Observations on the Public Covenants, Betwixt God and the Church, -- Archibald Mason (d. 1831)
    http://archive.org/details/spiritualillumin00maso

    *Morey, Robert A., Death and the Afterlife, ISBN: 0871234335 9780871234339.
    "Coming with recommendations by Walter Martin, Vernon Grounds, and Roger Nicole, this is the most comprehensive modern treatment to be found. Since the beginning of time the doctrine of eternal punishment has been fiercely attacked. This study provides answers to just about every question on the subject." -- GCB

    *Morris, Leon, The Biblical Doctrine of Judgment, ISBN: 159752817X 9781597528177.
    "An analysis of the teaching contained in the Old Testament and New Testament on the present reality and future certainty of judgment." -- Cyril J. Barber

    North, Gary, Victim's Rights: The Biblical View of Civil Justice, ISBN: 0930464176 9780930464172. Alternate title: THE BIBLICAL VIEW OF VICTIM'S RIGHTS.
    "A study of what the Bible says our judicial systems should be like. North contends that Scripture clearly shows that (in ancient days), they were 'harsh on criminals' in order to be 'soft on victims' -- the reverse of the modern approach in our culture." -- GCB
    Institute for Christian Economics Freebooks.com
    http://www.garynorth.com/freebooks/sidefrm4.htm

    *Owen, John (1616-1683), A Dissertation on Divine Justice: or, the Claims of Vindicatory Justice Vindicated; Wherein That Essential Property of the Divine Nature is Demonstrated From the Sacred Writings, and Defended Against Socinians, particularly the authors of the Racovian Catechism, John Crellius, and F. Socinus himself; Likewise the necessary exercise thereof; Together with the indispensable necessity of the satisfaction of Christ for the salvation of sinners is established against the objections of certain very learned men, G. Twisse, G. Vossius, Samuel Rutherford, and others, ISBN: 1332902170 9781332902170. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN (10:481-624).
    The Works of John Owen at Archive.org
    https://archive.org/search.php?query=the+works+of+john+owen&page=2

    *Owen, John (1616-1683), The Furnace of Divine Wrath. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN (16:425-31).
    The Works of John Owen at Archive.org
    https://archive.org/search.php?query=the+works+of+john+owen&page=2

    Owen, John (1616-1683), An Humble Testimony Unto the Goodness and Severity of God in his Dealing With Sinful Churches and Nations. Or the Only way to Deliver a Sinful Nation From Utter Ruin by Impendent Judgments: In a Discourse on the Words of our Lord Jesus Christ, . . . by John Owen, D.D. The second edition Edinburgh, 1737. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.

    *Owen, John (1616-1683), National Sins and National Judgments. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN (16:480-88).
    The Works of John Owen at Archive.org
    https://archive.org/search.php?query=the+works+of+john+owen&page=2

    *Owen, John (1616-1683), Righteous Judgment. A Sermon Preached in the University Church . . . on the 11th of March, 1794, by John Owen, Cambridge, 1794.

    Payson, Edward, The Guilt of Indifference to Divine Threatenings. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF EDWARD PAYSON, 3 volumes (2:444-55).

    Pike, Samuel (1717-1773), and Samuel Hayward (1718-1757), Living With the Promises and Threats of God's Word. In RELIGIOUS CASES OF CONSCIENCE ANSWERED IN AN EVANGELICAL MANNER . . . TO WHICH IS ADDED THE SPIRITUAL COMPANION; OR, THE PROFESSING CHRISTIAN TRIED AT THE BAR OF GOD'S WORD; AND CHARACTER OF THE HAPPY MAN, 1866.
    Living With the Promises and Threats of God's Word
    http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/living-with-the-promises-and-threats-of-gods-word.php

    *Price, Greg L., Christian Love is Intolerant (of Sin, Rev. 2 [Revelation 2]). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #8.

    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.

    *Robbins, John (1949-2008), Freedom and Capitalism: Essays on Christian Politics and Economics, ISBN: 1891777157 9781891777158.
    See, in particularly, the Foreword.
    "The relationship between Christianity, freedom, and capitalism has been a subject of scholarly study for centuries. In this volume, John Robbins argues that political and economic freedom are the results of Biblical Christianity. Political freedom and capitalism arose in Northwestern Europe and North America after the Christian Reformation of the 16th century, and they are unique in world history. The nations and peoples that heard and accepted the Gospel of Jesus Christ as proclaimed by the Reformers quickly became free and prosperous on a scale previously unimaginable. Some historians and economists have denied any causal connection between Christianity, freedom, and capitalism, but they are able to deny this connection only by ignoring clear philosophical, economic, legal, sociological, and historical evidence demonstrating that Christianity is the source of capitalism.
    "Dr. John W. Robbins attended Grove City College (A.B. and The Johns Hopkins University (M.A. 1970, Ph.D. 1973). He has served as chief of staff for a Member of Congress, editor of The Freeman magazine, Economist for The Heritage Foundation, and Professor of Political Philosophy in The Freedom School." -- Publisher
    "Table of Contents: Foreword | Politics | The Founder of Western Civilization | The Sine Qua Non of Enduring Freedom | Some Problems with Natural Law | The Political Philosophy of the Founding Fathers | The Bible and the Draft | The Messianic Character of American Foreign Policy | Truth and Foreign Policy | Compassionate Fascism | Conservatism: An Autopsy | Rightwing Radical Chic | The Reconstructionist Assault on Freedom | Roman Catholic Totalitarianism | The Relation of Church and State (Charles Hodge) | Abortion, the Christian, and the State | The Ethics and Economics of Health Care | The Chickens' Homecoming (John Whitehead) | The Coming Caesars (John Whitehead) | Rebuilding American Freedom in the Twenty-first Century | The Religious Wars of the Twenty-First Century | Economics: The Failure of Secular Economics | The Promise of Christian Economics | Teaching Economics from the Bible | The Neo-Evangelical Assault on Capitalism | The Reformed Assault on Capitalism | The Roman Catholic Assault on Capitalism | How Romanism Ruined America | Not Yours to Give (Edward Ellis) | Money, Freedom, and the Bible | The Case Against Indexation | Is Christianity Tied to Any Political or Economic System? | Ecology: The Abolition of Man | Scripture Index | Index | The Crisis of Our Time | Intellectual Ammunition."

    *Rogers, Richard (1550?-1618), Judges, ISBN: 0851513778.
    Richard Rogers was a contemporary of William Perkins (1558-1602).
    "This for the Puritan period is THE work upon Judges. It is thoroughly plain and eminently practical. . . ." -- C.H. Spurgeon
    "It [THE BOOK OF JUDGES -- compiler], provides a dramatic illustration of the effect of apostasy upon every aspect of life. The root cause of Israel's decline was that the covenant relationship with the Lord, with its requirement of absolute and loyal obedience to His commands, was broken. This led to disintegration in the political, religious, social, and family spheres and to a sharp increase in immorality. THE BOOK OF JUDGES serves as a reminder that a nation cannot live on its past glories. The author of JUDGES was, of course, a preacher to his own generation, but his message has a permanent and universal application, and may be summed up in the words of Proverbs 14:34:

    Righteousness exalts a nation,
    but sin in a reproach to any people.     [Proverbs 14:34 ]
    "Israel's chronic inability to profit by its own bitter history is a solemn exhortation to profit from the lessons of experience, whether observed or experienced." -- A.E. Cundall
    "Gideon asks the question that is central to JUDGES: 'if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us?' (Judg. 6:13 [Judges 6:13]). There was warning in Deuteronomy that the result of turning away from God and serving idols would be the sort of suffering that took place during the period of the judges. God would seem to be absent and the land would be filled with sorrows. (Deut. 31:16,17 [Deuteronomy 31:16,17]). Israel needed a king who could teach them how to keep their covenant with the Lord. . . .
    "The central section of Judges (3:7-16:31 [Judges 3:7 -- Judges 16:31]), the bulk of the book, makes an extensive use of repetition. The author describes a repeating sequence of events. The Israelites do evil in the eyes of the Lord, turning to serve other gods. God becomes angry and delivers them up to oppressors. They cry out for help, and God raises up a judge to deliver them. The judge brings peace, but the nation returns to sin as soon as the judge dies. The repeated phrasing describing this pattern reinforces the point that the Israelites were unrepentant. While each judge and the details of the deliverance he brought varies, the end was inevitable: the people again did evil in the eyes of the Lord.
    "Six major judges are described, interspersed with the mention of six lesser judges. The opening and closing sections of the book are like bookends, enclosing the cyclical narratives about the judges. The introduction (1:1-2:5 [Judges 1:1 -- Judges 2:5]), points out Israel's general failure to conquer the land according to the provisions of the covenant God had made with them. The cycles of the twelve judges show that the judges could not lead the people into faithfulness to the covenant. There was a downward spiral of increasing disobedience. The conclusion (chs. 17-21 [Judges 17 -- Judges 21]), recounts two especially grievous examples of covenant disobedience. The writer repeats the brief, tragic observation, 'There was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.'
    "The writer of Judges, like the authors of the other historical books, calls the community of faith to obey the covenant, applying to their lives the teaching of Deuteronomy. He points to the successes and failures of previous generations, and challenges the people of David's time to be faithful to the covenant. He warns them prophetically about the dangers of the wrong kind of leadership.
    "According to JUDGES, Israel was falling away from the covenant and worshiping false gods as they forgot the Lord's acts of salvation in the past (2:10; 6:13 [Judges 2:10; Judges 6:13]). As in Deuteronomy, the sin of seeking other gods is the continuing pattern of covenant disobedience (Judg. 2:11,12 [Judges 2:11,12]; 3:7,12 [Judges 3:7,12]; 8:33 [Judges 8:33]; 10:6,10 [Judges 10:6,10]; Deut. 4:23 [Deuteronomy 4:23]). The repeated cycles with the constant refrains, the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord (2:11 [Judges 2:11]; 3:7,12 [Judges 3:7,12]; 4:1 [Judges 4:1]; 6:1 [Judges 6:1]; 10:6 [Judges 10:6]; 13:1 [Judges 13:1]), and everyone did what was right in his own eyes (17:6 [Judges 17:6]; 21:25 [Judges 21:25]; cf. Deut. 12:8 [Deuteronomy 12:8]; 31:16,17 [Deuteronomy 31:16,17]), were a sharp warning to Israel in David's early kingship that they absolutely needed a king who could enable the nation to keep the terms of their covenant with God.
    "Beyond these immediate applications for the original audience of JUDGES, we should observe that later readers doubtless saw in the book the hope for a new David who would teach them to keep their covenant with the Lord. This would be especially true of those who read the book in the days of the divided monarchy or during and after the exile to Babylon. In New Testament days, the gospel of Jesus, the son of David (Matt. 1:1 [Matthew 1:1]), answers the longing of the readers of Judges for the presence of a godly king, and heightens the church's expectation of His return in glory." -- The Reformation Study Bible: The Word That Changes Lives -- The Faith That Changed the World, New King James Version, pp. 331,332
    A study of the books of Judges and Micah (we recommend Calvin's Commentary on Micah), reveals that Bible Magistracy, executed by leaders of Church and by leaders of State, turns back the wrath of God. It could be argued this is an underlying theme throughout the Bible. Terrorism against the United States, abroad and at home, can be seen as the wrath of God punishing a wayward people. Practicing Bible Magistracy in society, then, is central to stopping terrorism. When men enforce the Law of God, then they turn back the wrath of God. The conclusion of David's life in 2 Samuel 23:3: The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.

    Ryle, J.C. (1816-1900), The Great Separation, In PRACTICAL RELIGION: BEING PLAIN PAPERS ON THE DAILY DUTIES, EXPERIENCE, DANGERS AND PRIVILEGES OF PROFESSING CHRISTIANS (289-309).

    *Seaman, Lazarus (d. 1675), The Head of the Church, the Iudge of the VVorld. Or, the Doctrine of the Day of Iudgement briefely opened and applyed in a sermon preached before the Right Honourable, the House of Peers; in the Abby-Church at Westminster, on a publike fast day, Ian. 27. 1646. By Lazarus Seaman Preacher at Allhallowes Breadstreat London. One of the Assembly of Divines, 1647. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    *Shedd, W.G.T., The Doctrine of Endless Punishment, ISBN: 0865240191 9780865240193.
    "Shedd carefully expounds the Biblical teaching on divine judgment, and sets it in the context of the history of Christian doctrine. He deals carefully and cogently with objections to it." -- GCB
    "This book will have a profoundly sobering effect on its readers; but its lasting impression will be to cause a new concern for men and women without Christ, and undying gratitude for Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come." -- Publisher

    Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635), The Church's Visitation. In THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES (1:371-84). Available (THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES), on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    *Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon.
    A sermon by C.H. Spurgeon delivered on Lord's-day morning, September 9, 1888, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon no. 2043.
    "This is the way in which you should use this plea. Say, 'My God, I am utterly unworthy, and I own it; but, I beseech thee, hear me for the honour of thy dear Son. By his agony and bloody sweat, by his cross and passion, by his precious death and burial, I beseech thee hear me! O Lord, let the blood of thine Only-begotten prevail with thee! Canst thou put aside his groans, his tears, his death, when they speak on my behalf?' If you can thus come to pleading terms with God upon this ground, you must and will prevail. Jesus must be heard in heaven. The voice of his blood is eloquent with God. If you plead the atoning sacrifice, you must overcome through the blood of the Lamb." -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon

    *Spurstowe, William (1605?-1666), England's Eminent Judgments, Caus'd by the Abuse of God's Eminent Mercies: Discovered in a Sermon preached before the Right Honourable House of Lords, in the Abbey Church at Westminster, at the publique thankesgiving, Novemb. 5. 1644. By William Spurstowe, late Fellow of Katharine-Hall in Cambridge, and now pastor of Hackney, neere London, a member of the Assembly of Divines, 1644.

    Stoddard, Solomon (1643-1729), The Safety of Appearing at the day of Judgement, in the Righteousness of Christ: Opened and Applied, nine lines from Philippians.
    Open access:
    https://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=evans;idno=N00357.0001.001

    *Vincent, Thomas (1634-1678), Christ's Certain and Sudden Appearance to Judgment. By Thomas Vincent, sometime minister of Maudlins Milk-street, London. The seventh edition. Licensed, May 28. 1688.
    Vincent, Christ's Sudden and Certain Appearance to Judgment. (1823)
    http://archive.org/details/christssuddencer00vinc

    Vincent, Thomas (1634-1678), God's Terrible Voice in the City by T.V., 1667.
    "Notes: Wherein you have I. The sound of the voice in the narration of the two late dreadfull judgments of plague and fire, inflicted by the Lord upon the city of London, the former in the year 1665, the latter in the year 1666, II. The interpretation of the voice, in a discovery, 1. Of the cause of these judgments, where you have a catalogue of London's sins, 2. Of the design of these judgments where you have an enumeration of the duties God calls for by this terrible voice."
    Vincent, God's Terrible Voice in the City
    http://archive.org/details/101165066.nlm.nih.gov

    Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), The Day of Judgment Asserted. In PURITAN SERMONS 1659-1689: BEING THE MORNING EXERCISES AT CRIPPLEGATE, ST. GILES IN THE FIELDS, AND IN SOUTHWARK BY SEVENTY-FIVE MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL IN OR NEAR LONDON WITH NOTES AND TRANSLATIONS BY JAMES NICHOLS (5:459-70).

    Welwood, John, Heartwork, Assurance and National Judgment, an MP3 file, audio file. Available (SERMONS DELIVERED IN TIMES OF PERSECUTION IN SCOTLAND and MP3) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (SERMONS DELIVERED IN TIMES OF PERSECUTION IN SCOTLAND) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29. Also found in SERMONS DELIVERED IN TIMES OF PERSECUTION IN SCOTLAND.
    "Although Welwood focuses on personal sanctification, searching out the differences between hypocrites and true believers, he does not leave national issues untouched. He shows how God's anger builds in the life of backsliding individuals, churches and nations and how sometimes faithful individuals are swept away in the deluge that ensues as God's wrath is poured out upon the earth. The situation in Scotland at the time of this sermon (c. 1678), provides a perfect example illustrating this point. The forces of Antichrist (Royalist and Prelatical), were hounding the faithful Covenanters and many were suffering (even unto death), on account of their faithfulness to Second Reformation attainments and covenant engagements (in the battle for the crown rights of King Jesus). At this point Welwood seeks to comfort and strengthen those saints suffering under the hand of these wicked, persecuting, 'incarnate devils' -- as Welwood calls them. Occasional hearing, unlawful authorities in church and state and neutrality in the cause of Christ are all sternly rebuked. There is great edification here as this sermon encourages the Christian in his unrelenting battle against sin and defection (individually and in his duties relative to the church and state). This sermon is read (by Ruling Elder Lyndon Dohms), from the book SERMONS IN TIMES OF PERSECUTION IN SCOTLAND, BY SUFFERS FOR THE ROYAL PREROGATIVES OF JESUS CHRIST. Regarding the preacher, this arresting account of one of Welwood's last sermons is recounted in SERMONS IN TIMES OF PERSECUTION." -- Publisher
    Heartwork, Assurance and National Judgement
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?currSection=sermonssource&sermonID=8250514593

    *Willson, James Renwick (1780-1853), Discourse on the Tokens of the Divine Displeasure. Alternate title: TOKENS OF THE DIVINE DISPLEASURE, IN THE LATE CONFLAGRATIONS IN NEW-YORK, & OTHER JUDGMENTS, ILLUSTRATED.
    The wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men. (Romans 1:18)
    Our God is a consuming fire. (Hebrews 12:29)
    He executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. (Psalm 103:6)
    http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/14/james-r-willsons-discourse-on-the-tokens-of-the-divine-displeasure

    Woodcock, Francis (1614?-1651), Lex Talionis: or, God Paying Every man in his own Coyn. Held Forth in a Sermon preached at Margarets Westminster, before the Honorable House of Commons, on their solemn fast, July 30th, 1645. By Francis Woodcock, minister at Olaves Southwark, one of the Assembly of Divines. Published by order of that House, 1646. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Wright, Christopher, J.H., An Eye for an Eye: The Place of Old Testament Ethics Today, ISBN: 0877848211 9780877848219.
    "Wright develops a comprehensive and systematic view of Old Testament Law. Some say only the moral is still valid, we can disregard the ceremonial and civil law. Others say we must build a New Testament ethic only. Neither approach, argues Wright, gives the Old Testament its due in Christian thinking." -- GCB

    See also: Caveats, The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The root cause of criminal acts of extreme depravity, Theodicy, Contagion of sin, imitation, conformity, Forgiveness of sin, Sin and its consequence: physical and spiritual death, Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, Idolatry (syncretism), Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), 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), Judges, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Jeremiah 5 (with annotation in The Reformation Study Bible), The ten commandments: the moral law, Bible magistracy turns back the wrath of god, The doctrine of the lesser magistrates, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Secular humanism, Absolute truth and relativism, Unfaithful reformed ministries, Ezekiel, Amos, The courts, the law base, and the judicial system, Justice, judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Ethics, Medical ethics, Hypocrisy, Lying, deceit, self-deception, Hell, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The covenant faithfulness of god, The covenanted reformation of scotland background and history, The covenanted reformation, Covenanted reformation short title listing, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Repentance the key to salvation and change, 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 gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, Forgiveness, Justifying faith, Christ's kingdom, The mediatorial reign of jesus christ, The all-sufficiency of christ, Trusting god, Secret societies, ungodly alliances, voluntary associations, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, Politics, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, Individual responsibility for corporate faithfulness and sanctification, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 524-526, 660, 921, 922, 990, 991, 1351-1355, 1965-1984, 2184, 2527, 2566, 3452, 4123, 4176, 4177
    MGTP: Judgment (Last), Judgment (or Purging), of the Church, Judgment (or Purging), of the Nation, God -- Justice of, God -- Wrath of

    Related Weblinks

    Day of Judgment (FGB #210)
    Day for Which all Other Days Were Made, Plumer, William S. (1802-1880) | Wheat or Chaff, Ryle, J.C. (1816-1900) | Jesus Christ the Judge, Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758) | The General Resurrection, Davies, Samuel (1723-1761) | Books Opened, the Sentence Pronounced and Executed, Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758) | In Thy Presence is Fullness of Joy, Ambrose, Isaac (1604-1664) | Come ye Blessed of my Father, Booth, Abraham (1734-1806) | Judgment and the Sins of Believers, Newton, John (1725-1807) | Free From the Fear of Judgment, Lloyd-Jones, D.M. (1899-1981) | Flee now to Christ, Payson, Edward (1783-1827)
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/dojufg/day-of-judgment

    The Day of Judgment, Archibald Alexander
    http://www.westminsterconfession.org/introduction-to-the-christian-faith/the-day-of-judgment.php

    *God's Warnings When a Nation is Under Divine Correction (FGB #178)
    Approaching Darkness, Erskine, Ralph (1685-1752) | An Alarm to a Careless World, Romaine, William (1714-1795) | God's Patience Abused, Charnock, Stephen (1628-1680) | The Imminent Danger, Newton, John (1725-1807) | The Time of Danger, Hervey, James | The Cup of Wrath, Bonar, Andrew (1810-1892)
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/gwarfg/gods-warnings

    Hell (FGB #211)
    The Greatest Loss, Ryle, J.C. (1816-1900) | What is Hell? Donnelly, Edward | Eternal Torment for the Wicked: Unavoidable and Intolerable, Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758) | The Resurrection of Damnation, Davies, Samuel (1723-1761) | The Torments of Loss, Boston, Thomas (1676-1732) | The Torments of Soul, Payson, Edward (1783-1827) | The Torments of Sense, Boston, Thomas (1676-1732) | Exhortation to Escape Hell, Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758) | Christ has the Keys of hell and of Death, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892)
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/hellfg/hell

    The Justice of God in the Damnation of Sinners, a sermon by Jonathan Edwards, narrated by T. Sullivan
    "Jonathan Edwards claimed that this sermon on Romans 3:19 bore the most fruit in hopeful conversions during the Great Awakening than all others. The words are very sobering: 'In the improvement of this doctrine, I would chiefly direct myself to sinners who are afraid of damnation, in a use of conviction'."
    https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=33004003

    Nave's Topical Bible -- The Justice of Christ
    http://bible.crosswalk.com/Concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T2806

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

    Psychology and Psychiatry
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappc.html

    Sermon VI
    And then shall that wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the breath of his mouth, and destroy with the brightness of his coming. (2 Thessalonians 2:8)
    http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/17/sermon-six-2-thess-28?rq=Question%20Answered

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 96:93-99, C.H. Spurgeon
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps096.php



    Justifying Faith

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



    Knowledge of God and Virtue

    Question 4, Westminster Shorter Catechism With Proof Texts
    Q. 4. What is God?
    A. God is a Spirit,[7] infinite,[8] eternal,[9] and unchangeable,[10] in his being,[11] wisdom,[12] power,[13] holiness,[14] justice,[15] goodness,[16] and truth.[17]
    Scripture proofs:
    [7] Deuteronomy 4:15-19. Take ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on the day that the LORD spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire: Lest ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any figure, the likeness of male or female, The likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flieth in the air, The likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth: And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven. Luke 24:39. Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. John 1:18. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. John 4:24. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. Acts 17:29. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.
    [8] 1 Kings 8:27. But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded? Psalm 139:7-10. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. Psalm 145:3. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable. Psalm 147:5. Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite. Jeremiah 23:24. Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD. Romans 11:33-36. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
    [9] Deuteronomy 33:27. The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them. Psalm 90:2. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. Psalm 102:12,24-27. But thou, O LORD, shalt endure for ever; and thy remembrance unto all generations. . . . I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days: thy years are throughout all generations. Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end. Revelation 1:4,8. John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne. . . . I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
    [10] Psalm 33:11. The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. Malachi 3:6. For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. Hebrews 1:12. 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. Hebrews 6:17-18. Wherein God, willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Hebrews 13:8. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. James 1:17. 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.
    [11] Exodus 3:14. And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. Psalm 115:2-3. Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God? But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. 1 Timothy 1:17. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 6:15-16. Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
    [12] Psalm 104:24. O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. Romans 11:33-34. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Hebrews 4:13. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. 1 John 3:20. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
    [13] Genesis 17:1. And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. Psalm 62:11. God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. Jeremiah 32:17. Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee: Matthew 19:26. But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. Revelation 1:8. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
    [14] Hebrews 1:13. But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? 1 Peter 1:15-16. But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 1 John 3:3,5. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. . . . And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Revelation 15:4. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.
    [15] Genesis 18:25. That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? Exodus 34:6-7. And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation. Deuteronomy 32:4. He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. Psalm 96:13. Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth. Romans 3:5,26. But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man). . . . To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
    [16] Psalm 103:5. Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. Psalm 107:8. Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Matthew 19:7. They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? Romans 2:4. Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
    [17] Exodus 34:6. And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Deuteronomy 32:4. He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. Psalm 86:15. But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. Psalm 117:2. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD. Hebrews 6:18. That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us. -- Westminster Shorter Catechism With Proof Texts

    My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. As they were increased, so they sinned against me: therefore will I change their glory into shame. (Hosea 4:6, 7)

    We are an illiterate nation incapable of understanding great truth. -- C. Gregg Singer (1910-1999)

    Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. (1 Corinthians 8:1b)
    "Nothing is so arrogant as ignorance." -- An old proverb
    "We must, therefore, lay it down as a settled principle, that knowledge is good in itself; but as piety is its only foundation, it becomes empty and useless in wicked men: as love is its true seasoning, where that is wanting it is tasteless. And truly, where there is not that thorough knowledge of God which humbles us, and teaches us to do good to the brethren, it is not so much knowledge, as an empty notion of it, even in those that are reckoned the most learned. At the same time, knowledge is not by any means to be blamed for this, any more than a sword, if it falls into the hands of a madman. Let this be considered as said with a view to certain fanatics, who furiously declaim against all the liberal arts and sciences, as if their only use were to puff men up, and were not of the greatest advantage as helps in common life. Now those very persons, who defame them in this style, are ready to burst with pride, to such an extent as to verify the old proverb -- "Nothing is so arrogant as ignorance." -- John Calvin commenting on 1 Corinthians 8:1b-3

    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 8:1b-3)

    Knowledge without affection
    Men have notions of Christ, but are not warmed with love to Christ. Their knowledge is like the moon, it hath light in it, but no heat. The knowledge that hypocrites have of Christ, hath no saving influence upon them, it doth not make them more holy: it is one thing to have a notion of Christ, another thing to fetch virtue from Christ. The knowledge of hypocrites is a dead, barren knowledge: it is informing, but not transforming; it doth not make them a jot the better. . . . Thy wisdom and thy knowledge, it hath perverted thee (Isaiah 47:10); the knowledge of most makes them more cunning in sin; these have little cause to glory in their knowledge. Absalom might boast of the hair of his head, but that hanged him; so these may boast of the knowledge of their head, but it will destroy them. Many of the old world knew there was an ark, but were drowned, because they did not get into the ark; knowledge which is not applying, will but light a man to hell. -- Thomas Watson (1620-1686)

    Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue. (2 Peter 1:2, 3)

    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). 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)

    You are ordained of God to rule your own houses in his true fear, and according to his Word. Within your own houses, I say, in some cases, you are bishops and kings; your wife, children, servants, and family are your bishopric and charge; of you it shall be required how carefully and diligently you have always instructed them in God's true knowledge, how that you have studied in them to plant virtue and repress vice. -- John Knox in Knox's Works, Vol. 4, p. 137

    If religious books are not widely circulated among the masses in this country, I do not know what is going to become of us as a nation. If truth be not diffused, error will be: if God and His Word are not known and received, the devil and his works will gain the ascendancy; if the evangelical volume does not reach every hamlet, the pages of a corrupt and licentious literature will; if the power of the Gospel is not felt throughout the length and breadth of the land, anarchy and misrule, degradation and misery, corruption and darkness, will reign without mitigation or end. -- Daniel Webster

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Wisdom," and so forth, and so on.

    *Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), A Treatise of Knowledge and Love Compared in THE REFORMED PASTOR: BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 4, ISBN: 1877611360. A Christian classic.
    Long title: A Treatise of Knowledge and Love Compared. In two Parts: 1. Of Falsely Pretended Knowledge. II. Of True Saving Knowledge and Love. I. Against Hasty Judging, and False Conceits of Knowledge; and for Necessary Suspension. II. The Excellency of Divine Love, and the Happiness of Being Known and Loved of God. Written as greatly necessary to the safety and peace of every Christian, and of the Church: the only certain way to escape false religions, heresies, sects, and malignant prejudices, persecutions, and sinful wars; all caused by falsely pretended knowledge, and hasty judging, by proud, ignorant men, who know not their ignorance.

    Berkowitz, Peter, Virtue and the Making of Modern Liberalism, ISBN: 9781400822904 1400822904.
    "Virtue has been rediscovered in the United States as a subject of public debate and of philosophical inquiry. Politicians from both parties, leading intellectuals, and concerned citizens from diverse backgrounds are addressing questions about the content of our character. Yet many continue to associate virtue with a prudish, Victorian morality or with crude attempts by government to legislate morals. Peter Berkowitz clarifies the fundamental issues, arguing that a certain ambivalence toward virtue reflects the liberal spirit at its best. Drawing on recent scholarship as well as classical political philosophy, he makes his case with penetrating analyses of four central figures in the making of modern liberalism: Hobbes, Locke, Kant, and Mill." -- Publisher

    *Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), The Everlasting Righteousness, or How Shall man be Just With God? 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?
    http://books.google.com/books?id=nQMDAAAAQAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html

    Clarkson, David (1622-1686), The Excellent Knowledge of Christ. In THE WORKS OF DAVID CLARKSON (1:247-72). Available (THE WORKS OF DAVID CLARKSON), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.

    Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), Christian Knowledge: or, The Importance and Advantage of a Thorough Knowledge of Divine Truth. In THE WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS (2:157-63). Also in JONATHAN EDWARDS ON KNOWING CHRIST (9-30)

    *Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), The Nature of True Virtue, ISBN: 9781846857591 1846857597. A Christian classic. Alternate title: AN ESSAY ON THE NATURE OF TRUE VIRTUE. Available (THE WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    The Works of President Edwards: With a Memoir of his Life (1829)
    http://archive.org/details/worksofpresident011829edwa

    Fuller, Andrew (1754-1815), The Increase of Knowledge. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF ANDREW FULLER (1:417-19).

    Newton, John (1725-1807), A Plan for a Compendious Christian Library. In WORKS OF JOHN NEWTON (1:236-45).
    "On the most excellent way to acquire true knowledge, i.e., through studying the books of scripture, creation, providence, and the human heart."

    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.

    *Thornwell, James Henley (1812-1862), Whatsoever Things are True: Classic Discourses on Truth. Alternate title: CLASSIC DISCOURSES ON TRUTH; DISCOURSES ON TRUTH, ISBN: 1932474781 9781932474787, 166 pages. Available (COLLECTED WRITINGS OF JAMES HENLEY THORNWELL) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "These seven DISCOURSES ON TRUTH were written and preached in the Spring of 1851 from the text, Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, think on these things. Philippians 4:8. They were delivered at the Chapel of the College at Columbia, South Carolina, by James Henley Thornwell, who was serving as both President and Chaplain." -- Publisher
    "First published 1855 by Messrs. Carter, New York, NY."
    Contents: Discourse 1: The ethical system of the Bible -- Discourse 2: The love of truth -- Discourse 3: The love of truth -- Discourse 4: Sincerity -- Discourse 5: Faithfulness -- Discourse 6: Vows -- Discourse 7: Consistency.

    Tod, Walter, The Obligation of Civil Rulers to Establish the Means of Religious Knowledge and Instruction; Deduced From the Universal Moral Government of God.
    "Tod preaches on Romans 13:1, The powers that be are ordained of God. He argues that the Church and the State are not independent societies and that Jesus Christ Governor and Ruler of both. Tod examines many common arguments proffered against his proposition. He calls puritan John Owen to his side with this quote,

    If it comes to this, that you shall say you have nothing to do with religion, as rulers of the nation, God will quickly manifest that he has nothing to do with you as rulers of the nation. Certainly it is incumbent upon you to take care that the faith which was once delivered to the saints, in all necessary concernments of it, may be protected, preserved, and propagated to and among the people over whom God has set you.
    "Tod also briefly exhorts Civil Rulers upon how they ought to preserve the Sabbath. He ends the whole on a positive (post-mill), note,
    "There may yet be retrogressions in the progress of knowledge, religion, virtue, and liberty, among different nations of the earth, and England may be among the fated number; but every ebbing of the tide of religious and moral improvement, like the smaller retrocessions of the waves of the ocean, which accumulate larger billows that roll over the former limits, every retrocession of the waves of religious and moral advancement among mankind will be succeeded by a higher and a higher tide of religious and moral advancement from the fountain of eternal truth, till the knowledge of the Lord shall cover the earth as the waters cover the sea. -- Steve Worth

    *Warfield, Benjamin B. (1851-1921), Augustine's Doctrine of Knowledge and Authority. In CALVIN AND AUGUSTINE.

    Warfield, Benjamin B. (1851-1921), Calvin's Doctrine of the Knowledge of God. In THE WORKS OF B.B. WARFIELD (5:29-130). Also in CALVIN AND AUGUSTINE. (29-130)

    Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), The Good Practitioner. In A PLEA FOR THE GODLY AND OTHER SERMONS (160-85).
    "Not the knowledge but the practice of truth makes man happy."

    Zagzebski, Linda Trinkaus, and Abrol Fairweather, Virtue Epistemology: Essays on Epistemic Virtue and Responsibility, ISBN: 019514077X 9780195140774.

    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 attributes of god, The ten commandments: the moral law, Words of christ appearing in the web edition of biblical counsel: resources for renewal, The words of christ, The teachings of our lord jesus christ, Justifying faith, Sanctification, Home schooling, Wisdom, The wisdom books, Proverbs, Discipleship, Creeds, Confessions and Catechisms, The shorter catechism, The westminster confession of faith (1646, westminster standards) and related works, Christian scholarship, Systematic theology, Apologetics, Books considered to be among the ten greatest in the english language, The best books in this bibliography, Christian classics short title listing, Complementary works, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Ethics, Reference works, Foolishness, Lying, deceit, self-destruction, Mind control, intimidation, and coercion, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, God's covenant faithfulness, Education, Public schools, public education, and so forth, and so on.
    MGTP: Knowledge, Knowledge of God and Christ

    Related Weblinks

    He That Dwelleth in Love, John Love (1757-1825)
    http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/he-that-dwelleth-in-love.php

    Psychology and Psychiatry
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappc.html

    Rebellion and Lawlessness: Wickedness, Demonic Possession, Behavior, Insanity, Mental Illness, Mental Retardation
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappd.html#rlinsane

    A Redneck Resolution Against Self-destruction
    http://www.lettermen2.com/redneck.html



    Laziness, Slothfulness, Idleness, Indolence, Slackness, Sluggishness/Sluggard

    Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man. (Proverbs 6:10, 11)

    Put-off laziness (Proverbs 18:9; Proverbs 12:24), and put-on hard work (Colossians 3:23,24; 2 Peter 1:5-8)

    Slothfulness gradually prevails over the faithful unless it be corrected. -- John Calvin

    According to the Westminster Shorter Catechism, the question of acquiring wealth is directly related to the eighth commandment:

    Q. 73. Which is the eighth commandment?
    A. The eighth commandment is, Thou shalt not steal.
    Q. 74. What is required in the eighth commandment?
    A. The eighth commandment requireth the lawful procuring and furthering the wealth and outward estate of ourselves and others.
    Q. 75. What is forbidden in the eighth commandment?
    A. The eighth commandment forbiddeth whatsoever doth or may unjustly hinder our own or our neighbour's wealth or outward estate.
    Answer 75 had in mind the love of pleasure, drunkenness, gluttony, laziness, and theft and cited Proverbs 21:17; Proverbs 22:20; Proverbs 28:19, and Ephesians 4:28. Alexander Whyte saw this commandment as covering "all matters connected with the earning, saving, spending, inheriting and bequeathing of money and property." -- Alexander Whyte, A Commentary on the Shorter Catechism, Whyte added,
    All a man's possessions, go back to the beginning of them, go down to the bottom of them, will always be found to represent so much self-denial, labour, industry. Obscure as may be the origin, history, and growth of this or that particular estate, yet it must in its beginning have been due to some man's obedience to the Creator's law of labour and reward. Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it. This is the original charter of the right of property. -- Alexander Whyte

    Ecclesiastes 9:10; Proverbs 10:4; Proverbs 12:24; Proverbs 12:27; Proverbs 13:4; Proverbs 14:23; Proverbs 21:5; Proverbs 22:29; Hebrews 12:6-15; Philippians 2:13-14, and 1 Corinthians 10:31

    Akin to the habit of industry is the sister habit of frugality and forethought. -- Alexander Whyte

    Idleness is a constant sin, and labor is a duty. Idleness is the devil's home for temptation and for unprofitable, distracting musings; while labor profiteth others and ourselves. -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)

    Idleness is the root of all evil. -- An old French proverb

    For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. (1 Samuel 15:23a)

    Sleep steals upon the soul as quietly as it does on the body. The wise virgins fell asleep along with the foolish ones, though not so soundly. Take heed that you do not indulge yourself in laziness; stir yourself to action, as we tell someone who is drowsy to stand up and walk around. Yield to idleness and sloth and they will grow upon you; busy yourself in your Christian duties and spiritual drowsiness will flee. -- William Gurnall (1617-1679), The Christian in Complete Armour Daily Readings in Spiritual Warfare, May 25, "Stand, Do Not Sleep"

    Spare not, for any pains, in working out your salvation; take heed of loitering, when your souls lie at the stake; favor not yourselves in any slothful distemper: laziness is the damnation of most that perish among us. -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)

    Sin is always sin in the sight of God whether we are conscious of it or not. Sins of ignorance need atonement just as truly as do conscious sins. God is Holy, and He will not lower His standard of righteousness to the level of our ignorance. Ignorance is not innocence. As a matter of fact ignorance is more culpable now than it was in the days of Moses. We have no excuse for our ignorance. God has clearly and fully revealed His will. The Bible is in our hands, and we cannot plead ignorance of its contents except to condemn our laziness. God has spoken, and by His Word we shall be judged. -- Arthur Pink (1886-1952), The Word of Forgiveness

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Faithfulness," and so forth, and so on.

    Dilday, Steven, Sluggard, an audio file. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Simmons, John, How may we get rid of Spiritual Sloth, and Know When our Activity in Duty is From the Spirit of God? (a sermon on Psalm cxix. 37) [Psalm 119:37]. Available in PURITAN SERMONS 1659-1689: BEING THE MORNING EXERCISES AT CRIPPLEGATE, ST. GILES IN THE FIELDS, AND IN SOUTHWARK BY SEVENTY-FIVE MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL IN OR NEAR LONDON WITH NOTES AND TRANSLATIONS BY JAMES NICHOLS. (1:434-57) Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Spurgeon, C.H., Sluggard's Farm: An Exhortation to Forsake Spiritual Laziness, an audio file. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The Sabbath, 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), Knowledge of god and virtue, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Loving and obeying christ, Justifying faith, Apathy, indifference, Fatalism, Adultery, Gratuitous sex, a cause of violence, Retirement, Home schooling, Education, Leniency, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, homelessness, neighbors, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 20, 581, 2796, 3377, 3384
    MGTP: Slothfulness

    Related Weblinks

    Psychology and Psychiatry
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappc.html



    Leniency

    But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth?
    Seeing thou hatest instruction, and castest my words behind thee.
    When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him, and hast been partaker with adulterers.
    Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit.
    Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother; thou slanderest thine own mother's son.
    These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes.
    Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver.     (Psalm 50:16-22)

    Conservatism is a political philosophy that professes to be practical and grounded in reality -- not in ideological or utopian dream worlds -- yet it cannot furnish a coherent answer to a very practical question: What is the proper punishment for a thief? Even ignoring the big questions -- What is the ideal government? Is there an ideal government? Is any government justified? What is the proper relationship between church and state? -- conservatism cannot answer a small question. If conservatism cannot offer a justified answer to a small question, it probably cannot answer larger questions. -- John W. Robbins in Conservatism: An Autopsy

    To ignore The Ten Commandments is to ignore The Covenant of God. To ignore The Covenant of The Triune God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, is to ignore God and to break covenant with God. Yet leniency garners favor for political leaders, favor from a "totally depraved" mankind, and political careers depend upon favor from their constituency. Furthermore, the careers of judges depends upon the favor of the politicians who appoint them. Leniency is incompetency. When "nobody ever gets punished for anything," then the innocent suffer. To allow the innocent to suffer is oppression. ("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.)

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Discipline," "Discipline, Church," and so forth, and so on.

    *Bork, Robert H., Slouching Towards Gomorrah: Modern Liberalism and American Decline, ISBN: 0060391634 9780060391638.
    "In Robert H. Bork's SLOUCHING TOWARDS GOMORRAH, one of our nation's most distinguished conservative scholars offers a prophetic and unprecedented view of a culture in decline, a nation in such serious moral trouble that its very foundation is crumbling. Of our own President, Bork writes: 'Thirty years ago, Clinton's behavior would have been absolutely disqualifying. Since the 1992 election, the public has learned far more about what is known, euphemistically, as the 'character issue.' Yet none of this appears to affect Clinton's popularity. It is difficult not to conclude that something about our moral perceptions and reactions has changed profoundly. If that change is permanent, the implication for our future is bleak.'
    "The root of our decline, Bork argues, is the rise of modern liberalism, which stresses the dual forces of radical egalitarianism (the equality of outcomes rather than opportunities) and radical individualism (the drastic reduction of limits to personal gratification). The roots of modern liberalism are deeply embedded in the past two and a half centuries -- and perhaps -- arise from the very nature of Western civilization itself. From the collapse of popular culture to the general weakening of intellect, from the role of the Supreme Court as an agent of modern liberalism to the trouble in religion, from the assault of radical feminism on American institutions and freedoms to the 'killing for convenience' of abortion and euthanasia, Bork has brilliantly encapsulated a nation and a culture on the brink. He courageously sounds an alarm for all Americans.
    "To understand our current plight and the direction in which we are moving, Bork believes we must look to the Sixties, a decade in which the moral integrity of our nation came under full-blown assault. We have never recovered from that attack because the radicals of the Sixties have taken over or heavily modified the cultural institutions they once sought to destroy. . . .
    "Robert H. Bork received his undergraduate and law degrees at the University of Chicago. He has been a partner at a major law firm, taught constitutional law as the Alexander M. Bickell Professor of Public Law at the Yale law school, served as Solicitor General and as Acting Attorney General of the United States and served as a United States Court of Appeals judge. Author of the bestselling THE TEMPTING OF AMERICA: THE POLITICAL SEDUCTION OF THE LAW, he and his wife live in Washington DC, where he is the John M. Olin Scholar in Legal Studies at the American Enterprise Institute." -- Publisher

    Bork, Robert H., The Tempting of America: The Political Seduction of the Law, ISBN: 0684843374 9780684843377.
    "The primary function of this book is as a brilliant defense of Judge Bork's philosophy of original understanding and an excoriating polemic against judicial intervention. Surveying the entire history of American jurisprudence, Bork takes on interventionists of the Left and of the Right and makes an irrefutable case for the proposition that judicial intervention is a threat to the very functioning of the Republic. As you read his arguments and watch him marshal the facts, it's easy to understand why his nomination to the Supreme Court became such a political crucible. We lost the opportunity to have a really first class mind shape the Court for a generation when he was defeated." -- Reader's Comment

    *Gillespie, Patrick (1617-1675), Rulers Sins: The Causes of National Judgments, or a Sermon Preached at the Fast, Upon the 26th Day of December, Prov. XIV. 34; 2 Kings XVII. 22,23; Ezek. XIX. 14, or a Sermon Preached at the Fast, Upon the 26th Day of December 1650. [Proverbs 14:34; 2 Kings 17:22,23; Ezekiel 19:14] Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    Notwithstanding the Lord turned not from the fierceness of his great wrath wherewith his anger was kindled against Judah, because of the provocations that Manasseh had provoked him withal. (2 Kings 23:26).
    "For these in public places of trust and power, that should bear down sin, are they not rather ringleaders in sin?" -- Patrick Gillespie
    Rulers Sins: The Causes of National Judgments
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/gillespie/gillespie_patrick_rulers_sins_causes_of_judgment.html

    Jackson, Mark, Newborn Child Murder: Women, Illegitimacy and the Courts in Eighteenth-Century England. ISBN: 0719046076 9780719046070.
    Of course, abortion is not unprecedented. Furthermore it is not unprecedented for man's law to be lenient toward mothers who murder their own children.
    "Includes trials of eighteenth-century child murder cases."

    Spock, Benjamin (1903-1998), and Mary Morgan, Spock on Spock: A Memoir of Growing up With the Century, ISBN: 0394578139 9780394578132.
    "Spock married Mary Morgan, whom he collaborated with to write his book."
    "Dr. Spock's book BABY AND CHILD CARE was a runaway success and remains a bestseller today. With over 50 million copies in print, it has become one of the world's bestselling non-fiction publications (second only to the Bible in that category)." -- Publisher
    Spock was considered the "father of permissiveness." However, when writing this book, he confessed, "The more people have studied different methods of bringing up children the more they have come to the conclusion that what good mothers and fathers instinctively feel like doing for their babies is the best after all."
    "The weight of evidence suggests that ultimately Spock's ideas have not helped to produce more secure and well-adjusted children and adults. He saw the need for morals and values, but he failed to recognize that they stem from a godly perspective. What he never understood is that the positive changes he sought are simply unachievable on the basis of humanism." -- John Meakin and Kae Tattersall
    "We went to Dr. Spock to find out how to rear children and produced the most rebellious generation of kids this country has ever seen. . . . I think that since we believe that 'this is my Father's world,' we ought to go to God and find out how He would like to have His world run." -- D. James Kennedy (1930-2007)

    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 ten commandments: the moral law, The teaching of our lord jesus christ, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Sex ethics, sex education, Medical ethics, Justice, Judgment, God's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Leniency, Toleration, liberty of conscience, pluralism, "religious freedom," and neutrality, The covenant faithfulness of god, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The covenanted reformation of scotland background and history, The covenanted reformation, Covenanted reformation short title listing, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Justifying faith, Christ's kingdom, Lordship of jesus christ, The all-sufficiency of christ, Trusting god, Idolatry, Secret societies, ungodly alliances, voluntary associations, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, Unfaithful reformed ministries, Politics, Effeminacy, the effeminate, Feminism, The courts, the law base, and the judicial system, The anabaptists, Pacifism, Cowardice, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justice, judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Love and counseling problems, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, Individual responsibility for corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Liberalism, Knowledge of god and virtue, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 822, 2670

    Related Weblinks

    Psychology and Psychiatry
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappc.html



    Loneliness

    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)

    And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone. (Genesis 2:18a)

    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 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, low, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20)

    Clarkson, Margaret, So You're Single! ISBN: 0877887721 9780877887720.
    "One of the best works on the subject of aloneness. Deserves widespread circulation." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Coleman, Sarah Jepson (Sarah Ann Jepson), For the Love of Singles.

    Elliot, Elisabeth, How to Overcome Loneliness, ISBN: 0891095748.
    A booklet.

    *Elliot, Elisabeth, Loneliness: It may Seem a Wilderness, but it can Lead you to God. Alternate title: THE PATH OF LONELINESS: FINDING YOUR WAY THROUGH THE WILDERNESS TO, GOD ISBN: 9780800732066 0800732065.
    "Loneliness can be a wilderness . . . or it can be a pathway to God! The author sees loneliness not primarily as a problem to be solved or even a pain to be assuaged, but paradoxically, as a gift, for it is precisely here, in the wilderness of loneliness, that God wants to give us himself. A remarkable book!" -- GCB

    *Foster, David Kyle, Sexual Healing: God's Plan for the Sanctification of Broken Lives: A Reference Manual for Ministering to Those Trapped in Sexual sin and Brokenness, ISBN: 0830737154 9780830737154 0830737340 9780830737345.
    This is a unique work and the best resource known to the compiler offering biblical counsel for healing sexual brokenness. See: "Foundations" and "Divine Intent for Sexuality" for a biblical explanation of the spiritual significance of sexuality. These two chapters alone make the purchase of the book worthwhile. Includes chapters, study guides, and exercises for Root sources for improper sexual development, Sexual identity confusion, Child sex abuse, Sexual addition, Pornography, Masturbation, voyeurism and exhibitionism, Why people remain in sexual sin and bondage, Failure and self-condemnation, A comprehensive game plan for sexual healing, and so forth.
    Includes bibliography and index.
    Mastering Life Ministries
    http://www.MasteringLife.org

    Jeremiah, David, Overcoming Loneliness, ISBN: 0840733569 9780840733566.
    "Loneliness -- it makes you feel unwanted, unloved, and depressed. But Jeremiah doesn't just describe symptoms -- he uncovers the causes of loneliness and gives effective strategies for beating it. And he reveals a surprising source of strength for those who endure the isolation of physical suffering. Includes a study guide." -- CBD

    *Mack, Wayne, A Homework Manual for Biblical Counseling, Vol. I: Personal and Interpersonal Problems, ISBN: 0875523560 9780875523569.
    "The counseling session is not the 'magic hour,' and this gives homework assignments that can help with a wide range of problems. Covers about 35 problems, from 'Anger' and 'Anxiety,' through 'Communication' and 'Changing Sinful Thought Patterns,' to 'Vocation' and 'Work.' Typical assignments contain Bible studies, self-analysis questions, brief teachings, and plans to solve problems with a biblical course of action." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    Mack, Wayne A., Out of the Blues: Dealing With the Blues of Depression and Loneliness, ISBN: 1885904592 9781885904591.
    "This book addresses a problem that nearly everyone faces at some time in their lives. If you are not facing it now, you know someone who is. Since it is so common, it is important to know how to deal with it as God intended. Seeking God's wisdom for life's problems means searching for it in scripture. -- Publisher

    *Ornish, Dean, Love and Survival: The Scientific Basis for the Healing Power of Intimacy, ISBN: 0060930209 9780060930202.
    "Many people know Dean Ornish as the doctor who proved that symptoms of heart disease can be reversed with a regimen of a low-fat diet, exercise, and stress reduction. In LOVE AND SURVIVAL, he concentrates on the less tangible aspects of a healthful life. Through anecdotes and dozens of scientific studies, Ornish demonstrates that personal intimacy and other aspects of emotional well-being -- all the elements that make up what we call 'love' -- are as important to our physical condition as to our mental health. Not only do these positive emotions motivate us to make better lifestyle choices, Ornish argues, they also have a powerful direct effect on our bodies, giving us stronger immune systems, better cardiovascular functioning, and longer life expectancies. But the benefits of opening our hearts to others go beyond curing our bodies of disease; it's also the first step toward healing our entire lives." -- Publisher

    Sciacca, Fran, Does Anyone Else Feel This Way? Conquering Loneliness, Depression and Thoughts of Suicide, ISBN: 0890662002 9780890662007.

    Varney, Tom, Loneliness, ISBN: 0891096930.

    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), Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, The ten commandments: the moral law, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, Immanuel, christ's presence, christ in you, Prayer, Intercessory prayer, Separation, Christian fellowship, Friendship, Reconciliation of relationships, Avoiding divorce, Marriage counseling, Singleness, The covenant faithfulness of god, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Small groups, The local church, Divorce, Small groups, Resources for students, Counsel for young men, Counsel for young women, Persecution, Abuse, Evangelism, Calling, christian, Acts of faithful assemblies, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 1331

    Related Weblinks

    The Inner Ache of Loneliness (Cries of the Heart series), Ravi Zacharias
    "There is no greater cry of the human heart than that of loneliness. This is not restricted to the bereaved and unloved. In its most painful sense, loneliness is a gnawing idea of being emotionally unanchored or cosmically orphaned. It is not sufficient to say, 'God loves you.' The question of loneliness goes deeper, and so must the answer. The sermon attempts to plumb its depth."
    https://www.christianbook.com/cries-of-the-heart/ravi-zacharias/9781612560816/pd/1186BD?event=ESRCG

    Nave's Topical Bible -- Christ, Prayers of
    http://bible.crosswalk.com/Concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T2807



    Love and Counseling Problems, Charitableness

    Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
    Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.     (1 John 4:10,11)

    Justification is the beginning of love. -- John Calvin in Institutes of the Christian Religion (McNeill/Battles), 3.14.6, p. 773 and context (1 John 4:10,11)

    Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 22:38-40)

    The Lord commands us to do good unto all men without exception, though the majority are very undeserving when judged according to their own merits . . . (Scripture) teaches us that we must not think of man's real value, but only of his creation in the image of God to which we owe all possible honor and love. -- John Calvin (1509-1564), Golden Booklet of the True Christian Life

    This truth [Imago Dei, Genesis 1:26] has helped me more than any other when thinking about others, especially those with whom I struggle. I'm not suggesting I have done this well. I have not, but this truth has helped to reduce those moments of thinking unwell about others. -- Rick Thomas, LifeOverCoffee.com

    But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ. (Ephesians 4:15)

    My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. (1 John 3:18)

    Because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (Romans 5:5)

    Charity never faileth. (1 Corinthians 13:8a)

    The love doth never fail. (1 Corinthians 13:8a, YLTHB)

    Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become [as] sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have [the gift of], prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed [the poor], and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
    Charity suffereth long, [and] is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
    Charity never faileth: but whether [there be] prophecies, they shall fail; whether [there be] tongues, they shall cease; whether [there be] knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these [is] charity.     (1 Corinthians 13:1-13)

    And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8)

    And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. (Colossians 3:14)

    It would be easy to show that all those tremendous evils which shake the foundations of civil society such as theft, murder, adultery, perjury, and the like, originate from the want of natural affection, and a failure in filial obedience. -- Samuel Stennett, The Godly Family

    Practice love diligently. It is one of those graces, above all, which grow by constant exercise. Strive more and more to carry it into every little detail of daily life.
    Watch over your own tongue and temper throughout every hour of the day, -- and especially in your dealing with children and near relatives. Remember the character of the excellent woman: She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. (Proverbs 31:26) Remember the words of Paul: Do everything in love. (1 Corinthians 16:14)
    Love should be seen in little things as well as in great ones. Remember, not least, the words of Peter: Love each other deeply; not a love which just barely is a flame, but a burning, shining fire, which everyone around us can see. (1 Peter 4:8) It may cost pains and trouble to keep these things in mind. There may be little encouragement from the example of others. But persevere. Love like this brings its own reward. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

    To err is human, to forgive divine. -- Alexander Pope (1688-1744)

    And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. (2 Timothy 2:24-26)

    See the Theological Note at 1 Corinthians 13:13, "Love" in The Reformation Study Bible.
    But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13)

    There is great transforming power in the New Testament sacrificial love of Christ Jesus that says, Not my will, but thine, be done. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 22:42b)

    This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:12, 13)

    See the Theological Notes: "God is Love: Divine Goodness and Faithfulness," at Psalm 136:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    We look to Christ alone for divine favor and fatherly love. -- John Calvin

    I know men; and I tell you that Jesus Christ is not a man. Superficial minds see a resemblance between Christ and the founders of empires, and the gods of other religions. That resemblance does not exist. There is between Christianity and whatever other religions the distance of infinity . . . Jesus alone founded His empire upon love, and to this very day millions will die for Him. . . . I think I understand something of human nature; and I tell you, all these were men, and I am a man; none else is like Him: Jesus Christ was more than a man. . . . Christ alone has succeeded in so raising the mind of man toward the unseen, that it becomes insensible to the barriers of time and space. Across a chasm of eighteen hundred years [stated 1886], Jesus Christ makes a demand which is beyond all others difficult to satisfy. . . . He asks for the human heart; He will have it entirely to Himself. He demands it unconditionally; and forthwith His demand is granted. Wonderful! In defiance of time and space, the soul of man, with all its powers and faculties, becomes an annexation to the empire of Christ. All who sincerely believe in Him, experience that remarkable, supernatural love toward Him. This phenomenon is unaccountable; it is altogether beyond the scope of man's creative powers. Time, the great destroyer, is powerless to extinguish this sacred flame; time can neither exhaust its strength nor put a limit to its range. This is it, which strikes me most; I have often thought of it. This it is which proves to me quite convincingly the Divinity of Jesus Christ." -- attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821), Emperor of France quoted in Jesus Among Other Gods: The Absolute Claims of the Christian Message, in turn quoted from Henry Parry Liddon, Liddon's Bampton Lectures 1866 (London: Rivingtons, 1869), p. 148.

    See the Theological Notes: "Christians in the World," at Colossians 2:20 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
    By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.     -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 13:34, 35)

    And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:40)

    Hereby, perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? (1 John 3:16,17)

    Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her. Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine. But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 22:28-40)

    And not only so, but we also boast in the tribulations, knowing that the tribulations doeth work endurance; and the endurance, experience; and the experience, hope; and the hope doth not make ashamed, because the love of God hath been poured forth in our hearts through the Holy Spirit that hath been given to us. (Romans 5:3-5, YLTHB)

    And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also. (1 John 4:21)

    The rebellious and stubborn know that they can manipulate and control others by withholding love (conditional love). A myriad of problems result from this abusive withholding of love. The dysfunction appears in all spheres of society, and at all levels. See: A Redneck Resolution Against Self-destruction

    There are few counseling problems that do not yield to genuine love expressed individually and corporately.

    *Aldrich, Joseph C., Love for all Your Worth: A Quest for Personal Value and Lovability, ISBN: 0880701196 9780880701198.
    "Encourages his readers to embark on a quest to develop a true, God-given lovability that will bring out the best in each one of us. Each chapter is based on a careful exposition of Scripture. This is a challenging book that is deserving of careful reading." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Alexander, James W. (1804-1859), God is Love: Communion Addresses, ISBN: 0851514596 9780851514598.
    "The author ministered in New York and died there in 1859. During his ministry he was noted as a great preacher. The sermons in this book concentrate on the Lord's Supper. He is also known for the translation of the hymn, 'O Sacred Head, Sore Wounded,' into English." -- GCB

    Baker, Don, Acceptance: Loosing the Webs of Personal Insecurity, ISBN: 0880700793 9780880700795.
    "Follow Baker as he relates the open-soul remembrance of his own transformation from a native-dwelling doubter of God's acceptance to a maturing, love-conscious believer. -- GCB

    *Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), A Treatise of Knowledge and Love Compared in THE REFORMED PASTOR: BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 4, ISBN: 1877611360. A Christian classic.
    Long title: A Treatise of Knowledge and Love Compared. In two Parts: 1. Of Falsely Pretended Knowledge. II. Of True Saving Knowledge and Love. I. Against Hasty Judging, and False Conceits of Knowledge; and for Necessary Suspension. II. The Excellency of Divine Love, and the Happiness of Being Known and Loved of God. Written as greatly necessary to the safety and peace of every Christian, and of the Church: the only certain way to escape false religions, heresies, sects, and malignant prejudices, persecutions, and sinful wars; all caused by falsely pretended knowledge, and hasty judging, by proud, ignorant men, who know not their ignorance.

    Binning, Hugh (1627-1653), Three Untitled Sermons on 1 John 3:23. In THE WORKS OF THE REVEREND HUGH BINNING (553-63).
    "On faith and love as the sum of the Gospel."

    Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), Love to God and our Neighbour, the sum of the Ten Commandments. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THE REVEREND THOMAS BOSTON (2:74-84). Also in AN ILLUSTRATION OF THE DOCTRINES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION. (1:9-2:659)

    *Bridges, Jerry, Transforming Grace: Living Confidently in God's Unfailing Love, ISBN: 9781600063039 1600063039.
    "The fruit of over 10 years of Bible study, it's the kind of book that will make a profound difference in how you go about living your life -- and loving your Gracious Redeemer." -- Publisher

    *Bunyan, John (1628-1688), All Loves Excelling: The Saints' Knowledge of Christ's Love, ISBN: 0851517390 9780851517391. 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/
    All Loves Excelling: The Saints' Knowledge of Christ's Love
    http://books.google.com/books?id=hiIIAAAACAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html

    Bunyan, John (1628-1688), Saints Knowledge of Christ's Love, ISBN: 0851517390 9780851517391. 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.

    Calamy, Edmund (1671-1732), Truth and Love. A Discourse From Ephesians IV.15., at the Merchants-lecture, at Salters-Hall, November 29. 1720. [Ephesians 4:15]

    *Campbell, Ross, How to Really Love Your Child, ISBN: 0882077511 9780882077512.
    "This book is unique. It rightly assumes that almost all parents love their children, but few know how to express that love so their children feel and understand it. It tends to lean exclusively toward the relationship without considering discipline, and at times downplays rebellious behavior. But it remains a standard on relationship building." -- GCB

    Campbell, Ross, How to Really Love Your Teenager, ISBN: 0882073419 9780882073415.

    Chartier, Jan, and Myron Chartier, Caring Together: Faith, Hope and Love in Your Family, ISBN: 0664240194 9780664240196.
    "This book is written by a Christian couple, both seminary professors, with two children, who affirm that true spirituality can be found and expressed in ordinary, everyday life. They claim that the teaching of the Bible can be fully practiced in a modern family -- and they tell us, in detail, how to do it." -- David and Vera Mace

    De Witt, John Richard (John R. DeWitt), Amazing Love: The Parable of the Prodigal Son, ISBN: 085151328X 9780851513287.
    A professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Seminary in Jackson.

    *Drummond, Henry, The Greatest Thing in the World, ISBN: 0585035822 9780585035826.
    A dissertation on 1 Corinthians 13:1-13.

    Evans, Louis H., Jr., Covenant to Care, ISBN: 0882073559 9780882073552. A revised edition of CREATIVE LOVE.
    See also: Weeden, Larry, LEADER'S GUIDE FOR GROUP STUDY OF COVENANT TO CARE.

    Fitzpatrick, Elyse M., and Jody Hogan (foreword), Because He Loves me: How Christ Transforms our Daily Life, ISBN: 158134905X.
    "Simply speaking, love changes people. Christians, then, by definition, should exhibit the greatest transformation of all because, rightly understood and cherished, God's love makes them increasingly more like the One who has lavished his love on them.
    "This truth is meant to tell believers who they are, their purpose and destiny, and how to faithfully persevere in their struggles against all opposition. But sometimes people lose sight of this. BECAUSE HE LOVES ME restores that vision, reminding Christians of their true identity as beloved children of God -- adopted by the Father, espoused to the Son, and empowered by the Holy Spirit." -- Edward T. Welch, Counselor and Faculty Member, Christian Counseling and Education Foundation

    *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)

    *Guthrie, William (1620-1665), The Works of Mr. William Guthrie, 1771, 382 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "Two accounts of the author's life (by Dunlop and Wodrow), and Trail's "Recommendatory preface" open this volume. Part one of the book includes THE CHRISTIAN'S GREAT INTEREST: IN TWO PARTS, 1. THE TRIAL OF A SAVING INTEREST IN CHRIST. 2. THE WAY HOW TO ATTAIN IT. Part two binds in FIVE SERMONS ON PARTICULAR OCCASIONS. In part three we find "A Treatise on Ruling Elders and Deacons; in which these things which belong to the understanding of their office are clearly set down." Part three was not written by William Guthrie, but by his cousin, James Guthrie (Christ's faithful martyr 'who championed the cause of the Protesters and strongly upheld the principles of the Covenant.' Dictionary of Scottish Church History and Theology, p. 382)
    "William Guthrie 'served as moderator of the Protester Synod of Glasgow and Ayr in 1654.' (Dictionary of Scottish Church History and Theology, p. 382). Regarding Guthrie, Robert Trail (in his preface), points out that 'it pleased the Lord, who had separated him from his mother's womb, to call him by his grace, by the ministry of excellent Mr. Samuel Rutherford, and this young gentleman became the firstfruits of his [Rutherford's -- RB], ministry at St. Andrews.' (p. xliv).
    "William Guthrie has been called 'the greatest practical preacher in Scotland.' John Owen spoke of Guthrie as 'one of the greatest divines that ever wrote' and said his THE CHRISTIAN'S GREAT INTEREST contained 'more divinity' than all his own folios. (Dictionary of Scottish Church History and Theology, p. 382). Thomas Chalmers said that it was the best book that he had ever read. Many editions have appeared in numerous languages." -- Publisher

    Harris, A., Body Life (Ephesians 4:1-16), a series of 5 audio files [audio file], (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).

    Hemfelt, Robert, et al., Love is a Choice Workbook.

    *Howe, John (1630-1705), Sermons on Several Occasions in two Volumes.
    "Notes: Volume 1 entitled: 'Seventeen Sermons on the Love of God and our Brother' and Volume 2 entitled: 'Twenty-one Sermons on Several Subjects'."

    Jackman, David, The Message of John's Letters: Living in the Love of God, ISBN: 0830812261 9780830812264.
    Includes bibliographical references.

    *Kennedy, D. James, Learning to Live With the People you Love, ISBN: 0883681900 9780883681909.
    Love "is sharing life together in a way that brings glory to God and enriches the lives of every family member."
    Dr. Kennedy says no book he has written has brought so many comments as this one.
    Read this in conjunction with Dr. Kennedy's 6-message audio cassette [audio file], series "Secrets of Successful Marriages," the audio cassette [audio file], message "Why Some Marriages Fail and Others Succeed," and the 4-message audio cassette [audio file], series "The Christian Marriage Series."

    Lloyd-Jones, David Martyn (1899-1981), The Basis of Christian Unity: An Exposition of John 17 and Ephesians 4.

    *Lockyer, Herbert, All the Promises of the Bible, ISBN: 0310281318.
    "A devotional expositional compilation of all the promises [about 3,300 of the approximate 8,810 promises -- compiler], that are found in Scripture." -- Publisher
    "Lockyer's in-depth look at the scope of God's promises arranges them in categories that cover the full array of human concerns, from the spiritual to the material and the corporate to the personal. As you come to understand God's promises and how they apply to every aspect of your life, you'll gain a trust in God that will sustain you through the worst of times and be your source of rejoicing in the best.
    "Dr. Herbert Lockyer was born in London in 1886, and held pastorates in Scotland and England for 25 years before coming to the United States in 1935. In 1937 he received the honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Northwestern Evangelical Seminary. In 1955 he returned to England where he lived for many years. He then returned to the United States where he continued to devote time to the writing ministry until his death in November of 1984." -- Publisher

    Love, John (1757-1825), That ye Love one Another
    http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/that-ye-love-one-another.php

    Luther, Martin (1483-1546), The Bondage of the Will, A Sermon on Christian Love, Two Sermons Upon the Fifth Chapter of Luke [Luke 5], God so Loved the World: Two Sermons on John 3:16-21.
    http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/7/8/martin-luthers-book-concerning-the-bondage-of-the-will

    Luther, Martin (1483-1546), God so Loved the World: Two Sermons on John 3:16-21
    http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/martin-luthers-god-so-loved-the-world-two-sermons-on-john-316-21

    Luther, Martin (1483-1546), Sermon on Christian Love (1 Corinthians 13:1-13)
    http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/martin-luthers-sermon-on-christian-love

    Manton, Thomas (1620-1677), Loving God by Loving his Law. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THOMAS MANTON, Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THOMAS MANTON) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #5.
    Contents: "Twelve sermons from Psalm 119:165-176 on the love of God's Law by believers."
    Jesus said, If ye love me, keep my commandments. (John 14:15) John points out, and hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him (1 John 2:3-4). Manton uses these themes, as a departure point, relative to Psalm 119, to show the proper relationship between law, love and loving the law -- as it relates to the greatest law lover, the Lord Jesus Christ!" -- Publisher

    Manton, Thomas (1620-1677), Sermons Upon 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THOMAS MANTON (18:306-313).

    Matheson, Roy, Loving God's Family, ISBN: 0896935248 9780896935242.

    Miller, C. John (1928-1996), Allen Herbert Harris, George Smith, Rev., C. John Miller, Thomas E. Tyson, William Krispin, Wesley Pinnock, Drew Trotter, John F. Bettler, and Frank M. Barker, Body Life: Purpose of (Ephesians 4:1-16), 5 sound cassettes [audio file], (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette BL01 [audio file].

    *Morris, Leon, Testament of Love: A Study of Love in the Bible, ISBN: 0802818749 9780802818744.
    "There are few concepts more frequently misunderstood than the Biblical concept of love. Dr. Morris' work is the most comprehensive and lucid treatment of this concept I've ever seen. It is a MUST for our times." -- R.C. Sproul

    *Ornish, Dean, Love and Survival: The Scientific Basis for the Healing Power of Intimacy, ISBN: 0060930209 9780060930202.
    "Many people know Dean Ornish as the doctor who proved that symptoms of heart disease can be reversed with a regimen of a low-fat diet, exercise, and stress reduction. In LOVE AND SURVIVAL, he concentrates on the less tangible aspects of a healthful life. Through anecdotes and dozens of scientific studies, Ornish demonstrates that personal intimacy and other aspects of emotional well-being -- all the elements that make up what we call 'love' -- are as important to our physical condition as to our mental health. Not only do these positive emotions motivate us to make better lifestyle choices, Ornish argues, they also have a powerful direct effect on our bodies, giving us stronger immune systems, better cardiovascular functioning, and longer life expectancies. But the benefits of opening our hearts to others go beyond curing our bodies of disease; it's also the first step toward healing our entire lives." -- Publisher

    Owen, John (1616-1683), Gospel Charity. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN (9:256-71).
    The Works of John Owen at Archive.org
    https://archive.org/search.php?query=the+works+of+john+owen&page=2

    Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), Your Father Loves you: Daily Insights for Knowing God, ISBN: 0877889759 9780877889755.

    Preston, John (1587-1628), Richard Sibbes (1577-1635), and John Davenport (1597-1670), The Breast-plate of Faith and Love. A Treatise, VVherein the Ground and Exercise of Faith and Love, as They are set Upon Christ Their Object, and as They are Expressed in Good Works, is Explained. Delivered in 18. sermons upon three severall texts, by the late faithfull and worthy minister of Jesus Christ, John Preston, Dr. in Divinity, chaplaine in ordinary to his Majestie, master of Emmanuel Colledge in Cambridge, and sometime preacher of Lincolnes Inne, 1637, ISBN: 0851512895 9780851512891.

    *Price, Greg L., Worldwide Calvinistic Unity and Loving one Another (1 John Series 18 of 27), audio file. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
    A sermon by Greg Price commenting on Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. (1 John 4:7)
    "An amazing sermon which exposes all unity which is not based on truth (e.g. in groups like Promise Keepers), as necessarily based on lies -- and as treason against King Jesus! Defends the Reformation view of visible and covenanted unity and uniformity from Scripture, and from pertinent quotes from Calvin (during first Reformation), Henderson (the Second Reformation architect of the Solemn League and Covenant), and others. Exhibits how Reformed teaching has always viewed the real schismatics (whether in the majority or minority), as those who press 'independent denominationalism' and as those who tolerate a sinful multiformity -- against the national establishment of the one true Reformed religion. Calvin and the Geneva Presbytery of his day even counseled excommunication and exile for those that would not swear to their 'covenanted uniformity' in upholding the Geneva Confession of 1536 (cf. Calvin, Covenanting and Close Communion by Reg Barrow). Moreover, Price shows how our scandalous modern multiformists (which includes the leaders of most so-called 'conservative Presbyterian' denominations today), teach and act in direct opposition to Christ's high priestly prayer in John 17, as well as the high standard of visible unity that will one day be attained worldwide (as seen in the prophetic words found in Zechariah 14:9: And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one). Furthermore, the portion of this sermon dealing with loving the brethren is one of the most convicting practical sections of a contemporary sermon that we have ever heard. Such preaching is extremely humbling, calculated to exalt Christ and His truth, and to drive sinful human beings to the throne of grace -- seeking everlasting mercy and forgiveness in the only place that it can truly be found. In short, Price calls us back to our first love (individually) and to the biblical attainments of our covenanted forefathers (corporately). It is unlikely that you will find modern preaching much better than this. This sermon is also available on Cassette [audio file]." -- Publisher
    Worldwide Calvinistic Unity and Loving one Another (1997) by Greg Price (I John 4:7 [1 John 4:7], #18 of 27). [audio file]
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?currSection=sermonsspeaker&sermonID=5270121261

    Rupprecht, David, and Ruth Rupprecht, Radical Hospitality, ISBN: 0875524214 9780875524214 0875524206 9780875524207.
    "An important book which is a call for believers to open their doors to people needing the love, care, and discipline of a Christian home. Biblical reasons for doing this and the experience of five families who practice hospitality are given. What is involved? What effect will it have on family members?" -- GCB

    Ryle, J.C. (1816-1900), Charity. In PRACTICAL RELIGION: BEING PLAIN PAPERS ON THE DAILY DUTIES, EXPERIENCE, DANGERS AND PRIVILEGES OF PROFESSING CHRISTIANS (117-28).

    Trotter, D., Bearing one Another's Burdens (Galatians 6:1-10) (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette BL04 [audio file].

    Venning, Ralph, Thomas Manton, Joseph Caryl, and John Ball, Puritans on Loving One Another, ISBN: 157358049X 9781573580496.

    Weeden, Larry, and Louis H. Evans, Leader's Guide for Group Study of Covenant to Care, ISBN: 0882075373 9780882075372.

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The covenant faithfulness of god, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, The promises of Christ, Bible promises, The attributes of god, Bad relationships a cause of disease and death, Reconciliation of relationships, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Parenting, Forgiveness of sin, Separation, Fear, The love and justice of god, Loving and obeying God, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Covenanted reformation, Immanual, christ's presence, christ in you, Christian fellowship, Small groups, Friendship, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, and so forth, Small groups as healing agents, and so on, and so forth.
    TCRB5: 420, 659-662, 1436, 1437, 1623-1625, 2200-2202, 2214, 3348, 3395, 4063, 4124, 4182, 4183
    MGTP: Love -- Toward men

    Related Weblinks

    The Commandments of Jesus, J.S. McConnell (1925)
    http://www.wowzone.com/commandm.htm

    God's Love (FGB #159)
    Immeasurable Love | The Nature of God's Love | God is Love | When Love Turns to Anger | God's Love in all Things | The Manifest Love of God | Eternally Loved in Christ | Behold, What Manner of Love | Love Eternal and Unchangeable
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/glovfg/gods-love

    He That Dwelleth in Love, John Love (1757-1825)
    http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/he-that-dwelleth-in-love.php

    Husband's Love (FGB #241)
    The Master's Example | Loving Your Wife as Yourself | A Christlike Love | As Christ Loved the Church | As Their own Bodies | It Began in a Garden | The Responsibilities of Love | The Force of Love | A Husband's Prayer
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/hlovfg/a-husbands-love

    *Love (FGB #159)
    Increasing and Abounding in Love | The Fulfillment of the two Greatest Commandments | 20 Motives/Pleas That Christ Might Have Your Love | Brotherly Love | The Lamb Teaches you to Love | Triumph of Forbearing Love
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/lovefg/love

    *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

    Loving one Another (FGB #206)
    Defining Brotherly Love, Pink, A.W. (1886-1952) | Christ's Love is the Source, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | Love Edifies Christ's Church, Vincent, Nathaniel (1638-1697) | Love and the New Birth, Lloyd-Jones, D.M. (1899-1981) | Principles for Preserving Love, Venning, Ralph (1622-1674) | Hindrances to Brotherly Love, Pink, A.W. (1886-1952) | The Necessity of Christian Love, James, John Angell (1785-1859) | Love at the end of the day, Miller, J.R. (1840-1912)
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/loanfg/loving-one-another

    Psychology and Psychiatry
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappc.html



    Loving Your Enemies

    Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
    Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.     (1 John 4:10,11)

    Justification is the beginning of love. -- John Calvin in Institutes of the Christian Religion (McNeill/Battles), 3.14.6, p. 773 and context (1 John 4:10,11)

    Love Your Enemies, J.C. Ryle
    You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:43-48)
    We have here our Lord Jesus Christ's rules for our conduct one towards another. He that would know how he ought to feel and act towards his fellow men, should often study these verses. They deserve to be written in letters of gold. They have extorted praise even from the enemies of Christianity. Let us mark well what they contain.
    The Lord Jesus forbids everything like an unforgiving and revengeful spirit. I say unto you, that ye resist not evil. A readiness to resent injuries, a quickness in taking offense, a quarrelsome and contentious disposition, a keenness in asserting our rights -- all are contrary to the mind of Christ. The world may see no harm in these habits of mind, but they do not become the character of the Christian. Our Master says, Resist not evil.
    The Lord Jesus enjoins on us a spirit of universal love and charity. I say unto you: Love your enemies. We ought to put away all malice: we ought to return good for evil, and blessing for cursing. Moreover we are not to love in word only, but in deed; we are to deny ourselves, and take trouble, in order to be kind and courteous: if any man compel thee to go a mile go with him twain. We are to put up with much and bear much, rather than hurt another, or give offence. In all things we are to be unselfish. Our thought must never be, "How do others behave to me?" but "What would Christ have me to do?"
    A standard of conduct like this may seem, at first sight, extravagantly high. But we must never content ourselves with aiming at one lower. We must observe the two weighty arguments which our Lord uses to back up this part of his instruction. They deserve serious attention.
    For one thing, if we do not aim at the spirit and temper which are here recommended, we are not yet children of God. What does our Father which is in heaven do? He is kind to all: he sends rain on good and on evil alike; he causes his sun to shine on all without distinction. A child should be like his father: but where is our likeness to our Father in heaven if we cannot show mercy and kindness to everybody? Where is the evidence that we are new creatures if we lack love? It is altogether wanting. We must yet be born again (John 3:7).
    For another thing, if we do not aim at the spirit and temper here recommended, we are manifestly of the world. What do ye more than others? is our Lord's solemn question. Even those who have no religion can love those who love them. They can do good and show kindness when affection or interest moves them. But a Christian ought to be influenced by higher principles than these. Do we flinch from the test? Do we find it impossible to do good to our enemies? If that be the case we may be sure we have yet to be converted. As yet we have not "received -- the Spirit of God." (1 Corinthians 2:12)
    There is much in all this which calls loudly for solemn reflection. There are few passages of Scripture so calculated to raise in our minds humbling thoughts. We have here a lovely picture of the Christian as he ought to be. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900), Expository Thoughts on The Gospels, Volume 1: Matthew

    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

    Because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (Romans 5:5)

    This would, they say, be a burden too heavy for Christians! As if we could think of anything more difficult than to love God with all our heart, all our soul, and all our strength! Compared with this law, everything ought to be considered easy -- whether the requirement to love our enemy or to banish all desire for revenge from our hearts. All these are indeed hard and difficult for our feebleness, even to the least detail of the law [cf. Matthew 5:28; Luke 26:17]. It is the Lord in whom we act virtuously. 'Let him give what he commands, and command what he will.' -- John Calvin, The Institutes of the Christian Religion, 2.2.57, "The Commandment to Love our Enemy is a Genuine Commandment," (Battles translation)

    He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. (Psalm 33:5). See also: Psalm 45:7; Psalm 99:4; Jeremiah 9:24; Psalm 1:5; Psalm 7:6; Psalm 11:3; Psalm 119:142; Psalm 145:17; Psalm 36:6; Hebrews 1:9; Revelation 15:3,4; Genesis 18:25; 2 Chronicles 19:7; Job 8:3; Job 34:12; Job 37:23. Genuine love does not ignore injustice or evil, and particularly apostasy.

    If God be for us, who can be against us? Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth, who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather that is risen again, who is at the right hand of God, who makes intercession for us. (Romans 8:31,33,34)

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Grist From Adams Mill, ISBN: 0875520790 9780875520797.
    "Contains 27 two to four page essays on a wide range of topics: 'tracts for the times.' How does God guide? Where do you get peace? How do you handle interruptions? Dealing with church hoppers? Think: does God hate the sin but love the sinner? Are you clear about the Gospel? How do you handle the influence -- for bad or good -- that people have on one another? How do you deal with differences on biblically debatable matters? What is good music? How can you be professional in your ministry, in the best sense of the word? How do you judge success and failure?" -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Enemy," and so forth, and so on.

    Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), The Distinguishing Characteristics of True Believers. Available (THE WORKS OF THOMAS BOSTON, VOLUME 5), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #5.
    "Seventeen sermons (254 pages), relating to nine major areas pinpointing the marks of salvation. Includes loving your enemies, conduct in times of general declension, keeping Christ's commandments, the use of the tongue, friendship with Christ, meekness, etc." -- Publisher

    Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), In Relation to Loving Their Enemies. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THE REVEREND THOMAS BOSTON (5:181-200).

    Dabney, Robert Lewis (1820-1898), The Christian's Duty Towards His Enemies. In DISCUSSIONS: EVANGELICAL AND THEOLOGICAL (1:706-721).

    *Ornish, Dean, Love and Survival: The Scientific Basis for the Healing Power of Intimacy, ISBN: 0060930209 9780060930202.
    "Many people know Dean Ornish as the doctor who proved that symptoms of heart disease can be reversed with a regimen of a low-fat diet, exercise, and stress reduction. In LOVE AND SURVIVAL, he concentrates on the less tangible aspects of a healthful life. Through anecdotes and dozens of scientific studies, Ornish demonstrates that personal intimacy and other aspects of emotional well-being -- all the elements that make up what we call 'love' -- are as important to our physical condition as to our mental health. Not only do these positive emotions motivate us to make better lifestyle choices, Ornish argues, they also have a powerful direct effect on our bodies, giving us stronger immune systems, better cardiovascular functioning, and longer life expectancies. But the benefits of opening our hearts to others go beyond curing our bodies of disease; it's also the first step toward healing our entire lives." -- Publisher

    *Powlison, David (1949-2019), God's Love: Better Than Unconditional, ISBN: 0875526861 9780875526867.
    "Has anyone tried to comfort you with God's 'unconditional' love for you? Sounds kinda bland and remote doesn't it? It even sounds permissive. Well, there is a reason for your lackluster response to God's love being 'unconditional.' The truth is that God's love is radically more active and passionate.
    "David Powlison demolishes the milk-toast mindset of mere 'unconditional love,' and presents God's love in all of its splendor and vibrancy. He gives many descriptive examples from the Bible of how God's love is dynamic, active, sacrificial, redeeming, thrilling . . .
    "If you aren't enraptured and absorbed by the love of God, then do yourself a favor and get this booklet. It's power packed. It's dynamite." -- Reader's Comment

    Schwertley, Brian, The Sixth Antithesis: Love Your Enemies (parts 1 and 2), a sermon. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    *Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon.
    A sermon by C.H. Spurgeon delivered on Lord's-day morning, September 9, 1888, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon no. 2043.
    "This is the way in which you should use this plea. Say, 'My God, I am utterly unworthy, and I own it; but, I beseech thee, hear me for the honour of thy dear Son. By his agony and bloody sweat, by his cross and passion, by his precious death and burial, I beseech thee hear me! O Lord, let the blood of thine Only-begotten prevail with thee! Canst thou put aside his groans, his tears, his death, when they speak on my behalf?' If you can thus come to pleading terms with God upon this ground, you must and will prevail. Jesus must be heard in heaven. The voice of his blood is eloquent with God. If you plead the atoning sacrifice, you must overcome through the blood of the Lamb." -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The covenant faithfulness of god, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, The love and justice of god, oneness, Leniency, Bad relationships a cause of disease and death, Separation, Toleration, liberty of conscience, pluralism, "religious freedom," and neutrality, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Church and state, Idolatry (syncretism), Spiritual warfare, Imprecatory psalms, Prayer, Effeminacy, the effeminate, Feminism, The courts, the law base, and the judicial system, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, The anabaptists, Pacifism, Cowardice, Justice, judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Love and counseling problems, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 3395
    MGTP: Love -- Towards men, Enemies

    Related Weblinks

    God's Love (FGB #238)
    Immeasurable Love | The Nature of God's Love | God is Love | When Love Turns to Anger | God's Love in all Things | The Manifest Love of God | Eternally Loved in Christ | Behold, What Manner of Love | Love Eternal and Unchangeable
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/glovfg/gods-love

    *Love (FGB #159)
    Increasing and Abounding in Love | The Fulfillment of the two Greatest Commandments | 20 Motives/Pleas That Christ Might Have Your Love | Brotherly Love | The Lamb Teaches you to Love | Triumph of Forbearing Love
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/lovefg/love



    Loyalty

    Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 22:38-40)

    But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man. (John 2:24,25)

    Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited. Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. (Jeremiah 17:5-8)

    "The good of the community" is then what elite thinkers say it is, not what God's word declares. After God's absolute authority is bypassed in the name of "reason," the absolute and final authority of reason is affirmed, and we are piously informed that "Authority and loyalty must go hand in hand in every State which is worthy of the name." Thus, the real objection of such men to the authority of God is simply that they themselves are not God. Their claims are simply a development of their original sin, their desire to be as God, determining for themselves what constitutes good and evil (Genesis 3:5). R.J. Rushdoony

    *Barrow, Gregory, The Covenanted Reformation Defended Against Contemporary Schismatics, 318 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1, #19, #23, #27.
    "A primer for the Covenanted Reformation, this is the best starting point for the new reader. It organizes the hundreds of Covenanted Reformation reprints into a logical defense of the theological landmarks established by our forefathers, with copious bibliographic references, many to e-text. An extraordinary document.
    "Unsurpassed on points related to the Lord's supper and covenanting (as set forth by the best Reformers and best Reformed churches). Especially strong on citations from Calvin and the Westminster Assembly. Deals with many foundational aspects of the Covenanted Reformation (which gave us the Westminster Standards and the Solemn League and Covenant), from numerous original source documents (from the Westminster Assembly's advice to the English Parliament on the Lord's Supper to the official records of Calvin's Covenanting in Geneva). Comprehensive and compelling, this is a shocking (and sometimes advanced), look at what really took place during both the first and Second Reformations -- with extensive quotations from the writings of the major Reformers (not just quotes from what others have written about them). It conclusively and irrefutably demonstrates that those churches which today call themselves Presbyterian (and even many which claim a more general Reformed heritage), have seriously departed from the Scriptural standards, principles and worship of these previous Spirit-led Reformations. It is written in an easy-to-read and easy-to-understand format and is an unsurpassed work that should not be missed by anyone interested in real Reformation in our day. This is without a doubt the best book to read if you want to understand what it means to be a Covenanter and to walk in the blood-stained footsteps of the witnessing church (Christ's Covenanted and Reformed flock), (Song of Solomon 1:8)!" -- Publisher
    Publisher's Preface to The Covenanted Reformation Defended Against Contemporary Schismatics
    http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/pub_pref.htm
    Eschewing Ecclesiastical Tyranny (Protestant Biblical Separation)
    "1 Corinthians 2:15. The classic Reformation position on biblical separation, Protestant private judgment, the visible church, etc. -- contra Antichrist (the Papacy), and wayward liberal Protestants. This is Appendix G from THE COVENANTED REFORMATION DEFENDED: 'A brief examination of Mr. Bacon's principles regarding the visible church and the use of private judgment. Also, some observations regarding his ignoble attack upon Mr. Kevin Reed in his book entitled The Visible Church in the Outer Darkness'." -- Publisher
    The Covenanted Reformation Defended, e-text
    http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/CovRefGB.htm
    The Covenanted Reformation Defended, audio files
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?sermonID=7702201426
    The Covenanted Reformation Defended Against Contemporary Schismatics: A Response and Antidote Primarily to the Neopresbyterian Malignancy and Misrepresentations and the Manufactured 'Steelite' Controversy, Found in Richard Bacon's "A Defense Departed . . ."
    http://books.google.com/books?id=LG5EHQAACAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html

    North, Gary, Selling the Birthright: The Ratification of the U.S. Constitution, Appendix H, TOOLS OF DOMINION: THE CASE LAWS OF EXODUS, pp. 1190-1216.
    Gary North, Freebooks.com
    http://www.garynorth.com/freebooks/

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The covenant faithfulness of god, Justice, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The ten commandments: the moral law, Trusting god, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Loving and obeying christ, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The covenanted reformation of scotland background and history, The covenanted reformation, Covenanted reformation short title listing, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Idolatry (syncretism), Separation, Toleration, liberty of conscience, pluralism, "religious freedom," and neutrality, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Carnality and flesh pleasing: lust, desires, ambition, Meanpleasing, Pseudo-christian movements, Ungodly alliance, voluntary association, Oaths, ensnaring vows, promises, and covenants, bonds with the ungodly, The counter-reformation, Antichrist, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, Unfaithful reformed ministries, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 2525

    Related Weblinks

    An Article From the Reformation Advocate Magazine Containing the Testimony of Rev. William Gibson Against Voluntary Associations
    http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/19/an-article-from-the-reformation-advocate-magazine-containing-the-testimony-of-rev-william-gibson-against-voluntary-associations

    The Anti-Voluntary Associations and Unlawful Confederacies Homepage
    George Gillespie's Usefull Case of Conscience Discussed and Resolved, Concerning Associations and Confederacies with Idolaters, Infidels, Hereticks or any other known Enemies of Truth and Godlinesse, Hugh Binning's An Useful Case of Conscience, Learnedly and Accurately Discussed and Resolved, Concerning Associations and Confederacies with Idolaters, Infidels, Heretics, Malignants or any other Known Enemies of Truth and Godliness, Tract on the Primary Reform, William Milroy's Pamphlet The Testimony of the Church Respecting Military Associations, &c., With the Wicked and Profane, An Article from the Reformation Advocate Magazine containing the Testimony of Rev. William Gibson Against Voluntary Associations, An Article from the Reformation Advocate Magazine on Voluntary Associations, Another Article from the Reformation Advocate Magazine on Voluntary Associations.
    http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/6/30/voluntary-associations-and-unlawful-confederacies

    George Gillespie's Usefull Case of Conscience Discussed and Resolved, Concerning Associations and Confederacies With Idolaters, Infidels, Hereticks or any Other Known Enemies of Truth and Godlinesse
    http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/19/george-gillespies-usefull-case-of-conscience-discussed-and-resolved-concerning-associations-and-confederacies-with-idolaters-infidels-hereticks-or-any-other-known-enemies-of-truth-and-godlinesse

    An Useful Case of Conscience, Learnedly and Accurately Discussed and Resolved, Concerning Associations and Confederacies with Idolaters, Infidels, Heretics, Malignants, or any Other Known Enemies of Truth and Godliness, by Hugh Binning
    http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/19/hugh-binnings-an-useful-case-of-conscience

    Voluntary Associations, from The Reformation Advocate Magazine, September, 1875.
    http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/19/another-article-from-the-reformation-advocate-magazine-on-voluntary-associations



    Lust

    But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (James 1:14,15)
    So it appears that "It is impossible for one to desire any thing which one already possess," a thought that seldom comes to mind amid the covetousness and crass commercialism of our culture.

    Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:27-30)

    This, however, has happened, not once only, and not with the men of Sodom alone; but is daily fulfilled in the reprobate, whom Satan fascinates with such madness, that when stricken by the mighty hand of God, they proceed with stupid obstinacy to advance against him. And we need not seek far, for an instance of such conduct; we see with what tremendous punishments God visits wandering lusts; and yet the world ceases not, with desperate audacity, to rush into the certain destruction which is set before their eyes. -- John Calvin (1509-1564), commenting on Genesis 19:10 and context

    Ultimately the Seventh Commandment (Exodus 20:14), is about our fidelity to Christ. (Hosea 2:19-20; 1 Corinthians 6:15-20; James 4:4)
    To fracture the Seventh Commandment is to break covenant with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
    The sexual revolution is really a revolution against God. (Numbers 25:1-3, 29; Joshua 22:17; Psalm 106:30,31)
    See: Engelsma, Marriage, the Mystery of Christ and the Church.

    I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid? (Job 31:1)

    This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
    For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
    But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
    Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
    Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
    Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.     (Galatians 5:16-21)

    For lust is the fear of corruption, and hath his fear even in our very bowels and inmost parts. -- The Reformers commenting on 2 Peter 1:4 in the 1599 Geneva Bible

    Earthly things may satisfy for a while, but they soon pall, and men soon get bored with them. Earthly things are broken cisterns that can hold no water. [Jeremiah 2:13] But all spiritual things come from and lead to that which is infinite. Therefore, they alone can fully satisfy the deepest desires of our hearts and fill them with joy and peace in believing. Spiritual things lead the spiritual heart to the fountain of living waters, the eternal spring of goodness and blessedness. -- John Owen (1616-1683)

    Nothing exceeds the satisfaction of the presence of God.

    Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, in so much that he abhorred his own inheritance.
    And he gave them into the hands of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them.
    Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand.     (Psalm 106:40-42)

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 106, commentary by C.H. Spurgeon
    Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt. (v. 7)
    Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known. (v. 8)
    And he saved them from the hand of them that hated them. (v. 10)
    They soon forgat his works. (v. 13)
    And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul. (v. 15)
    They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the molten image. (v. 19)
    Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass. (v. 20)
    They forgat God their saviour. (v. 21)
    Thus they provoked him to anger with their inventions: and the plague brake in upon them. (v. 29)
    Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and so the plague was stayed. (v. 30)
    And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore. (v. 31)
    They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them. (v. 34)
    But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works. (v. 35)
    Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils. (v. 37)
    Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions. (v. 39)
    Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, in so much that he abhorred his own inheritance. (v. 40)
    And he gave them into the hands of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them. (v. 41)
    Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand. (v. 42)
    Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity. (v. 43)
    Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry. (v. 44)
    And he remembered for them his covenant. (v. 45)
    Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, and to triumph in thy praise. (v. 47)
    Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the Lord. (v. 48)
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps106.php

    Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (James 1:13-15)

    From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? (James 4:1)

    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)

    Think about this. It is not possible for a person to desire something that they already posess.

    And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (1 John 2:17)

    If God, Christ, grace, and glory, be not enough for you, and seem not a sufficient portion, unless you have also prosperity to the flesh, undertake not the ministry, nor profess Christianity: for, without self-denial, contempt of the world, taking up the cross, and forsaking all, you have but the delusory name and image of Christianity. Absolutely devote yourselves to God, and hope not for great matters in the world. Except nothing from him; suspect and fear the hypocrite's reserves; serve Christ and trust him; trust him with estate, and liberty, and life, and soul, and all; study your duty for your part, and cast your care on him for his part. Take no thought what ye shall eat or drink, but seek first God's kingdom and the righteousness thereof. You will never finish your course with joy, if you be not absolutely devoted to God. -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)

    Gluttony, greed, sloth, envy, wrath, pride, and lust -- these are the seven deadly sins.

    Impiety and injustice -- the will that defies Christ -- is displayed by the lust for power, wealth, and sex.

    Notice that it is impossible to desire something that one already possesses, whether it be power, wealth, sexual fulfillment, or anything else.

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), A Thirst for Wholeness: How to Gain Wisdom From the Book of James, ISBN: 0964355698 9780964355699, 143 pages.
    "A study of the inner dynamics of human life from the book of James. Meant to be used personally or in a study group or class. Works thematically, covering anger, desires, doubt, prayer, peacemaking, sickness, among other things. The section on the 'inner/outer aspects of sin' (Chapter 3), rebuts a host of misconceptions of nouthetic counseling as externalistic: 'The struggle for mastery over one's desires must be achieved. . . . Christian, resist sin at the start, as Jesus did. Abort inner sin before it is born. Augustine encourages us with these words: 'Pray that God may make you conqueror of yourself. . . not the enemy without, but of your own soul within. . . . Let no enemy from without be feared: conquer yourself, and the whole world is conquered'." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
    See: Schneider, Julie, and Jay E. Adams, LEADER'S GUIDE FOR GROUP STUDY OF A-THIRST-FOR-WHOLENESS.

    Gibbon, John, How may we be so Spiritual, as to Check sin in the First Risings of it? Walk in the Spirit, and ye Shall not Fulfill the Lust of the flesh. -- Galatians v. 16. In PURITAN SERMONS 1659-1689: BEING THE MORNING EXERCISES AT CRIPPLEGATE, ST. GILES IN THE FIELDS, AND IN SOUTHWARK BY SEVENTY-FIVE MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL IN OR NEAR LONDON WITH NOTES AND TRANSLATIONS BY JAMES NICHOLS (1:87-110).

    *Himmelfarb, Gertrude, Lord Acton: A Study in Conscience and Politics, ISBN: 1558152709 9781558152700.
    A scholarly work on the politics of the Reformation and Counter-reformation.
    Includes bibliography and index.
    It was Acton who stated:

    Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men, even when they exercise influence and not authority: still more when you superadd the tendency or the certainty of corruption by authority. -- John Emerich Edward Dalberg, Lord Acton (1834-1902), in a letter to Mandell Creighton, April 5, 1887, quoted by Gertrude Himmelfarb in Acton, Essays on Freedom and Power, pp. 335-36 (1972)
    See also:

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Pride, ambition, self-aggrandizement, arrogance, ego, Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, Self, selfishness, self-esteem, Theft, fraud, stealing: property rights and freedom, Carnality and flesh pleasing: desires, pleasure, Alcoholism (drunkenness), Gratuitous sex, a cause of violence, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Homosexuality, lesbianism, gay, bisexual, transvestite, queer (lgbtq), Adultery, Avoiding divorce, Child abuse and pedophilia, Lust, Rape, Prostitution, Idolatry, Fear, Will and recalcitrance, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Singleness, Counsel for young men, Counsel for young women, Abstinence, chastity, Self-denial, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, The ten commandments: the moral law, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Sex ethics, sex education, Menpleasing, Envy, jealousy, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, Proverbs, James, Contentment, Power, Power religion, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 3208
    MGTP: Sexual Immorality, Carnality

    Related Weblinks

    Temptation (FGB #160)
    Mortification of sin, Erroll Hulse -- A Necessity | Abstain From Fleshly Lusts, Martin Luther (1483-1546) | Helps Against Temptation, Thomas Brooks (1608-1680) | The Christian's Warfare, Robert M. McCheyne (1813-1843) | Temptation of Believers, John Owen (1616-1683) | Benefits of Temptation, G.A.W.
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/tempfg/temptation

    What is Worthwhile Under the Sun? (part 1 of 2), [audio file], Ravi Zacharias
    "Why does a life focused on pleasure leave you feeling empty, and how can you deal with it? Is there a way to tell what pleasures are good and which ones are bad? Are your pleasures getting in the way of your relationships with God, or with others? Ravi Zacharias explores the problem of pleasure and what you can do about it."
    http://rzim.org/let-my-people-think-broadcasts/what-is-worthwhile-under-the-sun-part-1-of-2/ What is Worthwhile Under the Sun? (part 2 of 2), [audio file], Ravi Zacharias
    "Why does a life focused on pleasure leave you feeling empty, and how can you deal with it? Is there a way to tell what pleasures are good and which ones are bad? Are your pleasures getting in the way of your relationships with God, or with others? Ravi Zacharias explores the problem of pleasure and what you can do about it. That's this week on Let My People Think."
    http://rzim.org/let-my-people-think-broadcasts/what-is-worthwhile-under-the-sun-part-2-of-2/



    Medical Ethics

    Medical Ethics
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr8ch.html#medethic



    Menpleasing

    I see this tendency to lean on man everywhere. I know no branch of the Protestant Church of Christ which does not require to be cautioned upon the point. It is a snare, for example, to the English Episcopalian to make idols of Bishop Pearson and 'the Judicious Hooker.' It is a snare to the Scotch Presbyterian to pin his faith on John Knox, the Covenanters, and Dr. Chalmers. It is a snare to the Methodists in our day to worship the memory of John Wesley. It is a snare to the Independent to see no fault in any opinion of Owen and Dodderidge. It is a snare to the Baptist to exaggerate the wisdom of Gill and Fuller and Robert Hall. All these are snares, and into these snares how many fall! -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900), "The Fallibility of Ministers" in Warnings to the Churches, pp. 93-121

    There is no learned man but will confess that he hath most profited by reading controversies -- his senses awakened, his judgment sharpened, and the truth which he holds more firmly established. All controversy being permitted, falsehood will appear more false, and truth the more true. -- John Milton

    Bridge, William, The Carnality of Professors. In WORKS OF WILLIAM BRIDGE (5:117-32).

    *Calamy, Edmund (1678-1732), and Samuel Palmer (d. 1724, editor), The Nonconformist's Memorial, 3 volumes, ISBN: 0781206243. This seems to be the preferred edition. E-text available OCLC: 220202826. A Christian classic. See also: Benjamin Brook, LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
    "Edmund Calamy (1678-1732), a dissenting minister in London and a historian, was the son and grandson of puritan ministers inside the Church of England. Both of them, along with hundreds of others, were expelled from their church livings for their refusal to submit to the 1662 Act of Uniformity. This event, the so-called 'Great Ejection', was a crucial moment in the formation of religious dissent in England. This book, first published in 1775, is an extensively-revised version, by another dissenting minister Samuel Palmer, of materials originally collated and published by Edmund Calamy, commemorating the lives and works of these ejected ministers.
    "Editing the autobiography of one of the most eminent of these ejected ministers, Richard Baxter, Calamy included a long chapter listing the ejected ministers and such biographical data as he could find. This is the famous chapter 9 of AN ABRIDGMENT OF MR. BAXTER'S HISTORY OF HIS LIFE AND TIMES (1702). This chapter became a whole volume of a second edition of the ABRIDGEMENT published in 1713. And in 1727 Calamy produced a further two volumes of material under the title A CONTINUATION OF THE ACCOUNT OF THE MINISTERS, LECTURERS, MASTERS AND FELLOWS OF COLLEGES, AND SCHOOLMASTERS WHO WERE EJECTED AND SILENCED AFTER THE RESTORATION OF 1660 . . .
    "Samuel Palmer attempted to integrate this material into a more readable form, making extensive revisions and additions. He certainly succeeded in producing something more accessible to eighteenth-century readers and there were several reprints of the book and a second edition in 1802-3. However readability was sometimes at the cost of accuracy and of a reduction of the scholarly value of Calamy's material.
    "Nevertheless THE NONCONFORMIST'S MEMORIAL was an important work of collective memory by eighteenth-century dissenters." -- Publisher
    Calamy, The Nonconformist's Memorial: Being an Account of the Ministers, who Were Ejected or Silenced . . . (1775), volume 2 of 2
    http://archive.org/details/nonconformistsme02cala
    Calamy, The Nonconformist's Memorial: Being an Account of the Ministers, who Were Ejected or Silenced . . . (1775), volume 1 of 2
    http://archive.org/details/nonconformistsm00calagoog

    Cotton, John (1584-1652), Ministers of the Gospel Should Speak, not as Pleasing Men, but God, who Tries Their Hearts. A sermon preach'd at the ordination of the Rev. Mr. Ward Cotton, at Hampton, in New-Hampshire, June 19th. 1734. When he was ordain'd a colleague-pastor with the Rev. Mr. Nathanael Gookin, Pastor of the First Church there. By John Cotton, A.M. Minister of the Gospel in Newtown. Boston, 1734.

    *Marshall, Walter (1628-1680), The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification: Growing in Holiness by Living in Union With Christ (Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, Inc., 2005, 1999), 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:
    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
    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)

    *Ryle, J.C. (1816-1900), Warnings to the Churches, ISBN: 0851510434 9780851510439.
    "I see this tendency to lean on man everywhere. I know no branch of the Protestant Church of Christ which does not require to be cautioned upon the point. It is a snare, for example, to the English Episcopalian to make idols of Bishop Pearson and 'the Judicious Hooker.' It is a snare to the Scotch Presbyterian to pin his faith on John Knox, the Covenanters, and Dr. Chalmers. It is a snare to the Methodists in our day to worship the memory of John Wesley. It is a snare to the Independent to see no fault in any opinion of Owen and Dodderidge. It is a snare to the Baptist to exaggerate the wisdom of Gill and Fuller and Robert Hall. All these are snares, and into these snares how many fall!
    "Infallibility is not to be found in the early fathers, but in the Bible.
    "What are the best of ministers but men -- dust, ashes, and clay -- men of like passions with ourselves, men exposed to temptations, men liable to weaknesses and infirmities?
    "It is amazing to observe how vast a man's intellectual attainments may be, and yet how little he may know of the grace of God.
    "We have no right to expect anything but the pure Gospel of Christ, unmixed and unadulterated -- the same Gospel that was taught by the Apostles -- to do good to the souls of men.
    "Peace without truth is a false peace; it is the very peace of the devil. Unity without the Gospel is a worthless unity; it is the very unity of Hell.
    "False doctrine and heresy are even worse than schism.
    "It was controversy that won the battle of Protestant Reformation.
    "Three things there are which men never ought to trifle with -- a little poison, a little false doctrine, and a little sin.
    "A church may have good forms and regularly ordained ministers, and the sacraments properly administered, but a church will not see conversion of souls going on under its pulpits when this doctrine [Justification by Faith], is not plainly preached.
    "Once let a man get wrong about justification, and he will bid a long farewell to comfort, to peace, to lively hope, to anything like assurance in his Christianity. An error here is a worm at the root.
    "An ignorant laity will always be the bane of a church.
    "True Gospel in the pulpit, true Gospel in every Religious Society we support, true Gospel in the books we read, true Gospel in the friends we keep company with -- let this be our aim, and never let us be ashamed to let men see that it is so.
    "Let the meekness of St. Peter in taking a reproof be as much our example as the boldness of St. Paul in reproving." -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900) "The Fallibility of Ministers" in Warnings to the Churches, pp. 93-121
    The Fallibility of Ministers, by J.C. Ryle
    http://www.trinityfoundation.org/journal.php?id=182
    Pharisees and Sadducees, J.C. Ryle
    https://gracegems.org/23/Ryle_pharisees_and_sadducees.htm

    Welch, Edward T., When People are big and God is Small: Overcoming Peer Pressure, Codependency, and the Fear of Man, ISBN: 0875526004 9780875526003.
    "Overly concerned about what people think of you? Welch uncovers the spiritual dimension of people-pleasing and points the way through a true knowledge of God, ourselves, and others." -- Publisher

    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), Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, The ten commandments: the moral law, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, Idolatry, Carnality and flesh pleasing: lust, desires, ambition, Secret societies and ungodly alliance, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Politics, Ungodly alliance, Voluntary associations, Idolatry (syncretism), Leniency, Toleration, liberty of conscience, pluralism, "religious freedom," and neutrality, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 2789
    MGTP: Carnality



    Mind Control, Intimidation, and Coercion

    Mind Control, Intimidation, and Coercion
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2chb.html#mindcic



    Mortification of Sin in the Flesh

    (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; And having in readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. (2 Corinthians 10:4-6)

    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. (Romans 8:12-13)
    A man may easier see without eyes, speak without a tongue, than truly mortify one sin without the Spirit. -- John Owen

    I owe more to John Owen than to any other theologian, ancient or modern. And I owe more to THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN than to anything else he wrote. -- J.I. Packer (1926-2020)

    John Owen's treatises on INDWELLING SIN IN BELIEVERS [see: TEMPTATION AND SIN,] and THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN [see: THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN IN BELIEVERS] are, in my opinion, the most helpful writings on personal holiness ever written. -- Jerry Bridges

    Rule 3: Let mortification be extended to inward and secret sins as well as to outward and scandalous sins. Not only the lusts of the flesh, but those of the mind are to be mortified; not only the deeds of the body, but the thoughts of the heart and corruptions in the inward man are to be subdued . . . You must mortify the very first motions and secret propensities to any sin in your hearts.
    Rule 4: Let mortification be especially directed to strike at those sins that are your master sins -- that are most prevalent and predominant in your heart, that you have most prayed against and are least able to resist, that strongly assault you and most easily beset you and are master over you . . . So I say to you, fight not so much against any sin as against your beloved, darling, constitutional sins that most easily beset you and prevail over you.
    Rule 7: When you are setting upon the work of mortification, go about it in the strength of Christ and not in your own strength . . . you may commit sin by your own strength, but you cannot mortify sin by your own strength. Only an arrow fetched from Christ's quiver can slay your lusts. Do no encounter sin with confidence in your own strength, for you are but a feather before a whirlwind.
    Rule 9: When you have, through the strength of Christ, mortified one sin or resisted one temptation, do not sit down and think your work is done, but expect another combat. Your corruption will come afresh upon you again . . . Though you have cut off one lust today, it may be that another will spring out tomorrow. -- Christopher Love, from The Mortified Christian

    Charnock, Stephen (1628-1680), A Discourse of Mortification. Available in THE COMPLETE WORKS OF STEPHEN CHARNOCK, Volume 5. A Christian classic.
    The Complete Works of Stephen Charnock (1865), Charnock and M'Cosh,
    http://archive.org/details/completeworksst03mcogoog
    A Discourse of Mortification, Charnock,
    http://www.the-highway.com/mortification_Charnock.html

    Charnock, Stephen (1628-1680), The Sinfulness and Cure of Thoughts. In PURITAN SERMONS 1659-1689: BEING THE MORNING EXERCISES AT CRIPPLEGATE, ST. GILES IN THE FIELDS, AND IN SOUTHWARK BY SEVENTY-FIVE MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL IN OR NEAR LONDON WITH NOTES AND TRANSLATIONS BY JAMES NICHOLS. (2:386-420)
    The Sinfulness and Cure of Thought, Biblical Sanctification, a sermon by Stephen Charnock. Available in Charnock and M'Cosh, THE COMPLETE WORKS OF STEPHEN CHARNOCK (1865),
    The Sinfulness and Cure of Thought, Biblical Sanctification
    http://digitalpuritan.net/stephen-charnock/

    Lee, Francis Nigel, Sexual Purity, Lust, Pornography, Sexual Duties in Marriage, an MP3 [audio file]. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    *Love, Christopher (1618-1651), The Combat Between the Flesh and Spirit. As Also the Wofull With-drawing of the Spirit of God, With the Causes Thereof: and Walking in, and After the Spirit, Together With the Blessednesse Thereof. Being the summe and substance of XXVII. sermons: preached a little before his death, by that faithfull servant of Christ, Mr. Christopher Love, late minister of the Gospel at Lawrence Jury London. To which is added the Christians directory tending to direct him in the various conditions that God may cast him into. In XV. sermons, 1654. Available (THE SELECT WORKS OF THE REV. CHRISTOPHER LOVE and THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN (an excerpt), and various audio files on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (various audio files), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #4.

    Mack, Wayne A., and Joshua Mack, A Fight to the Death: Taking aim at sin Within, ISBN: 1596380047 9781596380042.
    "This book explores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of fighting against it, and presents a biblical method of killing the sin within us." -- Publisher

    *Owen, John (1616-1683), The Mortification of Sin in Believers: Containing the Necessity, Nature, and Means of it. With a Resolution of Sundry Cases of Conscience Thereunto Belonging. By John Owen, D.D.. Available (THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN in MP3 files) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available in THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN, VOLUME 6: TEMPTATION AND SIN,
    The Works of John Owen, Vol. 6 (including THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN, Goold edition, 1862)
    https://archive.org/details/theworksofowen06owenuoft
    On the Mortification of sin in Believers, John Owen (1 of 6), [audio file].
    An audio file reading. Currently (February 2009), there are 63 readings of John Owen by SWRB and Reformed Baptist of Holland (Michigan), (Thomas Sullivan), at SermonAudio.com available for listening online, downloading as MP3 files, and listening on iPhone or Mobile Phones.
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=62906111628

    *Owen, John (1616-1683), Kelly M. Kapic (editor), Justin Taylor (editor), Overcoming Sin and Temptation, ISBN: 1581346492 9781581346497.
    "The writings of John Owen are a challenge to any reader, to say the least. His intricacy and complexity are intimidating and his language is downright befuddling at times. However, the depth of thought and the immense value of Owen's works cannot be quantified. His three classic works on sin and temptation are profoundly helpful to any believer who seeks to become more like Jesus Christ.
    "In this volume, the editors have made updates to the language, translated the Latin, Greek, and Hebrew and footnoted difficult or unknown phrases, all without sacrificing any of the wonderful content of Owen's work. It is a uniquely accessible edition of John Owen's previously daunting work." -- Publisher
    "The editors of this volume have worked hard to make Owen's unrivalled insight into the Christian's inner war with sin accessible to all, and the result is truly a godsend." -- J.I. Packer (1926-2020), Professor of Theology, Regent College
    "John Owen understood how the gospel makes us well. Three cheers for Kapic and Taylor for introducing a new generation to Owen's peerless works." -- Sinclair B. Ferguson, Senior Minister, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, S.C.
    The Works of John Owen at Archive.org
    https://archive.org/search.php?query=the+works+of+john+owen&page=2

    Preston, John (1587-1628), The lavv out Lavved or, The Charter of the Gospell Shewing the Privilege and Prerogative of the Saints by Vertue of the Covenant. Wherein these foure points of doctrine are properly observed, plainely proved, both by Scripture, and reason: and pithily applyed. Viz: doctrine 1 That he that is in the state of grace lyeth in no knowne sinne, no sinne hath dominion over him. 2 That sinne though it doth not raigne in the saints, yet it doth remaine and dwell in them. 3 That the way to overcome sinne, is to get assurance of the love, and grace, and favour of God, whereby it is forgiven them. 4 That whosoever is under the law, sinne hath dominion over him. By that late faithfull and worthy minister of Jesus Christ. Iohn Preston. Doctor in divinity, chaplaine in ordinary to his Majestie, master of Emmanuel Colledge in Cambridge, and sometimes preacher of Lincolnes Inne, 1633.

    Preston, John (1587-1628), Sinnes Overthrow: or, A Godly and Learned Treatise of Mortification: Wherein is excellently handled; First, the generall doctrine of mortification: and Then particularly, how to mortifie fornication. Uncleannesse. Evill concupiscence. Inordinate affection. And covetousnesse. All being the substance of severall sermons upon Colos. 3.5. Mortifie therefore your members, &c. Delivered by that late faithfull preacher, and worthie instrument of Gods glorie, John Preston, Dr. in Divinitie, chaplin in ordinarie to his Majestie, master of Emanuell Colledge in Cambridge, and sometimes preacher of Lincolns-Inne, 1635, ISSN: 00279358. [Colossians 3:5]
    Preston, Sinnes Overthrow: or, A Godly and Learned Treatise of Mortification . . . All Being the Substance of Severall Sermons Upon Colos. 3. 5 [Colossians 3:5]
    https://archive.org/details/siwo00pres/page/n1

    *Scougal, Henry (1650-1678), The Life of God in the Soul of Man and Rules and Instructions for a Holy Life by Robert Leighton (Sanctification, Mortification, Holiness, Assurance, and Rejoicing in the Lord), ISBN: 1857921054. A Christian classic.
    "The young man who wrote this book died in his 28th year, 1678. He achieved more in those 28 years than many strong Christians do in 80. He was one of the brightest lights Scotland has ever seen." -- GCB
    "I never knew what true religion was till God sent me this excellent treatise." -- George Whitefield
    This was the book used of God in the conversion of George Whitefield.

    Mortification (FGB #201)
    The Doctrine of Mortification, Pink, A.W. (1886-1952), The Nature of Mortification, Flavel, John (1630-1691) | Identifying Beloved Lusts, Needler, Benjamin (1620-1682), Only a Christian can Mortify sin, Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), Directions for Mortification, Owen, John (1616-1683), Mortifying sin by the Holy Spirit, Lloyd-Jones, D.M. (1899-1981), Dangers of not Mortifying sin, Hopkins, Ezekiel (1634-1690, Gospel or Legal Mortification? Erskine, Ralph (1685-1752) | How may I Know if I am in a State of Mortification? Love, Christopher (1618-1651)
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/mortfg/mortification

    Temptation (FGB #160)
    Mortification of sin, Erroll Hulse -- A Necessity | Abstain From Fleshly Lusts, Martin Luther (1483-1546) | Helps Against Temptation, Thomas Brooks (1608-1680) | The Christian's Warfare, Robert M. McCheyne (1813-1843) | Temptation of Believers, John Owen (1616-1683) | Benefits of Temptation, G.A.W.
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/tempfg/temptation

    See also: The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Discipleship, Soteriology, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Forgiveness of sin, Justification, Justifying faith, Sanctification, Prayer, The holiness of God, and so forth, and so on.

    Related Weblinks

    *Love not the World (FGB #163)
    The World Passeth Away | The Scriptures and the World | The Christian and the World | Love not the World | What art Thou? | Which World am I a Citizen of? | The Saint and the World
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/lntwfg/love-not-the-world

    Mortification (FGB #201)
    The Doctrine of Mortification, Pink, A.W. (1886-1952), The Nature of Mortification, Flavel, John (1630-1691) | Identifying Beloved Lusts, Needler, Benjamin (1620-1682), Only a Christian can Mortify sin, Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), Directions for Mortification, Owen, John (1616-1683), Mortifying sin by the Holy Spirit, Lloyd-Jones, D.M. (1899-1981), Dangers of not Mortifying sin, Hopkins, Ezekiel (1634-1690, Gospel or Legal Mortification? Erskine, Ralph (1685-1752) | How may I Know if I am in a State of Mortification? Love, Christopher (1618-1651)
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/mortfg/mortification

    Sanctification (FGB #215)
    Holiness in Little Things | Let us Then Shine | The Nature of Sanctification | Mortification and Vivification | The Importance of Sanctification | Justification and Sanctification | Definitive and Progressive Sanctification | Christ and Sanctification | The Definition of Sanctification | The Motive of Sanctification
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/sancfg/sanctification

    *Secret Sins (FGB #209)
    An Examination of Secret Sins, Sedgwick, Obadiah (1600-1658) | Folly, Misery, Guilt, and Danger of Secret Sins, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | Secret Sins Hinder Secret Prayer, Brooks, Thomas (1608-1680) | Man's Ways and God's Way of Covering Sins, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | Our Secret Sins in God's Sight, Payson, Edward (1783-1827) | Final Judgment Upon Secret Sins, Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758) | A Plea for Those in Secret Sin, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | A Sight of sin and a Sight of Jesus, Winslow, Octavius (1808-1878)
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/ssinfg/secret-sins

    *Sin of Unbelief (FGB #174)
    The White Devil, Bunyan, John (1628-1688) | Departing From the Living God, Gurnall, William (1617-1679) | Doubting God, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | A Solemn Impeachment of Unbelievers, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | Thoughts of Unbelief, Erskine, Ebenezer (1685-1752) | Giant Despair, Whyte, Alexander (1836-1921) https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/sounfg/sin-of-unbelief

    Sinfulness of sin (FGB #240)
    Repentance, Faith, and sin | Unknown Depths of Human sin | What is sin? | Nothing so Vile as sin | Our Sins Viewed at the Cross | Innumerable, Monstrous Sins | Degrees of sin | A Heinous, Execrable Thing | Sin: An Infinite Evil | Sin: The Greatest Evil | Sin is Contrary to God
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/sosifg/the-sinfulness-of-sin



    Neighbors

    Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 22:38-40)

    See the Theological Note at 1 Corinthians 13:13, "Love" in The Reformation Study Bible.
    But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13)

    Practice love diligently. It is one of those graces, above all, which grow by constant exercise. Strive more and more to carry it into every little detail of daily life.
    Watch over your own tongue and temper throughout every hour of the day, -- and especially in your dealing with children and near relatives. Remember the character of the excellent woman: She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. (Proverbs 31:26) Remember the words of Paul: Do everything in love. (1 Corinthians 16:14)
    Love should be seen in little things as well as in great ones. Remember, not least, the words of Peter: Love each other deeply; not a love which just barely is a flame, but a burning, shining fire, which everyone around us can see. (1 Peter 4:8) It may cost pains and trouble to keep these things in mind. There may be little encouragement from the example of others. But persevere. Love like this brings its own reward. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

    Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:12)

    He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace. (Proverbs 11:12)

    An hypocrite with his mouth destroyeth his neighbour: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered. (Proverbs 11:9)

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 109, C.H. Spurgeon
    For my love they are my adversaries: but I give myself unto prayer. (Psalm 109:4)
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps109.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

    For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead. Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate. (Psalm 143:3,4)
    Sever abuse of all types can blind a victim spiritually.

    We might have bad neighbors, but we can pray. -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)

    I find it to be most true, that the greatest temptation out of hell is to live without temptations. If my waters should stand, they would rot. Faith is the better of the free air, and of the sharp winter storms in its face. Grace withereth without adversity. The devil is but God's master fencer, to teach us to handle our weapons. -- Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661), The Loveliness of Christ
    Martha Finley uses part of this quote in ELSIE'S WIDOWHOOD, Book 7, Chapter 4, p. 41. Elsie's father consoling her on the sudden, unexpected death of her husband whom had been his lifelong friend.

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Biblical Sonship: An Evaluation of the Sonship Discipleship Course, ISBN: 1889032158 9781889032153.

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Neighbor," and so forth, and so on.

    *Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), What do You do When Your Marriage Goes Sour? ISBN: 0875520480 9780875520483. Alternate title: YOU CAN SWEETEN A SOUR MARRIAGE.
    "Love is not first a feeling, because God commands love: to wife, to neighbor, even to enemy. You must learn how to give. You must forgive: a promise not to use it against the person, not to talk to others, not to dwell on it yourself. The husband is responsible to take initiative in love." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), You can Sweeten a Sour Marriage, ISBN: 0801000963 9780801000966. Alternate title: WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOUR MARRIAGE GOES SOUR.
    "Love is not first a feeling, because God commands love: to wife, to neighbor, even to enemy [with conditions -- compiler]. You must learn how to give. You must forgive: a promise not to use it [a wrong -- compiler], against the person, not to talk to others, not to dwell on it yourself. The husband is responsible to take initiative in love." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    Binning, Hugh (1627-1653), Three Untitled Sermons on 1 John 3:23. In THE WORKS OF THE REVEREND HUGH BINNING, M.A. (553-63).
    "On faith and love as the sum of the Gospel."

    Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), Love to God and our Neighbour, the sum of the Ten Commandments. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THE REVEREND THOMAS BOSTON (2:74-84). Also in AN ILLUSTRATION OF THE DOCTRINES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION (1:9-2:659)

    Bridge, William, Grace and Love Beyond Gifts. In WORKS OF WILLIAM BRIDGE (4:162-86).

    Jordan, Cora, Neighbor Law: Fences, Trees, Boundaries, and Noise, 6th edition (Nolo, March 2008), 424 pages, ISBN: 9781413307511 1413307515.
    "An easy-to-read guide on laws concerning common neighbor disputes, including noise, trees and blocked views.
    "Is the noise from next door keeping you up at night? Is the view from your backyard being obstructed? Is a neighboring business driving you crazy? Learn your rights and responsibilities with NEIGHBOR LAW, Nolo's clear-cut, comprehensive guide to the laws concerning common neighbor disputes. The popular bestseller covers: fences, trees, boundaries, blocked views, noise, water issues, neighborhood businesses, dangers to children ("attractive nuisances"), and more. "In plain English, NEIGHBOR LAW explains how to find applicable laws and resolve disputes without going to court. It tells you when the law is on your side and how to deal with your neighbors without creating enemies. If you must go to small claims court, you will also find you all the facts you need in this popular book.
    "The 6th edition is completely revised to include new information on mediation, disputes about secondhand smoke, outdoor lights, blighted property, and drug dealing. It also has a new chapter on researching the law online.
    "Your home is important to you and your neighbors aren't going anywhere. NEIGHBOR LAW can help you deal with difficult situations and keep your home life peaceful." -- Publisher

    *Kennedy, D. James, Learning to Live With the People you Love, ISBN: 0883681900 9780883681909.
    Love "is sharing life together in a way that brings glory to God and enriches the lives of every family member."
    Dr. Kennedy says no book he has written has brought so many comments as this one.
    Read this in conjunction with Dr. Kennedy's 6-message audio cassette [audio file], series "Secrets of Successful Marriages," the audio cassette [audio file], message "Why Some Marriages Fail and Others Succeed," and the 4-message audio cassette [audio file], series "The Christian Marriage Series."

    *Marshall, Walter (1628-1680), The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification: Growing in Holiness by Living in Union With Christ (Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, Inc., 2005, 1999), 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:
    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
    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)

    *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

    *Ornish, Dean, Love and Survival: The Scientific Basis for the Healing Power of Intimacy, ISBN: 0060930209 9780060930202.
    "Many people know Dean Ornish as the doctor who proved that symptoms of heart disease can be reversed with a regimen of a low-fat diet, exercise, and stress reduction. In LOVE AND SURVIVAL, he concentrates on the less tangible aspects of a healthful life. Through anecdotes and dozens of scientific studies, Ornish demonstrates that personal intimacy and other aspects of emotional well-being -- all the elements that make up what we call 'love' -- are as important to our physical condition as to our mental health. Not only do these positive emotions motivate us to make better lifestyle choices, Ornish argues, they also have a powerful direct effect on our bodies, giving us stronger immune systems, better cardiovascular functioning, and longer life expectancies. But the benefits of opening our hearts to others go beyond curing our bodies of disease; it's also the first step toward healing our entire lives." -- Publisher

    *Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon.
    A sermon by C.H. Spurgeon delivered on Lord's-day morning, September 9, 1888, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon no. 2043.
    "This is the way in which you should use this plea. Say, 'My God, I am utterly unworthy, and I own it; but, I beseech thee, hear me for the honour of thy dear Son. By his agony and bloody sweat, by his cross and passion, by his precious death and burial, I beseech thee hear me! O Lord, let the blood of thine Only-begotten prevail with thee! Canst thou put aside his groans, his tears, his death, when they speak on my behalf?' If you can thus come to pleading terms with God upon this ground, you must and will prevail. Jesus must be heard in heaven. The voice of his blood is eloquent with God. If you plead the atoning sacrifice, you must overcome through the blood of the Lamb." -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Reconciliation of relationships, The ten commandments: the moral law, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Ethics, Christianity in the workplace, Love and counseling problems, Loving your enemies, Evil, Forgiveness, Affliction, adversity, trials, suffering, chastisement, 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), Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Sin, The problem of evil, avoiding, eschewing, shunning, Separation, Spiritual warfare, Prayer, Intercessory prayer, TThe sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, The Larger catechism, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Men, women and god, Marriage, Reconciliation of marriage partners, Duties of the christian, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Sin, Forgiveness of sin, Unforgiveness, The blood of christ, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Evangelism, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 1617, 3394
    MGTP: Love -- Toward men

    Related Weblinks

    The Commandments of Jesus, J.S. McConnell (1925)
    http://www.wowzone.com/commandm.htm

    Nave's Topical Bible -- Christ, Prayers of
    http://bible.crosswalk.com/Concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T2807

    The Teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2cha.html#teachljc



    Obedience, Loving and Obeying God

    Obedience, Loving and Obeying God
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr6ch.html#lvobg



    Obesity, Gluttony

    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)

    But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation. (Deuteronomy 32:15)

    For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. (Proverbs 1:32)

    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)

    Gluttony, greed, sloth, envy, wrath, pride, and lust -- these are the seven deadly sins.

    Adults in the United States have one of the highest obesity rates in the world. Nearly a third of U.S. adults 20 years and older are obese, while about two-thirds are overweight, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. (2008)

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Counseling Workshop: Multiple Persons; Unbeliever Doesn't Leave; Discipling Children; Obesity and Fatness, six audio cassettes [audio file], (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA505 [audio file].

    Fitzpatrick, Elyse, More Than Bread: A Workbook for Women who Struggle With Eating (San Diego, CA: CCEF West [now Institute of Biblical Counseling and Discipleship]). Available from Institute of Biblical Counseling and Discipleship, 3495 College Ave., San Diego, CA, 92115; 619-582-5554.
    "A workbook that addresses ungodly eating habits, both the obvious behaviors and the typical motives of the heart that produce such behavior. Addresses three main categories of sinful eating: overeating, anorexia, and bulimia." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
    Institute of Biblical Counseling and Discipleship (formerly CCEF West)
    http://www.ibcd.org/

    Popkin, Barry, The World is Fat: The Fads, Trends, Policies, and Products That are Fattening the Human Race, ISBN: 1583333134 9781583333136.
    "FAST FOOD NATION meets THE WORLD IS FLAT in this eye-opening look at the obesity epidemic.
    "Today, the planet's 1.3 billion overweight people by far outnumber the 700 million who are undernourished. This figure would have seemed ludicrous just fifty years ago, when hunger was the world's most pressing nutritional problem.
    "In THE WORLD IS FAT, Barry Popkin argues that the fattening of the human race is not simply about that next cheeseburger; rather, it is a result of an unprecedented collision of human biology with trends in technology, globalization, government policy, and the food industry that are changing how we eat and how we live.
    "Popkin, whose expertise in both nutrition and economics makes him uniquely qualified to write this book, compares our lifestyles today with those of half a century ago through the stories of five families living in the United States, Mexico, and India. He shows how increasing access to media and exposure to advertising, a powerful food industry, the rise of Walmart like shopping centers, and a dramatic decline in physical activity are clashing with millions of years of human evolution, creating a world of overweight people with debilitating health problems such as diabetes. Ultimately, Popkin contends that widespread obesity is less a result of poor individual dietary choices than about a hi-tech, interconnected world in which governments and multinational corporations have extraordinary power to shape our everyday lives.
    "Barry Popkin is the Carla Smith Chamblee Distinguished Professor of Global Nutrition at the University of North Carolina and the director of the UNC Interdisciplinary Obesity Center. His research has spanned all continents over the past thirty years. His work has been featured in hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Scientific American." -- Publisher

    Shogren, Gary, and Edward Welch, Running in Circles: How to Find Freedom From Addictive Behavior, ISBN: 0801083877 9780801083877, 96 pages.
    "Companion volume to Welch's and Shogren's ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOR. Intended as a practical guide to help those who struggle with 'addictive behavior:' drugs, alcohol, food, immorality, and so forth. Especially useful as a first introduction to biblical thinking for such people." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    Teitelbaum, Jacob, and Chrystle Fiedler, Beat Sugar Addiction Now: The Cutting-edge Program That Cures Your Type of Sugar Addiction and Puts you on the Road to Feeling Great -- and Losing Weight, ISBN: 9781592334155 1592334156.
    "With one-third of our calories coming from sugar and white flour added to processed foods, sugar addiction is a rapidly growing epidemic. Teitelbaum uncovers four types of sugar addiction and gives a step-by-step plan for resolving their underling causes, breaking sugar cravings forever, and achieving improved health and energy levels." -- Publisher

    Vath, Raymond E., Counseling Those With Eating Disorders, ISBN: 0849905834 9780849905834.
    Vath is an integrationist, combining Christianity with Psychology/Psychiatry.
    "This is not a 'how-to-treat' book but rather one that explains the attitudes and principles that have been effective in treating over 200 eating disorder cases of anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Part I deals with the nature, causes and consequences while Part II deals with the treatment." -- GCB
    Includes bibliography and index.
    "Dr. Vath, who is a Psychiatrist, approaches the counseling of eating disorders from the perspective of a strong, working faith in the principles of Christian teaching. He speaks from a position of having counseled over a hundred patients in their recovery from anorexia.
    "His book also deals in a lesser extent with bulemia, especially as it sometimes may be an adjunct of the recovering anorexic.
    "Dr. Vath's book is very readable and insightful. I would recommend it for any person who has any family member or close acquaintance with the disorder. -- Reader's Comment

    Welch, Edward, and Gary Shogren, Addictive Behavior, ISBN: 0801097371 9780801097379, 176 pages.
    "Guides pastors and other counselors in understanding 'addictions' biblically, and takes them through five typical sessions of counseling. The prominent case study focuses on alcohol abuse in a church context, but the principles apply to other enslaving behaviors." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    Wilde, Gary (editor), Hope for the Hungry Heart: God's Promises for Overeaters, ISBN: 0840732430 9780840732439.

    See also: Physical health, Summary and research index of key information in chapter 8: physical health and healthcare, Self-denial, Self-discipline, Nutrition, neutriceuticals, Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, Worry, Habits, Addiction, alcoholism, substance abuse, drug abuse, Self-destruction, Fellowship, Friendship, Loneliness, Alcoholism and addiction, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Leniency, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Christian life, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 3198-3204

    Related Weblinks

    Free Calorie Counter
    "We believe -- and medical studies prove -- that the best way to lose weight and keep it off forever is to simply keep track of the foods you eat. Gimmicky machines and fad diets don't work, so we designed a free website and mobile apps that make calorie counting and food tracking easy.
    "In one of the longest running and largest weight loss studies ever conducted, Dr. Jack Hollis found that simply writing down the foods you eat encourages you to consume fewer calories, and that's the key to losing weight. You don't need expensive gym equipment or memberships to lose weight -- you just need to keep track of what you eat.
    " 'The more food records people kept, the more weight they lost. Those who kept daily food records lose twice as much weight as those who kept no records. It seems that the simple act of writing down what you eat encourages people to consume fewer calories'." -- Dr. Jack Hollis, Kaiser Permanente's Center for Health Research,

    Is a Calorie Just a Calorie? Why Overdosing on Sugar Could be Killing You, May 24, 2014
    "There is growing evidence that not all calories are created equal. Although Americans have been told to avoid fat because it can make us fat, this advice has resulted in higher amounts of sugar, fructose, and other highly refined carbohydrates in our diet. Dr. Robert Lustig finds that processed foods, high in sugar and low in fiber, are the most likely culprits that are truly making Americans fatter. He offers scientific evidence, and he has practical advice on the solution: eat real food!"
    http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2014/05/24/947-is-a-calorie-just-a-calorie-why-overdosing-on-sugar-could-be-killing-you/

    The Mediterranean Zone Diet
    "Merging the benefits of the Zone diet and the Mediterranean diet, the Mediterranean Zone diet promises flavorful meals that keep hunger in check for hours. The Zone diet popularized by Dr. Barry Sears was one of the earliest to emphasize the importance of balancing protein, fat and carbohydrate consumption at every meal. Dr. Sears pioneered the idea that the food we eat is more powerful than any drug in controlling the activity of multiple hormones in our bodies."
    http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2016/08/18/show-989-the-mediterranean-zone-diet/

    Munching on Sugary Treats Adds to Cardiovascular Risk, February 6, 2014
    "Sugar is turning out to be more dangerous than previously thought. That's the conclusion of a large epidemiological study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine. More than 30,000 people were questioned in detail about their health and their diets between 1988 and 2010. Approximately 11,000 adults were included in a study that linked mortality to diet. The conclusions are pretty chilling. As added sugar makes up a greater proportion of the diet, the risk of dying from heart disease or stroke climbs. People who got 25 percent or more of their calories from sugar, whether in soft drinks, desserts, or candy or cereal, were almost three times more likely to die during the study from cardiovascular causes. For those eating 2,000 calories a day, 25 percent translates into 500 calories from sugar or roughly 31 teaspoons."
    http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2014/02/06/munching-on-sugary-treats-adds-to-cardiovascular-risk/

    A Redneck Resolution Against Self-destruction
    http://www.lettermen2.com/redneck.html

    Supertracker
    Users can create a profile in order to maintain their current weight. Profile gives calories/day.
    https://www.supertracker.usda.gov/createprofile.aspx



    Oaths, Ensnaring Vows, Promises, and Covenants, Bonds With the Ungodly

    Of Lawful Oaths and Vows
    "A lawful oath is a part of religious worship, wherein, upon just occasion, the person swearing solemnly calleth God to witness what he asserteth or promiseth, and to judge him according to the truth or falsehood of what he sweareth" (Westminster Confession of Faith [1646], 22:1). Further, "whosoever taketh an oath ought duly to consider the weightiness of so solemn an act, and therein to avouch nothing but what he is fully persuaded is the truth: neither may any man bind himself by oath to anything but what is good and just, and what he believeth so to be, and what he is able and resolved to perform" (Westminster Confession of Faith [1646], 22:3). "A vow is of the like nature with a promissory oath," but "it is not to be made to any creature, but to God alone" (Westminster Confession of Faith [1646], 22:4, 6). Thus, the Scripture warns, Better it is that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay. (Eccl. 5:5 [Ecclesiastes 5:5]).
    Similarly, our Savior condemned oaths of subterfuge, saying, Let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay. (Matt. 5:3 [Matthew 5:3]). Or, as the apostle James puts it, Let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. (Jam. 5:12 [James 5:12]). Thus, we learn that "an oath is to be taken in the plain and common sense of the words, without equivocation, or mental reservation." (Westminster Confession of Faith [1646], 22:4)

    Vowing and covenanting are, in scripture, often used indiscriminately. They both imply an obligation which the vower or covenanter, imposes upon himself, by his own solemn act. Vowing, however, may be considered as differing from covenanting, in this, that the former does not necessarily suppose more than one party coming under obligation; whereas the latter necessarily supposes two. With respect to religious obligations, these terms may be, and often are, used indiscriminately. In the constitution of the everlasting covenant, God has become a party, in all the religious obligations, into which he commands his people to enter. In this transaction, God the Father, representing the Trinity, stood as one of the high contracting parties, bound by the solemnity of an oath, Hebrew 6:17,18, where we are informed, that for evidencing the immutability of his counsel, and for the consolation of his people, He confirmed it (the covenant) by oath. Hence ALEIM (from ALE which signifies an oath) is the name assumed by the Trinity, whereby they represent themselves as bound under the obligation of an oath, to the performance of certain conditions, stipulated by covenant. In allusion to the eternity of the engagement on the part of the Trinity, it is predicated of them, previously to the creation. Hence the first mention of Deity in holy writ, is in the plural number, under the character of the swearers or the covenanters, Genesis 1:1. In the beginning ALEIM, the swearers or the covenanters created the heavens and the earth. God the Son, as mediator, representing elect sinners, stands as the other party. He, in their name, has fulfilled the conditionary part of the covenant, and sealed it with his precious blood. When the representees covenant with God, they only say Amen, to what Jesus has done, and solemnly engage in the strength of grace, to a conscientious performance of all commanded duties. Hence all these engagements of the people of God are grafted upon the mediatory fulfillment of the covenant of grace, and every duty unto which they engage, respects the law only as a rule of life in the Mediator's hand. All evangelical obedience must be considered as flowing from, and evidential of, a vital relation to the covenant Head. Hence Isaiah 56:6, God calls it a taking hold of his covenant. This new covenant instrument, therefore, is already subscribed by the Trinity, and vowing, or solemnly binding ourselves, to the performance of what it requires, is only appending our signature to that eternal deed. Vowing, therefore, is only another name for covenanting, and consequently these words shall be used indiscriminately, in the following discourse." -- Samuel B. Wylie (1773-1852)

    See the Theological Notes: "Honest Speech, Oaths, and Vows," at Nehemiah 5:12 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.
    But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men . . .     -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 2:23, 24)

    Neither can oath nor promise bind any such people to obey and maintain tyrants against God and against his truth known. -- John Knox (1505-1572)

    A vow is a promise made to God. . . . When I say that a vow is a promise, I imply that the matter of it is necessarily some real or supposed good; to be good, or to do good, or not to do evil. Evil may be the matter of an oath, but it is not properly a vow, if the matter be not supposed good. . . . Doth not the law of nature oblige us to serve God to the utmost of our power? He that denieth it, is become unnatural, and must deny God to be God, or deny himself to be his rational creature: for nothing is more clear in nature, than that the creature who is nothing, and hath nothing but from God, and is absolutely his own, doth owe him all that he is able to do." -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)

    The difference between God's law and man's law? God, in his perfect righteousness and omnipotence, enforces his law. Man, a corrupt creature, is unable to enforce his own laws, apart from the help of God.
    Likewise, God alone is capable of keeping an oath (often used interchangeably with vow, promise, and covenant). Therefore, only an oath with God is binding upon man, because man, with his corrupt nature, is unable to keep an oath. It follows that oaths made with false gods, false religions, heretical or pseudo-Christian movements, cults, corrupt men, fraternal organizations, secret societies, business organizations, criminals, gangs, and so forth, are not valid oaths. They are invalid, because men are unable to keep an oath. To enter into such an oath is a transgression against the Triune God. Such oaths can be ignored. Invalid vows to men place a man in bondage, unable to fulfill his chief and highest end "to glorify God, and fully to enjoy him for ever." (Larger Catechism)
    See Nehemiah 9:5-37; 9:8b; Joshua 21:45 21:45; Joshua 23:14; Numbers 23:19; Psalm 92:15; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:18.

    Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed. (This rule was an affectation of grandeur, and a very foolish one. Immutability is for God, and not for men.) -- C.H. Spurgeon, Spurgeon's Devotional Bible, p. 454

    The king is as much bound by his oath not to infringe the legal rights of the people, as the people are bound to yield subjection to him. From whence it follows that as soon as the prince sets himself above the law, he loses the king in the tyrant. He does, to all intents and purposes, un-king himself. -- Jonathan Mayhew, in a sermon in 1765

    I do judge, and in conscience believe, that no power on earth can absolve, and liberate the people of God from the bonds and sacred ties of the oath of God. I am persuaded that Asa acted warrantably, in making a law, that the people should stand to the covenant, in receiving into the covenant such as were not of his kingdom, 2 Chron. 15:9,10 [2 Chronicles 15:9,10]. -- Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661), Testimony to the Covenanted Work of Reformation

    The depravity of man is at once the most empirically verifiable reality, but at the same time the most intellectually resisted fact. (Genesis 6:5; Genesis 8:21b; Ecclesiastes 9:3b; Jeremiah 17:9; Mark 7:21-23; Ephesians 2:1-3; Titus 3:3-5) -- Malcolm Muggeridge (1903-1990). See John Calvin's Commentary on Isaiah Chapter 33 [Isaiah 33:1-66].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Associations," and so forth, and so on.

    Binning, Hugh (1627-1653), An Useful Case of Conscience Learnedly and Accurately Discussed and Resolved: Concerning Associations and Confederacies with Idolaters, Infidels, Heretics, Malignants, or any Other Known Enemies of Truth and Godliness, 1693. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #8.
    "Dr. McCrie said of Binning, 'few writers please me more.' Binning was appointed Regent and Professor of Moral Philosophy at the University of Glasgow in his nineteenth year. An extremely popular preacher, his works continue to be highly esteemed to this day. He died in 1654 at the age of 29. Here he warns against joining oneself with any known enemies of truth and upholds the Biblical injunction, concerning secondary separation, to abstain from even the appearance of evil. Specifically, 'written to expose and counteract the purpose and proceeding of the Resolutioners. Binning was one of the band of Covenanters (i.e. a Protester -- RB), who deemed they would not be justified in fighting for Charles, without additional security being provided for the maintenance of their religious privileges, and unless some adequate restraint were imposed upon the exercise of the royal authority.' (Johnston, Treasury of the Scottish Covenant, p. 328). Excerpted from the 1858 edition of BINNING'S WORKS." -- Publisher
    An Useful Case of Conscience, Learnedly and Accurately Discussed and Resolved, Concerning Associations and Confederacies with Idolaters, Infidels, Heretics, Malignants, or any Other Known Enemies of Truth and Godliness, by Hugh Binning
    http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/19/hugh-binnings-an-useful-case-of-conscience

    *Brown, John (of Haddington, 1722-1787), The Absurdity and Perfidy of all Authoritative Toleration of Gross Heresy, Blasphemy, Idolatry, Popery, in Britain. In two letters to a friend in which the doctrine of the Westminster Confession of Faith [1646] relative to Toleration of a False Religion, and the power of the civil magistrate about sacred matters; and the nature, origin, ends and obligation of the National Covenant and Solemn League are candidly represented and defended, 1797. Alternate title: A COMPEND OF THE LETTERS OF THE REV. JOHN BROWN, LATE MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL IN HADDINGTON: ON AUTHORITATIVE TOLERATION OF GROSS HERESY, BLASPHEMY, IDOLATRY, POPERY IN BRITAIN, AND ON NATIONAL COVENANTING; IN WHICH THE DOCTRINE OF THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH . . . AND OF THE NATIONAL COVENANT AND SOLEMN LEAGUE ARE CANDIDLY REPRESENTED AND DEFENDED, 1797, and "REFORMATION ATTAINMENTS VERSUS BACKSLIDING RELIGIOUS PROFESSORS," appears to be an excerpt. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #7, #25, #26.
    The Absurdity and Perfidy of all Authoritative Toleration of Gross Heresy, Blasphemy, Idolatry, Popery, in Britain
    http://archive.org/details/absurdityperfidy00brow
    "Reformation Attainments Versus Backsliding Religious Professors (excerpt from THE ABSURDITY AND PERFIDY OF ALL AUTHORITATIVE TOLERATION . . .
    "Here Brown deals with three major Reformation attainments (anti-tolerationism, establishmentarianism and the obligations of lawful covenants as they biblically bind posterity), that Satan has always been especially concerned to overthrow -- in every major demonic move to open the floodgates of lawlessness, anarchy and misrule. Fletcher, in the preface to the 1797 edition, relates this truth as it comes to bear on various religious professors, stating, 'Papists were enemies to our covenants because they were a standard lifted up against their system of abominable idolatries. Episcopalians were enemies to them, because they were a standard lifted up against their anti-scriptural church-officers and inventions of men in the worship of God. Some Presbyterians are enemies to them in our day through ignorance of their nature and ends; and others through fear of being too strictly bound to their duty.' (cited in Johnston, Treasury of the Scottish Covenant, p. 486)
    "A History of Heresy
    "It is also interesting to note the long list of backsliders and heretics that often oppose one or more of these points. 'The ancient Donatists, a sect of Arian separatists, who appeared about the beginning of the 4th century, seem to have been among the first who held out these opinions to the Christian world. Feeling the weight of the arm of power for their schismatical practices, by way of reprisal, they stripped the magistrate of all power in religion; -- maintaining that he had no more power about religious matters than any private person, and refusing him the right of suppressing the propagators of doctrines different from those professed by the Church, or the observers of a different form of worship. From them the German Anabaptists adopted the same views. Then the Socinians (i.e. an early form of Scripture-denying liberals -- RB), and remonstrant Arminians, whenever the magistrate ceased to patronize their cause. The English Independents during the time of the Long Parliament were the zealous supporters of the same opinions. In their rage for liberty of conscience, they formed the strongest opposition in the Westminster Assembly which the Presbyterians had to encounter. Through their influence that venerable body was much embarrassed (hindered -- RB), in their proceeding; and by their means (in collusion with that "Judas of the Covenant," Cromwell -- RB), certain passages of the Confession of Faith never obtained the ratification of the English Parliament. The English Dissenters of the present age are generally in the same views, especially the Socinians, the Arians, and the Quakers, who have most to dread from the Laws of the Land against their blasphemies. And who knows not that the high reputation of Mr. Locke as a Philosopher . . . has given these opinions such an air of respectability, that many youth in the Universities have been thereby inclined to embrace them?' (Preface, pp. vi-vii).
    "The Covenantal Hammer Smashing the Idols of our day
    "In our day the tree of toleration (and the anti-Scriptural principles which logically grow out of it), has spread its branches in ways that could have never been envisioned by those that took the first steps away from biblical and covenanted uniformity. What Brown is fighting against here is an error so foundational that when left unchecked it permeates all of society, cutting out the foundational roots that are necessary for all national Reformations. And if the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? (Ps. 11:3 [Psalm 11:3]). Furthermore, as the preface notes 'liberty of conscience and of opinion' are 'the great idols of the day.' Here Brown takes out his covenantal hammer and smashes these idols with an inconoclastic zeal worthy of our earlier Reformed forefathers. This book is especially useful in answering the persistent fear and questions that always arise when these old Reformed views are discussed: that is, the questions dealing with religious persecution. Brown spends much time in clearing the Westminster Divines of such false charges, while also setting these controversial Reformed teachings on a thoroughly biblical foundation.
    "Westminster's View of the 'Everlasting' Solemn League and Covenant
    "Interestingly, in the section defending the continuing obligation of the National and Solemn League and Covenant, we also note that the Westminster Assembly considered the Solemn League and Covenant an 'everlasting covenant.' Brown cites the following as proof, 'That the body of the English nation also swore the Solemn League and Covenant, is manifest. The Westminster Assembly and English Parliament, affirm, 'The honourable house of Parliament, the Assembly of Divines, the renowned city of London, and multitudes of other persons of all ranks and quality in this nation, and the whole body of Scotland, have all sworn it, rejoicing at the oath so graciously seconded from heaven. God will, doubtless, stand by all those, who with singleness of heart shall now enter into an everlasting covenant with the Lord.' (p. 161, emphasis added). The footnote tells us that the words Brown was quoting were taken from 'Exhortation to take the Covenant, February, 1644.'
    "Our Modern Day Malignants
    "Brown also includes a helpful section on a point some modern day malignants are once again attempting to use to overthrow the biblical attainments of the Covenanted Reformation. This section shows that 'the intrinsic obligation of promises, oaths, vows, and covenants which constitutes their very essence or essential form, is totally and manifestly distinct from the obligation of the law of God in many respects.' (p. 120)
    "Brown's Dying Testimony to his Children
    "Finally, we cite a portion of Brown's dying testimony to his children given in the introduction (p. xix). Such testimonies, from notable Christian leaders, often contain singularly pertinent charges to their hearers. (For another notable example of this see James Renwick's dying testimony, as he was about to be martyred for his adherence to the Solemn League and Covenant, when he recounts what was later to become most of the terms of communion in Covenanted Presbyterian churches. This testimony can be found in Thompson's A CLOUD OF WITNESSES FOR THE ROYAL PREROGATIVES OF JESUS CHRIST BEING THE LAST SPEECHES AND TESTIMONIES OF THOSE WHO HAVE SUFFERED FOR THE TRUTH IN SCOTLAND SINCE . . . 1680. Here are Brown's dying words to his children: 'Adhere constantly, cordially and honestly to the Covenanted Principles of the Church of Scotland, and to that Testimony which hath been lifted up for them. I fear a generation is rising up which will endeavour silently,' (O how prophetic!), 'to let slip these matters, as if they were ashamed to hold them fast, or even to speak of them' (as with many "reformed" publishers and preachers today, who dare not touch the topics Brown deals with in this book -- RB). 'May the Lord forbid that any of you should ever enter into this confederacy against Jesus Christ and his cause! This from a dying father and minister, and a witness for Christ' (Signed) 'John Brown'."
    "Do you Have What it Takes?
    "If you have the courage to compare the original Reformed faith with that which is often promoted under its name today (and in many ways the old Reformed faith bears little resemblance to the 'new light' Reformers and innovators of our day), then this is an ideal book to obtain and study." -- Reg Barrow
    Following are three works related to THE ABSURDITY AND PERFIDY OF ALL AUTHORITATIVE TOLERATION OF GROSS HERESY, BLASPHEMY, IDOLATRY, POPERY, IN BRITAIN by John Brown of Wamphray.
    1. 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.
    "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
    2. Price, Greg L., Terms of Communion: Covenants and Covenanting, a series of 7 audio cassettes [audio file]. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "Explains and defends the fourth term of communion, which is 'That public, social covenanting is an ordinance of God, obligatory on churches and nations under the New Testament; that the National Covenant and the Solemn League are an exemplification of this divine institution; and that these Deeds are of continued obligation upon the moral person; and in consistency with this, that the Renovation of these Covenants at Auchensaugh, Scotland, 1712 was agreeable to the word of God.' Includes the studies offered separately on the National Covenant (2 tapes), the Solemn League and Covenant (1 tape), the Auchensaugh Renovation (2 tapes), as well as two introductory lectures (only available in this set), on the biblical principles related to the ordinance of covenanting, the descending obligation of lawful covenants, objections against covenanting, etc. Roberts, in his REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CATECHISM, catches the spirit of this tape set in the following question and answer:
    "Q. May we not indulge the hope, that, in the goodness of our covenant God, and by the promised outpouring of his Holy Spirit, 'the kingdoms of the world' at large, and the British empire in particular, will dedicate themselves to God in a covenant not to be forgotten -- animated by the example of our covenant fathers exhibited in these memorable deeds?
    "A. Yes. We have the most cheering grounds for this blessed hope; for it is written, that the nations at large in the spirit of devoted loyalty, shall cry -- 'Come and let us join ourselves to the Lord in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten': and it cannot be well doubted, that the death-cry of the martyred Guthrie has been heard on high, and shall be verified -- 'The covenants, the covenants, shall yet be Scotland's (and the world's -- RB), reviving.' (p. 151)
    "A thoroughly amazing set of tapes -- among our best!" -- Publisher
    3. Cunningham, John (1819-1893), The Ordinance of Covenanting, 1843. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #3, #27.
    "This book is considered by many as the classic work on covenanting. 'The theology of Covenanting is here unfolded with a richness of scriptural research and a maturity of intellectual strength which would have made the grey eye of Peden glisten with delight. The treatise is a valuable addition to that solid theological literature of which the Reformed Presbyterian Church has produced repeated and enduring specimens, and stamps Mr. Cunningham as a distinguished disciple of the thoughtful and scriptural school of Mason and the Symingtons' (Presbyterian Review (1844), as cited by Johnston, Treasury of the Scottish Covenant).
    "The author himself notes that 'prayer and the offering of praise are universally admitted to be duties of religion. The Scriptures announce a place among these for the exercise of solemn Covenanting . . . What the word of God unfolds concerning it, is addressed to the most resolute consideration of all, and is capable of engaging the most extensive and prolonged investigation. And yet, though none have found this subject, like all God's judgments, else than a great deep, still in meditating upon it, the ignorant have been brought to true knowledge, and the wise have increased in wisdom. The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. (Psalm 25:14). Mutual federal engagements, concerning things religious and civil, whether entered into merely by simple promise, or confirmed by the solemn oath, have been made from the highest antiquity to the present. The hostility to some such engagements, and also the proud disregard for their obligation, which have been evinced by some in all ages, demand a most careful examination into their nature and design . . . Furnished with the key of Scripture, approaching the subject, we are enabled to open the mysteries in which ignorance and prejudice had shut it up; and equipped with the armour of light shooting forth its heavenly radiance, in safety to ourselves we assail the darkness thrown around it, and behold the instant flight of the spirits of error which that darkness contains. Standing alone in beauteous attractions descended from heaven upon it, this service beckons us to approach it, and engages to connect extensive good with a proper attention to its claims. The observance, under various phases, is described in Scripture as an undisputed and indisputable reality.'
    "In this book Cunningham exhaustively covers the subject of covenanting in over 400 pages. He deals with the manner, duty and nature of covenanting (including personal and social covenanting), the obligation covenanting confers, how covenanting is provided for in the everlasting covenant, how it is adapted to the moral constitution of man and how it is according to the purposes of God. Numerous Divine examples are cited from Scripture and covenanting is shown to be one of the great privileges of the Christian life.
    "An interesting chapter covers 'Covenanting Enforced By the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals;' which touches on circumcision, baptism, the Sabbath, the Priesthood, the new heart and the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Furthermore, this book demonstrates how God's approbation rested upon Covenanters in former ages, how covenanting is predicted in prophecy, how it is recommended by the practice of the New Testament Church and at what seasons it is appropriate. The appendices touch on the relationship of covenanting to immoral and unscriptural civil governments, the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, the British constitution and the apostasy of the Revolution settlement.
    "Additionally, Cunningham acknowledges that the true church is 'bound by the obligations of the Church of God is past times' and is still obligated to pay what it has vowed to the Lord in those magnificent attainments of the Second Reformation (the epitome of these attainments being embodied in the Solemn League and Covenant and the Westminster Standards).
    "If you are interested in the ordinance of covenanting this is the most extensive treatment you will find in one book. It is a gold mine of Scriptural references and should be read at least once by everyone who calls upon the name of Christ." -- Publisher
    "David Steele dedicated this work [NOTES ON THE APOCALYPSE -- compiler], to John Cunningham (1819-1893), author of THE ORDINANCE OF COVENANTING." -- Publisher
    The Ordinance of Covenanting
    http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/6/29/ordinance-of-covenanting

    *Brown, John (of Haddington, 1722-1787), Our Modern Day Malignants. An excerpt from THE ABSURDITY AND PERFIDY OF ALL AUTHORITATIVE TOLERATION OF GROSS HERESY, BLASPHEMY, IDOLATRY, POPERY, IN BRITAIN. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "Brown also includes a helpful section on a point some modern day malignants are once again attempting to use to overthrow the biblical attainments of the Covenanted Reformation. This section shows that 'the intrinsic obligation of promises, oaths, vows, and covenants which constitutes their very essence or essential form, is totally and manifestly distinct from the obligation of the law of God in many respects'." (p. 120) -- Publisher

    Calvin, John (1509-1564), The Unity of the Reformed Churches. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.

    Calvin, John (1509-1564), Vows: And how Everyone Rashly Taking Them has Miserably Entangled Himself, in INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION (translated by Henry Beveridge), 4.13.1-21.
    http://www.ccel.org/ccel/calvin/institutes.vi.xiv.html

    Caryl, Joseph (1602-1673), The Nature, Solemnity, Grounds, Property, and Benefits of a Sacred Covenant: Together With the Duties of Those who Enter Into Such a Covenant: Delivered in a Sermon at Westminster at the Publique Convention, Ordered by the Honourable House of Commons, for the Taking of the Covenant, by all such, of all degrees as willingly presented themselves, upon Friday Oct. 6, 1643. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    A sermon on the Solemn League and Covenant, Nehemiah IX, 38. [Nehemiah 9:38]
    Caryl, Joseph Caryl on Covenanting
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/covenants/slc_caryl_westminster.html

    Case, Thomas (1598-1682), Spiritual Whoredom, Discovered in a Sermon Preached Before the Honorable House of Commons Assembled in Parliament Upon a Solemn day of Humiliation, May 26, 1647. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Gurudas, Treason: The new World Order, ISBN: 0945946147 9780945946144.
    "This book examines the who, what, where, when of the crimes of the U.S. government. I have read 200 non-Orwellian history and political science books. I have written two Masters Theses myself, and I can say the research in this book is impeccable. Details that Democrats and Republicans work together: we have a one party system: a Bicephalous beast with two heads that snarl and spit at one another to delude the masses into thinking there is a debate . . . This book traces the origins and the crimes of the ruling elite in near chronological order, PhD quality research and detail. Buy one for everyone you know." -- Reader's Comment

    Guthrie, John (1632-1669), Covenanting and God's Blessing and Wrath. Available (MP3) on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Hall, Thomas (1610-1665), and Swinnock, George (1627-1673), The Beauty of Magistracy in an Exposition of the 82 Psalm [Psalm 82], Where is set Forth the Necessity, Utility, Dignity, Duty, and Mortality of Magistrates: Here many other texts of Scripture occasionally are cleared, many quaeries and cases of conscience about the magistrates power, are resolved, many anabaptistical cavils are confuted, and many seasonable observations containing many other heads of divinity, are raised: together with references to such authors as clear any point more fully / by Thomas Hall . . . ; with an additional sermon on verse 6 [Psalm 82:6], by George Swinnock, 1660.

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

    Jacobson, Steven, Mind Control in the United States, ISBN: 0911485007 9780911485004.

    *Knox, John (1505-1572), Appellation From the Sentence Pronounced by the Bishops and Clergy: Addressed to the Nobility and Estates of Scotland. Alternate title: THE APPELLATION OF JOHN KNOX FROM THE CRUELL . . . SENTENCE PRONOUNCED AGAINST HIM BY THE FALSE BISHOPPES AND CLERGEY OF SCOTLAND, WITH HIS SUPPLICATION AND EXHORTATION TO THE NOBILITIE, ESTATES, AND COMMUNALTIE OF THE SAME REALME, and THE APPELLATION . . . TO THE SCOTTISH NOBILITY, and REFORMATION, REVOLUTION AND ROMANISM: AN APPEAL TO THE SCOTTISH NOBILITY, and THE APPELLATION FROM THE SENTENCE PRONOUNCED BY THE BISHOPS AND CLERGY: ADDRESSED TO THE NOBILITY AND ESTATES OF SCOTLAND, and THE APPELLATION. Cover title: REFORMATION, REVOLUTION AND ROMANISM: APPEAL TO THE SCOTTISH NOBILITY (1558). Available (singly as REFORMATION, REVOLUTION AND ROMANISM, in which key text have been underlined by a previous reader), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (REFORMATION, REVOLUTION AND ROMANISM), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1 (MP3), #26. Available (APPELLATION FROM THE SENTENCE PRONOUNCED BY THE BISHOPS AND CLERGY: ADDRESSED TO THE NOBILITY AND ESTATES OF SCOTLAND), on the Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press CD-ROM Library. Available (APPELLATION FROM THE SENTENCE PRONOUNCED BY THE BISHOPS AND CLERGY: ADDRESSED TO THE NOBILITY AND ESTATES OF SCOTLAND), in THE WORKS OF JOHN KNOX, Vol. 4. [John Knox; David Laing ((collector and editor)), THE WORKS OF JOHN KNOX, Vol. 4, reprint of the 1855 edition printed for Bannatyne Club, Edinburgh (New York: AMS Press, 1966)].
    "David Chilton notes, 'Of all the sixteenth-century Reformers, John Knox remains the most ardently loved and fiercely hated. No other leader of his day saw so clearly the political issues in the light of Scripture. Nor has any of his contemporaries had so much direct influence upon the subsequent history of the world. He transformed a land of barbarians into one of the most hard-headly Calvinistic cultures ever to exist, and his doctrines lie at the core of all Protestant revolutionary activity. While he is often considered merely one of Calvin's lieutenants, he was actually a Reformer in his own right. In some respects he was the greatest of them all.' ("John Knox," in The Journal of Christian Reconstruction: Symposium on Puritanism and Law [Vallecito, CA: Chalcedon], Vol. V, No. 2, Winter, 1978-79, p. 194).
    "Furthermore, R.L. Greaves has noted that 'it has even been suggested -- and not altogether without merit -- that Knox was a key link in the development of political ideology that culminated in the American Revolution.' (Theology and Revolution in the Scottish Reformation: Studies in the Thought of John Knox [Grand Rapids, MI: Christian University Press, 1980], p. 156).
    "Moreover, Mason [Roger A. Mason -- compiler], states that this APPEAL [APPELLATION FROM THE SENTENCE PRONOUNCED BY THE BISHOPS AND CLERGY: ADDRESSED TO THE NOBILITY AND ESTATES OF SCOTLAND -- compiler], 'is the most important . . . of Knox's political writings.' (in the Introduction to his compilation of Knox's political writings entitled KNOX: ON REBELLION). [see annotation for KNOX: ON REBELLION elsewhere in this bibliography -- compiler]. It shows in a conclusive manner that Knox wanted a Theonomic Establishment which was careful to 'disapprove, detest, oppose and remove all false worship and all monuments of idolatry' (cf. Westminster Larger Catechism, #108). It also clearly demonstrates that Knox believed in and promoted the continuing binding validity of the Old Testament case laws and the penal sanctions attached to them, including the death penalty.
    "Kevin Reed, in a editor's note, introducing this piece in his newly published SELECTED WRITING OF JOHN KNOX [available on the Puritan Hard Drive. -- compiler], also points out that 'the Westminster Confession provides a distinct echo of Knox, when it states that the magistrate ""hath authority, and it is his duty, to take order, that unity and peace be preserved in the church, that the truth of God be kept pure and entire, that all blasphemies and heresies be suppressed, all corruptions and abuses in worship and discipline prevented or reformed, and all the ordinances of God duly settled, administered, and observed"" (Ch. 23:3, original wording). One secular historian once described Knox as 'Calvin with a sword,' making one wonder if he had not just been reading this very book. For 'where Calvin merely permitted disobedience to an ungodly ruler or immoral law, Knox championed armed rebellion -- a type of Calvinism that made religious revolution in Scotland possible.' (Christian History, Issue 46, p. 35). This is the best of the best; don't miss it!" -- Publisher
    Knox, John, Appellation From the Sentence Pronounced by the Bishops and Clergy: Addressed to the Nobility and Estates of Scotland
    This is a character scan (OCR) of the modernized text published by Protestant Heritage Press. While text may be cut and pasted it is subject to copyright.
    http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualNLs/appellat.htm
    The Works of John Knox (1846), Vol. 4.
    http://archive.org/stream/worksjohnknox07laingoog#page/n4/mode/2up
    Reformation, Revolution and Romanism (1558), John Knox, MP3 file.
    "This has been called John Knox's most important political writing. It also deals with Romanism, God's law, and much more.
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?currSection=sermonssource&sermonID=1030075041
    See also:
    Goodman, Christopher (1520-1603), How Superior Powers ought to be Obeyed of Their Subjects: And Wherein They may Lawfully by God's Word be Disobeyed and Resisted, 1558. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #26. Available (HOW SUPERIOR POWERS OUGHT TO BE OBEYED), on the Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press CD-ROM Library.
    "From 1555 to 1558, Christopher Goodman served as co-pastor, with John Knox, of the congregation of English exiles in Geneva. During the course of his ministry, Goodman preached upon Acts 4:19 and 5:29: 'Whether it be right in the sight of God, to obey you rather than God, judge ye. We ought rather to obey God than men'. . . . In this book, Goodman contends against both ecclesiastical and political tyranny." -- Publisher
    How Superior Powers Ought to be Obeyed of Their Subjects
    http://www.constitution.org/cmt/goodman/obeyed.htm
    See also annotation for:
    Knox, John (1505-1572), 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, Glasgow, 1761. Alternate title: THE HISTORIE OF THE REFORMATION OF THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND CONTAINING FIVE BOOKS: TOGETHER WITH SOME TREATISES CONDUCING TO THE HISTORY. EDITED, WITH A LIFE OF KNOX AND A PREFACE, BY DAVID BUCHANAN. INCLUDES: "THE APPELLATION OF JOHN KNOX, FROM THE . . . SENTENCE PRONOUNCED AGAINST HIM (pp. 1-33); "THE ADMONITION OF JOHN KNOX TO HIS BELOVED BRETHREN THE COMMONALTY OF SCOTLAND" (pp. 34-42); "A FAITHFULL ADMONITION MADE BY JOHN KNOX TO THE TRUE PROFESSORS OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST WITHIN THE KINGDOM OF ENGLAND, 1554" (pp. 43-79); "THE COPIE OF A LETTER DELIVERED TO QUEEN MARY, REGENT OF SCOTLAND" (pp. 80-97); AND "A SERMON PREACHED BY JOHN KNOX [AUGUST 19, 1565]," ISBN: 0851513581 9780851513584. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.

    Manton, Thomas (1620-1677), David's Covenanting our Duty Also. Available (THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THOMAS MANTON and singly as two MP3 files), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Also available at archive.org, THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THOMAS MANTON.
    "Read by Elder Lyndon Dohms. Manton was a covenanted English Presbyterian (he swore the Solemn League and Covenant). He was also chosen to write the 'Epistle to the Reader' in the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646), (which speaks volumes as to his credibility among the preachers and scholars of his day). Sermons like this show us the great depth of the knowledge that was prevalent during the covenanting period, not only in Scotland, but in England also." -- Publisher

    Milroy, William, The Testimony of the Church Respecting Military Associations, etc., With the Wicked and Profane. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    William Milroy's Pamphlet "The Testimony of the Church Respecting Military Associations, &c., With the Wicked and Profane"
    http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/19/william-milroys-pamphlet-the-testimony-of-the-church-respecting-military-associations-c-with-the-wicked-and-profane

    *Roberts, William Louis (1798-1864), The Duty of Nations, in Their National Capacity, to Acknowledge and Support the True Religion, 1853. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1, #27.
    "Excerpted from THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CATECHISM below, this book deals with the inescapable necessity, of the demand found in the Word of God, for the Civil establishment of Christ as King and Lawgiver over every nation on earth. If you are sick of the cease-fire with humanism, set forth by the syncretistic, Satanic and pragmatic pagan politicians of our day (those who bargain with votaries of Antichrist [the Pope], publicly tolerate all manner of false religions (e.g. Islam) and idolatry, and comprise their policy and draw their pretended authority from the beast [and not the Word of God], this book is for you! For all pagan politics is summed up in the words of the Cameronian (Covenanter) political philosopher Alexander Shields, as 'rotting away under the destructive distempers of detestable neutrality, loathsome lukewarmness, declining, and decaying in corruptions, defections, divisions, distractions, confusions; and so judicially infatuated with darkness and delusions, that they forget and forego the necessary testimony of the day.' (A Hind let Loose, 1797 edition, p. 20). Pick up this book and begin the political walk in the 'footsteps of the flock,' traveling the covenanting road of Reformation and Scripture (with the magisterial Reformers of the past)!" -- Publisher
    On the Duty of Covenanting and the Permanent Obligations of Religious Covenants
    Being Section 11 in THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CATECHISM by William L. Roberts
    http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/PresCatCov.htm
    A Hind let Loose; Or An Historical Representation of the Testimonies of the Church of Scotland. . . . by Mr. Alexander Shields, Minister of the Gospel, in St. Andrews
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/shields/
    A Hind let Loose: or, An Historical Representation of the Testimonies of the Church of Scotland, for the Interest of Christ: With the True State Thereof in all its Periods, Shields, Alexander
    http://archive.org/details/hindletlooseorhi00shie
    Reformed Presbyterian Catechism, William L. Roberts D.D.
    http://archive.org/details/ReformedPresbyterianCatechism

    *Shields, Alexander (1660?-1700), A Hind let Loose, or An Historical Representation of the Testimonies of the Church of Scotland for the Interest of Christ With the True State Thereof in all its Periods. Together with a Vindication of the Present Testimony Against Popish, Prelatical, and Malignant Enemies of That Church, as it is now Stated, for the Prerogatives of Christ, Privileges of the Church, and Liberties of Mankind; and Sealed by the Sufferings of a Reproached Remnant of Presbyterians There, Witnessing Against the Corruptions of the Time: Wherein Several Controversies of Greatest Consequence Are Enquired Into, and in Some Measure Cleared; Concerning Hearing of the Curates, Owning of the Present Tyranny, Taking of Ensnaring Oaths and Bonds, Frequenting of Field-Meetings, Defensive Resistance of Tyrannical Violence, With Several Other Subordinate Questions Useful for These Times, 1797, 1744, 1687. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #2, #26.
    "First printed in 1687 (near the end of the 'killing times'), we have used the 1797 edition for this rare bound photocopy because all of the Latin has been translated into English (an obvious improvement for English readers). This rare Covenanter classic, concerning Calvinistic political philosophy and tactics of civil resistance, is comparable to Samuel Rutherford's LEX, REX; in fact it could rightly be referred to as 'Lex, Rex volume two.' It is solidly in the line of John Knox's teachings on civil disobedience and addresses numerous topics that are relevant to today's Christian. 'In A HIND LET LOOSE, Shields justified the Cameronian resistance to royal absolutism and the divine right of kings. He argued that government is divinely ordained, but the people are entitled to bring a king to judgment for wrongdoing. Parliament is commissioned by the people to oversee the nation's affairs, but the compact between the people and their rulers does not entail a forfeiture of the people's power to depose tyrants and confer authority on someone else. Government is by consent, and must justify itself to the consciences of the people. God has given men the right of self defense, and this extends to a right not only passively to resist, but also to kill relentless persecutors' writes Isbell in the DICTIONARY OF SCOTTISH CHURCH HISTORY AND THEOLOGY, p. 773. Controversial chapter titles include: 'Concerning Owning of Tyrants Authority;' 'Defensive Arms Vindicated;' 'Of Extraordinary Execution of Judgement by Private Men;' and 'Refusing to Pay Wicked Taxation Vindicated.' This book sets forth the Crown rights of King Jesus, against all usurpers in both church and state, giving a history of some of faithful sufferings endured by the elect, in maintaining this truth. It bears testimony against 'the popish, prelatical and malignant enemies' of Christ and proclaims the only true basis of liberty for mankind. 'The matter is argued with a vast abundance of Biblical illustration, and with much reference to Reformation and Puritan divines. It should be consulted, if practicable, by all who wish fully to understand the inner spirit of the Covenanting Movement,' writes Purves in FAIR SUNSHINE (p. 202). Isbell interestingly notes that Shields was once 'amanuensis to the English Puritan John Owen'." -- Publisher
    A Hind let Loose; Or An Historical Representation of the Testimonies of the Church of Scotland. . . . by Mr. Alexander Shields, Minister of the Gospel, in St. Andrews
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/shields/
    A Hind let Loose: or, An Historical Representation of the Testimonies of the Church of Scotland, for the Interest of Christ: With the True State Thereof in all its Periods, Shields, Alexander
    http://archive.org/details/hindletlooseorhi00shie
    Brutus, Junius, The Covenant Between God and Kings, from A DEFENSE OF LIBERTY
    http://www.constitution.org/vct/vindiciae1a.htm

    Simms, Samuel, The Oath of Allegiance: What it Imports, 1877.

    Stavely, William, Truth Restored: or, The new Mode of Swearing Religious Oaths by Touching and Kissing the Gospel Examined and Disprov'd, and the True Mode Stated and Vindicated, 1775.

    Stormer, John A., None Dare Call it Treason: The Carefully Documented Story of America's Retreat From Victory.
    "The thoroughly documented warnings concerning the inroads of communism in America should have been enough to stir millions of Americans to action. Many of us were so awakened and stirred that we recognized that we needed to be involved as never before. We will never forget this reading and how it answered so many questions that had plagued us. My main question was why we had allowed communism to take control of Cuba, a nation just 90 miles from our shores. Answer: The American press was already sufficiently leftist that this action was condoned and accepted by the media. Fidel Castro was promoted as an 'agrarian reformer,' not a communist. Our State Department covered his communist connections.
    "Stormer is a dedicated man who spent four years researching his 236-page book. It was not to be discredited. He was unbiased, as a former editor and general manager of a leading electrical engineering magazine, enriching his conclusions through some 800 references from a multitude of sources including major newspapers, Congressional documents, speeches, hearings of Department of Justice, National Review, Time magazine, Senate reports, Newsweek, Human Events, House Committee on UnAmerican Activities, Sports Afield, The Worker, Reece Committee, and dozens more." -- Jack McLain
    None Dare Call it Treason
    https://archive.org/details/NoneDareCallItTreasonJohnStormer

    Sutton, Antony C., America's Secret Establishment: An Introduction to the Order of Skull and Bones, ISBN: 0972020705 9780972020701.
    "For 170 years they have met in secret. From out of their initiates come presidents, senators, judges, cabinet secretaries, and plenty of spooks. They are the titans of finance and industry and have now installed a third member as United States President George W. Bush. This intriguing behind-the-scenes look documents Yale's secretive society, the Order of the Skull and Bones, and its prominent members, numbering among them Tafts, Rockefellers, Pillsburys, and Bushes. Far from being a campus fraternity, the society is more concerned with the success of its members in the post-collegiate world. Included are a verified membership list, rare reprints of original Order materials revealing the interlocking power centers dominated by Bonesmen, and a peek inside the Tomb, their 140-year-old private clubhouse." -- Publisher
    "This well researched and masterfully written work exposes the nature and purpose of the Order of Skull and Bones along with the names of every member inducted into this evil order from 1833 through 1985; including Kellogg, Bush, Goodyear, Murchison, Kerry, Ford and many other well known politicians, bankers, oil men, industrialists and major news personalities. The list of names is absolutely astonishing! This is definitely not a harmless college fraternity. Members remain active for life-not just their senior year. The CIA recruits agents and operatives from this order. Others appear in the revolving door between Washington and corporate America. This is but one among many secret societies determined to force upon mankind the New World Order that madmen like Adolf Hitler, the Rockefellers, and George H.W. Bush have raved about for centuries. George W. Bush has admitted that during, 'My senior year, I joined Skull and Bones, a secret society, so secret I can't say anything more.' If it has to be secret, it can't be good. -- Reader's Comment

    Sutton, Antony C., The Secret Cult of the Order, ISBN: 0949667196 9780949667199.

    *Symington, William (1795-1862), Nature and Obligation of Public Vows; With an Explanation and Defense of the British Covenants, 1841. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #27.
    "More from the author of the classic MESSIAH THE PRINCE OR, THE MEDIATORIAL DOMINION OF JESUS CHRIST. A lecture excerpted from the book LECTURES ON THE PRINCIPLES OF THE SECOND REFORMATION, edited by Andrew Symington." -- Publisher
    Lectures on the Principles of the Second Reformation
    http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/the-reformed-presbyterian-churchs-of-scotland-lectures-on-the-principles-of-the-second-reformation

    Thornwell, James Henley (1812-1862), Vows. In COLLECTED WRITINGS OF JAMES HENLEY THORNWELL (2:569-93).

    Welch, Edward T., When People are big and God is Small: Overcoming Peer Pressure, Codependency, and the Fear of Man, ISBN: 0875526004 9780875526003.
    "Overly concerned about what people think of you? Welch uncovers the spiritual dimension of people-pleasing and points the way through a true knowledge of God, ourselves, and others." -- Publisher

    Willson, James Renwick (1780-1853), et al., History of the Reformed Presbyterian Church: From the Year 1580 to 1643.
    Gives the history of early covenanters in America. David Steele and others left the communion sometime prior to the synod of 1841 in Utica, Ohio (p. 108). Notice "the alleged reason that the Synod had postponed its deliverance on voluntary associations," and they regarded the Synod as unfaithful to its duty.
    http://www.reformedpresbyterian.org/conv_resources.html

    Willson, James Renwick (1780-1853), The Vow: A Sermon Preached in Newburgh, April 10, 1831, on the Evening After the Dispensation of the Lord's Supper.

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Deuteronomy, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Psalm 2, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Mortification of sin in the flesh, Treason and impeachment, Trusting god, Idolatry, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Oaths, ensnaring vows, promises, and covenants, bonds with the ungodly, Toleration, liberty of conscience, pluralism, "religious freedom," and neutrality, Mind control, The healing of the mind, 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, God's deliverance of nations, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The covenant of redemption, The covenant faithfulness of god, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), The covenanted reformation of scotland background and history, The national covenant, The solemn league and covenant, The covenanted reformation of scotland, The covenanted reformation of scotland author/title listing, Biography of covenanters, Acts of faithful assemblies, Covenanting in america, The scottish covenanting struggle, alexander craighead, and the mecklenburg declaration, Confession of national sin and covenant renewal, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Trusting god, Idolatry, Secret societies, ungodly alliances, voluntary associations, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, Unfaithful reformed ministries, Politics, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, Individual responsibility for corporate faithfulness and sanctification, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 475, 871, 877-883, 2607-2611
    MGTP: Vows, Swearing

    Related Weblinks

    Corporate Faithfulness and Sanctification
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9cha.html

    *Election Fraud in the United States
    http://www.lettermen2.com/vfraud.html

    Idolatry is the Most Condemned sin in the Bible, [audio file], Peter Hammond, 8/21/2016
    "When we start to worship anyone other than God, if we put anything as central in our lives, other than God, we are opening ourselves up to demonic influence, demonic deception and demonic possession, which explains why so many people today are so irrational, so immune to logic, so resistant to facts and logical explanations."
    https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=97161019341

    Reformed Presbyterian Catechism, William L. Roberts D.D.
    http://archive.org/details/ReformedPresbyterianCatechism

    Trinitarianism Verses Polytheism: Unresolved Questions of Article VI, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution
    http://www.lettermen2.com/trinpoly.html



    Patience, Self-control

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 37, C.H. Spurgeon
    Fret not thyself because of evildoers,
    neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
    For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
    and wither as the green herb.
    Trust in the LORD, and do good;
    so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
    Delight thyself also in the LORD;
    and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.     (Psalm 37:1-4)
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps037.php

    But we must remember what He says in Psalm 90:4, that a thousand years in His sight are but as a single day; and consequently, when we think that He delays, He is, in His infinite wisdom, hastening as much as is necessary. He seems, indeed, to take no notice for a time, that He may thus invite men to repent; but still He declares that He will not delay, but that He will come suddenly, like a whirlwind, to hasten His judgments, lest the ungodly should grow drowsy from their security. Let us, therefore, learn quietly and patiently to wait for the fit season of His vengeance. -- John Calvin commenting on Deuteronomy 7:10

    See the Theological Notes: "The Christian Family," at Ephesians 5:22 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 9:55b)

    In your patience posses ye your souls. (Luke 21:19) -- The Lord Jesus Christ John Gill commenting on Luke 21:19

    But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him. (1 Samuel 16:14)

    For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:26)

    Pray that God may make you conqueror of yourself. . . not the enemy without, but of your own soul within. . . . Let no enemy from without be feared: conquer yourself, and the whole world is conquered. -- Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD)

    Patience: A grace fitted for the purpose: it is not only a grace itself, but the conservatory of other graces. As God hath placed temperance on the right hand of godliness, to defend it from injury by the flatteries and allurements of the world, so hath he placed patience on the left, to defend it from the wrong it might receive by adversity, 2 Peter 1:5,6, a grace so necessary in an evil day, that the Spirit hath set it in equipage with faith itself, Hebrews 6:12 and the crown promised to it, Romans 2:7. It is an hardy grace, bred by tribulation, Romans 5:3 will make a Christian long-winded in his race to glory. Oh then beg that you may be strengthened with all might in the inner-man, unto all patience; if not, though you may be set out with much seeming gallantry of resolution, yet you must needs faint in the way, and fall short at last. -- John Flavel (1627-1691)

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 106
    And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul. (Psalm 106:15)
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps106.php

    And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Galatians 6:9)

    Patience to the soul is as bread to the body. . . . We must hope with patients, and pray with patients, and love with patients, and whatsoever good thing we do, let it be done in patients. -- Thomas Adams (1600-1662)

    We would have speedy riddance of trouble -- but God does not think it fit to grant our request. Showers that come by drops and soak into the earth, are better than those which come in a tempest and hurricane!
    The gradualness and long continuance of a trial, which are its sharpness and bitterness -- are also, to a large extent, the causes of its usefulness. If the sharp affliction came and departed with a rush -- we would be rather swept away by it, than softened and saturated by its influence. To push a crucible among the glowing coals and snatch it out again, would answer no purpose in refining -- the metal must tarry in the furnace until the fire has done its work.
    Perhaps the reader has long lived in the perpetual grip of affliction, and now feels himself to be quite weary of the endless torture. Let him not faint under the lengthened process -- the highest degree of benefit is accruing to him, from the continuance of his adversity!
    In the later part of a trial, every stroke brings forth a tenfold result, and operates with a greatly increased efficacy. It would be a pity for the Lord to stay His hand, when it is working with such special and marked result. All the preceding affliction has only worked the heart into a fit condition to receive the master-strokes of the Divine Artist! The foundational colors have hitherto been laid on -- but the second and finishing touch is now being given! Therefore, do not ask God's hand to cease, but rather pray that its work may be carried on with power, and the Lord's glory be seen in it all.
    It will not cease raining yet -- and why should it, so long as the soil is being softened, saturated, and fertilized by the falling drops? Let patience have her perfect work -- and how can that be, useless the tribulation runs its full time?
    Lord, make me ready to tarry for the vision, however long it may be delayed. Your way of trying me is the best. I would not hurry Your hand, if I could! -- C.H. Spurgeon (1834-1892), "Flowers From a Puritan's Garden," 1883

    There are only two types of people in the world, those who say to God, Not my will, but thine be done, and those to whom God says "Not my will, but thine be done." -- Dr. Donald Ewing (1916-1997)

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Endurance," "Self-control," and so forth, and so on.

    Calvin, John (1509-1564), Seeking the Lord's Face (from COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM, Psalm 27), an MP3 file [audio file]. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #8.

    Conant, John, The Woe and Weale of God's People . . . Lament. 3:31,32 [Lamentations 3:31,32], 1643. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    *Decker, Barbara, Proverbs for Parenting: A Topical Guide for Child Raising From the Book of Proverbs, King James Version, ISBN: 0961860839.
    "An indispensable tool for parenting, this book arranges the proverbs into over 70 realistic, helpful topics. A sampling of topics covered include: trust in God, obedience, honesty, anger, self-control, temper, arguing, boasting, complaining, love, friendship, happiness, discretion, faithfulness, stewardship, work and many more." -- Publisher
    An accompanying book, A COLORING BOOK OF BIBLE PROVERBS is 'a 30-page coloring book illustrating various passages from the Book of Proverbs. Can be used with or without the above hardback book'." -- GCB

    *Goodwin, Thomas (1600-1680), The Vanity of Thoughts: Let Patience Have its Perfect Work. Alternate title: LET PATIENCE HAVE ITS PERFECT WORK [WAY]. A Christian classic. Available in THE WORKS OF THOMAS GOODWIN. Available in CHRISTIAN LIFE CLASSICS, Jay P. Green, Sr. (editor, 1918-2008), (The Fifty Greatest Christian Classics, Vol. III. (Lafayette, IN [The Sovereign Grace Trust Fund, 1274 Meadowbrooke Drive, P.O. Box 4998, Lafayette 47905]: The Sovereign Grace Trust Fund, 1989).
    Goodwin, Thomas, The Works of Thomas Goodwin
    http://archive.org/details/worksofthomasgoo01good

    Walters, Richard, P., Counseling Problems of Self-Control, ISBN: 084990594X 9780849905940.

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Anger, Decisions, knowing the will of god and patience, Waiting on god, Self-denial, Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, Trusting god, 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, Forgiveness, Worry, Fear, Faith, The promises of Christ, Bible promises, The covenant faithfulness of god, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 2691, 3438-3440, 3569, 3570



    Persecution

    And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
    For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
    But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.     -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:19-21)

    If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:18-19)

    I have given them Your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 17:14)

    When the wicked cometh, then cometh also contempt, and with ignominy reproach. (Proverbs 18:3)
    What is needed is for lesser magistrates to stand in the gap and to interposing against wicked magistrates above them.
    The Doctrine of the Lesser Magistrates
    http://www.LesserMagistrate.com

    But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 15:21)

    To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? (2 Corinthians 2:16)

    We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

    Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. (James 1:12)

    And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. (1 Corinthians 12:26)

    If we are faithful and decided servants of Christ, the world will certainly hate us, as it hated our Master. In one way or another grace will always be persecuted. No consistency of conduct, however faultless, no kindness and amiability of character, however striking, will exempt a believer from the world's dislike, so long as they live. It is foolish to be surprised at this. It is mere waste of time to murmur at it. It is a part of the cross, and we must bear it patiently. Marvel not, my brethren, says John, if the world hates you. If you were of the world, says our Lord, the world would love his own; but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. (1 John 3:13; John 15:18,19) -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

    To turn away from the lifeless preachers and publishers of the day -- may involve a real cross. Your motives will be misconstrued, your words perverted, and your actions misinterpreted. The sharp arrows of false report will be directed against you. You will be called proud and self-righteous, because you refuse to fellowship empty professors. You will be termed censorious and bitter -- if you condemn in plain speech -- the subtle delusions of Satan. You will be dubbed narrow-minded and uncharitable, because you refuse to join in singing the praises of the 'great' and 'popular' men of the day. More and more, you will be made to painfully realize -- that the path which leads unto eternal life is narrow and that FEW there are who find it. May the Lord be pleased to grant unto each of us -- the hearing ear and obedient heart! "Take heed what you hear and read!"
    Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (1 Thessalonians 5:21) -- A.W. Pink (1886-1952), Take Heed What you Read

    Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. (Psalm 55:22)

    Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
    It is a faithful saying:

    For if we be dead with him,
    we shall also live with him:
    If we suffer,
    we shall also reign with him:
    if we deny him,
    he also will deny us:
    If we believe not,
    yet he abideth faithful:
    he cannot deny himself.     (2 Timothy 2:8-13, 19)

    Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. (Hebrews 13:3)
    "Over 400 million Christians live in the 67 countries of the world which severely restrict, or persecute, believers. Last year over 200,000 [2018] Christians died as martyrs for Christ. Christian brothers and sisters are being persecuted for their Faith in: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bhutan, Burma, Red China, Congo, Cuba, Egypt, Eritrea, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Lagos, Malaysia, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Palestine territories, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Philippines, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe." -- Peter Hammond

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

    Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21)
    "Light a candle instead of cursing the darkness."

    Blessed [are] they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
    Blessed are ye, when [men] shall revile you, and persecute [you], and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
    Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great [is] your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.     -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:10-12)

    Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. (1 Peter 4:12-14)

    But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the Gospel; so that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; and many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: the one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: but the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the Gospel. What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretense, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith. (Philippians 1:12-25)

    For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God. (1 Peter 3:18)

    The world is never pleased with the people of God. The son of the bond-woman still strives with the son of the free-woman. Opposition to all that is godly is stern, constant, and determined. Nothing but divine grace can ever enable a child of God to endure the fearful hostility of the enemy. Our Savior's word is still fulfilled: I have come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man's foes shall be they of his own household.
    The offence of the cross has not ceased! It never can cease but by the conversion of the soul to God. If you were of the world, the world would love his own; but because I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Men of the world have no better attitude towards Christianity than when they crucified its Author, and cast his followers to the wild beasts! He who would be a Christian must be so at the risk of all he counts dear in this life. The world will heap odium upon him, will vex his righteous soul from day to day; and if possible, turn him away from his tender walk with God." -- William S. Plumer (1802-1880), from Vital Godliness

    And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brasen wall: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the LORD.
    And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible.     (Jeremiah 15:20,21)

    The bloody persecutor breathes out slaughter against the saints, pursuing them with the fierce fires of tribulation. There has always been a race of giants on the earth, men of great power who as servants of themselves, and of their master, have maintained the Devil's kingdom by trampling under foot the stars of Heaven, the believers. For the light reflected in the faces of the saints acquaints the world with the horrid impieties of men. And so it hazards the weakening of the Devil's interests in the minds of men. . . . But God has His ladder to scale these mountains of pride. They are ready for use in David's armory, the word of God. For there are the shields and bucklers, the swords and darts by which the worthies of God have in all ages defended themselves so bravely against the rage of all persecutors. Yea, they have triumphed gloriously over the greatest and most effective armies of the rulers of darkness. Out of this divine book the saints take those smooth stones by which the Goliaths of the world are brought down. The enemies of God's children are eventually all overcome. -- William Gurnall (1617-1679)

    In Western society there are three major theologies, the Roman System, Lutheranism, and Calvinism.
    "But within Protestantism I would remind you that the heaviest attacks against the Church always come against Calvinism. Now there is a reason for that, and it is the same reason in general which I have mentioned in regard to Saint Thomas Aquinas. If the enemies of the faith can destroy Calvinism, then those theologies which are to a greater or a lesser extent negations of Calvinism will fall under their own weight. Which is to say, that in Calvinism all these other theologies find their resting place, even though they may deny major aspects of the Calvinistic position, they still are supported by it even though they will not admit it. I am not looking at the Baptists when I say it. I am simply pointing out that when they attack Calvinism they are attacking the citadel of the whole Protestant postion, even as when they are attacking the Roman Catholic position, they are aiming their heaviest artillery at the fortress known as Thomistic theology." -- C. Gregg Singer in the address Calvinism and the Reformation, http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=8180372910

    But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. (2 Thessalonians 3:3)

    Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:16)

    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.

    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)

    A Christian acting out his Christianity, could reasonably expect to be otherwise, to be better, treated than his Lord, only on one or other of the two following suppositions, neither of which can be admitted for a moment. If you could avoid, more than he did, unnecessary collision with the world -- if you could be more harmless and blameless than he was -- or if you were wiser than he was, and could find out a better way of reconciling faithfulness to God with living on good terms with the world -- then might you, doing your duty as a Christian, expect to escape the hatred and persecution which was his portion. Professing Christians take but too frequently another way of it. They endeavour to purchase peace with the world at the expense of concealing truth and neglecting duty. In that way the servant may not share in his Lord's fortunes, but it is by becoming an unfaithful servant. But a consistent Christian counts it as a most reasonable thing that he should be as his Master in the estimation of the world; and doing his duty, his expectation is not likely to fail of being realized." -- John Brown (of Edinburgh, 1784-1858), Discourses and Sayings of Our Lord Jesus Christ, III:375

    Much grace exercised, brings persecution: for the sweeter and better the fruit is, the more slinging there will be at the tree. -- Vavasor Powell

    How dreadful a thing is hatred and persecution of true Christians, whatever form it may wear! It is hatred and persecution of Christ. It is hatred of, and opposition to, God. It is the manifestation of temper which, if the Son of God should return to earth, would secure his re-crucifixion -- which, if the power of those who cherish it were equal to their will, would lead to the overturn of the throne -- to the extinction of the existence -- of God. He who maltreats the children, proves that he hates the Father. And what must be the character of that principle out of which this horrible thing proceeds -- ignorance of God and of his Son? God is the source of all that is good -- all that is holy -- all that is happy. To intelligent beings He is so, as the result, of being known by them. It is only as known, that He can be loved, or feared, or trusted in, or obeyed, or submitted to, or enjoyed. He cannot be known but in Christ Jesus. No man has seen Him -- no man can see Him. The Only-begotten, who is in his bosom, has revealed Him (John 1:18). If we are ignorant of Christ, we must be ignorant of God. Ignorance makes love an impossibility. Ignorance about God is always connected with misconception about God; for man, except, perhaps, in the very lowest stages of savagism, must have some notion of God; and wrong notions of God will lead to hatred of Him, and hatred of Him to hatred of all that is like Him. -- John Brown (of Edinburgh, 1784-1858), Discourses and Sayings of Our Lord Jesus Christ, III:367,368

    Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men, even when they exercise influence and not authority: still more when you superadd the tendency or the certainty of corruption by authority. -- John Emerich Edward Dalberg, Lord Acton (1834-1902), in a letter to Mandell Creighton, April 5, 1887, quoted by Gertrude Himmelfarb in Acton, Essays on Freedom and Power, pp. 335-36 (1972)

    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)

    Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 3:12)

    No Christian is in a healthy state of mind who is not prepared for trouble and persecution. He that expects to cross the troubled waters of this world, and to reach heaven with wind and tide always in his favor, knows nothing yet as he ought to know. We never can tell what is before us in life. But of one thing we may be very sure -- we must carry the cross if we would wear the crown. Let us grasp this principle firmly, and never forget it. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

    When I am in the cellar of affliction, I look for the Lord's choicest wines. -- Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661)

    Christians continued to be the most persecuted group across the globe in 2016. It is estimated that 90,000 Christians were killed worldwide for their faith in 2016. "And hundreds of millions more were not allowed to practice their faith." -- Christians the Most Persecuted Group in World for Second Year

    Those that undertake great and public services must not think it strange if they be discountenanced and opposed by those from whom they had reason to expect support and assistance; but must humbly go on with their work, in the face not only of their enemies' threats, but of their friends' slights and suspicions. -- Matthew Henry (1662-1714)

    In more than 40 years of ministry, it has been my experience that most of the time a believer's greatest persecution comes from others who identify themselves as believers. -- Ralph Drollinger in Nine Characteristics of Tares -- The Believer's Enemy

    To turn away from the lifeless preachers and publishers of the day -- may involve a real cross. Your motives will be misconstrued, your words perverted, and your actions misinterpreted. The sharp arrows of false report will be directed against you. You will be called proud and self-righteous, because you refuse to fellowship empty professors. You will be termed censorious and bitter -- if you condemn in plain speech -- the subtle delusions of Satan. You will be dubbed narrow-minded and uncharitable, because you refuse to join in singing the praises of the 'great' and 'popular' men of the day. More and more, you will be made to painfully realize -- that the path which leads unto eternal life is narrow and that FEW there are who find it. May the Lord be pleased to grant unto each of us -- the hearing ear and obedient heart! "Take heed what you hear and read!"
    Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (1 Thessalonians 5:21) -- A.W. Pink (1886-1952), Take Heed What you Read

    It would be easy to lose heart and become cynical. But No! There is One who sees all things, knows all things, and will ultimately triumph over all things. There is only one message that addresses the truth as the truth. The Lord of glory, Jesus Christ, came to this earth and was also the victim of hate. Lies sent him to the cross. Power overruled reality, as politics and religious demagogues once again made the lie seem noble. But the Lord who sees the beginning from the end amazingly conquered not in spite of the dark mystery of evil, rather, He conquered through it. James Stewart of Scotland, pointing to the cross, said it in the most powerful terms I have read. Commenting on the verse from Psalm 68:18, He led captivity captive, he said:

    It is a glorious phrase -- He led captivity captive. The very triumphs of his foes, it means, he used for their defeat. He compelled their dark achievements to subserve his ends not theirs. They nailed him to a tree, not knowing that by that very act they were bringing the world to his feet. They gave him a cross, not guessing that he would make it a throne. They flung him outside the city gates to die, not knowing that in that very moment they were lifting up the gates of the universe, to let the king come in. They thought to root out his doctrines, not understanding that they were implanting imperishably in the hearts of men the very name they intended to destroy. They thought they had God with his back to the wall, pinned helpless and defeated: they did not know that it was God himself who had tracked them down. "He did not conquer in spite of the dark mystery of evil. He conquered through it." -- James Stewart (1635-1713)
    The lie has a shelf life. The truth abides forever. God can even conquer through our perversion.
    One more thing. I would be remiss if I left the guilt and darkness out there. That is the seduction of a fake righteousness. We all have to look at our own hearts and see the evil that is within each one of us. Only then can we find the answer from which all other answers flow. Some time ago, I was in Rumania. A sculptor had some of his works on display. One was a horrific, fierce-looking, long nail. When you picked it up, as rusty and jagged as the nail was, the head was polished and shiny. And when you looked at that polished head, you saw a reflection of yourself. It is sobering. Very sobering. . . . More than ever we need the Savior. Lord have mercy! -- Ravi Zacharias in a message, Is Paris Burning? November 18, 2015

    If God be for us, who can be against us? Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth, who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather that is risen again, who is at the right hand of God, who makes intercession for us. (Romans 8:31,33,34)

    *Acton, John E. (1834-1902), Essays on Freedom and Power, ISBN: 0844600008.
    Essays such as, "The History of Freedom in Christianity," "The Protestant Theory of Persecution," and so forth.
    Includes bibliography.
    It should be noted that The Acton Institute has come under the control of the Roman Catholic Institution.
    "Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men, even when they exercise influence and not authority: still more when you superadd the tendency or the certainty of corruption by authority." -- John Emerich Edward Dalberg, Lord Acton (1834-1902), in a letter to Mandell Creighton, April 5, 1887, quoted by Gertrude Himmelfarb in Acton, Essays on Freedom and Power, pp. 335-36 (1972)
    The History of Freedom and Other Essays, John Emerich Edward Dalberg Acton, John Neville Figgis, Reginald Vere Laurence
    http://books.google.com/books?id=iOB6zeQ-rRwC&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html

    Aikman, James, Annals of the Persecution in Scotland: From the Restoration to the Revolution, 1842.
    Annals of the persecution in Scotland, from the Restoration to the Revolution
    http://books.google.com/books?id=8cgGAAAAQAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html

    Ashe, Simeon (d. 1662), The Best Refuge for the Most Oppressed, in a Sermon Preached From the Text, Ps. 9:9 [Psalm 9:9], to the Honorable House of Commons at Their Solemn Fast, March 30, 1642. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Bainton, Roland Herbert, The Church of our Fathers, ISBN: 0880192119 9780880192118.
    "A popular presentation of the historic drama, intrigues, rivalry, persecution, suffering, courage, and heroism displayed by Christian leaders from Paul to the establishment of the church in the New World." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Benko, Stephen, and John J. O'Rourke, The Catacombs and the Colosseum, ISBN: 0817004556 9780817004552.
    "A scholarly analysis of the social and political forces that resulted in the persecution of the early Christian church." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Bergman, Jerry, The Criterion: Religious Discrimination in America, ISBN: 0932903010 9780932903013.
    "In this fascinating (and disturbing book), Dr. Bergman chronicles evidences of unbelievable religious persecution in America today. A highly respected, credentialed and publishing professor, he was denied tenure -- and subsequently fired -- admittedly because of his creationist beliefs and writings. This is only the tip of the iceberg! Learn more of what is happening today, often under cover, and what you can do to stem the tide." -- GCB

    *Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), The Everlasting Righteousness, or How Shall man be Just With God? 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?
    http://books.google.com/books?id=nQMDAAAAQAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html

    *Bordwine, James E., A Guide to the Westminster Standards: Confession of Faith and Larger Catechism (Unicoi, TN: The Trinity Foundation, 1991), ISBN: 0940931303 9780940931305.
    One way to be strengthened and encouraged in times of trouble, discouragement, and depressions is to read pure doctrine to remind oneself of what is in fact true.
    "In this volume are the complete texts of the WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH (1646), (both the original and American versions), and the LARGER CATECHISM, together with Scripture proofs and a unique topical index to both the Confession and the Catechism. A GUIDE TO THE WESTMINSTER STANDARDS will be a great help in understanding the Bible and its most complete summaries, the Westminster Standards." -- 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, J. Wood, The Covenanters of the Merse: Their History and Sufferings, as Found in the Records of That Time, 1893.
    The Covenanters of the Merse
    https://archive.org/details/covenantersmers00browgoog

    Brown, John (of Wamphray, 1610-1679), The Life of Faith in Time of Trial and Affliction: Cleared up and Explained, From Heb. X. xviii [Hebrews 10:18]. Now the just shall live by faith [Hebrews 10:38]. By Mr. John Brown, minister of the Gospel.

    Bruce, Michael (1559-1631), Good News in Evil Times for Fainting Believers, or, The Summ of a Lecture Upon Jeremiah 45 Chapter [Jeremiah 45:1-52]: Together With Another Lecture on the 28 Chapter of Matthew [Matthew 28:1-28] Throughout, 1708. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.

    *Calvin, John, A Sermon of the Famous and Godly Learned man, Master Iohn Caluine: Chiefe Minister and Pastour of Christs Church at Geneua, Conteining an Exhortation to Suffer Persecution for Followinge Iesus Christe and his Gospell, vpon this text following. Heb. 13. 13 [Hebrews 13:13]. Go ye out of the tents after Christe, bearing his rebuke. Alternate titles: SERMON OF THE FAMOUS AND GODLY LEARNED MAN, MASTER JOHN CALUINE; SERMON OF THE FAMOUS AND GODLY LEARNED MAN, MASTER JOHN CALVINE; GODLY SERMON OF M. IOHN CALUINE; ANSWERE TO THE SLAUNDERS OF THE PAPISTES AGAINST CHRISTS SYLLIE FLOCK; ON SUFFEREING PERSECUTION. See Hebrews 13:13 in John Calvin, COMMENTARY ON THE EPISTLE OF PAUL TO THE HEBREWS. See also: AN EXHORTATION TO SUFFER PERSECUTION AND TO FLEE OUTWARD IDOLATRY, John Calvin. Available [AN EXHORTATION TO SUFFER PERSECUTION] on the Puritan Hard Drive and on the Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.

    Clarke, Samuel (1599-1682), A General Martyrology: Containing a collection of all the greatest persecutions which have befallen the Church of Christ from the Creation to our present times: where is given an exact account of the Protestant sufferings in Queen Mary's reign: together with a large collection of lives of great persons, eminent divines, and singular Christians: to which is added the state and sufferings of the Church of Scotland, from the Revolution.

    Cooke, Dennis, Persecuting Zeal: A Portrait of Ian Paisley, ISBN: 0863222226 9780863222221.

    Cragg, Gerald Robertson, Puritanism in the Period of the Great Persecution, 1660-68.
    "This worthy study focuses on Puritanism in England and is of interest to all students of church history. First published in 1957." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Defoe, Daniel, De Foe's Summary of the Sufferings of the Covenanters, 1843. Alternate title: TRACTS ON THE MARTYRS AND COVENANTERS, 1843, NO. 25: 'DE FOE'S SUMMARY OF THE SUFFERINGS OF THE COVENANTERS.'

    Defoe, Daniel (1661?-1731), Lex Talionis, or, An Enquiry Into the Most Proper Ways to Prevent the Persecution of the Protestants in France, 1698.

    Dick, John (d. 1684), A Testimony to the Doctrine, Worship, Discipline, and Government of the Church of Scotland, and the Covenanted Work of Reformation as it was Profess'd in the Three Kingdoms: Together With an Account of the Persecution of Some of the Most Eminent in our Days for Their Adherence to the Same, 1684. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Edwards, Thomas (1599-1647), Two Dissertations: the First, on the Absurdity and Injustice of Religious Bigotry and Persecution . . . the second, on the principal qualifications and canons, necessary for the right . . . interpretation of the New Testament. . . . By Thomas Edwards, Cambridge, 1766.

    *Foxe, John (1516-1587), and Thomas Freeman (prefatory material), John Foxe's Book of Martyrs. Actes and Monuments of Matters Most Speciall and Memorable (unabridged). Alternate title: THE UNABRIDGED ACTS AND MONUMENTS ONLINE or TAMO (HRI Online Publications, Sheffield, 2011). Available from: http://www.johnfoxe.org. Implemented by the Humanities Research Institute, University of Sheffield, England, and published by HRI Online Publications, Sheffield, 2011, Version 2.0, ISBN: 9780954260864.
    "You can browse and compare the unabridged texts of the four editions of this massive work published in John Foxe's lifetime (1563, 1570, 1576, 1583). Each edition changed significantly as Foxe sought to incorporate new material, answer his critics, and adjust its polemical force to the needs of the moment. . . .
    "TAMO is both an instrument of scholarship and a tool for anyone who wants to explore this remarkable work, a milestone in the history of the English printed book and a signal achievement of its printer, John Day."
    John Foxe's Book of Martyrs. Actes and Monuments of Matters Most Speciall and Memorable, ISBN: 0197262252 9780197262252.
    "This CD-ROM combines readable and printable images of 2,200 pages of text and woodcut engravings from the 1583 edition, the last for which Foxe was personally responsible."
    Other editions: Acts and Monuments or Foxe's Book of Martyrs, 1554, 1843-49 edition, 8 volumes. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    " 'No book ever inflicted a wound so deep and incurable on the Romish system of superstition and bloody persecution . . . it was placed in . . . all churches and chapels throughout the kingdom, by order of Queen Elizabeth.' (Smith, Select Memoirs, p. 245). Contains much information not found in any of the liberally edited and severely shortened editions of this classic work which are in print today. Covering martyrs from the early church through to Foxe's day, it was one of the most influential books of the sixteenth century! It overflows with faith building testimony of the power of God to overcome the most cruel and barbarous acts of human depravity and demonic cruelty. 6890 pages. A very rare set, now back in print after 150 years!" -- Publisher
    "After the Bible itself, no book so profoundly influenced early Protestant sentiment as the BOOK OF MARTYRS. Even in our time it is still a living force. It is more than a record of persecution. It is an arsenal of controversy, a storehouse of romance, as well as a source of edification." -- James Miller Dodds, English Prose
    "When one recollects that until the appearance of the PILGRIM'S PROGRESS the common people had almost no other reading matter except the BIBLE and FOX'S BOOK OF MARTYRS, we can understand the deep impression that this book produced; and how it served to mold the national character. Those who could read for themselves learned the full details of all the atrocities performed on the Protestant reformers; the illiterate could see the rude illustrations of the various instruments of torture, the rack, the gridiron, the boiling oil, and then the holy ones breathing out their souls amid the flames. Take a people just awakening to a new intellectual and religious life; let several generations of them, from childhood to old age, pore over such a book, and its stories become traditions as individual and almost as potent as songs and customs on a nation's life." -- Douglas Campbell, The Puritan in Holland, England, and America
    "If we divest the book of its accidental character of feud between churches, it yet stands, in the first years of Elizabeth's reign, a monument that marks the growing strength of a desire for spiritual freedom, defiance of those forms that seek to stifle conscience and fetter thought." -- Henry Morley, English Writers
    "John Foxe was a prince among believers. He had his printing press on a cart, and had often to print at night, moving his press before dawn to escape capture and burning at the stake. He never faltered in his purpose to leave a voluminous written witness to the power of the Lord Jesus Christ to keep His saints in love and peace." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    Text Encoding Initiative (TEI), John Foxe's Book of Martyrs Variorum Edition Online
    http://www.tei-c.org/Activities/Projects/jo01.xml

    Frend, W.H.C., Martyrdom and Persecution in the Early Church: A Study of a Conflict From the Maccabees to Donatus, ISBN: 9780227172292 0227172299.
    "First published in 1965, this work remains the standard treatment of the interplay between Church and State in the early centuries of the Christian era. . . ." -- Cyril J. Barber

    *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

    Guthrie, James (1612?-1661), and Lyndon Dohms (narrator), Why God Sends Trials Upon his People, 1660, [audio file]. Available (SERMONS IN TIMES OF PERSECUTION and MP3) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (SERMONS IN TIMES OF PERSECUTION) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #12.

    Guthrie, William (1620-1665), Sermons of William Guthrie. Available in SERMONS DELIVERED IN TIMES OF PERSECUTION IN SCOTLAND. Available (SERMONS DELIVERED IN TIMES OF PERSECUTION IN SCOTLAND) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    William Guthrie
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/guthrie/guthindex.html

    Guthrie, William (1620-1665), Michael Bruce, John Welwood, Richard Cameron, Donald Cargill, Alexander Peden, Alexander Shields, John Livingstone, John Welch, and John Guthrie, Sermons Delivered in Times of Persecution in Scotland, ISBN: 1899003959 9781899003952. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Guthrie, William (1620-1665), and John Howie (1735-1793), A Collection of Lectures and Sermons, Preached Upon Several Subjects, mostly in the time of the late persecution. Wherein a faithful doctrinal testimony is transmitted to posterity for the doctrine, worship, discipline and government of the Church of Scotland against popery, prelacy, Erastianism, &c.

    Hay Fleming, David (1849-1931), Knox in the Hands of the Philistines, 1903. Originally published in the British Weekly, Feb. 19 and 26, 1903. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.

    Hefley, James, and Marti Hefle, By Their Blood: Christian Martyrs of the 20th Century, ISBN: 0915134284 9780915134281.
    "Too often we forget that God's people are suffering and being martyred. Here in a vivid book we are awakened. What FOXE'S BOOK OF MARTYRS did for generations past this book does for our generation." -- GCB
    "The book begins with accounts of the martyrs during the Boxer Rebellion in China, continues with martyrs in Japan and Korea, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, Nazi Germany, and of the Soviet Union and its communist regimes. Then there are martyrs from the Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean, and from Latin America. . . .
    "The stories themselves are gruesome. There is no viciousness like the viciousness of those who worship humanly-conceived gods. Like the Roman Catholic inquisitors in the sixteenth century, men in all nations have at one time or another sought to physically torture Christians to make them recant their testimonies. It is said that for every Christian Stalin murdered in Russia, two or more were raised up by God, until Stalin ordered the killing stopped for fear the whole nation would become Christians. Despite the lurid details of the torture, we recommend that everyone read the books that tell of martyrs dying for the cause of God and truth. This goes for children. Before you cry out, remember what they are watching on television, and seeing in movies, yes, and reading in Stephen King books, and others of that kind. Horror stories are bestsellers in our times. Let the children learn what horrible things are being done to Christians merely because they believe and obey God's word, and because of it worship the Lord Jesus Christ. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)

    Hooker, Thomas (1586-1647), The Immortality of the Soule: The Excellencie of Christ Jesus, Treated on. Wherein the faithfull people of God may finde comfort for their souls. By T.H. Published according to order, 1645

    Houston, Thomas (1803-1882, editor of The Covenanter), The Reviewer Reviewed, and The Covenanter and Testimony of the Reformed Presbyterian Church Vindicated, From the Perversions and Groundless Allegations of the Rev. John Paul, in a Pamphlet, Entitled, 'The Covenanter Reviewed and Persecution Condemned'
    http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2017/1/19/11emrwtl9xjspzw3b5lx3znuphtvzl

    *Howie, John (1735-1793), The Scots Worthies. Biographia Scoticana: or, A Brief Historical Account of the Lives, Characters, and Memorable Transactions of the Most Eminent Scots Worthies . . . Also, an Appendix, Containing a Short Historical Hint of the Wicked Lives . . . of the . . . Apostates and . . . Persecutors in Scotland . . . 2nd edition, corrected and enlarged, 1781. A Christian classic. Available (PDF and MP3 audio files) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (PDF file) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1, #10. Available (22 MP3 audio files) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1-30 and at AudioSermons.com.
    "Most commonly known as SCOTS WORTHIES, this edition contains Howie's footnotes (defending the Covenanters), and Howie's appendix titled 'The Judgment and Justice of God' (which chronicles God's judgments upon Reformation apostates and those who persecuted the Covenanters). It is the only edition in print which contains both these sections intended for publication by the author (as later editors often removed either one or both of these parts of this book). BIOGRAPHIA SCOTICANA covers the history of 'noblemen, gentlemen, ministers and others from Mr. Patrick Hamilton, who was born about the year of our Lord 1503, and suffered martyrdom at St. Andrews, Feb., 1527, to Mr. James Renwick, who was executed in the Grass-market of Edinburgh, Feb. 17, 1688. Together with a succinct account of the lives of other seven eminent divines, and Sir Robert Hamilton of Preston, who died about, or shortly after the Revolution.' This is one of our best history books (over 700 pages), covering all of the major Scottish Reformers. Howie summarizes his book as follows: 'The design of the following was to collect, from the best authorities, a summary account of the lives, characters, and contendings, of a certain number of our most renowned SCOTS WORTHIES, who, for their faithful services, ardent zeal, constancy in sufferings, and other Christian graces and virtues, deserve honourable memorial in the Church of Christ; and for which their names have been, and will be savoury to all the true lovers of our Zion, while Reformation principles are regarded.' Furthermore, the momentous nature of the struggles chronicled in this book are succinctly noted when Howie writes: 'the primitive witnesses had the divinity of the Son of God, and an open confession of Him, for their testimony. Our reformers from Popery had Antichrist to struggle with, in asserting the doctrines of the Gospel, and the right way of salvation in and through Jesus Christ. Again, in the reigns of James VI. and Charles I., Christ's REGALIA, and the divine right of Presbytery, became the subject matter of their testimony. Then, in the beginning of the reign of Charles II. (until he got the whole of our ancient and laudable constitution effaced and overturned), our Worthies only saw it their duty to hold and contend for what they had already attained unto. But, in the end of this and the subsequent tyrant's reign, they found it their duty (a duty which they had too long neglected), to advance one step higher, by casting off their authority altogether, and that as well on account of their manifest usurpation of Christ's crown and dignity, as on account of their treachery, bloodshed, and tyranny . . . which may be summed up. The Primitive martyrs sealed the prophetic office of Christ in opposition to Pagan idolatry. The reforming martyrs sealed His priestly office with their blood, in opposition to Popish idolatry. And last of all, our late martyrs have sealed His kingly office with their best blood, in despite of supremacy and bold Erastianism. They indeed have cemented it upon His royal head, so that to the world's end it shall never drop off again.' Moreover, the importance of this book can be clearly seen when Johnston, in TREASURY OF THE SCOTTISH COVENANT, reports that, Walter Scott refers to Howie as 'the fine old chronicler of the Cameronians'. . . Howie's book has been for upwards of a century a household word, occupying a place on the shelf beside THE BIBLE and THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.' Written for God, country and the covenanted work of Reformation. Stirring history!" -- Publisher
    An alternative edition that also contains the appendix, Biographia Scoticana: or, A Brief Historical Account of the Lives, Characters, and Memorable Transactions of the Most Eminent Scots Worthies, Noblemen, Gentlemen, Ministers and Others . . . With an Appendix, Containing a Short Historical Account of the Wicked Lives and Miserable Deaths of Some of the Most Bloody Persecutors in Scotland, 1836.
    An Appendix, Containing a Short Historical Hint of the Wicked Lives and Miserable Deaths of Some of the Most Remarkable Apostates and Bloody Persecutors in Scotland From the Reformation to the Revolution
    This is the Appendix to THE SCOTS WORTHIES. BIOGRAPHIA SCOTICANA, 2nd edition, corrected and enlarged, 1781.
    http://archive.org/details/biographiascotic28272gut
    See also: A CLOUD OF WITNESSES FOR THE ROYAL PREROGATIVES OF JESUS CHRIST BEING THE LAST SPEECHES AND TESTIMONIES OF THOSE WHO HAVE SUFFERED FOR THE TRUTH IN SCOTLAND SINCE . . . 1680 and JOHN FOXE'S BOOK OF MARTYRS. ACTES AND MONUMENTS OF MATTERS MOST SPECIALL AND MEMORABLE. Available from: http://www.johnfoxe.org. Implemented by the Humanities Research Institute, University of Sheffield, England, and published by HRI Online Publications, Sheffield, 2011, Version 2.0, ISBN: 9780954260864.

    Howie, John (compiler, preface), and James Kerr (of Greenock, biographical notices), Sermons Delivered in Times of Persecution in Scotland, by Sufferers for the Royal Prerogatives of Jesus Christ. . . . Commemoration Sermon on Ps. xliv. 3, Heb. xiii. 7 [Psalm 44:3, Hebrews 13:7] . . . With Illustrations, 1680. Alternate titles: SERMONS DELIVERED IN THE TIMES OF PERSECUTION and A COLLECTION OF LECTURES AND SERMONS COLLECTED AND TRANSCRIBED BY JOHN HOWIE. Available (A COLLECTION OF VERY VALUABLE SERMONS PREACHED ON SEVERAL SUBJECTS AND IN DIVERS PLACES IN THE TIME OF THE LATE PERSECUTION. BY THESE EMINENT SERVANTS OF JESUS CHRIST, MESSRS JOHN KID, JOHN KING, JOHN WELCH, JOHN BLACKADDER, JOHN DICKSON, AND GABRIEL SEMPLE. COLLECTED AND TRANSCRIBED FROM DIFFERENT MANUSCRIPTS, BY JOHN HOWIE; AND PUBLISHED AT THE REQUEST OF THOSE WHO DESIRE TO OWN THE SAME TESTIMONY, THAT SOME OF THESE AUTHORS OWNED AND SEALED WITH THEIR BLOOD, 1780) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (A COLLECTION OF VERY VALUABLE SERMONS . . .) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.

    Jeremiah Films (IMP), Sudan: The Hidden Holocaust, DVD
    "A comprehensive documentary on persecution, slavery, and genocide in Sudan; filmed on location in Southern Sudan and the remote Nuba mountains of central Sudan."
    http://www.jeremiahfilms.com/products/SHHD

    Knox, John (1505-1572), The Appellation of John Knox From the Cruell . . . Sentence Pronounced Against Him by the False Bishoppes and Clergey of Scotland; With his Supplication and Exhortation to the nobilitie, estates, and communaltie of the same realme. (An admonition to England and Scotland to call them to repentance, written by A. Gilby.) Available (THE WORKS OF JOHN KNOX), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (REFORMATION, REVOLUTION AND ROMANISM), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1 (MP3), #26.

    Knox, John (1505-1572), and Abraham Fleming (1552?-1607), A Fort for the Afflicted. VVherin are Ministered Many Notable and Excellent Remedies Against the Stormes of Tribulation. Written chiefly for the comforte of Christes little flocke, which is the final number of the faithfull, by Iohn Knoxe, 1580. Available (THE WORKS OF JOHN KNOX), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (THE WORKS OF JOHN KNOX), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
    A commentary on Psalm VI [Psalm 6].

    *Lea, Charles Henry, A History of the Inquisition of the Middle Ages, 4 volumes, ISBN: 0404191592 9780404191597. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "One of the perennial (and insurmountable), challenges for men like Scott Hahn, Gerry Matatics, and Karl Keating -- men who have devoted their lives and labors to the defense and promulgation of the Roman Catholic apostasy -- is dealing with their Church's history. The grim irony is that while these modern champions of Antichrist demand submission to the Holy Roman Church, contending that she alone has the witness of history and truth on her side, it is her very history indeed which removes forever any crumb of credibility to her claims of faithfulness and infallibility. Thus, it has always been one of the most powerful weapons in the arsenal of Christ's faithful witnesses simply to recount the true and undeniable history of the Mother of Harlots and Abominations of the Earth. (Rev. 17:5 [Revelation 17:5]). This tactic was used with devastating success by Luther, Calvin, and others, and is of equal necessity and efficacy in our day -- especially in light of the detestable neutrality and even outright returning to the ways of Rome on the part of so many 'Protestant' and even 'Reformed' and 'Presbyterian' churches. Through this means it is hoped that God will wake up His people to the true nature of the ever raging battle with the Dragon and his minions, and drive us to our knees to seek His face, His forgiveness, and His grace to stand against the darkness in our respective places and callings -- particularly teaching our children the mighty acts of God in delivering His people in times past from so great an evil, that they might be thankful and put their trust in Him. (Ps. 78:1-8 [Psalm 78:1-8]).
    "In his atrocious chronicle, ROME SWEET HOME: OUR JOURNEY TO CATHOLICISM, Scott Hahn conveniently omits any mention of the volumes of embarrassing and self-refuting details of the Roman Church's true history, choosing instead to caricature the Reformers, pretend to scholarly acumen, and do the very thing he hypocritically accuses Lorraine Boettner of doing: presenting a lying portraiture of Rome. (See also the reference to Hahn in the book summary for William Whitaker's Disputation on Holy Scripture, another irrefutable resource for squelching his siren song of spiritual seduction: http://www.swrb.com/catalog/W.htm). Therefore, we invite all seekers of truth to examine for themselves one ugly chapter in the annals of Rome's abominations: the inquisition of the Middle Ages. It is with gratitude to our merciful God and the earnest desire for His powerful blessing that we once again present to the public what was once a standard treatment on the subject, Henry Charles Lea's HISTORY OF THE INQUISITION OF THE MIDDLE AGES.
    "To close, we leave you with Larry Birger's comments. They are to the point and provide us with a telling summary of this work (and the thoughts and feelings of righteous indignation that such writing is sure to evoke among those led by the Spirit of God)." -- Publisher

    I am simply amazed at the true history of Rome. The best and only explanation I can find for why men would endure, much less embrace, such a "church" is what God says in 2 Thessalonians 2: that He's given them over to blindness, that they might believe great lies and thereby be justly damned for their failure to receive the love of the truth. In just the glances I had at Lea's work, I am simply astonished that any individual could submit himself to the "Holy Mother" of harlotries and abominations which Rome is clearly seen to be in these volumes. The Romish legacy of demonic brutality, inhumanity and disgrace stretches the ability of even fallen man to comprehend. -- Larry Birger

    *Leahy, Frederick S., Satan Cast out: A Study in Biblical Demonology, ISBN: 0851512348.
    "It is often said that wherever there is a rejection of faith in the living God a corresponding upsurge of the demonic will eventually appear. That is true not only in the pages of the Bible and in the annals of Christian missions; it has also become a striking feature of the life in our materialistic, post-Christian society. . . . Full of sane exposition and wise counsel, his work has been widely appreciated since its first publication in 1975." -- Publisher
    "Probably one of the best, most Scriptural books written today on the subject of demonology." -- Presbyterian Journal

    Leftwich, W.M., Martyrdom in Missouri: A History of Religious Proscription, the Seizure of Churches, and the Persecution of Ministers of the Gospel, in the state of Missouri . . . of the new constitution, ISBN: 1425548105 9781425548100.
    Two volumes exist. The second is very rare. Both volumes are available, Cerlox bound, from Dominion Ministry.

    Limbaugh, David, Persecution: How Liberals are Waging war Against Christianity, ISBN: 0895261111 9780895261113.
    "In his new book, PERSECUTION -- already on the New York Times Best-seller list -- David Limbaugh (author of the previous bestseller ABSOLUTE POWER), makes a compelling case that liberals across the country are waging an undeclared war on Christianity in our culture and in our government -- especially our schools. Limbaugh exposes the farce of liberal 'tolerance' and reveals the true agenda of liberals who misuse the law to force Christianity out of the public square.
    "Often the people who clamor for tolerance are among the most intolerant people in our society. David Limbaugh documents this in his new book, PERSECUTION -- in particular, the intolerance against Christians. This book is sorely needed in our day when the only 'acceptable' prejudice of our day is the bias against Christians." -- D. James Kennedy (1930-2007)

    Love, Christopher (1618-1651), The Soul's Cordial, 1653. Alternate title: THE SOULS CORDIALL IN TWO TREATISES. I. TEACHING HOW TO BE EASED OF THE GUILT OF SIN. II. DISCOVERING ADVANTAGES BY CHRISTS ASCENSION. BY THAT FAITHFULL LABOURER IN THE LORDS VINEYARD MR. CHRISTOPHER LOVE, PASTOR OF LAWRENCE JURY, LONDON. THE THIRD VOLUME. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "Part one is titled "Teaching How To Be Eased of the Guilt of Sin" and consists of 191 pages. Part two, "The Saints Advantage, By Christ's Ascension," deals (in 194 pages), with our Lord's words comforting 'his disciples both against their fears of persecution in the world, as also against their sorrows.' (p. 1). Many subjects are touched upon, including numerous very helpful practical applications following from the assurance of the believer's freedom from the guilt of sin, the truth of Christ's ascension, and the comfort and joy that both these topics bring to the followers of the Lamb. Indexed." -- Publisher

    MacPherson, Hector, The Covenanters Under Persecution: A Study of Their Religious and Ethical Thought, 1923.

    Mall, Thomas (b. 1629 or 30), A Cloud of VVitnesses, or, The Sufferers Mirrour. Made up of the Swan-like-songs and Other Choice Passages of Several Martyrs and Confessors to the end of the Sixteenth Century, in their treatises, speeches, letters, prayers, &c. in their prisons, or exiles, at the bar or stake &c. / collected out of the ecclesiastical histories of Eusebius, Fox, Fuller, Clark, Petrie, Scotland, and Mr. Samuel Ward's Life of faith in death, &c. and alphabetically disposed by T.M., 1665.

    *McWard (M'Ward), Robert (1633-1687), A Covenanter's Response to Wicked Rulers in Church and State (and Unjust Taxation), Containing Some Comforting Words to Those who are Suffering at the Hand of These Beasts, for the Sake of Christ and Truth. A collection of tracts including: BANDERS DISBANDED; THE POOR MAN'S CUP OF COLD WATER; A TESTIMONY AGAINST PAYING OF CESS TO THE PERSECUTORS. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #26.

    McWard (M'Ward), Robert (1633-1687), The Poor Man's cup of Cold-water: Ministered to the Saints and Sufferers for Christ in Scotland who are Amidst the Scorching Flames of the Fiery Trial, 1676. Available in A COVENANTER'S RESPONSE TO WICKED RULERS IN CHURCH AND STATE (AND UNJUST TAXATION), CONTAINING SOME COMFORTING WORDS TO THOSE WHO ARE SUFFERING AT THE HAND OF THESE BEASTS, FOR THE SAKE OF CHRIST AND TRUTH. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    McWard (M'Ward), Robert, A Poor Man's cup of Cold Water Ministered to the Saints and Sufferers for Christ in Scotland, who are Amidst the Scorching Flames of the Fiery Trial
    http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/18/robert-mwards-a-poor-mans-cup-of-cold-water-ministered-to-the-saints-and-sufferers-for-christ-in-scotland-who-are-amidst-the-scorching-flames-of-the-fiery-trial
    Poor Man's cup of Cold Water
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/covenants/coldwater.html

    Medved, Michael, Hollywood vs. America: Popular Culture and the war Against Traditional Values, ISBN: 0060924357 9780060924355.
    "The author exposes the attacks by the motion picture industry, television, and music stars against the church and Christians. He expresses our frustrations. He not only suggests a way out for Hollywood, but also concrete suggestions for concerned citizens who want to protect themselves and their children." -- GCB

    Newcomen, Matthew (1610?-1669), The Craft and Cruelty of the Churches Adversaries, Discovered in a Sermon Preached at St. Margarets in Westminster, Before the Honourable House of Commons Assembled in Parliament, November 5, 1642. By Matthew Newcomen, minister of the Gospell at Dedham in Essex. Published by order of the House of Commons. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Paul, John (1777-1848), The Covenanter Reviewed: And Persecution Condemned, 1819.

    Paul, John (1777-1848), Persecution Undefensible: A Series of Letters in Reply to the Rev. T. Houston's Narrative and Plea.

    Paul, John (1777-1848), Remarks on the Reformed Presbyterian Synods Judgement: or An Antedote Against Persecutors, Part I, 1844.
    Remarks on the Reformed Presbyterian Synod's Judgment: or, An Antidote Against Persecution, Part II.

    Paul, John (1777-1848), Persecution and the Slave Trade, 1844. Alternate title: PERSECUTION AND THE SLAVE TRADE. DR. PAUL'S SPEECH WHEN A TESTIMONIAL WAS PRESENTED TO HIM BY HIS FRIENDS IN BALLYMONEY, 9TH DECEMBER, 1844. Available in WORKS OF THE LATE REV. JOHN PAUL.

    Peden, Alexander (1626-1686), The Fellowship of Christ's Sufferings. Available (PDF and MP3) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29. Available in SERMONS IN TIMES OF PERSECUTION. Available (SERMONS IN TIMES OF PERSECUTION) on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Peden, Alexander (1626-1686), Two Sermons by Persecuted Covenanter Alexander Peden
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/Peden.html

    Renwick, James (1662-1688), The Saint's Duty in Evil Times: In two Sermons Preached From Isaiah xxvi.20, 1745. [Isaiah 26:20] Available (in A CHOICE COLLECTION OF VERY VALUABLE PREFACES, LECTURES AND SERMONS) on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    *Renwick, James (1662-1688), The Testimony of Some Persecuted Presbyterian Ministers of the Gospel Unto the Covenanted Reformation of the Church of Scotland, and to the Present Expediency of Continuing to Preach the Gospel in the Fields, and Against the Present Anti-Christian Toleration in its Nature and Design, Tending to Bury all These in Oblivion, Lately Obtruded Upon, and Accepted by the Body of This Nation, 1688. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    A Testimony Against Anti-Christian Toleration, James Renwick; Alexander Shields
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/renwick/renwick_testimony_16880117.html

    Renwick, James (1662-1688), Thomas Houston, Spiritual Support and Consolation in Difficult Times.

    *Robbins, John W. (1949-2008), Ecclesiastical Megalomania: The Economic and Political Thought of the Roman Catholic Church (Unicoi, TN: The Trinity Foundation), ISBN: 0940931753 9780940931756.
    "This book is a detailed examination of the official statements of the Vatican on economic and political matters. It demonstrates the collectivism and totalitarianism of the Roman Catholic Church-State. It is the only such book written by a Christian in the twentieth century.
    "This book explores the conflict between Roman Catholic social thought and human freedom, relying on official pronouncements from the Vatican to show that the political and economic theory of the Roman Church-State justifies feudalism, corporativism [corporatism -- compiler], liberation theology, the welfare state, and fascism.
    "Dr. John W. Robbins attended Grove City College (A.B. 1969), and The Johns Hopkins University (M.A. 1970, Ph.D. 1973). He has served as chief of staff for a Member of Congress [Ron Paul of Texas], editor of The Freeman magazine, Economist for The Heritage Foundation, and Professor of Political Philosophy in The Freedom School." -- Publisher

    Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men, even when they exercise influence and not authority: still more when you superadd the tendency or the certainty of corruption by authority. -- John Emerich Edward Dalberg, Lord Acton (1834-1902), in a letter to Mandell Creighton, April 5, 1887, quoted by Gertrude Himmelfarb in Acton, Essays on Freedom and Power, pp. 335-36 (1972)
    "As the world focuses it attention on the papacy, we ought to recall Lord Acton, the great Roman Catholic historian of the 19th century. Many have heard the aphorism, 'Power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely,' though it is usually misquoted as 'Power corrupts.' Few who have heard it, however, know who its author was: John Emerich Edward Dalberg, better known as Lord Acton. Fewer still realize that Acton used the aphorism in opposing the papacy, the absolute monarchy of the Roman Catholic Church.
    "Acton's criticisms of the papacy and the Roman Church are some of most damning ever leveled against those institutions, and they are virtually unknown today. Yet to anyone seriously concerned about religious and political freedom, Acton's views on the Roman Church, his own church, in particular his condemnation of the papacy, ought to be of great interest. Unfortunately, contemporary theological correctness has a taboo against criticism of Catholicism.
    "Acton kept a notebook on the Inquisition in which he wrote:
    The object of the Inquisition [was] not to combat sin -- for the sin was not judged by it unless accompanied by [theological] error. Nor even to put down error. For it punished untimely and unseemly remarks the same as blasphemy. Only unity. This became an outward, fictitious, hypocritical unity. The gravest sin was pardoned, but it was death to deny the donation of Constantine. [The Donation of Constantine was a document forged in the eighth century in which the Roman Emperor Constantine willed the Western Roman Empire to the Pope. The Roman Church taught that the Donation was genuine, and the legal basis for the pope's civil authority, for centuries. -- JR]. So men learnt that outward submission must be given. All this [was] to promote authority more than faith. When ideas were punished more severely than actions -- for all this time the Church was softening the criminal law, and saving men from the consequences of crime: -- and the Donation was put on a level with God's own law -- men understood that authority went before sincerity.
    "Acton believed that the Inquisition was the institution by which the medieval papacy had to be condemned or acquitted. Just as a man charged with murder is judged for a single act, though be may be kind to his mother and a great philanthropist, so the papacy must be judged for the Inquisition. To Mandell Creighton, an Anglican priest, Acton wrote:
    I cannot accept your canon that we are to judge Pope and King unlike other men, with a favourable presumption that they did no wrong. If there is any presumption it is the other way, against holders of power, increasing as the power increases. Historic responsibility has to make up for the want of legal responsibility. Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men, even when they exercise influence and not authority: still more when you superadd the tendency or the certainty of corruption by authority. There is no worse heresy than that the office sanctifies the holder of it. . . . For many years my view of Catholic controversy has been governed by the following chain of reasoning: 1. A crime does not become a good deed by being committed for the good of a church. 2. The theorist who approves the act is no better than the culprit who commits it. 3. The divine or historian who defends the theorist incurs the same blame. . . . To commit murder is the mark of a moment, exceptional. To defend it is constant, and shows a more perverted conscience.
    "Acton turned his attention to other crimes of the Roman Church as well. Beginning on Sunday, August 24, 1572, tens of thousands of French Huguenots were massacred by the Catholics. Overnight, thousands were murdered, and the murders continued for several months. The massacre began in Paris. The sign of the cross was everywhere, and the murders took on the air of a crusade, a holy war against the infidels. The banks of the Seine became a slaughterhouse. Men, women, children, and infants were stabbed or dragged by a rope around the neck to be thrown into the river. The murder, looting, and rape went on for days in Paris.
    "The Pope, Gregory XIII, reacted immediately to this Catholic Holocaust: He delivered a complimentary speech, and commended the King of France, Charles IX, who 'has also displayed before our Most Holy Master and this entire assembly the most splendid virtues which can shine in the exercise of power.' The Pope commissioned a mural in honor of the great occasion; he ordered salutes fired for Charles; he had a commemorative seal struck; and in a horrible blasphemy he ordered a special Te Deum sung. Less than two years later, at the age of 24, King Charles died in extreme pain with blood oozing from his pores. His last words were pleas to God for pardon for the murders.
    "The massacre was a matter of controversy in 1868 when Acton wrote an essay in the North British Review. He concluded his long essay by saying that there was no evidence to absolve the Roman Church of premeditated murder. Acton argued that it was not only facts that condemned the papacy for this heinous crime, but the whole body of casuistry developed by the church that made it an act of Christian duty and mercy to kill a heretic so that he might be removed from sin. Acton pointed out that only when the Roman Church could no longer rely on force but had to make its case before public opinion did it seek to explain away its murders. 'The same motive which had justified the murder now promoted the lie,' he wrote. A bodyguard of lies was fabricated to protect the papacy from guilt for this monstrous sin. Acton wrote:
    The story is much more abominable than we all believed. . . . S.B. [St. Bartholomew's], is the greatest crime of modern times. It was committed on principles professed by Rome. It was approved, sanctioned, and praised by the papacy. The Holy See went out of its way to signify to the world, by permanent and solemn acts, how entirely it admired a king who slaughtered his subjects treacherously, because they were Protestants. To proclaim forever that because a man is a Protestant it is a pious deed to cut his throat in the night. . . .
    "For three centuries the Roman church's canon law had affirmed that the killing of an excommunicated person was not murder, and that allegiance need not be kept with heretical rulers. Murder and treason were part of the Roman church's official teachings. Charles IX was acting as a good Catholic, and he was highly praised by the pope for his murders.
    "In 1867 Pope Pius IX summoned a general council of the Roman Church to be held in Rome in 1870. It was the first general council of the Roman Church since the sixteenth century Council of Trent, at which the schismatic Roman Church had condemned all the truths of the Reformation. This time the Pope was determined to establish himself as the infallible sovereign of the Roman Church.
    "Acton thought that the time of the council would be better spent abolishing many of the 'reforms' made by the Council of Trent, reforms which had perpetuated in the Roman Church a spirit of intolerant absolutism and 'austere immorality.' He opposed the doctrine of papal infallibility, because, as an historian, he knew the popes were not infallible. Acton wrote:
    A man is not honest who accepts all the Papal decisions in questions of morality, for they have often been distinctly immoral; or who approves the conduct of the Popes in engrossing power, for it was stained with perfidy and falsehood; or who is ready to alter his convictions at their command, for his conscience is guided by no principle.
    "After studying the history of the popes, Acton wrote:
    The papacy contrived murder and massacre on the largest and also on the most cruel and inhuman scale. They were not only wholesale assassins but they made the principle of assassination a law of the Christian Church and a condition of salvation. . . . [The Papacy], is the fiend skulking behind the Crucifix.
    Massachusetts Attorney General, The Sexual Abuse of Children in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston, Thomas F. Reilly, Massachusetts Attorney General.
    "The mistreatment of children was so massive and so prolonged that it borders on the unbelievable," says the July 23 [2003] report of Massachusetts Attorney General Thomas F. Reilly. More than 1,000 minors were likely abused by priests over the past six decades."
    This is the 79-page report in its entirety.
    http://www.votf.org/ago/archdiocese.pdf
    Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Knox, Samuel Rutherford, John Owen, Thomas Manton, The Westminster Assembly, James Renwick, Archibald Mason, Christopher Ness, Francis Turretin, The Reformed Presbytery, David Steel, James R. Willson, Alexander M'Leod, William L. Roberts, James Aiken Wylie, Andrew Wilet, Henry Wilkinson, James Wylie, Patrick Fairbairn, James Aiken, Andrew Wilet, Alexander Hislop, Francis Nigel Lee, Arthur W. Pink, and so forth, and so on, have all believed and argued in print that the seated Pope is the Antichrist of the Bible.
    The Roman Church-State is "the world's oldest, largest, most powerful and most influential politico-ecclesiastical institution" and it "may also be the world's wealthiest." The Roman Catholic Institution is the ultimate "negative guide to the positive," the reformers ultimate "opposite guide to political and economic reform."
    Pope's Visit Means 3 White House Firsts
    President says 'man of faith' and conviction deserves the special treatment, Associated Press, April 13, 2008
    "Washington -- The leader of the world's 1 billion Roman Catholics has been to the White House only once in history. That changes this week, and President Bush is pulling out all the stops: driving out to a suburban military base to meet Pope Benedict XVI's plane, bringing a giant audience to the South Lawn and hosting a fancy East Room dinner.
    "These are all firsts.
    "A crowd of up to 12,000 is due at the White House on Wednesday morning for the pope's official, pomp-filled arrival ceremony. It will feature the U.S. and Holy See anthems, a 21-gun salute, and the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps. Both men will make remarks before their Oval Office meeting and a send-off for his Popemobile down Pennsylvania Avenue.
    "The president explained the special treatment -- particularly the airport greeting.
    " 'One, he speaks for millions. Two, he doesn't come as a politician; he comes as a man of faith,' Bush told the EWTN Global Catholic Network in an interview aired Friday. He added that he wanted to honor Benedict's conviction that 'there's right and wrong in life, that moral relativism has a danger of undermining the capacity to have more hopeful and free societies. . . .'
    "This week makes Bush the record-holder, with a total of five meetings with two popes. . . .
    "The current pope's approach may be softer than that of John Paul, who turned from Bush's presentation to him of the Medal of Freedom in 2004 to read a statement about his 'grave concern' over events in Iraq."
    http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24096388/
    Bush Scandals
    An extensive resource. Includes websites for the Savings and Loan Scandal of the 1980s, considered the largest theft in the history of the world, involving Neil Bush, a brother of George W., the Florida's Voting Scandal of 2001 in which Al Gore lost the presidential election. Jeb Bush, another brother of George W., was Governor of Florida and had promised to deliver the state for his brother. Other sites treat George W. Bush's suspected involvement in 911 [911 is, of course, analogous to Roosevelt's Pearl Harbor]. Note particularly "Bush Family Machinations, 1918-2000," a timeline of Bush Family crimes prior to Election 2000.
    http://news4florida.tripod.com/index1.html
    The Panic of '08. Lew Rockwell Interviews Ron Paul, September 18, 2008
    A podcast.
    http://www.lewrockwell.com/podcast/?p=episode&name=2008-09-18_029_ron_paul_talks_to_lew_rockwell.mp3

    Session-book of the Parish of Penninghame, Accounts of Suffering for Christ and His Covenanted Reformation -- Under Erastian Prelacy in Scotland -- Especially From 1679 to 1689, 1826. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #23.

    Shields, Alexander (1660?-1700), Sermons Delivered in the Times of Persecution, 1680.

    *Shields, Alexander (1660?-1700), A Short Memorial of the Sufferings and Grievances Past and Present of the Presbyterians in Scotland Particularly of Them Called by Nick-name Cameronians, 1690.

    Shields, Alexander (1660?-1700), A True and Faithful Relation of the Sufferings of the Reverend and Learned, Mr. Alexander Shields, Minister of the Gospel. Written with his own hand. Containing an account of his examinations and imprisonment at London; his being sent down to Scotland; . . . Together with a large and elaborate defense of the doctrine of resistance, . . . Never before published. Alternate title: A TRUE AND FAITHFUL RELATION OF THE SUFFERINGS OF THE REVEREND AND LEARNED, MR. ALEXANDER SHIELDS, MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL. WRITTEN WITH HIS OWN HAND. CONTAINING AN ACCOUNT OF HIS EXAMINATIONS AND IMPRISONMENT AT LONDON; HIS BEING SENT DOWN TO SCOTLAND; . . . TOGETHER WITH A LARGE AND ELABORATE DEFENSE OF THE DOCTRINE OF RESISTANCE, . . . NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED, 1715. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Simson, Patrick (1556-1618), The Historie of the Church, Since the Dayes of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, Untill This Present Age. Divided into Foure bookes. 1. The first containeth the whole proceedings and practises of the emperours . . . 2. The second containeth a briefe catalogue of the beginnings, and proceedings of all the bishops, popes, patriarchs, doctors, pastors, and other learned men . . . 3. The third containeth a short summe of all the heretiques . . . 4. The fourth containeth a short compend of all the councels generall, nationall, and provinciall . . . Divided into 16. centuries. . . . Collected out of sundry authors both ancient and moderne; by the famous and worthy preacher of Gods Word, Master Patrick Symson, late minister at Striveling in Scotland. Alternate title: SHORT COMPEND OF THE HISTORIE OF THE FIRST TEN PERSECUTIONS MOVED AGAINST CHRISTIANS, 1634.
    "Note: A second part had appeared in 1625; it is not reprinted here. Centuries 1-9 are rearranged extracts of part of the text of his: A SHORT COMPEND OF THE HISTORIE OF THE FIRST TEN PERSECUTIONS MOVED AGAINST CHRISTIANS."

    Simson, Patrick (1556-1618), A Short Compend of the Historie of the First ten Persecutions Moued Against Christians, Divided Into III. Centuries. Whereunto are added in the end of euery centurie treatises arising vpon occasion offered in the historie, clearely declaring the noveltie of popish religion, and that it neither flowed from the mouthes of Christs holy Apostles, neither was it confirmed by the blood of the holy martyrs who died in these ten persecutions, 1613.
    Vol. 2 (centuries 4-6), has title "A short compend, of the Arrian and Eutychian persecutions"; imprint is dated 1615. Vol. 3 (centuries 7-9), has title "A short compend, of the grouth of the Romane Antichrist"; imprint is dated 1616. With a final errata leaf.

    Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Our Suffering Substitute
    For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God. (1 Peter 3:18) From C.H. Spurgeon's FORGOTTEN EARLY SERMONS: TWENTY-EIGHT SERMONS COMPILED FROM THE SWORD AND THE TROWEL
    https://www.monergism.com/our-suffering-substitute-c-h-spurgeon

    *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.
    "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

    Stayer, Joseph R., The Albigensian Crusades, ISBN: 0472094769 9780472094769.
    "A well-written, informative account of this cruel and yet significant persecution of the medieval dissenters." -- Cyril J. Barber

    *Thomson, John Henderson (editor), John McMain, and David Scott (introduction), A Cloud of Witnesses for the Royal Prerogatives of Jesus Christ Being the Last Speeches and Testimonies of Those who Have Suffered for the Truth in Scotland Since . . . 1680. Alternate title: THE FIFTEENTH EDITION, ENLARGED AND CORRECTED: A CLOUD OF WITNESSES, FOR THE ROYAL PREROGATIVES OF JESUS CHRIST: OR, THE LAST SPEECHES AND TESTIMONIES OF THOSE WHO HAVE SUFFERED FOR THE TRUTH IN SCOTLAND, SINCE THE YEAR 1680: WITH AN APPENDIX, CONTAINING THE QUEENSFERRY PAPER; TORWOOD EXCOMMUNICATION; A RELATION CONCERNING MR. RICHARD CAMERON, MR. DONALD CARGIL, AND HENRY HALL; AND AN ACCOUNT OF THOSE WHO WERE KILLED WITHOUT PROCESS OF LAW, AND BANISHED TO FOREIGN LANDS: WITH A SHORT VIEW OF SOME OF THE OPPRESSIVE EXACTIONS, ISBN: 0873779231. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "With the Testimonies of John Nisbet the Younger, John Nisbet of Hardhill, Robert Miller, Thomas Harkness, &c. A Letter of John Semple's and of Archibald Stewart's. The Paper found upon Mr. Cameron at Airsmoss, and an Acrostick upon his name. The Testimony of John Finlay in Kilmarnock. The Epitaphs upon the Grave Stones of Mr. Samuel Rutherford, Mr. John Welwood, and the noble Patriots who fell at Pentland-hills, &c.
    "Also includes The Testimony of some persecuted Presbyterian Ministers of the Gospel, unto the Covenanted Reformation of the Church of Scotland, and to the present expediency of continuing to preach the Gospel in the fields, and against the present Anti-Christian Toleration in its nature and design, &c. Given in to the Ministers at Edinburgh, by Mr. James Renwick, upon the 17th Jan. 1688. And Mr. Richard Cameron's Last Sermon; preached on Kype Water in Evandale, July 18th, 1680, three days before he was killed at Airs-moss. (Pittsburgh: Printed for David Reed, by Eichbaum & Johnston, 1824), 1884 edition.
    Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1,2)
    "Presbyterian Covenanter martyrs of Scotland, their last speeches and testimonies. The first edition appeared in 1714, and as more material was collected it was added to the 15 editions that were printed over the next 100 years.
    "An amazing book compiled to show how -- and especially why (from their own dying testimonies) -- the Covenanters suffered, bled and died. These brave martyrs for Christ laid the foundation for liberty and truth in both church and state. They have much to say to us today . . . . Though the issues and ferocity of persecution (by the Popes, prelates, and Erastians), were more obvious during the times covered in this book, the message to contemporary Christians could not be clearer: we are involved in a life and death struggle. Few books are this moving or this edifying -- a real treasure! (658 pp., 1884 ed.)." -- Publisher
    The 1871 edition was praised by Spurgeon.
    A Cloud of Witnesses
    https://archive.org/details/cloudofwitnesses00thom
    A Cloud of Witnesses, 1871 edition, free online e-text.
    http://books.google.com/books?id=4vMCAAAAQAAJ&dq=thomson+a+cloud+of+witnesses&ie=ISO-8859-1

    Wells, William W., Welcome to the Family: An Introduction to Evangelical Christianity, ISBN: 0877846243: 9780877846246.

    Welwood, John, Heartwork, Assurance and National Judgment, an MP3 file, audio file. Available (SERMONS DELIVERED IN TIMES OF PERSECUTION IN SCOTLAND and MP3) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (SERMONS DELIVERED IN TIMES OF PERSECUTION IN SCOTLAND) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29. Also found in SERMONS DELIVERED IN TIMES OF PERSECUTION IN SCOTLAND.
    "Although Welwood focuses on personal sanctification, searching out the differences between hypocrites and true believers, he does not leave national issues untouched. He shows how God's anger builds in the life of backsliding individuals, churches and nations and how sometimes faithful individuals are swept away in the deluge that ensues as God's wrath is poured out upon the earth. The situation in Scotland at the time of this sermon (c. 1678), provides a perfect example illustrating this point. The forces of Antichrist (Royalist and Prelatical), were hounding the faithful Covenanters and many were suffering (even unto death), on account of their faithfulness to Second Reformation attainments and covenant engagements (in the battle for the crown rights of King Jesus). At this point Welwood seeks to comfort and strengthen those saints suffering under the hand of these wicked, persecuting, 'incarnate devils' -- as Welwood calls them. Occasional hearing, unlawful authorities in church and state and neutrality in the cause of Christ are all sternly rebuked. There is great edification here as this sermon encourages the Christian in his unrelenting battle against sin and defection (individually and in his duties relative to the church and state). This sermon is read (by Ruling Elder Lyndon Dohms), from the book SERMONS IN TIMES OF PERSECUTION IN SCOTLAND, BY SUFFERS FOR THE ROYAL PREROGATIVES OF JESUS CHRIST. Regarding the preacher, this arresting account of one of Welwood's last sermons is recounted in SERMONS IN TIMES OF PERSECUTION." -- Publisher
    Heartwork, Assurance and National Judgement
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?currSection=sermonssource&sermonID=8250514593

    White, John (1570-1615), A New-year's Gift for the High-church Clergy: Being an Account of the Sufferings of a Great Number of the Clergy of the Church of England, who Were Sequestred . . . by the Parliament, in the late times of the great rebellion, 1712.

    *Wodrow, Robert (1679-1734), and Robert Burns (contributor), The History of the Sufferings of the Church of Scotland, From the Restoration to the Revolution, 1830-5, 4 volumes. Alternate title: THE HISTORY OF THE SUFFERINGS OF THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND FROM THE RESTORATION TO THE REVOLUTION. BY THE REV. ROBERT WODROW, MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL AT EASTWOOD. WITH AN ORIGINAL MEMOIR OF THE AUTHOR, EXTRACTS FROM HIS CORRESPONDENCE, A PRELIMINARY DISSERTATION, AND NOTES, BY THE REV. ROBERT BURNS, D.D., ISBN: 9781599251868 1599251868 9781599251820 1599251825 9781599251837 1599251833 9781599251844 1599251841 9781599251851 159925185X.
    "Robert Wodrow (1679-1734), completed his Magnum Opus, THE HISTORY OF THE SUFFERINGS OF THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND FROM THE RESTORATION TO THE REVOLUTION, in 1723-24. This work, for which his integrity, candor, liberality of sentiment, and talents, eminently qualified him, he contemplated from an early period of his life; but it was only in the year 1707, that he began seriously to labour on it. From this time, however, till its publication in 1721 and 1722, a period of between fourteen and fifteen years, he devoted all his leisure hours to its composition. On the appearance of Mr. Wodrow's History, which was published in three large folio volumes at separate times, in the years above named, its author was attacked by those whom his fidelity as an historian had offended, with the vilest scurrility and abuse. Anonymous and threatening letters were sent to him, and every description of indignity was attempted to be thrown on both his person and his work. The faithful, liberal, and impartial character of the history, nevertheless, procured its author many and powerful friends. Its merits were, by a large party, appreciated and acknowledged, and every man whose love of truth was stronger than his prejudices, awarded it the meed of his applause. Copies of the work were presented by Dr. Fraser to their majesties, and the prince and princess of Wales, and were received so graciously, and so much approved of, that the presentation was almost immediately followed by a royal order on the Scottish exchequer for one hundred guineas to be paid to the author, as a testimony of his majesty's favorable opinion of his merits. The warrant for the payment of this sum is dated the 26th April, 1725. In 1830, a second edition of the HISTORY was published, in 4 volumes 8vo, by Messrs Blackie and Fullarton of Glasgow, under the editorial care of the Rev. Dr. Burns of Paisley." -- Publisher
    "Robert Wodrow (1679-1734), Presbyterian minister and historian. He was an energetic researcher and acquirer of documents, letters, and anecdotes, all of which he put to use in his histories and accounts of the Presbyterian church in Scotland . . . Recently republished as a print-on-demand item." -- Wurth Books
    David Hackston of Rathillet's Account of Ayrs-moss.
    Excerpted from WODROW'S HISTORY OF THE SUFFERINGS OF THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND.
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/history/hackston_ayrsmoss.html
    The History of the Sufferings of the Church of Scotland
    http://books.google.com/books?id=ykYRAAAAIAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html

    Woodcock, Francis (1614?-1651), Lex Talionis: or, God Paying Every man in his own Coyn. Held Forth in a Sermon preached at Margarets Westminster, before the Honorable House of Commons, on their solemn fast, July 30th, 1645. By Francis Woodcock, minister at Olaves Southwark, one of the Assembly of Divines. Published by order of that House, 1646. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Workman, Herbert B., Persecution in the Early Church, ISBN: 0192830252 9780192830258.
    "This important assessment of persecution in the early centuries of the Christian era analyzes the clash between church and state, probes the causes of hatred, chronicles the great persecutions, and recounts the experiences of those who were persecuted for their faith." -- Cyril J. Barber

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The covenant faithfulness of god, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, The History of Martyrs, Evil, the problem of avoiding, eschewing, shunning, Oaths, ensnaring vows, promises, and covenants, bonds with the ungodly, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Healing of the mind, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The covenanted reformation of scotland background and history, The covenanted reformation, Covenanted reformation short title listing, The covenant faithfulness of god, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), The antichrist, Popery, The counter-reformation, Machiavellianism, Islam (muslim/moslim), muhammadanism/mohammadanism, Secret societies and ungodly alliance, The history of martyrs, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, Pseudo-chrisitian movements, Secret societies, ungodly alliances, voluntary associations, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 446-449, 1829, 2213, 3480-3484

    Related Weblinks

    100 Percent of Christians Face Persecution in These 21 Countries
    " '2016 was the worst year of persecution on record with a shocking 215 million Christians experiencing high levels of persecution for their faith,' Open Doors USA CEO David Curry asserted during a press conference at the National Press Club.
    "90,000 Christians killed in 2016 [estimated by one study], one every six minutes."
    http://www.christianpost.com/news/90000-christians-killed-in-2016-1-every-6-minutes-study-172464/

    Courage, Martyrdom and the Triumph of Truth, a sermon on Matthew 10 by Greg Price
    A definition of Biblical courage and an exposure of the false courage of the faithless.
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?currSection=sermonsspeaker&sermonID=11501182424

    Great Moments in Presbyterian History #2
    Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Great Movements in Presbyterian History, 34 min.
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=12160371538

    History of Christian Thought on Persecution and Tolerance
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Christian_thought_on_persecution_and_tolerance

    The Holocaust in Rwanda 22 Years Later
    "This strategy of disinformation and terror was spectacularly successful. To this day, most people worldwide do not understand what happened in Rwanda, or why it happened. That is why after my mission to Rwanda I was compelled to produce a compact book that would not only expose what had happened in the horrific massacres in homes, hospitals, churches and on the streets, but the reasons why this systematic slaughter was unleashed. Holocaust in Rwanda reveals the events leading up to the intense and widespread violence, and more importantly the lessons we need to learn from the genocide in Rwanda."
    https://www.frontlinemissionsa.org/rwanda/the-holocaust-in-rwanda-22-years-later
    Lessons From the Rwandan Holocaust
    https://www.frontlinemissionsa.org/rwanda/lessons-from-the-rwandan-holocaust
    Hotel Rwanda Genocide in a gun Free Land
    https://www.frontlinemissionsa.org/rwanda/hotel-rwanda-genocide-in-a-gun-free-land

    Open Doors World Watch List
    Current statistics on persecution of Christians.
    https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/world-watch-list/

    Pagan Resentment, [audio file], Peter Hammond
    "St. Augustine in THE CITY OF GOD observed that the Romans despised the Christians because of Christian opposition to their unrestrained immorality, perversions and depravities. The church father Tertullian noted the Romans were so incensed by Christian opposition to their immoralities that they hated the very name 'Christian.
    Professor Alvin Schmidt in his HOW CHRISTIANITY CHANGED THE WORLD observes:

    The hateful attitudes that were once directed against the early Christians seem to be returning, and for similar reasons, despite the current attention given to toleration. Increasingly, Christians are hated by many who advocate 'hate crime' laws. In large measure, they are hated because they seek to honour God and His laws rather than re-define god as our future selves. Feverish efforts are underway to bring back the sexual debauchery of ancient paganism.
    https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=8320937192483
    Pagan Resentment accompanying video
    https://vimeo.com/444175528

    The Persecuted Church
    http://www.persecutedchurch.org/

    Persecution (FGB #185)
    Disciples of Christ Must Expect Persecution, Burroughs, Jeremiah (1599-1646) | The Christian and Persecution, Lloyd-Jones, D.M. (1899-1981) | A Word for the Persecuted, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | Are we mad now to Pursue After Holiness? Brooks, Thomas (1606-1680)
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/persfg/persecution

    Persecution: At Least 215 Million Christians Experiencing "High Levels" of Persecution, Says Open Doors, 11 January 2017
    "At least 215 million Christians around the world are experiencing high levels of persecution -- with almost half of them located in Asia, according to persecuted church advocacy and support group Open Doors."
    https://www.sightmagazine.com.au/features/6921-persecution-at-least-215-million-christians-experiencing-high-levels-of-persecution-says-open-doors

    Persecution of Christians
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persecution_of_Christians

    Persecution Project Foundation
    http://www.persecutionproject.org/

    Pseudo-Christian Movements: A Selection of Works
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappd.html

    Rebellion and Lawlessness: Wickedness, Demonic Possession, Abnormal Behavior, Insanity, Mental Illness, Mental Retardation
    www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappd.html#rlinsane



    Pornography

    I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid? (Job 31:1)

    Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:27-30)

    For this is the will of God -- your sanctification; that ye abstain from the whoredom, that each of you know his own vessel to possess in sanctification and honour, not in the affection of desire, as also the nations that were not knowing God, that no one go beyond and defraud in the matter his brother, because an avenger is the Lord of all these, as also we spake before to you and testified, for God did not call us on uncleanness, but in sanctification; he, therefore, who is despising -- doth not despise man, but God, who also did give His Holy Spirit to us. (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8, YLTHB)

    Never love that faith that leaves the heart as a swine's sty to lusts, that leaves it swarming with unclean and vain thoughts, or that leaves the heart just as it was before; or that faith, that only cleanses the outside, and does no more. Such a faith, however esteemed by man, will never be accounted for true saving faith before God. . . .
    I do not, I dare not say, that believers will always discern this heart-purity or cleanness; but this I say, that true faith will set the man a-work to purify the heart, and will be making use of Christ for that end, not only to have the arm of the dominion of sin broken, but to have the soul more and more delivered from the indwelling power of it; and this will be the design that he will sincerely drive, to get the heart purified within, as well as the outward man. Inward heart-abominations will be grievous and burdensome to him, as well as scandalous out-breakings. -- James Durham's 12th sermon on Isaiah 53, 72 Sermons on Isaiah 53 (Naphtali Press, 2001; 2007) p. 160

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Pornography," and so forth, and so on.

    Coral Ridge Ministries, Pornography: An American Tragedy.

    Coral Ridge Ministries, Pornography: Is Your Family Safe? A sermon.

    deParrie, Paul, Romanced to Death: Sexual Seduction of American Culture, ISBN: 0943497906 9780943497907.
    "The author exposes what he calls the 'skin trade,' the commercial sexuality that has seduced America. He traces the misconception of love that has resulted in high divorce rates, promiscuity, infidelity, and abortion." -- GCB

    Holbrook, David, The Case Against Pornography.
    "Wildmon is executive Director of the National Federation for Decency. When you finish reading this book you will know why pornography must be stopped. There is a note of hope: As an American citizen you can do something about it!" -- GCB

    Love, Christopher (1618-1651), The Combat Between the Flesh and the Spirit. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive (MP3). Available on Reformation bookshelf CD #4, #21 (MPS), audio file.

    Maddux, Bob, The Fantasy Explosion.
    "This book will make you aware of how you and your family are being exploited by pornography and teenage sex films, music videos, occult films, toys, soap operas and romantic novels, role-playing games, and comic books. The book will challenge you to new and creative action by offering positive suggestions." -- GCB

    *Marshall, Walter (1628-1680), The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification: Growing in Holiness by Living in Union With Christ (London, England: Oliphants Press, 1956, 1692), (Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, Inc., 2005, 1999), 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:
    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
    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)

    Minnery, Tom (editor), Pornography: A Human Tragedy, ISBN: 0842349472 9780842349475.
    "Demonstrates conclusively the harm of pornography, shows how Christians may reverse the trend of the times, and concludes with a summary of the Attorney General's Commission on Pornography. Also cites relevant court cases as evidence of the positions taken, and places in the hands of readers a most important apologetic." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Powlison, David (1949-2019), Pornography: Slaying the Dragon, ISBN: 0875526772 9780875526775.

    *Reisman, Judith A., Soft Porn Plays Hardball, ISBN: 091031165X 9780910311656.
    "Reisman demonstrates the tragic effects of 'soft porn' on women, children, and the family." -- GCB

    *Rushdoony, Rousas J. (1916-2001), The Politics of Pornography, ISBN: 0868840025 9780868840024. Available through Exodus Books.
    "A detailed exposé of pornography with important chapters on such matters as its history and legal battles. . . . He includes in his discussion an examination of the underlying philosophical presuppositions, the pagan origin of the movement, and the violence that it fosters. . . ." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Wildmon, Donald E., The Home Invaders, ISBN: 0896935213 9780896935211.
    "An analysis of TV and the media, and how you can help stem the mind-polluting tide seeking to submerge us all. . . ." -- GCB

    Wildmon, Donald, and R. Nulton, The Man the Networks Love to Hate, ISBN: 0917851145 9780917851148.
    "How he fights media porn -- and how you can, too."

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The fatherhood of god, Proverbs, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Dysfunctional families, abuse, Addiction, alcoholism, substance abuse, drug abuse, Idolatry, Ungodly alliance, secret societies, Mind control, intimidation, and coercion, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Hope, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Holiness, Hope, Wisdom, Abstinence, chastity, Carnality and flesh pleasing: lust, desires, ambition, Gratuitous sex, a cause of violence, Fatherlessness, Prostitution, Homosexuality, lesbianism, gay, bisexual, transvestite, queer (lgbtq), Child abuse and pedophilia, Incest, Rape, Adultery, Justice, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Pseudo-christian movements, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 664- 667, 957, 1290, 1662, 2217, 2685, 3208, 3569, 3570

    Related Weblinks

    "Porn Addiction in America," Christian Post, December 30, 2013
  • 56 percent of divorce cases had one person who was hooked on porn.
  • Porn is a 13 billion dollar industry
  • The U.S. produces 89 percent of the world's pornography
  • Initial age of porn exposure -- 11
  • More than 50 percent of porn internet users report losing interest in sex with their partner
  • 40 percent of those who are sexually addicted lose their spouse
  • 58 percent suffer financial loss
  • 1/3 lose their jobs
  • Severe clinical depression was reported twice as frequently among porn users as compared to non-porn users
    • http://blogs.christianpost.com/bright-ideas/infographic-porn-addiction-in-america-19411/

    TechMission, Safe Families: Keeping Children Safe Online
    "Statistics on Pornography, Sexual Addiction and Online Perpetrators; PORNOGRAPHY ADDICTION STATS; Pornography Addiction and Industry Statistics"
    "As of 2003, there were 1.3 million pornographic websites; 260 million pages (N2H2, 2003).
    "The total porn industry revenue for 2006: $13.3 billion in the United States; $97 billion worldwide (Internet Filter Review).
    "U.S. adult DVD/video rentals in 2005: almost 1 billion (Adult Video News).
    "Hotel viewership for adult films: 55 percent (cbsnews.com).
    "Unique worldwide users visiting adult websites monthly: 72 million (Internet Filter Review)."
    http://www.safefamilies.org/sfStats.php



    Post-abortion Counseling

    Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you. (Acts 3:19,20)

    Burtchaell, James T., Rachel Weeping: The Case Against Abortion, ISBN: 0919225349 9780919225343.
    "Searing and impeccable documentation, five essays presenting a strong and consistent case against abortion. This book would not be classified as a Biblical presentation, but nevertheless his arguments are strong. What a storehouse of ammunition against abortionists." -- GCB

    Michels, Nancy, Helping Women Recover From Abortion, ISBN: 0871236214 9780871236210.
    "A poignant documentary of the pain-filled lives of many aborted women. It is essential reading for those who think that abortion is a solution to unplanned pregnancy and for those who would counsel the growing sisterhood of permanently scarred women -- reveals the hidden horror of abortion and the healing help that is available." -- Reader's Comment
    Includes bibliography.

    Powlison, David (1949-2019), Healing After Abortion: God's Mercy is for you, 23 pages, ISBN: 9781934885512 1934885517.

    *Reardon, David C., Aborted Women: Silent no More, ISBN: 082940578X 9780829405781 0829405798 9780829405798.
    Reardon appears to be a Roman Catholic writer.
    "This is the book that is redefining the abortion debate. A comprehensive review of the after-effects of abortion, this book documents:

    "This is the definitive work on post-abortion issues. Focus On The Family's Citizen magazine calls it the 'standard reference book on post-abortion problems.' Booklist, the professional librarian's buying guide, rates it 'highly recommended.' Librarian's World recommends it as 'an excellent resource recommended for all libraries.' Pro-life reviewers are even less restrained:

    Vought, Jeanette, Post-Abortion Trauma: Nine Steps to Recovery, ISBN: 0310536413 9780310536413.

    *Young, Curt, The Least of These: What Everyone Should Know About Abortion, ISBN: 0802446248 9780802446244.
    "This book is being called a battle hymn for the unborn. It may be the most comprehensive handbook on abortion currently available." -- GCB

    See also: Abortion and the sanctity of life, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justification, Justifying faith, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Justifying faith, Sexual wholeness, Abstinence, chastity, Gratuitous sex, a cause of violence, Bad relationships a cause of disease and death, Fatherlessness, Abuse, Repentance the key to salvation and change, and so forth, and so on.

    Related Weblinks

    The Post-Abortion kit: Resources for Those Suffering From the Aftermath of Abortion
    "Women who have had an abortion often suffer significant physical, emotional and/or psychological consequences.
    This kit 'helps women identify and overcome Post-Abortion Syndrome -- while finding healing and forgiveness'." -- Publisher
    http://family.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find/1295551689?Ntt=The+Post-Abortion+Kit&N=0&Ntk=keywords&action=Search&Ne=0&event=ESRCG&nav_search=1&cms=1&search=



    Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

    Read the Gospel of John, chapters 14 through 16, [John 14; John 15; John 16] for comfort in time of crisis or distress.

    Whoredom, child sexual abuse, ritual child abuse, incest, pedophilia, rape, homosexuality, bestiality, domestic violence, and so forth, and so on, are traumatic experiences, and lead to post-traumatic stress disorder.

    Veterans suffering from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder show immediate improvement when given a medical assist dog. -- CBS Fox Week, 12/4/2016

    Freyd, Jennifer J., What is a Betrayal Trauma? What is Betrayal Trauma Theory?

    Hyer, Leon, Trauma Among Older People: Issues and Treatment, ISBN: 1583910816 9781583910818.
    "This is the definitive work on PTSD with the aged. What makes this book so praiseworthy is a combination of clarity, extensiveness, and insight. By insight, I mean that the authors know when to lay out the full range of accepted diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and when to admit the limitations of what is currently accepted. What is especially refreshing here is the discernment and decision making: looking at the patient's personality and situation in order to decide what kind of treatment approach to use." -- Clinical Gerontologist, Volume 24, No. 4
    "This book fills a gaping hole in the field . . . The ideas are very much mainstream, but they are also cutting edge and articulated very clearly. The emphasis on personality and individual differences is much needed, especially as applied to people who have lived with the disorder for years and years." -- Don R. Catherall, Ph.D., Northwestern University Medical School
    "The elderly are often isolated by age and social biases, and this lends itself to increased trauma, violence and neglect. Until recent years we have not even had resources and laws/procedures to report elderly abuse, having to rely on the language and format of child abuse while making appropriate adjustments for age and circumstance. Experts in domestic violence cite rapidly growing numbers of victims among the elderly, often in long-term marriages." -- The World Pastoral Care Center

    Kelly, William E. (editor), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and the War Veteran Patient, ISBN: 0876303866 9780876303863.
    "Provides counselors and therapists with a comprehensive blueprint for conceptualizing and treating war veterans' stress disorders. Concludes with the most comprehensive reading list on this subject yet assembled. Excellent coverage." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Schram, Martin, Vets Under Siege: How America Deceives and Dishonors Those who Fight our Battles, ISBN: 9780312375737 0312375735.
    "After members of our armed forces bravely serve their nation, they sometimes come home to find themselves battling another enemy --- within their own government. Using decades of case histories, statistics, and firsthand accounts, Martin Schram exposes a shocking culture of antagonism toward veterans by the very agency -- the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) -- that was formed to serve them.
    "Schram places our veterans' current struggles within historical context, going back to the Bonus Army of beleaguered World War I vets who camped out on Washington's National Mall in 1932, demanding their promised benefits, only to be turned away by their own brethren in the U.S. Army -- led by future military heroes Douglas MacArthur, George S. Patton Jr., and Dwight D. Eisenhower. Readers will be angered to learn of the legions of veterans -- from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Gulf Wars -- who are routinely denied benefits to which they are entitled and who die while awaiting benefit reviews that are stalled by institutionalized delays. And they will be downright outraged by the results of a 2002 Mystery Caller test that showed VA representatives treating help-line callers with condescension and even ridicule -- one service rep is shown laughing and hanging up on a caller -- and providing 'completely correct' answers to questions regarding care and compensation just 19 percent of the time.
    "In the most intimate segment of the book, we meet Gulf War vet Bill Florey, who contracted a rare cancer after his exposure to Iraqi chemical weapons that were mistakenly detonated by the U.S. Army. Florey's crucial medical tests were delayed, he was denied service-related compensation he deserved, and he died before a government study finally linked the exposure to his form of cancer. Schram also highlights accounts of shameless deception of our soldiers, including misleading information provided by recruiters, and discloses how Iraq and Afghanistan war vets were being denied benefits for post-traumatic stress disorder -- even after diagnoses by the VA's own doctors." -- Publisher
    "The author not only exposes a chilling pattern of institutional neglect, delay, and denial, but also points us toward solutions: the outsourcing of expertise, the institution of a 'Vet-med card,' and the elimination of negative-incentive bonuses for VA officials, to name a few. Schram's bold bugle call, sounded on behalf of our nation's beleaguered servicemen and women, culminates with a proposal to reinvent what has become a department of veterans' adversaries by giving the VA a new name that makes clear its true mission -- the Department of Veterans' Advocacy.
    "Martin Schram is the author of five books and has been national affairs correspondent for The Washington Post, Washington bureau chief for Newsday, and a television documentary executive. His nationally syndicated column appears in more than four hundred newspapers.
    "Martin Schram's, National Affairs correspondent for the Washington Post and syndicated columnist, latest book is a scathing indictment of government agencies that neglect our veterans through callousness, incompetence, maliciousness, indifference, or combination thereof. Schram's primary focus in, VETS UNDER SIEGE: HOW AMERICA DECEIVES AND DISHONORS THOSE WHO FIGHT OUR BATTLES, is the Department of Veterans Affairs, often derisively called the Department of Veterans Adversaries by veterans. Researching veteran's movements, government and press reports, and conducting personal interviews, Schram sets out to tell the story of the often heartbreaking fights between veterans in critical need of their benefits and a bureaucracy which systematically denies those benefits. All Americans should be disturbed as they read Schram's detail descriptions of the horrendous bureaucratic red tape and outright wrongs committed against disabled veterans. Take the case of former Sergeant Orville Kelly who during the 1950's witnessed twenty-two nuclear explosions. After developing lymphocytic cancer he filed a claim for benefits only to be denied. For five years he fought the VA for his benefits, which were finally awarded in 1979. However, Mr. Kelly died in June 1980. Or the case of Garret Anderson who was wounded in Iraq when an IED ripped through the truck he was driving, resulting in the loss of his right arm, a broken jaw and a body full of shrapnel. When he applied for disability compensation, VA bureaucrats who never met Mr. Anderson concluded, 'Shrapnel wounds all over body [are] not service connected'." -- Publisher
    "Schram dutifully describes the adversarial system veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War I, the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the conflicts in between, have had to navigate and the disrespectful manner with which veterans are routinely denied benefits. Schram also hits at the root cause for why such an inverse system exists. As Schram convincingly argues, the problem is a bureaucratic cultural mindset that assumes veterans are asking for benefits that they do not deserve, especially with regards to disability compensation. As Bob Filner, San Diego Congressman and Chairmen of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs put it, "Inside the VA they see their sole job is to say to the veteran, 'You are a liar and we are going to prove that you are a liar and that you didn't deserve your benefits that you have claimed.'
    "VETS UNDER SIEGE should be required reading for all who believe they 'support the troops,' because that support must not end when the warrior returns home. As veterans of America's wars can attest to, the war often begins anew when we come home. Indeed, the American people must fight for our veterans by pressuring our national leaders to hold the VA accountable and true to its motto, "To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow, and his orphan." -- Reader's Comment

    *Van der Kolk, Bessel A., The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma, ISBN: 9780670785933 0670785938 9780143127741 0143127748.
    "An astonishing amount of information on almost every aspect of trauma experience, research, interventions, and theories is brought together in this book, which . . . has a distinctly holistic feel to it. The title suggests that what will be explored is how the body retains the imprints of trauma. However, it delivers much more than this, delving into how the brain is impacted by overwhelming traumatic events, and is studded with sections on neuroscience which draw on the author's own numerous studies as well as that of his peers. In addition, it investigates the effects of adverse childhood attachment patterns, child abuse, and chronic and long-term abuse. . . . This book is a veritable gold mine of information." -- European Journal of Psychotraumatology
    "Dr. van der Kolk . . . has written a fascinating and empowering book about trauma and its effects. He uses modern neuroscience to demonstrate that trauma physically affects the brain and the body, causing anxiety, rage, and the inability to concentrate. Victims have problems remembering, trusting, and forming relationships. They have lost control. Although news reports and discussions tend to focus on war veterans, abused children, domestic violence victims, and victims of violent crime suffer as well. Using a combination of traditional therapy techniques and alternative treatments such as EMDR, yoga, neurofeedback, and theater, patients can regain control of their bodies and rewire their brains so that they can rebuild their lives. The author uses case histories to demonstrate the process. He includes a resource list, bibliography, and extensive notes. This accessible book offers hope and inspiration to those who suffer from trauma and those who care for them. It is an outstanding addition to all library collections." -- Medical Library Association, Consumer Connections
    "Bessel van der Kolk MD spends his career studying how children and adults adapt to traumatic experiences, and has translated emerging findings from neuroscience and attachment research to develop and study a range of treatments for traumatic stress in children and adults.
    "In 1984, he set up one of the first clinical/research centers in the US dedicated to study and treatment of traumatic stress in civilian populations, which has trained numerous researchers and clinicians specializing in the study and treatment of traumatic stress, and which has been continually funded to research the impact of traumatic stress and effective treatment interventions. He did the first studies on the effects of SSRIs on PTSD; was a member of the first neuroimaging team to investigate how trauma changes brain processes, and did the first research linking BPD and deliberate self-injury to trauma and neglect in early childhood." -- Publisher

    See also: War, Stress, The military, Bad relationships as a cause of disease and death, The veterans administration medical centers, Healthcare horror stories, Abuse, Child abuse and pedophilia, Dysfunctional families, Churches that abuse, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, A redneck resolution against self-destruction, Psychology and psychiatry, and so forth, and so on.

    Related Weblinks

    Brain, Mind and Body in Healing From Trauma, The People's Pharmacy Radio Program, show 980, February 7, 2015.
    "To help people heal from trauma, the best approaches find ways to reconnect brain and body with a feeling of safety. . . .
    "We often associate the term 'Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder' with military veterans. Indeed, war creates many traumatic experiences, but it is not the only source of reactions that may cause people to shut down or blow up. Car, train or plane crashes, a life-threatening illness episode, family violence, or other events can create a dysfunctional reaction that may be largely out of conscious awareness.
    "Treating PTSD
    "One of the world's leading experts on PTSD explains how such reactions are rooted in the body's response to threat, and how it can be successfully treated. . . .
    "Dr. van der Kolk is co-director of the Complex Trauma Treatment Network of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, established by Congress to raise the standard of care and improve access to services for traumatized children, their families and communities. His website is http://www.BesselvanderKolk.com
    "His book is THE BODY KEEPS THE SCORE: BRAIN, MIND AND BODY IN THE HEALING OF TRAUMA (2014)."
    http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2015/02/04/show-980-brain-mind-and-body-in-healing-from-trauma/

    International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
    "The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) is the world's premier trauma organization dedicated to trauma treatment, education, research and prevention. Through this organization, professionals share information about the effects of trauma, seeking to reduce traumatic stressors and their immediate and long-term consequences."
    http://www.istss.org/

    National Center for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
    "The National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was created within the Department of Veterans Affairs in 1989, in response to a Congressional mandate to address the needs of veterans with military-related PTSD. Its mission was, and remains: To advance the clinical care and social welfare of America's veterans through research, education, and training in the science, diagnosis, and treatment of PTSD and stress-related disorders. This website is provided as an educational resource concerning PTSD and other enduring consequences of traumatic stress."
    http://www.ptsd.va.gov/

    Post-traumatic Stress is not a Disorder, Rick Thomas
    "The psychiatric label of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) describes not a disease, but an impairing event(s) and a person's normal reaction to it. Likewise, the secular label of PTSD provides clear insight into the popular but false humanistic belief about human nature. . . .
    "This reality takes the starting point of proper faith back to Genesis 3. Of course, some trauma (e.g., drug use, attempted suicide, and sexual deviant behavior) is self-inflicted and produces justified guilt and mental struggles. But post-traumatic stress mostly describes survivors of traumatic events outside their own control or capability.
    "Unless we start with this reality, then survivors' ongoing distress and pain will not make sense. Insisting that soldiers who have endured the greatest stress known to mankind (the threat of being killed), have seen and smelled things God never intended to be experienced, and have had to take others' lives against their own wishes should not have ongoing struggles is not realistic nor is it helpful. It is the result, however, of framing human mind sets, emotions, and behaviors within evolutionary thinking. . . ."
    https://rickthomas.net/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/

    PTSD Resources for Veterans and First Responders
    "On average about 7-8 percent of the United States population will have a PTSD diagnosis. Roughly 8 percent of the US population has an SUD [substance use disorder] diagnosis at any given time. These figures jump significantly when correlated to veterans and first responders. Anywhere from 11-20 percent of veterans will be diagnosed with PTSD and 20 percent with PTSD will also have SUD. One in 10 veterans returning from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan who were seen in the VA were diagnosed with a problem with alcohol and/or other drugs. Substance use and mental health needs are often underreported by both the civilian population and the military/first responders. There are a variety of reasons that contribute to this, including shame, guilt, fear of job loss, etc. The reality is that our first responders and veterans are struggling at higher rates than others and need a safe space to receive appropriate treatment."
    https://definingwellness.com/resources/veterans-first-responders/



    Prayer

    See the following:

    Evangelistic Praying
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1chb.html#evanpra

    Intercessory Prayer
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1chb.html#intercp

    Jesus on Prayer
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1chb.html#jopra

    Prayer
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1chb.html#prayr

    Prayer Groups
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1chb.html#pgroups

    Small Groups as Healing Agents
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr1chb.html#sgaha



    Prejudice

    The only "acceptable" prejudice of our day is the bias against Christians. -- D. James Kennedy (1930-2007)

    *Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), A Treatise of Knowledge and Love Compared in THE REFORMED PASTOR: BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 4, ISBN: 1877611360. A Christian classic.
    Long title: A Treatise of Knowledge and Love Compared. In two Parts: 1. Of Falsely Pretended Knowledge. II. Of True Saving Knowledge and Love. I. Against Hasty Judging, and False Conceits of Knowledge; and for Necessary Suspension. II. The Excellency of Divine Love, and the Happiness of Being Known and Loved of God. Written as greatly necessary to the safety and peace of every Christian, and of the Church: the only certain way to escape false religions, heresies, sects, and malignant prejudices, persecutions, and sinful wars; all caused by falsely pretended knowledge, and hasty judging, by proud, ignorant men, who know not their ignorance.

    Cameron, John (1579?-1625), An Examination of Those Plausible Appearances Which Seem Most to Commend the Romish Church and to Prejudice the Reformed. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "Mr. Cameron successfully demonstrates that 'all those allegations 1) of the Magnificence, 2) Unity, 3) Antiquity, 4) Stability, 5) Continuation, 6) Succession, 7) The substance of truth, 8) The holiness pretended to be in the Church of Rome, are but frivolous pretenses, devised to hinder an exquisite and solid enquiry of the truth'." -- Publisher

    Crown Video, Final Solution, special edition DVD (Crown Video, November 25, 2008), ISBN: 1894300874 9781894300872, 106 Minutes.
    "Based on a true story . . .
    "This Special Edition set contains the award winning feature film Final Solution, the documentary From one Blood featuring Gerrit Wolfaardt, the man on which the feature film is based, behind the scenes footage, bonus features and a study guide in PDF form. Final Solution is an amazing testimony of the incredible power of God to transform lives. Gerrit Wolfaardt was radically changed from a life of hatred and violence -- not to simply to tolerance -- but to genuine love. Only God can cause so deep a transformation.
    From One Blood invites viewers into the living room and lives of Gerrit and Celeste Wolfaardt. Gerrit relays his personal story and throughout the documentary, short clips from the movie are cut in to emphasize what he is telling us. Today, Gerrit travels the globe preaching biblical reconciliation. Formerly sold individually, this two-disc DVD set provides an excellent value.
    "Awards that this film has received: | Crown Award Winner for Best Drama Over $250,000 (Gold) | Crown Award Winner for Best Picture (Gold) | Heartland Film Festival Winner (Crystal Heart Award) | Worldfest Houston International Film Festival Winner (GOLD) | Down Under Film Festival Winner (Best Soundtrack and Best Film) | Sabaoth International Film Festival (Best Director and Best Film).
    "This film is not appropriate for children due to violence and thematic elements.
    "Afrikaner Gerrit Wolfaardt was born into prejudice. Everything he had been taught since childhood -- from his family, his church and his culture -- told him that apartheid, or separateness, was right and natural. He became a self-proclaimed disciple of Hitler, and hatched a diabolical plan to rid South Africa of the 'Black Danger.' His ideology was challenged by Celeste, who later became his wife, and by the book CRY THE BELOVED COUNTRY. In this documentary, Gerrit shares the amazing journey that resulted in his radical transformation." -- Publisher

    Limbaugh, David, Persecution: How Liberals are Waging war Against Christianity, ISBN: 0895261111 9780895261113.
    "In his new book, PERSECUTION -- already on the New York Times Best-seller list -- David Limbaugh (author of the previous bestseller ABSOLUTE POWER), makes a compelling case that liberals across the country are waging an undeclared war on Christianity in our culture and in our government -- especially our schools. Limbaugh exposes the farce of liberal 'tolerance' and reveals the true agenda of liberals who misuse the law to force Christianity out of the public square.
    "Often the people who clamor for tolerance are among the most intolerant people in our society. David Limbaugh documents this in his new book, PERSECUTION -- in particular, the intolerance against Christians. This book is sorely needed in our day when the only 'acceptable' prejudice of our day is the bias against Christians." -- D. James Kennedy (1930-2007)

    Sowell, Thomas, Black Rednecks and White Liberals, ISBN: 1594030863 9781594030864.
    "This book challenges many assumptions about blacks, Jews, Germans, slavery, and education. Plainly written and backed with documented facts, it takes on not only the trendy intellectuals of our times but also such historic interpreters of American life as Alexis de Tocqueville and Frederick Law Olmsted. In a series of long essays, Sowell presents an in-depth look at key beliefs behind many mistaken and dangerous actions, policies, and trends, and presents insights into the historical development of the ghetto culture that is today wrongly seen as a unique black identity -- a culture cheered on toward self-destruction by white liberals who consider themselves 'friends' of blacks. One essay presents a jolting re-examination of the tragic institution of slavery and the narrow and distorted way it is too often seen today. Another explores the reasons for the venomous hatred of Jews, and of other groups like them in countries around the world. . . .
    "BLACK REDNECKS AND WHITE LIBERALS is the capstone of decades of outstanding research and writing on racial and cultural issues by Thomas Sowell.
    "Dr. Sowell is a Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University, and the recipient of many awards and prizes. His previous books include ETHNIC AMERICA, BASIC ECONOMICS, A CONFLICT OF VISIONS and THE QUEST FOR COSMIC JUSTICE." -- Publisher

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The covenant faithfulness of god, Justice, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Persecution, Scapegoating and blameshifting, Lying, deceit, self-deception, Knowledge of god and virtue, Gossip, slander, backbiting, the tongue, Trusting God, Humility, Spiritual warfare, Imprecatory psalms, Vengeance and Retaliation, Hostility and violence, Pride, ambition, self-aggrandizement, arrogance, ego, Jealousy, Loving your enemies, Soul-violence, Stress, Unforgiveness, Will and recalcitrance, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Bad relationships as a cause of disease and death, Love and counseling problems, charitableness, Repentance the key to salvation and change, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 448, 4083



    Pride, Ambition, Self-aggrandizement, Arrogance, Ego

    LORD, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him!
    Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away.     (Psalm 144:3,4)

    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)

    And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
    But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in [yourselves], neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.     -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 23:12,13)

    But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 9:55,56)

    Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 13:16)

    But he said, Yea rather, blessed [are] they that hear the word of God, and keep it. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 11:28)

    He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat. (Proverbs 28:25)

    What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. (Romans 3:9-12)

    Pride is a species of insanity; but humility betokens a return to a sane mind: and an humble estimate of ourselves, as Professor Hodge observes, is the only sound, sane, and right estimate. -- John Owen (Vicar of Thrussington, Leicestershire), translator of Calvin's Commentary on Romans, in his footnote #1 to Romans 12:3

    Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (1 Peter 5:6,7)

    Self is the great antichrist and anti-God in the world, that sets up itself above all else. -- Stephen Charnock

    The prophet here furnishes an admirable remedy for correcting pride, when he teaches us that promotion or advancement proceeds not from the earth but from God alone. That which most frequently blinds the eyes of men is, their gazing about on the right hand and on the left, and their gathering together from all quarters riches and other resources, that, strengthened with these, they may be able to gratify their desires and lusts. The prophet, therefore, affirms, that in not rising above the world, they are laboring under a great mistake, since it is God alone who has the power to exalt and to abase. "This," it may be said, "seems to be at variance with common experience, it being the fact, that the majority of men who attain to the highest degrees of honor, owe their elevation either to their own policy and underhand dealing, or to popular favor and partiality, or to other means of an earthly kind. . . ." I have stated that the consideration of this is the means by which haughty spirits are most effectually humbled; for the reason why worldly men have the daring to attempt whatever comes into their minds is, because they conceive of God as shut up in heaven, and think not that they are kept under restraint by his secret providence. In short, they would divest him of all sovereign power, that they might find a free and an unimpeded course for the gratification of their lusts. . . .
    As worldly men by their fool-hardihood and perverse devices are chargeable with endeavoring to despoil God of his royal dignity, so whenever we are dismayed at their threatenings, we are guilty of wickedly setting limits to the sovereignty and power of God. If, whenever we hear the wind blowing with any degree of violence, we are as much frightened as if we were stricken with a thunderbolt from heaven, such extreme readiness to be thrown into a state of consternation manifestly shows that we do not as yet thoroughly understand the nature of that government which God exercises over the world. . . . The improvement which should be made of this doctrine is, that the godly should submit themselves wholly to God, and beware of being lifted up with vain confidence. When they see the impious waxing proud, let them not hesitate to despise their foolish and infatuated presumption. Again, although God has in his own hand sovereign power and authority, so that he can do whatever he pleases, yet he, is styled judge, to teach us that he governs the affairs of mankind with the most perfect equity. Whence it follows, that every man who abstains from inflicting injuries and committing deeds of mischief, may, when he is injured and treated unjustly, betake himself to the judgment-seat of God. -- John Calvin commenting (c. 1557) on Psalm 75:6 written (c. 705 BC), and context

    Zanchy tells of one in Geneva, who being desired to go hear Calvin, answered his friend, "If Paul were to preach, I would leave Paul himself to hear Calvin." And will pride in the gifts of another so far transport, even to the borders of blasphemy, what work will then pride make when the gifts are a man's own? -- William Gurnall (1617-1679), The Christian in Complete Armour

    "It is a great temptation to claim by association characteristics that we ourselves do not possess. "

    No matter how dear you are to God, if pride is harbored in your spirit, He will whip it out of you. They that go up in their own estimation must come down again by His discipline. -- Charles Spurgeon

    Growing Christians think themselves nothing. Full-grown Christians know that they are less than nothing. The nearer we are to Heaven in point of sanctification, the more we mourn our infirmities, and the humbler is our estimate of ourselves. Lightly laden vessels float high in the water, heavy cargo sinks the boat to the water's edge. The more Grace, the more the need of Grace is felt. He may boast of his Grace who has none. He may talk much of his Grace who has little, but he who is rich in Grace cries out for more, and forgets that which is behind.
    When a man's inward life flows like a river, he thinks only of the Source, and cries before his God, 'All my fresh springs are in You.' He who abounds in holiness feels more than ever that in him, that is in his flesh, there dwells no good thing. You are not ripened, my Brothers and Sisters, while you have a high esteem of yourself. He who glories in himself is but a babe in Christ, if indeed he is in Christ at all. When you shall see death written on the creature, and see all your life in Christ. When you shall perceive even your holy things to have iniquity in them, and see all your perfectness in Him who is altogether lovely. When you shall lie prostrate at the foot of the Throne, and only rise to sit and reign in Him who is your All, then are you ripening, but not till then. -- Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892), "Ripe Fruit," Sermon No. 945, August 14, 1870.

    Self-denial gives us the right attitude toward our fellow men
    Now in these words we perceive that denial of self has regard partly to men, partly, and chiefly, to God.
    For when Scripture bids us act toward men so as to esteem them above ourselves [Phil. 2:3], [Philippians 2:3], and in good faith to apply ourselves wholly to doing them good [cf. Rom. 12:10], [Romans 12:10], it gives us commandments of which our mind is quite incapable unless our mind be previously emptied of its natural feeling. For, such is the blindness with which we all rush into self-love that each one of us seems to himself to have just cause to be proud of himself and to despise all others in comparison. If God has conferred upon us anything of which we need not repent, relying upon it we immediately lift up our minds, and are not only puffed up but almost burst with pride. The very vices that infest us we take pains to hide from others, while we flatter ourselves with the pretense that they are slight and insignificant, and even sometimes embrace them as virtues. If others manifest the same endowments we admire in ourselves, or even superior ones, we spitefully belittle and revile these gifts in order to avoid yielding place to such persons. If there are any faults in others, not content with noting them with severe and sharp reproach, we hatefully exaggerate them. Hence arises such insolence that each one of us, as if exempt from the common lot, wishes to tower above the rest, and loftily and savagely abuses every mortal man, or at least looks down upon him as an inferior. The poor yield to the rich; the common folk, to the nobles; the servants, to their masters; the unlearned, to the educated. But there is no one who does not cherish within himself some opinion of his own pre-eminence.
    Thus, each individual, by flattering himself, bears a kind of kingdom in his breast. (Cf. sec. a, above. Calvin adopts the traditional view that pride is the mother of the deadly sins. Cf. I.i.2: "ingenita est omnibus nobis superbia;" II.i.1. He here rebukes a superiority-conscious and self-sufficient intellectualism, and places under divine judgment such humanist gratification over intellectual gifts as we find in Sir Edward Dyer's well-loved verse (1588):

    My minde to me a kingdom is,
    Such perfect joy therein I finde
    As farre exceeds all earthly blisse
    That God or nature hath assignde.
    For claiming as his own what pleases him, he censures the character and morals of others. But if this comes to the point of conflict, his venom bursts forth. For many obviously display some gentleness so long as they find everything sweet and pleasant. But just how many are there who will preserve this even tenor of modesty when they are pricked and irritated? There is no other remedy than to tear out from our inward parts this most deadly pestilence of love of strife and love of self, even as it is plucked out by Scriptural teaching. For thus we are instructed- to remember that those talents which God has bestowed upon us are not our own goods but the free gifts of God; and any persons who become proud of them show their ungratefulness. Who causes you to excel? Paul asks. If you have received all things, why do you boast as if they were not given to you? [I Cor. 4:7], [1 Corinthians 4:7]
    Let us, then, unremittingly examining our faults, call ourselves back to humility. Thus nothing will remain in us to puff us up; but there will be much occasion to be cast down. On the other hand, we are bidden so to esteem and regard whatever gifts of God we see in other men that we may honor those men in whom they reside. For it would be great depravity on our part to deprive them of that honor which the Lord has bestowed upon them. But we are taught to overlook their faults, certainly not flatteringly to cherish them; but not on account of such faults to revile men whom we ought to cherish with good will and honor. Thus it will come about that, whatever man we deal with, we shall treat him not only moderately and modestly but also cordially and as a friend. You will never attain true gentleness except by one path: a heart imbued with lowliness and with reverence for others. -- John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, (McNeill/Battles edition), 3.7.4 and context

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 106
    And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul. (Psalm 106:15)
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps106.php

    Consider, there are but two sorts of men in the world, and you are one of them. There is no neutral, no middle state; there are but two principles that men are influenced by, the flesh and the spirit; and there are but two ends men propound to themselves, either the pleasing of the flesh upon earth, or the enjoyment of God in heaven; and two places they issue into, heaven or hell. The Scripture is peremptory, and tells you who shall go to heaven, and who shall go to hell: Romans 8:13, 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; Galatians 6:8, He that soweth to the flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Or consider that, Proverbs 14:14, The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways, and a good man shall be satisfied from himself. There are two different persons commencing and setting forth in the pursuit of happiness, the backslider in heart and the good man. The backslider in heart is one that continues in the apostasy and defection of mankind, that indulgeth his lusts and vain pleasures, and for a seeming good leaves God, who is the chief good. But the good men are those who make it their business to keep their hearts chaste and loyal to God. They both desire to be filled and to be satisfied. The one takes his own way, and the other God's counsel; and in the event both are filled. The backslider in heart hath enough of his own ways when they have brought him to hell; and the good man hath enough when he comes to the enjoyment of the blessed God. And there is one truth more there, they are both filled from themselves, their own ways. The backslider shall have the fruit of his own choice, and a good man is satisfied with that course of godliness that he hath chosen, Proverbs 1:31. Those that turn away from God, it is said, They shall eat of their own ways, and be filled with the fruit of their own devices; and Isaiah 3:10, Say unto the righteous, it shall be well with him, for he shall eat of the fruit of his own doings. -- Thomas Manton (1620-1677)

    Let us watch against pride in every shape -- pride of intellect, pride of wealth, pride of our own goodness. Nothing is so likely to keep a man out of heaven, and prevent him from seeing Christ, as pride. So long as we think we are something we shall never be saved. Let us pray for and cultivate humility; let us seek to know ourselves correctly, and to find out our place in the sight of a holy God. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

    There are only two types of people in the world, those who say to God, Not my will, but thine be done, and those to whom God says "Not my will, but thine be done." -- Dr. Donald Ewing (1916-1997)

    This is the purpose that is purposed upon the whole earth: and this is the hand that is stretched out upon all the nations.
    For the Lord of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?     (Isaiah 14:26, 27)

    Where are they? where are thy wise men? and let them tell thee now, and let them know what the LORD of hosts hath purposed upon Egypt. (Isaiah 19:12)

    See the Theological Notes: "Christians in the World," at Colossians 2:20 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. (1 Timothy 3:6)

    It takes considerable knowledge just to realize the extent of your own ignorance. -- Thomas Sowell

    He must not be a novice, not one newly brought to the Christian religion, or not one who is but meanly instructed in it, who knows no more of religion than the surface of it, for such a one is apt to be lifted up with pride: the more ignorant men are the more proud they are: Lest, being lifted up with pride, he fall into the condemnation of the devil. The devils fell through pride, which is a good reason why we should take heed of pride, because it is a sin that turned angels into devils. -- Matthew Henry commenting on 1 Timothy 3:6

    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

    I know that most men -- not only those considered clever, but even those who are very clever and capable of understanding most difficult scientific, mathematical, or philosophic, problems -- can seldom discern even the simplest and most obvious truth if it be such as obliges them to admit the falsity of conclusions they have formed, perhaps with much difficulty -- conclusions of which they are proud, which they have taught to others, and on which they have built their lives. -- Leo Tolstoy

    For lust is the fear of corruption, and hath his fear even in our very bowels and inmost parts. -- The Reformers commenting on 2 Peter 1:4 in the 1599 Geneva Bible

    The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high: that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground? (Obadiah 1:3)
    Human pride is incredibly deceitful. It can so deceive its host that he or she may well believe they are the truly humble. It is true of all proud people, for pride is self-deceit. Some reading this may be proud. In fact, it is those who believe they have no pride who are most likely the proudest of all. Those who are proud of their humility are proud indeed.
    Those who are self-deceived believe themselves to be of one character while most people see them as totally opposite. These people believe their position or stance or security is firm. However, they cannot see the truth that they are in peril for holding to their position or stance or believing they are secure because their pride has blinded them. They have latched onto certain leaders who they believe to be wise, but these "leaders" have no wisdom. They have confidence in things and people who are like water in the hands. They have placed their trust in people rather than God. Only God does not fail and anyone claiming to have the truth that is contrary to the Word of God is a deceiver.
    Again it was their own pride which deceives them. The proud person believes they hold the truth, when in fact they are trusting in the words of men and their own innate abilities, believing that their conception of the truth is the truth because they believe it to be so. The concept that truth is truth whether it is believed to be the truth by them or not is foreign to them. Pride lays a person open to be deceived. His judgment is perverted by it. His stand is rendered inaccurate. His desires invite flattery and his folly accepts it. This is why it is so dangerous for us to seek the praise of others.
    Pride leads its victims into evil ways. They become defiant. They become destitute of compassion because pride is stony-hearted. Like a pack of wolves, these people gang-up on those they oppress. They show contempt for what is holy. In the early 21st Century those who are seeking to replace the Church with something new, to do away with guilt, repentance, the sovereignty of God, fallen man, to name just a few things, are the self-deceived. They actually believe they are right because they are deceived.
    These self-deceived, nominal Christians have secured their ruin. Their defiance has been as a battle flag raised in the face of those who know God and His truth and will not compromise. They have actually cultivated enemies for themselves because they have such contempt for God and His ways. They are actually filling up the cup of God's wrath against them for their own sins as well as the greater sin of leading others into darkness.
    What should our response be to those who proudly proclaim that they are no longer Christians, but are Christ-followers who are not subject to orthodoxy or any doctrine whatsoever? We must hate all pride and humbly rest in God. God knows what is going on. He is in control. He is allowing these blasphemers to do what they do in order to judge them for His glory. We must not look down on anyone in the belief that just because we have not partaken of the sin of the self-deceived, that we are sinless. In fact, the one who believes that he or she is sinless is actually proving that he or she is even more blind than those looked down upon. Think of the Pharisee and the publican in the Temple.
    Pride commeth before the fall. As we follow our Lord on the narrow way let us not listen to that deceiving voice that comes upon us all telling us to be thankful that we are not like those prideful people who are ensnared into their self-deception. If we fall for that, then we prove that we are just as self-deceived, and our pride is not killed, and that our humility is still embryonic. Instead of looking down on those in their self-deception we must hurt for them and pray for them to be delivered. Yes, stand firm, never compromise, but always do so from a humble heart that seeks the restoration of all those who have fallen victim to their own pride. They may have been self-deceived to enter the treacherous, rocky path that leads only to the slippery slide into the quicksand, but we cannot be like them in lacking compassion. We must always be ready to offer them the truth, showing them the way out of the mire. Some may indeed harken to the truth because God has given them ears to hear. God be praised if this be so! However, we must also be prepared for their self-deceived hearts to reject the truth and our offer of reconciliation on the basis of their repentance.
    Let us examine ourselves carefully to determine if our flesh is being used by our enemy to build up our pride and harden our hearts. If we detect this then we must humbly repent, moving after our Lord again with our eyes on Him and not on ourselves. It is when we have our eyes on things and people and ourselves that we are no longer watching so we can stand firm. Spirit-filled vigilance will keep us armored up and ready for the battle. The self-deceived have fallen for the lie that they can handle the battle without their armor. This is the beginning of their spiritual blindness and their fall into deception proceeds from there. Therefore, let us pray and saturate our lives with the Word of God as we submit to others. This will keep us humble and undeceived and usable. -- adopted from "Self-deceived," a sermon by C.H. Spurgeon

    It is an evil which prevails everywhere among mankind, that every one sets himself above others, and especially that those who seem in anything to excel cannot well endure their inferiors to be on an equality with themselves. And then there is so much morosity almost in all, that individuals would gladly make churches for themselves if they could; for they find it so difficult to accommodate themselves to the ways and habits of others. The rich envy one another; and hardly one in a hundred can be found among the rich, who allows to the poor the name and rank of brethren. Unless similarity of habits or some allurements or advantages draw us together, it is very difficult even to maintain a continual concord among ourselves. Extremely needed, therefore, by us all is the admonition to be stimulated to love and not to envy, and not to separate from those whom God has joined to us, but to embrace with brotherly kindness all those who are united to us in faith. And surely it behoves us the more earnestly to cultivate unity, as the more eagerly watchful Satan is, either to tear us by any means from the Church, or stealthily to seduce us from it. And such would be the happy effect, were no one to please himself too much, and were all of us to preserve this one object, mutually to provoke one another to love, and to allow no emulation among ourselves, but that of doing "good works." For doubtless the contempt of the brethren, moroseness, envy, immoderate estimate of ourselves, and other sinful impulses, clearly show that our love is either very cold, or does not at all exist.
    Having said, Not forsaking the assembling together, he adds, But exhorting one another; by which he intimates that all the godly ought by all means possible to exert themselves in the work of gathering together the Church on every side; for we are called by the Lord on this condition, that every one should afterwards strive to lead others to the truth, to restore the wandering to the right way, to extend a helping hand to the fallen, to win over those who are without. But if we ought to bestow so much labor on those who are yet aliens to the flock of Christ, how much more diligence is required in exhorting the brethren whom God has already joined to us?
    As the manner of some is, etc. It hence appears that the origin of all schisms was, that proud men, despising others, pleased themselves too much. But when we hear that there were faithless men even in the age of the Apostles, who departed from the Church, we ought to be less shocked and disturbed by similar instances of defection which we may see in the present day. It is indeed no light offense when men who had given some evidence of piety and professed the same faith with us, fall away from the living God; but as it is no new thing, we ought, as I have already said, to be less disturbed by such an event. But the Apostle introduced this clause to show that he did not speak without a cause, but in order to apply a remedy to a disease that was making progress. -- John Calvin commenting on Hebrews 10:25

    There is scarce a sin to be thought on that is not a spawn in the bowels of pride. To instance in some few (besides all that are expressed in the signs): 1. It maketh men hypocrites . . . 2. It makes men liars . . . 3. It causeth covetousness . . . 4. It maketh men flatterers, and time-servers, and man-pleasers . . . 5. It makes men run into profaneness, and riotousness, to do as other do . . . 6. It can take men off from any duty to God that the company is against . . . 7. It is so contentious a sin, that it makes men firebrands in the societies where they live . . . 8. It tears in pieces church and state. . . . 9. It devoureth the mercies and good creatures of God, and sacrificeth them to the devil. . . . 10. It is an odious thief and prodigal of precious time. . . . 11. It is odiously unjust. A proud man makes no bones of any falsehood, slander, deceit, or cruelty, if it seem but necessary to his greatness, or honour, or preferment, or ambitious ends. He careth not who he wrongeth or betrayeth, that he may rise to his desired height, or keep his greatness. Never trust a proud man further than his own interest bids you trust him. 12. Pride is the pander of whoredom and uncleanness. . . .
    Pride is the highway to utter apostasy. . . . Mark those that are proud in any town, or any company of professors of piety; and if any infection of heresy or infidelity come into that place, these are the men that will soonest catch it. . . . -- Richard Baxter

    Pride is the defense not only of itself, but of every other sin in the heart of life. For it hateth reproof and keepeth off the remedy; it hideth, and extenuateth, and excuxseth the sin, and thinketh well of that which should be hated. -- Richard Baxter

    Pride makes men pretend to be more just than God; and to think that they could more justly govern the world; and to censure God's threatenings, and the sufferings of the good, and the prosperity of the wicked, as things so unjust, as that they thereby incline to atheism. So James and John would be more just than Christ, and call down fire on the rejecters of the gospel; and the prodigal's brother, Luke xv. [Luke 15] repined at his father's lenity.
    Pride maketh men slight the authority and commands of God, and despise his messengers, and choose to be ruled by their own conceits, and lusts, and interests, Jer. xiii. 15,17 [Jeremiah 13:15,17]; xliii. 2,3 [Jeremiah 43:2,3]; when the humble tremble at his word, and readily obey it, Isa. lvii. 15 [Isaiah 57:15]; Neh. ix. 16,29 [Nehemiah 9:16,29]; Isa. ix. 9 [Isaiah 9:9].
    A proud man in power will expect that his will be obeyed before the will of God; and that the subjects of God displease their Master rather than him: he will think it a crime for a man to inquire first what God would have him do; or to plead conscience and the commands of the God of heaven, against the obeying of his unjust commands. If he offer you preferment, as Balak did Balaam, he looketh you should be more taken with it, than with God's offer of eternal life: if he threaten you, as Nebuchadnezzar did the three witnesses, he looks that you should be more afraid of him than of God, who threateneth your damnation; and is angry if you be not.
    A proud man is more offended with one that would question his authority, or speak diminutively of his power, or displease his will, or cross his interest, than with one that sinneth against the authority, and will, and interest of God. He is much more zealous for himself and his own honour, than for God's; and grieved more for his own dishonour, and hateth his own enemies more than God's; and can tread down the interest of God and souls, if it seem but necessary to his honour or revenge: he is much more pleased and delighted with his own applause, and honour, and greatness, than with the glory of God, or the fulfilling of his will.
    Proud men would fain steal from God himself the honour of many of his most excellent works. If they are rulers, they are more desirous that the thanks for the order and peace of societies be given by the people to them, than unto God. If they are preachers, they would fain have more than their due, of the honour of men's conversion and edification: if they are pastors, they would encroach upon Christ's part of the government of his church. . . . -- Richard Baxter

    Pride setteth up the wisdom of a foolish man against the infinite wisdom of God; it makes men presume to judge their Judge, and judge his laws, before they understand them; and to quarrel with all that they find unsuitable to their own conceits; and say, How improbable is this or that! and how can these things be? . . . Proud men think they could mend God's word, and they could better have ordered matters in the world, and for the church, and for themselves, and for their friends, than the providence of God hath done. -- Richard Baxter

    Be very watchful against the sin of pride, especially pride of gifts, or knowledge, or holiness, which some call spiritual pride; for God is engaged to cast down the proud. Prov. xvi. 18 [Proverbs 16:18], "Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." Satan assaulted our first parents by that way that he fell himself; and his success encourageth him to try the same way with their posterity. And, alas, how greatly hath he succeeded through all ages of the world till now! -- Richard Baxter

    Take heed of pride, which will make you dote upon your own conceits, and cause you to slight the weightiest reasons that are brought by others, for your conviction. And if once you have espoused an error, it will engage all your wit, and zeal, and diligence to maintain it; it will make you uncharitable; and furious against all that cross you in your way; and so make you either persecutors (if you stand on the higher ground), or sect leaders, or church dividers, and turbulent and censorious, if you are on the lower ground. There is very great reason in Paul's advice for the choice of a bishop, 1 Tim. iii. 6 [1 Timothy 3:6], Not a novice; lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. . . . -- Richard Baxter

    There is no more powerful means to take down pride, than to look seriously to God, and set yourselves before his eyes, and consider how he loveth the humble, and abhorreth the proud. One sight of God by a lively faith, would make you know with whom you have to do, and teach you to abhor yourselves as vile. . . . A glimpse of the majesty of God would make thee, with Isaiah, cry out, Woe is me, for I am undone, a man of unclean lips, &c.; and, chap. vi. 5, with the Israelites, desire that Moses, and not God, might speak unto you, lest you die. Men are proud because they know not God, and look not to him, but to fellow sinners, with whom they think they may be bold to compare themselves." -- Richard Baxter

    As the love of God and man are the comprehensive duties of the decalogue, expressed most in the first and last commandment, but yet extending themselves to all the rest; so selfishness and pride (which is a principal part of it), are the opposite sins, forbidden principally in the first and last commandment, as contrary to the love of God and man, but so as it is contrary to the rest. They are sins against the very relation itself, that God and man do stand in to us, and not only against a particular law: they are against the very constitution of the kingdom of God, and not only against the administration: it is treason or idolatry against God, and a setting up ourselves in some part of his prerogative: and it is a monstrous exuberancy in the body, and a rising of one member above and so against the rest, either superiors (and so against the fifth command), or equals (against the rest). -- Richard Baxter

    Look to a humbled Christ to humble you. . . . The very incarnation of Christ is a condescension and humiliation enough to pose both men and angels, transcending all belief but such as God himself produceth by his supernatural testimony and Spirit. (Matt. ix. 24 [Matthew 9:24]; v. 40 [Matthew 9:40]) . . . . Look to the examples of the most eminent saints, and you will see they were all most eminent in humility. -- Richard Baxter

    To the conquering of pride, it is necessary that you perceive that indeed it is in yourselves, and is the radical sin, and the very poison of your hearts; and that you set yourselves watchfully to mark its motions; and make it a principal part of your religion and business of your lives to overcome it, and to walk in humility with God and man." -- Richard Baxter

    He is a Christian indeed that hath conquered pride. -- Richard Baxter

    To the conquering of pride, it is necessary that you perceive that indeed it is in yourselves, and is the radical sin, and the very poison of your hearts; and that you set yourselves watchfully to mark its motions; and make it a principal part of your religion and business of your lives to overcome it, and to walk in humility with God and man." -- Richard Baxter

    One of the most heinous and palpable sins is pride. -- Richard Baxter, The Reformed Pastor, p. 137
    Humility is not a mere ornament of a Christian, but an essential part of the new creature. It is a contradiction in terms, to be a Christian, and not humble. -- Richard Baxter, The Reformed Pastor, p. 143
    Baxter's section of THE REFORMED PASTOR and Jonathan Edward's Undiscerned Spiritual Pride, are, in my humble opinion, unequaled in our language. -- Tom M. Sullivan

    Ambition, self-esteem, and self-conceit lie deep at the bottom of all men's hearts, and often in the hearts where they are least suspected. Thousands imagine that they are humble, who cannot bear to see an equal more honored and favored than themselves.
    Few indeed can be found who rejoice heartily in a neighbor's promotion over their own heads. The quantity of envy and jealousy in the world is a glaring proof of the prevalence of pride. Men would not envy a brother's advancement if they had not a secret thought that their own merit was greater than his.
    Let us live on our guard against this sore disease, if we make any profession of serving Christ. The harm that it has done to the Church of Christ is far beyond calculation. Let us learn to take pleasure in the prosperity of others, and to be content with the lowest place for ourselves. The rule given to the Philippians should be often before our eyes: In lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves. The example of John the Baptist is a bright instance of the spirit at which we should aim. He said of our Lord, He must increase, but I must decrease. (Philippians 2:3; John 3:30) -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

    So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. (Romans 14:12)
    http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/romans-14-12.html
    http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/romans/14.html

    The authority of monarchs and governments is derived from God. (Romans 13:1). "Proud" is the most frequent description in the Old Testament of the sins of kings and nations. Upon first settlement of their Promised Land, the Israelites were forcefully reminded that it was all God's doing. Forever afterwards, the prophets found it regularly necessary to remind king and nation that their achievements were primarily God's achievements. (Amos 2:10; Micah 6:4). To forget this is to deny God. Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God. . . . Lest, . . . when . . . thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and that thou hast is multiplied; Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the Lord thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. (Deuteronomy 8:11-14) -- John Harris

    No grace is stronger than humility. No man is weaker than a proud man. For a proud man rests on nothing, and an humble man that empties himself, he stand upon the Rock. We should therefore make use of the strength of Christ, that hath not only abundance for himself, but an abundance for us, an overflowing for every Christian for his good. Let us empty ourselves, as the prophet saith to the widow, bring 'empty vessels' now, and we shall have oil enough, 2 Kings iv. 3 [2 Kings 4:3]. There is enough in Christ; but first we must empty ourselves by humility, and then there is fullness in him. 'of his foulness we receive grace for grace,' John i. 16 [John 1:16]. . . . -- Richard Sibbes

    An unforgiven person is always self-righteous and proud. It is the free, the complete forgiveness of the cross, that humbles the soul and melts the heart. -- Horatius Bonar (1808-1889)

    All that most people in the world see of Christ is what they see of Him in the lives of Christians. It is sobering to realize that we can destroy our Christian witness by a careless word or thoughtless action. If we do not honor Him in our relations with other, we fail at the point that really counts. These pitfalls abound.
    One of them for the theologically conservative is spiritual pride. Convinced by the facts of our faith, we may forget that it is not orthodoxy that saves but Jesus Christ. We rightly believe the biblical revelation of Christ's person and work; but we may develop pride in our faith rather than in the saving grace of God.
    Another pitfall is the ever-present tendency to be pharisaical, to thank God that we are not like other men. We pat ourselves on the back because we are not guilty of some weakness we see in others or some habit we regard with distaste. Let us beware lest we sin against God and our brothers in this matter. To draw about us the cloak of self-righteousness smothers our witness. . . . -- L. Nelson Bell, in "Beware the Pitfalls," in Decision magazine, January 2015

    Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, sayeth the Lord. (Romans 12:19)

    And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? (Zechariah 3:2)
    The correct response then, to those who provoke us to anger by their brazen, arrogant, impudent, wicked acts, is to immediately remember that the Lord will deal with them (Jude 9, Nahum [God governs all of history according to his covenant], Calvin's commentary on Isaiah 33 and 34, and so forth and so on), and we must not be overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21),

    Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said The Lord rebuke thee. (Jude 9)

    Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
    Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
    Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
    Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.     (Romans 12:14,19-21)

    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)

    Selfishness and pride will blind even the gifted and learned to the truth. Lust for power and the will to play God will blind us to the truth. Intense nationalistic pride, political bent, alienation during secular schooling, or personal ambitions blind us to the "evident connection between Absolute Truth, sovereign authority, holiness, life, loving obedience, moral behavior, sanctification, justice, freedom (political, economic, and individual), social stability, and real progress. . . ." -- Preface to Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal

    Dr. Southey thought that By-Ends [a personification in PILGRIM'S PROGRESS -- compiler], was the picture of some particular individual; but Bunyan often depicts the whole generation of such gentry, with graphic accuracy. "I observe," he [Bunyan -- compiler], says, in his BARREN FIG-TREE, "that as there are trees wholly noble, so there are also their semblance; not right, but ignoble. There is the Grape, and the Wild-grape; the Rose, and the Cankerrose; the Apple, and the Crab. Now, fruit from these wild trees, however it may please children to play with, yet the prudent and grave count it of little or no value. There are also in the world a generation of Professors, that bring forth nothing but wild olive-berries; Saints only before men; Devils and Vipers at home. Saints in world; but sinners in heart and life. Well, saith God, this profession is but a cloak. I will loose the Reins of this man, and give him up to his own vile affections. I will answer him by myself! Ezek. xiv. 7 [Ezekiel 14:7]. Thou art too hard for the Church. She knows not how to deal with thee. Well, I will deal with that man myself!"
    So also in his RIGHTEOUS MAN'S DESIRES, he [Bunyan -- compiler], says, "Some men's Hearts are narrow upwards, and wide downwards; narrow as for God, but wide as for the world. They gape for the one, but shut themselves up against the other. The heart of a wicked man is widest downward; but it is not so with the Righteous. His desires, like the temple Ezekiel saw in vision, are still widest upwards, and spread towards heaven. A full Purse, with a lean soul, is a great curse. Many, while lean in their Estates, had fat souls; but the fattening of their estates made their souls as lean as a rake, as to all good." In like manner, it is not in By-path Meadow, where Christian listened to Vain-Confidence; nor at Beelzebub's Orchard, where little Matthew ate grapes which gave him "the gripes," that Bunyan displayed his deepest acquaintance with the "bane and antidote" of Temptation. He says in his NOTES ON GENESIS, "In time of temptation, it is our wisdom and duty to keep close to the Word, which forbids the sin, and not to reason with Satan as Eve did. So long as we retain the simplicity of the Word, we have Satan at the end of the staff; for unless we give way to a doubt of it, he gets no ground on us. Eve went to the outside of her liberty, and set herself upon the brink of danger, when she said, 'We may eat of all, but one tree.' When people dally thus with the Devil, they fall by temptation." -- Robert Philip in A Chronological Critique on the Writings and Genius of Bunyan, 1845, pp. vi, vii

    If either side is immovable, then death is the result of a conflict of will. How are conflicts of will resolved? By submission to the truth of God's word. This observations bears a strain of the Gospel.

    Persons who are ashamed of their weaknesses often become proud apparently as a defense, for example, the chronic alcoholic, who is ashamed of the fact that he can not overcome his besetting sin.

    None but those who truly feel that they are paupers before God, with no good thing to their credit, absolutely destitute of any merits of their own, will appreciate the glad tidings that Christ Jesus came into this world to pay the debt of such. Only those who are smitten in their conscience, broken in heart, and sick of sin, will really respond to that blessed word of His, Come unto Me all ye that labour and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28). Only those who have lost all heart for this poor world, will truly turn unto the Lord of glory. -- Arthur Pink, The Life Of David

    When our egos are utterly crushed, then we are prepared to do something of worth for the Lord.

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Pride," and so forth, and so on.

    *Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), A Christian Directory: Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 1. Full title: A Christian Directory: or A Sum of Practical Theology, and Cases of Conscience. Directing Christians how to use Their Knowledge and Faith; How to Improve all Helps and Means, and to Perform all Duties; How to Overcome Temptations, and to Escape or Mortify Every Sin. In Four Parts.
    I. Christian Ethics (or Private Duties)
    II. Christian Economics (or Family Duties)
    III. Christian Ecclesiastics (or Church Duties)
    IV. Christian Politics (or Duties to Our Rulers and Neighbours)     (Morgan, PA: Soli Deo Gloria Publications, 1997, 1990, 1838, 1707, 1678, 1673), ISBN: 1877611131 9781877611131. Foreword by J.I. Packer (Soli Deo Gloria edition only). The Soli Deo Gloria publication is a facsimile reprint of the 19th century reprint by George Virtue, London, 1846. The original 1673 edition and the 1678 edition, both printed by Robert White for Nevill Simmons. Bibliographic and scriptural footnotes. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available (less the J.I. Packer's Foreword, but searchable with an OCR-based index), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    This work is available in many editions, and in many formats.
    Reformation Heritage Books has new copies of the Soli Deo Gloria edition (including the J.I. Packer Introduction), as of March 2008, even though it is generally thought to be out of print. They acquired Soli Deo Gloria from Ligonier Ministries in late 2007.
    The best digital format of the reprint by George Virtue is included on the Puritan Hard Drive. It has an OCR scan in the background, meaning one can search the entire volume and copy text into another document. It also has a computer generated indexed from the OCR scan which is, of course, in Baxter's vocabulary.
    A PDF image scan only of the same edition is available on the Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.
    The reprint by George Virtue is available online and may be downloaded in PDF format at Christian Classics Ethereal Library.
    The reprint by George Virtue appears in full preview in Google Books but may not be downloaded. So it is useful if the reader wants to become acquainted with the book. Text can be searched, but can not be copied into another document. This particular Google Books scan includes the contents in detail on pages iii-xix which is not included in the Christian Classics Ethereal Library PDF files. About five other editions from libraries are available in Google Books, and may be downloaded (August 2008).
    Notice that the e-text in Google Books has the advantage of being searchable. Searching an image-based PDF file (without an OCR scan in the background), is not possible, unless the user owns software such as Abode Acrobat Pro or Kirtas BookScan Editor. They both have an OCR (optical character recognition), feature that will search an image-based PDFs (bit-map scans). Searches appear to be perfect in this work, although one must know Baxter's vocabulary. Text can be cut and pasted from image-based PDF format to OCR (character) format. This particular Google Books scan can not be cut and pasted or downloaded.
    One of the older, multi-volume editions of THE WORKS OF RICHARD BAXTER is available at Monergism.com in the "Puritan Library," "Richard Baxter." A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, volume 23. It can be downloaded.
    http://www.puritanlibrary.com/
    Another older edition is available on microfilm (Ann Arbor, MI: University Microfilms, 1970), 1 microfilm reel, 35 mm (Early English books, 1641-1700; 343:11).
    "The complete practical works of Richard Baxter are in print in four volumes entitled BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS. This volume (about 1 1/4 million words, 1028 pages), is volume one of the set. The editor's preface (1707), p. xiii, stated that the works of Richard Baxter are 'perhaps the best body of practical divinity that is extent in our own or any other tongue.' Richard Baxter lived from 1615-1691. The DIRECTORY was completed in 1665. Its scope was intended to cover all of practical theology, a summa of casuistry . . ." -- Don Kistler
    "Baxter's series, which grew in range and scope as it proceeded . . . is a peak point in Puritan devotional writing, and remains a precious resource for all, in this or any age, who want to know what is involved in Biblical godliness. . . . A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY may justly be described as a landmark. It is the fullest, most thorough, and in this writer's judgment, most profound treatment of Christian spirituality and standards that has ever been attempted by an English-speaking Evangelical author. The fact that it embraces both spirituality and standards (the principles of communion with God plus the specifics of obedience to God), merits approving comment in itself; nowadays spirituality and ethics have become two distinct disciplines in the schools, and books written on either say virtually nothing about the other . . ." -- J.I. Packer (1926-2020)
    Timothy Keller calls it the greatest manual on Biblical counseling ever produced.
    "There are many Puritan classics on this subject. Thomas Brooks' PRECIOUS REMEDIES FOR SATAN'S DEVICES, Thomas Goodwin's A CHILD OF LIGHT WALKING IN DARKNESS, William Bridge's A LIFTING UP FOR THE DOWNCAST, and many other similar works give evidence that the Puritans were. . . . masters at applying Biblical answers and principles to problems that can only be solved by spiritual means. No Puritan work, however, has ever approached the popularity, the scope, or the depth of Baxter's classic treatise. With the widespread interest in counseling in today's church, this reprint of Baxter's work should be a welcome addition to every pastor's library, or to anyone else who wishes to give solid Biblical answers to man's questions." -- Don Kistler
    "We have long waited for a purely Biblical treatment of the spiritual ills and cures of men which is untainted by the views of psychology. Since Baxter lived about 200 years before psychology arrived, his deep work is completely void of its encroachment -- thankfully!" -- John MacArthur
    "The kings men sought to arrest Richard Baxter, but he traveled ceaselessly from place to place, writing his sermons and his books even on horseback (he had an inkwell in his saddle), and preached over a wide area." -- Brian H. Edwards
    "Baxter was a wonder of his age. His writings total 72 large volumes, much of it written on horseback as he traveled in his widespread preaching efforts. He seldom, if ever, edited anything he wrote. Knowing this any reader will be amazed at how well he communicated his deep love for his Savior. For 26 years he was public enemy No. 1 to the king, yet he lived to see the flight of the king in 1688." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    POOR MAN'S FAMILY BOOK (1674) and THE CATECHIZING OF FAMILIES (1683), are less detailed works and are found in THE REFORMED PASTOR: BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 4. They are more suitable for family instruction than are the detailed presentation in A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY.
    "Ptacek in FAMILY WORSHIP: BIBLICAL BASIS, HISTORICAL REALITY, CURRENT NEED (pp. 51-52), supplies the following information in regard to Baxter and this book. He notes that after the Episcopalians ejected numerous 'nonconformists,' in what is know as the 'great ejection,' in 1662, 'Baxter pastored from house to house, visiting families of his parish in their homes. These visits contributed to Baxter's A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, a large and still very relevant manual of pastoral care.' Focusing on just one area of great importance, Ptacek demonstrates how this book's relevance is not limited by time or culture, though sometimes the use of specific words are. 'Published in 1673, but written 1664-65, a large book-length part of Baxter's CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY is devoted to the family. It is entitled 'Christian Economics' based on the archaic usage of the word, which reflects the proper sense of the Greek root oikonomos as the manager of a household, in the Christian case, the spiritual leader of the family. The family head is essential to Baxter's view of family worship and instruction. Baxter asserts that it is God's will that this instruction be carried out by the rulers of the families.' For a male head of the household to fail to do so, or to have another instruct in the family, is contrary to his position of authority.' This is the kind of book that can be passed on from generation to generation and still find much use in the service of the kingdom of God.
    "Though relatively weak on corporate sanctification, corporate faithfulness and some important areas of doctrine (such as justification), Baxter's work on subjects related to personal piety can be of good practical use to the Christian -- if one is careful to separate out his aberrant doctrinal views and any practical errors they may lead to." -- Publisher
    The following three excerpts are included as bonus free books on Reformation Bookshelf CD #28.
    1. "The Duties of Parents for Their Children" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. X., pp. 449-454.
    2. "The Special Duties of Children Towards Their Parents" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. XI., pp. 454-457.
    3. "The Special Duties of Children and Youth Towards God" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. XII., pp. 457-458).
    A summary of currently (2012) available publications.
    http://www.lettermen2.com/pwrbcd.html
    Richard Baxter, from Wikipedia
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Baxter

    Case, Thomas (1598-1682), The Vanity of Vain Glory, Opened in a Sermon Preached at the Funeral of Kingsmel Lucy, Esq, 1655. Alternate title: ASARKOKAUKEMA, OR, THE VANITY OF VAINE-GLORY: OPEN'D IN A SERMON PREACHED AT THE FUNERAL OF KINGSMEL LUCY, ESQ., ELDEST SONNE TO FRANCIS LUCY, ESQ. 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

    Dutcher, Greg, Killing Calvinism: How to Destroy a Perfectly Good Theology From the Inside out, ISBN: 9781936760534 1936760533.
    "Something wonderful is happening in Western Evangelicalism. A resurgence of Calvinism is changing lives, transforming churches, and spreading the gospel. The books are great, the sermons are life-changing, the music is inspirational, and the conferences are astonishing. Will this continue or will we, who are part of it all, end up destroying it?
    "That depends on how we live the message.
    "As 'insiders' of the Calvinist resurgence, there are at least eight ways we can mess everything up.

  • by loving Calvinism as an end in itself
  • by becoming theologians instead of disciples [wording seems problematic here -- compiler]
  • by loving God's sovereignty more than God himself
  • by losing an urgency in evangelism
  • by refusing to learn from non-Calvinists
  • by tidying up the Bible's 'loose ends' [seems problematic -- compiler]
  • by being a bunch of arrogant know-it-alls
  • by scoffing at the emotional hang-ups others have with Calvinism
    • "Greg Dutcher (M.Div., Biblical Theological Seminary) pastored an Evangelical Free Church in Catonsville, Maryland for six years before sensing a call to plant Christ Fellowship Church in Harford County, Maryland. He has served as Senior Minister of Christ Fellowship since its inception in 2003. He is the author of two recent books with Discovery House publishers, YOU ARE THE TREASURE THAT I SEEK: BUT THERE'S A LOT OF COOL STUFF OUT THERE, LORD (2009), and LIVING FREE IN ENEMY TERRITORY: CHRIST'S TRIUMPH OVER SATAN (2011). Greg and his wife, Lisa, have four children." -- Publisher
    "This book blew me away! Greg Dutcher skillfully diagnosed how I kill the very truth I love by my hypocrisy, pride, anger, and judgmental attitude. This book will serve a young generation of Calvinists. But the older generation had better heed it, too. There's medicine here for all our hearts, and taking this medicine will make us more joyful and more humble when making our glorious God known." -- Reader's Comment
    "Many Calvinists will find reading this book to be a painful experience. But medicine is like that. The good news is that a healthy dose of Dutcher's wisdom will go a long way in bringing spiritual health to the young, restless, and reformed." -- Reader's Comment

    Fuller, Andrew (1754-1815), Spiritual Pride: or The Occasions, Causes, and Effects of Highmindedness in Religion; With Considerations Exciting to Self-Abasement. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF ANDREW FULLER (3:564-78).

    *Goodman, Christopher (1520-1603), How Superior Powers Ought to be Obeyed of Their Subjects: And Wherein They may Lawfully by God's Word be Disobeyed and Resisted, 1558. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (in the LIBRARY OF PRESBYTERIAN HERITAGE PUBLICATIONS AND PROTESTANT HERITAGE PRESS CD-ROM LIBRARY), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #26. Available on Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press CD-ROM Library.
    "From 1555 to 1558, Christopher Goodman served as co-pastor, with John Knox, of the congregation of English exiles in Geneva. During the course of his ministry, Goodman preached upon Acts 4:19 and 5:29: Whether it be right in the sight of God, to obey you rather than God, judge ye. We ought rather to obey God than men. At the request of his brethren, Goodman subsequently published an expanded version of his exposition, HOW SUPERIOR POWERS OUGHT TO BE OBEYED OF THEIR SUBJECTS: AND WHEREIN THEY MAY LAWFULLY BY GOD'S WORD BE DISOBEYED AND RESISTED. WHEREIN ALSO IS DECLARED THE CAUSE OF ALL THIS PRESENT MISERY IN ENGLAND, AND THE ONLY WAY TO REMEDY THE SAME. In this book, Goodman contends against both ecclesiastical and political tyranny.
    "This new edition of SUPERIOR POWERS includes a scripture index, a subject index, a biographical essay on the life of Christopher Goodman, and the original foreword by William Whittingham." -- Publisher from Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press CD-ROM Library
    "Very rare. One of the dozen most important political writings appearing in English in the latter half of the sixteenth century. Together with THE FIRST BLAST OF THE TRUMPET and THE APPELLATION (retitled REFORMATION, REVOLUTION AND ROMANISM in this catalogue), by John Knox, and Ponet's TREATISE OF POLITIQUE POWER, this book marks the first definite shift of opinion under the pressure of religion, away from the doctrine of almost unlimited obedience which characterized the political thought of the first half of the century laying the foundation for future ideas about civil disobedience. In that day, a proclamation of Philip and Mary had decreed the death of a rebel for anyone found in possession of the book." -- Publisher
    How Superior Powers Ought to be Obeyed of Their Subjects
    http://www.constitution.org/cmt/goodman/obeyed.htm

    *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

    Knox, John (1505-1572), The First Blast of the Trumpet Against the Monstrous Regiment [Government] of Women, 1558
    Knox, The First Blast of the Trumpet
    http://archive.org/details/firstblasttrump00knoxgoog
    Knox, John (1505-1572), and Kevin Reed (editor), The First Blast of the Trumpet Against the Monstrous Regiment [Government] of Women, with the "Summary of the Second Blast" appended.
    http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/FirBlast.htm
    The First Blast of the Trumpet. Available (in KNOX'S WORKS, VOL. 4) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    http://archive.org/stream/worksjohnknox07laingoog#page/n4/mode/2up
    Knox, The First Blast of the Trumpet
    This is the same Presbyterian Heritage Publications edition cited above. It includes the marginal notes as endnotes, but does not include the scripture index, and subject index.
    http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualNLs/firblast.htm

    *Knox, John (1505-1572), and Kevin Reed (editor), The First Blast of the Trumpet Against the Monstrous Regiment [Government], of Women, with the "Summary of the Second Blast" appended (Dallas, TX [Presbyterian Heritage Publications, P.O. Box 180922, 75218-0922]: Presbyterian Heritage Publications, 1993), trade paperback, 96 pages, marginal notes, scripture index, and subject index. This edition appears in three additional formats: SELECTED WRITINGS OF JOHN KNOX: PUBLIC EPISTLES, TREATISES, AND EXPOSITIONS TO THE YEAR 1559, pp. 370-436, the LIBRARY OF PRESBYTERIAN HERITAGE PUBLICATIONS AND PROTESTANT HERITAGE PRESS CD-ROM LIBRARY, and e-text that includes the marginal notes as endnotes, but does not include the scripture index, and subject index. Citations for these three additional formats are listed below.
    "The text of this edition is based on the definitive edition of THE WORKS OF JOHN KNOX, edited by David Laing (Edinburgh, 1895).
    "In this controversial work, John Knox contends that 'to promote a woman to bear rule, superiority, dominion, or empire above any realm, nation, or city, is repugnant to nature, contumely [insult], to God, a thing most contrary to his revealed will and approved ordinance; and finally, it is the subversion of good order, of all equity and justice'." -- Publisher
    Subheading used in this edition:

    "The SUMMARY OF THE SECOND BLAST was originally appended to the APPELLATION FROM THE SENTENCE PRONOUNCED BY THE BISHOPS AND CLERGY: ADDRESSED TO THE NOBILITY AND ESTATES OF SCOTLAND (1558), published in KNOX'S WORKS, VOL. IV, pp. 539-40." (see citation below) -- Publisher
    Knox, The First Blast of the Trumpet
    http://archive.org/details/firstblasttrump00knoxgoog
    The First Blast of the Trumpet. Available (in KNOX'S WORKS, VOL. 4) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    http://archive.org/stream/worksjohnknox07laingoog#page/n4/mode/2up
    Other publications of THE FIRST BLAST OF THE TRUMPET follow: Gunn Productions, The Monstrous Regiment of Women, DVD (Gunn Productions, October 31, 2007), 54 minutes.
    "Who is the monstrous regiment? Today, the feminists are our monstrous regiment!
    To promote a woman to bear rule, superiority, dominion, or empire above any realm, nation, or city, is repugnant to nature . . . A thing most contrary to His revealed will and approved ordinance. -- John Knox
    "The 16th century reformer John Knox wrote his famous tract THE FIRST BLAST OF THE TRUMPET AGAINST THE MONSTROUS REGIMENT OF WOMEN to oppose a notorious European female tyrant who sought to stamp out biblical Christianity in his beloved Scotland.
    "When we approach the issues of our day we wish to borrow his biblical perspective to apply his blast against those who rule in the wake of his monstrous queen. This group, we shall see, far surpasses the queen's iniquities in both kind and degree.
    "Feminists tell women not to submit to a husband, to avoid having children, and that they should listen to their inner voice and chase a career to find true fulfillment. This twisted and irrational teaching has led to disaster for American women, leading many into a frustrating, isolated existence. With this film, we call women back to a life filled with joy and beauty that can only be found by following God's Word.
    "Due to the subject matter this film is not suitable for children.
    "Subjects Covered: | Who was John Knox? | What did he think of women? | What is Feminism? | Feminism and Socialism | Daycare | Modesty | Women in the Military | Women in the Workplace | Margaret Sanger | Planned Parenthood | Abortion | Hillary | Birth Control | Betty Friedan | Rock for Choice | Plus 26 minutes of unique interview footage
    "Featuring: | Sharon Adams -- Historian, Edinburgh University | Jennie Chancey -- Ladies Against Feminism | Jane Doe -- Military Cadet | Carol Everett -- Former Abortion Provider | Dana Feliciano -- Homemaker | Carmon Friedrich -- Writer, Buried Treasure Books | F. Carolyn Graglia -- Author, Domestic Tranquility | Rosalind Marshall -- Knox Biographer | Stacey McDonald -- Author, Raising Maidens of Virtue | Phyllis Schlafly -- Eagle Forum | Denise Sproul -- Homemaker | Kathleen Smith -- Homemaker" -- Publisher

    *Luther, Martin (1483-1546), Commentary on Galatians, English translation by Erasmus Middleton, B.D., edited by John Prince Fallowes, M.A., Pembroke College, Cambridge, ISBN: 0825431247. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "I prefer this book of Martin Luther's (except the Bible), before all the books I have ever seen, as most fit for a wounded soul." -- John Bunyan
    "This is a great, historic work, and is beyond criticism on account of its great usefulness. As a comment its accuracy might be questioned; but for emphatic utterances and clear statements of the great doctrine of the Epistle it remains altogether by itself, and must be judged per se." -- C.H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)
    "The reissue of a famous series of lectures delivered at Wittenberg University in 1553." -- Cyril J. Barber
    Commentary on Galatians, Martin Luther
    http://archive.org/details/cu31924029294133
    Luther's Commentary on Galatians, That He might deliver us from the present evil world. (Galatians 1:4 excerpt), English translation by Erasmus Middleton, B.D., edited by John Prince Fallowes, M.A., Pembroke College, Cambridge
    http://www.lettermen2.com/luther2.html
    Luther's Commentary on Galatians, Who hath bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth. (Galatians 3:1 excerpt), English translation by Erasmus Middleton, B.D., edited by John Prince Fallowes, M.A., Pembroke College, Cambridge
    http://www.lettermen2.com/luther1.html

    *Pike, Samuel (1717-1773), and Samuel Hayward (1718-1757), Discovering why the Spirit is Grieved. In RELIGIOUS CASES OF CONSCIENCE ANSWERED IN AN EVANGELICAL MANNER . . . TO WHICH IS ADDED THE SPIRITUAL COMPANION; OR, THE PROFESSING CHRISTIAN TRIED AT THE BAR OF GOD'S WORD; AND CHARACTER OF THE HAPPY MAN, 1866.
    Discovering Why the Spirit is Grieved
    http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/discovering-why-the-spirit-is-grieved.php

    *Pike, Samuel (1717-1773), and Samuel Hayward (1718-1757), Spiritual Injury From Undue Pursuit of the Affairs of This Life. In RELIGIOUS CASES OF CONSCIENCE ANSWERED IN AN EVANGELICAL MANNER . . . TO WHICH IS ADDED THE SPIRITUAL COMPANION; OR, THE PROFESSING CHRISTIAN TRIED AT THE BAR OF GOD'S WORD; AND CHARACTER OF THE HAPPY MAN, 1866.
    Spiritual Injury From Undue Pursuit of the Affairs of This Life
    http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/spiritual-injury-from-undue-pursuit-of-the-affairs-of-this-life.php

    Preston, John (1587-1628), Grace to the Humble, As Preparations to receive the Sacrament. Preached by the late famous preacher Iohn Preston, Doctor of Divinity, and chaplen in ordinary to his Mtie. Master of Immanuel Colledge, and sometimes preacher in Lincolnes-Inne, 1639.
    A different version of "The doctrine of self-denial" in "Three godly and learned treatises."

    *Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), Lex, rex, or The law and the Prince, ISBN: 0873779517. Alternate title: A TREATISE OF CIVIL POLICY: BEING A RESOLUTION OF FORTY THREE QUESTIONS CONCERNING PREROGATIVE, RIGHT AND PRIVILEGE, IN REFERENCE TO THE SUPREME PRINCE AND THE PEOPLE. / BY SAMUEL RUTHERFORD PROFESSOR OF DIVINITY OF ST ANDREWS IN SCOTLAND. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #10, #25.
    " 'Lex, rex' is Latin for 'law is king.'
    "LEX, REX is 'the great political text of the Covenanters.' (Johnston citing Innes in Treasury of the Scottish Covenant, p. 305). 'Rutherford was the first to formulate the great constitutional principle Lex est Rex -- the law is King . . . much of the doctrine has become the constitutional inheritance of all countries in modern times.'
    "Gilmour writes [in SAMUEL RUTHERFORD], 'that, as regards religious fervour, scholastic subtlety of intellect, and intensity of ecclesiastical conviction, Samuel Rutherford is the most distinctively representative Scotsman in the first half of the seventeenth century'." -- Publisher
    "Without a doubt one of the greatest books on political philosophy ever written. Rutherford here has penned a great Christian charter of liberty against all forms of civil tyranny -- vindicating the Scriptural duty to resist tyrants as an act of loyalty to God." -- Publisher
    "That resistance to lawful authority -- even when that authority so called has, in point of fact, set at nought 'all law' -- is in no instance to be vindicated, will be held by those only who are the devotees of arbitrary power and passive obedience. The principles of Mr. Rutherford's LEX, REX, however obnoxious they may be to such men, are substantially the principles on which all government is founded, and without which the civil magistrate would become a curse rather than a blessing to a country. They are the very principles which lie at the basis of the British Constitution, and by whose tenure the House of Brunswick does at this very moment hold possession of the throne of these realms." -- Rev. Robert Burns, D.D., in his "Preliminary Dissertation" to Wodrow's Church History
    Additional sources of text related to LEX REX are as follows:
    "Though Rutherford is affectionately remembered in our day for his LETTERS, or for laying the foundations of constitutional government (against the divine right of kings), in his unsurpassed LEX, REX, his FREE DISPUTATION should not be overlooked, for it contains the same searing insights as LEX, REX. In fact, this book [A FREE DISPUTATION AGAINST PRETENDED LIBERTY OF CONSCIENCE -- compiler] should probably be known as Rutherford's 'politically incorrect' companion volume to LEX, REX. It is a sort of sequel aimed at driving pluralists and antinomians insane. Written against 'the Belgick Arminians, Socinians, and other Authors contending for lawless liberty, or licentious Tolerations of Sects and Heresies,' Rutherford explains the undiluted Biblical solution to moral relativism, especially as it is expressed in ecclesiastical and civil pluralism! (Corporate pluralism being a violation of the first commandment, and an affront to the holy God of Scripture)." -- Publisher
    A HIND LET LOOSE by Alexander Shields is sometimes referred to as 'Lex, Rex, Volume Two.'
    A Hind let Loose; or An Historical Representation of the Testimonies of the Church of Scotland. . . . by Mr. Alexander Shields, Minister of the Gospel, in St. Andrews
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/shields/
    A Hind let Loose; or, An Historical Representation of the Testimonies of the Church of Scotland, for the Interest of Christ
    "This book sets forth the Crown rights of King Jesus, against all usurpers in both church and state, giving a history of some of faithful sufferings endured by the elect, in maintaining this truth." -- Publisher
    http://archive.org/details/hindletlooseorhi00shie
    "This [THE DUE RIGHT OF PRESBYTERIES OR A PEACEABLE PLEA FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND -- compiler], 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'." -- Publisher
    Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), Lex, rex: The law and the Prince, a Dispute for the Just Prerogative of King and People (1843)
    http://archive.org/details/lexrexlawandpri00ruthgoog
    Lex, rex, or The law and the Prince, Samuel Rutherford
    "Rutherford is to be praised for his teaching that the king is subject to the law of God. The Bible has nothing but condemnation for those who frame mischief by a law and declares rhetorically, Shall the throne of iniquity have fellowship with thee? (Psalm 94:20). Deuteronomy 17 is the classic passage in defense of LEX, REX, wherein the king is charged to read therein all the days of his life: that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, to keep all the words of this law. (Deuteronomy 17:19)." -- Publisher
    http://www.constitution.org/sr/lexrex.htm
    Lex, rex: the law and the Prince, a Dispute for the Just Prerogative of King and People, containing the reasons and causes of the defensive wars of the kingdom of Scotland, and of their expedition for the ayd and help of their brethren of England. In which a full answer is given to a seditious pamphlet, intituled, Sacro-sancta regum majestas, penned by J. Maxwell. By S. Rutherford. [Followed by], De jure regni apud Scotos; a dialogue, tr. by R. Macfarlan (repr. from the ed. of 1799).
    http://books.google.com/books?id=jtYDAAAAQAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html
    Brutus, Junius, The Covenant Between God and Kings, from A DEFENSE OF LIBERTY
    http://www.constitution.org/vct/vindiciae1a.htm

    *Shedd, W.G.T., Sermons to the Natural man, ISBN: 0851512607 9780851512600. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "Dr. Shedd's SERMONS TO THE NATURAL MAN are, if not absolutely the best, yet of the very best doctrinal and spiritual sermons produced in this generation. We have known much of their power in convincing sinners, and in deepening and widening and exalting the experiences of true Christians. Doctrinal preaching, though not in fashion, is the preaching that we need, and the preaching which always best vindicates itself when put to the test of practice . . ." -- A.A. Hodge
    Contents: Religious meditation (Psalm 104:34) -- Christian moderation (Proverbs 16:32) -- The supreme excellence of God (Matthew 19:16-17) -- The fatherhood of God (Luke 16:25) -- The future vision of God (2 Corinthians 4:18) -- God the strength of man (Psalm 84:5) -- The glorification of God (Isaiah 42:8) -- The duty of reference to the divine will (James 4:13-15) -- The creature has no absolute merit (Luke 17:10) -- Faith with and without sight (John 20:29) -- The reality of heaven (John 14:2) -- Pure motives the light of the soul (Matthew 6:22) -- The law is light (Proverbs 6:23) -- The law is the strength of sin (1 Corinthians 15:56) -- The sense of sin leads to holiness, and the conceit of holiness leads to sin (John 9:41) -- The impression made by Christ's holiness (Luke 5:8) -- Christian humility (1 Peter 5:5) -- Pride vitiates religious knowledge (1 Corinthians 8:2) -- Connection between faith and works (James 2:24) -- The Christian imperfect, yet a saint (Colossians 3:12) -- Sanctification completed at death (1 Corinthians 2:9) -- Watchfulness and prayerfulness (1 Peter 4:7) -- Unceasing prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17) -- The folly of ambition (Jeremiah 45:5) -- Every Christian a debtor to the pagan (Romans 1:14) -- The certain success of evangelistic labor (Isaiah 55:10-11).

    *Symington, William (1795-1862), Messiah the Prince or, The Mediatorial Dominion of Jesus Christ, ISBN: 0966004434 0921148054. The 1884 edition is available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Also available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #13, #25, and #26.
    "It is the standard work on the kingdom of God in English! There is nothing else like it." -- Publisher
    "It was deemed essential to the salvation of men that their Redeemer should possess the powers at once of a prophet, a priest, and a king. These offices, while essentially distinct, are necessarily and inseparably connected with one another. Such a union has been by some utterly denied; and its denial has laid foundation for some capital errors, which have exerted a pernicious influence on the Christian church. By others it has been criminally overlooked; and the neglect with which it has been treated has occasioned vague and conflicting conceptions regarding the great work of man's deliverance from sin and wrath by the mediation of the Son of God." -- William Symington (1795-1862)
    "It is the standard work on the kingdom of God in English! There is nothing else like it; it is one-of-a kind! It covers the necessity, reality, and qualifications of Christ's dominion over not only the church, but all nations too. Anything less is to rob Christ of His magnificent, majestic, mediatorial glory -- for He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. 'While books on the priestly work of the Redeemer, and especially on the Atonement, are numerous,' notes the introduction to the American edition, 'no formal and exhaustive discussion of the kingly office of the Messiah . . . and its application to various classes of moral agents is elsewhere to be found . . . It is cause for satisfaction that the only treatise, as yet, upon this subject, is a work of signal ability, lucid in arrangement, reverent in spirit, and with hardly an exception, sound and judicious in its conclusion. Its very merits are probably, in part, the reason why no other work on the same subject has appeared, and until it is supplanted by a better work -- an event not likely soon to occur -- it will have a value peculiar to itself'." -- Publisher
    Chapters include "The Necessity of the Mediatorial Dominion," "The Universality of the Mediatorial Dominion," "The Mediatorial Dominion Over the Church," and "Over the Nations," plus much more.
    Symington, William, Messiah the Prince or, The Meditorial Dominion of Jesus Christ (1881)
    http://archive.org/details/messiahtheprince00symiuoft
    Symington, William, Messiah the Prince or, The Mediatorial Dominion of Jesus Christ
    http://www.reformed.org/eschaton/symington/index.html
    Symington, William, Messiah the Prince or, The Mediatorial Dominion of Jesus Christ
    http://reformedchurchpublications.org/messiah_the_prince_by_william_symington.htm

    *Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), The Ten Commandments, ISBN: 0851516815. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "In this book Watson continues his exposition of the Shorter Catechism drawn up by the Westminster Assembly. Watson was one of the most popular preachers in London during the Puritan era . . . The series of three volumes, of which this is the second (the BODY OF DIVINITY is first and THE LORD'S PRAYER third), makes an ideal introduction to Puritan literature. There are few matters about which the Puritans differ more from present-day Christians than in their assessment of the importance of the Ten Commandments. The Commandments, they held, are the first thing in Christianity which the natural man needs to be taught and they should be the daily concern of the Christian to the last. In this book Watson examines the moral law as a whole as well as bringing out the meaning and force of each particular commandment. In view of the important function of the law in Christian life and evangelism, this is a most valuable volume." -- Publisher
    "Excellent study. Highly recommended for personal and group study. The need for understanding the Law of God is always of great importance for the Christian. Watson is an excellent expositor of it." -- GCB
    "The most famous commentary on the Ten Commandments was by Lancelot Andrews (1555-1626), a huge folio." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    The Ten Commandments, Thomas Watson
    http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/ipb-e/epl-watson-10cm.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/

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Fear, anxiety, Worry, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Glory in iniquity, the temptation of vainglory, Carnality and flesh pleasing, desires, pleasure, Lust, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Justice, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Sin, Guilt, Humility, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Self, self-esteem, Self-denial, Envy, jealousy, Unforgiveness, Leadership, Power, Authority, The attributes of god, The ten commandments: the moral law, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, The love and justice of God, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 1170-1172, 1636, 1722-1724, 1727
    MGTP: Pride, ambition, self-aggrandizement, arrogance, ego, Humility, and so forth, and so on.

    Related Weblinks

    A Deliverer is Born (part 1), a message by Ravi Zacharias
    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)
    "The breaking of the ego is the first thing that God wants to do in you life and mine." -- Ravi Zacharias
    Politicians | Indoctrination of Christians | Military anti-Christian indoctrination | The Witch is called philosophy | The fall of big Christians in the 70's | and so forth, and so on
    https://www.rzim.org/listen/let-my-people-think/a-deliverer-is-born-part-1

    The Glory of Christ (FGB #162)
    Christ's Person | Christ's Crucifixion | Christ's Love | Christ's Beauty | Contemplating Christ's Glory | Christ's Offices | Christ's Exaltation | Seeing the Glory of Christ | Christ's Glory | Christ's Humiliation
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/gochfg/glory-of-christ-the

    On Secret Faults, Samuel Stanhope Smith (1750-1819)
    http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/on-secret-faults.php

    Pride and Humility (FGB #168)
    Thoughts on Pride, part 1, Bridges, Charles (1794-1869) | Pride the Destroyer, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | Thoughts on Pride, part 2, Bridges, Charles (1794-1869) | An Admonition to Humility, Simeon, Charles | Humble Faith, Fisher, Edward (d. 1655) | A Word About Pride, Baxter, Richard (1615-1691) | Thoughts on Pride, part 3, Bridges, Charles (1794-1869) | Pride and its Cure, Shelton, L.R., Jr. (1923-2003)
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/pahufg/pride-and-humility

    The Westminster Confession Larger Catechism, Questions 103-106
    http://www.reformed.org/documents/wlc_w_proofs/index.html



    Prodigals

    We are also 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.

    De Witt, John Richard (John R. DeWitt), Amazing Love: The Parable of the Prodigal Son, ISBN: 085151328X 9780851513287.
    A professor of Systematic Theology, Reformed Seminary in Jackson.

    Gouge, William (1578-1653), A Recovery From Apostacy set out in a Sermon Preached in Stepny Church near London at the receiving of a penitent renegado into the church, Oct 21, 1638. Available (THE WORKS OF WILLIAM GOUGE) on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Graham, Ruth Bell (1920-2007), Prodigals and Those who Love Them: Words of Encouragement for Those who Wait, ISBN: 9780801071553 0801071550.
    "For any who might be waiting the return of a loved prodigal, I venture to share some of the comfort and assurance that I gathered during the years of our 'waiting.' Stories of other prodigals, some famous, some not, whose return to our Father encouraged me. Verses from the Bible, especially on the sovereignty of God, reassured me enormously. Ultimately He is in control. . . ." -- Ruth Bell Graham
    "Mrs. Graham shares diary entries written during the prodigal years of their two sons, as well as Bible verses that brought solace to her." -- Publisher

    Kennedy, D. James, Your Prodigal Child, ISBN: 0840776195 9780840776198.
    "Don't wait until you have a prodigal child to read this book. It is full of sound, Biblical advice for all parents. Many of the principles put forth in this volume are good for other relationships as well. . . . The book deals scripturally with tough questions. . . . It addresses real life issues and problems with sound, Biblical advice and common sense. The appendices are valuable for all parents. They are 'Five Steps to Evangelizing Your Child,' 'The Family Conference Table,' 'How To Raise a Child for God.' If you have kids, the information in these appendices could save you a lot of grief. . . . Godly parenting can be learned if you are willing to set aside a little time." -- Susan Alder

    Lewis, Margie M., and Gregg Lewis, The Hurting Parent: Help and Hope for Parents of Prodigals, ISBN: 9780310286615 0310286611,

    Miller, C. John (1928-1996), Come Back Barbara, ISBN: 0310374715 9780310374718.

    *Ornish, Dean, Love and Survival: The Scientific Basis for the Healing Power of Intimacy, ISBN: 0060930209 9780060930202.
    "Many people know Dean Ornish as the doctor who proved that symptoms of heart disease can be reversed with a regimen of a low-fat diet, exercise, and stress reduction. In LOVE AND SURVIVAL, he concentrates on the less tangible aspects of a healthful life. Through anecdotes and dozens of scientific studies, Ornish demonstrates that personal intimacy and other aspects of emotional well-being -- all the elements that make up what we call 'love' -- are as important to our physical condition as to our mental health. Not only do these positive emotions motivate us to make better lifestyle choices, Ornish argues, they also have a powerful direct effect on our bodies, giving us stronger immune systems, better cardiovascular functioning, and longer life expectancies. But the benefits of opening our hearts to others go beyond curing our bodies of disease; it's also the first step toward healing our entire lives." -- Publisher

    Palmer, B.M., Broken Home: Lessons in Sorrow.

    Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), The Forlorn Son, audio file series of 7 sermons. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #10.
    Read by elder Lyndon Dohms from the book QUAINT SERMONS OF SAMUEL RUTHERFORD. The subject is the prodigal son.

    Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), Quaint Sermons of Samuel Rutherford Hitherto Unpublished. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #10, 29.
    "As Andrew Bonar notes in his preface to this book, 'Samuel Rutherford never fails to set Christ on high, for truly he had a thirst no earthly stream could satisfy -- A hunger that must feed on Christ, or die.' These sermons, in setting forth the splendor of Christ as revealed in His Word, will continue to offer much comfort and consolation to contemporary Christians. Of the sermons that make up this volume some titles include, 'The Spouse's Longing for Christ' (Song of Solomon 5:3-6), 'Fear not, Thou Worm Jacob' (Isa. 41:14-16 [Isaiah 41:14-16]), 'The Worth and Excellence of the Gospel' (2 Cor. 10:4-5 [2 Corinthians 10:4-5]), and 'The Forlorn Son -- The Fathers Expressed Welcome' (Luke 15:22-23) -- along with fourteen others." -- Publisher

    Sedgwick, Obadiah (1600?-1658), The Parable of the Prodigal. Containing, the riotous prodigal, or the sinners aversion from God. Returning prodigal, or the penitents conversion to God. Prodigals acceptation, or favourable entertainment with God. Delivered in divers sermons on Luke 15. from vers. 11. to vers. 24 [Luke 15:11-24]. By that faithfull servant of Jesus Christ Obadiah Sedgwick, B.D. Perfected by himself, and perused by those whom he intrusted with the publishing of his works, 1660,

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, Carnality and flesh pleasing: lust, desires, ambition, Foolishness, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Wisdom, The wisdom books, Proverbs, Self, selfishness, self-esteem, The covenant faithfulness of god, Justice, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The covenant faithfulness of god, The covenanted reformation, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Pride, ambition, self-aggrandizement, arrogance, ego, Humility, Reconciliation of relationships, Bad relationships a cause of disease and death, Will and recalcitrance, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 2871, 3203, 4310



    Prostitution, Harlotry

    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)

    See the Theological Notes: "Body and Soul, Male and Female" at Genesis 2:7 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 19:5-6)
    John Gill commenting on Matthew 19:6
    http://www.biblestudytools.com/my-bible/#/left:passage/kjv/matthew/19:6/&right:reference/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/matthew-19-6.html

    Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9,10)

    Israel's Apostasy and Hosea's Marriage at Hosea 3:1, p. 1364 in The Reformation Study Bible.
    See the chart at Hosea 3:1, p. 1364.
    "The stages of Israel's relationship with God are depicted in the prophecies of Jeremiah and Ezekiel, as well as in Hosea's relationship with Gomer."

    I used to say that Politics is the second oldest profession [prostitution being the oldest], but I have come to realize that it bears a gross similarity to the first. -- William Penn

    Incest is "boot-camp" for prostitution.

    According to a new (2004) State Department sex-trafficking report, 600,000 men, women and children are taken across international borders each year and forced into prostitution and labor.

    Fully understanding the Doctrine of Justification can redeem a relationship broken by sexual sin.
    It is a clear understanding of the Doctrine of Justification that enables us to repair broken relationships, both with God and with man. Repentance and forgiveness bridges the gap between man and God. It enables man and wife to reconcile their broken relationships, and to live together in harmony. It enables individuals to repair relationships broken by sin and to live and work together in unity in society.

    Fitzgerald, Matthew, Sex-Ploytaion: How Women use Their Bodies to Extort Money From Men, ISBN: 0966963903 9780966963908.
    "This is a book about male-female relationships that deals with contemporary female duplicity in our modern society and refutes the false feminist propaganda about equal rights. The text takes off where THE MANIPULATED MAN by Esther Vilar left off 27 years ago when it was first published and points out HOW WOMEN USE THEIR BODIES TO EXTORT MONEY FROM MEN." -- Publisher

    *Marshall, Walter (1628-1680), The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification: Growing in Holiness by Living in Union With Christ (Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, Inc., 2005, 1999), 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:
    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
    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)

    *Miller, C. John "Jack" (1928-1996), Finding Healthy Self-Esteem Through Being Completely Forgiven (Quality Living Series. Jenkintown, PA [World Harvest, Box 2175, Jenkintown, 19046]: World Harvest, 1987).
    "Do you feel inadequate? That you need to do more or be better in order to be happy and fulfilled? You may not realize it, but your biggest problem is . . . you don't feel completely forgiven."
    World Harvest Mission
    http://www.whm.org/home.htm

    Moran, Margaret, Pastoral Counseling for the Deviant Girl, ISBN: 0225275287 9780225275285.
    Includes bibliography.

    *Ornish, Dean, Love and Survival: The Scientific Basis for the Healing Power of Intimacy, ISBN: 0060930209 9780060930202.
    "Many people know Dean Ornish as the doctor who proved that symptoms of heart disease can be reversed with a regimen of a low-fat diet, exercise, and stress reduction. In LOVE AND SURVIVAL, he concentrates on the less tangible aspects of a healthful life. Through anecdotes and dozens of scientific studies, Ornish demonstrates that personal intimacy and other aspects of emotional well-being -- all the elements that make up what we call 'love' -- are as important to our physical condition as to our mental health. Not only do these positive emotions motivate us to make better lifestyle choices, Ornish argues, they also have a powerful direct effect on our bodies, giving us stronger immune systems, better cardiovascular functioning, and longer life expectancies. But the benefits of opening our hearts to others go beyond curing our bodies of disease; it's also the first step toward healing our entire lives." -- Publisher

    Wardlaw, Ralph (1779-1853), Lectures on Female Prostitution: Its Nature, extent, effects, guilt, causes, and remedy, Second edition: of which the profits will be given to aid any effort that may be made for the suppression of the vice in the city of Glasgow, 1843. Alternate title: LECTURES ON MAGDALENISM.

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justice, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Fatherlessness, Lust, Pornography, Child abuse and pedophilia, Gratuitous sex, a cause of violence, Abuse, Rape, Child abuse and pedophilia, Homosexuality, lesbianism, gay, bisexual, transvestite, queer (lgbtq), Incest, Adultery, Abortion, Lust, Carnality and flesh pleasing: lust, desires, ambition, Organized crime, Substance abuse and addiction, Gambling, Sex ethics, sex education, Idolatry, Forgiveness of sin, Justifying faith, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 3881, 3882

    Related Weblinks

    Five-Year Arrest Trends, All Women, 1995-1999 (6,622 agencies)
    One sign of the decline of a society is the increase in crime by women.
    Percentage increases in arrests of all women, select crimes. (Women under 18 only indicated by "under 18")
    1. Prostitution and commercialized vice, +8.4 (under 18)
    2. Sex offenses (except forcible rape and prostitution), +34.7 (under 18)
    3. Drug abuse violations, +11.4, +12.3 (under 18)
    4. Gambling, +20.1
    5. Offenses against the family and children, +7.9, +16.6 (under 18)
    http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/crime-in-the-u.s/1999/99sec4.pdf

    Five-Year Arrest Trends by Sex, 2015-2019
    "9,656 agencies; 2019 estimated population 201,599,471; 2015 estimated population 197,695,401"
    https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2019/crime-in-the-u.s.-2019/topic-pages/tables/table-35#

    Incarcerated Women and Girls (1980-2020)
    "Between 1980 and 2020, the number of incarcerated women increased by more than 475 percent, rising from a total of 26,326 in 1980 to 152,854 in 2020. . . .
    "The number of incarcerated women was nearly five times higher in 2020 than in 1980.
    " 'Incarcerated Women and Girls' examines female incarceration trends and finds areas of both concern and hope. While the imprisonment rate for African American women was nearly twice that of white women in 2020, this disparity represents a sharp decline from 2000 when Black women were six times as likely to be imprisoned. Since then Black women's imprisonment rate has decreased by 68 percent while white women's rate has increased by 12 percent."
    https://www.sentencingproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Incarcerated-Women-and-Girls.pdf

    A Redneck Resolution Against Self-destruction
    http://www.lettermen2.com/redneck.html



    Punishment

    See the Theological Notes: "Church Discipline and Excommunication," at Matthew 18:15 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    See the Theological Notes: "The Final Judgment," at Matthew 25:41 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    This, however, has happened, not once only, and not with the men of Sodom alone; but is daily fulfilled in the reprobate, whom Satan fascinates with such madness, that when stricken by the mighty hand of God, they proceed with stupid obstinacy to advance against him. And we need not seek far, for an instance of such conduct; we see with what tremendous punishments God visits wandering lusts; and yet the world ceases not, with desperate audacity, to rush into the certain destruction which is set before their eyes. -- John Calvin (1509-1564), commenting on Genesis 19:10 and context

    Where there is no religion, and no fear of God, whatever is said concerning the punishment of the wicked, vanishes as a vain and illusory thing. And hence we perceive how fatal an evil security is, which so inebriates, yea, fascinates, the minds of the wicked, that they no longer think God sits as Judge in heaven; and thus they stupidly sleep in sin, till, while they’re saying, Peace and safety, they are overwhelmed in sudden ruin. And especially, the nearer the vengeance of God approaches, the more does their obstinacy increase and become desperate. There is nothing more full of fear, and even of terror, than wicked men are, when the hand of God presses closely on them; but until, constrained by force, they perceive their destruction to be imminent, they either reject all threats with proud scorn, or contemptuously pass them by. But their indolence ought to awaken us to the fear of God, so that we may be always careful; but more especially when some token of the wrath of God presents itself before us. -- John Calvin (1509-1564), commenting on Genesis 19:14 and context

    Paul does not regard government as provider of income, health care, education, national parks, money, or any of the other services common to our modern welfare states; its function is quite simple: to punish wrongdoers. -- John W. Robbins

    Stern as the Truth of God is, we ought never to flinch from repeating it, that sin cannot be put away under the moral government of God without punishment. This is a rule from which there is no variation and there should be none, for if justice is left unsatisfied, the foundations of society are out of course. Infinite Wisdom has found for us a door of escape by the way of a vicarious Sacrifice, but that way does not violate justice. Seeing that we originally fell by the sin of another, namely, our representative Adam, God has seen fit that we should rise through the righteousness and sufferings of another, namely, Jesus, the second Adam. Because Jesus was one with His people, and their federal Head, it was just to allow Him to suffer in their place and He has so done. Apart from this, every man must bear his own burden of sin and punishment. The only possible way by which a man can be forgiven his sin is by that sin being punished in his legal Representative, the Lord Jesus. Jesus has borne, Himself, what every believing sinner ought to have borne, or an equivalent for it, sufficient to recompense the injury done to eternal justice. No other person could be a Substitute for our sin, for no other is our Head and Representative before God, and yet Himself innocent. There is none other name given under Heaven by which we may be saved. The Lord Jesus is of God appointed and provided to be the one vicarious Sufferer, the true bearer away of the sin of the world by enduring its penalty in His own Person so that whoever believes in Him is redeemed from the punishment of sin. That is the Gospel! I would sooner state it in the most simple language than have the power to deliver an impromptu poem, though it should excel the productions of Homer or Milton. There is more of precious truth and priceless learning in that faithful saying that, "Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners" than in the most profound discourse, or the most stately epic. Be thankful that you have heard it! Be thankful that there is forgiveness with God because Jesus Christ has become the Savior of men. O fellow Sinner, you may approach your God without being plunged into suffering yourself, or needing to bring a victim with you, for Jesus Christ has been brought as a lamb to the slaughter and His soul has been made an offering for sin! Tremble not, but receive the reconciliation effected by the Lamb of God! Come boldly, for the way is open and man is invited to approach his God. -- Charles Haddon Spurgeon in the sermon Behold the Lamb, (John 1:36), Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, July 14, 1872, No. 1060

    Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. (Romans 12:19)

    But we must remember what He says in Psalm 90:4, that a thousand years in His sight are but as a single day; and consequently, when we think that He delays, He is, in His infinite wisdom, hastening as much as is necessary. He seems, indeed, to take no notice for a time, that He may thus invite men to repent; but still He declares that He will not delay, but that He will come suddenly, like a whirlwind, to hasten His judgments, lest the ungodly should grow drowsy from their security. Let us, therefore, learn quietly and patiently to wait for the fit season of His vengeance. -- John Calvin commenting on Deuteronomy 7:10

    Without Bible magistracy -- law enforcement, judgment, justice, criminal prosecution, civil prosecution, punishment of wrongdoers, equal justice for the "insane" and "mentally ill" (who in most cases are demoniacs), regulation of finance, business, and just regulation in all spheres of human activity -- in the absence of law enforcement, and regulation there is no government in church or in state. Punishment of wrongdoers is the primary function of a nation's government. Likewise, without church discipline there is no church government and, of course, no church.

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Punishment," "Church Discipline," and so forth, and so on.

    *Gillespie, Patrick (1617-1675), Rulers Sins: The Causes of National Judgments, or a Sermon Preached at the Fast, Upon the 26th Day of December, Prov. XIV. 34; 2 Kings XVII. 22,23; Ezek. XIX. 14, or a Sermon Preached at the Fast, Upon the 26th Day of December 1650. [Proverbs 14:34; 2 Kings 17:22,23; Ezekiel 19:14] Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    Notwithstanding the Lord turned not from the fierceness of his great wrath wherewith his anger was kindled against Judah, because of the provocations that Manasseh had provoked him withal. (2 Kings 23:26).
    "For these in public places of trust and power, that should bear down sin, are they not rather ringleaders in sin?" -- Patrick Gillespie
    Rulers Sins: The Causes of National Judgments
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/gillespie/gillespie_patrick_rulers_sins_causes_of_judgment.html

    Kandle, George C., and Henry H. Cassler, Ministering to Prisoners and Their Families.
    Includes bibliography.

    *Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), A Free Disputation Against Pretended Liberty of Conscience: Tending to Resolve Doubts Moved by Mr. John Goodwin, John Baptist, Dr. Jer. Taylor, the Belgick Arminians, Socinians, and Other Authors, 1649. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #9, #25, and #26.
    "Rutherford's FREE DISPUTATION, though scarce, is still one of his most important works with maybe only a few copies of the actual book left in existence. Though Rutherford is affectionately remembered in our day for his LETTERS, or for laying the foundations of constitutional government (against the divine right of kings), in his unsurpassed LEX, REX his FREE DISPUTATION should not be overlooked for it contains the same searing insights as LEX, REX. In fact, this book should probably be known as Rutherford's 'politically incorrect' companion volume to LEX, REX. A sort of sequel aimed at driving pluralists and antinomians insane. Written against 'the Belgick Arminians, Socinians, and other Authors contending for lawless liberty, or licentious Tolerations of Sects and Heresies,' Rutherford explains the undiluted Biblical solution to moral relativism, especially as it is expressed in ecclesiastical and civil pluralism! (Corporate pluralism being a violation of the first commandment and an affront to the holy God of Scripture). He also deals with conscience, toleration, penology (punishment), and the judicial laws, as related to both the civil and ecclesiastical realms. Excellent sections are also included which address questions related to determining the fundamentals of religion, how covenants bind us, the perpetual obligation of social covenants (with direct application to the Solemn League and Covenant and the covenant-breaking of Cromwell and his sectarian supporters), whether the punishing of seducing teachers be persecution of conscience, and much more. Walker adds these comments and context regarding Rutherford's FREE DISPUTATION, 'The principle of toleration was beginning to be broached in England, and in a modified shape to find acceptance there. Samuel Rutherford was alarmed, or rather, I should say, he was horrified, for he neither feared the face of man or argument. He rushed to the rescue of the good old view . . . It is not so easy to find a theoretical ground for toleration; and Rutherford has many plausible things to say against it. With the most perfect confidence, he argues that it is alike against Scripture and common sense that you should have two religions side by side. It is outrageous ecclesiastically, it is sinful civilly. He does not, however, take what I call the essentially persecuting ground. He does not hold that the magistrate is to punish religion as religion. Nay, he strongly maintains that the civil magistrate never aims at the conscience. The magistrate, he urges, does not send anyone, whether a heretic (who is a soul murderer -- RB), or a murderer, to the scaffold with the idea of producing conversion or other spiritual result, but to strengthen the foundations of civil order. But if he gives so much power to the king, he is no lover of despotism withal: the king himself must be under law. To vindicate this great doctrine is the object of another book, the celebrated LEX, REX; of which it has been said by one competent to judge, that it first clearly developed the constitutionalism which all men now accept.' (Theology and Theologians . . . pp. 11-12). In our day Francis Schaeffer, and numerous others, have critiqued many of the problems found in modern society, but most have spent little time developing explicitly Biblical solutions especially regarding the theoretical foundations that Rutherford addresses here. Rutherford's FREE DISPUTATION provides a detailed blueprint for laying the foundations that must be laid before any lasting, God-honoring solutions will be found. Furthermore, Rutherford and his writings were the enemies of all governments not covenanted with Christ. This book will give you a very clear picture as to why 'the beast' (civil and ecclesiastical), has reserved his special hatred for such teaching. As Samuel Wylie noted 'the dispute, then, will not turn upon the point whether religion should be civilly established . . . but it is concerning what religion ought to be civilly established and protected, -- whether the religion of Jesus alone should be countenanced by civil authority, or every blasphemous, heretical, and idolatrous abomination which the subtle malignity of the old serpent and a heart deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, can frame and devise, should be put on an equal footing therewith." -- The two Sons of oil; or, the Faithful Witness for Magistracy and Ministry Upon a Scriptural Basis. Can our generation swallow Rutherford's hard, anti-pluralistic, Covenanter medicine, poured forth from the bottle of the first commandment, without choking on their carnal dreams of a free and righteous society divorced from God (and His absolute claims upon everyone and everything)? Not without the enabling power of the Holy Spirit -- that is for sure! In summary, this book answers all the hardest questions theonomists (and their wisest and best opponents), have been asking for the last 20-30 years (and these answers are much more in depth than any we have seen in the last couple of millennia. [less about a century to account for the apostles]). As the reader will discover, Rutherford was a wealthy man when it came to wisdom (and much advanced theologically), and those who take the time to gaze into the King's treasure house, as exhibited in this book, will find that they are greatly rewarded. Furthermore, because of its uncompromising stand upon the Word of God, this book is sure to be unpopular among a wicked and adulterous generation. However, on the other hand, it is sure to be popular among the covenanted servants of King Jesus! This is one of the best books (in the top five anyway), for advanced study of the Christian faith. We have now obtained an easy-to-read, amazingly clear copy of this very rare, old treasure. Great price too, considering that a copy of the 1649 edition, containing this quality of print, would likely cost upwards of $1000 on the rare book market -- though it is unlikely you would ever see a copy for sale!" -- Publisher
    A Brotherly and Free Epistle to the Patrons and Friends of Pretended Liberty of Conscience, Samuel Rutherford
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/anti_toleration/rutherfurd_epistle_against_pretendedlibertyofconscience.html
    Chapter 21 From Samuel Rutherford's 1649 Edition of A Free Disputation Against Pretended Liberty of Conscience being Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), Of the Samaritans, and of the Non Compelling of Heathens; How the Covenant Bindeth us
    http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/FreeDis21.htm
    Brutus, Junius, The Covenant Between God and Kings, from A DEFENSE OF LIBERTY
    http://www.constitution.org/vct/vindiciae1a.htm

    Van Ness, Daniel W., Crime and its Victims, ISBN: 0877845123 9780877845126.
    "Along with the high praise and commendation by Cal Thomas, Mark Hatfield, and Carl Henry, Charles Colson (Prison Fellowship Ministries), gives this book an important foreword. It is an excellent start. Implementing advice in this book would begin a revolution of our criminal justice system." -- GCB

    Wright, Christopher, J.H., An Eye for an Eye: The Place of Old Testament Ethics Today, ISBN: 0877848211 9780877848219.
    "Wright develops a comprehensive and systematic view of Old Testament Law. Some say only the moral is still valid, we can disregard the ceremonial and civil law. Others say we must build a New Testament ethic only. Neither approach, argues Wright, gives the Old Testament its due in Christian thinking." -- GCB

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The ten commandments: the moral law, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, The courts, the law base, and the judicial system, The governments roles to punish wrongdoers, Restitution, Leniency, Toleration, liberty of conscience, pluralism, "religious freedom," and neutrality, Separation, Imprisonment, incarceration, Vengeance and retaliation, Justice, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Bible magistracy turns back the wrath of god, The doctrine of the lesser magistrates, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Forgiveness, Justifying faith, Sanctification, Hell, Reform of the church, Church discipline, Unfaithful reformed ministries, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 945, 946, 795, 1368-1375, 1630, 2553-2565, 3047, 3048, 3091, 3355



    Rape

    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)

    See the Theological Notes: "Body and Soul, Male and Female" at Genesis 2:7 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    Casting all you care upon him; for he careth for you. (1 Peter 5:7) Number of US Children Raped by Illegal Aliens is Mind Blowing, August 5, 2017
    "In one year, just in North Carolina alone, 198 illegal aliens were charges for 677 counts of sexual assault."
    http://dennismichaellynch.com/number-u-s-children-raped-illegal-aliens-mind-blowing/

    Botkin-Maher, Jennifer, Nice Girls Don't get Raped, ISBN: 0898401577: 9780898401578.
    "A sensitive account of physical, emotional, social, and spiritual effects of rape on a woman and her family. NICE GIRLS DON'T GET RAPED also shares Jennifer's personal walk from trauma to triumph. She guides you through the healing process to a life free from the bondage of fear." -- GCB

    *Foster, David Kyle, Sexual Healing: God's Plan for the Sanctification of Broken Lives: A Reference Manual for Ministering to Those Trapped in Sexual sin and Brokenness, ISBN: 0830737154 9780830737154 0830737340 9780830737345.
    This is a unique work and the best resource known to the compiler offering biblical counsel for healing sexual brokenness. See: "Foundations" and "Divine Intent for Sexuality" for a biblical explanation of the spiritual significance of sexuality. These two chapters alone make the purchase of the book worthwhile. Includes chapters, study guides, and exercises for Root sources for improper sexual development, Sexual identity confusion, Child sex abuse, Sexual addition, Pornography, Masturbation, voyeurism and exhibitionism, Why people remain in sexual sin and bondage, Failure and self-condemnation, A comprehensive game plan for sexual healing, and so forth.
    Includes bibliography and index.
    Mastering Life Ministries
    http://www.MasteringLife.org

    Heitritter, Lynn, and Jeanette Vought, Helping Victims of Sexual Abuse, ISBN: 0764202286 9780764202285.
    "Sexual abuse is making headlines around America. . . . Many people secretly bear the scars of childhood abuse and desperately struggle with the hidden trauma that interferes with spiritual growth and normal human relationships. The church needs to understand genuine sexual abuse and what can be done about it under present civil constraints." -- Susan Alder
    "What women should know about sexual assault.
    "Heitritter and Vought have done an enormous service in demonstrating the extent of the problem in the local church. They give practical, tested advice about ministry to survivors of sexual abuse. Required reading for pastors, lay leaders and others who work everyday with victims of sexual abuse." -- Dale S. Ryan, Executive Director of The Recovery Partnership Foundation, Whittier, California

    Strom, Kay M., Helping Women in Crisis: A Handbook for People Helpers, ISBN: 0310336414 9780310336419.
    "Covers all the bases -- alcohol and drug abuse, child abuse, sexual molestation, incest, infidelity, rape, suicide, teenage pregnancy, wife abuse. Each chapter summarizes the major issues involved. This is a very helpful book, and lay counselors will appreciate the author's candor and practical ideas. Here is a work pastors can use in their lay counseling program." -- Cyril J. Barber

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Sin, contagion of sin, imitation, conformity, Temptation, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justice, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Gratuitous sex, a cause of violence, Fatherlessness, Child abuse and pedophilia, Incest, Abuse, Lust, Pornography, Gambling, Prostitution, Homosexuality, lesbianism, gay, bisexual, transvestite, queer (lgbtq), Rape (women), Carnality and flesh pleasing: lust, desires, ambition, Idolatry, Menpleasing, Forgiveness of sin, Justifying faith, Sexually transmitted diseases, and so forth, and so on.

    Related Weblinks

    Mastering Life Ministries
    http://www.MasteringLife.org

    RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network)
    "RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network) is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE, online.rainn.org and rainn.org/es) in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country and operates the DoD Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice. Call 800.656.4673."
    https://www.rainn.org/programs-and-expertise

    A Redneck Resolution Against Self-destruction
    http://www.lettermen2.com/redneck.html

    Sexual Assault Information Page
    http://www.cs.utk.edu/~bartley/saInfoPage.html

    Dissociative Identity Disorder (MPD/DID Resources)
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dissociative_identity_disorder

    Classic Christian Fiction by Martha Finley
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr11ch.html#cfbmf



    Rebellion and Lawlessness: Wickedness, Demonic Possession, Abnormal Behavior, Insanity, Mental Illness, Mental Retardation

    Rebellion and Lawlessness: Wickedness, Demonic Possession, Abnormal Behavior, Insanity, Mental Illness, Mental Retardation
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappd.html#rlinsane



    Reconciliation of Relationships

    For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. (Romans 14:7)

    Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 22:38-40)

    Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
    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.
    Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
    For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.     (2 Corinthians 5:17-21)

    Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
    Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.     (1 John 4:10,11)

    The most important relationship is, of course, vertical, between the individual and God.
    The second most important relationship is horizontal, between the individual and society.
    How the individual handles these relationships determines the outcome of their life, both temporal and eternal, and is interrelated with all other spheres of life.

    Relationship is the essence of Christianity, first to our God, and then to our fellowman. When the individual's relationship to God is broken, then life falls into disarray, human relationships are broken, and life goes awry. Our covenant relationship with God is, therefore, of utmost importance. Life's problems can be solved by being true to Christ, and then by reconciling relationships with our neighbors.

    One of the first signs of sin is a broken relationship, relationship with God, with spouse, with children, in the church, with relatives, with neighbors, in the workplace, and so forth, and so on. (Matthew 22:38-40)

    Justification is the beginning of love. -- John Calvin in Institutes of the Christian Religion (McNeill/Battles), 3.14.6, p. 773 and context (1 John 4:10,11)

    Christ bears with the saints' imperfections; well may the saints one with another. -- William Gurnall (1617-1679)

    To err is human, to forgive divine. -- Alexander Pope (1688-1744)

    When husbands and wives are well yoked, how light their load becomes! -- C.H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)

    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)

    Where there is an agreement between husband and wife, in faith and the fear of the Lord, it makes way unto a blessed success in all their duties: when it is otherwise, nothing succeeds unto their comfort. -- John Owen (1616-1683)

    Prior to the Fall in the Garden of Eden man was in perfect relationship with God and with woman, a heavenly existence. After the Fall man's relationships with God and men were broken. The only way for man and wife, and family, and society to live together happily is to pursue holiness through Christ Jesus. See: The Everlasting Righteousness, or How Shall man be Just With God? Horatius Bonar.

    Many marriages have been healed by a commitment to Christ first and to each other second. -- D. James Kennedy (1930-2007) and Jerry Newcombe, What if Jesus had Never Been Born, p. 140

    Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 23:34)

    Fully understanding the Doctrine of Justification can redeem a relationship broken by sexual sin.
    It is a clear understanding of the Doctrine of Justification that enables us to repair broken relationships, both with God and with man. Repentance and forgiveness bridges the gap between man and God. It enables man and wife to reconcile their broken relationships, and to live together in harmony. It enables individuals to repair relationships broken by sin and to live and work together in unity in society.

    For a discussion of current errors in the Doctrine of Justification, as well as the doctrine in its wholeness, we recommend the following books:

    1. THE CURRENT JUSTIFICATION CONTROVERSY, by O. Palmer Robertson
    2. A COMPANION TO THE CURRENT JUSTIFICATION CONTROVERSY, by John W. Robbins
    3. NOT REFORMED AT ALL: MEDIEVALISM IN 'REFORMED' CHURCHES, by John Robbins and Sean Gerety
    4. THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD: WESTMINSTER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY IN PHILADELPHIA, by Mark W. Karlberg
    For basic background on the doctrine of justification:
    1. THE EVERLASTING RIGHTEOUSNESS, by Horatius Bonar
    2. JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH ALONE, by Charles Hodge
    3. WHAT IS SAVING FAITH? by Gordon H. Clark. -- John Robbins
    See the Theological Notes: "Christ the Mediator," at 1 Timothy 2:5 in The Reformation Study Bible. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all. (1 Timothy 2:5,6a)

    Charity never faileth. (1 Corinthians 13:8a)

    The Christian lives through forgiveness. -- J.I. Packer (1926-2020)

    Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins. (Proverbs 10:12).

    Righteousness and reconciliation are reciprocally contained in the other. In other words, to be reconciled to a neighbor requires the righteousness of both parties. "God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not counting men's trespasses against them, and has entrusted to us the word of reconciliation [II Cor. 5:19, cf. Comm. and Vg.] [2 Corinthians 5:19]. Then Paul adds the summation of Christ's embassy: Him who knew not sin he made to be sin for us so that we might be made the righteousness of God in him [II Cor. 5:21] [2 Corinthians 5:21]. Here he mentions righteousness and reconciliation indiscriminately, to have us understand that each one is reciprocally contained in the other. Moreover, he teaches the way in which this righteousness is to be obtained: namely, when our sins are not counted against us. Therefore, doubt no longer how God may justify us when you hear that he reconciles us to himself by not counting our sins against us. Thus, by David's testimony Paul proves to the Romans that righteousness is imputed to man apart from works, for David declares that man blessed whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered, to whom the Lord has not imputed iniquity [Rom. 4:6-8; Ps. 32:1-2]. [Romans 4:6-8; Psalm 32:1-2]" -- John Calvin in Institutes of the Christian Religion (McNeill/Battles), 3.11.22 and context

    Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. (Galatians 6:1)

    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)

    Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. (1 Peter 3:9)
    Put off: Returning evil for evil
    Put on: Bless your enemy

    If we are faithful and decided servants of Christ, the world will certainly hate us, as it hated our Master. In one way or another grace will always be persecuted. No consistency of conduct, however faultless, no kindness and amiability of character, however striking, will exempt a believer from the world's dislike, so long as they live. It is foolish to be surprised at this. It is mere waste of time to murmur at it. It is a part of the cross, and we must bear it patiently. Marvel not, my brethren, says John, if the world hates you. If you were of the world, says our Lord, the world would love his own; but because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. (1 John 3:13; John 15:18,19) -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

    Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:23, 24)

    Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become [as] sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed [the poor], and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
    Charity suffereth long, [and] is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
    Charity never faileth: but whether [there be] prophecies, they shall fail; whether [there be] tongues, they shall cease; whether [there be] knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these [is] charity.     (1 Corinthians 13)

    See the Theological Notes: "Justification and Merit," at Galatians 3:11 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    See the Theological Notes: "Repentance," at Acts 26:20 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    See the Theological Notes: "Atonement," at Romans 3:25 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:12)

    For wisdom in getting along with others, read Proverbs.

    Let nothing be done through strife or vain-glory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. (Philippians 2:3,4)

    Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. (1 Peter 2:17)

    Law is justice. And it is under the law of justice -- under the reign of right; under the influence of liberty, safety, stability, and responsibility -- that every person will attain his real worth and true dignity of his being. It is only under this law of justice that mankind will achieve -- slowly, no doubt, but certainly -- God's design for the orderly and peaceful progress of humanity.
    It seems to me that this is theoretically right, for whatever the question under discussion -- whether religious, philosophical, political, or economic; whether it concerns prosperity, morality, equality, right, justice, progress, responsibility, cooperation, property, labor, trade, capital, wages, taxes, population, finance, or government -- at whatever point on the scientific horizon I begin my researches, I invariably reach this one conclusion: The solution to the problems of human relationships is to be found in liberty. -- Frederic Bastiat in The Law, pp. 72,73

    The rebellious and stubborn know that they can manipulate and control others by withholding love (conditional love). A myriad of problems result from this abusive withholding of love. The dysfunction appears in all spheres of society, and at all levels. See: A Redneck Resolution Against Self-destruction

    Every day look to the special duties of your several relations: whether you are husbands, wives, parents, children, masters, servants, pastors, people, magistrates, subjects, remember that every relation hath a special duty, and its advantage for the doing of some good; and that God requireth your faithfulness in these, as well as in any other duty. And that in these a man's sincerity or hypocrisy is usually more tried, than in any other part of our lives. -- Richard Baxter

    *Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Christian Living in the Home, ISBN: 0801000513 9780801000515.
    "His [Adam's] approach to family life is conditioned completely by the Bible. He writes, 'A truly Christian home is a place where sinners live; but it is also a place where the members of that home admit the fact and understand the problem, know what to do about it, and as a result grow by grace'." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    "This bestselling title will challenge, encourage, and aid the reader in the development of a truly Christian home. Christians will find this volume full of practical, biblical advice on Christ-centered family living, communication with family members, family guidance and discipline, living with an unbelieving spouse, and many other areas. Pastors and Christian counselors will value this work for its insight and faithfulness to God's Word." -- Publisher
    "Written to check the erosion of the family as the basic foundation of society. Practical applications of Scripture to family living are given." -- GCB
    A study guide is available.
    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Christian Living in the Home: Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic.
    Barker, Dorothy Anderson, and
    Jay Adams, Leader's Guide for Jay E. Adams's CHRISTIAN LIVING IN THE HOME. Alternate title: CHRISTIAN LIVING IN THE HOME (STUDY GUIDE).
    "Thirteen week guide for the leader of a Sunday school or Bible study class that utilizes Adams's book on marriage and family." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Effective Communication; Disabled people; Inferiority complex; Unsaved wife; Be prepared! (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA406 [audio file].

    *Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), From Forgiven to Forgiving: Discover the Path to Biblical Forgiveness, ISBN: 1879737124 9781879737129.
    "For the 'average Christian,' to shed light on all aspects of forgiveness seeking and granting, and to counter erroneous views. How do forgiven persons -- God's children -- become forgiving persons? Defines, illustrates, motivates and challenges people to deal with forgiveness issues biblically. Clear thinking is essential: 'Labels are important not only as signs of the thing they signify but also as signposts that point to solutions to the problems they categorize.' Tackles unbiblical concepts such as forgiving self, forgiving God, apologizing, 'forgive and forget'." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
    "A detailed look at forgiveness from the Bible. He finds that much of what passes for Biblical teaching on this subject just plain misses the mark." -- GCB

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Reconciliation," "Repentance," "Confession," "Forgiveness," "Justification," "Sanctification," and so forth, and so on.

    Adams, Jay, Sibling Rivalry in the Household of God, ISBN: 0896362361 9780896362369.
    "About 'the causes and effects of rivalry among brothers and sisters in Christ and what can be done about it. . . .' 'Sibling rivalry in the household of faith -- just like at home -- is due entirely to sin.' Other supposed causes are not causes but occasions for our self-centered human nature to act. The Holy Spirit gives practical guidance in His Word for solving rivalry and conflict through repentance, faith and obedience." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    *Aldrich, Joseph C., Love for All Your Worth: A Quest for Personal Value and Lovability, ISBN: 0880701196 9780880701198.
    "Encourages his readers to embark on a quest to develop a true, God-given lovability that will bring out the best in each one of us. Each chapter is based on a careful exposition of Scripture. This is a challenging book that is deserving of careful reading." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Barker, Dorothy Anderson, and Jay Adams, Leader's Guide for Jay E. Adams's Christian Living in the Home, ISBN: 0802403735 9780802403735.
    "God's love is the predominant factor in change: 'God's love enables one to overcome sin and its consequences, to live in relationship to Him, and to be transformed into the image of Christ. His love engenders trust, which leads to obedience to His Word.' 'Biblical counseling is not a new idea. We are merely promoting a restoration of one of the oldest ministries. . . . The cure-of-souls ministry emphasized the person's relationship with God from which comes renewal and change in the mental-emotional-behavioral areas of life.' Part 1 lays out a biblical model of man and a biblical methodology for change. Part 2 talks about the counselee, the counselor, and their relationship of conversation. Part 3 discusses the centrality of the love of God. Part 4 speaks of setting up counseling ministry in the church." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    *Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), The Everlasting Righteousness, or How Shall man be Just With God? ISBN: 0940931699. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language.
    "Justification by faith alone is the central doctrine of Christianity. The critical question for man is not, What is the best government? or Whom should I marry? but, How can I, a sinner, be accepted by a Holy God? The Biblical answer is that sinners can stand before the face of God only in the righteousness that belongs to another, a righteousness that is not the result of the sinner's effort, but wholly a gift, received freely by faith alone.
    "But the doctrine of justification by faith alone is either not taught or is actively opposed by most American churches, and now it is under siege in Reformed churches as well, both Baptist and Presbyterian. The emerging consensus in America is that salvation comes by religious experience, and the churches differ merely over which experience is saving: baptism, Mass, religious emotion, ecstatic speech, etc.
    "Horatius Bonar and Charles Hodge, both 19th-century theologians, left us with one of the best popular explanations of the Biblical doctrine of justification by faith alone, and one of the best scholarly discussions of the doctrine and its adversaries. These two books, THE EVERLASTING RIGHTEOUSNESS by Bonar and JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH ALONE by Hodge, are here combined into one volume. NOT WHAT MY HANDS HAVE DONE offers not only a primer on justification but an advanced course as well. It is must reading for anyone who wants to understand Christianity." -- Publisher
    "Contents:
    "The Everlasting Righteousness, by Horatius Bonar:
    Foreword; Preface; God's Answer to Man's Question; God's Recognition of Substitution; The Completeness of the Substitution; The Declaration of the Completeness; Righteousness for the Unrighteous; The Righteousness of God Reckoned to Us; Not Faith, But Christ; What the Resurrection of the Substitute Has Done; The Pardon and the Peace Made Sure; The Holy Life of the Justified
    "Justification by Faith Alone, by Charles Hodge:
    "Foreword; Introduction; The Meaning of Justification; Christ's Satisfaction of the Law; The Righteousness of Christ; Confessional Statements of the Doctrine; Justification Is a Forensic Act; Works Not the Ground of Justification; The Righteousness of Christ the Ground of Justification; Imputation of Righteousness; Proof of the Doctrine; The Consequences of the Imputation of Righteousness; Relation of Faith to Justification; Objections to the Protestant Doctrine of Justification; Departures from the Protestant Doctrine; Scripture Index; Index."
    Not What My Hands Have Done, order form
    http://www.trinitylectures.org/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=158

    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

    *Broger, John C. (developer/editor, 1915-2002), Self-Confrontation: A Manual for In-depth Discipleship: Based on the Old and New Testaments as the Only Authoritative Rule of Faith and Conduct, Alternate title: COURSE I: THE SELF-CONFRONTATION SYLLABUS FOR BIBLICAL COUNSELING TRAINING, ISBN: 0785282467 978-0785282464 and Course I: Self-Confrontation Tapes (10 cassette tapes [audio file]), (Rancho Mirage, CA: Biblical Counseling Foundation).
    "Contains 24 weekly lessons intended to move a person through the change process personally as the foundation for working on becoming a counselor (Matthew 7:1-5). Intended for Sunday school and other classes or personal study. The first eight lessons lay the biblical foundation for change. The grace of the God in the gospel of Jesus Christ is spring of all true change, and it prompts a self-confrontation: 'Man's way is oriented to self: to please self, to comfort self, to rely on self, to fulfill self, to forgive self, to exalt self, and to love self. . . . [God's way], emphasizes that you are to live for Him.' The next thirteen lessons treat particular problem areas: selfishness, anger, interpersonal conflict, marriage and family, depression, fear, life-dominating sins. The final three lessons summarize and set the foundation for Course II, Biblical Counseling Training." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
    "Helps Christians solve their personal problems Biblically and equips laymen and women to counsel others Biblically within the church." Particularly valuable for its system of identifying root problems in counseling cases. Some of the material presented is from various writings by Jay E. Adams. The audio cassette tape [audio file], series by John Broger is designed to accompany the course and includes practical examples."
    Biblical Counseling Foundation
    http://bcfministries.org

    *Bunyan, John (1628-1688), and Robert Philip (1791-1858), The Greatness of the Soul: and The Unspeakableness of the Loss Thereof; No way to Heaven but by Jesus Christ; The Strait Gate. Alternate title: THE GREATNESS OF THE SOUL, AND UNSPEAKABLENESS OF THE LOSS THEREOF: WITH THE CAUSES OF THE LOSING IT: FIRST PREACHED AT PINNERS HALL, AND NOW ENLARGED, AND PUBLISHED FOR GOOD. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "In the 1660s, Charles II, King of England, asked John Owen (1616-1683), why he went to hear the preaching of an uneducated tinker. [John Bunyan -- compiler]. Looking the King in the eye, Owen answered, 'May it please your Majesty, could I possess the tinker's ability for preaching, I would willingly relinquish all my learning'." -- Andrew Thomson, John Owen, Prince of Puritans
    Owen would not have been surprised to learn that Bunyan's most influential work, PILGRIM'S PROGRESS, would be translated into more languages over the next 400 years than any book except the Bible.
    The Greatness of the Soul: and The Unspeakableness of the Loss Thereof; No way to Heaven but by Jesus Christ; The Strait Gate
    http://archive.org/details/greatnessofsoulu00bunyuoft
    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.

    Burroughs, Jeremiah (1599-1646), Gospel Reconciliation, or, Christ's Trumpet of Peace to the World Wherein is Shewed (Besides Many Other Gospel Truth) . . . That There was a Breach Made Between God and man . . . to which is added two sermons, 1657, ISBN: 1567690661 9781567690668.
    "Notes: Published with a testimony by Thomas Goodwin, William Bridge, William Greenhil, Sydrach Sympson, Philip Nye, John Yates, William Adderley."
    "Gods present mercies to his people are arguments of future mercies, preached at Saviors Southward, May 2, 1641; Old age is a crown of glory . . . preached before the Company of Mercers at their chappel, May 20, 1641."

    Buzzard, Lynn R., and Laurence Eck, Readiness for Reconciliation: A Biblical Guide

    Burgess, Heidi, and Guy M. Burgess, Encyclopedia of Conflict Resolution, ISBN: 0874368391 9780874368390.

    *Campbell, Ross, How to Really Love Your Child, ISBN: 0882077511 9780882077512.
    "This book is unique. It rightly assumes that almost all parents love their children, but few know how to express that love so their children feel and understand it. It tends to lean exclusively toward the relationship without considering discipline, and at times downplays rebellious behavior. But it remains a standard on relationship building." -- GCB

    Campbell, Ross, How to Really Love Your Teenager, ISBN: 0882073419 9780882073415.

    Cawdrey, Daniel (1588-1664), Family Reformation Promoted: In a Sermon on Joshua, chap. 24, ver. 15., and by Short Catechismes Fitted for the Three-fold Relations in a Family of 1. Children and Parents, 2. Servants and Masters, 3. Husband and Wife. [Joshua 24:15]

    *Denney, James, The Biblical Doctrine of Reconciliation, ISBN: 0865241929.
    "Denney was both a pastor and a theologian. He defines and describes the Biblical doctrine of reconciliation and demonstrates that the essence of Christianity lies in its message of grace. Well conceived and well executed. This book deserves careful reading." -- Cyril J. Barber
    "Read it again and again, and then preach its doctrine all your days . . . I do not know any modern book that has so much preaching power in it." -- Alexander Whyte

    *Finley, Martha (1828-1909), Book 2: Elsie's Holidays at Roselands, ISBN: 9781888306323 1888306327.
    "When Elsie's father becomes ill, she takes on the job of nurse-companion, and all goes well until Elsie, because it is the Sabbath, as a matter of conscience refuses to read to him from a secular book. The battle of wills that ensues nearly causes first her father's death, and then Elsie's. Lonely Elsie -- punished, ostracized, and then abandoned by her father -- turns to her heavenly Father for comfort and assurance. Will her father realize that Elsie's obedience to God must be paramount, and submit himself to the same Divine Authority?" -- Publisher
    On an even more serious note, one moral of this story is the broader life and death struggle between Truth and Falsehood (See: Absolute truth and relativism [duality and non-duality], Epistemology of theology, the theory of knowledge, and Christian scholarship.) The consequence of conflict of will is death of the "One," or war of the "Many" (see Rushdoony, THE ONE AND THE MANY: STUDIES IN THE PHILOSOPHY OF ORDER AND ULTIMACY. Conflict of will (see Will and recalcitrance, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation,) may begin when one individual (see The doctrine of man [human nature, total depravity],) or the corporate body (see Corporate faithfulness and sanctification), tries to usurping authority over others (see Power, Authority) -- tries to control and possess the other (see Tyranny, Slavery, our systems of enslavement, economic enslavement.) The means of control may be either outward or occult (see The occult, spiritism, witchcraft), deceit, repression or suppression of the truth, replacing moral and ethical absolutes with relativism (see Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Medical ethics, Absolute truth and relativism [duality and non-duality], unfaithfulness to the highest ethical standards (see The ten commandments: the moral law, The holy bible), Heresy and apostasy (apostacy, old english), Spiritual adultery [spiritual whoredom/harlotry,] (see Idolatry, syncretism, Jeremiah and lamentations,) invocation of the demonic, Oaths, ensnaring vows, promises, and covenants, bonds with the ungodly Carnality and flesh pleasing: desires, pleasure, Justice, judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord,) attempts to take authority over another politically or by mental malpractice (see Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, making up their own rules (see Absolute truth and relativism [duality and non-duality],) ignoring or changing constitutional or creedal documents, unjust laws for the accumulation of wealth and power, indebtedness, disenfranchisement, (see denial of freedom,) Priestcraft, pharisaism, soul-stealing, possessiveness, physical seduction and whoredom, political economic or sexual enslavement (see Sexual relationship,) and so forth, and so on.
    This abuse, this soul-violence, quenches the Holy Spirit (see Owen, God's Presence With a People the Spring of Their Prosperity; With Their Special Interest in Abiding in Him.) If either side is immovable, then death is the consequence (see Soteriology, atonement, The blood of christ, Hell, and Heaven.)
    How are conflicts of will resolved? By submission to the Absolute Truths of God's word, the great common denominator, 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)
    All this bears a strain of the Gospel (see Book-length presentations of the free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, The westminster confession of faith.)
    Book 2: Holidays at Roselands
    http://archive.org/details/holidaysatrosel00finlgoog
    Holidays at Roselands (Gutenberg text)
    http://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/webbin/gutbook/lookup?num=14280
    Mantle Ministries (Elsie Dinsmore Series and Mildred Series)
    http://www.mantlemin.com

    *Foster, David Kyle, Sexual Healing: God's Plan for the Sanctification of Broken Lives: A Reference Manual for Ministering to Those Trapped in Sexual sin and Brokenness, ISBN: 0830737154 9780830737154 0830737340 9780830737345.
    This is a unique work and the best resource known to the compiler offering biblical counsel for healing sexual brokenness. See: "Foundations" and "Divine Intent for Sexuality" for a biblical explanation of the spiritual significance of sexuality. These two chapters alone make the purchase of the book worthwhile. Includes chapters, study guides, and exercises for Root sources for improper sexual development, Sexual identity confusion, Child sex abuse, Sexual addition, Pornography, Masturbation, voyeurism and exhibitionism, Why people remain in sexual sin and bondage, Failure and self-condemnation, A comprehensive game plan for sexual healing, and so forth.
    Includes bibliography and index.
    Mastering Life Ministries
    http://www.MasteringLife.org

    *Geisler, Norman L., The Christian Ethic of Love, ISBN: 031024921X 9780310249214. Alternative title: THE ETHIC OF CHRISTIAN LOVE, and THE CHRISTIAN LOVE ETHIC. Completely revised by Dr. Geisler in 2012, and forthcoming 2019.
    "Argues that love is an absolute which everything can be measured against. Found this a good response to the situational ethics . . . This book had a great influence on my thinking. . ." -- Reader's Comment
    "Jesus summarized our entire moral duty in two commands: Love God and love others (Matthew 22:37-40). Taking these words seriously, this book constructs the whole Christian Ethic on life-and-death issues in terms of these commands. This book was first published in 1973 as THE CHRISTIAN ETHIC OF LOVE." -- Publisher

    Goodwin, Thomas (1600-1680), Christ the Universall Peace-maker: or, The Reconciliation of all the People of God, Notwithstanding all Their Differences, Enmities, 1651. Available in THE WORKS OF THOMAS GOODWIN, volume 8, ISBN: 1892777916 9781892777911.
    Goodwin, Thomas, The Works of Thomas Goodwin
    http://archive.org/details/worksofthomasgoo01good

    Grunlan, Stephen A., and Daniel H. Lambrides, Healing Relationships: A Christian's Manual for Lay Counseling, ISBN: 087509354X 9780875093543.

    Hart, Larry Don, A Model for Relational Counseling Through Expository Preaching at the Santa Cruz Church of Christ (California) (Fuller Theological Seminary, School of Theology, D.Min. thesis, 1984).
    "This dissertation presents a model for contemporary preaching which integrates the dynamic of relationship counseling with the exposition of Scripture. Any number of people have drawn analogies between the two, but the proposal here is that the ministry of preaching and the ministry of counseling are inherently connected by theological and spiritual realities. . . ." -- Dissertation Abstracts

    *Howe, John (1630-1705), Of Charity in Reference to Other Men's Sins, 1 Corinthians 13:5, 1681. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "According to James Darling's CYCLOPAEDIA BIBLIOGRAPHICA, John Howe was one of the faithful English Puritan ministers who was ejected from his church in 1662. Darling adds that 'The late Robert Hall said that he had learned more from John Howe than from any other author he had ever read, and that there is an astonishing magnificence in his conceptions.' (p. 1560)
    "This book is about Christians' attitudes towards the sins of other people. For example, Howe notes that some people are happy to see others sin because it makes them feel superior to those people. But it is itself sinful for a Christian to feel this way. 'What is it now to rejoice in another man's sin? Think what it is, and how impossible it is to be where the love of God hath any place. What to be glad that such a one is turning a man into a devil! A reasonable immortal soul, capable of Heaven, into a fiend of Hell! To be glad that such a soul is tearing itself off from God, is blasting its own eternal hopes, and destroying all its possibilities of a future well-being! Blessed God! How repugnant is this to Charity?' (p. 18)
    " 'One would think them indeed but half men, and scarce any Christians, that can allow themselves so inhumane, and unhallowed a pleasure, as rejoicing in another's sin!
    " 'Tis very unworthy of a man to take pleasure in seeing his fellowman turning beast. There is little in it of the ingenuity that belongs to humane nature, to delight in the harms of others; much less of the prudence, to make sport of a common mischief.' (p. 54)
    "Rather than rejoicing over the sins of others, Christians should mourn over the sin and pray for the repentance of the offender.
    "In some cases, however, charity and duty will require separation from the offender. 'We are to decline their society: i.e. when their heinous guilt appears, and while their repentance appears not. Scripture is so plain, and copious to this purpose, that it would suppose them very ignorant of the Bible, for whom it should be needful to quote texts. We must avoid them for our own sake, that we be not infected, nor be partakers in their sin, and guilt. For theirs (and so charity requires it), that they may be ashamed, which may be the means of their reduction and salvation: And (which is most considerable), for the honour of the Christian religion, that it may be vindicated, and rescued from reproach, as much as in us lies.' (pp. 41-42)
    "In this respect Christians have an infallible example. 'The great God is our example, who refuses the fellowship of apostate persons, yea and churches: Departs, and withdraws his affronted Glory. It is pure, and declines all taint'." (p. 42) -- Publisher
    The Whole Works of the Rev. John Howe, M.A., With a Memoir of the Author (1822), vol. 1 of 8.
    http://archive.org/details/wholeworksofrevj01howeuoft

    Hunt, Angela Everett, Loving Someone Else's Child, ISBN: 0842338632 9780842338639.
    "Angela Hunt and her husband, Gary, are two of the most sensitive and caring people I know. Angie's book is written out of her own experience and is much needed in our fractured culture. It will be a blessing to all in need of assurance that parenting is more than biology." -- Cal Thomas

    *Kennedy, D. James, Learning to Live With the People you Love, ISBN: 0883681900 9780883681909.
    Love "is sharing life together in a way that brings glory to God and enriches the lives of every family member."
    Dr. Kennedy says no book he has written has brought so many comments as this one.
    Read this in conjunction with Dr. Kennedy's 6-message audio cassette [audio file], series "Secrets of Successful Marriages," the audio cassette [audio file], message "Why Some Marriages Fail and Others Succeed," and the 4-message audio cassette [audio file], series "The Christian Marriage Series."

    Lidgett, J.S., The Fatherhood of God, ISBN: 0871239884 9780871239884.
    "Lidgett's book, appearing here in an edited and condensed edition (first published in 1902), addresses the Fatherhood of God Biblically, historically, and philosophically. It deals with God's relationship to mankind as seen in Jesus' relationship to His Father." -- GCB

    *Lockyer, Herbert, All the Promises of the Bible, ISBN: 0310281318.
    "A devotional expositional compilation of all the promises [about 3,300 of the approximate 8,810 promises -- compiler], that are found in Scripture." -- Publisher
    "Lockyer's in-depth look at the scope of God's promises arranges them in categories that cover the full array of human concerns, from the spiritual to the material and the corporate to the personal. As you come to understand God's promises and how they apply to every aspect of your life, you'll gain a trust in God that will sustain you through the worst of times and be your source of rejoicing in the best.
    "Dr. Herbert Lockyer was born in London in 1886, and held pastorates in Scotland and England for 25 years before coming to the United States in 1935. In 1937 he received the honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Northwestern Evangelical Seminary. In 1955 he returned to England where he lived for many years. He then returned to the United States where he continued to devote time to the writing ministry until his death in November of 1984." -- Publisher

    Love, John (1757-1825), That ye Love one Another
    http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/that-ye-love-one-another.php

    *Mack, Wayne, A Homework Manual for Biblical Counseling, Vol. I: Personal and Interpersonal Problems, ISBN: 0875523560 9780875523569.
    "The counseling session is not the 'magic hour,' and this gives homework assignments that can help with a wide range of problems. Covers about 35 problems, from 'Anger' and 'Anxiety,' through 'Communication' and 'Changing Sinful Thought Patterns,' to 'Vocation' and 'Work.' Typical assignments contain Bible studies, self-analysis questions, brief teachings, and plans to solve problems with a biblical course of action." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    Mack, Wayne, You can Resolve Interpersonal Conflicts, ISBN: 0801061032 9780801061035.
    "Unfolds Philippians 4:2 -- the conflict of Euodia and Syntyche -- as a paradigm for conflict solving. Take responsibility for your side; approach the other person in biblical ways; seek wise counsel. Includes suggested assignments." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    Mack, Wayne A., Your Family, God's way: Developing and Sustaining Relationships in the Home. Alternate title: BUILDING YOUR FAMILY GOD'S WAY: THE ROLE OF EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION IN THE HOME, ISBN: 0875523587 9780875523583.
    "Unfolds Psalm 128's vision of godly family life. Calls on a husband and father to be first and foremost a "God-fearing" man. Calls on a wife and mother to become a "fruitful vine" because of the intimacy of her relationship with God. Calls on parents to view their children as precious "olive plants." Extensive and practical discussion of communication and problem-solving principles. Contains study and application assignments for each chapter." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
    "Mack offers Biblical insight and practical wisdom for two crucial areas of family life: communication and conflict resolution. Stories of success and application questions give hope and clear direction to all who wish to build stronger families." -- Publisher

    Mains, David, Healing The Dysfunctional Church Family: When Destructive Family Patterns Infiltrate the Body of Christ, ISBN: 1560431636 9781560431633.
    "Wouldn't you like to be part of a perfect church family? Who wouldn't?! Unfortunately, no church is flawless. Mains discusses eight destructive family patterns (including blaming, competition and comparison, perfectionism, and conditional love), that can arise in the church family. He challenges you to confront dysfunctions and make your church a place where people are loved, forgiven, helped, and given hope for the future. Includes small-group discussion questions. . . ." -- CBD

    *Marshall, Walter (1628-1680), The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification: Growing in Holiness by Living in Union With Christ (Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, Inc., 2005, 1999), 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:
    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
    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)

    McClung, Floyd, Jr., The Father Heart of God, ISBN: 9780736912150 0736912150.
    "You'll will discover that no problem is too great or too insignificant for your Father in Heaven. The author illustrates how the loving, compassion of God enables us to overcome insecurity and the devastating effects of some of life's most painful experiences." -- Publisher
    Helpful for those who may be alienated from God in part by family problems.

    McNair, Mac, and Amy McNair, Ten Principles for a Successful Marriage: Practical Lessons From the Ten Commandments, ISBN: 1581820224 9781581820225.
    "Nearly everyone has heard of the Ten Commandments, and most people can even name a few of them. Through fifty-five years of marriage Mac and Amy McNair have drawn from them the following guidelines for living together:

    "A simply written, deeply personal look at marriage, TEN PRINCIPLES FOR A SUCCESSFUL MARRIAGE is a recounting of the principles that have guided the authors in their own marriage. While at first these insights may seem like simple common courtesy and common sense, the McNairs have found a great deal of profundity in this very simplicity. Inspired by the Ten Commandments, TEN PRINCIPLES FOR A SUCCESSFUL MARRIAGE is an intensely practical, time-tested guide to happy, successful living that could be applied to other areas of life as well.
    "Mac McNair is a former career Air Force officer, professor at North Carolina State University, and director of aerospace programs at the Pentagon. Currently president of McNair Associates, a management consulting firm, he also is chairman of the Executive Leadership Foundation, which seeks to apply Judeo-Christian ethics in business and society. He also is co-author of the leadership development program for the U.S. Attorney General's office. Amy McNair, a homemaker, teaches classes with Mac on the principles of successful marriage. They live near Atlanta, Georgia." -- Publisher

    Miller, C. John (1928-1996), Come Back Barbara, ISBN: 0310374715 9780310374718.

    *Miller, Wendell E. Forgiveness: The Power and the Puzzles, ISBN: 0964144115 9780964144118.
    "Defines God's forgiveness in four ways: (1) initial forgiveness releases us from the penalty of sin and (2) restores us to fellowship with God, and (3) repetitive forgiveness releases us from the day by day penalty for fresh sins, and (4) restores us day by day to fellowship. Defines our forgiveness of others in two ways: (1) vertical forgiveness between us and God (Mark 11:25) releases others from the penalty of our wrath, and (2) horizontal forgiveness (Luke 17:3), restores the relationship between us and others who repent. Discusses flaws in such ideas as 'forgiving God' and 'forgiving oneself'." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
    "It could have been called "The Anger Handbook" because it teaches how to overcome problems of hurt feelings, anger, and aggressive behavior. Overcoming problems of anger is crucial. Spouse abuse, failures in marriages, failures in child rearing, and even child abuse often erupt from anger. Parents who model angry behavior are likely to raise children with anger problems. And most importantly, God is not glorified by Christians who have anger problems.
    "It teaches the kind of forgiveness that is nearly always an absolute necessity to becoming really free from the trauma of sexual abuse. . . .
    "FORGIVENESS: THE POWER AND THE PUZZLES will add biblical power to the books that you already have on Christian living, discipleship, marriage, childrearing, anger, communications, forgiveness, and sexual abuse." -- Publisher

    Morison, Patrick H., Forgive! As the Lord Forgave You, ISBN: 0875522939 9780875522937.
    "By shedding light on six aspects of the forgiving process, this 30-page pamphlet shows what forgiveness involves and how crucial a forgiving spirit is to our walk with God and our relationships with others." -- GCB

    Omartian, Stormie, Stormie: A Story of Forgiveness and Healing, ISBN: 1565078322 9781565078321.
    "What a wonderful book to read for anyone who has lived with mental illness or was a member of a family with a parent that suffered from mental illness. It shows how one woman, having grown up in a two-parent household, had an absolutely horrific childhood. Her mother locked her in a closet for hours on end and continually verbally abused her as well. As she reaches adulthood, knowing how to relate to others is tough and causes much anxiety and pain. Through much error and wrong choices during her young adult years, she meets a man who tries to tell her about the love Jesus has for her. Not really understanding what it is all about, Stormie continues down the wrong path until one day she truly opens her heart up to God! Through reading this book, one is able to gain knowledge about people with mental illness as well as learn how to experience the love and forgiveness of God." -- Reader's Comment

    *Ornish, Dean, Love and Survival: The Scientific Basis for the Healing Power of Intimacy, ISBN: 0060930209 9780060930202.
    "Many people know Dean Ornish as the doctor who proved that symptoms of heart disease can be reversed with a regimen of a low-fat diet, exercise, and stress reduction. In LOVE AND SURVIVAL, he concentrates on the less tangible aspects of a healthful life. Through anecdotes and dozens of scientific studies, Ornish demonstrates that personal intimacy and other aspects of emotional well-being -- all the elements that make up what we call 'love' -- are as important to our physical condition as to our mental health. Not only do these positive emotions motivate us to make better lifestyle choices, Ornish argues, they also have a powerful direct effect on our bodies, giving us stronger immune systems, better cardiovascular functioning, and longer life expectancies. But the benefits of opening our hearts to others go beyond curing our bodies of disease; it's also the first step toward healing our entire lives." -- Publisher

    *Pike, Samuel (1717-1773), and Samuel Hayward (1718-1757), Discovering why the Spirit is Grieved. In RELIGIOUS CASES OF CONSCIENCE ANSWERED IN AN EVANGELICAL MANNER . . . TO WHICH IS ADDED THE SPIRITUAL COMPANION; OR, THE PROFESSING CHRISTIAN TRIED AT THE BAR OF GOD'S WORD; AND CHARACTER OF THE HAPPY MAN, 1866.
    Discovering Why the Spirit is Grieved
    http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/discovering-why-the-spirit-is-grieved.php

    Powell, Paul W., Basic Bible Sermons on Handling Conflict.

    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.

    *Ridderbos, H., Biblical Doctrine of Reconciliation (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette HR102 [audio file].

    *Sande, Ken, The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict, ISBN: 0801064856 9780801064852. Five appendixes, indexes of topics and authors.
    The indexes of topics and authors makes the book a good reference tool.
    "Lays out four phases of the reconciliation process: [1] glorify God; [2] get the log out of your own eye; [3] go and show your brother his fault; [4] go and be reconciled. The motivation and foundation for peacemaking lies in who God is, not in pragmatic self-interest. Self-examination and repentance lay the foundation for dealing well with the sins of others. Constructive confrontation involves both speaking the truth in love and listening in order to pursue understanding of the situation. Reconciliation and forgiveness are the culminating phase of peace making." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
    "Treats conflict almost entirely from the context of believer against believer. Not much help surfaces for conflicts between believers and unbelievers. . . . In general the book rates as one of the best on the thorny subject of conflict. Professional church staff members and volunteer layperson can benefit immensely from this book." -- Samuel L. Canine

    Sharp, Daniel, Recognition of Friends in Heaven: A Discourse, ISBN: 1275788467 9781275788466.

    *Spotts, Dwight, and David Veerman, Reaching out to Troubled Youth, ISBN: 0896932966 9780896932968.
    "A very important book that those who work with children and youth will find extremely helpful. The material is arranged topically, shows evidence of extensive research, and provides helpful quotations of relevant material. A valuable resource." -- Cyril J. Barber
    "This double-column book is a resource tool offering facts, figures, case studies, and practical advice for reaching out to young people who hurt. Advice is offered on how to: communicate, discipline, share the hope of the Gospel, and how to deal with special problems like substance abuse, child abuse, and homosexuality." -- GCB

    *Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), The Saint and His Saviour: The Progress of the Soul in the Knowledge of Jesus, ISBN: 1871676010 9781871676013.
    "In this practical book, Spurgeon deals with all aspects of the relationship Christ has with His people." -- GCB
    The Saint and his Saviour; or, The Progress of the Soul in the Knowledge of Jesus
    http://archive.org/details/saintandhissavi00spurgoog

    Talley, James, and Leslie H. Stobbe, Reconcilable Differences: Mending Broken Relationships, ISBN: 0840731965 9780840731968.
    "Designed to help troubled couples regain harmony through understanding. Points the way to defusing areas of conflict, and recommends steps that will help couples rekindle lost love and reestablish lost unity. Recommended." -- Cyril J. Barber
    "Is it possible for a couple whose marriage is in serious trouble or a couple who is already divorced to restore harmony -- and even love -- to their relationship? Jim Talley believes it is. RECONCILABLE DIFFERENCES shows why reconciliation is worth the effort and provides practical, biblical advice on how to resolve conflicts and develop a relationship based on mutual love, respect, and trust." -- Publisher

    Tripp, Paul, When Things go From bad to Worse (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette HFTF08 [audio file].

    Walter, Richard P., Forgive and be Free: Healing the Wounds of Past and Present, ISBN: 0310426111 9780310426110.

    Wilder-Smith, A.E., The Basis of True Fellowship, an audio file.

    Wilkinson, Henry (1610-1675), The Gospel-Embassy, or, Reconciliation to God: Opened and Applyed in a Sermon Preached at St. Maries, Oxon, July 11th, 1658.

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Glory in iniquity, the temptation of vainglory, Bad relationships as a cause of disease and death, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justification, Justifying faith, Reconciliation of relationships, Church discipline, Prayer, Intercessory prayer, Forgiveness of sin, Unforgiveness, Abuse, dysfunctional families, Resentment and bitterness, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Addiction, alcoholism, substance abuse, drug abuse, Parenting, Women and parenting, Child abuse and pedophilia, Sexual relationship, Immanuel, christ's presence, christ in you, The love and justice of god, oneness, Loving and obeying god, Discipleship, Christ our example, The priesthood of all believers, The believer's position in christ and sonship, Adoption into god's family, god's family, Happiness, holiness, Eternal life, immortality, Heaven, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, The covenant faithfulness of god, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Friendship, Problem solving in marriage, Marital counseling, marriage counseling, Premarital counsel, Sexual relationship, Spouse an unbeliever, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), The free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, the covenant of eternal salvation, How to become a christian, Book-length presentations of the free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, False gospels, The love and justice of God, Abuse, Child abuse and pedophilia, Anger, Guilt, Resentment, Prodigals, Forgiveness, The promises of Christ, Bible promises, Problem solving in Marriage, Reconciling Marriage Partners, Case studies, Avoiding divorce, Men, women, and God, Finding the perfect parent in God, and Christianity, Marriage, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 740, 2971, 2972
    MGTP: Peace With God, Forgiveness, Justifying faith, and so forth, and so on.

    Related Weblinks

    Christian Liberty
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9cha.html

    The Commandments of Jesus, J.S. McConnell (1925)
    http://www.wowzone.com/commandm.htm

    *Finding Healing Through Forgiveness, Matthew 5:23,24 and Matthew 18:21-35, Chuck Swindoll [audio file]
    "Offers key strategies from Matthew 5 and 18 for asking and offering forgiveness. As a moving illustration, Chuck's wife, Cynthia, shares the scriptural principles of forgiveness that helped her find relief from her years of battling depression and anger. That healing stream of forgiveness awaits you too."
    http://store.insight.org/p-1568-recent-series-finding-healing-through-forgiveness.aspx

    God's Love (FGB #159)
    Immeasurable Love | The Nature of God's Love | God is Love | When Love Turns to Anger | God's Love in all Things | The Manifest Love of God | Eternally Loved in Christ | Behold, What Manner of Love | Love Eternal and Unchangeable
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/glovfg/gods-love

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

    *Love (FGB #159)
    Increasing and Abounding in Love | The Fulfillment of the two Greatest Commandments | 20 Motives/Pleas That Christ Might Have Your Love | Brotherly Love | The Lamb Teaches you to Love | Triumph of Forbearing Love
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/lovefg/love

    Mastering Life Ministries
    http://www.MasteringLife.org

    A Redneck Resolution Against Self-destruction
    http://www.lettermen2.com/redneck.html

    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 à 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

    Seventeen Tips for Building a Relationship
    "If you're interested in going beyond the superficial with others, read on. I have seventeen helpful tips that can transform your relationships. Let's start here: 'It is so hard to make friends at our church. . . .'
    "Getting deep with others means you're going to get into the muck and mire of their lives. You will get dirty. But it's the call from God and the point of the Gospel. Christ, the Gospel, was all about going to others, getting into their business. It was His job, and we are His children (Ephesians 5:1). One of the characteristics and 'pieces of evidence' for being a Christian is our affection for each other. A person who shows little interest or love in others could very well be an unbeliever (1 John 3:14; Hebrews 13:1)."
    https://lifeovercoffee.com/quick-and-dirty-tips-for-building-a-relationship/



    Repentance the Key to Salvation and Change

    Repentance the Key to Salvation and Change
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2cha.html#rtktsac



    Resentment and Bitterness

    Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. (1 Peter 2:23, 24)

    Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. . . . Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:29, 31, 32)

    Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled. (Hebrews 12:14,15)

    Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: lest the Lord see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him. (Proverbs 24:17, 18)

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Bitterness," and so forth, and so on.

    Clowney, E., The Stairway of God; God Among us; Getting Even; Bitterness (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette EC201 [audio file].

    Henry, Jim, Bitterness: Weeding out the Poisonous Root, ISBN: 0880701528 9780880701525.

    *Marshall, Walter (1628-1680), The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification: Growing in Holiness by Living in Union With Christ (Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, Inc., 2005, 1999), 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:
    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
    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)

    *Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon.
    A sermon by C.H. Spurgeon delivered on Lord's-day morning, September 9, 1888, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon no. 2043.
    "This is the way in which you should use this plea. Say, 'My God, I am utterly unworthy, and I own it; but, I beseech thee, hear me for the honour of thy dear Son. By his agony and bloody sweat, by his cross and passion, by his precious death and burial, I beseech thee hear me! O Lord, let the blood of thine Only-begotten prevail with thee! Canst thou put aside his groans, his tears, his death, when they speak on my behalf?' If you can thus come to pleading terms with God upon this ground, you must and will prevail. Jesus must be heard in heaven. The voice of his blood is eloquent with God. If you plead the atoning sacrifice, you must overcome through the blood of the Lamb." -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon

    Talley, James, and Leslie H. Stobbe, Reconcilable Differences: Mending Broken Relationships, ISBN: 0840731965 9780840731968.
    "Designed to help troubled couples regain harmony through understanding. Points the way to defusing areas of conflict, and recommends steps that will help couples rekindle lost love and reestablish lost unity. Recommended." -- Cyril J. Barber
    "Is it possible for a couple whose marriage is in serious trouble or a couple who is already divorced to restore harmony -- and even love -- to their relationship? Jim Talley believes it is. RECONCILABLE DIFFERENCES shows why reconciliation is worth the effort and provides practical, biblical advice on how to resolve conflicts and develop a relationship based on mutual love, respect, and trust." -- Publisher

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Envy, jealousy, Anger, Vengeance and retaliation, Forgiveness, Unforgiveness, Problem solving in marriage, Marital counseling, marriage counseling, Premarital counsel, Sexual relationship, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justice, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Sex ethics, sex education, Affliction, adversity, trials, suffering, Justifying faith, Forgiveness, Reconciliation of relationships, Reconciliation of marriage partners, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Bad relationships a cause of disease and death, Emotions and health, The covenant faithfulness of god, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Christianity and the workplace, Emotions and health, Fear, Prayer, Spiritual aspects of health, Worry, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 471

    Related Weblinks

    Exodus Books (markets Ross House Books publications)
    http://www.exodusbooks.com/publisher.aspx?id=136

    How to be Free From Bitterness, by Jim Wilson
    http://www.ior.com/~noahs/christian/ccm/books/bitterness/



    Rest

    In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength. (Isaiah 30:15a)

    Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. (Psalm 55:22)

    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)

    Rest of the soul is to be found nowhere but in the Lord, by communing with and confiding in Him. The wicked are like the trouble to sea, when it cannot rest. (Isaiah 57:20) Necessarily so, for they are utter strangers to the Rest-Giver -- the way of peace they have not known. (Romans 3:17) When the Christian is out of fellowship with God, when he takes matters into his own hands, when faith and hope are no longer in exercise, his case is no better than that of the unregenerate, for he has cut himself from his comforts and is thoroughly miserable. Contentment and delighting in the Lord's will is no longer his portion: instead, his mind is in turmoil, he is thorough demoralized, and now vainly seeks to find relief and a ceaseless round of diversions and the feverish activities of the flesh." -- Arthur Pink (1886-1952), The Life of Elijah

    DISEASE, n. Dizeze. [dis and ease].
    1. In its primary sense, pain, uneasiness, distress, and so used by Spenser; but in this sense, obsolete.
    2. The cause of pain or uneasiness . . . disorder; any state of a living body in which the natural functions of the organs are interrupted or disturbed . . . The first effect of disease is uneasiness or pain, and the ultimate effect is death. . . .
    3. A disordered state of the mind or intellect, by which the reason is impaired.
    4. In society, vice; corrupt state of morals. Vices are called moral diseases. A wise man converses with the wicked, as a physician with the sick, not to catch the disease, but to cure it.
    5. Political or civil disorder, or vices in a state; any practice which tends to disturb the peace of society, or impede or prevent the regular administration of government.
    The instability, injustice and confusion introduced into the public councils have, in truth, been the mortal diseases under which popular governments have every where perished. -- 1846 edition of An American Dictionary of the English Language
    DISEASE, v.t. dizeze.
    1. To interrupt or impair any or all the natural and regular functions of the several organs of a living body [i.e. robbing a neighbor of sleep -- compiler]; to afflict with pain or sickness to make morbid . . .
    2. To interrupt or render imperfect the regular functions of the brain, or of the intellect; to disorder; to derange.
    3. To infect; to communicate disease to, by contagion.
    4. To pain; to make uneasy. -- 1828 edition of Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Fatigue," and so forth, and so on.

    *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

    Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), Christ's Invitation to the Labouring and Heavy Laden. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THE REVEREND THOMAS BOSTON (9:169-219).

    *Burroughs, Jeremiah (1599-1646), Four Books on the Eleventh of Matthew [Matthew 11]: Viz., Christ Inviting Sinners to Come to Him for Rest [Matthew 11:28]; Christ the Great Teacher of Souls That Come to Him, to Which is Added a Treatise of Meekness and of Anger.
    "Every now and again, a work will be published by a Reformer or Puritan that Christians find to be of such great spiritual worth, that it is hard to put into words the incalculable and infinite good that such a work is to the Christian soul. This book, friends, is one of those works. . . .
    This is a life-transforming work which will enable Christians to inwardly examine themselves as they consider how the Law of God correlates to their abiding in the Lord Jesus, and what steps they must take to come to Christ in a saving and sanctifying manner." -- C. Matthew McMahon
    Open access:
    https://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=eebo2;idno=A77982.0001.001

    *Edlund, Matthew, The Power of Rest: Why Sleep Alone is not Enough: A 30-day Plan to Reset Your Body, ISBN: 9780061862762 0061862762.
    "Explains the importance of sleep and rest in every person's life and lays out a month-long plan to get readers on the right track to a more rested regimen, one that will lead to better overall health." -- Publisher

    Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), The Life of Peace: Exposition of Philippians 3 and 4, [Philippians 4] ISBN: 0801056780 9780801056789.
    "This volume follows THE LIFE OF JOY which is on Philippians 1 and 2, thus completing the study on the Book of Philippians. Examples of expository excellence!" -- GCB

    *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.

    Newton, John (1725-1807), Rest for the Weary. In WORKS OF JOHN NEWTON, (4:163-73). In MESSIAH: FIFTY EXPOSITORY DISCOURSES ON THE SERIES OF SCRIPTURAL PASSAGES WHICH FORM THE SUBJECT OF THE CELEBRATED ORATORIO OF HANDEL (4:1-583).

    Various, Work and Rest in Review (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    A 4-tape audio cassette [audio file], series including the following:

    Historical/Biblical Perspective on Rest by Mike Bell, audio cassette WW201 [audio file],
    How God Measures Vocational Success by James Petty, audio cassette WW202 [audio file], and
    Biblical Principles of Rest by David Clowney, audio cassette WW203 [audio file].
    See also: Sleep, Fasting, Exercise, Sleep apnea, Depression, Hypothyroidism, Stress, Neighbors, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Lordship of jesus christ, The all-sufficiency of christ, Trusting god, Loving and obeying god, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Forgiveness, Unforgiveness, Reconciliation of relationships, Healing, Physical health, Summary and research index of key information in chapter 8: physical health and healthcare, Self-discipline, Loneliness, Christian fellowship, Friendship, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 2934, 2935, 3010-3022, 3099
    MGTP: Rest



    Restitution

    The prison appears in Biblical law only as a place of custody, pending trial. There is no direct reference to prisons. The methods of dealing with criminals was basically threefold: First, capital punishment was required for capital offenses, and for incorrigible criminals. Second, for all other offenses, restitution was the law; where an order of law had been violated, restoration was the basic function of the courts. Emphatically, in Biblical law the goal is not punishment but restoration, not the infliction of certain penalties on criminals but the restoration of godly order. The center of attention is thus not the criminal but the righteous man and the total godly order. Third, where criminals were unable to make restitution, bond-service was mandatory in order to work out the required restitution.
    In Leviticus 18:24-30, there is a strong summons to righteousness coupled with a warning. Sin is a defilement of man and of the land: it destroys or upsets God's order, and its consequences is God's judgment. Man must therefore keep the law lest the land spue him out for his abominations and iniquities. Justice builds up and exalts a land; it is a restoration and a construction, whereas iniquity destroys a land and creates a moral vacuum that cries for judgment. -- R.J. Rushdoony (1916-2001), The Institutes of Biblical Law, page 515

    Western civilization began as an unhappy compromise between the Biblical standard of restitution and a Greco-Roman and pagan criminology which, while having elements of restitution, leaned heavily towards punishment. The prison thus had a place in Christendom, as an ugly, bastard compromise. It was not only a place of custody, but also a place for torture and punishment, a place to hold men for ransom or for elimination from a threatening position in the state. The prison was an accepted and illegitimate part of the social order. Thus, it could be stated that, into the 18th century,

    It must be borne in mind that all this time the prisons were primarily places of detention, not of punishment. The bulk of those committed to their safe keeping were accused persons awaiting trial in due process of law, or debtors; and of these again by far the most numerous class were the impecunious and the unfortunate, whom a mistaken system locked up and deprived of all means of paying their liabilities. Now and again an offender was sentenced to be imprisoned in default of payment of fine, or to pass the intervals between certain periods of disgraceful exposure on the pillory. Imprisonment has as yet no regular place in the code of penalties, and the jail was only the temporary lodging of culprits duly tried and sentenced according to law. The punishment most in favour in these ruthless times was death. (Major Arthur Griffiths, "Prison Discipline," in The Encyclopaedia Britannica, Ninth Edition, 1892) -- R.J. Rushdoony (1916-2001), Institutes of Biblical Law, pp. 515,516
    Humanism thus has come full circle. It began by replacing restitution with the prison system. It concludes now by restoring restitution, by requiring that society make restitution to the criminal for its supposed neglect. Because of its environmentalism, humanism blames a lack in the environment for a man's crimes. This means that society must atone for that lack by restitution. Both criminology and welfarism rest on this humanistic doctrine of restitution. Restitution must thus be made to all who are criminals, perverts, or lazy, to all who will not work, or who are failures, to all who give birth to illegitimate children, and to all who in any way are substandard. Restitution has once again become the social standard, but it is a humanistic restitution which works in total opposition to God's order. -- R.J. Rushdoony (1916-2001), Institutes of Biblical Law, page 517

    Humanistic restitution is anti-law in that it is fundamentally hostile to any concept of absolute law. Absolute law is replaced with the absolute person. The result is the end of any law-order, and its replacement with a lawyer-order. The difference between the two is a great one. -- R.J. Rushdoony (1916-2001), Institutes of Biblical Law, page 517

    The lawyer order, being alien to law, becomes a social order managed by social scientists. Since environment rather than sin is blamed for crime, treatment of the offenders and restitution to them becomes the order of the day. . . . These facts are not surprising. A prison holds in enforced community a large number of incorrigible criminals who deserve death, and a number of offenders who should be required to work out restitution. To keep such a collection of people from evil would require more guards than most prisons can afford. Instead of dealing with the root problem, the departure from the Biblical principle of restitution, humanistic reformers compound the evil. As radical legal positivists, they deny any absolute concept of justice and concern themselves instead with the individual, the person of the criminal. Humanistic restitution then functions to give every possible advantage to the criminal. -- R.J. Rushdoony (1916-2001), Institutes of Biblical Law, page 518, 519

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Restitution," and so forth, and so on.

    Galaway, Burt, and Joe Hudson, Criminal Justice, Restitution, and Reconciliation, ISBN: 0960696067 9780960696062.

    *Rushdoony, Rousas J. (1916-2001), Institutes of Biblical Law, 3 volumes, ISBN: 1879998130. Available through Exodus Books.

    Volume 1: Institutes of Biblical Law, ISBN: 0875524109.
    "A monumental volume . . . Deeply explores the meaning and application of the Ten Commandments for today in civil government, social ethics, and personal conduct." -- GCB
    "Many consider this to be the author's most important work. With indices." -- Publisher
    Volume 2: Law and Society, ISBN: 1879998238.
    "The relationship of Biblical Law to communion and community, the more are covered in the second volume. Contains an appendix by Herbert Titus. With indices." -- Publisher
    Volume 3: The Intent of the Law, ISBN: 1879998130.
    " 'God's law is much more than a legal code; it is a covenantal law. It establishes a personal relationship between God and man.' The first section summarizes the case laws. The author tenderly illustrates how the law is for our good, and makes clear the difference between the sacrificial laws and those that apply today. The second section vividly shows the practical implications of the law. The examples catch the reader's attention; the author clearly has had much experience discussing God's law. The third section shows that would-be challengers to God's law produce only poison and death. Only God's law can claim to express God's 'covenant grace in helping us'. With indices." -- Publisher

    See also: Imprisonment, incarceration, The courts, the law base, and the judicial system, Leniency, The government's responsibility to punish wrongdoers, Theft, fraud, stealing: property rights and freedom, Repentance the key to salvation and change, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 3023-3029

    Related Weblinks

    Theft: Commentary and Cases of Conscience. A Listing Excerpted From The Institutes of Biblical Law by Rousas John Rushdoony, 1973 edition
    http://www.lettermen2.com/theft.html



    Scapegoating and Blameshifting

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

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Christian Forgiveness: Responsibility or Blameshifting? (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA407 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Blameshifting," "Responsibility," and so forth, and so on.

    *Broger, John C. (developer/editor, 1915-2002), Self-Confrontation: A Manual for In-depth Discipleship: Based on the Old and New Testaments as the Only Authoritative Rule of Faith and Conduct, Alternate title: COURSE I: THE SELF-CONFRONTATION SYLLABUS FOR BIBLICAL COUNSELING TRAINING, ISBN: 0785282467 978-0785282464 and Course I: Self-Confrontation Tapes (10 cassette tapes [audio file]), (Rancho Mirage, CA: Biblical Counseling Foundation).
    "Contains 24 weekly lessons intended to move a person through the change process personally as the foundation for working on becoming a counselor (Matthew 7:1-5). Intended for Sunday school and other classes or personal study. The first eight lessons lay the biblical foundation for change. The grace of the God in the gospel of Jesus Christ is spring of all true change, and it prompts a self-confrontation: 'Man's way is oriented to self: to please self, to comfort self, to rely on self, to fulfill self, to forgive self, to exalt self, and to love self. . . . [God's way], emphasizes that you are to live for Him.' The next thirteen lessons treat particular problem areas: selfishness, anger, interpersonal conflict, marriage and family, depression, fear, life-dominating sins. The final three lessons summarize and set the foundation for Course II, Biblical Counseling Training." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
    "Helps Christians solve their personal problems Biblically and equips laymen and women to counsel others Biblically within the church." Particularly valuable for its system of identifying root problems in counseling cases. Some of the material presented is from various writings by Jay E. Adams. The audio cassette tape [audio file], series by John Broger is designed to accompany the course and includes practical examples."
    Biblical Counseling Foundation
    http://bcfministries.org

    *Marshall, Walter (1628-1680), The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification: Growing in Holiness by Living in Union With Christ (Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, Inc., 2005, 1999), 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:
    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
    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)

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Will and recalcitrance, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justice, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Guilt, Soteriology, The blood of christ, Sin, contagion of sin, imitation, conformity, Temptation, Lying, deceit, self-deception, Hypocrisy, Self-righteousness, self-justification, Self, self-esteem, Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, Unforgiveness, The ten commandments: the moral law, The covenant faithfulness of god, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Persecution, Prejudice, Envy, Jealousy, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 872, 2670, 3160, 3217, 3218, 3347



    Security

    See the Theological Notes: "God Reigns: Divine Sovereignty," at Daniel 4:34 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    See the Theological Notes: "Perseverance of the Saints," at Romans 8:30 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    See the Theological Notes: "Justification and Merit," at Galatians 3:11 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    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. -- John Owen

    National security is dependent upon covenant relationship with the Triune God.

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Assurance," "Hope," and so forth, and so on.

    *Ames, William (d. 1633), The Saint's Security Against Seducing Spirits, or an Anointing From the Holy One, the best teaching, delivered in a sermon on I John 2:20 [1 John 2:20], at Paul's before the Lord Major, Aldermen, and Commonality of the City of London, upon the fifth of November, 1651, Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Fleming, Robert (1630-1694), A Discourse of Earthquakes as They are Supernatural and Premonitory Signs to a Nation, with a respect to what hath occurred in this year 1692, and some special reflections thereon, as also that security and assurance of mind which is attainable in the light and power of religion, under the greatest suprisals, and terror of sense, with some enquiry upon the grounds both of our fears and hopes, as to the public state of the church of Christ in this day, 1693.

    Griffith, Leonard, Illusions of our Culture, ISBN: 0340107138 9780340107133.
    "Analyzes the 'appearance of reality' of our present culture and shows how these illusions degenerate into the 'leafy trees of a desert mirage.' Among the topics considered are affluence, security, independence, happiness, and freedom." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Miller, C. John (1928-1996), God as Father (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette POG02 [audio file].

    *Scudder, Henry (d. 1659?), The Christian's Daily Walk in Holy Security and Peace. Alternate title: THE CHRISTIAN'S DAILY WALK, IN HOLY SECURITY AND PEACE, BEING AN ANSWER TO THESE QUESTIONS: 1. HOW A MAN MAY DO EACH PRESENT DAY'S WORK WITH CHRISTIAN CHEERFULNESS? 2. HOW TO BEAR EACH PRESENT DAY'S CROSS WITH CHRISTIAN PATIENCE? CONTAINING FAMILIAR DIRECTIONS 1. HOW TO WALK WITH GOD IN THE WHOLE COURSE OF A MAN'S LIFE 2. HOW TO BE UPRIGHT IN THE SAID WALKING 3. HOW TO LIVE WITHOUT TAKING CARE OR THOUGHT IN ANYTHING 4. HOW TO GET AND KEEP TRUE PEACE WITH GOD, WHEREIN ARE MANIFOLD HELPS TO PREVENT AND REMOVE DAMNABLE PRESUMPTION, ALSO TO QUIET AND EASE DISTRESSED CONSCIENCES, 1690. A Christian classic.
    "I remember not any book which is written to be the daily companion of Christians, to guide them in the practice of a holy life, which I prefer before this . . ." -- John Owen
    "We could say nothing more about this book than that it has been highly recommended by John Owen and Richard Baxter. Owen said it had been very effective for him in his youth and Baxter said there is no book better on the subject." -- GCB

    Sedgwick, Obadiah (1600-1658), and Humphrey Chambers (1598 or 9-1662), The Shepherd of Israel, or God's Pastoral Care Over his People. Delivered in Divers Sermons on the Whole Twenty-third Psalm. Together With the Doctrine of Providence Practically Handled on Matth. 10. 29,30,31 [Matthew 10:29-31]. By that reverend and faithful minister of the Gospel Mr. Obadiah Sedgwick, B.D. Perfected by himself, and perused by those whom he intrusted with the publishing of his works, 1658.

    *Smith, B.M., Family Religion, or the Domestic Relations as Regulated by Christian Principles (1859). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #22.
    "Smith's family was greatly influenced by Samuel Davies. Smith himself was a friend of R.L. Dabney. As the editor notes, the importance of this book is seen in the fact that 'reform of the family would soon diffuse itself throughout the whole constitution of society, a higher tone of morals would be inspired, and not only would the moral influence of the church be enlarged, but the stability and security of the state would be perpetuated.' Or as the DIRECTORY FOR FAMILY WORSHIP, appended to the Westminster Confession, so wisely points out, 'besides the public worship in congregations, mercifully established in this land in great purity, it is expedient and necessary that secret worship of each person alone, and private worship of families, be pressed and set up; that, with national reformation, the profession and power of godliness, both personal and domestic, be advanced.' This was a prize winning essay, covering, in depth, the family and its duties." -- Publisher

    Willson, James Renwick (1780-1853), A Sermon on the Glory and Security of the Church of God, 1824. 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: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The covenant faithfulness of god, The all-sufficiency of christ, Trusting god, Loving and obeying god, Heaven, Immortality, life everlasting, Adoption, The fatherhood of god, Hope, Immanuel, christ's presence, christ in you, Justifying faith, Bible promises, The promises of christ, Sexual relationship, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Hebrews, The all-sufficiency of christ, Sonship, The priesthood of believers, Election, Assurance and perseverance of the saints, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Justifying faith, Prayer, Spiritual warfare, The imprecatory psalms, The blood of christ, Waiting on god, God's deliverance of nations, Forgiveness, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 298, 739, 1218, 1606, 1693, 2023, 3122, 3160, 3174-3189, 3806



    Seduction

    See Proverbs 7.

    femme fatale: an attractive and seductive woman, especially one who will ultimately cause distress to a man who becomes involved with her. French, literally "disastrous woman."

    *Bobgan, Martin, and Deidre Bobgan, Psycho-Heresy: The Seduction of Christianity by Psychoanalysis, ISBN: 0941717003.
    "Some people will say the Bobgans are hitting too hard -- naming names and all that -- but I don't think so. Whenever someone writes for the Christian public he sets forth his views to the scrutiny of others, but if others think that what he says is dangerous to the church, they, like Paul (who names names, too), have an obligation to say so. The chapter 'Amalgamania' is the best. Indeed it should be enlarged and made into an entire book." -- Jay Adams
    "Psychology is an anti-biblical religious system not a science. The church has bought the system, rather than building counseling from the Bible. Labels and categories matter, because they either describe things truly or falsely, e.g., the myth of mental illness. Psychotherapy is quackery, with very little documentable success. 'Although some disciplines in the broad field of psychological study have contributed some information about people, much of the information that has filtered down into popular literature and into the psychological office is spurious. The most seductively dangerous area of psychology is that part which seeks to explain why people are the way they are and how they change.' Includes critiques of evangelicals who 'amalgamate' psychology and Christianity: Richard Dobbins, H. Norman Wright, Larry Crabb, Paul Tournier, M. Scott Peck, H. Newton Maloney, Charles Solomon, and others." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
    "In the 'Amalgamania' chapter (5), the authors use 2 Corinthians 6:14-17, the separation between light and darkness, between Christ and Belial, between believers and unbelievers, to point out the unbiblical practice of mixing Bible and psychology, with the palm going to the latter. Note the many 'How to' books being produced, the fact that they do not have the Bible as the sole rule of faith and practice. It is the Bible plus something else that will solve your problems. Just as teens think that the wisdom of their parents is pass‚, so the writers of today's books in effect regard the Bible's teaching in the same way. To hear the psychologists is to find that they think that the Bible is not adequate for this present age . . . . Find a church 'counselor' who sticks strictly to God's Word, and you will know that you have seen a rare bird indeed. . . . The truth of the matter is that the Christian counselor who determines by the grace of God to know and use the Scriptures in his counseling is the only one who can ever have a solid basis for what he says and does. . . . (p. 203). Read the Puritan sermons, for instance. They expounded the Word fully, and then they gave application after application to everyday life to show that every situation was covered by the Scriptures." -- Jay P. Green Sr.
    "Analyzes attempts to integrate psychology with the Bible, exposes fallacies of psychological counseling, examines four commonly held myths about psychology, and encourages a return to sound Biblical foundations for Christian living. Praised by Jay Adams, Ed Payne, et al." -- GCB
    Psychoheresy Awareness Ministries
    http://www.pamweb.org/

    *Chambers, Claire, The SIECUS Circle: A Humanist Revolution, ISBN: 0882791192 9780882791197.
    THE SIECUS CIRCLE: A HUMANIST REVOLUTION established a clear connection between the socialist agenda and sexual immorality of the general population.
    "THE SIECUS CIRCLE said, in the 1960s, that the population control crowd targeted the RCC [Roman Catholic Church], the LCMS [Lutheran Church Missouri Synod], and the SBC [Southern Baptist Church], as they all had leaders in charge of major publishing operations who could easily be 'bought off.' I remember as a child, my father coming home one day from Rotary Club livid that the local LCMS pastor had spoken on the need for classroom sex talk (sex ed) in the local schools. It worked. . . . setting up the foundations for abortion." -- Reader's Comment
    "This book was an eye opener, written years ago, and relevant and prophetic for today. I am glad I re-read it again. If you want to know where the culture is headed, read this . . ." -- Reader's Comment

    deParrie, Paul, Romanced to Death: Sexual Seduction of American Culture, ISBN: 0943497906 9780943497907.
    "The author exposes what he calls the 'skin trade,' the commercial sexuality that has seduced America. He traces the misconception of love that has resulted in high divorce rates, promiscuity, infidelity, and abortion." -- GCB

    *Elliot, Elisabeth, Passion and Purity: Learning to Bring Your Love Life Under Christ's Control, ISBN: 080075137X 9780800751371.
    "Perhaps the best and most readable book on this subject. Using her own past with Jim Elliot, she writes a book that clearly sets the teaching of the Bible in easy to understand terms. Warmly personal, strongly Biblical." -- GCB
    "Popular seminar speaker Elisabeth Elliot has written a book about bringing one's love life under the authority of Jesus Christ. She gives direction in such areas as singleness or marriage, putting God's desires ahead of personal desires, what men look for in a woman, virginity and chastity, and the man's and woman's role in relationships." -- Publisher

    Kilduff, Marshall, and Ron Javers, The Suicide Cult: Inside Story of the People's Temple Sect and the Massacre in Guyana, ISBN: 0553129201 978-0553129205.
    "Why do all of the documentaries, television and book, leave out all the critical information? For example, why is Jones painted as a Christian reverend when in fact he was a socialist and atheist? That's why they called it the People's Temple. Why do they ignore the CIA connection? The only person I know who addressed this was Bill Curtis from American Justice. Why do they ignore the fact Jones himself revealed he was going to take off with all of the money and go to Castro's Cuba? He had no intention of dying (is he dead today)? Curtis also is the only one to address this. Why do they ignore the origin of Jones' own thinking? For example, when Father Divine told him 'Jones, You are god,' Jones went hog wild. Why do most of the documentaries ignore the fact that Jones used to jump up and down on the Holy Bible and kept reports in his file cabinets on the resulting effect on his congregation -- files which were confiscated by the CIA after the tragedy occurred, as reported by Bill Curtis' documentary. For information on Jim Jones, I recommend the Bill Curtis documentary on American Justice and the tape by Walter R. Martin. What is interesting about the forced suicide (oxymoron) is the statements Jones made. For example, Jones talked about death with dignity. And similar to the tricks governments play on people, he said armed men were coming, and that they had to act fast. It reminds you of 911. What is also interesting is the common theme of Gnosticism and Socialism as one package: Eric Voegelin explains that socialism IS Gnostic in his famous book SCIENCE, POLITICS AND GNOSTICISM. So, it is not a coincidence that communist leaders are usually merciless dictators because, like Father Divine said, they think they are a god. Think of the tens of millions of lives taken in the name of socialism: Pol Pot, Jim Jones, Lenin, Stalin, Mao, the Ukrainian forced famines, and so on. Today, we call socialism 'liberalism.' It reminds me of the woman who approached Bill Clinton and said, (get ready to barf) 'Lead us.' It reminds me of Tom Hanks crying at Obama's election. It reminds me of Charlize Theron (beautiful babe that she is) crying in the presence of Nelson Mandela (a well known member of the communist group that African National Congress). It reminds me of the millions of people who responded to the empty rhetoric of 'change' espoused by Obama. So, why is the Jonestown story always left incomplete in everybody's report? It is because he espoused the same philosophy that is espoused today by the liberal establishment. For example, the tapes of the massacre is filled with famous slogans you hear today: death with dignity, gender equality, racial equality, and so on. All he really cared about was joining as many people as possible under his control. His racial rhetoric, like modern liberal slogans today, only operates to win your affections in order to gain more votes and hence more power. Jones also preached same sex unions (Jones was caught by a police officer soliciting a purported male prostitute in a movie theater bathroom). Jones wanted everyone to learn Russian so that they could move to communist Russia. This book leaves out all of the information I noted here and for that reason I cannot give it more than three stars. -- Reader's Comment

    Layton, Deborah, Seductive Poison: A Jonestown Survivor's Story of Life and Death in the People's Temple, ISBN: 0385489838 9780385489836.
    "SEDUCTIVE POISON is a memoir by one of Jones' financial secretaries, Ms. Deborah Layton.
    Seductive Poison: A Jonestown Survivor's Story of Life and Death in the People's Temple
    http://www.boingboing.net/2008/11/19/jamestown-30-years-l.html

    *Nelson, Stanley (director), Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple (2006), a documentary DVD, ISBN: 1415731527 9781415731529.
    "Stanley Nelson's [the director], riveting and often unsettling documentary on the history of the People's Temple from Jim Jones's roots as a rising preacher on the gospel rival circuit to the events that lead to that horrible day is a must see.
    "There are a several strong factors that separate this documentary from any other dealing with Jonestown incident. Nelson has tracked down a large amount of amazing archival super 8 footage shot for promotional purposes by members of People's Temple themselves. This footage helps craft an understanding of the seduction behind the ideas and opportunities Jim Jones presented to his followers that would see them travel with him from Indiana to California and finally to Guyana.
    "JONESTOWN: THE LIFE AND DEATH OF PEOPLE'S TEMPLE is a pitch perfect portrait of the Jonestown experience that sheds light on the much of the cult's mystery through interviews with survivors and former People's Temple members. By addressing Jones's early life and his surprisingly groundbreaking work in the African American communities in regards to race relations and equality you can't help connecting with the idealism behind the People's Temple's philosophy. Exploring the racial aspect of the People's Temple with its staggering 80 percent black congregation Nelson brings into play issues of poverty and class key to understanding Jim Jones's messiah-like cult persona in reference to an often ignored and struggling community.
    "Even weaving together an eerie soundtrack of songs sung by the People's Temple Choir and using heartbreaking never before seen letters and documentation made by the members right up until their deaths, Nelson never over dramatizes or relies on sentimentality in this documentary and in doing so paints a world that stays with you long after the lights go up." -- a blogger
    Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple (2006)
    http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0762111/

    Various, Father Cares: The Last of Jonestown.
    "On November 18, 1978, 913 men, women, and children -- followers of cult leader Jim Jones -- died during a mass suicide and murder in Jonestown, Guyana. In the months preceding the tragedy, Jim Jones and his People's Temple followers recorded their thoughts, their problems and their aspirations. The hundreds of hours of audio tape form the basis of the NPR documentary Father Cares: The Last of Jonestown.
    Includes an audio link to the NPR documentary in its entirety. Also includes a link to All Things Considered host Noah Adams talking with Deborah Layton, author of SEDUCTIVE POISON: A JONESTOWN SURVIVOR'S STORY OF LIFE AND DEATH IN THE PEOPLE'S TEMPLE. She had escaped Jonestown several months before, and tried to alert authorities to the insanity and cruelty of life under the rule of Jim Jones.
    NPR documentary "Father Cares: The Last of Jonestown"
    http://www.npr.org/programs/specials/jonestown.html

    See also: Spiritual discernment, Pseudo-christian movements, Unfaithful reformed ministries, Mind control, intimidation, and coercion, Singleness, Being single (women), Courtship, Politics, Gratuitous sex, a cause of violence, Sexual relationship, Sex ethics, sex education, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Prostitution, harlotry, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, Dysfunctional families, abuse, Addiction, alcoholism, substance abuse, drug abuse, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation. Homosexuality, lesbianism, gay, bisexual, transvestite, queer (lgbtq), Counseling for sex related problems, Illegitimacy, Sexually transmitted diseases, Child abuse and pedophilia, Abuse, Abuse (women), Incest, Incest (women), Women and the new age, Rape, Rape (women), Infatuation, Loneliness, Lust, Abstinence, chastity, Adultery, The occult, Sorcery, Feminism, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 1814, 3594

    Related Weblinks

    The Dangerous Dark Side of a Shared Belief System, Rick Thomas
    "The dangerous dark side of these communities is when the benefits, e.g., finding approval, become more crucial to you than whatever the group believes. The temptation is to compromise what you believe because the benefits of connecting with a relational community are more vital."
    https://rickthomas.net/the-dangerous-dark-side-of-a-shared-belief-system/

    Jim Jones
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Jones

    Jonestown Conspiracies Revisited, Christopher Knight-Griffin
    A rigorously researched paper documented with 90 footnotes and bibliography. From THE JONESTOWN REPORT, OCTOBER 2008, VOLUME 10.
    http://jonestown.sdsu.edu/AboutJonestown/JonestownReport/Volume10/KnightGriffin1.htm

    Project MKUltra
    "Project MKUltra was the code name of a U.S. government covert research operation experimenting in the behavioral engineering of humans (mind control) through the CIA's Scientific Intelligence Division.
    "Jonestown, the Guyana location of the Jim Jones cult and Peoples Temple mass suicide, was thought to be a test site for MKUltra medical and mind control experiments after the official end of the program. Congressman Leo Ryan, a known critic of the CIA, was murdered by Peoples Temple members after he personally visited Jonestown to investigate various reported irregularities.[85]"
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_MKULTRA

    Witness to Jonestown
    An MSNBC film.
    http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27052411/



    Self, Selfishness, Self-esteem

    See the Theological Note at 1 Corinthians 13:13, "Love" in The Reformation Study Bible.
    But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13)

    Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
    For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
    For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?     (Matthew 16:24-26)
    Matthew Gill's Commentary
    http://www.biblestudytools.com/my-bible/#/left:passage/kjv/matthew/16:24/&right:reference/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/matthew-16-24.html

    Self is the great antichrist and anti-God in the world, that sets up itself above all else. -- Stephen Charnock

    Consider, there are but two sorts of men in the world, and you are one of them. There is no neutral, no middle state; there are but two principles that men are influenced by, the flesh and the spirit; and there are but two ends men propound to themselves, either the pleasing of the flesh upon earth, or the enjoyment of God in heaven; and two places they issue into, heaven or hell. The Scripture is peremptory, and tells you who shall go to heaven, and who shall go to hell: Romans 8:13, 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; Galatians 6:8, He that soweth to the flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Or consider that, Proverbs 14:14, The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways, and a good man shall be satisfied from himself. There are two different persons commencing and setting forth in the pursuit of happiness, the backslider in heart and the good man. The backslider in heart is one that continues in the apostasy and defection of mankind, that indulgeth his lusts and vain pleasures, and for a seeming good leaves God, who is the chief good. But the good men are those who make it their business to keep their hearts chaste and loyal to God. They both desire to be filled and to be satisfied. The one takes his own way, and the other God's counsel; and in the event both are filled. The backslider in heart hath enough of his own ways when they have brought him to hell; and the good man hath enough when he comes to the enjoyment of the blessed God. And there is one truth more there, they are both filled from themselves, their own ways. The backslider shall have the fruit of his own choice, and a good man is satisfied with that course of godliness that he hath chosen, Proverbs 1:31. Those that turn away from God, it is said, They shall eat of their own ways, and be filled with the fruit of their own devices; and Isaiah 3:10, Say unto the righteous, it shall be well with him, for he shall eat of the fruit of his own doings. -- Thomas Manton (1620-1677)

    There are only two types of people in the world, those who say to God, Not my will, but thine be done, and those to whom God says "Not my will, but thine be done." -- Dr. Donald Ewing (1916-1997)

    Endeavour to cast out and watch against self-love, lest thy heart being prepossessed thereby, thy judgment be blinded, and become partial in passing sentence upon thy estate: labour to bring thy heart to be willing to know the worst of itself: yea, and if thou hast all this while been deceived, to bless the Lord, that now, at last, thy mistake is discovered, and to be willing to lay the foundation new again. This you must do, for he that will put on the person of a judge, must put off the person of a friend." -- John Flavel (1630-1691)

    Know thyself, and pride will die. -- Richard Baxter

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

    He must increase, but I must decrease. (John 3:30)

    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 Treasury of David, Psalm 106
    And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul. (Psalm 106:15)
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps106.php

    If, then, any exhortation is in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfill ye my joy, that ye may mind the same thing -- having the same love -- of one soul -- minding the one thing, nothing in rivalry or vain-glory, but in humility of mind one another counting more excellent than yourselves -- each not to your own look ye, but each also to the things of others. (Philippians 2:1-4, YLTHB)

    Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the might 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)

    Pray that God may make you conqueror of yourself. . . not the enemy without, but of your own soul within. . . . Let no enemy from without be feared: conquer yourself, and the whole world is conquered. -- Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD)

    There is no saint without a past, no sinner without a future. -- St. Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD)

    Man withdraweth himself from God's government, and setteth up himself instead of God, and thought to have a secured happiness from God, in eating the forbidden fruit, and therefore would not depend upon God to be happy. He saw another way to be like God. God hath highest place in our heart by order of creation, and according to the degrees of excellency in things should our esteem of them be, "everything being beautiful in his place," Eccles. iii. 11 [Ecclesiastes 3:11]. But where God is put down, -- as he is in all men till they be in Christ, -- something self-love sets up in the heart above God. Hence cometh the necessity of this method of taking us off from ourselves before we can live to Christ; because self-love is an impediment and block in the way between us and Christ, heaven and happiness. . . ." -- Richard Sibbes

    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)
    See the Theological Notes: "Mankind's Guilty Knowledge of God" at Romans 1:29 and the note at Psalm 14:1 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.

    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)

    Many are willing for Christ to save them from hell, but are not willing for Him to save them from self. They want to be delivered from the wrath to come, but they wish to retain their self-will and self-pleasing. But He will not be dictated unto: you must be saved on His terms, or not at all. When Christ saves, He saves from sin -- from its power and pollution, and therefore from its guilt. And the very essence of sin is the determination to have my own way (Isaiah 53:6). Where Christ saves, He subdues this spirit of self-will, and implants a genuine, a powerful, a lasting, desire and determination to please Him. -- Arthur Pink, Practical Christianity

    Soul-violence begins when one individual tries to usurping authority over another, to control and possess them. The means of control may be either outward or occult: possessiveness, deceit, repression or suppression of the truth, soul stealing, attempts to take authority over another politically or by mental malpractice, denial of freedom, indebtedness, whoredom, and so forth. Abuse of the soul quenches the Holy Spirit.
    If either side is immovable, then death is the result of the conflict of will. How are conflicts of will resolved? By submission to the absolute truth of God's word. These observations bear a strain of the Gospel.

    A broad overview of literature shows an evident interconnection between "absolute truth, life (temporal and eternal), moral behavior (law and order, and justice), freedom (religious, political, economic, and individual), (the definition of true religion found in the Westminster Standards (1646), and the Covenanted Reformation), social stability (peace, security, prosperity, and happiness), Justifying faith, sanctification, personal spiritual growth, social transformation, education, the arts, scientific discovery, real progress, and the realization of the Kingdom of God upon earth. -- The Preface to The Web Edition of Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal

    *Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Biblical View of Self-Esteem, Self-Love, Self-Image, ISBN: 0890815534 9780890815533.
    "The self-esteem fad has spread as people combat what is seen as the great modern enemy: low self-esteem rooted in childhood neglect and criticism. Adams traces the roots of these ideas in Adler and Maslow. Challenges the notion of psychological 'needs' ('Scratch out the word "need" and substitute the word "desire," and the result will be a much more accurate reading of the facts.'). Exegetes the two great commandments ('Love yourself?'), and Romans 6/Colossians 3 ('Man of infinite worth?'). Unpacks biblical view of self-loathing and self-denial. 'While there is no concern evidenced in the Bible about people having too little self-esteem, and therefore no directions for enhancing self-esteem, God does indicate that He wants us to evaluate ourselves accurately.' (Summary, p. 119). Most of book rebuts popular errors; last seven pages give positive ideas for helping depressed counselees." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
    "How to evaluate the modern movement promoting 'self' and Psychology, ideas now well entrenched in many churches. How to determine if this movement has any biblical basis and how Christians can relate to these teachings. Related item: Ganz's PSYCHOBABBLE: THE FAILURE OF MODERN PSYCHOLOGY AND THE BIBLICAL ALTERNATIVE." -- Publisher

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Self-control," "Self-image," "Self-pity," and so forth, and so on.

    Adams, Jay, Sibling Rivalry in the Household of God, ISBN: 0896362361 9780896362369.
    "About 'the causes and effects of rivalry among brothers and sisters in Christ and what can be done about it. . . .' 'Sibling rivalry in the household of faith -- just like at home -- is due entirely to sin.' Other supposed causes are not causes but occasions for our self-centered human nature to act. The Holy Spirit gives practical guidance in His Word for solving rivalry and conflict through repentance, faith and obedience." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), A Thirst for Wholeness: How to Gain Wisdom From the Book of James, ISBN: 0964355698 9780964355699, 143 pages.
    "A study of the inner dynamics of human life from the book of James. Meant to be used personally or in a study group or class. Works thematically, covering anger, desires, doubt, prayer, peacemaking, sickness, among other things. The section on the 'inner/outer aspects of sin' (Chapter 3), rebuts a host of misconceptions of nouthetic counseling as externalistic: 'The struggle for mastery over one's desires must be achieved. . . . Christian, resist sin at the start, as Jesus did. Abort inner sin before it is born. Augustine encourages us with these words: 'Pray that God may make you conqueror of yourself. . . not the enemy without, but of your own soul within. . . . Let no enemy from without be feared: conquer yourself, and the whole world is conquered'." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
    See: Schneider, Julie, and Jay E. Adams, LEADER'S GUIDE FOR GROUP STUDY OF A-THIRST-FOR-WHOLENESS.

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Winning the war Within: A Biblical Strategy for Spiritual Warfare, ISBN: 188903200X 9781889032009. Alternate title: THE WAR WITHIN: A BIBLICAL STRATEGY FOR SPIRITUAL WARFARE.
    "The Christian life is war. The holy war between God and Satan gets played out within ourselves in the conflict between the Holy Spirit and the flesh. 'It is to the enemy within that Satan, the world, and the demons must make their appeal.' Describes Satan's tactics and power, and then the strategies for victory: the Spirit's sword, prayer, faith, the help of believers. 'The prime purpose of this book is to encourage faltering Christians'." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    *Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), A Treatise of Self-Denial, ISBN: 1877611360. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #21. Included in THE SAINT'S EVERLASTING REST: BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 3.
    "This item is the work of Baxter that has been translated into the most number of different languages." -- compiler
    "It is also a great antidote to the prominent spirit (of antichrist), preached by psychologist and psychiatrists which focuses on self (self-esteem, self-actualization, etc.), and/or hedonism, in an idolatrous manner, rather than self-sacrifice and service in obedience to God. Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, . . . This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (2 Pet. 3:3 [2 Peter 3:3], 2 Tim. 3:1-5 [2 Timothy 3:1-5]) -- Publisher

    Berry, Jo, Becoming God's Special Woman: Develop Self-Worth his Way, ISBN: 0800752198 9780800752194.
    "Answers such questions as: Do you believe that God created you just as you are for a purpose? Would you like power to change your life? Are you moving toward God's ideal for your life?" -- GCB

    Bobgan, Martin, and Deidre Bobgan, James Dobson's Gospel of Self-Esteem and Psychology, ISBN: 094171716X 9780941717168.
    "Another well written, well documented and footnoted book by the Bobgans. They do not attack Dr. Dobson personally, but they do quote extensively from his work and then show where he has moved away from biblical truth. It is a very eye opening book and is a must read for anyone who is wanting to hone their discernment skills. Don't take what the Bobgans say at face value, get your Bible out and see for yourself. Be a "Berean!" -- Reader's Comment

    *Bobgan, Martin, and Deidre Bobgan, Prophets of Psychoheresy I, ISBN: 0941717038 9780941717038 0941717046 9780941717045.
    "Critiques the teachings of Gary Collins ('Can You Really Trust Psychology?' pp. 13-103), Larry Crabb ('Inside-out Theology,' pp. 105-220), and Frank Minirth and Paul Meier ('Fellowship with Freud,' pp. 221-334). Each of them, in different ways, takes the basic building blocks of his system from secular psychology. 'The largest of the four branches of psychotherapy is the humanistic one. The Association for Humanistic Psychology is the professional association of humanistic psychologists. Its president, Dr. Lawrence LeShan, says, 'Psychotherapy may be known in the future as the greatest hoax of the twentieth century.' It may also be known as the greatest heresy of twentieth-century Christianity'." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
    "The Bobgans maintain the position that counseling must be based upon Scripture alone and not upon an integration of Scripture and psychology. To that end they critique the integration approach of Gary Collins, Lawrence Crabb, Paul Meier, and Frank Minirth. . . .
    "Martin is a Vice President of Continuing Education at Santa Barbara City College. . . . This book is an exposé of the fallacies and failures of psychological counseling theories and therapies, and it is intended to arm Christians with the sound scriptural principles which will deliver them from the people who are displacing, diluting and distorting God's word. . . . [the Bobgans], insist on the absolute sufficiency of Scripture in all matters of life and conduct (2 Peter 1). . . . The sad condition of Christians, and of their churches, cannot be remedied by a mixture of human wisdom and scriptural wisdom, but only by the deepening and expanding of the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, which comes solely from the Bible. As seen on age 120, 'A Christian's answer to problems of living depends on his [or her], relationship with God and obedience to His Word.'
    'For the word of God is quick, and powerful . . . and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)

    *Bobgan, Martin, and Deidre Bobgan, Prophets of Psychoheresy II: Critiquing James Dobson, ISBN: 0941717046 9780941717045.
    "Critique of James Dobson, primarily his use of the self-esteem concept as fundamental to his teachings. Dobson is a leader in 'promoting the psychologizing of Christianity. . . . We use the word prophet to mean a spokesman for a cause or movement. The heresy is the departure from absolute confidence in the Word of God for all matters of life and conduct and a movement toward faith in the unproven, unscientific psychological opinions of men. Thus we call it 'psychoheresy'." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
    "Here is a call to the church to rely on the Word of God and the work of the Holy Spirit, rather than on the psychological opinions of men. Topics include: self-esteem, self-love, childhood memories, birth order, behaviorism, and many more." -- GCB

    *Broger, John C. (developer/editor, 1915-2002), Self-Confrontation: A Manual for In-depth Discipleship: Based on the Old and New Testaments as the Only Authoritative Rule of Faith and Conduct, Alternate title: COURSE I: THE SELF-CONFRONTATION SYLLABUS FOR BIBLICAL COUNSELING TRAINING, ISBN: 0785282467 978-0785282464 and Course I: Self-Confrontation Tapes (10 cassette tapes [audio file]), (Rancho Mirage, CA: Biblical Counseling Foundation).
    "Contains 24 weekly lessons intended to move a person through the change process personally as the foundation for working on becoming a counselor (Matthew 7:1-5). Intended for Sunday school and other classes or personal study. The first eight lessons lay the biblical foundation for change. The grace of the God in the gospel of Jesus Christ is spring of all true change, and it prompts a self-confrontation: 'Man's way is oriented to self: to please self, to comfort self, to rely on self, to fulfill self, to forgive self, to exalt self, and to love self. . . . [God's way], emphasizes that you are to live for Him.' The next thirteen lessons treat particular problem areas: selfishness, anger, interpersonal conflict, marriage and family, depression, fear, life-dominating sins. The final three lessons summarize and set the foundation for Course II, Biblical Counseling Training." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
    "Helps Christians solve their personal problems Biblically and equips laymen and women to counsel others Biblically within the church." Particularly valuable for its system of identifying root problems in counseling cases. Some of the material presented is from various writings by Jay E. Adams. The audio cassette [audio file], series by John Broger is designed to accompany the course and includes practical examples."
    Biblical Counseling Foundation
    http://bcfministries.org

    Chalmers, Thomas (1780-1847), Self-Examination
    http://www.westminsterconfession.org/the-doctrines-of-grace/essay-on-guthries-the-christians-great-interest.php

    Clark, Kristen, Girl Defined: God's Radical Design for Beauty, Femininity, and Identity, ISBN: 9780801008450 080100845X.
    "Presents a Christian perspective on femininity and female identity, maintaining that women should derive their feelings of self-worth and dignity from the teachings of Jesus Christ and a trust in God's love." -- Publisher
    "GIRL DEFINED answered questions such as, 'What does it mean to be a woman? How should a career fit into our lives? Is one gender more valuable than the other? Is my sole purpose just to grow up, get married, and have kids?' . . . .
    "It challenged the thinking of girls at any stage of life, and stood up to cultural norms to see what the Bible really says.
    "One of my favorite . . . . quotes, 'God designed us to function best when we're paddling together for a cause greater than ourselves.' . . .
    "And another favorite . . . quote that sums up one of the central themes of the entire book, 'Helping others is foundational in God's design for womanhood.' . . .
    I've been following Kristen and Bethany's blog, girldefined.com, for quite some time now, and have loved their posts about what biblical womanhood looks like. This book was a fantastic summarization of everything they blog about -- from gender roles, to beauty, to identity, to culture, and relationships." -- Reader's Comment

    Clark, Kristen, Love Defined: Embracing God's Vision for Lasting Love and Satisfying Relationships, ISBN: 9780801075568 0801075564.
    "In a culture obsessed with love and romance, why is it so hard for us to find satisfying love that lasts?
    "Maybe we've been looking at this thing called love all wrong.
    "In this insightful, encouraging and totally candid book, sisters Kristen Clark and Bethany Baird share a radically better and refreshingly biblical approach to navigating your love life. Covering topics such as true love, purposeful relationships, sex, boundaries, and singleness, LOVE DEFINED will take you on a journey to discovering God's good and original design for romance." -- Publisher

    DeGroat, Chuck, Richard J. Mouw, and Jim Denison, When Narcissism Comes to Church: Healing Your Community From Emotional and Spiritual Abuse, ISBN: 0369366190 9780369366191 0369365666 9780369365668
    "Why does narcissism seem to thrive in our churches? We've seen the news stories and heard the rumors. Maybe we ourselves have been hurt by a narcissistic church leader. It's easy to throw the term around and diagnose others from afar. But what is narcissism, really? And how does it infiltrate the church? Chuck DeGroat has been counseling pastors with Narcissistic Personality Disorder, as well as those wounded by narcissistic leaders and systems, for over twenty years. He knows firsthand the devastation narcissism leaves in its wake and how insidious and painful it is. In WHEN NARCISSISM COMES TO CHURCH, DeGroat takes a close look at narcissism, not only in ministry leaders but also in church systems. He offers compassion and hope for those affected by its destructive power and imparts wise counsel for churches looking to heal from its systemic effects. DeGroat also offers hope for narcissists themselves -- not by any shortcut, but by the long, slow road of genuine recovery, possible only through repentance and trust in the humble gospel of Jesus." -- Publisher

    Fiddler, Carol, and Elisabeth Elliot, A Girl of Beauty: Developing Character in Young Girls, ISBN: 0847414280 9780847414284.
    "Addresses up-to-date issues girls face daily.
    "Family therapists are noting that children as young as 8, 9, and 10 are obsessed with their bodies and that this excessive focus hinders the normal growth and development of children. Modern psychologists are saying that we need to teach our children how to navigate through modern culture because they are, for the first time in history, learning how to behave from watching TV personae rather than real people.
    "Dealing with up-to-date issues that girls face today, this book is short, concise, and user-friendly for your fast-paced life. It covers topics girls deal with on a daily basis including: truthfulness, loyal friendships, contentment, life ambition, gossip, competition, outlook/attitude and more.
    "This book is for those who feel the pull of the world on their daughters or the special girl in their life and want a tool to aid in the teaching and training of girls in good, solid, godly character. The message that all they need to get through life is image and outward beauty is faulty and shortsighted.
    "Children, especially girls, need guidance and direction to counter this message. The recent trend for high school girls is cosmetic surgery to fix their 'flaws' in hopes of finding security in themselves. Unfortunately this temporary fix will not satisfy them. They need to develop themselves as a whole person, full of godly character that gives them value as a complete person, beyond the surface exterior. Their security needs to be found not in temporary outward appearance, but in the development of inward qualities that are lasting. This book is a relationship-building book for parents and their daughters in understanding the heart of God for their identity and 'whole-ness' as a person.
    "There is great versatility in using the book. Feedback I have received from those who have used it found it a fun reference for a mom/daughter Bible study. One particular group met once a week in the summer with a different mom/daughter team in charge of the fun events (roller blades, water balloons, etc.), and teaching the character topic. Another mom offered it as an after school group to all the girls in her daughter's school class and it has built camaraderie in the group. They meet once a month. One gal used it as a camp counselor for her cabin devotions.
    "A GIRL OF BEAUTY is a book you'll want to use over and over again (thick, high quality pages, spiral bound). Each time you go through it, something different and new comes out in discussion and application. We never stop learning and growing! Enjoy!" -- Carol Fiddler, the author

    Ganz, Richard L. (Basileians Lectures. Wilmington, DE: The Basileians).
    Individual Reconstruction, 6 audio cassette tapes [audio file].
    Tape 1 and 2: Individual Reconstruction: The Biblical Basics
    Tape 3 and 4: Individual Reconstruction: The Smashing of Sin
    Tape 5: Individual Reconstruction vs. Self-esteem
    Tape 6: Questions and Answers Session

    Hooker, Thomas (1586-1647), Heautonaparnumenos, or, A Treatise of Self-deny all intended for the pulpit but now committed to the presse for the publike benefit, 1646.

    Long, Edward LeRoy, Jr., The Role of Self in Conflicts and Struggles.

    MacArthur, John F., The Vanishing Conscience: Drawing the Line in a No-fault, Guilt-free World, ISBN: 0849936780 9780849936784.
    "In this compelling book, John MacArthur challenges us to confront society's flight from moral responsibility. With sound biblical doctrine, Dr. MacArthur shows how and why sin must be dealt with if we are to live lives that please God. With clarity and insight, he provides biblical solutions for attaining a personal holiness that can move us from living a life of blame and denial to one of true peace and freedom. -- Reader's Comment
    "In THE VANISHING CONSCIENCE, MacArthur addresses, from a biblical perspective, the issues of self-esteem, personal guilt, and individual responsibility. How does modern psychology's obsession with personal forgiveness, high self-esteem, and the love of self stand in the light of Holy Scripture? What became of the little word sin with all of its grave implications, ramifications, and negative connotations? In an age of self-absolution, it would appear that Jesus Christ suffered and died in vain, for, if we are to believe the modern self-proclaimed and self-ordained prophets of the "feel good" philosophy, we are to forgive, each his or her own, transgressions and iniquities by blaming our environment, our genetic predisposition, our parents, our teachers, our political leaders, our role models, anything or anyone but our individual selves.
    "THE VANISHING CONSCIENCE is an extraordinarily germane work in that MacArthur not only elucidates the church's adoption and endorsement of this secular abomination as well as the inherent dangers of this heretical philosophy, but does so in such a manner that the reader is made knowledgeable of that which a just God demands of His children. Of far greater importance than self-esteem is our relationship to a God who will hold you and I accountable for each act, thought, word, and deed.
    "On that Great and Terrible Day, conscience may be either a dear friend or a damning foe, but it will not claim neutrality. Self-esteem, that placebo of modern psychology, will not be a factor." -- Reader's Comment

    Matzat, Don, Christ Esteem: Where the Search for Self-Esteem Ends, ISBN: 0890817847 9780890817841.
    "Matzat responds to the search for self-knowledge with a solid, Biblical truth: What we need is Christ-esteem, not self-esteem! Matzat points to the lasting identity that Christ offers." -- GCB

    Miller, C. John (1928-1996), You Feel Inferior Because you act Inferior (parts 1 and 2) (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassettes CM102 and CM102A [audio file].

    *Owen, John (1616-1683), The Glory of Christ, Puritan Paperback Series edition, ISBN: 0851516610 9780851516615. A Christian classic. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN. Available (THE GLORY OF CHRIST), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "In THE GLORY OF CHRIST . . . we have the great Puritan pastor and theologian, John Owen, at his richest and most mature. Here he writes about Jesus Christ, the heart of the Gospel, with biblical insight and understanding that is at times almost overwhelming for a contemporary reader.
    "These chapters were written during the final period of Owen's life, and began simply in his personal meditation and study, before being shared with others in public ministry. Deep love for, and fervent devotion to Christ, is evident on every page. Owen had already seen the glory of Christ from afar and pondered long on its significance. Here he speaks from his proximity to eternity, and teaches us how to see Christ more clearly and to serve him more faithfully.
    "The publishers are convinced that THE GLORY OF CHRIST is a spiritual treasure-cave to which many readers will return again and again throughout the whole of their lives. Its sole purpose is to renew and deepen devotion to Jesus Christ." -- Publisher
    Contains: Life of Owen, the Person of Christ, Glory of Christ, and two short catechisms.
    The Works of John Owen at Archive.org
    https://archive.org/search.php?query=the+works+of+john+owen&page=2

    Pike, Samuel (1717-1773), and Samuel Hayward (1718-1757), Distinguishing Faith and Feelings. In RELIGIOUS CASES OF CONSCIENCE ANSWERED IN AN EVANGELICAL MANNER . . . TO WHICH IS ADDED THE SPIRITUAL COMPANION; OR, THE PROFESSING CHRISTIAN TRIED AT THE BAR OF GOD'S WORD; AND CHARACTER OF THE HAPPY MAN, 1866.
    Distinguishing Faith and Feelings
    http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/distinguishing-faith-and-feelings.php

    Purkiser, W.T., When You get to the End of Yourself, ISBN: 0801069319 9780801069314.

    Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635), The Soul's Conflict With Itself, and Victory Over Itself by Faith. Being a Treatise of the Inward Disquietments of Distressed Spirits . . . To Which is Subjoined, The Bruised Reed and Smoking Flax. By Richard Sibbs . . . The fifth edition. To which is prefixed, an account of the author's life. Alternate title: THE SOULES CONFLICT WITH IT SELFE, AND VICTORY OVER IT SELF BY FAITH A TREATISE OF THE INWARD DISQUIETMENTS OF DISTRESSED SPIRITS, WITH COMFORTABLE REMEDIES TO ESTABLISH THEM. Found in THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES. Available (THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES), on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    *Smith, Samuel Stanhope (1750-1819) On Secret Faults.
    http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/on-secret-faults.php

    *Szasz, Thomas S., Myth of Mental Illness: Foundations of a Theory of Personal Conduct, ISBN: 0060911514 9780060911515.
    "A classic work that has revolutionized thinking throughout the Western world about the nature of the psychiatric profession and the moral implications of its practices. 'Bold and often brilliant'." -- Science
    "I believe this is one of the most important books in the history of psychiatry. The book is ground-breaking and establishes a new paradigm and organizing concept for many 'mind' disciplines. Dr. Szasz's ideas are timeless, revolutionary and common sense -- not to be construed as a criticism. Indeed many revolutionary ideas are simple and obvious and I think that is exactly why this book and Dr. Szasz must be taken seriously. I am speaking behind the times when I say this because the book is nearly 40 years on the market. However, Dr. Szasz is as relevant today as ever. Institutionalized persecution of 'different' behaviours has evolved beyond the ridiculous to the absurd. Dr. Szasz's characterization of this as a 'war on personal responsibility' is important from a medical and a moral perspective, as a challenge to the popular notions of 'inner child,' the growing 'victim' industry (e.g. gambling and shopping 'addictions,' among many, many more), and similar conceptual garbage.
    "THE MYTH OF MENTAL ILLNESS creates for the reader a reference point for cross disciplinary thinking in sociology, linguistics, philosophy of mind and science, psychology, history and or course medicine. The concepts are true to human beings as self-responsible moral agents and consistent with the North American work-ethic. Dr. Szasz is commended for his insight and understanding of a psychiatric industry gone mad." -- Reader's Comment
    "Descriptive criteria aside, what is the essence of mental disorders? Are they merely physiological disorders of the brain, or, more precisely of its chemistry? If so, can they be cured by restoring the balance of substances and secretions in that mysterious organ? And, once equilibrium is reinstated -- is the illness 'gone' or is it still lurking there, 'under wraps,' waiting to erupt? Are psychiatric problems inherited, rooted in faulty genes (though amplified by environmental factors) -- or brought on by abusive or wrong nurturance?
    "These questions are the domain of the 'medical' school of mental health.
    "Others cling to the spiritual view of the human psyche. They believe that mental ailments amount to the metaphysical discomposure of an unknown medium -- the soul. Theirs is a holistic approach, taking in the patient in his or her entirety, as well as his milieu.
    "The members of the functional school regard mental health disorders as perturbations in the proper, statistically 'normal,' behaviours and manifestations of 'healthy' individuals, or as dysfunctions. The 'sick' individual -- ill at ease with himself (ego-dystonic), or making others unhappy (deviant) -- is 'mended' when rendered functional again by the prevailing standards of his social and cultural frame of reference.
    "In a way, the three schools are akin to the trio of blind men who render disparate descriptions of the very same elephant. Still, they share not only their subject matter -- but, to a counter intuitively large degree, a faulty methodology.
    "As the renowned anti-psychiatrist, Thomas Szasz, of the State University of New York, notes in his article "The Lying Truths of Psychiatry," mental health scholars, regardless of academic predilection, infer the etiology of mental disorders from the success or failure of treatment modalities.
    "This form of 'reverse engineering' of scientific models is not unknown in other fields of science, nor is it unacceptable if the experiments meet the criteria of the scientific method. The theory must be all-inclusive, consistent, falsifiable, logically compatible, monovalent, and parsimonious. Psychological 'theories' -- even the 'medical' ones (the role of serotonin and dopamine in mood disorders, for instance) -- are usually none of these things.
    "The outcome is a bewildering array of ever-shifting mental health 'diagnoses' expressly centered around Western civilization and its standards (example: the ethical objection to suicide). Neurosis, a historically fundamental 'condition' vanished after 1980. Homosexuality, according to the American Psychiatric Association, was a pathology prior to 1973. Seven years later, narcissism was declared a 'personality disorder,' almost seven decades after it was first described by Freud.
    "Szasz is the father of the 'anti-psychiatry' movement and this is his best book -- a riveting, mind boggling, scholarly read." -- Sam Vaknin, author of Malignant Self Love -- Narcissism Revisited
    "This is the seminal work by the great Thomas Szasz, psychiatry's most important critic. Szasz ranks with Hayek, Mill, and Madison as one of the greatest proponents of liberty. No educated person should be unfamiliar with his writings." -- Nicolas S. Martin
    Szasz is an atheist and a Libertarian.
    Thomas S. Szasz Cybercenter for Liberty and Responsibility
    "Liberty and responsibility are two sides of the same coin. No policy -- public or private -- can increase or decrease one without increasing or decreasing the other. Human behavior has reasons, not causes. . . .
    http://www.szasz.com/
    Mental Disorders are not Diseases, Thomas S. Szasz, M.D.
    "Psychiatrists and their allies have succeeded in persuading the scientific community, courts, media, and general public that mental illnesses are phenomena independent of human motivation or will. . . .
    "No one believes that love sickness is a disease, but nearly everyone believes that mental sickness is, and virtually no one realizes that, if this were true, it would prove the non-existence of mental illness. If mental illnesses are brain diseases (like Parkinsonism), then they are diseases of the body, not the mind." -- USA Today (Magazine) January 2000
    http://szasz.com/usatoday.html

    Vaknin, Samuel, and Lidija Rangelovska, Malignant Self Love -- Narcissism Revisited, 1st edition, 8th revision, ISBN: 9788023833843 8023833847, 596 pages.
    Contents: The narcissistic personality disorder -- Narcissism, the disorder -- Narcissism and society -- Narcissists and family -- The mind of the narcissist Responsibility: Sam Vaknin; editing and design, Lidija Rangelovska.

    Welch, Ed, Biblical Principles of Self-Image (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette EW101 [audio file].

    *Wolterstorff, Nicholas, Justice: Rights and Wrongs, ISBN: 9780691129679 0691129673 9780691146300 0691146306.
    "This book is an attempt to speak up for the wronged of the world . . . . My speaking up for the wrong of the world takes the form, in this book, of doing what I can to undermine those frameworks of conviction that prevent us from acknowledging that the other comes before us bearing a claim on us, and of offering an alternative framework, one that opens up to such acknowledgements." -- the author, p. ix
    "Nicholas Wolterstorff discusses what it is to have a right, and he locates rights in the respect due the worth of the rights-holder. After contending that socially-conferred rights require the existence of natural rights, he argues that no secular account of natural human rights is successful; he offers instead a theistic account.
    "Wolterstorff prefaces his systematic account of justice as grounded in rights with an exploration of the common claim that rights-talk is inherently individualistic and possessive. He demonstrates that the idea of natural rights originated neither in the Enlightenment nor in the individualistic philosophy of the late Middle Ages, but was already employed by the canon lawyers of the twelfth century. He traces our intuitions about rights and justice back even further, to Hebrew and Christian scriptures. After extensively discussing justice in the Old Testament and the New, he goes on to show why ancient Greek and Roman philosophy could not serve as a framework for a theory of rights." -- Publisher

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Pride, ambition, self-aggrandizement, arrogance, ego, The covenant faithfulness of god, Affliction, adversity, trials, suffering, chastisement, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Sonship, Immanuel, christ's presence, christ in you, The priesthood of believers, Election, Adoption, Assurance and perseverance of the saints, Trusting god, The Priesthood of believers, The teaching of our lord jesus christ, Christ our example, Spiritual warfare, Appendix c: psychology and psychiatry, Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, Pride, ambition, self-aggrandizement, arrogance, ego, Humility, Deceit, lying, and self-deception, Scapegoating and blameshifting, Self-denial, Self-justification, self-righteousness, Self-destruction, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 3183, 3188, 3194, 3221, 3228, 4168
    MGTP: Self-Denial, Self-Examination, Self-Exertion, Self-Righteousness

    Related Weblinks

    The Biblical View of Self-Esteem
    "Taken from: THE BIBLICAL VIEW OF SELF-ESTEEM, SELF-LOVE, SELF-IMAGE by Jay E. Adams, chapters 6, 7 and 10."
    http://www.chapellibrary.org/files/6513/7643/2891/bvos.pdf

    *Idolatry is the Most Condemned sin in the Bible, [audio file], Peter Hammond, 8/21/2016
    "When we start to worship anyone other than God, if we put anything as central in our lives, other than God, we are opening ourselves up to demonic influence, demonic deception and demonic possession, which explains why so many people today are so irrational, so immune to logic, so resistant to facts and logical explanations."
    https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=97161019341

    The OPE Campus Security Statistics Website
    http://www.ope.ed.gov/security/

    Psychology and Psychiatry
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappc.html

    Study Finds Rising Narcissism, Self-centeredness Among College Students, Associated Press, March 1, 2007
    "Today's college students are more narcissistic and self-centered than their predecessors, according to a comprehensive new study by five psychologists who worry that the trend could be harmful to personal relationships and American society . . .
    " 'Unfortunately, narcissism can also have very negative consequences for society, including the breakdown of close relationships with others, he says . . .'
    "The researchers describe their study as the largest ever of its type, and say students' NPI scores have risen steadily since the current test was introduced in 1982. By 2006, they say two-thirds of the students had above-average scores, 30 percent more than in 1982 . . .
    "The study asserts that narcissists 'are more likely to have romantic relationships that are short-lived, at risk for infidelity, lack emotional warmth and to exhibit game-playing, dishonesty and over-controlling and violent behaviors.'
    "Twenge, the author of GENERATION ME: WHY TODAY'S YOUNG AMERICANS ARE MORE CONFIDENT, ASSERTIVE, ENTITLED AND MORE MISERABLE THAN EVER BEFORE, says narcissists tend to lack empathy, react aggressively to criticism and favor self-promotion over helping others.
    "The researchers traced the phenomenon back to what they called the 'self-esteem movement' that emerged in the 1980s, asserting that the effort to build self-confidence had gone too far . . .
    "The new report follows a study released by the University of California, Los Angeles last month that found that nearly three-quarters of the freshmen it surveyed thought it was important to be 'very well-off financially.' That compared with 62.5 percent who said the same in 1980 and 42 percent in 1966."
    http://www.diverseeducation.com/artman/publish/article_7068.shtml



    Self-denial

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

    Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
    For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
    For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?     (Matthew 16:24-26)
    Matthew Gill's Commentary
    http://www.biblestudytools.com/my-bible/#/left:passage/kjv/matthew/16:24/&right:reference/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/matthew-16-24.html

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 51, C.H. Spurgeon
    The sacrifices of God, are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou will not despise. (Psalm 51:17)
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps051.php

    Lest we forget the hardships of Paul.
    Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I [am] more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.
    Of the Jews five times received I forty [stripes] save one.
    Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
    [In] journeyings often, [in] perils of waters, [in] perils of robbers, [in] perils by [mine own] countrymen, [in] perils by the heathen, [in] perils in the city, [in] perils in the wilderness, [in] perils in the sea, [in] perils among false brethren;
    In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
    Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
    Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?
    If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.
    The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.
    In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me:
    And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.     (2 Corinthians 11:23-33)

    According to John Calvin, the whole Christian life can be summarized by self-denial: a total resignation of each and every part of one's life to the sovereign will of God. -- Institutes of the Christian Religion III: 7:1-10

    I have given up all for Christ -- and what have I found? I have everything in Christ. -- John Calvin (1509-1564)

    Lastly, To name no more, self-denial must now be promoted. "If any man will come after me, he must deny himself," Mark 8:34. Both sinful self, which must absolutely and universally be denied; and natural, yea, religious self, which must respectively, and in some cases, be denied also. The want of this, hath been the downfall and ruin of many an eminent professor. The most dangerous nick and opportunity of temptation, is, when a man is tried in his darling lust; now he falls by the root, if that be not mortified. This was the ruin of Judas; covetousness was his predominant lust; and when he was tried there, he falls immediately, Matthew 26:16. "What will you give me, and I will betray him?" This overturned Demas also. Oh, consider these things. -- John Flavel (1627-1691)

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 106
    And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul. (Psalm 106:15)
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps106.php

    Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
    For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
    For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?     (Matthew 16:24-26)
    Matthew Gill's Commentary
    http://www.biblestudytools.com/my-bible/#/left:passage/kjv/matthew/16:24/&right:reference/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/matthew-16-24.html

    My Lord, I have nothing to do in this World, but to seek and serve thee; I have nothing to do with a Heart and its affections, but to breathe after thee. I have nothing to do with my Tongue and Pen, but to speak to thee, and for thee, and to publish thy Glory and thy Will. What have I to do with all my Reputation, and Interest in my Friends, but to increase thy Church, and propagate thy holy Truth and Service? What have I to do with my remaining Time, even these last and languishing hours, but to look up unto thee, and wait for thy Grace, and thy Salvation? -- Richard Baxter, in Dying Thoughts on Philippians 1:23

    There are only two types of people in the world, those who say to God, Not my will, but thine be done, and those to whom God says "Not my will, but thine be done." -- Dr. Donald Ewing (1916-1997)

    Self-Denial in the Christian Life, Octavius Winslow
    I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me. (Galatians 2:20)
    The life of Christ and the life of self cannot coexist in the same heart. If the one lives, the other dies. The sentence of death is written upon a man's self, when the Spirit of Christ enters his heart, and quickens his soul with the life of God. I live, he exclaims, yet not I. What a striking and beautiful example of this have we in the life and labors of the apostle Paul! Does he speak of his ministry? -- what a renunciation of self appears! Lost in the greatness and grandeur of his theme, he exclaims -- We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord. Again -- Unto me who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ. Does he refer to his office? -- what self-crucifixion! I magnify my office. In what way? Was it by vaunting proclamations of its grandeur and legitimacy, its Divine institution, or its solemn functions? Never! but he magnified his office by diminishing himself, and exalting his Master. He was nothing -- aye, and even his office itself was comparatively nothing -- that Christ might be all in all. Does he speak of his gifts and labors? what absence of self! I am the least of the apostles, that am not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the Church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am; and His grace, which was bestowed upon me, was not in vain, but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. Such was the religion of Paul. His Christianity was a self-denying, self-crucifying, self-renouncing Christianity. I live, yet not I. I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I. Oh what a self-denying spirit was his!
    "But every truly spiritual man is a self-renouncing man. In the discipline of his own heart, beneath the cross of Jesus, and in the school of trial and temptation, he has been taught in some degree, that if he lives, it is not he that lives, but that it is Christ that lives in him. Upon all his own righteousness, his duties, and doings, he tramples as to the great matter of justification; while, as fruits of the Spirit, as evidences of faith, as pulsations of the inner spiritual life, as, in a word, tending to authenticate and advance his sanctification, he desires to be careful to maintain good works, that God in all things might be glorified. -- Octavius Winslow (1808-1878), taken from Morning Thoughts or Daily Walking with God, devotion for July 11.

    There is great transforming power (power to transform your life, the lives of those around you, and society), in the New Testament sacrificial love of Christ Jesus that says, Not my will, but thine, be done. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 22:42b)

    It would be easy to lose heart and become cynical. But No! There is One who sees all things, knows all things, and will ultimately triumph over all things. There is only one message that addresses the truth as the truth. The Lord of glory, Jesus Christ, came to this earth and was also the victim of hate. Lies sent him to the cross. Power overruled reality, as politics and religious demagogues once again made the lie seem noble. But the Lord who sees the beginning from the end amazingly conquered not in spite of the dark mystery of evil, rather, He conquered through it. James Stewart of Scotland, pointing to the cross, said it in the most powerful terms I have read. Commenting on the verse from Psalm 68:18, He led captivity captive, he said:

    It is a glorious phrase -- He led captivity captive. The very triumphs of his foes, it means, he used for their defeat. He compelled their dark achievements to subserve his ends not theirs. They nailed him to a tree, not knowing that by that very act they were bringing the world to his feet. They gave him a cross, not guessing that he would make it a throne. They flung him outside the city gates to die, not knowing that in that very moment they were lifting up the gates of the universe, to let the king come in. They thought to root out his doctrines, not understanding that they were implanting imperishably in the hearts of men the very name they intended to destroy. They thought they had God with his back to the wall, pinned helpless and defeated: they did not know that it was God himself who had tracked them down. "He did not conquer in spite of the dark mystery of evil. He conquered through it." -- James Stewart (1635-1713)
    The lie has a shelf life. The truth abides forever. God can even conquer through our perversion.
    One more thing. I would be remiss if I left the guilt and darkness out there. That is the seduction of a fake righteousness. We all have to look at our own hearts and see the evil that is within each one of us. Only then can we find the answer from which all other answers flow. Some time ago, I was in Rumania. A sculptor had some of his works on display. One was a horrific, fierce-looking, long nail. When you picked it up, as rusty and jagged as the nail was, the head was polished and shiny. And when you looked at that polished head, you saw a reflection of yourself. It is sobering. Very sobering. . . . More than ever we need the Savior. Lord have mercy! -- Ravi Zacharias in a message, Is Paris Burning? November 18, 2015

    *Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Godliness Through Discipline, ISBN: 0875520219 9780875520216. A booklet.
    "Practical help from I Timothy 4:7 [1 Timothy 4:7], Luke 9:23, and Hebrews 5:13. Your whole life should be oriented toward godliness. 'Discipline means work; it means sustained daily effort. The word Paul used is the one from which the English words "gymnastics" and "gymnasium" have been derived.' 'Jesus insisted that Christians must deny the self within them. By the self, He meant the old desires, the old ways, the old practices, the old habit patterns that were acquired before conversion.' Just as you practiced sin habitually when you lived the desire-oriented life of sin, now you must practice righteousness through the power of the Holy Spirit until it too becomes habitual. 'There is no easier path to godliness than the prayerful study and obedient practice of the Word of God'." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
    "For the person who thinks that godliness comes instantly through some kind of experience. This booklet shows clearly that the Christian life must be a disciplined life." -- Robert B. Somerville

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Denial," "Discipline," and so forth, and so on.

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

    *Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), A Treatise of Self-Denial, ISBN: 1877611360. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #21. Included in THE SAINT'S EVERLASTING REST: BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 3.
    "This item is the work of Baxter that has been translated into the most number of different languages." -- compiler
    "It is also a great antidote to the prominent spirit (of antichrist), preached by psychologist and psychiatrists which focuses on self (self-esteem, self-actualization, etc.), and/or hedonism, in an idolatrous manner, rather than self-sacrifice and service in obedience to God. Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, . . . This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. (2 Pet. 3:3 [2 Peter 3:3]; 2 Tim. 3:1-5 [2 Timothy 3:1-5]) -- Publisher

    Burroughs, Jeremiah (1599-1646), and Don Kistler (editor), Moses' Choice: With his eye Fixed Upon Heaven: Discovering the Happy Condition of a Self-denying Heart With his eye Fixed Upon Heaven: Delivered in a Treatise Upon Hebrews 11:25,26, ISBN: 9780982615591 0982615590.
    "This work by the English Puritan Jeremiah Burroughs is based on Hebrews 11:25: choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. It is a masterful treatise on suffering and self-denial. This is the first modern edition of this rare work since its initial printing in 1641." -- Publisher
    The companion volume, MOSES' SELF-DENIAL, edited by Don Kistler is also in print as of 2016.
    Moses his Choice, Burroughs
    https://archive.org/details/moseshischoicewi00burr

    Chantry, Walter J. (1938-present), Shadow of the Cross: Studies in Self-Denial, ISBN: 085151331X 9780851513317.
    "Self-denial is a practice which lies very near to the heart of true religion. Without its exercise there can be no conversion to Christ. Qualities most basic to a Christian frame of heart -- notably humility and meekness -- would dissolve without its active expression. . . .
    "Why did Jesus Christ die? There are many sides to answering such an important question. But under the influence of the Spirit, the apostle teaches that our Lord's death was not designed to provide selfish men with eternal life while they remained abandoned to self-serving. A vital part of Christ's intention was to redirect the motivation of all whom his blood shedding would make alive. As he struggled up Calvary's hill and bled upon it, his aim was to eradicate self-love and implant the love of God in the hearts of men. One can only increase as the other decreases." -- Walter Chantry

    Greenhill, William (1591-1671), and Jeremiah Burroughs (1599-1646), The Excellency of a Gracious Spirit Delivered in a Treatise Vpon the 14. of Numbers, Vers. 24.: Together with Moses his self-deniall / by Jer. Burroughes . . . ISBN: 1573580244 9781573580243.

    Hooker, Thomas (1586-1647), Heautonaparnumenos, or, A Treatise of Self-deny all intended for the pulpit but now committed to the presse for the publike benefit, 1646.

    Manton, Thomas (1620-1677), A Treatise on Self-Denial. Available in A THIRD VOLUME OF SERMONS PREACHED BY THE LATE REVEREND AND LEARNED THOMAS MANTON. 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.

    Manton, Thomas (1620-1677), and Don Kistler, A Treatise of Self-denial, ISBN: 9780982615584 0982615582.

    Marshall, Stephen (1594?-1655), The VVorks of Mr. Stephen Marshall, late minister of the Gospel at Finching-Field in Essex. And since at Ipswitch in Suffolk. The first part. Viz. I. Of Christ's intercession. And of sins of infirmity. II. The high privilege of believers. They are the sons of God. III. Faith the only means spiritually to feed on Christ. IV. Of self-denial. V. The saints duty to keep their heart in a good frame, etc. VI. The mystery of spiritual life. Attested by Ralph Venning. Thomas Lye. Thomas Jacomb, 1661.

    *Owen, John (1616-1683), The Nature, Power, Deceit, and Prevalency of the Remainders of Indwelling-sin in Believers. Together with the ways of its working, and means of its prevention. Opened, evinced and applyed, with a resolution of sundry cases of conscience thereunto appertaining. By J. Owen, D.D. [London?], 1732. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Preston, John (1587-1628), Foure Godly and Learned Treatises. Intituled, I. A Remedy Against Covetousnesse. II. An Elegant and Lively Description of Spirituall Death and Life. III. The Doctrine of Selfe-deniall. IV. Vpon the Sacrament of the Lords Supper. Delivered in Sundry Sermons, by that late famous preacher, and worthy instrument of Gods glory, Iohn Preston, Doctor of Divinitie, chaplaine in ordinarie to his Majestie; master of Emanuel Colledge, and sometime preacher of Lincolnes Inne, 1633.

    Preston, John (1587-1628), Grace to the Humble, As Preparations to Receive the Sacrament. Preached by the late famous preacher Iohn Preston, Doctor of Divinity, and chaplen in ordinary to his Mtie. Master of Immanuel Colledge, and sometimes preacher in Lincolnes-Inne, 1639.
    A different version of "The doctrine of self-denial" in "Three godly and learned treatises."

    Preston, John (1587-1628), Sinnes Overthrow: or, A Godly and Learned Treatise of Mortification: Wherein is excellently handled; First, the generall doctrine of mortification: and Then particularly, how to mortifie fornication. Uncleannesse. Evill concupiscence. Inordinate affection. And covetousnesse. All being the substance of severall sermons upon Colos. 3.5. Mortifie therefore your members, &c. Delivered by that late faithfull preacher, and worthie instrument of Gods glorie, John Preston, Dr. in Divinitie, chaplin in ordinarie to his Majestie, master of Emanuell Colledge in Cambridge, and sometimes preacher of Lincolns-Inne, 1635, ISSN: 00279358. [Colossians 3:5]
    Preston, Sinnes Overthrow: or, A Godly and Learned Treatise of Mortification . . . All Being the Substance of Severall Sermons Upon Colos. 3. 5 [Colossians 3:5]
    https://archive.org/details/siwo00pres/page/n1

    Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), The Duty of Self-Denial and 10 Other Sermons, ISBN: 1877611956 9781877611957.

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Affliction, adversity, trials, suffering, chastisement, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, The ten commandments: the moral law, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Discipleship, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Holiness, Idolatry, Pride, ambition, self-aggrandizement, arrogance, ego, Humility, Sonship, The priesthood of believers, The teaching of our lord jesus christ, Christ our example, Servant leadership, Authority, Power, Power religion, Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, Self, selfishness, self-esteem, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 3198-3214, 3205-3208, 2324-3226, 3366, 3569, 3570
    MGTP: Self-Denial

    Related Weblinks

    The Autodidact (Self-taught)
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9cha.html#atddct

    Christian Scholarship
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9cha.html#cschol

    *Self-denial (FGB #218)
    What it Costs to be a Christian | Family or Christ? | Learning Self-denial From Christ | Cross-bearing | Christ's Cross and Ours | Motives to Self-denial | Reasons for Self-denial | Selfishness and Self-denial | Self-denial Defined
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/sdenfg/selfdenial



    Self-destruction

    Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate. (Psalm 34:21

    The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
    The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness.
    When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.
    The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.     (Proverbs 11:5-8)

    So far from enjoying peace, all worldly men and despisers of God are justly punished by their own depravity and obdurate rebellion; for each of them is his own executioner, and the more fiercely they rage against the word of God, the sorer are they tormented, until they bring upon themselves utter destruction. -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 119:166 and context

    For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. (Proverbs 1:32)

    He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered. (Proverbs 28:26)

    See the Theological Notes: "Demons" at Deuteronomy 32:17 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    See the Theological Notes: "Satan," at Job 1:6 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    See the Theological Notes: "Hell," at Mark 9:43 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    Whom the gods would destroy, they first make mad. -- Prometheus in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem, "The Masque of Pandora" (1875).

    Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. (Psalm 103:2-5)

    For whoso findeth me findeth life,
    and shall obtain favour of the Lord.
    But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul:
    all they that hate me love death.     (Proverbs 8:35,36)

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 106
    And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul. (Psalm 106:15)
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps106.php

    Consider, there are but two sorts of men in the world, and you are one of them. There is no neutral, no middle state; there are but two principles that men are influenced by, the flesh and the spirit; and there are but two ends men propound to themselves, either the pleasing of the flesh upon earth, or the enjoyment of God in heaven; and two places they issue into, heaven or hell. The Scripture is peremptory, and tells you who shall go to heaven, and who shall go to hell: Romans 8:13, 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; Galatians 6:8, He that soweth to the flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Or consider that, Proverbs 14:14, The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways, and a good man shall be satisfied from himself. There are two different persons commencing and setting forth in the pursuit of happiness, the backslider in heart and the good man. The backslider in heart is one that continues in the apostasy and defection of mankind, that indulgeth his lusts and vain pleasures, and for a seeming good leaves God, who is the chief good. But the good men are those who make it their business to keep their hearts chaste and loyal to God. They both desire to be filled and to be satisfied. The one takes his own way, and the other God's counsel; and in the event both are filled. The backslider in heart hath enough of his own ways when they have brought him to hell; and the good man hath enough when he comes to the enjoyment of the blessed God. And there is one truth more there, they are both filled from themselves, their own ways. The backslider shall have the fruit of his own choice, and a good man is satisfied with that course of godliness that he hath chosen, Proverbs 1:31. Those that turn away from God, it is said, They shall eat of their own ways, and be filled with the fruit of their own devices; and Isaiah 3:10, Say unto the righteous, it shall be well with him, for he shall eat of the fruit of his own doings. -- Thomas Manton (1620-1677)

    There are only two types of people in the world, those who say to God, Not my will, but thine be done, and those to whom God says "Not my will, but thine be done." -- Dr. Donald Ewing (1916-1997)

    Sexual sins are also sins against one's own body (1 Corinthians 6:18-20; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8). The human body is the temple of the living God (1 Corinthians 6:15-20). The body is to be kept chaste and pure. Fornication replaces holiness with filthiness. (1 Corinthians 6:18-20; Ephesians 5:3). Therefore, sexual sin is self-destructive.

    When under psychic attack, often the Adversary's strategy is to cause the victim to harm themselves. This may occur through partial loss of the victim's reason or his power of will. Under oppression or possession the unholy spirit attempts to usurp the mind and body of the victim, "so that self-destruction sets in . . ." See: Frederick S. Leahy, Satan Cast out

    A nation that struggles to remove The Holy Trinity, The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, from all public life, that nation will lose all restrain of evil, and will succumb to self-destruction from within. It will also succumb to destruction from enemies without. It is the presence in a nation of The Holy One of Israel, The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the presence of The Triune God, that restrains evil, and that gives society order and life.

    Sanctity of Life is the basis of Western Civilization. In the Abortion Holocaust we are witnessing the destruction of Western Civilization. -- D. James Kennedy (1930-2007)

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Winning the war Within: A Biblical Strategy for Spiritual Warfare, ISBN: 188903200X 9781889032009. Alternate title: THE WAR WITHIN: A BIBLICAL STRATEGY FOR SPIRITUAL WARFARE.
    "The Christian life is war. The holy war between God and Satan gets played out within ourselves in the conflict between the Holy Spirit and the flesh. 'It is to the enemy within that Satan, the world, and the demons must make their appeal.' Describes Satan's tactics and power, and then the strategies for victory: the Spirit's sword, prayer, faith, the help of believers. 'The prime purpose of this book is to encourage faltering Christians'." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    *Bunyan, John (1628-1688), The Life and Death of Mr. Badman, ISBN: 0585070857 9780585070858. Available (WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN), on the Puritan Hard Drive. A Christian classic.
    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.

    *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

    Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), Practical Sermons, Never Before Published. By the Late Reverend Mr. Jonathan Edwards.
    Contains other sermons on the useless wicked.

    *Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), Sermon XVIII. Wicked men Useful in Their Destruction Only. EZEK. xv. 2. 3. 4. Son of man, What is the vine-tree more than any tree? or than a branch which is among the trees of the forest? Shall wood . . . [Ezekiel 15:2,3,4] Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available in THE WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS (2:125-29). Included in PRACTICAL SERMONS, NEVER BEFORE PUBLISHED. BY THE LATE REVEREND MR. JONATHAN EDWARDS, which contains other sermons on the useless wicked.
    Wicked men Useful in Their Destruction Only, Jonathan Edwards
    http://www.jonathan-edwards.org/WickedMen.html
    Calvin commenting on Ezekiel 15
    http://www.biblestudyguide.org/comment/calvin/comm_vol23/htm/iv.htm
    The Geneva Bible Notes on Ezekiel 15
    https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/geneva-study-bible/ezekiel/ezekiel-15.html
    Matthew Henry commenting on Ezekiel 15
    https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/ezekiel/15.html
    John Gill commenting on Ezekiel 15
    https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/ezekiel-15-2.html

    *Howie, John (1735-1793), The Scots Worthies. Biographia Scoticana: or, A Brief Historical Account of the Lives, Characters, and Memorable Transactions of the Most Eminent Scots Worthies . . . Also, an Appendix, Containing a Short Historical Hint of the Wicked Lives . . . of the . . . Apostates and . . . Persecutors in Scotland . . . 2nd edition, corrected and enlarged, 1781. A Christian classic. Available (PDF and MP3 audio files) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (PDF file) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1, #10. Available (22 MP3 audio files) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1-30 and at AudioSermons.com.
    "Most commonly known as SCOTS WORTHIES, this edition contains Howie's footnotes (defending the Covenanters), and Howie's appendix titled 'The Judgment and Justice of God' (which chronicles God's judgments upon Reformation apostates and those who persecuted the Covenanters). It is the only edition in print which contains both these sections intended for publication by the author (as later editors often removed either one or both of these parts of this book). BIOGRAPHIA SCOTICANA covers the history of 'noblemen, gentlemen, ministers and others from Mr. Patrick Hamilton, who was born about the year of our Lord 1503, and suffered martyrdom at St. Andrews, Feb., 1527, to Mr. James Renwick, who was executed in the Grass-market of Edinburgh, Feb. 17, 1688. Together with a succinct account of the lives of other seven eminent divines, and Sir Robert Hamilton of Preston, who died about, or shortly after the Revolution.' This is one of our best history books (over 700 pages), covering all of the major Scottish Reformers. Howie summarizes his book as follows: 'The design of the following was to collect, from the best authorities, a summary account of the lives, characters, and contendings, of a certain number of our most renowned SCOTS WORTHIES, who, for their faithful services, ardent zeal, constancy in sufferings, and other Christian graces and virtues, deserve honourable memorial in the Church of Christ; and for which their names have been, and will be savoury to all the true lovers of our Zion, while Reformation principles are regarded.' Furthermore, the momentous nature of the struggles chronicled in this book are succinctly noted when Howie writes: 'the primitive witnesses had the divinity of the Son of God, and an open confession of Him, for their testimony. Our reformers from Popery had Antichrist to struggle with, in asserting the doctrines of the Gospel, and the right way of salvation in and through Jesus Christ. Again, in the reigns of James VI. and Charles I., Christ's REGALIA, and the divine right of Presbytery, became the subject matter of their testimony. Then, in the beginning of the reign of Charles II. (until he got the whole of our ancient and laudable constitution effaced and overturned), our Worthies only saw it their duty to hold and contend for what they had already attained unto. But, in the end of this and the subsequent tyrant's reign, they found it their duty (a duty which they had too long neglected), to advance one step higher, by casting off their authority altogether, and that as well on account of their manifest usurpation of Christ's crown and dignity, as on account of their treachery, bloodshed, and tyranny . . . which may be summed up. The Primitive martyrs sealed the prophetic office of Christ in opposition to Pagan idolatry. The reforming martyrs sealed His priestly office with their blood, in opposition to Popish idolatry. And last of all, our late martyrs have sealed His kingly office with their best blood, in despite of supremacy and bold Erastianism. They indeed have cemented it upon His royal head, so that to the world's end it shall never drop off again.' Moreover, the importance of this book can be clearly seen when Johnston, in TREASURY OF THE SCOTTISH COVENANT, reports that, Walter Scott refers to Howie as 'the fine old chronicler of the Cameronians'. . . Howie's book has been for upwards of a century a household word, occupying a place on the shelf beside THE BIBLE and THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS.' Written for God, country and the covenanted work of Reformation. Stirring history!" -- Publisher
    An alternative edition that also contains the appendix, Biographia Scoticana: or, A Brief Historical Account of the Lives, Characters, and Memorable Transactions of the Most Eminent Scots Worthies, Noblemen, Gentlemen, Ministers and Others . . . With an Appendix, Containing a Short Historical Account of the Wicked Lives and Miserable Deaths of Some of the Most Bloody Persecutors in Scotland, 1836.
    An Appendix, Containing a Short Historical Hint of the Wicked Lives and Miserable Deaths of Some of the Most Remarkable Apostates and Bloody Persecutors in Scotland From the Reformation to the Revolution
    This is the Appendix to THE SCOTS WORTHIES. BIOGRAPHIA SCOTICANA, 2nd edition, corrected and enlarged, 1781.
    http://archive.org/details/biographiascotic28272gut
    See also: A CLOUD OF WITNESSES FOR THE ROYAL PREROGATIVES OF JESUS CHRIST BEING THE LAST SPEECHES AND TESTIMONIES OF THOSE WHO HAVE SUFFERED FOR THE TRUTH IN SCOTLAND SINCE . . . 1680 and JOHN FOXE'S BOOK OF MARTYRS. ACTES AND MONUMENTS OF MATTERS MOST SPECIALL AND MEMORABLE. Available from: http://www.johnfoxe.org. Implemented by the Humanities Research Institute, University of Sheffield, England, and published by HRI Online Publications, Sheffield, 2011, Version 2.0, ISBN: 9780954260864.

    *Roberts, William Louis (1798-1864), The Reformed Presbyterian Catechism, ISBN: 0524065543 9780524065549. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available from ATLA 1991-2638.
    A magnificent catechism that sets forth the Crown Rights of The King of Glory and Lord of Lords. It also presents incontrovertible evidence that the United States Constitution is not a Christian document, and that it is, in fact, a slavery document.
    "A manual of instruction, drawing from such notable authors as William Symington and J.R. Willson, presenting arguments and facts confirming and illustrating the 'Distinctive Principles' of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. Chapters deal with: 'Christ's Mediatorial Dominion in General;' Christ's Exclusive Headship Over the Church;' 'The Supreme and Ultimate Authority of the Word of God in the Church;' Civil Government, the Moral Ordinance of God;' Christ's Headship Over the Nations;' 'The Subjection of the Nations to God and to Christ;' The Word, or Revealed Will of God, the Supreme Law in the State;' 'The Duty of Nations, in Their National Capacity, to Acknowledge and Support the True Religion:' 'The Spiritual Independence of the Church of Christ:' 'The Right and Duty of Dissent From an Immoral Constitution of Civil Government;' 'The Duty of Covenanting, and the Permanent Obligations of Religious Covenants;' 'The Application of These Principles to the Governments, Where Reformed Presbyterians Reside, in the Form of a Practical Testimony;' and finally 'Application of the Testimony to the British Empire. . . '." -- Publisher
    Reformed Presbyterian Catechism, William L. Roberts D.D.
    http://archive.org/details/ReformedPresbyterianCatechism
    On the Mediatorial Dominion of The Lord Jesus Christ, excerpted from THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CATECHISM.
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/roberts_rp_catechism_section_01_mediatorial_dominion.html
    The Exclusive Headship of The Lord Jesus Christ Over the Church of God, excerpted from THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CATECHISM.
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/roberts_rp_catechism_section_02_christs_headship_over_the_church.html
    Civil Government the Moral Ordinance of God, excerpted from THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CATECHISM.
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/roberts_rp_catechism_section_04_civil_government.html
    On Christ's Headship Over the Nations, excerpted from THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CATECHISM.
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/roberts_rp_catechism_section_05_christs_headship_over_nations.html
    The Subjection of the Nations to God and to Christ, excerpted from THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CATECHISM.
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/reformedpresbyterian/roberts_rp_catechism_section_06_subjection_of_nations_to_christ.html
    See also: The Scottish Covenanting Struggle, Alexander Craighead, and the Mecklenburg Declaration, SECRET PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION; CONSPIRACY IN PHILADELPHIA: THE ORIGINS OF THE U.S. CONSTITUTION, and A THEOLOGICAL INTERPRETATION OF AMERICAN HISTORY.

    Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635), The Ungodly's Misery. In THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES (1:385-94). Available (THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES), on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Welch, Edward T., Self-injury: When Pain Feels Good, a booklet, ISBN: 0875526977 9780875526973.

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Self, self-esteem, Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Sin, contagion of sin, imitation, conformity, Temptation, Lying, deceit, self-deception, Hypocrisy, Self-righteousness, self-justification, Self, self-esteem, Alcoholics anonymous and other 12 step recovery programs, Unforgiveness, The one and the many, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The covenant faithfulness of god, Immanuel, christ's presence, christ in you, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Justifying faith, The decline of american society, irrationality, the decline of western thought, Male role and responsibility, gender equality, suffrage, reproductive rights, and the decline of american society, God's deliverance of nations, Christ's kingdom, Lordship of jesus christ, The all-sufficiency of christ, Spiritual warfare, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, Fatalism, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 970, 988, 1121, 2161, 3068-3073, 3181-3183, 3188, 3350, 3853
    MGTP: Wicked Men, Depravity (Man's Natural Total)

    Related Weblinks

    Rebellion and Lawlessness: Wickedness, Demonic Possession, Abnormal Behavior, Insanity, Mental Illness, Mental Retardation
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappd.html#rlinsane

    A Redneck Resolution Against Self-destruction
    http://www.lettermen2.com/redneck.html



    Self-Justification, Self-Righteousness, Works Righteousness

    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. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (1 John 1:8-10)

    See the Theological Notes: "The Atonement," at Romans 3:25 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    We shall never be clothed with the righteousness of Christ except we first know assuredly that we have no righteousness of our own. -- John Calvin

    Acts 10:43, 1 John 1:7, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Corinthians 1:13, Acts 20:28, Hebrews 10:14, Revelation 7:14, and so forth, and so on. -- Calvin: Institutes of the Christian Religion, 3.5.1-5

    We always seem to ourselves just, and upright, and wise, and holy, until we are convinced, by clear evidence, of our injustice, vileness, folly, and impurity. Convinced, however, we are not, if we look to ourselves only, and not to the Lord also -- He being the only standard by the application of which this conviction can be produced. For, since we are all naturally prone to hypocrisy, any empty semblance of righteousness is quite enough to satisfy us instead of righteousness itself. -- John Calvin

    All who count on being saved by their own performances, or rely upon their own obedience for acceptance by God, are under the curse of His Law, exposed to His wrath. Justification by Law-keeping is an utter impossibility for any fallen creature. Why so? Because God's Law requires flawless and perpetual conformity, sinless perfection in thought and word and deed, and because it makes no provision for failure to comply with its holy and righteous terms. It is not sufficient to hear about or know the requirements of God's Law -- they must be met. Thus it is obvious that a law which already condemns cannot justify, and that any who hope to merit God's favour, by their fickle and faulty attempts to obey it, are woefully deceived. Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. (Galatians 3:10) This statement was made by the apostle to show that every man is under divine condemnation until he flees to Christ for refuge. -- Arthur Pink, Divine Cursings

    Christianity is definitively and drastically different from all other religions. In every religion except Christianity, morality is a means of attainment. No amount of goodness can justify us before a sovereign God.
    The Christian message is a reminder that our true malady is one that morality alone cannot solve. A transformed heart by God's grace is the efficacious power that lifts us beyond mere morality. It is the richness of being right with God. His grace makes up for what our wills cannot accomplish. -- Ravi Zacharias

    I have seen an end of all perfection.
    He had seen its limit, for it went but a little way; he had seen its evaporation under the trials of life, its detection under the searching glance of truth, its exposure by the confession of the penitent. There is no perfection beneath the moon. Perfect men, in the absolute sense of the word, live only in a perfect world. Some men see no end to their own perfection, but this is because they are perfectly blind. The experienced believer has seen an end of all perfection in himself, in his brethren, in the best man's best works. It would be well if some who profess to be perfect could even see the beginning of perfection, for we fear they cannot have begun aright, or they would not talk so exceeding proudly. Is it not the beginning of perfection to lament your imperfection? There is no such thing as perfection in anything which is the work of man. "But thy commandment is exceeding broad." When the breadth of the law is known the notion of perfection in the flesh vanishes: that law touches every act, word, and thought, and is of such a spiritual nature that it judges the motives, desires, and emotions of the soul. It reveals a perfection which convicts us for shortcomings as well as for transgressions, and does not allow us to make up for deficiencies in one direction by special carefulness in others. The divine ideal of holiness is far too broad for us to hope to cover all its wide arena, and yet it is no broader than it ought to be. Who would wish to have an imperfect law? Nay, its perfection is its glory; but it is the death of all glorying in our own perfection. There is a breadth about the commandment which has never been met to the full by a corresponding breadth of holiness in any mere man while here below; only in Jesus do we see it fully embodied. The law is in all respects a perfect code; each separate precept of it is far-reaching in its hallowed meaning, and the whole ten cover all, and leave no space wherein to please our passions. We may well adore the infinity of divine holiness, and then measure ourselves by its standard, and bow before the Lord in all lowliness, acknowledging how far we fall short of it. -- C.H. Spurgeon, commenting on Psalm 119:96

    It may be you never thought of this; but so it is, that a man may as certainly perish by his seeming righteousness and supposed graces -- as by gross sins; and that is, when a man trusts to these as his righteousness before God, for satisfying His justice, appeasing His wrath, procuring His favor, and obtaining His pardon. This is to put Christ out of office, and make a Savior of our own duties and graces. Beware of this, O professing Christians; you are much in duties -- but this one fly will spoil all the ointment. When you have done most and best, be sure to go out of yourselves -- to Christ; reckon your own righteousness as filthy rags (Philippians 3:9; Isaiah 64:6). -- Joseph Alleine (1634-1668), A Sure Guide to Heaven

    See the Theological Notes: "God is Light: Divine Holiness and Justice" at Leviticus 11:44 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    See the Theological Notes: "Justification and Merit," at Galatians 3:11 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    See the Theological Notes: "Faith and Works," at James 2:24 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    See the Theological Notes: "Perseverance of the Saints," at Romans 8:30 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    See the Theological Notes: "Christian Liberty," at Galatians 5:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    See the Theological Notes: "Legalism," at Matthew 23:4 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    For although true faith is not without good works, yet doth it justify without good works, by itself alone. -- Heinrich Bullinger

    Men must be governed by God, or they will be governed by tyrants. -- William Penn

    Self-righteousness arises partly from pride, but mainly from ignorance of God's law. It is because men know little or nothing concerning the terrible character of the divine law, that they foolishly imagine themselves to be righteous. -- C.H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)

    We tend to put our country beyond the reach of God's judgment. The words on the back of our Great seal read, "God hath ordained our undertakings." Our money is emblazoned with "In God We Trust." Our leaders solemnly invoke the name of God in their political speeches. We earnestly want to believe that ours is God's chosen land, that we are his chosen people, and that the leaders we have are divinely chosen and given special wisdom.
    This impulse is born out of our own lives. We would rather believe that we merit God's blessing than admit that we stand under His judgment, and in need of His forgiveness. But however difficult it is to admit our sin, the evidence of it is all around us, in the personal dilemmas of our lives and in the crises that afflict our Nation. Saint John reminds us that "If we refuse to admit that we are sinners, then we live in a world of illusion and truth becomes a stranger to us" (I John 1:8 [1 John 1:8]). Continued belief in national self-righteousness, therefore, no matter what we as a Nation do, only leads us into greater peril. . . . -- 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

    Alexander, Archibald (1772-1851), Difficulty of Knowing our Faults. In EVANGELICAL TRUTH: PRACTICAL SERMONS FOR THE CHRISTIAN HOME.

    *Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), The Everlasting Righteousness, or How Shall man be Just With God? 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?
    http://books.google.com/books?id=nQMDAAAAQAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html

    Cunha, Stephen M., The Emperor has no Clothes: Dr. Richard B. Gaffin Jr.'s Doctrine of Justification (Unicoi, TN: The Trinity Foundation, November, 2011), ISBN: 1891777327 9781891777325.
    From the conclusion:

    Justification is by faith alone! True, it is not by a faith that is alone. Only the kind of faith that evidences itself as true faith through the production of good works in the kind of faith that justifies. Good works play a purely evidential or demonstrative role with respect to justification. The Bible teaches this and, for this reason, all of the Reformers taught this. Heinrich Bullinger, another Reformer of prodigious stature and tremendous influence, is fairly representative of all the Reformers when he says, "For although true faith is not without good works, yet doth it justify without good works, by itself alone."(1) Amen!
    Lest anyone attempt to gloss Bullinger's words with a shade of meaning foreign to his intent, it is to be observed that, in the same sermon, only a few sentences later, the great Reformer approvingly cites the following comments on the third chapter of Romans made by the Ante-Nicene writer Origen:
    Paul saith that the justification of faith alone is sufficient for a man; so that every one that doth believe only is justified, although no works are once wrought by him. Now if we require an example, where any was ever justified by faith alone without good works; that thief, I suppose, is example good enough, who, being crucified with Christ, did cry from the cross, "Lord Jesus, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom." In the writings of the evangelists there is mention made of no good work which he in his life did; and yet, because of this his faith only, Jesus said unto him: "Verily I say unto thee, this day thou shalt be with me in paradise." Therefore this thief was through faith justified without the works of the law. For after this request and prayer of his the Lord made no inquisition what his works were all his life long; neither did he look what works he would do after this faith and believing; but did immediately, upon his confession, both justify, and take him as a companion to go with him to paradise.(2)
    1. Henry Bullinger, The Decades of Henry Bullinger, Volume 1 (Reformation Heritage Books, 2004), 339 (Decade 3, Sermon 9). 2. The Decades of Henry Bullinger, Volume 1, 339-340 (Decade 3, Sermon 9).
    This is good news! Thanks be to God!

    Cunningham, William (1805-1861), The Folly of Self-Righteousness. In SERMONS FROM 1828 TO 1860 (213-23). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.

    Erskine, Ebenezer (1680-1754), The Humble Soul the Particular Favourite of Heaven. A Complete Sermon on Psalm 138:6, Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly. In THE WORKS OF EBENEZER ERSKINE. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "I think, that a man never passes the verge of moral humility, till self-righteousness be dethroned, till the high and towering imaginations of the man's own righteousness by the law be leveled by the mighty weapons of the gospel, and he brought to submit to the righteousness of God for justification, which is, in the gospel revealed 'from faith to faith'."

    Miller, C. John (1928-1996), The Heart of a Servant Leader: Letters From Jack Miller, ISBN: 0875527159 9780875527154.
    "The late Jack Miller was a man wonderfully used by God to help the American church rediscover the impact of the Gospel of Grace. The ripples of his ministry continue to have impact today. This book, lovingly compiled and edited by Jack's daughter Barbara Miller Juliani, contains many of Jack Miller's letters to all kinds of people -- ministers, elders, counselors, and just ordinary Christians. His focus is always Christ and His grace. His message is always clear, humble and loving, and yet very convicting and powerful. These letters were for me, models of applying the Gospel to a lot of situations. Be warned, these letters will stretch you and expose your own self-righteousness and self-protective patterns.
    "The book is divided into sections by theme: Motivation for Serving: The Glory of God; The Basics of Serving: Faith, Humility, and Prayer; Persevering in Serving; and Encouragement. I found myself frequently underlining paragraphs in these letters and have already e-mailed some quotes to some friends for their encouragement. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in ministry, growing in their faith, or just how the Gospel is for Christians and non-Christians alike!" -- Reader's Comment

    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.

    *Singer, C. Gregg (1910-1999), The Patristic Foundations of Calvinism, in JOHN CALVIN: HIS ROOTS AND FRUITS (1-6).

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Soteriology and atonement, Repentance the key to salvation and change, The person and work of the lord jesus christ, 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 gospel message of salvation, the means of grace, and the life to come, Justifying faith, Arminianism, Self-justification, self-righteousness, works righteousness, False gospels, The counter-reformation, Pseudo-christian movements, Unfaithful reformed ministries, Idolatry, Heresy and apostasy, Scapegoating and blameshifting, Hypocrisy, Lying, deceit, self-deception, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 1986, 3196, 3215-3221
    MGTP: Self-Righteousness

    Related Weblinks

    The Glory of Christ (FGB #162)
    Christ's Person | Christ's Crucifixion | Christ's Love | Christ's Beauty | Contemplating Christ's Glory | Christ's Offices | Christ's Exaltation | Seeing the Glory of Christ | Christ's Glory | Christ's Humiliation
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/gochfg/glory-of-christ-the

    Good Works (FGB #199)
    Do you Think you Have any Good Works? Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | Works, Grace, and Salvation, Lloyd-Jones, D.M. (1899-1981) | The Scriptures and Good Works, Pink, A.W. (1886-1952) | Good Works and the Justified, Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889) | Saving Faith and Good Works, Erskine, Ebenezer (1680-1754) | Zealous of Good Works, Manton, Thomas (1620-1677) | The Necessity of Maintaining Good Works, Erskine, Ebenezer (1680-1754) | The Best way to Provoke Good Works, Bunyan, John (1628-1688) | Judgment and the Saints' Reward, Bunyan, John (1628-1688)
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/gworfg/good-works



    Servant Leadership

    Servant Leadership
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chc.html#servantl



    Separation

    Separation
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chd.html#separat



    Sexual Relationship

    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)

    See the Theological Notes: "Body and Soul, Male and Female" at Genesis 2:7 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 19:5-6)
    John Gill commenting on Matthew 19:6
    http://www.biblestudytools.com/my-bible/#/left:passage/kjv/matthew/19:6/&right:reference/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/matthew-19-6.html

    All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.
    Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
    Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.     (1 Corinthians 6:12-20)

    Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (2 Timothy 2:22)

    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)

    I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid? (Job 31:1)

    For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well. (Acts 15:28,29) -- From a letter written by the Apostles after they had consulted together, and declared to the church at Antioch

    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. (Romans 8:12-13)
    A man may easier see without eyes, speak without a tongue, than truly mortify one sin without the Spirit. -- John Owen

    Ultimately the Seventh Commandment (Exodus 20:14), is about our fidelity to Christ. (Hosea 2:19-20; 1 Corinthians 6:15-20; James 4:4)
    To fracture the Seventh Commandment is to break covenant with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
    The sexual revolution is really a revolution against God. (Numbers 25:1-3, 29; Joshua 22:17; Psalm 106:30,31)
    See: Engelsma, Marriage, the Mystery of Christ and the Church.

    Calvin seems to see the Seventh as interrelated to, as summing up, all Ten Commandments of the Law.*
    Although one kind of impurity is alone referred to, it is sufficiently plain, from the principle laid down, that believers are generally exhorted to chastity; for, if the Law be a perfect rule of holy living, it would be more than absurd to give a license for fornication, adultery alone being excepted. Furthermore, it is incontrovertible that God will by no means approve or excuse before this tribunal, what the common sense of mankind declares to be obscene; for, although lewdness has everywhere been rampant in every age, still the opinion could never be utterly extinguished, that fornication is a scandal and a sin. . . . [Titus 2:12; Isaiah 30:21; Matthew 19:17; Romans 13:8]
    Now, if Christ and the Apostles, who are the best interpreters of the Law, declare that God's Law is violated no less by fornication than by theft, we assuredly infer, *that in this Commandment the whole genus is comprehended under a single species. . . . [Hebrews 13:4; Leviticus 21:14; Deuteronomy 23:17; Hosea 4:11; Hosea 1:2; Numbers 25:9; 1 Corinthians 10:8; Acts 15:20; 1 Corinthians 6:18; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:4,5] -- John Calvin commenting on Exodus 20:14 and Deuteronomy 5:18 and context

    According to the Guttmacher Institute, slightly less than half (45 percent) of U.S. pregnancies in 2011 were unintended, approximately 2.8 million pregnancies per year.[4]. . . .
    Over 92 percent of abortions are the result of unintended pregnancy,[13] and unintended pregnancies result in about 800,000 abortions/year.[14] -- Wikipedia, Unintended Pregnancy

    Moreover, it deserves to be noticed, that the plague ceased at the very time when Phinehas executed justice. From this we may learn, that the most effectual way to quench the fire of God's anger, is when the sinner willingly sits in judgment upon himself for the punishment of his own transgressions; as Paul says, If we would judge ourselves, verily we would not be judged of the Lord. (1 Corinthians 11:13)
    And surely God confers no small honor upon us, in placing the punishment of our sins within our reach. -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 106:29 and context

    This, however, has happened, not once only, and not with the men of Sodom alone; but is daily fulfilled in the reprobate, whom Satan fascinates with such madness, that when stricken by the mighty hand of God, they proceed with stupid obstinacy to advance against him. And we need not seek far, for an instance of such conduct; we see with what tremendous punishments God visits wandering lusts; and yet the world ceases not, with desperate audacity, to rush into the certain destruction which is set before their eyes. -- John Calvin (1509-1564), commenting on Genesis 19:10 and context

    Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. (1 Corinthians 6:9,10)

    We are an illiterate nation incapable of understanding great truth. -- C. Gregg Singer (1910-1999)

    Nothing exceeds the satisfaction of the presence of God.

    Paul's teaching on celibacy, virginity, singleness, marriage, and remarriage -- John Calvin commenting on 1 Corinthians 6:1-9 -- 1 Corinthians 7:40.

    Our first love is our only love because, by definition, a man can become one flesh (Genesis 2:24; 1 Corinthians 6:15-20) with only one woman, and visa versa. Men and women have only ONE CHANCE to become one flesh. Promiscuity then is a hopelessly impossible attempt to again know that oneness which has been lost.

    Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. (Hebrews 13:4)

    Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, in so much that he abhorred his own inheritance.
    And he gave them into the hands of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them.
    Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand.     (Psalm 106:40-42)

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 106, commentary by C.H. Spurgeon
    Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt. (v. 7)
    Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known. (v. 8)
    And he saved them from the hand of them that hated them. (v. 10)
    They soon forgat his works. (v. 13)
    And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul. (v. 15)
    They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the molten image. (v. 19)
    Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass. (v. 20)
    They forgat God their saviour. (v. 21)
    Thus they provoked him to anger with their inventions: and the plague brake in upon them. (v. 29)
    Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and so the plague was stayed. (v. 30)
    And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore. (v. 31)
    They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them. (v. 34)
    But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works. (v. 35)
    Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils. (v. 37)
    Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions. (v. 39)
    Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, in so much that he abhorred his own inheritance. (v. 40)
    And he gave them into the hands of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them. (v. 41)
    Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand. (v. 42)
    Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity. (v. 43)
    Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry. (v. 44)
    And he remembered for them his covenant. (v. 45)
    Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, and to triumph in thy praise. (v. 47)
    Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the Lord. (v. 48)
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps106.php

    The enemies of the eternal souls of the elect are the flesh, Satan, and the world system. (James 4:4; Acts 26:18)

    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)

    Opponents to the Nineteenth Amendment argued that society would change if women were given the right to vote. "Opponents warned that women's suffrage would lead to immorality, free love [and by necessity abortion -- compiler], divorce, socialism, and anarchism." See: THE FIRST BLAST OF THE TRUMPET AGAINST THE MONSTROUS REGIMENT [GOVERNMENT] OF WOMEN.

    A Partial Timeline of U.S. History Showing how Liberalization in the Church and Liberalization in the State, has Been Paralleled by Advances in the Feminist Movement, and the Overall Decline of American Society
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chc.html#ptushlcs

    For a listing of forbidden sexual relationships see Leviticus 18:6-23; Leviticus 20:10-21.

    My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
    As they were increased, so they sinned against me: therefore will I change their glory into shame. They eat up the sin of my people, and they set their heart on their iniquity. And there shall be, like people, like priest: and I will punish them for their ways, and reward them their doings. For they shall eat, and not have enough: they shall commit whoredom, and shall not increase: because they have left off to take heed to the LORD. Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart.     (Hosea 4:6-11)

    The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
    I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.     (Jeremiah 17:9,10)
    Because the wicked have ever some excuse to defend their doings, he showeth that their own lewd imaginations deceive them, and bring them to these inconveniences: but God will examine their deeds by the malice of their hearts, 1 Samuel 16:7; 1 Chronicles 28:9; Psalm 7:10; Jeremiah 11:20 and Jeremiah 20:12; Revelation 2:13. -- 1599 Geneva Bible Notes

    Abortion was the 20th century's biggest single killer of mankind worldwide, far surpassing any other cause: disease, war, governments, natural disasters, and so forth. See: "Biggest Killers of the 20th Century." Notice that abortion is not included in this diagram. The absence of information says something about the depravity of mankind (Jeremiah 17:9,10), and about the suppression and repression of truth. (Hosea 4:6,7)
    The number of abortions performed worldwide in the last 50 years is estimated to be 1 to 2 billion. But try to document this fact elsewhere online.
    The total abortions worldwide for the 20th century may be interpolation from available data. The calculation does not factor in incremental increases in world population since 1900. Worldwide there are an estimated 43.8 million abortions annually (2008 figures, Guttmacher Institute) X 100 years = 4.38 billion killings worldwide in the 20th century. This is compared to 1.97 billion estimated deaths worldwide for non-communicable diseases the reported biggest killer worldwide of the 20th century. Comparison may also be made with figures for genocide.
    Number of Abortions -- Abortion Counters
    "The most accurate set of abortion counters on the web. Number of abortions in U.S. and worldwide; Number of abortions since 1973; Number of abortions this year; U.S. abortion clock; Worldwide abortion clock; Number of abortions due to rape or incest; Planned Parenthood abortion count."
    http://www.numberofabortions.com/

    Sexual Relationship: A few brief comments

    The uniqueness of sexual relationship

    1. Our first love is our only love. A man shall be joined unto his wife, and the two shall be one flesh. (Genesis 2:24, Ephesians 5:31, 1 Corinthians 6:15-20, Psalm 67:1,2). There is a "mixing and blending" of both body and soul in sexual relationship (Corinthians 6:15-20). In good marriages the partners begin to think and look alike. (Proverbs 27:19)
    2. It is impossible to be one flesh with more than one person. Logically oneness is unique and can exist in only one relationship. Therefore, any other relationship will be less fulfilling than the first. The promiscuous person goes from partner to partner seeking fulfillment in a oneness that has been lost forever.
    3. Love and lust are opposites. They can not coexist together. But they are confused by the unregenerate. If a man truly loves a woman, then he will not lust after her. (1 Peter 2:11). A sign of true love is the man would not, under any circumstances, harm his true love. (1 John 2:15-17). Love "is sharing life together in a way that brings glory to God and enriches the lives of every family member." (Kennedy, Learning to Live With the People you Love). If a man lusts for a woman, then he does not truly love her, because lust is harmful (James 4:1; 1 John 4:18; Matthew 5:28; See below: Women who cohabit are 76 times as likely to be physically abused).
    4. The carnal world may argue that lustful, immoral sex is the most gratifying (1 John 2:15-17). Their eyes are blinded to the long-term consequences of sexual sin (James 4:1; 1 Corinthians 6:18-20; Hebrew 11:25-27): lose of unique oneness and fulfillment of true love, violence (Leviticus 19:29, Five-Year Arrest Trends, All Women, 1995-1999), broken relationships, ruined lives, ruined families (Psalm 68:6; Samson and Delilah, David's sin with Bathsheba, Solomon's foreign concubine), sexually transmitted disease, and so forth, and so on. (Titus 2:11-14)
    5. When love is true, then sexual relationship is pure, spontaneous, natural, and fulfilling (Song of Solomon, The Redbook Report on Female Sexuality).
    6. Love is a commitment, not a feeling. (See: Love, Premarital counseling, Marriage).
    7. One sign of true love is that sexual relationship is confined within the bounds of marriage (Hebrews 13:4). Sexual relationship is not fulfilling unless it is permanent.
    8. A man should not date or court a woman unless he plans to marry her, because a first encounter may eventually lead to marriage.
    9. If one is not willing to take on the responsibility of raising children, then one should not have a sexual relationship (See: Singleness, Self-denial, Abstinence, chastity, Gratuitous sex, a cause of violence, Abortion, Fatherlessness.)
    10. "Information from the Barna Research Group [2001] shows that one out of four people identifying as a born-again Christian reports having cohabited." (See below: Women who cohabit are 76 times a likely to be physically abused.)
    11. If a couple cohabits, then they will never be the same again, with the one exception that they both were virgins when they cohabited, remained true to each other, and got married. After cohabiting a person is different because of the "mixing and matching" of sexual relationship, and they will never again have a completely fulfilling sexual relationship. (Ephesians 5:31)
    12. Currently (2007) the rate of divorce and the rate of abortions within the church is comparable to the rates in secular society.
    13. "Overall, 27 percent of born-again Christians have experienced divorce compared to 24 percent for the rest of Americans." (Barna Research, December, 1999). "While it may be alarming to discover that born-again Christians are more likely than others to experience a divorce, that pattern has been in place for quite some time." [emphasis added] -- George Barna, president of Barna Research Group.

      Fully understanding the Doctrine of Justification can redeem a relationship broken by sexual sin.
      It is a clear understanding of the Doctrine of Justification that enables us to repair broken relationships, both with God and with man. Repentance and forgiveness bridges the gap between man and God. It enables man and wife to reconcile their broken relationships, and to live together in harmony. It enables individuals to repair relationships broken by sin and to live and work together in unity in society.

      Abortion

      (See also: Abortion and the sanctity of life)

    14. A child conceived in lust may be unwanted. If that is the case, then the child may be aborted. "Two-thirds of all abortions are among never-married women." (Jones, R.K., Darroch, J.E., and S.K. Henshaw, "Patterns in the socioeconomic characteristics of women obtaining abortions in 2000-2001," Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 2002, 34(5):226-235).
    15. This murder of one's own child within the womb has happened more than 42 million times since 1973. "From 1973 through 2002, more than 42 million legal abortions occurred." (Finer, L.B. and S.K. Henshaw, "Estimates of U.S. abortion incidence in 2001 and 2002," The Alan Guttmacher Institute (AGI), 2005). The total number of abortions performed in the United States is undoubtably higher because these figures only represents abortions reported by licensed agencies. Illegal abortions are not reported. Current estimates [2007] are that there have been 50 million abortions in the United States since 1973. ("An estimated 46 million abortions take place around the world each year -- over 126,000 a day. According to a United Nations Population Newsletter, 20 million of these are performed illegally.")
    16. Studies show "abortion common among all women, even those thought to oppose abortion."
    17. "Based on current trends, one in three women in the U.S. will have an abortion, according to the Alan Guttmacher Institute. The majority of women older than 17 who obtained an abortion reported a religious affiliation. The highest proportion (43 percent), identified themselves as Protestant. [emphasis added]. Twenty-seven percent of women having an abortion identified themselves as Catholic, and 8 percent as a member of another religion; . . . Thirteen percent identified themselves as "born-again" or evangelical, three-fourths of whom were Protestant [emphasis added]." (Rachel K. Jones, Jacqueline E. Darroch and Stanley K. Henshaw, "Patterns in the Socioeconomic Characteristics of Women Obtaining Abortions in 2000-2001," Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, Volume 34, Number 5, September/October 2002)
    18. So the most dangerous place to be in the United States is inside your mother's womb, and the abortion rate among Protestant woman (43 percent), is comparable to the rate of abortion among secular women.
    19. Men are sexually aroused primarily by sight, therefore women should dress modestly. (Matthew 5:28). To dress immodestly is to commit the sin of Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:2). Therefore, Hollywood entertainment, motion pictures, soft pornography of the media and Madison Avenue, and hard pornography, are a particular temptation to men. (Job 31:1)
    20. Women are sexually aroused primarily by touch. Therefore, holding hands, kissing, dancing, and petting are particular temptations to women. (Proverbs 6:29)
    21. Marriage without true love is enslavement. An unregenerate young man, out of lust, may "chase a young women until she catches him." However, a man who marries for lust, and not for true love, enslaves himself. (1 John 4:18, Freedom: a gift of the grace of god, Slavery)
    22. A wedding is merely a courtesy the bride extends to the groom allowing him to make a public statement of his love and devotion to her. Once he marries her and becomes one with her in sexual relationship she "owns him." And civil law upholds this oneness.
    23. Unregenerate men, ungrounded in sound doctrine, often end up worshipping women. (1 Corinthians 7:32,33). When women are worshipped, then men are emasculated. The female characteristics are toleration, acceptance, love, abundance, nurture, generosity, gentleness, and so forth. If male leadership becomes effeminate, and if too many effeminate individuals have the vote, then society destabilizes and goes into decline. (Isaiah 3:12; 19:16; Nahum 3.13; Jeremiah 50:37; 51:30). The prime example of this is Romanism and their Maryology. (See: Idolatry, Robbins, The Church Effeminate, Effeminacy, the effeminate, Feminism, Cowardice, The decline of american society, irrationality, the decline of western thought, Male role and responsibility, gender equality, suffrage, reproductive rights, and the decline of american society).

      Sexual sin is unique from all other transgressions

      Sexual sin includes:
        • incest (Proverbs 8:5,6; Mark 9:37; Philippians 4:6,7; 1 Peter 5:7; Matthew 11:28,29; Matthew 19:14; 1 Corinthians 5:1; Isaiah 26:3,4),
        • seduction,
        • lose of virginity,
        • fornication,
        • whoredom (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8),
        • prostitution (Leviticus 19:29; Five-Year Arrest Trends, All Women, 1995-1999; Foster, Sexual Healing: God's Plan for the Sanctification of Broken Lives),
        • spreading sexually transmitted diseases (33,000 people contract a new STD everyday. Approximately 2/3 are under the age of 25. [Center for Disease Control]; AIDS is the leading killer of Americans between the ages of 25 and 44. [Center for Disease Control]),
        • illegitimate issue (illegitimate births have increased 400 percent since 1963, the historical date that marks the beginning of the sexual revolution. [Medical Institute for Sexual Health]). Nearly 40 percent of babies born in the United States in 2007 were delivered by unwed mothers, according to data released last month by the National Center for Health Statistics.
        • abortion (Psalm 127:3; Psalm 139:13-15; Psalm 139:13-15; Luke 1:42; Luke 1:44; Jeremiah 1:5; Isaiah 49:15; Exodus 20:13; Isaiah 49:5; Job 31:15; Psalm 22:9,10; Isaiah 44:2,24; Isaiah 40:31; Psalm 42:11),
        • murder of pregnant unwed mothers (In a study conducted in Maryland in 2001 the leading cause of death during pregnancy was murder. Twenty-one percent of the women studied were murdered.)
        • murder of spouse (1,247 women and 440 men were killed by an intimate partner in 2000. In recent years an intimate killed about 33 percent of female murder victims and 4 percent of male murder victims. -- "Intimate Partner Violence, 1993-2001," Callie Marie Rennison, Ph.D. BJS Statistician),
        • fatherlessness (See Fatherlessness),
        • adultery (James 4:4),
        • child abuse (Matthew 25:40; Matthew 19:14; Matthew 11:28; 1 Peter 5:7, Child abuse),
        • molestation (Abuse, Child abuse),
        • pedophilia ("Homosexuals are over-represented in child sex offenses: Individuals from the 1 to 3 percent of the population that is sexually attracted to the same sex are committing up to one-third of the sex crimes against children." -- Timothy J. Dailey, Ph.D. in "Homosexuality and Child Sexual Abuse"),
        • rape ("For every 1,000 women attending their institutions, there may well be 35 incidents of rape in a given academic year (based on a victimization rate of 35.3 per 1,000 college women). For a campus with 10,000 women, this would mean the number of rapes could exceed 350. Even more broadly, when projected over the Nation's female student population of several million, these figures suggest that rape victimization is a potential problem of large proportion and of public policy interest." -- "The Sexual Victimization of College Women Research Report," U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, National Institute of Justice),
        • conjugal lewdness and matrimonial whoredom (Daniel Defoe, Conjugal Lewdness, or Matrimonial Whoredom),
        • pornography (Matthew 5:28, Pornography),
        • sodomy (See Homosexuality),
        • homosexuality (Psalm 106:30,31,35,37,39,40,41; Romans 1:24-27; 1 Timothy 1:10,11; 1 Corinthians 6:9; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 1:16; Luke 4:18,19; John 1:12; 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Hebrews 2:18; Hebrews 4:14-16; Romans 12:1,2; Ephesians 4:22-24; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Isaiah 26:3),
        • lesbianism (See Homosexuality),
        • nudity and exhibitionism (When inexperienced strip club dancers begin performing they often end up being fired. Their female egos get so puffed up by the attention of the crowd that they begin dictating to club management how to run the club: ask for exorbitant raises, dictate their work schedule, and tell management how much to charge the customers.)
        • and so forth, and so on. (Matthew 15:18-20, Romans 1:24-27)

    24. The sexual revolution is really a revolution against God. (Numbers 25:1-3, 29; Joshua 22:17; Psalm 106:30, 31)
    25. The Adversary's attack upon boys, manhood, fathers, and the family is really an attack on the God-ordained role of men to be the spiritual leader, and to protect his family, his church, and his country from falsehood and evil. (See: Christ our example, Manhood, Effeminacy, the effeminate, Feminism)
    26. Sexual sins are unique from all other transgressions. First they are sins against God, and against one's own body. (1 Corinthians 6:18-20; Psalm 51:4). But sexual sins go on to permanently affect victims' lives even after they have been repented of and forgiven. Sexual sin lives on in victims and in society. (See: Abortion and the sanctity of life, Abuse, Abuse (women), Adultery, Carnality and flesh pleasing: lust, desires, ambition, Child abuse and pedophilia, Depression, Divorce, Fatherlessness, Gratuitous sex, a cause of violence, Homosexuality, lesbianism, gay, bisexual, transvestite, queer (lgbtq), Hostility, Idolatry, Incest, Incest (women), Pornography, Post-abortion counseling, Prostitution, Protecting children from dangers, Rape, Sex (women), Sex ethics, sex education, Sexual healing and wholeness, Sexually transmitted diseases, Single parenting, Singleness, Soul-violence, Suicide, Teens and Sex, Unforgiveness, Works by and for women)
    27. The emotional and psychic shock, the trauma, of adultery, incest, child sexual abuse, pedophilia, and rape leave lifetime scares on victims. Some victims are never able to trust others again. The emotional wounds are as hard to cure as chronic disease. "Many people secretly bear the scars of childhood abuse and desperately struggle with the hidden trauma that interferes with spiritual growth and normal human relationships." -- Susan Alder
    28. Adultery is a sin against the human spirit that produces traumatic results. (Proverbs 6:32-35; Proverbs 6:29; Post-traumatic stress syndrome, Sexual wholeness)
    29. Biblical counselors report that parental neglect, rejection, or abuse are the most frequent complaints of counselees. (Abuse, Abuse [women], Child abuse and pedophilia, Depression, Incest, Incest [women])
    30. Bad relationships, including sexual relationship, and spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), lead to disease and death. (1 John 3:15, see: Bad relationships a cause of disease and death)
    31. It is the Puritans who gave us the Christian model for family in Western culture.
    32. 17th century Puritans were keenly aware of the social consequences of illegitimacy. (See: Sexual relationship, Gratuitous sex, a cause of violence, Homosexuality, lesbianism, gay, bisexual, transvestite, queer (lgbtq), Illegitimacy, sex related problems, counseling for, Sexually transmitted diseases, Sexual wholeness, Sex ethics, sex education, Teens and sex, Prostitution, harlotry, Fatherlessness, Soul-violence, The sanctity of life, abortion, Child abuse, and so forth, and so on). During the ten year Protectorate of Oliver Cromwell, all manner of adultery and fornication was against the law. Suspected violators were tried on the charge "For Uncondoned Carnal Knowledge." The acronym for this legal charge has been a vulgarity for immoral sex for the last 360 years.
    33. For uncondoned carnal knowledge (sexual sin), blasts lives and destroys souls. (Hosea 4:10; Hebrews 13:4). The vulgar acronym (FUCK) is often used in utter contempt.
    34. It is also a sin against the family, which is the basic unit of society. It is the breaking of our conjugal vows, "Forsaking all others, I choose thee." [The marriage blood covenant (vow) is also a covenant (vow) with God -- compiler]. It is a sin against our children. One of the most flagrant causes of divorce, adultery has produced millions of children who have grown up without a father and a mother in the home, and has created enormous problems in the lives of these children. Adultery and its consequent evils are sins against the nation and society. . . ." -- D. James Kennedy (1930-2007) and Jerry Newcombe, What if Jesus had Never Been Born, p. 135
    35. Some conservative seminaries will not accept men who have been divorced, or men who have married a divorced woman. Our first love is our only love. "Ultimately the Seventh Commandment (Exodus 20:14), is about our fidelity to Christ." (Hosea 2:19-20; 1 Corinthians 6:15-20; James 4:4)
      To fracture the Seventh Commandment is to break covenant with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
      The sexual revolution is really a revolution against God. (Numbers 25:1-3, 29; Joshua 22:17; Psalm 106:30,31)
      See: Engelsma, Marriage, the Mystery of Christ and the Church.
    36. Calvin seems to see the Seventh as interrelated to, as summing up, all Ten Commandments of the Law.*
      "Although one kind of impurity is alone referred to, it is sufficiently plain, from the principle laid down, that believers are generally exhorted to chastity; for, if the Law be a perfect rule of holy living, it would be more than absurd to give a license for fornication, adultery alone being excepted. Furthermore, it is incontrovertible that God will by no means approve or excuse before this tribunal, what the common sense of mankind declares to be obscene; for, although lewdness has everywhere been rampant in every age, still the opinion could never be utterly extinguished, that fornication is a scandal and a sin. . . . [Titus 2:12; Isaiah 30:21; Matthew 19:17; Romans 13:8]
      "Now, if Christ and the Apostles, who are the best interpreters of the Law, declare that God's Law is violated no less by fornication than by theft, we assuredly infer, *that in this Commandment the whole genus is comprehended under a single species. . . . [Hebrews 13:4; Leviticus 21:14; Deuteronomy 23:17; Hosea 4:11; Hosea 1:2; Numbers 25:9; 1 Corinthians 10:8; Acts 15:20; 1 Corinthians 6:18; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:4,5]" -- John Calvin commenting on Exodus 20:14 and Deuteronomy 5:18 and context
    37. *Sexual immorality, whoredom, substance abuse, the occult, and crime, including murder, are often found together in society by law enforcement agencies.
    38. * *The occult is, among other things, spiritual whoredom, the invocation of unholy spirits. Sexual immorality, whoredom, substance abuse, the occult, and crime, including murder, are often found together in society by law enforcement agencies. Whoredom (fornication, adultery, incest, pedophilia, prostitution, homosexuality, etc.), is a major cause of violence (abuse, abortion, murder) in society. (Leviticus 19:29, Proverbs 6:32-35; Proverbs 8:36; and so forth, and so on)

      *Whoredom (fornication, adultery, incest, pedophilia, prostitution, homosexuality, spiritual whoredom -- the occult, and idolatry, etc.), is a major cause of violence and murder in society. (Leviticus 19:29; Intimate Partner Violence, 1993-2001; Domestic Violence: An Epidemic in American Society; Five-Year Arrest Trends, All Women, 1995-1999). "It is distressing how often death does follow adultery," -- abortion, murder of a lover, murder of a spouse, fatal "accidents," and suicide. Prior to 1960 in America the majority of murders committed where one spouse murdering either the other spouse or an adulterer. As drug abuse grew, drug related murders took the lead. (Proverbs 6:32-35; Proverbs 8:36)

    39. The U.S. Justice Department reports that women who live together with men are 76 times more likely to be physically abused, that is 7,600 percent more likely (2001 data).
    40. Conversely, the health of a marriage depends upon the husband and wife living together all the time. The husband must be there to care for and to protect his wife and children.
    41. "The teen birthrate in the United States is the highest of any industrialized nation, nearly twice as great as that of the United Kingdom and 15 times that of Japan. (Rebecca A. Maynard, Kids Having Kids. Robin Hood Foundation, circa 1998). One (1) million teenage girls get pregnant each year. Of that, approximately 40 percent will receive government assistance. (Rebecca A. Maynard, Kids Having Kids. Robin Hood Foundation, circa 1998)
    42. The Journal of the American Medical Association reported (early 2001), a study of 247 women who died in pregnancy in the state of Maryland. The leading cause of death during pregnancy was murder. Twenty-one percent of the women studied were murdered.
    43. Sexual sins are also sins against one's own body (1 Corinthians 6:18-20; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8). The human body is the temple of the living God (1 Corinthians 6:15-20). The body is to be kept chaste and pure. Fornication replaces holiness with filthiness. (1 Corinthians 6:18-20; Ephesians 5:3). Therefore, sexual sin is self-destructive.
    44. If virginity is wasted in fornication (Exodus 22:16, 17), then a fulfilling sexual relationship can never be known.
    45. Sexual sin results in sexually transmitted diseases. There are over 30 known sexually transmitted diseases in the United States today (33,000 people contract a new STD everyday. Approximately 2/3 are under the age of 25. [Center for Disease Control]; 50 percent of the sexually active single adult population has, or will have, at least 1 STD in their lifetime. [CDC]), among them herpes, syphilis, and AIDs (AIDS is the leading killer of Americans between the ages of 25 and 44. [Center for Disease Control]).
    46. In short, marriage can be either the best of lots or the worst of lots. Young men and young women should be extremely careful to avoid sexual sin to protect themselves from falling into the worst of lots. (1 Corinthians 6:15-20)
    47. The Holy Spirit alone is able to keep young people (and adults), from falling into sexual sin. (1 Corinthians 10:13, 2 Thessalonians 3:3)

      Christ and Sexual Relationship

    48. "Ultimately the Seventh Commandment (Exodus 20:14), is about our fidelity to Christ." (Hosea 2:19-20; 1 Corinthians 6:15-20; James 4:4)
      To fracture the Seventh Commandment is to break covenant with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
      The sexual revolution is really a revolution against God. (Numbers 25:1-3, 29; Joshua 22:17; Psalm 106:30,31)
      See: Engelsma, Marriage, the Mystery of Christ and the Church.
    49. Calvin seems to see the Seventh as interrelated to, as summing up, all Ten Commandments of the Law.*
      "Although one kind of impurity is alone referred to, it is sufficiently plain, from the principle laid down, that believers are generally exhorted to chastity; for, if the Law be a perfect rule of holy living, it would be more than absurd to give a license for fornication, adultery alone being excepted. Furthermore, it is incontrovertible that God will by no means approve or excuse before this tribunal, what the common sense of mankind declares to be obscene; for, although lewdness has everywhere been rampant in every age, still the opinion could never be utterly extinguished, that fornication is a scandal and a sin. . . . [Titus 2:12; Isaiah 30:21; Matthew 19:17; Romans 13:8]
      "Now, if Christ and the Apostles, who are the best interpreters of the Law, declare that God's Law is violated no less by fornication than by theft, we assuredly infer, *that in this Commandment the whole genus is comprehended under a single species. . . . [Hebrews 13:4; Leviticus 21:14; Deuteronomy 23:17; Hosea 4:11; Hosea 1:2; Numbers 25:9; 1 Corinthians 10:8; Acts 15:20; 1 Corinthians 6:18; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:4,5]" -- John Calvin commenting on Exodus 20:14 and Deuteronomy 5:18 and context
    50. Marriage is a threesome, Christ, the husband, and the wife. (Eyrich, Three To Get Ready). Therefore, the marriage vow is a vow with God, as well as between spouses.
    51. "Families that pray together stay together." Daily prayer together with your spouse is the single most helpful thing to bring your hearts together, and to bless your marriage.
    52. It has been said "The practice of family worship has done more for comprehensive Reformation than any other means available to man."
    53. The sexual revolution is a revolution against God. (Exodus 20:3,4,14,17)
    54. Marriage is a type of Christ's relationship to The Church. [Ephesians 5:21,22,25]. The "Book of Canticles [Song of Solomon], which is the Holy of holies of the Scriptures, standing like the tree of life in the midst of the garden of inspiration. The song is highly allegorical, and describes Christ and his church as a bride and bridegroom who sing to each other and of each other." (Song of Solomon 2, Spurgeon's Devotional Bible, p. 310)
    55. In scripture we see an allegory drawn between sexual sin and apostasy, disloyalty to one's religion. Whoredom and idolatry are similar type transgressions. See: the First Commandment (Exodus 20:3), the Seventh Commandment (Exodus 20:14), the Tenth Commandment (Exodus 20:17), and Christ's Summation of the Law (Matthew 22:38-40), Hosea, Ezekiel, Jeremiah. For example, we have:
    56. See the chart, Israel's Apostasy and Hosea's Marriage at Hosea 3:1, page 1364 in The Reformation Study Bible.
      "The stages of Israel's relationship with God are depicted in the prophecies of Jeremiah and Ezekiel, as well as in Hosea's relationship with Gomer."
    57. The family is one of only three divinely ordained institutions. The Church and the State are the other two.
    58. A Christian family is both a church within the church and a mission outreach in nucleus form. (Joshua 24:14, 15). Parents and children model the Christian life and introduce others to Christ.
    59. God uses a Christian family to model Christ's victory over evil (John 1:29). Christian families stand as a witness to a lost and dying world (Romans 6:23), of the salvation and hope that we all have in Christ Jesus.
    60. A Christian family, with both the husband and wife in Christ, is a witness to the blessings of the True and Living God upon his people. (Psalm 127:1a; Proverbs 31:30b). It is a Lighthouse from which the message of the Gospel goes forth into society. The Christian Family shows society that Jesus is "the way, the truth, and the life," salvation, the means of Grace, the everlasting righteousness, forgiveness, justification, sanctification, and finally glorification in the life to come.
    61. This witness spreads from generation to generation as descendants establish Christian families. This is the glorious result of putting "Jesus First" in sexual relationship.
    62. Strong family ties strengthen children and enable them to be successful in society. Christian parents nurture, encourage, and teach children how to lead a Christian life. These blessings strengthen children spiritually and emotionally and enables them to, in turn, raise successful Christian families in the next generation. Consider, for example, the families of Jonathan Edwards (his descendants include a number of prominent individuals), Thomas and Margaret Craighead (Craighead, James Geddes The Craighead Family: A Genealogical Memoir of the Descendants of Rev. Thomas and Margaret Craighead, 1658-1876, Billy Graham (Billy and Ruth Graham have five children, 19 grandchildren, and 30-some great-grandchildren, 2007), and Elsie Dinsmore, a fictional character (see the "Elsie Books" by Martha Finley), and other lesser known Christian families who daily cast light into a lost and dying world, and whose descendants include pastors, missionaries, Christian workers, educators, and professionals.
    63. The man is the spiritual leader of the family. He is responsible for discipline and protection of his family. He must have spiritual wisdom, he must be authoritative, he must be a disciplinarian. He must be strong and firm, if God is to be in control of his family, if his spouse and children are to be in the love of God. (Ephesians 5:21, 22, 25)
    64. As spiritual head of the family the man's role and responsibility is to protect his family, church, and society, from evil. That responsibility included protecting them from false doctrine and false teaching. (2 Corinthians 10:5; Jude 1:3)
    65. When we truly love another, then we completely lose control of them. (John 8:36)
    66. Only if a wife is in Christ will she submit to God's will in the marriage, and to the godly leadership of a husband who is in Christ. (Ephesians 5:21, 22, 25)
    67. Because the male is spiritual head of the family and is responsible for its success he must have the final say about who he will have as his wife.
    68. "It should be kept in mind that 'spiritual unity' [the unity between persons having the same objective faith in the Gospel -- compiler], is much more intimate than physical unity can be [Spiritual unity transcends geographical distance and transcends temporal time to eternity. Therefore, a Christian funeral, while bittersweet, is also a great celebration. The spirit may have left the body, but there is a love among the faithful that transcends space and temporal time into eternity and that oneness is felt by the Elect at a funeral. -- compiler], and that such physical analogies of spiritual unity as the Lord's Supper and marriage, rather than exaggerating the intimacy of spiritual unity, do not even approach it." -- John W. Robbins commenting on Philemon 4-7 in Slavery Christianity
    69. When both spouses are in Christ, then there is a oneness in body, soul, heart, mind, and spirit that is a type of God's love for us in Christ, the sweetest thing this side of heaven.
    70. It follows logically then that God's purpose in marriage is spiritual unity. That unity is only attainable when both husband and wife share an objective faith in the Gospel. This is the unity that enables Christian families to minister to the world from generation to generation. It culminates in The Great Reunion of the elect with Christ in Paradise.
    71. God's promises to married persons deepens their love for each other.
    72. The only way for man, wife, children, and society to live together happily is to pursue holiness through Christ Jesus. (Bonar, The Everlasting Righteousness, Marshall, The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification)
    73. One sign of true love is that you would never even think of harming the object of your love. One is able to overlook and tolerate weaknesses and imperfections. That is a type of Christ's love for the Church. (1 John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a; Ephesians 5:21, 22, 25)
    74. Any man and woman who are in Christ can be successfully married if they agree to solve all their problems biblically. (Ephesians 5:21, 22, 25)
    75. It is the doctrine of Justification that enables a married couples to overcome problems and to build strong Christian families. Forgiveness, Justification, Sanctification, and final Glorification in heaven all come together. (See: Forgiveness of sin, Justification, Justifying faith, Sanctification, and Glorification.)
    76. Surveys have proven the sexual relationship of Christians is the most fulfilling of any members of society. A Redbook magazine survey concerning sex in modern "liberated" America conducted in 1977, in which 100,000 women responded, found that the most religious category of women were the most orgasmic women in the country. (Susan Sadd and Carol Tavris, The Redbook Report on Female Sexuality [New York, NY: Delacorte, 1977], pp. 97-106)
    77. It is an awesome thought that not only did God create man and women -- the human body in its immense complexity, but he created us with the ability to reproduce another life.
    78. The true love and oneness of husband and wife may bring another soul into the world. A soul is the most precious thing in the world (Luke 15:10; Mark 8:36), and there is great joy when a child is born.
    79. In conclusion it may be said that marriage can be either the very best of relationship, or the very worst of relationship, depending upon whether or not Christ is the third party in the marriage. (Psalm 67:1, 2; Psalm 127:1a; Proverbs 31:30b; Hosea 4:6-11)
    80. Therefore, it is concluded that, in sexual relationship, in marriage, and in family, as well as in all of life, the prescription for success and fulfillment is "Jesus First."
    Dedicated to Jerry Falwell (August 11, 1933 -- May 15, 2007, "Jesus First"), who was lead to confront society with the problems of pornography, abortion, and homosexuality.

    The Destructiveness of Sexual Immorality
    No sin that a person commits has more built-in pitfalls, problems, and destructiveness than sexual sin. It has broken more marriages, shattered more homes, caused more heartache and disease, and destroyed more lives than alcohol and drugs combined. It causes lying, stealing, cheating, and killing, as well as bitterness, hatred, slander, gossip, and unforgiveness.
    The dangers and harm of sexual sin are nowhere presented more vividly and forcefully than in Proverbs. The lips of an adulteress drip honey, and smoother than oil is her speech (Proverbs 5:3). The basic truth applies to a prostitute or to any other woman who tries to seduce a man. It also applies to a man who tries to seduce a woman. The point is that sexual allurement is extremely enticing and powerful. It seems nice, enjoyable, and good. It promises nothing but pleasure and satisfaction. But what it ends up giving is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two -- edged sword. Her feet go down to death, her steps lay hold of Sheol. She does not ponder the path of life; her ways are unstable, she does not know it (Proverbs 5:4-6). The first characteristic of sexual sin is deceit. It never delivers what it promises. It offers great satisfaction but gives great disappointment. It claims to be real living but is really the way to death. Illicit sexual relationships are always "unstable." Nothing binds those involved except the temporary and impersonal gratification of physical impulses. That is poor cement. Another tragedy of sexual sin is that often those involved do "not know it" is unstable, do not realize perhaps for a long time that their relationship cannot be lasting. Thus they fall deeper and deeper into the pit of their doomed relationship, which makes the dissolution all the more devastating and painful.
    Those who consider all sex to be basically evil, however, are as far from the truth as those who consider all sex to be basically good and permissible. God is not against sex. He created and blessed it. When used exclusively within marriage, as the Lord intends, sex is beautiful, satisfying, and stabilizing. Let your fountain be blessed, Scripture says, and rejoice in the wife of your youth. . . . Be exhilarated always with her love (Proverbs 5:18,19).
    The Bible's advice for avoiding sexual involvement outside marriage is simple: stay as far away as possible from the persons and places likely to get you in trouble. Keep your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house (Proverbs 5:8). When repeatedly enticed by Potiphar's wife, Joseph refused not only to lie beside her but even to be with her (Genesis 39:10). When she tried to force him into adultery and grabbed his coat, he left his garment in her hand and fled, and went outside (Genesis 39:12). It was not the time for argument or explanation but for flight. When we unavoidably get caught in such a situation, the only sensible thing to do is to get away from it as quickly as we can. Passion is not rational or sensible, and sexually dangerous situations should be avoided or fled, not debated. -- John MacArthur commenting on the destructiveness of sexual immorality, Christian Liberty, 1 Corinthians 6

    Suicide

  • "The national suicide rate among males between the ages of 15 an 24 has nearly quadrupled over the last 60 years and the rate among females in the same age group has doubled."
  • "Suicide is the third leading cause of death among young people ages 15 to 24. [The second leading cause on college campuses]. In 2001, 3,971 suicides were reported in this group (Anderson and Smith 2003). Of the total number of suicides among ages 15 to 24 in 2001, 86 percent (n=3,409) were male and 14 percent (n=562) were female (Anderson and Smith 2003). (Suicide: Fact Sheet, Center for Disease Control)
  • However, "women report attempting suicide during their lifetime about three times as often as men." (Krug et al., World report on violence and health [serial online], 2002).

    Our virginity before marriage is a great possession.
    Soon teenage daughters and sons will be sent off to college. Away from home for the first time, they will be on their own, separated from parental guidance and protection. They will be alone and eager for quick acceptance.
    Girls and young men should understand that virginity is probably the most important gift and possession that we have, next to spiritual regeneration, that is, knowing Christ. The godless are blind to this fact, and often are in severe denial about sexual purity. (Colossians 3:4,5). Lose of virginity throws us into bondage, and into submission to this Fallen World. It is a stealing of our souls. Our first love is our only love. Once we have sexual relations with another, then we are never the same again.
    True femininity is to know and to understand that God has a special design and plan for your life. It guarantees that a girl will know true oneness with the man of God's choosing for a partner in her life. Being a virgin until marriage assures us that God's design for our lives will be fulfilled.
    One of the strategies used by the principalities and powers is to rob us of our virginity. (Ephesians 6:12). Some other strategies of the Adversary are: childhood sexual abuse, incest (the "boot camp" for prostitution), high school peer pressures, exclusive "clubs," gangs, drunkenness (especially in the company of the opposite sex), cults and cultic beliefs, the cultural influence from a godless secular humanism and its acceptance of sexual sin, the occult, sorority (and fraternity), pledging, rushing, hazing, and initiation, and so forth, and so on.
    Lose of virginity is a powerful "socializing influence" in the wrong sense. It conforming us to this fallen world. It can be seen as a conditioning for later life, when we will be expected to submit in the workplace to big corporations, to political parties, and to the influence of secular and secularized institutions.
    Of course, one is not able "to glorify God and enjoy him fully for ever" when under bondage. To lead a chaste, moral life, by the help of God, is to glorify God. That is beyond all comparison to the idolatry, of the secular humanistic world -- looking to man for our good.
    Of course, nothing can separate those who are true to Christ from the salvation and forgiveness found in the Gospel. (Romans 8:37-39). But Christian girls (and young men), should bear in mind that the sexual sins of our youth can bear a life long influence, even after we are forgiven.
    We should be on guard against the "emotionally blackmail" of the world. We should resist the temptation to become "joiners," by "selling out" to their destructive lies. (Matthew 16:24-26). Ignorance of sexual morality is a sure sign of hypocrisy. (Mark 7:20-23)

    A. Crimes against God: religious offenses (punishable by the death penalty)
    [Surprisingly covetousness and theft do not appear specifically in the following listings. Yet the 10th of the Decalogue summarizes the previous nine. -- compiler]

    1. Idolatry
    2. Infant sacrifice [abortion and infanticide -- compiler]
    3. Witchcraft, divination and spiritualism
    4. Blasphemy (taking the name of the Lord in vain)
    5. False prophecy
    6. Sabbath-breaking
    7. Defiance of the authority of God's law
    B. Crimes against man: civil offenses (also punishable by the death penalty)
    1. Homicide [this would include abortion, infanticide, physician assisted suicide, some "iatrogenic" deaths, killing the elderly, genocide, and so forth -- compiler]
    2. Assault and battery against one's own parents
    3. Sodomy or homosexuality
    4. Adultery
    5. Fornication by the daughter of a priest
    6. Rape out-of-doors
    7. Incest (see the article for degrees of relatedness)
    8. Cursing of one's mother or father
    9. Consistent disobedience and willfulness of a young man toward his parents
    10. Kidnapping for the purpose of selling into slavery
    11. Malicious prosecution and perjury in a charge of murder
    The above quotes from G.L. Archer, "Crimes and Punishments," in The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, volume 1, pp. 1030-1036

    Abortion was the 20th century's biggest single killer of mankind worldwide, far surpassing any other cause: disease, war, governments, natural disasters, and so forth. See: "Biggest Killers of the 20th Century." Notice that abortion is not included in this diagram. The absence of information says something about the depravity of mankind (Jeremiah 17:9,10), and about the suppression and repression of truth. (Hosea 4:6,7)
    The number of abortions performed worldwide in the last 50 years is estimated to be 1 to 2 billion. But try to document this fact elsewhere online.
    The total abortions worldwide for the 20th century may be interpolation from available data. The calculation does not factor in incremental increases in world population since 1900. Worldwide there are an estimated 43.8 million abortions annually (2008 figures, Guttmacher Institute) X 100 years = 4.38 billion killings worldwide in the 20th century. This is compared to 1.97 billion estimated deaths worldwide for non-communicable diseases the reported biggest killer worldwide of the 20th century. Comparison may also be made with figures for genocide.
    Number of Abortions -- Abortion Counters
    "The most accurate set of abortion counters on the web. Number of abortions in U.S. and worldwide; Number of abortions since 1973; Number of abortions this year; U.S. abortion clock; Worldwide abortion clock; Number of abortions due to rape or incest; Planned Parenthood abortion count."
    http://www.numberofabortions.com/

    • Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Sex change; Division in eldership; Children; Suicide; Paranoia; Repression; Forgetting; Death (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA506 [audio file].

    Anderson, Wayne J., How to Understand Sex: Guidelines for Students.

    Ankerberg, John, and John Weldon, The Myth of Safe sex: The Devastating Consequences of Violating God's Plan, ISBN: 0802456391 9780802456397. Alternate title: THE MYTH OF SAFE SEX: THE TRAGIC CONSEQUENCES OF VIOLATING GOD'S PLAN.

    *Christenson, Larry, and Cheri Bladholm, The Wonderful way That Babies are Made, ISBN: 0871236273 9780871236272.
    "Here is a book that will help you teach your children about families, babies, and sexual intimacy. It is designed as a tool for parents to use in passing on to their children an attitude of joy and wonder at God's gift of life and sexuality. The information in this book is set against the backdrop of creation, so that from the very beginning a child's understanding of sex will be linked with faith, with belief in God." -- Publisher

    Clark, Kristen, and Bethany Beal, Sex, Purity, and the Longings of a Girl's Heart: Discovering the Beauty and Freedom of God-defined Sexuality, ISBN: 9781493417582 1493417584.
    "For the modern Christian woman living in today's sexually charged society, embracing God's design for sex and purity can often feel like an impossible pursuit. As the culture seeks to normalize things such as pornography, erotica, and casual sex, both single and married women of all ages feel immense pressure to conform. With alluring temptations constantly inviting them to join in, they might even begin to question whether God's design is truly good. They wrestle with questions like -- What is the purpose of my sexuality? -- What does it mean to pursue purity? -- Are my sexual longings good or bad? In this encouraging book, Kristen Clark and Bethany Beal share honestly about their own struggles and victories, and invite women on a personal journey to discover and reclaim a biblical vision for their sexuality. Kristen and Bethany help women understand why God's design for sexuality is good, relevant, and leads to true hope and lasting freedom." -- Publisher

    Coleman, Barry (editor), Sex and the Single Christian: Candid Conversations, ISBN: 0830711074 9780830711079.
    "The contributors to this slender volume are all people with established reputations. The questions focus on frequently misunderstood issues of sexuality. The 'bottom line' counsel of this work is to underscore the teaching of Scripture while warning against the abuses that are prevalent in our society." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Dallas, Joe, Desires in Conflict: Answering the Struggle for Sexual Identity, ISBN: 0736912118 9780736912112.
    "This book offers a workable approach to sexual and emotional sanctification illuminating the power of God's Grace at work in the sincerely repentant soul." -- GCB
    Joe Dallas operates Genesis Counseling in Orange County, California, and is president of Exodus International, an organization that has helped countless thousands out of homosexuality. For more information write to the "Truths That Transform" radio program and ask for the "Joe Dallas Actions Sheet."

    *Davis, John Jefferson, The Christian's Guide to Pregnancy and Childbirth: Choosing the Best for You and Your Baby From Conception to Delivery, ISBN: 0891073914 9780891073918.
    "A needed book! An important book! Nothing else like it from a distinctly Christian position. Covers what to expect, prenatal diagnosis, nutrition and beauty tips, delivery methods, hospital procedures, family size, contraception, infant bonding, breast feeding, and more." -- GCB

    *Elliot, Elisabeth, Passion and Purity: Learning to Bring Your Love Life Under Christ's Control, ISBN: 080075137X 9780800751371.
    "Perhaps the best and most readable book on this subject. Using her own past with Jim Elliot, she writes a book that clearly sets the teaching of the Bible in easy to understand terms. Warmly personal, strongly Biblical." -- GCB
    "Popular seminar speaker Elisabeth Elliot has written a book about bringing one's love life under the authority of Jesus Christ. She gives direction in such areas as singleness or marriage, putting God's desires ahead of personal desires, what men look for in a woman, virginity and chastity, and the man's and woman's role in relationships." -- Publisher

    *Engelsma, David, Marriage, the Mystery of Christ and the Church, ISBN: 0825425190 9780825425196.
    "Engelsma is a pastor in the Protestant Reformed Church, and also is editor of their paper, The Standard Bearer. The chapters in this book were preached as sermons in the author's church at Loveland, Colorado. Engelsma sees the corruption of the sacred institution of marriage as being a cause of myriads of the evils that abound in our day. He says, 'There is the bitter misery of soul that shatters those who have been unfaithful and that leads to drink, drugs, nervous breakdown, and even suicide. . . . The author does a good job of expounding Ephesians 5:31,32, This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. He explains that this 'mystery' has to do with the intimacy and oneness of a truly married couple. And this typifies the 'underlying reality of the union of Christ with His Church'." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)

    *Foster, David Kyle, Sexual Healing: God's Plan for the Sanctification of Broken Lives: A Reference Manual for Ministering to Those Trapped in Sexual sin and Brokenness, ISBN: 0830737154 9780830737154 0830737340 9780830737345.
    This is a unique work and the best resource known to the compiler offering biblical counsel for healing sexual brokenness. See: "Foundations" and "Divine Intent for Sexuality" for a biblical explanation of the spiritual significance of sexuality. These two chapters alone make the purchase of the book worthwhile. Includes chapters, study guides, and exercises for Root sources for improper sexual development, Sexual identity confusion, Child sex abuse, Sexual addition, Pornography, Masturbation, voyeurism and exhibitionism, Why people remain in sexual sin and bondage, Failure and self-condemnation, A comprehensive game plan for sexual healing, and so forth.
    Includes bibliography and index.
    Mastering Life Ministries
    http://www.MasteringLife.org

    *Gill, John (1697-1771), Exposition of the Book of Solomon's Song: Commonly Called Canticles: Wherein the Authority of it is Established and Vindicated, Against Objections Both Ancient and Modern.
    "A full, devotional, typological exposition in which the writer stresses the relationship of Christ to the believer. Originally published in 1776." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Grant, George, Grand Illusions: The Legacy of Planned Parenthood, ISBN: 1581820577 9781581820577.
    Exposes the hidden agenda of Planned Parenthood.
    "In the course of my research, I have found that the abortion industry's very existence depends on secrecy, deception, and distortion of information. For this very reason, I strongly recommend George Grant's book, GRAND ILLUSIONS, because it provides much needed information that I'm sure Planned Parenthood would rather no one knew!" -- Frank E. Peretti

    Grenz, Stanley, Sexual Ethics: A Biblical Perspective, ISBN: 0853648697 9780853648697.
    "Grenz probes theology, ethics, and medical research to present a thorough, contemporary discussion of human sexuality from a Biblical, Christian viewpoint." -- GCB

    Grimm, Robert, Love and Sexuality.
    "A Biblically sound view of sex and marriage." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Johnson, Rex, At Home With sex, ISBN: 0882076396 9780882076393.
    "It is a great young married curriculum and can be used to help parents to educate their own children. . . . A study guide, overhead projection masters, and course outlines and suggestions are available." -- Publisher

    *Jones, E. Michael , Libido Dominandi: Sexual Liberation and Political Control, ISBN: 1587314657 9781587314650.
    "Thus, a good man, though a slave, is free; but a wicked man, though a king, is a slave. For he serves, not one man alone, but, what is worse, as many masters as he has vices." -- Saint Augustine in City of God
    "Writing at the time of the collapse of the Roman Empire, St. Augustine both revolutionized and brought to a close antiquity's idea of freedom. A man was not a slave by nature or by law, as Aristotle claimed. His freedom was a function of his moral state. A man had as many masters as he had vices. This insight would provide the basis for the most sophisticated form of social control known to man.
    "Fourteen hundred years later, a decadent French aristocrat turned that tradition on its head when he wrote that 'the freest of people are they who are most friendly to murder.' Like St. Augustine, the Marquis de Sade would agree that freedom was a function of morals. Unlike St. Augustine, Sade proposed a revolution in sexual morals to accompany the political revolution then taking place in France. LIBIDO DOMINANDI -- the term is taken from Book I of Augustine's CITY OF GOD -- is the definitive history of that sexual revolution, from 1773 to the present.
    "Unlike the standard version of the sexual revolution, LIBIDO DOMINANDI shows how sexual liberation was from its inception a form of control. Those who wished to liberate man from the moral order needed to impose social controls as soon as they succeeded because liberated libido led inevitably to anarchy. Aldous Huxley wrote in his preface to the 1946 edition of BRAVE NEW WORLD that 'as political and economic freedom diminishes, sexual freedom tends compensatingly to increase.' This book is about the converse of that statement. It explains how the rhetoric of sexual freedom was used to engineer a system of covert political and social control. Over the course of the two-hundred-year span covered by this book, the development of ecologies of communication, reproduction, and psychic control -- including psychotherapy, behaviorism, advertising, sensitivity training, pornography, and plain old blackmail -- allowed the Enlightenment and its heirs to turn Augustine's insight on its head and create masters out of men's vices. LIBIDO DOMINANDI is the story of how that happened.
    "E. Michael Jones, a Roman Catholic author of numerous books, is the editor and publisher of Culture Wars magazine." -- Reader's Comment

    Lee, Francis Nigel, Sexual Purity, Lust, Pornography, Sexual Duties in Marriage, an MP3 [audio file]. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Love, Christopher (1618-1651), The Combat Between the Flesh and the Spirit. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive (MP3). Available on Reformation bookshelf CD #4, #21 (MPS), audio file.

    Manton, Thomas (1620-1677), Sermon Upon Deuteronomy 32:51. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THOMAS MANTON (16:387-96).
    "The sins of God's children may cost them dear in this world."

    Massachusetts Attorney General, The Sexual Abuse of Children in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston, Thomas F. Reilly, Massachusetts Attorney General.
    "The mistreatment of children was so massive and so prolonged that it borders on the unbelievable," says the July 23 [2003] report of Massachusetts Attorney General Thomas F. Reilly. More than 1,000 minors were likely abused by priests over the past six decades."
    This is the 79-page report in its entirety.
    http://www.votf.org/ago/archdiocese.pdf

    Mayo, Mary Ann, Parent's Guide to sex Education, ISBN: 0310445817 9780310445814.
    "Traces the growth of a child's sexual identity. Explains in wholesome terms how parents may keep pace with their child's growing sexual awareness. Provides a competent and complete guide that should be 'must' reading in every home. Recommended." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Mayo, Mary Ann, and Joseph L. Mayo, The Sexual Woman, ISBN: 0890815828 9780890815823.
    "Written to help Christian women understand their emotional and sexual makeup. . . . The authors succeed in demystifying the functioning of the human body and seek to elevate sex to the position God intended. A welcome treatise. Counselor should read it carefully. It should be in every church library." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Miles, Herbert J., Sexual Happiness in Marriage, ISBN: 0891091556 9780891091554.

    Mowrer, Orval Hobart, Morality and Mental Health, 669 pages, online version (OCoLC)590215904.

    *Ornish, Dean, Love and Survival: The Scientific Basis for the Healing Power of Intimacy, ISBN: 0060930209 9780060930202.
    "Many people know Dean Ornish as the doctor who proved that symptoms of heart disease can be reversed with a regimen of a low-fat diet, exercise, and stress reduction. In LOVE AND SURVIVAL, he concentrates on the less tangible aspects of a healthful life. Through anecdotes and dozens of scientific studies, Ornish demonstrates that personal intimacy and other aspects of emotional well-being -- all the elements that make up what we call 'love' -- are as important to our physical condition as to our mental health. Not only do these positive emotions motivate us to make better lifestyle choices, Ornish argues, they also have a powerful direct effect on our bodies, giving us stronger immune systems, better cardiovascular functioning, and longer life expectancies. But the benefits of opening our hearts to others go beyond curing our bodies of disease; it's also the first step toward healing our entire lives." -- Publisher

    *Owen, John (1616-1683), The Mortification of sin in Believers: Containing the necessity, nature, and means of it. With a resolution of sundry cases of conscience thereunto belonging. By John Owen, D.D. . . . A new edition London, 1783.
    "I owe more to John Owen than to any other theologian, ancient or modern; and I owe more to [THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN] than to anything else he wrote." -- J.I. Packer
    "John Owen's treatises on INDWELLING SIN IN BELIEVERS [in TEMPTATION AND SIN, Vol. 6 of Works] and THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN are, in my opinion, the most helpful writings on personal holiness ever written." -- Jerry Bridges
    The Works of John Owen, Vol. 6 (including THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN, Goold edition, 1862)
    https://archive.org/details/theworksofowen06owenuoft
    The Mortification of sin, an e-book
    https://www.monergism.com/mortification-sin-believers-ebook-0
    The Mortification of sin
    https://faculty.gordon.edu/hu/bi/ted_hildebrandt/SpiritualFormation/Texts/Owen_MortificationOfSin.pdf
    On the Mortification of Sin in Believers, John Owen (1 of 6), an audio file reading
    Currently (February 2009), there are 63 readings of John Owen by SWRB and Reformed Baptist of Holland (Michigan), (Thomas Sullivan), at SermonAudio.com available for listening online, downloading as MP3 files, and listening on iPhone or Mobile Phones.
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=62906111628

    *Owen, Samuel A., Letting God Plan Your Family, ISBN: 0891075852 9780891075851.

    *Pike, Samuel (1717-1773), and Samuel Hayward (1718-1757), Spiritual Injury From Undue Pursuit of the Affairs of This Life. In RELIGIOUS CASES OF CONSCIENCE ANSWERED IN AN EVANGELICAL MANNER . . . TO WHICH IS ADDED THE SPIRITUAL COMPANION; OR, THE PROFESSING CHRISTIAN TRIED AT THE BAR OF GOD'S WORD; AND CHARACTER OF THE HAPPY MAN, 1866.
    Spiritual Injury From Undue Pursuit of the Affairs of This Life
    http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/spiritual-injury-from-undue-pursuit-of-the-affairs-of-this-life.php

    *Piper, John, Justin Taylor, Ben Patterson, David Powlison (1949-2019), and Albert Mohler, et al., Sex and the Supremacy of Christ, ISBN: 9781433512278 1433512270.
    Amazon reviews are 79 percent five stars as of 4/27/2022.
    "Really impressed by the wealth of writers in this book. I have quoted from it and bought it both in Kindle and paperback versions. The five parts cover a wide range of subjects: 'God and Sex,' 'Sin and Sex,' 'Men and Sex,' 'Women and Sex,' and 'History and Sex.' That final part changed my thinking both on Luther and on the Puritans, as they really restored good biblical understanding on sex. The fact that God created sex is often lost in today's society, and this book helps focus on its positive view of a subject often spoiled by the world today." -- Reader's Comment
    "The second section deals with 'Sin and Sex.' The highlight of the entire book is David Powlison's chapter on 'Restoring Pure Joy to the Sexually Broken.' He provides biblical wisdom and encouragement for people who have abused sex, or who have been sexually abused. His counsel is loving and pastoral, and will surely bring a glimpse of light to many for whom sex has become darkness." -- Reader's Comment

    Pollard, Jeff, Christian Modesty and the Public Undressing of America, (1 of 12), [audio file].
    " 'Unaffected modesty is the sweetest charm of female excellence, the richest gem in the diadem of her honor'." -- Noah Webster
    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. (1 John 2:16)
    This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16) And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (1 John 2:17)
    Christian Modesty, a series of 12 MP3 files [audio file]
    http://www.puritandownloads.com/christian-modesty-and-the-public-undressing-of-america-by-pastor-jeff-pollard/

    Price, Greg L., The Bible and Alcoholic Beverages, 14 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.

    Rassieur, Charles L., The Problem Clergymen Don't Talk About, ISBN: 0664247903 9780664247904.
    The problem is the danger of sexual involvement with female counselees. Includes bibliographical references.

    *Reisman, Judith A., Soft Porn Plays Hardball, ISBN: 091031165X 9780910311656.
    "Reisman demonstrates the tragic effects of 'soft porn' on women, children, and the family." -- GCB

    *Reisman, Judith A., Eunice V. Ray (editor), and Alfred Moreschi (illustrator), Kinsey: Crimes and Consequences the Red Queen and the Grand Scheme, ISBN: 0966662415 9780966662412.
    "Dr. Judith Reisman's new book, KINSEY: CRIMES AND CONSEQUENCES THE RED QUEEN AND THE GRAND SCHEME, presents sinister material on the man who seduced America.
    "The 1960s' sexual revolution was based on the most elaborate and carefully crafted scientific fraud of this century, writes author Judith Reisman. Early sexologist Alfred C. Kinsey, with his two famous reports just 50 years ago, seemingly legitimized both profligacy and deviancy, and thus established 'the sexual license he [personally] espoused.' SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR IN THE HUMAN MALE (1948) and its female equivalent (1953) kicked off no-fault divorce, the wife-swapping era, the gay rights movement, classroom sex education, sex 'therapy' as a growth industry, explicit imagery in the media and entertainment industry, and an avalanche of pornography and obscenity.
    "Although Kinsey was a sexual revolutionary, Dr. Reisman contends, he was falsely portrayed by Indiana University where he worked, and the Rockefeller Foundation which funded him, 'as just a normal American guy/husband/family man who simply "discovered" the "really" that most American men commonly engaged in sexually aberrant and outlaw behaviour.' Kinsey's 'research' alleged that 10 percent of American males were homosexual, that all of us were bisexual, that children were sexual from birth, and could engage in sexual activity with adults without harm, plus a whole broad spectrum of things taught today in our schools and practiced today in courts of law as fact and as true . . . It was fraud then, it is fraud now, and it revolutionized this nation and turned us into Kinsey's [psychological] clones.
    "His 'Grand Scheme' was to eliminate normal families in favour of selective breeding predicated upon racial and sexual eugenics, she charges, and his 'scientific conclusions' were concocted to advance it. The reference is to the Red Queen in Alice in Wonderland who wanted the sentence (beheading) carried out first and the verdict pronounced afterwards.
    "Disturbing information about Kinsey's work and private life has been accumulating since his death in 1956 at age 62. (The official cause was pneumonia due to overwork, but his extensive homosexual and sadomasochistic activities were likely contributors). Dr. Reisman revealed much of it in 1990, for example, in KINSEY, SEX AND FRAUD. Even last year's resolutely non-condemnatory biography by fellow Indiana University scholar James H. Jones, ALFRED C. KINSEY: A PUBLIC/PRIVATE LIFE (Norton), is replete with gruesomely shocking details.
    "KINSEY: CRIME AND CONSEQUENCES cannot be described as non-condemnatory. Its central figure, Dr. Reisman asserts, 'fits the classic definition of a sexual psychopath.' Had the public known that he 'and his male population were sexually abnormal, the popular use of their data to change [our] law, education and public policy would have come to a screeching halt.' He was able, however, to blackmail into silence associates who knew about 'his extensive use of deviants, his large prison population or, worse, his active child molesters.'
    "Still, she thinks his 'findings' should have roused suspicion. 'When I first read Kinsey's research, I thought this man is not reporting on America -- he's reporting on himself and then projecting that onto the nation. Kinsey prostituted his own wife Clara . . . into acts of sodomy with fellow "researchers," which Kinsey filmed. He seduced his own students at Indiana University -- male, not female students. He devised sexual activities with his "co-workers," who then became his co-authors. He [personally] engaged in violent sadistic activity, in which he harmed himself terribly . . . and appears to have died, frankly, as a result of the trauma to his body.'
    "But his famed reports were carefully phrased to obscure the fact that words like 'contacts,' 'partners' and 'sex play' could signify grown men sodomizing children. He was also both racist and cautious about his colleagues, avoiding Jews, blacks and moral traditionalists. Dr. Reisman quotes Kinsey co-author Wardell Pomeroy (KINSEY AND THE INSTITUTE FOR SEX RESEARCH, Harper & Row, 1972), on his hiring technique: 'As usual . . . we took his sexual history first . . . [Then] Kinsey put down his pen and said, "I don't think you want to work for us." "But I do," the researcher insisted. "Well," Kinsey observed, "you have just said that premarital intercourse might lead to later difficulties in marriage, that extramarital relations would break up a marriage, that homosexuality is abnormal, and intercourse with animals is ludicrous. Apparently you have all the answers. . . . Why do you want to do research'?"
    "Biographer Jones describes Kinsey as 'one of the scholarly eugenicists of pre-WWII' who favoured mass sterilization for the lower classes and selective breeding for the 'better classes.' Moreover, Judith Reisman emphasizes, the Rockefeller Foundation was early interested in population control and in using the media to popularize it. The Reece Committee, investigating U.S. tax-exempt foundations in 1953-54, concluded that this 'plutocratic control' was accomplished by 'funding the "right" university research by the "right" researchers, then by funding mass media dissemination of the "right" science data to the public.' Kinsey's numbers made him a perfect fit for anyone eager to alter what he would call human 'breeding patterns.'
    "Dr. Reisman, a specialist in content analysis studies of written and visual media, lost many family members in the Holocaust. In that context she raises further sinister questions about Kinsey's data. For instance, who was the 'lone pedophile,' the 'elderly gentleman' cited by Kinsey for his sexual molestation of 800 children? Who were 'The Children of Table 34' and what became of them? How did Kinsey's 'technically trained' observers gain access to the claimed 1,800 American children for illegal genital experiments? 'To this day,' she observes, 'the Kinsey Institute and Indiana University have repeatedly . . . refused to reveal any names of the subjects or the experimenters.' Nor has any one of these children ever come forward, although the institute seems an excellent target for lawsuits.
    "Even in the destitute 1930s, at the cited rate of a dollar a day, she doubts that children as young as three months were obtainable in such numbers around Bloomington, Indiana. She suggests an ominous but credible alternative: a collaborative link between Kinsey and Nazi Germany, then a police state where such 'experimentation' could easily be conducted 'as part of an ongoing collegial, cross-cultural, multinational, "fact-finding" research project.' She cites significant links, such as one George Sylvester Viereck, who worked for the German embassy in Washington, D.C., in those years, setting up Nazi front groups, and who is known to have been a Kinsey correspondent. Furthermore, the Rockefeller Foundation was simultaneously funding eugenics projects in Berlin.
    "Kinsey consistently kept secret his hypotheses and the basic facts upon which his conclusions rested, Dr. Reisman charges. 'Neither Kinsey nor any of his team can rightly be termed "scientists." Their methodology was not scientific, for it was neither able to be replicated nor validated. Their data was anonymous, forced, secretly altered at will, and fraudulent. With the aid of the elite academic world and institutions and the support of public funds and the social planning foundations, Kinsey and his associates, who served as his own private male harem, conducted thousands of sexual interviews to present a false view of American sexual behaviours.'
    "Amazingly, however, use of Kinsey data as authoritative has never been seriously challenged -- until now. It must not continue, Dr. Reisman declares: 'There [must] be a full and open public investigation into Kinsey's fraudulent data and its impact upon lawmakers, the military, the church, the press, the academic world, the family and all our institutions'." -- Kevin E. Abrams, co-author of The Pink Swastika: Homosexuality In The Nazi Party

    *Reisman, Judith A. (editor), Edward W. Eichel (editor), John H. Court (editor), and J. Gordon Muir (editor), Kinsey, Sex, and Fraud: The Indoctrination of a People: An Investigation Into the Human Sexuality Research of Alfred C. Kinsey, Wardell B. Pomeroy, Clyde E. Martin, and Paul H. Gebhard, ISBN: 091031120X 9780910311205 156384057X 9781563840579.
    "Alfred Kinsey is the father of the sexual revolution. He has almost single-handedly redefined for Western civilization the terms 'normal' and 'abnormal' in regard to sexual behavior. The authors of this book demonstrate that Kinsey's research was the most egregious example of scientific deception in this century. He openly promoted sex between children and adults, sex between humans and animals, and homosexuality. Kinsey's philosophy is being taught in sex and AIDS education classes across the nation. This book could put an end to that." -- GCB

    Reisman, Judith A., Sexual Sabotage: How one mad Scientist Unleashed a Plague of Corruption and Contagion on America, ISBN: 9781935071853 1935071858.
    "Alfred Kinsey's statistics on American sexual behavior was greatly skewed towards unusual sexual practices. Subsequent researchers at the Kinsey Institute have claimed that they have cleaned up the data, and found the same incidence rates. It is not possible to clean up data that was drawn from a sample that was not representative of the American people as a whole. The psychologist Abraham Maslow pointed out that Kinsey's data suffered from volunteer bias. And eminent statisticians pointed out that his statistics were invalid.
    "Reisman points out that if sex outside of marriage had really been as common as Kinsey claimed, there would have been much more abortion, divorce, children born out of wedlock, and sexually transmitted diseases in the 1940s than there actually was.
    "Kinsey's books did much to weaken the laws against sex outside of marriage, because it did not seem reasonable to outlaw behavior that was commonplace. Reisman documents how the American Law Institute Model Penal Code was substantially changed by the Kinsey reports. The ALI MPC frequently quoted Kinsey as a reference when reducing or eliminating penalties for sex crimes. Kinsey's assertion that children desire sex has lead to efforts to lower the age of consent. Marriage was originally a contract designed to enforce sexual exclusivity, to provide for the care of children, and to prevent women from being abandoned. Kinsey's promotion of hedonism has weakened the institution of marriage, to the detriment of women and children.
    "Judith Reisman is a voice in the wilderness, repeatedly drawing attention to one of the biggest crimes of the 20th century. Alfred Kinsey lied about the sex lives of the American people, in particular, about the Greatest Generation, the people who carried America through the Great Depression and World War II. Kinsey claimed that sex outside of marriage was common, when, in fact, it was unusual. Kinsey caused the children of the greatest generation to believe that their parents were hypocrites, who preached traditional sexual morality, but practiced sexual immorality." -- Reader's Comment

    *Schlink, Bernhard, and Carol Brown Janeway (translator), The Reader -- A Novel, 218 pages, ISBN: 0307454894 9780307454898.
    This is primarily a study of the guilt of the German society over the holocaust. Interwoven with that theme it shows the long-term consequences in a man's life of youthful sexual sin.
    Weinstein Company Home Entertainment, The, Stephen Daldry (director), David Hare, Anthony Minghella, Sydney Pollack, Donna Gigliotti, The Reader, 124 min., DVD.
    "Based on the book DER VORLESER by Bernhard Schlink. Originally released as a motion picture in 2008. Special features: deleted scenes; Adapting a timeless masterpiece: making The reader; A conversation with David Kross and Stephen Daldry; Kate Winslet on the art of aging Hanna Schmitz; A new voice: a look at composer Nico Muhly; Coming to grips with the past: production designer Brigitte Broch; theatrical trailer." -- Publisher

    Shogren, Gary, and Edward Welch, Running in Circles: How to Find Freedom From Addictive Behavior, ISBN: 0801083877 9780801083877, 96 pages.
    "Companion volume to Welch's and Shogren's ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOR. Intended as a practical guide to help those who struggle with 'addictive behavior:' drugs, alcohol, food, immorality, and so forth. Especially useful as a first introduction to biblical thinking for such people." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    Smith, Robert D., Biblical Principles of Sex, 51 pages, ISBN: 1889032395 9781889032399.

    Sorokin, Pitirim Aleksandrovich, The American sex Revolution.

    Storey, Duane, Sandy Kulkin, Mary Ann Mayo, and Mayo Kulkin, Body and Soul: A Married Couple's Guide to Discovering and Understanding our Unique Sexual Personalities, ISBN: 0880707429 9780880707428.
    "Combing helpful self-tests with seasoned counsel, the authors show how you and your partner can develop a relationship that is deeply fulfilling -- both physically and emotionally with Body and Soul." -- Publisher

    Stuart, Friend, What the Bible Says About Sex, ISBN: 0912132175 9780912132174.
    "An abridgment and translation from THEOLOGISCHE ETHIK."
    The Eerdman edition reprinted from 1975 Baker Book House edition under title: THE ETHICS OF SEX.

    Thielicke, Helmut, Sex: Theological Ethics.
    "A scholarly examination of human sexuality in light of . . . doctrines of creation and redemption."

    Tiger, Lionel, The Decline of Males: The First Look at an Unexpected New World for men and Women, ISBN: 0312263112 9780312263119.
    "Why have the sexual and family norms of American society changed so dramatically in the last few decades?
    "Distinguished anthropologist and author Lionel Tiger offers a unique biological perspective on major questions of the age that have thwarted sociological, economic, and political explanation:

    "Most experts see the cause in social forces: the rise of feminism, changes in the makeup of the workforce, or political programs such as workfare. But according to Tiger, the master issue is reproduction, a biological process. Tiger argues that the most basic cause of these changes is the spread of effective contraception. Controlled by women, it gives them the sole power to decide to, or not to, bear children, independent of men's desires and even of their knowledge. Since the advent of the birth control pill nearly forty years ago, human society has been undergoing a dramatic but little-understood revolution in the fundamental relationship between the sexes. The unforeseen and unintended consequences of efficient contraception are now a major focus of the 'gender wars.' Removed from the responsibility to use birth control, and without a way to know for certain that a sexual partner is even using birth control, men have been marginalized in the process of reproduction. They have begun to feel obsolete and out of control. The result is an unprecedented withdrawal of men from family systems, leading to increased pressures on the government to take their place -- an arrangement Tiger calls 'bureaugamy.' As women are forced into the workplace because of the economic demands of single parenthood and decreasing male support of the family, men in turn face confusion about their social, economic, and political roles.
    "From this original perspective, Tiger offers arresting insights into: Challenging the most basic assumptions about male-female relationships, THE DECLINE OF MALES provides valuable lessons for parents to teach their sons-and their daughters -- as we enter the twenty-first century. With a plea for an end to ideology and sentiment in our arguments about the relationship between the sexes, Tiger offers a guide to our evolutionary past and our revolutionary present and provides the compassionate understanding of our biological roots that we need in order to mold the future we desire.
    "Dr. Lionel Tiger is the Charles Darwin professor of anthropology at Rutgers University and the author of nine books, including THE IMPERIAL ANIMAL (with Robin Fox), OPTIMISM: THE BIOLOGY OF HOPE, THE PURSUIT OF PLEASURE, and MEN IN GROUPS. He lives in New York City." -- Publisher
    " 'The news overall is that women are taking firmer control of their destinies,' Tiger declares. The result he sees is that men are losing their ancient position of dominance. How has this shift come about? Tiger, a professor of anthropology at Rutgers University, says the fundamental reason is that 'through effective contraception -- for the first time in history -- one sex can control the reproductive process.' And so 'more women are having children without men, and therefore more men are without the love of families. Women as a group are working more and earning more. Men are working less and earning less.' Moreover, women are now graduating from college at higher rates than men (a trend that will affect the future of employment), and have begun to vote in patterns distinctly different from the voting tendencies of men (a trend that will affect government and public dialogue). As for men, 'what is under way is so imprecise but so general and atmospheric they do not realize what is happening to them'." -- From Scientific American
    "This provocative book raises questions about the awesome influences of nanotechnology and genetic engineering on the future of human sexuality and social structure. Highly recommended." -- Library Journal
    "Biological anthropologist Lionel Tiger, best known for developing the concept of male bonding in MEN IN GROUPS, offers what he calls 'a chronicle of the decline of men and the ascendancy of women.' If there were a male counterpart to feminism -- masculinism? -- this is where it would be found. Profound social changes over the last several decades are rooted in reproductive technology, which 'has given enormous general power to women that has been translated beyond the family sphere,' says Tiger. This is not an unequivocally positive development, he believes, and it has led to a slew of problems that include general family breakdown. The book is occasionally alarmist, yet there is also a freshness to its argument.
    "THE DECLINE OF MALES is a nonsexist brief on behalf of men, and it includes a number of interesting observations. As women play a larger role in public life, men are looking for new ways to be male. 'Perhaps the apparent explosion of interest in sports and pornography means that men are trying to find new outlets to express their inherent maleness, which they may feel otherwise obligated to repress,' writes Tiger. Several of his proposals are politically naive, but intriguing in how they blend conservative and liberal ideas. Tiger, for example, thinks men should earn higher pay for the children they have during a first marriage, and that unmarried women with children should receive welfare without having to work. THE DECLINE OF MALES will fascinate some readers and exasperate others, yet all will agree it makes a unique intellectual contribution to the ongoing sex wars. -- Editorial Review
    "Lionel Tiger has zeroed in on the single most important social development of our time, the collision between technological change and reproductive biology, and the war between the sexes that has resulted from it. This book, written without the ideological blinkers that obscure most contemporary discussions of gender, is full of incredible nuance and insight that will reward careful reading." -- Francis Fukuyama, author of TRUST AND THE END OF HISTORY and THE LAST MAN, and Hirst Professor of Public Policy, George Mason University
    "Over the past century, and especially in the past three decades, the feminist movement has intensively lobbied to secure women's reproductive rights. That battle has been won, but not simply due to political changes. Lionel Tiger argues in THE DECLINE OF MALES that the key reasons were technological: medically safe abortion and contraception (primarily the pill). These technologies allowed women exclusively, and independently of their husbands, to control their reproduction. Contraception controlled pregnancy, and, should it not, women could solely chose whether or not to bring the pregnancy to term.
    "Although most would agree that these technologies have empowered women by offering them more life options, the larger social and personal effects on men, and on the relations between the sexes, have been largely ill-considered. These reproductive technologies, Tiger argues, have set the sexes on an uncharted, and perhaps dangerous, course. Reproductive power is no longer shared, albeit unconsciously, via the evolved desires and aversions of each sex. Today reproduction is controlled consciously and almost exclusively by women.
    "So while women were gaining their own reproductive control, men were losing theirs. What reproductive rights do men have left today? Virtually none. Consider the following scenarios. If a man's partner becomes pregnant, and he wishes to have the child, but she doesn't, he has no legal recourse to prevent an abortion. If, on the other hand, he wants her to terminate the pregnancy, he cannot compel her to have an abortion. Further, he will be legally responsible for child support for a child he would not have chosen to have. If she is on the pill, and he wishes to have a child, there is no legal recourse available to him to compel her to stop taking the pill. Divorce courts still favor granting custody of children to mothers and child support payments to fathers. The idea that reproduction and parenting is a decision jointly made by both partners is an outdated romantic illusion. Examined more closely, it is clear that the consent of woman is always a prerequisite. The consent of the man is often superfluous.
    "In addition, the resources that husbands traditionally have been able to contribute to reproduction and marriage -- financial support, protection, and socialization of their children -- have been supplanted, and sometimes replaced, by what Tiger terms government 'bureaugamy' (women's dependency on the government, or the 'government-as-husband'). What women historically relied on husbands to provide, now the state often antes up: child care, welfare, education, police protection, affirmative action and divorce laws that favor women, ambiguous sexual harassment codes that leave the determination of whether an infraction occurred to the interpretation of a particular woman (not necessarily a 'reasonable woman'), etc. While medical reproductive technology has had the effect of marginalizing men reproductively, the state's 'bureaugamy' has marginalized the importance of men's marital and parental contributions. Women are often encouraged to live independently (as evidenced by the feminist slogan: 'A woman needs a man about as much as fish needs a bicycle'). The bureaugamy supports the superfluousness of husbands by assuring a woman that it will provide what historically a husband did -- with government help she can live independently and generally without fear of hunger, lack of shelter, attack, or lack of socialization and education of her children.
    "The consequences of women's reproductive control, combined with feminist inspired 'bureaugamy,' may already be felt. Tiger notes that one-third of births in industrialized societies are now to single mothers. The average female income is growing while average male income is declining. The majority of college undergraduates, 55 percent, are women. While female college enrollment continues to increase, male enrollment is decreasing. Divorce rates are the highest recorded in history.
    "As the value of male contributions to reproduction, marriage and parenting have diminished, so too has the general level of male status in society. Warren Farrell noted in his book WHY MEN ARE THE WAY THEY ARE that our perception of men has been transformed in a few decades from one in which 'Father Knows Best' to 'Daddy Molests.' The male cultural icons of the 1940s, 1950s and early 1960s were independent, powerful, and respected men, who were also generally respectful and gentlemanly toward women. Today, the movie of the week is typically about a woman victimized by a male: her boss or father, her current (or ex), boyfriend or husband, or by a maniacal serial rapist or murderer.
    "The feminist movement has spearheaded the cultural acceptance of the routine disrespect of men. Instead of equitably quashing and discouraging misandry and working toward true mutual understanding and respect between the sexes, the feminist movement has succeeded in cheer leading a misandry that palpably permeates the culture. Jokes, television commercials, magazine advertisements and even greeting cards often put down men in a way that would be condemned as sexist if directed toward women. As men become less needed as fathers and husbands, they are increasingly disrespected by women. Ironically, by reducing men's general status vis-a-vis women, women find to their disappointment fewer available men who can meet their high expectations for a potential husband and father of her children.
    "Tiger's concern is that by 'fooling Mother Nature' via the reproductive technologies of contraception and abortion we have unwittingly headed into uncharted, and perhaps dangerous, territory. Our species has not evolved psychological adaptations to deal with modern reproductive technology -- what evolutionary psychologists call an 'evolutionary mismatch.' There is now a disconnect between our ancestral and current environments. As a sexy and technologically smart primate, we have learned to take the goodies (sex) an unlink it from its evolutionary purpose (reproduction and parenting). The long-term social and emotional consequences of this mismatch are unknown, but is it clear that one of the effects, the 'decline of males,' has already begun.
    "Yet most men today are about as cognizant of their increasing inequality as women in the 1950s were conscious of their limited life choices. Men need some consciousness raising of their own. Unfortunately, they are so predisposed to protect women, and protect what feminists say women's interests are, that men ignore their own interests as a group to their own peril. On a social level, several nascent men's movements have sputtered, and then sadly faded. Apparently men's instincts to protect women (or at least protect their own personal reputation as a protector of women), are generally greater than their inclination to protect themselves.
    "On a more personal level, when a man finds himself unable to provide more income than a woman can obtain via welfare (or that she can provide through her own career), when he cannot cause or prevent an abortion, when he is ordered to financially support a child that he never wanted (or even one that is not genetically his own), when he is not granted equal custody or parental authority for his children after a divorce, when he loses a job, promotion or a work contract to a less qualified woman due to affirmative action policies, when women of his own socioeconomic class reject him because they prefer a partner who has a higher status, he is feels, at best, confused. He knows something is askance with feminist rhetoric about 'equality,' but he may have difficulty articulating it. Men today are befuddled -- they don't understand how equality for women came to result in sexual, reproductive, parental and legal inequality and a disrespect for men.
    "Although Tiger's book contains a great deal of valuable information, it is rather poorly presented. It is written with a prose that awkwardly combines the style of a social commentary with a smattering of too lightly sketched evolutionary psychology theory, personal observations, social history, exemplars from contemporary cultures, and some repetitive statistics. Chapter titles and section headings are nondescript. Some of Tiger's assertions are based solely on his opinion -- others have solid scientific backing. But it is often difficult to distinguish between the two. It would have helpful if Tiger had organized the book more as a clear, progressive and logically structured argument.
    "Most egregiously, Tiger seems to have missed some of the most important works in the men's studies field, such as Warren Farrell's books, including WHY MEN ARE THE WAY THEY ARE, THE MYTH OF MALE POWER, and WOMEN CAN'T HEAR WHAT MEN DON'T SAY. This is a serious oversight -- not only are Farrell's important works ignored in the text, they are not listed in his chapter notes and references. . . ." -- Reader's Comment

    Unwin, J.D., Sex and Culture.
    "Both Unwin and Eberstadt provide substantial evidence that a sexual revolution has long-term, devastating consequences for culture and civilization. As Unwin states, 'The history of these societies consists of a series of monotonous repetitions,' and it appears that our civilization is following the same, well-travelled road to collapse." -- Publisher

    Welch, Edward, and Gary Shogren, Addictive Behavior, ISBN: 0801097371 9780801097379, 176 pages.
    "Guides pastors and other counselors in understanding 'addictions' biblically, and takes them through five typical sessions of counseling. The prominent case study focuses on alcohol abuse in a church context, but the principles apply to other enslaving behaviors." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    See also: Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Idolatry, syncretism, Sexual wholeness, Sexual Relationship (Women), Abuse, dysfunctional families, Child Abuse and Pedophilia, Homosexualityand Lesbianism, Abuse (Women), Incest (Women), Incest, Rape, Prostitution, Harlotry, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, AIDS, Counseling for sex related problems, illegitimacy, Fatherlessness, Addiction, alcoholism, substance abuse, drug abuse, Single Parenting, Birth Control, Abortion and the Sanctity of Life, Post-abortion Counseling, Sexual wholeness, Justification, Sex ethics, sex education, Teens and Sex, Temptation, Carnality and Flesh Pleasing: Desires and pleasure, Infatuation, Idolatry, syncretism, Pornography, Gratuitous Sex, a Cause of Violence, Addiction, alcoholism, substance abuse, drug abuse, Courtship, Courtship (women), Abstinence, Adultery, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry),
    The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The ten commandments: the moral law, Proverbs, The wisdom books, The teaching of our lord jesus christ, Christ our example, Singleness, Sharing christ with your children, Slavery, our systems of enslavement, economic enslavement, Chastity, Counsel for young men, Counsel for young women, Courtship verses dating, Resources for students,
    Sin and its consequence: physical and spiritual death, The contagion of sin, imitation, conformity, Menpleasing, Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, Depression, Hostility, Suicide, Gambling, Organized crime, Modern myths and fallacies, The decline of american society, irrationality, the decline of western thought, Male role and responsibility, gender equality, suffrage, reproductive rights, and the decline of american society, Self-denial, Love and counseling problems, Envy, jealousy, Divorce, Avoiding divorce,
    Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justification, Justifying faith, Forgiveness, Sanctification, Holiness and happiness, Reconciliation of relationships, Manhood, Men, women, and god, Women, Womanhood, Works by and for women, Suffrage and reproductive rights, Marriage, Fatherhood, Family, Problems solving in marriage, Unforgiveness, Reconciliation of married partners, Parenting, Protecting children from dangers, Effeminacy, the effeminate Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Works of jay adams, Classic christian fiction by martha finley, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Servant leadership,
    Heresy and apostasy, The counter-reformation, Antichrist, The occult, Soul-violence, Spiritual warfare, Protecting children from dangers, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, Loyalty, Secret societies and ungodly alliance, Oaths, ensnaring vows, promises, and covenants, bonds with the ungodly,
    Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, The second coming, parousia, escatological coming of christ, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 352, 629, 645, 663-667, 843, 957, 1120-1125, 1290, 1545, 1662-1666, 1814, 2129, 2351-2353, 2545, 2642, 2685, 3198, 3207, 3208, 3222, 3348, 3569, 3570-3572, 3881, 3882
    MGTP: Sexual Immorality, Carnality

    Related Weblinks

    The Bible and Sex, an MP3 [audio file], Francis Nigel Lee. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    The Code of Virginia: Select Sexual Offenses

    1. Obscenity
      http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+18.2-372
    2. Adultery and fornication by persons forbidden to marry: Incest
      http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+18.2-366
    3. Sexually explicit items involving children
      http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+18.2-374.1
    4. Taking indecent liberties with a child by person in custodial or supervisory relationship
      http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+18.2-370.1
    5. Crimes against nature
      http://www.sodomy.org/laws/virginia/sodomy.html
    6. Conspiring to cause spouse to commit adultery
      http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+18.2-367
    7. Rape
      http://www.sodomy.org/laws/virginia/rape.html
    8. Forcible sodomy
      http://www.sodomy.org/laws/virginia/forcible_sodomy.html
    9. Fornication
      http://www.sodomy.org/laws/virginia/fornication.html
    10. Being a prostitute or prostitution
      http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+18.2-346
    11. Virginia State Law: Pandering, Taking, detaining, etc., person for prostitution, etc., or consenting thereto.
      http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+18.2-355
    12. Employment for compensation of persons convicted of certain offenses prohibited; criminal records check required; suspension or revocation of license.
      http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+32.1-126.01
    13. Lewd and lascivious cohabitation
      http://www.sodomy.org/laws/virginia/cohabitation.html
    The Cost of Raising a Child in America: $241,080, August 15, 2013
    It has been said that if a man and woman are not willing to accept the responsibilities of raising children, then they should not marry.
    "The costs of raising a child from birth to age 17, including housing, food, clothing, health care, education, and other expenses, will come to $241,080 for a child born in 2012 [a college education not included -- compiler], up 2.6 percent from the year before, according to new data released by the Department of Agriculture. The annual cost for a child in a middle-income, two-parent family ranges from $12,600 to $14,700."
    http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2013/08/15/2471981/cost-of-raising-a-child/

    Facts on Induced Abortion in the United States (05/2006)
    Comprehensive documented statistics on legal abortions performed in the Unites States compiled by the Guttmacher Institute.
    http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/fb_induced_abortion.html

    Five-Year Arrest Trends, All Women, 1995-1999 (6,622 agencies)
    Percentage increases in arrests of all women, select crimes. (Women under 18 only indicated by "under 18")

    1. Aggravated assault, +6.0
    2. Violent crime, +2.3
    3. Other assaults, +12.0
    4. Fraud Embezzlement, +39.7, +74.6 (under 18)
    5. Prostitution and commercialized vice, +8.4 (under 18)
    6. Sex offenses (except forcible rape and prostitution), +34.7 (under 18)
    7. Drug abuse violations, +11.4, +12.3 (under 18)
    8. Gambling, +20.1
    9. Offenses against the family and children, +7.9, +16.6 (under 18)
    10. Driving under the influence, +11.3, +48.1 (under 18)
    11. Liquor laws, +44.4, +42.3 (under 18)
    12. Drunkenness, +14.6 (under 18)
    13. Disorderly conduct, +17.0 (under 18)
    14. All other offenses (except traffic), +19.4, +20.2 (under 18)
    15. Suspicion, +18.8
    16. Curfew and loitering law violations, +13.6, +13.6 (under 18)
    http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/crime-in-the-u.s/1999/99sec4.pdf

    Five-Year Arrest Trends by Sex, 2015-2019
    "9,656 agencies; 2019 estimated population 201,599,471; 2015 estimated population 197,695,401"
    https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2019/crime-in-the-u.s.-2019/topic-pages/tables/table-35#

    Franklin Graham on the Plague of Immorality, February 2, 2015
    "The sexual revolution that began in earnest five decades ago with promises of new and liberating sexual freedoms has instead left behind a shattered moral landscape that has undermined the fabric and foundation of our nation. Casting off what was perceived as the puritanical restraints of previous generations, the '60s and '70s launched a new era of sexual experimentation. The revolution, publicly inaugurated by 1967's Summer of Love in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district, promised an enlightened age of sexual morality. . . .
    "Fifty years later, we can see that the results have been catastrophic.
    "In many respects the American family is completely unrecognizable, courtesy of a failed sexual revolution that has left a devastating wake of destruction.
    "In certain segments of American culture, more than 70 percent of children are born to single parents and remain in single-parent households. Nationally, more than one in four children today live in households with only one parent. Demographers predict that by age 18, nearly 50 percent of all children will have lived with just a mom or dad.
    "Nearly half of all marriages end in divorce, and couples who cohabitate before marriage are even more likely to split. . . .
    "The freedoms promised by the sexual revolution have instead given way to ever-increasing slavery and captivity to sin. The attempt to cast off moral restraint has only opened wide the devil's destructive, deadly toolbox. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved (2 Peter 2:19). . . .
    "The Scripture is clear: But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you. . . . For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous . . . has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God (Ephesians 5:3,5). . . .
    "Our culture, like ancient cultures that ultimately were destroyed in large part due to their own moral depravity, has been severely weakened. A stable family unit committed to the truth and precepts of the Bible was once the foundation and backbone of our nation. That model is now the exception, not the rule. . . .
    "The only answer I know for any society in any era is the strong word of the Lord to the church in Thyatira who, though faithful in some ways, apparently tolerated sexual permissiveness that spread through the church: I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality (Revelation 2:21).
    "There is still time to repent. That is why Jesus is delaying His return, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance (2 Peter 3:9). . . ."
    http://billygraham.org/decision-magazine/february-2015/franklin-graham-on-the-plague-of-immorality/

    Functional Illiteracy
    "Functional illiteracy is a term used to describe reading and writing skills that are inadequate 'to manage daily living and employment tasks that require reading skills beyond a basic level.'[1] Functional illiteracy is contrasted with illiteracy in the strict sense, meaning the inability to read or write simple sentences in any language. . . .
    "Links with poverty and crime
    "In developed countries, the level of functional literacy of an individual is proportional to his/her income level and risk of committing crime. For example, according to the National Center for Educational Statistics in the United States:

  • Over 60 percent of adults in the U.S. Prison System read at or below the fourth grade level
  • 85 percent of U.S. juvenile inmates are functionally illiterate.
  • Adult inmates who received educational services while in prison had a 16 percent chance of returning to prison, as opposed to 70 percent for those who received no instruction. [this statistic not in citation given -- compiler]
  • 43 percent of adults at the lowest level of literacy lived below the poverty line, as opposed to 4 percent of those with the highest levels of literacy.
    • "According to BeginToRead.com:
  • Two thirds of students who cannot read proficiently by the fourth grade will end up in jail or on welfare.
  • Three out of four individuals who receive food stamps read on the two lowest levels of literacy.
  • 16 to 19 year old girls at the poverty level and below, with below average skills, are 6 times more likely to have out-of-wedlock children than their reading counterparts. . . .
    • "The National Center for Education Statistics provides more detail. Literacy is broken down into three parameters: prose, document, and quantitative literacy. Each parameter has four levels: below basic, basic, intermediate, and proficient. For prose literacy, for example, a below basic level of literacy means that a person can look at a short piece of text to get a small piece of uncomplicated information, while a person who is below basic in quantitative literacy would be able to do simple addition. In the US, 14 percent of the adult population is at the 'below basic' level for prose literacy; 12 percent are at the 'below basic' level for document literacy; and 22 percent are at that level for quantitative literacy. Only 13 percent of the population is proficient in these three areas -- able to compare viewpoints in two editorials; interpret a table about blood pressure, age, and physical activity; or compute and compare the cost per ounce of food items."
    In other words, in 2011, 87 percent of Americans were "below basic" levels of literacy in one or more of the following: prose literacy, document literacy, and/or quantitative literacy. See: "Data Files for the 2003 National Assessment of Adult Literacy."
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Functional_literacy

    How Much Does Baby Delivery Cost?
    A C-section without insurance can run from $14,000 to $25,000. Premature deliveries can run much higher with hospital care.
    http://www.costhelper.com/cost/child/baby-delivery.html

    Incarcerated Women and Girls (1980-2020)
    "Between 1980 and 2020, the number of incarcerated women increased by more than 475 percent, rising from a total of 26,326 in 1980 to 152,854 in 2020. . . .
    "The number of incarcerated women was nearly five times higher in 2020 than in 1980.
    " 'Incarcerated Women and Girls' examines female incarceration trends and finds areas of both concern and hope. While the imprisonment rate for African American women was nearly twice that of white women in 2020, this disparity represents a sharp decline from 2000 when Black women were six times as likely to be imprisoned. Since then Black women's imprisonment rate has decreased by 68 percent while white women's rate has increased by 12 percent."
    https://www.sentencingproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Incarcerated-Women-and-Girls.pdf

    Legitimacy (family law)
    "Births outside marriage represent the majority in many countries of Western Europe and in many former European colonies."
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legitimacy_(family_law)

    Mastering Life Ministries
    http://www.MasteringLife.org

    Must a Wife Have sex With her Husband so he Won't Stray?
    https://rickthomas.net/podcast/ep-414-must-wife-have-sex-with-her-husband-so-he-wont-stray/

    Non-marital Birth Rates in the United States, 1940-2014
    https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nonmarital_Birth_Rates_in_the_United_States,_1940-2014.png

    A Redneck Resolution Against Self-destruction
    http://www.lettermen2.com/redneck.html

    Respect Incorporated (formerly Sex Respect)
    http://www.sexrespect.com/main.html

    Sexual Purity, Lust, Pornography, Sexual Duties in Marriage, an MP3 [audio file], Francis Nigel Lee. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Temptation (FGB #160)
    Mortification of sin, Erroll Hulse -- A Necessity | Abstain From Fleshly Lusts, Martin Luther (1483-1546) | Helps Against Temptation, Thomas Brooks (1608-1680) | The Christian's Warfare, Robert M. McCheyne (1813-1843) | Temptation of Believers, John Owen (1616-1683) | Benefits of Temptation, G.A.W.
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/tempfg/temptation

    The True Cost of Prenatal Care and Delivery, Claire Vande Polder, January 2, 2007
    Costs for prenatal care = $1,862.
    Costs for hospital delivery:
    Vaginal delivery without complication = $6,200
    Vaginal delivery with complication = $8,200
    C-section without complication = $11,500
    C-section with complication = $15,500
    Doctors Fees $1,500.
    Total standard costs: $9,562 to $18,862, depending upon the type of delivery and the geographical location.
    http://www.revolutionhealth.com/healthy-living/pregnancy/planning-pregnancy/financial-planning/cost-prenatal-care-delivery

    True Love Waits
    http://www.truelovewaits.com/

    Unmarried Childbearing
    "Percent of all births to unmarried women: 40.7 percent. . . .
    "Data are for the U.S., 2012. Source: Births: Final Data for 2012, Table C."
    http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/unmarry.htm

    Unintended Pregnancy
    "Worldwide, the unintended pregnancy rate is approximately 45 percent of all pregnancies, but rates of unintended pregnancy vary in different geographic areas and among different socio-demographic groups. [Bearak J., Popinchalk A., Alkema L., Sedgh G. (April 2018). "Global, regional, and subregional trends in unintended pregnancy and its outcomes from 1990 to 2014: estimates from a Bayesian hierarchical model". The Lancet. Global Health. 6 (4): e380, e389."
    "According to the Guttmacher Institute, slightly less than half (45 percent) of U.S. pregnancies in 2011 were unintended, approximately 2.8 million pregnancies per year.[4]. . . .
    "Over 92 percent of abortions are the result of unintended pregnancy,[13] and unintended pregnancies result in about 800,000 abortions/year.[14] In 2001, 44 percent of unintended pregnancies resulted in births, 42 percent resulted in induced abortion, and the rest in miscarriage.[15] It is estimated that more than half of US women have had an unintended pregnancy by age 45.[16] According to one study, over one-third of living people in the US under 31 years of age (born since 1982) were the result of unintended pregnancies, a rate that has remained largely unchanged to date.[17][18]" -- Wikipedia, "Unintended pregnancy"

    Warnings from divines to be watchful against temptations as we grow older
    For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father. (1 Kings 11:4])
    When Solomon was old -- when it might have been expected that age should have cooled his lust, and experience have made him wiser and better, and when probably he was secure as to any such miscarriages; then God permitted him to fall so shamefully, that he might be to all succeeding generations an example. -- Matthew Poole (1624-1679)
    God thus shows us that there is no protection in years. -- A.W. Pink (1886-1952)
    It is very remarkable that all the falls, as far as I remember, recorded in Scripture, are those of old men. This should be a great warning to us who think we are getting wise and experienced. Lot and Judah, and Eli and Solomon, and Asa were all advanced in years when they were found faulty before the Lord. -- C.H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)
    Apostasy in old age is fearful. So wretched is it for old men to fall near to their very entry of heaven, as old Eli in his indulgence, 1 Samuel 2; old Judah in his incest, Genesis 38; old David with Bathsheba, 2 Samuel 11; old Asa trusting in the physicians more than in God, 2 Chronicles 16:12; and old Solomon built the high places. -- Thomas Adams (1583-1656)
    Satan made a prey of old Solomon, Asa, Lot, others; whom when young he could never so deceive -- many that have held out well in youth, have failed and been shamefully foiled in old age. -- John Trapp (1601-1699)
    Lot did not transgress most grossly until he was an old man. Isaac seems to have become a glutton in his old age, and was as a vessel no longer meet for the Master's use, which rusted out rather than wore out. It was after a life of walking with God, and building the ark, that Noah disgraced himself. The worst sin of Moses was committed not at the beginning, but at the end of the wilderness journey. Hezekiah became puffed up with pride near the sunset of his life. What warnings are these! -- A.W. Pink
    Thus many men have borne temptation bravely for years -- and just when the trial was over and they reckoned that they were safe -- they turned aside to crooked ways and grieved the Lord. You are greatly surprised aren't you? You would have believed it of anybody sooner than of them, but so it is. -- C.H. Spurgeon
    I have observed in some good men and good ministers, improprieties in their latter days, which I have been willing to ascribe to the infirmities of old age, than to a defect in real grace -- I have known good men, in advanced life, garrulous, peevish, dogmatic, self-important, with some symptoms of jealousy, and perhaps envy, towards those who are on increase while they feel themselves decreasing. -- John Newton (1725-1807)
    We have often heard older saints warning younger brothers and sisters of their great danger, yet it is striking to observe that Scripture records not a single instance of a young saint disgracing his profession -- It is true that young Christians are feeblest, and with rare exceptions, they know it; and therefore does God manifest His grace and power upholding them: it is the 'lambs' which He carries in His arms! But some older Christians seem far less conscious of their danger, and so God often suffers them to have a fall, that He may stain the pride of their self-glory, and that others may see it is nothing in the flesh, standing, rank, age, or attainments, which insures our safety; but that He upholds the humble and casts down the proud. -- A.W. Pink
    Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. (1 Corinthians 10:12) The harms sustained by others should be cautions to us. He that thinks he stands should not be confident and secure, but upon his guard. Others have fallen, and so may we. -- Matthew Henry (1662-1714)
    When old people fall, they fall with a great weight, and are crushed more than younger people, and perhaps they have more difficulty to rise again. Far more excuses are found for the lapses of young people, than can be pretended by the aged. Take warning by poor Noah -- one hour's drunkenness discovered that [nakedness] which six hundred years sobriety had concealed. -- Richard Steele (1629-1692)
    Take this, then, as a caution, lest we spoil a lifelong reputation by one wretched act of sin. -- C.H. Spurgeon
    All sins are rooted in love of pleasure. Therefore be watchful. -- Thomas Manton (1620-1677)
    A wandering heart needs a watchful eye. -- Thomas Watson (1620-1686)
    Sometimes those who, with watchfulness and resolution, have, by the grace of God, kept their integrity in the midst of temptation, have through security, and carelessness, and neglect of the grace of God, been surprised into sin when the hour of temptation has been over. -- Matthew Henry
    Thus Lot, he who kept his integrity in the midst of all the temptations of Sodom, falls into a grievous sin in a place where he might seem most remote from all temptations; God permitting this, to teach all following ages how weak even the best men are when they are left to themselves, and what absolute need they have of Divine assistance. -- Matthew Poole
    How many are the evils of our hearts! What need do we find of constant watchfulness and earnest prayer for the supply of the Spirit. Self, that most subtle and dangerous of all our foes, will assume a thousand forms to draw our supreme attention from our Lord. Both the lusts of the flesh and the lusts of the mind must be continually opposed and mortified. -- Thomas Manton
    The Lord's grace is promised to him that resisteth. God keepeth us from the evil one, but it is by our watchfulness and resistance; His power maketh it effectual. -- John Ryland (1723-1792)
    Cool passions are no guarantees against fiery sins, unless grace has cooled them. -- C.H. Spurgeon
    If we do need not more grace, certain it is that we need as much grace when we are grown old, as while we are growing up. -- A.W. Pink
    As it starts, so it continues. It is a "fight of faith" always, right to the end. -- Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981)

    Why Sex is the Best Argument for Creation (and Against Evolution)
    "I'm referring to everything from that first moment of attraction between a man and a woman, to the complementary anatomical structures and organs that work so well together, to the millions of interactions that happen on the physical/hormonal/emotional levels, to the love and pleasure of two people becoming one flesh, to cells smaller than the head of a pin contributing 1.5 billion letters of DNA each in order to form a new 3 billion-letter blueprint, to the nonstop application of that genome as it rapidly develops into over 20 trillion cells and 200 types of tissue and hundreds of organs and meters of blood vessels all interacting together, to the final moment a fully-functioning, crying, squirming baby emerges from its mother 6,480 hours later."
    https://isgenesishistory.com/why-sex-is-the-best-argument-for-creation-against-evolution/

    *Wisdom Guards the Heart, a sermon by Phil Johnson
    "Mortify your evil thoughts -- Mortify, therefore, your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry (Colossians 3:5) -- this is a recurring theme in the Apostle Paul's writings, this idea of putting to death sin in your body, mortifying the sin. 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. (Romans 8:13) What he's saying is this: put your evil thoughts to death. Deal with them ruthlessly. Don't allow them any breathing room. Choke the life out of them. Mortify them. Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof. (Romans 13:14)
    By the way, this is one of the marks of the true Christian. Galatians 5:24 says, And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. We haven't done it perfectly. It's a process of crucifixion, and that's a slow death, so those affections and lusts continually come back to plague us; but if you are truly a believer, then at some point and in some way, you have begun the process of crucifying these lusts and affections. . . ." -- Phil Johnson
    Wisdom Guards the Heart
    https://www.gracechurch.org/sermons/10356 Wisdom Guards the Heart
    https://archive.org/details/podcast_biblical-counseling-institute_wisdom-guards-the-heart_1000393915063



    Sexual Wholeness

    And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in loving kindness, and in mercies. I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness; and thou shalt know the Lord. (Hosea 2:19-20)
    Betrothment unto the Lord! What an honor and a joy! My soul, is Jesus indeed thine by His own condescending betrothal? Then, mark it is forever. He will never break His engagement, much less sue out a divorce against a soul joined to Himself in marriage bonds.
    Three times the Lord says, I will betroth thee. What words He heaps together to set forth the betrothal! Righteousness comes in to make the covenant legal; none can forbid these lawful bans. Judgment sanctions the alliance with its decree: none can see folly or error in the match. Lovingkindness warrants that this is a love union, for without love betrothal is bondage and not blessedness. Meanwhile, mercy smiles and even sings; yea, she multiplies herself into mercies because of the abounding grace of this holy union.
    Faithfulness is the registrar and records the marriage, and the Holy Spirit says "Amen" to it as He promises to teach the betrothal heart all the sacred knowledge needful for its high destiny, What a promise! -- C.H. Spurgeon in Faith's Checkbook

    Our first love is our only love because, by definition, a man can become one flesh (Genesis 2:24; 1 Corinthians 6:15-20) with only one woman, and visa versa. Men and women have only ONE CHANCE to become one flesh. Promiscuity then is a hopelessly impossible attempt to again know that oneness which has been lost.

    Many people secretly bear the scars of childhood abuse and desperately struggle with the hidden trauma that interferes with spiritual growth and normal human relationships. -- Susan Alder

    Authorities report that drugs (including alcohol), whoredom, and crime are frequently found together with the occult -- that drugs, sex, and crime are often associated with the occult.

    Ankerberg, John, and John Weldon, The Myth of Safe sex: The Devastating Consequences of Violating God's Plan, ISBN: 0802456391 9780802456397. Alternate title: THE MYTH OF SAFE SEX: THE TRAGIC CONSEQUENCES OF VIOLATING GOD'S PLAN.

    Botkin-Maher, Jennifer, Nice Girls Don't get Raped, ISBN: 0898401577: 9780898401578.
    "A sensitive account of physical, emotional, social, and spiritual effects of rape on a woman and her family. NICE GIRLS DON'T GET RAPED also shares Jennifer's personal walk from trauma to triumph. She guides you through the healing process to a life free from the bondage of fear." -- GCB

    Campbell, Pam, Stan Campbell, and Erwin W. Lutzer, Leader's Guide for Group Study of Living With Your Passions: [by] Erwin A. Lutzer, ISBN: 0882078380 9780882078380.

    Coleman, Barry (editor), Sex and the Single Christian: Candid Conversations, ISBN: 0830711074 9780830711079.
    "The contributors to this slender volume are all people with established reputations. The questions focus on frequently misunderstood issues of sexuality. The 'bottom line' counsel of this work is to underscore the teaching of Scripture while warning against the abuses that are prevalent in our society." -- Cyril J. Barber

    deParrie, Paul, Romanced to Death: Sexual Seduction of American Culture, ISBN: 0943497906 9780943497907.
    "The author exposes what he calls the 'skin trade,' the commercial sexuality that has seduced America. He traces the misconception of love that has resulted in high divorce rates, promiscuity, infidelity, and abortion." -- GCB

    Dallas, Joe, Desires in Conflict: Answering the Struggle for Sexual Identity, ISBN: 0736912118 9780736912112.
    "This book offers a workable approach to sexual and emotional sanctification illuminating the power of God's Grace at work in the sincerely repentant soul." -- GCB
    Joe Dallas operates Genesis Counseling in Orange County, California, and is president of Exodus International, an organization that has helped countless thousands out of homosexuality. For more information write to the "Truths That Transform" radio program and ask for the "Joe Dallas Actions Sheet."

    *Foster, David Kyle, Sexual Healing: God's Plan for the Sanctification of Broken Lives: A Reference Manual for Ministering to Those Trapped in Sexual sin and Brokenness, ISBN: 0830737154 9780830737154 0830737340 9780830737345.
    This is a unique work and the best resource known to the compiler offering biblical counsel for healing sexual brokenness. See: "Foundations" and "Divine Intent for Sexuality" for a biblical explanation of the spiritual significance of sexuality. These two chapters alone make the purchase of the book worthwhile. Includes chapters, study guides, and exercises for Root sources for improper sexual development, Sexual identity confusion, Child sex abuse, Sexual addition, Pornography, Masturbation, voyeurism and exhibitionism, Why people remain in sexual sin and bondage, Failure and self-condemnation, A comprehensive game plan for sexual healing, and so forth.
    Includes bibliography and index.
    Mastering Life Ministries
    http://www.MasteringLife.org

    Grenz, Stanley, Sexual Ethics: A Biblical Perspective, ISBN: 0853648697 9780853648697.
    "Grenz probes theology, ethics, and medical research to present a thorough, contemporary discussion of human sexuality from a Biblical, Christian viewpoint." -- GCB

    Grimm, Robert, Love and Sexuality.
    "A Biblically sound view of sex and marriage." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Hancock, Maxine, and Karen Burton Mains, Child Sexual Abuse: A Hope for Healing, ISBN: 0877881626 9780877881629.
    "This book is not only designed for survivors of early child sexual abuse but also to be used by helpers who compassionately seek to understand. A well researched book that clearly presents Christ as the one who heals. It sounds the alarm for the church and offers hope and healing for victims of sexual abuse." -- GCB

    Heitritter, Lynn, and Jeanette Vought, Helping Victims of Sexual Abuse, ISBN: 0764202286 9780764202285.
    "Sexual abuse is making headlines around America. . . . Many people secretly bear the scars of childhood abuse and desperately struggle with the hidden trauma that interferes with spiritual growth and normal human relationships. The church needs to understand genuine sexual abuse and what can be done about it under present civil constraints." -- Susan Alder
    "What women should know about sexual assault.
    "Heitritter and Vought have done an enormous service in demonstrating the extent of the problem in the local church. They give practical, tested advice about ministry to survivors of sexual abuse. Required reading for pastors, lay leaders and others who work everyday with victims of sexual abuse." -- Dale S. Ryan, Executive Director of The Recovery Partnership Foundation, Whittier, California

    Hyde, Margaret O., Sexual Abuse: Let's Talk About it, ISBN: 0664327257 9780664327255.
    "Draws attention to what is becoming a 'national epidemic.' Points out how pastors may recognize the victims and deal with the trauma and anger of those who feel violated. Practical." -- Cyril J. Barber
    "Discusses the sexual abuse of children, how they can protect themselves, where they can seek help, the kinds of help available, and how to increase public awareness of this problem."

    Lutzer, Erwin W., Living With Your Passions: A Christian's Guide to Sexual Purity, ISBN: 0882072943 9780882072944.
    "Sexual passions have a way of demanding immediate attention. Even committed Christians need to choose between indulging sexual desire and maintaining God's standard for purity. Pastor Lutzer discusses this entire are." -- GCB
    LEADER'S GUIDE by Pam Campbell listed elsewhere.

    Mayo, Mary Ann, A Christian Guide to Sexual Counseling: Recovering the Mystery and the Reality of "One Flesh," ISBN: 0310359902 9780310359906.
    "A book to equip pastors and counselors for the task of helping couples understand and deal with sexual problems in a marriage."
    Includes bibliography.

    Miller, C. John (1928-1996), A Christian View of Sexuality (parts 1 and 2) (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassettes CM108 and CM108A [audio file].

    *Owen, John (1616-1683), The Mortification of sin in Believers: Containing the necessity, nature, and means of it. With a resolution of sundry cases of conscience thereunto belonging. By John Owen, D.D. . . . A new edition London, 1783.
    "I owe more to John Owen than to any other theologian, ancient or modern; and I owe more to [THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN] than to anything else he wrote." -- J.I. Packer
    "John Owen's treatises on INDWELLING SIN IN BELIEVERS [in TEMPTATION AND SIN, Vol. 6 of Works] and THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN are, in my opinion, the most helpful writings on personal holiness ever written." -- Jerry Bridges
    The Works of John Owen, Vol. 6 (including THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN, Goold edition, 1862)
    https://archive.org/details/theworksofowen06owenuoft
    The Mortification of sin, an e-book
    https://www.monergism.com/mortification-sin-believers-ebook-0
    The Mortification of sin
    https://faculty.gordon.edu/hu/bi/ted_hildebrandt/SpiritualFormation/Texts/Owen_MortificationOfSin.pdf
    On the Mortification of Sin in Believers, John Owen (1 of 6), an audio file reading
    Currently (February 2009), there are 63 readings of John Owen by SWRB and Reformed Baptist of Holland (Michigan), (Thomas Sullivan), at SermonAudio.com available for listening online, downloading as MP3 files, and listening on iPhone or Mobile Phones.
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=62906111628

    Peters, David B., A Betrayal of Innocence: What Everyone Should Know About Child Sexual Abuse, ISBN: 0849905028 9780849905025.
    "Covers what abuse is, the signs and effects it can have, what to do once abuse is discovered, how to question a child, precautionary measures every parent should take, whom to trust, whom not to trust, and how to overcome emotional trauma and live a happy life."

    Price, Greg L., The Bible and Alcoholic Beverages, 14 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.

    *Schlink, Bernhard, and Carol Brown Janeway (translator), The Reader -- A Novel, 218 pages, ISBN: 0307454894 9780307454898.
    This is primarily a study of the guilt of the German society over the holocaust. Interwoven with that theme it shows the long-term consequences in a man's life of youthful sexual sin.
    Weinstein Company Home Entertainment, The, Stephen Daldry (director), David Hare, Anthony Minghella, Sydney Pollack, Donna Gigliotti, The Reader, 124 min., DVD.
    "Based on the book DER VORLESER by Bernhard Schlink. Originally released as a motion picture in 2008. Special features: deleted scenes; Adapting a timeless masterpiece: making The reader; A conversation with David Kross and Stephen Daldry; Kate Winslet on the art of aging Hanna Schmitz; A new voice: a look at composer Nico Muhly; Coming to grips with the past: production designer Brigitte Broch; theatrical trailer." -- Publisher

    Sorokin, Pitirim Aleksandrovich, The American sex Revolution.

    Stevens, R.P., Married for Good: The Lost art of Staying Happily Married, ISBN: 0877846030 9780877846031.
    "Preventive measures to take before the marriage begins to crumble. Show us how to have healthy, growing and permanent marriages." -- GCB

    Thielicke, Helmut, Sex: Theological Ethics.
    "A scholarly examination of human sexuality in light of . . . doctrines of creation and redemption."

    *Welch, Edward T., Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave: Finding Hope in the Power of the Gospel, ISBN: 0875526063 9780875526065.
    "A worship disorder: this is how Edward T. Welch views addictions. 'Will we worship ourselves and our own desires,' he writes, 'or will we worship the true God?'
    "With this lens the author discovers far more in Scripture on addictions than passages on drunkenness. There we learn the addict's true condition: like guests at a banquet thrown by the woman Folly, he is already in the grave (Prov. 9:13-18 [Proverbs 9:13-18]).
    "Can we not escape our addictions? If we're willing to follow Jesus, the author says we have 'immense hope: hope in God's forgiving grace, hope in God's love that is faithful even when we are not, and hope that God can give power so that we are no longer mastered by the addiction.' Each chapter concludes with 'Practical Theology,' guidance 'As You Face Your Own Addictions' and 'As You Help Someone Else'." -- Publisher
    "By emphasizing the role of the heart in the worship of self and substance, Welch forces the addict to face the grim reality that who or what he worships will control his life. When he idolizes his selfish desire for a substance, then there can only be bondage, but when he worships God more than himself, then the liberating truth of the Gospel will always set him free. As a pastor, biblical counselor, and a redeemed (not recovering), ex-heroin addict, I believe Dr. Welch has finally given every pastor, theologian, layman, and anyone caught in the bondage of idolatry/addition a biblical road map to true and lasting freedom." -- Peter Garich, Pastor of New Hope Christian Fellowship and Director of Dayspring Center for Biblical Counseling in San Diego, California

    See also: The ten commandments: the moral law, Proverbs, Sex ethics, sex education, Sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS, Courtship verses dating, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Slavery, our systems of enslavement, economic enslavement, Sexual wholeness, Abstinence, Teens and sex, Prodigals, Counsel for young men, Counsel for young women, Singleness, Sexual relationship (women), Idolatry, syncretism, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Family, Fatherhood, Fatherlessness, Child abuse, Incest, Incest (Women), Rape, Prostitution and harlotry, Sexual healing, Soul-violence, Suffrage and reproductive rights, Carnality and flesh pleasing: desires, pleasure, Infatuation, Premarital counseling, Counseling for sex related problems, illegitimacy, Birth control, Infertility, Adultery, Justifying faith, Reconciliation of relationships, Divorce, Gratuitous sex, a cause of violence, Abortion and the sanctity of life, Post-abortion counseling, Pornography, Homosexuality, lesbianism, gay, bisexual, transvestite, queer (LGBTQ), Child abuse and pedophilia, Suicide, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 629, 663, 667, 3881, 3882
    MGTP: Sexual Immorality, Carnality

    Related Weblinks

    Mastering Life Ministries
    http://www.MasteringLife.org

    Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary
    For the work of C. John Miller (1928-1996).
    http://71.182.134.18:82/

    Respect Incorporated (formerly Sex Respect)
    http://www.sexrespect.com/main.html

    True Love Waits
    http://www.truelovewaits.com/

    *Wisdom Guards the Heart, a sermon by Phil Johnson
    "Mortify your evil thoughts -- Mortify, therefore, your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry (Colossians 3:5) -- this is a recurring theme in the Apostle Paul's writings, this idea of putting to death sin in your body, mortifying the sin. 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. (Romans 8:13) What he's saying is this: put your evil thoughts to death. Deal with them ruthlessly. Don't allow them any breathing room. Choke the life out of them. Mortify them. Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof. (Romans 13:14)
    By the way, this is one of the marks of the true Christian. Galatians 5:24 says, And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. We haven't done it perfectly. It's a process of crucifixion, and that's a slow death, so those affections and lusts continually come back to plague us; but if you are truly a believer, then at some point and in some way, you have begun the process of crucifying these lusts and affections. . . ." -- Phil Johnson
    Wisdom Guards the Heart
    https://www.gracechurch.org/sermons/10356 Wisdom Guards the Heart
    https://archive.org/details/podcast_biblical-counseling-institute_wisdom-guards-the-heart_1000393915063



    Sex Education

    For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 19:5-6)
    John Gill commenting on Matthew 19:6
    http://www.biblestudytools.com/my-bible/#/left:passage/kjv/matthew/19:6/&right:reference/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/matthew-19-6.html

    Calvin seems to see the Seventh as interrelated to, as summing up, all Ten Commandments of the Law.*
    Although one kind of impurity is alone referred to, it is sufficiently plain, from the principle laid down, that believers are generally exhorted to chastity; for, if the Law be a perfect rule of holy living, it would be more than absurd to give a license for fornication, adultery alone being excepted. Furthermore, it is incontrovertible that God will by no means approve or excuse before this tribunal, what the common sense of mankind declares to be obscene; for, although lewdness has everywhere been rampant in every age, still the opinion could never be utterly extinguished, that fornication is a scandal and a sin. . . . [Titus 2:12; Isaiah 30:21; Matthew 19:17; Romans 13:8]
    Now, if Christ and the Apostles, who are the best interpreters of the Law, declare that God's Law is violated no less by fornication than by theft, we assuredly infer, *that in this Commandment the whole genus is comprehended under a single species. . . . [Hebrews 13:4; Leviticus 21:14; Deuteronomy 23:17; Hosea 4:11; Hosea 1:2; Numbers 25:9; 1 Corinthians 10:8; Acts 15:20; 1 Corinthians 6:18; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:4,5] -- John Calvin commenting on Exodus 20:14 and Deuteronomy 5:18 and context

    Paul's teaching on celibacy, virginity, singleness, marriage, and remarriage -- John Calvin commenting on 1 Corinthians 6:1-9 -- 1 Corinthians 7:40.

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Critical Issues #1 a 12 tape album briefly covering critical issues faced in counseling (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    "This series is not meant to be an exhaustive study of each issue but to define it. Problems of worry and depression -- Group therapy and transactional analysis -- Masturbation, talking about problems -- Nervous breakdowns and marriage problems -- Conscience and self approval -- Drunkenness and suicide -- The disabled and the retarded child -- Inferiority and handling problems -- Devil made me do it/God pleasing work -- Communicating and fear of death -- Too old to change/Restoring brother -- Breaking old habits, why me?"

    *Christenson, Larry, and Cheri Bladholm, The Wonderful way That Babies are Made, ISBN: 0871236273 9780871236272.
    "Here is a book that will help you teach your children about families, babies, and sexual intimacy. It is designed as a tool for parents to use in passing on to their children an attitude of joy and wonder at God's gift of life and sexuality. The information in this book is set against the backdrop of creation, so that from the very beginning a child's understanding of sex will be linked with faith, with belief in God." -- Publisher

    *Foster, David Kyle, Sexual Healing: God's Plan for the Sanctification of Broken Lives: A Reference Manual for Ministering to Those Trapped in Sexual sin and Brokenness, ISBN: 0830737154 9780830737154 0830737340 9780830737345.
    This is a unique work and the best resource known to the compiler offering biblical counsel for healing sexual brokenness. See: "Foundations" and "Divine Intent for Sexuality" for a biblical explanation of the spiritual significance of sexuality. These two chapters alone make the purchase of the book worthwhile. Includes chapters, study guides, and exercises for Root sources for improper sexual development, Sexual identity confusion, Child sex abuse, Sexual addition, Pornography, Masturbation, voyeurism and exhibitionism, Why people remain in sexual sin and bondage, Failure and self-condemnation, A comprehensive game plan for sexual healing, and so forth.
    Includes bibliography and index.
    Mastering Life Ministries
    http://www.MasteringLife.org

    Johnson, Rex, At Home With sex, ISBN: 0882076396 9780882076393.
    "It is a great young married curriculum and can be used to help parents to educate their own children. . . . A study guide, overhead projection masters, and course outlines and suggestions are available." -- Publisher

    Macaulay, Susan, Something Beautiful From God, ISBN: 089107189X 9780891071891 0891071865 9780891071860.
    "Just about the finest book we have for a parent to read to a child (or self-read on 4th grade and above level), concerning the wonder and beauty of birth and babies . . . accurate information . . . sound theology. Highly recommended!" -- GCB

    *Miles, Herbert J., Sexual Understanding Before Marriage.
    "Ranks as one of the most practical and helpful treatments on the subject. Examines attitudes and techniques essential to sexual harmony and happiness in marriage, and provides needful correctives to some of the abuses of marriage." -- GCB
    "A realistic approach based on a solid moral foundation for young unmarried people." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Marshner, Connaught Coyne, Decent Exposure: How to Teach Your Children About sex, ISBN: 0943497167 9780943497167.
    "The key to teaching sexual responsibility is teaching . . . self control. And that teaching process starts the day your child comes home from the hospital." -- Publisher

    Mayo, Mary Ann, Parent's Guide to sex Education, ISBN: 0310445817 9780310445814.
    "Traces the growth of a child's sexual identity. Explains in wholesome terms how parents may keep pace with their child's growing sexual awareness. Provides a competent and complete guide that should be 'must' reading in every home. Recommended." -- Cyril J. Barber

    McIlhaney, Joe S., Jr., Sexuality and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, ISBN: 0801062748 9780801062742.
    "Without being an alarmist, McIlhaney documents why all young adults should have an enlightened fear of STD which is spreading throughout the country like firestorm." -- GCB

    *Piper, John, Justin Taylor, Ben Patterson, David Powlison (1949-2019), and Albert Mohler, et al., Sex and the Supremacy of Christ, ISBN: 9781433512278 1433512270.
    Amazon reviews are 79 percent five stars as of 4/27/2022.
    "Really impressed by the wealth of writers in this book. I have quoted from it and bought it both in Kindle and paperback versions. The five parts cover a wide range of subjects: 'God and Sex,' 'Sin and Sex,' 'Men and Sex,' 'Women and Sex,' and 'History and Sex.' That final part changed my thinking both on Luther and on the Puritans, as they really restored good biblical understanding on sex. The fact that God created sex is often lost in today's society, and this book helps focus on its positive view of a subject often spoiled by the world today." -- Reader's Comment
    "The second section deals with 'Sin and Sex.' The highlight of the entire book is David Powlison's chapter on 'Restoring Pure Joy to the Sexually Broken.' He provides biblical wisdom and encouragement for people who have abused sex, or who have been sexually abused. His counsel is loving and pastoral, and will surely bring a glimpse of light to many for whom sex has become darkness." -- Reader's Comment

    Reisman, Judith, Crafting gay Children, a study.
    "Social researcher Dr. Judith Reisman says that the incidence of homosexuals molesting children is 40 times greater than the number of heterosexuals who molest children. In her study, CRAFTING GAY CHILDREN, Reisman notes that heterosexuals outnumber homosexuals by 44 to 1 in our culture. She also points out that 17-24 percent of boys are being abused by age 18 and 25 percent of girls.
    "In a 1991 population study by the Department of Commerce, statistics showed that 8 million girls were abused by age 18 by heterosexual men -- a ratio of 1 victim to 11 adult men. However, 6-8 million boys were abused by age 18 by 1-2 million adult homosexuals -- a ratio of 3-5 victims for every homosexual adult male.
    "Dr. Reisman concludes that the Boy Scouts organization is correct to ban homosexuals from membership because of the high rate of molestations committed by homosexual males. To read more on this, go to: http://bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=11002

    *Reisman, Judith A. (editor), Edward W. Eichel (editor), John H. Court (editor), and J. Gordon Muir (editor), Kinsey, Sex, and Fraud: The Indoctrination of a People: An Investigation Into the Human Sexuality Research of Alfred C. Kinsey, Wardell B. Pomeroy, Clyde E. Martin, and Paul H. Gebhard, ISBN: 091031120X 9780910311205 156384057X 9781563840579.
    "Alfred Kinsey is the father of the sexual revolution. He has almost single-handedly redefined for Western civilization the terms 'normal' and 'abnormal' in regard to sexual behavior. The authors of this book demonstrate that Kinsey's research was the most egregious example of scientific deception in this century. He openly promoted sex between children and adults, sex between humans and animals, and homosexuality. Kinsey's philosophy is being taught in sex and AIDS education classes across the nation. This book could put an end to that." -- GCB

    Scripture Union (South Africa), All the Right Moves: Lifeskills for an AIDS-free Generation.
    A teaching package being taken "into school encouraging young people to think creatively about boy-girl relationships and teaching that sex is God's gift for marriage." -- Publisher

    Thielicke, Helmut, Sex: Theological Ethics.
    "A scholarly examination of human sexuality in light of . . . doctrines of creation and redemption."

    Wilson, Earl D., A Silence to be Broken: Hope for Those Caught in the web of Incest, ISBN: 0851104975 9780851104973.
    "A difficult subject is handled in a sensitive way thus providing compassion and relief for those who have been gripped with this problem. Sources of help are offered as well as what the church can do. Wilson writes with a contagious confidence in God's redemptive power, and it give us hope." -- GCB

    See also: The ten commandments: the moral law, Proverbs, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Sex ethics, sex education, Sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS, Courtship verses dating, Sexual wholeness, Abstinence, Teens and sex, Pornography, Homosexuality, lesbianism, gay, bisexual, transvestite, queer (LGBTQ), Child abuse and pedophilia, Incest, Incest (Women), Rape, Prostitution and harlotry, Sexual healing, Soul-violence, Suffrage and reproductive rights, Suicide, Prodigals, Counsel for young men, Counsel for young women, Singleness, Sexual relationship (women), Slavery, our systems of enslavement, economic enslavement, Idolatry, syncretism, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Family, Fatherhood, Fatherlessness, Carnality and flesh pleasing: desires, pleasure, Infatuation, Premarital counseling, Counseling for sex related problems, illegitimacy, Birth control, Infertility, Adultery, Justifying faith, Reconciliation of relationships, Divorce, Gratuitous sex, a cause of violence, Abortion and the sanctity of life, Post-abortion counseling, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 629, 663, 667, 3881, 3882
    MGTP: Sexual Immorality, Carnality

    Related Weblinks

    Legitimacy (family law)
    "Births outside marriage represent the majority in many countries of Western Europe and in many former European colonies."
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legitimacy_(family_law)

    Non-marital Birth Rates in the United States, 1940-2014
    https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nonmarital_Birth_Rates_in_the_United_States,_1940-2014.png

    Respect Incorporated (formerly Sex Respect)
    http://www.sexrespect.com/main.html

    True Love Waits
    http://www.truelovewaits.com/

    Unintended Pregnancy
    "Worldwide, the unintended pregnancy rate is approximately 45 percent of all pregnancies, but rates of unintended pregnancy vary in different geographic areas and among different socio-demographic groups. [Bearak J., Popinchalk A., Alkema L., Sedgh G. (April 2018). "Global, regional, and subregional trends in unintended pregnancy and its outcomes from 1990 to 2014: estimates from a Bayesian hierarchical model". The Lancet. Global Health. 6 (4): e380, e389."
    "According to the Guttmacher Institute, slightly less than half (45 percent) of U.S. pregnancies in 2011 were unintended, approximately 2.8 million pregnancies per year.[4]. . . .
    "Over 92 percent of abortions are the result of unintended pregnancy,[13] and unintended pregnancies result in about 800,000 abortions/year.[14] In 2001, 44 percent of unintended pregnancies resulted in births, 42 percent resulted in induced abortion, and the rest in miscarriage.[15] It is estimated that more than half of US women have had an unintended pregnancy by age 45.[16] According to one study, over one-third of living people in the US under 31 years of age (born since 1982) were the result of unintended pregnancies, a rate that has remained largely unchanged to date.[17][18]" -- Wikipedia, "Unintended pregnancy"



    Teens and Sex

    All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.
    Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
    Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.     (1 Corinthians 6:12-20)

    Young men and women must understand that they have only ONE CHANCE to get sexual relationship correct. By definition a man can become "one flesh" with only one woman, and visa versa. Once a couple has sexual relations they will never be the same again. Our first love is our only love. Promiscuity is a hopeless effort to again know oneness.

    It appears that about one in three teen aged suicides is by a gay or lesbian. Since homosexuals represent only about 5 percent of the population, gays and lesbians are greatly over-represented. -- Facts About Suicide

    A random survey of high school seniors conducted by Zogby International for Hamilton College in New York indicates that these teens have far more liberal views on homosexuality than their parents. The poll found that 85 percent of those surveyed thought homosexuals should be accepted by society; two-thirds thought homosexual marriages should be legal; 88 percent supported hate crime legislation. Eighty-eight percent also said that the phrase, "That's so gay" is used to describe something that is not liked. Thirty percent of the students were characterized as "anti-homosexual." These were predominantly evangelical Christians. According to the professor conducting the survey, "Their views are firmly rooted, and unlikely to change real soon." He noted, however, that among the Christian students, 80 percent supported hate crime legislation and half said homosexuals should be accepted by society.

    Twenty million Americans contract a new sexually transmitted infection (STI) each year, according to the CDC. While the teen/young adult population comprises only 30 percent of the population, this group has 50 percent of all infections.

  • One in five people over age 12 tests positive for genital herpes, according to the New England Journal of Medicine.
  • Forty percent of girls age 14 to 18 experience unwanted sex. Why? They don't want to say no and hurt their boyfriends' feelings.
  • One in four teens -- all teens, not just sexually active teens -- lives with an STI today.
  • About 12 strains of human papilloma virus cause cancers in people. We now immunize children as young as 11 years old against nine of them. -- "The Dark Secret in America That Threatens Kids," Meg Meeker, MD, 12 July 2017

    Paul's teaching on celibacy, virginity, singleness, marriage, and remarriage -- John Calvin commenting on 1 Corinthians 6:1-9 -- 1 Corinthians 7:40.

    • Brandt, Henry, When a Teen Falls in Love.
    "Discusses the meaning of love and the place of sex in a teenager's life. 'The normal pleasurable reactions of contacts among the sexes need to be governed and controlled by a Christian morality'." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    *Foster, David Kyle, Sexual Healing: God's Plan for the Sanctification of Broken Lives: A Reference Manual for Ministering to Those Trapped in Sexual sin and Brokenness, ISBN: 0830737154 9780830737154 0830737340 9780830737345.
    This is a unique work and the best resource known to the compiler offering biblical counsel for healing sexual brokenness. See: "Foundations" and "Divine Intent for Sexuality" for a biblical explanation of the spiritual significance of sexuality. These two chapters alone make the purchase of the book worthwhile. Includes chapters, study guides, and exercises for Root sources for improper sexual development, Sexual identity confusion, Child sex abuse, Sexual addition, Pornography, Masturbation, voyeurism and exhibitionism, Why people remain in sexual sin and bondage, Failure and self-condemnation, A comprehensive game plan for sexual healing, and so forth.
    Includes bibliography and index.
    Mastering Life Ministries
    http://www.MasteringLife.org

    McIlhaney, Joe S., Jr., Sexuality and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, ISBN: 0801062748 9780801062742.
    "Without being an alarmist, McIlhaney documents why all young adults should have an enlightened fear of STD which is spreading throughout the country like firestorm." -- GCB

    Maddux, Bob, The Fantasy Explosion.
    "This book will make you aware of how you and your family are being exploited by pornography and teenage sex films, music videos, occult films, toys, soap operas and romantic novels, role-playing games, and comic books. The book will challenge you to new and creative action by offering positive suggestions." -- GCB

    *Owen, John (1616-1683), The Mortification of sin in Believers: Containing the necessity, nature, and means of it. With a resolution of sundry cases of conscience thereunto belonging. By John Owen, D.D. . . . A new edition London, 1783.
    "I owe more to John Owen than to any other theologian, ancient or modern; and I owe more to [THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN] than to anything else he wrote." -- J.I. Packer
    "John Owen's treatises on INDWELLING SIN IN BELIEVERS [in TEMPTATION AND SIN, Vol. 6 of Works] and THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN are, in my opinion, the most helpful writings on personal holiness ever written." -- Jerry Bridges
    The Works of John Owen, Vol. 6 (including THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN, Goold edition, 1862)
    https://archive.org/details/theworksofowen06owenuoft
    The Mortification of sin, an e-book
    https://www.monergism.com/mortification-sin-believers-ebook-0
    The Mortification of sin
    https://faculty.gordon.edu/hu/bi/ted_hildebrandt/SpiritualFormation/Texts/Owen_MortificationOfSin.pdf
    On the Mortification of Sin in Believers, John Owen (1 of 6), an audio file reading
    Currently (February 2009), there are 63 readings of John Owen by SWRB and Reformed Baptist of Holland (Michigan), (Thomas Sullivan), at SermonAudio.com available for listening online, downloading as MP3 files, and listening on iPhone or Mobile Phones.
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=62906111628

    Putnam, Bill, Daddy, I'm Pregnant, ISBN: 0880702044 9780880702041.
    Counsel from a father who had his 14 year old daughter tell him she was pregnant.

    Strickland, Jennifer, 21 Myths (Even Good) Girls Believe About Sex: Pursuing Love With Passion and Purity, ISBN: 9781634098694 1634098692.

    Wilson, Earl D., A Silence to be Broken: Hope for Those Caught in the web of Incest, ISBN: 0851104975 9780851104973.
    "A difficult subject is handled in a sensitive way thus providing compassion and relief for those who have been gripped with this problem. Sources of help are offered as well as what the church can do. Wilson writes with a contagious confidence in God's redemptive power, and it give us hope." -- GCB

    See also: The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Idolatry, Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, Men, women, and God, Love and counseling problems, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Sanctification, Reconciliation of relationships, Counseling for sex related problems, Justifying faith, The ten commandments: the moral law, Proverbs, Sex ethics, sex education, Sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS, Courtship verses dating, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Slavery, our systems of enslavement, economic enslavement, Sexual wholeness, Abstinence, Teens and sex, Prodigals, Counsel for young men, Counsel for young women, Singleness, Sexual relationship (women), Idolatry, syncretism, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Family, Fatherhood, Fatherlessness, Child abuse, Incest, Incest (Women), Rape, Prostitution and harlotry, Sexual healing, Soul-violence, Suffrage and reproductive rights, Carnality and flesh pleasing: desires, pleasure, Infatuation, Premarital counseling, Counseling for sex related problems, illegitimacy, Birth control, Infertility, Adultery, Justifying faith, Reconciliation of relationships, Divorce, Gratuitous sex, a cause of violence, Abortion and the sanctity of life, Post-abortion counseling, Pornography, Homosexuality, lesbianism, gay, bisexual, transvestite, queer (LGBTQ), Child abuse and pedophilia, Suicide, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Problem solving in marriage, Hostility and violence, Abuse, Child abuse and pedophilia, Prostitution, Avoiding divorce, Single parenting, Fatherlessness, Stepfamilies, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Sex ethics, sex education, The wisdom books, Suffrage and reproductive rights, Case studies, Protecting children against the dangers of the world, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 629, 663, 665, 667, 1662, 1814, 3881, 3882
    MGTP: Sexual Immorality, Carnality

    Related Weblinks

    Girl Defined
    https://www.girldefined.com/

    Mastering Life Ministries
    http://www.MasteringLife.org

    Respect Incorporated (formerly Sex Respect)
    http://www.sexrespect.com/main.html

    Stand Against Sexual Abuse of Children in Schools
    "Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) goes far beyond sex ed. and is a dangerous assault on the health and innocence of children." -- American College of Pediatricians
    https://www.christianaction.org.za/index.php/articles/education/988-explicit-sexual-abuse-of-children-in-schools

    True Love Waits
    http://www.truelovewaits.com/

    Unintended Pregnancy
    "Worldwide, the unintended pregnancy rate is approximately 45 percent of all pregnancies, but rates of unintended pregnancy vary in different geographic areas and among different socio-demographic groups. [Bearak J., Popinchalk A., Alkema L., Sedgh G. (April 2018). "Global, regional, and subregional trends in unintended pregnancy and its outcomes from 1990 to 2014: estimates from a Bayesian hierarchical model". The Lancet. Global Health. 6 (4): e380, e389."
    "According to the Guttmacher Institute, slightly less than half (45 percent) of U.S. pregnancies in 2011 were unintended, approximately 2.8 million pregnancies per year.[4]. . . .
    "Over 92 percent of abortions are the result of unintended pregnancy,[13] and unintended pregnancies result in about 800,000 abortions/year.[14] In 2001, 44 percent of unintended pregnancies resulted in births, 42 percent resulted in induced abortion, and the rest in miscarriage.[15] It is estimated that more than half of US women have had an unintended pregnancy by age 45.[16] According to one study, over one-third of living people in the US under 31 years of age (born since 1982) were the result of unintended pregnancies, a rate that has remained largely unchanged to date.[17][18]" -- Wikipedia, "Unintended pregnancy"

    Virtuousreality.com, a Website for all Women
    http://www.virtuousreality.com/

    *Wisdom Guards the Heart, a sermon by Phil Johnson
    "Mortify your evil thoughts -- Mortify, therefore, your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry (Colossians 3:5) -- this is a recurring theme in the Apostle Paul's writings, this idea of putting to death sin in your body, mortifying the sin. 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. (Romans 8:13) What he's saying is this: put your evil thoughts to death. Deal with them ruthlessly. Don't allow them any breathing room. Choke the life out of them. Mortify them. Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof. (Romans 13:14)
    By the way, this is one of the marks of the true Christian. Galatians 5:24 says, And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. We haven't done it perfectly. It's a process of crucifixion, and that's a slow death, so those affections and lusts continually come back to plague us; but if you are truly a believer, then at some point and in some way, you have begun the process of crucifying these lusts and affections. . . ." -- Phil Johnson
    Wisdom Guards the Heart
    https://www.gracechurch.org/sermons/10356 Wisdom Guards the Heart
    https://archive.org/details/podcast_biblical-counseling-institute_wisdom-guards-the-heart_1000393915063



    Sexually Transmitted Diseases

    Twenty million Americans contract a new sexually transmitted infection (STI) each year, according to the CDC. While the teen/young adult population comprises only 30 percent of the population, this group has 50 percent of all infections.
  • One in five people over age 12 tests positive for genital herpes, according to the New England Journal of Medicine.
  • Forty percent of girls age 14 to 18 experience unwanted sex. Why? They don't want to say no and hurt their boyfriends' feelings.
  • One in four teens -- all teens, not just sexually active teens -- lives with an STI today.
  • About 12 strains of human papilloma virus cause cancers in people. We now immunize children as young as 11 years old against nine of them. -- "The Dark Secret in America That Threatens Kids," Meg Meeker, MD, 12 July 2017

    USA Today is talking about the dramatic increase in sexually transmitted diseases among senior citizens in the United States. The CDC says gonorrhea cases increased by more than 90 percent in adults 65 and older between 2010 and 2014. That's incredible. Syphilis and chlamydia cases also grew by more than 50 percent, and the upward trend continued in 2015.

    56 million Americans are infected with venereal disease, one in five (1 in 5, 2001 data).
    From 8-12 percent of new cases of STDs are among youth 25 years old or younger.
    One in three (1 in 3), young people are infected with venereal disease.
    Gonorrhea is epedimic among teenagers.
    Hepatitis-B is sexually transmitted. This is the most sever type of hepatitis, which is fatal in 10 percent of cases worldwide, though fatalities are less frequent in The United States.

    • Kavar, Louis F., Pastoral Ministry in the AIDS Era: Focus on Families and Friends of Persons With AIDS, ISBN: 0934104077 9780934104074.

    McIlhaney, Joe S., Jr., Sexuality and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, ISBN: 0801062748 9780801062742.
    "Without being an alarmist, McIlhaney documents why all young adults should have an enlightened fear of STD which is spreading throughout the country like firestorm." -- GCB

    Sunderland, Ronald H., and Earl E. Shelp, AIDS: A Manual for Pastoral Care, ISBN: 0664240887 9780664240882.
    "Designed to help pastors, chaplains, and those in the helping professions engage in a special ministry of compassion to the victims of AIDS. Covers the medical facts and points the way to helping sufferers cope with their fears." -- Cyril J. Barber

    See also: The ten commandments: the moral law, Proverbs, Sex ethics, sex education, Sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Sexual wholeness, Abstinence, Chastity, Teens and sex, Counsel for young men, Counsel for young women, Singleness, Sexual relationship (women), Singleness, See the Theological Notes: "Syncretism and Idolatry," at Hosea 2:13 in The Reformation Study Bible.
    Child abuse, Incest, Incest (Women), Rape, Prostitution and harlotry, Antichrist, The counter-reformation, Idolatry, syncretism, Sexual healing, Soul-violence, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Gratuitous sex, a cause of violence, Homosexuality, lesbianism, gay, bisexual, transvestite, queer (lgbtq), Incest, Rape, Pornography, The occult, Women's health, Prodigals, Prostitution, Repentance the key to salvation and change, and so forth, and so on.

    Related Weblinks

    110 Million Americans Have an S.T.D., Nicholas Bakalar, September 29, 2017
    "The incidence of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis is increasing, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An estimated 110 million Americans now are infected with a sexually transmitted disease."
    https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/29/health/chlamydia-syphilis-gonorrhea.html

    The Dark Secret in America That Threatens Kids, Meg Meeker, MD, July 2017
    Twenty million Americans contract a new sexually transmitted infection (STI) each year, according to the CDC.
    http://www.lifezette.com/momzette/dark-secret-america-threatens-our-teens/



    AIDS

    *Day, Lorraine, AIDS: What the Government Isn't Telling you, ISBN: 0963094009 9780963094001.
    Statistics show 3-5 percent of AIDS victims have no known reason to have the disease on the basis of "high risk" behavior. This book discusses some of the other ways the disease is being contacted, among other subjects. Lists safety recommendations. The author is considered by some to be the finest orthopedic surgeon in the country. The advice for avoiding AIDS -- do not allow the blood or body fluids of any other individual to get on your skin. Transmission by mosquitoes or other insects could account for the high incidence of AIDS in tropical countries. AIDS, she says in her book, is "the first massively and systematically politicized disease that has been falsified, misrepresented, and then whitewashed to the public."

    Chilton, David, Power in the Blood: A Christian Response to AIDS, ISBN: 0943497051 9780943497051.
    "Chilton sets forth a Biblical perspective, calls the Church to responsible action, and shows how blood . . . the substance that transports the virus . . . can also provide, in the sacrificial work of Christ, the means for redemption and victory . . ." -- GCB
    Includes bibliographical references.

    Kavar, Louis F., Pastoral Ministry in the AIDS Era: Focus on Families and Friends of Persons With AIDS, ISBN: 0934104077 9780934104074.

    Payne, Franklin E., What Every Christian Should Know About the AIDS Epidemic, ISBN: 0962987603 9780962987601.
    "Dr. Payne's book is a valuable contribution to the current debate on the AIDS epidemic and its implications for American society and the church. It combines medical expertise and theological insight in a way that is all too frequently lacking in public discussions of this issue. I recommend it heartily to pastors, students, and people in our churches. -- John Jefferson Davis

    Scripture Union (South Africa), All the Right Moves: Lifeskills for an AIDS-free Generation.
    A teaching package being taken "into school encouraging young people to think creatively about boy-girl relationships and teaching that sex is God's gift for marriage." -- Publisher

    Sunderland, Ronald H., and Earl E. Shelp, AIDS: A Manual for Pastoral Care, ISBN: 0664240887 9780664240882.
    "Designed to help pastors, chaplains, and those in the helping professions engage in a special ministry of compassion to the victims of AIDS. Covers the medical facts and points the way to helping sufferers cope with their fears." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Townsend, Don, AIDS: Moral and Theological Implications.

    Wilder-Smith, A.E., AIDS: Fact Without Fiction

    See also: The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Idolatry, syncretism, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justification, Justifying faith, Sexual wholeness, Homosexuality, lesbianism, gay, bisexual, transvestite, queer (lgbtq), Gratuitous sex, a cause of violence, Forgiveness of sin, Sanctification, The all-sufficiency of christ, and so forth, and so on.

    Related Weblinks

    Dr. Lorraine Day
    http://www.drday.com

    A Study of AIDS (Creation/Evolution?), 5/5 -- Helping the Dying and God's Judgement Upon Those who Violate the Seventh Commandment, an address on Romans 1:28-32; 2 Corinthians 5:11, Dr. A.E. Wilder-Smith
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=82907168492



    Sibling Rivalry

    Christian love is the only kind of love in which there is no rivalry, no jealousy. There is jealousy among the lovers of art; there is jealousy among the lovers of song; there is jealousy among the lovers of beauty. The glory of natural love is its monopoly, its power to say, "It is mine." But the glory of Christian love is its refusal of monopoly. -- George Matheson

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Family," and so forth, and so on.

    Adams, Jay, Sibling Rivalry in the Household of God, ISBN: 0896362361 9780896362369.
    "About 'the causes and effects of rivalry among brothers and sisters in Christ and what can be done about it. . . .' 'Sibling rivalry in the household of faith -- just like at home -- is due entirely to sin.' Other supposed causes are not causes but occasions for our self-centered human nature to act. The Holy Spirit gives practical guidance in His Word for solving rivalry and conflict through repentance, faith and obedience." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Will and recalcitrance, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Sharing christ with your children, The fruits of the spirit, Discipline, Works of jay adams, Carnality and flesh pleasing: lust, desires, ambition, Justice, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Love and counseling problems, Neighbors, Counseling children, Self, selfishness, self-esteem, Lust, Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, The ten commandments: the moral law, Power, Authority, Family, Parenting, Counseling children, Teen counseling, and so forth, and so on.



    Sin and its Consequence: Physical and Spiritual Death

    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)

    Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 5:20,21)

    Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
    Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
    Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.     (Galatians 5:19-21)

    For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

    For the wages of sin is death. (Romans 6:23), [both the first death, or temporal death, and the second death or eternal separation from God after the Final Judgement] -- compiler
    To be in conflict with God's will is to be a causative agent of disease and death. Sin is a conflict of will that leads to death. (Romans 6:23)

    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)

    Use sin -- as it will use you. Spare it not, for it will not spare you. It is your murderer, and the murderer of the world. Use it therefore as a murderer should be used. Kill it before it kills you; and then, though it kill your bodies, it shall not be able to kill your souls; and though it bring you to the grave, as it did your head, it shall not be able to keep you there.
    If the thoughts of death, and the grave, and rottenness, are not pleasant to you, do not let the thoughts of sin be pleasant.
    Listen to every temptation to sin as you would listen to a temptation to self-murder, and as you would do if the devil brought you a knife and tempted you to cut your throat with it; so do when he offers you the bait of sin.
    You love not death, love not the cause of death.
    Be ashamed to stand weeping over a buried friend, and never to weep over a sinning or ungodly friend, nor once to give them a compassionate, earnest exhortation to save their souls. -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)

    The longer you delay, the more your sin gets strength and rooting. If you cannot bend a twig, how will you be able to bend it when it is a tree? If you cannot pluck up a tender plant, are you likely to pluck up a sturdy oak? -- Richard Baxter (1615-1691)

    Sin and departure from God, are the true reasons why people are everywhere laboring and heavy-laden. Sin is the universal disease which infects the whole earth. Sin brought in thorns and thistles at the beginning, and obliged man to earn his bread by the sweat of his brow. Sin is the reason why the whole creation groans and travails in pain, and the foundations of the earth are out of course. (Romans 8:22; Psalm 82:5.) Sin is the cause of all the burdens which now press down mankind. Most people know it not, and weary themselves in vain to explain the state of things around them. But sin is the great root and foundation of all sorrow, whatever proud man may think. How much people ought to hate sin! -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

    But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out. (Numbers 32:23)
    Sin will find a nation out. Sin will find an individual out in conscience, in body, in character, and in court.
    It is uncanny how often cold cases are solved, sometimes decades later.

    Christians in their unregenerate state, walked according to the course of this world, according to the Prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience (Ephesians 2:2). The ungodly are the slaves of Satan. Said our Lord to the Pharisees, Ye are of your father the Devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do (John 8:44). Men are taken captive by him (the Devil) at his will (2 Timothy 2:26).
    Now the Gospel is God's appointed agency for delivering men from their awful bondage to the Devil. When the Lord commissioned the apostle Paul to go unto the Gentiles, He sent him to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God (Acts 26:18). Christians are a people who have been delivered from the Power of darkness (Satan) and translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son (Colossians 1:13). -- Arthur Pink (1886-1952), Christian Liberty

    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)

    And when He has 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. (John 16:8-11)
    "It is absolutely necessary that men should be convinced of sin. The fashionable theology is -- "Convince men of the goodness of God. Show them the universal fatherhood and assure them of unlimited mercy. Win them by God's love, but never mention His wrath against sin, or the need of atonement, or the possibility of there being a place of punishment. Do not censure poor creatures for their failings. Do not judge and condemn. Do not search the heart or lead men to be low-spirited and sorrowful. Comfort and encourage, but never accuse and threaten." Yes, that is the way of man, but the way of the Spirit of God is very different. He comes on purpose to convince men of sin, to make them feel that they are guilty, greatly guilty -- so guilty that they are lost, and ruined, and undone.
    He comes to remind them not only of God's loveliness, but of their own unloveliness, of their own enmity and hatred to this God of love, and consequently, of their terrible sin in thus ill-using one so infinitely kind.
    The Holy Spirit does not come to make sinners comfortable in their sins, but to cause them to grieve over their sins. He does not help them to forget their sin, or think little of it, but He comes to convince them of the horrible enormity of their iniquity. -- C.H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)

    See the Theological Notes: "The Fall" at Genesis 3:6 in The Reformation Study Bible.
    But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
    And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
    And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.     (Genesis 3:3-7)
    Matthew Henry commenting on Genesis 3:6-13
    https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/genesis/3.html
    John Gill commenting on Genesis 3:7
    https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/genesis-3-7.html

    See the Theological Notes: "The Three Purposes of the Law" at Deuteronomy 13:10 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    See the Theological Notes: "General Revelation," at Psalm 19:1 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    See the Theological Notes: "God Sees and Knows: Divine Omniscience," at Proverbs 15:3 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    Sin is nothing other than renouncing, abandoning God's fellowship, turning away from him and choosing one's own way. -- Geerhardus Johannes Vos, Grace and Glory, p. 217

    See the Theological Notes: "Repentance," at Acts 26:20 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    See the Theological Notes: "Salvation," at Acts 4:12 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    See the Theological Notes: "The Unpardonable Sin," at Mark 3:29 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    See the Theological Notes: "Hell," at Mark 9:43 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    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)

    Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither His ear heavy, that it cannot bear: but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you. (Isaiah 59:1,2)

    But, according to a common mode of expression in the Hebrew language, by the use of the term foolishness, he [David] acknowledges that he had been out of his right mind, when he obeyed the lusts of the flesh in opposition to God. The Spirit, by employing this term in so many places to designate crimes the most atrocious, does not certainly mean to extenuate the criminality of men, as if they were guilty merely of some slight offenses, but rather charges them with maniacal fury, because, blinded by unhallowed desires, they willfully fly in the face of their Maker. Accordingly, sin is always conjoined with folly or, madness. It is in this sense that David speaks of his own foolishness; as if he had said, that he was void of reason and transported with madness, like the infatuated rage of wild beasts, when he neglected God and followed his own lusts. -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 38:5

    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)

    Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:13,14)

    And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
    For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
    But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.     -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:19-21)

    Sin is a species of atheism, for it is the virtual repudiation of God -- to make of God no God, to set up our wills against His. Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice? (Exodus 5:2). It is a malignant spirit of independence. . . . it lies at the root of all evil and human depravity. -- Arthur Pink (1886-1952), The Doctrine of Human Depravity

    "For several decades we psychologists looked upon the whole matter of sin and moral accountability as a great incubus [a cause of difficulty or anxiety -- compiler], and acclaimed our liberation from it as epoch making. But at length we have discovered that to be free in this sense, that is, to have the excuse of being sick rather than sinful, is to court the danger of also being lost. [This danger is, I believe, betokened by the widespread interest in existentialism, which we are presently witnessing. -- Ravi Zacharias, apparently]. In becoming amoral and ethically neutral and free, we have cut the very roots of our being, lost our deepest sense of self with an identity, and with neurotics themselves find ourselves asking, Who am I? What is my deepest destiny. What does my living mean?" -- Hobart Mowrer (1907-1982), one-time president of the American Psychological Association (1954), who ultimately ended up committing suicide at age 75, in The American Psychologist, 1960.
    The reality of human nature is best portrayed in the teaching of Christ. And even secular atheistic psychologists, such as Hobart Mowrer was, said something has been lost, when we lost the understanding of the dogma of sin. And he said that, when he wrote that article, he received more letters to him than any other thing he had ever written. He was trying to recover a concept of sin, the reality of human nature. -- Ravi Zacharias, in an address, "The Uniqueness of Christ in History and World Religion" (part 2 of 2), accessed October 20, 2014

    Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. . . .
    "Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.     (Ephesians 4:29, 31, 32)

    Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. [James 1:13-15]

    Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. (1 John 3:4-8)

    And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:11-15). See the note for Revelation 20:11-15, page 2031, in The Reformation Study Bible.
    See also: David Steele, Notes on the Apocalypse which is also available in the Project Gutenberg, and James Durham, A Complete Commentary Upon the Book of Revelation, and Alexander M'Leod, Lectures Upon the Principal Prophecies of the Revelation.

    Revelation 21 in its entirety. "He describeth new Jerusalem descending from heaven"
    And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. (Revelation 21:6,7)

    The answers found in the WESTMINSTER LARGER CATECHISM provide a useful listing of common sins.

    Pray that God may make you conqueror of yourself. . . not the enemy without, but of your own soul within. . . . Let no enemy from without be feared: conquer yourself, and the whole world is conquered. -- Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD)

    A Holy man knows that all sin strikes at the holiness of God, the glory of God, the nature of God, the being of God, and the law of God: and therefore his heart rises against all; he looks upon every sin as the Scribes and Pharisees that accused Christ; and as the Judas that betrayed Christ; and as the Pilate that condemned Christ; and as those soldiers that scourged Christ; and as those spears that pierced Christ. -- Thomas Brooks (1608-1680)

    We can never sin but there will be two witnesses present to observe and register it, our own selves and God Himself. -- Ralph Venning

    Heaven begins where sin ends. -- Thomas Adams (1600-1662)

    Three things there are which men never ought to trifle with -- little poison, a little false doctrine, and a little sin. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

    The most astonishing and devastating truth of Scripture is that Christ loved us without cause, and we hated him without cause. -- D. James Kennedy (1930-2007)

    Sin is a species of atheism, for it is the virtual repudiation of God -- to make of God no God, to set up our wills against His. Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice? (Exodus 5:2). It is a malignant spirit of independence. . . . it lies at the root of all evil and human depravity. -- Arthur Pink (1886-1952), The Doctrine of Human Depravity

    There is no greater sin than not to see your need of Christ . . . There is nothing more abhorrent to God than that men and women should think that anything about them is sufficient to commend them to God. There is no greater sin than to refuse the Son of God and His sacrificial atoning death. -- Martyn Lloyd-Jones in Romans -- Saving Faith

    It was the sin of our first parents Adam and Eve, to revolt from God, and lose their holiness. And is there any sin that we should more carefully avoid, than that which all the world hath so much suffered by? Every one of the creatures that you look on, and every pain and misery you feel, doth mind you of that sin, and call to you to take heed by the warning of your first parents, that you suffer not your hearts to be drawn from God. -- Richard Baxter

    Now this place teaches, that though the vices of men do not immediately appear, yet they who deceive themselves, and disguise themselves to others, gain nothing, nor are they made free before God, and their fault is not lessened, nor are they absolved from guilt; for at last their hidden vices will come to light: and this especially happens, when the Lord performs the office of a physician towards them; for we see that men then cast out their bitterness, when the Lord seeks to heal their corruptions. Under the papacy, even those who are the worst conceal their own vices. How so? Because God does not try them; there is no teaching that cauterizes or that draws blood. As then the Papists rest quietly in their own dregs, their perverseness does not appear. But in other places, where God puts forth the power of his word, and where he speaks effectually by his servants, there men show what great impiety was before hid in them; for in full rage they rise up against God, and they cannot bear any admonition. As soon then as God begins to do the office of a physician, men then discover their diseases. And this is the reason why the world so much shun the light of heavenly doctrine; for he who does evil hates the light (John 3: 20). We may also observe the same as to chastisements. When God indulges the wicked, they then with the mouth at least bless him; but when he begins to punish their sins they clamour against him and are angry, and at length show how much fury was before hid in their hearts. We now see what the Prophet here lays to the charge of the people of Israel. It may also be observed at this day through the whole world, that the curing of diseases discovers evils which were before unknown. -- John Calvin in a sermon on Hosea 7:1 in Calvin's Commentary on Hosea

    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)

    Gluttony, greed, sloth, envy, wrath, pride, and lust -- these are the seven deadly sins.

    Impiety and injustice -- the will that defies Christ -- is displayed by the lust for power, wealth, and sex.

    Lives which have been forfeited because of disobedience to God's Law can only be "redeemed" by the forfeiting of another's life in their place. -- Morgan Derham

    Whose law is it that we break? It is not the law of some petty king, but of the great God, He whose glorious name is in every attribute assaulted and reproached by the sinner. The very life and being of God is being attacked, and would be destroyed by the sinner. It is an old saying, Sin is deicide. For any who would rob God of His honor is an enemy to His very being, because God is so wrapped up in His glory [Ezekiel 38:23, KJV; cf. Ezekiel 28:22; Ezekiel 36:23; Ezekiel 38:16], that He cannot outlive the loss of it. The sinner's short arm will not reach to this, but that is no thanks to him. For his sin aims at God's honor and glory, seeking that his shot will take away from His honor and glory, while adding it to himself. -- William Gurnall (1617-1679)

    He doth not bid us take a taste of all sins and vanities, as Solomon did, to try them: for they are tried already; but that we should set the Word of God alway before us like a rule, and believe nothing but that which it teacheth, love nothing but that which it prescribeth, hate nothing but that which it forbideth, do nothing but that which it commandeth, and then we try all things by the Word. -- Henry Smith (1550-1591)

    Fire is quenched by pouring on water or by withdrawing fuel; so the Spirit is quenched by living in sin, which is like pouring water on a fire. -- Thomas Manton

    There is scarce a sin to be thought on that is not a spawn in the bowels of pride. To instance in some few (besides all that are expressed in the signs): 1. It maketh men hypocrites . . . 2. It makes men liars . . . 3. It causeth covetousness . . . 4. It maketh men flatterers, and time-servers, and man-pleasers . . . 5. It makes men run into profaneness, and riotousness, to do as other do . . . 6. It can take men off from any duty to God that the company is against . . . 7. It is so contentious a sin, that it makes men firebrands in the societies where they live . . . 8. It tears in pieces church and state. . . . 9. It devoureth the mercies and good creatures of God, and sacrificeth them to the devil. . . . 10. It is an odious thief and prodigal of precious time. . . . 11. It is odiously unjust. A proud man makes no bones of any falsehood, slander, deceit, or cruelty, if it seem but necessary to his greatness, or honour, or preferment, or ambitious ends. He careth not who he wrongeth or betrayeth, that he may rise to his desired height, or keep his greatness. Never trust a proud man further than his own interest bids you trust him. 12. Pride is the pander of whoredom and uncleanness. . . .
    Pride is the highway to utter apostasy. . . . Mark those that are proud in any town, or any company of professors of piety; and if any infection of heresy or infidelity come into that place, these are the men that will soonest catch it. . . . -- Richard Baxter

    Pride is the defense not only of itself, but of every other sin in the heart of life. For it hateth reproof and keepeth off the remedy; it hideth, and extenuateth, and excuxseth the sin, and thinketh well of that which should be hated. -- Richard Baxter

    Satan gave Adam an apple, and takes away Paradise. Therefore in all temptations let us consider not what he offers, but what we shall lose. -- Richard Sibbes

    The Christians safety lies in resisting. All the armour here provided is to defend the Christian fighting, none to secure him flying. -- William Gurnall (1617-1679)

    There can be no victory where there is no combat. The victory lieth not upon us but upon Christ, who hath taken upon Him, as to conquer for us, so to conquer in us. Let us not look so much who are our enemies, as who is our Judge and Captain; not what they threaten, but what He promiseth. -- Richard Sibbes

    Pray against the power of your lusts by calling on the gospel covenant. God was not bound by the first covenant to stir a foot for man's help. Man by his own accord went over into the Devil's camp. He deserted God, and chose a new lord. And God may have left him there, without offering any help for his rescue from his rebellion, as he did in leaving the fallen angels without a Savior. It was only by free grace that God undertook the recovery of men through the gospel covenant. So then, if you are a covenanter with God by accepting the terms on which God offers to save us in the gospel covenant -- that is by faith and repentance -- then call upon God to remember His covenant, and to cause you to renounce your sins, those armies of lusts which war against your soul. Then you shall find that those with you are greater than those that are against you, that sin shall no more have dominion over you. Why? Because you are not under law, but under grace, -- Romans 6:14. That is, you are not under the law covenant which God made with Adam, but are under the gospel covenant that God made with the Second Adam, Christ, and through Him to all believers. Oh, how many lose their prayers against sin because they do not have the gospel covenant to plead against them! They do not stand in federal relation to God, and they do not take care to get into it. -- William Gurnall (1617-1679)

    How chilling to realize that, after God has used our enemy to chasten us, apparently we are still blind to our own sin as a nation, sins that collectively outweigh the sin of the Islamic Jehad's Holy War.

    Word: "disease"; Meaning; "disturb"; Sample location: "Luke 8:49" -- from the "Glossary," 1599 Geneva Bible, Tolle Lege edition

    DISEASE, n. Dizeze. [dis and ease].
    1. In its primary sense, pain, uneasiness, distress, and so used by Spenser; but in this sense, obsolete.
    2. The cause of pain or uneasiness . . . disorder; any state of a living body in which the natural functions of the organs are interrupted or disturbed . . . The first effect of disease is uneasiness or pain, and the ultimate effect is death. . . .
    3. A disordered state of the mind or intellect, by which the reason is impaired.
    4. In society, vice; corrupt state of morals. Vices are called moral diseases. A wise man converses with the wicked, as a physician with the sick, not to catch the disease, but to cure it.
    5. Political or civil disorder, or vices in a state; any practice which tends to disturb the peace of society, or impede or prevent the regular administration of government.
    The instability, injustice and confusion introduced into the public councils have, in truth, been the mortal diseases under which popular governments have every where perished. -- 1846 edition of An American Dictionary of the English Language
    DISEASE, v.t. dizeze.
    1. To interrupt or impair any or all the natural and regular functions of the several organs of a living body [i.e. robbing a neighbor of sleep -- compiler]; to afflict with pain or sickness to make morbid . . .
    2. To interrupt or render imperfect the regular functions of the brain, or of the intellect; to disorder; to derange.
    3. To infect; to communicate disease to, by contagion.
    4. To pain; to make uneasy. -- 1828 edition of Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language

    Son, whatever weakens your reasoning, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God, or takes away your relish for spiritual things; in short, if anything increases the authority and power of the flesh over the Spirit, then that to you becomes sin, however good it is in itself. -- Susanna Wesley's answer to her son, John Wesley, who asked her to define sin. -- cited in Sherwood Eliot Wirt (editor), and Kersten Beckstrom (editor), Topical Encyclopedia of Living Quotations

    Selfishness and pride will blind even the gifted and learned to the truth. Lust for power and the will to play God will blind us to the truth. Intense nationalistic pride, political bent, alienation during secular schooling, or personal ambitions blind us to the "evident connection between Absolute Truth, sovereign authority, holiness, life, loving obedience, moral behavior, sanctification, justice, freedom (political, economic, and individual), social stability, and real progress. . . ." -- Preface to Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal

    In the mid-70's (probably about April 6, 1976), I viewed a unforgettable Merv Griffin show. The studio audience was emptied, and a panel of experts in criminal science, psychiatry, clinical psychology, theology, and so forth, interviewed a contract killer, a Mafia hit-man, named "Joey," Max Kurschner, with 38 kills. He was later convicted on minor charges including tax fraud. See: KILLER: AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A MAFIA HIT MAN (1973), a New York Times bestseller. (On November 2013 Reelin'In The Years Productions said the program was among the two thirds that did not survive in official archives. "Joey" was interviewed on other programs at the time.)
    Near the end of the show one panel member asked "Joey" why he had killed 38 men, and why he had continued to kill. He answered, without hesitation, that it was because taking another man's life gave him a personal sense of great glory.
    Lesson learned: A personal sense of great glory is not exclusively a sign of goodness, but, instead can be a sign of horrible wrongdoing. Some individuals associate glory with God alone. And they associate personal glory exclusively with acts of goodness. But, in fact, a sense of glory may be a most dangerous temptation to any of us. There is glory in righteousness, and then there is glory in iniquity.
    Therefore, unregenerate leadership (churchmen, politicians, lawyers, educators, physicians, business leaders, etc.), "working the crowd" will blindly lead the crowd [our nation], directly into the jaws of Hell. For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord. But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death. (Proverbs 8:35,36)
    "Diversity and inclusion," along with injustice, IS toleration, and toleration has been the death knell of ANY and ALL societies, present and past.
    The highest ethical standard known to mankind is historic, orthodox, reformed Christianity. What have you been standing for?
    Glory in Iniquity, the Temptation of Vainglory
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappd.html#glryinqty

    The depravity of man is at once the most empirically verifiable reality, but at the same time the most intellectually resisted fact. (Genesis 6:5; Genesis 8:21b; Ecclesiastes 9:3b; Jeremiah 17:9; Mark 7:21-23; Ephesians 2:1-3; Titus 3:3-5) -- Malcolm Muggeridge (1903-1990). See John Calvin's Commentary on Isaiah Chapter 33 [Isaiah 33:1-66].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Four Weeks With God and Your Neighbor, ISBN: 0801001404 9780801001406.
    "Exactly what the title says. Frequently the words 'devotion' and 'devotional' connote 'a superficial, mystical reading of the Bible (without understanding), mixed with prayer. Nothing could be further from my mind. . . . The bible is not a mystical book; it does not intend to mystify but to give knowledge and wisdom for life.' 28 days to apply oneself to biblical change." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
    "A devotional workbook for counselees and others. Designed for use with counselees as part of homework assignments. Aids in pinpointing sinful patterns and provides a means to leading a more consistent Christian life." -- Publisher

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Sin," and so forth, and so on.

    *Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), A Christian Directory: Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 1. Full title: A Christian Directory: or A Sum of Practical Theology, and Cases of Conscience. Directing Christians how to use Their Knowledge and Faith; How to Improve all Helps and Means, and to Perform all Duties; How to Overcome Temptations, and to Escape or Mortify Every Sin. In Four Parts.
    I. Christian Ethics (or Private Duties)
    II. Christian Economics (or Family Duties)
    III. Christian Ecclesiastics (or Church Duties)
    IV. Christian Politics (or Duties to Our Rulers and Neighbours)     (Morgan, PA: Soli Deo Gloria Publications, 1997, 1990, 1838, 1707, 1678, 1673), ISBN: 1877611131 9781877611131. Foreword by J.I. Packer (Soli Deo Gloria edition only). The Soli Deo Gloria publication is a facsimile reprint of the 19th century reprint by George Virtue, London, 1846. The original 1673 edition and the 1678 edition, both printed by Robert White for Nevill Simmons. Bibliographic and scriptural footnotes. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available (less the J.I. Packer's Foreword, but searchable with an OCR-based index), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    This work is available in many editions, and in many formats.
    Reformation Heritage Books has new copies of the Soli Deo Gloria edition (including the J.I. Packer Introduction), as of March 2008, even though it is generally thought to be out of print. They acquired Soli Deo Gloria from Ligonier Ministries in late 2007.
    The best digital format of the reprint by George Virtue is included on the Puritan Hard Drive. It has an OCR scan in the background, meaning one can search the entire volume and copy text into another document. It also has a computer generated indexed from the OCR scan which is, of course, in Baxter's vocabulary.
    A PDF image scan only of the same edition is available on the Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.
    The reprint by George Virtue is available online and may be downloaded in PDF format at Christian Classics Ethereal Library.
    The reprint by George Virtue appears in full preview in Google Books but may not be downloaded. So it is useful if the reader wants to become acquainted with the book. Text can be searched, but can not be copied into another document. This particular Google Books scan includes the contents in detail on pages iii-xix which is not included in the Christian Classics Ethereal Library PDF files. About five other editions from libraries are available in Google Books, and may be downloaded (August 2008).
    Notice that the e-text in Google Books has the advantage of being searchable. Searching an image-based PDF file (without an OCR scan in the background), is not possible, unless the user owns software such as Abode Acrobat Pro or Kirtas BookScan Editor. They both have an OCR (optical character recognition), feature that will search an image-based PDFs (bit-map scans). Searches appear to be perfect in this work, although one must know Baxter's vocabulary. Text can be cut and pasted from image-based PDF format to OCR (character) format. This particular Google Books scan can not be cut and pasted or downloaded.
    One of the older, multi-volume editions of THE WORKS OF RICHARD BAXTER is available at Monergism.com in the "Puritan Library," "Richard Baxter." A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, volume 23. It can be downloaded.
    http://www.puritanlibrary.com/
    Another older edition is available on microfilm (Ann Arbor, MI: University Microfilms, 1970), 1 microfilm reel, 35 mm (Early English books, 1641-1700; 343:11).
    "The complete practical works of Richard Baxter are in print in four volumes entitled BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS. This volume (about 1 1/4 million words, 1028 pages), is volume one of the set. The editor's preface (1707), p. xiii, stated that the works of Richard Baxter are 'perhaps the best body of practical divinity that is extent in our own or any other tongue.' Richard Baxter lived from 1615-1691. The DIRECTORY was completed in 1665. Its scope was intended to cover all of practical theology, a summa of casuistry . . ." -- Don Kistler
    "Baxter's series, which grew in range and scope as it proceeded . . . is a peak point in Puritan devotional writing, and remains a precious resource for all, in this or any age, who want to know what is involved in Biblical godliness. . . . A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY may justly be described as a landmark. It is the fullest, most thorough, and in this writer's judgment, most profound treatment of Christian spirituality and standards that has ever been attempted by an English-speaking Evangelical author. The fact that it embraces both spirituality and standards (the principles of communion with God plus the specifics of obedience to God), merits approving comment in itself; nowadays spirituality and ethics have become two distinct disciplines in the schools, and books written on either say virtually nothing about the other . . ." -- J.I. Packer (1926-2020)
    Timothy Keller calls it the greatest manual on Biblical counseling ever produced.
    "There are many Puritan classics on this subject. Thomas Brooks' PRECIOUS REMEDIES FOR SATAN'S DEVICES, Thomas Goodwin's A CHILD OF LIGHT WALKING IN DARKNESS, William Bridge's A LIFTING UP FOR THE DOWNCAST, and many other similar works give evidence that the Puritans were. . . . masters at applying Biblical answers and principles to problems that can only be solved by spiritual means. No Puritan work, however, has ever approached the popularity, the scope, or the depth of Baxter's classic treatise. With the widespread interest in counseling in today's church, this reprint of Baxter's work should be a welcome addition to every pastor's library, or to anyone else who wishes to give solid Biblical answers to man's questions." -- Don Kistler
    "We have long waited for a purely Biblical treatment of the spiritual ills and cures of men which is untainted by the views of psychology. Since Baxter lived about 200 years before psychology arrived, his deep work is completely void of its encroachment -- thankfully!" -- John MacArthur
    "The kings men sought to arrest Richard Baxter, but he traveled ceaselessly from place to place, writing his sermons and his books even on horseback (he had an inkwell in his saddle), and preached over a wide area." -- Brian H. Edwards
    "Baxter was a wonder of his age. His writings total 72 large volumes, much of it written on horseback as he traveled in his widespread preaching efforts. He seldom, if ever, edited anything he wrote. Knowing this any reader will be amazed at how well he communicated his deep love for his Savior. For 26 years he was public enemy No. 1 to the king, yet he lived to see the flight of the king in 1688." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    POOR MAN'S FAMILY BOOK (1674) and THE CATECHIZING OF FAMILIES (1683), are less detailed works and are found in THE REFORMED PASTOR: BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 4. They are more suitable for family instruction than are the detailed presentation in A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY.
    "Ptacek in FAMILY WORSHIP: BIBLICAL BASIS, HISTORICAL REALITY, CURRENT NEED (pp. 51-52), supplies the following information in regard to Baxter and this book. He notes that after the Episcopalians ejected numerous 'nonconformists,' in what is know as the 'great ejection,' in 1662, 'Baxter pastored from house to house, visiting families of his parish in their homes. These visits contributed to Baxter's A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, a large and still very relevant manual of pastoral care.' Focusing on just one area of great importance, Ptacek demonstrates how this book's relevance is not limited by time or culture, though sometimes the use of specific words are. 'Published in 1673, but written 1664-65, a large book-length part of Baxter's CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY is devoted to the family. It is entitled 'Christian Economics' based on the archaic usage of the word, which reflects the proper sense of the Greek root oikonomos as the manager of a household, in the Christian case, the spiritual leader of the family. The family head is essential to Baxter's view of family worship and instruction. Baxter asserts that it is God's will that this instruction be carried out by the rulers of the families.' For a male head of the household to fail to do so, or to have another instruct in the family, is contrary to his position of authority.' This is the kind of book that can be passed on from generation to generation and still find much use in the service of the kingdom of God.
    "Though relatively weak on corporate sanctification, corporate faithfulness and some important areas of doctrine (such as justification), Baxter's work on subjects related to personal piety can be of good practical use to the Christian -- if one is careful to separate out his aberrant doctrinal views and any practical errors they may lead to." -- Publisher
    The following three excerpts are included as bonus free books on Reformation Bookshelf CD #28.
    1. "The Duties of Parents for Their Children" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. X., pp. 449-454.
    2. "The Special Duties of Children Towards Their Parents" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. XI., pp. 454-457.
    3. "The Special Duties of Children and Youth Towards God" from BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 1, A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, on Christian Economics, Chap. XII., pp. 457-458).
    A summary of currently (2012) available publications.
    http://www.lettermen2.com/pwrbcd.html
    Richard Baxter, from Wikipedia
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Baxter

    *Baxter, Richard, The Reformed Pastor: Baxter's Practical Works, Vol. 4, ISBN: 1877611360. A Christian classic.
    "This is the fourth and final volume in this great set. Includes, 'Compassionate Counsel to all Young men,' 'The Reformed Pastor,' 'Poor Man's Family Book,' 'The Catechizing of Families,' and 'The Mother's Catechism,' in all 25 sermons, treatises, and catechisms. Dr. J.I. Packer says, 'For me, the great joy of this year is that it see the completion of Soli Deo Gloria's reprint of Baxter's incomparable PRACTICAL WORKS'." -- GCB
    Richard Baxter, from Wikipedia
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Baxter
    Compassionate Counsel to all Young men (1681), by Richard Baxter
    http://www.lettermen2.com/ccaym.html

    *Berkouwer, Gerrit C., and Phillip C. Holtrop (translator), Sin.
    "Stresses the fact of guilt, and shows that only through true confession [and repentance -- compiler], can man be truly forgiven. Destined to take its place as one of the most authoritative work of its kind." -- Cyril J. Barber

    *Bolton, Robert (1572-1631), and Thomas Goodwin (1600-1680), Bolton, Robert, The Carnal Professor and Thomas Goodwin, Christ Set Forth, ISBN: 1877611468 9781877611469. Alternate title: CHRIST SET FORTH IN HIS DEATH, RESURRECTION, ASCENSION, SITTING AT GOD'S RIGHT HAND, AND INTERCESSION / BY THOMAS GOODWIN. Available (CHRIST SET FORTH), in THE WORKS OF THOMAS GOODWIN, VOL. 1.
    The Works of Thomas Goodwin
    http://archive.org/details/worksofthomasgoo01good
    "The first 156 pages is a heart-searching treatise directed at those who profess Christianity without necessarily possessing it. Goodwin's 384 pages is directed toward those who have embraced the principles of Christ, but have neglected Christ Himself in all of His glory. Both authors are Puritans of great renown." -- CBD

    Bolton, Samuel (1606-1654), Hamartolos Hamartia: or, The Sinfulnes of sin, 1646. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    *Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), The Everlasting Righteousness, or How Shall man be Just With God? 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?
    http://books.google.com/books?id=nQMDAAAAQAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html

    Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), The Sins of Sinners Finding Them Out. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THE REVEREND THOMAS BOSTON (3:180-214).

    Brandt, Henry, Breaking Free: From the Bondage of Sin.
    " 'A knowledge of sin and what to do about it is the most important information in the world, and the Bible is the source of that information.' First half of the book is a general discussion of the nature of sin, in contrast to psychological views of human nature. The second half deals with particular sins, particularly anger. Brandt's purposes are that people would take responsibility for their lives, and so find God's grace." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    *Brooks, Thomas (1608-1680), Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices. ISBN: 0851510027 9780851510026. A Christian classic.
    "The best Christian authors of former times treated the seductive influence and terrible power of Satan in a way 'greatly more full and suggestive than in the literature of the present day'." -- William Grimshaw
    " 'The strange opposition that I met with from Satan, in the study of the following discourse, hath put an edge upon my spirit, knowing that Satan strives mightily to keep these things from seeing the light that tend eminently to shake and break his kingdom of darkness, and to lift up the kingdom and glory of the Lord Jesus Christ, in the souls and lives of the children of men . . .' This is one of the seven reasons for writing his book which the author, Thomas Brooks, gives in his preface." -- Publisher

    Bunyan, John (1628-1688), Reprobation Asserted. Available (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.

    Bunyan, John (1628-1688), The Strait Gate. Available (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.

    *Burgess, Anthony (d. 1664?), Spiritual Refining, or, A Treatise of Grace and Assurance Part I: Wherein are handled, the doctrine of assurance, the use of signs in self-examination, how true graces may be distinguished from counterfeit, several true signs of grace, and many false ones, the nature of grace, under divers scripture-notions or titles, as regeneration, the new-creature, the heart of flesh, vocation, sanctification, &c.: many chief questions (occasionally) controverted between the orthodox and the Arminians: as also many cases of conscience, tending to comfort and confirm saints, [and] undeceive and convert sinners. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (SPIRITUAL REFINING, PART I AND PART II), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.
    "The first section is on the deceitfulness and guile of the natural heart (Jeremiah 17:9). . . . Next he contrasts thee natural tendencies toward deceitfulness in all of us to the uprightness of the heart; or, the heart without guile (Psalm 32:2) . . . Section three deals with practical cases of conscience which regularly test our sincerity in seeking to be guileless . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)

    *Burgess, Anthony (d. 1664?), Spiritual Refining, Part II. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (SPIRITUAL REFINING, PART I AND PART II), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.
    "The first section is on the deceitfulness and guile of the natural heart (Jeremiah 17:9). . . . Next he contrasts thee natural tendencies toward deceitfulness in all of us to the uprightness of the heart; or, the heart without guile (Psalm 32:2) . . . Section three deals with practical cases of conscience which regularly test our sincerity in seeking to be guileless . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)

    *Burroughs, Jeremiah (1599-1646), Evil of Evils: The Exceeding Sinfulness of Sin, ISBN: 1877611484 9781877611483. A Christian classic.
    "This treatise has one recurring theme: it is better to choose affliction than sin. In expounding Scripture, Burroughs shows that nothing is to be more avoided than sin, and nothing is to be more hated than sin. . . . Classic work by Burroughs (1599-1646), is a collection of his sermons on the subject of sin. This is a very rare book bringing well over a hundred dollars." -- GCB

    Calvin, John (1509-1564), Sermons on Election and Reprobation. Available (MP3 files) [audio file], on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (MP3 files), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #12, #19, #20.

    Capel, Richard (1586-1656), and Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635), Tentations [temptations]: Their Nature, Danger, Cure. By Richard Capel, sometimes fellow of Magdalen Colledge in Oxford. To which is added a briefe dispute, as touching restitution in the case of vsury, 1635.

    Dabney, Robert Lewis (1820-1898), The Sin of the Tempter: A Sermon on Habakkuk, ii chap. xv verse [Habakkuk 2:15]. In DISCUSSIONS: EVANGELICAL AND THEOLOGICAL (1:626-42).
    "On the sin of tempting a fellowman to transgression."

    *Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), The Great Christian Doctrine of Original Sin Defended. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    *Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), Original Sin, ISBN: 0300011989 9780300011982.
    "When those who are devoid of the Spirit of God and reject revealed religion meet up with the Scriptural doctrine of original sin, their comments expose their hostility towards God and help exhibit the very principle they deny. For example, Smellie comments on one reaction to this work of Edwards as follows: 'Mr. Lechy has condemned the treatise on Original Sin as 'one of the most revolting books that have ever proceeded from the pen of man.' Edwards summarizes this book as 'a general defense of that great important doctrine,' and has skillfully answered those who would assail the revealed truth of God's Word at this point. If our doctrine is weak on man's nature and (in)ability, all manner of false 'help yourself' religion (e.g. Arminianism, Romanism, the cults, the occult, etc.), and secular seduction (e.g. psychology, socialism, etc.), based on man' inherent 'goodness' or ability to 'save himself,' will be given a wide open door to run rampant." -- Publisher

    *Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God. A Christian classic. Available (THE WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "Delivered 250 years ago, this is the most famous sermon ever preached in the history of America. Far more than a depiction of the punishments of hell, it is a call to personal salvation through Christ and spiritual revival in our time." -- Publisher
    "First preached in 1741 this sermon had people in the congregation calling out for salvation." -- CBD.
    Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God by Jonathan Edwards
    http://www.reformed.org/documents/sinners.html

    Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), Wicked men Inconsistent With Themselves. In THE WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS (2:918-29). Available THE WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS in two volumes on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Fuller, Andrew (1754-1815), Nature of Indwelling sin. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF ANDREW FULLER (3:790-91).

    Ganz, Richard L. (Basileians Lectures. Wilmington, DE: The Basileians).
    Individual Reconstruction, 6 audio cassette tapes [audio file].
    Tape 1 and 2: Individual Reconstruction: The Biblical Basics
    Tape 3 and 4: Individual Reconstruction: The Smashing of Sin
    Tape 5: Individual Reconstruction vs. Self Esteem
    Tape 6: Questions and Answers Session

    *Goodwin, Thomas (1600-1680), The Vanity of Thoughts: Let Patience Have its Perfect Work. Alternate title: LET PATIENCE HAVE ITS PERFECT WORK [WAY]. A Christian classic. Available in THE WORKS OF THOMAS GOODWIN. Available in CHRISTIAN LIFE CLASSICS, Jay P. Green, Sr. (editor, 1918-2008), (The Fifty Greatest Christian Classics, Vol. III. (Lafayette, IN [The Sovereign Grace Trust Fund, 1274 Meadowbrooke Drive, P.O. Box 4998, Lafayette 47905]: The Sovereign Grace Trust Fund, 1989).
    Goodwin, Thomas, The Works of Thomas Goodwin
    http://archive.org/details/worksofthomasgoo01good

    Haselden, Kyle, Morality and the Mass Media, ISBN: 0805461116.
    "An important, revealing study of the effect of radio, TV, newspapers, and novels on the moral climate." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Hoekema, Anthony A., Created in God's Image, ISBN: 0853646260 9780853646266.
    "A major new book by this Calvin Seminary Professor (emeritus). A theological anthropology which explores the meaning of human nature from a Biblical perspective. Covers: Self-image, Origin of sin, Spread of sin, Nature of sin, Restraint of sin, the Question of human freedom, and much, much more." -- GCB

    Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), The Miracle of Grace and Other Messages, ISBN: 0801056365 9780801056369.
    "Fourteen (14) sermons published together for the first time as a book. These sermons originally appeared in the periodical The Christian World Pulpit. They cover a wide variety of topics such as hope, discipleship, suffering, sin, the Cross, the Resurrection, and more." -- GCB

    Lundgaard, Kris, The Enemy Within: Straight Talk About the Power and Defeat of Sin, ISBN: 0875522017 9780875522012.
    "This book, based on John Owen's masterpiece entitled THE NATURE, POWER, DECEIT, AND PREVALENCY OF THE REMAINDERS OF INDWELLING SIN IN BELIEVERS, unpacks the truth found in the Scriptures for readers to help them get just that: victory! But victory over what? Satan? Yeah. Sin? Yeah. But more specifically, the flesh -- something that is overlooked as the source of the sin by many evangelicals today, yet cited by almost all biblical authors as the part of us that hates God and therefore sins. Lundgaard himself claims to have 'kidnapped Owen' (p. 14). This is not Lundgaard's wisdom, it is Owen's Bible-inspired wisdom converted into modern language with modern examples for modern readers." -- Reader's Comment

    *Luther, Martin (1483-1546), Commentary on Galatians, English translation by Erasmus Middleton, B.D., edited by John Prince Fallowes, M.A., Pembroke College, Cambridge, ISBN: 0825431247. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "I prefer this book of Martin Luther's (except the Bible), before all the books I have ever seen, as most fit for a wounded soul." -- John Bunyan
    "This is a great, historic work, and is beyond criticism on account of its great usefulness. As a comment its accuracy might be questioned; but for emphatic utterances and clear statements of the great doctrine of the Epistle it remains altogether by itself, and must be judged per se." -- C.H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)
    "The reissue of a famous series of lectures delivered at Wittenberg University in 1553." -- Cyril J. Barber
    Commentary on Galatians, Martin Luther
    http://archive.org/details/cu31924029294133
    Luther's Commentary on Galatians, That He might deliver us from the present evil world. (Galatians 1:4 excerpt), English translation by Erasmus Middleton, B.D., edited by John Prince Fallowes, M.A., Pembroke College, Cambridge
    http://www.lettermen2.com/luther2.html
    Luther's Commentary on Galatians, Who hath bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth. (Galatians 3:1 excerpt), English translation by Erasmus Middleton, B.D., edited by John Prince Fallowes, M.A., Pembroke College, Cambridge
    http://www.lettermen2.com/luther1.html

    MacArthur, John F., The Vanishing Conscience: Drawing the Line in a No-fault, Guilt-free World, ISBN: 0849936780 9780849936784.
    "In this compelling book, John MacArthur challenges us to confront society's flight from moral responsibility. With sound biblical doctrine, Dr. MacArthur shows how and why sin must be dealt with if we are to live lives that please God. With clarity and insight, he provides biblical solutions for attaining a personal holiness that can move us from living a life of blame and denial to one of true peace and freedom. -- Reader's Comment
    "In THE VANISHING CONSCIENCE, MacArthur addresses, from a biblical perspective, the issues of self-esteem, personal guilt, and individual responsibility. How does modern psychology's obsession with personal forgiveness, high self-esteem, and the love of self stand in the light of Holy Scripture? What became of the little word sin with all of its grave implications, ramifications, and negative connotations? In an age of self-absolution, it would appear that Jesus Christ suffered and died in vain, for, if we are to believe the modern self-proclaimed and self-ordained prophets of the "feel good" philosophy, we are to forgive, each his or her own, transgressions and iniquities by blaming our environment, our genetic predisposition, our parents, our teachers, our political leaders, our role models, anything or anyone but our individual selves.
    "THE VANISHING CONSCIENCE is an extraordinarily germane work in that MacArthur not only elucidates the church's adoption and endorsement of this secular abomination as well as the inherent dangers of this heretical philosophy, but does so in such a manner that the reader is made knowledgeable of that which a just God demands of His children. Of far greater importance than self-esteem is our relationship to a God who will hold you and I accountable for each act, thought, word, and deed.
    "On that Great and Terrible Day, conscience may be either a dear friend or a damning foe, but it will not claim neutrality. Self-esteem, that placebo of modern psychology, will not be a factor." -- Reader's Comment

    Mack, Wayne A., and Joshua Mack, A Fight to the Death: Taking aim at sin Within, ISBN: 1596380047 9781596380042.
    "This book explores the seriousness of sin and the necessity of fighting against it, and presents a biblical method of killing the sin within us." -- Publisher

    Maclaurin, John (1693-1754), and John Gillies, Sermons and Essays.

    Marshall, Stephen (1594?-1655), The Sinne of Hardnesse of Heart: The Nature, Danger, and Remedy of it. Opened in a Sermon, Preached to the Honorable House of Commons, July 28. 1648. being the day of their solemne monethly fast. By Stephen Marshall, B.D. minister of Gods Word at Finchingfield in Essex. Published by order of that House, 1648. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    May, William F., A Catalogue of Sins: A Contemporary Examination of Christian Conscience.

    M'Laurin, John (1693-1754), The Sins of Men not Chargeable on God.
    http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/the-sins-of-men-not-chargeable-on-god.php

    Mowrer, Orval Hobart, Morality and Mental Health, 669 pages, online version (OCoLC)590215904.

    *Murray, John (1898-1975), The Imputation of Adam's Sin, ISBN: 0875523412 9780875523415.
    "A classic statement of the Reformed teaching of Romans 5. Refutes the Pelagian and Roman Catholic views of original sin, prefers to use the term 'imputed sin.' Clarifies the realistic approach of Shedd and Strong, and pleads for the representative view. A thorough theological treatise." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Newton, John (1725-1807), The Believer's Inability on Account of Remaining Sin. In THE LETTERS OF JOHN NEWTON (125-28).

    *Owen, John (1616-1683), The Mortification of sin in Believers: Containing the necessity, nature, and means of it. With a resolution of sundry cases of conscience thereunto belonging. By John Owen, D.D. . . . A new edition London, 1783.
    "I owe more to John Owen than to any other theologian, ancient or modern; and I owe more to [THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN] than to anything else he wrote." -- J.I. Packer
    "John Owen's treatises on INDWELLING SIN IN BELIEVERS [in TEMPTATION AND SIN, Vol. 6 of Works] and THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN are, in my opinion, the most helpful writings on personal holiness ever written." -- Jerry Bridges
    The Works of John Owen, Vol. 6 (including THE MORTIFICATION OF SIN, Goold edition, 1862)
    https://archive.org/details/theworksofowen06owenuoft
    The Mortification of sin, an e-book
    https://www.monergism.com/mortification-sin-believers-ebook-0
    The Mortification of sin
    https://faculty.gordon.edu/hu/bi/ted_hildebrandt/SpiritualFormation/Texts/Owen_MortificationOfSin.pdf
    On the Mortification of Sin in Believers, John Owen (1 of 6), an audio file reading
    Currently (February 2009), there are 63 readings of John Owen by SWRB and Reformed Baptist of Holland (Michigan), (Thomas Sullivan), at SermonAudio.com available for listening online, downloading as MP3 files, and listening on iPhone or Mobile Phones.
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=62906111628

    *Owen, John (1616-1683), The Nature, Power, Deceit, and Prevalency of the Remainders of Indwelling-sin in Believers. Together with the ways of its working, and means of its prevention. Opened, evinced and applyed, with a resolution of sundry cases of conscience thereunto appertaining. By J. Owen, D.D. [London?], 1732. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    *Owen, John (1616-1683), Kelly M. Kapic (editor), Justin Taylor (editor), Overcoming Sin and Temptation, ISBN: 1581346492 9781581346497.
    "The writings of John Owen are a challenge to any reader, to say the least. His intricacy and complexity are intimidating and his language is downright befuddling at times. However, the depth of thought and the immense value of Owen's works cannot be quantified. His three classic works on sin and temptation are profoundly helpful to any believer who seeks to become more like Jesus Christ.
    "In this volume, the editors have made updates to the language, translated the Latin, Greek, and Hebrew and footnoted difficult or unknown phrases, all without sacrificing any of the wonderful content of Owen's work. It is a uniquely accessible edition of John Owen's previously daunting work." -- Publisher
    "The editors of this volume have worked hard to make Owen's unrivalled insight into the Christian's inner war with sin accessible to all, and the result is truly a godsend." -- J.I. Packer (1926-2020), Professor of Theology, Regent College
    "John Owen understood how the gospel makes us well. Three cheers for Kapic and Taylor for introducing a new generation to Owen's peerless works." -- Sinclair B. Ferguson, Senior Minister, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, S.C.
    The Works of John Owen at Archive.org
    https://archive.org/search.php?query=the+works+of+john+owen&page=2

    *Owen, John (1616-1683), Sin and Grace, ISBN: 9780851511276 0851511279. A Christian classic. Alternate title: A TREATISE OF THE DOMINION OF SIN AND GRACE. . . . BY THE LATE PIOUS AND LEARNED MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL, JOHN OWEN, D.D.
    "Contains: Nature and causes of apostasy from the Gospel, duty of being spiritually minded, treatise on the dominion of Sin, and Grace."

    *Owen, John (1616-1683), Sin and Temptation: The Challenge to Personal Godliness. ISBN: 1556618301 9781556618307. A Christian classic.
    "The concept of sin and personal responsibility has all but disappeared from our world. John Owen deals with the nature of sinful humanity as no writer since has done as keenly or thoroughly, arguing that sin is always a self-deceiving, blinding folly. Owen was a leading English statesman in the late 17th century and is considered 'the John Calvin of England'." -- Publisher

    *Owen, John (1616-1683), Temptation and Sin, ISBN: 9780851511269 0851511260. A Christian classic.
    "Contains sections on: Mortification of sin, temptation, indwelling sin, and an exposition of Psalm 130."
    Owen, John, The Mortification of Sin in Believers: Containing the Necessity, Nature, and Means of it. With a Resolution of Sundry Cases of Conscience Thereunto Belonging. By John Owen, D.D.
    On the Mortification of sin in Believers, John Owen (1 of 6)
    An audio file reading. Currently (February 2009), there are 63 readings of John Owen by SWRB and Reformed Baptist of Holland (Michigan), (Thomas Sullivan), at SermonAudio.com available for listening online, downloading as MP3 files, and listening on iPhone or Mobile Phones.
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=62906111628

    Preston, John (1587-1628), The lavv out Lavved or, The Charter of the Gospell Shewing the Privilege and Prerogative of the Saints by Vertue of the Covenant. Wherein these foure points of doctrine are properly observed, plainely proved, both by Scripture, and reason: and pithily applyed. Viz: doctrine 1 That he that is in the state of grace lyeth in no knowne sinne, no sinne hath dominion over him. 2 That sinne though it doth not raigne in the saints, yet it doth remaine and dwell in them. 3 That the way to overcome sinne, is to get assurance of the love, and grace, and favour of God, whereby it is forgiven them. 4 That whosoever is under the law, sinne hath dominion over him. By that late faithfull and worthy minister of Jesus Christ. Iohn Preston. Doctor in divinity, chaplaine in ordinary to his Majestie, master of Emmanuel Colledge in Cambridge, and sometimes preacher of Lincolnes Inne, 1633.

    Preston, John (1587-1628), A Liveles Life: or, Mans Spirituall Death in Sinne. Wherein is Both Learnedly and Profitably Handled These Foure Doctrines the Spirituall Death in Sinne. The Doctrine of Humiliation. Mercy to be Found in Christ. Continuance in Sinne, Dangerous. Being the Substance of Severall Sermons Upon Ephes. 2. 1,2,3 [Ephesians 2:1-3]. And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins, &c. Whereunto is annexed a profitable sermon at Lincolnes Inne, on Gen. XXII. XIV [Genesis 22:14]. Delivered by that late faithful preacher, and worthy instrument of Gods glory, Iohn Preston, Dr. in Divinity, chaplaine in ordinary to his Majesty, master of Emanuel Colledge in Cambridge, and sometimes preacher of Lincolnes Inne, 1633.

    Preston, John (1587-1628), Sinnes Overthrow: or, A Godly and Learned Treatise of Mortification: Wherein is excellently handled; First, the generall doctrine of mortification: and Then particularly, how to mortifie fornication. Uncleannesse. Evill concupiscence. Inordinate affection. And covetousnesse. All being the substance of severall sermons upon Colos. 3.5. Mortifie therefore your members, &c. Delivered by that late faithfull preacher, and worthie instrument of Gods glorie, John Preston, Dr. in Divinitie, chaplin in ordinarie to his Majestie, master of Emanuell Colledge in Cambridge, and sometimes preacher of Lincolns-Inne, 1635, ISSN: 00279358. [Colossians 3:5]
    Preston, Sinnes Overthrow: or, A Godly and Learned Treatise of Mortification . . . All Being the Substance of Severall Sermons Upon Colos. 3. 5 [Colossians 3:5]
    https://archive.org/details/siwo00pres/page/n1

    Sedgwick, Obadiah (1600-1658), and Humphrey Chambers (1598/9-1662), The Anatomy of Secret Sins, Presumptuous Sins, Sins in Dominion, and Uprightness. Wherein Divers Weighty Cases are Resolved in relation to all those particulars: delivered in divers sermons preached at Mildreds in Bread-street London, on Psalm 19. 12, 13 [Psalm 19:12,13]. Together with the remissibleness of all sin, and the irremissibleness of the sin against the Holy Ghost preached before an honourable auditory. By that reverend and faithfull minister of the Gospel, Mr. Obadiah Sedgwick, B.D. Perfected by himself, and published by those whom he intrusted with his notes. Available in:
    Secret Sins, Free Gospel Broadcaster #209
    http://www.chapellibrary.org/pdf-english/ssinfg.pdf

    *Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon.
    A sermon by C.H. Spurgeon delivered on Lord's-day morning, September 9, 1888, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon no. 2043.
    "This is the way in which you should use this plea. Say, 'My God, I am utterly unworthy, and I own it; but, I beseech thee, hear me for the honour of thy dear Son. By his agony and bloody sweat, by his cross and passion, by his precious death and burial, I beseech thee hear me! O Lord, let the blood of thine Only-begotten prevail with thee! Canst thou put aside his groans, his tears, his death, when they speak on my behalf?' If you can thus come to pleading terms with God upon this ground, you must and will prevail. Jesus must be heard in heaven. The voice of his blood is eloquent with God. If you plead the atoning sacrifice, you must overcome through the blood of the Lamb." -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon

    Swinnock, George (1627-1673), and Thomas Manton (1620-1677), The Sinners Last Sentence to Eternal Punishment, for sins of omission wherein is discovered, the nature, causes, and cure of those sins / by Geo. Swinnock, 1675.

    Thornwell, James Henley (1812-1862), Election and Reprobation (1870). In COLLECTED WRITINGS OF JAMES HENLEY THORNWELL. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #17.

    Thornwell, James Henley (1812-1862), The State and Nature of Sin. In COLLECTED WRITINGS OF JAMES HENLEY THORNWELL.

    Venning, Ralph, Sinfulness of Sin, ISBN: 0851516475 9780851516479.

    Vincent, Thomas (1634-1678), God's Terrible Voice in the City by T.V., 1667.
    "Notes: Wherein you have I. The sound of the voice in the narration of the two late dreadfull judgments of plague and fire, inflicted by the Lord upon the city of London, the former in the year 1665, the latter in the year 1666, II. The interpretation of the voice, in a discovery, 1. Of the cause of these judgments, where you have a catalogue of London's sins, 2. Of the design of these judgments where you have an enumeration of the duties God calls for by this terrible voice."
    Vincent, God's Terrible Voice in the City
    http://archive.org/details/101165066.nlm.nih.gov

    *Watson, Thomas (1620-1686), The Ten Commandments, ISBN: 0851516815. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "In this book Watson continues his exposition of the Shorter Catechism drawn up by the Westminster Assembly. Watson was one of the most popular preachers in London during the Puritan era . . . The series of three volumes, of which this is the second (the BODY OF DIVINITY is first and THE LORD'S PRAYER third), makes an ideal introduction to Puritan literature. There are few matters about which the Puritans differ more from present-day Christians than in their assessment of the importance of the Ten Commandments. The Commandments, they held, are the first thing in Christianity which the natural man needs to be taught and they should be the daily concern of the Christian to the last. In this book Watson examines the moral law as a whole as well as bringing out the meaning and force of each particular commandment. In view of the important function of the law in Christian life and evangelism, this is a most valuable volume." -- Publisher
    "Excellent study. Highly recommended for personal and group study. The need for understanding the Law of God is always of great importance for the Christian. Watson is an excellent expositor of it." -- GCB
    "The most famous commentary on the Ten Commandments was by Lancelot Andrews (1555-1626), a huge folio." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    The Ten Commandments, Thomas Watson
    http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/ipb-e/epl-watson-10cm.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/

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The ten commandments: the moral law, The commandments of christ, Carnality and flesh pleasing: desires, pleasure, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Forgiveness, Justifying faith, Reconciliation of relationships, Bad relationships a cause of disease and death, Self, selfishness, self-deception, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Temptation, Contagion of sin, imitation, conformity, Sin and its consequence: physical and spiritual death, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Forgiveness of sin, The covenant faithfulness of god, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justice, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, The larger catechism, The free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, the covenant of eternal salvation, How to become a christian, Book-length presentations of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come, Family, Marriage, Self-denial, Corporate faithfulness, The one and the many, Election and reprobation, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 383, 384, 788, 805, 1341, 1522, 1574, 1608, 1637, 1689, 2139, 2164, 2873, 2874, 3047, 3048, 3074, 3217, 3350, 3352-3356, 3423, 3995, 4171 (See: also: "Sin" in the General Index of TCRB5)
    MGTP: Sin (extensive listing), Sin (Original), Sin (the Unpardonable)

    Related Weblinks

    Death is Coming: Flee From the Wrath of God (FGB #180)
    An Appointment you Will Keep, Beeke, Joel | Escape for Your Life, Beeke, Joel | Death and Life: The Wage and the Gift, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | The Eternal Destiny of the Unsaved, Herendeen, I.C. | A Prayer From Hell, Moore, Holmes | Sinner's in the Hands of an Angry God, Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758)
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/dicffg/death-is-coming-flee

    Glory in Iniquity, the Temptation of Vainglory
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappd.html#glryinqty

    *Idolatry is the Most Condemned sin in the Bible, [audio file], Peter Hammond, 8/21/2016
    "When we start to worship anyone other than God, if we put anything as central in our lives, other than God, we are opening ourselves up to demonic influence, demonic deception and demonic possession, which explains why so many people today are so irrational, so immune to logic, so resistant to facts and logical explanations."
    https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=97161019341

    Nave's Topical Bible -- Blessing Contingent Upon Obedience
    http://bible.crosswalk.com/Concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T854

    Pride and Humility (FGB #168)
    Thoughts on Pride, part 1, Bridges, Charles (1794-1869) | Pride the Destroyer, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | Thoughts on Pride, part 2, Bridges, Charles (1794-1869) | An Admonition to Humility, Simeon, Charles | Humble Faith, Fisher, Edward (d. 1655) | A Word About Pride, Baxter, Richard (1615-1691) | Thoughts on Pride, part 3, Bridges, Charles (1794-1869) | Pride and its Cure, Shelton, L.R., Jr. (1923-2003)
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/pahufg/pride-and-humility

    *Secret Sins (FGB #209)
    An Examination of Secret Sins, Sedgwick, Obadiah (1600-1658) | Folly, Misery, Guilt, and Danger of Secret Sins, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | Secret Sins Hinder Secret Prayer, Brooks, Thomas (1608-1680) | Man's Ways and God's Way of Covering Sins, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | Our Secret Sins in God's Sight, Payson, Edward (1783-1827) | Final Judgment Upon Secret Sins, Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758) | A Plea for Those in Secret Sin, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | A Sight of sin and a Sight of Jesus, Winslow, Octavius (1808-1878)
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/ssinfg/secret-sins

    *Sin of Unbelief (FGB #174)
    The White Devil, Bunyan, John (1628-1688) | Departing From the Living God, Gurnall, William (1617-1679) | Doubting God, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | A Solemn Impeachment of Unbelievers, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | Thoughts of Unbelief, Erskine, Ebenezer (1685-1752) | Giant Despair, Whyte, Alexander (1836-1921) https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/sounfg/sin-of-unbelief

    Sinfulness of sin (FGB #240)
    Repentance, Faith, and sin | Unknown Depths of Human sin | What is sin? | Nothing so Vile as sin | Our Sins Viewed at the Cross | Innumerable, Monstrous Sins | Degrees of sin | A Heinous, Execrable Thing | Sin: An Infinite Evil | Sin: The Greatest Evil | Sin is Contrary to God
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/sosifg/the-sinfulness-of-sin

    The Sins of men not Chargeable on God, John M'Laurin (1693-1754)
    http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/the-sins-of-men-not-chargeable-on-god.php

    Solomon on Righteousness in Governmental Leadership
    "Whereas Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people says the wisest man who ever lived in Proverbs 14:34. Accordingly, sin -- both in the lives of governmental leaders and the citizens -- is, according to the Bible, the greatest weakness in any nation. Ultimately, to the degree sin is muffled, a culture prospers; whereas sin can overthrow the whole system when it proliferates.
    "Herein we will examine the Book of Proverbs pertaining to what Solomon instructed his son Rehoboam regarding righteousness in governmental leadership. Akin and in contrast is what he teaches him about sin; what follows is a topical study from the book of Proverbs on sin as well. -- Ralph Drollinger
    https://capmin.org/solomon-on-righteousness-in-governmental-leadership/

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



    Sleep

    See: "Sleep," Chapter 8: Physical Health
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr8ch.html#sleep



    Sorcery

    See: "Sorcery," Pseudo-Christian Movements: A Selection of Works
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2chb.html#sorcery



    Soul-violence

    See: "Soul-violence"
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappd.html#sviolence



    Spiritual Blindness

    "Blindness, Spiritual"
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2chb.html#blnds



    Spiritual Bondage

    And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts. (Psalm 119:45). Saints find no bondage in sanctity. The Spirit of holiness is a free spirit; he sets men at liberty and enables them to resist every effort to bring them under subjection. The way of holiness is not a track for slaves, but the King's highway for freemen, who are joyfully journeying from the Egypt of bandage to the Canaan of rest. God's mercies and his salvation, by teaching us to love the precepts of the word, set us at a happy rest; and the more we seek after the perfection of our obedience the more shall we enjoy complete emancipation from every form of spiritual slavery. . . . -- C.H. Spurgeon commenting on Psalm 119:45 in The Treasury of David, p. 228

    To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and those who sit in darkness out of the prison house. (Isaiah 42:7)
    The work of the Messiah, according to the text, is to bring out the prisoners from the prison. I think this relates to the bondage under which a man lies to his sins. Habits of sin, like iron nets, surround the sinner, and he cannot escape their meshes. The man sins, and imagines that he cannot help sinning. How often do the ungodly tell us that they cannot renounce the world, cannot break off their sins by righteousness, and cannot believe in Jesus? Let all men know that the Savior has come on purpose to remove every bond of sin from the captive, and to set him free from every chain of evil. I have known men to strive against the habit of blasphemy, others against unchaste passions, and many more against a haughty spirit, or an angry temper. And when they have striven manfully, but unsuccessfully, in their own strength, they have been filled with bitter chagrin that they should have been so betrayed by themselves. When a man believes in Jesus his resolve to become a free man is to a great extent accomplished at once. Some sins die the moment we believe in Jesus, and these trouble us no more. Others hang on to us, and these die by slow degrees; but they are overcome so as never again to get the mastery over us. O struggler after mental, moral, spiritual liberty, if you would be free, your only possible freedom is in Christ. If you desire to shake off evil habits, or any other mental bondage, I shall prescribe no remedy to you but this, to commit yourself to Christ the Liberator. Love Him and you will hate sin. Trust Him, and you will no more trust yourself. Submit yourself to the sway of the incarnate God, and He will break the dragon's head within you, and hurl Satan beneath your feet. Nothing else can do it. Christ must have the glory. -- C.H. Spurgeon commenting on Isaiah in Devotional Classics of C.H. Spurgeon, p. 69

    But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, and needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man. (John 2:24,25)

    The concept of freedom does not explain sin. While sin is not unrelated to freedom, the latter does not explain the rise of the former. God has authentic freedom and cannot sin, and God created man with a freedom that was morally qualified and whose continuance depended on a refraining from sin. Man as created possessed the ability not to sin, and the man recreated in Christ, and begotten of God, does not sin. (1 John 5:18) ["The present tense of the Greek suggests behavior that is characteristic or usual. In this way John acknowledges, but does not excuse, the possibility of occasional sin."] True freedom is constituted by man's created, and later recreated, ability to do the good, not by a morally unqualified faculty to do either the one or the other. Freedom belongs to the essence of man as created by God and as restored by Christ; in neither instance is it a morally neutral and unqualified aspect of humanity. The effect of human sin upon freedom is defined in Biblical thought, therefore, not as another form of freedom, but rather as slavery and bondage (Romans 6). Man as created was no more free to sin than, having sinned and fallen into moral bondage, he is free again to become what he once was. Sin constitutes a loss, not an exercise of freedom. Sin is a mystery, immoral and irrational, whose denouement is not found in the concept of human freedom. Freedom as an explanation of sin leads invariably into some form of Pelagianism and Arminianism.
    If in freedom man could sin against his Maker, freedom by the same definition would contain the possibility of man's self-propelled return to his Maker. If sin is a true exercise of freedom, such freedom, even after sin, remains also free both to act in Pelagian, semi-Pelagian, or Arminianistic fashion to undo its sin and to return to God -- or to refuse to return to God.
    According to the Genesis account of man's fall into sin, man was not free to sin, but under divine command not to sin, on threat of death. Adam and Eve were under the restrictive divine command not to do what they in fact did. Freedom, as authority, is comprised of the components: might plus right. An authority which exercises a might without right is a totalitarian perversion of authority; a freedom which does that which it has no right to do is an anarchistic perversion of true freedom.
    The theological tenet that God created man free, that is, with a freedom that was free to sin (posse peccare), is an explanation of sin in terms of sin. If God had endowed man with such freedom, God could not in justice allow man's freedom to suffer that bondage which sin inflicts upon freedom.
    In Biblical thought, however, man's act of sin is regarded as a loss of freedom. According to the Genesis account of the Fall, man loses his right to existence in the Garden of Eden, his right to life, and his right to be himself -- naked and not ashamed. In the continuing Biblical account, man as sinner is exhibited as no longer free to be himself. He is either a slave to sin and under the power of death, a devotee of idols -- who in this devotion to idols becomes sub-human and like his idols (Psalm 115:8), or he becomes a captive to grace and through this captivity again receives his true freedom as a gift from God, a freedom permitting him to enjoy release from, and forgiveness for, his sinful past and the gift of grace that justifies his right to live in an open and unending future. -- James Daane

    Compulsory or coercive "loyalty" amounts to bondage. It replace our first loyalty to The Holy Trinity.

    Whenever religious liberty is diminished, then spiritual bondage increases. -- D. James Kennedy (1930-2007)

    Calvin, John (1509-1564), The Bondage and Liberation of the Will: A Defense of the Orthodox Doctrine of Human Choice Against Pighius, 1543, ISBN: 9781441207012 1441207015. Available [CALVIN'S SELECTED WORKS, TRACTS AND LETTERS, 7 volumes], on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Calvin, John (1509-1564), Letter 332 -- To Madame de Pons -- He Encourages her to come out of the spiritual bondage in which she is held, Available in CALVIN'S SELECTED WORKS, 1528, Volume 4. A Christian classic. Available (CALVIN'S SELECTED WORKS), on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    *Foster, David Kyle, Sexual Healing: God's Plan for the Sanctification of Broken Lives: A Reference Manual for Ministering to Those Trapped in Sexual sin and Brokenness (Jacksonville, FL [Mastering Life Ministries, P.O. Box 351149, Jacksonville 32235]: Mastering Life Ministries, 1997), ISBN: 0830737154 9780830737154 0830737340 9780830737345.
    This is a unique work and the best resource known to the compiler offering biblical counsel for healing sexual brokenness. See: "Foundations" and "Divine Intent for Sexuality" for a biblical explanation of the spiritual significance of sexuality. These two chapters alone make the purchase of the book worthwhile. Includes chapters, study guides, and exercises for Root sources for improper sexual development, Sexual identity confusion, Child sex abuse, Sexual addition, Pornography, Masturbation, voyeurism and exhibitionism, Why people remain in sexual sin and bondage, Failure and self-condemnation, A comprehensive game plan for sexual healing, and so forth.
    Includes bibliography and index.
    Mastering Life Ministries
    http://www.MasteringLife.org

    Kennedy, D. James, Christ Lifted Up, a sermon (Fort Lauderdale, FL: Coral Ridge Ministries).
    "It is astonishing that God should use the crucifixion to draw the whole world to Christ.
    "Whoever you may be, there is forgiveness at the Cross of Christ. There is freedom from bondage to sin at the Cross." -- Publisher

    Kennedy, D. James, Taking the Fear out of Death, a sermon (Fort Lauderdale, FL: Coral Ridge Ministries).
    "Men are held in bondage all of their lives by fear of death. The final words of unbelievers and the last words of believers are given, and much more." -- Publisher

    Knox, John (1505-1572), Against Apostasy and Indifference. Alternate title: AN EPISTLE TO THE INHABITANTS OF NEW CASTLE AND BERWICK, 1558. In John Knox and David Laing, Works of John Knox. Available (WORKS OF JOHN KNOX), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #19.
    "Formerly titled AN EPISTLE TO THE INHABITANTS OF NEW CASTLE AND BERWICK, 1558, one subheading reads; 'John Knox to the Inhabitants of Newcastle and Berwick, and Unto All Others, Who Sometime in the Realm of England Professed Christ Jesus, and Now Be Returned to the Bondage of Idolatry, Wishes True and Earnest Repentance By the Power and Operation of That Same Spirit Who Called From Death Jesus, the Only Pastor of Our Souls.' Written to stem the tide of backsliding and compromise during the dark days of Mary's reign in England, Knox sends a pastoral exhortation of repentance to those who had reverted to idolatrous worship. Grieving, he says that he was 'wounded almost to death' over these developments. Nevertheless he remained faithful to his readers, directing them to consider the great reward awaiting those who persevere and noting 'how horrible are the torments which the slaves of Satan (I mean idolaters, and such as for fear refuse the known truth), shall suffer with the Devil, and with his angels, without end.' Herein we see the serious nature of idolatry and of turning away from truth once attained." -- Publisher

    La Boétie, Etienne de (1530-1563), and Murray N. Rothbard, The Politics of Obedience: The Discourse of Voluntary Servitude, ISBN: 0914156101 9780914156109.
    "Properly pronounced not, as might be thought, La Bo-ay-see, but rather La Bwettie (with the hard 't')."
    "THE DISCOURSE OF VOLUNTARY SERVITUDE has influenced some of the world's greatest social thinkers; from Leo Tolstoy to Mohandus Gandhi to Ayn Rand. Written in the 1550s, as something of an underground tract or pamphlet by a young French student and friend of essayist Michelle de Montaigne, this short work remains a timeless exposé of the psychology and inherent corruption involved in social or political power. The work has been in and out of print in English (Some of its various titles over the years were SLAVES BY CHOICE, ANTI-DICTATOR, THE WILL TO BONDAGE, and THE POLITICS OF OBEDIENCE: THE DISCOURSE OF VOLUNTARY SERVITUDE). In North America it has been out of print for some time now, unfortunately. Since its original circulation in the early 1550s as de la servitude volontaire ou contr'un, this short but powerful work seems to find its way back into print whenever the winds of social change began blowing toward tyranny." -- Reader's Comment
    Politics of Obedience: The Discourse of Voluntary Servitude, Etienne de La Boétie
    https://archive.org/details/PoliticsOfObedienceTheDiscourseOfVoluntaryServitude

    *Mullins, Eustace Clarence, Secrets of the Federal Reserve: The London Connection, ISBN: 9992967595.
    "The greatest financial monopoly the world has ever known, is also responsible for worldwide moral decay, world wars, financial panics and revolutions." -- Eustace Mullins
    "As an attorney I was impressed with the documentation by the author of the history of the development of the Federal Reserve. My undergraduate degree 25 years ago was in economics and I had to read much further to truly understand how our monetary system was unnecessarily based upon debt. Debt is bondage and central banks as the heart of fractional reserve banking hold the key to control of the world. If you do not believe this look at the policies of the IMF and realize that economic imperialism through central banking essentially controls the world today. A great companion book to read is THE CREATURE FROM JEKYELL ISLAND which explains our monetary system in more depth, and the video CAPITAL CRIMES is an excellent four hour treatise on the history of central banking beginning with the money changers in the temple whom Christ confronted and ending with a brilliant plan to gradually increase bank reserves while issuing Constitutional 'money' such that banks become mere vaults and the Federal Reserve is put to rest." -- Reader's Comment

    *Rushdoony, Rousas J. (1916-2001), The One and the Many: Studies in the Philosophy of Order and Ultimacy. Available through Exodus Books.
    "The author deals with an age-old problem: the question of the one and the many and their relationship. As you might guess, the way one answers (or avoids), this question will affect views of justice, government, taxes, welfare, war, property, and freedom in general." -- GCB
    See also: The Question of the One and the Many
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chc.html#onemany

    *Welch, Edward T., Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave: Finding Hope in the Power of the Gospel, ISBN: 0875526063 9780875526065.
    "By emphasizing the role of the heart in the worship of self and substance, Welch forces the addict to face the grim reality that who or what he worships will control his life. When he idolizes his selfish desire for a substance, then there can only be bondage, but when he worships God more than himself, then the liberating truth of the Gospel will always set him free. As a pastor, biblical counselor, and a redeemed (not recovering), ex-heroin addict, I believe Dr. Welch has finally given every pastor, theologian, layman, and anyone caught in the bondage of idolatry/addition a biblical road map to true and lasting freedom." -- Peter Garich, Pastor of New Hope Christian Fellowship and Director of Dayspring Center for Biblical Counseling in San Diego, California

    *Wylie, James A. (1808-1890), Story of the Covenant and the Service of the Covenanters to the Reformation in Christendom and the Liberties of Great Britain, 1880. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "A fine historical introduction to the battle for Godly government and liberty against the forces of anti-Christian bondage (to national sin and Satanic deception). The Covenanters are responsible, more than any other group historically, for maintaining 'the crown rights of King Jesus' -- even at peril of severe torture and the loss of their earthly lives. Their covenanting principles are still the purest and most faithful form of Christianity known to man, and the revival of these eminently Biblical views are a sure hope for the future! For a more extensive 'Cameronian' treatment of this subject: Howie's SCOTS WORTHIES." -- Publisher

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Idolatry, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, The all-sufficiency of christ, Trusting god, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The covenant faithfulness of god, The covenanted reformation of scotland background and history, The covenanted reformation, Covenanted reformation short title listing, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Slavery, our system of slavery, Evil, the problem of avoiding, eschewing, shunning, Secret societies, ungodly alliances, voluntary associations, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, Unfaithful reformed ministries, Politics, Political and economic freedom, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, Soul-violence, Mind control, intimidation, and coercion, Freedom: a gift of the grace of god, The one and the many, Political and economic freedom, Christ's kingdom, Lordship of jesus christ, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Individual responsibility for corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Spiritual warfare, Sexual abuse, Drug abuse and addiction, Tyranny, Imprisonment, incarceration, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 2139, 2140
    MGTP: Bondage (Spiritual)



    Spiritual Warfare

    And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee. (Jeremiah 1:19; Matthew 28:20b)

    By fightings he means outward assaults, with which his enemies molested him: fears he means the anxieties, that he endured on account of the internal maladies of the Church, for it was not so much by personal as by public evils, that he was disquieted. What he means, then, to say is this -- that there were not merely avowed enemies that were hostile to him, but that he endured, nevertheless, much distress in consequence of domestic evils. For he saw how great was the infirmity of many, nay of almost all, and in the mean time what, and how diversified, were the machinations, by which Satan attempted to throw every thing into confusion -- how few were wise, how few were sincere, how few were steadfast, and how many, on the other hand, were either mere pretenders, and worthless, or ambitious, or turbulent. Amidst these difficulties, the servants of God must of necessity feel alarmed, and be racked with anxieties; and so much the more on this account -- that they are constrained to bear many things silently, that they may consult the peace of the Churches. Hence he expressed himself with propriety when he said -- Without were fightings; within were fears. For faithful pastors openly set themselves in opposition to those enemies that avowedly attack Christ's kingdom, but they are inwardly tormented, and endure secret tortures, when they see the Church afflicted with internal evils, for the exterminating of which they dare not openly sound the trumpet. But although he had almost incessant conflicts, it is probable that he was at that time more severely pressed than usual. The servants of Christ, undoubtedly, have scarcely at any time exemption from fears, and Paul was seldom free from outward fightings; but as he was at that time more violently oppressed, he makes use of the plural number -- fightings and fears, meaning that he required to fight in many ways, and against various enemies, and that he had at the same time many kinds of fear. -- John Calvin commenting on 2 Corinthians 7:5

    That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:10,11)

    Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. (1 Peter 5:8-10)

    My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
    Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
    But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.     (James 1:2-4)

    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)

    Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. (Jude 8,9)

    And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (Revelation 12:11)

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

    The enemies of the eternal souls of the elect are the flesh, Satan, and the world system. (James 4:4; Acts 26:18)

    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)

    The principal fight of the Christian is with the world, the flesh, and the devil. These are their never-dying foes. These are the three chief enemies against whom the Christian must wage war. Unless they get the victory over these three, all other victories are useless and vain. If they had a nature like an angel, and were not a fallen creature, the warfare would not be so essential. But with a corrupt heart, a busy devil, and an ensnaring world, the Christian must either fight or be lost.
    The Christian must fight the flesh. Even after conversion they carry within them a nature prone to evil, and a heart weak and unstable as water. To keep that heart from going astray, there is need of a daily struggle and a daily wrestling in prayer. I discipline my body, cries Paul, and bring it under subjection. . . . I see a law in my members at war against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity. . . . O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from this body of death? . . . They that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its affections and lusts. . . . . Mortify your members which are upon the earth (1 Corinthians 9:27; Romans 7:23,24; Galatians 5:24; Colossians 3:5).
    The Christian must fight the world. The subtle influence of that mighty enemy must be daily resisted, and without a daily battle can never be overcome. The love of the world's good things, the fear of the world's laughter or blame, the secret desire to keep in with the world, the secret wish to do as others in the world do, and not to run into extremes -- all these are spiritual foes which beset the Christian continually on their way to heaven, and must be conquered. The friendship of the world is enmity with God: whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world, is the enemy of God. . . . If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. . . . Whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world. . . . Be not conformed to this world (James 4:4; 1 John 2:15; 1 John 5:4; Romans 12:2).
    The Christian must fight the devil. That old enemy of mankind is not dead. Ever since the fall of Adam and Eve he has been going to and fro in the earth, and walking up and down in it, and striving to compass one great end -- the ruin of a person's soul. Never slumbering and never sleeping, he is always going about as a lion seeking whom he may devour. An unseen enemy, he is always near us, about our path and about our bed, and spying out all our ways. A murderer and a liar from the beginning, he labors night and day to cast us down to hell. Sometimes by leading into superstition, sometimes by suggesting infidelity, sometimes by one kind of tactics and sometimes by another, he is always carrying on a campaign against our souls.
    Satan has desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. This mighty adversary must be daily resisted if we wish to be saved. But this kind does not come out except by watching and praying, and putting on the whole armor of God. The strong man armed will never be kept out of our hearts without a daily battle. (Job 1:7; 1 Peter 5:8; John 8:44; Luke 22:31; Ephesians 4:11).
    Reader, perhaps you think these statements too strong. You fancy that I am going too far, and laying on the colors too thickly. You are secretly saying to yourself, that men and women may surely get to heaven without all this trouble and warfare and fighting. Remember the maxim of the wisest general that ever lived in England: "In time of war it is the worst mistake to underrate your enemy, and try to make a little war." This Christian warfare is no light matter. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900), Tract: Are you Fighting?

    Lest we forget the hardships of Paul.
    Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I [am] more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.
    Of the Jews five times received I forty [stripes] save one.
    Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
    [In] journeyings often, [in] perils of waters, [in] perils of robbers, [in] perils by [mine own] countrymen, [in] perils by the heathen, [in] perils in the city, [in] perils in the wilderness, [in] perils in the sea, [in] perils among false brethren;
    In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
    Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
    Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?
    If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.
    The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.
    In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me:
    And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.     (2 Corinthians 11:23-33)

    We ought not to be staggered if we meet with sharp afflictions while we are treading the path of duty. Did not Joseph do so again and again? Did not Daniel? Above all, did not the Redeemer Himself? -- so too with His apostles. Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you (1 Peter 4:12). . . . patience, hope, meekness and the other spiritual graces, can only be developed in the fire." -- Arthur Pink, The Life of Elijah

    When the servant has been used by his Master he must expect to encounter the opposition of the enemy. The minister of Christ does well to take to heart if he would be in some measure prepared for and fortified against bitter disappointment. After a period of blessing and success, he must expect sore trials. After he has witnessed the power of God attending his efforts he may count upon experiencing something of the rage and power of Satan; for nothing infuriates the devil so much as beholding his victims delivered from spiritual death and set free. The servant of Christ is informed that the smile of heaven upon his labors will arouse the enmity of his great adversary, yet how often is he taken quite unaware when the storm of opposition bursts upon him! It ought not to be so. Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you. (1 Peter 4:12) -- Arthur Pink (1886-1952), Gleanings from Elisha

    To turn away from the lifeless preachers and publishers of the day -- may involve a real cross. Your motives will be misconstrued, your words perverted, and your actions misinterpreted. The sharp arrows of false report will be directed against you. You will be called proud and self-righteous, because you refuse to fellowship empty professors. You will be termed censorious and bitter -- if you condemn in plain speech -- the subtle delusions of Satan. You will be dubbed narrow-minded and uncharitable, because you refuse to join in singing the praises of the 'great' and 'popular' men of the day. More and more, you will be made to painfully realize -- that the path which leads unto eternal life is narrow and that FEW there are who find it. May the Lord be pleased to grant unto each of us -- the hearing ear and obedient heart! "Take heed what you hear and read!"
    Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (1 Thessalonians 5:21) -- A.W. Pink (1886-1952), Take Heed What you Read

    But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. (2 Thessalonians 3:3)

    No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD. (Isaiah 54:17)

    And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brasen wall: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the LORD.
    And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible.     (Jeremiah 15:20,21)

    He knows how to shatter the wickedness of our enemies in various ways. For sometimes he takes away their understanding so that they are unable to comprehend anything sane or sober, as when he sends forth Satan to fill the mouths of all the prophets with falsehood in order to deceive Ahab [1 Kings 22:22]. He drives Rehoboam mad by the young men's advice that through his own folly he may be despoiled of the kingdom [1 Kings 12:10, 15]. Sometimes when he grants them understanding, he so frightens and dispirits them that they do not wish, or plan, to carry out what they have conceived. Sometimes, also, when he permits them to attempt what their lust and madness has prompted, he at the right moment breaks off their violence, and does not allow their purpose to be completed. Thus Ahitophel's advice, which would have been fatal for David, he destroyed before its time [2 Samuel 17:7,14]. Thus, also, it is his care to govern all creatures for their own good and safety; and even the devil himself, who, we see, dared not attempt anything against Job without His permission and command [Job 1:12].
    Gratitude of mind for the favorable outcome of things, patience in adversity, and also incredible freedom from worry about the future all necessarily follow upon this knowledge. -- John Calvin in Institutes of the Christian Religion (Battles translation), 1.17.7

    Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. (Proverbs 18:21)
    "By the using the tongue well or evil, comes the fruit of it either good or bad." -- Geneva Bible Notes

    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)

    Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 17:21)

    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)

    Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. (James 4:7,8)

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 17, C.H. Spurgeon
    Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer. (Psalm 17:4)
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps017.php

    Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
    For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
    Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
    Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
    and your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace;
    Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
    And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
    Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.     (Ephesians 6:10-18)

    Revelation 6:2; Colossians 2:13-15; Revelation 19:11; Joshua 14:12-14; Isaiah 41:10; Romans 8:37; Revelation 3:21; 1 Peter 5:8; 2 Timothy 3:17; Philippians 4:13; Exodus 23:30; Joshua 5:13-15; Ephesians 1:20-21; 1 John 5:4; 1 Corinthians 15:57; Genesis 50:20; Psalm 97:10; John 17:15; 2 Timothy 4:18; Matthew 6:13; John 1:5

    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?
    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.

    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)

    To be at peace with the world, the flesh, and the devil, is to be at enmity with God, and in the broad way that leads to destruction. We have no choice or option. The promises to the Seven Churches in Revelation are only to him that overcomes. We must fight or be lost. We must conquer or die eternally. We must put on the whole armor of God. He who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one. (Ephesians 6:11; Luke 22:36) -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900), from "Overcoming the World"

    This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me. (Psalm 119:50)

    This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. (Zechariah 4:6b)

    (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; And having in readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. (2 Corinthians 10:4-6)

    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)

    I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

    Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (1 John 4:4)

    Two things are implied in the expression, "through God we shall do valiantly;" first, that if God withdraw his favor, any supposed strength which is in man will soon fail; and, on the other hand, that those whose sufficiency is derived from God only are armed with courage to overcome every difficulty. To show that it is no mere half credit which he gives God, he adds, in words which ascribe the whole work to him, that it is he who shall tread down our enemies. Thus, even in our controversy with creatures like ourselves, we are not at liberty to share the honor of success with God; and must it not be accounted greater sacrilege still when men set free will in opposition to divine grace, and speak of their concurring equally with God in the matter of procuring eternal salvation? Those who arrogate the least fraction of strength to themselves apart from God, only ruin themselves through their own pride." -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 60:11 and context

    We must not confide in the armour of God, but in the God of this armour, because all our weapons are only mighty through God. (2 Corinthians 10:4) -- William Gurnall (1617-1679)

    The Christian's safety lies in resisting. All the armour provided is to defend the Christian fighting, none to secure him flying; stand, and the day is ours; fly, or yield, and all is lost. -- William Gurnall (1617-1679)

    Let this encourage thee, O Christian, in thy conflict with Satan; the skirmish may be sharp, but it cannot be long. The cloud, while it drops, is rolling over thy head, and then comes fair weather, and eternal sunshine of glory. -- William Gurnall (1617-1679)

    Watchfulness is more important for the Christian soldier than any other. In temporal battles soldiers fight against men who need sleep the same as themselves, but the saint's enemy, Satan, is always awake and walking his rounds. Since the devil never sleeps, the Christian puts himself in grave danger by falling asleep spiritually -- that is, by becoming secure and careless. Either the unregenerate part of his nature will betray him, or grace will not be alert to discover the enemy and prepare for the assault. Satan will be upon him before he is awake enough to draw his sword. You should be aware that the saint's sleeping time is Satan's prime tempting time.
    Even a fly dares to creep on a sleeping lion; unless he wakes up, there is nothing to fear. The weakest temptation is strong enough to foil a Christian who is napping in security. While Samson slept, Delilah cut his locks. While Saul slept, his spear was taken from his side and he was none the wiser. A drunken Noah slept and his graceless son took pleasure in seeing his father's nakedness. Eutychus slept, nodded, and fell from the third loft, and was taken up for dead. Thus the Christian sleeping in false security may be taken by surprise. He may lose much of his spiritual strength -- be robbed of his spear or armor (graces, I mean)-- or have his nakedness uncovered by graceless men, and bring shame to his profession.
    Sleep steals upon the soul as quietly as it does on the body. The wise virgins fell asleep along with the foolish ones, though not so soundly. Take heed that you do not indulge yourself in laziness; stir yourself to action, as we tell someone who is drowsy to stand up and walk around. Yield to idleness and sloth and they will grow upon you; busy yourself in your Christian duties and spiritual drowsiness will flee. -- William Gurnall (1617-1679) in The Christian in Complete Armour Daily Readings in Spiritual Warfare, May 25, Stand, Do Not Sleep

    And they overcame by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 12:11)

    This is the way in which you should use this plea. Say, "My God, I am utterly unworthy, and I own it; but, I beseech thee, hear me for the honour of thy dear Son. By his agony and bloody sweat, by his cross and passion, by his precious death and burial, I beseech thee hear me! O Lord, let the blood of thine Only-begotten prevail with thee! Canst thou put aside his groans, his tears, his death, when they speak on my behalf?" If you can thus come to pleading terms with God upon this ground, you must and will prevail. Jesus must be heard in heaven. The voice of his blood is eloquent with God. If you plead the atoning sacrifice, you must overcome through the blood of the Lamb. -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon

    First, you are to regard Satan this day as being already literally and truly overcome through the death of the Lord Jesus. Satan is already a vanquished enemy. By faith grasp your Lord's victory as your own, since he triumphed in your nature and on your behalf. The Lord Jesus Christ went up to Calvary, and there fought with the prince of darkness, utterly defeated him, and destroyed his power. He led captivity captive. He bruised the serpent's head. The victory was the victory of all who are in Christ. He is the representative seed of the woman, and you who are of that seed and are in Christ actually and experimentally, you then and there overcame the devil by the blood of the Lamb. Come, my soul, thou hast conquered Satan by the Lord's victory. Wilt thou not be brave enough to fight a vanquished foe, and trample down the enemy whom thy Lord has already thrust down? Thou needest not be afraid, but say, "Thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." We have overcome sin, death and hell in the person and work of our great Lord; and we should be greatly encouraged by that which has been already wrought in our name. Already we are more than conquerors through him that hath loved us. If Jesus had not overcome the enemy, certainly we never should have done so; but his personal triumph has secured ours. By faith we rise into the conquering place this day. In the heavenlies we triumph, as also in every place. We rejoice in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Michael of the angels, the Redeemer of men; for by him we see Satan cast out, and all the powers of evil hurled from their places of power and eminence. -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon

    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)

    Justice decrees that the sinful shall be clear, because the accepted substitute has borne his sin in his own body on the tree. Come, brother or sister, the next time thou hast to do with Satan as an accuser in heavenly places, take care that thou defend thyself with no weapon but the atonement. All comfort drawn from inward feelings or outward works will fall short; but the bleeding wounds of Jesus will plead with full and overwhelming argument, and answer all. "Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." Who, then, shall accuse the child of God? Every accuser shall be overcome by the invincible argument of the blood of the Lamb. . . .
    When the accuser has said his say, and aggravated all your transgressions, be not ashamed to step forward and say, "But I have an Advocate as well as an accuser. O Jesus, my Saviour, speak for me!" When he speaks, what does he plead but his own blood? "For all these sins I have made atonement," says he, "all these iniquities were laid on me in the day of the Lord's anger, and I have taken them away." Brethren, the blood of Jesus Christ, God's dear Son, cleanseth us from all sin. Jesus has borne the penalty due to us: he has discharged for us upon the cross all our liabilities to the justice of God, and we are free for ever, because our Surety suffered in our place. Where is the accuser now? That dragon voice is silenced by the blood of the Lamb. Nothing else can ever silence the accuser's cruel voice but the voice of the blood which tells of the infinite God accepting, in our behalf, the sacrifice which he himself supplied.
    Justice decrees that the sinful shall be clear, because the accepted substitute has borne his sin in his own body on the tree. Come, brother or sister, the next time thou hast to do with Satan as an accuser in heavenly places, take care that thou defend thyself with no weapon but the atonement. All comfort drawn from inward feelings or outward works will fall short; but the bleeding wounds of Jesus will plead with full and overwhelming argument, and answer all. "Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." Who, then, shall accuse the child of God? Every accuser shall be overcome by the invincible argument of the blood of the Lamb. -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon

    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)

    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

    For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:24)

    Those that undertake great and public services must not think it strange if they be discountenanced and opposed by those from whom they had reason to expect support and assistance; but must humbly go on with their work, in the face not only of their enemies' threats, but of their friends' slights and suspicions. -- Matthew Henry (1662-1714)

    In more than 40 years of ministry, it has been my experience that most of the time a believer's greatest persecution comes from others who identify themselves as believers. -- Ralph Drollinger in Nine Characteristics of Tares -- The Believer's Enemy

    Sometimes resistance comes from the strangest places.

    And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. (Colossians 2:15)

    See the Theological Notes: "Satan," at Job 1:6 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    See the Theological Notes: "Demons" at Deuteronomy 32:17 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    See the Theological Notes: "Miracles," at 1 Kings 17:22 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 83, C.H. Spurgeon
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps083.php

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 140, C.H. Spurgeon
    Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah. (Psalm 140:8)
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps140.php

    He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. (Proverbs 16:32)

    A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it: and a flattering mouth worketh ruin. (Proverbs 26:28)
    If we listen closely to others, then we may get a warning that they may eventually harm us. The warning, of course, is any falsehood in their words.

    Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited. Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. (Jeremiah 17:5-8)

    Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:16)

    Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 8:44)

    Christ, the Scripture, your own hearts, and Satan's devices, are the four prime things that should be first and most studied and searched. If any cast off the study of these, they cannot be safe here, nor happy hereafter. It is my work as a Christian, but much more as I am a Watchman, to do my best to discover the fullness of Christ, the emptiness of the creature, and the snares of the great deceiver; which I have endeavored to do in the following discourse, according to that measure of grace which I have received from the Lord. . . . -- Thomas Brooks (1608-1680)

    To wield the sword of the Spirit successfully, we must read it habitually, diligently, intelligently, and prayerfully. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

    Satan is only God's master fencer to teach us to use our weapons. -- Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661)

    When the soul puts her danger furthest off, and lies most secure, then 'tis nearest; therefore labour to be constant in thy holy care -- the want of this spoils all. Some you shall have, that after a great fall into a sin that hath bruised them sorely, will seem very careful for a time where they set their foot, how they walk, and what company they come in, but as soon as the soreness of their consciences wears off, their watch breaks up, and they are as careless as ever; like one that is very careful to shut up his shop; strongly, and maybe sit up late to watch it also, for two or three nights after it hath been robbed, but then minds it no more. -- William Gurnall (1617-1679)

    Satan tempts after some discoveries of God's love. As a pirate sets on a ship that is richly laden, so when a soul hath been laden with spiritual comforts the devil will be shooting at him, to rob him of all. The devil envies to see a soul feasted with spiritual joy. -- Thomas Watson (1620-1686)

    I know well that when Christ is nearest, Satan also is busiest. -- Robert Murray M'Cheyne (1813-1843)

    Martin Luther advised the believer to be with other Christians when under spiritual attack.

    There is "power in numbers" whether numbers of persons under the Lordship of Jesus Christ or numbers of persons enslaved to Satan, but the spiritually discerning individual is not tempted by the power of ungodly alliance.

    The unity of the church, and the concord of believers, is necessary to its strength and safety: for Christ also strengtheneth as well as quickeneth them by suitable means. . . . -- Richard Baxter

    Nothing sets a person so much out of the Devil's reach as humility. -- George Whitefield

    When the Truth is involved, then a spiritual battle always rages. Truth, life, and freedom are interrelated. The strategy of the Adversary, the Father of Lies, is to deceive. He is most successful if he can repress the truth. He loses when truth is known.

    Bob Schneider of the Biblical Counseling Foundation pointed out that one of the most effective and subtle strategies of the Adversary is to draw us into "lesser battles." In other words, it is very important to pick one's battles carefully. Otherwise, the limited time and energy we have is wasted on minor issues, and the Adversary wins by drawing us away from the most consequential issues. This has proved to be very valuable advice over the years.

    In extremely dangerous situations, we are tempted to fall into "denialism." This can serve as sort of a "defense mechanisms." Denialism can result in absurd, extreme, reverse reactions. In such circumstances we must confront ourselves or suffer the consequences.
    Satan usurping power in the Church is a horrific prospect to the saints. Witnessing the Kingdom of Christ turned into the Kingdom of Satan is enough to trigger denialism.
    Here is an example from military experience. Unfused bombs will detonate if severely jarred or dropped while unloading a ship, or in a bomb truck wreck. If one bomb explodes by an accident, then the others will explode by sympathetic detonation. The USS Mount Hood (AE-11) exploded at Manus Island in the Pacific during World War II. The largest piece of the USS Mount Hood found in the investigation was 12'X15' and nearby ships were also destroyed.
    There was a local picture at a naval magazine in the Pacific of a tractor trailer overturned with its load of Tritinol bombs spilled in the ditch.
    Crew members unloading ships and driving bomb trucks were in a state of denial, and reacted with reverse behavior, letting pallets of bombs swing into the sides of the ship, recklessly trucks and speeding.
    In spite of their best efforts, military authorities were unable to impose safe handling procedures, and had continuous complaints from the public about unsafe driving of bomb trucks. An accidental explosion of a ship or truck full of bombs could have resulted in extensive lose of life and property to the civilian population.
    Stealing souls, death, hell, and eternal damnation make the Mount Hood explosion during WWII look like a Shirley Temple movie.
    It would appear that a "Christ hating world" (John 14:6) reacts to The Sovereign Grace of God (Isaiah 33:22) in a similar way.

    When under psychic attack, often the Adversary's strategy is to cause the victim to harm themselves. This may occur through partial loss of the victim's reason or power of will. Under oppression or possession the unholy spirit attempts to usurp the mind and body of the victim, "so that self-destruction sets in. . ." -- Frederick S. Leahy, Satan Cast Out

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Counseling Workshop: Demon Possession; Divorce; Church Discipline (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA503 [audio file].

    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), Winning the war Within: A Biblical Strategy for Spiritual Warfare, ISBN: 188903200X 9781889032009. Alternate title: THE WAR WITHIN: A BIBLICAL STRATEGY FOR SPIRITUAL WARFARE.
    "The Christian life is war. The holy war between God and Satan gets played out within ourselves in the conflict between the Holy Spirit and the flesh. 'It is to the enemy within that Satan, the world, and the demons must make their appeal.' Describes Satan's tactics and power, and then the strategies for victory: the Spirit's sword, prayer, faith, the help of believers. 'The prime purpose of this book is to encourage faltering Christians'." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    *Ames, William (d. 1633), The Saint's Security Against Seducing Spirits, or an Anointing From the Holy One, the best teaching, delivered in a sermon on I John 2:20 [1 John 2:20], at Paul's before the Lord Major, Aldermen, and Commonality of the City of London, upon the fifth of November, 1651, Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    *Andrews, Samuel J., Christianity and Anti-Christianity in Their Final Conflict.

    Ankerberg, John, and John Weldon, Facts on the Occult, ISBN: 0890818835 9780890818831.
    "This booklet provides answers to tough questions about Spiritism, occult phenomena, and psychic powers." -- Publisher

    Anonymous (attributed to George Logan), Antichrist's Armour-Bearer Disarmed, or, The Christian People's Answers and Remarks: on a Pamphlet Intitled, the Christian People's Testimony Made More Publick, &c. (1733). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #16.

    Barker, Matthew, A Christian Standing and Moving Upon the True Foundation . . . Isa. 30:7 [Isaiah 30:7]; Cant. 3:6 [Song of Solomon 3:6], 1648. Available in FAST SERMONS TO PARLIAMENT [1641-1653]: REPRODUCTIONS IN FACSIMILE. VOL. 31, MAY-OCT 1648.
    Full title: A CHRISTIAN STANDING AND MOVING UPON THE TRUE FOUNDATION, OR, A WORD IN SEASON: PERSWADING TO STICKE CLOSE TO GOD, ACT EMINENTLY FOR GOD, IN HIS PRESENT DESIGN A-AGAINST ALL DISCOURAGE-MENTS, OPPOSITIONS, TEMPTATIONS: EXPRESSED IN A SERMON PREACHED BEFORE THE HONOURABLE HOUSE OF COMMONS UPON THE DAY OF THEIR MONTHLY FAST, OCTOB. 25, 1648.

    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), The Christian Warfare; or, the Good Fight of Faith. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THE REVEREND THOMAS BOSTON (6:619-82).

    *Brooks, Thomas (1608-1680), Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices, ISBN: 0851510027 9780851510026. A Christian classic.
    "The best Christian authors of former times treated the seductive influence and terrible power of Satan in a way 'greatly more full and suggestive than in the literature of the present day'." -- William Grimshaw
    " 'The strange opposition that I met with from Satan, in the study of the following discourse, hath put an edge upon my spirit, knowing that Satan strives mightily to keep these things from seeing the light that tend eminently to shake and break his kingdom of darkness, and to lift up the kingdom and glory of the Lord Jesus Christ, in the souls and lives of the children of men . . .' This is one of the seven reasons for writing his book which the author, Thomas Brooks, gives in his preface." -- Publisher

    Bruce, Michael (1559-1631), Good News in Evil Times for Fainting Believers, or, The Summ of a Lecture Upon Jeremiah 45 Chapter [Jeremiah 45:1-52]: Together With Another Lecture on the 28 Chapter of Matthew [Matthew 28:1-28] Throughout, 1708. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #29.

    *Bunyan, John (1628-1688), The Holy war Made by Shaddai Upon Diabolus for the Regaining of the Metropolis of the World: or, The Losing and Taking Again of the Town of Mansoul, ISBN: 1840300264 9781840300260. A Christian classic. Available (THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "I have read this novel before, and it is as good as PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. John Bunyan shows how Satan constantly tries to keep our souls, and uses all of the tricks in the book to try to keep our souls. This book is for Christians and non-Christians alike, the same is true with THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. John Bunyan knows how to keep you entertained and thinking about what kind of shape your spirit is in. This book is a true masterpiece and is the best book about Spiritual Warfare that I have read so far." -- Reader's Comment
    "Bunyan's second and most loved work after Pilgrim's Progress. Also allegorical, this work tells the story of mankind's redemption by comparing it to a besieged city." -- Publisher
    "Forget Frank Peretti! Bunyan's allegory on spiritual warfare is absolutely profound. The old tinker of Bedford knew whereof he spoke. The chronicles of Mansoul and the great battle for its mind, heart and spirit make difficult reading to be sure, but you will be rewarded for your perseverance a hundredfold!
    "BONUS: Bunyan uses real army stratagems and tactics in his descriptions of the symbolic battles. He is believed to have picked up these details while a soldier in Cromwell's New Model Army." -- Reader's Comment
    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.

    Cawdrey, Daniel (1588-1664), Humilitie, the Saints Liuerie; or, The Habit of Humilitie, the Grace of Graces: Fetched out of the Wardrobe of Saint Paul. As it was deliuered (for substance), in two sermons at Blacke-Fryers in London, the one, September 22. the other, October 6. 1624. By Daniel Cavvdrey minister of the Word of God, at little Ilford in Essex.

    Christenson, Evelyn, Battling the Prince of Darkness: Rescuing Captives From Satan's Kingdom, ISBN: 0896932516 9780896932517.
    "When you study Evelyn Christenson's new book you'll learn about the recent explosion of Satanic activity, and about the Prince of the Kingdom of Darkness. But this book isn't just about problems, it's about the one and only solution -- The Lord Jesus Christ. And it's about evangelism -- the very best strategy for defeating Satan." -- Publisher
    Ideal for group study.

    DeParrie, Paul, Satan's Seven Schemes: An Overcomer's Guide to Spiritual Warfare, ISBN: 1561210501 9781561210503.
    "Paul deParrie explores and exposes the seven lies Satan uses and shows you how to combat spiritual warfare effectively."

    *Enroth, Ronald, The Lure of Cults and New Religions: Why They Attract and What we can do, ISBN: 0877849943 9780877849940.
    "First published in 1979, this work probes the power and idiosyncrasies of cultic figures and exposes the inadequacies of their theologies. It also describes the methods of intimidation used by the different organizations and why they are able to enforce conformity on the part of their adherents. This important work should be placed in the hands of all college freshmen, while also being in every church library." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Erskine, Ralph (1685-1752), The Comer's Conflict: or, The Beginner's Battle With the Devil, When Essaying to come to Christ by Faith. In some discourses upon Luke ix.42 [Luke 9:42]. . . . July 20. 1735. By . . . Mr. Ralph Erskine, Edinburgh, 1736.

    Erskine, Ralph (1685-1752), The Power and Policy of Satan, Bounded and Baffled by the Lord Jesus Christ. In Three Sermons preached . . . before, at, and after, . . . the Lord's Supper, at Stirling, June 13th 1742. . . . By . . . Mr. Ralph Erskine, Glasgow, 1742.

    Gelet, James, Eric Holmberg, Jerry Johnson, and Apologetics Group, The Marks of a Cult: A Biblical Analysis, DVD, ISBN: 1573411507 9781573411509.
    "In today's religiously diverse and relativistic culture, labelling a group a cult may seem extreme to many people, not to mention rude. Even people who believe in absolute Truth and further believe that Jesus is the only way to eternal life can get confused about just what constitutes real Christianity. Just why are Baptists properly considered Christians, but Mormons are not? Or why is the Jehovah's Witness religion classified as an anti-Christian cult while Presbyterians or Wesleyans or Pentecostals are simply seen as denominations within the Christian faith?
    "With the explosion of different sects that claim to honor and follow Jesus, how does one differentiate between true Biblical Christianity and an aberrant religious movement? Just what are 'the marks of a cult?'
    "Join us for a journey into the heart of Biblical revelation and the constant struggle of truth against lies, the apostolic faith against the 'doctrines of demons.'
    "This documentary from ApologeticsGroup.com does more than simply point fingers. It explains in great detail the absolute essentials of the Faith, and just how and why Christians can properly and necessarily refer to certain sects as 'cults.' Not only a tool for recognizing and understanding false teaching -- and for reaching people held captive to it -- The Marks of a Cult is also a powerful apologetic on the need for Christians to become more rooted in the Biblical historic faith, with its creeds and confessions, and to be better prepared to give 'a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you'." (1 Peter 3:15) -- Publisher

    *Gilpin, Richard (1625-1700), Daemonologia Sacra: A Treatise on Satan's Temptations, 587 pages. Alternate title: BIBLICAL DEMONOLOGY and GILPIN ON TEMPTATIONS, ISBN: 0865240930. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "The final part consists of Gilpin's careful analysis of Satan's temptation of Christ in Matthew 4. Gilpin points out the various tactics used by Satan against Christ, and shows that these are the very tactics that Satan still uses today against Christians. One temptation he notes in particular is the temptation to doubt God's goodness due to unfavourable providences. When we encounter a bad situation in our lives, we are tempted to distrust God. If we fall into this temptation, instead of trusting the Lord to work things out, we can be led to try to remedy the situation by our own means (apart from God), and thereby easily fall into a sinful course. 'Satan is not discouraged easily, nor doth he always desist upon the first repulse, but frequently renews the assault, when he is strongly and resolutely resisted'." (p. 90), -- Publisher
    "Originally published in 1677 and now reissued under the new title BIBLICAL DEMONOLOGY, this collection of sermons ably explores Satan's person and work. It is of particular value for Gilpin's analysis of the way Satan tempts the saints. A rare and edifying study." -- Cyril J. Barber

    *Goodwin, Thomas (1600-1680), The Vanity of Thoughts: Let Patience Have its Perfect Work. Alternate title: LET PATIENCE HAVE ITS PERFECT WORK [WAY]. A Christian classic. Available in THE WORKS OF THOMAS GOODWIN. Available in CHRISTIAN LIFE CLASSICS, Jay P. Green, Sr. (editor, 1918-2008), (The Fifty Greatest Christian Classics, Vol. III. (Lafayette, IN [The Sovereign Grace Trust Fund, 1274 Meadowbrooke Drive, P.O. Box 4998, Lafayette 47905]: The Sovereign Grace Trust Fund, 1989).
    Goodwin, Thomas, The Works of Thomas Goodwin
    http://archive.org/details/worksofthomasgoo01good

    Gouge, William (1575-1653), The Whole-Armor of God: Or, a Christian's Spiritual Furniture, to Keepe him Safe From all the Assaults of Satan. First Preached, and now the Second Time Published and Enlarged for the Good of all Such as Well use it: Whereunto is Also Added a Treatise of the Sinne Against the Holy Ghost, Etc., 1619, e-book.
    "Notes: An expansion of the sermon on Ephesians in his AN EXPOSITION OF THE WHOLE FIFTH CHAPTER OF ST. JOHN'S GOSPELL."
    The Whole-Armor of God
    https://books.google.com/books?id=07BoAAAAcAAJ&dq=The+whole-armor+of+God+or,+A+Christjans+spjritval+furniture,+to+keepe+him+safe+from+all+the+assaults+of+Satan.+First+preached,+a&source=gbs_navlinks_s

    *Gross, Edward N., Miracles, Demons, and Spiritual Warfare, ISBN: 0801038359 9780801038358.
    "Encouraged by GCB to publish this book, Baker Book House has given us a sound and reliable study on such questions as: Are miracles for today? Does anyone have the gifts of healing today? Is tongue speaking an evidence of Spirit-baptism? Can believers be demon-possessed? While everyone may not agree on Dr. Gross' conclusions, this book is, nevertheless, one of the most readable, comprehensive, and thoughtful studies on these subjects of vital concern to Christians today." -- GCB

    *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

    *Johnston, Jerry, with Bill Stern, The Edge of Evil: The Rise of Satanism in North America, ISBN: 0849906687 9780849906688.
    "Amid the hoopla and shock of occult mysteries and Jerry Johnston's trans-continental investigation he ferrets out the truth. The intoxication of satanic power, the mind-warping of Satan's new children isn't easy reading, but it is must reading for every parent, educator, and teenager desiring to be protected. . . . Jerry Johnston's profound impact on young people and their parents has been acclaimed by educators, clergy, mayors, media personalities, politicians, and President Reagan coast-to-coast. . . . Johnston is considered an expert on youth culture and trends. . . ." -- Publisher

    Kinnaman, Gary, Overcoming the Dominion of Darkness, ISBN: 1856840182 9781856840187.
    Includes bibliographical references and index.

    *Leahy, Frederick S., Satan Cast out: A Study in Biblical Demonology, ISBN: 0851512348.
    "It is often said that wherever there is a rejection of faith in the living God a corresponding upsurge of the demonic will eventually appear. That is true not only in the pages of the Bible and in the annals of Christian missions; it has also become a striking feature of the life in our materialistic, post-Christian society. . . . Full of sane exposition and wise counsel, his work has been widely appreciated since its first publication in 1975." -- Publisher
    "Probably one of the best, most Scriptural books written today on the subject of demonology." -- Presbyterian Journal

    *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

    Lloyd-Jones, David Martyn (1899-1981), Not Against Flesh and Blood: The Battle Against Spiritual Wickedness in High Places, ISBN: 1850491798 9781850491798.

    *Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), Spiritual Depression, ISBN: 0551025492 9780551025493.
    "A physician turned preacher deals with the scriptural causes of spiritual depression and show how it may be cured. Aims at developing an effective, healthy Christian life." -- Cyril J. Barber
    "Believing that Christian joy was one of the most potent factors in the spread of Christianity in the early centuries, Lloyd-Jones not only lays bare the causes that have robbed many Christians of spiritual vitality, but also points the way to the cure." -- Publisher

    Lloyd-Jones, David Martyn (1899-1981), The Weapons of our Warfare.

    Love, Christopher (1618-1651), The Combat Between the Flesh and the Spirit. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive (MP3). Available on Reformation bookshelf CD #4, #21 (MPS), audio file.

    Mackall, Dandi Daley, Jenny B. Harris, et al., The Armor of God (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation), ISBN: 0784718202 9780784718209.
    Audio cassette [audio file], series AOG01.
    A 4-cassette audio tape [audio file], series of nine chapel devotionals on Ephesians 6:10-18. Includes "Standing Against the Devil" by Ferguson, "Our Conflict" by Krispin, "Belt of Truth" by White, "Breastplate of Righteousness" by Shishko, "Shield of Faith" by Waltke, "Helmet of Salvation" by Craven, "Sword of the Spirit" by Martin, and "Praying in the Spirit" by Chantry.

    Martin, Walter R., Screwtape Writes Again, ISBN: 088449022X 9780884490227.
    "Writing in the vein of C.S. Lewis, Martin comments on some modern forms of temptation. He explains certain illusions of our culture and deals with the supposed maxim of the underworld, 'If you can't convince them, confuse them'." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Murphy, Ed, The Handbook for Spiritual Warfare, ISBN: 0785250263 9780785250265.
    "Dr. Ed Murphy first offers an extremely thorough, Bible-based, exegetical base for understanding spiritual warfare. The final 11 chapters address practical considerations on the demonization of Christians. Throughout, Murphy's insight, experience, and personal anecdotes provide authenticity. This book is intended for pastors and spiritually-mature 'prayer warriors' -- not for new Christians." -- CBD

    Newcomen, Matthew (1610?-1669), The Craft and Cruelty of the Churches Adversaries, Discovered in a Sermon Preached at St. Margarets in Westminster, Before the Honourable House of Commons Assembled in Parliament, November 5, 1642. By Matthew Newcomen, minister of the Gospell at Dedham in Essex. Published by order of the House of Commons. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    *North, Gary, Unholy Spirits: Occultism and New Age Humanism, ISBN: 0930462025 9780930462024.
    "According to this in-depth analysis by renowned historian and author Dr. Gary North, the New Age movement is indeed a serious threat and its adherents are no laughing matter. By tracing the historical and theological roots of modern occultic practices, Dr. North paints a frightening portrait of just exactly what we are up against. It's not a pretty sight. Fortunately though, UNHOLY SPIRITS is not simply another 'doom and gloom' forecast. He offers parents, teachers, pastors, and other committed Christians practical steps of action to nullify and ultimately eliminate the effects of the New Age infiltration into our homes, our schools, our communities, and our nation." -- Publisher
    A revision of his earlier work NONE DARE CALL IT WITCHCRAFT, published in 1974. Includes bibliographic footnotes, index, and Scripture index.
    Institute for Christian Economics Freebooks.com
    http://www.freebooks.com/

    Pember, G.H., Earth's Earliest Ages, ISBN: 0896937038 9780896937031.
    "First published in 1876, this book is of enduring value in dealing with the subject of faith and creation. The author traces the influence of Satanic and demonic powers through the course of human history to help us better understand Spiritualism, Theosophy, and Buddhism." -- GCB

    Preston, John (1587-1628), The Saints Submission and Satans Overthrow. Or, Sermons on James 4.7 [James 4:7]. By that faithfull and reverend divine, Iohn Preston, Doctor in divinitie, Chaplaine in ordinarie to his Majestie, Master of Emmanuel Colledge, sometime preacher of Lincolnes-Inne, 1638.

    Perkins, William (1558-1602), Satans Sophistrie Ansuuered by our Sauiour Christ and in Diuers Sermons Further Manifested, by That Worthy man Maister William Perkins; to Which is Added, a Comfort for the feeble minded, wherein is set downe the temptations of a Christian, 1604, Available (THE WORKS OF THAT FAMOUS AND WORTHY MINISTER OF CHRIST, MR. W. PERKINS), on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Phillips, McCandlish, What Every Christian Should Know About the Supernatural, ISBN: 0896937038.
    "Nearly every page is filled with significant knowledge. There is no fluff, no filler in this book. But the chapters are short, so you can easily read and digest the material in small doses. Read this book. You will be blessed by it." -- Susan Alder

    *Pink, Arthur W. (1886-1952), The Anti-Christ [Antichrist], ISBN: 0585035172 9780585035178.
    "First published in 1923. These chapters provide one of the finest and most comprehensive overviews of the origin and identity, character, and destination of the Man of Sin available." -- Cyril J. Barber

    *Powlison, David (1949-2019), Power Encounters: Reclaiming Spiritual Warfare, ISBN: 0801071380 9780801071386. Alternate title: RECLAIMING SPIRITUAL WARFARE.
    "Examines and critiques the distinctive ideas and practices of current 'demon deliverance' ministries. Much current thinking and practice misunderstand how Jesus fought the devil's stratagems, failing to distinguish between the devil's hand in sin and the devil's hand in suffering (Jesus' exorcisms dealt with the latter exclusively). By demonizing sin, current 'deliverance' practices misunderstand human nature, the devil, God, and the ways grace changes us. The Bible teaches ways of thinking and ministering that effectively fight the evil one, and case studies unpack the positive vision." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
    "In our increasingly pagan culture Christians are being engulfed by a flood of the New Age, the occult, and a fascination with demons. Into this explosive climate the deliverance ministries have burst with mega bestsellers and sensational accounts that show how we can all cast out demons.
    David Powlison challenges this movement as being more occult than it realizes. The Kingdom of God is about power and we do battle with very real enemies. But Powlison provides a strategy for a more biblical and more effective way to fight." -- Publisher
    "Powlison (Ivy League Ph.D., ex-missionary, full-time counselor), has thought deeply about his subject and he makes an unanswerable case. His critique is compassionate, balanced, and generous. Honestly, this is the most important book I have read all year." -- Reader's Comment

    Powlison, David (1949-2019), Reclaiming Spiritual Warfare.

    Preston, John (1587-1628), The Saints Submission and Satans Overthrow. Or, Sermons on James 4.7 [James 4:7]. By that faithfull and reverend divine, Iohn Preston, Doctor in divinitie, Chaplaine in ordinarie to his Majestie, Master of Emmanuel Colledge, sometime preacher of Lincolnes-Inne, 1638.

    Preston, John (1587-1628), Richard Sibbes (1577-1635), and John Davenport (1597-1670), The Breast-plate of Faith and Love. A Treatise, VVherein the Ground and Exercise of Faith and Love, as They are set Upon Christ Their Object, and as They are Expressed in Good Works, is Explained. Delivered in 18. sermons upon three severall texts, by the late faithfull and worthy minister of Jesus Christ, John Preston, Dr. in Divinity, chaplaine in ordinary to his Majestie, master of Emmanuel Colledge in Cambridge, and sometime preacher of Lincolnes Inne, 1637, ISBN: 0851512895 9780851512891.

    Rockstad, Ernest B., The Healing of the Mind (Andover, KS: Faith and Life Publications). Available in The Mind: Satan's Base of Operations (2 Cor. 11:3), [2 Corinthians 11:3], 4 audio cassettes [audio file].
    A booklet explaining how to be transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Romans 12:2). Filled with references to Scripture.

    *Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635), The Saints Safetie in Evill Times Delivered at St Maries in Cambridge the Fift of November, Upon Occasion of the Povvder-plot; Whereunto is annexed a Passion-sermon preached at Mercers Chappel, London, upon Good-Friday; as also the happiness of enjoying Christ, laid open at the funerall of Mr. Sherland . . . by R. Sibbes . . . 1634. Available (THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    The Complete Works of Richard Sibbes
    http://books.google.com/books?id=5CI3AAAAMAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html

    Skolfied, Ellis H., Sunset of the Western Church.
    "Raw and unvarnished, this book is about bare-knuckled spiritual warfare. This book contains pointed examples of heresies and of demonic invasion of the church." -- GCB

    *Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon.
    A sermon by C.H. Spurgeon delivered on Lord's-day morning, September 9, 1888, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon no. 2043.
    "This is the way in which you should use this plea. Say, 'My God, I am utterly unworthy, and I own it; but, I beseech thee, hear me for the honour of thy dear Son. By his agony and bloody sweat, by his cross and passion, by his precious death and burial, I beseech thee hear me! O Lord, let the blood of thine Only-begotten prevail with thee! Canst thou put aside his groans, his tears, his death, when they speak on my behalf?' If you can thus come to pleading terms with God upon this ground, you must and will prevail. Jesus must be heard in heaven. The voice of his blood is eloquent with God. If you plead the atoning sacrifice, you must overcome through the blood of the Lamb." -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon

    *Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), The Greatest Fight in the World: Spurgeon's Final Manifesto, ISBN: 9781848718029.
    "By April 1891, when Spurgeon addressed the annual conference of the Pastors' College for the last time, he was an experienced and battle-worn soldier.
    "Spurgeon considered it the life-work of a pastor to be engaged in a crusade against error and sin. He fully appreciated what it was to 'fight the good fight of faith.' In THE GREATEST FIGHT IN THE WORLD, this final annual address to his fellow pastors and Pastors' College students, Spurgeon offers practical advice on how to approach the battle. He does so under three martial metaphors: Our Armory (the Scriptures); Our Army (the church); and Our Strength (the Holy Spirit).
    "THE GREATEST FIGHT IN THE WORLD is a book for every pastor. It will stimulate and inspire an approach to the pastoral task which is orderly and intelligent, and which above all recognizes and has confidence in the God from whom the strength to engage in battle comes." -- Publisher

    Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Satan.
    A booklet, a sermon.

    Spurstowe, William (1605?-1666), Satana Noemata, or, The Wiles of Satan in a Discourse Upon 2 Cor. 2. 11 / by William Spurstow . . . 1666. [2 Corinthians 2:11]

    Stratford, Lauren, and Johanna Michaelsen (foreword), Satan's Underground: The Extraordinary Story of one Woman's Escape, ISBN: 0882898760 9780882898766.
    "Readers from coast to coast will be shocked and disturbed by the story told here. But most of all, they will come to care deeply for the many thousands of innocent children who are faced with unspeakable horrors at the hands of modern day satanists." -- Reader's Comment

    Tripp, Paul David, Dangerous Calling: Confronting the Unique Challenges of Pastoral Ministry, ISBN: 9781433535857 1433535858.
    "Dr. Paul Tripp has personally experienced pastoral culture as a Pastor, as a pastoral counselor, seminary professor, and conference speaker. Having read most of Dr. Tripp's books one of the things I appreciate most about his style of writing is his goal to take Christians beneath the surface of our lives in order to point out indwelling sin and point out to the One in Jesus who longs for us to die to our sin, and turn from our sin to Him who can kill our sin and help us grow in the grace of God.
    "Paul Tripp's diagnosis is not only spot on about pastoral culture in DANGEROUS CALLING but is confirmed by The Schaeffer Institute's [ . . . ] who did research on this issue. Their research pants a disturbing picture: 50 percent of the ministers starting out will not last 5 years. Over 1,700 pastors leave the ministry every month. 70 percent of pastors constantly fight depression. 80 percent of pastors believe that pastoral ministry has negatively affected their families.
    "Pastors read many books that fill their minds but not many that challenge them to take an honest assessment of where they are spiritually. DANGEROUS CALLING was written to help diagnose your spiritual life and point you to the Lord Jesus. Dr. Tripp notes that with writing this book he has 'launched myself on a ministry career direction to get help for pastors who have lost their way' (12), I applaud Dr. Tripp for this and pray the Lord blesses him and increases his tribe as he ministers to hurting Pastors.
    "At the heart of this book is the contention that 'you are constantly talking to yourself about your identity, your spirituality, your functionality, your emotionality, your mentality, your personality, your relationships, etc. You are constantly preaching to yourself some kind of gospel. You preach to yourself an anti-gospel of your own righteousness, power, and wisdom, or you preach to yourself the true gospel of deep spiritual need and sufficient grace. You preach to yourself an anti-gospel of aloneness and inability, or you preach to yourself the true gospel of the presence, provisions, and power of an ever-present Christ' (21). The main point that Tripp makes is that 'no one celebrates the presence and grace of the Lord Jesus more than the person who has embraced his desperate and daily need of it' (23)." -- Reader's Comment

    *Warner, Timothy M., Spiritual Warfare: Victory Over the Powers of the Dark World, ISBN: 0891076077 9780891076070.
    "For all of us in the thick of the battle, this enlightening and scriptural book will prove to be an indispensable field manual." -- George Grant

    Watson, David, The Hidden Battle, ISBN: 0877883432 9780877883432.
    "Your mind is a battleground. David Watson shows you how to identify the enemy's nature, disguises, tactics, and weapons -- including the earmarks of a cult. Packed with concise help and practical illustrations, this book is a must for all Christians." -- GCB

    Weldon, John, and Clifford Wilson, Occult Shock and Psychic Forces, ISBN: 0937931098 9780937931097.

    Woodcock, Francis (1614?-1651), Lex Talionis: or, God Paying Every man in his own Coyn. Held Forth in a Sermon preached at Margarets Westminster, before the Honorable House of Commons, on their solemn fast, July 30th, 1645. By Francis Woodcock, minister at Olaves Southwark, one of the Assembly of Divines. Published by order of that House, 1646. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    *Zacharias, Ravi K. (1946-2020), and Vince Vitale, Why Suffering?: Finding Meaning and Comfort When Life Doesn't Make Sense, ISBN: 9781455549702 1455549703.
    "Why would a loving and powerful God allow so much pain and suffering? In WHY SUFFERING? Ravi Zacharias and Vince Vitale carefully walk you through a variety of responses that considered together provide a clear, comprehensive, and convincing answer. Responses like: Where there is the possibility of love, there has to be the reality of freedom, and therefore the possibility of pain. Wishing God had made a different world is to wish yourself out of existence. The cross is the key to a compelling and rational explanation for trusting in God in the face of suffering. In comparison with other world religions, the Christian response is highly distinctive. The reality of evil only makes sense in light of the reality of divine goodness. Relational knowledge about God takes the argument beyond reason to the presence of God amidst suffering. God's decision to allow temporal suffering is understandable when viewed from an eternal perspective. Divine goodness shows how to conquer not in spite of, but even through suffering. Here is a book written with great respect for the complexity of the issue, recognizing that some who read it will be in the trenches of deep suffering themselves and others questioning the very existence of a loving God. WHY SUFFERING? provides an answer to the problem of pain and suffering with emotional sensitivity and intellectual integrity." -- Publisher
    Ravi Talks About his Book: Why Suffering?
    "The Captain of our Salvation, made perfect, made complete, through suffering -- if our Lord himself had to go through that, as he endured the cross, despising the shame, and is now set down at the right hand of God -- that's why I think there is a key word which James Stewart uses, which I expand upon here, 'He conquered not in spite of the Darkness, fear of evil, he conquered through it' and I believe it is the same in your life and mine. We may not like it, but we conquer through the pain and through the suffering." -- Ravi Zacharias
    http://www.rzim.org/let-my-people-think-broadcasts/ravi-talks-about-his-book-why-suffering/

    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 psalms in worship, Affliction, adversity, trials, suffering, chastisement, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, The occult, spiritism, witchcraft, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Sex ethics, sex education, Medical ethics, The covenant faithfulness of god, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The covenanted reformation of scotland background and history, The covenanted reformation, Covenanted reformation short title listing, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Individual responsibility for corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Idolatry, Secret societies, ungodly alliances, voluntary associations, Oaths, ensnaring vows, promises, and covenants, bonds with the ungodly, The all-sufficiency of christ, Trusting god, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Justifying faith, Christ's kingdom, Lordship of jesus christ, Healing of the mind, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, Unfaithful reformed ministries, Politics, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, The problem of evil, Pseudo-Christian movements, Churches that abuse, Priestcraft, pharisaism, soul-stealing, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 356-374, 975, 3156, 3157, 4097, 4114
    MGTP: Warfare (Spiritual)

    Related Weblinks

    Beware of Men, Trinity Review, July 1999, John W. Robbins (1949-2008)
    http://trinityfoundation.org/journal.php?id=136

    Coping With Conflict and Controversy, a sermon by Peter Hammond
    "We are living in a time of character assassination. It is vital that we understand this tactic in history and from a Biblical perspective.
    Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets. (Luke 6:26)
    https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=111191440146739

    The Law of a Sound Mind, Peter Masters
    "By discarding the law of a sound mind (the protection provided by the reasoning faculty), Charismatics have rendered themselves highly gullible in the face of false teaching, exaggeration, and lies. They have become notably vulnerable to religious charlatans and rogues, as the 1987 crisis in American religious television (which is predominantly Charismatic), has demonstrated. Emotionalism is rampant among them, and because all are free to do whatever seems right in their own eyes, serious spiritual lawlessness is widespread. These things are the inevitable result of laying aside the objective standard of God's Word, the faculty of judgment, and the power of self-control, all of which are brought into play by the sound mind." -- Peter Masters
    http://www.trinityfoundation.org/PDF/Review_272_masters.pdf

    Nave's Topical Bible -- Christ, Prayers of
    http://bible.crosswalk.com/Concordances/naves-topical-bible/ntb.cgi?number=T2807

    Praying the Imprecatory Psalms for Justice, Peter Hammond, 10/20/2019
    https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?m=t&s=102419102346428&fbclid=IwAR22d_Tvj9mAfxCM2WIufU_LVTN2qC5Kv1QqLbNXw2D4MszaewKQ4fQ7d00

    A Redneck Resolution Against Self-destruction
    http://www.lettermen2.com/redneck.html

    *Satan and his Deception (FGB #161)
    The Blood of the Lamb the Conquering Weapon | Satan Considering the Saints | Satan's Personality | Resisting the Devil | Ten Helps Against Satan's Devices
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/sahdfg/satan--his-deception

    What About the Imprecatory Psalms? W. Gary Crampton
    "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?
    http://www.trinityfoundation.org/PDF/282-CramptonImprecatoryPsalms.pdf

    Spiritual Abuse
    Extensive resources.
    http://www.apologeticsindex.org/8006-spiritual-abuse

    Spiritual Abuse
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiritual_abuse

    Warning Signs of Destructive Cults and Satanism
    http://www.lettermen2.com/warncult.html



    Spiritual Adultery (Spiritual Whoredom/Harlotry)

    In addition to the primary meaning of the term, adultery was used in the Old Testament to describe idolatrous worship and religious apostasy (Isaiah 57:3, Jeremiah 3:8,9, Ezekiel 23:43). Hosea described Israel as the adulterous wife of Jehovah due to her religious apostasy (Hosea 2:2). . . .
    Furthermore, spiritual adultery or the alignment of the Christian with either the world system or non-Christian religious systems is clearly forbidden in the New Testament (James 4:4, Revelation 2:20-23).
    In both testaments adultery, either in the physical or spiritual sense, is expressly forbidden. -- Gray Lambert in The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, vol. 1, p. 66

    See the Theological Notes: "Syncretism and Idolatry," at Hosea 2:13 in The Reformation Study Bible. (Isaiah 1:21, Judges 2:17, James 4:4, Exodus 20:3-6, Jeremiah 3, Ezekiel 16, Hosea 2, Romans 1:18-25, Psalm 115:4-7, Isaiah 44:9-20, Isaiah 44:20, 1 Corinthians 8:4-6; 10:19-21; 10:14, 1 John 5:19-21, Hosea 2:13, and so forth, and so on.

    Ultimately the Seventh Commandment (Exodus 20:14), is about our fidelity to Christ. (Hosea 2:19-20; 1 Corinthians 6:15-20; James 4:4)
    To fracture the Seventh Commandment is to break covenant with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
    The sexual revolution is really a revolution against God. (Numbers 25:1-3, 29; Joshua 22:17; Psalm 106:30,31)
    See: Engelsma, Marriage, the Mystery of Christ and the Church.

    Never love that faith that leaves the heart as a swine's sty to lusts, that leaves it swarming with unclean and vain thoughts, or that leaves the heart just as it was before; or that faith, that only cleanses the outside, and does no more. Such a faith, however esteemed by man, will never be accounted for true saving faith before God. . . .
    I do not, I dare not say, that believers will always discern this heart-purity or cleanness; but this I say, that true faith will set the man a-work to purify the heart, and will be making use of Christ for that end, not only to have the arm of the dominion of sin broken, but to have the soul more and more delivered from the indwelling power of it; and this will be the design that he will sincerely drive, to get the heart purified within, as well as the outward man. Inward heart-abominations will be grievous and burdensome to him, as well as scandalous out-breakings. -- James Durham's 12th sermon on Isaiah 53, 72 Sermons on Isaiah 53 (Naphtali Press, 2001; 2007) p. 160

    Are we honest and sincere in our professed desire to be true Christians? Have we given up all our idols?
    Is there no secret sin that we are silently clinging to, and refusing to give up? Is there no thing or person that we are privately loving more than Christ and our souls? These are questions that ought to be answered. The true explanation of the unsatisfactory state of many hearers of the Gospel, is spiritual idolatry. We need not wonder that John says, Keep yourselves from idols. (1 John 5:21) J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

    Sexual sin is spiritual whoredom (idolatry), because it destroys the covenant relationship with God and it unites partners with unholy spirits, when partners should be one with the Holy Spirit (John 17:11).

    Calvin seems to see the Seventh as interrelated to, as summing up, all Ten Commandments of the Law.*
    Although one kind of impurity is alone referred to, it is sufficiently plain, from the principle laid down, that believers are generally exhorted to chastity; for, if the Law be a perfect rule of holy living, it would be more than absurd to give a license for fornication, adultery alone being excepted. Furthermore, it is incontrovertible that God will by no means approve or excuse before this tribunal, what the common sense of mankind declares to be obscene; for, although lewdness has everywhere been rampant in every age, still the opinion could never be utterly extinguished, that fornication is a scandal and a sin. . . . [Titus 2:12; Isaiah 30:21; Matthew 19:17; Romans 13:8]
    Now, if Christ and the Apostles, who are the best interpreters of the Law, declare that God's Law is violated no less by fornication than by theft, we assuredly infer, *that in this Commandment the whole genus is comprehended under a single species. . . . [Hebrews 13:4; Leviticus 21:14; Deuteronomy 23:17; Hosea 4:11; Hosea 1:2; Numbers 25:9; 1 Corinthians 10:8; Acts 15:20; 1 Corinthians 6:18; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:4,5] -- John Calvin commenting on Exodus 20:14 and Deuteronomy 5:18 and context

    See also the First Commandment (Exodus 20:3), the Seventh Commandment (Exodus 20:14), the Tenth Commandment (Exodus 20:17), Christ's Summation of the Law (Matthew 22:38-40), Hosea, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah.

    The occult is, among other things, spiritual whoredom, the invocation of unholy spirits. Sexual immorality, whoredom, substance abuse, the occult, and crime, including murder, are often found together in society by law enforcement agencies. Whoredom (fornication, adultery, prostitution, homosexuality, etc.), is a major cause of violence and murder in society. (Leviticus 19:29, Proverbs 6:32-35; Proverbs 8:36)

    Only the indwelling Holy Spirit can empower a person to lead a chaste life, and to possess his body as a sanctified vessel of the Holy Spirit (John 16:7-11; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 5:22,23).

    The reasons annexed to the second commandment, the more to enforce it . . . are besides God's sovereignty over us, and propriety in us, his fervent zeal for his own worship, and his revengeful indignation against all false worship, as being a spiritual whoredom; accounting the breakers of this commandment such as hate him, and threatening to punish them unto divers generations; and esteeming the observers of it such as love him and keep his commandments, and promising mercy to them unto many generations. -- Westminster Larger Catechism (1648), partial answer to Question 110

    Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and so the plague was stayed.
    And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore.     (Psalm 106:30,31)
    They were guilty of a great sin in the matter of Peor; and this was the sin of the new generation, when they were within a step of Canaan (v. 28 [Psalm 106:28]): They joined themselves to Baal-peor, and so were entangled both in idolatry and in adultery, in corporeal and in spiritual whoredom, Num. 25:1-3 [Numbers 25:1-3]. Those that did often partake of the altar of the living God now ate the sacrifices of the dead, of the idols of Moab (that were dead images, or dead men canonized or deified), or sacrifices to the infernal deities on the behalf of their dead friends. Thus they provoked God to anger with their inventions (v. 29 [Psalm 106:29]), in contempt of him and his institutions, his commands, and his threatenings. The iniquity of Peor was so great that, long after, it is said, They were not cleansed from it, Jos. 22:17 [Joshua 22:17]. God testified his displeasure at this (1) By sending a plague among them, which in a little time swept away 24,000 of those impudent sinners. (2) By stirring up Phinehas to use his power as a magistrate for the suppressing of the sin and checking the contagion of it. He stood up in his zeal for the Lord of hosts, and executed judgment upon Zimri and Cozbi, sinners of the first rank, genteel sinners; he put the law in execution upon them, and this was a service so pleasing to God that upon it the plague was stayed, v. 30 [Psalm 106:30]. By this, and some other similar acts of public justice on that occasion (Num. 25:4,5 [Numbers 25:4,5]), the guilt ceased to be national, and the general controversy was let fall. When the proper officers did their duty God left it to them, and did not any longer keep the work in his own hands by the plague. Note, National justice prevents national judgments. But, Phinehas herein signalizing himself, a special mark of honour was put upon him, for what he did was counted to him for righteousness to all generations (v. 31 [Psalm 106:31]), and, in recompence of it, the priesthood was entailed on his family. He shall make an atonement by offering up the sacrifices, who had so bravely made an atonement (so some read it, v. 30 [Psalm 106:30]), by offering up the sinners. Note, It is the honour of saints to be zealous against sin. -- Matthew Henry in Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible (unabridged)

    No sin that a person commits has more built-in pitfalls, problems, and destructiveness than sexual sin. It has broken more marriages, shattered more homes, caused more heartache and disease, and destroyed more lives than alcohol and drugs combined. It causes lying, stealing, cheating, and killing, as well as bitterness, hatred, slander, gossip, and unforgiveness.
    The dangers and harm of sexual sin are nowhere presented more vividly and forcefully than in Proverbs. The lips of an adulteress drip honey, and smoother than oil is her speech (Proverbs 5:3). The basic truth applies to a prostitute or to any other woman who tries to seduce a man. It also applies to a man who tries to seduce a woman. The point is that sexual allurement is extremely enticing and powerful. It seems nice, enjoyable, and good. It promises nothing but pleasure and satisfaction. But what it ends up giving is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two -- edged sword. Her feet go down to death, her steps lay hold of Sheol. She does not ponder the path of life; her ways are unstable, she does not know it (Proverbs 5:4-6). The first characteristic of sexual sin is deceit. It never delivers what it promises. It offers great satisfaction but gives great disappointment. It claims to be real living but is really the way to death. Illicit sexual relationships are always "unstable." Nothing binds those involved except the temporary and impersonal gratification of physical impulses. That is poor cement. Another tragedy of sexual sin is that often those involved do "not know it" is unstable, do not realize perhaps for a long time that their relationship cannot be lasting. Thus they fall deeper and deeper into the pit of their doomed relationship, which makes the dissolution all the more devastating and painful.
    Those who consider all sex to be basically evil, however, are as far from the truth as those who consider all sex to be basically good and permissible. God is not against sex. He created and blessed it. When used exclusively within marriage, as the Lord intends, sex is beautiful, satisfying, and stabilizing. Let your fountain be blessed, Scripture says, and rejoice in the wife of your youth. . . . Be exhilarated always with her love (Proverbs 5:18,19).
    The Bible's advice for avoiding sexual involvement outside marriage is simple: stay as far away as possible from the persons and places likely to get you in trouble. Keep your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house (Proverbs 5:8). When repeatedly enticed by Potiphar's wife, Joseph refused not only to lie beside her but even to be with her (Genesis 39:10). When she tried to force him into adultery and grabbed his coat, he left his garment in her hand and fled, and went outside (Genesis 39:12). It was not the time for argument or explanation but for flight. When we unavoidably get caught in such a situation, the only sensible thing to do is to get away from it as quickly as we can. Passion is not rational or sensible, and sexually dangerous situations should be avoided or fled, not debated. -- John MacArthur commenting on the destructiveness of sexual immorality, Christian Liberty, 1 Corinthians 6

    Case, Thomas (1598-1682), Spiritual Whoredom, Discovered in a Sermon Preached Before the Honorable House of Commons Assembled in Parliament Upon a Solemn day of Humiliation, May 26, 1647. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    *Engelsma, David, Marriage, the Mystery of Christ and the Church, ISBN: 0825425190 9780825425196.
    "Engelsma is a pastor in the Protestant Reformed Church, and also is editor of their paper, The Standard Bearer. The chapters in this book were preached as sermons in the author's church at Loveland, Colorado. Engelsma sees the corruption of the sacred institution of marriage as being a cause of myriads of the evils that abound in our day. He says, 'There is the bitter misery of soul that shatters those who have been unfaithful and that leads to drink, drugs, nervous breakdown, and even suicide. . . . The author does a good job of expounding Ephesians 5:31,32, This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. He explains that this 'mystery' has to do with the intimacy and oneness of a truly married couple. And this typifies the 'underlying reality of the union of Christ with His Church'." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)

    Knox, John (1505-1572), Answer to a Jesuit: The Marks of a True Church and Ministry. Alternate title: AN ANSWER TO A LETTER OF A IESUIT NAMED TYRIE, BE IOHNE KNOX and THE REFUTATION OF ANE ANSUER MADE BE SCHIR JOHNE KNOX, 1572. Available in SELECTED WRITINGS OF JOHN KNOX, VOLUME 2: LATER WRITINGS AND CORRESPONDENCE. Available (SELECTED WRITINGS OF JOHN KNOX, VOLUME 2), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #18. Available on Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press CD-ROM Library,
    Contains a letter written to his mother-in-law, Elizabeth Bowes, in 1554.
    "The editor of Knox's writings in the series of British Reformers describes this work as 'among the most interesting of the writings of the Scottish Reformer. The sophistries of the Jesuit are completely exposed, and we have answers to many of those arguments which the Jesuits of the present day have brought forward dressed up in specious colours. The ardent desire of Knox to depart and to be with Christ is fully expressed; and the impartial reader of the letter to Tyrie, with its appendages, will be fully satisfied that Knox was not the turbulent ambitious character which his adversaries represent him to have been.' Knox, in his old age, remains steadfast and fearless, proclaiming that, 'the doctrine of the Papistical Church, now many years by past, hath been altogether corrupt; that their opinion, which they call their Catholic faith, has no sure ground within the work of God; and that the way, which they for the most part have followed, was the very way of perdition to all such as without true repentance departed this life in that blindness; and much more shall be to all persons and estates that now shall maintain those abominations, because the light is come, and has sufficiently declared the former darkness.' This piece should prove useful in our day, as Rome seems to have received a new infusion of power from that Satanic spirit that animates her spiritual fornication and adultery with the nations of the Earth. A number of so-called 'evangelicals,' even now, drink from her polluted cup, and others, having entered into the inner chambers of her brothel, lay within this harlot's bosom, having turned from the truth to serve Satan's lieutenant, the Pope of Rome." -- Publisher
    Answer to a Jesuit: The Marks of a True Church and Ministry
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/knox/knox_answer_to_a_jesuit_named_tyrie.html

    *Leahy, Frederick S., Satan Cast out: A Study in Biblical Demonology, ISBN: 0851512348.
    "It is often said that wherever there is a rejection of faith in the living God a corresponding upsurge of the demonic will eventually appear. That is true not only in the pages of the Bible and in the annals of Christian missions; it has also become a striking feature of the life in our materialistic, post-Christian society. . . . Full of sane exposition and wise counsel, his work has been widely appreciated since its first publication in 1975." -- Publisher
    "Probably one of the best, most Scriptural books written today on the subject of demonology." -- Presbyterian Journal

    Sloan, James, Priestcraft Unmasked, or, The Whore of Rome, Alias Mystery Babylon the Great: The Mother of Harlots and Abominations of the Earth, that hath made all nations drunk with the wine of her fornication, stripped of her gay and fascinating [sic] attire, and shown in her genuine form, which is that of a filthy painted harlot, 1829.

    Vincent, Thomas (1634-1678), Your Hearts Have Gone A-whoring From Him! a sermon. Available (MP3) [audio file] on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The ten commandments: the moral law, Proverbs, Priestcraft, The counter-reformation, The occult, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, Loyalty, Secret societies and ungodly alliance,
    Idolatry, syncretism, Church and state, Secular humanism, Absolute truth and relativism, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Lust, Adultery, Child abuse and pedophilia, Homosexuality, lesbianism, gay, bisexual, transvestite, queer (lgbtq), Prostitution, Carnality and flesh pleasing: lust, desires, ambition, Menpleasing, Gratuitous sex, a cause of violence, Theft, fraud, stealing: property rights and freedom, Jeremiah, Hosea, Ezekiel, Amos, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justice, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, The covenant faithfulness of god, The all-sufficiency of christ, Lordship of jesus christ, Christ's kingdom, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The covenanted reformation of scotland background and history, Covenanted reformation short title listing, Slavery, our systems of enslavement, economic enslavement, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, The one and the many, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Individual responsibility for corporate faithfulness and sanctification, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 277, 1814, 3928, 3955
    MGTP: Idolatry, Sexual immorality, Carnality

    Related Weblinks

    Israel's Apostasy and Hosea's Marriage at Hosea 3:1, p. 1364 in The Reformation Study Bible.
    See the chart at Hosea 3:1, p. 1364.
    "The stages of Israel's relationship with God are depicted in the prophecies of Jeremiah and Ezekiel, as well as in Hosea's relationship with Gomer."

    A Redneck Resolution Against Self-destruction
    http://www.lettermen2.com/redneck.html

    Sexual Relationship
    Apostasy and harlotry are often linked in scripture.
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr7ch.html#sex



    Stress

    See: "Stress," Chapter 8: Physical Health
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr8ch.html#strss



    Submission

    And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. (1 Corinthians 15:28)

    Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. (Psalm 2:10-12)
    "It was customary for a student to kiss his master in greeting, so it was a type of acknowledging the superiority of the master."

    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)

    The Sovereignty of God is the stumbling block on which thousands fall and perish; and if we go contending with God about His sovereignty it will be our eternal ruin. It is absolutely necessary that we should submit to God as an absolute sovereign, and the sovereign of our souls; as one who may have mercy on whom He will have mercy and harden whom He will. -- Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) excerpted from Arminianism: Another Gospel

    Demands to "kiss the pope's ring in submission" are demands to submit to the influence and control of another man. This is worship of a man, a violation of the First Commandment.

    Charles Spurgeon on the apostasy in the Presbyterian Church in Scotland in 1870
    In the same establishment may be found believers in nearly every dogma of the Popish creed, who nevertheless have declared their faith in articles which are distinctly Calvinistic; and now last, and, to our minds, most sorrowful of all, it comes out that there are men to be found among Caledonia's once sternly truthful sons who can occupy the pulpits and the manses of an orthodox Presbyterian church, and yet oppose her ancient confession of faith. Our complaint is in each case, not that the men changed their views, and threw up their former creeds, but that having done so they did not at once quit the office of minister to the community whose faith they could no longer uphold; their fault is not that they differed, but that, differing, they sought an office of which the prime necessity is agreement. All the elements of the lowest kind of knavery meet in the evil which we now denounce. Treachery is never more treacherous than when it leads a man to stab at a doctrine which he has solemnly engaged to uphold, and for the maintenance of which he receives a livelihood. The office of minister would never wittingly be entrusted by any community to a person who would use it for the overthrow of the principles upon which the community was founded. Such conduct would be suicidal. A sincere belief of the church's creed was avowedly or by implication a part of the qualification which helped the preacher to his stipend, and when that qualification ceases the most vital point of the compact between him and his church is infringed, and he is bound in honor to relinquish an office which he can no longer honestly fulfill. -- Charles Spurgeon, "Ministers Sailing Under False Colours," Sword and Trowel, February 1870, quoted by John W. Robbins, February 10, 2006

    Covenanting to submit to the control of a hierarchy of men and placing loyalty to men above loyalty to Christ is a violation of the first and second commandments (Exodus 20:3-6). Therefore, it is a breaking of God's covenant with man. Spiritually this amounts to the deification of man, and is the cardinal sin of Genesis -- worshipping the creature rather than the Creator.

    Not submitting to the controlling influence of the Holy Spirit in the assembly and in the lives of individuals, but rather desperately clinging to the power that comes from pre-eminence, thereby quenching the Holy Spirit . . .

    Q. What kind of submission may be rendered to immoral and tyrannical governments, the ordinance of Satan, such as now exist?
    A. Christians, in the exercise of their Christian liberty, and in the performance of the duty of proving all things, and holding fast what is good, can submit to such governments for wrath's sake, ONLY, which kind of submission has no respect to the power as legitimate authority, but simply, from dread of the cruelty of the tyrant, who pours forth his fury upon all who oppose his misrule. To God's moral ordinance as described, is allegiance due for conscience sake. Submission to this, is submission to God.
    Q. When Christians reside under an immoral government, is not conformity to the general order of society a duty, provided this can be done without violating the divine law?
    A. If the constituted authorities of a nation are not in voluntary subserviency to the Mediator, but opposed to his authority, law, and religion, for the sake of peace and order, and for the sake of contributing as much as possible to the ease and happiness of society, and from a spirit of resignation to the Divine providence, and in order to make legitimate provision for themselves and relatives, so much conformity to the prevailing system as is consistent with their oath of allegiance to Messiah, is a duty conscientiously to be practiced, although very distinct from that obedience for conscience sake which they would render to the government of their choice, to the authority which has the sanction of the Divine approbation, Jer. xxix. 4-7 [Jeremiah 29:4-7], Seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.
    Q. Whilst it is the duty of Christians thus to live a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty, in conformity to the laws of Christ, which are everywhere, and at all times, obligatory upon them -- is it not their duty publicly to declare their dissent from an immoral constitution of civil government, within the reach of whose power they may reside?
    A. This is, indeed, their duty. Because, 1. They are bound to defend God's moral ordinance of civil government, in the purity of which, God's own honor as the Governor of the nations, is deeply involved. Rev. ii. 25,26 [Revelation 2:25,26], That which you have already hold fast till I come; and he that overcometh -- and keepeth my works unto the end -- to him will I give power in the nations, &c. Isa. viii. 16 [Isaiah 8:16], Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples. 2. The purity of this holy ordinance cannot be preserved, if it is confounded with the existing immoral systems, and by an indiscriminate exercise of allegiance. 3. Christians are witnesses for God among men; and having in their possession the testimony of God, in the Holy Scriptures, respecting the true character of civil government, and the duty of national subjection to Christ and his law, and respect for his holy religion, it is their duty to apply the doctrines of inspiration upon this subject, in stating and defending the truth, and condemning the existing immoral systems, and in bearing public testimony against all who uphold them. Isa. xliii. 10 [Isaiah 43:10], Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord. Rev. xi. 3 [Revelation 11:3], I will give power to my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and three score days, clothed in sackcloth; xii. 17 [Revelation 12:17], And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. See also: Rev. xvii. 14 [Revelation 17:14], Acts v. 32 [Acts 5:32], xxvi. 16 [Acts 26:16], Micah iv. 8-18 [Micah 4:8-18], Mark vi. 11 [Mark 6:11]. 4. The witnesses in Revelation are raised up not only to testify against the ecclesiastical apostasy, The scarlet woman, or Roman church -- and the image of the beast, -- the Papacy -- but also against the seven-headed and ten-horned beast -- or the civil powers -- upon which the woman rides. The nations which sustain Antichrist, and are equally, with the man of sin, Anti-christian, and are at war with the Lamb. See: passages last quoted, together with Rev. xiii. 1, 2 [Revelation 13:1,2], xvii. 3-14 [Revelation 17:3-14], and xii. 11 [Revelation 12:11], And they overcame him (the devil embodied in the Roman church papacy, and civil powers), by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; color="#AF7817">These, (the civil powers), shall make war with the Lamb-and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.
    Q. Are not virtuous persons, who, in their private capacity, are endeavoring to further the true end of civil government -- the maintenance of peace and quietness in all godliness and honesty, although they dissent from the constitution of civil government of the nation in which they reside, entitled to protection?
    A. They certainly are entitled to protection in their lives, liberties, and property; "but they are not to act inconsistently with their declared dissent, and it would be tyranny to constrain them to such measures." Exod. xxii. 21 [Exodus 22:21], Thou shalt neither vex a stranger nor oppress him. See also: Rom. xiii. 3 [Romans 13:3], 1 Tim. ii. 2 [1 Timothy 2:2], Jer. xxi. 12 [Jeremiah 21:12], Esther iii. 8, 9 [Esther 3:8,9].
    Q. Should not "Christians, testifying against national evils, and striving, in the use of moral means, to effect a reformation, relinquish temporal privileges, rather than do any thing which may appear to contradict their testimony, or lay a stumbling-block before their weaker brethren?"
    A. This is unquestionably their duty. Because they cannot convince men of their own sincerity, and of the immorality of a principle or practice, whilst they themselves are found actually maintaining the immoral principle or practice (by oath of allegiance, voting, and holding offices, &c.), and enjoying the emoluments of iniquity decreed by law. Heb. xi. 24, 26, 36 [Hebrews 11:24,26,36], By faith, Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter. Esteeming the reproach of Christ to be greater riches than the treasures in Egypt. And others had trials of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover, of bonds and imprisonments. Numb. xxiii. 9 [Numbers 23:9], Lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations. Rom. xiv. 21 [Romans 14:21], It is good neither to eat flesh, nor drink wine, nor anything whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended.
    Q. Will not such a public dissent from immoral governments, and faithful testimony against them, ultimately prevail to their overthrow?
    A. Yes. By these means the witnesses will prevail, however much they may suffer in the meantime, and will be the honored instruments of establishing the millennial kingdom of the Lamb. Rev. xii. 11 [Revelation 12:11], And they overcame him, by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Dan. vii. 22 [Daniel 7:22], The Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the Most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom. Rev. xx. 4 [Revelation 20:4], And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them; and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast (the civil powers), neither his image (the Papacy), neither had received his mark (yielded allegiance), upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. -- William L. Roberts, The Reformed Presbyterian Catechism, pp. 130-133

    I am simply amazed at the true history of Rome. The best and only explanation I can find for why men would endure, much less embrace, such a "church" is what God says in 2 Thessalonians 2: that He's given them over to blindness, that they might believe great lies and thereby be justly damned for their failure to receive the love of the truth. In just the glances I had at Lea's work [A HISTORY OF THE INQUISITION OF THE MIDDLE AGES -- compiler], I am simply astonished that any individual could submit himself to the "Holy Mother" of harlotries and abominations which Rome is clearly seen to be in these volumes. The Romish legacy of demonic brutality, inhumanity and disgrace stretches the ability of even fallen man to comprehend. -- Larry Birger

    Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee. (Psalm 66:3)

    Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it. (Ephesians 5:21, 22, 25)
    Only if a wife is in Christ will she submit to God's will in the marriage, and to the godly leadership of a husband who is in Christ.

    Our depraved natures practically always abuses the principle of submission in God's plan. Yet submission to God in Christ is at the foundation of "Man's chief and highest end . . . to glorify God, and fully to enjoy Him forever." Discerning submission will keep us from unwittingly interfering with what God is doing, by usurping Christ's role as Righteous Judge. See: Bunny Wilson's popular discourse, Liberated by Submission,

    The attack of the modern world system upon boys, men, fathers, the family, manhood, and the church is really an attack on man's God-ordained role to protect their families, subordinates, and society from evil.

    Thus, the hierarchy of privilege descends from the large gainers from despotism, to the middling and small gainers, and finally down to the mass of the people who falsely think they gain from the receipt of petty favors. In this way the subjects are divided, and a great portion of them induced to cleave to the ruler, "just as, in order to split wood, one has to use a wedge of the wood itself." Of course, the train of the tyrant's retinue and soldiers suffer at their leader's hands, but they "can be led to endure evil if permitted to commit it, not against him who exploits them, but against those who like themselves submit, but are helpless." In short, in return for its own subjection, this order of subordinates is permitted to oppress the rest of the public.[47] (La Boétie, The Politics of Obedience: The Discourse of Voluntary Servitude, pp. 79-80)

    Transgression beyond a certain point ends responsibility. Thus, in the law of the delinquent son (Deut. 21:18-21 [Deuteronomy 21:18-21]), the parents' responsibility to provide for and protect their son ended with the son's delinquency; their duty and their moral responsibility then became denunciation of and separation from their son.
    As previously noted, responsibility is not a one-way street. The responsibility of parents for a child ends when that child refuses to submit to the godly authority and discipline of the parents.
    The same is true of the responsibility of children for their parents. Again, it is not a one-way street. . . . Another illustration: a mother, a militant liberal or modernist in religion, made her home with her daughter and son-in-law, both devout, orthodox believers. The mother regarded the family's faith, church, and family worship with contempt, belittled it to her grandchildren and daily ridiculed her daughter for her 'ignorant, reactionary' faith. Having denied openly the authority of her son-in-law, and having denied the faith of the family, she had forfeited any right to its care and protection. The family's patient suffering was not godly. Because responsibility is a two-way street, the mother had the duty to respect the family's faith, her son-in-law's authority, and her daughter's devotion.
    Thus, we may say that, not only does transgression beyond a certain point end responsibility, but fourth, if responsibility is maintained beyond that point it becomes a robbery. Where a juvenile delinquent is tolerated or protected, or a lawless parent allowed to be an affront to the family's faith and authority, the other members of the family are robbed of their due. Unconditional honor and service are due to God alone, not to man. St. Paul's admonition is 'Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due, custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.' (Rom. 13:7 [Romans 13:7]). No relationship between man and man can be absolutized. We have no absolute bond which ties us unconditionally to any man, either to obey or to love him. Marriage is dissolved by certain transgressions. The parent's duty to the child is nullified by his incorrigible conduct. The child's duty to the parent is limited by his prior obedience to God and the maintenance of God's law-order. In every human relationship, the only absolute is God's law, not man's relationship.
    Fifth, not only does the absolutizing of a human relationship involve theft, in that the indulgence of a delinquent family or society member is the robbing of another, but it also involves theft Godward as well as manward. It is an infraction of God's order to indulge evil. It involves robbing one person of his due in order to reward or indulge another, and this means also the violation of God's order to continue man's disorder.
    To repeat again, responsibility is not a one-way street. If the ox, an animal of limited intelligence, is accountable for his acts, then every man in his station is also responsible. In every relationship, there is responsibility on every side by every person.
    "Modern man is hostile to responsibility; he replaces responsibility with sensitivity, sensitivity being defined as awareness of humanity. Thus, a rebellious nun of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters defies authority and declares, 'These men (church officials), have no right to make a judgment when they don't know us.' (Terrence Shea, "A Community Divided. Dissent Nuns now Face a Bigger Split -- With Rome Itself," The National Observer, Monday, November 17, 1969, p. 14). This nun had entered an order requiring authority but had refused to submit to it. Her freedom to leave and establish her own way of life was not in question. She denied the principle of any responsibility beyond that which she owed to herself. (483, 484) -- R.J. Rushdoony (1916-2001), Institutes of Biblical Law, pp. 481-484

    It is this author's contention that the modern churches have let go of this important piece of the faith [Christ's Kingship over the nations -- compiler], once for all delivered to the saints. Thereby they have delivered the church, not to kings as nursing fathers, but to the cruel civil domination of the enemies of the true religion, their sheep being taught that they must submit passively to every pretended civil authority as the ordinance of God. By this defection, these leaders of the flock have also undermined the magistracy, allowing and even encouraging wicked men to remove this blessed ordinance from its foundation in God its creator, and from its subjection to Christ His King, thereby directly opposing God's benevolent ends in instituting civil government: Thus have [they] made the commandment of God of none effect by [their] tradition. . . . teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. (Matthew 15:6,9). Furthermore, by their false teaching regarding civil government, they have made themselves guilty of the very sin of which we are often accused: opposing the ordinance of God. If this wasn't enough, however, consider that their sin is worse than that of the garden variety rebel, inasmuch as their opposition to God's institution is not so much practical as it is principle; and because of their position as teachers and guides of the flock of God. Be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. . . . For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. (James 3:1; 2 Corinthians 13:8) -- Greg Price, Biblical Civil Government Verses the Beast, p. 64

    Performance preoccupation. In an abusive spiritual system, those running such a system will be preoccupied with the performance of their members: worthiness = performance (often perfectionistism). . . . This system doesn't really foster holiness or obedience to God, it merely accommodates the leaders' interpretation of spirituality and their need for control. It distorts God's unconditional love.
    Obedience and submission is important. Such passages as Romans 13:1; I Peter 5:5 [1 Peter 5:5]; and Hebrews 13:17 ["Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves; for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you"], stress both. For the purpose of balance, we have to add what Peter says in Acts 5:29, "We must obey God rather than men. . . .
    Out of context, obedience to leaders looks like good theology. Add the larger context and you will see that it is only appropriate to obey and submit to leadership when their authority is from God and their stance is consistent with His. -- Johnson and VanVonderen in The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse, p. 66)

    The inability of the unregenerate to trust the Lord to set a table before them (Psalm 23, see Trusting and obeying god, Faith, God's deliverance of nations, and so forth), results in untold evil committed by leaders through hapless proxy subordinates (Matthew 16:24-27).
    Centralization of power in government and other spheres of society, power that controls the means of production, in the absence of constitutional law and strict justice, forces subordinates to submit to their influence for the fear of losing their livelihood and life. This is a type of extortion. (See: Covetousness, Theft, fraud, stealing: property rights and freedom, Liberalism, Tyranny, Treason, Impeachment, The utter failure of the u.s. constitution as a social deed of covenant, and so forth)
    Abusive leaders that break covenant with God unseat themselves and should be further punished.

    A doctrine once held to be important by early Presbyterians and most Puritans that, today, is largely forgotten and even held in disrepute is social or national covenanting. The Presbyterians of the First and Second Reformation periods of Scotland were so dedicated to socio-religious covenanting as a biblical tool for reformation and solidifying national religious attainments that they came to be called Covenanters. They took seriously Jesus' command to disciple whole nations (cf. Matthew 28:18-20). They believed that this Commission is not fulfilled until every nation bows the knee to Christ and covenants with Him. The Puritans understood that the Bible presents Israel, including its covenant and covenant law code (excluding any laws that have been abrogated or set out of gear by the death of Christ), as a model for all nations (cf. Deuteronomy 4:5-8). The gospel of Jesus Christ is to transform individuals and even whole cultures and nations. It should result in progressive sanctification in society as people learn all that Christ has commanded. When the majority of people are committed to the Lord, they will formally recognize the Redeemer in their constitutions; will establish the true Christian religion on a national and local level; and will seek to base all their laws on the law of God revealed in Scripture.
    In the book Rev. Schwertley not only sets forth the biblical case for social or national covenanting in a simple, organized and comprehensive manner, but also critiques the modern Presbyterian alternative to the original Presbyterian teaching on this and related topics. -- Publisher, National Covenanting and Christ's Victory Over the Nations

    In the final analysis, all modern ills, spiritual and temporal, are traceable to our continuing departure from the principles of the Second Reformation. . . . In particular, I am convinced that the Lord will not bless a church at peace with his enemies. Our departure from truth has led to our undernourished condition as a church; truth, as Thornwell argued, is the only food that the soul can digest.
    It does no good to blame society or the church for our deficiencies before the Lord because Christ holds men, not churches and states, accountable. In the words of Hugh Miller, "Churches, however false and detestable, are never to be summoned to the bar of judgment. . . . To Christ, as his head and king, must every man render an account."
    The great heresy of our times is that all men are children of God. Those within the church have lost their identity as a people of God, united in spirit and purpose. We have adopted the half-truths of our fathers for which Judah faced punishment: Because they have despised the law of the Lord, and have not kept his commandments, and their lies caused them to err, after which their fathers have walked. (Amos 2:4b). Nevertheless, Christ loves his church, and he will see to it that his bride is prepared (Ephesians 5:27), for the great banquet. Base on the history of God's people, the needed corrections will result from either prayer or persecution, leading the people to renew their covenant promises. Let us pray that God's kingdom come, and let us covenant to fulfill our obligations to be his people. When persecution comes, let us pray that we would stand as firm as did the Scottish Covenanters. When covenanting comes, let us praise the Lord, for only in him will we stand firm. Let us ever strive to make it possible for our children to utter one of James Nisbet's praises, "O my soul! Bless and praise the Lord that I was born in a land where the glad tidings of the everlasting gospel are published and pressed with so much purity and plainness." This should be our prayer, Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved." (Psalm 80:3) -- Edwin Nisbet Moore from the conclusion to Our Covenant Heritage: The Covenanters' Struggle for Unity in Truth

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Obedience," and so forth, and so on.

    *Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), The Crook in the Lot: The Sovereignty of God in the Trials, Tribulations, and Troubles of This Life. Alternate title: THE SOVEREIGNTY AND WISDOM OF GOD DISPLAYED IN THE AFFLICTIONS OF MEN, TOGETHER WITH A CHRISTIAN DEPORTMENT UNDER THEM. BEING THE SUBSTANCE OF SEVERAL SERMONS ON ECCLES. VII. 13. [Ecclesiastes 7:13], PROV. XVI. 19. [Proverbs 16:19], and I PET. V. 6 [1 Peter 5:6]. TO WHICH ARE ADDED SOME SERMONS ON THE NATURE OF CHURCH-COMMUNION, FROM I COR. X. 17 [1 Corinthians 10:17], 195 pages, ISBN: 1573581372. A Christian classic. Considered to be among the ten greatest books in the English language. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "In this book, Thomas Boston explains how the sovereignty and wisdom of God is displayed in the afflictions of men. In his approach to this difficult subject, he is both theologically precise and pastorally tender. Boston does not commit the error of needlessly trying to protect God's reputation, nor does he go to the opposite extreme of making God a compassionate but helpless bystander. Rather, Boston brings God right into the mix of even the most disastrous events, and shows how He is actively involved in both the events and their resolution. Let the wisdom of the ages be a salve during this time of crisis and bewilderment. May the God of all comfort be your comfort in troubled times.
    "When calamity and disaster strike as it did on September 11th, many people begin to ask, "Where is God?" and "Why did God allow this to happen?" These are the very questions Thomas Boston addresses in this timeless book. This book includes an introduction and a study guide to maximize the impact of this classic work.
    "Thomas Boston (1676-1732), was a Scottish Presbyterian minister. He studied at the University of Edinburgh and was a recognized Hebrew scholar. His main pastorate was at Ettrick, Selkirkshire, where he was installed in 1707. His most noted works are THE CROOK IN THE LOT and HUMAN NATURE IN ITS FOURFOLD STATE." -- Publisher
    "At Monergism Books we view this as one of the top five Christian books ever written . . . What captures our attention first and foremost of this book is how it is so saturated in Scripture. After reading this, no one will be able to deny God meticulously ordaining everything that comes to pass nor fail to see the great comfort there is in this truth . . . THE CROOK IN THE LOT is introduced to us by J.I. Packer." -- Publisher, describing the Monergism edition
    Boston, The Crook in the Lot: or, The Sovereignty and Wisdom of God in the Afflictions of men
    http://archive.org/details/christiantreasur00memeuoft

    *Calamy, Edmund (1678-1732), and Samuel Palmer (d. 1724, editor), The Nonconformist's Memorial, 3 volumes, ISBN: 0781206243. This seems to be the preferred edition. E-text available OCLC: 220202826. A Christian classic. See also: Benjamin Brook, LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
    "Edmund Calamy (1678-1732), a dissenting minister in London and a historian, was the son and grandson of puritan ministers inside the Church of England. Both of them, along with hundreds of others, were expelled from their church livings for their refusal to submit to the 1662 Act of Uniformity. This event, the so-called 'Great Ejection', was a crucial moment in the formation of religious dissent in England. This book, first published in 1775, is an extensively-revised version, by another dissenting minister Samuel Palmer, of materials originally collated and published by Edmund Calamy, commemorating the lives and works of these ejected ministers.
    "Editing the autobiography of one of the most eminent of these ejected ministers, Richard Baxter, Calamy included a long chapter listing the ejected ministers and such biographical data as he could find. This is the famous chapter 9 of AN ABRIDGMENT OF MR. BAXTER'S HISTORY OF HIS LIFE AND TIMES (1702). This chapter became a whole volume of a second edition of the ABRIDGEMENT published in 1713. And in 1727 Calamy produced a further two volumes of material under the title A CONTINUATION OF THE ACCOUNT OF THE MINISTERS, LECTURERS, MASTERS AND FELLOWS OF COLLEGES, AND SCHOOLMASTERS WHO WERE EJECTED AND SILENCED AFTER THE RESTORATION OF 1660 . . .
    "Samuel Palmer attempted to integrate this material into a more readable form, making extensive revisions and additions. He certainly succeeded in producing something more accessible to eighteenth-century readers and there were several reprints of the book and a second edition in 1802-3. However readability was sometimes at the cost of accuracy and of a reduction of the scholarly value of Calamy's material.
    "Nevertheless THE NONCONFORMIST'S MEMORIAL was an important work of collective memory by eighteenth-century dissenters." -- Publisher
    Calamy, The Nonconformist's Memorial: Being an Account of the Ministers, who Were Ejected or Silenced . . . (1775), volume 2 of 2
    http://archive.org/details/nonconformistsme02cala
    Calamy, The Nonconformist's Memorial: Being an Account of the Ministers, who Were Ejected or Silenced . . . (1775), volume 1 of 2
    http://archive.org/details/nonconformistsm00calagoog

    Elliot, Elisabeth, Joyful Surrender: 7 Disciplines for the Believer's Life, ISBN: 0800729471 9780800729479.

    Elliot, Elisabeth, Keep a Quiet Heart, ISBN: 9780800759902 0800759907.
    "This is one of those books I go back to several times a year for wisdom. It has been a life changing book for me. A quiet heart is something I still long for and pray for. If you also long for one you need to read this book." -- Reader's Comment

    *Finley, Martha (1828-1909), Book 2: Elsie's Holidays at Roselands, ISBN: 9781888306323 1888306327.
    "When Elsie's father becomes ill, she takes on the job of nurse-companion, and all goes well until Elsie, because it is the Sabbath, as a matter of conscience refuses to read to him from a secular book. The battle of wills that ensues nearly causes first her father's death, and then Elsie's. Lonely Elsie -- punished, ostracized, and then abandoned by her father -- turns to her heavenly Father for comfort and assurance. Will her father realize that Elsie's obedience to God must be paramount, and submit himself to the same Divine Authority?" -- Publisher
    On an even more serious note, one moral of this story is the broader life and death struggle between Truth and Falsehood (See: Absolute truth and relativism [duality and non-duality], Epistemology of theology, the theory of knowledge, and Christian scholarship.) The consequence of conflict of will is death of the "One," or war of the "Many" (see Rushdoony, THE ONE AND THE MANY: STUDIES IN THE PHILOSOPHY OF ORDER AND ULTIMACY. Conflict of will (see Will and recalcitrance, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation,) may begin when one individual (see The doctrine of man [human nature, total depravity],) or the corporate body (see Corporate faithfulness and sanctification), tries to usurping authority over others (see Power, Authority) -- tries to control and possess the other (see Tyranny, Slavery, our systems of enslavement, economic enslavement.) The means of control may be either outward or occult (see The occult, spiritism, witchcraft), deceit, repression or suppression of the truth, replacing moral and ethical absolutes with relativism (see Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Medical ethics, Absolute truth and relativism [duality and non-duality], unfaithfulness to the highest ethical standards (see The ten commandments: the moral law, The holy bible), Heresy and apostasy (apostacy, old english), Spiritual adultery [spiritual whoredom/harlotry,] (see Idolatry, syncretism, Jeremiah and lamentations,) invocation of the demonic, Oaths, ensnaring vows, promises, and covenants, bonds with the ungodly Carnality and flesh pleasing: desires, pleasure, Justice, judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord,) attempts to take authority over another politically or by mental malpractice (see Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, making up their own rules (see Absolute truth and relativism [duality and non-duality],) ignoring or changing constitutional or creedal documents, unjust laws for the accumulation of wealth and power, indebtedness, disenfranchisement, (see denial of freedom,) Priestcraft, pharisaism, soul-stealing, possessiveness, physical seduction and whoredom, political economic or sexual enslavement (see Sexual relationship,) and so forth, and so on.
    This abuse, this soul-violence, quenches the Holy Spirit (see Owen, God's Presence With a People the Spring of Their Prosperity; With Their Special Interest in Abiding in Him.) If either side is immovable, then death is the consequence (see Soteriology, atonement, The blood of christ, Hell, and Heaven.)
    How are conflicts of will resolved? By submission to the Absolute Truths of God's word, the great common denominator, 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)
    All this bears a strain of the Gospel (see Book-length presentations of the free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, The westminster confession of faith.)
    Book 2: Holidays at Roselands
    http://archive.org/details/holidaysatrosel00finlgoog
    Holidays at Roselands (Gutenberg text)
    http://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/webbin/gutbook/lookup?num=14280
    Mantle Ministries (Elsie Dinsmore Series and Mildred Series)
    http://www.mantlemin.com

    Hurley, James B., Headship and Submission in Ephesians 5.

    *Kassian, Mary A., Women, Creation and the Fall, ISBN: 0891075526 9780891075523.
    "There isn't a better book around which lays the Scriptural foundations for the roles of men and women. Mrs. Kassian firmly upholds biblical authority, and starts right at the beginning -- the creation of Adam and Even in Genesis. That is, both men and women were created in God's image, but both sinned and were both cursed.
    "Kassian presents the Scriptural framework for God's order in the home and the church: benevolent male headship and female submission. As Ephesians 5:24-25 says 'Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.'
    "But Kassian also warns against shortcomings by both sexes, e.g. male despotism and female rebellion.
    "Finally, she applies relentless logic and sound analysis of the scriptures to refute so-called 'biblical' feminism. I see this aberration in the same way as creation compromises (e.g. gap theory, day-age, theistic evolution): trying to interpret the infallible Word of God by the fallible theories of sinful human beings.
    "Be sure to get her subsequent book THE FEMINIST GOSPEL: THE MOVEMENT TO UNITE FEMINISM WITH THE CHURCH. This shows, among other things, how many of the first generation of 'biblical' feminists started by 'reinterpreting' God's word to fit fashionable feminist theory. Later, they slid further down the slippery slope into complete apostasy.
    "For a very thorough and detailed refutation of 'biblical' feminism, I recommend RECOVERING BIBLICAL MANHOOD AND WOMANHOOD by Piper and Grudem." -- Reader's Comment

    *Knox, John (1505-1572), and Kevin Reed (editor), The First Blast of the Trumpet Against the Monstrous Regiment [Government] of Women, with the "Summary of the Second Blast" appended (Dallas, TX [Presbyterian Heritage Publications, P.O. Box 180922, 75218-0922]: Presbyterian Heritage Publications, 1993), trade paperback, 96 pages, marginal notes, scripture index, and subject index. This edition appears in three additional formats: SELECTED WRITINGS OF JOHN KNOX: PUBLIC EPISTLES, TREATISES, AND EXPOSITIONS TO THE YEAR 1559, pp. 370-436, the LIBRARY OF PRESBYTERIAN HERITAGE PUBLICATIONS AND PROTESTANT HERITAGE PRESS CD-ROM LIBRARY, and e-text that includes the marginal notes as endnotes, but does not include the scripture index, and subject index. Citations for these three additional formats are listed below.
    "The text of this edition is based on the definitive edition of THE WORKS OF JOHN KNOX, edited by David Laing (Edinburgh, 1895).
    "In this controversial work, John Knox contends that 'to promote a woman to bear rule, superiority, dominion, or empire above any realm, nation, or city, is repugnant to nature, contumely [insult] to God, a thing most contrary to his revealed will and approved ordinance; and finally, it is the subversion of good order, of all equity and justice'." -- Publisher
    Subheading used in this edition:

    "The SUMMARY OF THE SECOND BLAST was originally appended to the APPELLATION FROM THE SENTENCE PRONOUNCED BY THE BISHOPS AND CLERGY: ADDRESSED TO THE NOBILITY AND ESTATES OF SCOTLAND (1558), published in KNOX'S WORKS, VOL. IV, pp. 539-40." (See: citation below) -- Publisher
    Other publications of THE FIRST BLAST OF THE TRUMPET follow: Gunn Productions, The Monstrous Regiment of Women, DVD (Gunn Productions, October 31, 2007), 54 minutes.
    "Who is the monstrous regiment? Today, the feminists are our monstrous regiment!
    To promote a woman to bear rule, superiority, dominion, or empire above any realm, nation, or city, is repugnant to nature . . . A thing most contrary to His revealed will and approved ordinance. -- John Knox
    "The 16th century reformer John Knox wrote his famous tract THE FIRST BLAST OF THE TRUMPET AGAINST THE MONSTROUS REGIMENT OF WOMEN to oppose a notorious European female tyrant who sought to stamp out biblical Christianity in his beloved Scotland.
    "When we approach the issues of our day we wish to borrow his biblical perspective to apply his blast against those who rule in the wake of his monstrous queen. This group, we shall see, far surpasses the queen's iniquities in both kind and degree.
    "Feminists tell women not to submit to a husband, to avoid having children, and that they should listen to their inner voice and chase a career to find true fulfillment. This twisted and irrational teaching has led to disaster for American women, leading many into a frustrating, isolated existence. With this film, we call women back to a life filled with joy and beauty that can only be found by following God's Word.
    "Due to the subject matter this film is not suitable for children.
    "Subjects Covered: | Who was John Knox? | What did he think of women? | What is Feminism? | Feminism and Socialism | Daycare | Modesty | Women in the Military | Women in the Workplace | Margaret Sanger | Planned Parenthood | Abortion | Hillary | Birth Control | Betty Friedan | Rock for Choice | Plus 26 minutes of unique interview footage
    "Featuring: | Sharon Adams -- Historian, Edinburgh University | Jennie Chancey -- Ladies Against Feminism | Jane Doe -- Military Cadet | Carol Everett -- Former Abortion Provider | Dana Feliciano -- Homemaker | Carmon Friedrich -- Writer, Buried Treasure Books | F. Carolyn Graglia -- Author, Domestic Tranquility | Rosalind Marshall -- Knox Biographer | Stacey McDonald -- Author, Raising Maidens of Virtue | Phyllis Schlafly -- Eagle Forum | Denise Sproul -- Homemaker | Kathleen Smith -- Homemaker" -- Publisher

    La Boétie, Etienne de (1530-1563), and Murray N. Rothbard, The Politics of Obedience: The Discourse of Voluntary Servitude, ISBN: 0914156101 9780914156109.
    "Properly pronounced not, as might be thought, La Bo-ay-see, but rather La Bwettie (with the hard 't')."
    "THE DISCOURSE OF VOLUNTARY SERVITUDE has influenced some of the world's greatest social thinkers; from Leo Tolstoy to Mohandus Gandhi to Ayn Rand. Written in the 1550s, as something of an underground tract or pamphlet by a young French student and friend of essayist Michelle de Montaigne, this short work remains a timeless exposé of the psychology and inherent corruption involved in social or political power. The work has been in and out of print in English (Some of its various titles over the years were SLAVES BY CHOICE, ANTI-DICTATOR, THE WILL TO BONDAGE, and THE POLITICS OF OBEDIENCE: THE DISCOURSE OF VOLUNTARY SERVITUDE). In North America it has been out of print for some time now, unfortunately. Since its original circulation in the early 1550s as de la servitude volontaire ou contr'un, this short but powerful work seems to find its way back into print whenever the winds of social change began blowing toward tyranny." -- Reader's Comment
    Politics of Obedience: The Discourse of Voluntary Servitude, Etienne de La Boétie
    https://archive.org/details/PoliticsOfObedienceTheDiscourseOfVoluntaryServitude

    *Leahy, Frederick S., Satan Cast out: A Study in Biblical Demonology, ISBN: 0851512348.
    "It is often said that wherever there is a rejection of faith in the living God a corresponding upsurge of the demonic will eventually appear. That is true not only in the pages of the Bible and in the annals of Christian missions; it has also become a striking feature of the life in our materialistic, post-Christian society. . . . Full of sane exposition and wise counsel, his work has been widely appreciated since its first publication in 1975." -- Publisher
    "Probably one of the best, most Scriptural books written today on the subject of demonology." -- Presbyterian Journal

    Mack, Wayne A., The Role of Women in the Church: A Study of the Bible to Discover God's Directives for the Church in This Area of Modern day Confusion and Turmoil.
    "After introductory comments, the book breaks into two major sections: what women may not do in the church and what women may do in the church. 'God said to the women, "You glorify me in doing these particular acts." He also said to the men, "You glorify me by doing other acts".' May God help men and women to cheerfully submit to the will of God, for God's way is perfect." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    Mayhew, Jonathan, A Discourse Concerning Unlimited Submission and Non-Resistance to the Higher Powers,
    http://www.founding.com/library/lbody.cfm?id=230&parent=52

    *Owen, John (1616-1683), A Cluster of the Fruit of Canaan: Rules of Walking in Fellowship, With Reference to the Pastor or Minister That Watcheth for our Souls. Alternate title: ESHCOL: A CLUSTER OF THE FRUIT OF CANAAN; BROUGHT TO THE BORDERS, FOR THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF THE SAINTS, TRAVELLING THITHER-WARD, WITH THEIR FACES TOWARDS SYON. OR, RULES OF DIRECTION, FOR THE WALKING OF THE SAINTS IN FELLOWSHIP, ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF THE GOSPEL. COLLECTED AND EXPLAINED FOR THE USE OF THE CHURCH AT COGGESHALL, BY JOHN OWEN THEIR PASTOR, 1648. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN Vol. 13. (13:1-49).

    *Owen, John (1616-1683), Ministry and Fellowship, ISBN: 0851510639 9780851510637. A Christian classic.
    "Contains: The duty of pastors and people distinguished, schism, the nature of schism, the authority of the magistrate in the church, consideration of indulgence and toleration, and much more."

    Preston, John (1587-1628), The Saints Submission and Satans Overthrow. Or, Sermons on James 4.7 [James 4:7]. By that faithfull and reverend divine, Iohn Preston, Doctor in divinitie, Chaplaine in ordinarie to his Majestie, Master of Emmanuel Colledge, sometime preacher of Lincolnes-Inne, 1638.

    Singleton, John, What is the Best way to Prepare to Meet God in the Way of His Judgments or Mercies? In PURITAN SERMONS 1659-1689: BEING THE MORNING EXERCISES AT CRIPPLEGATE, ST. GILES IN THE FIELDS, AND IN SOUTHWARK BY SEVENTY-FIVE MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL IN OR NEAR LONDON WITH NOTES AND TRANSLATIONS BY JAMES NICHOLS (4:57-79).

    *Tripp, Theodore A., and David Powlison (introduction), Shepherding a Child's Heart, ISBN: 0966378601 9780966378603.
    "Written for parents with children of any age, this insightful book provides perspectives and procedures for shepherding your child's heart into the paths of life. SHEPHERDING A CHILD'S HEART gives fresh biblical approaches to child rearing." -- Publisher
    "This is a masterful book." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
    "Solid, trustworthy, biblical help for parents." -- John MacArthur.

    Willson, James McLeod (1809-1866), An Essay on Submission to the Powers That be
    http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2016/6/2/an-essay-on-submission-to-the-powers-that-be

    Wilson, P. Bunny, Liberated by Submission, ISBN: 1565077202 9781565077201. Alternate title: LIBERATED THROUGH SUBMISSION.
    Submission is the whole thing, submission to God, the Ultimate Judge, Lawgiver, Holiness, and submission to others. The caveat -- everyone tries to play god, and thus interferes with what God is doing, thus the need for discerning submission.
    "LIBERATED THROUGH SUBMISSION has given me the boldness to stand up and say that my desire is to be a submitted wife and the reasons why. Before I read this book, I sat silently when other women exploded about the forbidden 's' word. The Bible tells us clearly to submit and I did, as an act of obedience to God, however, I did not like it. As a result of reading Bunny's book, not only do I want to submit, but I recognize that I cannot afford not to. I am now 'Liberated' because submission allows me to step back and watch God move. . . !" -- Reader's Comment

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Idolatry, Power, Authority, 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), Unfaithful reformed ministries, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Freedom: a gift of the grace of god, Sonship, Adoption, Political and economic freedom, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Sex ethics, sex education, Medical ethics, The all-sufficiency of christ, Christ's kingdom, Lordship of jesus christ, Trusting god, The covenant faithfulness of god, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The covenanted reformation of scotland background and history, The covenanted reformation, Covenanted reformation short title listing, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Individual responsibility for corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Justifying faith, Idolatry, Secret societies, ungodly alliances, voluntary associations, Oaths, ensnaring vows, promises, and covenants, bonds with the ungodly, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, Unfaithful reformed ministries, Politics, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, Manhood, Men, women, and god, Marriage, Fatherhood, Family, Parenting, Divorce, Fatherlessness, Church and state, Self-denial, Holiness, Secret societies and ungodly alliance, Pseudo-christian movements, Bribery, Extortion, Feminism, Abortion and the sanctity of life, Theft, fraud, stealing: property rights and freedom, The courts, the law base, and the judicial system, Christianity and the workplace, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 3233, 3234
    MGTP: Submission to God

    Related Weblinks

    Calvin's Commentaries: Jeremiah 5:30-31
    "He then adds, And my people have wished it to be so. The common people, no doubt, exculpated themselves, as they do at this day, who hold forth this excuse as their shield, 'O, we are not learned, we have never been in school, and what can we do but to follow our bishops?' Thus, then, at this day, the lower orders, the multitude, seek to cast off every blame from themselves. But the Prophet says here, that the people loved to have things so. And, doubtless, we shall find that to be ever true which is said in Deuteronomy 13:3, that when false prophets come, it is for the purpose of trying God's people, whether they from the heart love God. It is then his object to try our religion, whenever he gives loose reins to impostors and false prophets: for every one who truly loves God will be preserved by his Spirit from being led away by such deceivers. When, therefore, ignorant men are deluded, it is certain that they are justly punished for their neglect and contempt of God, because they have not been sufficiently attentive to his service; yea, because they have wished for impostors, according to what has been also often said by the monks, "The world wishes to be deceived, let it be deceived in the name of the devil." These impostors have become so shameless, as to boast that they are the ministers of Satan to deceive men. However, that common saying has been found true; for the world is never deceived except with its own consent, and willingly; for those who are the most ignorant close their eyes against clear light, and shun God as much as they can, and seek to hide themselves in darkness, according to what Christ says,
    Whosoever committeth sin hateth the light. (John 3:20)
    The Prophet adds in the last place, And what will ye do at last, or at the end of it? Some omit the pronoun he; and others apply it to the false prophets and the priests; but the Prophet, I have no doubt, refers to Jerusalem, What will ye do at the end of it? For we know that as Jerusalem had been founded by God's hand, and while it had him as its protector and guardian, it was safe; but this was a false confidence, when they despised God and gloried in their wickedness. What, then, he says, will ye do at the end of it? as though he had said, "You deceive yourselves, if you think that this city will be perpetual; for its overthrow is nigh at hand: what then will ye do, when the city itself shall be destroyed, except that you shall be all destroyed together with it?"
    Prayer
    "Grant, Almighty God, that since we have been hitherto extremely deaf to thy many exhortations, and also to those threatenings by which thou hast sharply stimulated us to repentance, -- O grant, that this perverseness may not always remain in us, but that we may at length submit to thee, not only for a short time, but continually, so that we may to the end devote ourselves wholly to thee, and thus glorify thy name, that we may at last become partakers of that glory, which has been procured for us by the blood of thy only -- begotten Son. -- Amen." -- John Calvin commenting on Jeremiah 5:30-31

    Do you Know What Happened When Religious Principles Were Separated From Public Affairs?
    http://www.whatyouknowmightnotbeso.com/graphs.html

    Jonestown Conspiracies Revisited, Christopher Knight-Griffin
    A rigorously researched paper documented with 90 footnotes and bibliography. From THE JONESTOWN REPORT, OCTOBER 2008, VOLUME 10.
    http://jonestown.sdsu.edu/AboutJonestown/JonestownReport/Volume10/KnightGriffin1.htm

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 2, C.H. Spurgeon
    Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. (Psalm 2:10-12)
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps002.php



    Suicide

    Read the Gospel of John, chapters 14 through 16, [John 14; John 15; John 16] for comfort in time of crisis or distress.

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 143, C.H. Spurgeon
    For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead. Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate. Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate.
    I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.     (Psalm 143:3,4,5a)
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps143.php

    Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (1 Peter 5:7)

    Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
    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 5:17-19)

    See THE LARGER CATECHISM on the Sixth Commandment. Suicide is self-murder in most cases.

    When the Supreme Court of the United States ruled against prayer in public schools in 1963 the statistics for social indicators including teenage suicide began to climb dramatically. And the climb continues.
    Since 1963 [1990 data]:

    1. Violent crime has increased 500 percent.
    2. Illegitimate births have increased 400 percent.
    3. Divorces have increased 400 percent.
    4. Children living in single parent homes has increased 300 percent.
    5. Child abuse has increased 340 percent (since 1976).
    6. Teenage suicide has increased 200 percent.
    7. SAT scores have dropped almost 80 points. -- William Bennett, in The Index of Leading Cultural Indicators
    Whoredom (fornication, adultery, prostitution, homosexuality, etc.), is a major cause of violence and murder in society. (Leviticus 19:29; Intimate Partner Violence, 1993-2001; Domestic Violence: An Epidemic in American Society; Five-Year Arrest Trends, All Women, 1995-1999). "It is distressing how often death does follow adultery," -- abortion, murder of a lover, murder of a spouse, fatal "accidents," and suicide. Prior to 1960 in America the majority of murders committed where one spouse murdering either the other spouse or an adulterer. As drug abuse grew, drug related murders took the lead. (Proverbs 6:32-35; Proverbs 8:36)

    Teens are Increasingly Depressed, Anxious, and Suicidal. How can we Help? Brian Resnick
    "Overall, around 16 percent of adolescents, the CDC reports, consider suicide in a given year. 'That's an epidemic,' says Mitch Prinstein, the director of clinical psychology at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. And the deaths are just the tip of a sorrowful iceberg. Beneath it is a rising tide of pain in young people.
    "For instance, the number of teens diagnosed with clinical depression grew 37 percent between 2005 and 2014. And suicide attempts -- which are not always fatal -- are on the rise as well. Here's an unsettling example of that. A recent paper in the Journal of Pediatrics estimated that in 2018, close to 60,000 girls ages 10 to 18 tried to poison themselves. In 2008, that figure was closer to 30,000. Very few of these poisonings were fatal, but they represent an enormous amount of emotional trauma."
    https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2019/7/11/18759712/teen-suicide-depression-anxiety-how-to-help-resources

    It appears that about one in three teen aged suicides is by a gay or lesbian. Since homosexuals represent only about 5 percent of the population, gays and lesbians are greatly over-represented. -- Facts About Suicide

    Suicide

    Moreover, as Van Till points out, "The unity and organic character of our personality demands that we have a unified knowledge as the basis of our action." If this unified knowledge is not provided by the theologians, it will be provided by someone else. Human action requires that unified knowledge. Man's being requires a systematics, and he will either live or die in terms of it. His faith will lead him to action or inaction, to suicide or life.
    Thus, systematics cannot be avoided. The only question is, which systematics? Every non-Biblical system has collapse built into it. It rests on false premises, leads to false conclusions, and cannot give a valid and rational interpretation of the nature and purpose of life and the world.
    A systematic theology derived from Scripture is widely denied today as an impossibility. The reason for this is that such deniers are concerned rather with affirming another system, such as a systematic anthropology, man as creator of his own essence and lord of his own being. Such attempts, however, are a futile passion. Only a Bible-based systematics can stand and is valid. -- R.J. Rushdoony (1916-2001)

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Counseling Workshop: An Alcoholic Partner; Long-Term Counseling; Suicide; Forgiveness; Larry Crabb's Approach (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA504 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Critical Issues #1: A 12-tape Album Briefly Covering Critical Issues Faced in Counseling (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    "This series is not meant to be an exhaustive study of each issue but to define it. Problems of worry and depression -- Group therapy and transactional analysis -- Masturbation, talking about problems -- Nervous breakdowns and marriage problems -- Conscience and self approval -- Drunkenness and suicide -- The disabled and the retarded child -- Inferiority and handling problems -- Devil made me do it/God pleasing work -- Communicating and fear of death -- Too old to change/Restoring brother -- Breaking old habits, why me?"

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Suicide," and so forth, and so on.

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Sex Change; Division in Eldership; Children; Suicide; Paranoia; Repression; Forgetting; Death (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA506 [audio file].

    Baucom, John Q., Fatal Choice: The Teenage Suicide Crisis, ISBN: 080242533X 9780802425331.
    "In the face of the rising tide of teenage suicides, Baucom describes the reasons for depression, stresses, and failed expectations; self-destructiveness; and the hidden cries for help. He then furnishes a plan of action for health care professionals." -- Cyril J. Barber

    *Burnham, James, Suicide of the West: An Essay on the Meaning and Destiny of Liberalism, ISBN: 0895268221 9780895268228.
    "Through studious research into past civilizations, Burnham diagnoses the twentieth century and finds it afflicted with destructive, nay, 'suicidal' tendencies -- all of which emit from the 'Liberal syndrome' and its inherent applications. The book explores several important questions including: Why Liberalism clashes with Christianity and how Liberalism is a root cause of race riots and the rapid growth of crime.
    "James Burnham has written a book about Liberalism for which the world has been aching. It is worth more to the West than the year's gross national product, more than all the planes and bombs . . ." -- William F. Buckley, Jr.

    Carl, Frank, and Joan H. Robie, Courting the King of Terrors: Is Satan Having the Last Laugh? ISBN: 0914984187 9780914984184.
    "Why are so many people turning to mental, spiritual, and physical suicide? This book gives an answer. Its purpose is two-fold: to sound the trumpet of concern about sins creeping into the church, and to offer practical help and hope in working with those who have fallen prey to Satan's lies." -- GCB

    Carr, G. Lloyd, and Gwendolyn C. Carr, The Fierce Goodbye: Hope in the Wake of Suicide, ISBN: 0836192672 9780836192674. Alternate title: FIERCE GOODBYE: LIVING IN THE SHADOW OF SUICIDE.
    "Offers comfort to those who live on after a loved one has committed suicide. Provides guidance for those who worry about the eternal fate of that loved one. A reliable and readable summary of Christian thinking about suicide." -- GCB

    Dean, Chuck, NAM VET: Making Peace With Your Past, ISBN: 0967937108 9780967937106.
    "Dean is executive director of Point Man International, a non-profit support organization dedicated to healing war wounds of Vietnam veterans. He was among the first combat troops to be sent to Vietnam.
    "This book is a shocker. Listen to these statistics: More Vietnam veterans have committed suicide since 1975 than were killed in the war itself. The divorce rate of Nam vets is 90 percent. One out of four combat veterans make less than $7000 a year." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    "Veterans are entering the 21st century, and for many, Vietnam has never ended. Why do so many suffer from flashbacks, depression, rage, substance abuse, and nightmares? Author and Vietnam veteran Chuck Dean has helped thousands find peace and spiritual healing." -- Publisher
    Point Man International Ministries (800) 877-VETS
    http://www.pointmanintl.org/

    Du Plessis, Susan, and Jan Strydom, The Creators of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) on Trial: And of Youth Violence, the Drug Culture, Teen-age Promiscuity, the Wave of Teen Suicides and Illiteracy, ISBN: 1919751076 9781919751078.

    Hyde, Margaret O., The Silent Epidemic [suicide -- compiler], DVD, ISBN: 0070316376 9780070316379 0070316384 9780070316386.

    Hyde, Margaret O., and Elizabeth Forsyth, Suicide: The Hidden Epidemic, ISBN: 0531102513 9780531102510.
    "This third, updated edition explores the history, realities, and causes of suicide, and includes a list of prevention and intervention agencies. Thorough and useful. Bibliography." -- Publisher

    Johnson, Jerry, Why Suicide, ISBN: 0840790813 9780840790811.
    About teenage suicide. Useful in counseling the depressed.

    Miller, C. John (1928-1996), Root Causes of Depression and Suicide Among Young People; Communicating Effectively With the 'Suicidal' Person.

    Miller, C. John (1928-1996), Youth Evangelism: Dealing With Depression and Suicide (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette CM101 [audio file].

    Miller, Samuel (1769-1850), The Guilt, Folly, and Sources of Suicide. In 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).
    "Suicide is 'a crime of the deepest die . . . which has become alarmingly frequent in our land,' says Samuel Miller. Although these words were penned nearly two hundred years ago, they remain timely unto the present day, when suicide has become epidemic and political activists advocate suicide as a right of self-determination. . . .
    "Samuel Miller (1769-1850), was a Presbyterian pastor in New York City for over 20 years. In 1813 he was selected as the second instructor at Princeton Seminary, where he served for over 35 years as a professor of ecclesiastical history and church government." -- Publisher

    *Nelson, Stanley (director), Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple (2006), a documentary DVD, ISBN: 1415731527 9781415731529.
    "Stanley Nelson's [the director], riveting and often unsettling documentary on the history of the People's Temple from Jim Jones's roots as a rising preacher on the gospel rival circuit to the events that lead to that horrible day is a must see.
    "There are a several strong factors that separate this documentary from any other dealing with Jonestown incident. Nelson has tracked down a large amount of amazing archival super 8 footage shot for promotional purposes by members of People's Temple themselves. This footage helps craft an understanding of the seduction behind the ideas and opportunities Jim Jones presented to his followers that would see them travel with him from Indiana to California and finally to Guyana.
    "JONESTOWN: THE LIFE AND DEATH OF PEOPLE'S TEMPLE is a pitch perfect portrait of the Jonestown experience that sheds light on the much of the cult's mystery through interviews with survivors and former People's Temple members. By addressing Jones's early life and his surprisingly groundbreaking work in the African American communities in regards to race relations and equality you can't help connecting with the idealism behind the People's Temple's philosophy. Exploring the racial aspect of the People's Temple with its staggering 80 percent black congregation Nelson brings into play issues of poverty and class key to understanding Jim Jones's messiah-like cult persona in reference to an often ignored and struggling community.
    "Even weaving together an eerie soundtrack of songs sung by the People's Temple Choir and using heartbreaking never before seen letters and documentation made by the members right up until their deaths, Nelson never over dramatizes or relies on sentimentality in this documentary and in doing so paints a world that stays with you long after the lights go up." -- a blogger
    Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple (2006)
    http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0762111/

    Strom, Kay M., Helping Women in Crisis: A Handbook for People Helpers, ISBN: 0310336414 9780310336419.
    "Covers all the bases -- alcohol and drug abuse, child abuse, sexual molestation, incest, infidelity, rape, suicide, teenage pregnancy, wife abuse. Each chapter summarizes the major issues involved. This is a very helpful book, and lay counselors will appreciate the author's candor and practical ideas. Here is a work pastors can use in their lay counseling program." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Sturkie, Joan, Listening With Love: True Stories From Peer Counseling, ISBN: 0893901512 9780893901516.
    "LWL's stories are true stories from Joan Sturkie's peer counseling classes. Topics covered are suicide, incest, pregnancy, consequences of using drugs, etc. The stories present wonderful discussion topics for your group or class. Read it for yourself and make your own assessment." -- Reader's Comment

    Tada, Joni Eareckson, C. Everett, M.D. (foreword), When is it Right to Die? Suicide, Euthanasia, Suffering, Mercy, ISBN: 0310585708 9780310585701.
    "This book argues against the practice of euthanasia from a decidedly Christian point of view. Tada bases her arguments on the implication that euthanasia is the 'ultimate expression of selfishness' and that persons entertaining such thoughts are being tempted by the forces of evil. While Tada is undeniably self-righteous in tone, readers should note that she writes with personal authority, having been paralyzed in a diving accident in her teens. Libraries seeking to balance their euthanasia collections should consider this for purchase, along with Robert Wennberg's similarly argued TERMINAL CHOICES (LJ 11/15/89). . . . See also: David Cundiff's EUTHANASIA IS NOT THE ANSWER. . . ." -- Jennifer Amador, Central State Hospital Medical Library, Petersburg, VA, in the Library Journal
    "Joni Eareckson Tada is president of Joni and Friends, a ministry to disabled people. A presidential appointee to the National Council on Disability, she has served as a political activist on disability-related issues. She explores the issues surrounding euthanasia in more depth. . . ." -- Discipleship Journal

    See also: Crisis counseling, Ready reference: immediate counsel, Depression, Fear, Trusting god, Christian fellowship, Friendship, The ten commandments: the moral law, Hope, Fatalism, Self-destruction, Sonship, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Bad relationships a cause of disease and death, Parenting, Sharing christ with your children, Love and counseling problems, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justice, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Systematic theology, Trusting god, Islam (muslim/moslim, muhammadanism/mohammadanism), The covenant faithfulness of god, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Idolatry, Abuse, Abuse (women), Adultery, Child abuse and pedophilia, Abortion and the sanctity of life, Divorce, Fatherlessness, Gratuitous sex, a cause of violence, Abortion and the sanctity of life, Homosexuality, lesbianism, gay, bisexual, transvestite, queer (lgbtq), Hostility and violence, War, Incest, Incest (women), Pornography, Post-abortion counseling, Prostitution, Protecting children from dangers, Rape, Sex (women), Sex ethics, sex education, Sexual healing and wholeness, Sexually transmitted diseases, Carnality and flesh pleasing: lust, desires, ambition, Soul-violence, Suicide, Teens and Sex, Unforgiveness, Works by and for women, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 1699
    MGTP: Depravity (Man's Natural Total), Wicked Men

    Related Weblinks

    Club Drug (Ketamine) Produces Exciting Benefits for Severe Depression, April 3, 2014
    "I received a ketamine infusion several months ago . . . . the effect was instantaneous and miraculous. All symptoms were completely relieved within two hours. The relief lasted about two weeks.
    "Your experience has just been confirmed by new research published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology (online, April 3, 2014). A small study from the UK demonstrated that infusions of ketamine produced dramatic responses in severely depressed patients. Like you, some of these individuals had been suffering for decades."
    http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2014/04/03/club-drug-ketamine-produces-exciting-benefits-for-severe-depression/

    Faith Under Fire: Jesus Among Other Gods (part 1 of 2), [audio file], Ravi Zacharias, May 20, 2017
    "Who is Jesus? Why is He the answer? This week on Let My People Think, Ravi Zacharias examines the four fundamental questions we all ask at some point in our lives, and the events in his life that ultimately led him to Jesus."
    http://rzim.org/let-my-people-think-broadcasts/faith-under-fire-jesus-among-other-gods-part-1-of-2/

    Gun Deaths are Cultural, B.J. Campbell, August 11, 2020
    Gun suicides account for about two-thirds of gun deaths.
    "My colleagues at Open Source Defense and I were recently pointed to a pretty amazing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) project hosted by The Oregonian, which uses CDC data and population rate data to determine the gun deaths rate, gun homicide rate, and gun suicide rate within the country on a county-by-county basis. They used data from 2004 through 2010 to have enough data to apply meaningfully to counties with sparse populations. They produced an interactive website, where you can zoom in to any area of the country. Anyone can go to the website itself and zoom in or around any of the maps in this article, to look at them yourself, and we encourage you to do so "don't just take our word for it'."
    https://www.recoilweb.com/geographic-evidence-that-gun-deaths-are-cultural-162216.html

    How Civilizations Commit Suicide, [audio file] Reformation Society, July 30, 2020
    "What builds up civilizations and what breaks them down.
    "Western Christian civilization is not only under siege, it has been systematically sabotaged and undermined for most of the last century. We often need historic perspective to understand our times and to know what the Word of God requires us to do."
    And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in. (Isaiah 58:12)
    https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=11221912158656

    Jonestown Conspiracies Revisited, Christopher Knight-Griffin
    A rigorously researched paper documented with 90 footnotes and bibliography. From THE JONESTOWN REPORT, OCTOBER 2008, VOLUME 10.
    http://jonestown.sdsu.edu/AboutJonestown/JonestownReport/Volume10/KnightGriffin1.htm

    New Hope for the Prevention of Veteran and Military Suicides, Zoe Szathmary, September 13, 2017
    "Once every 72 minutes. That's how often U.S. military veterans kill themselves.
    "According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, some 20 veterans committed suicide per day in 2014 -- the most recently available statistics. . . ."
    http://www.lifezette.com/healthzette/new-hope-prevention-veteran-military-suicides/

    The Painful Truth: Physicians are not Invincible From Southern Medical Journal, Merry N. Miller, MD., K. Ramsey McGowen, Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City.
    "The overall physician suicide rate cited by most studies has been between 28 and 40 per 100,000, compared with the overall rate in the general population of 12.3 per 100,000.[1] Overall, then, physicians are more than twice as likely as the general population to kill themselves. Each year, it would take the equivalent of 1 to 2 average-sized graduating classes of medical school to replace the number of physicians who kill themselves. This rate appears higher than among other professionals.[2]"
    http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/410643_2

    Stress, Suicide, and Female Physicians
    "It is estimated that three times as many physicians take their own lives compared to the population at large. Up to 130 commit suicide each year, which is about the size of the Harvard Medical School graduating class.
    "This has generally been attributed to the increased stresses doctors are now subjected to, including: Practice pressures and demands that leave little time to attend to family or personal needs, Government regulations that are increasingly restrictive, Third party intrusions and interference, Increase in malpractice litigation and insurance costs, Pressure to practice defensive medicine, Erosion of the doctor-patient relationship, Diminished public image of physicians, Fear of serious injury from a violent patient or protest group, Managing the business aspects of medical practice in a climate of decreasing compensation at the same time expenses continue to escalate, Lack of access to support systems."
    http://www.stress.org/pubsmultimedia/essays-and-articles/#sthash.5kUNLRpJ.dpuf

    Suicide
    "With teen mental health deteriorating over five years, there's a likely culprit. All signs point to the screen, November 14, 2017.
    "Not only did smartphone use and depression increase in tandem, but time spent online was linked to mental health issues across two different data sets. We found that teens who spent five or more hours a day online were 71 percent more likely than those who spent less than an hour a day to have at least one suicide risk factor (depression, thinking about suicide, making a suicide plan or attempting suicide). Overall, suicide risk factors rose significantly after two or more hours a day of time online."
    http://theconversation.com/with-teen-mental-health-deteriorating-over-five-years-theres-a-likely-culprit-86996

    Suicide Compared to Other Causes of Mortality in Physicians, Torre, D.M., Wang, N.Y., Meoni, L.A., Young, J.H., Klag, M.J., Ford, D.E., Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
    "1: Suicide Life Threat Behav. 2005 Apr;35(2):146-53.
    "Suicide was the only cause of death where risk was greater than the general population. Overall, we found that physicians are at substantially lower risk of dying compared to the general population for all causes of death except suicide. The findings for suicide are strikingly different than other causes of death and should provide impetus for new research on the mental health of physicians."
    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15843332?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DiscoveryPanel.Pubmed_Discovery_RA&linkpos=5&log$=relatedarticles&logdbfrom=pubmed

    Suicide Statistics, 2017, National Institute of Mental Health
    "There were more than twice as many suicides (47,173) in the United States as there were homicides (19,510).
    "Figure 1 shows the age-adjusted suicide rates in the United States for each year from 2001 through 2017 for the total population, and for males and females presented separately. During that 16-year period, the total suicide rate increased 31 percent from 10.7 to 14.0 per 100,000.
    "The suicide rate among males remained nearly four times higher (22.4 per 100,000 in 2017) than among females (6.1 per 100,000 in 2017)."
    https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/suicide.shtml

    Suicide: Why Abortion and Teen Suicide are Inexorably Linked, Ardee Coolidge, July 13, 2017
    "Teen suicide has risen over 25 percent in the last six years. A study of depression among teenagers published in The Journal Pediatrics last November found that the number of teens reporting a Major Depressive Episode (MDE) increased 37 percent, from 8.7 percent in 2005 to 11.5 percent in 2014. (MDEs are defined as 'a period of at least two weeks of low mood that is present in most situations. Symptoms include low self-esteem, loss of interest in normally enjoyable activities, and problems with sleep, energy and concentration.'). "Time Magazine reported that the Los Angeles Unified school district had 5,000 reported incidents of suicidal behavior in students last year, compared to 235 incidents in the 2010-2011 school year."
    https://www.care-net.org/abundant-life-blog/why-abortion-and-teen-suicide-are-inexorably-linked

    Surprising Ketamine Side Effects and Anti-Suicide Benefits, Joe Graedon, January 1, 2018
    "I learned about surprising ketamine side effects from the researcher who first tested it in humans. He had no idea this anesthetic might prevent suicide."
    https://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2018/01/01/surprising-ketamine-side-effects-and-anti-suicide-benefits/

    Teens are increasingly depressed, anxious, and suicidal. How can we help? Brian Resnick, July 11, 2019
    "There are good research-backed solutions to prevent suicide among young people. . . .
    ""Overall, around 16 percent of adolescents, the CDC reports, consider suicide in a given year. 'That's an epidemic,' says Mitch Prinstein, the Director of Clinical Psychology at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. And the deaths are just the tip of a sorrowful iceberg. Beneath it is a rising tide of pain in young people.
    "For instance, the number of teens diagnosed with clinical depression grew 37 percent between 2005 and 2014. And suicide attempts -- which are not always fatal -- are on the rise as well. Here's an unsettling example of that. A recent paper in the Journal of Pediatrics estimated that in 2018, close to 60,000 girls ages 10 to 18 tried to poison themselves. In 2008, that figure was closer to 30,000. Very few of these poisonings were fatal, but they represent an enormous amount of emotional trauma."
    https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2019/7/11/18759712/teen-suicide-depression-anxiety-how-to-help-resources

    U.S. Suicide Rate Surges to a 30-Year High, Sabrina Tavernise, April 22, 2016
    "Dr. Alex Crosby, an epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said he had studied the association between economic downturns and suicide going back to the 1920s and found that suicide was highest when the economy was weak. One of the highest rates in the country's modern history, he said, was in 1932, during the Great Depression, when the rate was 22.1 per 100,000, about 70 percent higher than in 2014."
    http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/22/health/us-suicide-rate-surges-to-a-30-year-high.html?smid=fb-share&_r=0

    Young Adolescents as Likely to die From Suicide as From Traffic Accidents
    "Death is a rare event for adolescents. But the unprecedented rise in suicide among children at such young ages, however small the number, was troubling and federal researchers decided to track it. In all, 425 children ages 10 to 14 killed themselves in 2014. In contrast, 384 children of that age died in car accidents."
    http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/04/health/suicide-adolescents-traffic-deaths.html?smid=fb-share



    Temptation

    But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (James 1:14,15)
    So it appears that "It is impossible for one to desire any thing which one already possess," a thought that seldom comes to mind amid the covetousness and crass commercialism of our culture.

    See the Theological Notes: "Satan," at Job 1:6 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    See the Theological Notes: "The Humanity of Jesus," at 2 John 7 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

    Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
    But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
    Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.     (James 1:13-15)

    Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
    Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 4:7,10)

    Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you. For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men. As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich. They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge. Shall I not visit for these things? saith the LORD: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this? A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land; The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof? (Jeremiah 5:25-31). See the annotation in The Reformation Study Bible.

    I find it to be most true, that the greatest temptation out of hell is to live without temptations. If my waters should stand, they would rot. Faith is the better of the free air, and of the sharp winter storms in its face. Grace withereth without adversity. The devil is but God's master fencer, to teach us to handle our weapons. -- Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661), The Loveliness of Christ
    Martha Finley uses part of this quote in ELSIE'S WIDOWHOOD, Book 7, Chapter 4, p. 41. Elsie's father consoling her on the sudden, unexpected death of her husband whom had been his lifelong friend.

    If your graces are weaker, your temptations also shall be fewer, and your afflictions lighter. This is evident in Scripture: the strongest in grace have been the most tempted, afflicted, and distressed. Abraham excelled in faith, and God tried the strength of his faith to the uttermost. Moses excelled others in meekness and had to deal with a murmuring generation. Job carried the day with patience, and he was exercised with great afflictions. So God, in much wisdom and love, will suit your burdens to your backs. He will fit all your afflictions to your strength. -- Thomas Brooks (1608-1680), Works, III:67-68

    It is our duty to be perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord (2 Corinthians 7:1); to be growing in grace every day (1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18); to be renewing our inward man day by day (2 Corinthianss 4:16). Now, this cannot be done without the daily mortifying of sin: sin sets its strength against every act of holiness, and against every degree we grow to. Let not that man think he makes any progress in holiness, who walks not over the neck of his lusts. He, who doth not kill sin in his way, takes no steps towards his journey's end. He, who finds not opposition from it, and who sets not himself in every particular to its mortification, is at peace with it, not dying to it. -- John Owen (1616-1683)

    Lastly, To name no more, self-denial must now be promoted. If any man will come after me, he must deny himself. (Mark 8:34) Both sinful self, which must absolutely and universally be denied; and natural, yea, religious self, which must respectively, and in some cases, be denied also. The want of this, hath been the downfall and ruin of many an eminent professor. The most dangerous nick and opportunity of temptation, is, when a man is tried in his darling lust; now he falls by the root, if that be not mortified. This was the ruin of Judas; covetousness was his predominant lust; and when he was tried there, he falls immediately. (Matthew 26:16) What will you give me, and I will betray him? (Matthew 26:15) This overturned Demas also. Oh, consider these things. -- John Flavel (1627-1691)

    Warnings from divines to be watchful against temptations as we grow older
    For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father. (1 Kings 11:4])
    When Solomon was old -- when it might have been expected that age should have cooled his lust, and experience have made him wiser and better, and when probably he was secure as to any such miscarriages; then God permitted him to fall so shamefully, that he might be to all succeeding generations an example. -- Matthew Poole (1624-1679)
    God thus shows us that there is no protection in years. -- A.W. Pink (1886-1952)
    It is very remarkable that all the falls, as far as I remember, recorded in Scripture, are those of old men. This should be a great warning to us who think we are getting wise and experienced. Lot and Judah, and Eli and Solomon, and Asa were all advanced in years when they were found faulty before the Lord. -- C.H. Spurgeon (1834-1892)
    Apostasy in old age is fearful. So wretched is it for old men to fall near to their very entry of heaven, as old Eli in his indulgence, 1 Samuel 2; old Judah in his incest, Genesis 38; old David with Bathsheba, 2 Samuel 11; old Asa trusting in the physicians more than in God, 2 Chronicles 16:12; and old Solomon built the high places. -- Thomas Adams (1583-1656)
    Satan made a prey of old Solomon, Asa, Lot, others; whom when young he could never so deceive -- many that have held out well in youth, have failed and been shamefully foiled in old age. -- John Trapp (1601-1699)
    Lot did not transgress most grossly until he was an old man. Isaac seems to have become a glutton in his old age, and was as a vessel no longer meet for the Master's use, which rusted out rather than wore out. It was after a life of walking with God, and building the ark, that Noah disgraced himself. The worst sin of Moses was committed not at the beginning, but at the end of the wilderness journey. Hezekiah became puffed up with pride near the sunset of his life. What warnings are these! -- A.W. Pink
    Thus many men have borne temptation bravely for years -- and just when the trial was over and they reckoned that they were safe -- they turned aside to crooked ways and grieved the Lord. You are greatly surprised aren't you? You would have believed it of anybody sooner than of them, but so it is. -- C.H. Spurgeon
    I have observed in some good men and good ministers, improprieties in their latter days, which I have been willing to ascribe to the infirmities of old age, than to a defect in real grace -- I have known good men, in advanced life, garrulous, peevish, dogmatic, self-important, with some symptoms of jealousy, and perhaps envy, towards those who are on increase while they feel themselves decreasing. -- John Newton (1725-1807)
    We have often heard older saints warning younger brothers and sisters of their great danger, yet it is striking to observe that Scripture records not a single instance of a young saint disgracing his profession -- It is true that young Christians are feeblest, and with rare exceptions, they know it; and therefore does God manifest His grace and power upholding them: it is the 'lambs' which He carries in His arms! But some older Christians seem far less conscious of their danger, and so God often suffers them to have a fall, that He may stain the pride of their self-glory, and that others may see it is nothing in the flesh, standing, rank, age, or attainments, which insures our safety; but that He upholds the humble and casts down the proud. -- A.W. Pink
    Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. (1 Corinthians 10:12) The harms sustained by others should be cautions to us. He that thinks he stands should not be confident and secure, but upon his guard. Others have fallen, and so may we. -- Matthew Henry (1662-1714)
    When old people fall, they fall with a great weight, and are crushed more than younger people, and perhaps they have more difficulty to rise again. Far more excuses are found for the lapses of young people, than can be pretended by the aged. Take warning by poor Noah -- one hour's drunkenness discovered that [nakedness] which six hundred years sobriety had concealed. -- Richard Steele (1629-1692)
    Take this, then, as a caution, lest we spoil a lifelong reputation by one wretched act of sin. -- C.H. Spurgeon
    All sins are rooted in love of pleasure. Therefore be watchful. -- Thomas Manton (1620-1677)
    A wandering heart needs a watchful eye. -- Thomas Watson (1620-1686)
    Sometimes those who, with watchfulness and resolution, have, by the grace of God, kept their integrity in the midst of temptation, have through security, and carelessness, and neglect of the grace of God, been surprised into sin when the hour of temptation has been over. -- Matthew Henry
    Thus Lot, he who kept his integrity in the midst of all the temptations of Sodom, falls into a grievous sin in a place where he might seem most remote from all temptations; God permitting this, to teach all following ages how weak even the best men are when they are left to themselves, and what absolute need they have of Divine assistance. -- Matthew Poole
    How many are the evils of our hearts! What need do we find of constant watchfulness and earnest prayer for the supply of the Spirit. Self, that most subtle and dangerous of all our foes, will assume a thousand forms to draw our supreme attention from our Lord. Both the lusts of the flesh and the lusts of the mind must be continually opposed and mortified. -- Thomas Manton
    The Lord's grace is promised to him that resisteth. God keepeth us from the evil one, but it is by our watchfulness and resistance; His power maketh it effectual. -- John Ryland (1723-1792)
    Cool passions are no guarantees against fiery sins, unless grace has cooled them. -- C.H. Spurgeon
    If we do need not more grace, certain it is that we need as much grace when we are grown old, as while we are growing up. -- A.W. Pink
    As it starts, so it continues. It is a "fight of faith" always, right to the end. -- Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981)

    In the mid-70's (probably about April 6, 1976), I viewed a unforgettable Merv Griffin show. The studio audience was emptied, and a panel of experts in criminal science, psychiatry, clinical psychology, theology, and so forth, interviewed a contract killer, a Mafia hit-man, named "Joey," Max Kurschner, with 38 kills. He was later convicted on minor charges including tax fraud. See: KILLER: AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A MAFIA HIT MAN (1973), a New York Times bestseller. (On November 2013 Reelin'In The Years Productions said the program was among the two thirds that did not survive in official archives. "Joey" was interviewed on other programs at the time.)
    Near the end of the show one panel member asked "Joey" why he had killed 38 men, and why he had continued to kill. He answered, without hesitation, that it was because taking another man's life gave him a personal sense of great glory.
    Lesson learned: A personal sense of great glory is not exclusively a sign of goodness, but, instead can be a sign of horrible wrongdoing. Some individuals associate glory with God alone. And they associate personal glory exclusively with acts of goodness. But, in fact, a sense of glory may be a most dangerous temptation to any of us. There is glory in righteousness, and then there is glory in iniquity.
    Therefore, unregenerate leadership (churchmen, politicians, lawyers, educators, physicians, business leaders, etc.), "working the crowd" will blindly lead the crowd [our nation], directly into the jaws of Hell. For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord. But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death. (Proverbs 8:35,36)
    "Diversity and inclusion," along with injustice, IS toleration, and toleration has been the death knell of ANY and ALL societies, present and past.
    The highest ethical standard known to mankind is historic, orthodox, reformed Christianity. What have you been standing for?
    Glory in Iniquity, the Temptation of Vainglory
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappd.html#glryinqty

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Temptation," and so forth, and so on.

    Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), The Sixth Petition. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THE REVEREND THOMAS BOSTON (2:619-38). In AN ILLUSTRATION OF THE DOCTRINES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION. (1:9-2:659).

    *Brooks, Thomas (1608-1680), Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices, ISBN: 0851510027 9780851510026. A Christian classic.
    "The best Christian authors of former times treated the seductive influence and terrible power of Satan in a way 'greatly more full and suggestive than in the literature of the present day'." -- William Grimshaw
    " 'The strange opposition that I met with from Satan, in the study of the following discourse, hath put an edge upon my spirit, knowing that Satan strives mightily to keep these things from seeing the light that tend eminently to shake and break his kingdom of darkness, and to lift up the kingdom and glory of the Lord Jesus Christ, in the souls and lives of the children of men . . .' This is one of the seven reasons for writing his book which the author, Thomas Brooks, gives in his preface." -- Publisher

    Dabney, Robert Lewis (1820-1898), The Sin of the Tempter: A Sermon on Habakkuk, ii chap. xv verse [Habakkuk 2:15]. In DISCUSSIONS: EVANGELICAL AND THEOLOGICAL (1:626-42).
    "On the sin of tempting a fellowman to transgression."

    Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), Temptation and Deliverance; or, Joseph's Great Temptation and Gracious Deliverance. In THE WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS (2:226-33).

    Eisenman, Tom L., Temptations men Face, ISBN: 0830813799 9780830813797.

    *Gilpin, Richard (1625-1700), Daemonologia Sacra: A Treatise on Satan's Temptations, 587 pages. Alternate title: BIBLICAL DEMONOLOGY and GILPIN ON TEMPTATIONS, ISBN: 0865240930. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "The final part consists of Gilpin's careful analysis of Satan's temptation of Christ in Matthew 4. Gilpin points out the various tactics used by Satan against Christ, and shows that these are the very tactics that Satan still uses today against Christians. One temptation he notes in particular is the temptation to doubt God's goodness due to unfavourable providences. When we encounter a bad situation in our lives, we are tempted to distrust God. If we fall into this temptation, instead of trusting the Lord to work things out, we can be led to try to remedy the situation by our own means (apart from God), and thereby easily fall into a sinful course. 'Satan is not discouraged easily, nor doth he always desist upon the first repulse, but frequently renews the assault, when he is strongly and resolutely resisted (p. 90)'." -- Publisher
    "Originally published in 1677 and now reissued under the new title BIBLICAL DEMONOLOGY, this collection of sermons ably explores Satan's person and work. It is of particular value for Gilpin's analysis of the way Satan tempts the saints. A rare and edifying study." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Knox, John (1505-1572), and Abraham Fleming (1552?-1607), A Fort for the Afflicted. VVherin are Ministered Many Notable and Excellent Remedies Against the Stormes of Tribulation. Written chiefly for the comforte of Christes little flocke, which is the final number of the faithfull, by Iohn Knoxe, 1580. Available (THE WORKS OF JOHN KNOX), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (THE WORKS OF JOHN KNOX), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
    A commentary on Psalm VI [Psalm 6].

    Lindsell, Harold, The World, the Flesh, and the Devil, ISBN: 0913686042 9780913686041.

    *Lockyer, Herbert, All the Promises of the Bible, ISBN: 0310281318.
    "A devotional expositional compilation of all the promises [about 3,300 of the approximate 8,810 promises -- compiler], that are found in Scripture." -- Publisher
    "Lockyer's in-depth look at the scope of God's promises arranges them in categories that cover the full array of human concerns, from the spiritual to the material and the corporate to the personal. As you come to understand God's promises and how they apply to every aspect of your life, you'll gain a trust in God that will sustain you through the worst of times and be your source of rejoicing in the best.
    "Dr. Herbert Lockyer was born in London in 1886, and held pastorates in Scotland and England for 25 years before coming to the United States in 1935. In 1937 he received the honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Northwestern Evangelical Seminary. In 1955 he returned to England where he lived for many years. He then returned to the United States where he continued to devote time to the writing ministry until his death in November of 1984." -- Publisher

    *Marshall, Walter (1628-1680), The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification: Growing in Holiness by Living in Union With Christ (Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, Inc., 2005, 1999), 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:
    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
    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)

    *Owen, John (1616-1683), Sin and Temptation: The Challenge to Personal Godliness. ISBN: 1556618301 9781556618307. A Christian classic.
    "The concept of sin and personal responsibility has all but disappeared from our world. John Owen deals with the nature of sinful humanity as no writer since has done as keenly or thoroughly, arguing that sin is always a self-deceiving, blinding folly. Owen was a leading English statesman in the late 17th century and is considered 'the John Calvin of England'." -- Publisher

    Owen, John (1616-1683), Of Temptation, the Nature and Power of it. The Danger of Entering Into it. And the Means of Preventing that Danger. With a Resolution of Sundry Cases Thereunto Belonging. By John Owen, D.D., 1721.

    *Owen, John (1616-1683), Kelly M. Kapic (editor), Justin Taylor (editor), Overcoming Sin and Temptation, ISBN: 1581346492 9781581346497.
    "The writings of John Owen are a challenge to any reader, to say the least. His intricacy and complexity are intimidating and his language is downright befuddling at times. However, the depth of thought and the immense value of Owen's works cannot be quantified. His three classic works on sin and temptation are profoundly helpful to any believer who seeks to become more like Jesus Christ.
    "In this volume, the editors have made updates to the language, translated the Latin, Greek, and Hebrew and footnoted difficult or unknown phrases, all without sacrificing any of the wonderful content of Owen's work. It is a uniquely accessible edition of John Owen's previously daunting work." -- Publisher
    "The editors of this volume have worked hard to make Owen's unrivalled insight into the Christian's inner war with sin accessible to all, and the result is truly a godsend." -- J.I. Packer (1926-2020), Professor of Theology, Regent College
    "John Owen understood how the gospel makes us well. Three cheers for Kapic and Taylor for introducing a new generation to Owen's peerless works." -- Sinclair B. Ferguson, Senior Minister, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, S.C.
    The Works of John Owen at Archive.org
    https://archive.org/search.php?query=the+works+of+john+owen&page=2

    *Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon.
    A sermon by C.H. Spurgeon delivered on Lord's-day morning, September 9, 1888, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon no. 2043.
    "This is the way in which you should use this plea. Say, 'My God, I am utterly unworthy, and I own it; but, I beseech thee, hear me for the honour of thy dear Son. By his agony and bloody sweat, by his cross and passion, by his precious death and burial, I beseech thee hear me! O Lord, let the blood of thine Only-begotten prevail with thee! Canst thou put aside his groans, his tears, his death, when they speak on my behalf?' If you can thus come to pleading terms with God upon this ground, you must and will prevail. Jesus must be heard in heaven. The voice of his blood is eloquent with God. If you plead the atoning sacrifice, you must overcome through the blood of the Lamb." -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon

    Traill, Robert (1642-1716), The Throne of Grace Discoursed of From Heb. IV, 16 [Hebrews 4:16] / by Robert Trail, 1696, 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.

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Carnality and flesh pleasing: desires, pleasure, Sin, the contagion of sin, imitation, conformity, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Mortification of sin in the flesh, Justification, Justifying faith, Affliction, adversity, trials, Glory in iniquity, the temptation of vainglory, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Justice, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, The all-sufficiency of christ, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Sex ethics, sex education, Spiritual warfare, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Lust, Gratuitous sex, a cause of violence, Adultery, Affliction, adversity, trials, The promises of Christ, Bible promises, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 3584-3595
    MGTP: Temptation, God -- Law of

    Related Weblinks

    Glory in Iniquity, the Temptation of Vainglory
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappd.html#glryinqty

    Temptation (FGB #160)
    Mortification of sin, Erroll Hulse -- A Necessity | Abstain From Fleshly Lusts, Martin Luther (1483-1546) | Helps Against Temptation, Thomas Brooks (1608-1680) | The Christian's Warfare, Robert M. McCheyne (1813-1843) | Temptation of Believers, John Owen (1616-1683) | Benefits of Temptation, G.A.W.
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/tempfg/temptation

    The Temptation of Eve (part 1 of 2), a sermon on Genesis 3:1-6 by Brian Schwertley
    The Satanic Worldview, as a secondary point, is exegeted from Genesis 3
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=720081817191

    The Temptation of Eve (part 2 of 2), a sermon on Genesis 3:1-6 by Brian Schwertley
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=72008182576



    Theft, Fraud, Stealing: Property Rights and Freedom

    The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 10:10)

    But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:33)

    For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. (Mark 7:21, 22)

    The Ten Commandments not only safeguard the right of private property, but are also additional evidence that the right is divinely ordained. -- C. Gregg Singer, "Calvinism and Economic Thought and Practice" in John Calvin: His Roots and Fruits, p. 46

    Q. 140. Which is the eighth commandment?
    A. The eighth commandment is, Thou shalt not steal.[800]
    Q. 141. What are the duties required in the eighth commandment?
    A. The duties required in the eighth commandment are, truth, faithfulness, and justice in contracts and commerce between man and man;[801] rendering to everyone his due; restitution of goods unlawfully detained from the right owners thereof;[802] giving and lending freely, according to our abilities, and the necessities of others;[803] moderation of our judgments, wills, and affections concerning worldly goods;[804] a provident care and study to get,[805] keep, use, and dispose these things which are necessary and convenient for the sustentation of our nature, and suitable to our condition;[806] a lawful calling,[807] and diligence in it;[808] frugality;[809] avoiding unnecessary lawsuits,[810] and suretyship, or other like engagements;[811] and an endeavor, by all just and lawful means, to procure, preserve, and further the wealth and outward estate of others, as well as our own.[812]
    Q. 142. What are the sins forbidden in the eighth commandment?
    A. The sins forbidden in the eighth commandment, besides the neglect of the duties required,[813] are, theft,[814] robbery,[815] man-stealing,[816] and receiving any thing that is stolen;[817] fraudulent dealing,[818] false weights and measures,[819] removing landmarks,[820] injustice and unfaithfulness in contracts between man and man,[821] or in matters of trust;[822] oppression,[823] extortion,[824] usury,[825] bribery,[826] vexatious lawsuits,[827] unjust inclosures and depopulations;[828] ingrossing commodities to enhance the price;[829] unlawful callings,[830] and all other unjust or sinful ways of taking or withholding from our neighbour what belongs to him, or of enriching ourselves;[831] covetousness;[832] inordinate prizing and affecting worldly goods;[833] distrustful and distracting cares and studies in getting, keeping, and using them;[834] envying at the prosperity of others;[835] as likewise idleness,[836] prodigality, wasteful gaming; and all other ways whereby we do unduly prejudice our own outward estate,[837] and defrauding ourselves of the due use and comfort of that estate which God hath given us. [838]
    Q. 146. Which is the tenth commandment?
    A. The tenth commandment is, Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shall not covet they neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.[910]
    Q. 147. What are the duties required in the tenth commandment?
    A. The duties required in the tenth commandment are, such a full contentment with our own condition,[911] and such a charitable frame of the whole soul toward our neighbour, as that all our inward motions and affections touching him, tend unto, and further all that good which is his.[912]
    Q. 148. What are the sins forbidden in the tenth commandment?
    A. The sins forbidden in the tenth commandment are, discontentment with our own estate;[913] envying[914] and grieving at the good of our neighbour,[915] together with all inordinate motions and affections to anything that is his.[916] -- The Larger Catechism

    But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. (1 Timothy 1:8-11)
    One of the besetting sins of mankind is to use the law to oppress and steal from his fellowman. Frederic Bastiat unfolds this sin in, The Law.

    Thus, what is clearly condemned by the Tenth Commandment is every attempt to gain by fraud, coercion, or deceit that which belongs to our neighbor. On this principle, alienation of affection suits [akin to marrying for money], were once a part of the law of the land. Their abuse by a lawless age led to their abolition, but the principle is sound. A person who works systematically to alienate the affections of a husband or wife in order to gain him or her for himself, sometimes together with his monetary assets, is guilty of violating this law.
    This law thus forbids the expropriation by fraud or deceit of that which belongs to our neighbor. The Tenth Commandment therefore does sum up commandments six through nine and gives them an additional perspective. [emphasis added. Notice that one through four prohibit taking from God that which is his due, yet very few attain to this type of obedience]. The other commandments deal with obviously illegal acts, i.e., clear-cut violations of law. The Tenth Commandment can be broken within these laws. To cite a Biblical example. David committed adultery with Bathsheba, a clearly illegal act. His subsequent acts were technically within the law: Uriah was put in the forefront of the battle and orders were so issued as to insure Uriah's death in battle. It was not technically murder, but it was clearly a conspiracy to kill, with David and Joab both guilty of murder.
    Thus, a variety of laws in Western civilization are based on this principle of the fraudulent use of the law to defraud or to harm. Many of these laws legislate against the conspiracy aspect of fraud. They legislate against the covetous seizure of our neighbor's possessions by evil through sometimes legal means. The law against dishonest gain is thus a very important one, and the Tenth Commandment, instead of being a vague appendage to the law, is basic to it.
    This law against dishonest gain is directed by God, not merely to the individual, but to the state and all institutions [including corporations, foundations, organizations, secret societies, churches, parachurch organizations, and etc.]. The state can be and often is as guilty as are any individuals, and the state is often used as the legal means whereby others are defrauded of their possessions. The law against evil covetousness is thus an especially needed on in the 20th century." -- R.J. Rushdoony (1916-2001), The Institutes of Biblical Law, pp. 634-635

    Montesquieu scorned the idea that democratic liberty was when "the people seem pretty much to do what they wish," for that was to "confound the power of the people with the liberty of the people.
    Lord Acton claimed that freedom is "not the power of doing what we like, but the right of being able to do what we ought." Freedom is not the permission to do what we like, but the power to do what we should. -- Os Guinness

    The Great Depression as Moral Failure: Presbyterian Industrialists and a Religious Rationale for Opposing the New Deal, Tyler Flynn, Assistant Professor of History, Eastern University, St. Davids, PA.
    "For these business-friendly Presbyterians, the economy was in a free-fall because of human failure, not the failure of capitalism. As one Presbyterian clergyman wrote, capitalism was the 'oldest social order in the world' that 'came down to us through thousands of years;' it was the 'outgrowth of trial and experience.' The problem of the Great Depression was not capitalism, they claimed, but the foolishness and greed of the individuals at the helm of this economic system, captains of industry who pursued personal wealth at the expense of workers and the public." -- Tyler Flynn

    *Truth in Accounting, Financial State of the Union 2021.
    *The National Debt is Worse Than Advertised
    "When you include unfunded liabilities such as Social Security and Medicare, that actual US debt stands at $123.11 trillion, according to the 'Financial State of the Union 2021' published by Truth in Accounting.
    "In order to pay off all of Uncle Sam's liabilities, every taxpayer in the US would have to write a check for $796,000. . . .
    "The federal government has $5.95 trillion in assets and $129.06 trillion in liabilities. If it were a private company, the US government would be bankrupt."
    https://tenthamendmentcenter.com/2021/04/23/the-national-debt-is-worse-than-advertised/
    About our National Debt
    https://www.truthinaccounting.org/about/our_national_debt

    In too many churchmen we find the exemption of the state from the law, and from judgment in terms of the law. The roots of this position go back to pagan divinization of the state. [See Rushdoony, Christianity and the State -- compiler]. Practically, where men exempt the state from the law of God, they make it an instrument of Satan.
    The law is the law for everyone. If the citizen has no moral right to steal, neither does the state. If the citizen cannot expropriate his neighbor's property, neither can the state. 'Thou shalt not steal' applies to corporations, governments, and men equally. It forbids socialism, communism, [fascism], inflation, bad checks, and every other form of theft. It forbids false advertising, and dishonest processing and adulteration of foods. It forbids featherbedding by workers' associations, and it forbids the cheating of workers. All men, their institutions, corporations, and forms of government, are equally under the law of God. The reduction of the Ten Commandments to the status of a moral code only [from that of a Biblical criminal code], is the destruction of the law.
    If all authority is not under God, then, instead of a universe, we have a multiverse; instead of one Creator and Law-giver, we have many gods acting as creators and law-givers in their realms. If all authority comes from God, then all authority is plainly under God's law-word, and entirely subject to it. 'Thou shalt not steal' cannot then be restricted to the individual man, but must be applied to every area of life. . . .
    In the 20th century, educators have spoken of the university at times as a multiversity, having room for a variety of ideas and faiths. The teaching of witchcraft, astrology [Astrology is being considered as a college major in California state colleges. (September 2003)], and related concepts by some schools is related to this concept of the multiversity. High schools in a major city have introduced yoga and palmistry. If the world is a multiverse, then all things are permissible except a sovereign God and a universal law-order. Hence our polytheistic world is tolerant of almost every kind of belief except orthodox Christianity. A universal law-order and a sovereign God rule out the possibility of a polytheistic multiverse. But, because the sovereign and triune God of Scripture rules, there is no multiverse, but rather a universe and a unified law-order.
    The law, 'Thou shalt not steal,' applies therefore not only to the state but to the church as well. Where the church does not faithfully teach the whole counsel of God, His entire law-word, it is then plainly guilty of theft. It is robbing the people and the social order of its vital nerve; it is undercutting all authority when it limits the law on which all authority rests.
    As Nymeyer has observed 'What gold is to money, the law of God is to liberty.' (Frederick Nymeyer, Progressive Calvinism (South Holland, IL: Libertarian Press, 1957), III, 209). Without the law of God, men, unions, corporations, and states feel free to be a law unto themselves, to play god. Failure to teach the law of God is thus to pave the way for tyranny.
    James Madison said of God's law:

    We have staked the whole future of American civilization, not upon the power of government, far from it. We have staked the future of all of our political institutions upon the capacity of mankind for self-government; upon the capacity of each of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God." -- James Madison, "The father of our Constitution"
    The above quote is from Rousas John Rushdoony, The Institutes of Biblical Law, pp. 539-541

    When business and labor use the law to steal from the consumer, or from one another, they are denying the rule of law in favor of the rule of might, of violence, for might apart from right is violence. Theft is theft, whether it be stealing from the rich, the poor, or the middle classes. The premise of pro-business legislation is this: It is right to steal for the sake of business, since business is good for the country. The premise of pro-labor legislation is: It is right to steal for the sake of labor, since the working man is poor, and also because he has many votes. The word of God is very clear: Thou shalt not steal. . . . The fact that a worker is poor gives him no more right to steal than an employer's power gives him a right to defraud. Theft is not a privilege or right pertaining to any class of men. -- R.J. Rushdoony (1916-2001), The Institutes of Biblical Law, 1973 edition, pp. 509,510

    Inflation is theft. When a government prints money without any production supporting it, that is the same as counterfeiting money. The more counterfeit money that goes into the economy, the less the money is worth. Of course, this hurts the wage earners the most, because money is defined in terms of human labor. When a counterfeiter puts counterfeit money into circulation, he is stealing the time that laborers have put into the certificates of indebtedness.
    The Confederacy financed their rebellion with more than 50 percent of their money being counterfeit (borrowed). The economic consequences were DEVASTATING. Some parts of the South are still trying to recover economically.
    Presently, the US is borrowing huge sums of money to buy votes for the politicians. It works!!! They keep getting voted back to Washington.
    But, if the American people see this as a crisis (which it is!!), that is destroying the U.S. economy, maybe we can primary out all of the politicians who vote for deficit spending. The Federal Government receives about $3.5 Trillion each year. That is WAY MORE than is necessary for the Federal Government to meet their Constitutional obligations.
    First question for primary candidates: "Do you support deficit spending in peace time?"
    Second question: "How can we reduce the National debt?" Debt -- not deficit!! -- Paul Halley

    No corporation on earth comes close to the accounting fraud practiced year after year by the Federal Government. In fact, there is no real accountability at all for the trillions in tax dollars raised and spent annually by Congress and our entrenched federal agencies. The official "accounting" that does take place is a sham. Every year Congress creates a meaningless budget, the Fed prints phony money, the Budget office issues false revenue forecasts, and the administrative agencies waste billions in the most unproductive ways imaginable. Literally tens of billions of dollars go unaccounted for every year, simply disappearing down bureaucratic black holes [and the money supply and banking system is controlled by the Federal Reserve which is accountable to nobody and has never been audited -- compiler]. This hardly represents a standard against which corporations should be judged! -- Texas Congressman, Ron Paul in What About Government Accountability? (July 2002), (broken link)

    Conservatism is a political philosophy that professes to be practical and grounded in reality -- not in ideological or utopian dream worlds -- yet it cannot furnish a coherent answer to a very practical question: What is the proper punishment for a thief? Even ignoring the big questions -- What is the ideal government? Is there an ideal government? Is any government justified? What is the proper relationship between church and state? -- conservatism cannot answer a small question. If conservatism cannot offer a justified answer to a small question, it probably cannot answer larger questions. -- John W. Robbins in Conservatism: An Autopsy

    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)

    "Each year, some 30 million Americans are defrauded of more than $50 billion, according to a 2011 report by the Financial Fraud Research Center, a joint project of the Stanford Center on Longevity and the FINRA Investor Education Foundation." -- Mitch Lipka in "Devious by Design: Spotting the Telltale Signs of Shady Deals, Scams, and Fraudulent Investment Offers," in USAA Magazine, Spring 2014, volume 50, number 1.
    The "Devious by Design" article offers basic information and lists warning signs for uninformed investors.
    Not knowing the expected rate of return for an particular investment is one of the greatest weaknesses of the investor. This leaves them vulnerable to fraud by unscrupulous advisers who promise unrealistic high rates of return. These promises are often a sign of a typical Ponzi scheme. Such schemes have been extensively reported in the television series American Greed: Scams, Schemes, and Broken Dreams.
    Devious by Design: Spotting the Telltale Signs of Shady Deals, Scams, and Fraudulent Investment Offers
    http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/pace/usaa_2014spring/#/18

    According to the FBI, securities fraud includes false information on a company's financial statement and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings; lying to corporate auditors; insider trading; stock manipulation schemes, and embezzlement by stockbrokers.
    Securities regulators and other prominent groups estimate civil securities fraud totals approximately $40 billion per year. . . .
    Securities fraud is becoming more complex as the industry develops more complicated investment vehicles. In addition, white collar criminals are expanding the scope of their fraud and are looking outside the United States for new markets, new investors, and banking secrecy havens to hide unjust enrichment. . . .
    Any investor can become a victim, but persons aged fifty years or older are most often victimized, whether as direct purchasers in securities or indirect purchasers through pension funds. Not only do investors lose but so can creditors, taxing authorities, and employees.
    Potential perpetrators of securities fraud within a publicly-traded firm include any dishonest official within the company who has access to the payroll or financial reports that can be manipulated to: overstate assets, overstate revenues, understate costs, understate liabilities. -- Securities Fraud

    The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is now the only Self-Regulatory Organization in the United States for the financial industry. FINRA operates BrokerCheck where investors may view online the disciplinary record of their stock broker or prospective stock broker. However, see also: FINRA Criticism.

    Armstrong, Sarah, Voter Fraud, ISBN: 9780737773705 0737773707 9780737773712 0737773715.
    A collection of essays.
    "These books provide a range of opinions on a social issue; each volume [of the series] focuses on a specific issue and offers a variety of perspectives, e.g., eyewitness accounts, governmental views, scientific analysis, newspaper accounts, to illuminate the issue. Greenhaven Press's At Issue series provides a wide range of opinions on individual social issues. Enhancing critical thinking skills, each At Issue volume is an excellent research tool to help readers understand current social issues and prepare reports." -- Publisher

    Bethell, Tom, Noblest Triumph: Property and Prosperity Through the Ages, ISBN: 0312223374 9780312223373.
    "The phenomenal success of Western civilization and the remarkable economic expansion fueled by modern capitalism, says Tom Bethell, depend chiefly [see "Christ's Influence on Western Civilization," "The Ten Commandments," Robbins, Christ and Civilization, Smith's The Wealth of Nations, and so forth -- compiler], on the institution of private property and the development of secure property rights, yet this simple, striking idea is misunderstood by elite opinion leaders in the United States and around the world. Bethell, a reporter for the American Spectator, offers a history of property as an idea and a reality around the world. His sweeping narrative will appeal to fans of David Landes's THE WEALTH AND POVERTY OF NATIONS and Jared Diamond's GUNS, GERMS, AND STEEL. Yet, in many crucial respects, THE NOBLEST TRIUMPH (the title comes from British philosopher Jeremy Bentham's line that property laws represent 'the noblest triumph of humanity over itself'), is better than both, displaying a keener understanding of human nature and of how incentives shape behavior. In a chapter sure to inspire controversy, Bethell argues that the Irish potato famines of the 1840s were due primarily to Ireland's lack of stable property rights in the 19th century. Full of astute observations and written with real clarity, THE NOBLEST TRIUMPH makes a unique and welcome contribution to the debate over why some countries thrive while others languish." -- John J. Miller

    Black, William K., The Best way to rob a Bank is to own one: How Corporate Executives and Politicians Looted the S&L Industry, ISBN: 0292706383 9780292706385 9780292721395 0292721390.
    "The catastrophic collapse of companies such as Enron, WorldCom, ImClone, and Tyco left angry investors, employees, reporters, and government investigators demanding to know how the CEOs deceived everyone into believing their companies were spectacularly successful when in fact they were massively insolvent. Why did the nation's top accounting firms give such companies clean audit reports? Where were the regulators and whistle-blowers who should expose fraudulent CEOs before they loot their companies for hundreds of millions of dollars?
    "In this expert insider's account of the savings and loan debacle of the 1980s, William Black lays bare the strategies that corrupt CEOs and CFOs -- in collusion with those who have regulatory oversight of their industries -- use to defraud companies for their personal gain. Recounting the investigations he conducted as Director of Litigation for the Federal Home Loan Bank Board, Black fully reveals how Charles Keating and hundreds of other S&L owners took advantage of a weak regulatory environment to perpetrate accounting fraud on a massive scale. He also authoritatively links the S&L crash to the business failures of the early 2000s, showing how CEOs then and now are using the same tactics to defeat regulatory restraints and commit the same types of destructive fraud.
    "Black uses the latest advances in criminology and economics to develop a theory of why 'control fraud' -- looting a company for personal profit -- tends to occur in waves that make financial markets deeply inefficient. He also explains how to prevent such waves. Throughout the book, Black drives home the larger point that control fraud is a major, ongoing threat in business that requires active, independent regulators to contain it. His book is a wake-up call for everyone who believes that market forces alone will keep companies and their owners honest." -- Publisher
    "Take it from someone who was toiling down in the trenches chasing the bad guys, this book is a first-hand account of how the Reagan administration and Speaker Wright fiddled while the savings and loan crisis burned. It explains how, and why, the government for years did not try to stop the corporate criminals who went on one of the largest financial crime sprees in the history of the United States. This is an important work, not only for its historic value in explaining this particular outbreak of white collar crime in the savings and loan industry, but also because it carefully lays out the patterns of control fraud that will continue to recur in different corporate venues as long as people are willing to steal and lie to try and gain an economic advantage. This should be required reading for every financial regulator in the United States. Alan Greenspan, who recently argued that personal reputation in business practices should be more important than enforcing rules, should read it twice (or as many times as it takes until Mr. Greenspan can remember why he trusted Charles Keating)." -- Reader's Comment

    Campbell, Tracy, Deliver the Vote: A History of Election Fraud, an American Political Tradition, 1742-2004, ISBN: 9780786715916 078671591X 9780786718436 0786718439.
    "If elections are the lifeblood of a democracy, then we have an ailing body politic. From ballot stuffing and intimidating voters, to buying votes, suppressing turnout and manipulating returns, DELIVER THE VOTE is an intensive examination into the hidden interiors of American politics that casts a provocative new light on how power in America is often obtained. Drawing on hundreds of elections from the colonial era to the 2004 election, historian Tracy Campbell reveals how a long-standing culture of corruption is alive and well in local, state, and national elections. Among those whose stories are central to this book are Boss Tweed, William Randolph Hearst, Huey Long, Harry Truman, Lyndon Johnson, and Jimmy Carter, as well as countless local and state politicians of every stripe. Combining social and political history in a vivid narrative, DELIVER THE VOTE reveals how fraud has been a persistent and corrosive presence in American history, and is not confined to one party, location, or time period. Campbell explores every major reform to cleanse fraud and corruption -- paper ballots, the secret ballot, or voting machines -- and explains how they have only changed the way the game is played, sadly showing how American elections have never been in order." -- Publisher

    Carson, Thomas, and Mary Bonk, Gale Encyclopedia of U.S. Economic History, ISBN: 0787677264 9780787677268 0787638889 9780787638887 0787638897 9780787638894 0787638900 9780787638900.

    Dill, David, William Gazecki, G. Edward Griffin, Aviel D. Rubin, and American Media (firm), Invisible Ballots: A Temptation for Electronic Vote Fraud, ISBN: 0912986425 9780912986425.
    "Governments are installing computerized voting systems with no paper record to verify accuracy. Elections will be controlled by companies that do not allow voters to inspect their software. If vote counting becomes privatized, there may be no way to get it back." -- Publisher

    Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), Dishonesty; or, The Sin of Theft and of Injustice. In THE WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS (2:220-26).

    Fund, John H., Stealing Elections: How Voter Fraud Threatens our Democracy, ISBN: 1594030715 9781594030710 1594030618 9781594030611.

    *Galbraith, James, The Predator State: How Conservatives Abandoned the Free Market and why Liberals Should too, ISBN: 141656683X 9781416566830.
    "Shows how to break the spell that conservatives have cast over the minds of liberals (and everyone else), for many years." -- Joseph E. Stiglitz, Nobel Laureate in Economic Sciences (2001)
    "The cult of the free market has dominated economic policy-talk since the Reagan revolution of nearly thirty years ago. Tax cuts and small government, monetarism, balanced budgets, deregulation, and free trade are the core elements of this dogma, a dogma so successful that even many liberals accept it. But a funny thing happened on the bridge to the twenty-first century. While liberals continue to bow before the free-market altar, conservatives in the style of George W. Bush have abandoned it altogether. That is why principled conservatives -- the Reagan true believers -- long ago abandoned Bush.
    "Enter James K. Galbraith, the iconoclastic economist. In this riveting book, Galbraith first dissects the stale remains of Reaganism and shows how Bush and company had no choice except to dump them into the trash. He then explores the true nature of the Bush regime: a 'corporate republic,' bringing the methods and mentality of big business to public life; a coalition of lobbies, doing the bidding of clients in the oil, mining, military, pharmaceutical, agribusiness, insurance, and media industries; and a predator state, intent not on reducing government but rather on diverting public cash into private hands. In plain English, the Republican Party has been hijacked by political leaders who long since stopped caring if reality conformed to their message.
    "Galbraith follows with an impertinent question: if conservatives no longer take free markets seriously, why should liberals? Why keep liberal thought in the straitjacket of pay-as-you-go, of assigning inflation control to the Federal Reserve, of attempting to 'make markets work'? Why not build a new economic policy based on what is really happening in this country?
    "The real economy is not a free-market economy. It is a complex combination of private and public institutions, including Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, higher education, the housing finance system, and a vast federal research establishment. The real problems and challenges -- inequality, climate change, the infrastructure deficit, the subprime crisis, and the future of the dollar -- are problems that cannot be solved by incantations about the market. They will be solved only with planning, with standards and other policies that transcend and even transform markets.
    "A timely, provocative work whose message will endure beyond this election season, THE PREDATOR STATE will appeal to the broad audience of thoughtful Americans who wish to understand the forces at work in our economy and culture and who seek to live in a nation that is both prosperous and progressive." -- Publisher
    "James Galbraith has written an extremely challenging book. Although its principal target is conservative economics, it is no less critical of conventional liberalism. Galbraith correctly recognizes that today both approaches are intellectually bankrupt and incapable of addressing the nation's pressing economic problems. I hope The Predator State stimulates needed debate among both liberals and conservatives on the mistakes both sides have made that have gotten us to where we are now." -- Bruce Bartlett, author of Impostor: How George W. Bush Bankrupted America and Betrayed the Reagan Legacy

    *Goodson, Stephen Mitford, A History of Central Banking and the Enslavement of Mankind, ISBN: 1912759217 9781912759217.
    "Economist, Stephen Mitford Goodson, once Director of the South African Reserve Bank, catalogues the 'hidden hand' of moneylenders throughout history in fomenting wars, revolutions, depressions, recessions and other social upheavals to retain and extend their power and profits." -- Publisher
    "This is one book I highly recommend to anyone on planet Earth! The author explains throughout his work the evil of the practice of usury. He also reveals the dangers of trying or actually ending the practice in their country, be it Libya, Iraq, Tsarist Russia, National Socialist Germany, et al. One success story of doing this can be pointed directly at the State of North Dakota in the United States of America! And in that case of North Dakota the usurers haven't yet thrown in the towel, i.e., they ain't done yet! Time will tell if the Dakota experience will be allowed to succeed on a long-term basis.
    "How do the usurers take total control over the people of a nation? One example is explained in note 14 at the bottom of page 112: 'The deliberate collapse of the American agricultural sector may be compared to the destruction of agricultural production in the 1930s in the Ukraine (Russian for borderland) by Stalin and the subsequent Holodomor (Russian for death by starvation) in which an estimated six million Kulaks (Russian for fist) were either executed or died of hunger. . . .'
    "Chapter Five, "The Great Depression," includes some very interesting topics like that of the work of Congressman Louis T. McFadden (R-Pennsylvania) who exposed the Federal Reserve System as the diabolical monster that it is. And his speeches delivered on the floor of the U.S. Congress in 1932 lead to his elimination (murder) in 1936. I have a book of his speeches which this author, Goodson, references in note 24 on page 115 of this book. In 208 pages you will not be disappointed in the wealth of knowledge gained by reading this book. All the evil described in this book is taking place in many countries around the entire planet Earth today! Check it out! Then educate your friends and relatives and try to put together a plan to take back what is rightfully the planet bequeathed to us by God Almighty!" -- Reader's Comment
    Without Central Banking, the massive Overreaching Federal Government Wouldn't be Possible, Michael Maharrey
    "The Federal Reserve serves as the engine that makes all of the U.S. government's unconstitutional spending possible. Without The Fed, the entire system would collapse. . . .
    "In March and April [2020], the U.S. Treasury Department issued $1.56 trillion in debt securities to fund Uncle Sam's massive coronavirus spending spree. Meanwhile, in March, The Fed bought $1.2 trillion in Treasury bonds. The central bank slowed its roll a bit in April, but till purchased $526 billion in U.S. bonds. That brought the two-month total to $1.56 trillion.
    "In effect, the Federal Reserve bought all of the debt issued by the U.S. government in March and April with money created out of thin air."
    https://tenthamendmentcenter.com/2020/06/17/the-federal-reserve-the-engine-that-powers-the-most-powerful-government-in-history/

    Hamilton, James (editor), Ted Trautmann (editor), United States. President (2001-2009: Bush), Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002: Law and Explanation: As Signed by President George W. Bush on July 30, 2002, ISBN: 0808008404 9780808008408.
    "Contents:
    Part 1: Explanation
    1. Overview | 2. Accounting oversight board | 3. Auditor independence | 4. Corporate governance and responsibility | 5. Issuer and management disclosure | 6. Analyst conflicts of interest | 7. SEC resources and authority | 8. Studies and reports | 9. Fraud and criminal penalties
    Part 2: Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
    1. Public company accounting oversight board | 2. Auditor independence | 3. Corporate responsibility | 4. Enhanced financial disclosures | 5. Analyst conflicts of interest | 6. Commission resources and authority | 7. Studies and reports | 8. Corporate and criminal fraud accountability | 9. White collar crime penalty enhancements | 10. Corporate tax returns | 11. Corporate fraud accountability
    Part 3: Legislative history."

    *Kelly, Marjorie, The Divine Right of Capital: Dethroning the Corporate Aristocracy, ISBN: 1576752372 9781576752371.
    First published just prior to the Enron debacle, the new paperback edition, includes new material on Enron.
    "Wealth inequality, corporate welfare, and industrial pollution are symptoms -- the fevers and chills of the economy. The underlying illness, says Business Ethics magazine founder Marjorie Kelly, is shareholder primacy: the corporate drive to make profits for shareholders, no matter who pays the cost. In THE DIVINE RIGHT OF CAPITAL, Kelly argues that focusing on the interests of stockholders to the exclusion of everyone else's interests is a form of discrimination based on property or wealth. She shows how this bias is held by our institutional structures, much as they once held biases against blacks and women. THE DIVINE RIGHT OF CAPITAL exposes six aristocratic principles that corporations are built on, principles that we would never accept in our modern democratic society but which we accept unquestioningly in our economy. Wealth bias is a holdover from our pre-democratic past. It has enabled shareholders to become a kind of economic aristocracy. Kelly shows how to design more equitable alternatives -- new property rights, new forms of corporate governance, new ways of looking at corporate performance -- that build on both free-market and democratic principles. We think of shareholder primacy as the natural law of the free market, much as our forebears thought of monarchy as the most natural form of government. But in THE DIVINE RIGHT OF CAPITAL, Kelly brilliantly demonstrates that it is no more 'natural' than any other human creation. People designed this system and people can change it. We need a change of mind as profound as that of the American Revolution. We must question the legitimacy of a system that gives the wealthy few -- the ten percent of Americans who own ninety percent of all stock -- a disproportionate power over the many. In so doing, we can fulfill the democratic principles of our nation not only in the political sphere, but in the economic sphere as well." -- Publisher
    "Brilliant. So simple. So direct. And so beautifully written. I think we have found our Thomas Paine for the new millennium." -- David Korten, author of When Corporations Rule the World
    "Marjorie Kelly is the cofounder and editor of Business Ethics, a national publication on corporate social responsibility. Kelly's writing has appeared in publications such as The Utne Reader, The Progressive Populist, Tikkun, Earth Island Journal, Hope Magazine, and the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Her work has been anthologized in a half-dozen books, including THE NEW ENTREPRENEURS and THE NEW PARADIGM IN BUSINESS. Kelly is a regular speaker and commentator on business ethics and corporate social responsibility featured in The Wall Street Journal, quoted in the New York Times, and interviewed frequently on NPR and other radio networks." -- Publisher
    Divine Right of Capital
    http://www.divinerightofcapital.com/
    Business Ethics Magazine
    http://www.business-ethics.com/
    An Opening for Change: Understanding the Enron Crisis
    Excerpted from THE DIVINE RIGHT OF CAPITAL: DETHRONING THE CORPORATE ARISTOCRACY, by Marjorie Kelly, San Francisco: Berrett-Koehler Publishers, paperback edition 2003
    http://www.divinerightofcapital.com/new_agenda.htm
    Corporate Accountability Project
    http://www.corporations.org/
    Corporate Governance
    http://corpgov.net/
    Code for Corporate Responsibility
    http://www.citizenworks.org/fact%20sheet%20-%20the%20code%20for%20corporate%20responsibility.pdf

    *Korten, David C., When Corporations Rule the World, 2nd edition, ISBN: 1887208046 9781887208048.
    "WHEN CORPORATIONS RULE THE WORLD explains how economic globalization has concentrated the power to govern in global corporations and financial markets and detached them from accountability to the human interest. It documents the devastating human and environmental consequences of the successful efforts of these corporations to reconstruct values and institutions everywhere on the planet to serve their own narrow ends. It also reveals why and how millions of people are acting to reclaim their political and economic power from these elitist forces and presents a policy agenda for restoring democracy and rooting economic power in people and communities. This new edition is expanded with new information, including a new preface, a new introduction, a new chapter on The Global Democracy Movement, and a new epilogue.
    "David C. Korten is board chair of the Positive Futures Network, publishers of YES! A Journal of Positive Futures, and founder and president of The People-Centered Development Forum. He is a former faculty member of the Harvard Business School and the author of nine previous books including the bestselling WHEN CORPORATIONS RULE THE WORLD and THE POST-CORPORATE WORLD." -- Publisher
    Yes! Magazine
    http://www.yesmagazine.org/

    Levin, Mark R., Plunder and Deceit, ISBN: 9781451606300 1451606303.
    "Several decades ago I spent a considerable amount of time querying young people in regards to their understanding of the Declaration of Independence whose preamble defined and emphasized the natural rights that belong to every individual. Since I was able to recite the preamble from memory I was shocked that not one of these youth, even vaguely, understood that our God-given rights were clearly stipulated within this document. My parents were both patriots but it was not they who were responsible for my having committed the preamble of the Declaration to memory. It was my high school American History teacher who demanded that the entire class do so. What public school teacher would do so today? What public school teacher could do so today? Generations of Americans have been denied the education required to maintain our republic and many have, alternatively, been successfully indoctrinated to dislike core American values, culture, traditions, history and the very men who gave us the Constitution upon which our republic is founded.
    "America, once a land of opportunity that people the world over sought to immigrate to, based upon the organic principles of individual liberty and free markets, has become a nation more akin to the places people have fled from. Opportunity has been stymied by regulations and taxes. Radical egalitarianism has changed the concept of opportunity to one of redistribution using a pseudo altruism and implemented by a powerful, omnipresent central federal authority which represents the worst possible scenario that the 9th and 10th Constitutional Amendments sought to prevent. All branches of government, in complete disregard for the separation of powers doctrine, have melded together so as to act uniformly, in concert, not only against the will of the people but, even more importantly, against the very Constitution designed to prevent such a central coalition of power. Federal agencies and bureaucracies have escaped the confines of the Constitutional bulwarks and firewalls and rule with an iron fist from which there is often no recourse to defy their tyranny. Career, professional politicians are bought and paid for by lobbyists looking to achieve advantages not afforded by free markets and capitalism but by exception from government implemented regulations designed to restrain their competition. Large swathes of our population has succumbed to a reliance and dependency on government for medical care, retirement, food, clothing and shelter which can only be afforded by heavy taxation and borrowing implemented by inefficient government bureaucrats at a cost which is predicted to outdistance and devour our entire GDP for decades in order to succeed. America is heading towards an unsustainable future and it is doing so more rapidly than was ever imagined.
    "Americans have had enough from the masters of the universe, the elites, the Washington based insiders whose covetousness of power and control has gone beyond critical mass. The American people have hired republicans en masse to do what they campaigned upon and promised. These politicians have been deceitful. To address their failure Donald Trump has heralded their deceit which earned him an instantaneous advantage within the republican field of primary candidates. Democrats, such as Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and Barack Obama love the direction American is heading. It is a progressive direction whose ethos, when adopted by governments, has failed since Plato's pathos attempted to supplant Hellenic World democracy with his vision of utopia.
    "Mark Levin is doing what American Education has failed to do for decades. He is a historian, a Constitutional scholar, a philosopher and through both his radio show and books a superb educator who delivers powerful incriminations against progressive liberal ideology and politics. He addresses our political crisis through the hindsight of history and reminds us of the applicable solutions offered by the Founders of our Constitution, a document from which we have drifted, which has been criticized by Justice Ginsberg as inadequate for modern times and hailed by Ayn Rand as the single greatest legislative achievement in the history of Western Civilization. He is my High School American History teacher who familiarized her classes with the Declaration of Independence. He is an oracle through which the vision of our founders and their mentors is transmitted to generations of Americans who have been stigmatized against our nation by a centrally controlled education system and a media which continues to do so post graduation. I believe that this will be the greatest educational book he has written. I'm sure, as always, it will challenge us to understand that our liberty is bequeathed by natural law which each individual is heir to and which no government has the authority to deny." -- Reader's Comment

    *Levitt, Steven, and Stephen J. Dubner, Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything, ISBN: 9780062132345 0062132342 9788466645775 8466645772.
    "Nothing is more powerful than information, especially when its power is abused. . . .
    "Though extraordinarily diverse, these crimes all have a common trait: they were sins of information. Most of them involved an expert, or a gang of experts, promoting false information or hiding true information; in each case the experts were trying to keep the information asymmetry as asymmetrical as possible.
    "The practitioners of such acts, especially in the realm of high finance, inevitably offer this defense: 'Everybody else was doing it.' Which may be largely true. One characteristic of information crimes is that very few of them are detected." -- Levitt and Dubner
    "More than 4 million copies sold worldwide. Published in 35 languages. . . . Steven D. Levitt is not a typical economist. He studies the riddles of everyday life 'from cheating and crime to parenting and sports' and reaches conclusions that turn conventional wisdom on its head. FREAKONOMICS is a groundbreaking collaboration between Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner, an award-winning author and journalist. They set out to explore the inner workings of a crack gang, the truth about real estate agents, the secrets of the Ku Klux Klan, and much more." -- Publisher

    Mulford, Charles W., and Eugene E. Comiskey, The Financial Numbers Game: Detecting Creative Accounting Practices, ISBN: 0471770736 9780471770732.
    "To hide falling profits, some managers ply the flexibility found in accounting principles to alter their financial reports. Others go further and use fraud in their deception. It is vitally important that investors, analysts, and other users of financial statements detect these creative accounting practices as early as possible in order to avoid negative earnings surprises and potential share-price declines. THE FINANCIAL NUMBERS GAME identifies the steps businesses may take to misstate financial performance and helps its readers to identify those situations where reported results may not be what they seem.
    "Authors Mulford and Comiskey also describe the flexibility built into the GAAP principles and discuss ways companies can take advantage of that flexibility while remaining within the rules of proper reporting. The role of the SEC in enforcing securities laws is explored, as are the specific statutes the SEC uses to prosecute those it deems to have gone too far. The authors present the results of a survey of important financial professionals on their views of the propriety of many financial reporting practices and on the steps they use to detect creative accounting practices. This survey shows a wide range of opinions on what is allowable and the best methods for detecting what is not allowable.
    "THE FINANCIAL NUMBERS GAME presents an expert analysis of creative accounting procedures, as well as:

    1. Real-world examples of aggressive and fraudulent financial reports
    2. What signs to look for in detecting earnings manipulation
    3. Ready-made checklists for detecting accounting misdeeds
    4. Advice from such experts as analysts, CFOs, and CPAs
    5. Help for anyone interested in understanding true financial performance
    "THE FINANCIAL NUMBERS GAME offers all users of financial statements a comprehensive resource for understanding, detecting, and avoiding the vast assortment of creative accounting techniques found in practice today." -- Publisher

    Pipes, Richard, Property and Freedom, ISBN: 0375704477 9780375704475.
    "While the bulk of the book compares England and Russia, showing how varying attitudes toward private property led these two nations in totally different directions, the final section examines the broad theme of property rights in the late 20th century -- a period when they have come under assault, and have been made increasingly conditional, by the growing strength of the welfare state. Pipes concludes with a broadside against New Deal and Great Society programs. Although liberal readers may bristle, none can deny that PROPERTY AND FREEDOM is the product of a great mind tackling a big theme with great enthusiasm." -- John J. Miller

    Price, Greg L., The Extent of God's Law, Antichrist, Beastly Civil Governments, the Family, Christian Education, Contentment and the Eight Commandment, MP3. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "An amazing unfolding of the eighth commandment, as well as the rest of the decalogue, which includes numerous specific applications to various areas of thought and life (most relevant to the contemporary Christian). Price explains how to avoid the extremes of legalism and antinomianism, while expounding the classic Reformed view of the law as it applies to the individual, family, church and state." -- Publisher

    *Robbins, John W. (1949-2008), Ecclesiastical Megalomania: The Economic and Political Thought of the Roman Catholic Church (Unicoi, TN: The Trinity Foundation), ISBN: 0940931753 9780940931756.
    "This book is a detailed examination of the official statements of the Vatican on economic and political matters. It demonstrates the collectivism and totalitarianism of the Roman Catholic Church-State. It is the only such book written by a Christian in the twentieth century.
    "This book explores the conflict between Roman Catholic social thought and human freedom, relying on official pronouncements from the Vatican to show that the political and economic theory of the Roman Church-State justifies feudalism, corporativism [corporatism -- compiler], liberation theology, the welfare state, and fascism.
    "Dr. John W. Robbins attended Grove City College (A.B. 1969), and The Johns Hopkins University (M.A. 1970, Ph.D. 1973). He has served as chief of staff for a Member of Congress [Ron Paul of Texas], editor of The Freeman magazine, Economist for The Heritage Foundation, and Professor of Political Philosophy in The Freedom School." -- Publisher
    Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Knox, Samuel Rutherford, John Owen, Thomas Manton, The Westminster Assembly, James Renwick, Archibald Mason, Christopher Ness, Francis Turretin, The Reformed Presbytery, David Steel, James R. Willson, Alexander M'Leod, William L. Roberts, James Aiken Wylie, Andrew Wilet, Henry Wilkinson, James Wylie, Patrick Fairbairn, James Aiken, Andrew Wilet, Alexander Hislop, Francis Nigel Lee, Arthur W. Pink, and so forth, and so on, have all believed and argued in print that the seated Pope is the Antichrist of the Bible.
    The Roman Church-State is "the world's oldest, largest, most powerful and most influential politico-ecclesiastical institution" and it "may also be the world's wealthiest."

    *Rushdoony, R.J. (1916-2001), This Independent Republic: Studies in the Nature and Meaning of American History. Available through Exodus Books.
    "First published in 1964 and out of print for many years, this series of essays gives important insight into American history by one who could trace American development in terms of the Christian ideas which gave it direction.
    "These essays will greatly alter your understanding of, and appreciation for, American history. Topics discussed include: The legal issues behind the War of Independence; Sovereignty as a theological tenet foreign to colonial political thought and the Constitution; The desire for land as a consequence of the belief in 'inheriting the land' as a future blessing, not an immediate economic asset; Federalism's localism as an inheritance of feudalism; The local control of property as a guarantee of liberty; Why federal elections were long considered of less importance than local politics; How early American ideas attributed to democratic thought were based on religious ideals of communion and community; and The absurdity of a mathematical concept of equality being applied to people. With index." -- Publisher

    Rushdoony, Rousas John (1916-2001), The Trouble With Social Security, an article.
    "Economically, the system is cruelly unfair. Thus, if a man pays in $75,000 to social security between the ages of 18 and 65, the likelihood of getting his money back is poor. His life expectancy after 65 makes it unlikely that he will get back all or half the amount he paid in for 47 years. If he dies, his widow's benefits again are too small to add up to any significant return on his 'investment.' The combined amount paid in by the employer and employee adds up to a very considerable sum, and the returns on it are small. The only real gainer from social security is the federal government, In 1969, Edward J. Van Allen, in THE TROUBLE WITH SOCIAL SECURITY, pointed out that a young worker who began paying into social security at age 18 and retired at 65 would have to live to be 111 years old to break even. If any insurance company or pension plan gave as poor returns, or misused funds as does Social Security, the managers thereof would quickly find themselves in prison!" -- R.J. Rushdoony

    Scheer, Robert, The Great American Stickup: How Reagan Republicans and Clinton Democrats Enriched Wall Street While Mugging Main Street, ISBN: 9781568584348 1568584342.
    "In THE GREAT AMERICAN STICKUP, celebrated journalist Robert Scheer uncovers the hidden story behind one of the greatest financial crimes of our time: the Wall Street financial crash of 2008 and the consequent global recession. Instead of going where other journalists have gone in search of this story -- the board rooms and trading floors of the big Wall Street firms -- Scheer goes back to Washington, D.C., a veritable crime scene, beginning in the 1980s, where the captains of the finance industry, their lobbyists and allies among leading politicians destroyed an American regulatory system that had been functioning effectively since the era of the New Deal.
    "This is a story largely forgotten or overlooked by the mainstream media, who wasted more than two decades with their boosterish coverage of Wall Street. Scheer argues that the roots of the disaster go back to the free-market propaganda of the Reagan years and, most damagingly, to the bipartisan deregulation of the banking industry undertaken with the full support of "progressive" Bill Clinton.
    "In fact, if this debacle has a name, Scheer suggests, it is the "Clinton Bubble," that era when the administration let its friends on Wall Street write legislation that razed decades of robust financial regulation. It was Wall Street and Democratic Party darling Robert Rubin along with his clique of economist super-friends -- Alan Greenspan, Lawrence Summers, and a few others -- who inflated a giant real estate bubble by purposely not regulating the derivatives market, resulting in the pain and hardship millions are experiencing now.
    "THE GREAT AMERICAN STICKUP is both a brilliant telling of the story of the Clinton financial clique and the havoc it wrought -- informed by whistle-blowers such as Brooksley Born, who goes on the record for Scheer -- and an unsparing anatomy of the American business and political class. It is also a cautionary tale: those who form the nucleus of the Clinton clique are now advising the Obama administration." -- Publisher

    *Sparrow, Malcolm K., License to Steal: How Fraud Bleeds America's Health Care System, 304 pages, ISBN: 0813368103 9780813368108.
    Table of Contents: Preface, Acknowledgments, Introduction, Fictitious companies, The state of the art, Control failures, Two distinct sciences: fraud detection, and utilization review, how goes the war? Counterattack, new frontiers for control, false claims, Managed care, The nature of the fraud-control challenge, The pathology of fraud control, The importance of measurement, Assessment of existing fraud-control systems, The antithesis of modern claims processing, Prescription for progress, A model fraud-control strategy, Detection systems, Conclusion, Acronyms and abbreviations, Notes, Index.
    "In LICENSE TO STEAL, Malcolm K. Sparrow shows how the industry's defenses, which focus mostly on finding and correcting billing errors, are no match for such well orchestrated attacks. The maxim for thieves simply becomes 'bill your lies correctly.' Provided they do that, fraud perpetrators with any degree of sophistication can steal millions of dollars with impunity, testing payment systems carefully, and then spreading fraudulent billings widely enough across patient and provider accounts to escape detection. The kinds of highly automated, quality controlled claims processing systems that pervade the industry present fraud perpetrators with their favorite kind of target: rich, fast paying, transparent, utterly predictable check printing systems, with little threat of human intervention, and with the U.S. Treasury on the end of the electronic line. Sparrow picks apart the industry's response to the government's efforts to control this problem. The provider associations (well heeled and politically influential), have vociferously opposed almost every recent enforcement initiative, creating the unfortunate public impression that the entire health care industry is against effective fraud control. A significant segment of the industry, it seems, regards fraud and abuse not as a problem, but as a lucrative enterprise worth defending.
    "Meanwhile, it remains a perfectly commonplace experience for patients or their relatives to examine a medical bill and discover that half of it never happened, or that; likewise, if patients then complain, they discover that no one seems to care, or that no one has the resources to do anything about it. Sparrow's research suggests that the growth of capitated managed care systems does not solve the problem, as many in the industry had assumed, but merely changes its form. The managed care environment produces scams involving underutilization, and the withholding of medical care schemes that are harder to uncover and investigate, and much more dangerous to human health. Having worked extensively with federal and state officials since the appearance of his first book on this subject, Sparrow is in a unique position to evaluate recent law enforcement initiatives. He admits the 'war on fraud' is at least now engaged, but it is far from won.
    "Malcolm K. Sparrow teaches Regulatory and Enforcement Strategy, and Analytic Methods, at Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government. Formerly a Detective Chief Inspector with the British police service, he now specializes in issues of enforcement strategy, regulatory compliance, and risk control -- he is the acknowledged national expert on the subject of Health Care Fraud. He is author of THE RISK BUSINESS: DEFINING THE REGULATORY CRAFT (2000), LICENSE TO STEAL: WHY FRAUD PLAGUES AMERICA'S HEALTH CARE SYSTEM (1996), IMPOSING DUTIES: GOVERNMENT'S CHANGING APPROACH TO COMPLIANCE (1994); and co-author of BEYOND 911: A NEW ERA FOR POLICING (1990) and ETHICS IN GOVERNMENT: THE MORAL CHALLENGE FOR PUBLIC LEADERSHIP (1990)." -- Publisher
    "Although he has a wealth of expertise and a scholar's background, Sparrow speaks in a narrative style about the sad state of health care fraud in America today. While some progress is being made, there remains a little depth and sophistication in the responses to the complex and clever fraud schemes out there. Regrettably, the many political and institutional barriers to measuring and uncovering fraud continue to allow the system to be drained of precious dollars. While it takes a large investment to begin the fight on the level Sparrow advocates, the return is immeasurably greater. Not recommended for folks who don't need their blood pressure to rise." -- Reader's Comment

    Sterling, Claire, Thieves' World: The Threat of the New Global Network of Organized Crime, ISBN: 0671749978 9780671749972.
    "No one has benefited more from the political changes of the 1990s than international organized come. Within the space of just three or four years, the world's great crime syndicates have joined in a planet-wide criminal consortium unlike any in history. A Pax Mafiosa has emerged - an agreement to avoid conflict, devise common strategy, and exploit the planet peaceably together - linking the American and Sicilian.
    "The author of THE TERROR NETWORK provides a chilling analysis of international organized crime in the aftermath of the recent political restructuring worldwide." -- Publisher

    *Truth in Accounting, Financial State of the Union 2021.
    *The National Debt is Worse Than Advertised
    "When you include unfunded liabilities such as Social Security and Medicare, that actual US debt stands at $123.11 trillion, according to the 'Financial State of the Union 2021' published by Truth in Accounting.
    "In order to pay off all of Uncle Sam's liabilities, every taxpayer in the US would have to write a check for $796,000. . . .
    "The federal government has $5.95 trillion in assets and $129.06 trillion in liabilities. If it were a private company, the US government would be bankrupt."
    https://tenthamendmentcenter.com/2021/04/23/the-national-debt-is-worse-than-advertised/
    About our National Debt
    https://www.truthinaccounting.org/about/our_national_debt

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The ten commandments: the moral law, Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, Wealth and prosperity, the snare of, Theft, fraud, stealing: property rights and freedom, Leniency, The courts, the law base, and the judicial system, The government role of punishing wrongdoers, Taxation, property and liberty, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, The federal reserve, Bribery, Extortion, Taxation, property, and liberty, Taxation and war, Repentance th e key to salvation and change, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Ethics, Medical ethics, Healthcare reform, The decline of american society, irrationality, the decline of western thought, Male role and responsibility, gender equality, suffrage, reproductive rights, and the decline of american society, Meltdown: the depression of 2008, The covenant faithfulness of god, Church and state, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), The larger catechism (eight commandment), Biblical economics, Freedom: a gift of the grace of god, Political and economic freedom, The utter failure of the u.s. constitution as a social deed of covenant, The application of scripture to the corporate bodies of church and state, State sovereignty and corporate immunity, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 576-581, 3447, 3448
    MGTP: Stealing, God -- Law of

    Related Weblinks

    Bush Scandals
    An extensive resource. Includes websites for the Savings and Loan Scandal of the 1980s, considered the largest theft in the history of the world, involving Neil Bush, a brother of George W., the Florida's Voting Scandal of 2001 in which Al Gore lost the presidential election. Jeb Bush, another brother of George W., was Governor of Florida and had promised to deliver the state for his brother. Other sites treat George W. Bush's suspected involvement in 911 [911 is, of course, analogous to Roosevelt's Pearl Harbor]. Note particularly "Bush Family Machinations, 1918-2000," a timeline of Bush Family crimes prior to Election 2000.
    http://news4florida.tripod.com/index1.html
    The Panic of '08. Lew Rockwell Interviews Ron Paul, September 18, 2008
    A podcast.
    http://www.lewrockwell.com/podcast/?p=episode&name=2008-09-18_029_ron_paul_talks_to_lew_rockwell.mp3

    Business Ethics at Business.com
    http://www.business.com/directory/management/business_ethics/

    Business Ethics Magazine
    http://www.business-ethics.com/

    CNBC's American Greed: Scams, Schemes, and Broken Dreams
    Archives for Seasons 1 through Season 4.
    www.americangreed.cnbc.com

    The Federal Reserve: History of Lies, Thievery, and Deceit, Dr. Ken Matto
    http://www.scionofzion.com/federalreserve.htm

    The Great Depression as Moral Failure: Presbyterian Industrialists and a Religious Rationale for Opposing the New Deal, Tyler Flynn, Assistant Professor of History, Eastern University, St. Davids, PA.
    "For these business-friendly Presbyterians, the economy was in a free-fall because of human failure, not the failure of capitalism. As one Presbyterian clergyman wrote, capitalism was the 'oldest social order in the world' that 'came down to us through thousands of years;' it was the 'outgrowth of trial and experience.' The problem of the Great Depression was not capitalism, they claimed, but the foolishness and greed of the individuals at the helm of this economic system, captains of industry who pursued personal wealth at the expense of workers and the public." -- Tyler Flynn

    The Illusion of Freedom: We're Only as Free as the Government Allows, John W. Whitehead and Nisha Whitehead, April 26, 2022
    https://www.rutherford.org/publications_resources/john_whiteheads_commentary/the_illusion_of_freedom_were_only_as_free_as_the_government_allows

    Our National Debt is Trillions of Dollars More Than you Think, Merrill Matthews, February 9, 2016,
    "Thus, when Federal Reserve Bank debt is included, total federal debt rises to $21 trillion -- and that doesn't include the additional long-term Social Security and Medicare obligations the country has incurred. . . . "When Boston University economist Laurence Kotlikoff added those obligations to total federal debt, he came up with $222 trillion."
    http://rare.us/story/our-national-debt-is-trillions-of-dollars-more-than-you-think/

    Ponzi Scheme
    "A Ponzi scheme is a fraudulent investment operation where the operator, an individual or organization, pays returns to its investors from new capital paid to the operators by new investors, rather than from profit earned by the operator. Operators of Ponzi schemes usually entice new investors by offering higher returns than other investments, in the form of short-term returns that are either abnormally high or unusually consistent. The perpetuation of the high returns requires an ever-increasing flow of money from new investors to sustain the scheme."
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponzi_scheme

    Policing for Profit: Jeff Sessions and Company's Thinly Veiled Plot to rob us Blind
    "Most recently, under the guise of 'fighting crime,' Sessions gave police the green light to rob, pilfer, steal, thieve, swipe, purloin, filch, and liberate American taxpayers of even more of their hard-earned valuables (especially if it happens to be significant amounts of cash) using any means, fair or foul.
    "In this case, the foul method favored by Sessions and Company is civil asset forfeiture, which allows police and prosecutors to 'seize your car or other property, sell it and use the proceeds to fund agency budgets -- all without so much as charging you with a crime.'
    "Under a federal equitable sharing program, police turn asset forfeiture cases over to federal agents who process seizures and then return 80 percent of the proceeds to the police. (In Michigan, police actually get to keep up to 100 percent of forfeited property.)"
    http://tenthamendmentcenter.com/2017/07/27/policing-for-profit-jeff-sessions-co-s-thinly-veiled-plot-to-rob-us-blind/

    Pope's Visit Means 3 White House Firsts
    President says 'man of faith' and conviction deserves the special treatment, Associated Press, April 13, 2008
    "Washington -- The leader of the world's 1 billion Roman Catholics has been to the White House only once in history. That changes this week, and President Bush is pulling out all the stops: driving out to a suburban military base to meet Pope Benedict XVI's plane, bringing a giant audience to the South Lawn and hosting a fancy East Room dinner.
    "These are all firsts.
    "A crowd of up to 12,000 is due at the White House on Wednesday morning for the pope's official, pomp-filled arrival ceremony. It will feature the U.S. and Holy See anthems, a 21-gun salute, and the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps. Both men will make remarks before their Oval Office meeting and a send-off for his Popemobile down Pennsylvania Avenue.
    "The president explained the special treatment -- particularly the airport greeting.
    " 'One, he speaks for millions. Two, he doesn't come as a politician; he comes as a man of faith,' Bush told the EWTN Global Catholic Network in an interview aired Friday. He added that he wanted to honor Benedict's conviction that 'there's right and wrong in life, that moral relativism has a danger of undermining the capacity to have more hopeful and free societies. . . .' "
    "This week makes Bush the record-holder, with a total of five meetings with two popes. . . .
    "The current pope's approach may be softer than that of John Paul, who turned from Bush's presentation to him of the Medal of Freedom in 2004 to read a statement about his 'grave concern' over events in Iraq."
    http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24096388/

    Theft: Commentary and Cases of Conscience. A Listing Excerpted From The Institutes of Biblical Law by Rousas John Rushdoony, 1973 edition
    http://www.lettermen2.com/theft.html

    Thomas Watson on the Eighth Commandment
    http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/ipb-e/epl-09/wat10-16.txt

    U.S. National Debt Clock: Real Time
    http://www.usdebtclock.org/



    Theodicy

    theodicy: vindication of the justice of God especially in ordaining or permitting natural and moral evil. -- Webster's Third New International Dictionary Unabridged [or Why is there sin in the world? -- compiler]

    It is the sovereignty and grace of God to call light out of darkness and to bring good out of the evil of sin. May the grace of the Lord crush Satan's head again and again under the foot of the Seed of the woman through His body, the Church....
    It is the art of the deep wisdom of divine providence to bring good out of the sins of his enemies and the sufferings of his own.
    Joseph's brethren moved with envy, sell their brother; Potiphar casteth him in prison: the wisdom of God cometh in, in the game, and he exalteth Joseph, and keepeth alive people in famine. Herod, Pilate, Jews and Gentiles, crucify the Lord of glory, the Art of free grace, deep wisdom in God must be more then half play-maker here, and in this redeem the lost world. The Chaldeans spoil Job and plunder him; Satan maketh him an empty house, and a childless father; mercy cometh up in the Theater, and free Grace, maketh Job an illustrious and faire copy of patience and faith to all ages. Achitophel did, as many now with our King doth, he gave wicked counsel against the Lord's servant and a just cause, divine justice cometh in in the game, and Achitophel hangeth himself. -- Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661)

    I now see that godliness is more than the outside and the ornaments and the deckings of this world. Who knoweth the truth of grace without a trial? Not one! O, how little Christ getteth of us but that which He winneth with much toil and pains! And how soon faith would freeze without a cross! -- 31 Days With Samuel Rutherford

    God had one Son on earth without sin -- but never one without affliction. -- Augustine (Bishop of Hippo, 354-430 AD)

    And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. (Romans 8:28,29)

    [1] All mercy is special and purposive, and is the true source of the remission of sins -- a thing about which no word occurs in the whole Bible and any passage dealing with those who do not have the benefits of the Word of God. Salvation is only in Christ. Even our opponents admit that Christ is not revealed in God's works of providence! Considering that true mercy -- published and revealed from the bosom of the Father by Christ -- is the fount of all saving faith and repentance, we can distinguish this from all loose and mistaken concepts of "mercy" displayed by the general work of God in providence; and, having done so, we gladly let the point drop, since we here have nothing to prove but the one great truth of mercy only in and through Christ.
    [2] We know that time and again God allows worldly good things to pass to the very people that He hates, whom He has a fixed determination to punish, and whom He has declared to be reserved for eternal punishment and destruction. (Psalm 73:4-12,18-20). Note carefully -- things which are good in themselves, but bestowed in such a way as to make it impossible to determine whether they are given in love or in hatred, cannot reveal any facet of God's character. (The righteous and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred by all that is before them. All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous and to the wicked: to the good and the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as to the good, so to the sinner, Ecclesiastes 9:1-2.) God gives good temporal things to the wicked. Why conclude that He is attempting to beguile them into realizing that He can be appeased? Far rather, as sovereign, He is fattening them for the coming day of slaughter!
    [3] It gives the love of God the glory of its constancy and unchangeableness. This is another star of an eminent magnitude in the heaven of love. It is not a fading, a wavering, an altering thing, but abides for ever; God rests in his love, Zeph. iii. 17 [Zephaniah 3:17]. It is a great thing, indeed, to apprehend that the great God should fix his love upon a poor creature, but add hereunto that he may love them one day and hate them the next, embrace them one hour and the next cast them into hell, one day rejoicing over them with joy, another rejoicing to destroy them; as it is dishonourable to God, and derogatory to all his divine excellencies and perfections, so, in particular, it clotheth his love with the most uncomely and undesirable garment that ever was put upon the affections of the meanest worm of the earth. -- John Owen (1616-1683)

    [A] wicked Marcion asketh, "why the Lord, who foresaw the event, did suffer Eve and the Devil to confer? and if he was able, why did he not hinder sin to be, except he had been either envious, and would not, or weak, and could not hinder the enters of sin in the world?" Tertullian answereth, Because the Lord is free in his gifts. Augustine answereth, Epist. 59. ad Paulinum, Quia voluit, because it was his will. Prosper and Hilarius both with Augustine, say; The cause may be unknown, it cannot be unjust. Though it were in the Potter's hand, to turn clay into brass, yet his power should not destroy his liberty, to cause him to make a lame vessel such, as if it had reason and will to fall, it should not be broken. Why should Daniels enemies prevail so as to cast him to Lions? that these knees that bowed often to God, and these hands which was lifted up to him, should be eaten with Lions? O lame vessel believe, believe but dispute not. And the answer is clear, sin is the worst thing that is, but the existence of sin is not ill: otherwise (saith Augustine) God should never permit it to be. Yea sins being in the world, is (silva justiciae divinae, officina gratiae Christi-[a forest of divine justice; Christ's workshop of grace]) A field for the glory of revenging justice, and sin is the work house of the pardoning grace of God. And therefore there be good reasons why the Lord should permit sin, and such sins. -- Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661), (Job 9:3, Job 33:13, Job 40:2, Isaiah 45:9; Romans 9:20)

    It would be easy to lose heart and become cynical. But No! There is One who sees all things, knows all things, and will ultimately triumph over all things. There is only one message that addresses the truth as the truth. The Lord of glory, Jesus Christ, came to this earth and was also the victim of hate. Lies sent him to the cross. Power overruled reality, as politics and religious demagogues once again made the lie seem noble. But the Lord who sees the beginning from the end amazingly conquered not in spite of the dark mystery of evil, rather, "He conquered through it." James Stewart of Scotland, pointing to the cross, said it in the most powerful terms I have read. Commenting on the verse from Psalm 68:18, He led captivity captive, he said:

    It is a glorious phrase -- He led captivity captive. The very triumphs of his foes, it means, he used for their defeat. He compelled their dark achievements to subserve his ends not theirs. They nailed him to a tree, not knowing that by that very act they were bringing the world to his feet. They gave him a cross, not guessing that he would make it a throne. They flung him outside the city gates to die, not knowing that in that very moment they were lifting up the gates of the universe, to let the king come in. They thought to root out his doctrines, not understanding that they were implanting imperishably in the hearts of men the very name they intended to destroy. They thought they had God with his back to the wall, pinned helpless and defeated: they did not know that it was God himself who had tracked them down. "He did not conquer in spite of the dark mystery of evil. He conquered through it." -- James Stewart (1635-1713) in a message by Ravi Zacharias, Is Paris Burning? November 18, 2015
    The Captain of our Salvation, made perfect, made complete, through suffering -- if our Lord himself had to go through that, as he endured the cross, despising the shame, and is now set down at the right hand of God -- that's why I think there is a key word which James Stewart uses, which I expand upon here, "He conquered not in spite of the Darkness, fear of evil, he conquered through it" and I believe it is the same in your life and mine. We may not like it, but we conquer through the pain and through the suffering. -- Ravi Zacharias in "Ravi Talks About his Book Why Suffering"

    All the sons of God take part in suffering with Christ. What says the Scripture? If children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if so be that we suffer with Him. (Romans 8:17.) All the children of God have a cross to carry.
    They have trials, troubles, and afflictions to go through for the Gospel's sake. They have trials from the world, -- trials from the flesh, -- and trials from the devil. They have trials of feeling from relations and friends, -- hard words, hard treatment, and hard judgment.
    They have trials in the matter of character; -- slander, misrepresentation, mockery, insinuation of false motives, -- all these often rain thick upon them. They have trials in the matter of worldly interests.
    They have often to choose whether they will please man and lose glory, or gain glory and offend man. They have trials from their own hearts. They have each generally their own thorn in the flesh, -- their own home-devil, who is their worst foe. This is the experience of the sons of God.
    Some of them suffer more, and some less. Some of them suffer in one way, and some in another. God measures out their portions like a wise physician, and cannot err. But never, I believe, was there one child of God who reached paradise without a cross.
    Suffering is the diet of the Lord's family. Whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth. If ye are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then ye are illegitimate children and not sons. Through much tribulation we must enter the kingdom of God. . . . All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. (Hebrews 12:6-8; Acts 14:22; 2 Timothy 3:12.)
    Suffering is a part of the process by which the sons of God are sanctified. They are chastened to wean them from the world, and make them partakers of God's holiness. The Captain of their salvation was made perfect through suffering, and so are they. (Hebrews 2:10; Hebrews 12:10.)
    Let us try to settle this down into our hearts also. The sons of God have all to bear a cross. A suffering Saviour generally has suffering disciples.
    The Bridegroom was a man of sorrows. The Bride must not be a woman of pleasures and unacquainted with grief. Blessed are they that mourn. Let us not murmur at the cross. This also is a sign of sonship." -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900) Practical Religion: Being Plain Papers on the Daily Duties, Experience, Dangers, and Privileges of Professing Christians (London: Charles Murray, 1900), pp. 418-419.
    http://www.jcryle.info/2016/09/suffering-is-diet-of-lords-family.html

    Contrary to what might be expected, I look back on experiences that at the time seemed especially desolating and painful, with particular satisfaction. Indeed, I can say with complete truthfulness that everything I have learned in my seventy-five years in this world, everything that has truly enhanced and enlightened my existence, has been through affliction and not through happiness, whether pursued or attained. In other words, if it ever were to be possible to eliminate affliction from our earthly existence by means of some drug or other medical mumbo jumbo . . . the result would not be to make life delectable, but to make it too banal or trivial to be endurable. This of course is what the cross [of Christ] signifies, and it is the cross more than anything else, that has called me inexorably to Christ. -- Malcolm Muggeridge

    They [The Two Witnesses -- compiler] are represented as principally engaged in the contest with the beast, verses 5,6 [Revelation 11:5,6]. They bear the principal suffering in the contest, verse 7 [Revelation 11:7]. They occupy even in antichristian estimation, the place of most importance: for they are most feared; their death affords the greatest satisfaction; they suffer the chief reproach, a refusal of the rights of sepulture to their slain bodies: and inasmuch as they inflicted, in their life, the greatest torments upon their antichristian enemies, these enemies are, at their resurrection, filled with peculiar alarm, verses 8-11." [Revelation 11:8-11] -- Alexander McLeod (1774-1833) in Lectures on the Principle Prophecies of the Revelation (1814)

    *Berkouwer, G.C., The Providence of God
    "A work to place alongside John Flavel's standard treatment. Considers the doctrine of God's providence in relation to knowledge, sustenance, government, concurrence, history, and miracles. Concludes with a discussion of the problem of theodicy." -- Cyril J. Barber

    *Caryl, Joseph (1602-1673), Joel R. Beeke, and Randall J. Pederson, An Exposition With Practical Observations Upon the Book of Job, 12 volumes, ISBN: 1892777509 9781892777508 1892777541 9781892777546. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    Caryl preached on Job for 20 years. Some have said his work is the only satisfactory commentary on the book of Job.
    "The pinnacle of Puritan preaching and devotion, Joseph Caryl's 12 volume, 8600 plus page exposition of Job is now heading for a limited edition printing. . . . These are the full 12 volumes totally unabridged. . . .
    "C.H. Spurgeon said, 'Caryl will not exhaust the patience of a student who is a lover of every letter of the Word . . . it would be a mistake to suppose that he is at all prolix or redundant; he is only full. In the course of expounding he has illustrated a very large portion of Bible with great clearness and power. He is deeply devotional and spiritual. His work can scarcely be superseded or surpassed'." -- Publisher
    "Cotton Mather's assessment, that these sermons [Caryl on Job] belong alongside Greenhill on Ezekiel, Burroughs on Hosea, Owen on Hebrews, and Manton on James, can still be made." -- Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas, professor of Systematic and Practical Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary

    Clark, Gordon H. (1902-1985), God and Evil: The Problem Solved, ISBN: 094093146X 9780940931466.
    "For centuries those who have opposed the Christian faith have gleefully argued that if God is good, he cannot be all-powerful, since there is evil in the world; and if God is all-powerful he cannot be good since there is evil in the world. Either God is good or he is all-powerful, but he cannot be both. Either way, the God of the Bible is disproved. For centuries Christian theologians have attempted to refute this argument, and they have failed. Now, one American Christian philosopher has succeeded -- brilliantly. God and Evil is a masterful solution to the problem of evil." -- Publisher

    Colman, Benjamin (1673-1747), and Ebenezer Pemberton (1672-1717), A Humble Discourse of the Incomprehensibleness of God. In Four Sermons, Preached at the Lecture in Boston, 1714. / By Benjamin Colman, M.A. Pastor of a church in Boston. With a preface by the Reverend Mr. Pemberton.
    Free access:
    https://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=evans;idno=N03669.0001.001

    Crenshaw, James L., Theodicy in the Old Testament, ISBN: 0281040672 9780281040674.

    *Dabney, Robert Lewis (1820-1898), Christ our Penal Substitute, ISBN: 0873779835 9780873779838.
    "This work is a great defense for the doctrine of the substitutionary atonement of Christ, and it refutes the heresies to the contrary." -- Publisher
    "The last couple of pages include a discussion of penal substitutionary atonement as theodicy, and this was perhaps the most interesting proposition in the entire book (though Dabney's thorough refutations of objections was grand).
    " 'The glorious sacrifice of love does prove that no defect of divine benevolence can have had a part in this secret. Had there been in God's Heart the least lack of infinite mercy, had there been a single fiber of indifference to the misery of his creatures, Christ would never have been given to die for the guilt of men. The Messiah is our complete theodicy!' p. 114." -- Reader's Comment

    Dickerson, G. Fay, Paul D. Petersen, and The American Theological Library Association, Theodicy, Suffering, Good and Evil: A Bibliography Selected From the ATLA Religion Database, February, 1982.

    Eskola, Timo, Theodicy and Predestination in Pauline Soteriology, ISBN: 3161468945 9783161468940.

    Fitch, William, God and Evil: Studies in the Mystery of Suffering and Pain, ISBN: 0720800404.
    "A contemporary presentation of theodicy." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Geisler, Norman L., Theodicy: The Roots of Evil.

    Oldenburger, Teunis, The Theodicy of Calvinism; or, The Problem of Evil and sin.

    Rock, James L., Biblical Theodicy: The Defense of God's Justice (Genesis 18-19), a Masters in Theology dissertation, 1989.

    Stump, Eleonore, Wandering in Darkness: Narrative and the Problem of Suffering, ISBN: 9780199277421 0199277427.
    "Having just finished Eleanor stumps volume Wandering in Darkness, concerning the problem of evil, I find myself torn between admiration for her great knowledge and literary ability, and doubt as to whether her defense of Thomas Aquinas's theodicy really accomplishes what she believes it accomplishes.
    "This volume is a tremendous work of creativity and research, both on the problem of evil and on the philosophy of Thomas Aquinas. She states that she is combining two philosophical methods, analytical philosophy and narrative, which seems to take her partially into the realm of the post-Enlightenment. She is quite successful using both methods. Her Biblical stories, using Job, Abraham, Samson, and Martha as case studies for applying the Thomistic theodicy she defends are enormously interesting and stimulating. Stump is an excellent writer, clear lucid and an extremely insightful in her ideas."
    This is a book that anyone interested in Christian philosophy, and especially theodicy has to read. It is not difficult to understand, but deeply difficult to evaluate. As a Christian I can certainly agree that the worst evil that can befall a human being is to be separated from God for eternity. Only God, with his promise of eternal life in a close relationship with Him, can provide any kind of a purpose for human suffering. If I read Stump correctly, she maintains that the sufferings we undergo are efforts on the part of God to draw us to him, in other words convert us to believe in God and his son Jesus. If we are already believers suffering is meant to draw us into a closer relationship with God, which should be the goal of every Christian. The purpose of human beings, their ultimate goal, should be union with God. This is our ultimate good. All of our lives, and all of our goals, should be intertwined with this ultimate purpose.
    "Obviously, a book of this size and importance cannot be summarized in a brief review. There is so much rich material here that more than pays the reader for a the time spent with this book.
    "Her discussion of love throughout the book is fascinating and insightful. Almost every page provides interesting interpretations and discussions. I really think I understand love better after having read these sections. The idea that love is the desire for the good of the loved object, and a desire to be united with that object is a simple idea but one that she applies with deep understanding in her stories and antidotes.
    "One of my problems with any theodicy is that it must finally present some kind of an explanation for the Holocaust. This may ultimately be an impossible task. But I simply do not see that Thomas Aquinas, or Eleanor Stump, have provided a theodicy, or even a defense that can do justice to the horror of the Holocaust. It may be that I'm not totally understanding the argument. But the readers will have to decide for themselves. I cannot possibly recommend this book more highly. It was a pleasure to read, and I'm sure I'll reread it in the future." -- Reader's Comment
    "Eleonore Stump is The Robert J. Henle Professor of Philosophy at Saint Louis University, where she has taught since 1992. She received a Ph.D. in medieval studies and medieval philosophy from Cornell University in 1975." -- Publisher

    Whitney, Barry L., Theodicy: An Annotated Bibliography on the Problem of Evil, 1960-1991, ISBN: 188968001X 9781889680019.

    *Zacharias, Ravi K. (1946-2020), and Vince Vitale, Why Suffering?: Finding Meaning and Comfort When Life Doesn't Make Sense, ISBN: 9781455549702 1455549703.
    "Why would a loving and powerful God allow so much pain and suffering? In WHY SUFFERING? Ravi Zacharias and Vince Vitale carefully walk you through a variety of responses that considered together provide a clear, comprehensive, and convincing answer. Responses like: Where there is the possibility of love, there has to be the reality of freedom, and therefore the possibility of pain. Wishing God had made a different world is to wish yourself out of existence. The cross is the key to a compelling and rational explanation for trusting in God in the face of suffering. In comparison with other world religions, the Christian response is highly distinctive. The reality of evil only makes sense in light of the reality of divine goodness. Relational knowledge about God takes the argument beyond reason to the presence of God amidst suffering. God's decision to allow temporal suffering is understandable when viewed from an eternal perspective. Divine goodness shows how to conquer not in spite of, but even through suffering. Here is a book written with great respect for the complexity of the issue, recognizing that some who read it will be in the trenches of deep suffering themselves and others questioning the very existence of a loving God. WHY SUFFERING? provides an answer to the problem of pain and suffering with emotional sensitivity and intellectual integrity." -- Publisher
    Ravi Talks About his Book: Why Suffering?
    "The Captain of our Salvation, made perfect, made complete, through suffering -- if our Lord himself had to go through that, as he endured the cross, despising the shame, and is now set down at the right hand of God -- that's why I think there is a key word which James Stewart uses, which I expand upon here, 'He conquered not in spite of the Darkness, fear of evil, he conquered through it' and I believe it is the same in your life and mine. We may not like it, but we conquer through the pain and through the suffering." -- Ravi Zacharias in "Ravi Talks About his Book Why Suffering"

    Zacharias, Ravi K. (1946-2020), William Lane Craig, Bernard Leikind, J.N. Mohanty; and The Faith and Science Lecture Forum, Is There Meaning in Evil and Suffering?: A Christian Response to the Problem of Pain, a CD. Alternate title: MEANING IN EVIL AND SUFFERING.
    "The Faith and Science Lecture Forum hosted an engagement to discuss the question, 'Is There Meaning in Evil and Suffering?' Ravi Zacharias was the featured lecturer and he presented a 45-minute address offering the Christian perspective to this concern. His message was followed by rebuttals from three panelists: Dr. Bernard Leikind, a plasma physicist and senior editor of Skeptic magazine; Dr. Jitendra Mohanty, one of India's most distinguished Hindu philosophers and professor at Emory University; and William Lane Craig, a well-known Christian philosopher and apologist. Each of the forum's participants then posed questions to one another, and the interaction was a lively exchange of ideas and worldviews. The dialogue was direct and challenging, yet handled with respect, cordiality (and sometimes humor!). The panelists also responded to several questions from the audience -- attendees in the auditorium as well as listeners at universities and through the Internet. At the close of the evening, Dr. Zacharias tied everything together with a five-minute presentation of the gospel, the Cross and God's love and forgiveness. In addition to the 1800 attendees to the forum, a satellite link to 100 colleges and universities in the U.S. and Canada allowed approximately 30,000 students to view it along with thousands around the world via a live link over the Internet." -- Publisher

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, The overruling providence of god, Affliction, adversity, trials, suffering, chastisement, Evil, the problem of avoiding, eschewing, shunning, The proximity of good and evil, Spiritual warfare, Spiritual discernment, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Trusting god, and so forth, and so on.

    Related Weblinks

    *Satan and his Deception (FGB #161)
    The Blood of the Lamb the Conquering Weapon | Satan Considering the Saints | Satan's Personality | Resisting the Devil | Ten Helps Against Satan's Devices
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/sahdfg/satan--his-deception

    *Self-denial (FGB #218)
    What it Costs to be a Christian | Family or Christ? | Learning Self-denial From Christ | Cross-bearing | Christ's Cross and Ours | Motives to Self-denial | Reasons for Self-denial | Selfishness and Self-denial | Self-denial Defined
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/sdenfg/selfdenial

    Suffering (FGB #158)
    Suffering and Consolation | The Sweet Uses of Adversity | Sufferings Compensated | The Problem of a Suffering Christian | Glorifying God in the Fire | The Road to True Health, Wealth and Prosperity | Affliction Sanctified | Sufferings Compensated, Pink, A.W. | Suffering Glorifying God in the Fire, Whitefield, George
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/sufffg/suffering



    Trusting God

    See: Trusting God
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr6ch.html#trustg



    Unforgiveness

    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)

    Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 23:34)

    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)

    Loose walking severs communion with God, and then will He act distantly toward us. Our folly must be repented of and humbly acknowledged before fellowship can be restored with God. Yea, even if our fault be only against a fellow-creature it must be righted before God will accept our worship: If thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. (Matthew 5:23,24) -- how many are unable to obtain conscious access to God through failure at this very point! Turn ye unto Me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you. (Zechariah 1:3) -- if we would have God turn unto us in mercy we must turn unto Him in obedience." -- Arthur Pink (1886-1952), Access to God

    He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? (Micah 6:8)

    Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:23, 24)

    Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 23:34)

    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)

    Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. (1 Peter 3:9)
    Put off: Returning evil for evil
    Put on: Bless your enemy

    The Christian lives through forgiveness. -- J.I. Packer (1926-2020)

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Christian Forgiveness: Responsibility or Blameshifting? (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA407 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), A Counseling Seminar: A 12-tape [audio file], Album for Laymen and Pastors Covering the Basic Reasons, Methods and Purpose of Nouthetic Counseling as Based on the Scriptures.
    Contents: Hope and counseling (3 tapes), [audio file] -- Christian forgiveness (2 tapes), [audio file] -- Change (2 tapes), [audio file] -- The husband (2 tapes), [audio file] -- The wife (2 tapes), [audio file] -- Questions and answers.
    Search the series "Jay Adams Tape Library" in WorldCat (OCLC) for a listing of 21 audio tapes [audio file].

    *Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), From Forgiven to Forgiving: Discover the Path to Biblical Forgiveness, ISBN: 1879737124 9781879737129.
    "For the 'average Christian,' to shed light on all aspects of forgiveness seeking and granting, and to counter erroneous views. How do forgiven persons -- God's children -- become forgiving persons? Defines, illustrates, motivates and challenges people to deal with forgiveness issues biblically. Clear thinking is essential: 'Labels are important not only as signs of the thing they signify but also as signposts that point to solutions to the problems they categorize.' Tackles unbiblical concepts such as forgiving self, forgiving God, apologizing, 'forgive and forget'." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
    "A detailed look at forgiveness from the Bible. He finds that much of what passes for Biblical teaching on this subject just plain misses the mark." -- GCB

    Augsburger, David, Caring Enough to Forgive: True Forgiveness/Caring Enough to Not Forgive: False Forgiveness, ISBN: 0830707492 9780830707492.
    "A definitive, wise, and highly recommended work on forgiveness." -- Publisher

    Augsburger, David, The Freedom of Forgiveness, ISBN: 0913367680 9780913367681.

    *Bolton, Robert (1572-1631), A Treatise on Comforting Afflicted Consciences. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "I do not know of a single book published in the past twenty years that explains in depth how to respond Biblically to a grieved or wounded conscience. Here's an ideal volume to fill that gap. Few books in history have treated the subject as completely or as clearly as Robert Bolton's classic work. . . . The book remains a definitive study on the issue of dealing with guilt. Practical, Biblical, meticulously precise, carefully reasoned, it maintains a straightforward simplicity that cannot fail to touch the sensitive reader's heart." -- John MacArthur

    Clowney, E., The Stairway of God; God Among us; Getting Even; Bitterness (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette EC201 [audio file].

    Langberg, Diane, How to Deal With Hurts (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette WW402 [audio file].

    Lotter, George A., Counseling Divorcees on Forgiveness (Philadelphia, PA: Westminster Theological Seminary, D.Min. thesis, 1987).
    Includes bibliography.

    Marshall, Stephen (1594?-1655), The Sinne of Hardnesse of Heart: The Nature, Danger, and Remedy of it. Opened in a Sermon, Preached to the Honorable House of Commons, July 28. 1648. being the day of their solemne monethly fast. By Stephen Marshall, B.D. minister of Gods Word at Finchingfield in Essex. Published by order of that House, 1648. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    *Miller, C. John "Jack" (1928-1996), Finding Healthy Self-Esteem Through Being Completely Forgiven (Quality Living Series. Jenkintown, PA [World Harvest, Box 2175, Jenkintown, 19046]: World Harvest, 1987).
    "Do you feel inadequate? That you need to do more or be better in order to be happy and fulfilled? You may not realize it, but your biggest problem is . . . you don't feel completely forgiven."
    World Harvest Mission
    http://www.whm.org/home.htm

    Morison, Patrick H., Forgive! As the Lord Forgave You, ISBN: 0875522939 9780875522937.
    "By shedding light on six aspects of the forgiving process, this 30-page pamphlet shows what forgiveness involves and how crucial a forgiving spirit is to our walk with God and our relationships with others." -- GCB

    *Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon.
    A sermon by C.H. Spurgeon delivered on Lord's-day morning, September 9, 1888, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon no. 2043.
    "This is the way in which you should use this plea. Say, 'My God, I am utterly unworthy, and I own it; but, I beseech thee, hear me for the honour of thy dear Son. By his agony and bloody sweat, by his cross and passion, by his precious death and burial, I beseech thee hear me! O Lord, let the blood of thine Only-begotten prevail with thee! Canst thou put aside his groans, his tears, his death, when they speak on my behalf?' If you can thus come to pleading terms with God upon this ground, you must and will prevail. Jesus must be heard in heaven. The voice of his blood is eloquent with God. If you plead the atoning sacrifice, you must overcome through the blood of the Lamb." -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon

    Thompson, Murray Stewart, Grace and Forgiveness in Ministry, ISBN: 0687156807 9780687156801.
    Includes bibliography and references.

    Walter, Richard P., Forgive and be Free: Healing the Wounds of Past and Present, ISBN: 0310426111 9780310426110.

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Forgiveness of sin, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Scapegoating, blameshifting, Gossip, slander, backbiting, the tongue, Self-righteousness, self-justification, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Justifying faith, The person and work of christ jesus the lord, Christ our example, Forgiveness of Sin, Reconciliation of relationships, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Avoiding divorce, Gossip, slander, backbiting, the tongue, Guilt, Lying, deceit, self-deception, Envy, jealousy, Effeminacy, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Heaven, Hell, and so forth, and so on.



    Vengeance and Retaliation

    Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. (Romans 12:19)

    Let us remember this principle of retributive justice, which is often acted upon by the divine government, that those who prepare a pit for others are cast into it themselves. -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 7:15,16

    See Isaiah 59 and the annotation in The Reformation Study Bible.
    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. (Isaiah 59:19)

    Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously. (1 Peter 2:19-23)

    Dearly beloved in our Savior Jesus Christ, hope you against hope, and against all worldly appearance. For so assuredly as God is immutable, so assuredly shall he stir up one Jehu or other, to execute his vengeance upon these blood-thirsty tyrants, and obstinate idolaters. And therefore, abide ye patiently the time, that is appointed to our correction, and to the full ripeness of their malicious minds. Be not discouraged, although the bishops have gotten the victory. So did the Benjamites (natural brethren to our bishops), defenders of whoredom and abominable adultery, twice prevail against the Israelites, who fought at God's commandment. Ye shall consider, beloved brethren, that the counsels of God are profound and inscrutable: the most just man is not innocent in his sight. There may be secret causes, why God sometimes will permit the most wicked, to prevail and triumph in the most unjust action. But yet will He not long delay to execute his wrath, and justly deserved vengeance, upon such as be proud murderers, obstinate idolaters, and impenitent malefactors. And therefore have they not great cause to rejoice; for albeit they have once prevailed against flesh, yet shall God shortly bring them to confusion and shame for ever. Let Winchester and his cruel council devise and study till his wits fail, how the kingdom of his father, the Antichrist of Rome, may prosper; and let him and them drink the blood of God's saints, till they be drunk, and their bellies burst; yet shall they never prevail long in their attempts. Their counsels and determinations shall be like the dream of a hungry or thirsty man, who in his sleep dreameth that he is eating or drinking, but after he is awakened, his pain continueth, and his soul is impatient, and nothing eased. Even so shall these tyrants, after their profound counsels, long devices, and assured determinations, understand and know that the hope of hypocrites shall be frustrated, that a kingdom begun with tyranny and blood can neither be stable nor permanent (Job 5), but that the glory, the riches, and maintainers of the same, shall be as straw in the flame of fire. (Job 15). Altogether with a blast they shall be consumed in such sort, that their palaces shall be a heap of stones, their congregations shall be desolate, and such as do depend upon their help, shall fall into destruction and ignominy with them. (Isaiah 22).
    And therefore, beloved brethren in our Savior Jesus Christ, seeing that neither can our imperfections nor frail weakness hinder Christ Jesus to return to us by the presence of his Word; neither that the tyranny of these blood-thirsty wolves may so devour Christ's small flock, but that a great number shall be preserved to the praise of God's glory; neither that these most cruel tyrants can long escape God's vengeance, let us in comfort lift up our heads, and constantly look for the Lord's deliverance with heart and voice, saying to our God, "O Lord, albeit other lords than thou have power over our bodies, yet let us only remember thee, and thy holy name; to whom be praise before the congregation. Amen." -- John Knox

    Two legitimate forms of godly vengeance exist: First, the absolute and perfect justice of God finally and totally administers perfect justice. History culminates in Christ's triumph, and eternity settles all scores. Second, the authorities ordained by God. Parents, pastors, civil authorities, and others, have a duty to exercise the justice and vengeance of God. As themselves sinners, they can never do this perfectly, but imperfect justice can be justice still. A cloudy day cannot be called midnight; imperfect justice is not injustice. -- R.J. Rushdoony (1916-2001), The Institutes of Biblical Law, p. 123

    But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul. A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away. For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance. He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts. (Proverbs 6:32-35)

    Boston, Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Retaliation," and so forth, and so on.

    Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), In Relation to Their Forgiving Injuries, in Opposition to Revenge. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THE REVEREND THOMAS BOSTON (5:171-80). Also in AN ILLUSTRATION OF THE DOCTRINES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION (5:44-298).

    Day, John N., Crying for Justice: What the Psalms Teach us About Mercy and Vengeance in an Age of Terrorism, ISBN: 0825424461 9780825424465.
    "In this book Dr. Day methodically examines the scriptural framework for proper Christian response to persecution of God's people that is unremitting and unrepentant. It is a must read for all Christians, as Christians are emerging as the primary target of the extremist cry of 'kill the infidel.' More than five centuries have passed since Christians in the West have personally had to face such an issue, and now is the time to become spiritually prepared. Don't miss this one. It is the definitive modern analysis of the subject." -- Reader's Comment

    Erskine, Ebenezer (1680-1754), The Annals of Redeeming Love, With the Redeemer's Vengeance Upon the Grand Enemy of the Redeem'd. Being Several Sermons . . . by . . . Ebenezer Erskine, Edinburgh, 1738. In The Works of Ebenezer Erskine. Available (THE WORKS OF EBENEZER ERSKINE), on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    *Marshall, Walter (1628-1680), The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification: Growing in Holiness by Living in Union With Christ (Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, Inc., 2005, 1999), 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:
    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
    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)

    *Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon.
    A sermon by C.H. Spurgeon delivered on Lord's-day morning, September 9, 1888, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon no. 2043.
    "This is the way in which you should use this plea. Say, 'My God, I am utterly unworthy, and I own it; but, I beseech thee, hear me for the honour of thy dear Son. By his agony and bloody sweat, by his cross and passion, by his precious death and burial, I beseech thee hear me! O Lord, let the blood of thine Only-begotten prevail with thee! Canst thou put aside his groans, his tears, his death, when they speak on my behalf?' If you can thus come to pleading terms with God upon this ground, you must and will prevail. Jesus must be heard in heaven. The voice of his blood is eloquent with God. If you plead the atoning sacrifice, you must overcome through the blood of the Lamb." -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon

    Zenger, Erich, and Linda M. Maloney (translator), A God of Vengeance? Understanding the Psalms of Divine Wrath, ISBN: 0664256376 9780664256371.
    "The most extensive and best work that I know of on one of the most troubling dimensions of scripture . . . With both careful and rich exegesis of the psalms . . . Zenger recovers these as important liturgical and theological resources . . ." -- Patrick D. Miller, Professor of Old Testament Theology, Princeton Theological Seminary
    "Erich Zenger is Professor of Biblical History at the University of Munster in Germany." -- Publisher

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Bitterness and resentment, Sin, the contagion of sin, imitation, conformity, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Gratuitous sex, a cause of violence, Hostility and violence, The government's role to punish wrongdoers, The courts, the law base, and the judicial system, Leniency, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justice, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Evil, the problem of avoiding, eschewing, shunning, Ezekiel, Revelation, Justice, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Sex ethics, sex education, Medical ethics, The covenant faithfulness of god, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Forgiveness, Reconciliation of relationships, Unforgiveness, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Psalms (imprecatory), Spiritual warfare, Antinomianism, The counter-reformation, Christianity in the workplace, Heaven, Hell, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 308, 2279, 2280, 3131
    MGTP: Vengeance



    War

    Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (James 1:15)

    From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?
    Ye lust, and have not; ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
    Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.     (James 4:1-3)
    Take note of the fact that it is not possible to desire something that one already possess.

    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

    He hath delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hate me: for they were too strong for me. . . . Great deliverances giveth he unto his king, and showeth mercy to his anointed, even to David, and to his seed forever. (Psalm 18:17-50)

    A power ethical, politic, or moral, to oppress, is not from God, and is not a power, but a licentious deviation of a power; and is no more from God, but from sinful nature and the old serpent, than a license to sin. -- Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661)

    In righteousness He doth judge and make war. (Revelation 19:11) -- He rendereth to every man according to his works; but in battles amongst men, much blood is spilt, falsehood, and violence used, while those who may be strongest, whether it be right or not, keep the field. Nay in very deed, are not kingdoms often ruined by opposite parties, who rent them in pieces amongst them? As to Nebuchadnezzar's, the Medes, and Persians did. They draw it among them, and the thing they get is a fine web of linen, a bit of a kingdom with an ill conscience, which never does them good. They are like so many men striving about a leme [clay, or earthenware] vessel; he draws, and he draws, and the one pulls the side from the vessel, and breaks it in pieces: So conquerors, when they have subdued a kingdom, are like those who get the leme vessel, that seldom bides the second heir. Christ makes not war with the shedding of innocent blood; when He takes in a city, He plays not foul play as other captains do, where often the soldier's right to a country is by the point of the sword; for there is no difference betwixt his sword, his conscience, and his musket. But it is not so with Christ. How then? 1. When Christ takes in a city, nation or country, He has God's right to it, and His Father's promise of it (Psalm 2:8; Psalm 72:8). He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth. 2. When besieged men render and give up themselves to Christ, O! but they get good quarters from Him! They live and are not made captives, but kings and priests to God. Christ's captives have a king's life of it. 3. Christ makes not war in a passion, but sweetly to His people in the end, though seemingly bitter at the first. But when Christ's enemies who get the worse, are all driven to pieces with a rod of iron, they have no comfort; yet He hath done them no wrong, He hath made His war in righteousness. Then ye who are His enemies shall never be cured nor healed again, nor yet by Him pitied; nay, let Christ drive an enemy all to flinders, He doth it by laws God bade Him. Who will then gather them or mend them? Oh! there is no balm, no cure for the mending of Christ's wounds again. But there is sweetness, and comfort to those whom Christ takes in, and sets on to win them to the obedience of the gospel. He has good right to you, and has God's warrant to have you. Has Christ fought a battle with the devil and sin, and hath He won you? Then He hath better right to you than you have to the coat on your back. Be glad ye are His own; He won you with the sweat of His brow. It is true, ye deserve not Christ, but indeed He deserves you; therefore be glad and humble, for Christ will not want His own. Who can rob, spoil, and oppress Christ? I know well He is able to hold His own with the best of them. Then fear not that ye be lost, for Christ's right cannot be broken, God must give Him justice and law, and by law you are His; for open market-right is a good right, and Christ has that of you." -- Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661)

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 17, C.H. Spurgeon
    Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer. (Psalm 17:4)
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps017.php

    Anthropologists tell us that one-third of all human beings who have lived on this planet have died at the hands of their brothers -- that fully one-third of the human race have died through war, violence, crime, and sudden death at the hands of another human being. -- D. James Kennedy (1930-2007) and List of Wars and Anthropogenic Disasters by Death Toll, Wikipedia

    The first half of the 20th century has been the bloodiest times in history. If all the people of the United States were to perish in a nuclear war, the number dead would be less than those who have perished by violence during the first half of the 20th century. -- Howard Mumford Jones

    The depravity of man is at once the most empirically verifiable reality, but at the same time the most intellectually resisted fact. (Genesis 6:5; Genesis 8:21b; Ecclesiastes 9:3b; Jeremiah 17:9; Mark 7:21-23; Ephesians 2:1-3; Titus 3:3-5) -- Malcolm Muggeridge (1903-1990). See John Calvin's Commentary on Isaiah Chapter 33 [Isaiah 33:1-66].

    Of all the enemies of true liberty, war is, perhaps, the most to be dreaded, because it comprises and develops the germ of every other.
    War is the parent of armies; from these proceed debts and taxes; and armies, and debts, and taxes are the known instruments for bringing the many under the domination of the few. -- James Madison (1751-1836)

    How does a nation protect itself against terrorists who commit suicide to murder innocent citizens?

    It is the presence of The Holy Spirit in society, The Third Person of the Holy Trinity -- it is His presence alone, that restrains evil in society. It is His presence alone that stops men from murdering their neighbors and from completely destroying society. See: John Owen, GOD'S PRESENCE WITH A PEOPLE THE SPRING OF THEIR PROSPERITY; WITH THEIR SPECIAL INTEREST IN ABIDING IN HIM.
    In the absence of The Holy Spirit there is no restraint of evil.
    Therefore, a nation that struggles to remove The Holy Trinity, The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, from all public life, that nation will lose all restrain of evil, and will succumb to self-destruction from within. It will also succumb to destruction from enemies without. It is the presence in a nation of The Holy One of Israel, The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the presence of The Triune God, that restrains evil, and that gives society order and life.
    Honored citizens of The United States of America, your willful rebellion against Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ has brought the judgment of God upon this nation. God punishes a people by putting godless leaders in command. All restraint of evil has disappeared from our nation, and our leaders are helpless to stop the spread of terrorism. Repent honored citizens of this beloved nation, partake of Christ, for you are the terrorists.
    And now may the Grace, the Mercy, and the Peace, of God The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit, rest and abide with you now and forevermore. Amen.

    Beware the victor's version.

    I know men and I tell you that Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between Him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creation of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded His empire upon love; and at this hour millions of men would die for Him. -- Napoleon Bonaparte

    Interestingly the decade (1850-1860), before the War Between the States, was a decade of unprecedented industrial growth and growing prosperity, which lead to economic depression in 1857. War began in 1860.

    Abortion was the 20th century's biggest single killer of mankind worldwide, far surpassing any other cause: disease, war, governments, natural disasters, and so forth. See: "Biggest Killers of the 20th Century." Notice that abortion is not included in this diagram. The absence of information says something about the depravity of mankind (Jeremiah 17:9,10), and about the suppression and repression of truth. (Hosea 4:6,7)
    The number of abortions performed worldwide in the last 50 years is estimated to be 1 to 2 billion. But try to document this fact elsewhere online.
    The total abortions worldwide for the 20th century may be interpolation from available data. The calculation does not factor in incremental increases in world population since 1900. Worldwide there are an estimated 43.8 million abortions annually (2008 figures, Guttmacher Institute) X 100 years = 4.38 billion killings worldwide in the 20th century. This is compared to 1.97 billion estimated deaths worldwide for non-communicable diseases the reported biggest killer worldwide of the 20th century. Comparison may also be made with figures for genocide.
    Number of Abortions -- Abortion Counters
    "The most accurate set of abortion counters on the web. Number of abortions in U.S. and worldwide; Number of abortions since 1973; Number of abortions this year; U.S. abortion clock; Worldwide abortion clock; Number of abortions due to rape or incest; Planned Parenthood abortion count."
    http://www.numberofabortions.com/

    The top three killers of Americans are the U.S. health care system -- period [see "Abortion was the 20th century's biggest single killer of mankind worldwide" below. -- compiler]. The system is designed that way. The Death by Medicine study showed us, in 2001, that: "It is evident that the American medical system is the leading cause of death and injury in the United States. The total number of iatrogenic deaths shown . . . is 783,936. The 2001 heart disease annual death rate is 699,697; the annual cancer death rate, 553,251. . ." And no one running the system cares. No one. -- Tim Bolen in the article The U.S. is the Worst Place in the World to Get Cancer Treatment . . . Opinion
    Do the math. Statistically, doctors are about 52,500 times more dangerous than gun owners, using 750,000 for the annual iatrogenic deaths in the US.

    One of the more significant of the many contrasts between the American Revolution, which started in 1776, and the French Revolution, which started in 1789, was that the American Revolution was based upon a Judeo-Christian value system that is certain and absolute . . . and that life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness were a given, were an absolute based upon the fact that we were created in God's image. Whereas, the absolutes of the French Revolution -- liberty, equality and fraternity -- were based upon a human assertion. -- Richard Land

    Never, never, never believe any war will be smooth or easy, or that anyone who embarks on the strange voyage can measure the tide and hurricanes he will encounter. The statesman who yields to war fever must realize that once the signal is given, he is no longer the master of policy but the slave of unforeseeable and uncontrollable events. -- Winston Churchill

    There is a dramatic decline in culture after major wars, i.e., The Revolutionary War, The Civil War, WWI, WWII, and the War in Viet Nam, etc.

    Adeney, Bernard T., Just War, Political Realism and Faith, ISBN: 0810821524 9780810821521.

    Bacque, James, Other Losses: an Investigation Into the Mass Deaths of German Prisoners at the Hands of the French and Americans After World War II, ISBN: 9780889226654 0889226652.
    "OTHER LOSSES caused an international scandal when first published in 1989 by revealing that Allied Supreme Commander Dwight Eisenhower's policies caused the death of some 1,000,000 German captives in American and French internment camps through disease, starvation, and exposure from 1944 to 1949, as a direct result of the policies of the western Allies, who, with the Soviets, ruled as the Military Occupation Government over partitioned Germany from May 1945 until 1949.
    "An attempted book-length disputation of OTHER LOSSES, was published in 1992, featuring essays by British, American and German revisionist historians (EISENHOWER AND THE GERMAN POWS: FACTS AGAINST FALSEHOOD, edited by Ambrose and Günter). However, that same year Bacque flew to Moscow to examine the newly-opened KGB archives, where he found meticulously and exhaustively documented new proof that almost one million German POWs had indeed died in those Western camps.
    "One of the historians who supports Bacque's work is Colonel Ernest F. Fisher, 101st Airborne Division, who in 1945 took part in investigations into allegations of misconduct by U.S. troops in Germany and later became a senior historian with the United States Army. In the foreword to the book he states: "Starting in April 1945, the United States Army and the French Army casually annihilated about one million [German] men, most of them in American camps -- Eisenhower's hatred, passed through the lens of a compliant military bureaucracy, produced the horror of death camps unequalled by anything in American military history -- How did this enormous war crime come to light? The first clues were uncovered in 1986 by the author James Bacque and his assistant.
    "This updated third edition of OTHER LOSSES exists not to accuse, but to remind us that no country can claim an inherent innocence of or exemption from the cruelties of war." -- Publisher

    Bainton, Roland H., Christian Attitudes Toward War and Peace, ISBN: 0687070279 9780687070275.
    "These 24 excerpts are from historic and contemporary authors who best articulate the mainstream of Christian thinking on the moral problem of war." -- GCB

    Barnes, Harry Elmer; et al., Perpetual war for Perpetual Peace: A Critical Examination of the Foreign Policy of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and its Aftermath, 724 pages, ISBN: 0837121442 9780837121444.
    "Classic revisionist study of how FDR maneuvered America, against the wishes of most of its citizens, into war against Germany and Japan, and how FDR's war policy ended in betrayal, disillusion and endless conflict. Establishes convincingly that U.S. participation in World War II was neither necessary, nor desirable, nor just. Edited by one of this century's most influential American scholars, this is a work in the front rank of American historical scholarship. Eleven concise, scintillating essays on every aspect of FDR's secret diplomatic and military warpath, by eight giants of revisionist scholarship, including H.E. Barnes, Charles C. Tansill, F.R. Sanborn, W.L. Neumann, G. Morgenstern, Percy L. Graves, Wm.H. Chamberlin, and G.A. Lundberg. A measured and relentless exposé of the calculated deceit by which FDR overturned America's traditional neutrality policy, provoked Pearl Harbor, and waged a brutal, pointless war that culminated in mass slaughter at Dresden and Hiroshima, and betrayal -- of America and the West -- at Yalta and Potsdam. These are incisive, unmistakably American perspectives on how the U.S. made a mockery of its own professed ideals during the 'Good War.' A virtual encyclopedia -- authoritative and comprehensive -- on the real causes and the actual results of America's entry into the Second World War. Indispensable as a history and a reference. Highly relevant for an understanding of how the United States came to its present-day policy of "New World Order" global military adventurism." -- Publisher
    "If you complain about and want to know why GWB lied us into war, you'd better prepare yourself for the fact that this has been going on for 100 and perhaps over 140 years.
    "For the real story on WWII (and beyond), you can't do better than this classic revisionist tome. I would also recommend THE REAL LINCOLN, and WILSON'S WAR if you want to get a more balanced view of some of our 'great' presidents and the unnecessary wars they embroiled us in -- all of which caused millions of deaths, huge federal deficits, aggrandized the central government and brought us into the Orwellian police state." -- Reader's Comment
    "Harry Elmer Barnes was one of the most productive historians and social scientists of the 20th century. A bibliography of his books and monographs is about 50 pages and includes long tomes on various topics such as sociology, history, criminology, etc. His editing of PERPETUAL WAR FOR PERPETUAL PEACE shows Barnes' ability as both a historian and an editor of other men whose contributions to this book are well written and poignant.
    "Barnes begins this book with an essay on the background of World War II by giving the reader a good summary of World War I and its aftermath. Barnes is clear that events before World War I were radically different than events during and after this war. He traces American policy from the end of World War I to World War II and beyond.
    "Barnes' use of Percy Greaves' background to the attack on Pearl Harbor is effective. Greaves was an expert on what actually happened when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Greaves' account is no sanitized textbook report, but a carefully documented assessment that is basically unanswerable.
    "The same could be said of Morgenstern's work mentioned in PERPETUAL WAR FOR PERPETUAL PEACE. Morgenstern's book PEARL HARBOR:THE STORY OF THE SECRET WAR is by far the best book written on the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and when the 'experts' could not refute him, they resorted to smearing him.
    "Charles Tansill's essay is well worth reading. In fact, Tansill's contribution to this book should be followed by a careful reading of his BACK DOOR TO WAR. Tansill had to resort to trickery to get the documents and sources for his BACK DOOR TO WAR.
    "The essays in PERPETUAL WAR FOR PERPETUAL PEACE not only deal with the government's lying and manipulation to get Americans involved in a useless war, but the essays also indicate that the Americans got nothing out of the war. In fact, the only actual winners were the political leaders of Big Communism which expanded well into Eastern Europe and Asia. In fact, the phony "Cold War" was essentially the attempt to settle the accounts from World War II.
    "Of particular interest is the essay on Orwellian trends. The government's use of war as a means to absorb unemployment by going to war and employing large numbers of people in war materials industries is instructive and should be read carefully. This essay makes clear that domestic problems and unemployment issues can resolved by long protracted wars with no clear winners or losers except for those who hold political power on both sides. This essay also shows how enemies and allies can change almost overnight.
    "PERPETUAL WAR FOR PERPETUAL peace is a good start to learning a more comprehensive view on both the truth of the origins of World War II and the political and diplomatic trends thereafter. This book should be read by serious historians to correct the distortions in badly written textbooks and the phony presentations of politically correct teachers who are too timid to do any serious reading or thinking." -- Reader's Comment

    Bauckham, Richard J. (editor), The Nuclear Weapons Debate: Theological and Ethical Issues, ISBN: 033401140X 9780334011408.

    Beard, Charles Austin (1874-1948), and Forrest McDonald (introduction), An Economic Interpretation of the Constitution of the United States, ISBN: 0029024803.
    "In this classic and controversial interpretation of the economic conditions of the United States between 1783-1787, Beard proposes the thesis that the Framers were motivated by economic concerns. In his landmark work, THE GROWTH OF AMERICAN LAW, Hurst describes AN ECONOMIC INTERPRETATION . . . as 'one of "the basic works" on the Federal Convention of 1787.' (Hurst, The Growth of American Law: 458). Beard [1874-1948], was a founder of The New School for Social Research." -- Publisher

    *Beard, Charles (1874-1948, author), and Campbell Craig (introduction), President Roosevelt and the Coming of the War, 1941: Appearances and Realities, new edition, ISBN: 0765809982 9780765809988, 614 pages.
    "This is a great and important book. It was not Beard's last book, but one that subjected him to a veritable witch hunt and his removal from his position in historical societies and organization. A progressive of the old LaFollette type, Beard simply sought to tell the truth about how Roosevelt plunged the USA into World War II before any declaration of war or attacks on the USA by Germany, Italy, or Japan.
    "Most of the material here comes from hearings in the U.S. Congress, some during World War II, and other shortly afterward.
    "It is unfortunate that Beard did not have access to the materials that have been available in the last 10 or 20 years as war time records has become declassified. His concentration is on Pearl Harbor and the naval war against Italy and Germany (most who write about submarine warfare in the Atlantic neglect the fact that there was a substantial force of Italian submarines as well as German submarines), that Roosevelt launched in 1940. Yet, this is but the tip of the iceberg in Roosevelt's illegal war against Germany and Italy and Japan in 1940 and in 1941.
    "Roosevelt ran the 1940 election under the slogan 'I hate war' and on his many pledges not to send Americans to fight in the Second World War. [the same scenario of Woodrow Wilson and the First World War -- compiler]. As soon as Roosevelt won the 1940 election he secretly began to send American sailors, marines, and soldiers into the war.
    "In November 1940, Roosevelt sent the U.S. Navy into the Atlantic to attack and sink German and Italian submarines in complete cooperation with the British. This was despite the fact that the German and Italian submariners were ordered to stay out of the Western Atlantic and to avoid American ports and ships so they would not provoke U.S. public opinion. What the Axis submariners could have done if they targeted American shipping was shown in 1941 and 1942 after Pearl Harbor. Hundreds of ships were sunk within sight of the East Coast. Britain was seriously threatened with strangulation.
    "The evidence that Beard prints in this book chiefly from Congressional hearings explains major incidents like the sinking of the Reuben James and the Kearny that were used to claim Germany was sinking American ships without provocation. Congressional hearings reported on in this book show both incidents were provoked by aggressive U.S. Navy attacks on German submarines either separate from or in direct cooperation with the British and Canadian navies.
    "Roosevelt had the U.S. in a worldwide naval war with Germany and Italy by 1941. American Navy pilots worked directly with the British. In fact it was an U.S. Navy pilot, not a British pilot who flew the plane that torpedoed the Bismark and left it unable to steer. The destroyer for bases deal not only supplied the British with destroyers, but sent U.S. troops to the bases that protected British colonies in the Americas and Africa so British troops there could be sent to the war in the Arab East.
    "The U.S. Navy began to build a major base in Northern Ireland. By 1941 U.S. Navy ships would attack, sink, or seize any German vessel they encountered on the high seas, not just in the Atlantic, but in the Pacific and Indian Ocean as well. The U.S. fleet and 'neutral' American shipping were used to convoy Australian, New Zealand, and British colonial troops from the Pacific to the U.S. and Canada to be shipped to the British war in North Africa.
    "American Marines relieved the British troops who had essentially invaded and occupied Iceland, an action not really favored by the Icelandic government which had tried to stay neutral. Those same Marines were originally to have invaded Vichy-controlled Martinique and Guadeloupe, but the Vichy governor of the islands agreed to allow U.S. Navy officers to control passage of naval vessels to those islands, keeping French warships in port on these islands until the end of the War.
    "In Asia, Roosevelt launched the Flying Tigers. Rather than being a mercenary program paid for by the Chaing Kai Shek government as the public was told until the relevant documents were released in the 1980s, the Flying Tigers were totally financed by the United States Army Air Force. All of the Tigers were serving Navy or Army pilots who were ordered to leave the Navy and the Army to accept positions with the Tigers. Generally, Army and Navy officers are not usually allowed to simply quit and take other positions before the end of their service, let alone in a period of coming war. Plans for the Tigers included building a huge American-staffed and paid for air force that would possess long range bombers to attack Japan. They barely had begun functioning in China before WWII began.
    "In late 1940 joint commissions of the U.S. military and naval general staffs and their British counterparts were set up in both Washington and London to plan a US-British war against both Germany and Japan. Similar arrangements were worked out with Britain, Canada, and the Dutch colonial government of what is now knows as Indonesia for naval and military action against Japan.
    "Those who do not know the information Beard provides and the rest that has come out since his times, wonder why Germany declared war on the USA. They picture the German declaration of war as an erroneous and gratuitous act of solidarity with Japan. They miss the real question. The real question is why did Germany wait so long to declare war on the USA when the USA had been carrying on what American and international law clearly defined as illegal warfare against Germany since the fall of 1940.
    "Beard's courage on this issue was symptomatic of his rigor and independence, his relentless desire to find the truth. Just as we are ignorant of the real origins of U.S. involvement in WWII without this pioneering work, we are ignorant of who the founders of the U.S. government were, and what they were afraid of unless we read his ECONOMIC INTERPRETATION OF THE CONSTITUTION. Beard was not just a learned man, a diligent scholar, and pretty good writer, he was a brave man who demanded to tell the truth no matter how unpopular it was. We should all be more like Beard!" -- Reader's Comment
    Apologetics #09: The Enlightenment in Western Thought #2
    Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Apologetics, 69 min.
    Dr. Singer on Roosevelt's maneuvering of the U.S. into World War II. An extraordinary lecture.
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=3105182230

    Bloesch, Donald George, Freedom of Obedience: Evangelical Ethics in Contemporary Times, ISBN: 1579109322 9781579109325.
    "Among my reasons for writing this book is the desire to present an evangelical alternative to the situationist and naturalist ethics that presently dominate the discussion in this field. While the primary focus of the book is on theological ethics, frequently references are made to current social issues; the last chapter is devoted to the intractable problem of war." -- Publisher

    *Boettner, Loraine, The Christian Attitude Toward War, ISBN: 0875521185 9780875521183.
    "Boettner is a well-known theologian, now retired. He is best known for his books on predestination and on Roman Catholicism.
    "At a time when war has held the interest of much of the globe, Boettner poses the following questions: What causes war? Can there be a just war? What are the premises of pacifism? What are the consequences of war? What are the limits of obedience of a Christian to his government? How does God use war as a judgment on nations? Are nuclear weapons justified? . . . .
    "Under God's teaching, it is not inconsistent to offer one to be at the same time a soldier and a follower of the Lord God of Hosts. At one place the Scriptures say plainly, 'Jehovah is a man of war.' To say with the pacifists that all war is unrighteous is to fly in the face of God's words. Yet in the Scripture war is to be avoided if possible, if God's glory or name were not involved. And war was never glorified. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    "First done in 1940, this excellent work has been brought up to date. If you need answers on this subject you just may not have to go any further than this." -- GCB

    Bridge, William, The True Soldier's Convoy. In WORKS OF WILLIAM BRIDGE (4:2-32).

    *Brzezinski, Zbigniew, Out of Control: Global Turmoil on the eve of the Twenty-first Century, ISBN: 0684196301 9780684196305.
    "Rarely has there been a book as explosive and challenging as this brilliant analysis of today's massive geopolitical disorder. The triumphant collapse of communism has brought neither economic stability nor social democracy to the former Soviet Union. Nor, for that matter, to the rest of the world. We are living in a time of fragmentation: increasing disunity in Europe, dangerous eruptions in the Islamic republics, growing disparity between the world's rich and poor, and the evils of the 'permissive cornucopia' in America which, through overstimulation of material desires and sensual self-gratification, is leading to the collapse of Western moral and spiritual values. In short, we are living in a philosophical climate that is 'out of control.' It is Zbigniew Brzezinski's firm belief that we must draw both moral and political lessons from the 'megadeaths' of the twentieth century, a century in which at least 167 million people were slaughtered in the name of the 'politics of organized insanity,' or the 'metamyths' of such dictators as Hitler, Stalin, and Mao, among others. Unless we can practice self-restraint derived from a moral commitment in the quest for global democratic 'interdependence,' we stand destined to risk again our very own survival.
    "Lives deliberately extinguished by politically motivated carnage: 167,000,000 to 175,000,000. Including: War Dead: 87,500,000, Military War Dead: 33,500,000, Civilian War Dead: 54,000,000, Not-war Dead: 80,000,000, Communist Oppression: 60,000,000." -- Publisher

    Buchanan, Patrick J., Churchill, Hitler, and "The Unnecessary War": How Britain Lost its Empire and the West Lost the World, ISBN: 9780307405166 0307405168.
    "Were World Wars I and II inevitable? Were they necessary wars? Or were they products of calamitous failures of judgment?
    "In this monumental and provocative history, Patrick Buchanan makes the case that, if not for the blunders of British statesmen -- Winston Churchill first among them -- the horrors of two world wars and the Holocaust might have been avoided and the British Empire might never have collapsed into ruins. Half a century of murderous oppression of scores of millions under the iron boot of Communist tyranny might never have happened, and Europe's central role in world affairs might have been sustained for many generations.
    "Among the British and Churchillian errors were:

    "Certain to create controversy and spirited argument, CHURCHILL, HITLER, AND "THE UNNECESSARY WAR" is a grand and bold insight into the historic failures of judgment that ended centuries of European rule and guaranteed a future no one who lived in that vanished world could ever have envisioned." -- Publisher

    *Bugliosi, Vincent, The Prosecution of George W. Bush for Murder, ISBN: 9780792756064 0792756061, 352 pages.
    We receive what we deserve as citizens. Bugliosi's book offers hope in these ominous times, when practically all of our institutions, including the three branches of government, seem to be broken beyond repair. THE PROSECUTION OF GEORGE W. BUSH FOR MURDER demonstrates that one person can bring an unfaithful leader to trial in the courtroom of American public opinion, can call for justice, outside the reach of the politicized monopoly that our Court System has become, and without astronomical legal costs and delays -- by publishing a lawsuit.
    We hope upright, law-abiding citizens will follow Bugliosi's example and will publish lawsuits calling for justice against unfaithful leaders in the courtroom of American public opinion.
    Notice this book is actually a lawsuit. Vince Bugliosi explained in a broadcast interview that his intention is to present all the facts and arguments necessary to win a lawsuit against George W. Bush. He said it is his intention to make it possible for any County or State District Attorney, where a son or daughter has died in the Iraq war, to file a suite against George W. Bush. Furthermore, he is offering to act as a consultant or associate Prosecuting Attorney with any local District Attorney. There is no statute of limitations on murder.
    "Famed Charles Manson prosecutor and three time #1 New York Times bestselling author Vincent Bugliosi has written the most powerful, explosive, and thought-provoking book of his storied career.
    "In THE PROSECUTION OF GEORGE W. BUSH FOR MURDER, Bugliosi presents a tight, meticulously researched legal case that puts George W. Bush on trial in an American courtroom for the murder of nearly 4,000 American soldiers fighting the war in Iraq. Bugliosi sets forth the legal architecture and incontrovertible evidence that President Bush took this nation to war in Iraq under false pretenses -- a war that has not only caused the deaths of American soldiers but also over 100,000 innocent Iraqi men, women, and children; cost the United States over one trillion dollars thus far with no end in sight; and alienated many American allies in the Western world.
    "As a prosecutor who is dedicated to seeking justice, Bugliosi, in his inimitable style, delivers a non-partisan argument, free from party lines and instead based upon hard facts and pure objectivity.
    "A searing indictment of the President and his administration, THE PROSECUTION OF GEORGE W. BUSH FOR MURDER also outlines a legally credible pathway to holding our highest government officials accountable for their actions, thereby creating a framework for future occupants of the oval office.
    "Vincent Bugliosi calls for the United States of America to return to the great nation it once was and can be again. He believes the first step to achieving this goal is to bring those responsible for the war in Iraq to justice.
    "Vincent Bugliosi received his law degree in 1964. In his career at the L.A. County District Attorney's office, he successfully prosecuted 105 out of 106 felony jury trials, including 21 murder convictions without a single loss. His most famous trial, the Charles Manson case, became the basis of his classic, HELTER SKELTER, the biggest selling true-crime book in publishing history. Two of Bugliosi's other books -- AND THE SEA WILL TELL and OUTRAGE -- also reached #1 on the New York Times hardcover bestseller list. No other American true-crime writer has ever had more than one book that achieved this ranking. His latest book, RECLAIMING HISTORY: THE ASSASSINATION OF PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY, has been heralded as 'epic' and 'a book for the ages.'
    "Bugliosi has uncommonly attained success in two separate and distinct fields, as an author and a lawyer. His excellence as a trial lawyer is best captured in the judgment of his peers. 'Bugliosi is as good a prosecutor as there ever was,' Alan Dershowitz says. F. Lee Bailey calls Bugliosi 'the quintessential prosecutor.' 'There is only one Vince Bugliosi. He's the best,' says Robert Tanenbaum, for years the top homicide prosecutor in the Manhattan D.A.'s office. Most telling is the comment by Gerry Spence, who squared off against Bugliosi in a twenty-one-hour televised, scriptless 'docu-trial' of Lee Harvey Oswald, in which the original key witnesses to the Kennedy assassination testified and were cross-examined. After the Dallas jury returned a guilty verdict in Bugliosi's favor, Spence said, 'No other lawyer in America could have done what Vince did in this case.'
    Bugliosi lives with his wife, Gail, in Los Angeles." -- Publisher

    *Bunyan, John (1628-1688), The Holy war Made by Shaddai Upon Diabolus for the Regaining of the Metropolis of the World: or, The Losing and Taking Again of the Town of Mansoul, ISBN: 1840300264 9781840300260. A Christian classic. Available (THE WORKS OF JOHN BUNYAN), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "I have read this novel before, and it is as good as PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. John Bunyan shows how Satan constantly tries to keep our souls, and uses all of the tricks in the book to try to keep our souls. This book is for Christians and non-Christians alike, the same is true with THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS. John Bunyan knows how to keep you entertained and thinking about what kind of shape your spirit is in. This book is a true masterpiece and is the best book about Spiritual Warfare that I have read so far." -- Reader's Comment
    "Bunyan's second and most loved work after Pilgrim's Progress. Also allegorical, this work tells the story of mankind's redemption by comparing it to a besieged city." -- Publisher
    "Forget Frank Peretti! Bunyan's allegory on spiritual warfare is absolutely profound. The old tinker of Bedford knew whereof he spoke. The chronicles of Mansoul and the great battle for its mind, heart and spirit make difficult reading to be sure, but you will be rewarded for your perseverance a hundredfold!
    "BONUS: Bunyan uses real army stratagems and tactics in his descriptions of the symbolic battles. He is believed to have picked up these details while a soldier in Cromwell's New Model Army." -- Reader's Comment
    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.

    Burlingame, Terry D., Biblical Counseling to the Military: The Book of Joshua as a Model (Philadelphia, PA: Westminster Theological Seminary, D.Div. thesis, 1990).

    *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

    *Clark, Gordon H. (1902-1985), The Philosophy of Science and Belief in God, ISBN: 0940931850 9780940931855.
    "Through most of its history, modern science has been at war with Christianity. This little book ends the battles, for it demonstrates that science cannot argue against the truth of Scripture, for the methods of science can never prove anything true. Written by the chairman of the philosophy department at Butler University, this book may be studied with profit by teachers, parents, and students." -- Publisher
    "THIS IS THE BOOK to confound anyone who is putting faith and trust in science." -- Jay P. Green Sr.
    Includes bibliography and indexes.
    "In this book the late philosopher Gordon H. Clark takes a critical look at the fundamental workings of the scientific method and demonstrates that science is incapable of discovering truth. Science is a collection of useful falsehoods, which we may use to manipulate and control nature. It is useful for giving us technology and for providing working theories of the natural world, but these theories are forever that -- theories. They can be proven false, and often are proven false, but no scientific theory can ever be proven true. Therefore the modern fascination with science (which borders almost on idolization), is misguided. Since science cannot discover truth, science has nothing to say about the existence of God, or the truths of Christianity and the Bible. These things are outside the domain of science. This means that there is no fundamental conflict between religion and science, once science is properly understood. Truth does not come from science, but is, rather, a gift revealed to us by God in the pages of the Bible. This book is well worth one's careful study." -- Reader's Comment

    Courtois, Stéphane (author), Nicolas Werth (author), Jean-Louis Panné (author), Andrzej Paczkowski (author), Karel Bartosek (author), Jean-Louis Margolin (author), Mark Kramer (editor), Jonathan Murphy (translator), The Black Book of Communism: Crimes, Terror, Repression, ISBN: 0674076087 9780674076082.
    "Already famous throughout Europe, this international bestseller plumbs recently opened archives in the former Soviet bloc to reveal the actual, practical accomplishments of Communism around the world: terror, torture, famine, mass deportations, and massacres. Astonishing in the sheer detail it amasses, the book is the first comprehensive attempt to catalogue and analyze the crimes of Communism over seventy years.
    " 'Revolutions, like trees, must be judged by their fruit,' Ignazio Silone wrote, and this is the standard the authors apply to the Communist experience." -- Publisher

    Dabney, Robert Lewis (1820-1898), The Christian Soldier. In DISCUSSIONS: EVANGELICAL AND THEOLOGICAL (1:614-25)

    Davies, Samuel (1723-1761), Religion and Patriotism the Constituents of a Good Soldier. A Sermon Preached . . . in . . . Virginia, August 17, 1755. By Samuel Davies, [Glasgow], 1756.

    Dean, Chuck, NAM VET: Making Peace With Your Past, ISBN: 0967937108 9780967937106.
    "Dean is executive director of Point Man International, a non-profit support organization dedicated to healing war wounds of Vietnam veterans. He was among the first combat troops to be sent to Vietnam.
    "This book is a shocker. Listen to these statistics: More Vietnam veterans have committed suicide since 1975 than were killed in the war itself. The divorce rate of Nam vets is 90 percent. One out of four combat veterans make less than $7000 a year." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    "Veterans are entering the 21st century, and for many, Vietnam has never ended. Why do so many suffer from flashbacks, depression, rage, substance abuse, and nightmares? Author and Vietnam veteran Chuck Dean has helped thousands find peace and spiritual healing." -- Publisher
    Point Man International Ministries (800) 877-VETS
    http://www.pointmanintl.org/

    Deshazer (De Shazer), Jacob, and Don R. Falkenberg, I was a Prisoner of Japan.
    "In 1948, as Fuchida [Mitsuo Fuchida (1902-1976) is best known for leading the devastating air attack on Pearl Harbor, 7 December 1941] was passing by the bronze statue of Hachiko at the Shibuya station, he was handed a pamphlet about the life of Jacob De Shazer, a member of the Doolittle Raid, who was captured when his B-25 bomber ran out of fuel in occupied China.
    "In the pamphlet, 'I was a Prisoner of Japan,' De Shazer, a former US Army Air Force staff sergeant and bombardier, related his testimony of imprisonment, torture, and awakening to God.
    "Fuchida read the tract on the spot and on the train he saw an advertisement for a book with the same title. When he disembarked, he headed for a book store and purchased it. De Shazer's story engrossed Fuchida. Determined to understand what had motivated De Shazer, Fuchida bought a Bible from a Japanese man on the street.
    " 'I met Jesus. Looking back I can see now that the Lord had laid His hand upon me so that I might serve Him'." -- Frontline Fellowship

    Dedijer, Vladimir, The Yugoslav Auschwitz and the Vatican. ISBN: 08797575238 9780879757526. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "First-hand testimony of survivors and eyewitnesses is compiled in this shocking and graphic account of the crimes committed during World War II at the largest death camp in Yugoslavia. At the small Croation town of Jasenovac, the fascist 'Independent State of Croatia' (a satellite state of the Nazi Third Reich), constructed a concentration camp where more than 200,000 people, mostly Orthodox Serbs, were systematically murdered. Among the participants in this genocide were members of the Roman Catholic clergy, from the Franciscan monk who became the camp commandant to the infamous Archbishop Stepinac, the spiritual adviser to the fascist state appointed by Pope Pius XII. Vladimir Dedijer . . . has collected irrefutable documentary and photographic evidence, attesting to thousands of atrocities and the complicity of the Catholic Church in these crimes. The events described in this important volume provide a historical context to the current conflict in Yugoslavia . . . The massacre at Jasenovac was . . . a dark episode in the history of the Catholic Church, one that the Church has attempted to hush up for fifty years (back cover)." -- Publisher
    " 'I present the new edition to the public in the hope that this most unknown chapter of Church history may become just as well-known as the crimes the (Roman Catholic -- RB), Church committed in the Middle Ages." (Gottfried Niemitz from the 'Foreword to the Second German Edition,' p. 21, emphases added). This book is published by Prometheus Books (an atheist/anti-Christian publisher), and though it contains much that is useful (concerning the historical data presented), the reader is cautioned to be on guard as to other comments and conclusions it contains." -- Publisher

    *Dickens, Charles (1812-1870), and A.B. De Mille (notes and study aids), A Tale of two Cities: Charles Dickens, didactic, historical fiction, ISBN: 9781411469662 1411469666.
    "Published in 1859, A TALE OF TWO CITIES contrasts Paris before and during the French Revolution and London affected by the Great Evangelical Awakening. With sales of over 200 million copies, A TALE OF TWO CITIES is one of the most successful bestselling novels of all time. The clash between Humanism and Christianity is so clear in this novel, that British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, presented a copy of this book to French President Francois Mitterand." -- Frontline Fellowship
    "This novel traces the private lives of a group of people caught up in the cataclysm of the French Revolution and the Terror. Dickens based his historical detail on Carlyle's THE FRENCH REVOLUTION, and his own observations and investigations during his numerous visits to Paris." -- Publisher
    Christianity and Communism, Peter Hammond
    "The contrast between Christianity and communism is dramatically presented throughout A TALE OF TWO CITIES. The fruit of the Protestant Reformation and the Great Evangelical Awakening was wisdom, faith, light, hope, and joy. The fruit of anti-God, radical secular humanism and the revolutionary fanaticism that triumphed in France in 1789, produced the worst of times and an age of foolishness, unbelief, darkness, despair and misery.
    They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity (2 Peter 2:19) -- Peter Hammond
    https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=111317552421
    Margaret Thatcher and Charles Dickens on the French Revolution, Frontline Fellowship
    "Dickens' famous opening sentence summarizes the drama of A TALE OF TWO CITIES:

    It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way." -- Peter Hammond
    https://vimeo.com/242042901
    A Tale of two Cities, Charles Dickens
    https://archive.org/stream/adventuresofoliv00dickiala#page/352/mode/2up

    Docherty, Gerry, and James MacGregor, The Secret Origins of the First World War, ISBN: 9781780576305 1780576307.
    "HIDDEN HISTORY uniquely exposes those responsible for the First World War. It reveals how accounts of the war's origins have been deliberately falsified to conceal the guilt of the secret cabal of very rich and powerful men in London responsible for the most heinous crime perpetrated on humanity." -- Publisher

    *Gouge, William (1578-1653), The Saints Sacrifice: or, A Commentarie on the CXVI Psalme. Which is, a Gratulatory Psalme, for Deliverance From Deadly Distresse, 1632, 144 pages [Psalm 116]. Available (THE WORKS OF WILLIAM GOUGE) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    " 'Sir, the last year, when the heavy hand of the righteous Lord lay upon this land and other parts of the Christian world, manifested by the three arrows of his anger, plague, famine, and sword, just cause was given to inquire after such means as might cure the wounds that were made by them, and move the Lord to withhold his hand from shooting abroad any more of them. Upon inquiry there was found in God's word (the treasury wherein all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hid), fit remedies for all those maladies,' writes Gouge in his preface to the Earl of Warwick. In this book Gouge opens the Lord's treasure house (of Psalm 116), for deliverance from deadly distress and spiritual dilapidation." -- Publisher

    Grant, George, Blood of the Moon: The Great Conflict Between Islam and Christianity Through the Ages, ISBN: 0785265430 9780785265436.
    "Most Christians know little about Islam, are unaware of the 4,000-year history behind the most recent attacks, and are unaware of the biblical issues that must be resolved before we chart a course as a nation in response to Islamic terrorism. This is why BLOOD OF THE MOON may be the most important book you read this year. During the Gulf War a decade ago, this was the book looked to by leaders, both in the Middle East and in Washington, D.C. Now, this newly-revised and updated edition is available to once again offer . . . the answers to the innumerable questions we face as a people.

    1. Why does the conflict in the Middle East always seem to spill over into the rest of the world?
    2. What is the true nature of Islam?
    3. Is terror an integral part of the conflict?
    4. Is it possible to eradicate the world of such evil?
    5. Who are the major players in this global confrontation, and what do they really want?
    6. How long has this been going on and what started it all?
    "BLOOD OF THE MOON is a straightforward examination of the roots of the protracted war between Islamic fundamentalists and the rest of the world. Stretching back as far as the days of Abraham and as far forward as the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, historian and theologian Dr. George Grant provides the reader with insights simply not available through the national news media. . . ." -- Douglas W. Phillips

    Harris, Thomas Allen, Counseling the Serviceman and his Family.
    "Provides the minister with the knowledge and techniques to prepare you to face the realities of military life." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Hastings, Max, The Secret War: Spies, Ciphers, and Guerrillas, 1939-1945, ISBN: 9780062259288 0062259288. Alternate title: SPIES, CIPHERS, AND GUERRILLAS 1939-1945.
    "Offers an examination of one of the most important yet under explored aspects of World War II -- intelligence -- showing how espionage successes and failures by the United States, Britain, Russia, Germany, and Japan influenced the course of the war and its final outcome." -- Publisher

    Holmes, Arthur (editor), War and Christian Ethics: Classic Readings on the Morality of War, ISBN: 0801041708 9780801041709.

    Hoover, Herbert, and George H. Nash, Freedom Betrayed: Herbert Hoover's Secret History of the Second World War and its Aftermath, ISBN: 9780817912345 0817912347 9780817912369 0817912363.
    "The culmination of an extraordinary literary project that Herbert Hoover launched during World War II, his magnum opus -- at last published nearly fifty years after its completion -- offers a revisionist reexamination of the war and its cold war aftermath and a sweeping indictment of the 'lost statesmanship' of Franklin Roosevelt." -- Publisher
    "Historian George H. Nash, the dean of Herbert Hoover studies, has brought forth a very rare manuscript in FREEDOM BETRAYED. Here is Hoover unplugged, delineating on everything from the lost statesmanship of FDR to the Korean War. A truly invaluable work of presidential history. Highly recommended." -- Douglas Brinkley, professor of history at Rice University and editor of THE REAGAN DIARIES

    *Irving, David John Cawdell, Churchill's War (vol. 1): The Struggle for Power, ISBN: 0099650703 9780099650706.
    "David Irving presents a wealth of hitherto suppressed information that shows a shockingly unfamiliar portrait of the great statesman, Churchill. Readers will discover a power-hungry leader who prolonged the war to advance his own career. This is a fascinating, exhaustive investigation of Churchill's intrigues and deceptions before and during WWII. This is a savage debunking of Churchill by the world's most popular revisionist historian and author." -- Publisher

    *Irving, David John Cawdell, Churchill's War (vol. 2): Triumph in Adversity, ISBN: 1872197159 9781872197159.
    "Using diaries and official and unofficial records never published before, this second volume of CHURCHILL'S WAR takes a close-quarters look at the middle years of the Second World War. Volume I chronicled a chain of disasters through the fall of France to the debacle in Greece; this second volume chronicles great naval victories, El Alamein and the landings in North Africa.
    "The book contract was signed with a London publisher in 1972. Volume I (published in 1987) attracted critical acclaim, sold 20,000 copies, and was widely translated. Major publishers in the UK and USA issued editions. Volume 2 appears 14 years later after an uneasy birth. During the 30 years of its writing the world has turned; the halls of historical research now tremble to the tread of political correctness. This work's author finds himself no longer the celebrated subject of reviewers [Irving exposed THE HITLER DIARY as fraudulent, thus came under attack. -- compiler]. Major publishers who still aspire to print his works come under assault from international bodies. In July 1992 -- even as he was returning from the KGB archives in Moscow with the secret Goebbels' Diaries -- the directors of Macmillan Ltd. were being forced to the secret decision to burn all stocks of his remaining works.
    "This work benefits however from the release of thousands of secret files. At the author's request both the John Major and Tony Blair governments opened files previously sealed: thus we know more about Anthony Eden's role in the murder of Admiral Darlan.
    "The human side of Winston Churchill reaches boldly out of these pages -- lively, incorrigible, and sometimes callous; hectoring his ministers, but meek and subservient to Moscow and Washington. The picture of him that emerges in Real History is sometimes unpalatable -- willingly fomenting and prolonging the war against Hitler, not in pursuit of any fundamental British interest but to acquire, consolidate, and enjoy power and its fruits after years spent in the political wilderness and relative poverty; he appears undismayed by the ruin of the British empire. In two appendices Mr. Irving reveals that Roosevelt and Churchill maintained top secret communications channels to exchange messages that are still not released to the public." -- Publisher

    *Irving, David John Cawdell, The Destruction of Dresden, ISBN: 0333524535 9780333524534.
    "In one of the most devastating raids on Germany almost 2,000 Allied bombers dropped 3,000 tons of bombs, including 650,000 incendiaries, on the center of Dresden. These are the facts that lie at the center of this account of the Dresden raid." -- Publisher

    Irving, David John Cawdell, Goebbels: Mastermind of the Third Reich, ISBN: 9781872197135 1872197132.
    "Historian David Irving is the first to make use of the entire 80,000 pages of the Goebbels' diaries -- diaries that lay unrecognized for fifty years in the Red Army's 'Trophy' archives in Moscow. From this extraordinary trove, to which Irving has added six years of research into the archives of the Western World, he has written the first full-scale biography of Adolf Hitler's confidant and evil genius, Dr. Joseph Goebbels." -- Publisher

    Irving, David John Cawdell, Hitler's War, ISBN: 1872197108 9781872197104.
    "Using information gleaned from German military records and archives, as well as from the unpublished diaries, notes and correspondence of the Reich's top ministers, noted historian David Irving explores the strategies, objectives and execution of Hitler's War from the breathtaking and often surprising perspective of Adolf Hitler himself. This shocking, controversial bestseller stunned the European continent with its startling revelations about Germany's ultimate dictator. It is unique among biographies in its method of describing an event -- WWII as through the eyes of one of the dictators himself. 'What Hitler did not order, or did not learn, does not figure in this book,' explains the author. 'The narrative of events unfolds in the precise sequence that Hitler himself became involved in them.' For instance, the first that the reader knows of a plot against Hitler's life is when Count von Stauffenberg's bomb explodes beneath the table at the Fuehrer's headquarters.
    "It is an unusual technique, but it works. The book sold 25,000 copies in its first UK hardback edition, and it was often reprinted (Macmillan, Ltd.) and translated. It became an approved reference work at West Point and Sandhurst, and it figures prominently in university libraries around the world, because it quotes documents that other historians have failed to find. In 1991 Focal Point, an imprint founded in 1980, published a new Deluxe edition, updated and including The War Path, the narrative of Hitler's prewar years.
    "Mr. Irving's other publications had by then come under a systematic campaign of attack [Irving exposed the forgery of THE HITLER DIARIES, thus coming under attack. -- compiler]. In July 1992, on the day after he returned from Moscow bringing the unpublished Goebbels diaries from the former Soviet archives, Macmillan's capitulated and secretly ordered all stocks of his books burned. Libraries came under pressure to pull his books from their shelves. Italian, French, Spanish and Scandinavian publishers were prevailed upon not to release their editions of the book.
    "The 1991 Focal Point edition incorporated all the latest archival finds, including the diaries of Hermann Goering and Hitler's notorious doctor Morell, and for the first time dramatic color photographs taken by Hitler's cameraman Walter Frentz. This new edition is further updated with evidence including the long-lost Gestapo interrogations of Rudolf Hess's staff, now in private hands, and signals intercepted by British code breakers." -- Publisher

    Irving, David John Cawdell, The war Between the Generals, ISBN: 184022231X 9781840222319.
    "The little band of military chiefs entrusted with the historic task of the liberation of Nazi-occupied Europe were allies, but more often antagonists, scrapping amongst themselves for power and prestige. David Irving reveals the war as the generals lived it." -- Publisher

    *Johnson, Chalmers, The Sorrows of Empire: Militarism, Secrecy, and the End of the Republic, ISBN: 0805070044 9780805070040.
    "From the author of the prophetic national bestseller BLOWBACK, a startling look at militarism, American style, and its consequences abroad and at home.
    "In the years after the Soviet Union imploded, the United States was described first as the globe's lone superpower, then as a reluctant sheriff, next as the indispensable nation, and now, in the wake of 9/11, as a New Rome. Here, Chalmers Johnson thoroughly explores the new militarism that is transforming America and compelling its people to pick up the burden of empire.
    "Reminding us of the classic warnings against militarism -- from George Washington's farewell address to Dwight Eisenhower's denunciation of the military-industrial complex -- Johnson uncovers its roots deep in our past. Turning to the present, he maps America's expanding empire of military bases and the vast web of services that supports them. He offers a vivid look at the new caste of professional warriors who have infiltrated multiple branches of government, who classify as secret everything they do, and for whom the manipulation of the military budget is of vital interest.
    "Among Johnson's provocative conclusions is that American militarism is putting an end to the age of globalization and bankrupting the United States, even as it creates the conditions for a new century of virulent blowback. THE SORROWS OF EMPIRE suggests that the former American republic has already crossed its Rubicon -- with the Pentagon leading the way." -- Publisher

    Jones, Howard Mumford, Education and World Tragedy, ISBN: 0674499328 9780674499324.
    "The first half of the 20th century has been the bloodiest times in history. If all the people of the United States were to perish in a nuclear war, the number dead would be less than those who have perished by violence during the first half of the 20th century."

    Kelly, William E. (editor), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and the War Veteran Patient, ISBN: 0876303866 9780876303863.
    "Provides counselors and therapists with a comprehensive blueprint for conceptualizing and treating war veterans' stress disorders. Concludes with the most comprehensive reading list on this subject yet assembled. Excellent coverage." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Kendall, Brian, Armed Response: A Comprehensive Guide to Using Firearms for Self-Defense, ISBN: 0936783451 9780936783451.
    "In the Foreword, Massad Ayoob writes, 'If there is a crime of violence, the potential victim needs the wherewithal to stop the deadly danger and stabilize the scene by himself.' And that's just what ARMED RESPONSE lays out for the reader. The book covers what you need to know before, during, and after a life threatening encounter including what to ask yourself before deciding to carry a gun, how to choose a gun that's right for you, what to look for in holsters, how to carry a concealed gun, proper training techniques, and the legal issues and implications of using lethal force.
    "ARMED RESPONSE is truly a must read for new shooters and experienced shooters seeking a transition to defense tactics. It makes a great reference for those more experienced as well."
    Armed Response
    http://www.lewrockwell.com/spl/armed-response.html

    *Knox, John (1505-1572), and Roger A. Mason (editor), Knox: On Rebellion, ISBN: 0521390893 9780521390897 0521399882 9780521399883.
    "John Knox's FIRST BLAST OF THE TRUMPET AGAINST THE MONSTROUS REGIMENT OF WOMEN, one of the most notorious political tracts of the sixteenth century, has been more often referred to than read. Its true significance as one of a series of pamphlets which Knox wrote in 1558 on the theme of rebellion is therefore easily overlooked. This new edition of his writings includes not only THE FIRST BLAST, but the three other tracts of 1558 -- THE LETTER TO THE REGENT OF SCOTLAND, THE APPELLATION TO THE SCOTTISH NOBILITY, and THE LETTER TO THE COMMONALTY OF SCOTLAND -- in which Knox confronted the problem of resistance to tyranny. Related material, mostly drawn from Knox's own HISTORY OF THE REFORMATION IN SCOTLAND, illuminates the development of his views before 1558 and illustrates their application in the specific circumstances of the Scottish Reformation and the rule of Mary Queen of Scots. This edition thus brings together for the first time all of Knox's most important writings on rebellion." -- Publisher
    The editor, Roger A. Mason, has written extensively: SCOTS AND BRITONS: SCOTTISH POLITICAL THOUGHT AND THE UNION OF 1603, 1994 | JOHN KNOX AND THE BRITISH REFORMATIONS, 1998 | GEORGE BUCHANAN: POLITICAL THOUGHT IN EARLY MODERN BRITAIN AND EUROPE (co-author, Caroline Erskine), 2012 | SCOTLAND AND ENGLAND, 1286-1815, 1987 | KINGSHIP AND THE COMMONWEAL: POLITICAL THOUGHT IN RENAISSANCE AND REFORMATION SCOTLAND, 1998 | PEOPLE AND POWER IN SCOTLAND: ESSAYS IN HONOUR OF T.C. SMOUT (co-authors, Norman Macdougall and T.C. Smout), 1992 | ANDREW MELVILLE (1545-1622): HUMANIST AND REFORMER (co-author, Steven J. Reid), 2013 | EMPIRE, UNION AND REFORM, 2007 | THE GLASGOW ASSEMBLY 1638, 1988. He is from the University of St. Andrews, Scotland.
    "This compilation brings together, for the first time, all of Knox's most important political writings. It shows, in Knox's own words, how he directly and faithfully confronted the problem of resistance to tyranny. It is especially illustrative in regard to how Knox made application of Scripture to the specific circumstances of the Scottish Reformation and the rule of Mary, Queen of Scots. It includes his FIRST BLAST OF THE TRUMPET AGAINST THE MONSTROUS REGIMENT OF WOMEN, THE APPELLATION TO THE SCOTTISH NOBILITY, his confrontations with Lethington (the Queens's secretary), during the General Assembly [A DEBATE BETWEEN JOHN KNOX AND SECRETARY LETHINGTON ON THE DUTY OF CHRISTIAN SUBJECTS TO EXECUTE JUDGEMENT UPON CRIMINAL MAGISTRATES -- compiler], and much more. Reconstructionists, and all serious students of the Reformation, will welcome this volume, as it conclusively proves that Knox held to some very specific points related to Theonomic ethics. Knox even went so far as to call for the execution of the Queen, because she was publicly promoting sedition (against Christ the King), in her celebration of the idolatrous Popish Mass. He based his reasoning, including negative civil penal sanctions, on Old Testament case law. B.K. Kuiper says of him, 'After Knox returned to Scotland the Reformation in that land swept forward . . . The preaching of Knox was like a spark in a keg of gunpowder.' Wherever he preached there followed an iconoclastic explosion. Images were broken and monasteries stormed by the mob. He wrote: 'The places of idolatry were made level with the ground, the monuments of idolatry consumed with fire, and priests were commanded under pain of death to desist from their blasphemous mass . . . The pope's authority and all jurisdiction by Catholic prelates was abolished, and the celebration of the mass was forbidden. Maintenance of the true religion was declared to be the prime duty of government . . .' (The Church in History, pp. 217-18). This book will leave no doubt in your mind as to why Knox has been called 'Calvin with a sword.' It will light a fire in your soul for righteousness in civil matters -- something the Reformers often addressed!" -- Publisher
    Some of the tracts included in this work are available singly in THE WORKS OF JOHN KNOX on the Puritan Hard Drive and the Reformation Bookshelf. Available (THE WORKS OF JOHN KNOX), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.
    See also the following political writings of John Knox single on both the Puritan Hard Drive and in The Reformation Bookshelf: CD #1, John Knox Debates God's Law, Idolatry and Civil Resistance in the General Assembly of 1564 | CD #1, Select Practical Writings of John Knox | CD #15, Against Romish Rites and Political and Ecclesiastical Tyranny (1554) | CD #26, Against Romish Rites and Political and Ecclesiastical Tyranny (1554) | CD #17, An Admonition to Flee Idolatry, Romanism and All False Worship (1554) | CD #25, The First Blast of the Trumpet Against the Monstrous Regiment of Women (This book is on the first CD in this set). | CD #26, Reformation, Revolution and Romanism: An Appeal to the Scottish Nobility (1558).

    Lance, Peter, 1000 Years for Revenge: International Terrorism and the FBI: The Untold Story, ISBN: 006054354X 9780060543549.
    The gist of this work is that the CIA and FBI had ample information to stop 9/11.

    *Lindorff, Dave, and Barbara Olshansky, The Case for Impeachment: The Legal Argument for Removing President George W. Bush From Office, ISBN: 0312360169 9780312360160, 288 pages.
    "It's time to act -- and this is the guide. Now in paperback to meet a rising public demand, here is a hard-hitting argument for the impeachment of George W. Bush -- and top members of his administration. Events since the book's hardcover release -- including court decisions regarding war crimes and violations of the FISA law on wiretapping -- have only heightened the urgency.
    "Methodically detailing the Bush regime's offenses and refuting its lies and deceptions, investigative reporter Dave Lindorff and constitutional rights specialist Barbara Olshansky explain why the president and his inner circle should be removed from office for high crimes and misdemeanors. Among the most grievous harms:

    "Dave Lindorff, an award-winning journalist for over three decades, has written for BusinessWeek, Salon, and The Nation. Barbara Olshansky is Leah Kaplan Visiting Professor in Human Rights at Stanford Law School." -- Publisher
    "The authors (Lindorff and Olshansky), believe that articles of impeachment in the book should be an open and shut case, that a prosecutor would have no problem drawing up a FISA (Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act), indictment, or convincing a jury to convict -- if this were a regular criminal matter. They go on to assert that the only possible explanation for President Bush's conditions for appearing before the 9/11 Commission (no reporters, recording devices or notes; that he not be placed under oath; that only a few select members be present), is that he lied. Further, Bush's lies on Iraq have killed over 2,500 troops and an estimated 100,000 Iraqis (mostly civilians), and has cost hundreds of billions. Other charges include violation of signed international treaties that have become the law of the land (e.g. Geneva Convention), ignoring or violating acts of Congress through the issuance of 'signing statements' in which Bush declared his intention to interpret laws his own way and obey only those he feels like.
    "THE CASE FOR IMPEACHMENT then reviews Bush's early record of business failures, early abuses of law as Texas' governor and resolving the contested Florida votes in 2000, and his administration's emphasis on secrecy, followed by background material on impeachment.
    "Specific charges against President Bush include negligence (ignoring global warming, Katrina foul-ups, no plan or sufficient armor in Iraq, and poor defense of the U.S.), corruption (restricting Iraq bidding to a few U.S. firms, involvement with Abramoff), and illegal acts (authorizing torture, wiretapping, lying about the need to invade Iraq).
    "The authors also believe that other officials should be impeached: V.P. Cheney (awarding contracts to cronies, support for torture, outing Valerie Plame), Secretary Rumsfeld (supporting torture), Rice (lying about the potential use of aluminum tubes), A.G. Gonzales (lying about warrantless surveillance).
    "Lindorff and Olshansky realize no impeachment action will occur under the current Congress -- however, they believe setting out the case for doing so will give proponents something to work towards and help bring about political change. Their 'bottom-line' is that failure to act may reduce the Constitution to but a piece of paper by the end of Bush's second term.
    "Like a frog that doesn't realize he slowly being boiled, we tend to lose perspective on events that slowly occur over time. THE CASE FOR IMPEACHMENT summarizes a number of alarming acts and clearly demonstrates that action should be taken." -- Reader's Comment

    *Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn (1899-1981), Expository Sermons on 2 Peter, ISBN: 0851513794 9780851513799.
    "I had never heard such preaching and was electrified. All that I know about preaching, I can honestly say, I learned from the Doctor. I have never heard another preacher with so much of God about him." -- J.I. Packer (1926-2020)
    "These sermons were first preached at Westminster Chapel in London from 1946-1947. They depict the struggles of the congregation in the post-World War II years. Their relevance to other people in other situations is obvious." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Long, Edward Le Roy, War and Conscience in America.

    Machiavelli, Niccolò (1469-1527), Ellis Farneworth (d. 1763), Frederick II (King of Prussia, [1712-1786], Anti-Machiavel), and John Adams (1735-1826), The Works of Nicholas Machiavel: Translated From the Originals: Illustrated With Notes, Annotations, Dissertations, and Several new Plans on the art of war (1775)
    Includes the Anti-Machiavel of Frederick II, King of Prussia.
    http://archive.org/details/worksofnicholasm02mach
    Frederick the Great's ANTI-MACHIAVEL
    http://www.geocities.com/danielmacryan/antimac.html

    McGowan, David L., Understanding the F-Word: American Fascism and the Politics of Illusion, ISBN: 0595186408 9780595186402.
    "By offering a radical review of the last one hundred years of U.S. history, this work is intended as a counterpoint to the rampant revisionism of the flurry of books glorifying the 'American Century.' Beginning with the rather bold and decidedly controversial assertion that the current political system in place in the United States at the dawn of the twenty-first century is fascism, the first part of this book attempts to justify that claim by first defining exactly what fascism is -- correcting various widely-held misconceptions -- and then analyzing how closely we as a nation conform to that definition. Also included is a review of some of the hidden history and key events of World War II.
    "Part II offers a retrospective of the twentieth century American presidential administrations, to demonstrate that the steady and inexorable march towards overt fascism was a defining characteristic that remained unchanged. The final section looks at the still very much alive eugenics movement, and analyzes the role played by the psychiatric establishment in validating the fascist state. This book will surely find no shortage of detractors, but if read with an open mind, it just may change the way you view the world." -- Publisher

    *McLeod (M'Leod), Alexander (1774-1833), A Scriptural View of the Character, Causes, and Ends of the Present War (1815), 224 pages. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "Though having the war of 1812 (to 1815), between the United States and Britain, in view, the author notes that 'the principles which I have laid down, and enforced in these sermons, are not, however, of mere temporary interest. Whether in peace, or at war, they are of importance to a Christian community. There are the permanent principles of social order and public equity.'
    Chapter headings include: 'The Right Discussing of Public Affairs,' dealing with why 'Ministers have the right of discussing from the pulpit those political question which affect Christian morals' and 'The Moral Character of the U.S. Federal Constitution;' The Moral Character of the Two Belligerents' (i.e. the national character, as moral persons, of both the United States and Britain); 'The Lawfulness of Defensive War;' 'The Present War,' dealing with how 'War in Defence of Property, Liberty, and National Independence and Honour is Lawful: and (How) Defensive War May Be for Precaution, Resistance, or Redress;' and 'The Ends for Which God in His Providence Permits the Existence of this War.' M'Leod concludes this work with these stirring words, 'the most faithful of Reformers with patriotic ardour contended with the sword in defence of their civil and religious liberties. Ulric Zwingle, the morning-star of the reformation, fell in battle at Zurich, 1530, at the commencement of the strife against arbitrary power; and towards the close of the struggle which terminated in the overthrow of the purest of the churches (i.e. the covenanted Presbyterian Church of Scotland -- RB), Richard Cameron fell at Airsmoss, 1680, while defending, as a Christian hero, the religion and liberties of his country, against the tyranny of the bishops, and the royal house of Stuart . . . If I claim a place among consistent Protestants, I must testify against all the acts of anti-Christian power. If I follow the steps which are died by the blood of the Martyrs, I must raise my voice against the thrones which shed that blood. If the Bible is my system of religion, and of social order, I must disclaim attachment to those powers that are hostile to evangelical doctrine'." -- Publisher

    Miller, Richard B., Casuistry and Modern Ethics: A Poetics of Practical Reasoning, 322 pages, ISBN: 0226526364 9780226526362 0226526372 9780226526379.
    "Did the Gulf War defend moral principle or Western oil interests? Is violent pornography an act of free speech or an act of violence against women? In CASUISTRY AND MODERN ETHICS, Richard B. Miller sheds new light on the potential of casuistry -- case-based reasoning -- for resolving these and other questions of conscience raised by the practical quandaries of modern life." -- Publisher

    Milroy, William, The Testimony of the Church Respecting Military Associations, etc., With the Wicked and Profane. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    William Milroy's Pamphlet "The Testimony of the Church Respecting Military Associations, &c., With the Wicked and Profane"
    http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/8/19/william-milroys-pamphlet-the-testimony-of-the-church-respecting-military-associations-c-with-the-wicked-and-profane

    Mitchell, James E., and Bill Harlow, Enhanced Interrogation: Inside the Minds and Motives of the Islamic Terrorists Trying to Destroy America, ISBN: 9781101906842 1101906847.
    "CIA contractor James Mitchell describes in his new book, ENHANCED INTERROGATION, how al Qaeda leaders have long planned to destroy the U.S. from within through immigration."

    Morey, Robert A., When is it Right to Fight? ISBN: 0875523617 9780875523613.
    "Provides a Biblical approach to the tension that exists between the 'doves' and the 'hawks,' the so-called peace-mongers and war-mongers. Deals with the different issues involving freedom and responsibility. All thing considered, this is a sober, realistic book, and it deserves widespread reading." -- Cyril J. Barber

    *Morris, Henry, M., The Long War Against God: The History and Impact of the Creation/evolution Conflict.
    "Morris sets forth 1) the dominance of evolution in all modern disciplines of study; 2) the influence of evolution in the affairs of nations and societies; 3) the deleterious effect of evolution on religion, ethics, and morals; 4) the peculiar circumstances surrounding the ascendancy of modern Darwinism; and more." -- GCB

    Murray, John (1898-1975), God and the War. In COLLECTED WRITINGS [of John Murray], (1:344-55).

    O'Reilly, Bill, and Martin Dugard, Killing Patton: The Strange Death of World War II's Most Audacious General, ISBN: 9780805096682 080509668X 9781447285892 1447285891.
    "This is the most epic book yet in the multimillion-selling series. Readers around the world have been enthralled by Bill O'Reilly and historian Martin Dugard's KILLING LINCOLN, KILLING KENNEDY, and KILLING JESUS -- riveting works of nonfiction that journey into the heart of the most famous murders in history. Now Bill O'Reilly, anchor of The O'Reilly Factor, recounts the dramatic final months of World War II in Europe, and General George S. Patton Jr.'s invaluable contributions to the Allied victory before his mysterious death in a car collision in December 1945, days before he was to return to the United States. Beginning in October 1944, when many believed the Allies had all but won the war in Europe, KILLING PATTON follows a remarkable cast of characters on the battlefield and off, including Joseph Stalin, Adolf Hitler, Winston Churchill, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The truth was that Germany was not ready to accept defeat and some of the bloodiest battles of the war lay ahead, battles in which George Patton and his Third Army would play a crucial role. At the time of his death, Patton had become known around the world as both an exalted commander with a hard-charging personality and a controversial hero, relieved of his duties by General Dwight Eisenhower in part because of his brusque manner and outspoken nature. For almost seventy years, there has been a suspicion that his death was not an accident -- and may very well have been an act of assassination. In KILLING PATTON, O'Reilly and Dugard reveal the true man and the many powerful people who wanted him dead. The facts surrounding the death of Patton are disturbing to say the least. But they should be known by everyone." -- Publisher

    Padfield, Peter, Hess, Hitler, and Churchill: The Real Turning Point of the Second World War: A Secret History, ISBN: 9781848316614 1848316615.
    "When Hitler's deputy Rudolf Hess set off for Britain on a peace mission in May 1941, he launched one of the great mysteries of the Second World War. Had he really acted alone, without Hitler's knowledge? Who were the British he had come to see? Was British intelligence involved? Now, award-winning historian Peter Padfield presents striking new evidence that demands the wholesale reappraisal of the episode, both in terms of what actually happened -- and who knew what -- and its significance in the wider context of the war. For, allied to a powerful argument that Hess must have had both Hitler's backing and considerable encouragement from Britain, Padfield demonstrates that he also brought with him a draft peace treaty committing Hitler to the evacuation of occupied European countries. Made public, this would have destroyed Churchill's campaign to bring the United States into the war. Expertly woven into a compelling narrative that touches on Lord (Victor) Rothschild and the Cambridge spy ring, possible British foreknowledge of Operation Barbarossa and the 'final solution', MI6's use of Hess to prevent the bombing of London and the mysterious circumstances of his death in Spandau prison -- including the previously unseen witness accounts from that day -- HESS, HITLER AND CHURCHILL is among the most important history books of recent years." -- Publisher

    Palmer, Herbert (1601-1647), Scripture and Reason Pleaded for Defensive Arms, 1643. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "Herbert Palmer was a member of the Westminster Assembly. According to Thomas Smith in the book SELECT MEMOIRS OF THE LIVES, LABOURS, AND SUFFERINGS, OF THOSE PIOUS AND LEARNED ENGLISH AND SCOTTISH DIVINES . . . Palmer 'was for a Presbyterian form of church government.' (p. 583). He became master of Queen's college, Cambridge, in 1644, and he knew the value of good books.
    "He endeavoured, by all means, to have the college library furnished with good authors; for which he readily gave himself, and excited others to give considerable sums. Moreover, certain dues, payable to the college, which had been formerly expended in feasting, he converted to the purchase of valuable books for the library." (p. 584)
    "This book by Palmer defends the Scriptural view that people can exercise their right to self-defense against tyrannical civil rulers, and was apparently written to defend the English Parliament's right to defend itself against the evil King Charles I.
    "Romans 13 is often misused to justify the authority of any existing civil ruler (even evil tyrants like Adolf Hitler and Saddam Hussein at times), and therefore condemn as unscriptural any resistance to him. But Palmer points out that such an argument is not the true meaning of the passage:

    In a word, till God's Ordinance can be proved allowing tyranny (which can never be), or undeniably ordaining a man to suffer it, which is no where in His Word (I mean the extremity of tyranny depriving of life, or so), though often it is so in His providence, when he affords no means of resistance: This text of the Apostle will no way condemn the resisting by arms tyrannous and illegal outrageous violences (p. 5).
    "Romans 13 only condemns resistance to lawful magistrates, not tyrants. If Romans 13 granted scriptural protection to tyrants, then 'the blessed Ordinance of God in Magistracy shall turn to the greatest curse to mankind (the best and most conscientious of them), that can be imagined, in regard of outward sufferings, and general confusion.' (p. 6). In verse 4 of Romans 13 [Romans 13:4], the magistrate is described as 'the Minister of God to thee for good.' Palmer asks, 'But is this true of a tyrant bent to subvert Religion, Laws, and Liberties? Is he the Minister of God to thee for good? Or the Minister of his own lusts rather, for evil? Resistance of such an one then, is not the resistance the Apostle forbids, but of one who is the conservatour of Religion, for he, and he only is the Minister of God to thee for good.' (p. 9)
    "The power and authority of civil rulers is only legitimate when used for good.
    "I say then an absolute arbitrary power, or absolute Monarchy (as some call it), is not at all the Ordinance of GOD; and so no lawful power secured from resistance by Rom. 13:2 [Romans 13:2]. First GOD allows no man to rule as he list, to make what laws he list, to punish how and whom he list. But His Word speaks the contrary every where . . . [A civil ruler], hath no authority to bid what GOD forbids, or to forbid what GOD bids; or punish them that obey GOD rather than him." (pp. 51-52)
    "Resorting to armed resistance, however, is not to be undertaken unless all other avenues of redress have first been pursued."
    An open and public resistance by arms, is the last refuge under Heaven, of an oppressed, and endangered nation. Many injuries are to be let pass, while appearing but personal, not political, or designed as precedents. Jealousies are not to be suddenly taken up, nor too deeply taken in: And all possible means of redress and satisfaction is to be endeavoured before this course be taken." (p. 80) -- Publisher

    Potter, William, Providential Battles: Twenty Battles that Changed the World, audio CD, ISBN: 193343130X.
    "In this four-part album, "Providential Battles," Christian historian William Potter provides a providential interpretation of twenty of the greatest military battles in the world, which altered the course of history, serving strategic roles in God's unfolding plan. Including battles from ancient history, to the fall of Constantinople to the Turks, to the American War for Independence, to the Alamo and Civil War events, Mr. Potter presents a panorama of providential military highlights. This album concludes with the mysteries of providence that engulfed the Axis powers of WWII in the air, on land, and at sea. 257 minutes on 4 CDs." -- Publisher

    Reid, John, Truth no Enemy to Peace. Animadversions on the Rev. Mr. Fletcher's Defence of his Scripture-loyalist, 1799. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.

    *Robbins, John W. (1949-2008), Ecclesiastical Megalomania: The Economic and Political Thought of the Roman Catholic Church (Unicoi, TN: The Trinity Foundation), ISBN: 0940931753 9780940931756.
    "This book is a detailed examination of the official statements of the Vatican on economic and political matters. It demonstrates the collectivism and totalitarianism of the Roman Catholic Church-State. It is the only such book written by a Christian in the twentieth century.
    "This book explores the conflict between Roman Catholic social thought and human freedom, relying on official pronouncements from the Vatican to show that the political and economic theory of the Roman Church-State justifies feudalism, corporativism [corporatism -- compiler], liberation theology, the welfare state, and fascism.
    "Dr. John W. Robbins attended Grove City College (A.B. 1969), and The Johns Hopkins University (M.A. 1970, Ph.D. 1973). He has served as chief of staff for a Member of Congress [Ron Paul of Texas], editor of The Freeman magazine, Economist for The Heritage Foundation, and Professor of Political Philosophy in The Freedom School." -- Publisher

    Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men, even when they exercise influence and not authority: still more when you superadd the tendency or the certainty of corruption by authority. -- John Emerich Edward Dalberg, Lord Acton (1834-1902), in a letter to Mandell Creighton, April 5, 1887, quoted by Gertrude Himmelfarb in Acton, Essays on Freedom and Power, pp. 335-36 (1972)
    "As the world focuses it attention on the papacy, we ought to recall Lord Acton, the great Roman Catholic historian of the 19th century. Many have heard the aphorism, 'Power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely,' though it is usually misquoted as 'Power corrupts.' Few who have heard it, however, know who its author was: John Emerich Edward Dalberg, better known as Lord Acton. Fewer still realize that Acton used the aphorism in opposing the papacy, the absolute monarchy of the Roman Catholic Church.
    "Acton's criticisms of the papacy and the Roman Church are some of most damning ever leveled against those institutions, and they are virtually unknown today. Yet to anyone seriously concerned about religious and political freedom, Acton's views on the Roman Church, his own church, in particular his condemnation of the papacy, ought to be of great interest. Unfortunately, contemporary theological correctness has a taboo against criticism of Catholicism.
    "Acton kept a notebook on the Inquisition in which he wrote:
    The object of the Inquisition [was] not to combat sin -- for the sin was not judged by it unless accompanied by [theological], error. Nor even to put down error. For it punished untimely and unseemly remarks the same as blasphemy. Only unity. This became an outward, fictitious, hypocritical unity. The gravest sin was pardoned, but it was death to deny the donation of Constantine. [The Donation of Constantine was a document forged in the eighth century in which the Roman Emperor Constantine willed the Western Roman Empire to the Pope. The Roman Church taught that the Donation was genuine, and the legal basis for the pope's civil authority, for centuries. -- JR]. So men learnt that outward submission must be given. All this [was] to promote authority more than faith. When ideas were punished more severely than actions -- for all this time the Church was softening the criminal law, and saving men from the consequences of crime: -- and the Donation was put on a level with God's own law -- men understood that authority went before sincerity.
    "Acton believed that the Inquisition was the institution by which the medieval papacy had to be condemned or acquitted. Just as a man charged with murder is judged for a single act, though be may be kind to his mother and a great philanthropist, so the papacy must be judged for the Inquisition. To Mandell Creighton, an Anglican priest, Acton wrote:
    I cannot accept your canon that we are to judge Pope and King unlike other men, with a favourable presumption that they did no wrong. If there is any presumption it is the other way, against holders of power, increasing as the power increases. Historic responsibility has to make up for the want of legal responsibility. Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men, even when they exercise influence and not authority: still more when you superadd the tendency or the certainty of corruption by authority. There is no worse heresy than that the office sanctifies the holder of it. . . . For many years my view of Catholic controversy has been governed by the following chain of reasoning: 1. A crime does not become a good deed by being committed for the good of a church. 2. The theorist who approves the act is no better than the culprit who commits it. 3. The divine or historian who defends the theorist incurs the same blame. . . . To commit murder is the mark of a moment, exceptional. To defend it is constant, and shows a more perverted conscience.
    "Acton turned his attention to other crimes of the Roman Church as well. Beginning on Sunday, August 24, 1572, tens of thousands of French Huguenots were massacred by the Catholics. Overnight, thousands were murdered, and the murders continued for several months. The massacre began in Paris. The sign of the cross was everywhere, and the murders took on the air of a crusade, a holy war against the infidels. The banks of the Seine became a slaughterhouse. Men, women, children, and infants were stabbed or dragged by a rope around the neck to be thrown into the river. The murder, looting, and rape went on for days in Paris.
    "The Pope, Gregory XIII, reacted immediately to this Catholic Holocaust: He delivered a complimentary speech, and commended the King of France, Charles IX, who 'has also displayed before our Most Holy Master and this entire assembly the most splendid virtues which can shine in the exercise of power.' The Pope commissioned a mural in honor of the great occasion; he ordered salutes fired for Charles; he had a commemorative seal struck; and in a horrible blasphemy he ordered a special Te Deum sung. Less than two years later, at the age of 24, King Charles died in extreme pain with blood oozing from his pores. His last words were pleas to God for pardon for the murders.
    "The massacre was a matter of controversy in 1868 when Acton wrote an essay in the North British Review. He concluded his long essay by saying that there was no evidence to absolve the Roman Church of premeditated murder. Acton argued that it was not only facts that condemned the papacy for this heinous crime, but the whole body of casuistry developed by the church that made it an act of Christian duty and mercy to kill a heretic so that he might be removed from sin. Acton pointed out that only when the Roman Church could no longer rely on force but had to make its case before public opinion did it seek to explain away its murders. 'The same motive which had justified the murder now promoted the lie,' he wrote. A bodyguard of lies was fabricated to protect the papacy from guilt for this monstrous sin. Acton wrote:
    The story is much more abominable than we all believed. . . . S.B. [St. Bartholomew's], is the greatest crime of modern times. It was committed on principles professed by Rome. It was approved, sanctioned, and praised by the papacy. The Holy See went out of its way to signify to the world, by permanent and solemn acts, how entirely it admired a king who slaughtered his subjects treacherously, because they were Protestants. To proclaim forever that because a man is a Protestant it is a pious deed to cut his throat in the night. . . .
    "For three centuries the Roman church's canon law had affirmed that the killing of an excommunicated person was not murder, and that allegiance need not be kept with heretical rulers. Murder and treason were part of the Roman church's official teachings. Charles IX was acting as a good Catholic, and he was highly praised by the pope for his murders.
    "In 1867 Pope Pius IX summoned a general council of the Roman Church to be held in Rome in 1870. It was the first general council of the Roman Church since the sixteenth century Council of Trent, at which the schismatic Roman Church had condemned all the truths of the Reformation. This time the Pope was determined to establish himself as the infallible sovereign of the Roman Church.
    "Acton thought that the time of the council would be better spent abolishing many of the 'reforms' made by the Council of Trent, reforms which had perpetuated in the Roman Church a spirit of intolerant absolutism and 'austere immorality.' He opposed the doctrine of papal infallibility, because, as an historian, he knew the popes were not infallible. Acton wrote:
    A man is not honest who accepts all the Papal decisions in questions of morality, for they have often been distinctly immoral; or who approves the conduct of the Popes in engrossing power, for it was stained with perfidy and falsehood; or who is ready to alter his convictions at their command, for his conscience is guided by no principle.
    "After studying the history of the popes, Acton wrote:
    The papacy contrived murder and massacre on the largest and also on the most cruel and inhuman scale. They were not only wholesale assassins but they made the principle of assassination a law of the Christian Church and a condition of salvation. . . . [The Papacy], is the fiend skulking behind the Crucifix.
    Massachusetts Attorney General, The Sexual Abuse of Children in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston, Thomas F. Reilly, Massachusetts Attorney General.
    "The mistreatment of children was so massive and so prolonged that it borders on the unbelievable," says the July 23 [2003] report of Massachusetts Attorney General Thomas F. Reilly. More than 1,000 minors were likely abused by priests over the past six decades."
    This is the 79-page report in its entirety.
    http://www.votf.org/ago/archdiocese.pdf
    Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Knox, Samuel Rutherford, John Owen, Thomas Manton, The Westminster Assembly, James Renwick, Archibald Mason, Christopher Ness, Francis Turretin, The Reformed Presbytery, David Steel, James R. Willson, Alexander M'Leod, William L. Roberts, James Aiken Wylie, Andrew Wilet, Henry Wilkinson, James Wylie, Patrick Fairbairn, James Aiken, Andrew Wilet, Alexander Hislop, Francis Nigel Lee, Arthur W. Pink, and so forth, and so on, have all believed and argued in print that the seated Pope is the Antichrist of the Bible.
    The Roman Church-State is "the world's oldest, largest, most powerful and most influential politico-ecclesiastical institution" and it "may also be the world's wealthiest." The Roman Catholic Institution is the ultimate "negative guide to the positive," the reformers ultimate "opposite guide to political and economic reform."
    Pope's Visit Means 3 White House Firsts
    President says 'man of faith' and conviction deserves the special treatment, Associated Press, April 13, 2008
    "Washington -- The leader of the world's 1 billion Roman Catholics has been to the White House only once in history. That changes this week, and President Bush is pulling out all the stops: driving out to a suburban military base to meet Pope Benedict XVI's plane, bringing a giant audience to the South Lawn and hosting a fancy East Room dinner.
    "These are all firsts.
    "A crowd of up to 12,000 is due at the White House on Wednesday morning for the pope's official, pomp-filled arrival ceremony. It will feature the U.S. and Holy See anthems, a 21-gun salute, and the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps. Both men will make remarks before their Oval Office meeting and a send-off for his Popemobile down Pennsylvania Avenue.
    "The president explained the special treatment -- particularly the airport greeting.
    " 'One, he speaks for millions. Two, he doesn't come as a politician; he comes as a man of faith,' Bush told the EWTN Global Catholic Network in an interview aired Friday. He added that he wanted to honor Benedict's conviction that 'there's right and wrong in life, that moral relativism has a danger of undermining the capacity to have more hopeful and free societies. . . .' "
    "This week makes Bush the record-holder, with a total of five meetings with two popes. . . .
    "The current pope's approach may be softer than that of John Paul, who turned from Bush's presentation to him of the Medal of Freedom in 2004 to read a statement about his 'grave concern' over events in Iraq."
    http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24096388/
    Bush Scandals
    An extensive resource. Includes websites for the Savings and Loan Scandal of the 1980s, considered the largest theft in the history of the world, involving Neil Bush, a brother of George W., the Florida's Voting Scandal of 2001 in which Al Gore lost the presidential election. Jeb Bush, another brother of George W., was Governor of Florida and had promised to deliver the state for his brother. Other sites treat George W. Bush's suspected involvement in 911 [911 is, of course, analogous to Roosevelt's Pearl Harbor]. Note particularly "Bush Family Machinations, 1918-2000," a timeline of Bush Family crimes prior to Election 2000.
    http://news4florida.tripod.com/index1.html
    The Panic of '08. Lew Rockwell Interviews Ron Paul, September 18, 2008
    A podcast.
    http://www.lewrockwell.com/podcast/?p=episode&name=2008-09-18_029_ron_paul_talks_to_lew_rockwell.mp3

    *Rummel, R.J., Death by Government: Genocide and Mass Murder Since 1900, ISBN: 9780203793756 0203793757 9781351523486 1351523481 9780138793756 9781351523462 1351523465.
    "This is R.J. Rummel's fourth book in a series devoted to genocide and government mass murder, or what he calls democide. He presents the primary results, in tables and figures, as well as a historical sketch of the major cases of democide, those in which one million or more people were killed by a regime. In DEATH BY GOVERNMENT, Rummel does not aim to describe democide itself, but to determine its nature and scope in order to test the theory that democracies are inherently nonviolent. Rummel discusses genocide in China, Nazi Germany, Japan, Cambodia, Turkey, Yugoslavia, Poland, the Soviet Union, and Pakistan. He also writes about areas of suspected genocide: North Korea, Mexico, and feudal Russia. His results clearly and decisively show that democracies commit less democide than other regimes. The underlying principle is that the less freedom people have, the greater the violence; the more freedom, the less the violence. Thus, as Rummel says, 'The problem is power. The solution is democracy. The course of action is to foster freedom.' DEATH BY GOVERNMENT is a compelling look at the horrors that occur in modern societies. It depicts how democide has been very much a part of human history. Among other examples, the book includes the massacre of Europeans during the Thirty Years' War, the relatively unknown genocide of the French Revolution, and the slaughtering of American Indians by colonists in the New World. This riveting account is an essential tool for historians, political scientists, and scholars interested in the study of genocide." -- Publisher
    "R.J. Rummel is professor emeritus of political science at the University of Hawaii. He is the author of over one hundred scholarly articles and two dozen books, including POWER KILLS, CHINA'S BLOODY CENTURY, and THE MIRACLE THAT IS FREEDOM. In addition, he has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and been the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Conflict Processes Section of the American Political Science Association and the International Association of Genocide Scholars' Award for Distinguished Lifetime Contribution to the Field of Genocide and Democide Studies and Prevention." -- Publisher

    Russell, Conrad, The Causes of the English Civil War, 1990, ISBN: 0198221428 9780198221425 019822141X 9780198221418.
    "Conrad Russell highlights the constitutional problem of multiple kingdoms within Britain, the religious problem of competing theologies within two or three state churches, and the financial problem of the inadequacy of the royal revenue to meet the needs of the monarchy. In order to understand the events of the 1640s, he traces the story of the church and state over the previous century." -- Publisher

    Sutton, Antony C., How the Order Creates war and Revolution, ISBN: 094966782X 9780949667823.

    Toland, John, Infamy: Pearl Harbor and its Aftermath, ISBN: 042509040X 9780425090404.
    "John Toland has been fearless in his pursuit of truth . . . INFAMY is not only readable and suspenseful; it is probably his most controversial book to date." -- John S.D. Eisenhower
    "Pearl Harbor and its cover-up ranks right up there with President Johnson's escalation in Vietnam and Nixon's Watergate. A fascinating account." -- Richmond Times-Dispatch
    "In meticulous detail, Toland shows that Navy and Army commanders were not adequately informed by Washington of the likelihood of a Pear Harbor attack." -- Booklist

    Van Deusen, John G., Economic Bases of Disunion in South Carolina (Crown Rights Book Company, 2003, 1928).
    "As most wars have been throughout history, the War Between the States was at bottom a financial conflict. More precisely, it was a fatal clash between the politically-diverse nations within the greater Republic which resulted from a gradual departure on the part of the North from the old ways toward large-scale industry, toward giant capitalism, and toward a centralized, national economy, and a firm resistance to such change on the part of the South. Drawing from a plethora of antebellum editorials and congressional records, the author focuses on the economic factors which ultimately forced South Carolinians to choose the perils of independence over continued subjugation within the Union." -- Publisher

    *Vance, Laurence M., Christianity and war and Other Essays Against the Warfare State, ISBN: 0976344807 9780976344803.
    "These thirteen essays have one thing in common -- they were all published on the premier anti-state, anti-war, pro-market website, LewRockwell.com. Ten of them were written exclusively for that website and have never appeared in print until now. Each essay is reprinted verbatim.
    "LewRockwell.com is the brainchild of Lew Rockwell, the founder and president of the Ludwig von Mises Institute in Auburn, Alabama, and a leading opponent of the central state, its wars, and its socialism.
    "Because they were published on the Internet, most of the essays originally contained numerous links to documentation and further information on the Web that the reader could click on if he desired. Because this feature is not possible in a printed format, the reader is encouraged to consult the online versions of each essay at LewRockwell.com, where, thanks to the wonders of technology, they are archived.
    "These thirteen essays, organized under the headings of Christianity and War, The Evils of War, Specific Wars, and The U.S. Global Empire, have one underlying theme: opposition to the warfare state that robs us of our liberty, our money, and in some cases our life. Although many of these essays reference contemporary events, the principles discussed in all of them are timeless: war, militarism, empire, interventionism, the warfare state, and the Christian attitude toward these things. It is the author's contention that Christian enthusiasm for the state, its wars, and its politicians is an affront to the Saviour, contrary to Scripture, and a demonstration of the profound ignorance many Christians have of history." -- Publisher

    Wright, Quincy, The Book of war, ISBN: 0226909980 9780226909981. Alternate title: THE STUDY OF WAR (1983).
    The author explains, among other things, that the periods following war have been times of social decline in nearly all spheres of society. Some will observe that the Christian consensus was lost in this country following World War II.

    *Zacharias, Ravi K. (1946-2020), and Vince Vitale, Why Suffering?: Finding Meaning and Comfort When Life Doesn't Make Sense, ISBN: 9781455549702 1455549703.
    "Why would a loving and powerful God allow so much pain and suffering? In WHY SUFFERING? Ravi Zacharias and Vince Vitale carefully walk you through a variety of responses that considered together provide a clear, comprehensive, and convincing answer. Responses like: Where there is the possibility of love, there has to be the reality of freedom, and therefore the possibility of pain. Wishing God had made a different world is to wish yourself out of existence. The cross is the key to a compelling and rational explanation for trusting in God in the face of suffering. In comparison with other world religions, the Christian response is highly distinctive. The reality of evil only makes sense in light of the reality of divine goodness. Relational knowledge about God takes the argument beyond reason to the presence of God amidst suffering. God's decision to allow temporal suffering is understandable when viewed from an eternal perspective. Divine goodness shows how to conquer not in spite of, but even through suffering. Here is a book written with great respect for the complexity of the issue, recognizing that some who read it will be in the trenches of deep suffering themselves and others questioning the very existence of a loving God. WHY SUFFERING? provides an answer to the problem of pain and suffering with emotional sensitivity and intellectual integrity." -- Publisher
    Ravi Talks About his Book: Why Suffering?
    "The Captain of our Salvation, made perfect, made complete, through suffering -- if our Lord himself had to go through that, as he endured the cross, despising the shame, and is now set down at the right hand of God -- that's why I think there is a key word which James Stewart uses, which I expand upon here, 'He conquered not in spite of the Darkness, fear of evil, he conquered through it' and I believe it is the same in your life and mine. We may not like it, but we conquer through the pain and through the suffering." -- Ravi Zacharias
    http://www.rzim.org/let-my-people-think-broadcasts/ravi-talks-about-his-book-why-suffering/

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The root cause of criminal acts of extreme depravity, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Theodicy, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, Knowledge of god and virtue, The question of the one and the many, The covenant faithfulness of god, God's deliverance of nations, The biblical solution to terrorism, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, The covenanted reformation of scotland background and history, The covenanted reformation, Covenanted reformation short title listing, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Corporate faithfulness and sanctification, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Christ's kingdom, Lordship of jesus christ, The all-sufficiency of christ, Trusting god, God's deliverance of nations, Church and state, A theological interpretation of american history, Freedom: a gift of the grace of god, Political and economic freedom, Individual responsibility for corporate faithfulness and sanctification, State sovereignty and corporate immunity: reform of corporations, The application of scripture to the corporate bodies of church and state, Spiritual warfare, The imprecatory psalms, Politics, Political and economic freedom, Leadership by crisis, Betrayal, The veterans administration medical centers, Treason and impeachment, Theft, fraud, stealing: property rights and freedom, The ten commandments: the moral law, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, The biblical solution to terrorism, The utter failure of the u.s. constitution as a social deed of covenant, The ideology of the american revolution, Taxation and war, Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Sex ethics, sex education, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Spiritual warfare, The military, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), The works of john knox, The military, Psalms, Pacifism, The civil war of the united states, the war for southern independence, the war between the states: the war of northern aggression, Islam (muslim/moslim), muhammadanism/mohammadanism, Self-destruction, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Hell, Heaven, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 356-374, 3766-3772
    MGTP: War, Warfare (Spiritual)

    Related Weblinks

    Apologetics #09: The Enlightenment in Western Thought #2
    Dr. C. Gregg Singer, Apologetics, 69 min.
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=3105182230

    The Assassination of General George Patton, an address by Peter Hammond
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=9221589279

    The Bible on When war is Justifiable, Ralph Drollinger (part 1)
    "If Jesus calls us to be 'peacemakers' then how could a Christian Cabinet Member or Congressman support the idea of going to war?
    "The short answer is this: Blessed are the peacemakers is one of Jesus' beatitudes relative to how believers ought to conduct their personal lives (Matthew 5:9). But there is a distinction to be made between Jesus' instruction regarding personal behavior and the responsibilities He sets forth relative to His ordination of the institution of government (Romans 13:1-8 and 1 Peter 2:13-14) that Christian Members are called to serve.
    "In an OT parallel, in the sixth commandment, the Hebrew word for murder is ratsakh in you shall not murder (Exodus 20:13), but note this is a different word than the ones God uses in Scripture in relation to His people having to kill someone in war.
    "Accordingly, this week and next, given the threat of war with Syria, Iran, and North Korea, let us investigate more fully what the Scriptures have to say about war."
    https://capmin.org/the-bible-on-when-war-is-justifiable-part-1/
    The Bible on When war is Justifiable, part 2
    "In last week's Part One of this two-part series we gained an overall understanding of what the Bible has to say about war. We then elaborated on what the Bible says is the role of God's institution of government. Importantly, we distinguished and contextualized the institutional role of government from passages that speak to individual responsibilities."
    https://capmin.org/the-bible-on-when-war-is-justifiable-part-2/

    The Biblical Solution to Terrorism
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappd.html#terror

    The Bombing of Cities in World War II, [audio file], Peter Hammond
    "The Hague Conventions of 1899 and 1907 set rules in place regarding the attack of civilian populations. The Hague Conventions stated that religious buildings, art and science centers, charities, hospitals, and historic monuments, were to be spared as far as possible in a bombardment, unless they were being used for military purposes. The Hague Conventions also prohibited the employment of 'arms, projectiles, or material calculated to cause unnecessary suffering.' The Hague Conventions of 1899 and 1907 set rules in place regarding the attack of civilian populations. The Hague Conventions stated that religious buildings, art and science centers, charities, hospitals, and historic monuments, were to be spared as far as possible in a bombardment, unless they were being used for military purposes."
    https://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=21616244120

    The Civil war of the United States, The war for Southern Independence, The war Between the States: The war of Northern Aggression
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chd.html#civilwarus

    The Causes, Consequences, and Catastrophe of the First World War [audio file]
    "The consequences of 1914 continue to afflict all of us. The Versailles Treaty, which ended the First World War and guaranteed the Second World War, shaped our new world disorder."
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=491327212
    https://www.slideshare.net/frontfel/the-causesconsequences-and-catastrophe-of-world-war-1

    In the Course of Human Events, Ravi Zacharias [audio file]
    "There is one argument for the existence of God that isn't as well known as some others, but it's just as powerful. It's the argument from human events. Ravi Zacharias looks for evidence of God's existence in our daily lives."
    https://www.rzim.org/listen/let-my-people-think/in-the-course-of-human-events-part-1

    Deaths by Mass Unpleasantness: Estimated Totals for the Entire 20th century
    Worldwide estimates range from 167,000,000 to 258,000,000. It is estimated that 45.5 million Christians were martyred worldwide in the 20th century.
    http://users.erols.com/mwhite28/warstat8.htm

    *Election Fraud in the United States
    http://www.lettermen2.com/vfraud.html

    *The Great Siege of Malta, Peter Hammond
    "The Siege of Vienna ended dramatically with a decisive defeat of the Ottoman turkish invaders:
    "The last great Turkish threat to the heart of Europe was defeated at the gates of Vienna, 11 September 1683. The siege of Vienna began 14 July 1683, and is recognised as the high water mark of the Ottoman Turkish Empire as it threatened the very heartland of Europe. The Ottoman Turkish army of 300,000 men, included 12,000 Janissaries.
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=7291542392
    http://reformationsa.org/…/his…/341-the-great-siege-of-malta

    The Holocaust in Rwanda 22 Years Later
    "This strategy of disinformation and terror was spectacularly successful. To this day, most people worldwide do not understand what happened in Rwanda, or why it happened. That is why after my mission to Rwanda I was compelled to produce a compact book that would not only expose what had happened in the horrific massacres in homes, hospitals, churches and on the streets, but the reasons why this systematic slaughter was unleashed. Holocaust in Rwanda reveals the events leading up to the intense and widespread violence, and more importantly the lessons we need to learn from the genocide in Rwanda."
    https://www.frontlinemissionsa.org/rwanda/the-holocaust-in-rwanda-22-years-later
    Lessons From the Rwandan Holocaust
    https://www.frontlinemissionsa.org/rwanda/lessons-from-the-rwandan-holocaust
    Hotel Rwanda Genocide in a gun Free Land
    https://www.frontlinemissionsa.org/rwanda/hotel-rwanda-genocide-in-a-gun-free-land

    How Was the Greatest Century of Missions Derailed into the Worst Century of Persecution? Peter Hammond
    "The 19th century was the greatest century of Missionary advance. . . . Christianity came to the beginning of the 20th century on a rising and apparently unstoppable tide. . . . At the first World Missions Congress in Edinburgh in 1910, delegates were anticipating the extinction of all false religions by 1960. . . . The consensus of the speakers at Edinburgh 1910, was that every tribe and nation will have been thoroughly Evangelized and discipled by 1960. . . .
    August 4 marks the . . . anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War. No one in 1910 could have anticipated the wholesale abandonment of entire nations to communism, to false religions and heathenism. Nor would any have predicted that the Church would retreat from victory to such an extent that they would even be questioning the existence of the devil, or hell, or reinterpreting marriage to include that which God in the Bible describes as perversion and an abomination. . . ."
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=73014552910

    List of Wars and Anthropogenic Disasters by Death Toll, Wikipedia
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_wars_and_anthropogenic_disasters_by_death_toll

    National Priorities Project
    About half a trillion (500 billion), have been spent on the war in Iraq (April 2008).
    The media frequently gives the current number of U.S. troops killed in action in Iraq since the beginning of the war (4026 as of April 2008). The media seldom gives the number of U.S. troops who come home injured (29,395 as of April 2008 -- "U.S. Casualties in Iraq," http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ops/iraq_casualties.htm).
    Recently (March 2008), there have been reports of an alarming increase in the number of U.S. troops who commit suicide while on duty in Iraq. More Viet Nam veterans have committed suicide than were killed in the Vietnamese war.
    "National Priorities Project analyzes and clarifies federal data so that people can understand and influence how their tax dollars are spent.
    "Taxpayers can take stock of how the federal government spent their 2007 income tax dollars: over 40 percent went towards military spending, while education received just over 4 percent. This publication shows how the median income family's 2007 income tax dollars were spent for every state and 200 cities, towns and counties."
    http://www.nationalpriorities.org/

    A Partial Timeline of U.S. History Showing how Liberalization in the Church and Liberalization in the State, has Been Paralleled by Advances in the Feminist Movement, and the Overall Decline of American Society
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chc.html#ptushlcs

    PTSD Resources for Veterans and First Responders
    "On average about 7-8 percent of the United States population will have a PTSD diagnosis. Roughly 8 percent of the US population has an SUD [substance use disorder] diagnosis at any given time. These figures jump significantly when correlated to veterans and first responders. Anywhere from 11-20 percent of veterans will be diagnosed with PTSD and 20 percent with PTSD will also have SUD. One in 10 veterans returning from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan who were seen in the VA were diagnosed with a problem with alcohol and/or other drugs. Substance use and mental health needs are often underreported by both the civilian population and the military/first responders. There are a variety of reasons that contribute to this, including shame, guilt, fear of job loss, etc. The reality is that our first responders and veterans are struggling at higher rates than others and need a safe space to receive appropriate treatment."
    https://definingwellness.com/resources/veterans-first-responders/

    The Real Story of Slavery and war Crimes, Peter Hammond and Michael Walsh
    "Peter Hammond and Mike Walsh discuss: the secret history of the slave trade; why many of the prisoners in American prisons today are technically slaves; the White slaves mainstream historians never seem to talk about; the forgotten slaves of Eastern Europe; the 28 million Africans who were transported across the Sahara & East Africa to be slaves in The Muslim Middle East; the tireless work that European missionaries did in order to bring an end to the slave trade; the slave trade that still goes on in the world today, that president Obama chose to ignore on his tour of Africa; the war crimes committed against German and Japanese civilians in World War II; the NATO war crimes committed against Serbia in 1999 and in the Middle East during this century; how control of the mainstream media is in the hands of perpetrators; the international boycotts against Rhodesia and South Africa; why sanctions don't work; and many other important topics."
    https://soundcloud.com/user-779428885/the-real-story-of-slavery-and-war-crimes

    The Real History you can Find in The Books of David Irving
    https://soundcloud.com/user-779428885/the-real-history-you-can-find-in-the-books-of-david-irving

    Charles Spurgeon on Christian war Fever, Laurence M. Vance
    "We know all too well about Christian war fever -- that sickening blind worship of the state that elevates George W. Bush to Messiah status and seeks to justify his immoral, unscriptural, unconstitutional war in Iraq by incessantly repeating the mantras 'obey the powers that be' and 'God is a God of war.' But who is Charles Spurgeon, and why should we care what he said about war?"
    http://www.lewrockwell.com/vance/vance37.html

    Theft: Commentary and Cases of Conscience. A Listing Excerpted From The Institutes of Biblical Law by Rousas John Rushdoony, 1973 edition
    http://www.lettermen2.com/theft.html

    United States Casualties of War
    "The American Civil War resulted, by far, in the largest number of total American deaths by war."
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_casualties_of_war

    U.S. Casualties in Iraq
    A running tally.
    http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ops/iraq_casualties.htm

    Versailles - The poisonous Spirit of Vengeance,
    Peter Hammond [audio file]
    "28 June 1919 -- Five years to the day after Gavrilo Princip shot the archduke and his wife in Sarajevo, delegates signed what Wilson had promised his countrymen would be 'peace without victory and without vanquished.'
    "On April 8, 1945, Churchill, in a memo to the Foreign Office traced the origins of the Second World War back to Versailles -- and Woodrow Wilson:
    "This war should never have come unless, under American pressure, we had driven the Habsburgs out of Austria and the Hohenzollerns out of Germany. By making these vacuums we gave the opening for monsters to crawl onto the vacant thrones. No doubt these views are very unfashionable. The men of Versailles had brought home the peace of vengeance the people wanted. Their children would pay the price for their having failed to bring home a peace of justice. That price would be 50 million dead in the war that would come out of the Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles."
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=12916122340

    Vets for Justice
    http://www.vetsforjustice.com/

    Was the Attack on Pearl Harbor Really an Unprecedented Surprise? Reformation Society
    http://reformationsa.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=416&catid=75



    Waiting on God

    Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. (Psalm 27:14)

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 130, C.H. Spurgeon
    I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. (Psalm 130:5)
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps130.php

    But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)

    It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
    They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
    The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
    The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.
    It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.     (Lamentations 3 3:22-26)

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Endurance," and so forth, and so on.

    Calvin, John (1509-1564), Seeking the Lord's Face (from COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM, Psalm 27), an MP3 file [audio file]. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #8.

    *Caryl, Joseph (1602-1673), Joel R. Beeke, and Randall J. Pederson, An Exposition With Practical Observations Upon the Book of Job, 12 volumes, ISBN: 1892777509 9781892777508 1892777541 9781892777546. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    Caryl preached on Job for 20 years. Some have said his work is the only satisfactory commentary on the book of Job.
    "The pinnacle of Puritan preaching and devotion, Joseph Caryl's 12 volume, 8600 plus page exposition of Job is now heading for a limited edition printing. . . . These are the full 12 volumes totally unabridged. . . .
    "C.H. Spurgeon said, 'Caryl will not exhaust the patience of a student who is a lover of every letter of the Word . . . it would be a mistake to suppose that he is at all prolix or redundant; he is only full. In the course of expounding he has illustrated a very large portion of Bible with great clearness and power. He is deeply devotional and spiritual. His work can scarcely be superseded or surpassed'." -- Publisher
    "Cotton Mather's assessment, that these sermons [Caryl on Job] belong alongside Greenhill on Ezekiel, Burroughs on Hosea, Owen on Hebrews, and Manton on James, can still be made." -- Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas, professor of Systematic and Practical Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary

    Murray, Andrew, Waiting on God, ISBN: 161895220X 9781618952202.

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The root cause of criminal acts of extreme depravity, Theodicy, Immanual, god with us, christ with us, christ in you, Trusting god, Decisions, knowing the will of god, patience, and guidance, The regulative principles of worship, Praise, The psalms, Worship, The holy bible, Prayer, Christian fellowship, The providence of god, Humility, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Trusting god, Loving and obeying god, Discipleship, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 2693, 3762

    Related Weblinks

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 27, C.H. Spurgeon
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps027.php

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 130, C.H. Spurgeon
    I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. (Psalm 130:5)
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps130.php



    Wealth and Prosperity, the Snare of

    How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! (Proverbs 16:16)

    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)

    Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
    (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:)
    for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
    But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
    Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof.     -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:31-34)

    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)

    But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)

    Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. (Hebrews 13:5,6)

    Let us watch and pray against the love of money. It is a subtle disease, and often far nearer to us than we suppose. A poor man is just as liable to it as a rich man. It is possible to love money without having it, and it is possible to have it without loving it. Let us be content with such things as we have. (Hebrews 13:5.)
    We never know what we might do if we became suddenly rich. It is a striking fact, that there is only one prayer in all the Book of Proverbs, and one of the three petitions in that prayer is the wise request -- Give me neither poverty nor riches. (Proverbs 30:8) -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 106
    And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul. (Psalm 106:15)
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps106.php

    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)

    For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
    But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
    Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.     (1 Timothy 6:10-12)

    But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. (1 Timothy 1:8-11)
    One of the besetting sins of mankind is to use the law to oppress and steal from his fellowman. Frederic Bastiat unfolds this sin in, The Law.

    Men are undoubtedly more in danger from prosperity than from adversity. For when matters go smoothly, they flatter themselves and are intoxicated by their success. -- John Calvin

    It is a melancholy fact, that constant temporal prosperity, as a general rule, is injurious to a believer's soul. We cannot stand it. Sickness, and losses, and crosses, and anxieties, and disappointments seem absolutely needful to keep us humble, watchful, and spiritual-minded. -- J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)

    Contrary to what is popular today, even in quote/unquote religion circles, even in the name of Jesus, the Lord is not promising you here and now a full, happy, rich, satisfying, trouble-free life of health, wealth and success. Oh, He does promise that. Absolutely . . . a full, rich, satisfying, trouble-free life of health and wealth and success and absolute joy and peace and perfection . . . but not now . . . not now. In fact, quite on the other hand, our Lord has promised to those who know Him and love Him in this life . . . trouble, persecution, rejection, difficulty, trials, temptation, pain, suffering, sorrow, sickness and even physical death. So, for Christians, this is our worst life now. It isn't that it's bad, but comparatively it's the worst when you think about the life to come, which is the best. Your best life as a Christian begins when this life ends. Christians through the centuries have understood this, certainly the early Christians understood it. The Bible makes it clear. You just can't expect all the promises that God has made to you for heaven to necessarily show up here. Any sensible Christian understands that. Don't expect more than this life can deliver. -- John MacArthur, from his sermon, Your Best Life: Now or Later?

    To return now to Deuteronomy 8:1,18, the purpose of wealth is the establishment of God's covenant; its goal is that man prosper in his task of possessing the earth, subduing it and exercising dominion over it. The means to lawful wealth is the covenant law, the law of God. Capitalization is thus a radical and total task. Man must seek to subdue the earth and gain wealth as a means of restitution and restoration, as means of establishing God's dominion in every realm. Wherever godly men establish their superior productivity and gain wealth, they thereby glorify God. Wealth in itself is good, and a blessing of the Lord. It is trust in wealth rather than God which Scripture condemns. (Psalm 49:6,7) We are told that, When Rehoboam had established the kingdom, and had strengthened himself, he forsook the law of the LORD, and all Israel with him. (2 Chronicles 12:1) The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as a high wall in his own conceit (Proverbs 18:11; cf. Proverbs 10:15; BV, The rich man's wealth is his strong city and as a high wall -- so he thinks). -- R.J. Rushdoony (1916-2001), The Institutes of Biblical Law, pp. 524,525

    Each year, some 30 million Americans are defrauded of more than $50 billion, according to a 2011 report by the Financial Fraud Research Center, a joint project of the Stanford Center on Longevity and the FINRA Investor Education Foundation. -- Mitch Lipka in "Devious by Design: Spotting the Telltale Signs of Shady Deals, Scams, and Fraudulent Investment Offers," in USAA Magazine, Spring 2014, volume 50, number 1.

    According to the FBI, securities fraud includes false information on a company's financial statement and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings; lying to corporate auditors; insider trading; stock manipulation schemes, and embezzlement by stockbrokers.
    Securities regulators and other prominent groups estimate civil securities fraud totals approximately $40 billion per year. . . .
    Securities fraud is becoming more complex as the industry develops more complicated investment vehicles. In addition, white collar criminals are expanding the scope of their fraud and are looking outside the United States for new markets, new investors, and banking secrecy havens to hide unjust enrichment. . . .
    Any investor can become a victim, but persons aged fifty years or older are most often victimized, whether as direct purchasers in securities or indirect purchasers through pension funds. Not only do investors lose but so can creditors, taxing authorities, and employees.
    Potential perpetrators of securities fraud within a publicly-traded firm include any dishonest official within the company who has access to the payroll or financial reports that can be manipulated to: overstate assets, overstate revenues, understate costs, understate liabilities. -- Securities Fraud

    The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is now the only Self-Regulatory Organization in the United States for the financial industry. FINRA operates BrokerCheck where investors may view online the disciplinary record of their stock broker or prospective stock broker. However, see also: FINRA Criticism.

    There are only two types of people in the world, those who say to God, Not my will, but thine be done, and those to whom God says "Not my will, but thine be done." -- Dr. Donald Ewing (1916-1997)

    Bates, William (1625-1699), The Danger of Prosperity. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM BATES (2:205-285). Available (THE WHOLE WORKS OF REV. W. WILLIAM BATES, D.D.), on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), The Fool's Prosperity. Available in THE REFORMED PASTOR: BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS (VOL. 4), (4:516-23). Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Birch, Bruce C., The Predicament of the Prosperous, ISBN: 0664242111 9780664242114.

    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.

    Clayton, John, The Snares of Prosperity. A Sermon to Which is Added an Essay on Visiting, London, printed for J. Buckland, 1789.

    Dabney, Robert Lewis (1820-1898), "Our Secular Prosperity," in Discussions: Evangelical and Theological (1:699-705).

    Ellul, Jacques (1912-1994), Money and Power, ISBN: 0551013923 9780551013926.
    "Discusses the ethics of wealth and incidentally elucidates the Biblical teaching on money and its use. . . ." -- Cyril J. Barber
    "In this one of many brilliant books by Ellul, he exposes the folly of a purely collective, societal approach, such as that offered by communism, or capitalism. Instead, through a study of various Biblical references in the Old and New Testament, puts the responsibility on the individual. The new covenant of Jesus is compared to the Old Testament pattern of wealth as a sign of blessing. He examines the teaching of Jesus on God and Mammon. Contemporary models of stewardship are exposed as inadequate. Further, he clearly shows the underlying power money has over a person, despite any feelings of control we may think we have. The teachings of Jesus about giving and trusting provide the path to freedom -- every hair is numbered. Only by God's grace and transforming love are we able to overcome this subtle and insidious power. Highly recommended, especially at a time in our history when many have lost faith in the market." -- Reader's Comment

    Fuller, Andrew (1754-1815), Soul Prosperity. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF ANDREW FULLER (1:404-409).

    Manton, Thomas (1620-1677), Sermon Upon 1 Timothy 6:9. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THOMAS MANTON (18:189-201).

    *Phillips, Kevin, Wealth and Democracy: A Political History of the American Rich, ISBN: 0767905334 9780767905336.
    "For more than thirty years, Kevin Phillips' insight into American politics and economics has helped to make history as well as record it. His bestselling books, including THE EMERGING REPUBLICAN MAJORITY (1969) and THE POLITICS OF RICH AND POOR (1990), have influenced presidential campaigns and changed the way America sees itself. Widely acknowledging Phillips as one of the nation's most perceptive thinkers, reviewers have called him a latter-day Nostradamus and our 'modern Thomas Paine.' Now, in the first major book of its kind since the 1930s, he turns his attention to the United States' history of great wealth and power, a sweeping cavalcade from the American Revolution to what he calls 'the Second Gilded Age' at the turn of the twenty-first century.
    "The Second Gilded Age has been staggering enough in its concentration of wealth to dwarf the original Gilded Age a hundred years earlier. However, the tech crash and then the horrible events of September 11, 2001, pointed out that great riches are as vulnerable as they have ever been. In WEALTH AND DEMOCRACY, Kevin Phillips charts the ongoing American saga of great wealth -- how it has been accumulated, its shifting sources, and its ups and downs over more than two centuries. He explores how the rich and politically powerful have frequently worked together to create or perpetuate privilege, often at the expense of the national interest and usually at the expense of the middle and lower classes.
    "With intriguing chapters on history and bold analysis of present-day America, Phillips illuminates the dangerous politics that go with excessive concentration of wealth. Profiling wealthy Americans -- from Astor to Carnegie and Rockefeller to contemporary wealth holders -- Phillips provides fascinating details about the peculiarly American ways of becoming and staying a multimillionaire. He exposes the subtle corruption spawned by a money culture and financial power, evident in economic philosophy, tax favoritism, and selective bailouts in the name of free enterprise, economic stimulus, and national security.
    "Finally, WEALTH AND DEMOCRACY turns to the history of Britain and other leading world economic powers to examine the symptoms that signaled their declines -- speculative finance, mounting international debt, record wealth, income polarization, and disgruntled politics -- signs that we recognize in America at the start of the twenty-first century. In a time of national crisis, Phillips worries that the growing parallels suggest the tide may already be turning for us all." -- Publisher

    *Pike, Samuel (1717-1773), and Samuel Hayward (1718-1757), Spiritual Injury From Undue Pursuit of the Affairs of This Life. In RELIGIOUS CASES OF CONSCIENCE ANSWERED IN AN EVANGELICAL MANNER . . . TO WHICH IS ADDED THE SPIRITUAL COMPANION; OR, THE PROFESSING CHRISTIAN TRIED AT THE BAR OF GOD'S WORD; AND CHARACTER OF THE HAPPY MAN, 1866.
    Spiritual Injury From Undue Pursuit of the Affairs of This Life
    http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/spiritual-injury-from-undue-pursuit-of-the-affairs-of-this-life.php

    Reid, John, The Case of the Poor Considered and Charity to Them Recommended: A Sermon Preached on Thursday Evening, May 29th, 1800, in the Village of Bainsford, for the Benefit of the Poor in That Place, 1800. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.

    Strong, William (d. 1654), The Certainty of Heavenly and the Uncertainty of Earthly Treasures Together With a Discovery Where the Treasure and Heart is Placed / As it was Delivered in Severall Sermons by That Eminently Faithfull Servant of Christ, 1656.

    *Tocqueville, Alexis de, Seymour Drescher (translator), Gertrude Himmelfarb (introduction), Memoir on Pauperism, ISBN: 156663167X 9781566631679.
    "In this neglected memoir, written just after the first volume of DEMOCRACY IN AMERICA, Tocqueville seeks to understand why the most impoverished countries of Europe in his time had the fewest paupers, while the most opulent nation -- England -- had the most." -- Publisher

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The ten commandments: the moral law, Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, The root cause of criminal acts of extreme depravity, Theodicy, Theft, fraud, stealing: property rights and freedom, Self, selfishness, self-esteem, Carnality and flesh pleasing: desires, pleasure, Self-denial, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Carnality and flesh pleasing: lust, desires, ambition, Menpleasing, Ecclesiastes, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Trusting god, Loving and obeying god, The all-sufficiency of christ, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, The covenant faithfulness of god, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Bible promises, The promises of christ, Idolatry, Self, selfishness, self-deception, Hell, Stress, Secret societies, ungodly alliances, xoluntary associations, Oaths, ensnaring vows, promises, and covenants, bonds with the ungodly, Conspiracy, corruption, organized crime, City bosses, Arminianism, Antinomianism, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 18-23, 2805-2811, 2897-2903
    MGTP: Prosperity

    Related Weblinks

    Devious by Design: Spotting the Telltale Signs of Shady Deals, Scams, and Fraudulent Investment Offers
    "Each year, some 30 million Americans are defrauded of more than $50 billion, according to a 2011 report by the Financial Fraud Research Center, a joint project of the Stanford Center on Longevity and the FINRA Investor Education Foundation." -- Mitch Lipka in "Devious by Design: Spotting the Telltale Signs of Shady Deals, Scams, and Fraudulent Investment Offers," in USAA Magazine, Spring 2014, volume 50, number 1.
    The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is now the only Self-Regulatory Organization in the United States for the financial industry. FINRA operates BrokerCheck where investors may view online the disciplinary record of their stock broker or prospective stock broker. However, see also: FINRA Criticism.
    The "Devious by Design" article offers basic information and lists warning signs for uninformed investors.
    Not knowing the expected rate of return for an particular investment is one of the greatest weaknesses of the investor. This leaves them vulnerable to fraud by unscrupulous advisers who promise unrealistic high rates of return. These promises are often a sign of a typical Ponzi scheme. Such schemes have been extensively reported in the television series American Greed: Scams, Schemes, and Broken Dreams.
    Devious by Design: Spotting the Telltale Signs of Shady Deals, Scams, and Fraudulent Investment Offers
    http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/pace/usaa_2014spring/#/18

    Securities Fraud
    "According to the FBI, securities fraud includes false information on a company's financial statement and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings; lying to corporate auditors; insider trading; stock manipulation schemes, and embezzlement by stockbrokers.
    "Securities regulators and other prominent groups estimate civil securities fraud totals approximately $40 billion per year. . . .
    "Securities fraud is becoming more complex as the industry develops more complicated investment vehicles. In addition, white collar criminals are expanding the scope of their fraud and are looking outside the United States for new markets, new investors, and banking secrecy havens to hide unjust enrichment. . . .
    "Any investor can become a victim, but persons aged fifty years or older are most often victimized, whether as direct purchasers in securities or indirect purchasers through pension funds. Not only do investors lose but so can creditors, taxing authorities, and employees.
    "Potential perpetrators of securities fraud within a publicly-traded firm include any dishonest official within the company who has access to the payroll or financial reports that can be manipulated to: overstate assets, overstate revenues, understate costs, understate liabilities."
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Securities_fraud

    The Temperate Life, Sherman Isbell
    http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/the-temperate-life.php

    What is Worthwhile Under the Sun? (part 1 of 2), [audio file], Ravi Zacharias
    "Why does a life focused on pleasure leave you feeling empty, and how can you deal with it? Is there a way to tell what pleasures are good and which ones are bad? Are your pleasures getting in the way of your relationships with God, or with others? Ravi Zacharias explores the problem of pleasure and what you can do about it."
    http://rzim.org/let-my-people-think-broadcasts/what-is-worthwhile-under-the-sun-part-1-of-2/ What is Worthwhile Under the Sun? (part 2 of 2), [audio file], Ravi Zacharias
    "Why does a life focused on pleasure leave you feeling empty, and how can you deal with it? Is there a way to tell what pleasures are good and which ones are bad? Are your pleasures getting in the way of your relationships with God, or with others? Ravi Zacharias explores the problem of pleasure and what you can do about it. That's this week on Let My People Think."
    http://rzim.org/let-my-people-think-broadcasts/what-is-worthwhile-under-the-sun-part-2-of-2/



    Widowhood

    I find it to be most true, that the greatest temptation out of hell is to live without temptations. If my waters should stand, they would rot. Faith is the better of the free air, and of the sharp winter storms in its face. Grace withereth without adversity. The devil is but God's master fencer, to teach us to handle our weapons. -- Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661), The Loveliness of Christ
    Martha Finley uses part of this quote in ELSIE'S WIDOWHOOD, Book 7, Chapter 4, p. 41. Elsie's father consoling her on the sudden, unexpected death of her husband whom had been his lifelong friend.

    Alexander, Archibald (1772-1851), Thoughts on Religious Experience: To Which is Added an Appendix, Containing "Letters to the Aged," ISBN: 079050846X 9780790508467, 338 pages.
    Contains counsel for widows and widowers (pp. 329-38).

    Bettler, John F., God as Husband/Lover (Westminster Media).
    Audio cassette POG06 [audio file].

    Cushenberry, Donald C., Coping With Life After Your Mate Dies, ISBN: 0801057655 9780801057656.
    "For Donald and Rita Cushenberry, practical wisdom for grieving and getting on with life came from personal experience. Each has lost a spouse, grieved, and eventually found new life. This book brings comfort and helps survivors face decisions." -- Publisher

    Finley, Martha (1828-1909), Book 7: Elsie's Widowhood, didactic fiction, ISBN: 1888306408 9781888306408.
    "Elsie's husband was 15 years older, so it was not a surprise that a day would come when she would have to go alone without his dear presence. As could be expected, all accepted it as the will of God, and they set out to grow in grace because of being left without their beloved husband and father." -- Publisher

    James, John Angell (1785-1859), The Widow Directed to the Widow's God, ISBN: 157358035X 9781573580359.
    "In this book, James directs widows to take their sufferings to God for relief. He tenderly shows that the widow 'needs a special message of comfort from her Lord.' There are practical suggestions and helps for widows, Scriptural examples of widows, letters from widows, and letters to widows." -- Publisher

    See also: The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Singleness, Loneliness, Fear, Hope, Trusting god, The covenant faithfulness of god, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Trusting god, Women (widowhood), Works by and for women, Christian fellowship, Friendship, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 3829, 3830, 3873
    MGTP: Widows and Widowers



    Will and Recalcitrance

    Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. . . .
    For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.     -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:10,13)

    There is great transforming power in the New Testament sacrificial love of Christ Jesus that says, Not my will, but thine, be done. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 22:42b)

    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)

    For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13)

    See John Calvin on "Conversion of the will is the effect of divine grace inwardly bestowed. Men's inability to do good manifests itself above all in the work of redemption, which God does quite alone." -- Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book II, Chapter III, Sections 6-14

    The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
    I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.     (Jeremiah 17:9,10)

    There is no counsel, nor prudence, nor strength against the Lord." (Proverbs 21:30)
    Unless the blessing of God be present, from which alone we may expect a prosperous issue, all that we attempt will necessarily perish. Since, then, God declares that he is at perpetual war with the unmeasured audacity of men; anything we undertake without his approval will end miserably, even though all creatures above and beneath should earnestly offer us their assistance. -- John Calvin commenting on Genesis 11:7

    The will and affections can imprison and cast in fetters Truth (Romans 1:18). They keep the truth of God captive, or in bonds: though Truth sometime break the fetters, and bolts, and escape, and come out to a confession, yet they apprehend Truth again, and lay it in fetters." -- Samuel Rutherford (1600-1661), in a sermon in 1644

    That God in the covenant of grace has promised to furnish and enable His children for a holy life (Ezekiel 36:27), I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes. This is a way that God has by Himself. The mother can take her child by the hand to lead it, but cannot put strength into his feeble joints to make him go. The ruler can give his captains a commission to fight, but not courage to fight. There is a power goes with the promises; thus it is they are called exceeding great and precious promises, because given for this very end, that by them we might be made partakers of the divine nature, (2 Peter 1:4); and therefore we are not only pressed to holiness from the command, but especially from the promise (2 Corinthians 7:1), Having therefore these promises (he means to help and encourage us), let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." Oh it is good working for Him that promises to work all our work for us (Philippians 2:12,10). -- William Gurnall (1617-1679)

    Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:21)

    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)

    And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 6:40)

    My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
    If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or [whether] I speak of myself.
    He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.     -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 7:16b-18)

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 106
    And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul. (Psalm 106:15)
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps106.php

    Consider, there are but two sorts of men in the world, and you are one of them. There is no neutral, no middle state; there are but two principles that men are influenced by, the flesh and the spirit; and there are but two ends men propound to themselves, either the pleasing of the flesh upon earth, or the enjoyment of God in heaven; and two places they issue into, heaven or hell. The Scripture is peremptory, and tells you who shall go to heaven, and who shall go to hell: Romans 8:13, 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; Galatians 6:8, He that soweth to the flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Or consider that, Proverbs 14:14, The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways, and a good man shall be satisfied from himself. There are two different persons commencing and setting forth in the pursuit of happiness, the backslider in heart and the good man. The backslider in heart is one that continues in the apostasy and defection of mankind, that indulgeth his lusts and vain pleasures, and for a seeming good leaves God, who is the chief good. But the good men are those who make it their business to keep their hearts chaste and loyal to God. They both desire to be filled and to be satisfied. The one takes his own way, and the other God's counsel; and in the event both are filled. The backslider in heart hath enough of his own ways when they have brought him to hell; and the good man hath enough when he comes to the enjoyment of the blessed God. And there is one truth more there, they are both filled from themselves, their own ways. The backslider shall have the fruit of his own choice, and a good man is satisfied with that course of godliness that he hath chosen, Proverbs 1:31. Those that turn away from God, it is said, They shall eat of their own ways, and be filled with the fruit of their own devices; and Isaiah 3:10, Say unto the righteous, it shall be well with him, for he shall eat of the fruit of his own doings. -- Thomas Manton (1620-1677)

    Much zeal is shown for the freedom of man's will; little jealousy seems to be left for the freedom of God's will. Men insist that it is unjust and tyrannical in God to control their wills, yet see nothing unjust, nothing proud, nothing Satanic in attempting to fetter and direct the will of God. Man, it seems, cannot have his own foolish will gratified, unless the all-wise God will consent to relinquish His! Such are some of the steps in the march of Atheism. Such are the preparations making in these last days by the wily usurper for dethroning the Eternal Jehovah. -- Horatius Bonar (1808-1889), The Reign of Grace, Preface

    There are only two types of people in the world, those who say to God, Not my will, but thine be done, and those to whom God says "Not my will, but thine be done." -- Dr. Donald Ewing (1916-1997)

    He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
    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 14:21, 23)

    Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. (2 John 9)

    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 Treasury of David, Psalm 106, commentary by C.H. Spurgeon
    Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt. (v. 7)
    Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known. (v. 8)
    And he saved them from the hand of them that hated them. (v. 10)
    They soon forgat his works. (v. 13)
    And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul. (v. 15)
    They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the molten image. (v. 19)
    Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass. (v. 20)
    They forgat God their saviour. (v. 21)
    Thus they provoked him to anger with their inventions: and the plague brake in upon them. (v. 29)
    Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and so the plague was stayed. (v. 30)
    And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore. (v. 31)
    They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them. (v. 34)
    But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works. (v. 35)
    Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils. (v. 37)
    Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions. (v. 39)
    Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, in so much that he abhorred his own inheritance. (v. 40)
    And he gave them into the hands of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them. (v. 41)
    Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand. (v. 42)
    Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity. (v. 43)
    Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry. (v. 44)
    And he remembered for them his covenant. (v. 45)
    Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, and to triumph in thy praise. (v. 47)
    Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the Lord. (v. 48)
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps106.php

    Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, in so much that he abhorred his own inheritance.
    And he gave them into the hands of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them.
    Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand.     (Psalm 106:40-42)

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

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

    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: "The Freedom and Bondage of the Will," at Jeremiah 17:9 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    See the Theological Notes: "The Unpardonable Sin," at Mark 3:29 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    See the Theological Notes: "Hell," at Mark 9:43 in The Reformation Study Bible.

    Calvin's Commentaries: Jeremiah 14:15-16
    It is certain that except the world winningly sought falsehoods, the power of the devil to deceive would not be so great. When men therefore are led astray by impostures, it happens through their own fault, inasmuch as they are more ready to embrace vanity than to submit to God and his word. And we must remember that saying of Paul, that all the reprobate are blinded and given up to a reprobate mind, because they wilfully seek falsehood, and will not obey the truth. (Romans 1:28). And on this account God declares that he tries the hearts of men, whenever false prophets come abroad; for every one who really fears God shall by no means be led away by the deceits of Satan and of impostors. Hence, whenever men are too credulous and readily embrace deceptions, it is certain that their hypocrisy is thus justly punished by God. And it was well known to the Prophet, that the Jews ever wished for such prophets as soothed their ears and promised them an abundant harvest and a fruitful vintage. (Micah 2:11). As then they had itching ears, a liberty was justly given to Satan to deluge the whole land with falsehood; and so indeed it happened. There is then no wonder that the Lord was so severe in chastising the people; for they had not been deceived except through their own fault. [or, no one is ever deceived except by his own will. -- compiler]. The same thing happens at this day. Though we are touched with pity when we see the ministers of Satan prevail in deceiving the common people: yet we must remember that a reward is rendered by heaven for the impiety of men, who either extinguish or smother the light of God as much as they can, and seek to plunge into darkness. -- John Calvin commenting on Jeremiah 14:15-16

    When the will is enchained as the slave of sin, it cannot make a movement towards goodness, far less steadily pursue it. Every such movement is the first step in that conversion to God, which in Scripture is entirely ascribed to divine grace. Thus Jeremiah prays, Turn thou me, and I shall be turned, (Jeremiah 31:18). Hence, too, in the same chapter, describing the spiritual redemption of believers, the Prophet says, The Lord has redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger than he, (Jeremiah 31:11;), intimating how close the fetters are with which the sinner is bound, so long as he is abandoned by the Lord, and acts under the yoke of the devil. Nevertheless, there remains a will which both inclines and hastens on with the strongest affection towards sin; man, when placed under this bondage, being deprived not of will, but of soundness of will. -- John Calvin, from Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book 2, Chapter 3, Section 5. (Beveridge translation)

    Therefore, behold, I add to do. He threatens that he will punish by blinding not only the ignorant or the ordinary ranks, but those wise men who were held in admiration by the people. From this vengeance we may easily learn how hateful a vice hypocrisy is, and how greatly it is abhorred by God, as the Prophet spoke a little before about human inventions; for what kind of punishment is more dreadful than blindness of mind and stupidity? This indeed is not commonly perceived by men, nor are they aware of the greatness of this evil; but it is the greatest and most wretched of all. -- John Calvin commenting on Isaiah 29:1-24

    None of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand. (Daniel 12:10)

    Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go. O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea: Thy seed also had been as the sand, and the offspring of thy bowels like the gravel thereof; his name should not have been cut off nor destroyed from before me. (Isaiah 48:17-19). See the annotation in The Reformation Study Bible.

    That God in the covenant of grace has promised to furnish and enable His children for a holy life (Ezekiel 36:27), I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes. This is a way that God has by Himself. The mother can take her child by the hand to lead it, but cannot put strength into his feeble joints to make him go. The ruler can give his captains a commission to fight, but not courage to fight. There is a power goes with the promises; thus it is they are called exceeding great and precious promises, because given for this very end, that by them we might be made partakers of the divine nature, (2 Peter 1:4); and therefore we are not only pressed to holiness from the command, but especially from the promise (2 Corinthians 7:1), Having therefore these promises (he means to help and encourage us), let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." Oh it is good working for Him that promises to work all our work for us (Philippians 2:12,10). -- William Gurnall (1617-1679)

    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)

    For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

    One of mankind's besetting sins is to be in conflict with the will of God and with the will of his fellow man. (Genesis 3; Genesis 3:5,6; Genesis 4:1-15; Psalm 51:5; Isaiah 53:3; Jeremiah 17:9,10; Hosea 4:6,7; Matthew 22:38-40; Luke 22:44; Romans 3:10; Hebrews 10; 1 John 3:10-15)

    Christ loved us without a cause and, we hated him without a cause. [Christ walked the face of the earth to teach us how to live right, and we crucified him.] The most inscrutable truths of Scripture. -- D. James Kennedy (1930-2007)

    A discerning look at the Gospel message of salvation, reveals that conflict of will ultimately leads to death.

    The depravity of man is at once the most empirically verifiable reality, but at the same time the most intellectually resisted fact. (Genesis 6:5; Genesis 8:21b; Ecclesiastes 9:3b; Jeremiah 17:9; Mark 7:21-23; Ephesians 2:1-3; Titus 3:3-5) -- Malcolm Muggeridge (1903-1990). See John Calvin's Commentary on Isaiah Chapter 33 [Isaiah 33:1-66].

    Jesus Christ is in fact the Son of God, and His atoning, perfect, sacrificial love -- Not my will, but thine, be done. (Luke 22:42b) -- has transformed, in time and for eternity, individual lives, and societies. This is encouragement to the disciple who is obedient to THE EVERLASTING RIGHTEOUSNESS, OR HOW SHALL MAN BE JUST WITH GOD? (Isaiah 53:11; Jeremiah 23:6; Malachi 4:2; Romans 10:4; 1 John 2:5), bears his own cross (Luke 14:27), and is selfless and self-denying.

    Christ took away the sin of the world. 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; John 14:6)

    "The sinful nature of man is an enemy to the nature of God, and would pull God out of heaven; yet God even at that time is raising man to heaven; sin would lessen the great God, and yet God greatens sinful man." -- Joseph Caryl (1602-1673)

    Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. (1 John 4:7)

    Martha Finley (1828-1909), in her classic, didactic, Christian fiction reveals how conflict of will might lead to death in BOOK 2: ELSIE'S HOLIDAYS AT ROSELANDS.
    "When Elsie's father becomes ill, she takes on the job of nurse-companion, and all goes well until Elsie, because it is the Sabbath, as a matter of conscience refuses to read to him from a secular book. The battle of wills that ensues nearly causes first her father's death, and then Elsie's. Lonely Elsie -- punished, ostracized, and then abandoned by her father -- turns to her heavenly Father for comfort and assurance. Will her father realize that Elsie's obedience to God must be paramount, and submit himself to the same Divine Authority?" -- Publisher
    On an even more serious note, one moral of this story is the broader life and death struggle between Truth and Falsehood (See: Absolute truth and relativism [duality and non-duality], Epistemology of theology, the theory of knowledge, and Christian scholarship.) The consequence of conflict of will is death of the "One," or war of the "Many" (see Rushdoony, THE ONE AND THE MANY: STUDIES IN THE PHILOSOPHY OF ORDER AND ULTIMACY. Conflict of will (see Will and recalcitrance, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation,) may begin when one individual (see The doctrine of man [human nature, total depravity],) or the corporate body (see Corporate faithfulness and sanctification), tries to usurping authority over others (see Power, Authority) -- tries to control and possess the other (see Tyranny, Slavery, our systems of enslavement, economic enslavement.) The means of control may be either outward or occult (see The occult, spiritism, witchcraft), deceit, repression or suppression of the truth, replacing moral and ethical absolutes with relativism (see Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Medical ethics, Absolute truth and relativism [duality and non-duality], unfaithfulness to the highest ethical standards (see The ten commandments: the moral law, The holy bible), Heresy and apostasy (apostacy, old english), Spiritual adultery [spiritual whoredom/harlotry,] (see Idolatry, syncretism, Jeremiah and lamentations,) invocation of the demonic, Oaths, ensnaring vows, promises, and covenants, bonds with the ungodly Carnality and flesh pleasing: desires, pleasure, Justice, judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord,) attempts to take authority over another politically or by mental malpractice (see Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, making up their own rules (see Absolute truth and relativism [duality and non-duality],) ignoring or changing constitutional or creedal documents, unjust laws for the accumulation of wealth and power, indebtedness, disenfranchisement, (see denial of freedom,) Priestcraft, pharisaism, soul-stealing, possessiveness, physical seduction and whoredom, political economic or sexual enslavement (see Sexual relationship,) and so forth, and so on.
    This abuse, this soul-violence, quenches the Holy Spirit (see Owen, God's Presence With a People the Spring of Their Prosperity; With Their Special Interest in Abiding in Him.) If either side is immovable, then death is the consequence (see Soteriology, atonement, The blood of christ, Hell, and Heaven.)
    How are conflicts of will resolved? By submission to the Absolute Truths of God's word, the great common denominator, 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)
    All this bears a strain of the Gospel (see Book-length presentations of the free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, The westminster confession of faith.)
    Book 2: Holidays at Roselands
    http://archive.org/details/holidaysatrosel00finlgoog
    Holidays at Roselands (Gutenberg text)
    http://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/webbin/gutbook/lookup?num=14280
    Mantle Ministries (Elsie Dinsmore Series and Mildred Series)
    http://www.mantlemin.com

    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)

    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; 1 John 4:8; Psalm 136:1)

    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

    In His will is our peace. -- Dante

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Rebellion," and so forth, and so on.

    *Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), A Treatise of Knowledge and Love Compared in THE REFORMED PASTOR: BAXTER'S PRACTICAL WORKS, VOL. 4, ISBN: 1877611360. A Christian classic.
    Long title: A Treatise of Knowledge and Love Compared. In two Parts: 1. Of Falsely Pretended Knowledge. II. Of True Saving Knowledge and Love. I. Against Hasty Judging, and False Conceits of Knowledge; and for Necessary Suspension. II. The Excellency of Divine Love, and the Happiness of Being Known and Loved of God. Written as greatly necessary to the safety and peace of every Christian, and of the Church: the only certain way to escape false religions, heresies, sects, and malignant prejudices, persecutions, and sinful wars; all caused by falsely pretended knowledge, and hasty judging, by proud, ignorant men, who know not their ignorance.

    Boston, Thomas (1676-1732), Christ's People, a Willing People. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THE REVEREND THOMAS BOSTON (4:111-21)

    Clarkson, David (1622-1686), Men by Nature Unwilling to Come to Christ. In THE WORKS OF DAVID CLARKSON (1:331-64). Available (WORKS) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.

    Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758), A Careful and Strict Enquiry Into the Modern Prevailing Notions of That Freedom of Will, which is supposed to be essential to moral agency, vertue and vice, reward and punishment, praise and blame. By Jonathan Edwards. Available (PDF and MP3), on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available in THE WORKS OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS below.

    *Finley, Martha (1828-1909), Book 2: Elsie's Holidays at Roselands, ISBN: 9781888306323 1888306327.
    "When Elsie's father becomes ill, she takes on the job of nurse-companion, and all goes well until Elsie, because it is the Sabbath, as a matter of conscience refuses to read to him from a secular book. The battle of wills that ensues nearly causes first her father's death, and then Elsie's. Lonely Elsie -- punished, ostracized, and then abandoned by her father -- turns to her heavenly Father for comfort and assurance. Will her father realize that Elsie's obedience to God must be paramount, and submit himself to the same Divine Authority?" -- Publisher
    On an even more serious note, one moral of this story is the broader life and death struggle between Truth and Falsehood (See: Absolute truth and relativism [duality and non-duality], Epistemology of theology, the theory of knowledge, and Christian scholarship.) The consequence of conflict of will is death of the "One," or war of the "Many" (see Rushdoony, THE ONE AND THE MANY: STUDIES IN THE PHILOSOPHY OF ORDER AND ULTIMACY. Conflict of will (see Will and recalcitrance, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation,) may begin when one individual (see The doctrine of man [human nature, total depravity],) or the corporate body (see Corporate faithfulness and sanctification), tries to usurping authority over others (see Power, Authority) -- tries to control and possess the other (see Tyranny, Slavery, our systems of enslavement, economic enslavement.) The means of control may be either outward or occult (see The occult, spiritism, witchcraft), deceit, repression or suppression of the truth, replacing moral and ethical absolutes with relativism (see Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Medical ethics, Absolute truth and relativism [duality and non-duality], unfaithfulness to the highest ethical standards (see The ten commandments: the moral law, The holy bible), Heresy and apostasy (apostacy, old english), Spiritual adultery [spiritual whoredom/harlotry,] (see Idolatry, syncretism, Jeremiah and lamentations,) invocation of the demonic, Oaths, ensnaring vows, promises, and covenants, bonds with the ungodly Carnality and flesh pleasing: desires, pleasure, Justice, judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord,) attempts to take authority over another politically or by mental malpractice (see Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, making up their own rules (see Absolute truth and relativism [duality and non-duality],) ignoring or changing constitutional or creedal documents, unjust laws for the accumulation of wealth and power, indebtedness, disenfranchisement, (see denial of freedom,) Priestcraft, pharisaism, soul-stealing, possessiveness, physical seduction and whoredom, political economic or sexual enslavement (see Sexual relationship,) and so forth, and so on.
    This abuse, this soul-violence, quenches the Holy Spirit (see Owen, God's Presence With a People the Spring of Their Prosperity; With Their Special Interest in Abiding in Him.) If either side is immovable, then death is the consequence (see Soteriology, atonement, The blood of christ, Hell, and Heaven.)
    How are conflicts of will resolved? By submission to the Absolute Truths of God's word, the great common denominator, 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)
    All this bears a strain of the Gospel (see Book-length presentations of the free offer of the gospel message of salvation and the life to come: the means of grace, The westminster confession of faith.)
    Book 2: Holidays at Roselands
    http://archive.org/details/holidaysatrosel00finlgoog
    Holidays at Roselands (Gutenberg text)
    http://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/webbin/gutbook/lookup?num=14280
    Mantle Ministries (Elsie Dinsmore Series and Mildred Series)
    http://www.mantlemin.com

    Finley, Martha (1828-1909), Book 11: The Two Elsies (Bulverde, TX: Mantle Ministries), ISBN: 1581821042 9781581821048.
    The Two Elsies (Gutenberg text)
    http://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/webbin/gutbook/lookup?num=13379

    *Lockyer, Herbert, All the Promises of the Bible, ISBN: 0310281318.
    "A devotional expositional compilation of all the promises [about 3,300 of the approximate 8,810 promises -- compiler], that are found in Scripture." -- Publisher
    "Lockyer's in-depth look at the scope of God's promises arranges them in categories that cover the full array of human concerns, from the spiritual to the material and the corporate to the personal. As you come to understand God's promises and how they apply to every aspect of your life, you'll gain a trust in God that will sustain you through the worst of times and be your source of rejoicing in the best.
    "Dr. Herbert Lockyer was born in London in 1886, and held pastorates in Scotland and England for 25 years before coming to the United States in 1935. In 1937 he received the honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Northwestern Evangelical Seminary. In 1955 he returned to England where he lived for many years. He then returned to the United States where he continued to devote time to the writing ministry until his death in November of 1984." -- Publisher

    Luther, Martin (1483-1546), and Walter Lynne (translator), A VVatch-vvord for VVilfull VVomen. An Excellent Pithie Dialogue Betvveene two Sisters, of Contrary Dispositions: the one a Vertuous Matrone: Fearing God: The Other a VVilfull Husvvife: of Disordered Behauioure. Wherein is righte Christianly discoursed, what singuler commodity commeth by vertuous education, as otherwise what torment to a quiet man, a skowlding [and] vndiscrete woman is. Alternate title: FRUTEFUL PREDICATION OR SERMON OF D. MART. LUTH. CONCERNYNGE MATRIMONY, 1581.

    *Luther, Martin (1483-1546), J.I. Packer (translator), and O.R. Johnston (translator), Bondage of the Will, ISBN: 0800753429 9780800753429. A Christian classic. Available (PDF and MP3) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "THE BONDAGE OF THE WILL is fundamental to an understanding of the primary doctrines of the Reformation. In these pages, Luther gives extensive treatment to what he saw as the heart of the gospel. Free will was no academic question to Luther; the whole gospel of the Grace of God, he believed, was bound up with it and stood or fell according to the way one decided it . . . This is the greatest piece of writing that came from Luther's pen. In its vigour of language, its profound theological grasp, and the grand sweep of its exposition, it stands unsurpassed among Luther's writings." -- Publisher
    "Luther recognized this book as his most important work and even said that if all his other books perished, he would hope that this one, along with his SMALL CATECHISM, would be the only ones to remain. As noted above, this is one of the most important books of the early Reformation, for it deals with what Luther saw to be the heart of the Gospel. Luther here refutes the Romish notion of 'free will' in man and upholds the absolute sovereignty of God in the salvation of sinners -- as well as justification by faith alone. Luther clearly saw the issue of free will as the primary cause of his separation from Rome.
    "In this book he replied to the Roman Catholic scholar, Erasmus, and his diatribe THE FREEDOM OF THE WILL. Though disagreeing with just about everything else Erasmus wrote, Luther commended Erasmus for recognizing the crux of the matter at issue between Rome and the Bible believers, the debate over 'free will.' In this regard Luther wrote,

    that unlike all the rest, you alone have attacked the real issue, the essence of the matter in dispute [i.e. man's so-called free-will -- RB] . . . You and you alone saw, what was the grand hinge upon which the whole turned, and therefore you attacked the vital part at once; for which, from my heart, I thank you.
    " 'This book is most needful at the present day,' noted Atherton in 1931, for 'the teachings of many so-called Protestants are more in accordance with the Dogmas of the Papists, or the ideas of Erasmus, than with the Principles of the Reformers; they are more in harmony with the Canons and Decrees of the Council of Trent than with the Protestant or Reformed Confessions of Faith.'
    "It is easy to see how a lack of doctrinal and historical study is leading many into serious compromise with the false ecumenical apostasy espoused by Rome and other idolatrous beliefs which cry up man's ability to save himself (as with Arminianism), and to devise his own methods of worship (as with those that oppose the Reformation's Regulative Principle of Worship in favor of their own will worship). In this area, many 'Protestants,' even now, bow down to Rome's humanistic, anti-Christian idol of free will.
    "It is our hope that God will use Luther's classic to give you the strength to remain faithful to His Word; this being a great place to start a new Reformation, for as the translators write concerning this book, 'Nowhere does Luther come closer, either in spirit or in substance to the Paul of Romans and Galatians'." -- Publisher
    "This classic is a reply to Erasmus, the famous Roman Catholic scholar. Erasmus had issued a book claiming that all men had 'free-will.' Luther points out that Erasmus does not give a true definition of 'free-will.' For free-will, says Luther, belongs to God only: 'You may rightly assigned to man some kind of will, but to assign to him free-will in divine things is going too far. . . .' Luther then points out that man has incapacitated his will by his sin, and so is not free to will to do good, or to please God, which is the same thing. In a very large section of the book he gives a thorough exposition of the bondage of man's will. This, together with Jonathan Edwards' FREEDOM OF THE WILL has always been considered a classic answer to all free-willers." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    See the Theological Notes: "The Freedom and Bondage of the Will," at Jeremiah 17:9 in The Reformation Study Bible.
    The Bondage of the Will, Luther
    http://archive.org/details/martinlutheronth00luthuoft
    The Bondage of the Will, A Sermon on Christian Love, Two Sermons Upon the Fifth Chapter of Luke, God So Loved the World: Two Sermons on John 3:16-21.
    http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/7/8/martin-luthers-book-concerning-the-bondage-of-the-will

    *Marshall, Walter (1628-1680), The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification: Growing in Holiness by Living in Union With Christ (Grand Rapids, MI: Reformation Heritage Books, Inc., 2005, 1999), 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:
    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
    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)

    *Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), The Excellence and Worth of the Gospel, 1640, ISBN: 1573581011 9781573581011. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #10.
    "This sermon is read by elder Lyndon Dohms (1998) and taken from the book QUAINT SERMONS OF SAMUEL RUTHERFORD. It proclaims the power of the gospel for pulling down all strongholds raised against it. It exhibits God's sovereignty while blasting the Arminian heresy and toppling its vaunted idol of 'free will.' It demonstrates how the gospel is a love letter from God to His elect and how the Lord's arrows always hit their mark (particular redemption, irresistible grace, etc.). Rutherford also delineates the marks by which one can be assured that a work of grace has been begun in the heart by God. Hypocrisy is also exposed in the most pointed manner. The place of the law and the gospel in salvation are given. True repentance is contrasted with false repentance, as is true assurance with false assurance, plus much more. A very practical sermon from one of the greatest preachers and theologians of all time, exhibiting why Rutherford is considered a protesting Covenanter of the first rank.

    *Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), Influences of the Life of Grace. Or, A Practical Treatise Concerning the way, Manner, and Means of Having and Improving of Spiritual Dispositions, and Quickening Influences From Christ the Resurrection and the Life. 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 21.

    *Sowell, Thomas, A Conflict of Visions, ISBN: 9780465002054 0465002056.
    "Controversies in politics arise from many sources, but the conflicts that endure for generations or for centuries show a remarkably consistent pattern. The analysis of this pattern is the purpose of A CONFLICT OF VISIONS. Its theme is that the enduring political controversies of the past two centuries reflect radically different visions of the nature of man. Issues as diverse as criminal justice, income distribution, or war and peace repeatedly show those with one vision lining up on one side and those with another vision lining up on the other.
    "Dr. Thomas Sowell describes A CONFLICT OF VISIONS as 'the culmination of thirty years of work in the history of ideas' -- a field in which he established his professional reputation years before writing any of his well-known books on ethnicity and other social issues. Dr. Sowell and his books have received a number of awards and honors, and have been translated into several languages. He has been a consultant to three administrations of both parties, as well as scholar-in-residence at three "think tanks." He is now a Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institute in Stanford, California." -- Publisher

    Strong, William (d. 1654), A Treatise Shewing the Subordination of the Will of man Unto the Will of God by That Eminently Godly, Able, and Faithfull Minister of Christ, William Strong, lately of the Abbey at Westminster; the greatest part printed with his own marginal quotations in his life time, and now published by Mr. Rowe, Master Manton, and Master Griffith.

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Carnality and flesh pleasing: desires, pleasure, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, Blindness, spiritual, Feminism, Women and the new age, Will and recalcitrance, Bad relationships as a cause of disease and death, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Justice, the theology of judgment, god's final judgment, the great white throne judgment, the day of the lord, The ten commandments: the moral law, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Sex ethics, sex education, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, The covenant faithfulness of god, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, The all-sufficiency of christ, The Lord Jesus Christ, Discipleship, Authority, Power, Pride, ambition, self-aggrandizement, arrogance, ego, Loving and obeying God, Sin, Soul-violence, The promises of Christ, Bible promises, Pseudo-christian movements: a selection of works, Antinomianism, Arminianism, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 1184, 2139, 3228, 3229, 3230, 3507, 3892
    MGTP: Will (Man's)

    Related Weblinks

    Mind the Gap, Ravi Zacharias
    "Understanding and God's infinite purposes. Sometimes His ways don't line up with our perspective on the way things should be. Ravi Zacharias tells us how we can Mind the Gap without becoming bitter or disillusioned.
    "The rationalization takes place because of the will to believe in a certain direction. And we will justify the most irrational. Not only do we find this breakdown because of the limited knowledge, and then we see it because of our propensity to believe. . . ." (Matthew 11:16-19)
    https://www.rzim.org/listen/just-thinking/mind-the-gap-part-1



    Wisdom

    The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. (Proverbs 1:7a)

    Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. (Proverbs 4:7)

    How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! (Proverbs 16:16)

    Through thy precepts I get understanding. (Psalm 119:104)

    If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (James 1:5)

    Nearly all the wisdom we possess, that is to say, true and sound wisdom, consists of two parts: the knowledge of God and of ourselves. But, while joined by many bonds, which one precedes and brings forth the other is not easy to discern. -- John Calvin, the opening sentences of The Institutes of the Christian Religion, (I:1:1)
    Book One. The Knowledge of God the Creator . . . . . 33
    Chapter I. The Knowledge of God and That of Ourselves are Connected. How They are Interrelated . . . . . 35
    1. Without knowledge of self there is no knowledge of God
    2. Without knowledge of God there is no knowledge of self
    3. Man before God's majesty -- from Contents and Chapter Sections for INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION, 1559, Calvin, McNeill, Christian classic

    Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 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 3:13-18)

    O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
    For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counseller?
    Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?
    For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
    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 11:33 -- Romans 12:2)

    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 heart of the prudent getteth knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge. (Proverbs 18:15)

    And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. (Daniel 12:3)
    Hence, we gather the nature of true prudence to consist in submitting ourselves to God in simple teachableness, and in manifesting the additional quality of carefully promoting the salvation of our brethren. The effect of this our labor ought to increase our courage and alacrity. For how great is the honor conferred upon us by our Heavenly Father, when he wishes us to be the ministers of his righteousness? As James says, We preserve those about to perish if we bring them back into the right way. (James 5:19) James calls us preservers, just as the angel calls us justifiers; neither the angel nor the apostle wish to detract from the glory of God, but by these forms of speech the Spirit represents us as ministers of justification and salvation, when we unite in the same bonds with ourselves all those who have need of our assistance and exertions. -- Calvin commenting on Daniel 12:3

    None of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand. (Daniel 12:10)

    For when he teaches that we know in part and prophesy in part [1 Corinthians 13:9,12], and see in a mirror dimly [1 Corinthians 13:12], he indicates what a tiny portion of that truly divine wisdom is given us in the present life. These words do not simply indicate that faith is imperfect so long as we groan under the burden of the flesh, but that, because of our own imperfection, we must constantly keep at learning. Nevertheless, he implies that the immeasurable cannot be comprehended by our inadequate measure and with our narrow capacities. Paul declares this also of the whole church: to each one of us his own ignorance is an obstacle and a hindrance, preventing him from coming as near as was to be desired. -- John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion (McNeill/Battles edition), 3.2.20, p. 565

    So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)

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

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

    Reduce what you know into practice, and you shall know what is your duty to practice. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. (John 7:17). A good understanding have all they that do his commandments (Psalm 111:10). -- John Flavel in The Mystery of Providence

    We know, that as long as the faithful are on earth, their understandings are dull and weak, so that they cannot penetrate the mysteries, or comprehend the height of the works of God. But, incomprehensible as is the immensity of the wisdom, equity, justice, power, and mercy of God, in his works, the faithful nevertheless acquire as much knowledge of these as qualifies them for manifesting the glory of God. -- Calvin commenting on Psalm 111:2 and context

    Therefore, behold, I add to do. He threatens that he will punish by blinding not only the ignorant or the ordinary ranks, but those wise men who were held in admiration by the people. From this vengeance we may easily learn how hateful a vice hypocrisy is, and how greatly it is abhorred by God, as the Prophet spoke a little before about human inventions; for what kind of punishment is more dreadful than blindness of mind and stupidity? This indeed is not commonly perceived by men, nor are they aware of the greatness of this evil; but it is the greatest and most wretched of all. -- John Calvin commenting on Isaiah 29:1-24

    He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? (Micah 6:8)

    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)

    Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 8:12)

    As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. -- The Lord Jesus Christ (John 9:5)

    In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:3)

    The Fourfold Treasure, a sermon by C.H. Spurgeon delivered on Thursday Evening, April 27th, 1871, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon No. 991.
    Sermon topic: 1 Corinthians 1:30,31, Christ is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.
    This is to be wise, to have Christ's teaching, Christ's example, and above all, Christ's presence; so may the poorest find the Lord Jesus made of God unto them wisdom. . . . To know Christ is the best of all philosophy, the highest of all sciences. [emphasis added -- compiler] -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Fourfold Treasure

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 1, C.H. Spurgeon
    Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. (Psalm 1:1,2)
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps001.php

    Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it is an evil time. (Amos 5:13) When therefore Amos says, that the time would be evil, he means, that such audacity would prevail, that all liberty would be denied to wise men. They would then be forced to be silent, for they could effect nothing by speaking, nay, they would have no freedom of speech allowed them: and though they attempted to discharge their office, yet tyrannical violence would instantly impose silence on them. Similar was the case with Lot. He was constrained, I have no doubt, to be silent after having often used free reproofs; nay, he doubtless exposed himself to many dangers by his attempts to reprove the Sodomites. Such seems to me to be the meaning of the Prophet, when he says, that the prudent would be silent, because these tyrants would impose silence on all teachers -- visiting them with some punishment, or loading them with reproaches, or treating them with ridicule as persons worthy of contempt. -- John Calvin (1509-1564)

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 37, C.H. Spurgeon
    Fret not thyself because of evildoers,
    neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
    For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
    and wither as the green herb.
    Trust in the LORD, and do good;
    so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
    Delight thyself also in the LORD;
    and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.     (Psalm 37:1-4)
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps037.php

    But the real scope of the psalm is, to comfort the people of God under the sufferings to which they are exposed, by teaching them to expect a happy change in their condition, when God, in his own time, shall interpose to rectify the disorders of the present system. There is a higher lesson still inculcated by the Psalmist -- that, as God's providence of the world is not presently apparent, we must exercise patience, and rise superior to the suggestions of carnal sense in anticipating the favorable issue. -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 49:1 and context

    But they [philosophers] uniformly omitted to state the most important truth of all, that God governs the world by his providence, and that we may expect a happy issue out of our calamities, by coming to that everlasting inheritance which awaits us in heaven. It may be asked, what that dominion is which the upright shall eventually obtain? I would reply, that as the wicked must all be prostrated before the Lord Jesus Christ, and made his footstool, His members will share in the victory of their Head. It is indeed said, that he will deliver up the kingdom to God, even the Father, but he will not do this that he may put an end to his Church, but that God may be all in all, (1 Corinthians 15:24.) It is stated that this will be in the morning -- a beautiful and striking metaphor. -- John Calvin commenting on Psalm 49:14 and context

    The Treasury of David, Psalm 49, C.H. Spurgeon
    http://archive.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps049.htm

    For I do not seek to understand so that I may believe; but I believe so that I may understand. For I believe this also, that "unless I believe, I shall not understand." -- Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109)

    A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left. (Ecclesiastes 10:2)

    We know ourselves because we first know God. -- Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD)

    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)

    Those we think of today as "being redneck" are an extreme example of a problem systemic to the human race, a "blunder of the flesh" -- "withholding love to control others."
    It may surprise, or even shock, readers to learn that the term "redneck," associated today with the American South and southern culture, is said to have originated from the Scotch-Irish immigrants to America.
    "Many words commonly used in America today have their origins in our Celtic roots. . . . . their origins are distinctly Scottish and Ulster-Scottish (Scots-Irish), and date to the mass immigration of Scottish Lowland and Ulster Presbyterians to America during the 1700's. . . .
    "The origins of this term [redneck -- compiler] are Scottish and refer to supporters of the National Covenant and The Solemn League and Covenant, or 'Covenanters,' largely Lowland Presbyterians, many of whom would flee Scotland for Ulster (Northern Ireland) during persecutions by the British Crown.
    "The Covenanters of 1638 and 1641 signed the documents that stated that Scotland desired the Presbyterian form of church government, and would not accept the Church of England as its official state church. Many Covenanters signed in their own blood and wore red pieces of cloth around their necks as distinctive insignia; hence the term 'red neck,' which became slang for a Scottish dissenter. One Scottish immigrant, interviewed by the author, remembered a Presbyterian minister, one Dr. Coulter, in Glasgow in the 1940's wearing a red clerical collar -- is this symbolic of the 'rednecks?'
    "Since many Ulster-Scottish settlers in America (especially the South) were Presbyterian, the term was applied to them, and then, later, their Southern descendants. One of the earliest examples of its use comes from 1830, when an author noted that 'red-neck' was a 'name bestowed upon the Presbyterians.' It makes you wonder if the originators of the ever-present 'redneck' joke are aware of the term's origins?" (accessed 1/5/2014, http://www.electricscotland.com/history/world/scottish_hillbillies.htm)

    It might be argued, generally, that all of life is a conflict between the opposites of truth and falsehood, light and darkness, love and hate, freedom and bondage, fair and foul, stability and destruction, life and death, eternity and temporal time, and so on, with many subtle variations. Careful observation will show that everywhere love is withheld to control others -- in the family, among children, among adults, in Midwestern society, in the urban centers of the East and West, in government, in business, and so forth, and so on. So, as painful as the facts are, it might be concluded that we all are "rednecks."
    Furthermore, mankind's blunder extends vertically to his relationship with the Triune God, the God of our fathers, the source of all wisdom, understanding, truth, and life. Withhold love from God and one is left without wisdom, blinded, in darkness, in bondage, and without hope. That is the redneck dilemma. It is also the dilemma of the unregenerate man.

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Wisdom," and so forth, and so on.

    Allchin, Ronald A., Sr., Ripening Sonship: "A Wise Father's Counsel to his Son," A Study in Proverbs for Sons (Cudahy, Wisconsin: Reminder Printing, 1994), 129 pages plus appendix. Available from the author, 862 Thornton Lane, Buffalo Grove, Illinois, 60089.
    "This workbook from the Proverbs is for fathers and sons to work through together. A dozen lessons tackle important areas of life: wisdom, companions, relation to parents, relations with women, the tongue, knowledge of Christ the Lord." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    *[Bible] The Reformation Study Bible: The Word That Changes Lives -- the Faith That Changed The World, New King James Version. Previously published under the title New Geneva Study Bible: Bringing the Light of the Reformation to Scripture, New King James Version.
    "The NEW GENEVA STUDY BIBLE offers a restatement of Reformation truth for Christians today. The first Geneva Bible was a pivotal force in the Reformation. Using the everyday language of its time, it opened the pages of Scripture to readers and provided helpful notes to assist them in understanding its message. It became the family Bible of the English people, and was the Bible that the Pilgrims brought to the New World. Since that time a multitude of English translations and study Bibles have appeared, but none of these has incorporated a summary of Reformed theology." -- Thomas Nelson Publishers
    Also available in digital format from Logos Bible Software.
    Geneva Bible Notes: Reviews of the 1599 and the 1672 editions of the Notes, and of the Reformation Study Bible
    http://www.lettermen2.com/geneva.html
    Readers of THE REFORMATION STUDY BIBLE should also be familiar with the Geneva Bible Notes, The Westminster Family of Documents, the doctrine of the Mediatorial Dominion of Jesus Christ, and the literature of the Covenanted Reformation.
    The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646), (The Westminster Standards), and Related Works: A Study Guide
    http://www.lettermen2.com/suggest.html
    The Covenanted Reformation of Scotland Author/Title Listing
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr9chb.html#crsstl
    Reformed Presbyterian Catechism, William L. Roberts D.D.
    http://archive.org/details/ReformedPresbyterianCatechism

    *Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), Follow the Lamb, or Counsels to Converts, ISBN: 1877611263.
    "He gives wise counsel to Christians. He holds up the high standards of the Bible as essential to our well-being. . . . This is a book of exhortations. The simple words of Bonar will test your resolve, stretch your spirit, and challenge your behavior. It both convicts, and convinces.
    "We highly recommend this, and all other books by Horatius Bonar." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    Follow the Lamb, by Horatius Bonar
    http://grace-ebooks.com/library/Horatius%20Bonar/HB_Follow%20the%20Lamb.pdf

    Binning, Hugh (1627-1653), [Two Untitled Sermons on James 3:14]. In THE WORKS OF THE REVEREND HUGH BINNING, M.A. (563-76), ISBN: 187761145X 9781877611452.

    *Bridges, Charles (1794-1869), The Proverbs, ISBN: 0851510884 9780851510880.
    "The best work on the Proverbs. The scriptural method of exposition so well carried out by Bridges renders all his writings very suggestive to ministers. While explaining the passage in hand, he sets other portions of the word in new lights." -- C.H. Spurgeon
    "Most of the Proverbs find their basis in the Law. You will find again and again that Bridges brings this out." -- GCB

    *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

    Calian, Carnegie Samuel, For all Your Seasons: Biblical Direction Through Life's Passages, ISBN: 0804220840 9780804220842.

    *Calvin, John (1509-1564), and John Graham Miller (contributor), Calvin's Wisdom: An Anthology Arranged Alphabetically by a Grateful Reader, ISBN: 0851516246 9780851516240.
    "This anthology (arranged alphabetically by topic), also becomes a dictionary of his thought and almost an encyclopedia of his theology." -- GCB
    Calvin's Wisdom: An Anthology Arranged Alphabetically by a Grateful Reader, Jean Calvin, John Graham Miller
    http://books.google.com/books?id=_VsuAAAACAAJ&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html

    *Dean, Hershel B., The Golden Treasury of Bible Wisdom (King James Version).

    Fuller, Andrew (1754-1815), True Wisdom. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF ANDREW FULLER (1:464-66).

    Harvey, Paul, and Janet E. Heseltine (introduction), The Oxford Dictionary of English Proverbs, 2nd edition, revised throughout by Sir Paul Harvey.

    Herle, Charles (1598-1659), Detvr Sapienti: In a Treatise of the Excellency of Christian Wisdome, Above That of Worldly Policy and Morall Prvdence (sic), in two Former Treatises. Alternate title: WORLDLY POLICY AND MORAL PRUDENCE. THE VANITY AND FOLLY OF THE ONE, THE SOLIDITY AND USEFULNESS OF THE OTHER, IN A MORAL DISCOURSE. Available (WORLDLY POLICY AND MORAL PRUDENCE . . .), on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    Jaege, Helen, Treasury of Wisdom From the Bible, ISBN: 0745951643 9780745951645.

    *Jeremiah, David, The Wisdom of God, ISBN: 0880621036 9780880621038.
    "Jeremiah has given us a very helpful exposition of the Bible doctrine of wisdom. This is not in any sense a superficial or frothy treatment, but is thorough and sound doctrinally, with unusual insights and persuasive analyses in every chapter. At the same time it is easy to read and understand, with many practical applications for daily Christian living. I recommend it heartily." -- Henry M. Morris

    *Lawson, George (1749-1820), Exposition of Proverbs, ISBN: 0825431239 9780825431234. Alternate title: COMMENTARY ON PROVERBS, and PROVERBS.
    "Dr. Lawson had a fertile mind and a heart alive both to the human and divine side of truth. He writes with pleasing simplicity of style. One of the highest compliments to this book is found in the fact that a distinguished American scholar issued much of it at his own expense." -- C.H. Spurgeon
    "Those who are fortunate enough to possess this book will readily testify to the rich, rewarding insights to be found in this able Scot's warm devotional exposition. He knew the human heart and had the ability to teach the Word so that his hearers and readers were continually blessed." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Manton, Thomas (1620-1677), Sermon Upon Proverbs 3:18. In THE COMPLETE WORKS OF THOMAS MANTON (22:13-21).

    *Packer, J.I. (1926-2020), Guidance and Wisdom, 23 pages.

    Palmer, Samuel, Moral Essays on Some of the Most Curious and Significant English, Scotch and Foreign Proverbs, 1710.

    *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:

    *Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Words of Warning for Daily Life.

    *Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), Words of Wisdom for Daily Life.

    *Voorwinde, Steven, Wisdom for Today's Issues: A Topical Arrangement of the Proverbs, ISBN: 0875524729 9780875524726.
    "The Proverbs are arranged under 55 different subjects so that they may speak to us today on many modern problems." -- GCB

    *Wardlaw, Ralph, Exposition of Ecclesiastes, ISBN: 0865241473 9780865241473.
    "Expository sermons by one of Scotland's greatest preachers. Recommended." -- Cyril J. Barber

    *Wardlaw, Ralph, and J.S. Wardlaw (editor), Lectures on the Book of Proverbs, 3 volumes (London, England: A. Fullerton and Company, 1861).
    "Highly esteemed by C.H. Spurgeon and other expository preachers. . . . Contains some of the finest material for preachers ever produced on this portion of God's Word. Rich, insightful, practical." -- Cyril J. Barber

    *Warfield, Benjamin B. (1851-1921), Augustine's Doctrine of Knowledge and Authority. In CALVIN AND AUGUSTINE.

    Warfield, Benjamin B. (1851-1921), Calvin's Doctrine of the Knowledge of God. In THE WORKS OF B.B. WARFIELD (5:29-130). Also in CALVIN AND AUGUSTINE. (29-130)

    *Warfield, B.B. (1851-1921), Faith and Life, ISBN: 0851511880 9780851511887.
    "The contents of this book were taught on Sunday afternoons with his seminary students. The teaching is mature, practical, and deep. The teaching in this book is so good that it will always be up to date. Sit with the great theologian on a Sunday afternoon and learn insights that are foundations to all of life." -- CBD

    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), Ready references: immediate counsel on many subjects, The holy bible, The wisdom books, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Song of solomon, Ecclesiastes, Knowing christ, The words of christ, Words of christ appearing in the web edition of biblical counsel: resources for renewal, The teaching of our lord jesus christ, The promises of christ, Appendix a, words of christ, The promises of christ, Bible promises, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Topical listings of scripture, Love and counseling problems, Bible promises, Proverbs, topical listings of, Ethics, computer ethics, cyberethics, Sex ethics, sex education, Medical ethics, Casuistry and cases of conscience, Christ and counseling, Healing of the mind, Questions and answers, Biblical counsel by subject, Counsel for young men, Counsel for young women, Training in Biblical counseling, Scripture memory systems, Bible reference works, Manuals and handbooks, Young's, and strong's concordances, Christian classics containing Biblical counsel, Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation, Commentaries containing Biblical counsel, Counseling children, Counseling for sex related problems, Counseling teens, Counseling the family, Counseling the sick, Crisis counseling, For all counselors, General works on Biblical counseling, Sermon on the Mount, Sermons containing Biblical counsel, Women and counseling, Works of Jay Adams, Topical Bible indexes, Topical listings of Scripture useful in counseling, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 845, 3297, 3838-3855
    MGTP: Wisdom

    Related Weblinks

    Ecclesiastes
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2cha.html#eclsts

    The Fear of God (FGB #182)
    Fearing God in His Sovereign Majesty, Pink, A.W. (1889-1952) | The Beginning of Wisdom, Bridges, Charles (1794-1869) | The Fear of God, A'Brakel, Wilhelmus (1635-1711) | Fear of God: Its Manifestation, Causes, Enjoyments, Gill, J. (1697-1771) | An Ungodly Fear of God, Bunyan, John (1628-1688) | A Fear to be Desired, Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892) | Let us Therefore Fear, Pink, A.W. (1889-1952)
    https://www.chapellibrary.org/book/fog2fg/fear-of-god-the

    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

    Job
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2cha.html#jobs

    Proverbs
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2cha.html#pvbs

    Proverbs, Topical Listings
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2cha.html#provtl

    Psalms
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2cha.html#pslms

    The Wisdom Books
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr2cha.html#twbks

    Works of J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr3ch.html#wojcr



    Workaholics

    Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice. -- 1 Samuel 15:22b)

    Selfishness and pride will blind even the gifted and learned to the truth. Lust for power and the will to play God will blind us to the truth. Intense nationalistic pride, political bent, alienation during secular schooling, or personal ambitions blind us to the "evident connection between Absolute Truth, sovereign authority, holiness, life, loving obedience, moral behavior, sanctification, justice, freedom (political, economic, and individual), social stability, and real progress. . . ." -- Preface to Biblical Counsel: Resources for Renewal

    *Baxter, Richard (1615-1691), The one Thing Necessary, ISBN: 1877611360. Available in THE REFORMED PASTOR
    A treatise on the sin of Martha.

    LeSourd, Sandra Simpson, The Compulsive Woman, ISBN: 0884199452 9780884199458.
    "Mrs. LeSourd avoids psychologizing and instead gets down to specifics: obsessions with work, religion, sex, alcohol, and/or drugs, eating, gambling, and so forth. . . ." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Minirth, Frank B., The Workaholic and his Family, ISBN: 0801061113 9780801061110.
    Caveat. Minirth is a psychologist.

    *Welch, Edward T., Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave: Finding Hope in the Power of the Gospel, ISBN: 0875526063 9780875526065.
    "A worship disorder: this is how Edward T. Welch views addictions. 'Will we worship ourselves and our own desires,' he writes, 'or will we worship the true God?'
    "With this lens the author discovers far more in Scripture on addictions than passages on drunkenness. There we learn the addict's true condition: like guests at a banquet thrown by the woman Folly, he is already in the grave (Prov. 9:13-18 [Proverbs 9:13-18]).
    "Can we not escape our addictions? If we're willing to follow Jesus, the author says we have 'immense hope: hope in God's forgiving grace, hope in God's love that is faithful even when we are not, and hope that God can give power so that we are no longer mastered by the addiction.' Each chapter concludes with 'Practical Theology,' guidance 'As You Face Your Own Addictions' and 'As You Help Someone Else'." -- Publisher
    "By emphasizing the role of the heart in the worship of self and substance, Welch forces the addict to face the grim reality that who or what he worships will control his life. When he idolizes his selfish desire for a substance, then there can only be bondage, but when he worships God more than himself, then the liberating truth of the Gospel will always set him free. As a pastor, biblical counselor, and a redeemed (not recovering), ex-heroin addict, I believe Dr. Welch has finally given every pastor, theologian, layman, and anyone caught in the bondage of idolatry/addition a biblical road map to true and lasting freedom." -- Peter Garich, Pastor of New Hope Christian Fellowship and Director of Dayspring Center for Biblical Counseling in San Diego, California

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), Trusting god, Reconciliation of relationships, Habits, Wealth and prosperity, the snare of, Covetousness, greed, and selfishness, Carnality and flesh pleasing: lust, desires, ambition, Lust, Self, selfishness, self-deception, Worry, Fear, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Rest, Loving and obeying god, Self-denial, Discipline, Counseling for marriage problems, The covenant faithfulness of god, Trusting god, The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Idolatry, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 3904
    MGTP: Carnality, Ambition (Carnal), Ambition (Spiritual)

    Related Weblinks

    The Temperate Life, Sherman Isbell
    http://www.westminsterconfession.org/godly-living/the-temperate-life.php



    Worry

    I sought Jehovah, and He answered me, and from all my fears did deliver me. (Psalm 34:4, YLTHB)

    Fret not thyself because of evildoers,
    neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.
    For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
    and wither as the green herb.
    Trust in the LORD, and do good;
    so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
    Delight thyself also in the LORD;
    and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.     (Psalm 37:1-4)

    Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
    (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:)
    for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
    But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
    Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day [is] the evil thereof.     -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:31-34)

    If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more [will he clothe] you, O ye of little faith?
    And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.
    For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
    But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
    Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.     -- The Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:28-32)

    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)

    When people become Christians, they often begin to prosper. Why?
    First, we are not concerned about anxiety. Worry, which so frustrates and limits people's ability, is taken away. The Scripture tells us: Be anxious for nothing (Philippians 4:6). Christ is going to provide for us.
    Second, we have the aid and help of God who gives us additional strength to perform our tasks.
    Third, we have new wisdom and ideas that come from God. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally (James 1:5).
    Fourth, the redeemed are given the power to persevere and continue on when others may fall to the side.
    Fifth, we have a purpose for what we do. Our work, whatever that may be, is done to the glory of God. . . .
    It is called the Puritan Work Ethic, the Protestant Work Ethic, or simply the Christian Work Ethic.
    Because the redeemed have been given these enhanced abilities, they actually produce more. They produce more than they even want of this world's goods. Therefore, they are enabled to give far more. They are enabled to save far more. They are able to invest in tools. That is why, one hundred years after the founding of our country, Americans were saving more than any people in the world. We were investing more in tools. American workers in factories and on farms had more and better tools per capita, and used these tools more effectively, than the people of any other nation. Therefore, we enjoyed the world's highest standard of living. . . .
    This same trend has been repeated throughout Church history. . . .
    In fact, it can even become a problem clearly stated in Deuteronomy: As people become more prosperous, they tend to forget God as their source for wealth (See: Deuteronomy 6:10-12). . . . -- D. James Kennedy (1930-2007) and Jerry Newcombe, What if Jesus had Never Been Born, pp. 215-216

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Worry," "Anxiety," "Fear," "Panic," and so forth, and so on.

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), What do You do When You Worry all the Time? ISBN: 0875520499 9780875520490. Alternate title: YOU CAN STOP WORRYING.
    A tract by Jay Adams. "Worry is concern about something that one can do nothing about. That is why it tears us apart. 'Christ does not ask you to cease being concerned; instead He tells you to redirect your concern.' Asks three questions: What is my problem?; What does God want me to do about it?; When, where and how should I begin?

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), What to do About Worry, ISBN: 0801000483 9780801000485.
    "Worry is a sin that Christians can learn to overcome. Pray with thanksgiving; find God's solutions; then work on the problem God's way. When you find yourself worrying rather than working, sit down and answer the following three questions: [1] What is my problem?; [2] What does God want me to do about it?; [3] When, where and how should I begin?" -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), You can Stop Worrying, ISBN: 0801000971 9780801000973. Alternate title: WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU WORRY ALL THE TIME.
    "Worry is concern about something that one can do nothing about. That is why it tears us apart. 'Christ does not ask you to cease being concerned; instead He tells you to redirect your concern.' Asks three questions: What is my problem?; What does God want me to do about it?; When, where and how should I begin?" -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    *Bonar, Horatius (1808-1889), God's way of Peace: A Book for the Anxious, ISBN: 0585036004 9780585036007. Available (MP3 only), on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "Horatius Bonar was a pastor in Scotland for over fifty years. He was one of the brightest lights in the 19th century, with not only many books to his credit, but also the editing of the excellent IMPERIAL BIBLE DICTIONARY, and a delightful and useful monthly magazine. . . . This book is another evidence that Bonar is able to write the deepest truths in the clearest and most understandable way. . . . Simplicity is his style, but declaring the whole counsel of God is his aim. . . ." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)
    God's way of Peace: A Book for the Anxious, Horatius Bonar
    http://www.ccel.org/b/bonar/way_of_peace/way_of_peace.htm

    Clarkson, David (1622-1686), Against Anxious Carefulness. In THE WORKS OF DAVID CLARKSON (2:137-71). Available (WORKS) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.

    Clarkson, David (1622-1686), Pray for Everything. In THE WORKS OF DAVID CLARKSON (2:172-84). Available (WORKS) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #25.

    Howe, John (1630-1705), Of Thoughtfulness for the Morrow, With an Appendix Concerning the Immoderate Desire of Foreknowing Things to Come, 1681. In WORKS OF HOWE (2:390-450). Available (OF THOUGHTFULNESS FOR THE MORROW), on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    MacArthur, John, Anxious for Nothing: God's Cure for the Care of Your Soul, 2nd edition (a revised edition of ANXIETY ATTACKED), ISBN: 0781443385 9780781443388.
    "Practical helps for anxious people. A series of applied Bible studies from Matthew 6, Philippians, I Peter 5 [1 Peter 5], Hebrews 11-12 attack anxiety to solve it, focusing especially on who God is, on prayer, and on transforming thinking and actions. Includes a twenty page appendix that excerpts psalms relevant to anxiety. The last 35 pages contain a study guide for individual or group use." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    Mack, Wayne A., Down, but not out: How to get up When Life Knocks you Down, ISBN: 0875526721 9780875526720.
    "Mack offers help for those plagued by worry and suffering from spiritual burnout. He also addresses 'downers' such as self-pity, discouragement, hopelessness, and others." -- Publisher

    Perkins, William (1558-1602), A Treatise of Mans Imaginations. Shewing his Naturall Euill Thoughts: His Want of Good Thoughts: The way to Reforme Them. Framed and preached by M. Wil. Perkins, 1607.

    Powlison, David (1949-2019), Overcoming Anxiety: Relief for Worried People, ISBN: 9781934885468 1934885460.

    Sibbes, Richard (1577-1635), Goodwin, Thomas (1600-1680), Nye, Philip (1596-1672), Tvvo Sermons Vpon the First Words of Christs Last Sermon Iohn XIIII. I [John 14:1]. Being also the last sermons of Richard Sibbs D.D. Preached to the honourable society of Grayes Inne, Iune the 21. and 28. 1635. Who the next Lords day following, died, and rested from all his labours, 1636. Available (THE WORKS OF RICHARD SIBBES), on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    *Spurgeon, C.H. (1834-1892), The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon.
    A sermon by C.H. Spurgeon delivered on Lord's-day morning, September 9, 1888, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, Sermon no. 2043.
    "This is the way in which you should use this plea. Say, 'My God, I am utterly unworthy, and I own it; but, I beseech thee, hear me for the honour of thy dear Son. By his agony and bloody sweat, by his cross and passion, by his precious death and burial, I beseech thee hear me! O Lord, let the blood of thine Only-begotten prevail with thee! Canst thou put aside his groans, his tears, his death, when they speak on my behalf?' If you can thus come to pleading terms with God upon this ground, you must and will prevail. Jesus must be heard in heaven. The voice of his blood is eloquent with God. If you plead the atoning sacrifice, you must overcome through the blood of the Lamb." -- C.H. Spurgeon in a sermon, The Blood of the Lamb, the Conquering Weapon

    Tripp, Paul, Anxiety (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette HFTF30 [audio file].

    See also: The sovereignty of god, The doctrine of man (human nature, total depravity), The sovereign grace of god: his everlasting mercy and lovingkindness, Trusting god, Stress, Fear, Loneliness, Singleness, Widowhood, The covenant faithfulness of god, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, Repentance the key to salvation and change, Selection of covenant heads for positions of leadership, Trusting God, Affliction, adversity, trials, Guilt, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Emotions and health, Self, selfishness, self-deception, Christianity and the workplace, Reconciliation of relationships, Bitterness and resentment, Hostility and violence, Abuse, Sleep, Spiritual aspects of health, and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 199, 3021, 3022
    MGTP: Worry

    Related Weblinks

    Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation Resources Audio Archives
    http://www.wts.edu/resources/login.html/



    Homework for Counselees

    Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Four Weeks With God and Your Neighbor, ISBN: 0801001404 9780801001406.
    "Exactly what the title says. Frequently the words 'devotion' and 'devotional' connote 'a superficial, mystical reading of the Bible (without understanding), mixed with prayer. Nothing could be further from my mind. . . . The bible is not a mystical book; it does not intend to mystify but to give knowledge and wisdom for life.' 28 days to apply oneself to biblical change." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
    "A devotional workbook for counselees and others. Designed for use with counselees as part of homework assignments. Aids in pinpointing sinful patterns and provides a means to leading a more consistent Christian life." -- Publisher

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Practical Encyclopedia of Christian Counseling.
    See the subject "Homework," "Concrete assignments," and so forth, and so on.

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Question-Asking Techniques; The Need for Homework in Counseling (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA103 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), A Thirst for Wholeness: How to Gain Wisdom From the Book of James, ISBN: 0964355698 9780964355699, 143 pages.
    "A study of the inner dynamics of human life from the book of James. Meant to be used personally or in a study group or class. Works thematically, covering anger, desires, doubt, prayer, peacemaking, sickness, among other things. The section on the 'inner/outer aspects of sin' (Chapter 3), rebuts a host of misconceptions of nouthetic counseling as externalistic: 'The struggle for mastery over one's desires must be achieved. . . . Christian, resist sin at the start, as Jesus did. Abort inner sin before it is born. Augustine encourages us with these words: 'Pray that God may make you conqueror of yourself. . . not the enemy without, but of your own soul within. . . . Let no enemy from without be feared: conquer yourself, and the whole world is conquered'." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
    See: Schneider, Julie, and Jay E. Adams, LEADER'S GUIDE FOR GROUP STUDY OF A-THIRST-FOR-WHOLENESS.

    Bloem, Diane Brummel, and Robert C. Bloem, A Woman's Workshop on Bible Marriages: Leader's Manual, ISBN: 0310214017 9780310214014.

    Bloem, Diane Brummel, and Robert C. Bloem, A Woman's Workshop on Bible Marriages: Student's Manual, ISBN: 0310213916 9780310213918.

    Bloem, Diane Brummel, and Robert C. Bloem, A Workshop on Bible Marriages, ISBN: 0310213916 9780310213918.

    Brandt, Henry, and Kerry Skinner, The Heart of the Problem: 12 Lessons for Making Lasting Change, ISBN: 0805460608 9780805460605, 197 pages.
    "Brandt and Skinner have adapted Brandt's 1991 book WHEN YOU'RE TIRED OF TREATING THE SYMPTOMS, AND YOU'RE READY FOR A CURE, GIVE ME A CALL into a workbook on how to face and solve personal problems. The book is designed for individuals or groups, and teaches basics of Christian living: how to understand your problems, to face your sins, to overcome excuse-making, to understand the hardships of life, to find the grace of Jesus Christ." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    Fitzpatrick, Elyse, More Than Bread: A Workbook for Women who Struggle With Eating (San Diego, CA: CCEF West [now Institute of Biblical Counseling and Discipleship]). Available from Institute of Biblical Counseling and Discipleship, 3495 College Ave., San Diego, CA, 92115; 619-582-5554.
    "A workbook that addresses ungodly eating habits, both the obvious behaviors and the typical motives of the heart that produce such behavior. Addresses three main categories of sinful eating: overeating, anorexia, and bulimia." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
    Institute of Biblical Counseling and Discipleship (formerly CCEF West)
    http://www.ibcd.org/

    Hemfelt, Robert, et al., Love is a Choice Workbook.

    Horner, Bob, and Jan Horner, Resolving Conflict in Your Marriage, ISBN: 9781602003279 1602003270.

    Horner, Bob, and Jan Horner, Resolving Conflict in Marriage (Study Guide), ISBN: 084998338X 9780849983382.
    "Six lessons covering: areas of potential conflict, develop transparency, listening skills, confront, forgiveness, blessing, and grow together." -- GCB

    Kruis, John G., Quick Scripture Reference for Counseling, ISBN: 0801091020 9780801091025.
    "Revised edition is 30 pages longer than first edition, with expanded and additional entries. 'The Scriptures are ideally suited for any and every counseling occasion. . . . As you do the Lord's work, the Holy Spirit is always the primary counselor, and He works powerfully, sovereignly through His own Word.' Bible passages -- some brief, some lengthy -- that treat over 50 topics are assembled and arranged systematically. 'They are arranged so that you can see at a brief glance the gist or thrust and the significance of each text or passage as it relates to the topic under which it is listed.' The purpose is to give counselors a ready reference and a source of homework assignments." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
    "Scripture references for 87 subjects which makes this an ideal tool for Christian counselors plus more than 15 blank addenda pages. Quotations are from the NIV. Spiral bound." -- GCB
    Adultery -- Affliction -- Alcohol -- Anger -- Anxiety -- Assurance -- Bitterness -- Blameshifting -- Brooding -- Calls to repentance and obedience -- Changing -- Chastisement -- Children -- Church -- Church discipline -- Comfort -- Commandments -- Communication -- Communion of saints -- Conscience -- Contentment -- Coveting -- Death -- Decision making -- Depression -- Discipline -- Divorce -- Drug abuse -- Eternal life -- Evil desires -- Example -- Faith in God -- False prophets, teachers -- Fear -- Forgiveness of sins -- Forgiving others -- Friendships -- Giving -- Gossip -- Hate -- Homosexuality -- Hope -- Hot temper -- Husband/wife relationships -- Imitating Jesus -- Laziness -- Leading a person to Christ -- Loving and serving others -- Loving God -- Lust -- Lying -- Marriage -- Mixed marriages -- Obedience -- Overcoming evil -- Overcoming sin -- Peace -- Peacemakers, peacekeepers -- Persecution -- Prayer -- Priorities -- Progressive sanctification -- Providence of God -- Repentance -- Resentment -- Rest -- Salvation -- Self-centeredness -- Self-control, self-discipline -- Self-pity -- Sex life -- Sexual immorality -- Temptation -- Training children -- Trials -- Trust -- Waiting on the Lord -- Warnings -- Work -- Worry -- Youth.

    *Mack, Wayne, A Homework Manual for Biblical Counseling, Vol. I: Personal and Interpersonal Problems, ISBN: 0875523560 9780875523569.
    "The counseling session is not the 'magic hour,' and this gives homework assignments that can help with a wide range of problems. Covers about 35 problems, from 'Anger' and 'Anxiety,' through 'Communication' and 'Changing Sinful Thought Patterns,' to 'Vocation' and 'Work.' Typical assignments contain Bible studies, self-analysis questions, brief teachings, and plans to solve problems with a biblical course of action." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    *Mack, Wayne, A Homework Manual for Biblical Counseling, Vol. II: Family and Marital Problems, ISBN: 0875523579 9780875523576.
    "Homework covering a wide range of marital and child-rearing issues: communication, finances, data gathering (e.g., 'Rate Your Marriage' and 'Log Lists'), ways to show love, how parents provoke children to wrath, principles of bringing up children God's way. Includes teaching outlines, self-evaluation forms and questions, plans for biblical change, Bible studies." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
    "These are tested and proven books and are most helpful for study and assignments. Great refreshers and topical studies in areas dealt with most often." -- CCEF

    *Mack, Wayne, How to Develop Deep Unity in the Marriage Relationship: A how to Manual for Christian Growth and Development. Alternate title: STRENGTHENING YOUR MARRIAGE, and ONE PLUS ONE EQUALS ONE, ISBN: 0875523331 9780875523330.
    "Eight units cover the basics of marital unity: God's purpose for marriage; wife's responsibilities; husband's responsibilities; communication; finances; sex; raising children; family religion. Each chapter has about 10 pages of outlined teaching followed by Bible study, self-analysis, and personalized response and application." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
    "A manual to be used by husband and wife together. Step-by-step lessons, with appropriate exercises, take a couple through all the important scriptural aspects of marriage. Extremely helpful . . . very practical." Three units of this work are now available. Contains material useful in counseling.

    Mack, Wayne, How to Pray Effectively.
    "Study manual for personal or group study. Fourteen page introduction teaches basics of biblical prayer. Seven Bible studies teach how to pray, covering Old Testament and New Testament examples, hindrances to prayer, mechanics of prayer, prayer requests and group prayer, and various problems of prayer that arise." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    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)

    Mack, Wayne A., and Nathan A. Mack, Preparing for Marriage God's way, ISBN: 1563220199: 9781563220197.
    "A workbook that gives you 'seven basic tools for a successful marriage. It enables you to: [1] assess your marital readiness; [2] know the other person for what he/she really is; [3] uncover any current problems and pinpoint future ones; [4] understand the solutions for both current and future difficulties; [5] develop skills for communication and conflict resolution; [6] prevent future heartache; and [7] prepare for a satisfying, fulfilling and God-honoring marriage.' Thirteen chapters, each with a couple of pages of teaching and then questionnaires, inventories and Bible studies designed to help readers make personal application. -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
    "PREPARING FOR MARRIAGE GOD'S WAY guides you to an understanding of what to do when the glow of courtship must be replaced by the daily responsibility of marriage." -- Publisher

    Mack, Wayne, You can Overcome Despondency, ISBN: 0801061024 9780801061028.
    "Describes many of the circumstantial causes of depression, but 'though our circumstances may be very severe, we don't need to be depressed!' God gives a way to handle problems. Joy and sorrow may coexist. Unfolds Philippians 4:4 as a key to learning how to overcome despondency. 'By God's power, we can conquer depression by consciously, continually, and deliberately making ourselves look at all of life from a God-centered point of view.' Includes study guide and suggested assignments." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    Mack, Wayne, You can Resolve Interpersonal Conflicts, ISBN: 0801061032 9780801061035.
    "Unfolds Philippians 4:2 -- the conflict of Euodia and Syntyche -- as a paradigm for conflict solving. Take responsibility for your side; approach the other person in biblical ways; seek wise counsel. Includes suggested assignments." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    Mack, Wayne A., and Wayne Erick Johnston, A Christian Growth and Discipleship Manual, ISBN: 1885904576 9781885904577. Alternate title: HOMEOWORK MANUAL FOR BIBLICAL LIVING.

    Miller, Patricia A., and Keith R. Miller, Quick Scripture Reference for Counseling Youth, ISBN: 0801066085 9780801066085.

    *Powlison, David (1949-2019, compiler and annotator), Contemporary Biblical Counseling: With 1995 Additions, an annotated bibliography.
    David Powlison is editor of the Journal of Biblical Counseling, current director of the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation, Glenside, Pennsylvania, and a graduate of Harvard University in 1972.
    http://www.lettermen2.com/powlison.html

    Swartley, Dick, and Anne Swartley, Right Start Premarital Program (R.H. and A.L. Swartley, 1993), (for further information contact the authors, 487 Glenwyth Rd., Wayne, PA, 19087-5304).
    "Detailed instruction manuals for setting up a mentoring program in a local church to handle premarital counseling. Includes three notebooks, one for prospective couples, one for mentors, and for the pastor or counselor overseeing the premarital counseling.

    See also: The teaching of our lord jesus christ, Christ our example, Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation (CCEF), Biblical counseling tracts, Training in biblical counseling, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), The covenant faithfulness of god, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, and so forth, and so on.

    Related Weblinks

    Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation (CCEF)
    "The tapes are not only instructive, but are also designed for use as homework assignments. These tapes have been well tested and many counselees claim that they have helped immeasurably." -- Jay Adams and John Bettler
    http://www.ccef.org/

    The Journal of Biblical Counseling
    http://www.ccef.org/jbc



    Biblical Counseling Tracts

    *Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Christ and Your Problems, ISBN: 0875520111 9780875520117. A booklet.
    "Exposits I Corinthians 10:13 [1 Corinthians 10:13], for the benefit of counselees. 'At bottom all men in all times face the same basic problems.' You are responsible. God is faithful, therefore you have hope. However difficult the pressures seem, you can make godly choices through Jesus Christ." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
    "A Biblical exegesis of I Corinthians 10:13 [1 Corinthians 10:13], showing that a Christian's problems are not unique, and that God will not allow a Christian to be tested beyond his strength, and will always make a way of escape. Should be given to all counselees who need hope." -- Robert B. Somerville

    *Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Godliness Through Discipline, ISBN: 0875520219 9780875520216. A booklet.
    "Practical help from I Timothy 4:7 [1 Timothy 4:7], Luke 9:23, and Hebrews 5:13. Your whole life should be oriented toward godliness. 'Discipline means work; it means sustained daily effort. The word Paul used is the one from which the English words "gymnastics" and "gymnasium" have been derived.' 'Jesus insisted that Christians must deny the self within them. By the self, He meant the old desires, the old ways, the old practices, the old habit patterns that were acquired before conversion.' Just as you practiced sin habitually when you lived the desire-oriented life of sin, now you must practice righteousness through the power of the Holy Spirit until it too becomes habitual. 'There is no easier path to godliness than the prayerful study and obedient practice of the Word of God'." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
    "For the person who thinks that godliness comes instantly through some kind of experience. This booklet shows clearly that the Christian life must be a disciplined life." -- Robert B. Somerville

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Grist From Adams Mill, ISBN: 0875520790 9780875520797.
    "Contains 27 two to four page essays on a wide range of topics: 'tracts for the times.' How does God guide? Where do you get peace? How do you handle interruptions? Dealing with church hoppers? Think: does God hate the sin but love the sinner? Are you clear about the Gospel? How do you handle the influence -- for bad or good -- that people have on one another? How do you deal with differences on biblically debatable matters? What is good music? How can you be professional in your ministry, in the best sense of the word? How do you judge success and failure?" -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), What do You do When Series.
    A pamphlets series including the follow:

  • Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), What do You do When Anger Gets the Upper Hand? Alternate title: YOU CAN DEFEAT ANGER, 8 pages.
    " 'Anger, like a good horse, must be bridled.' Uncontrolled temper is a sin. You can learn to release the energies of anger productively and under control to solve problems." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
  • Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), What do You do When You Become Depressed? Alternate title: YOU CAN CONQUER DEPRESSION.
    "You must know God personally before you can expect Him to give you the help that you need. You must not put the alleviation of depression first as your goal, but rather the desire to please God by doing what He says. You must do exactly as He says regardless of how you feel." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
  • Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), What do You do When Fear Overcomes You? ISBN: 0875520464 9780875520469. Alternate title: YOU CAN OVERCOME FEAR.
    "You must learn to commit yourself prayerfully to doing what God requires of you whether or not you will have a fear experience by doing so. That is the key that will unlock your prison."
  • Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), What do You do When Your Marriage Goes Sour? ISBN: 0875520480 9780875520483. Alternate title: YOU CAN SWEETEN A SOUR MARRIAGE.
    "Love is not first a feeling, because God commands love: to wife, to neighbor, even to enemy. You must learn how to give. You must forgive: a promise not to use it against the person, not to talk to others, not to dwell on it yourself. The husband is responsible to take initiative in love." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
  • Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), What do You do When You Worry all the Time? ISBN: 0875520499 9780875520490. Alternate title: YOU CAN STOP WORRYING.
    A tract by Jay Adams. "Worry is concern about something that one can do nothing about. That is why it tears us apart. 'Christ does not ask you to cease being concerned; instead He tells you to redirect your concern.' Asks three questions: What is my problem?; What does God want me to do about it?; When, where and how should I begin?
  • Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), What to do About Worry, ISBN: 0801000483 9780801000485.
    "Worry is a sin that Christians can learn to overcome. Pray with thanksgiving; find God's solutions; then work on the problem God's way. When you find yourself worrying rather than working, sit down and answer the following three questions: [1] What is my problem?; [2] What does God want me to do about it?; [3] When, where and how should I begin?" -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
  • 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)
  • Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), You can Kick the Drug Habit.
    "If you are hooked on alcohol or other drugs you must learn to put off the old behavior and attitudes and put on the new. Repent of your sin. List ways you are failing God and others. Work with someone who practices biblical counseling to restructure your entire life. Cut off all connections with people who are negative influences. Restructure your life concretely." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
  • Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), What do You do When You Know That You're Hooked?
    • Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), What do You do When Anger Gets the Upper Hand? Alternate title: YOU CAN DEFEAT ANGER, 8 pages.
    " 'Anger, like a good horse, must be bridled.' Uncontrolled temper is a sin. You can learn to release the energies of anger productively and under control to solve problems." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), What do You do When Fear Overcomes You? ISBN: 0875520464 9780875520469. Alternate title: YOU CAN OVERCOME FEAR.
    "You must learn to commit yourself prayerfully to doing what God requires of you whether or not you will have a fear experience by doing so. That is the key that will unlock your prison."
    What do You do When Fear Overcomes You?

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), What do You do When You Become Depressed? Alternate title: YOU CAN CONQUER DEPRESSION.
    "You must know God personally before you can expect Him to give you the help that you need. You must not put the alleviation of depression first as your goal, but rather the desire to please God by doing what He says. You must do exactly as He says regardless of how you feel." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    *Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), What do You do When Your Marriage Goes Sour? ISBN: 0875520480 9780875520483. Alternate title: YOU CAN SWEETEN A SOUR MARRIAGE.
    "Love is not first a feeling, because God commands love: to wife, to neighbor, even to enemy. You must learn how to give. You must forgive: a promise not to use it against the person, not to talk to others, not to dwell on it yourself. The husband is responsible to take initiative in love." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), What do You do When You Worry all the Time? A tract, ISBN: 0875520499 9780875520490. Alternate title: YOU CAN STOP WORRYING.
    "Worry is concern about something that one can do nothing about. That is why it tears us apart. 'Christ does not ask you to cease being concerned; instead He tells you to redirect your concern.' Asks three questions: What is my problem?; What does God want me to do about it?; When, where and how should I begin?
    What do You do When You Worry all the Time?

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), What to do About Worry, ISBN: 0801000483 9780801000485.
    "Worry is a sin that Christians can learn to overcome. Pray with thanksgiving; find God's solutions; then work on the problem God's way. When you find yourself worrying rather than working, sit down and answer the following three questions: [1] What is my problem?; [2] What does God want me to do about it?; [3] When, where and how should I begin?" -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), What do You do When You Know That You're Hooked?

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), You can Conquer Depression, ISBN: 0801000947 9780801000942.
    "You must know God personally before you can expect Him to give you the help that you need. You must not put the alleviation of depression first as your goal, but rather the desire to please God by doing what He says. You must do exactly as He says regardless of how you feel." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), You can Kick the Drug Habit, a tract.
    "If you are hooked on alcohol or other drugs you must learn to put off the old behavior and attitudes and put on the new. Repent of your sin. List ways you are failing God and others. Work with someone who practices biblical counseling to restructure your entire life. Cut off all connections with people who are negative influences. Restructure your life concretely." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), You can Overcome Fear, ISBN: 0801000939 9780801000935. Alternate title: WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN FEAR OVERCOMES YOU.

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), You can Stop Worrying, ISBN: 0801000971 9780801000973. Alternate title: WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU WORRY ALL THE TIME.
    "Worry is concern about something that one can do nothing about. That is why it tears us apart. 'Christ does not ask you to cease being concerned; instead He tells you to redirect your concern.' Asks three questions: What is my problem?; What does God want me to do about it?; When, where and how should I begin?" -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), You can Sweeten a Sour Marriage, ISBN: 0801000963 9780801000966. Alternate title: WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOUR MARRIAGE GOES SOUR.
    "Love is not first a feeling, because God commands love: to wife, to neighbor, even to enemy. [with conditions -- compiler]. You must learn how to give. You must forgive: a promise not to use it [a wrong -- compiler], against the person, not to talk to others, not to dwell on it yourself. The husband is responsible to take initiative in love." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    *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

    *Miller, C. John "Jack" (1928-1996), Finding Healthy Self-Esteem Through Being Completely Forgiven (Quality Living Series. Jenkintown, PA [World Harvest, Box 2175, Jenkintown, 19046]: World Harvest, 1987).
    "Do you feel inadequate? That you need to do more or be better in order to be happy and fulfilled? You may not realize it, but your biggest problem is . . . you don't feel completely forgiven."
    World Harvest Mission
    http://www.whm.org/home.htm

    *Owen, John (1616-1683), William H. Goold (editor), The Duty of Pastors and People Distinguished; Eshcol: A Cluster of the Fruit of Canaan; Of Schism: In Three Books: Nonconformity Vindicated: Tracts on the Power of the Magistrate, Indulgence, Toleration, etc., ISBN: 0851510639 9780851510637. Available in THE COMPLETE WORKS OF JOHN OWEN, Volume 13.
    The Works of John Owen at Archive.org
    https://archive.org/search.php?query=the+works+of+john+owen&page=2

    *Ryle, J.C. (John Charles, 1816-1900), Home Truths, Volume 1. A Christian classic.
    "This reprint of a classic is much needed in our day." -- CVBBS
    Home Truths, Miscellaneous Addresses and Tracts, 1854
    http://archive.org/details/hometruthsmisce01rylegoog

    *Ryle, J.C. (John Charles, 1816-1900), Home Truths, Volume 2, ISBN: 1583391738. Alternate title: HOME TRUTHS: SECOND SERIES.
    There is some confusion over the various editions of HOME TRUTHS. Apparently one edition included 8 volumes.
    Home Truths, Miscellaneous Addresses and Tracts (1857)
    http://archive.org/details/hometruthsmisce02rylegoog

    See also: The teaching of our lord jesus christ, Christ our example, How to become a christian, Gospel tracts and witnessing tools, Creeds, confessions, and catechisms, The westminster confession and family of documents, The smaller catechism, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Pseudo-christian movements, and so forth, and so on.

    Related Weblinks

    The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
    http://bgea.org/

    Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation Resources Audio Archives
    http://www.wts.edu/resources/login.html/

    Mt. Zion Bible Church -- Online Library
    http://www.mountzion.org/see.html

    World Harvest Mission
    http://www.whm.org/home.htm



    Case Studies

    There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13).

    Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. (Philippians 4:8, 9)

    *Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Christian Counselor's Casebook, ISBN: 0310511615 9780310511618.
    "This is 'a workbook designed for individual or class use in conjunction with COMPETENT TO COUNSEL and THE CHRISTIAN COUNSELOR'S MANUAL.' Contains snapshots of 60 opening sessions and 45 cases in process. There are three major purposes: [1] to learn how to identify various sorts of problems according to biblical norms; [2] to lay out biblical plans of action for dealing with problems; [3] to provide familiarity with a wide variety of representative types of problems that counselors encounter." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Coping With Counseling Crisis: First Aid for Christian Counselors, ISBN: 0801001129 9780801001123. Alternate title: LECTURES ON COUNSELING.
    " 'A good crisis counselor is one who has enough courageous concern to take a different and more biblical view of the crisis than the counselee, yet he will always reach his conclusions in the matter by examination of carefully collected data.' Here are three key elements of crisis counseling: [1] analyze the situation; [2] take an inventory of the state and resources of a counselee; [3] be able to give biblical direction about the proper response to a crisis. Closes with ten crisis case studies to help you think your way through potential problem situations." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Managing the Time God Gives us; Schizophrenia; Role-Play Cases and Critiques (part 1), (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA106 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), The Power of Error: Demonstrated in an Actual Counseling Case, 49 pages.
    "A summary of a pastoral counseling case that went on for many months, meandering and fruitless. Critiques both the pastor's handling of the case and the psychiatrist's supervision in the light of nouthetic principles." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Role-Play and Critique (part 1); Wife Abandoned; Potential Suicide (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA210 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Role-Play and Critique (part 2); Wife Won't Speak; Homosexuality; Wife With Cancer (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA211 [audio file].

    Adams, Jay E. (1929-2020), Role-Play Cases and Critiques (part 2) (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation).
    Audio cassette JA107 [audio file].

    Albers, Gregg R., Counseling the Sick and Terminally ill, ISBN: 0849906938 9780849906930.

    Aldrich, Clarence Knight, and Carl Nighswonger, A Pastoral Counseling Casebook.
    Includes bibliography.

    Baker, Don, Beyond Forgiveness: The Healing Touch of Church Discipline, ISBN: 0880700548 9780880700542.

    Brandt, Henry, and Homer Dowdy, Christians Have Troubles Too: A Psychologist Finds the Answers in the Bible.
    "Contains 70 case studies illustrating common life problems within individuals, marriages, parent-child relationships, and teenagers: resentment, anxiety, self-pity, alcoholism, disillusionment with church, manipulation, lying, and so forth. The first section revolves around the issue of personal peace: 'Peace of mind is available to anyone who will turn to God for it, simply because God is the source of peace. . . . The inner life of a person need not depend on what other people do. . . . Nor does peace depend on circumstances.' The second set of problems deal with marriage and the way selfishness destroys unity. Third, parenting problems reveal the need for parents to be unified as they set consistent limits in a context of affection. Lastly, teens face many challenges, but at the center is the challenge of self-centeredness." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    Broger, John C., Self-confrontation Course Series

    Two sets of material are listed alphabetically below, the original Self-confrontation Course Series, and the new course material updated by John Broger in retirement after The Biblical Counseling Foundation moved to Palm Desert, California (c. 1991). During this time the courses were being taught at Vanguard University of Southern California, a non-profit Christian university of liberal arts and professional studies in Costa Mesa, California. It seems that the original material was updated in following years and given new titles.

    Broger, John C. (1915-2002), Biblical Principles for Discipleship/counseling, 1998, 47 pages.
    John Broger compiled and edited this for Vanguard University of Southern California alumnus.
    Biblical Counseling Foundation
    http://bcfministries.org

    Broger, John C. (1915-2002), Course I: Instructor's Guide for the 24-week Self-confrontation Course, 2000, 233 pages.
    This his appears to be an update of the COURSE I: INSTRUCTOR'S GUIDE.

    Broger, John C. (1915-2002), Course I: Self-confrontation Course. Handbook for the Ministry of Discipleship/Counseling, 2001, 264 pages.
    This seems to be an update of the SELF-CONFRONTATION SYLLABUS (COURSE I)

    *Broger, John C. (developer/editor, 1915-2002), Course I: The Self-Confrontation Syllabus for Biblical Counseling Training, 1994 (reprint of 1978 edition, various paging), and Course I: Self-Confrontation Tapes (10 cassette tapes), [audio file], (Rancho Mirage, CA: Biblical Counseling Foundation).
    "Contains 24 weekly lessons intended to move a person through the change process personally as the foundation for working on becoming a counselor (Matthew 7:1-5). Intended for Sunday school and other classes or personal study. The first eight lessons lay the biblical foundation for change. The grace of the God in the gospel of Jesus Christ is spring of all true change, and it prompts a self-confrontation: 'Man's way is oriented to self: to please self, to comfort self, to rely on self, to fulfill self, to forgive self, to exalt self, and to love self. . . . [God's way], emphasizes that you are to live for Him.' The next thirteen lessons treat particular problem areas: selfishness, anger, interpersonal conflict, marriage and family, depression, fear, life-dominating sins. The final three lessons summarize and set the foundation for Course II, Biblical Counseling Training." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)
    "Helps Christians solve their personal problems Biblically and equips laymen and women to counsel others Biblically within the church." Particularly valuable for its system of identifying root problems in counseling cases. Some of the material presented is from various writings by Jay E. Adams. The audio cassette tape [audio file], series by John Broger is designed to accompany the course and includes practical examples."

    Broger, John C. (1915-2002), Course II, Instructor's Guide for Training in Biblical Discipleship/Counseling, 2001, 184 pages.
    Biblical Counseling Foundation
    http://bcfministries.org

    *Broger, John C. (developer/editor, 1915-2002), Course II: Nouthetic Counseling Study Guide, 2001, 120 pages.
    Also available: Course II: Self-confrontation Tapes (8 audio files), (Rancho Mirage, CA: Biblical Counseling Foundation).

    Broger, John C. (1915-2002), Course III: Instructor's Guide for Training in Biblical Discipleship/Counseling, 2001, 138 pages.
    This seems to be new course material in Biblical Counseling.

    Broger, John C. (1915-2002), Course III: Syllabus for Training in Biblical Discipleship/Counseling, 2001, 166 pages.

    Broger, John C. (1915-2002), Instructor's Guide for the Self-confrontation Course [Course I -- compiler]: Based on the Old and New Testaments as the Only Authoritative Rule of Faith and Conduct, 1992, 119 pages, ISBN: 1878114026 9781878114020.

    Broger, John C. (1915-2002), Man's way vs. God's way, 1991, 22 pages.

    Broger, John C. (1915-2002), Your Resources in Christ, 1991, 26 pages.

    Broger, John C. (compiler and developer, 1915-2002), and Jay Edward Adams, Competent to Counsel: Study Guide for Christian Counseling Training Course, 2001, 1 volume (various pagings) in loose-leaf binder: illustrations; 28 cm. Alternate title: STUDY GUIDE FOR CHRISTIAN COUNSELING TRAINING COURSE.
    Not to be confused with COMPETENT TO COUNSEL, 1998, 320 pages, by Jay Adams.

    Campbell, Ross, How to Keep Going When the Storms Keep Coming, ISBN: 0842313761 9780842313766.
    "This is neither an autobiography nor a self-help manual, but rather, varied, intensely autobiographical episodes of how the author, after much stumbling found spiritual perspective in the midst of crisis. These real life episodes will refresh and recharge us for our own journey." -- GCB

    Cryer, Newman S. (editor), and John Monroe Vayhinger (editor), Casebook in Pastoral Counseling.

    DeBardeleben, Martha Graves, and Jay Adams (foreword), Fear's Answers: Case History in Nouthetic Counseling, 159 pages, ISBN: 087552236X 9780875522364.
    " 'It was the summer of 1970. I had already discarded my faith in psychology as the source of truth and remedy for the human dilemma. I was more and more finding in God's Word the answers. I was introduced to Jay Adams and his systematizing of Scripture as it applies to the problems of everyday living. I was thrilled to find that Dr. Adams' discoveries both paralleled and went far beyond my own.' Then in 1978 a 78 year old woman with pain, fear, depression, manipulation, hallucinations comes to live with the author. They speak biblically about pride, anger, fear, self-centeredness and lack of trust in God, instead of saying she needs her delusions and is too old for truth. 'What was most crucial in her recovery was that because she had a loving Savior, she could dare face the truth about herself'." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    Evans, Robert A., Alice F. Evans, Louis Weeks, and Carolyn Weeks, Casebook for Christian Living: Value Formation for Families and Congregations, ISBN: 0804220328 9780804220323.
    Includes bibliographical references.

    Gray, Edward P., Counseling to the Heart: A Training Program to Equip Women to Counsel Women (Covenant Theological Seminary, D.Min. thesis, 1990).
    "This thesis describes a women-counseling-women program in the context of a local congregation. The program uses a counseling methodology based on a Biblical understanding of the heart. . . . Practical and theological implications of the program are presented. The thesis develops a Biblical foundation for counseling in the areas of marriage and divorce and presents case studies to show how the concept of heart counseling can be applied. . . ." -- Publisher

    *Murray, John (1898-1975), Divorce, ISBN: 0875523447. A Christian classic.
    Said to be one of the best books written on divorce.
    "Murray considers the question of divorce from several directions: The Old Testament, the teaching of our Lord, and the teaching of Paul. He also discusses practical cases." -- GCB
    "Discusses the complications which arise within the church as a result of divorce. . . ." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Pellauer, Mary D. (editor), Barbara Chester (editor), and Jane Boyajian (editor), Sexual Assault and Abuse: A Handbook for Clergy and Religious Professionals, ISBN: 0060665076 9780060665074.
    "Illustrated with case histories this book, primarily by women (only two chapters are by men), helps counselors and therapists recognize the patterns of sexual assault and sexual abuse. From this premise the gears are switched and the contributors discuss the reasons for violence in our milieu, and the threat this poses to children, teens, and adults." -- Cyril J. Barber

    *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
    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

    Schlesinger, Benjamin, Sexual Abuse of Children: A Resource Guide and Annotated Bibliography, ISBN: 0802064817 9780802064813.
    "An informative guide to the literature covering all aspects of sexual molestation -- including profiles of parents and siblings." -- Cyril J. Barber

    Shelley, Marshall, Well-Intentioned Dragons: Ministering to Problem People in the Church, ISBN: 1556615159 9781556615153.
    "All pastors, elders, and deacons have met well-intentioned dragons. These people don't consider themselves malicious. Often they are well-meaning, deeply loyal to the church, and convinced they are serving God. Yet they undermine the church's ministry and breed discontent. This book is based on real-life stories." -- GCB

    Sturkie, Joan, Listening With Love: True Stories From Peer Counseling, ISBN: 0893901512 9780893901516.
    "LWL's stories are true stories from Joan Sturkie's peer counseling classes. Topics covered are suicide, incest, pregnancy, consequences of using drugs, etc. The stories present wonderful discussion topics for your group or class. Read it for yourself and make your own assessment." -- Reader's Comment

    Welch, Edward, and Gary Shogren, Addictive Behavior, ISBN: 0801097371 9780801097379, 176 pages.
    "Guides pastors and other counselors in understanding 'addictions' biblically, and takes them through five typical sessions of counseling. The prominent case study focuses on alcohol abuse in a church context, but the principles apply to other enslaving behaviors." -- David Powlison (1949-2019)

    See also: The teaching of our lord jesus christ, Christ our example, Ethics, Medical ethics, Conscience, casuistry, cases of conscience, A theological interpretation of american history, Covenant theology and the ordinance of covenanting, Systematic theology, Christian biography, Biography of covenanters, Testimonies, Sexual relationship, Spiritual adultery (spiritual whoredom/harlotry), Drug abuse and addiction, Rebellion and lawlessness: wickedness, demonic possession, abnormal behavior, insanity, mental illness, mental retardation, and so forth, and so on.



    Correspondence Containing Biblical Counsel

    *Acton, John E. (1834-1902), The Correspondence of Lord Acton and Richard Simpson, 3 volumes, ISBN: 9780521738132 052173813X 9780521083553 0521083559 0521083699 9780521083690 052108380X 9780521083805.

    *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

    *Bonar, Andrew A. (1810-1892), and Robert Murray M'Cheyne, Memoir and Remains of Robert Murray M'Cheyne, ISBN: 085151085X 9780851510859. A Christian classic.
    Spurgeon thought every Christian should read this book.
    "Bonar's LIFE OF McCHEYNE (a part of this book), displays the character of this man, and illustrates why he is one of the best-loved and most widely influential men of all time. McCheyne was a sweet, humble, hard-working Christian with a passion for souls. It is a real joy to read his sermons, letters, and other writings in this book. Bonar, himself a great one, has done us all a great favor in preserving these memoirs for us." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)

    *Brown, John (of Haddington, 1722-1787), The Absurdity and Perfidy of all Authoritative Toleration of Gross Heresy, Blasphemy, Idolatry, Popery, in Britain. In two letters to a friend in which the doctrine of the Westminster Confession of Faith [1646] relative to Toleration of a False Religion, and the power of the civil magistrate about sacred matters; and the nature, origin, ends and obligation of the National Covenant and Solemn League are candidly represented and defended, 1797. Alternate title: A COMPEND OF THE LETTERS OF THE REV. JOHN BROWN, LATE MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL IN HADDINGTON: ON AUTHORITATIVE TOLERATION OF GROSS HERESY, BLASPHEMY, IDOLATRY, POPERY IN BRITAIN, AND ON NATIONAL COVENANTING; IN WHICH THE DOCTRINE OF THE WESTMINSTER CONFESSION OF FAITH . . . AND OF THE NATIONAL COVENANT AND SOLEMN LEAGUE ARE CANDIDLY REPRESENTED AND DEFENDED, 1797, and "REFORMATION ATTAINMENTS VERSUS BACKSLIDING RELIGIOUS PROFESSORS," appears to be an excerpt. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #7, #25, #26.
    The Absurdity and Perfidy of all Authoritative Toleration of Gross Heresy, Blasphemy, Idolatry, Popery, in Britain
    http://archive.org/details/absurdityperfidy00brow
    "Reformation Attainments Versus Backsliding Religious Professors (excerpt from THE ABSURDITY AND PERFIDY OF ALL AUTHORITATIVE TOLERATION . . .
    "Here Brown deals with three major Reformation attainments (anti-tolerationism, establishmentarianism and the obligations of lawful covenants as they biblically bind posterity), that Satan has always been especially concerned to overthrow -- in every major demonic move to open the floodgates of lawlessness, anarchy and misrule. Fletcher, in the preface to the 1797 edition, relates this truth as it comes to bear on various religious professors, stating, 'Papists were enemies to our covenants because they were a standard lifted up against their system of abominable idolatries. Episcopalians were enemies to them, because they were a standard lifted up against their anti-scriptural church-officers and inventions of men in the worship of God. Some Presbyterians are enemies to them in our day through ignorance of their nature and ends; and others through fear of being too strictly bound to their duty.' (cited in Johnston, Treasury of the Scottish Covenant, p. 486)
    "A History of Heresy
    "It is also interesting to note the long list of backsliders and heretics that often oppose one or more of these points. 'The ancient Donatists, a sect of Arian separatists, who appeared about the beginning of the 4th century, seem to have been among the first who held out these opinions to the Christian world. Feeling the weight of the arm of power for their schismatical practices, by way of reprisal, they stripped the magistrate of all power in religion; -- maintaining that he had no more power about religious matters than any private person, and refusing him the right of suppressing the propagators of doctrines different from those professed by the Church, or the observers of a different form of worship. From them the German Anabaptists adopted the same views. Then the Socinians (i.e. an early form of Scripture-denying liberals -- RB), and remonstrant Arminians, whenever the magistrate ceased to patronize their cause. The English Independents during the time of the Long Parliament were the zealous supporters of the same opinions. In their rage for liberty of conscience, they formed the strongest opposition in the Westminster Assembly which the Presbyterians had to encounter. Through their influence that venerable body was much embarrassed (hindered -- RB), in their proceeding; and by their means (in collusion with that "Judas of the Covenant," Cromwell -- RB), certain passages of the Confession of Faith never obtained the ratification of the English Parliament. The English Dissenters of the present age are generally in the same views, especially the Socinians, the Arians, and the Quakers, who have most to dread from the Laws of the Land against their blasphemies. And who knows not that the high reputation of Mr. Locke as a Philosopher . . . has given these opinions such an air of respectability, that many youth in the Universities have been thereby inclined to embrace them?' (Preface, pp. vi-vii).
    "The Covenantal Hammer Smashing the Idols of our day
    "In our day the tree of toleration (and the anti-Scriptural principles which logically grow out of it), has spread its branches in ways that could have never been envisioned by those that took the first steps away from biblical and covenanted uniformity. What Brown is fighting against here is an error so foundational that when left unchecked it permeates all of society, cutting out the foundational roots that are necessary for all national Reformations. And if the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? (Ps. 11:3 [Psalm 11:3]). Furthermore, as the preface notes 'liberty of conscience and of opinion' are 'the great idols of the day.' Here Brown takes out his covenantal hammer and smashes these idols with an inconoclastic zeal worthy of our earlier Reformed forefathers. This book is especially useful in answering the persistent fear and questions that always arise when these old Reformed views are discussed: that is, the questions dealing with religious persecution. Brown spends much time in clearing the Westminster Divines of such false charges, while also setting these controversial Reformed teachings on a thoroughly biblical foundation.
    "Westminster's View of the 'Everlasting' Solemn League and Covenant
    "Interestingly, in the section defending the continuing obligation of the National and Solemn League and Covenant, we also note that the Westminster Assembly considered the Solemn League and Covenant an 'everlasting covenant.' Brown cites the following as proof, 'That the body of the English nation also swore the Solemn League and Covenant, is manifest. The Westminster Assembly and English Parliament, affirm, 'The honourable house of Parliament, the Assembly of Divines, the renowned city of London, and multitudes of other persons of all ranks and quality in this nation, and the whole body of Scotland, have all sworn it, rejoicing at the oath so graciously seconded from heaven. God will, doubtless, stand by all those, who with singleness of heart shall now enter into an everlasting covenant with the Lord.' (p. 161, emphasis added). The footnote tells us that the words Brown was quoting were taken from 'Exhortation to take the Covenant, February, 1644.'
    "Our Modern Day Malignants
    "Brown also includes a helpful section on a point some modern day malignants are once again attempting to use to overthrow the biblical attainments of the Covenanted Reformation. This section shows that 'the intrinsic obligation of promises, oaths, vows, and covenants which constitutes their very essence or essential form, is totally and manifestly distinct from the obligation of the law of God in many respects.' (p. 120)
    "Brown's Dying Testimony to his Children
    "Finally, we cite a portion of Brown's dying testimony to his children given in the introduction (p. xix). Such testimonies, from notable Christian leaders, often contain singularly pertinent charges to their hearers. (For another notable example of this see James Renwick's dying testimony, as he was about to be martyred for his adherence to the Solemn League and Covenant, when he recounts what was later to become most of the terms of communion in Covenanted Presbyterian churches. This testimony can be found in Thompson's A CLOUD OF WITNESSES FOR THE ROYAL PREROGATIVES OF JESUS CHRIST BEING THE LAST SPEECHES AND TESTIMONIES OF THOSE WHO HAVE SUFFERED FOR THE TRUTH IN SCOTLAND SINCE . . . 1680. Here are Brown's dying words to his children: 'Adhere constantly, cordially and honestly to the Covenanted Principles of the Church of Scotland, and to that Testimony which hath been lifted up for them. I fear a generation is rising up which will endeavour silently,' (O how prophetic!), 'to let slip these matters, as if they were ashamed to hold them fast, or even to speak of them' (as with many "reformed" publishers and preachers today, who dare not touch the topics Brown deals with in this book -- RB). 'May the Lord forbid that any of you should ever enter into this confederacy against Jesus Christ and his cause! This from a dying father and minister, and a witness for Christ' (Signed) 'John Brown'."
    "Do you Have What it Takes?
    "If you have the courage to compare the original Reformed faith with that which is often promoted under its name today (and in many ways the old Reformed faith bears little resemblance to the 'new light' Reformers and innovators of our day), then this is an ideal book to obtain and study." -- Reg Barrow
    Following are three works related to THE ABSURDITY AND PERFIDY OF ALL AUTHORITATIVE TOLERATION OF GROSS HERESY, BLASPHEMY, IDOLATRY, POPERY, IN BRITAIN by John Brown of Wamphray.
    1. 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.
    "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
    2. Price, Greg L., Terms of Communion: Covenants and Covenanting, a series of 7 audio cassettes [audio file]. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "Explains and defends the fourth term of communion, which is 'That public, social covenanting is an ordinance of God, obligatory on churches and nations under the New Testament; that the National Covenant and the Solemn League are an exemplification of this divine institution; and that these Deeds are of continued obligation upon the moral person; and in consistency with this, that the Renovation of these Covenants at Auchensaugh, Scotland, 1712 was agreeable to the word of God.' Includes the studies offered separately on the National Covenant (2 tapes), the Solemn League and Covenant (1 tape), the Auchensaugh Renovation (2 tapes), as well as two introductory lectures (only available in this set), on the biblical principles related to the ordinance of covenanting, the descending obligation of lawful covenants, objections against covenanting, etc. Roberts, in his REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CATECHISM, catches the spirit of this tape set in the following question and answer:
    "Q. May we not indulge the hope, that, in the goodness of our covenant God, and by the promised outpouring of his Holy Spirit, 'the kingdoms of the world' at large, and the British empire in particular, will dedicate themselves to God in a covenant not to be forgotten -- animated by the example of our covenant fathers exhibited in these memorable deeds?
    "A. Yes. We have the most cheering grounds for this blessed hope; for it is written, that the nations at large in the spirit of devoted loyalty, shall cry -- 'Come and let us join ourselves to the Lord in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten': and it cannot be well doubted, that the death-cry of the martyred Guthrie has been heard on high, and shall be verified -- 'The covenants, the covenants, shall yet be Scotland's (and the world's -- RB), reviving.' (p. 151)
    "A thoroughly amazing set of tapes -- among our best!" -- Publisher
    3. Cunningham, John (1819-1893), The Ordinance of Covenanting, 1843. A Christian classic. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #3, #27.
    "This book is considered by many as the classic work on covenanting. 'The theology of Covenanting is here unfolded with a richness of scriptural research and a maturity of intellectual strength which would have made the grey eye of Peden glisten with delight. The treatise is a valuable addition to that solid theological literature of which the Reformed Presbyterian Church has produced repeated and enduring specimens, and stamps Mr. Cunningham as a distinguished disciple of the thoughtful and scriptural school of Mason and the Symingtons' (Presbyterian Review (1844), as cited by Johnston, Treasury of the Scottish Covenant).
    "The author himself notes that 'prayer and the offering of praise are universally admitted to be duties of religion. The Scriptures announce a place among these for the exercise of solemn Covenanting . . . What the word of God unfolds concerning it, is addressed to the most resolute consideration of all, and is capable of engaging the most extensive and prolonged investigation. And yet, though none have found this subject, like all God's judgments, else than a great deep, still in meditating upon it, the ignorant have been brought to true knowledge, and the wise have increased in wisdom. The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant. (Psalm 25:14). Mutual federal engagements, concerning things religious and civil, whether entered into merely by simple promise, or confirmed by the solemn oath, have been made from the highest antiquity to the present. The hostility to some such engagements, and also the proud disregard for their obligation, which have been evinced by some in all ages, demand a most careful examination into their nature and design . . . Furnished with the key of Scripture, approaching the subject, we are enabled to open the mysteries in which ignorance and prejudice had shut it up; and equipped with the armour of light shooting forth its heavenly radiance, in safety to ourselves we assail the darkness thrown around it, and behold the instant flight of the spirits of error which that darkness contains. Standing alone in beauteous attractions descended from heaven upon it, this service beckons us to approach it, and engages to connect extensive good with a proper attention to its claims. The observance, under various phases, is described in Scripture as an undisputed and indisputable reality.'
    "In this book Cunningham exhaustively covers the subject of covenanting in over 400 pages. He deals with the manner, duty and nature of covenanting (including personal and social covenanting), the obligation covenanting confers, how covenanting is provided for in the everlasting covenant, how it is adapted to the moral constitution of man and how it is according to the purposes of God. Numerous Divine examples are cited from Scripture and covenanting is shown to be one of the great privileges of the Christian life.
    "An interesting chapter covers 'Covenanting Enforced By the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals;' which touches on circumcision, baptism, the Sabbath, the Priesthood, the new heart and the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Furthermore, this book demonstrates how God's approbation rested upon Covenanters in former ages, how covenanting is predicted in prophecy, how it is recommended by the practice of the New Testament Church and at what seasons it is appropriate. The appendices touch on the relationship of covenanting to immoral and unscriptural civil governments, the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, the British constitution and the apostasy of the Revolution settlement.
    "Additionally, Cunningham acknowledges that the true church is 'bound by the obligations of the Church of God is past times' and is still obligated to pay what it has vowed to the Lord in those magnificent attainments of the Second Reformation (the epitome of these attainments being embodied in the Solemn League and Covenant and the Westminster Standards).
    "If you are interested in the ordinance of covenanting this is the most extensive treatment you will find in one book. It is a gold mine of Scriptural references and should be read at least once by everyone who calls upon the name of Christ." -- Publisher
    "David Steele dedicated this work [NOTES ON THE APOCALYPSE -- compiler], to John Cunningham (1819-1893), author of THE ORDINANCE OF COVENANTING." -- Publisher
    The Ordinance of Covenanting
    http://www.covenanter.org/reformed/2015/6/29/ordinance-of-covenanting

    Brown, John (of Haddington, 1722-1787), A Compend of the Letters of the Rev. John Brown, Late Minister of the Gospel in Haddington: On Authoritative Toleration of Gross Heresy, Blasphemy, Idolatry, Popery in Britain, and on National Covenanting; In Which the Doctrine of the Westminster Confession of Faith . . . and of the National Covenant and Solemn League are Candidly Represented and Defended, 1797. Alternate title: THE ABSURDITY AND PERFIDY OF ALL AUTHORITATIVE TOLERATION OF GROSS HERESY, BLASPHEMY, IDOLATRY, POPERY, IN BRITAIN. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #7, #25, #26.
    The Absurdity and Perfidy of all Authoritative Toleration of Gross Heresy, Blasphemy, Idolatry, Popery, in Britain
    http://archive.org/details/absurdityperfidy00brow

    Brown, John (of Haddington, 1722-1787), Letters on the Constitution, Government, and Discipline, of the Christian Church; Humbly Submitted to the Ensuing Venerable Assembly, of the Church of Scotland, 1767, ISBN: 0921148798 9780921148791. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #7.

    Butler, Dugald, The Life and Letters of Robert Leighton . . . Archbishop of Glasgow, 1903.

    *Calvin, John (1509-1564), Calvin's Ecclesiastical Advice.
    "Forty-six (46) letters and writings of Calvin newly translated into English from CORPUS REFORMATORUM (volume 38, part I). Focusing on doctrine, the Reformation, worship, discipline, judicial questions, and marriage, this books clearly exhibits Calvin's pastoral style. It also shows the great influence which Calvin exerted over Second Reformation thought, because of his focus on doctrine, worship and church government." -- Publisher

    *Calvin, John (1509-1564), Letters of John Calvin, 2 volumes, ISBN: 9780548138700 0548138702. Available [CALVIN'S SELECTED WORKS, TRACTS AND LETTERS, 7 volumes], on the Puritan Hard Drive.

    *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.
    The Necessity of Reforming the Church (1543), by John Calvin
    http://www.swrb.com/newslett/actualnls/NRC_ch00.htm

    *Carslaw, W.H., The Life and Letters of James Renwick the Last Scottish Martyr, 1893. Alternate title: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF JAMES RENWICK. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available on Reformation Bookshelf CD #30. Available in BIOGRAPHIA PRESBYTERIANA. Available (BIOGRAPHIA PRESBYTERIANA) on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (BIOGRAPHIA PRESBYTERIANA) on Reformation Bookshelf CD #30.
    Biographia Presbyteriana
    https://archive.org/details/biographiapresby02walk/page/n9

    Cunningham, William (1805-1861), and John Adams, A Letter to a Great Character.
    An open letter to John Adams.

    *Dennis, Lane T. (editor), Letters of Francis A. Schaeffer: Spiritual Reality in the Personal Christian Life, ISBN: 0891074090.
    "These letters reveal the compassion and gentleness of Schaeffer. Normally a heavy thinker (often beyond my comprehension), I found this book to be impressively personal. Through these letters Schaeffer passes to us ideas and beliefs that are thoroughly practical and useful for daily living.
    "Many times, when I would be suffering with some question on life, love, or faith, I'd open his book, read a letter and find the words I desperately longed for. . .
    "Most reassuring is that the book stays on message. The Christian Gospel is obviously the bedrock that all of the man's thinking stands on. Christ is the reference point for all of Schaeffer's responses." -- Reader's Comment

    *Fletcher, John, Christ Manifested; or, The Manifestations of the Son of God. ISBN: 0947852670 9780947852672.
    "I shall never forget my first reading of these letters and the benediction to my soul that they proved to be. They are undoubtedly a spiritual classic." -- D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

    Henry, William Wirt, Patrick Henry: Life, Correspondence, Speeches, 3 volumes, ISBN: 0873771656 9780873771658.
    William Wirt Henry is the grandson of Patrick Henry and the author of PRESBYTERIANS IN VIRGINIA.

    Houston, Thomas (1803-1882), Letters of the Rev. James Renwick, The Last of Scotland's Covenanted Martyrs, 1865, 290 pages. Available (LETTERS OF THE REV. JAMES RENWICK), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #21.
    "Contains a historical sketch of Renwick's life, labours, and martyrdom, and a vindication of his character and testimony -- along with 63 of his letters (from July 8, 1682 to Feb. 17, 1688). A useful appendix is also included denouncing the Revolution settlement and rebuking 'those who have no relish for a full covenanted testimony.' Because of the severity of Renwick's and the 'Society people's' suffering, and the wickedness of the slander and persecution they endured (which is beginning to be repeated in our day through the likes of men like Richard Bacon and other unfaithful ministers and malicious malignants), this book makes for excellent 'spiritual support and consolation in difficult times.' We also happily note, along with Houston, that 'the resurrection of the names of the confessors and martyrs of a former age, is a sure indication of the resurrection of their principles too' -- as we see God stretching forth his hand to our wicked and sinful generation in the writings of faithful covenanted ministers like James Renwick (and many others)." -- Publisher
    The Life of Mr. James Renwick, excerpted from BIOGRAPHIA SCOTICANA, John Howie
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/bio/howie_bios_renwick_james.html

    Houston, Thomas (1803-1882), The Life of James Renwick: A Historical Sketch of his Life, Labours and Martyrdom and a Vindication of his Character and Testimony. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (THE LIFE OF THE REV. JAMES RENWICK), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #26.
    The Life of Mr. James Renwick, excerpted from BIOGRAPHIA SCOTICANA, John Howie
    http://www.truecovenanter.com/bio/howie_bios_renwick_james.html
    The Life of James Renwick: A Faithful Covenanter, Cameronian, Martyr for Christ, #1
    http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=819077439

    Keeble, N.H., and Geoffrey F. Nuttall, Calendar of the Correspondence of Richard Baxter 1638-1660, ISBN: 0198185685 9780198185680.

    Knox, John (1505-1572), Letters to His Brethren, and the Lords Professing the Truth in Scotland, 1557. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive. Available (THE WORKS OF JOHN KNOX, VOLUME 4), on Reformation Bookshelf CD #1.

    Knox, John, Selected Writings of John Knox, Volume 2: Later Writings and Correspondence (Dallas, TX [Presbyterian Heritage Publications, P.O. Box 180922, Dallas, 75218]: Presbyterian Heritage Publications, 1999). Available on Library of Presbyterian Heritage Publications and Protestant Heritage Press CD-ROM Library,
    "Following the general format of the first volume of the reformer's Selected Writings, the second volume contains the following works:

    *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)
    • Logos Bible Software, Biblical Counseling Library (29 Volumes), on CD-ROM, Libronix Digital Library System.
    "This 29 volume collection of Biblical Counseling titles is an amazing compilation of Christian counseling resources. THE BIBLICAL COUNSELING LIBRARY features some of Jay E. Adams' outstanding counseling titles, including THE CHRISTIAN COUNSELOR'S MANUAL, COMPETENT TO COUNSEL, and A THEOLOGY OF CHRISTIAN COUNSELING. It includes works from 20 different authors, including Steve Farrar, Elizabeth George, Jerry Bridges, and Lou Priolo.
    "This collection includes informative studies on general Christian counseling, as well as very focused works on Women's and Men's counseling needs, counseling victims of sexual abuse, eating and diet issues, dating, working through struggles with sexual sin and anger, and developing a deeper walk with God. A fantastic resource for the library of a pastor or Christian counselor, the BIBLICAL COUNSELING LIBRARY adds a new dimension to your Logos Bible Software. These expert resources are combined with the tools of the Logos Bible Software system, including topical searching for studying specific areas of Biblical counseling, and linked references to other titles in your Libronix library." -- Publisher
    http://www.logos.com/products/prepub/details/2482

    *Luther, Martin (1483-1546), and Theodore G. Tappert (editor and translator), Letters of Spiritual Counsel, ISBN: 9780664230852 0664230857.
    Includes bibliography.

    Miller, C. John (1928-1996), The Heart of a Servant Leader: Letters From Jack Miller, ISBN: 0875527159 9780875527154.
    "The late Jack Miller was a man wonderfully used by God to help the American church rediscover the impact of the Gospel of Grace. The ripples of his ministry continue to have impact today. This book, lovingly compiled and edited by Jack's daughter Barbara Miller Juliani, contains many of Jack Miller's letters to all kinds of people -- ministers, elders, counselors, and just ordinary Christians. His focus is always Christ and His grace. His message is always clear, humble and loving, and yet very convicting and powerful. These letters were for me, models of applying the Gospel to a lot of situations. Be warned, these letters will stretch you and expose your own self-righteousness and self-protective patterns.
    "The book is divided into sections by theme: Motivation for Serving: The Glory of God; The Basics of Serving: Faith, Humility, and Prayer; Persevering in Serving; and Encouragement. I found myself frequently underlining paragraphs in these letters and have already e-mailed some quotes to some friends for their encouragement. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in ministry, growing in their faith, or just how the Gospel is for Christians and non-Christians alike!" -- Reader's Comment

    Miller, Samuel (1769-1850), Letters on the Eternal Sonship of Christ: Addressed to the Rev. Professor Stuart, of Andover, ISBN: 9780548310793 0548310793. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "This scarce antiquarian book is included in our special Legacy Reprint Series. In the interest of creating a more extensive selection of rare historical book reprints, we have chosen to reproduce this title even though it may possibly have occasional imperfections such as missing and blurred pages, missing text, poor pictures, markings, dark backgrounds and other reproduction issues beyond our control. Because this work is culturally important, we have made it available as a part of our commitment to protecting, preserving and promoting the world's literature." -- Publisher
    Letters on the Eternal Sonship of Christ, by Samuel Miller in Google Books, full view
    http://books.google.com/books?id=FjEQAAAAYAAJ&dq=Eternal+Sonship+of+Christ&lr=&ei=t1blR9y0NI6UzASm2e3WBA&ie=ISO-8859-1

    Mitchell, A.W., Letters to Church Members, 1855. Alternate title: MONITORY LETTERS TO CHURCH MEMBERS.
    Letter to one who travels on the Sabbath
    Letter to one of a censorious spirit
    Letter to one of a self-confident and unyielding spirit
    Letter to one of a managing and disingenuous spirit
    Letter to one of an impatient and complaining spirit
    Letter to one who is lacking in reverence for the truth as a moral virtue,
    and so forth, and so on.
    Letters to Church Members, 1855.
    http://www.westminsterconfession.org/literature/godly-living.php
    Monitory Letters to Church Members
    http://archive.org/details/monitoryletterst00phil

    Muir, W. (editor), Memoir and Letters of William Guthrie, 1827

    Murray, Iain, The Letters of Charles Haddon Spurgeon, ISBN: 0851516068 9780851516066.

    Newton, John (1725-1807), The Letters of John Newton, ISBN: 0851519512 9780851519517.
    "Newton (1725-1807), was a sailor, preacher, and hymn-writer. He is, of course, one of the most colorful figures in the Great Evangelical Revival of the 18th century. You can learn much about a person by reading their letters." -- GCB

    *Newton, John (1725-1807), Works of John Newton, ISBN: 085151460X 9780851514604.
    Contents: v. 1. Memoirs of the Rev. John Newton. Forty-one letters on religious subjects. Cardiphonia [the utterance of the heart in the course of a real correspondence -- compiler] -- v. 2. Cardiphonia, continued. Six discourses (or sermons). Sermons preached at Olney -- v. 3. A review of ecclesiastical history. Olney hymns -- v. 4. [Sermons] -- v. 5. [Tracts], [Sermons] -- v. 6. Letters to various persons, intended as a sequel to Cardiphonia. Miscellaneous papers extracted from periodical publications.
    "Alexander Whyte wrote: 'For myself, I keep John Newton on my selectest shelf of spiritual books . . . by far the best kind of books in the whole world of books.' It is in the areas of practical helpfulness toward Christian living that he excels. Conformity to Christ is the one subject upon which all his themes finally focus. Warm you soul in this man's writing." -- GCB
    "His friendship with and his nurturing of William Cowper is almost legendary. He was a man full of heart, and his heartfelt writings will deeply affect the heart of all readers." -- Jay P. Green, Sr. (1918-2008)

    Owen, John (1616-1683), A Complete Collection of the Sermons of the Reverend and Learned John Owen, D.D. . . . Also several valuable tracts, now first published from manuscripts: . . . And to the whole are prefix'd Memoirs of his life: some letters written by him upon special occasions: and his funeral sermon, preach'd by Mr. David Clarkson.

    Pink, Arthur W. (1886-1952), Letters of Arthur W. Pink During the Period 1924-1951, ISBN: 0851512623 9780851512624.
    "Personal correspondence has a way of revealing much about a person that can not be picked up in their books. That is the value of these letters." -- GCB

    Robinson, Hastings (editor), Original Letters Relative to the English Reformation Written During the Reigns of King Henry VIII., King Edward VI., and Queen Mary: Chiefly From the Archives of Zurich, 1846-47, 2 volumes. Alternate title: THE ZURICH LETTERS, OR THE CORRESPONDENCE OF SEVERAL ENGLISH BISHOPS AND OTHERS, WITH SOME OF THE HELVETIAN REFORMERS, DURING THE REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH, ISBN: 155635049X 9781556350498. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "The greater part of these letters are now printed for the first time: they will be found to contain many details of interest, relative to various proceedings of that period, and occasionally to give much information respecting the customs and manners of the times, as well as the private history of the writers and other individuals to whom they refer. Bucer, Melanchthon, Calvin, Cranmer, Edward VI., Lady Jane Grey, Hooper, Ponet, Bullinger, Foxe, Goodman and a host of others either penned or received these letters. These letters where 'translated from authenticated copies of the autographs'.
    "Taken chiefly from the Archives of Zurich, these letters have been translated from authenticated copies of the autographs for the Parker Society. The Parker Society was 'instituted for the publication of the works of the fathers and early writers of the Reformed English Church.' The editor notes that he 'refrains from any remarks upon the various topics treated in these letters; it being his desire, and the object of the Society, that the respective writers should speak for themselves.' Notes are added, however, 'for the purpose of throwing additional light upon the facts and circumstances recorded in the correspondence.' Calvin, Beza, Bullinger, Martyr, Farell, Zanchius, Coverdale, Queen Elizabeth and a host of others either penned or received these letters. Contains an extensive index and table of contents." -- Publisher

    *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
    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

    Rutherford, Samuel (1600-1661), A Selection From his Letters, ISBN: 0585073899 9780585073897. Available (MP3) on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    Letters of Samuel Rutherford
    http://www.ccel.org/rutherford/letters/letters.txt

    Sharp, L.W. (editor), Early Letters of Robert Wodrow 1698-1709, 1937.

    Sprague, William B., Letters of Practical Subjects to a Daughter, ISBN: 0873779479. Available on the Puritan Hard Drive.
    "The counsel of this book is applicable to sons as well as daughters. . . . here is a 19th century Solomon intent upon imparting to his child a wisdom and sanctified common sense akin to the Proverbs." -- Publisher

    Sprague, William B., Letters to Young men Founded on the History of Joseph, ISBN: 1573580082 9781573580083.
    "Teaches the character forming age that faithful warning, wise counsel, and sympathetic admonition are particularly valuable. Spurgeon aims to lead them to Christ and to encourage and stimulate them in their aspirations after nobility." -- Reader's Comment

    Struthers, A.L., Life and Letters of John Paterson Struthers.

    *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

    See also: The teaching of our lord jesus christ, Christ our example, Christian biography, Topical listings of scripture useful in counseling, Biblical counsel by subject, For all counselors, Expository sermons, Christian biography, The complete works of various authors, Works of [various authors], and so forth, and so on.
    TCRB5: 2111



    Chapter 2 (part 2) Related Weblinks

    Books Considered to be Among the ten Greatest in the English Language
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    Christ in You
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr6ch.html#christiy

    Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation (CCEF)
    1803 East Willow Grove Avenue
    Glenside, PA 19038
    Telephone: 215.884.7676
    http://www.ccef.org/

    Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation Resources Audio Archives
    http://www.wts.edu/resources/login.html/

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

    Discipleship
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    Logos Bible Software Bundles That Include Works on Biblical Counseling
    There are 15 bundles in all.
    http://www.logos.com/products/search?q=counseling+bundles

    Martyn Lloyd-Jones Homepage
    http://www.mlj.org.uk/mlj.nsf/INDEX?openform

    Rebellion and Lawlessness: Wickedness, Demonic Possession, Abnormal Behavior, Insanity, Mental Illness, Mental Retardation
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrrappd.html#rlinsane

    Reformed Publishers and Booksellers Online
    http://www.lettermen2.com/refpub.html

    Some Complementary Works
    http://www.lettermen2.com/somecomp.html

    Sound Word Associates Library of Biblical Counselors
    http://www.wts.edu/resources/login.html

    Westminster Theological Seminary Bookstore
    http://www.wts.edu/bookstore/

    Works of J.C. Ryle (1816-1900)
    http://www.lettermen2.com/bcrr3ch.html#wojcr



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